Notes . 
576 
is indicated by shading with dots. Fig. 1 is a somewhat oblique tangential section 
of a microsporophyll, and Fig. 2 represents a median radial vertical section of 
a microsporophyll passing between the two microsporangia. This abnormal structure 
usually arises in the median position, but its apex is often somewhat obliquely 
directed on account of the mutual pressure of the neighbouring microsporophylls. 
It is traversed by a tubular cavity, which is widest at the mouth and gradually narrows 
upwards to a blind ending. The cells of which the principal part of the structure is 
composed are rather small, with relatively large nuclei which stain deeply with 
Delafield’s haematoxylin, suggesting glandular tissue. 
I am unable to draw any conclusions as to the nature of these peculiar processes. 
According to Coulter and Chamberlain 1 the occasional occurrence of bi- 
sporangiate strobili has been reported for Picea excelsa, Pinus maritima , Abies sp., 
Pseudotsuga Douglasii , Sequoia , and Juniperus communis , and to this list Larix 
europaea must now be added. Coulter and Chamberlain state that they are evidently 
of very rare occurrence among Pinaceae. 
A. W. BARTLETT. 
University of Sheffield. 
1 Morphology of Gymnosperms, 1910, p. 238. 
