22 
LIFE, IN' ITS LOWER FORMS. 
dimensions to most others of the class, we may compare it 
to the planet Jupiter surrounded by a host of moons.* 
The Stentors, also, are of comparatively large size, being 
distinctly visible to the naked eye ; these resemble trum- 
pets in form. Ono beautiful species, hence named 
Trachelocerca olor, charms the eye by its close resemblance 
to a swan. It has a plump, rounded body, a slender- 
pointed tail, and a very long and graceful neck, the 
motions of which, thrown into arching curves, and pro- 
truded in every direction, give the most lively represen- 
tation of the elegant waterfowl after which it is named. 
Indeed, in one species of this genus, T. biceps , we may see 
the living representative of the celebrated bird usually 
considered to be as scarce as the lost Dodo itself — the 
swan with two necks. 
The genus Amceba has long been celebrated among 
microscopists, from its power of constantly changing its 
form, whence it is sometimes called the “ Proteus.” It 
consists of a mass of clear, jelly-like matter, with a few 
granules, two or tlu-ee of the supposed stomachs, and a 
contractile bladder. But its peculiarity is that which we 
have just mentioned. It is ever altering its outline; and 
to so great a degree, that not only are no two ever found 
alike, but the same specimen docs not retain the same 
shape for two successive minutes. Here a point projects 
and gradually pushes out more and more, while a sinuosity 
* Many of tho organisms which, principally ou account of their spontaneous 
movements, were considered as animals, when Professor Ehrenberg published 
his elaborate work, “Die Infusions-thiercheu,” are now generally admitted to 
be plants. And there are not a few who contend that the beautiful Goniurn 
and Voloox must be removed from the domain of the zoologist also. As this 
position is not, howevor, quite established, their elegance pleads for them to 
remain for tho present where wo have put them. 
