XLV] 



NEOCHEIROPTERIS 



221 



The sporangia are very numerous, with indications of a "mixed" origin. 

 They have three-rowed stalks, about twice or thrice the length of the capsule, 

 and there is an interrupted annulus with from 14 to 17 indurated cells. 

 The spores are bilateral, without perispore, and there appear to be 48 to 

 64 in each sporangium. 



Fig. 729. Base of 

 sori. ( X 2.) 



le fertile iM-n'ma. oi Neoclieirop/eris showing the brandling and 



In view of the facts now before us relating to NeocJieiropteris there cannot 

 be any doubt as to its general phyletic relations. It shares with Matonia and 

 Dipteris so many features that we naturally look first to them. The sum of 

 characters does not, it is true, point directly to either genus, though a position 



Fig. 730. a, /) = portions of the fertile pinna of Neocheiropteris showing the venation, and 

 the outlines of the large sori, with underlying vascular supply. ( x 4.) 



nearer to Dipteris is indicated by the venation and by the nature of the 

 sorus. NeocJieiropteris, however, bears signs of advance on either of them 

 in the dermal scales in place of bristle-like hairs: in the highly disintegrated 

 vascular system, and in the extended area of the "mixed" sorus. Indications 



