LINCEUS CYCLOPS. 



contrast with the surrounding parts. They are encased in the 

 shell by which they are protected. The beak, b, is pointed, and 

 participates in the general convexity of the shell. Under it is 

 placed a second beak-like projection, somewhat shorter, and 

 having three coarse hairs at its extremity, which probably serve 

 the purpose of palpi or feelers. Below this are placed the 

 two antenna), c, each of which is terminated by similar but 

 longer hairs. The false feet or branchiae, which are four in 

 number and ranged along the edge of the shell, are covered 

 with hairs, and terminate like the antenna) ; by their action a 

 rotatory motion is imparted to the animalcule, which is accele- 

 rated by the action of the projecting part, d, against the water, 

 This part is ciliated on its posterior edge, and armed at its 

 extremity with strong claws. The ovaries, which appear at e, 

 have a greenish-blue colour, and the form of a mulberry. The 

 convolutions of the alimentary canal with the food contained in 

 it are visible with the microscope from one extremity to the 

 other. 



But the most remarkable organ is a small oval body placed 

 behind the head and shown in the upper part of the figure. This 

 body has a rapid motion of pulsation. 



5. These creatures feed upon animalcules, and in their turn 

 become themselves the prey of aquatic larva) and coleoptera, such as 

 the water-beetles. They are the especial food of the lurco, or 

 glutton (the larva of the naid), a magnified view of which is shown 

 in fig. 5, with several lincei, c, visible within it. The young ones are 

 seen playing around the mother, and on the approach of an enemy 

 they rush for protection under her cuirass, which she immediately 

 closes upon them. 



6. The crustaceous animalcule represented in B, fig. 1, in its 

 natural size, and in A, fig. 2, magnified, is the four-horned cyclops, 

 or little water-fly ; the cyclops quadricornis of Miiller, the mon- 

 oculus quadricornis of Linnaeus, and the pediculus aquaticus, or 

 water-louse, of Baker. The figure was drawn by Dr. Goring, and 

 described by Mr. Pritchard in the Microscopic Cabinet. 



This little animal is found at all seasons in water, but more 

 especially in the months of July and August, when it may be 

 easily taken by a net at the depth of about an inch below the 

 surface. 



The body is covered with scales, which have a vertical and 

 lateral motion. Their edges do not meet under the insect, but 

 leave a space for the insertion of the organs of respiration, a. 

 The beak is short and pointed, and is a mere prolongation of the 

 first segment of the body. A little above it is inserted in the 

 cuirass a single eye of a crimson colour, so dark as to approach 



93 



