The Melanoid Form 



791 



pressed between cover and slide did not crush. Only after digestion 

 with a solution of caustic potash and careful teasing could the gran- 

 ules be resolved into the hyphae of the mold. The central part of the 

 granule formed a reticulum, with radiating, somewhat clavate ele- 

 ments projecting from it. 

 In sections of tissue it was found possible to stain the fungus with 



Fig. 317. — Melanoid form of mycetoma. Two bouillon cultures showing the 

 powder-puff ball appearance. In one the black granule is seen in the center of 

 the growth (James H. Wright). 



^ig. 318. — Melanoid form of mycetoma. Potato culture of the hyphomycete 

 obtained from the granules. The black globules are composed of a dark brown 

 fluid (James H. Wright). 



Gram's and Weigert's stains, though prolonged washing removed 

 most of the dye. 



Cultural Characteristics. — Enucleated granules carefully washed 

 in sterile bouillon and then planted upon agar-agar afforded cultures 

 of the mold in 25 out of 65 attempts. 



The growth began in five or six days, appearing on solid media 



