Tue Microscope. 129 
larging, finally receives the contents of the pyriform diverticula, 
assumes the mature phase and contracts, again leaving the sec- 
ondary vacuoles with their long canals. 
In reference to the posterior tuft of cilia, the statement is 
made by the English authority that, although Claparede and 
Lachmann delineate it conspicuously, he regards its presence 
as “‘signalizing a well-marked local modification. but certainly 
not the predominant types of this cosmopolitan species.” May 
it not be just possible that the absence of the brush-like tuft 
signalizes the local variety? May not the smooth-tailed Para- 
mzecium be the variety common to English writers? Accord- 
ing to my observation it is not the American form. All those 
lately received, as well as those native to my own neighbor- 
hood, possess this posterior appendage beautifully developed. 
Will not microscopists, who may have access to this infusorian, 
particularly notice the ciliary clothing of the posterior ex- 
tremity, and so aid in determining what the usual American 
form may be? 
The figure represents the animalcule with the stellate con- 
tractile vesicles ¢. v. and the posterior brush-like ciliary tuft ¢. 
magnified 200 diameters. 
THE ST. LOUIS MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY. 
FRANK L. JAMES, M. D. 
i is with a keen sense of gratification that I am enabled to 
write to you and through you to the readers of The Micro- 
scope, the fact that Saint Louis has at last a real, live Society of 
Microscopists, something that—to our shame be it said—she has 
not had before in several years. Among the first of American 
cities to organize a society. it was allowed to languish and die— 
die with a full roll of members and with funds in the treasury ! 
Was such a thing ever heard of before? It was not from lack 
of talent among the members,—for the muster roll of the old 
society embraced names known not only all over America, but 
all over the world, as earnest, scientific workers. The trouble 
was that the membership was confined exclusively to the med- 
ical profession in its most orthodox and straight-laced form. 
