Zimmsrmann foimd in many cases that the elaioplasts showed a manifest 

 similarity to the fungous organisms and as a conseg.uenc-e they do not exclude 

 the q.-u©stion of possihle parasitism or symbiosis. Such an opinion was later 

 combated by Eacihorski, who, from studies which he made on the development 

 of the elaioplasts in the vegetative organs of the Liliaceae, reached the 

 conclusion that they [the elaioplasts] may be considered as normal organs 

 of the XQSpeotive cells, I, never having been able to observe the formation 

 of spores in numerous cases in which I observed the elaioplasts, do not 

 believe it is possible to support the opinion of Zimmermann. 



On the other hand, if it is a question of parasitism, the spherical 

 bodies which constitute the elaioplasts ought to present the characteristic 

 structure of the cell. Such a structure I have not been able to distinguish 

 in the many preparations which I have made, not even in cases in whic|i they 

 exhibit notable size, even when I used the most powerful iaimersion objective 

 and the strongest compensating oculars. 



If, again, it may be added that it [the elaioplast] may be treated as 

 a parasitic organism, it ought not to have the characteristic chemical 

 .constitution which is presented in the elaioplast and should appear anj'where 

 in the cytoplasm and not constantly next to the nuclieas, 



.1 have sought also to cultivate the elaioplasts obtained from very thin 

 sections of the external epidermis of scales of the bulbs of Hippeastnan 

 aulicvim ^id Haemanthus ^Ibiflos in suitable nutrient media, sugar solutions 

 of varying concentration, iCnop's solution, and gelatine. In the attempts 

 made they Jiav^ not shown the least tendency to grow, and after a few days 

 begin to degenerate. 



