222 
APOSPOKY IN FERNS. 
growths upon A. F.-f. Clarissima, the former being solitary bud -like 
growths seated in the centre of a number of brown lanceolate scales 
and without a trace of indusium {Fig. 3 ) ; while the latter were 
composed of 5 or 6 or more flask-shaped bodies, each one larger 
than the bulbils aforesaid, and seated within an undoubted 
indusium {Fig. 4). Tlie masses were sufiiciently large for their 
formation to be clearly distinguishable by the naked eye, covering 
more than the space of an ordinary sorus. At this stage no 
signs of spores or spore-cases could be detected, nor could any 
axis of growth be perceived ; so that it was impossible to form 
any theory as to the eventual mode of reproduction which might 
result ; for although the tips of the flask-shaped pseudobulbils 
were in some cases elongated into filiform processes, no sign of 
circination or resemblance to fronds was visible, added to which the 
presence of an indusium in the place of the scales common to true 
bulbils led to the assumption that they were abnormal sporoid 
growths, and not ];)roliferous ones likely to produce plants by direct 
bud -growth.” 
“ To test their capabilities I laid down on November 27, in a 
duly prepared seed-pan, numerous pinnae, which I imbedded 
edgewise half way in the soil, the growths being thus brought into 
immediate contact with it, lying as they did along the rachides of 
the pinnae. I then placed the pan in slight heat, with the result 
that the pseudobulbils immediately began to increase in size and 
to develope in such i fashion, that on December 24 I was able to 
record an evident foliaceous extension and division of the tips of the 
pseudobulbils, and the appearance of numerous long, rigid, glassy- 
looking rods of hairs which sprang from their bases. These rods 
bore a strong resemblance to the root hairs common to the 
undersides of prothalli ; but their decided upward growth, radiating 
stiffly, seemed opposed to this view, as also the fact that they sprang 
from the bases and sides of the pseudobulbils. It is probable, 
however, that they acted as aerial roots, for the growth of the tips 
of the pseudobulbils proceeded rapidly, until, on February 10 of the 
present year, I recorded that they had assumed a decided 
prothalloid form, while the upright rods had either become deflected 
