0 
Or 
probably, the polar-capsule, in which case the dot would 
be the capsulogenous-cell nucleus. The granule 
itself is certainly not the capsule, for, in other spores, I 
have never found the capsule to stain up at all, and 
besides, it is very rarely terminal in position. Moreover, 
in one instance (at x) it is distinctly double, as if the 
nucleus had divided—as, in fact, Stempell (l.c¢.) main- 
tains it does in the spores of T’helohania. On this view. 
the other clear area (v.) would represent the vacuole seen 
in the fresh condition. JI am semewhat inclined to think 
this tends to increase in size with the ripening of the 
spore (as indicated by the number of nuclei), and I 
suggest, tentatively, that it may have some such func- 
tion as the oval body in the spores of Coccidiwm, to assist 
in separating the valves and liberating the germ. In the 
sporoplasm itself, there is not much to be made out save 
the nucleus (N). In the earlier stages this is single and 
round, but in its most general condition in my sections 
it has the form of a horseshoe, being drawn out prior to 
division. Sometimes, however, as im the two upper 
examples, it has distinctly divided into two. Stempell 
is of the opinion that these two nuclei (representing two 
germs, although the sporoplasm has not divided) again 
‘ 
fuse, this action constituting a “ conjugation,’ which is, 
as yet, unknown for the order. This requires confirma- 
tion before it can be accepted, as it 1s, a@ prior, most 
unlikely that two germs, so closely related and, indeed, 
barely separated, would conjugate; such a proceeding 
would be entirely without precedent. Once or twice the 
sporoplasm possessed three nuclei, the reason for which I 
have not made out. 
While revising these notes, I have received from Mr. 
Johnstone a slide, a smear preparation, made, he writes, 
from cysts in the otic capsule of a plaice. The car- 
