386 
DR JOHN M‘LEAN THOMPSON ON THE 
a Gymnogramme relationship. On the other hand, the anatomical state would not 
preclude our plant from the Cheilanthinse, and cannot therefore be relied upon in 
the final determination of near affinity. The sporangial characters of such genera as 
Nothochlsena , Cheilanthes, Pellsea , and Cerato'pteris will then be of special interest as 
bearing on this point. 
In Nothochlsena a finis (Mett.), Moore, there is a three-rowed stalk, and a some- 
what oblique annulus which is not decurrent to the stalk (figs. 58, 63). The number 
of indurated cells is relatively small, and irregularities commonly occur (fig. 62). The 
condition established is certainly not advanced, and the general absence of induration 
from the lower part of the capsule may be a primitive condition. The spores are of 
special interest (figs. 59, 60, 61). They vary both in size and number per sporangium. 
In some cases only small spores are present. When this occurs the spore-output is 
high. Such numbers as 64, 56, 55, 54 have been counted. In others the spores are 
few and large, 18, 16, 14, 12 having been frequently found. Between these extremes 
