86 On the development of the Sporce of Anthoceros Icevis. 



ovoid, becomes almost always globular ; however in this 

 respect there are a great number of exceptions. 



The thickening of the walls appears to emanate in part 

 from a true increase of these parts, and this is an entirely 

 normal mutation, because it is manifested regularly at this 

 period. Afterward however the thickening of the wall is only 

 apparent, and manifests itself before the eyes of the obser- 

 ver when the cellules have been a long time in water, for 

 the cellular wall is then very hygroscopic, and is formed of a 

 gelatinous substance, rather tenacious, it tears with difficul- 

 ty, and is not tinged brown by iodine. 



It happens often that in consequence of the prolonged ac- 

 tion of water the cellular walls become considerably swollen 

 in the interior towards the cavity of the cellule, and often to 

 such a degree that this latter disappears almost entirely, and 

 that the mass contained within is often pressed to the centre, 

 assuming an amorphous appearance. 



Soon after that the mother-cellules have assumed this 

 state, there is a division manifested in their cavity. Thus 

 there is formed at the inner surface of the cellular wall, and 

 always between two granular masses, a narrow line, three of 

 the lines in passing from the circumference unite in the 

 centre by obtuse angles (fig. 23.) Those lines, as results 

 from the number and from the position indicated by the 

 granular cellules, are six in number, they unite in four points, 

 and divide in that manner the surface of the cellule into four 

 triangular surfaces. Those lines are the first rudiments of 

 septa which afterward will replace them. The manner by 

 which those septa are formed is a matter of much difficulty 

 to observe, and I should intimate, that in spite of reiterated 

 inquiries I have not been able to dispel the doubt which 

 still remains in my mind on this subject. 



The fine lines of which I have spoken, appear to be narrow 

 raised lines, emanating from the interior of the cellular wall 

 (or the rudiments of septa) which afterwards join towards 



