208 C. CLIFFORD DOBELL. 
occurs in more than one flagellate which I shall have to 
describe, and since no convenient name has yet been given 
to it, I propose to call it the axostyle'—a name which I 
think suitably describes it. 
Asin T. serpentis, the axostyle goes either through or 
over the nucleus to reach the blepharoplast. There can be 
little doubt that blepharoplast and axostyle are really united. 
That this is so is seen especially clearly in some cases where 
the end of the axostyle is bent (cf. fig. 2), I mention this 
because it has not been clearly made out by most investigators, 
e.g. by Prowazek in T.lacertez.? The thickness of the 
axostyle is very variable. ‘Two distinct types of organism 
can be thereby distinguished—a type with a very slender 
axostyle (fig. 3), and a type with a very thick one (fig. 2). 
Intermediate forms occur, but most of the animals can be 
classified under one type or the other. In the forms with a 
slender axostyle, one very frequently finds a few very intensely 
staining granules immediately above the point where it enters 
the caudal process (fig. 3). Their meaning is obscure. 
A well-marked cytostome is usually to be seen (fig. 1). 
The largest forms reach a length of 20 uw, from extreme 
anterior end to tip of axostyle. Very minute forms, about 
6 » long, are also found occasionally, but the average length 
is about 15 p. 
Although there is no visible cuticle, the animal does not 
exhibit as a rule any irregularity of contour. Only when it 
degenerates does it become amoeboid. ‘The cytoplasm is 
generally filled with food bodies. 
The movements resemble those of Trichomonas, which 
have been often enough observed. 
I have found the creature in Rana temporaria, but never 
‘The terms used by other writers are not few, and are mostly 
descriptions rather than names—e. g. “axial rod,” ‘pointed organ,” 
“baguette squelettique,’ ‘ baguette interne,’ “style hyalin,’”’ ‘“ céte,” 
“ Achsenstab,” “ Riickenleiste,”’ “ Kiel,” “ Rippe,’’ “ costa,’ “ bastoncello 
assile,” etc. . 
* I have myself seen the attachment very clearly in this form on 
several occasions. 
