ORGANS OF KEPEODrCTlOX. 



373 



The reproductive organs are of two kinds, both of "which grow 

 at the base of the branches {fig. 816), and either on the same 

 or on different branches of the same plant, or on different plants. 

 These organs are called respectively globules {fig. 816, g), and 

 nucules {fig. 816, w). 



The globule, which is regarded as an antheridium, is a globu- 

 lar body {fig. 816, g), of a deep brick-red colour, usually placed 

 immediately below, but occasionally on the side of the nucule. It 

 consists of eight valves, each of which is composed of a number 

 of cells radiating from a central cell. The valves are crenate or 

 toothed at their margins, by which they become dovetailed as it 

 were, with the adjoining valves. From the centre of each valve 

 an oblong cell {fig. 818, c) is given off in a perpendicular direc- 

 tion. The eight cells from the eight valves converge in the 



Fig. 816. 



Fig. 817. 



Fig. 818. 



Fig. 816. A portion of the axis of Chara, with nrciile, n, arising from the 



axil of a bramh, and a globule, fir, below it. Fig. 817. A portion of a 



aiaineiit,y?y, of/!;.. 818, with a ciliated .-pe)~iiiato:oid or antherozoid by its 



side. Fig. 818." .a globule cut in half, to show the oblong cells, c, and 



the septate filaments, fil. After Heufrey. 



centre of the globule, and are united at their extremities by a 

 little cellidar mass. A ninth cell of a similar form, but larger 

 than the others, joins them in the centre ; this forms the stalk 

 which fixes the globule to the branch upon which it is placed, and 

 which enters its interior by penetrating between the four lower 

 valves. From the point where the nine cells meet, numerous 

 confervoid filaments are given off {fig. 818, fil), in each cell of 

 which is produced a single spiral spermatozoid or antherozoid 

 {fig. 817X which is furnished with two very long cilise of exces- 

 sive fineness. These spermatozoids ultimately escape from the 

 cell by a sudden movement resembling the action of a spring, 

 and may then be seen to exhibit active movements in water. 

 M. Thuret (from whose description the above account of the 



