8 VIGNETTES FROM INVISIBLE LIFE. 



with (apparently) revolving wheels instead of 

 feathered heads with beaks, and clung to the 

 branches with a fork-like foot, instead of having 

 legs and claws. 



It seems difficult to , avoid using the words 

 " tree " and " flower," &c., in connection with 

 objects, though animal, which by their appearance 

 naturally suggest them ; and one is thus led to 

 ask, whether there really is that great division in 

 nature denominated by the words " animal " and 

 " vegetable " ? At any rate, whatever may be the 

 case in the higher class of beings, this division 

 fails us in the world of microscopic life, for not 

 only by their forms, but more by their qualities 

 do they deny us that division. They possess the 

 attributes and faculties belonging to both the 

 great kingdoms of Nature animal and vegetable. 

 Moreover, they fluctuate between the two, being at 

 one time more animal and anon more vegetable, 

 while at the same time combining the attributes of 

 both in an ever-varying degree. 



Thus a new kingdom has been suggested, to 

 which the term Protista is given. It must not, 

 however, be supposed that these remarks apply 



