The Germ-cells of Lophius. 595 



During the early part of the period of rest there is an extru- 

 sion of plasmosome material from the nucleus of the germ-cells^ 

 but not from those of the body cells. 



The period of rest is one of decreased activity of the meta- 

 bolic processes of the germ-cells. They are in some way 'held 

 back' from undergoing changes during embryo formation. 



The germ-cells reach the position of the gonads by a migra- 

 tion which is in part active and in part passive. 



In Lophius the path of migration passes through the myotome. 

 This is no indication of a segmental origin of the germ-cells. 

 There is no segmental arrangement of them at any time. 



Shortly after the germ-cells reach the position of the gonad 

 they show marked evidences of renewed activity. 



Actual count shows that there is no increase in the number of 

 the germ-cells during the period of rest. 



The number of the germ-cells is not the same for all embryos 

 of the same age but shows a very considerable variation. 



