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OSMUNDACE&, in which the" vernation of the leaves is cici- 
nate and the trunk woody. 
OPHIOGLOSSACEH, in which the vernation of the leaves is 
straight and the trunk succulent. 
LYCOPODIALES have distinct leaves and capsules divided 
by one or more septa: they comprise :— 
MARsILIAcEz, in which the capsules are attached to the 
rhizome or root. 
Lycopop1acE&, in which the capsules are seated in the axils 
of the leaves. 
EQUISETALES have no leaves, but consist of an articulated 
branched stem: they comprise :— 
EQUISETACE#, in which the fructification forms a terminal 
spike. 
CHARAOER, in which the fructification is seated in the axils 
of the branches. 
“Tt will be seen that the divisions Rhizophyllacez and Cormo- 
phyllacee have a great similarity to those proposed by Mr. John 
Smith, of Kew, under the names of Eremobrya and Desmobrya. I 
believe the idea of using this character as one upon which to found a 
primary division of the annulate ferns originated with myself, (see 
Phytol. ii. 273) ; but Mr. Smith was the first to apply the idea, and to 
name divisions founded on the differences pointed out. It must, 
however, be observed, that Mr. Smith, in his primary divisions, lays 
great stress on a character which now appears to me of somewhat 
secondary importance: I allude to the articulation of the stipes to the 
rhizome. My own conclusion, from a careful examination of the 
species within my reach, is, that the grand distinctive characters are 
these : — First, that the rhizome of the Rhizophyllacee, and the cau- 
dex of the Cormophyllacex, are not the same organ: that the rhi- 
zome is aroot; the caudex astem: that the rhizome never terminates 
in a frond; that the caudex always does: indeed, that its apex is 
constituted of fronds undeveloped; its trunk, of the bases of fronds 
that have decayed. Secondly: that the growing apex of a rhizome 
is always in advance of the fronds; that the fronds are always in ad- 
vance of the growing apex of a caudex. There are two other and 
possibly less constant diagnostics: the rhizome of the Rhizophyllacez 
is scaly, the stipes naked; the caudex of the Cormophyllacez is 
naked, the stipes densely paleaceous: the formation of the fruit of the 
