204' Bibliographical Notices. 



lighter anterior portion these green globules are much less frequent 

 than in the posterior ^^ortion ; so, on the contrary, the vesicular ca- 

 vities are more numerous in the anterior portion than behind, where 

 they are replaced by globules of chlorophyll. There is no trace of 

 a cytoblast. 



9. The motions of the spores are rotatory round their axis major 

 from left to right, and sometimes straightforward ; in either case 

 produced by the vibrating cilia. Moments of rest alternate at plea- 

 sure with motion, which on the whole continues for about two 

 hours. 



10. With the cessation of motion the ellipsoid assumes a globular 

 form ; the colour becomes uniform, and the crystalline transparent 

 epithelium changes into a tender, homogeneous, vegetable membrane. 

 In less than twelve hours the bladder elongates at one or two points, 

 which is the indication of germination. 



1 1 . The development of the tube proceeds rapidly. On one side 

 a root is formed, by which the plant is fastened, while on the other 

 side the spore elongates, becomes branched, and mthin fourteen days 

 produces new spores. 



12. I do not find any substance which tends to prolong the ani- 

 mal life of these germs. Experiments show that it is very easily de- 

 stroyed by the weakest dynamic and chemical external influences, 

 and that even the vegetable life is destroyed by them. A tempera- 

 ture from 0° R. to 15° R. is proper to it. A higher temperature is 

 destructive. 



Light has no influence in prolonging or shortening the animal life. 

 On the contrary, absolute darkness retards the process of germina- 

 tion, while green light promotes it. Acids, alkalies, salts in the 

 smallest proportions, are destructive ; narcotics destroy both the power 

 of motion and germination. A weak electrical stream deranges the 

 motion, a strong one is altogether fatal. 



13. The spontaneous motion of the germs of Vaucheria is not an 

 isolated fact. A whole series of Algse (Zoospermece), as well articu- 

 late as inarticulate, have this peculiarity, and it appears from the 

 present observations that the same organization is the cause of the 

 phfenomena. Comparative inquiries show that these moveable germs 

 are to be regarded as embryos, which resemble the tetraspores of 

 Algfe*. 



14. These germs, regarded on one side only, are not to be ex- 

 cluded from the animal kingdom to which they belong, as indicated 

 by the structure of the skin, the voluntary motion, and their sensi- 

 bility to outward influence. 



15. Neither the absence of mouth or reproductive organs, nor the 

 presence of gum (schleim) and chlorophyll, are contradictory as to 

 their animal nature, since there are animals which do not possess the 

 first, and possessed of parts which otherwise belong to vegetables. 

 Among animal forms the embryos of the lower classes of invertebrate 



• The word in the original is Fuco'uleeii; but this is evidently a slip of the 

 pen. It bUouUI be Florideen. — Ed. 



