OF INTEREST TO STUDENTS 145 



contains a single stamen but no petals, and an 

 ovary with a single seed. 



* There are two or three species, only one of 

 which is to be found in these islands. It is so 

 unlike any other plant, except perhaps Equise- 

 tum (the Horse-tail), that it is easily recognised. 

 The branches in the Equisetum are jointed, 

 while the narrow verticellate leaves are con- 

 tinuous throughout. There is some resemblance 

 in habit between the Hippuris and the 

 Equisetum, but in all essential characters they 

 are perfectly distinct. So far the plant has not 

 been found of any special importance in medi- 

 cine or the arts, but to the microscopist 

 sections of its stems are of great interest. The 

 beautiful arrangement of the multitude of cells 

 must always command attention and admira- 

 tion.' (Sachs.) 



The illustration (Fig 44) is taken from a 

 photograph showing an amplification of 32 

 diameters ; the focal distance was 50 inches ; 

 and the objective used was the 2-inch. 



Beginning at the centre of the section, we see 

 the pith surrounded by a cylinder of fibro- 



10 



