SPH^EROPLEA ANNULIXA 



571 



themselves togetlier again ; and they soon assume a globular or 

 ovoidal shape (6), whilst at the same time definite openings (c) are 

 formed in their containing cell-wall. Through these openings the 

 antherozoids developed within other cells gain admission, as 

 shown at No. 12, d ; and they become absorbed into the before-men- 



FIG. 431. Development and reproduction of Sphceroplea. 



tioned masses, which soon afterwards become invested with a firm 

 membranous envelope, as shown in the lower part of No. 12. These 

 undergo further changes whilst still contained within their tubular 

 parent-cells, their colour passing from green to red ; and a second 

 investment is formed within the first, which extends itself into 

 stellate prolongations, as seen in No. 13; so that when set free 



