we 
4 
124 On Fossil Infusoria, discovered in Peat-earth, &§c. 
With regard to ‘the quextiont concerning the animal or vege- 
table nature of the Bacillaria, I can add nothing new to the 
testimony of those who support their animal nature. I have often 
witnessed the motions of several species of Bacillarix, and would 
no more think of referring them to the action of electricity, than 
I would the more active, but apparently not more voluntary 
movements. of Vibrio, or Rotatoria. Ihave seen them advance, 
and recede, vibrate to the right and left, push against obstacles, 
and i in case they could not pass them, retreat and go round. them. 
It must be a very. curious electric arrangementy: that: ‘can pensiee 
such actions as these. 
ore.—lI have taken considerable pains to distribute ‘specimens 
of the Fossil Infusoria, &c., above referred to, but those who have 
not received specimens, =? are interested in these matters, may 
obtain them from Prof. Silliman, to whom I have sent a large 
supply, from Dr. J. R. Chilton, New York, from O. Mason, Blet 
Providence, R. 1., and from aye at West Point, N. Y. 
at Van RSTO OF PLATE If. 
Fig. 1. One of the fossil Infusoria found at West Point, which appears identical 
with specimens from Ehrenberg. 
Fig, 2. Another species, whieh i is also very abundant in the peat-earth.—N. B. 
The fine parallel transverse lines are marks upon the shell, which are easily seen 
ashes = ris The. figures aes thése aoe as ape: 
oat 4. Around soli ico ay, hain wero apron Less abundant 
than the preceding. i : 
Fig. 5. Sili 
we 
ll of a com 
mon species of Infusoria 
Figs. 7,8, and 9. Siliceous shells of small Infusoria. The motions of the living 
species of Figs. 7 and 8, are more active than those of i any of this tribe that,I have 
witnessed. The motions of the species represented by Fig. 5, are also very evident, 
Fig. 10. A portion of peat-earth diffused in a drop of-water, and “moderately 
magnified (about fifty times.) This shows imperfectly, the immense number, and 
Variety of forms, which exist in the peat-earth. 
Fig. 12. Diatoma flocculosum. Very common in Saseke: &c. , among Conferve- 
Fig. 12a. .an articulation of the same more highly magnifie 
Fig. 13. Diatoma tenue? Found with the preceding species. 
Fig. 13 a. An articulation of the same more highly magnified. 
Fig. 14. Diatoma erystallinum ? Straight, smooth, ‘siliceous tabes, occurring in 
‘great quantities in Ci ee near West Point closely rvonnalitinng foreign speci 
mens of D. crystalli 
Fig. 15. Snpileria: péctinalie. a, b, specimens diltéting in the width of | the 
articulations. ¢, articulations highly magnified. 
Fig. 16. Meridion vernale? from W: Washington's valley, near West Point: jit 
ticulations highly magnified. ‘ 
igri 
