and some other Grasses. 463 
methods there at last is formed a moniliform filament, which, though simple 
in its origin, ultimately becomes branched, the branchlets most commonly 
having a centrifugal development, radiating* from a central collection of 
cellules, and giving off innumerable joints, which become perfect sporidia 
(Tas. XXXIII. B. fig. 9. and 10.), which commence again the several methods 
of germination just detailed. 
These granules appear important bodies, resembling probably the nature of 
the nuclei, which were first discovered by Mr. Brown in the cells of various or- 
gans, and since called cyfoblasts by Schleiden in his description of Phytogene- 
sis ; and these different methods of germination afford good illustrations of the 
manner of the formation of cellular tissue; and occasionally it happens that 
three of the methods, viz. pullulation, division, and the emission of tubes 
from the sporidia, may be detected in different parts of one little plant at the 
same time, as in Tas. XXXIII. B. fig. 9. 
Whilst witnessing the daily increase and manner of development of this 
singular plant, an extreme number of green granules alone presented them- 
selves, which had collected into one spot near the upper edge of the glass on 
which they were placed, and probably from being different in specific gravity 
from the water, had so collected by the glass having been kept in a position fa- 
vourable for their so doing. These granules were about the 44th part of an 
inch in diameter, and possessed the movements of “active molecules," which 
was of greater range in proportion to their size than that observed in the spo- 
ridia before mentioned. On applying the highest magnifying powers it was 
found that these granules were similar to those in the interior of the sporidia, 
and sometimes were seen singly, at other times two united, and in a few cases 
three connected in a line, as at (Tas. XXXIII. B. fig. II.). Being at a loss to 
conceive how these granules could escape from the body containing them, 
* The radiating and moniliform character observed in this little plant, I consider is particularly owing 
to the manner in which it has been caused to grow; for being covered by a piece of mica, the sporidis 
or joints as they have formed have not been exposed to any cause likely to ne the slender union 
they have with each other; and in this way they assume a condition which is unnatural, » on ies 
ergot the articulations are scarcely ever found combined. I have noticed the sine fact P To 
cerevisie, which has been made to grow without being disturbed, when a long string of sporidia could 
be seen, and with a slight agitation of the liquid not more than two or three could be afterwards found 
united. 
VOL. XVIII, 3 P 
