AVHEEL-BEAEEKS. 



267 



the more because the form of these organs in the Itoti- 

 fera is quite peculiar — quite unlike what is found in 

 any other class of animals, though the parts are essen- 

 tially the same as those which we have already seen as 

 entering into the mouth in Insects. 



Kemoving the carmine-stained water, I put into the 

 live-box a drop from a vase very rich in organisms of 

 many kinds. .Among these 

 you see very numerous the 

 mulberry-like clusters of 

 that beautiful green crea- 

 ture, Synorypta volvox, 

 which is now pretty gen- 

 erally considered a plant, 

 though from its sponta- 

 neous motion, swimming 

 evenly along, revolving on 

 its axis as it goes, you 

 would be inclined to agree 

 with earlier observers in 

 thinking it an animal. 

 These appear to be favor- 

 ite morsels with the Bra- 

 chion: one has already 

 been devoured, and is 

 quite visible in the ali- 

 mentary canal, its brilliant 

 green hue shining out 

 through the translucent viscera and tissues. Others are 

 approaching, and two or three are just now drawn into 

 the vortex of the ciliary current. It is amusing to see 

 the manoeuvres which the Brachionus makes to take 

 his prey. I say marmuvres, for there really seem to be 



BEACHIONTTS. 



