- 3 -r 



These are in a few words the princJijj&l results of the numerous and im- 

 portant studios that have been undertaken relative to the mechanism of the 

 formation and chemical nature of anthocyanic compounds. 



For a long time the fact has been observed that anthocyanine is not 

 found in solution, solely, in the cell sap, but in rare instances also it may 

 be found in the form of little spheres. (6, 2). 



As to the origin, chemical constitution, structure, development, 

 morphologic and biologic significance of such colored corpuscles, accurate 

 research, so far as I am able to say, is lacking. 



In the flowers of Billbergia nutans Wendl., I have encountered the fact 

 which relates to the formation of anthocyanine and which, I believe, also is 

 important in making one acquainted with the complicated stumcture of the 

 protoplast. 



In this plant in the part of the petals colored, azure blue, in each 

 cell of the epidermis and of the parenchyma, is to be noted a granulose proto- 

 plasm, and immersed in it are abundant round or oval chloroplasts (sometimes 

 active and full of starch, sometimes a little changed, preferably close to 

 the cell wall), a relatively small nucleus, amd, finally, a characteristic 

 body, to which may be attributed a particula.r biologic significance, I have 

 given it the name of Cyanoplast or generator of anthocyanine . 



The cyanoplasts, nicely bounded by the cytoplasm which surrounds them, 

 are distinguished principally by their intense azure blue color. They are of 

 variable dimensions and attain, in complete development, considerable di- 

 mensions, while at first they are hardly visible. In general, it is to be 

 noted that they are io be found toward the margin of the petals(Pl. XJl, fig. 2), 

 and major dimensions approach those of the cyanoplast s which are found in the 

 "epidermal tissue. They are generally spherical, show an involucre the cavity 

 of which is occupied by an azure blue pigment, not resembling in any respect 

 the nucleus or the chromatophores; in each cell may be found constantly from 



