I was greatly puzzled with this aspect of things, and still more so when my deranged specimen twirled and bumped about with considerable velocity, and in all directions. Presently a decided constriction appeared about half-way below the mouth and proboscis, and in transverse direction. The ciliary motion became very violent in the lower half just below the constriction, while the proboscis worked hard to make its half go another way. For some minutes there was a tug of war, and at length away went proboscis with his portion, still much crumpled by the fight, and left the other bit to roam at will, gradually smooth his puckers, and assume the appearance of a respectable well-to-do animalcule.
Trachelius ovum, three hours after division.
Three hours after the "fission" the proboscis half was not unlike the former self of the late "entire," but with diminished body and larger neck; while the remaining portion had assumed a flask form, and would not have been known by his dearest acquaintance. The portraits of the dis-United States were quickly taken, and, as bed-time had arrived, they were left to darkness and themselves. The next morning a change had come over the "spirit of their dream." Both were quiet, or sedately moving, and they were nearly alike. The proboscis fellow had increased and rounded his body, and diminished his nose; while Mr. Flask had grown round also, and evinced an intention of cultivating a proboscis himself. Twenty-seven hours after the separation, both had made considerable progress in arranging and developing their insides, which had been thrown into great confusion by the way in which the original animal had been wrenched in half, and in both a granular mass was forming opposite the mouth end. The proboscis portion, which may perhaps be termed the mother, was more advanced than her progeny, but both had a great deal to do if they meant to exhibit the original figure, and develop a set of bowels as elegantly branched. Whether they would have succeeded or not under happier circumstances I cannot tell, but unfortunately the Fate who carries the scissors cut short their days.
In all other animalcules in which I had observed the process of multiplication by self-division, it seemed to go on smoothly, and with no discomfort to either the dividend or the quotient, and it may be that in the fission of the Trachelius ovum I witnessed what the doctors would call a bad case. Indeed it may have been prematurely brought on, and aggravated by the squeeze in the live-box. It is, however, probable, from the stronger texture and greater organic development of this animalcule, that it does not divide so easily as the softer and simpler kinds.
Frequent examination of this animalcule has created a strong doubt in my mind whether it is rightly placed in our "systems." My own impression is that it belongs to a higher class.
CHAPTER XIII.
CONCLUSION.