62 THE MICROSCOPE. 



zones was made up of cells closely" resembling those of the medullar 

 rays. 



The longitudinal section showed the pitted vessels surrounded 

 by long, sharp, pointed prosenchyma and the somewhat tabular cells 

 of the medullary rays. The middle and inner barks and the paren- 

 chyma were loaded with starch. 



Adulterations. — At one time the true parrira brava nearly disap- 

 peared from the market and various varieties were introduced to 

 take its place. Among these were the following: 



i. The stem and roots of cassampelos parrira L. This can be 

 readily identified as a transverse section shows no concentric rings 

 of wood nor is the arrangement of wedges oblique. 



• 2. Common "false parrira brava," is of a bright yellow color 

 within and has a yellowish bark. It can be identified by the color 

 without a microscopical examination. 



3. There is also a variety having a blackish bark, but with the 

 interior nearly white. It is nearly tasteless while the true parrira 

 brava is exceedingly bitter. 



4. Aereal stems are also found in trade but they have a distinct 

 pith and a less waxy appearance. In the underground stem the 

 pith, if any, is reduced to a mere point. 



A PARASITE IN THE RED BLOOD CORPUSCLES OF A 



TURTLE. 



BY W. H. BIRCHMORE, M. D. 



AN article in your last issue on a parasite in the red blood corpus- 

 cles of the terrapin recalls the following: It was in August, 

 1870, I found a common mud turtle on the road side in Dorchester, 

 and took it home to sacrifice it at the altar of Athens. In dissect- 

 ing, I noticed the blood was extravasated in spots, so I set to work 

 to examine it. In addition to the blood corpuscles were bodies 

 about one-half their size, exceedingly transparent, but as they rolled 

 on, by oblique light, they glistened. Indeed, with spontaneous 

 motion these bodies would attach themselves to a corpuscle's edge, 

 and, as it were, envelope it, after which the corpuscle seemed 

 shrivelled. I was not at that time impressed with the importance of 

 my find, nor had I the needed' skill to make a proper investigation. 

 I am sorry. I can not be more satisfactory. I also found similar 

 bodies in the muscle capillaries. 



