244 EVENINGS AT THE MICROSCOPE. 



times being quite short, at others as long as the toes ; 

 generally, they arch downwards, but occasionally they 

 stand out straight, or even curve upwards. In some 

 specimens these spines appear to be processes of the first 

 joint, but in others we can see distinctly that they belong 

 to a little intermediate piece between the first and second 

 apparent joints. Between the two toes, on the hinder 

 aspect, projects from the last joint a small spine, which is 

 perhaps the rudiment of a third toe, since we find that 

 number in some genera of this class. The whole foot, in- 

 cluding the toes, is rough with the shagreen-like points 

 that cover the lorica. 



You have already noticed the rapidity and fitful irre- 

 gularity which the long and many-jointed foot confers 

 upon the movements of this curious little form. From 

 the toe-tips, as a point of adhesion, it throws its body to 

 and fro, or from side to side, in a peculiar manner. The 

 toes are sometimes sprawled out, like the legs of an ex- 

 panded pair of compasses ; and sometimes the joints of the 

 foot are suddenly bent in zig-zag fashion, and then as 

 abruptly straightened. The animal swims gracefully, but 

 only with moderate swiftness, the rotatory crown of cilia 

 being small, though forming the usual vortices when the 

 animal is moored : while thus swimming, the toes are 

 gracefully stretched behind, nearly in contact with each 

 other. It is lively in its motions, but these seem per- 

 formed without any ostensible object ; we do not often see 

 it attempt to eat, or nibble at any substance. 



I think we never find the Skeleton except among the 

 sediment at the bottom of the water in which it is kept ; 

 among which also we frequently see the remains of defunct 

 specimens — the skeleton of the Skeleton ; this itself makes 

 a pretty object : the lorica, with its point and ridges, the 

 thoracic column, the foot with its joints and spines, and 

 the toes, all being perfectly preserved, and rendered even 

 more clear than during life, because of the removal of all 



