166 , Lichenase 
raffinose and inulin readily (6). Also according to Saiki (1), 
Bacillus colt does not attack lichenin. Experiments were con- 
ducted to determine the degree of bacterial contamination in 
the experimental tubes in which toluene was present as a preserva- 
tive. The alimentary canals of a number of grasshoppers were 
removed, macerated, and tests on lichenin made as before with the 
usual controls. After 24 hours, reducing sugar was present in 
considerable amounts. A_ bacteriological examination of the 
contents of the tubes was then made.? Agar plates showed 
four to eight colonies per cc, after 48 hours’ incubation at 37°C. 
Plates from the boiled controls gave: similar results. The pre- 
vailing organism was a long spore-forming bacillus of the subtzlzs 
group. The number of organisms can hardly have been great 
enough to cause the strong hydrolysis observed, especially since 
the unattacked control tubes showed equal bacterial contamina- 
tion. Extracts of the alimentary canal of grasshoppers were 
also thoroughly mixed with chloroform and toluene and allowed 
to stand 12 hours with frequent shaking. The clear extract 
removed with a sterile pipette showed marked hydrolytic action 
on lichenin. 
Chemical studies have led to few clear-cut distinctions between 
vertebrates and invertebrates. That a line of demarcation be- 
tween the two exists in a difference in the creatine metabolism 
seems probable. No invertebrate tissue has been found to con- 
tain creatine, while from the muscle of the lamprey-eel, the most 
primitive vertebrate examined, creatine was easily isolated (7). 
The results of the present study on a limited number of forms 
suggest a second distinction between vertebrates and inverte- 
brates in the presence of lichenase in the alimentary tract of the 
former. It is hoped that examination of more primitive verte- 
brates and higher invertebrates may show whether this differ- 
ence is general or not. 
2 The bacteriological examinations were carried out by Dr. J. A. Sperry, 
of the Department of Bacteriology, to whom we take this opportunity of 
expressing our indebtedness for his cooperation. 
