110 ERNKST WARRLIN. 



the cytoplasm and a progressive disappearance of the 

 living- protoplasm gradually occurs (fig. c), until the entire 

 cytoplasm may become involved. Later, the chromatin 

 disappears and the nucleus becomes clear except for the 

 nucleolus which persists (figs. B and f). In fig. g the nuclear 

 membrane has become dissolved and the loose nucleolus can 

 be seen in the dying cell; definite, irregularly-shaped cavities 

 may be formed in the cell. A similar transformation can be 

 followed in the endoderm cells (figs. h-k). 



The gi'anules are refringent and appear to be surrounded 

 by a fairly thick layer of a substance having the appearance 

 of mucus which does not readily stain (text-fig. 3, b). These 

 layers become continuous where many granules are present. 

 Such a collection of granules mimics in a diminutive form a 

 zooglea mass of cocci (text-fig. 3, a). The jelly or mucus-like 

 substance is somewliat refringent, bu.t less so than the 

 granules. 



Some sections were stained by the Kuhne-Grammetliod for 

 bacteria. Such granules as had not become very dark brown 

 in colour were tinged light purple, while the clear matrix 

 surrounding^ the granules assumed a very faint but definite 

 yellow tinge. 



It may be said by some that these so-called refrin;4ent 

 granules are simply parasitic cocci ; and possibly the late Dr. 

 C. Bastian would have contended that w^e are here witnessing 

 tlie transformation of the protoplasm of the cells of the 

 hydroid into some primitive type of life. 



Although Bastian^s ideas are still generally regarded as 

 heresy, I am not prepared to combat the main principle of his 

 views ; but more evidence is undoubtedly required. 



That the granules are ordinary cocci appears veiy unlikely 

 for the following reasons : 



(1) They have no constant size ; the granules vary 

 from the limit of visibility with a Zeiss apochronuitic 

 (1'5 mm.) to a diameter of about 0"7ju. 



Fig. 1. — Lytocarpus f ilamentosus. Fit;'. A, x 27(». Fhj;. b, X 1300. 

 Fio-s. c-K, X llob. 



