258 



ACOTVLEDONOUS PLANTS. 



In these, fecundation is direct, the end of the style, first 

 being sphacelated, then the canal, then the single cell is 

 affected. 



In the others it is indirect, and does not act on a pre-exis- 

 ting special palpable punctual, but on the parenchyma of the 

 frond : this is distinct in Anthoceros, and probably is the case 

 also in Ferns. 



As we see the more perfect pistillum gradually disappear, 

 leaving only the male, so do we see the male gradually dis- 

 appear, leaving no sex at all ? 



The action of the male is not appreciable in Isoetes. 



The male is unknown in Azolla. In this and Isoetes, the 

 so called males have the same early structure as the females : 

 and in Isoetes become subsequently similar to the spores. 



In Azolla, one pistillum produces by fecundation, one set of 

 organs : the other, another. Probably both are reproductive. 



In Marsilea the males are unknown, the thecse contain 

 two sorts of bodies of different modes of developement ; one 

 only resulting from division : the other not analogous to a 

 male. 



Azolla is the connecting point between those with, and those 

 without Pistills, in having two sets of organs developed by 

 fecundation. It is in this respect like Marsilea among the 

 Epistelligerous. 



Anthoceros is the connecting point between the same, as 

 regards palpable fecundation without a Pistillum. 



Observation is wanted to complete our knowledge of Azolla, 

 and Marsilea, and to commence our knowledge of Ferns, 

 Licopodium, and Salvinia. 



It is also required, as to the fate of the Ovulum of Evagin- 

 ulate Marchantiaceae. 



The male of Mosses, Hepaticae, Anthoceros, and Ferus, is 

 referrible to the earliest stage of a Phsenogamous anther, when 

 it is a cellular mass containing a grumous fluid. 



The males of Ferns are proved to be so, by their univer- 

 sality, time of function, and by their analogy to males of 

 certain Mosses. 



