236 THE VEGETABLE WORLD. 
seems to determine the separation of the motler plant from the 
reproductive body or spore. Henceforth the spore is inves 
with a proper membrane, and possesses a distinct organisation. 
This is the moment when the crisis approaches. ‘The upper 
extremity of the spore is ruptured (Fig. 305) ; at the same time 
it begins to turn on its axis so completely that the granules 
contained may be observed passing rapidly from right to left, and 
from left to right, as if they moved in the interior of a transparent 
cylinder. The narrow opening by which the spore secks its egress 
produces a very marked state of strangulation. In a few moments 
it succeeds in disengaging itself and throws itself into the water. 
Pam Once detached from the mother, the individual spore 
‘f= now, as represented in Fig. 306, coniinues to turn upon 
463.4) itself unceasingly, but with a very irregular motion, Its 
5 / movement being now quick or slow in one direction and 
@/ now inanother. Generally it gains the edge of the object- 
rig. 306, glass on which the observation is being made as if if 
sought to escape from its prison-house. Sometimes i” 
motion is arrested for an instant, and immediaicly it resumes its 
more active career. ce 
The whole surface of the spore is covered wit» vertibratal cilia, 
ig. 307, which, however, are quite invisible from 
the rapidity of their motion. In order to 8 
| effect of this application is very remarkable. 
/ opium reduces the movements of ihe spores of the 
1? Vaucheria so as to admit of the play of the organ 
being quite perceptible. The iodine arresis them 
suddenly, and makes their motion more perceptible 
Fig. 907, Spore with 40m the suddenness of their arrest. ‘The + ; 
ite Citie, employed by M. Thuret contained only on? 
thousandth part of iodine. of 
This gentleman has succeeded in following the movements 
a spore of Vaucheria in water during more than two our 
When the cilia finally cease to move, the spores remain immov- 
able and soon begin to germinate (Fig. 308), giving birth to 4 
Fuci, a new Vaucheria. 
