1892. ] A New Order of Schizomycetes. 399 
the rods swarm together for this purpose and then only in the 
central region below the rising mass of spores which, together 
with the aggregation of-rods around it, completely conceals 
the details of transformation when viewed directly under the 
microscope. By crushing such masses, however, the steps 
by which the spore-production is effected may be inferred 
from the occurrence, here and there in the swarm of unmodi-- 
fied rods and spores thus separated, of forms similar to those 
__tepresented in fig. 40. Such forms would indicate that the 
tod, by division following simultaneous or successive enlarge- 
pment throughout its whole length, is directly converted into 
spores varying in number according to the length of the rod; 
___ and in the absence of any indication of a different process this 
may be assumed ‘to be correct. This conclusion is further 
__ supported by the very frequent occurrence in such prepara- 
tions of chains of spores adhering in twos, threes or even 
fives (fig. 41). 
The germination of these spores has not been observed to 
the writer's satisfaction; but appears to consist in a gradual 
transformation from the round tothe rod-like form. Whether 
an external membrane is left behind in this process could not 
be determined. 
__ The nine species which constitute the family so far as at pres- 
ent known, may be arranged under three genera, as follows: 
eee OMYCES B. & C. (1857), in Berk. Introd. Crypt. 
Bot., p. 313, fig. 70, a(no descr.) 1857. do. in Grevillea Il. 
p. 64 (first ais ) 1874. 
Stigmatella: B. & C. in Berk. Introd. Crick Bot., p. 313, fig. 70, b (no descr.) 
7. do. in Grevillea m1, Ss a (first descr.) 
? Polycephalum: Kalch. in ‘Gnediivs IX, p. 22, 1880. 
2G Senos in peice the ws chlesien 11, I, p. 170. 
1 Nor In considering these forms from a arene point of view the 
aap has p preferred to avoid the multiplication of genera and species; sin ce the 
o t only in regard to genera and species, but also in connec- 
ie dision of the fotie asa hs which might a be divided 
erent ¢ 
n with the 
