OF CHLOROPHYLL, ETC. 13 



of the Tulip, of Ilex aquifolhan^ Sediim acre, and Sedum tele- 

 J>/itum. As a rule, their shape resembles that of a flattened 

 lentil, and they vary in size from "0075 to '009 mm. 



Chlorophyll-bodies of the second kind are composed of one 

 or more starch-grains, over which the Chlorophyll, colouring a 

 certain amount of protoplasm, forms a covering of varying thick- 

 ness ; the presence of the starch being easily recognised by 

 its characteristic blue colour, on the application of iodine solu- 

 tion, especially if the Chlorophyll has first been removed by 

 alcohol or ether. In shape Chlorophyll-grains of this descrip- 

 tion vary greatly, being round, oval, or even rod-like ; and their 

 size is from about '0075 to '019 mm. Of the plants in which 

 they alone are found may be mentioned the epidermis of the 

 antheridia of Mosses, the leaves of Mosses and Liverworts, and 

 of Mistletoe and Boya carnosa. When the outer layers of leaves 

 and green stems contain only Chlorophyll-grains of the nitro- 

 genous kind, starch-bearing grains are also always present in the 

 more deeply-buried layers, and indeed they appear to possess a 

 very general distribution among Chlorophyll-bearing plants. 



The earliest stages of the development of the starch-grains 

 within the Chlorophyll cannot be observed under the microscope. 

 What may, however, be seen is the following : — Within the 

 hitherto apparently homogeneous Chlorophyll-grain, one or more 

 minute granules make their appearance, and gradually increase in 

 size, dilating the grain containing them. The layer of proto- 

 plasmic matter covering the starch thus becomes thinner and 

 thinner, and at length disappears altogether, setting the starch- 

 grains free. It need hardly be said that a high magnifying 

 power and very carefully-prepared sections are needed thus to 

 watch the development of the starch. 



Inulin was at first believed to be peculiar to the Compo- 

 sitcc, but is now known to be present in plants belonging to other 

 orders as well. It is oftener found in the roots than in the stems, 

 and may be looked for in such plants as the dandelion, the sun- 

 flower, or the dahUa. In living cells it exists only in solution, 

 but its presence may be rendered evident by placing a section 

 from the root of one of the above plants in alcohol, when the 

 Inulin will be precipitated in the form of minute granules. If the 

 section be left in alcohol for five or ten minutes, these granules 

 will unite into larger bodies, which under water appear to have 

 cracks running radially through them ; and sometimes, especially 

 after the addition of nitric acid, to be composed of distinct layers. 

 The finest crystals of Inulin are, however, obtained by leaving 

 larger pieces of suitable roots in alcohol or glycerine for a period 

 of several weeks, and then cutting sections of only moderate 

 thinness. 



