448 
5. A lichen is a phylogenetically derived morphological unit. 
6. Lichens form groups of natural series phylogenetically de- 
rived from distinct prototypes. Lichens have, therefore a poly- 
phyletic origin. 
7. Lichens differ from the fungi morphologically as well as 
physiologically. 
The following are the general conclusions at which Reinke 
arrives : 
1. Although fully accepting Schwendener’s aa lichens are 
phylogenetically, morphologically and physiologically wholly dis- 
tinct from fungi, and it is therefore inconsistent to arrange them 
under fungi. 
2. Lichens form a natural group coequal in systematic impor- 
tance with fungi and algae. 
Since Reinke has written this paper Schwendener in a pef- 
sonal interview with E. L. Gregory * stated that he had no objec- 
tion to the proposed plan of classification. Tubeuf, + as well as 
other recent authors, expresses the opinion that the lichen is an 
autonomous structure, a morphological unit. There are also 
strong objections, such as those cited by Lindau. t | 
A new Gymnogramme from Venezuela, with Remarks on some 
other Venezuelan Ferns. 
By B. D. GILBert. 
Last spring Dr. H. H. Rusby, Secretary of this club, and Mr. 
R. W. Squires, of Minneapolis, made a botanical trip to Vene- 
zuela together and brought back with them a large collection 
of pressed plants, among which were about two dozen species of 
ferns. This fall Dr. Rusby placed the ferns in my hands for iden- 
tification and it is found that although the collection is small it con- 
* Gregory, E. L. Notes on the Classification of Lichens. Bull. Tor. Bot. Club. 23+ 
361. 1896, 
+ Tubeuf, K. F, Pflanzenkrankheiten. p. 102. Berlin. 1895. 
—-$ Lindau, G. Die Beziehung der Flechten zu den Pilzen, Hedwigia, 34% 195 c 
204. nee 
