Cones of Williamsonia gigas (L. & //.). 177 
of the circumscribed space enclosed by the perianth members when the 
cone was immature. 
The male cone of Williamsonia is probably not the only strobilus of 
this group possessing a gonophore. In W illiamsoniella coronata , recently 
instituted by Thomas , 1 we find both the male and female organs of this 
amphisporangiate cone borne on a long stalk. It is true that perianth 
segments (so-called bracts) are not known to occur at the base of this stalk, 
Fig. 5. Outline of the * pyriform axis’ (androphore) of a male cone of Williamsonia gigas (after 
Williamson, W. C„, 1870, PL 52, Fig. 4), natural size. 
but at the same time this organ may be at least provisionally interpreted as 
being of the nature of a gonophore. 
Were any Structures borne at the Apex of the 
Female Cone? 
The question as to whether any structure was borne at the ‘ corona ’ of 
the female axis must be left open. In W illiamsoniella coronata , mentioned 
above, the axis is also prolonged somewhat beyond the region of the inter- 
seminal scales, though to a much less degree than in the female William- 
sonia cone. There is no evidence, however, that it bore any other structure 
above the female organs. 
In the case of Williamsonia , I think it is very unlikely that anything 
was attached in that region. Certainly the male sporophylls were not borne 
here, and if anything was attached in this region it must have been some 
other organ. It should also be recalled that many other examples of 
< 1 Thomas ( 1915 ), Text-fig. 1. 
