AND CONTENTS OF THE MOUTH. 187 



up to the top ; but the right one is also subdivided in two second- 

 ary tiny branches. In h is drawn an isolated pseudo inflorescence, 

 formed of small and medium points, like the small branches of the 

 preceding specimen. In <r, on the contrary, is seen a production 

 broken on the top, formed of small, medium, and large points ; 

 the small points similar to the preceding ones ; the large ones 

 totally similar to the pointed and spindle-like bacilli of type e 

 (Fig. 5), of which, for comparison's sake, we have reproduced one 

 in its natural state in d (Fig. 14), magnified to 1,250 diameters. 

 Most of the small points resemble the Virgula bacilli of type h 

 (Fig. 5) ; some, however, look like the spermatozoa of type H 

 (same figure), having at one end a kind of small head, according 

 to the degree to which they are magnified. 



In Fig, 15 is seen a portion of a small branch, coloured with 

 the solution of iodine, magnified to 2,500 diameters. Points of 

 various size and shape are set in it, which, like the central rod, 

 contain clear spaces or uncoloured empty ones. If it were not too 

 bold a supposition, I should be inclined to suggest that the three 

 small points are not adhering to the central rod, but are fulfilling 

 their functions upon it, and perhaps even upon the bacillus which 

 adheres to it lower down — a quid simile with the act of fecundation. 



I repeat that it is not my intention to pronounce on the nature 

 of these productions h^ points or pseudo-inflorescences, that being 

 a subject for micetologists. I have only wished to describe facts 

 resulting from my own observations. However, I cannot help 

 noting the very extraordinary mobility exhibited by those points^ 

 large and small, dropped from the stalks or branches above 

 described. 



Those movements are better detected in uncoloured prepara- 

 tions, mounted in simple distilled water, in which they are pre- 

 served longer (even from day to day), especially in the minute 

 Virgula bacilli ; so that I suggest to those who will verify this part 

 of my observations, not to use any tint at all. The stains used, 

 particularly the aniline colours, seem to have a poisonous effect 

 upon those bacilli, or at least exert a lethargic action on their 

 motility. In the largest or spindle-like bacilli of type d (Fig. 14) 

 the movements are those of translation, so that they fully justify 

 the name of Bacillus tremulusy given to them by Rappin, if that 



