170 Mr. W. Clark on the recent Foraminifera. 



same character of our accustomed researches amongst the mol- 

 lusca ? Indeed the two pursuits will march in line, as the rescue 

 from their present neglected and false position of those beautiful 

 microscopic structures the Foraminifera, which have nearly run 

 the gauntlet through the invertebrate portion of the order of 

 nature in search of a resting-place. These objects are not only 

 interesting to the mere collector, as they admit of an indefinite 

 preservation without diminution of their singular structural and 

 sculptural elegances, which, with lenses of ordinary powers, can 

 be so well observed if they are properly mounted ; but to the geo- 

 logist the examination of these microcosms and the constructors 

 thereof, and the bringing to light the vast numbers of still un- 

 discovered species, are objects of the highest interest and greatest 

 importance to assist in the solution of many intricate problems, 

 relative to the structure, conditions, and changes of the crust of 

 our globe. 



To accomplish the important views I have endeavoured to 

 sketch, and to infuse life, activity and interest into this portion 

 of zoology, nothing more is required than a point of departure, 

 which can only be efi'ected by an energetic naturalist imbued 

 with the " divinus afflatus," and whose years are not numbered 

 as mine, who will undertake the useful and delightful task of 

 giving a start, or rather an impetus to the present dormant 

 position of this section of natural history, by throwing our indi- 

 gena into divisions, genera and species, accompanied by faith- 

 ful figures. As to classification, the work would be very light. 

 We cannot adopt one characterized more concisely and distinct- 

 ively than that of M. D'Orbigny, which I believe will prove 

 more than sufficiently comprehensive for our hitherto discovered 

 species. His first prodrome, the Foraminifera, ^Voyage dans 

 I'Amerique meridionale, de I'ile de Cuba, des iles des Canaries,' 

 &c. &c., must form the bases of the classification. The mere sub- 

 stitution of one artificial system for another will be of no advan- 

 tage to this branch of science, which, from its malacological neg- 

 lect, must remain for some years in an unsatisfactory position, 

 until the animals are more thoroughly investigated ; and when 

 that is done, the membranous sac, the continuous tube, the 

 lobes from one to twenty or more, and the terminal tentacula, 

 will form the main features of all the animals of this class, ex- 

 cept perhaps a small section of the Stichostegidce, and possibly the 

 Miliolidce ; these two latter points I fully expect in the approach- 

 ing summer, with the aid of the coralline zones of the South 

 Devon coasts, to settle in such manner as will be conducive to 

 the interest of this branch of zoology. 



The principal labour would be the collection of the British 

 articles from various cabinets ; and who will hesitate to offer the 



