xx SYNOPSIS OF THE NATURAL ORDERS. 



1. FILICES. Capsules usually very minute, situated on the edge or 

 under side of the leaf (frond) ; rarely larger, in separate spikes or panicles. 

 Spores of one kind only, developing a prothallus. Fronds usually i-iivinat'- 

 in vernation, (p. 457.) 



2. LYCoroniAOE*:. Capsules not very minute, situated in the axils of 

 the leaves, or of the scales of a cone. Spores of 1 or 2 kinds ; large when 

 present developing a prothallus; small containing autherozoids. Fronds 

 usually circinate in vernation, (p. 469.) 



3. MARSTLEACEJE. Capsules (membranous sacs) very minute, enclosed 

 in the cells of a glob'ose receptacle near the base of the frond. Spores of 

 2 kinds ; large developing a prothallus ; small containing antherozoids. 

 Marsh or water plants, rarer on dry soils, (p. 471.) 



4. EQrisKT.\ri:.K. Capsules 2-valved, on the under side of peltate 

 scales that are arranged in terminal cones. Spores of one kind only, witli 

 4 filiform clubbed appendages rolled round them, developing a pro- 

 thallus. Stems erect from a creeping rootstock, terete, hollow, grooved, 

 septate, simple or with whorled branches and toothed sheaths at the joints, 

 (p. 472.) 



