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CRYPTOGAMIC    BOTANY 


PRINTED    BY 

SPOTTISWOODE    AND    CO.,     NEW-STREET    SQUARE 
LONDON 


.  wttS- 

A    HANDBOOK 


OF 


CRYPTOGAMIC    BOTANY 


BY 

ALFRED  W.  BENNETT,  M.A.,  B.Sc,  F.L.S. 

LECTURER     ON     BOTANY     AT     ST     THOMAS'S     HOSPITAL 

AND 

GEORGE    MURRAY,  F.L.S. 

SENIOR    ASSISTANT,    DEPARTMENT   OF    BOTANY,    BRITISH    MUSEUM 
AND   EXAMINER    IN    BOTANY,    GLASGOW   UNIVERSITY 


A  v  3 


WITH   378    ILLUSTRATIONS 


LONDON 

LONGMANS,     GREEN,     AND     CO. 

AND   NEW  YORK  :    15    EAST    16'"   STREET 
1889 

All    rights    reserved 


V 


PREFACE. 


IN  presenting  to  the  botanical  public  this  '  Handbook  of  Cryptogamic 
Botany,'  the  result  of  the  labour  of  several  years,  the  authors  are  deeply 
sensible  of  its  inevitable  defects.  In  traversing  so  wide  a  field,  it  is  im- 
possible that  a  single  worker,  or  even  two,  can  be  practically  acquainted 
with  more  than  a  comparatively  small  portion  of  it.  It  is  necessary, 
therefore,  to  consult  a  literature,  the  extent  of  which,  even  for  a  single 
year,  is  appalling,  and  in  which  it  is  often  difficult  to  distinguish  between 
trustworthy  and  untrustworthy  observations.  The  attempt  has,  notwith- 
standing, been  made  by  the  authors  to  acquaint  themselves  with  the 
contents  of  every  important  publication  of  recent  years  bearing  on 
Cryptogamic  Botany,  and  issued  in  English,  French,  German,  Italian, 
or  Latin.  It  is  beyond  hope  but  that  inaccuracies  have  crept  in,  or 
that  observations  which  should  have  been  noted  have  escaped  attention. 
We  shall  be  grateful  to  workers  and  writers  who  will  inform  us  of  any 
such  inaccuracies  or  omissions,  and  especially  to  those  who  will  kindly 
supply  us,  with  a  view  to  future  editions,  with  copies  of  papers  containing 
records  of  new  and  original  observations  or  theories.  Those  relating  to 
Vascular  Cryptogams,  Muscinese,  Algae,  and  Schizophycese  should  be 
directed  to  Mr.  Bennett ;  those  relating  to  Fungi,  Mycetozoa,  and  Schizo- 
mycetes  to  Mr.  Murray  ;  these  being  the  portions  of  the  work  actually 
written  respectively  by  each  of  us,  although  we  hold  ourselves  severally 
responsible  for  the  whole  contents  of  the  volume. 

So  rapidly  are  facts  accumulating,  and  new  views  of  affinity  being 
promulgated,  that  it  may  be  necessary  to  change  one's  opinion  on  some 
points  even  in  the  interval  between  the  printing  of  the  earlier  and  Jater 
sheets  of  a  volume  like  this  ;  and  this  must  be  held  to  account  for  any 


* 
vi  PREFACE 

slight  discrepancies  that  may  be  apparent  between  the  general  scheme 
of  classification  contained  in  the  Introduction,  and  the  details  as  carried 
out  in  the  work  itself. 

We  have  also  to  acknowledge  the  permission  given  by  the  publishers 
of  the  following ,  works  for  electros  to  be  taken  from  the  illustrations 
contained  in  them,  viz.  : — De  Bary,  '  Comp.  Morph.  und  Biol.  der  Pilze, 
Mycetozoen,  und  Bacterien,'  and  'Vorlesungen  iiber  die  Bacterien'; 
Sachs,  '  Lehrbuch  der  Botanik  ' ;  Goebel,  '  Grundziige  der  Systematik ' ; 
Luerssen,  '  Die  Kryptogamen  ' ;  Schenk,  '  Handbuch  der  Botanik '  ; 
Zopf,  '  Die  Spaltpilze  '  :  Hauck,  '  Die  Meeresalgen  ' ;  Reinke,  '  Lehrbuch 
der  Botanik  '  ;  Thome,  *  Lehrbuch  der  Botanik  ' ;  Le  Maout  et  Decaisne, 
'Traite  General  de  Botanique';  Solms-Laubach,  '  Einleitung  in  die 
Palaeophytologie.' 

Of  the  remaining  illustrations,  many  have  been  taken  from  nature  ; 
others  have  been  copied  from  the  illustrations  of  previous  works,  especi- 
ally from  Cooke's  *  British  Freshwater  Algae ' ;  and  for  others  we  have 
to  thank  the  courtesy  of  the  Councils  of  the  Royal  and  Linnean 
Societies,  and  the  publishers  of  the  'Annals  of  Botany.' 

