26 PAULINE H. DEDERER 
5. In the post-synaptic spireme stage, the nuclei of the future 
nurse cells show the haploid number of threads, indicating a 
preparation for division, although the chromosomes are destined 
only for disintegration. In the egg cell the spireme is probably 
continuous. .A plasmosome is present in both cases. 
6. During the growth period, the chromosomes of the nurse 
cells fragment into numerous granules. The nuclear wall be- 
comes much infolded, and is lined with the granules. 
7. A transfer of material takes place from the nurse cells to 
the egg, through connecting tubes derived from the spindle 
remains of the final oogonial divisions. The egg cell increases 
in size at the expense of the nurse cells. 
8. Amitosis does not occur among the germ cells. Degen- 
eration of cells is common in the region of differentiation. 
9. The egg nucleus remains in the spireme stage throughout 
the greater part of the growth period. There is no indication 
of a segmentation into the haploid number of threads. 
10. Shortly before emergence, a few of the youngest cells 
in the ovary show a faint disintegrating spireme. In most of 
the cells no trace of chromatin is present. This indicates that 
the chromosomes lose their visible identity during the growth 
period. It is impossible to demonstrate the form which the 
chromatin assumes during this period of its diffusion. 
11. In the oldest cells of a late ovary the chromosomes re- 
appear in the form of 13 short rods or dumb-bell-shaped bodies 
characteristic of the early metaphase groups of chromosomes. 
March, 1914. 
