390 Bower. — Studies in the Phytogeny of the Fi lie ales. 
V Her minieri, and Pater soni in having the indusial flap intramarginal, and 
the margin itself showing as a distinct projection (w), though it is only of 
small size. This is seen in PI. XXVII, Fig. 15, a, which was cut near to the 
apex of a pinna : it shows also that the sporangia do not arise simultaneously, 
but that various ages are intermixed. The pinnae widen out considerably 
downwards, having a more or less cuneate form : and a section lower down 
in a pinna of more advanced age is seen in Fig. 15, b. Here it appears that 
a very considerable space intervenes between the midrib and the margin ; 
and the sporangia, which vary greatly in age, are distributed over the whole 
concave surface. The section has been cut so as to follow the course 
of a vein, and some sporangia may be seen to lie beyond its distal end. 
Below the third from the margin the commissure has been cut through. If 
sections be cut transversely to the veins, and between the commissure and 
the midrib, the appearance will be as in Fig. 15, c. Here the young vascular 
strands are seen all separate, while the whole surface, not only above them 
but also between them, is occupied by sporangia. Clearly they may be 
here produced over the whole surface, and are not restricted to the position 
above the veins or the commissure. Comparison with Fig. 1 5, b, shows that 
a non-soral condition has been reached, with the sporangia spread over 
a broad band of leaf-surface on either side of the midrib. It is, in fact, an 
approach to an ‘ Acrostichoid ’ state, and this will be interesting for further 
comparison. 
Blechnum filiforme (A. Cunn.), Ettingsh. 
This remarkable plant has been definitely placed in the Lomaria 
section of the genus Blechnum , though it has passed under various synonyms. 
It was styled Osmunda reptans by Banks and Solander, and Stenochlaena 
hetero 7 norpha by J. Smith, a name which probably points its most natural 
affinity. It is figured in Hooker’s Species Filicum, vol. iii, Tab. CXLIX. It 
is a scandent species, rooting below in the soil, and climbing up supports 
to a considerable height. The sterile leaves in the basal region are ‘ Pimpi- 
nelloid ’ in outline, and sharply toothed ; but those of the climbing region 
resemble those of other Lomarias. The fertile leaves are externally of the 
usual Blechnoid type, but with very long and narrow pinnae, which shrivel 
when mature, so that their upper surface becomes concave, and the lower 
soral surface convex. This, as it is covered with sporangia over a broad 
area, gives an ‘ Acrostichoid ’ appearance to the fully ripe pinna. 
The Fern is a native of New Zealand and Fiji. Supplies of material 
were received from Dr. Cockayne, F.R.S., and also through his instigation 
from Mr. Esmond Atkinson, of the Department of Agriculture, Wellington, 
New Zealand, to both of whom my best thanks are due. 
There is a marked difference in size of the creeping and the climbing 
regions of the axis. This is shown in Text-fig. 10, a , b. But the structure 
is upon the usual Blechnoid plan, with minor variants. The creeping 
