Notes on some Physiological Properties of 
a Myxomycete Plasmodium 1 . 
BY 
J. B. CLIFFORD. 
With Woodcuts 3, 4, and 5. 
HILE collecting Myxomycetes in woods near Ann 
V V Arbor, Michigan, in October, 1895, a quantity of 
yellow sclerotium of a slime-mould 2 was found and taken 
to the botanical laboratory for study. In a few days it passed 
into the plasmodium condition, and since that time continuous 
experiments have been made relative to its physiological 
properties. The work on rheotropism and changes induced 
by varying temperature is measurably complete, and the 
results so far new as to warrant publication. Work on chemo- 
taxis is in progress, but has not been carried far enough to 
establish general conclusions. 
It was found that the sclerotium can be induced to assume 
the active plasmodium condition by merely supplying it with 
abundant moisture. If this is done, the substance may be 
placed in a warm or cold room, in the dark or in the light, 
without apparent effect. In every case, about one week 
1 The work was done in the botanical laboratory of the University of Michigan, 
under the direction of Professor V. M. Spalding. 
2 The species is apparently Fuligo varians , Sommerfeld (Aeihalium septicum , 
Link), but as the mature form has not yet been obtained in a series of cultures 
extending through nine months, its identity cannot be positively asserted, 
[Annals of Botany, Vol. XI. No. XLII. June, 1897.] 
