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1909] CURRENT LITERATURE 45, 
(possibly an enzyme produced only in light), which is not operative in cucurbi- 
taceous seeds, but is active in etiolated leaves. 
Perhaps other so-called chlorophyll originating in the dark will prove to be 
only this forerunner of chlorophyll. The authors will continue their further 
researches together. Out of 800 species in 110 families sae aee they have 
found chlorophyllogen in representatives of 18 families.—C. R 
Nucleoli in Marsilia——To prove whether or not there is any transfer of 
chromatin substance into nucleoli and vice versa, BERGHS"® has studied vegetative 
mitosis in the root and prothallium of Marsilia macra and M. Drummondii. A 
peculiar condition of the nucleolus in Marsilia was described two years ago by 
STRASBURGER. The resting nucleus in these species generally contains a single 
conspicuous nucleolus, which always takes stains deeply, and at a certain stage 
almost all of the stained substances are found only in the nucleolus. BERGHS, 
after following the whole processes of vegetative mitosis in the meristem of the 
root and in the young prothallium, gives the following results. The nucleolus 
is achromatophile at the moment of its appearance, and afterward becomes more 
and more chromatophile; at the same time the chromatin network loses its 
chromatin and decreases in size. The chromatin network in the resting nucleus 
certainly does not contain the total substance of the definite chromosomes, and in 
the prophase the nucleolus loses chromatin matter during the formation of 
chromosomes. The fact that the nucleolus is formed as an achromatic substratum 
and becomes impregnated with chromatin material during the resting stage, the 
author believes, indicates a transfer of chromatin material between the nucleolus 
and chromosomes.—SHicko YAMANOUCHI. 
Development of Aeginetia——The morphology and anatomy of Aeginetia 
indica were described by Kusano a few years ago, but he found nothing peculiar 
which would distinguish it from Orobanche. But it does show interesting features 
in its ae and = growth, which he describes in a recent paper.?° The 
short-lived seeds germi lation by some substance or substances 
arising from the roots of vascular plants, and the development of the seedling takes 
place only on certain species of monocotyledons. The first sign of germination 
is the appearance of large globular cells at the radicular end of the embryo, from 
several of which develop hairs, sometimes a millimeter in length, that protrude in 
all directions. When they come into contact with the host root, they attach them- 
selves (by slight insertion or cement 2), and then coil irregularly, thus drawing the 
embryo close to the host. These tendril-like hairs Kusano calls hair-tendrils. If 
the host be suitable the seedling develops a tubercular body, from which arises 
the see | haustorium. This secures s nutriment from the host, making possible 
later th which arise much as in Orobanche. 
ne eels 
: hy = J., Les cinéses somatiques dans le Marsilia. La cellule 25:73-84- 
Pl. I. 1908 
“ Kusan , S., Further studies on Aeginetia indica, Bull. Coll. Agric. Tokyo 
Imp. Univ. ot page| (?). pl. 7. 1908. 
