534 Sykes and Stiles .— The Cones of the Genus Selaginella . 
Finally, it appears to us that we find in this genus a series of forms of 
sporophyll, the most complex form prevailing in one of the more primitive 
species. This complex form presents a remarkable resemblance to the form 
of the sporophyll in Lycopodium alpinum and cernuum , and in Spencerites, l 
and though it would of course be inadvisable to suggest any kind of close 
relationship between forms otherwise so divergent, we cannot refrain from 
inferring some significance underlying so close a resemblance. 
The development of a complex sporophyll differentiated into dorsal 
and ventral portions in genera separated in time and in general features so 
widely as are these three, seems to point to the conclusion that we are here 
dealing with a very ancient character. We realize, however, that in the 
light of the instances of parallel development now so frequently revealed, it 
is not yet possible to regard such a view as definitely proved. 
Botany School, Cambridge. 
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1 Berridge, E. M., 1905. 
