LIVERWORTS: MARCHANTIA. 22Q 



gametophore), for this is what these structures are, is similar to 

 that of the antheridial receptacle, but the rays are more pro- 

 nounced, and the details of structure are quite different, as we 

 shall see. Underneath the arms there hang down delicate 

 fringed curtains. If we make sections of this in the same direc- 



Fig. 261. 

 Marchantia polymorpha, female plants bearing archegoniophores. 



tion as we did of the antheridial receptacle, we shall be able to 

 find what is secreted behind these curtains. Such a section is 

 figured at 266. Here we find the archegonia, but instead of 

 being sunk in cavities their bases are attached to the under 



