88 On the development of the Spora of Anthoceros lavis. 



ber of cases the number of amylaceous grains diminish 

 (fig. 26), and it is then that we can exactly distinguish 

 the wall of the cellules completely developed and limited 

 also externally. They are found attached by gelatinous 

 filaments (fig. 26), the same as generally happens in the 

 undivided mother-cellule. 



A little after the division of the mother-cellule, the forma- 

 tion of the membrane of the sporas is perfected. 



Before this division takes place, the use of iodine exhibits 

 that there emanates from the mucilaginous fibrous substance 

 which fixes the granular cellules to the wall of the mother 

 cellule a thin gelatinous mass, which directs itself along the 

 internal surface of the mother-cellule, and covers this surface 

 in the form of a thin layer. This mucilaginous layer be- 

 comes brown by the use of iodine ; but it is so thin and so 

 very incoherent, that evidently we should only consider it as 

 a thin mucilaginous layer, and not as a distinct membrane. 

 After the division of the mother-cellule, we find in each of 

 its parts an analogous mucilaginous layer, which thickens 

 rapidly, and becomes entirely distinct when put in contact 

 with iodine by its yellowish brown tint, the mother-cel- 

 lule remaining colourless, it acquires a greater coherence, 

 represents a true membrane, and afterwards may be seen 

 even without the use of iodine, and which from this time 

 forms the membrane of the sporae, (fig. 24, 26). 



The form of the spora* is that which we find generally in 

 the most perfect cryptogamae, that is to say that towards 

 the centre of the cellule it exhibits a pyramidal apex with 

 three surfaces, and externally a convex surface. But as ac- 

 cording to that which has been said above, the internal surface 

 of the mother-cellule frequently exhibits at the approach of 

 the period in which the division is to be accomplished very 



* Spore Fren (Spora Hedw., Sporula, Richard, Gondylus, Goert. Besi- 

 men Neck.) Authors have substituted this term for that of grain to 

 designate the reproductive corpuscles in cryptogamous botany. — Jos. M. 



