CHAPTER IX. 



ANIMALCULE S. 



AN amazing spectacle is presented when an 

 assemblage of dissimilar forms is seen in one drop 

 of water in which there is any decomposing animal 

 or vegetable matter. They are from i. to part 

 of a line in diameter, and are often so crowded toge- 

 ther that the intervals between them are still more 

 minute than themselves. Yet some move with 

 arrow-like rapidity, almost eluding the detection of 

 the eye ; while others " drag their slow length 

 along," like the leech. Some revolve quickly, as if 

 a portion of their body served as a pivot, a contrast 

 to others apparently quiet or torpid. A series of 

 gentle undulations secures the movements of some 

 animalcules, but others give themselves to leapings 

 of an inconsiderable extent. Amid their diversified 

 gambols, however, all have the power of avoiding 

 obstacles in their course, and their neighbours, who 

 are in such close proximity. 



Some species of animalcules are far more com- 

 mon than others ; but the rarer kinds may generally 

 be procured by steeping dried grass, or leaves, par- 

 ticularly sage leaves, in a vessel of water, and 



