In his later paper, on the contrary, he is just as positive that the definitive reduction is here accomplished, for he says: “Since then I have been able to demonstrate that this numerical reduction is effected in the synapsis by the union into seven pairs of the fourteen chromosomes, each of the seven bivalent chromosomes (pairs) being composed of two univalent chromosomes joined end to end.” This statement is made without adducing any specific proof, as was formerly done. By what means we are to reconcile these diametrically opposite statements Montgomery does not say. He, however, insists that he has always known that the fusion by pairs takes place. How this was to be brought about under his previous assumption that one of the fourteen spermatogonial chromosomes became removed from participation in the usual processes of the cell to form a “chromatin nucleolus,” he fails to state. Until the confusion is cleared up by corroborative evidence on one side or the other, a most important part of Montgomery’s work must still be regarded as uncertain. Despite his recognition of the fusion of the chromosomes in the synapsis as the essential feature of this stage, Montgomery is insistent upon the concentration of the chromatin as its distinguishing characteristic. Regarding this he says: “McClung considers the appearance of the synapsis stage as artefacts. It is hardly necessary to reply to this criticism, since in all _Metazoa_ where the spermatogenesis has been carefully examined, with the exception of certain _Amphibia_, the dense massing of the chromosomes (?) in the synapsis stage has been shown to be a perfectly normal phenomenon.” Concerning two points in this statement I wish to take exception. First, as was suggested in my previous paper (=17=), the term synapsis is usually applied to a condition of the prophase in which the apparently unsegmented spireme exists. It must be remembered that most investigators consider that the reduction of the chromosomal number takes place by the segmentation of a spireme into half the usual number of segments. In the second place, I must resent the implication that the work done in this laboratory is not “carefully” conducted. Many “_Metazoa_” have been examined “carefully,” and in none has the “synapsis” occurred when the material was well fixed and prepared. It has, moreover, been found possible to produce the appearance at will. One case of this kind is sufficient to raise the presumption that it may not be normal even when constantly found in certain preparations. I have not, however, absolutely denied the possibility of such an occurrence, because it is conceivable that from the telophase of the preceding division the massing of the chromosomes may persist during their elongation. My contention is that the appearance is not a constant or necessary condition in “all the _Metazoa_,” and this I have proven.