352 
OPHIOGLOSSACEiE. 
base, very gradually tapering to the apex ; it is composed of two 
series of large, imbedded, crowded, circular capsules ; these 
capsules appear to be spherical cavities, filled with a pollen-like 
dust : when mature each capsule opens by a transverse fissure, 
the pollen- like dust escapes, and the lips of the capsules remain 
separate and gaping. 
Instances of monstrosities occur in which two, three, four, 
five, and even six spikes issue from a single leaf. 
