Abstract
A modification of Loeffler's method for staining the flagella of bacteria was employed in staining large forms of bacteria and antherozoids. The bacteria or the antherozoids are killed and fixed in a drop of water on a slide and set aside to dry, before the next step is undertaken. The slide is treated for a period of time, varying from about ten minutes to several hours, in a practically saturated solution of tannic acid. After the slide is thoroly rinsed in water, it is stained with either a single stain or a combination of stains. The slide is then dehydrated with absolute alcohol, cleared, with clove oil, and completed in the usual manner.
The body of the bacterium and that of the antherozoid are well differentiated and the cilia are distinctly brought out by means of the method herein described.
The technic is of especial value in staining the antherozoids of mosses, liverworts, and ferns.