CONFERVOID FILAMENTS OF MOSSES. 579 
The next series of remarks will show the results of " free-cell formal ion " (Nagcli), or 
"free cytogenesis " (Pringsheim), as it occurs in these filaments. 
As far as my observations extend, there are two varieties of this mode of cell-formation 
in this portion of the Mosses. 
1. The first is by the gathering together of the whole contents into one or more oval 
masses, which become covered by a cell-wall thrown around each portion ; and by the 
segmentation of these while still within the parent cell (PL LVIII. tig. 21a, b, c). In 
both instances these masses are released by the destruction of t lie parent-cell wall. That 
they again divide when set free, probably many times, is all that I have been as yet able 
to discover, beyond the amoeboid change to be alluded to below. This I have observed 
best in those cells which have lived in water— a position probably favouring this 
mode. That these portions of contents can segment, and continue to do so, seems to 
me to militate entirely against the opinion that the whole process is not a healthy 
one. 
There is another point in connexion with these new cells, namely, that their contents 
become of a red or reddish-brown colour, in manner similar to the change so frequently 
observed among Algae that I need not particularize it here. 
But the most remarkable feature in their history is that upon which I have already 
dwelt in a paper on vegetable amoeboid bodies (Mic. Journ., April 1862), and then- 
tee need not do more than call attention to the point, namely, that these cells gra- 
dually lose their colour, with the exception of a few reddish granules. Whja this 
change is complete, they possess the power of moving about as do Amcebce (PI. LVIII. 
fig. 22 a, ft). After thev have continued to do so a certain time, they reassume the 
ovoid form, and are clothed with very delicate cilia, in a constant state of vibration 
(PI LVIII ft" 22 c). For further remarks on this curious change, and its connexion 
with similar occurrences in the Algas, I must refer to the paper above quoted. 
2. The second mode of free-cell formation is as follows : 
The cells in the stem and leaves of the Mosses contain, as is well known, a varying 
number of granules of a homogeneous green colour, which are called by^s ageh and ot he rs 
"chlorophyll-utricles." They are generally connected with each other ^ means of 
delicate colourless threads of endoplast. These utricles or IT*^"^*^ 
the confervoid filaments, in variable quantity, sometimes, as m rapid giowth, widely 
separated, sometimes, as in slow growth, closely pressed together. thpmsplves 
In either case these chlorophyll-masses have the power of ^ n *^^™ 
a cell-wall of growing, of forming in their centre a nucleus, and of segmenting and also 
oi 5S !«££*«* cell capable of undergoing further changes presently to be 
pomted out. assess an outer membrane, and has 
Now Nageli has already pomted out that they P°--sjn & ^ 
shown that they multmly by f^'^^Z by the author of the artiele 
membrane has been denied by Caspary t, HeU land < 3: tt and y 
on Chlorophyll, in the ' Micrographie Djctionary, who, on t he otner nan , 
• IU y Society, ,849, pp. UW* t «■ Hy«U, Prions J**, d. W. *** i. p.399. 
