1897] OBSERVATIONS ON THE MYVXOBACTERIACE 397 
dium, consisting of a matrix of hyaloplasm wholly destitute of 
nuclei and apparently of any structure whatever, in which are 
embedded rod-like microsomata capable of entering upon an 
independent existence when separated from the plasmodium, as 
well as possessed of a Beggiatoa-like power of locomotion and 
a capacity for indefinite multiplication by fission, coupled with 
a faculty of transforming themselves suddenly into slender fila- 
ments, would be sufficiently singular, even were not these same 
‘“‘microsomata’’ demonstrably cells, similar to the cells of other 
schizomycetes ; and did not these cells, like other bacteria, pro 
duce, in a whole series of forms, definitely differentiated spores 
capable of germination. 
That all plasmodia, as suggested by further observations 
recorded in the “Notiz” just mentioned, are likely to prove 
Similar to the vegetative mass of the Myxobacteriacee, and that 
they will be found to possess a mode of increase, hitherto over- 
looked, by means of bacteria-like energids, seems unlikely in 
view of the well known fact that the energids of true plasmodia 
are potential amcebe. It is hardly necessary to remark that I 
am unable to agree with Dr. Zukal in considering the Myxobac- 
teriacez members of the Mycetozoa; and further observation of 
them during the past five years, during which certain species, 
including C. crocatus, have been kept in constant cultivation in my 
laboratory, has served fully to confirm the correctness of the 
views previously published in the Gazette. Having been occu- 
pied during this time with other matters, I have been unable to pay 
Special attention to the group; yet have succeeded in accumu- 
lating a certain amount of new material, and have made a few 
additional observations in connection with the development of 
its members, the most important of which relate to the sporula- 
tion and spore germination of the species of Myxococcus; both _ 
: Which matters were left undetermined in my previous paper. 
The present note is therefore offered as a further contribution 
_ towards a knowledge of the species, as well as of the develop- 
_ Ment of a group of organisms which, as is evidenced by Mo 
entire omission from a work like the Pflanzenfamilien of Engler 
