The Microscope. 253 



the earth-worm, {Zool. Anzeig., 1886-7). They may present 

 a quite homogeneous interior, even after treatment with reagents, 

 «nd again, with certain hardening fluids, such as chromic and 

 acetic acid, they may exhibit certain differentiations. A band 

 of granular axial substance is seen in transverse sections, in which 

 the granules have an angular form, and it is possible to convince 

 one's self that there is an extremely fine plexus, in which the dots are 

 the nodal points. There is, therefore, a spongioplasm, in the 

 meshes of which a hyaloplasm is contained. It seems that in 

 transverse sections, the median or larger of the colossal fibres is 

 divided by septa, arising fi'om the cortical layer, into two halves, 

 each of which has its own axial bands. This is clearly the com- 

 mencement of what, in other genera, is the absolute division of the 

 fibre into two tubes (e. g. Stylaria). Careful observation reveals the 

 presence of intermediate stages between the ordinary and colossal 

 fibres; this is best seen in the region of the ganglia. The author 

 directs attention to the relations between the colossal fibres and 

 what he has already taught as to the structure of the nerves of 

 invertebrate animals. To understand thoroughly the nature of the 

 colossal fibres it is necessary to extend investigations to the anthro- 

 poda, where likewise there are colossal fibres, which are true 

 elements of the nervous system. — Journal Royal Microscopical 

 Society. 



MoEPHOLOGY OF THE SpoROPHORE IN MossES. — In a recent meet- 

 ing (Jan. 20th,) of the Linnean Society, Mr. J. R. Vaizey read a 

 paper on the morphology of sporophore in mosses. The " central 

 strand," surrounded by a single layer of cells is composed, as is 

 well known, of an outer cylinder of elongated cells with somewhat 

 thickened walls and a central region of smaller thin-walled cells. 

 The former Mr. Vaizey calls prophloem, the latter, being conductive 

 of water, proxylem. This proxylem only differs from the xylem of 

 vascular plants " in the absence of spiral thickening and lignification 

 of the cells." "The prophloem differs still less from phloem, 

 though no sieve-tissue has been discovered ; but this is lacking in 

 some vascular plants." The conclusion drawn is that mosses and 

 vascular plants have descended from a common ancestor, similar to 

 the anthocerathae. — The Botanical Gazette. 



