162 THE BEAUTIES OF NATURE CHAP. 
decaying leaves, under bark and in similar 
moist situations, are still more remarkably ~ 
animal like. They are never fixed, but in 
almost continual movement, due to differences 
of moisture, warmth, light, or chemical action. 
If, for instance, a moist body is brought into 
contact with one of their projections, or 
“‘pseudopods,’ the protoplasm seems to roll 
itself in that direction, and so the whole 
organism gradually changes its place. So 
again, while a solution of salt, carbonate of 
potash, or saltpetre causes them to withdraw 
from the danger, an infusion of sugar, or tan, 
produces a flow of protoplasm towards the 
source of nourishment. In fact,in the same 
way it rolls over and round its food, absorbing 
what is nutritious as it passes along. In cold 
weather they descend into the soil, and one 
of them (Ethalium), which lives in tan pits, 
descends in winter to a depth of several 
feet. When about to fructify it changes its 
habits, seeks the light instead of avoiding it, 
climbs upwards, and produces its fruit above 
ground. | 
