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WHAT

Gleanings from Nature.

THE WHEEL ANIMALCULE.

HAT astonishment fills the mind | journey by fixing its head; unloosing its of him who for the first time foot or tail, the body is looped up and looks upon this creature! Common, the tail fixed close to the head, the although it is, so much so indeed as to latter is then let go and again fixed be termed Rotifer vulgaris, yet it is at a distance equal to the length of only known to those who have the op- the body, and thus the creature proportunity of observing by means of the gresses at a considerable speed in a microscope the great works of creation manner like certain caterpillars, termed as displayed in minute forms, and such loopers, or in the same mode that leeches have only been acquainted with it for travel. Suddenly, however, there apabout one hundred and sixty years. pears from the head a pair of organs The first human eye that was delighted which entirely alters the shape of the by the strange beauty of this micro- creature; it is worm or leech-like no scopic being belonged to the pains- longer, but rather wedge shaped, the taking and accurate Leuwenhoeck, who, head being the broadest part where two on the 25th August, 1702, by means of wheels seem to be in rapid revolution, his lenses observed it in some water he and the animal speeds through the water then had under examination. The swimming with ease. Can you imagine a novelty of form and of organs, as well as long one-handed barrow having two the varied shape the animal is capable of wheels trundling itself? if so, you may assuming, and the curious habits of conceive the odd appearance now presome of the species, speedily led other sented by our Rotifer. We need observers to search for it, and in localities scarcely remark that these wheels have but little likely to afford life specimens. given the creature its name, although Baker (1753) found it in some water they are not really wheels, but an optical taken from gutters on the roof of illusion occasioned by the rapid motion Somerset House in the Strand. Adams in a particular direction of a large (1787) says, "This little animal is found number of minute vibratory hairs, termed in rain water that has stood for some cilia, with which these portions of the days in leaden gutters, or in the hollows head are furnished. of leads on the tops of houses, they are sometimes to be found also in ditches and amongst duckweed;" we should think they are, and suppose that no one out of a lunatic asylum would now look for them anywhere else than in ponds, lakes, or ditches containing running

water.

Bring your eye to the microscope, upon a strip of glass beneath is placed a small drop of water. You observe a little globular body of a light brown colour, it slowly moves round and round as it were upon an axis; now and then the form lengthens as if a balloon was being stretched out lengthways; again it recedes! What has become of the globe now? It has altered into that long leech-like creature that appears to be desirous of finding its way into some unknown region, as while one end is fixed the other is thrust toward every point of the compass in turn; having made up its mind it proceeds on its

The animal is now at rest and we may examine, owing to the transparency of the flexible membrane, the internal arrangement. The opening to the stomach is between the so-called wheels, and is in communication with a pouch, or gizzard in which are several moveable teeth that break down the food previous to its passage into the intestinal canal. Within the body are some two or three eggs, the covering membrane of which is also so thin that the development of the young animal may be watched without difficulty. The head is furnished with a pair of small red spots generally considered to be eyes. Below, in the neck is a small projecting tube, perhaps for the passage of water into, or from the body. The foot tail which is telescopic in its arrangement, and can at pleasure be protruded or withdrawn, is divided at its extremity into two parts.

These beautiful creatures are to be found in every pool, and especially

amidst the decaying vegetation therein; they so rapidly increase where food and other conditions are favourable, that our little pond a few seasons since became filled with them, insomuch that the water was milky in hue, and by the unaided eye they could be seen moving about in masses; however they, like their friends the Cypridæ mentioned in number two of "The Sword and Trowel," induced a famine, not in the land, but in the water, and vast numbers of them perished. They are fond of attaching themselves to fragments of plants in the ponds, and thrusting out their heads putting the wheels into rapid motion, by which means food is brought to their mouth in the currents thus induced in the water. When, as we have sometimes seen, ten or twelve of the animals are arranged in a row on the edge of a small leaf, and all spinning in varying degrees of rapidity, the spectacle is one of the utmost interest and beauty.

