THE WONDERS OF THE SPORE. 
39 
this then develops into a Fern proper, in the manner indicated 
on an enlarged scale by section in Fig. 6, and finally completes 
the reproductive cycle as in Fig. 7. As both these organs 
Fig. 6.— Section op Prothallus and Young Fern, much enlarged—^, Pro- 
thallus ; rh, Root-hairs of Prothallus ; /, Foot of Young Fern, embedded in 
hollow of enlarged Archegonium, a ; fr. Very Young Frond ; r, Root. 
are scattered over the prothallus, it has been found that 
division of the prothallus by a sharp knife may lead to the 
production of a corresponding number of centres of growth 
Fig. 7.— Prothallus and Fern at Later Stage. 
and resulting plants; whereas, if left undivided, it would 
seem that all the energy of the prothallus is absorbed by 
some one centre, which obtains predominance, the remainder 
perishing. 
