208 EVENINGS AT THE MICRO;GOPE. 



perception and intelligence. The mode in which it di- 

 rects its ciliated flaps towards the spot where a Syn- 

 crypta is wlnrlinof, or suddenly stretches forward to the 

 extent of a long foot, as if It would seize the prej' by 

 force, seems to indicate a cognizance of its proximity ; 

 as do also, still more, the manner in which it depresses 

 the lip-like lobe of the rotatory organ on one side, when 

 the prey is in tlie vortex on that side, and the eager 

 haste with which it shrinks down into its shell the in- 

 stant the little mulberry drops at length into the throat. 



But now comes the tug of war ; the black, mill- 

 stone-like jaws open wide and stretch forward to grasp 

 the little victim (which is still distinctly visible through 

 the transparent tissues) : they touch the globular cnvel- 

 oj^e, but cannot quite grasp it, Tlie Brachion re- 

 doubles its eiforts ; the jaws gape vigorously, but can 

 only scrape the sides of the little globe, which at every 

 touch slips away, the expanse of the jaws being not 

 quite sufficient to embrace it. 



At last the little animal becomes indignant ; the 

 jaws no more endeavour to grasp, but with a very dis- 

 tinct and sudden upward jerk throw out the prey ; 

 which until now has been retained and pressed down- 

 ward by the contraction of the sides of the sensitive 

 throat. Strange to see, the little Syncrypta, after all 

 its imprisonment and rough handling, is no sooner free 

 than it whirls merrily away, revolving as it pursues its 

 even ciliary course, just as if no interruption of its free- 

 dom had occurred. 



Meanwhile, however, better success attends the 

 Brachion's hunting ; for a smaller globe has sunk into 

 the throat, and passes with a gulp into the mouth, be- 

 tween the gaping jaws, which instantly close upon it, 