It sometimes occurs that a Rotifer is found in what would seem a most unlikely habitat. Some time since while observing the spawn of the common pond snail (Lymnea), which consists of a number of egg-sacs imbedded in a gelatinous mass, and watching the young snails as they moved in their several cells, I discovered to my astonishment a second animal swimming in a cell along with the juvenile Lymnea; the wellknown wheels were in rapid action, and as no means of entry could be discovered, I supposed it must be imprisoned under the egg, but although turned over and placed in various positions, the rotifer maintained its post and still went swimming on as if it were in the open pond. How did it get in? This question I cannot answer, but there it was apparently in health and vigour. Mr. John Williams and Mr. Gosse have both recorded their observations of Rotifer within the Volvox Globator, a beautiful form of vegetable life. A pellucid globe of delicate membrane within which the little stranger was seen moving with freedom in the same manner as gold fish swim in glass globes. Still more surprising! M. Morren of Liege found one within the cells of Sphagnum, a plant which grows in wet situations.

The Rotifer is very tenacious of life, it has been dried, and on being again |

| wetted activity was assumed, and the functions of life again appeared in operation; the drying, however, must be performed with care, otherwise the membranes are ruptured, and the animal destroyed, when we need hardly say no amount of water will restore it. It is said that animals thus dried have been kept many years, and have even been exposed to a temperature greater than that of boiling water, and yet have revived when placed in favourable circumstances.

The family of the Rotifera has several branches; some members, as in the instance above noted, being naked,others of them are furnished with a carapace, so far resembling that of the tortoise, that the head and the tail are without the shell and are free to move, these are termed Brachionidæ (Brachion, an arm), as the body is more or less prolonged into an arm-like tail, some of them being in shape not at all unsuited for use by fairy Ñaiades as battle-dores if there be such things as fairy shuttlecocks. The head of this species is large, and the cilia continuous around the opening, causing when in operation a strong current impelling into the huge vortex numerous organic forms, which as they approach the gizzard are seized by finger-like and jointed teeth, and thrust downwards, when other and similiar teeth push them further on until they find themselves in the alimentary canal where full digestion takes place. A very large number of Euglenæ are thus disposed of by these hungry Rotifers, although the Euglena is still considered by some to be an animal, and as it is somewhat shocking to see such wholesale slaughter being perpetrated, one is comforted by the assurance of some naturalists that it is one of the many free moving vegetable organisms. We do not object to a sheep devouring turnips, but to see it swallowing heaps of animals, snails for instance, would be too much for our philosophy.

Some of the Brachionidæ have no eye spots, others have two, but those most common are furnished with but one, a somewhat large red spot, and as if to guard the organ from danger, it is placed down in the body below the carapace. This species carries its egg on the outside and attached to the covering of its

cases in

body. The outer coat is in some species | panded resemble a beauteous and actively ornamented by flutings, and is a pleasing moving flower with four petals, each object for microscopic examination; surrounded by the usual vibratory cilia other species of Rotifera have cylindrical maintaining rapid currents in the surwhich the animal dwells. rounding water, thus bringing food and Attached at the base to the stalk of building materials to its body; beneath duck-weed or other aquatic vegetation, the expanded petals is an apparatus which, the animal expands its flower-like body receiving the atoms, causes them to and rotating organs which are ever rotate within the body of the organ varying in the beautiful forms presented where they become consolidated, after to the eye of the observer; others of which this flexible building-tool bends them have cases of a far more complex forward and deposits the morsel in the and interesting character which they shape of a rounded pellet upon the case construct from the materials floating enclosing the body. Each of these around them. Every one is familiar minute dwellings comprises about thirtywith the fact that the beaver constructs four rows of pellets one above another, an elaborate system of chambers under each row containing about twenty-eight ground, with dams to retain the water of of the tiny bricks, so that the little inthe rivers, the banks of which they dustrious creature has to make upwards frequent. That the wasp forms its nest of nine hundred and fifty bricks which of a paper which is the produce of its are so minute that from ten to eleven own labour. That certain bees line their hundred of them could be laid side by dwellings with rose leaves, and that side in the space of a single inch. It is others form cells for their young and found that each of these pellets is formed as store places for food with wax which in from two and-a-half to three and-ais elaborated within their bodies. That half minutes; if, therefore, the animal some caterpillars contrive coats of cloth continues its labours without interrupin which to wrap themselves. And thus tion, it would be engaged about fortymany trades followed by humanity are eight hours in erecting its more than pursued by the instinctive actions of lilliputian castle. What an incredible these lowly creatures; but we should amount of labour is this when the scarcely expect to find that an animalcule minuteness of the creature is considered! so minute that it is with difficulty dis- It is when compared with the bulk of a covered by the unaided eye, should be a man as if he, should he be compelled to builder inhabiting a dwelling composed encase himself in a house built with of materials which it first makes into bricks of his own making, were to labour form, and then arranges piece by piece. incessantly for ten years! Mr. Gosse says "It is a mason who not only builds up his mansion brick by brick, but makes his bricks as he goes on from substances which he collects around him, shaping them in a mould he carries upon his own body." This creature, Melicerta Ringens, varies in length from one thirty-sixth, to one twenty-fourth of an inch, its head has four rotatory organs, which when ex

