514 
RETIE WS. 
Ehrh. whereas the difference in the spermatia is so marked, as to 
leave no doubt of the two being distinct. This “ notula,” as well as 
a subsequent one, “ De gonidiis Lichenum observationes qusedam,” 
contains some remarks upon the distinction between “ gonidia” and 
“ granula gonima,” and upon the importance of the former with re¬ 
gard to the systematic position of the Lichens as a body; the con¬ 
clusion which the author draws, being that the latter are inferior to 
the Algae, where the “elementa gonidialia” abound, and superior to 
the Eungi where these elements are altogether wanting. 
The next paper we have to notice, is one by Dr. Schwendener, on 
the development of the apothecia of Coenogonium Linkii , and is im¬ 
portant, as contradicting Karsten’s hypothesis, with regard to the 
process of impregnation in this Lichen. At the end of his essay on 
parthenogenesis, Karsten added some observations on the develop¬ 
ment of the apothecia of Coenogonium , which, if correct, showed that 
the latter originate in a free central cell, contained in an organ similar 
to the archegonia of the higher cryptogams. This central cell was 
stated to be impregnated in a manner ahnost exactly similar to what 
occurs in ColeocluEte and &'aprolegnia amongst the Algae. If Kars¬ 
ten’s observations were to be relied upon, the great problem of sexu¬ 
ality in the Lichens would have been solved, for it could hardly be 
doubted that what was alleged to have been seen in Coenogonium , 
would speedily have been discovered in other Lichens, when observers 
were put upon the track. Karsten’s observations, however, have not 
been confirmed by any other botauist, and Dr. Schwendener meets 
them with a positive contradiction. We strongly recommend a care¬ 
ful perusal of Dr. Schwendener’s paper, where details will be found, 
of which, without figures, it is impossible to give a full account. 
There are some remarks at the conclusion, which well deserve 
the attention of Lichenologists. The author says, “ Whether the 
“ mother-cells of the spores or some other cells are impregnated, is 
“ a question still unsettled, and which will probably occupy many an 
“ observer, until the right solution is arrived at. As matters stand 
“ at present, however, the assumption of an impregnation of the 
“ young asci is the most probable one. It is easily seen that in many 
“ apothecia, tolerably wide canals lead down from the upper sur- 
“ face of the Lamina proligera to the apex of the asci, and more- 
£{ over, that the membrane of the older asci exhibits at this spot 
“ (which is usually thickened and gelatinous,) a pore, which traverses 
“ the inner layers, extending often as far as the so-called primary 
“ membrane. May it not be suspected that these circumstances have 
“ some connexion with the impregnation?” 
The only remaining paper which we have to mention, is one by 
Dr. Stizenberger, entitled “ Deber den gegenwartigen Stand der 
Elechtenkunde.” It contains a useful sketch of the progress of 
Lichenology during the last few years. The author remarks, that 
the principal discoveries relate to the organs of impregnation, the 
structure and development of the thallus, and the geographical dis- 
