NOTES ON A REMARKABLE LICHEN GROWTH, ETC. 9 



It reminded me somewhat of the difference between the first 

 and subsequent leaves (phyllodes) of certain acacias. I have 

 been informed also that ferns in their infantile state simulate 

 the liver-worts. But I knew of no parallel case among licliens. 

 Still I could not account for the phenomena observed on any 

 other hypothesis. 



In November, 1887, being again on Mount Macedou, I 

 explored the gullies for further specimens, and any doubts I had 

 were set at rest by finding on a fallen and decaying tree 

 numerous specimens of Sticta atipitata in all states of trans- 

 formation : — Simple lead-coloured plmnules, plumules tipped 

 wdtli small fronds, plumules with fronds as large as them- 

 selves, still larger fronds with remains of the plumules at their 

 base, fronds without the plumules, but with their tomentose 

 stipes more oi less enlarged, and, lastly, fully developed and 

 Iruited plants with much thickened but w'ell marked tomentose 

 stipes. 



In Jmie, 1889, being on Mount Macedon, I resolved to 

 examine the matter from a different point of view : I searched 

 for juvenile forms of Stict(( stipitata, and I found that in every 

 case the very early stage of the plant was plumose. 



I conclude that the plumule is a juvenile state of Sticta 

 .stipiti(t(t. I acknowledge that I have not found, either from 

 my own observation or from reading or from correspondence, any 

 case like this. The only analogies I can think of among 

 lichens are the rtjiliaUxUa which are found upon some lichens, 

 and the Jii/potJiidhis upon which many lichens grow. 



Of the ceplialodia which are found on some species of 

 Stictei, Nylander says : " Ceplialodia in thallo interdum 

 observantur peculiaria (systemate gominico e granulis gominis 

 formato), aut (1) sparsa glomerulos leptogiodeos referentia, aut 

 (2) semel (in Sticta dichotomoide) inaniinialia simpliciora, aut 

 demum (3) in pagina infera sit a faciei pyrenodejp " (Syn., p. 

 833). The plumules in question have their gonimic system 

 formed, like these ceplialodia, of granula gonima, although the 

 adult plants have true gonidia. But there is this important 



