284 ACTION OF CARBONATE OF AMMONIA ON CHLOROPHYLL-BODIES. 
the cell-walls were dotted over with chlorophyll-grains, there was 
at first some slight degree of aggregation, and then the grains 
allbecame disintegrated. In the second species, the filaments 
of which were extremely thin, the solution produced no effect. 
In a third the chlorophyll-bodies became aggregated into spheres. 
If the species in this family are difficult to distinguish, syste- 
matists might probably derive aid by observing the different 
actions of a solution of carbonate of ammonia on them. 
Conclusion.—From the facts given in this paper we see that 
certain salts of ammonia, more especially the carbonate, quickly 
cause the cell-sap in various plants belonging to widely different 
groups to deposit granules apparently of the nature of protein. 
These sometimes become aggregated into rounded masses. The 
same salts and, in the case of Drosera, an infusion of raw meat 
tend to act on the chlorophyll-bodies, causing them in some few 
species to become completely fused together, either in union 
with the aggregated cell-sap or separately from it. Aggrega- 
tion seems to be a vital process, as it does not occur in recently 
killed cells ; and any thing which kills a cell eauses the already 
aggregated masses instantly to disintegrate. These masses, 
moreover, display in some cases incessant movements. The pro- 
cess of aggregation is not rarely carried so far that the masses 
lose the power of movement ; nor do they then readily disintegrate 
when subjected to any deadly influence. From these facts, from 
other considerations, and more especially from the action of car- 
bonate of ammonia on the chlorophyll-bodies, I am led to believe 
that the aggregated masses include living protoplasm, to which 
their power of movement may be attributed. The most remark- 
able point in the whole phenomenon is, that with the Droserace® 
the most diverse stimuli (even a stimulus transmitted from a 
distant part of the leaf) induces the process of aggregation. 
The redissolution in the course of a few days of the solid aggre- 
gated masses and, especially, the regeneration of the chlorophyll- 
grains are likewise remarkable phenomena. 
