88 STEM EELWORMS. 
being moistened ; the other two-thirds were dead. Eggs, however, of 
which the contents (‘‘ protoplasm’’) were divided into two, four, eight, 
or sixteen segments, could not bear desiccation for even six days. 
After moistening they did not continue to develop, Eggs which had 
advanced to containing the Eelworm in embryo condition had the 
power of remaining in the state of suspended animation for six months 
(possibly still longer) without losing the power of re-animation, on 
application of moisture (p. 88 of work quoted). 
The power of the larve to regain conditions of active life after desic- 
cation was found to be very great, and the result of the series of 
experiments made by Dr. Ritzema Bos (see pp. 89-92, loc. cit.) showed 
that after suspended animation during a period of two and a half years 
they returned to their normal state. 
The adult Tylenchi (that is, those in which differences of sex were 
observable) could not support life under desiccation. 
These observations, of which I only extract a small part, are of 
very practical bearing, as showing that such of the Eelworms or their 
eggs as are in a stage of life to bear drying may remain safely (to 
themselves) in straw, or in the surface of the ground, in a dormant 
condition, or state of ‘latent life,’ without needing food, so long as 
the surrounding circumstances are dry enough for the purpose, and 
with recurrence of moisture regain their active vitality, and powers of 
crop injury. 
Applications regarding Tulip-root, beginning on May 6th and con- 
tinuing at intervals during the summer, from widely separated locali- 
ties extending as far north as Pincaitland, in Kast Lothian, showed for 
the most part very marked presence of the cha- 
racteristic malformation at the base of the stem, 
and likewise the bad injury caused by the attack. 
On June 14th specimens of Oat plants were 
sent me by Mr. M. A. Streatfield from Chested, 
Chiddingstone, Edenbridge, Kent, with remark- 
ably characteristic examples of the form of 
‘**Tulip-root,” in which swelled and distorted 
side growths, twisting in all directions, are formed 
at the base of the main shoot, excellently re- 
sembling the accompanying figure. The plants 
sent were about nine inches high. Enquiry was 
sent accompanying as to the nature of the at- 
tack, and whether likely to injure Clover seeds 
sown with the Oats. ‘‘The Oats were got in rather badly, with a 
shallow seed-bed, and were manured with guano. They came up very 
well, and promised to be a good crop till a few weeks ago; but I now 
find large patches of plants like enclosed’”’ (M. A. 8.). In this case 
Tulip-rooted Oat plant. 
