X PREFACE. 



and circumstance of life, will prove a never-failing 

 source of pleasure and instruction. 



The Illustrations, with but few exceptions, are from 

 sketches, taken with a camera lucida while the objects 

 were under the microscope, either by my daughter or 

 myself; they have been reduced to the size required 

 for this work, by Mr. MOUNSEY, of Clapham Common, 

 for whose kind assistance I feel much indebted. 



The account of the structure and habits of the Ani- 

 malcules, is based on the researches of M. EHRENBERG, 

 and other eminent observers; but almost all the facts 

 detailed, have come under, and are described from, my 

 own observations on specimens obtained from the pools, 

 and streams, around Clapham Common. 



19, Chester Square, Pimlico, 

 London. 



