64 A NEW ZEALAND NATURALIST'S CALENDAR. 



stage. In this condition it is cast adrift to enter upon a 

 separate and independent existence. 



But in fiowerless plants like ferns an altogether 

 different mode of reproduction is met with. On some 



A Bush Scene with small Tree Ferns. 



part of the frond there are produced small outgrowths 

 of the external layer of tissue, which are technically 

 known as sporangia or spore-cases. Inside of these little 

 sacs very small cells are produced, which are the spores. 

 These have a purely vegetative function. When placed in 

 favourable conditions of moisture and warmth thev send 



