162 Some Observations on Welwitschia mirabilis, Hooker,/. 



Cycadofiliccs, Pteridospcrms and Botryoptcris occur, there is no satisfactory 

 evidence of the existence of a true fern on this horizon. In the succeeding 

 Westphalian series, true ferns possibly exist in such genera as Hymenopltyllitcs, 

 Oligoearpia, Senflenberyia, and Kidstonia. Also the Marattiacece are present 

 in Astcrotheca and some allies. In the Badstockian scries and Upper Coed 

 Measures of the continent, all these groups are probably present, but the 

 Marattiacece assume here a very important place. 



The conclusion is, therefore, come to that the Cycadofiliccs, which long- 

 antedated the advent of true ferns, cannot have been derived from them but 

 are themselves the oldest type of fern-like plant at present known. In regard 

 to the true ferns it seems probable that they may have been derived from 

 the Botryoplcridem. 



Some Observations on Welwitschia mirabilis, Hooker, f. 



By H. H. W. Peaeson, M.A., F.L.S., « Harry Bolus " Professor of Botany in 

 the South African College, Cape Town. 



(Communicated by A. C. Seward, F.K.S. Received September 9, — Bead 

 November 23, 1905.) 



(Abstract.) 



The material examined was obtained by the author from plants of 

 Welwitschia growing near the German military station at Haikamchab, on 

 the south bank of the Swakop River, 31 miles north-east of the British 

 station at Walfish Bay. Owing to the native rising, it was impossible to 

 carry out the intention of spending some weeks in the country, and keeping- 

 plants under constant observation. The results recorded are, therefore, based, 

 on the investigations of flowers collected during a hurried visit to the 

 Welwitschia country. 



The author deals with the habitat of the plants, and describes the climatal 

 conditions under which they grow. Evidence is adduced in support of the 

 view that Welwitschia is partially, if not entirely, insect-pollinated, and that 

 the processes of fertilisation and maturation of the seed seem to be effected 

 much more rapidly than in other Gymnosperms. 



Male, Flowers, — The author supports Strasburger's view that the male 

 flowers are reduced forms of an originally hermaphrodite structure. The 

 development of microsporangia and microspores is described. The characters 

 of the pollen-grain, in which three nuclei were observed before the dehiscence 



