548 P. W. WHITING 



that it is not significant in Culex as it is in other creatures. 

 Finally, (p. 394), it is concluded that synizesis represents an 

 inactive phase of the nucleus. This last statement is probably 

 true in a different sense from what Taylor intended. 



In the Hemiptera Wilson ('12) observed a distinct synizesis 

 occurring at the time of synapsis and is inclined to consider it 

 a normal phenomenon. In speaking of "the polarized amphi- 

 tene, or 'bouquet-stage/ that is characteristic of Tomopteris, 

 Batracoseps and other forms," Wilson states that it is " entirely 

 wanting in these insects, where, in its place, we find the closely 

 convoluted and apparently non-polarized synaptic knot, or 

 synizesis. The controversy as to whether the latter is an arti- 

 fact, due to the coagulating effect of the reagents seems to be 

 terminated by the fact .... that the synizesis may be 

 seen in the fresh (living?) material immediately after gentle 

 teasing apart of the cells in a normal fluid (Ringer's solution) 

 in which the spermatozoa continue actively to swim." Wilson 

 seems to question just how much alive "the fresh (living?) mate- 

 rial" may be, and might also have questioned the perfect nor- 

 mality of Ringer's solution. It would seem that during the 

 synaptic phase the chromatic elements are in a very unstable 

 condition, and that any shock is likely to cause them to clump 

 together. 



Whatever may be the normal condition in other forms, I am 

 convinced from observations with different methods of technique, 

 that in Culex pipiens synizesis is an artifact. 



D. CONTINUITY OF THE CHROMOSOMES 



The matter of chromosome continuity has been ardently 

 assailed by some investigators and as ardently defended by 

 others. 



It is tacitly held for Culex pipiens by Stevens and Taylor. 

 Lomen ('14) considers the matter at length and concludes that 

 all appearances are against it. He has, in first spermatocyte 

 growth stage, a 'Brockenstadium' in which the chromosomes are 

 completely broken up. The chromatin appears as fine granules 



