CYPHODER1A. 69 



usual granules, small bright spherules which Rhumbler 

 named pheosomes; they are extremely resistant to 

 acids and other reagents ; whilst their exact functions 

 are unknown it is suggested by Penard that they may 

 have an excretory action and be composed of urates. 

 Small semi-crystalline bodies are also often present 

 which may consist of oxalate of lime. 



The tests of the members of this genus are formed 

 in an unusual manner; instead of the plasma which 

 forms the new individual being gradually protruded 

 from the old test and the reserve scales being distri- 

 buted over it at one operation, as it were, in the 

 Gyphoderise the neck of the new test is formed first 

 and the remainder of the test built up gradually upon 

 it, finally finishing at the apex of the fundus. 



FIG. 139. Test of Cyphoderia ampulla var. papillata. x 260. From 

 Wicken Fen, Cambs. (G. 8. West.) 



Those tests which are covered with non-imbricated 

 discs consist of a fine chitinous pellicle on which the 

 discs are orderly arranged and cemented in place; 

 those which are formed of imbricated scales do not 

 appear to possess this chitinous pellicle or lining. 



The plasma is usually attached to the fundus of 

 the test by a single epode which may be filamentous 

 or may have in its length one or two expansions of 

 the plasma; sometimes no epode is present. 



The nucleus is always placed posteriorly; a large 

 contractile vesicle is generally present near the aper- 

 ture and a smaller one in its vicinity ; in the plasma 

 food-granules are usually numerous. 



The species of Ci/phoderids recorded from the British 

 Isles may be looked for amongst sphagnum, mosses, 

 and aquatic vegetation in any place not liable to desic- 

 cation, such as dripping rocks, ditches, streams, and 



