Vol. X] VON GELDERN—SKIN OF ANOLIS CAROLINENSIS 93 



chameleon. The small, transparent spicules in the outer layer 

 possibly cause some diffraction of light but this must be slight for 

 the underlying cellular outlines are markedly clear vv^hen viewed 

 through the epidermis. 



The Oil Droplet Layer. — A considerable amount of confusion 

 exists in regard to the layer underlying the epidermis. Keller has 

 described a layer in the chameleon which he designates the 

 ochrophore layer. He does not believe that it is cellular for the 

 elements composing it have no nuclei, but he believes that it is 

 made up of bits of cytoplasm cast off from an underlying layer of 

 cells which he ternis the leucophore layer. This ochrophore layer 

 is found on the dorso-lateral aspect of the body but is almost 

 entirely absent on the ventral aspect and entirely so on the foot- 

 pads and spaces between the scales. Keller found that the ele- 

 ments of the layer were brownish yellow by transmitted light and 

 a bluish white by reflected light, had a granular appearance, and 

 that they disappeared under the influence of mineral acids. He 

 described these elements as more or less spindle shaped and verti- 

 cally arranged, the ends in contact with the epidermis being more 

 pointed than those of the opposite end. The elements farther 

 removed from the epidermis had both ends rounded. 



Pouchet called this layer "Iridocytes" and believed the ele- 

 ments to be cells although he could not make out the cellular 

 structirre. 



In Anolis, Carlton describes what tie believes to be the ochro- 

 phore layer of Keller. He admits that its structure is not similar 

 to that found in the chameleon. I do not believe that Carlton 

 saw a layer corresponding to that in the chameleon, but that he 

 described the leucophore layer which he mistook for the ochrophore 

 layer. I will take up my reasons for this asstmiption in the dis- 

 cussion of the leucophore layer. 



In sections stained with haematoxylin and eosin, I was unable 

 to make out any layer corresponding in either position, structure, 

 or color to the ochrophore layer. In certain scales, more often 

 those situated along the mid-dorsal line, a clear space or a space 

 filled with large clear cells with large vesicular nuclei could be 

 noted where the ochrophore layer should lie. Knowing that it was 

 possible to dissolve out the yellow coloring matter in the scales 

 with alcohol and ether, it did not seem improbable that in the 

 preparation of the stained sections practically all trace of this 

 layer had been lost. 