In  those  branches  of  Cryptogamic  Botany  which  have  not  been 
the  immediate  object  of  our  own  researches,  we  have  freely  consulted 
experts  in  these  several  departments,  and  have  received  from  all  the 
greatest  kindness  and  most  valuable  assistance.  In  particular  we  wish 
to  express  our  obligations  in  this  respect  to  Mr.  W.  CARRUTHERS,  Pres. 
L.S.,  F.R.S.  ;  Mr.  J.  G.  BAKER,  F.R.S. ;  Professor  F.  O.  BOWER,  F.L.S.  ; 
Dr.  R.  BRAITHWAITE,  F.L.S.  ;  Mr.  E.  M.  HOLMES,  F.L.S.  ;  and  Mr.  G. 
C.  KAROP,  F.R.M.S. 

ALFRED   W.    BENNETT, 

December,  1888.  6  PARK  VILLAGE  EAST,  LONDON,  N.W. 

GEORGE   MURRAY, 

BRITISH  MUSEUM  (NATURAL  HISTORY), 
CROMWELL  ROAD,  LONDON,  S.W. 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

INTRODUCTION       ......  i 


FIRST   SUBDIVISION:    VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS         .  .     .       10 

HETEROSPOROUS  VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS  .            .            .            .21 

CLASS  I.    RHIZOCARPE^E            .  .           .           .                        21 

,,     II.     SELAGINELLACE.E  .             .  .             .             .                    38 

ISOSPOROUS  VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS  .            .            .            •       •       53 

CLASS  III.     LYCOPODIACE/E    .             .  .             .             .             -53 

,,      IV.     FILICES         .           .  .           .           ....      64 

„        V.     OPHIOGLOSSACE.E             .  .             .             .             -95 

,,      VI.    EQUISETACE.*:          .  .           .           .           .           IOO 

FOSSIL  VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS  .            .  .            .            .            .114 

SECOND   SUBDIVISION:    MUSCINE^E  .             .             .             .       .     132 

CLASS   VII.       MUSCI        .......       I36> 

,,    VIII.    HEPATIC^   .           .  .           .           .           .      .     156 

FOSSIL  MUSCINE^E            .            .            .  .            .            .            .172 

THIRD   SUBDIVISION:    CHARACE^  .             .             .        '     .       .     173 

CLASS  IX.    CHARACE/E          .           .  .           .           .           -173 

FOSSIL  CHARACE^:    .            .            .  .            .            .                   .     183 

FOURTH   SUBDIVISION  :    ALG&            .  .     184 

CLASS      X.       FLORIDE^:      .                  .  .                  ,                  .                            .       191 

,,         XI.       CONFERVOIDE/E   HETEROGAM/t    .  .                  .                  .       2IQ 

,,       XII.       FUCACE.E         .                 .  .                  .                  .                  .                 228 

,,     XIII,       PHjEOSPORE/E         ......       237 

,,      XIV.       CONJUGAT/E  .                  .  .                  .                  .                  .                 258 

,,        XV.       CONFERVOIDE/E    ISOGAM^  .                  ...                  .       272 

,,      XVI.       MULTINUCLEAT.K        .  .                  .                  .                  .                 280 

,,    XVII.       CCENOBIE/E               .                  .  .                  .                  .                  .29! 

FOSSIL   Al.G.-E                   .                  .                  .  .                  .                  .                  .                 303 


viii  CONTENTS 

FIFTH    SUBDIVISION  :    FUNGI   ......  ^05 

GROUP  I.     PHYCOMYCETES   .            .            .            .            .            .       .  323 

CLASS    XVIII.       OOMYOETKS        ......  323 

,,            XIX.       /AV.OMYCETES          .                  .                 .                  .                  .  335 

GROUP  II.     SPOROCARPE.*;          ......  353 

CLASS        XX.       ASCOMYCETES            .                  .                  .                  .                  .          .  353 

,,          XXI.       UREDINE^E           ......  383 

„        XXII.       BASIDIOMYCETES     .                  .                  .                  .                  .          .  388 

SIXTH    SUBDIVISION:    MYCETOZOA    .                                                    .  401 

CLASS    XXIII.       MYXOMYCETES        .                  .                  .                  .                  .  40! 

,,         XXIV.       ACRASIE/E          ......  405 

SEVENTH   SUBDIVISION:    PROTOPHVTA             .             .             .       .  407 

GROUP  I.     SCHIZOPHYCK  i:          ......  408 

CLASS    XXV.     PROTOCOCCOIDE.?:               .             .             .             .  409 

,,     XXVI.     1)1  ATOM  ACE.*:  .  .  .  .  .  -4*9 

,,    XXVII.     CYAXOPHYCE/E      .             .             .             .             .       .  426 

GROUP  II.    SCHIZOMYCETES        ...                       .           .  449 

CLASS  XXVIII.    SCHIZOMYCETES             .           .           .           .      .  449 

INDEX  ..........  457 


Errata 

Page  ii,  line  22,  for  oophore  read  oophyte 

,,  n,    ,,    2-2,  for  sporophoie  TV#</ sporophyte 

,,  122,  description  of  fig.  94,  for  Haulea  read  Haivlea 

„  186,  line  10,  for  CCENOBI^  read  CCENOBIE.B 

,,  187,   ,,,    12,  for  Mesocarpece,  Des»iidiece  read  Mcsocarpacccr,  DestiiidiaceeF 

