PLASSOMYXINEAE 105 



All three kinds when they are observed to come to rest 

 assume a uniform refracting appearance and have a green 

 tint. Several times I have watched protrusions of streaming 

 protoplasm such as are shown in Fig. 29, / and g, having in 

 contact with them a small separate sphere of streaming 

 protoplasm ; and this sphere has, as if by the rotation of 

 its substance, moved slowly from its first position. Though 

 I have not watched the first formation and the actual 

 separation of one of the small spheres I have no doubt 

 these arise as buds from the molluscum bodies. 



3. Doubly Contoured Capsules. These are rare in fresh 

 material, but many develop in water cultures, Fig. 29, e. 

 They seem to be formed as a defence against bacteria : I 

 have seen many with bacteria on the outside of the capsule 

 but never inside. 



4. Internal Framework. Irregular processes extending 

 inwards may be formed apparently in the spaces between 

 the segments of a corpuscle. They are sometimes regular 

 and anastomose to form a net, Fig. 29, c ; or the framework 

 may be scanty as at /. When a capsule is secreted the 

 framework is not formed, and vice versa. 



5. Nucleus-like Bodies. These are not present in the 

 fresh corpuscle. Granules appear in an area where a nucleus 

 or bird's-eye body is to be formed. Oscillating motion may 

 be seen among the granules as the nucleus appears in a 

 clear space bounded by a membrane. This stage represents 

 in my opinion a low state of vitality of the molluscum body. 



