20 



The forms under which the mass appears following the f-asion of the 

 spherical "bodies are, as has been said, extremely variable. In fact^ such 

 a mass may appear as a large sphere (from which are sent out one or more 

 tree-like ramifications) (?1. XIV, fig. 5, f , ^) , spheroid, ellipsoid, and even 

 grumosg, thus presenting prominent lobes. 



Thus does one see how in this degenerating elaioplast there develops 

 a unified mass from the normal form of an aggregate of spherical bodies 

 which represent the perfect development by diverse successive stages, in 

 v/hich the single spherical elements which constitute it come little by 

 little to finally join together* Probably the fundamental substance of the 

 elaioplast during this process undergoes some chemical modification, con- 

 sidering that it, being at first colorless, begins to become yellowish, 

 and ends frequently by becoming intensely brown. Moreover, the oleose 

 substance in the advanced stages of degeneration of the elaioplast appears 

 in the form of minute drops, then diminishes in size and finally disappears. 



Following the disappearance of the oleose substance there remains the 

 proteinaceous substance, which continues for some time to represent the 

 elaioplast, reduced to lumps or granules which later dissolve and disappear* 



Ifi/hen the bulb resu:nes its functional activity there form anew in the 

 epidermal cells of the scale elaioplasts, virhich multiplj'- throtigh a process 

 of true geraroaticn as well as by neoplasia (Pl, XIY,,fig. g) ♦ In fact, I 

 have observed that they s,ppear as a sphere at the surface of which in com- 

 plete development there forms a tiny spherical embossment. This growth 

 ends on reaching a certain size (which is generally raach inferior to that 

 of the individual which produces it) and afterwards there develops another 

 similar one which behaves nearly in the same manner. 



