445 



position. The two kinds, male and female, called respectively the globule 

 and the nucule, occur either together on the same branch of the plant, 

 on distinct branches, or on separate plants. 



Pi. 508. 



B 



Ohara fraqilis. A. Portion of branch : a, adult globule ; S, nucule, c, its crown of teeth; 

 /3 |3", sterile branchlets : X 50. B : a, globule in course of formation; s k, young nucule; 

 w, nodal cell ; u, basal cell between the base of the globule and of the nodal cell ; br, 

 cells of branchlet covered with cortex: X 350. (From Sachs.) 



The globule, or aniheridium (fig. 508), is a spherical case composed 

 of eight* triangular segmental pieces, each of which is formed of a number 

 of cells radiating from a central one ; all these have red or orange con- 

 tents, imparting a colour to the globule as seen in its natural condition. 

 From the central cell of each valve projects inward an oblong cell, the 

 manubrium (fig. 509). These eight cells meet in the centre together 

 with the apex of a flask-shaped cell which enters the globule at its base, 

 forming the pedicle by which it is attached to the branch. Where these 

 nine cells meet in the centre is found a little cellular mass, from which 

 arise a number of slender jointed filaments. When the globule is mature, 

 its valves separate, and each carries away its central cell, bearing a tuft 

 of the jointed filaments. The cells forming the joints of these filaments 

 are then seen each to contain a minute spirally coiled thread (fig. 509), 

 which makes its way out and appears as a 2-ciliated actively moving 

 spermatozoid, resembling those of the Mosses. 



The nucule (fig. 508, S} consists essentially of a large oval cell surrounded 

 by a double coat and, outside this, by rive spirally coiled and intimately 



