296 



GENERAL EEMARK8. 



face of the peduncle, for the protection of the radicles arising 

 from the under surface of the capitulum. 



In the second form, the peduncle derives its origin from the 

 central stratum, is not terminal, and is homogeneous in struc- 

 ture, having no provision for the passage of radicles, which 

 are not produced on the under surface of the capitulum, and 

 which last is not manifestly a part of the frond. Indeed the 

 capitulum in these cases, consists of one or more follicular- 

 formed involucra, united by their bases, and not presenting 

 the same structure as the frond. 



This form is so far as I know, limited to Plagiochasma, and is 

 remarkable, in as much as the otherwise universal characters 

 of fructificatio hypophylla, may be said to be departed from. 



Both this genus and Antrocephalus, are distinguished by 

 the origin and structure of the peduncle, and consequently of 

 the capitulum. 



I cannot reconcile Plagiochasma, of Lehmann, with the 

 description quotated by Endlicher of Bischoffs fig. Sedge- 

 wickia hsemisphasrica, Nov. Acta XVII. 2, t. 70 IV. which 

 though it may be analogous to these plants, still appears a true 

 Ricciacea. 



From what I can understand of Lehmanns paper on Antro- 

 cephalus hepticus, its distinction depends upon marks, 

 of which alone, the transverse dehiscence of the involu- 

 cere is worthy much notice. For it will be at once seen 

 that the capsule varies a good deal, and also that one 

 Affghan species varies remarkably in the number of involucra. 

 I have likewise a Khasya sp. with similar transverse dehis- 

 cence of involucres, of which it has S?-3. The last genus 

 will probably have to be combined, at present it is only to be 

 known by the transverse dehiscence of the involucrum. 



Anthoceroteae. — The distinctive character of this family 

 I take to be the absence of the Calyptra, or rather pistillum, 

 the linear univalvular or bivalvular capsule, and the linear seti- 

 form columella. Further observations may likewise make 

 known remarkable peculiarities in the manner of fecundation. 



