D. H. Scott. 
172 
clearest cases, from the upper part of Fig. 27, are shown more highly 
magnified in Fig. 28. They are overlying each other in various 
directions, and it is not always easy to trace the parts belonging to 
each, but I have satisfied myself that the following account represents 
the facts. The spore A has sent out a narrow outgrowth (incomplete 
below) which no doubt represents a rhizoid, and is cut off by a 
transverse wall from the body of the spore. In B the rhizoid 
extends a good deal further, and appears to be shrivelled at the end, 
so that it was no doubt longer in nature. In C, which is lying 
nearly horizontally, the body of the spore has split away from the 
germ-tube, the upper end of which is cut off as a distinct cell, while 
the cell-wall at this end of the rhizoid appears to be thickened where 
it overlies the germ-tube of A. In D the rhizoid is incomplete and 
is separated by an oblique wall from the spore. On the whole the 
stages of germination shown in this sporangium are somewhat 
earlier than some of those previously figured. 1 So far as they go, 
however, they conform to the Fern-type, and leave little room for 
doubt that the mode of reproduction of Stauropteris oldhnmia was 
essentially that of a true Fern. 
The conclusion is important, not only as determining the 
systematic position of this particular plant, but as throwing light on 
that of a considerable group. In the mode of insertion of its 
sporangia, and in its anatomical characters Stauropteris approaches 
the Botryopteridere more nearly than any other family. Professor 
Bertrand, who has made a minute study of the vascular structure 
of the petiole in the whole group, wrote to me, in 1905, that he had 
no doubt of the relation of Stauropteris to the Botryopteridezc, and 
especially to the genus Zygoptcris. I am inclined to agree with 
him in this, though the simpler structure of the sporangial wall in 
our genus may serve as a distinctive character, for the multiseriate 
annulus appears to be an important feature in the Botryopteridean 
sporangium. 
The sporangium with germinating spores, described in 1904, 
has much in common with that of Stauropteris, though of consi¬ 
derably larger dimensions, and may not improbably prove to have 
belonged to another species of the same genus. 
In conclusion I desire to express my thanks to my wife, Mrs. 
D. H. Scott, F.L.S., for her zealous help in the investigation. For 
the illustrations 1 am indebted to my colleague, Mr. L. A. 
Boodle, F.L.S. 
1 Loc. cit., 1904. 
H- Madley. Printor, 151, Whitfield Street, Fitzroy Square, W, 
