10 THOUGHTS ON ANIMALCULES. 



drop of water, appear like mere animated globules, free, 

 single, and of various colours, sporting about in every 

 direction. Numerous species resemble pearly or opaline 

 cups or vases, fringed round the margin with delicate 

 fibres that are in constant oscillation, (the Vorticellce, 

 pi. m). Some of these are attached by spiral tendrils ; 

 others are united by a slender stem to one common 

 trunk, appearing like a bunch of hare-bells, (the Car- 

 chesium, pi. in, fig. 1) ; others are of a globular form, 

 and grouped together in a definite pattern on a tabular 

 or spherical membranous case for a certain period of 

 their existence, and ultimately become detached and 

 locomotive, (the Gonium and Volvox, pi. n, figs. 2, 9) ; 

 while many are permanently clustered together, and 

 die if separated from the parent mass. No organs of 

 progressive motion, similar to those of beasts, birds, or 

 fishes, are observable in these beings ; yet they traverse 

 the water with rapidity, without the aid of limbs or 

 fins; and, though many species are destitute of eyes, 

 yet all possess an accurate perception of the presence of 

 other bodies, and pursue and capture their prey with 

 unerring purpose. 



The study of the nature and economy of these mar- 

 vellous creatures must, however, be regarded not merely 

 as an amusement for the gratification of an intelligent 

 curiosity, but as a branch of natural knowledge fraught 



