Hippeastrum vittatira Herb., H, reticulafum Herb, 



The bulbs of tnis species vrere ex^nined both in the dormant and 

 functionally active stages. In the external epidermis of the scales of the 

 bulb during this period of dormancy the elaioplasts assume varied forms 

 (PI. XIII, figs. i+, 5), v/hicii may be considered as representing the ultimate 

 or final phases of their developnent ; in fact, they appear as single masses 

 without any structure, often veiy large, strongly refractile to light, 

 colorless or light yellow. 



Such a mass is of cost irregular form and may appear now grumose and 

 lobate, now granolose with tree-like ramifications, ajid finally as a col- 

 lection of very minute rounded bodies. Such masses are immersed in the 

 cytoplasm. They are generally found close to the cell nucleus and show the 

 following reactions: 



With a solution of iodide of potassium they stain intesely brown, 

 treated with nitric acid and then with aasnonia they take on a yellow color. 



The color reaction to Millon*s reagent when warmed is brick red. 



Treated with sulphate of copper aji^d then with potassiian hydrate, they 

 take on a violet tint. 



The substance, therefore, of the mass under examination is of a protein^ 

 aceous nature. Moreover, as is shown, it yet remains to be established, 

 with the aid of the mififrochemical reactions indicated by Zsicharias (S^) (in 

 his last work on the chemical constitution of protoplasm amd of the nucleus), 

 toy/ Vk'hich of the proteiriaceous substances which enter into the constitution 

 of the cell protoplasm can be ascribed that of the following bodies: 



(1) In a 10 per cent solution of sodium chloride they are insoluble 

 and do not expand, 



(0 They swell and are insoluble in lTydi*ociJ.oric acid diluted according 



to the following proportions: Four parts of lydrochlorie acid to 3 parts of 

 water. 



