396 DIATOMACE^. 



But the evidence of which we are in possession would appear 

 greatly to preponderate in proof of the vegetable character 

 of the DiatomacecB ; thus, putting aside their silicious consti- 

 tution, and the partitions in the cells : the filaments of the 

 MeloseircB do not differ in the least in their modes of developc- 

 ment and growth from those of the VesiculifercB, nor indeed 

 do those of Fragilaria differ very essentially from the fila- 

 ments of the true AlgcB ; in their reproduction, likewise, so 

 far as this has been ascertained, the Diatomaceoe correspond 

 with the DesmidecB, and perhaps with all the lower Algce. 



In support of their animal nature may be urged their 

 colour, which is different from that of all other undoubted 

 vegetable productions, and the silex of which they are prin- 

 cipally constituted. These arguments, however, are not con- 

 clusive, nor are they of as much weight as those adduced in 

 proof of their vegetability. It is probable that in this matter, 

 as in many otlier disputed points, the truth lies in the mean, 

 and that the DiatomacecB are neither exclusively animal, nor 

 exclusively vegetable, but of a nature intermediate. 



Owing to the presence of silex, the most indestructible 

 of substances, the species of this family are frequently found 

 beautifully preserved in a fossil state, and often in amazing 

 quantities all over the world. In the arts, the powder which 

 they form has been employed for polishing. Many of the 

 fossil species are identical with those now found in a recent 

 state. 



Section i. 

 ^vo\\^Jilamentous. 



A. Filaments cylindrical. 



66. MELOSEIRA Ag. 



Char, Filaments cylindrical, subulate. Cells divided in the 

 centre or hilocular, sometimes vesicular. Junction sur- 

 faces of the cells either rounded or truncate, plain or 

 striated. 



