170 Mr. W. Clark on the recent Foraminifera. 
same character of our accustomed researches amongst the mol- 
lusca? Indeed the two pursuits will march in line, as the rescue 
from their present neglected and false position of those beautiful 
microscopic structures the Foraminifera, which have nearly run 
the gauntlet through the invertebrate portion of the order of 
nature in search of a resting-place. These objects are not only 
interesting to the mere collector, as they admit of an indefinite 
preservation without diminution of their singular structural and 
sculptural elegances, which, with lenses of ordinary powers, can 
be so well observed if they are properly mounted ; but to the geo- 
logist the examination of these microcosms and the constructors 
thereof, and the bringing to light the vast numbers of still un- 
discovered species, are objects of the highest interest and greatest 
importance to assist in the solution of many intricate problems, 
relative to the structure, conditions, and changes of the crust of 
our globe. 
To accomplish the important views I have endeavoured to 
sketch, and to infuse life, activity and interest into this portion 
of zoology, nothing more is required than a point of departure, 
which can only be effected by an energetic naturalist imbued 
with the “ divinus afflatus,” and whose years are not numbered 
as mine, who will undertake the useful and delightful task of 
giving a start, or rather an impetus to the present dormant 
position of this section of natural history, by throwing our indi- 
gena into divisions, genera and species, accompanied by faith- 
ful figures. As to classification, the work would be very light. 
We cannot adopt one characterized more concisely and distinct- 
ively than that of M. D’Orbigny, which I believe will prove 
more than sufficiently comprehensive for our hitherto discovered 
species. His first prodrome, the Foraminifera, ‘Voyage dans 
Y Amérique méridionale, de l’ile de Cuba, des iles des Canaries,’ 
&c. &c., must form the bases of the classification. The mere sub- 
stitution of one artificial system for another will be of no advan- 
tage to this branch of science, which, from its malacological neg- 
lect, must remain for some years in an unsatisfactory position, 
until the animals are more thoroughly investigated ; and when 
that is done, the membranous sac, the continuous tube, the 
lobes from one to twenty or more, and the terminal tentacula, 
will form the main features of all the animals of this class, ex- 
cept perhaps a small section of the Stzchostegid@, and possibly the 
Miliolide ; these two latter pomts I fully expect in the approach- 
ing summer, with the aid of the coralline zones of the South 
Devon coasts, to settle in such manner as will be conducive to 
the interest of this branch of zoology. 
The principal labour would be the collection of the British 
articles from various cabinets ; and who will hesitate to offer the 
