60 
RECENT OBSERVATIONS OF DR. NYLANDER ON 
SCHWENDENERISM. 
Translated by the Rev. J. M. Crombie, F.L.S. 
In h is “ Sertnm Lichenaeae Tropical e Labuan et Singapore,” 
just published Nylander (pp. 31-34) makes the following per- 
tinent and important observations on this subject, which I have 
translated for the benefit of the readers of “ Grevillea ” : — There 
is nothing easier for the refutation of the Schwendenerian hypo- 
thesis than observing the formation and evolution of the gonidiain 
the thalline granules, which are adnateon the erect chondroid axes 
of Stercocaulon and the Cladoniei. I have elsewhere shown 
(Lich. Fueg., p, 30) that these podetial axes constitute in the 
chondrohyphal portion a firm, erect cylindrical hypothallus, upon 
which, and from which, originate the myeiohyphae (which are 
nothing else than the chondrohyphse seceding or segregated from 
the axis) with the glomerules of the thallus itself, which are com- 
posed of the medulla, gonidia, and at the same time of the cortex 
or cortical cells. These glomerules are variously explicated, and 
become at length for different types — granulose, squamulose, 
papillose, or fibrillose. But in their first granuliform beginnings 
an excellent opportunity is always found of observing the origin of 
the gonidia, which one may see in the act of growing. It is at the 
same time to be noted that the gonidiogenous thalline glomerules 
occur scattered upon the naked axis of the podetium where no 
gonidia are vagrant, so that none such can consequently come from 
without. Nor could they come from the substratum or the ground 
except by creeping up the erect cylinder of the axis — a movement 
impossible for them since they are entirely destitute of any kind of 
organs of ascension. We can, however, clearly see that the 
gonidia arise, and are formed in the cells of the said glomeruli. 
The annexed figure shows four young glomerules 
growing upon a fragment of the naked stipe of a 
Stercocaulon , sufficiently demonstrating that the 
gonidia are produced in these glomerules. It is 
thus scientific matters are expressly to be proved 
by the results of accurate observations ; but such 
as rest upon hypothesis only, or affirmation only 
(nowadays called “ suppositions, convictions,” 
etc.), are of no value, of no serious weight, are 
to be regarded as worthless. 
We may notice and compare what Tulasne 
obtained by culture (Mem. Lich. t. xi., f. 17, 
“ Thalle naissant,” and t. xiii., f. 5-13), which 
affords a most true, most sincere, and most com- 
plete example of the germination of the lichen- spores, proceeding 
from the spore to the formation of the gonidia within the cellular 
pro thalline glomerules, which he thus indicates in the explanation 
