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ration divisions in Melanoplus f emur-rubrum. In M'Clung's 

 paper, among other specimens of misdirected criticism, we note the 

 statement that the dumb-bell figures which I had described as occurring 

 in this species are simply the U-shaped figures so commonly found 

 in the maturation division in insects. This statement is simply a 

 gratuitous misrepresentation. The chromatic substance which consti- 

 tutes the dumb-bell figures is not continuous, but is distinctly sepa- 

 rated by long linin fibers, and cannot, therefore, be considered one 

 of the U-shaped figures as they are ordinarily understood. The paper 

 in question gives abundant evidence of forced interpretation for the 

 purpose of explaining away abundant and evident cases which cannot 

 be made to fit into the scheme as proposed by M'Clung and other 

 authors. 



In the recent literature of the subject it seems to be generally 

 assumed that a doubhng of the chromosomes necessarily implies a 

 longitudinal splitting. It is not necessary to produce any extended 

 evidence that such an assumption is unfounded, since various authors 

 have already indicated that such a splitting is not required for doubling 

 of the chromosomes; and according to the view maintained by the 

 writer, there is no essential difference between a longitudinal and a 

 transverse division. It seems desirable, therefore, in the light of the 

 many different processes which have been found to prevail in the 

 maturation divisions in different species of animals, that attempts to 

 reconcile all the divergent accounts or to force them to fit one pre- 

 conceived scheme, should be abandoned. No success has thus far 

 attended the efforts which have been made along this line, and no 

 success is to be expected. There is no reason why there should not 

 be a great variation in the maturation divisions in different species of 

 animals, and such has been found to be the case. It is quite possible 

 that the observed and recorded phenomena in this field are only the 

 various manifestations of the more fundamental law underlying the 

 phenomena and which has as yet not been definitely formulated. 



