20 



new apical cell, in the same way as those of the 

 parent branch. 



8. The thallus increases in thickness by the 

 branching of the hyphae and the multiplication 

 of the gonidia. 



EEPRODUCTION. 

 1. Sexual {not universally accepted). 



Flash-shaped depressions occur in the thallus 

 called Spermogonia, in these are produced rod-like 

 cells called Spermatia, by the process of abstriction. 

 Each of these cells is regarded as a male reproduc- 

 tive organ. 



The female organs are coiled hyphee, which form 



spirals somewhere in the thallus, and then the ends 



run straight to the surface, and project slightly 



above. A single coiled hypha is an ascogonium. 



Many ascogc»nia occur in one thallus. 



The male cells are brought by water, and come in 

 contact with +he straight part of the female organ. 

 The walls between become disorganised and the con- 

 tents of the male cell [spermatium) are conducted to 

 the ascogonium. Conjugation is thus effected, and 

 the result of this conjugation is the formation of 

 special receptacles called Apothecia. Note that the 

 whole of the Sexual process is entirely concerned with the 

 HyphcB. 



