xxv] 



ETAPTERIS 



463 



elements (fig. 318). From the lower part of each oval group 

 a small strand is detached; the two strands from one side of 

 the stele coalesce and then separate to pass into two pinnae. 

 Fig. 308, B, shows four stages in the giving-off of the secondary 

 branches. This species, therefore, produces four rows of branches 

 in alternate pairs from the right and left sides of the petiole. 



The first stage is shown at 0, 0, fig. 308, B ; the two 

 projecting groups of protoxylem mark the points of departure 

 of a pair of small strands. At 1, the projections are more 

 prominent, and at 2 a pair of strands has become detached : at 

 a later stage, 3, these two strands unite to divide later (4) into 

 two slightly curved bundles. 



Our knowledge of the fructification of Etapteris is based on 

 Renault's account of sporangia, which he regarded as belonging 

 to Zygopteris (Etapteris) Lacattii. They have the form of 



a 



Fio. 319. A — C. Sporangia of Etapteris (?). 



D — G. Botryopteris forensis. (After Renault.) 



elongated slightly curved sacs (2-5 x 1-3 mm.) borne in clusters 

 (fig. 319, A — C) on slender ramifications of the fertile frond, 

 which is characterised by the absence of a lamina. Each 



