VASCULAR FASCICULI IN BRITISH FERNS. 87 
` in the interior of the stipes, though its strong cortical layer is 
thick and deeply coloured. The vascular bundles also differ in 
form very strikingly from those of allied species (excepting JN. 
Thelypteris). Figs. 5 a,56,and 5c represent stipital sections made 
respectively at the junction of the stem and stipes, at midway 
between that point and the origin of the first pair of pinnæ, and 
at a short distance below the first pair. The central portion of 
each fasciculus has a form still more closely resembling that of the 
Greek X than does the corresponding part in N. Thelypteris; it 
is conspicuous from its whiteness, and consists mainly of large 
sealariform ducts. Fig. 5d shows the approach of the bundles 
above the origin of the second pair of pinnæ, while 5 e shows their 
junction after the seventh pair. The appearance of the rachis 
after the twelfth pair is given in fig. 5 ^ ; a leafy wing to the 
rachis originates after the sixteenth pair of pinne, and is repre- 
sented in fig. 57. Figs. 5 f'and 5g illustrate the origint and form 
of the vascular bundle proceeding to the eighth pinna. This partial 
bundle originates in precisely the same manner as the partial bundle 
in Osmunda regalis described (for the sake of elucidating this point) 
further on. 
Fig. 5. 
a, X 8. b x3, e X9. d, X 3. 
7: WEE TS Oy ws 
LY Z5 ` 
€ X3. À, x3. i, X 3. f x8. 9 X 3. 
IN CA n JIN 
AB m A GW e@ 
P J . 
Osmunda regalis. 
The disposition of the vascular tissue in the stipes of 0. regalis 
is remarkably different from that of the other ferns which I have 
described. Dr. Ogilvie’s account is accurate in the main. I will 
therefore here merely direct attention to a series of diagrams illus- 
trating the structure of the stipes, &c. at different points. Fig. 6a 
shows the stipes, of the natural size, at its insertion into the stem, 
and discloses on the exterior two wings of soft white cellular tissue, 
is employed in reference to the actual state of the 
T The term ‘origin’ l d 
1 same time—to its condition 
vascular cord. at different parts of the stem at the 
in space, not to its development in time. 
