110 DESCRIPTION OF [Polygastrica. 



which we are acquainted belongs to the luminous crea- 

 tures of the sea, which; perhaps from some peculiar organic 

 relation or condition, yet unknown to us, are instrumental 

 in producing that curious and certainly vital phenomenon 

 usual termed a phosphorescent sea.' 5 It may be further 

 noticed, that all the luminous Infusoria of the sea, hitherto 

 discovered, are characterized as being of the same yellowish 

 waxy colour as the species of this genus ; and it is pro- 

 bable that this condition is immediately connected with the 

 interesting phenomenon in question. 



62. PBOROCENTBUM micans. The glistening Prorocen- 

 trum. Form oval and compressed, attenuated at the 

 posterior part, but dilated and pointed anteriorly ; colour 

 of yellow- wax. Found in sea water. Figures 24 and 25 

 exhibit two animalcules magnified 300 diameters ; the first 

 is a side view, the latter a back view. The cilia proboscis 

 in figure 24 indicates the position of the mouth. Size 

 1 -430th. 



Genus XIII. LAGENELLA. The flask -shaped Monad is 

 distinguished from the other loricated Monads by its 

 closed shell extended anteriorly, so as to give it a neck- 

 shaped appearance, like that of a bottle or flask. This 

 shell or lorica is perfectly distinct, and as clear as crystal. 

 The only part of the organization of the creature at present 

 known is the eye, or bright red speck, which is always to 

 be seen in this genus, and the green granules within the 

 body of the animalcule, which Dr. Ehrenberg supposes 

 to be ova. 



63. LAGENELLA euchlora. The beautiful green Lage- 

 nella. Form oval, neck short and truncated ; lorica crys- 

 talline: colour of the body or eggs green. Figures 26, 



