368 



MUSCI. 



Then instead of the part, which we may reasonably assume 

 most exposed to the fecundating influence, taking on the pe- 

 culiar phenomena of reprodution, we have the growth of a 

 body apparently of little use, certainly,not essential so far as its 

 length is concerned. But this is not all : the changes going on 

 in the part which has usurped the situation of the original 

 cell, are limited for a long time, to the formation of a cavity 

 for the containance of the reproductive essential organs, 

 which are of late appearance. 



The formation of this cavity is very curious, it is peculiar, 

 the whole part to be excavated is at first occupied by highly 

 developed green parenchyma, (compare the developement of 

 the stomata with that of this parenchyma) the aerating tissue 

 of the leaves, this is subsequently absorbed, but not before 

 it has caused the appearance of stomata, with which it is ob- 

 viously, I think intimately united, not with the sporules, as 

 Valentine appears to think, for from these they are cut off by 

 a very effectual obstacle — a membrance, besides which the spo- 

 rules are brown, or at any rate have no green parenchyma, so 

 they have no need of aeration. 



The sporules are not developed from the tissue of the 

 columella, the contraction of this in size depends upon com- 

 pression, the amount of which must be considerable, since 

 every original cell of sporule becomes ternarily or quater- 

 nary divided. 



The processes about the female flowers are puzzling : they 

 are vastly like some of the anthers or male organs ? of 

 Ferns, (see my sketches Plate CXIII. Cryptogramma,) and as 

 fully developed, but they undergo no change, no withering, no 

 indication of their having completed their functions, but they 

 are to be found fresh at a late period, how late I have not yet 

 determined, although, on this, great stress is to be laid, as well 

 as on their comparison with ordinary hairs. 



The stipitate articulate central bodies of the male flowers 

 are more puzzling, because of the anthers appearing cel- 

 lular : they are scarcely reconcileable to their type of growth. 



