The Gametophytes, Archegonia, Fertilization, and 
Embryo of Sequoia sempervirens. 
BY 
ANSTRUTHER A. LAWSON, Ph.D. 
Instructor in Botany, Stanford University , California, US. A. 
With Plates I-IV. 
Introduction. 
..THOUGH investigations among the Gymnosperms, especially among 
the Cycadales and Ginkgoales, have, in the last few years resulted 
in most important and startling discoveries, this field of research has not 
received the attention it deserves. The literature on the Coniferales is 
gradually accumulating and revealing much that is of interest and of 
importance. These contributions are, however, too fragmentary to deserve 
the appreciation which they might otherwise receive. 
Representatives of every family of the Coniferales have been investi- 
gated, especially in regard to the gametophyte generation. Of the numerous 
types selected by the various investigators many phases in the life-history 
have been revealed which are of great morphological interest and importance. 
In spite of the large number of forms that have been worked upon, however, 
Pinus is the only Conifer in which a connected account of the important 
events completing the life-cycle has been compiled. The works on the other 
Conifers are nevertheless of great importance, and although they are at 
present but disconnected chapters in the life-history, their true value will no 
doubt be fully appreciated as soon as the missing chapters have been written. 
The interesting genus Sequoia is represented by two living species, 
Sequoia gig ante a and Sequoia sempervirens. The former species is confined 
to very narrow limits in California, while the latter extends along the coast 
ranges of middle and northern California and for about twelve miles into 
the State of Oregon. Of the latter species there are at present over one 
hundred trees growing on the campus of Stanford University. As the 
majority of these trees are healthy and vigorous, and although young, 
produce cones every year, and especially as many of them grow in the 
immediate vicinity of the Botanical Laboratory, excellent opportunity for 
the daily collections of material was afforded. Taking advantage of these 
exceptional facilities, I have thought it worth while to work out the 
morphology of the gametophytes, with the hope of filling in the gaps left 
[Annals of Botany, Vol. XVIII. No. LXIX. January, 1904.] 
B 
