The reactions of dinitriles have been extensively studied by V. Meyer and have proved to be a fruitful source for the preparation of pyridines. A typical member of the series has been obtained by Gastaldi from the corresponding pyrilium salt and has been found to be different. This questions the correct­ness of the structure of Meyer's compounds. In the present investigation it has been shown that the structures of Meyer's compounds as a class are not incorrect, bat so far as the particular member is concerned, Gastaldi's contension probably holds good and Meyer's compound may have to be represented differently.