THE BUILDING ROTIFER 181 



all the characters of voluntary motion ; undoubtedly 

 they are regulated by the will of the animal, for they 

 can be made to move with c extreme rapidity, put 

 into gentle and tranquil action, or stopped in an 

 instant.' Again, at times one portion of the cilia is 

 busy while the rest is inactive. Presently the whole 

 row, or rows, vibrate so rapidly, that we lose view of 

 them, and only see the effects produced in the water. 



The study of Melicerta ringens alone is enough to 

 draw out our admiration of the Creator's works, and 

 to teach us to be humble. 



Long ago, Dr. Chalmers said, ' It is a most Christian 

 exercise to extract a sentiment of piety from the 

 works and appearances of Nature.' Surely such 

 studies as those of rotifer are among the ' pure 

 pleasures ' of life. 



