GENERATIVE APPARATUS OF CHARACEJE. 



325 



the simpler Protophytes ; these are little clusters of cells, filled 

 with starch, which sprout from the sides of the central axis, and 

 then, falling off, evolve the long tubiform cells characteristic of 

 the plant from which they were produced. 1 The Characece may 

 also be multiplied by artificial subdivision ; the separated parts 

 continuing to grow, under favorable circumstances, and de- 

 veloping themselves into the typical form. 



202. The generative apparatus of Characece consists of two sets 

 of bodies, both of which grow at the bases of the branches (Fig. 

 112, A, B) ; one set is known by the designation of "globules," 



FIG. 112. 



Antheridia of Chara fragilis: A, antheridium or " globule" developed at the base of pistillidium or 

 "nucule;" B, nucule enlarged, globule laid open by the separation of its valves; c, one of the 

 valves, with its group of antheridial filaments, each composed of a linear series of cells, within 

 every one of which an antherozoid is formed; in D, E, and F, the successive stages of this formation 

 are seen ; and at G is shown the escape of the mature antherozoids, H. 



the other by that of " nucules." The globules are really anthe- 

 ridia ; whilst the nucules contain the germ-cells. The " globules," 

 which are nearly spherical, have an envelope made up of eight 



1 This multiplication by bulbels was described by Amici in 1827; but his observa- 

 tions seem to have been forgotten by Botanists, until the rediscovery of the fact by M. 

 Montague. 



