The culture filtrate from Aspergillus oryzae contains enzymes capable of depolymerizing sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and of splitting all beta-glucosides tested. These enzymes are produced by the mold in the absence of cellulose or any other carbon source containing beta-glucosidic linkages. The behavior of the Cx enzyme towards metal-complexing, oxidizing, and reducing agents can be explained if it is activated by ferric ions but the method of enzyme estimation used and the complexing properties of sodium carboxy-methyl cellulose make proof of this hypothesis difficult. The enzyme activity is also strongly affected by various organic bases, notably caffeine and quinine. The behavior of a beta- glucosidase (salicinase) towards various reagents affecting the Cx enzyme has also been tested.