and some other Grasses. 463 



methods there at last is formed a moniliform filament, which, though simple 

 in its origin, ultimately becomes branched, the branchlets most commonly 

 having a centrifugal development, radiating* from a central collection of 

 cellules, and giving off innumerable joints, which become perfect sporidia 

 (Tab. XXXIII. B. fig. 9. and 10.), which commence again the several methods 

 of germination just detailed. 



These granules appear important bodies, resembling probably the nature of 

 the nuclei, which were first discovered by Mr. Brown in the cells of various or- 

 gans, and since called ci/foblasts by Schlciden in his description oi Plii/tngene- 

 sis ; and these different metliods of germination aflford good illustrations of the 

 manner of the formation of cellular tissue ; and occasionally it happens that 

 three of the methods, viz. pullulation, division, and the emission of tubes 

 from the sporidia, may be detected in différent parts of one little plant at the 

 same time, as in Tab. XXXIII. B. fig. 9. 



Whilst witnessing the daily increase and manner of development of this 

 singular plant, an extreme number of green granules alone presented them- 

 selves, which had collected into one spot near the upper edge of the glass on 

 which they were placed, and probably from being different in specific gravity 

 from the water, had so collected hy the glass having been kept in a position fa- 

 vourable for their so doing. These granules were about the T^-s-s-th part of an 

 inch in diameter, and possessed the movements of "active molecules," which 

 was of greater range in proportion to their size than that observed in the spo- 

 ridia before mentioned. Oti applying the highest magnifying powers it was 

 found that these granules Avere similar to those in the interior of the sporidia, 

 and sometimes were seen singly, at other times two united, and in a few cases 

 three connected in a line, as at (Tab. XXXIII. B. fig. 1 1.). Being at a loss to 

 conceive how these granules could escape from the body containing them, 



* The radiating and moniliform character observed in tliis Uttle plant, I consider is particularly owing 

 to the manner in which it has been caused to grow ; for being covered by a piece of mica, the sporidia 

 or joints as they have formed have not been exposed to any cause likely to disturb the slender union 

 they have with each other ; and in this way they assume a condition which is unnatural, as on the 

 ergot the articulations are scarcely ever found combined. I have noticed the same fact with Torula 

 cerevisia, which has been made to grow without being distuibed, when a long string of sporidia could 

 be seen, and with a slight agitation of the liquid not more than two or three could be afterwards found 

 united. 



VOL. XVIII. 3 P 



