INVERTEBRATA, CRYPTOGAMIA, MICROSCOPY, ETC. 757 



developing organisms, from which it was found impossible to separate 

 it. It appeared to be identical with the Leptothrlx huccalis of Robin. 

 Although it did not develop under artificial conditions, it is probable 

 that development takes jdace freely upon the surface of the tongue. 

 Its habitual occurrence there, and the presence of spore-bearing fila- 

 ments, favour this view. 



Besides these fungi, there were present, more or less constantly. Bac- 

 terium termo, Sarciiut vcntricnli, Spirochceta jjlicatilis, and a larger form 

 of Sjnrilhim. Sarcina ventricidi was frequently present, and generally 

 developed quickly, forming large masses of a yellow or brownish- 

 yellow colour. SpirocJueta plicatilis occurred only in two or three of 

 the specimens examined. Bacterium termo existed in some of the 

 furs, and twice developed with such rapidity that the whole of the 

 fluid was crowded with these organisms. 



The slime between and around the teeth was foixnd to consist of 

 the same fungi as the tongue-fur, but the rods of bacillus were longer, 

 probably owing to the distui-bing causes being fewer. 



When thin the fur can only be scraped off with difficulty, and 

 always brings with it numerous fragments of the haix'-like processes 

 which form the terminations of the filiform papillte. But when 

 thicker, soft and moist, it can be removed in considerable quantity 

 with ease. 



Supposed Amylaceous Substance in Fungi.* — The entire group 

 of Fungi are generally stated to be altogether destitute of both 

 chlorophyll and starch. In his investigations of the Pyrenomycetes, 

 M. Crie believes that he has detected an amylaceous substance in the 

 asci of Splicer ia Desmazieri. The young asci, having a length of from 

 0-005 to 0-007 mm., proceed from the hymenium of a perfectly 

 closed perithecium, and have hard and very dark walls ; they are 

 simple cylindrical cells, formed from a homogeneous or finely granular 

 protoplasm, enveloped by a single membrane. The existence at this 

 period of an amylaceous globule is very perceptible, presenting the 

 appearance of a simple point occupying the summit of the ascus. 

 This globule, which is distinctly organized, increases gradually in 

 size by intussusception, as can be proved by the iodine reaction, which 

 shows also that it is composed of granulose. The globule appears to 

 take no part in the formation or nutrition of the spores, but is ex- 

 pelled from the summit of the ascus immediately before their dis- 

 semination. It appears to consist of true starch, but is formed in perfect 

 darkness, from a protoplasm destitute of chlorophyll, and insoluble 

 in the cell-sap. He proposes for it the term amylomycine. 



M. de Seynes, however, contests the view of this structure taken 

 by M. Crie-t He points out that in many of the Sphferiaceae the asci 

 are composed of two utricles or membranes, one enclosed within the 

 other. The inner membrane is sometimes permanent and bears the 

 spores on its outside when it bursts the outer membrane. Sometimes 

 it is transitory, and disappears as the spores are being formed, when 

 it is diflicult of detection. Berkeley and Broome, the first describers 



* ' Comptes Reudus,' Ixxxviii. (1879) p. 759. 

 t Ibid., p. 820. 



