SECT. xi. FR UCT1FICA TION. 377 



a large cell is formed, containing mucilaginous matter, 

 which, soon after fructification, is converted into a mass 

 of cellular tissue, which gives rise to the cell containing 

 the embryo, just as the prothallus of a Lycopod gives 

 rise to the archegonium containing the embryo of the 

 plant. The linear leaves of existing Lycopods and the 

 cones of their fossil allies, are similar to the leaves and 

 cones of the Coniferse: there is no affinity, but an 

 analogy existing between these two groups sufficient to 

 make them form links between the two great divisions 

 of the vegetable kingdom. The Lycopodiacese probably 

 maybe regarded as the highest of the Cryptogamia, and 

 Coniferse as the lowest of the flower-bearing class. 



