122 MICROSCOPY FOR BEGINNERS. 



structure it also resembles Actinophrys, but it seems 

 less like a drop of froth, for the bubbles are larger, and 

 the two distinct layers of two different sizes at once 

 show that the Khizopod is 

 Actinosphserium. But there 

 is another and more impor- 

 tant difference, which the be- 

 ginner will not observe un- 

 less he searches for it with 

 a high-power (^ or ) object- 

 ive. Each ray has a thread 



Fig. 96 Actiuosphserium Eichh6rnii. 



or fine rod running length- 

 wise through its middle, and differing slightly in color 

 from the softer part of the ray. This rod begins within 

 the body below the outer layer of larger bubbles, pass- 

 ing between them and extending almost to the end of 

 the pseudopodal rays, which are seldom entirely with- 

 drawn into the body. 



Actinosphaerium is sluggish, moving slowly and often 

 remaining motionless for a long time in one spot. It is 

 frequently found in company with Actinoplirys, among 

 Lemna and other aquatic plants. 



It feeds on other animals as well as plants, taking 

 larger victims than the "sun animalcule." The Roti- 

 fers (Chapter VIII.) seem its favorite food. A free 

 swimming animalcule or Rotifer coming in contact with 

 the long rays seems, as with Actinoplirys, to become in- 

 capable of escape ; it is then slowly drawn into the body 

 and digested. 



