334 ATWELL: POLAR BODIES IN RICCIOCARPUS 
In the earliest prophase of division noted, the chromatin seems 
to be arranged in a mass of irregular lumps, surrounded by a ho- 
mogenous material which seems denser next to the nuclear mem- 
brane and which has a staining reaction quite similar to the sur- 
rounding cytoplasm; no nucleolus is distinguishable; the nuclear 
membrane is pronounced, the cytoplasm finely and evenly granular. 
Fic. 3 shows cells typical of this condition. Centrosome-like bodies 
appear in cells of younger antheridia as well as in older ones. 
They are also present in cells of both old and young antheridia 
during the earlier as well as the diagonal division. Fic. 1 shows 
a young antheridium in one of the segments of which these bodies 
were observed in connection with the three nuclei of that segment. 
One of these cells is drawn under higher magnification in FIG. 4. 
Fic. 6 represents these bodies in a cell of a much older antheridium 
when the spindle and nucleus are in a more advanced stage than 
in Fic. 4. The bodies are distinct and cannot be explained as 
granules appearing accidentally for they appeared quite con- 
stantly. They do not seem to be permanent organs as they arise 
and disappear with each new division. 
The origin of these bodies was not taken up. However, their 
position at the poles and their direct connection with the spindle 
suggest that they may represent an important factor in the 
formation of the spindle. Lewis describes these bodies as first 
appearing at a little distance from the nuclear membrane which 
elongates as it approaches them. Fics. 4 and 5 are typical, and 
show the bodies as entirely outside and free from the nuclear 
membrane. Kinoplasm is collected about and extending away 
from them in cap- or cone-like form outlining the spindle, which is 
apparently produced from the kinoplasm and consists of a few 
thick fibers converging at the poles. The bodies lie in the position 
of true centrosomes. 
The chromosomes are formed from the central mass of nuclear 
material and become arranged in the nuclear plate. Fics. © 
and 7 show them in this position during the diagonal division. 
They split and pass to the poles. The polar bodies are always 
present in this last division. No stages of anaphase were ob- 
served, probably due to the rapid change of the position of the 
chromosomes from the plate to the poles. Fic. 7 shows the chro- 
