478 MB. r. W. PHILLIPS ox A KEW CILIA.TE INFUSOEIAW. 



pyriform ; tlie velum was greatly elongated, extending almost 

 the entire length of the ventral surface ; in width it had not in- 

 creased proportionately. 



The body-cilia were about two thirds of the diameter of the 

 body in length ; several shorter, powerful, vibratile cilia were 

 stationed along the entrance of the velum ; two rhythmically 

 contractile vesicles were present, also a nucleus centrally situate. 

 Owing to the great activity of the animalcule, I could not make 

 out the oral aperture satisfactorily. I endeavoured to feed it 

 with carmine, but was unsuccessful, because of its awkward situa- 

 tion in the fork of the weed ; but occasionally particles of matter 

 passed over the outermost aperture of the lorica, which were 

 rapidly swept within. The hyaline membrane vibrated continu- 

 ally as before ; and I am inclined to think it is an active agent in 

 procuring food. Trichocysts were developed in the cortical layer. 



Its movements were much the same as before, except that they 

 were more vigorous ; and. occasionally the anterior extremity 

 would be protruded from the lorica ; it would also occasionally 

 reverse its position in the lorica. 



The nearest ally of the present species appears to be found 

 in the typical genus Fleuronema, of the family Pleuronemidee, 

 which is defined in Mr. Saville Kent's ' Manual of the Infusoria,' 

 vol. ii. p. 542 (pt. 4, 1881), but from all specific forms of which it 

 difi'ers in the possession of a membranous lorica. 



In his description of the family and genus {op. cit.), the ani- 

 malcules are described as essentially free-swimming. But I have 

 no reason to believe that the present species ever quits its habi- 

 tation to assume the habitual free-swimming character of all the 

 Pleuronemidse previously recorded, nor have I ever seen an 

 empty lorica. I am further of opinion that this sedentary stage 

 is the mature condition. 



Mr. Kent remarks of Fleuronema (I. c. p. 543) that the trap 

 may be compared to the extensile hood of a carriage, or an outside 

 window-shade, and, when not in use, is packed in neat folds round 

 the animalcule's mouth. I may mention, however, that I have 

 never observed any retraction of the hood-like process in Galypto- 

 tricha. 



Tliis peculiarity, its sedentary habit, and the presence of a lorica 

 sufficiently, therefore, distinguish it from the genus compared. 



I am indebted to Mr. Kent for kindly looking over my notes, 

 and suggesting the generic and specific names here given. 



