170 
D. H. Scott. 
THE OCCURRENCE OF GERMINATING SPORES IN 
S 771 UK OPTERIS OLD HA MIA. 
By D. H. Scott, F.R.S. 
[Text-Figs. 27 and 28.] 
N 1904 I described in this Journal 1 a specimen showing germi¬ 
nating spores in a fossil Fern-sporangium of Lower Coal- 
Measure Age. At that time there was no clue to the identification 
of the sporangium beyond the fact of its Filicinean character. In 
the following year I was able to describe the sporangia of Stauropteris 
oldhamia , 2 which were found in connection with the fine ultimate 
Fig. 27. Stauropteris oldhamia. Sporangium containing germinating 
spores, best shown in the upper part ; cf. Fig. 28. The thick inner layer of the 
sporangia! wall is partly preserved. L. A. Hoodie phot, x about 85. 
branches of the rachis. In discussing the affinities of the plant, 
the question was left open whether it was a member of the true 
Ferns, such as the Botryopterideze, or a Pteridosperm, in which 
case the sporangia would be of the nature of microsporangia. 
The object of the present note is to record the discovery of 
germinating spores in a sporangium belonging to Stauropteris 
oldhamia , an observation which appears decisive in favour of the 
1 New Phytologist, Vol. III., p. 18, 1904. 
* New Phytologist, Vol. IV., p. 114, 1905, 
