70 
ON THE GERMINATION OF CLUB-MOSSES 
thought advisable, in which case, the entrance from such a path should be from the back, so as not to 
disfigure the open approach; and in that case a door in the back of the Alcove should lead to the 
covered path, -which might pass through without interference with the close shrubbery, which should 
effectually shroud the back of the structure—H. N. Humphreys. 
On the subject of Bowers, we append the following hints and sketches supplied by another 
correspondent:— 
It sometimes happens, when trees are cut down a few inches from the ground, that they send up 
shoots all round the stump. These shoots grow to a greater or less height, according to circum¬ 
stances, and in some cases even attain a size little inferior to the original tree. It is difficult to 
prevent these shoots pushing up from a tree-stump, which thus often becomes a source of annoyance 
on a lawn or pleasure-ground, while the labour of uprooting it is grudged. One mode of overcoming 
this evil, or rather of converting an object of annoyance into an object of utility and ornament, is 
illustrated by the following sketches. Fig- 1 shews the stump of a tree (Ash) with the young 
branches grown up round it; and Fig. 2 illustrates the fashion in which these branches may be made 
to form an elegant canopy to one of the most natural of Rustic Seats—the stump of the tree ; which 
may, however, be provided with a soft cushion if required. The branches need simply to be tied 
together by means of wire ; and if a few plants of Ivy and Brier, with one or two of the more choice 
climbing Roses are planted around the base, the whole would soon become very compact and beau¬ 
tiful. The wires should not be tied tightly, lest they should cut the branches in the course of time ; 
and perhaps, for this reason, ordinary string ties would be preferable.— Delta. 
ON THE GERMINATION OF CLUB-MOSSES. 
flREAT obscurity has hitherto prevailed on this subject, the opinions of different authors w r ho have 
© experimented and written on it presenting many discrepancies. Recent researches, by M. 
Hofmeister and M. Mettenius, have revealed some very curious facts respecting the mode of develop¬ 
ment of the new plants in those species which are now included under the generic group of Selaginella ; 
such as the old Lycopodium denticulatum, helveticum, &c., in which the spikes bear spores of two 
kinds, large ones in small number at the base of the fruit-spike, and small ones in large number in 
all the succeeding sporangia. 
From the researches just alluded to, it appears that this tribe exhibits phenomena resembling, to a 
certain extent, those recently made known in the germination of Ferns, only they are more recondite 
here, and escape all but the most searching investigation. It seems that the small spores of the 
Selaginellce do not produce new plants, but have an office analogous to that of the pollen grains of the 
