GLOSSOPTERIS. 



43 



observed except in close relationship to the scale-fronds of that 

 fossil, and are not found associated with the larger fronds alone. 

 This fact probably explains why they have not been already 

 discovered. In addition, there is a certain amount of evidence 

 which goes to show that these sac-like bodies were in all probability 

 attached in groups by the neck-like extremity to the scale-fronds. 

 Text-fig. 15 shows the concave surface of a fragment of a scale- 

 frond, bearing oval scars, probably the prints of sori, and fragments 

 of the sporangium-like bodies still apparently attached. The 



Fig. 15. — A scale-frond showing the scars of attachment of the sporangium-like 

 organs, and fragments of the sac-like bodies still apparently in continuity. 

 V. 7202. x 30. 



absence of any trace of a rhizome ( Vertehraria) in association 

 with these organs, or of any suggestion of a strobilus-like arrange- 

 ment, strengthens this conclusion. 



Although spores have not been recognised within these sac-like 

 bodies, the latter may be so closely compared with the sporangia 

 of certain recent and extinct plants that little doubt remains as to 

 their true nature. In size, and in some points in their structure, 

 they are not unlike the sporangia of Sphenophyllum, and, in the 

 latter respect, the sporangia of Discopteris Halli, Zeill. A closer 



