D. H. Scott. 
11 6 
These little branchlets, described by Williamson as “ more like the 
ultimate fibre oi a root than a stem,” are present, in most of the 
sections, in countless numbers, occurring in dense, faggot like 
groups. They are found in direct connection with the typical triarch 
branches from which they spring, so that the relation between the 
various orders of ramification, as parts of the same frond, is clear 
throughout. 
The minute branchlets themselves undergo branching, but 
without much further diminution in size. 
It is rare to find any sign of vegetative leaflets accompanying 
the rachis of Stauropteris, and where such structures are found 
there is so far no proof that they belong to our plant. Their 
absence was noticed by Williamson, who speaks of “ not discovering 
any trace of a leaf [leaflet] or leaf-attachment ” (p. 687). He 
adds: “ If they bore leaves they must have been very small terminal 
ones, resembling in their position those of some of the Adiantums.” 
For this hypothetical suggestion, however, there is still no evidence. 
All the appearances point to the frond, as it commonly occurs, 
having been merely a compound naked rachis, destitute of any 
laminar expansions. The conclusion is at once suggested that such 
a frond could only have been a fertile one. 
Fig. 1. Stauropteris oldhamia, Binney. Empty sporangium borne terminally 
on an ultimate branchlet of the rachis, in which the vascular bundle is 
seen, x 37. From a photograph by Mr. L. A. Boodle. London University 
Collection, 77. From Oldham, Lancs. 
In a large majority of the sections of Stauropteris oldhamia 
sporangia are present, often in considerable numbers, and, so far as 
I have observed, all of the same type. These sporangia are often 
