CIiYPT0GA3IS 



205 



have true roots, — unlike Mosses and Liverworts, wliich 

 are attached only by hairs, or rhizoids. 



346. Under side of a segment of Fern 

 leaf, showing sori. 



345. Rhizome and leaves of the 

 Rock Fern. 



347. Section of sorus: s, sporangia; 

 i, indusium ; b, blade of the. 

 leaf. — WossEDLO. 



479. Spores are borne in 

 small sporangia (Fig. 348), 

 clustered in groups on the 

 under sides of the leaves (Fig. 347). Each cluster, or 

 "fruit spot" (sorus^^ is in many species shielded by a 

 membrane (indusium^ z). At maturity, and on the occa- 

 sion of certain conditions of moisture in 

 the atmosphere, the sporangium splits 

 at one side. The top is slowly thrown 

 far back, and then suddenly resumes its 

 former place. The 

 spores are ejected by 

 the violence of the 

 motion. 

 480. The germination of the spore 

 results in the formation of a small, 

 thin, heart-shaped body called the 

 prothallium (Fig. 349), in shape and 

 habit of growth much resembling a 

 small thalloid Liverwort. Prothallia of common sjijccies 

 are from a quarter to a half inch in diameter, and may 



348. A sporangium. 



349. 



Fern prothallium : 

 ar, archegonia ; 

 an, antheridia. 



