292 H. D. GOODALE. 



though this is by no means certain. In what is supposed to be 

 the early stages, the cells are small with relatively little proto- 

 plasm and closely packed. There is a very weak development of 

 connective tissue which separates the cells into poorly denned 

 groups. Intermediate stages can be found in which the groups 

 of cells become well denned. After the first stage, there is a 

 considerable increase in the connective tissue which in some 

 instances appears to produce smooth, refractive rods or strands. 

 Stages have been noted in which the central cells separate some- 

 what after the manner of thyroid tissue and stain less readily. 

 These appear to be degenerating. Later the marginal cells also 

 break down so that small open spaces may be found lined mostly 

 by connective tissue. They in turn appear to coalesce by the 

 breaking down of neighboring w r alls, so that large open spaces 

 appear in the tissue, perhaps homologous with the vesicles filled 

 with a straw-colored fluid observed macroscopically in some 

 instances. In one part of the organ a group of tubules lined with 

 a single layer of square cells has been noted. These appear to 

 be of a different character from the spaces described above. 

 They may contain a finely granular but otherwise amorphic 

 substance. 



It is rather probable that the present organ is the result of a 

 development of the Wolfian body. This view, however, is 

 merely a working hypothesis. 



Should further investigation confirm this view, it may throw 

 light on the structures described by various observers in cock- 

 feathered females. These bodies are very likely identical with 

 the bodies found in castrated females. Certainly the presence 

 of true seminal tubules or spermatozoa together with ova must 

 be demonstrated before similar individuals found in nature con- 

 taining these organs can be designated as hermaphrodites. 



An explanation of the plumage changes is mainly a matter of 

 surmise. At first, one is inclined to lay the changes at the door 

 of the new organ but since they do not appear in all individuals 

 which have developed the organs, it is evident that if the organs 

 are concerned with the changes there must be some change in 

 the activities of the organs either preceding the changes in plum- 

 age or accompanying them. 



