86 BOTANICAL GAZETTE | FEBRUARY 
smaller ones, the group gradually becomes fused, or the smaller 
bud-like processes disappear. The nucleolus is then drawn out 
in one or more directions so as to appear elliptical or triangular, 
or even rectilinear (jigs. 3, 4, 5). It is, however, generally 
elliptical. Whatever may be the shape during this formative 
period of the chromosomes, the nucleolus is connected with 
certain linin threads, and it is evidently drawn out toward them. 
Often when the nucleolus appears circular in outline, by proper 
focusing certain attachments above or below may be seen. The 
fusiform and closely budded condition of the nucleolus was noted 
in living material, and I anticipated finding the Sickelstadium 
of Zimmermann.‘ 
The chromosomes increase rapidly in size with the gradual 
disappearance of the chromatin from the linin connections. 
The incomplete union of the two segments in the process of bend- 
ing back is often evident until the disappearance of the nuclear 
membrane, at which time the chromosomes tend to collect at the 
periphery of the nucleus. I have observed no protrusion of 
bundles of kinoplasm into the nuclear hollow before the separa- 
tion of the fibers forming the nuclear membrane. 
The spirem stage and the formation of the chromosomes are 
somewhat different in Peltandra from that which obtains in 
Symplocarpus, but I have fewer stages from which to draw conclu- 
sions. At no time can the spirem ribbon be distinguished as a loose 
coil. It twists and bends upon itself so freely as to suggest 
anastomoses (fig. z5). There are not such definite granules 
upon the ribbon, and the staining is much more homogeneous. 
Nothing which could be interpreted as a general longitudinal 
division of the ribbon was observed. On the other hand, it 
gradually becomes thicker where there seem to be anastomoses; 
and with further growth the whole extent of the skein is much 
shortened, and the chromatin thickenings are connected by slender 
threads, as in fig. 76. The nucleolus is often fusiform; but it 
never presents such exaggerated forms as in Symplocarpus. Each 
: * ZIMMERMANN : Uber das Verhalten der Nukleolen wahrend der Karyokines¢ 
Beitrige z. Morph. u. Phys. d. Pflanzen 
