[en] A simple model for the particle balance in a reflex discharge with a superimposed axial magnetic field is presented based upon the results found for the negative glow of an anomalous glow discharge. The electron density and temperature of hydrogen and helium discharges are determined as functions of the discharge current, pressure and magnetic field; the ion current of a cylindrical Langmuir probe is evaluated according to the theory of Laframboise. Additional information on the ion composition of the plasma is obtained by comparison of the probe measurement with interferometric microwave measurements. The reflex discharge produces a negative glow plasma with Tsub(e) = 2000-3000⁰K and densities up to nsub(e) = 10¹³ cm^-3. For pressures below 0.01 Torr and strong magnetic fields the negative glow is transformed into a Penning discharge. (author)