THE ANATOMY AND AFFINITY OF DEPARIA MOORE1, HOOK. 



841 



close to the apex (text-figs, xxvi-ix). It seems probable that this reduction of axis, 

 stele, and leaf-trace was the expression of waning vitality, and that the fluctuations 



FigU. 



Ffg.M. 



Fi g m. 



in the condition of the stele are records of the vicissitudes through which the plant 

 has passed. 



The leaf-gaps vary greatly in form and size. Some are short and approximately 

 oval, while others are irregularly deltoid, or long and tortuous (fig. 40). Gaps of 

 this latter type are less common than the oval or deltoid gaps, and are found usually 

 on the lower side of the stele. 



