BULBLETS OF FILIX 



313 



gemmae are borne, and also find these bodies in the earlier stages 

 of development. Place a number on moist sand in a bell-jar and 

 observe the germinating action. At what special points may 

 growth set up ? Note the char- 

 acter of the reserve material stored 

 in the gemmae. 



Carefully divide a gemma in 

 halves longitudinally by means of 

 a sharp razor, and a second, 

 transversely and place the halves 

 in a moist chamber. Are new 

 individuals formed from the seg- 

 ments ? 



403. Bulblets of Filix (Cysto- 

 pteris). Collect a few leaves of 

 Filix (Cystopteris) bulbifera bear- 

 ing bulblets on the lower surfaces 

 of the midribs. Dissect and note 

 structure of the bulblets : They 

 will be found to consist of a num- 

 ber of thickened scales attached 

 to a short stem. Place a few of 

 the buds on moist sand under a 

 bell-jar. From what parts are 

 new plants formed ? Does the bulblet itself enter into the new 

 plant ? Determine the character of the storage material. 



Dissect a few bulblets and place the separated scales and 

 stems in the moist chamber, some with the inner and others with 

 the outer surface uppermost. Ascertain the regions of the scales 

 capable of giving rise to a new plant. Cultivate a number of 

 bulblets in darkness. Test the endurance of the bulblets to des- 

 iccation by allowing several to be exposed to the air in an ordi- 

 nary room for several days or weeks. 1 



1 Rostowzew, S. Die Entwickelungsgeschichte und die Keimung der Adventiv- 

 knospen bei Cystoptcris bulbifera Bernh. Ber. Deut. Bot. Ges. Gen. Versammlungs. 

 Hft. 12 : 45. 1894. 



FIG. 146. Showing bulblets of Filix 

 bulbifera, with portion of leaf on which 

 it is borne, and germination of same. 

 After Atkinson. 



