RINGS AND SPIRALS. 



379 



the upper fitting over the lower. Consequently, when the 

 lantern is shut, it is entirely enclosed between these two 

 caps, which effectually preserve it from harm. It is deli- 

 cately finished, and has no less than thirty rings, made of 

 very narrow strips of bamboo. The upper cap has a little 

 trap -door through which the candle can be admitted and 

 trimmed, and in its centre is a small round hole for the passage 

 of air. 



In the left-hand division of the illustration are shown 

 several examples of ringed and spiral tissues belonging to the 



spiral and ringed fibre 

 (vegetable). 



NAMELESS OBJECTS- 



PAPER LANTERNS. 



vegetable world, in which the principle is exactly the same as 

 that of the Chinese lantern, &c. That on th.e right hand is an 

 example of simple rings within a membrane. The central 

 figure shows a double spiral, which produces very much the 

 appearance of a series of rings ; and on the extreme left is an 

 interesting example which shows the transition in the internal 

 supports from spirals to rings. 



I have already mentioned that the proboscis of the House-fly 

 exhibits this modification. If one of these objects be placed 

 under a moderate power of the microscope — the half-inch is 



