INFUSORIAL ANIMALCULES. 



33 



curious characteristic is recognised in figures 22, 23, and 24, where the animal- 

 cule is delineated under the various shapes it assumes. During the early stages 

 of its existence, its color is green ; but upon arriving at maturity it is of a blood- 

 Fig. 22. Fig- 24. 



Fig. 23. 



Fig. 25. 



red hue. Individuals are seen, however, partaking of both hues, being variegated 

 with red and green spots. This variation in color is attributed by Ehrenberg to 

 the condition of the eggs belonging to the creature, which appear of different 

 colors at different times, covering the stomach-cells. This animalcule swims 

 through the water with a -slow motion, by the aid of a thread-like cilium, which 

 is seen in figure 23 ; and the currents produced by this organ, and which are 

 discernible when the water is colored, are delineated in figure 22. In figure 24, 

 where the cilium appears double, the animalcule is on the point of dividing into 

 two, and a single organ belongs to each of these parts which are soon to become 

 independent beings. Not only does this animalcule swim in a straight line through 

 the water ; but it also proceeds on its course by rolling over and over sideways. 

 It is frequently found congregated in vast numbers, clothing with a crimson 

 mantle the surfaces of ponds and stagnant waters. 



THE FLOWERING CUP-ANIMALCULES. In figures 25 and 26, a species of In- 

 fusoria is exhibited, which appears in the shape of a branch ; 

 formed of a series of cups united to each other. 



The cup is nothing more than a delicate, pellucid shell, en- 

 closing an animalcule which is attached to the bottom. The 

 living atom, with its encircling case, is distinctly 

 seen in figure 26. It is of a pale yellow tint, 

 and is furnished with a red eye, the position of 

 which is indicated by the oval spot near the head 

 of the animalcule ; and far beyond the margin 

 of the shell protrudes a slender cilium. The 

 flowering cup-animalcule has the power of alter- 

 ing its form, and at one time is seen contracting 

 itself into a round figure at the bottom of its cup, 

 and at another, extending its body as far as the edge of its 

 shell, which is its utmost limit. 



This kind of Infusoria multiply by means of little cups, 

 which are seen budding from the parent ; and thus it contin- 

 ues to increase, until at length a living branch is developed of considerable size. 



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Fig. 26. 





