4 A Monograph of the Myxogastres. 



observed in other vegetable cells which have not a "firm 

 membrane. The characteristic mark of separation lies in the 

 formation of plasmodia or aggregation of swarm-cells." l 



We find in the above paragraph the reasons why the Myxo- 

 gastres are placed outside the vegetable kingdom ; these reasons 

 we further find to be two in number one general, the other 

 specific. Commencing with the general reason, " The group of 

 the Mycetozoa differs distinctly from the Fungi ... in all such 

 characteristics as do not belong to all organisms alike." In 

 estimating the value of the above reason, it will be most 

 satisfactory to accept De Bary's own idea as to what constitutes 

 a standpoint for comparison, which is as follows " We find it 

 impossible to establish any strict homologies, and we are limited 

 to the observation of resemblances in form, structure, and mode 

 of life." 2 As stated above, the Myxogastres are so far differ- 

 entiated as to have the vegetative and reproductive phases 

 sharply defined, and it is customary, I believe, to take the sum 

 of characters presented by loth phases, in determining affinities ; 

 hence while admitting that reproduction is common to all 

 organisms alike, I maintain that differences of degree in 

 connection with reproduction, are also of value in determining 

 affinities, and consequently cannot reconcile "the resemblance 

 of the Mycetozoa to the Fungi is due partly to their mode of 

 life and nutrition, partly to the close agreement in structure 

 and biological characters between their organs of reproduction and 

 the spores of Fungi " (the italics are ours) with " the group 

 of the Mycetozoa differs distinctly from the Fungi . . . in all 

 such characteristics as do not belong to all organisms alike" 

 (italics ours) especially as De Bary admits that in such simple 

 groups, our proofs of affinity are "limited to the observation 

 of resemblances in forms, structure, and mode of life." 



Second, or specific reason. " The characteristic mark of 

 separation lies in the formation of plasmodia or aggregation of 

 swarm- cells." 



To realize the true value of the two points, both presented by 

 the vegetative phase, and considered by De Bary as of sufficient 



1 Tom. cit. p. 443. 2 Tom. cit. p. 443. 



