i52 EVENINGS AT THE MICEOSCOPE. 



now appeared longitudinal. I believe, however, the 

 animals were really separated before this, though they 

 remained in contact, for as they slid over each other, it 

 was manifest that each had an independent action. 



At length, about an hour and a half after the first 

 appearance of the constriction, the new animal threw 

 out its clear neck to a great length, writhing it about 

 with rapid agility, and forming the most elegant 

 curves, like those of a serpent, often completely encir- 

 cling its own body with it. It still remained, however, 

 in contact with its parent, which, after a time, also 

 protruded its neck in the same manner. Both then 

 retracted and remained still for a while; and again, 

 almost simultaneously, threw out their lonii: necks, and 

 again retired to sluggish repose. 



Among the sediment, the grains of which are 

 driven hither and thither by their spasmodic jerking 

 movements, you see several individuals of another sort 

 of creatures — the Chrysalis Animalcule {Paramcecium 

 aurelia.) This is a " whale among minnows ; " for it 

 is greatly larger than any of those we have yet ob- 

 served ; and is just visible to the naked eye, when M'e 

 hold up the live-box obliquely against the light; for 

 then the animals appear as the smallest possible white 

 specks. 



Bringing them again under the microscope, each 

 presents a pellucid appearance, and an oblong figure, 

 of which the fore part is somewhat narrowed. The 

 back rises in a rounded elevation ; and the mouth is 

 situated as far back as the middle of the body u])on 

 the under surface, Avhere its position is mai'ked by a 

 sort of long fold, the sides of which are fringed Aviih 

 long cilia, whose vibrations are very marked. The 



