496 , GLOSSARY. 



material or substance of organic beings. It is a general 

 term. Specific applications of it are designated by proto- 

 plasm, germ-plasm, and the like. 



Plasmodia L. Pertaining to the unspecialized plasm of lowly or 

 simple organisms. 



Plur- ANNUAL. A plant which is annual only because it is 

 killed by the closing of the season (as by frost), in dis- 

 tinction to one (the true annual) which dies at the close 

 of the season, or before, because of natural ripeness or 

 maturity. (Pages 45, 295.) 



PROTHALLUS. The initial, and often transitory, stage of ferns, 

 and some other flowerless plants, which results from the 

 germination of the spore, and upon or in which the sex- 

 organs are borne. 



Protoplasm. The fundamental organic material or plasma ; 

 the "physical basis of life." It is an exceedingly complex 

 and unstable albuminoid compound, present in all organisms. 



Pseud-annual (that is, false annual). An herbaceous plant 

 which carries itself over winter (or the inactive season) by 

 means of bulbs, tubers, and the like. (Page 294.) First used 

 in this book. 



Retrogressive. Said of organisms or organs which show a 

 loss or decadence of structure. 



Soma. The body, as distinguished from the germ or repro- 

 ductive portion. (Page 62.) 



Specialized. Adapted, by modification or evolution, to par- 

 ticular environments or functions. Such organisms are 

 unique. Compare Generalized. 



Species (plural, species). The unit in classification, designating 

 an assemblage of organisms which, in the judgment of any 

 writer, is so marked and so homogeneous that it can bo 

 conveniently spoken of as one thing. See Botanical Gazette, 

 xxii., 457. (Pages 33, 110, 111, 121.) 



Sporophyte. The non- sexual or purely vegetative generation 

 or stage of plants. (Pages 18, 67 note.) 



Sport. A marked variety or form which appears suddenly 



