1894.] MICROSCOPICAL JOURNAL. 261 



following table shows the state of things on September 

 28, 1891 : 



In January and February, 1892, Synura was again 

 present in Lake Cochituate immediately under the ice. 

 While the numbers were not large, the conditions for 

 the production of oil were probably at their best, for 

 the taste was strong. This taste and the Synura colonies 

 themselves could be traced through Chestnut Hill reser- 

 voir into the service pipes, where in certain parts of the 

 city the taste was quite strong, and complaints were 

 made by the consumers. It is likely, however, that 

 other infusoria than Synura helped in the production of 

 this taste. That the taste was not due to the decay of 

 the organisms in the pipes is shown by the fact that the 

 bacteria at that time were quite low, the average of 14 

 tap samples being 61 per c. c. 



The most extensive growth of Synura which has been 

 found in Boston water occured in the ponds on Stony 

 brook just above basin 3 in November and December, 

 1893. Both in Rice's and in Nichol's mill ponds the 

 number of colonies frequently reached 200 per c.c. (equal 

 to about 1,000 standard units.) These were gradually 

 washed down into basin 3. At one time 2,000 standard 

 units were found in the influent stream. Very few, 

 however, reached the city taps, and no trouble was 

 caused. 



There is no question but that the Synura uvella is a 

 very objectionable organism. Mr. F. F. Forbes,* Super - 



* F. F. Forbes. The Relative Taste and Odor Imparted to Water by 

 same Algse and Infusoria. Jour. N. E. Water Works Association. Dec. 1891. 



