Druce^ on Confervoidece, 
73 
paratively seldom observed ; and secondly^ that from the 
combined conditions of the nisus towards gemmation^ and 
the multiform variableness of the plastic element concerned 
in these changes^ we should often find the true reproductive 
phenomena obscured by the differing conditions and fertility 
of resource exhibited by those of gemmation and vegetative 
multiplication. The uniform simplicity of plan_, upon which 
these orders are developed_, would moreover lead us to expect 
a corresponding uniformity as to the organs of reproduction 
throughout the group,, more or less completely differentiated, 
but still identical in function and purpose ; it will, therefore, 
not be unscientific to consider these, first, as we find them in 
the highest families of the order, with the intention of 
inquiring how far it is probable that, to ^discover the truth, 
we must look for their homologues in the lower. If this 
mode of investigation be legitimate, it may both lead to the 
solution of the problem of the reproduction of the Con- 
fervoid Algse, and, without pretending to account for multi- 
farious occurrences connected with them, may enable us to 
discriminate between essential and non-essential phenomena. 
The Rhodosperms I pass by, as they possess an indication of 
affinities higher than any of the aquatic Cryptogamia; and 
would direct your attention to the Melanosperms, as repre- 
sented by the genus Fucus, in which we find the provisions 
for reproduction to be as follows : — First, oosporanges ; 
second, conceptacles ; third, antheridia. I believe I am 
justified in asserting that these several organs rather appear 
to be evolved upon a higher type than those of Confervoide£e 
than to be so in reality. It has been ordained that the 
forests of the deep should be developed upon the Crypto- 
gamic type ; but it is evident that the ability of each cell to 
produce zoospores, or to become a spore or antheridium, 
would be here incompatible with the dimensions to which 
these plants attain, and to fulfil their purposes. We there- 
fore find all the fertile cells, whether gonidial, sperm, or 
germ, collected together in specialized parts of the organism ; 
but the specialization stops with the locality, the spores being 
extruded, whether singly or in octospores, finally without a 
membrane, and afterwards acquiring true cellulose envelopes, 
after the manner of Confervoidese. The oosporanges are 
formed merely by the breaking up of the cell-contents of a 
mass of cells into zoospores, and the process is in every 
respect comparable with that of the unicellular Alg^e ; and 
although the antherozoids are developed from articulated 
filaments, the antheridia are budded off from these in a 
manner similar to the horns of Vaucheria. I would also 
