CRYPTOGAMOUS PLANTS. 229 



apex to the base ; this disposition, analogous to what is 

 observed hi the Droseraceae and Cycadese, is remarked 

 not only to affect the middle lobe of the leaf, but also 

 each of its partial lobes. It results that at the moment 

 of expansion the upper surface is entirely external, and 

 the lower is protected by being thus rolled up. 



When we examine Ferns under the microscope, at 

 this period, we find, along the middle, oval, pedicellate, 

 naked, scattered little bodies, which Hedwig considered 

 to be stamens; and upon the part of the limb which is 

 rolled up, we observe other bodies, more numerous, and 

 concealed under a proper membrane. These last are, 

 doubtless, the rudiments of young fruits, for we can fol- 

 low their development on to their maturity. 



As to the first, the opinion of Hedwig is founded 

 upon the following reasons: 1st, they are only found at 

 a period long before maturity, and disappear soon after- 

 wards ; this is the property of the male organs of plants: 

 2d, their form and appearance are analogous to [those 

 of ordinary male organs : 3d, if this character be not 

 assigned to them, we shall be puzzled to attribute any 

 other to them. 



In answer to these arguments it may be objected : — 

 1st, that these bodies have as yet been seen in only a 

 small number of Ferns ; 2d, that their position is uncer- 

 tain, and very different from that of the female organs ; 

 two circumstances which are contradictory with regard 

 to the character assigned to them ; 3d, that the female 

 organs being covered over by a membrane, we do not 

 see in what way fecundation can be performed ; 4th, that 

 observers have not as yet perceived the dehiscence of the 

 organs which Hedwig considers to be males ; 5th, that 

 nothing appears to act the part of a style, or stigma, in 

 those which he regards as females. 



In opposition to the opinion of Hedwig, some natura- 



