VERMES. i8s 



means of which the animals swim. The sexes are 

 distinct, and the males are much degraded in form, 

 having the alimentary canal reduced to a useless 

 rudiment : and in consequence of the great simplicity 

 of their structure, they were formerly regarded as 

 Infusoria. The Rotifers are fresh-water animals, and 

 are commonly to be met with ; they are of microscopic 

 size. In dry weather they may be apparently quite 

 desiccated, and yet return to life when placed in 

 water. 



