ConfervacEjE, etc. — continued. 



Life History. — In fixing the starting-point for the life history of the Myxomycetes I have been guided by its evident similarity to 

 that of some of the Monera described by Haeckel, and so start with the Amoeboid form as the first stage in the cycle. 

 If the phases through which it passes are compared with those of Protomyxa — an undoubted animal found in the sea by 

 Haeckel — it will be found that the agreement is striking. 



The first, or Amoeboid stage, has all the characters of an amoeba, possessing a nucleus, throwing out processes in 

 different directions, moving about, and taking in solid particles for food. 



The second, or Plasmodium stage, consists of a number of amoeboid masses run together to form one large spreading 

 mass capable of a creeping motion, as already observed, along with internal motion of the contents. The nuclei of each' 

 originally independent mass remain distinct, so that there is coalescence of cells but not conjugation. 



The third, or Encysted stage, is represented by the Sporangium. The irregularly-shaped Plasmodium assumes a more 

 definite shape as its power of throwing out processes becomes weakened, and usually forms a rounded mass of protoplasm 

 invested by a cellulose wall. 



The fourth, or Segmented stage, is produced by the internal protoplasm, differentiating in such a way as to form a 

 network of fibres, and the protoplasm still remaining in the meshes becomes the Spores. The hair like structure, in the 

 meshes of which the Spores are developed, is known as the Capillitium. 



. The fifth stage, or Rounded Spores. The contents of the liberated Spores escape and become — 



The sixth stage, or Zoospores, which have two cilia, then one, and finally pass into the Amoeboid form with which we 

 started. 



It will be evident from the above description that the Myxomycetes cannot retain their position among the conjugating 

 forms of Fungi; and even when their animal nature is considered they do not fall into the lowest strata either of Plant 

 or Animal society. 



