20 VIEWS OP THE MICROSCOPIC WORLD. 



circular rows of different forms are distinctly noticed. This class of Infusoria is 

 endowed with a highly perfected organization, and on account of their com- 

 paratively large size, some of them attaining a length of one-thirtieth of an 

 inch, both their external and internal structure are well revealed by the micro- 

 scope. The Rotatoria possess a single stomach, and many kinds are furnished 

 with jaws and teeth, which, together with other parts, will be particularly 

 described hereafter, when treating of individual animalcules belonging to this 

 class. The preceding cut, Fig. 7, is, however, given at present for the sake of 



Figure?. 



aa. The Cilia, bb. The Eyes. c. The Jaws and Teeth. 



illustration. It displays the upper part of a common wheel animalcule, with the 

 circles of cilia, jaws, teeth, and eyes, all highly magnified. 



The Rotatoria reside chiefly in water, but are frequently found in moist 

 earth, and some species have been detected dwelling in the cells of mosses and 

 sea-weed. 



EYES. By the aid of the microscope, as now perfected, naturalists have discovered 

 eyes throughout the entire class of Rotatorial animalcules ; these organs, minute as 

 they are, being well defined, a fact that indicates the existence of a nervous sys- 

 tem in these living atoms. The eye of larger animals is known to be an organ 

 exceedingly complicated in its structure, and replete with the most beautiful con- 

 trivances to insure perfect vision. There is every reason for believing that the 

 same is true of the eyes of animalcules; and if this is so, how can we sufficiently 

 admire the wondrous perfection and consummate skill which the Creator has deigned 

 to bestow upon some of the least of his revealed works ; and above all, the unwear- 



