3 
five or more larvae are thus reproduced from an equal number of ff pseud- 
ova." In the process of development of each pseudovum, a portion of 
its contents (polar cells) passed into the new larval body, and probably 
formed the germ-mass or ovary of this secondary larval brood. Meinert 
indeed objects to the interpretation of this germ-mass as an ovary, because 
no stroma or structure resembling the ordinary ovary can be discovered. It 
is, in fact, a mass of granules imbedded in a protoplasm, and contained 
ivithin a membranous investment, but the development of true cells 
from these granules is established, and the continuous differentiation 
of these cells results in the formation of a complete " pseudovum," 
in which a germinal cell and vitelline mass, as well as " polar cells " 
are successively to be seen. An indefinite series of broods is thus 
produced, each parent-larva dying as soon as the complete development of 
its progeny has been accomplished. Consequently these larvae never 
attain to any maturity as insects, although they contain in their interior a 
reproductive organ, and this body may be presumed to represent by 
direct descent (through the medium of the polar cells) distinct portions of 
ovarial organs, the product of original matter in the egg of the female. 
2. Anatomically interpreted, the source of the reproductive body in each 
larva must be referred to a process of organic development, which 
was commenced in the insect from which the first larva was bred. The 
substance of the egg destined for the formation of a sexual gland, 
instead of being completely organised in the primary larva, appears 
to be organised in successive portions, each of which is transferred 
to and enclosed in the successive individuals of each brood. The growth of 
these portions by endogenous multiplication depends on the growth of the 
larvae containing them, but there appears to be but a slight anatomical con- 
nection of the germ-mass with the tissues of the creature in which it is 
located. The growth is favoured in the first instance simply by nutritive 
imbition from the fluids of the parent larva, afterwards by the progeny 
living upon the parent tissues. In this respect the connection of the germ- 
mass with the adipose tissue of the parent larva is significant, the material 
of this adipose tissue being itself derived from residual substance of the 
egg and pseudova. 
3. Physiologically interpreted, the germ-mass must be viewed as deriving 
its procreating power from the original insect. The act of reproduction 
commenced by sexually mature insects, is extended over the whole cycle of 
intermediate individuals, whose participation is limited to being the bearers 
only of an organ whose powers and functions belong to an antecedent 
generation. In such larval propagation the larva appears to have only the 
functions of a 'nurse.' For though provided with a true internal organ of 
reproduction, the larva, as a sexually immature animal, cannot concur in 
any generative act. To such an act, the presence and influence of male 
elements must be considered essential. Its apparent fecundity is therefore 