With what effulgence is the creative glory of God reflected from the lowly beings we have been considering! His power is assuredly displayed herein as much as in the gigantic globes revolving in their courses around the sun. Well may we adoringly exclaim, “O Lord, how manifold are thy works; in wisdom hast thou founded them all."

At the Cross.

In life's rough pilgrimage 'tis sweet
To see, my Lord, thy Cross divine;
Where Righteousness and Mercy meet,

And Love and Justice blended shine!
Marshalled in glorious hosts on high,
Unnumbered saints adoring bow,
And praise the Saving Grace, that I
Aspire to sing while here below.
From place to place in search of rest,
My weary soul did wand'ring stray;
Till on a Saviour's gentle breast,
I felt my sorrows melt away!

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W. R. SELWAY.

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Metropolitan Tabernacle Statistics.

HE Christian Church was designed | healthful exercise of all its gifts and

T from first to be aggressive.

was not intended to remain stationary at any period, but to advance onward until its boundaries became commensurate with those of the world. It was to spread from Jerusalem to all Judea, from Judea to Samaria, and from Samaria unto the uttermost part of the earth. It was not intended to radiate from one central point only; but to form numerous centres from which its influence might spread to the surrounding parts. In this way it was extended in its first and purest times. The plan upon which the apostles proceeded, and the great apostle in particular in his mission to the Gentiles, was to plant Churches in all the great cities and centres of influence in the known world. The theory of one centralization of authority and action in human governments, however extensive the empire may become, is not that which was originally enjoined either by precept or practice in the New-Testament Church. It was the Church theory of the Jewish dispensation which was partly political, and adapted for one nation only; but on that very account could not apply to a form of government designed for the whole world. The new wine would have caused that old bottle to burst. We all know how that Church-theory has been tried, and how, through the fermentation of the little gospel truth it retained, it swelled until

it burst. So far as the Church has returned to the centralizing influence of separate and independent Churches, it has regained its original prosperity; its first life has returned with its first mode of action; and increasing activities in that direction have generated increase of life. Soon as, after long perseverance and suffering, it was left free to its original action, those numerous institutions arose which are now deemed essential appendages to a vital and flourishing Christian community. The influence of the past had established a deep-rooted conviction that the officials were the only authorized agents for Church extension; but gradually the co-operation of the whole Church was required, and was found to be the appropriate and

graces. Church, in which mem

ber has something to do towards its increase, is in its proper and normal state. In proportion as it grows, it must seek to grow more, because growth is necessary to the most healthy state of life; and in proportion as it blesses others, it is itself blest. "I will make them," is the promise, "and the places round about my hill a blessing." What follows? "And I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing." There has not only been the shower in its season in the Church of the Metropolitan Tabernacle, there have been showers of blessing. Why? Because it has sought a blessing, not upon itself alone, but upon others. Of the places round about this hill of Zion which have been made a blessing, we are now to speak. Of the rising and fruitfulness of that hill, we spoke in a former number; we propose here to do little more than enumerate the several institutions at the Metropolitan Tabernacle, reserving the description of each for future occasions.

