— 
Notice of Ehrenber, 
the whole extent and infl of microscopic life in America can 
be fully understood and appreciated. Hundreds of species of ma+ 
rine and fluviatile siliceous infusoria, not mentioned in Ehren- 
berg’s list, are known to us, and myriads of the more perishable 
forms occur in all our waters. The soft and gelatinous forms of 
these must prevent their being sent across the Atlantic, and it 
remains for our naturalists to compare them with the European 
species represented in Ehrenberg’s magnificent volume on infu- 
soria. Important information with regard to the infusoria of the 
‘United States has already been accumulated by several of our 
naturalists, among whom we may mention the names of Thomas 
Cole, Esq. of Salem, and Dr. P. B. Goddard, of Philadelphia, both 
of whom are accurate and zealous observers. 
With regard to our Polythalamian forms, we can state, that they 
exist at various localities not yet known to Ehrenberg. Besides | 
the numerous living species of our coast, our tertiary formations 
are filled with characteristic and beautiful forms which we have 
detected in specimens from various localities, as Petersburg, Va., 
Wilmington, N.C. We have also found them in nfarl from near 
Astoria, Oregon Territory, brought by Mr. James D. Dana, and in 
carboniferous limestone from Widiana, furnished us by Dr. David 
le Owen. e have gradually accumulated many figures of 
these forms which we intended for publication, but as Ehrenberg 
has now undertaken the subject of American Polythalamia, we 
believe that we cannot do better than to place all our materials in 
his hands; and as it is desirable to supply him with specimens 
from as many localities as possible, we take this occasion to invite 
the friends of science, who may be so situated as to be able to com- 
ply with the request, to forward to us specimens of the cretaceous 
and tertiary deposits of the United States. Specimens from the 
“rotten limestone” of Florida and Alabama, and from the cretace- 
ous beds of Tennessee, vc. are highly desirable. Even the mi- 
hute portion which can be sent in a letter will often give most 
important and valuable results. Specimens of the sediment of 
our rivers and harbors, particularly from those of the southern re- 
gions of the United States, will also be very acceptable.* 
* Specimens may be sent addressed to J.. W. Bailey, West Point, N. Y., care of 
Wl ‘ De 5. R Chilton, 263 Broadway, New York; or to B. Silliman, Jr., New Ha- 
ven, nn. 
Vol. me, No. 2,—Jan.-March, 1844. 40 
