228 RELATIONSHIPS OF THE COCCACEyE 



forming organisms, it seems to the authors likely that the 

 property of the sarcina-grouping is of secondary impor- 

 tance. The name Sarcina is, however, firmly intrenched 

 in the literature and usage of bacteriology. We have 

 felt it wise, therefore, to retain the old genus, pending a 

 consensus of opinion as to its identity with Micrococcus. 

 We have, of course, emended the standard definition of 

 the genus by adding those biochemical characters which 

 we have observed to be associated with the sarcinae (other 

 than the red pigment formers). With the exception of 

 packet formation, the definition is the same as that of the 

 genus Micrococcus. 



Genus Sarcina (Goodsir) Winslow and Rogers. 

 Facultative parasites or saprophytes. Division occurs 

 under favorable conditions in three planes, producing 

 regular packets. Generally decolorize by Gram. Growth 

 on agar abundant with formation of yellow pigment. Dex- 

 trose broth slightly acid y lactose broth generally neutral. 

 Gelatin frequently liquefied. Nitrates may or may not be 

 reduced. 



Of our one hundred and thirty-seven strains of this 

 generic type, thirty-three came from the body (eighteen 

 of them from diseased conditions), forty-five from water, 

 thirty-one from earth, and twenty-eight from the air. 

 Thirty-two were Gram-positive on each of two trials, sixty- 

 three Gram-negative, and forty-two variable. Forty- 

 five produced a very heavy surface growth, forty-six an 

 abundant surface growth, forty- three a good surface 