The chapel in New Park-street is still retained in connection with the Church at the Tabernacle, but it is hoped that by its sale another building will be erected in a more eligible locality. Services are regularly held there, and the Sunday-school is ably sustained. The Sunday-school at the Tabernacle numbers about 900 scholars and 75 teachers. Other Sunday-schools, and ragged schools, are sustained and conducted in other districts, in connectiou with the Tabernacle. The College, at first, was sustained by the pastor only. As it rose in usefulness and promise, the assistance of others was cheerfully rendered. In 1861, it was adopted by the Church as one of its own institutions and became united with it at the opening of the Metropolitan Tabernacle. The number of the students at the present time is 91. Apart from these, there are evening classes for young men for languages, science, and elementary tuition; the attendants at which number on the whole about 230. Popular lectures, during the winter months are delivered on Friday evenings in the lecture-hall

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to students and the public in general. Many of the students are engaged in preaching on Sabbath days in the metropolis and its suburbs, and in distant parts of the country; others are employed in connection with an Evangelists' Association which has numerous preachingstations in neglected districts, and sends forth a host of men to proclaim the gospel in the open air. This association is chiefly sustained by the students at the evening classes. There are numerous Bible-classes in connection with the Tabernacle. One is held every Monday evening, after the prayer-meeting, at which Mr. Rogers presides. This class is for discussion on given topics, for the purpose of practice in extemporaneous speaking, as well as instruction in Biblical subjects. It is well attended by all classes, and is particularly beneficial as a test of the oratorical powers of those who are desirous of entering the College. Bible-classes are conducted by Mr. Stiff, Mr. Hanks, and Mr. John Olney. All are efficient and well attended. A ladies' class, conducted by Mrs. Bartlett, is both the most numerous and most remarkable in its immediate results: it numbers nearly 700, and 63 have joined the Church from it during the past year. There is a Bible-society depôt at the Tabernacle, at which Bibles are sold at cost-price. There is a Tract Society in extensive operation. There is a Jews' Society which holds its meetings monthly. A Ladies' Benevolent Society, a Maternal Association, a Missionary Working Society, and a Sunday School Working Society, are also in full operation. A Ministers' Fraternal Association has lately been established, with the view of promoting more union of heart and effort amongst pastors and Churches of the same denomination. Missionary work is not neglected. Two City Missionaries are sustained by the Church and people; two other missionaries on the Continent, in Germany; and considerable aid is given to foreign missions.

We have here the rare instance of a Christian Church containing within itself all the varied appliances of Christian zeal in modern times. These have risen successively, and expanded, as the spontaneous and appropriate expression of that zeal. This may go far to show

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that it accords with apostolic times. If the principles and motives be the same, the fruits, allowing only for the difference of circumstances, will be the same. Nor is it difficult to see a similar diversity in the methods of aggression in the primitive Churches, according to the circumstances of those times. The Church at Jerusalem had its mission both to the Jews and to the heathen. There it was, says Paul, that "James, Peter, and John gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision." The Church at Antioch had its foreign mission; for it sent forth Paul and Barnabas on a missionary tour into Asia Minor. "When they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away." They had their Pastor's College; for Paul says to Timothy, "The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also." They had their Home Missions; for of the Church at Thessalonica, it is said, "From you sounded out the word of the Lord in Macedonia and Achaia." They had their Tract Societies, as far as circumstances would allow.-"When this epistle," said Paul to the Church at Colosse, "is read among you, cause that it be read also in the Church of the Laodiceans." They had their Bible Classes. "These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so." There were Mrs. Bartlett's classes in those times. Help those women which laboured with me in the Gospel." They had their Benevolent Societies. hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem." They had their working ladies for the poor. Honourable mention is made of one to show how honourable it is in all. "There was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did." We are then informed of what those alms-deeds consisted. We should have supposed they consisted in money only; but no! she

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