236 Dr. W. M. Dobie on two new species of Floscularia. 



moved and spread out by the contractile substance of the lobes 

 of the rotatory organ. 



When a solution of caustic potash is brought in contact with 

 the filiform cilia, a most violent vibratile action immediately com- 

 mences, and continues till the whole bundle is completely disor- 

 ganized. Violent mechanical stimulation seems to have a similar 

 effect, though in a less degree. 



I may here notice more particularly the peculiar cornu or pro- 

 cess of the F. cornuta. The lobes of the rotatory organ of this 

 animal resemble very much those of the F. omata, with this dif- 

 ference, that in the F. cornuta only five exist, while in the F. or- 

 nata there are six according to Ehrenberg. The cornu is attached 

 to the exterior of one of these lobes ; it is narrow and flexible ; the 

 animal seems never to move it. It is best seen when the animal 

 expands itself fully, for in the contracted state it is completely 

 retracted within the integument. 



Immediately below the integument of the Floscularia cornuta 

 are groups and lines of very small granules continually in a state 

 of rapid molecular motion. In appearance they exactly resemble 

 the molecules in the cusps of the Closterium. Besides the mole- 

 cular they are subject to another motion ; for occasionally they 

 may be seen to move from one part of the surface to another in 

 currents not very distinct or persistent, and in no definite direc- 

 tion. I have seen them running in lines down the tail and col- 

 lecting into groups. This flowing movement occurs chiefly 

 during the contractions and relaxations of the entire animal. 

 See fig. 4. 



In the Flos, campanulata there are larger fixed granules distri- 

 buted here and there throughout the body and tail ; these bodies 

 more nearly resemble globules of oil. 



I am in much doubt as to the nature of these minute bodies in 

 the F. cornuta. I think it probable they are connected with the 

 nutrition of the animal, and analogous to the free floating cor- 

 puscles in the abdominal cavity of the Hydatina senta, or the so- 

 called blood-corpuscles of the Tardigrada, so well described by 

 M. Doyere. 



The Floscularia campanulata is gregarious ; sometimes as many 

 as eight or ten specimens may be seen attached to a small por- 

 tion of Conferva. 



The Flos, cornuta is found single ; there are seldom more than 

 two or three near one another. 



The Flos, campanulata is a very active animal, expanding and 

 contracting itself with great rapidity. The Flos, cornuta is by no 

 means so strong and active : both species when satiated with food 

 remain contracted for a considerable time. 



Ehrenberg regards the Floscularia described and figured by 



