40 
CHOICE BRITISH FERNS. 
The prothallus has also been found capable of producing 
Ferns, in some instances, by simple buds emanating from its 
under surface, independently of the reproductive organs — this 
is called Apogamy ; the crested Hard Male Fern reproduces 
itself in this fashion. The prothallus also multiplies itself 
sometimes by budding — i.e., produces fresh prothalli — so that 
many plants may result from a single spore without cutting ; 
the Royal Fern {Osmunda regalis) does this. On the other 
hand, the prothallus may be produced by direct outgrowth 
from the Fern itself, instead of from the spore {vide Appendix 
re Apospory), which is the latest vagary discovered. The only 
jDOssibility now apparently remaining is for the prothallus to 
bear spores direct, and shut out the Fern proper altogether, 
which would represent a stride backwards to the Lichen or 
Marchantia families. We are, however, getting technical, so 
will revert to the practical again. 
We gather, then, from this description of the phenomena 
of reproduction (1) that the spore must be located upon a 
congenial surface, so that when it bursts the root-hairs may 
find due nourishment for further growth; (2) that when the 
prothallus has developed, the surroundings must permit a 
deposit of moisture upon its under surface — this implies a 
thoroughly moist atmosphere. 
It is also manifest, from the minuteness of all the operations, 
that disturbance at the early stages would probably be fatal, 
and that insect life, or, indeed, any life at all with which the 
tiny embryo would have to contend for existence, is to be 
avoided. With these facts in mind, let us see how to proceed. 
How to Sow the Spores. 
Take a shallow, porous, red earthenware pan, about Sin. 
deep, put lin. of broken flower-pot in the bottom, over that a 
thin layer of moss or other fibrous material, then fill up the 
pan with ordinary Fern compost, upon the top of which scatter 
a few nodules of clay; press lightly, so as to make fairly flat. 
Now place a small piece of paper in the centre, upon which 
