10 HUMBLE CREATtrRES. 



common Tapeworm)^ the body is divided into a grea 

 number of segments, all similarly formed and or 

 ganized , in others, as in the Planarian worms, mha^ 

 biting the water, it consists of one flattened, undividec 

 disc. These are two of the great variety of group! 

 and families which comprise the order. 



3. The third order is wholly microscopic. The) 

 are termed the Rotifera, or wheel-bearing worms 

 are found in incalculable numbers in fresh and sail 

 water, and present almost every conceivable form 

 They are distinguished, as their name denotes, by the 

 so-called " wheels," wreaths of minute hair-like pro- 

 cesses termed " cilia," situated on the head. Thesf 

 cilia are kept in a state of constant vibration, and 

 perform the functions of locomotion as well as oi 

 nutrition. Many of the Rotifera, minute though thej 

 be, have their bodies protected by beautiful trans- 

 parent cases. 



4. The last and highest group is that of the Anne- 

 lida, or annulose worms, in which is included the sub- 

 ject of our remarks, the Earthworm. Also the various 

 groups of worms represented by the Leech; the Serpula 

 and Terebella, which are found on the sea-shore, and 

 construct for themselves tubular dwellings ; the Nai& 

 or Mud- worm ; and the " Errantia" or " Natantia " 

 [errant, or swimming ivorms), which represent the 

 intermediate type between the Worms and the higher 

 articulate groups, and strongly resemble the well- 

 known Centipedes in appearance; the chief distinction 

 being, that whilst the latter are formed for a terres- 



