538 [Proc. B.N.F.C, 



detected, nor could any axis of growth be perceived, so that it 

 was impossible to form any theory as to the eventual mode of 

 reproduction which might result, for, although the tips of the 

 flask-shaped pseudo bulbils were in some cases elongated into 

 filiform processes, no sign of circination or resemblance to 

 fronds was visible, added to which the presence of an indusium 

 in the place of scales, common to true bulbils, led to the 

 assumption that they were abnormal sporoid growths, and not 

 proliferous ones, likely to produce plants by direct bud growth. 

 To test their capabilities, numerous pinnae were laid down on 

 November 27, on suitable soil, and placed in heat, and on 

 December 24 pseudo bulbils showed an evident foliaceous 

 extension of their tips, and the appearance of numerous long, 

 rigid, glassy-looking rods or hairs, which sprang from their 

 bases. These rods bore a strong resemblance to the root hairs 

 common to the underside of prothalli, but their decided upward 

 growth radiating stiffly seemed opposed to this view. It is 

 probable that they acted as aerial roots, for the growth of the 

 tips of the pseudo bulbils proceeded rapidly, and on February 

 10 they had assumed a decided prothalloid form, while the 

 upright rods had either become deflected or absorbed. Event- 

 ually, all the tips of the flask-shaped bulbils assumed the form 

 of perfect prothalli, of the usual shape and size, the pseudo 

 bulbils themselves being absorbed and disappearing, and the 

 usual root hairs developing under the prothalli. On March 17, 

 several of the prothalli were examined microscopically, and 

 well-developed archegonia were found in the usual place and 

 number, but no antheridia were able to be detected. Early in 

 May a single antheridium was found, and it is evident many 

 others were there, but not noticed, as on May 21 the final stage 

 was reached, small fronds being visible, in several cases, 

 projecting from the bifurcation of the prothallus, and evidently, 

 therefore, produced from the archegonia by the ordinary 

 fertilising mode of reproduction through the prothalli ; which 

 as had been shown, had developed from growths that differed 

 widely from spores in their form, their size, persistent adherence 

 to the penuae, their production of root surface, and, finally, 



