126 FERN GROWING 



the skipjack. On April 2, 1894, this portion of a divided 

 prothallus, being in a healthy condition, was for the second 

 time cut into four divisions, three of which are growing 

 vigorously, and now, January 7, 1895, are seven and a half 

 years old and still frondless. 



It used to be held that it was impossible for the male 

 organs of a Fern to move from one prothallus to another, 

 as in bursting from the cell they had no projectile force ; 

 but as soon as it was acknowledged that Ferns could be 

 crossed, this assumption of inability of the spermoid to travel 

 to another prothallus received its death-blow. 



The experiments with regard to dividing the prothallus have 

 disclosed a new method of Fern propagation, for it is easy to 

 multiply the varieties whilst in the prothalloid condition. There 

 is, however, one fact to be ascertained, it is as to how far this 

 can be done, so as to have the organs of generation on each 

 division. If these organs were not present, however much the 

 prothallus might grow, there would never be any fronds pro- 

 duced. In order to test this, the author has cut off two portions 

 of the prothallus that had been in that condition since January 

 1888 ; these have been planted under a bell-glass, and are now 

 growing. There would be no uncertainty in a simple division, 

 as it could be so cut as to have the male and female organs 

 on both divisions. Each division of a divided prothallus 

 seems to grow as rapidly as the undivided one, and indeed, 

 since these portions have been cut off, the parent prothallus 

 has itself had an increased luxuriance. Some time ago this 

 prothallus was very sickly, and had the appearance of being 

 in a dying state, but it was repotted, and in two months had 

 become healthy and had doubled its size. The undivided 

 prothallus is more or less of a kidney shape, but, when divided, 

 it throws out a number of extensions in all directions, these 

 numerous folds giving it a more bush-like appearance. Of 

 course it requires skill and patience, as well as experience 



