PREFACK. 



The following- pupor hy ^\v. Dciino li. Swing-le, ontitled "Fonna- 

 tion of the Spores in tht^ Sporangia of Rhizoj/ii-s jri(/ricaH>< and of 

 Phycmnyces Nltens^^ throws a new light on certain intricate processes 

 in two important genera of fungi. The ([uestion of spore formation 

 is one of vital interest to the study ot" the rej)r()duction and distribu- 

 tion of fungi, both parasitic and nonparasitic. Mr. Swingle's paper 

 corrects an erroneous idea that has received wide acceptance- both in 

 this countrj^ and abroad. The inherent properties and ))ehavior of 

 protoplasm must be the basis of work in pathology and ])hysiol()gv. 

 This paper is a contril)ution to our knowledge, especially in regard 

 to the mechanics of this type of cell-division, and to the nature and 

 functions of the vacuole and the relation of the activities of the luicleus 

 to those of the rest of the protoplasm. The results of this study are in 

 a large measure applicable to many of the other fungi, including a 

 number that are parasitic. 



The paper is technical and is intended for the use of investigators 



in pathology and physiology. 



Aleekt F. Woods, 



Pathologist awl Physiologist. 



Office of the Pathologist and Physiologist, 



Washington, I>. ('.. Fehniary 7, 1003. 



