CRYPTOGAMOUS or FLOWERLESS PLANTS. 
Vegetables devoid of manifest staminate and_pistillate 
flowers, and reproduced from spores which contain no distinct 
embryo. 
Division L—VASCULARES on ACROGENS. 
Stem when present filled with vascular tissue. Plants re- 
produced from minute spores, which in germination form a 
membranous bulbiform or filamentous body termed the pro- 
thallus, upon which the reproductive organs are developed, 
giving rise to new individuals. 
Orver I.—FILICES. 
Herbaceous or shrubby plants, sometimes attaining the 
dimensions of trees in the tropics and the temperate regions 
of the southern hemisphere. Stem when erect simple, but 
us a creeping rhizome often branched. Leaves (here termed 
fronds) tufted or alternate, simple or more or less divided; 
vernation cireinate, or rarely straight as in the Ophiogléssee. 
Petiole or stipes continuous or jointed, rachis or midrib often 
grooved above. Fructification consisting of minute capsules 
of spores borne in clusters (soit) on the under side or edge of 
the fronds, or sometimes on separate fronds. Sori naked, or 
covered with an orbicular peltate reniform linear bivalved or 
urceolate involucre or indusium. Capsules or spore-cases 
sessile or stipitate, frequently intermixed with bristles, or 
imperfect spore-cases. Ferns inhabit nearly all climes, but 
they are rare in very cold and arid regions, and attain their 
greatest development in tropical and temperate countries pos- 
sessing a humid atmosphere. There is a wide divergence of 
opinion amongst pteridologists as to the number of genera and 