„  187,  lines  19,  n,for  Desmidieat  read  Desmidiaceae 

,,  187,  line   26,  for  Mesocarpeae  read  Mesocarpaceae 

,,  190,    ,,    4,  for  Desmidieae  read  Desmidiaceae 

,,  208,  last  line,  for  HYPX/TCACE.*:  read  HYPNEACE.-K 

,,  209,  line  i,  for  Hypnaea  read  Hypnea 

,,  209,    ,,    A,,  for  Rytiphlaea  read  Rytiphloea 


213,  description  of  fig.  191,  line  i,  for  corymlosa  read  corymbljera 
250,       ,,         ,,         ,,      223,    ,,    2,  for  propagules  rt'tf*/ sphace  les 
280,  line  6  from  bottom,  for  Dasycladaecea  read  Dasycladaceae 


296,  last  line,  ior  polyhedra  read  polyhedrie 

311,  description  of  fig.  271,  line  i,  for  Lib.  read  de  By. 

313,       ,,         ,,         ,,      275,    ,,    i,  for  Portulacea  read  Portiilaca 

319',  line  3,  omit  full  stop  after  Johow 

326,  description  of  fig.  287,  line  3,  also  last  line  of  page,  for  Portulace<e  read  Portnlacn 

335,  line  2,  insert  comma  after  Pythium 

343»    »    J5  from  bottom,  for  Tremellini  read  Tremellineae 

381,    .,    -iT,,for  Barenetski  read  Baranetzki 


HANDBOOK 


TO 


CRYPTOGAMIC    BOTANY. 


INTRODUCTION. 

No  general  handbook  to  Cryptogamic  Botany  has  appeared  in  the 
English  language  since  the  Rev.  M.  J.  Berkeley's  in  1857.  Since  then 
this  department  of  botanical  science  has  gone  through  little  less  than 
a  revolution.  Not  only  has  the  number  of  known  forms  increased 
enormously,  but  additions  of  great  importance  have  been  made  to  our 
knowledge  of  structure  by  the  use  of  the  microscope,  and  to  the  genetic 
connection  of  different  forms  by  the  careful  following  out  of  the  life- 
history  of  particular  species.  The  present  work  is  an  attempt  to  bring 
within  the  reach  of  botanists,  and  of  the  public  generally  who  are  in- 
terested in  the  study  of  nature,  an  acquaintance  with  the  present  state  of 
our  knowledge  in  this  branch  of  science.  It  is  not  intended  to  replace 
in  any  way  the  numerous  excellent  handbooks  or  monographs  which 
exist  of  special  families  or  groups.  Its  scope  is  quite  different.  Neglect- 
ing the  minor  differences  by  which  genera,  or  in  many  cases  even 
orders,  are  distinguished  from  one  another,  the  aim  of  the  authors  has 
been  to  bring  before  the  reader  the  main  facts  of  structure,  of  develop- 
ment, and  of  life-history,  which  mark  the  larger  groups,  contrasting  them 
with  one  another,  and  referring  only  to  the  broader  lines  of  demarcation 
within  those  groups.  It  is  hoped  that  the  work  will  be  found  useful  to 
the  beginner  as  well  as  to  the  more  advanced  student. 

One  great  difficulty  in  our  work  has  been  to  observe  a  due  propor- 
tion in  the  space  allotted  to  the  different  groups ;  and  this  has  been  in- 
creased by  the  necessity  for  a  very  different  mode  of  treatment  in  the 
higher  and  the  lower  forms.  Of  the  Vascular  Cryptogams — more  nearly 
allied  in  many  respects  to  Phanerogams  than  to  the  lower  Cryptogams — 
our  knowledge  is,  with  some  exceptions,  as  minute  and  exhaustive  as  that 


2  INTRODUCTION 

of  Fknvering  Plants  ;  and  it  is  improbable  that  any  living  forms  remain 
to  be  discovered  differing  in  any  material  point  of  structure  from  those 
'ready  known.  Here,  therefore,  we  are  able  to  discuss  systems  of 
classification  which  claim  something  like  finality  ;  and  the  difficulty  of 
t'ru  compiler  of  a  handbook  is  the  enormous  amount  and  the  minute 
detar  of  the  material  to  his  hand,  from  which  he  has  to  cull  those  por- 
tions which  seem  suitable  for  his  object.  In  order  not  to  extend  this 
portion  of  the  work  beyond  due  limits,  it  has  been  necessary  frequently 
to  practise  rigid  compression — beyond,  probably,  what  many  of  our 
readers  specially  interested  in  these  groups  would  have  desired.  The 
same  'remarks  apply,  to  a  large  extent,  to  the  Muscineae.  But  in  the 
Thaltophytes,  and  especially  in  the  lower  Algae  and  Chlorophyllous 
Protophyta,  the  case  is  very  different.  From  the  extremely  minute  size 
of  many  of  these,  and  the  much  smaller  extent  to  which  they  have  been 
studied,  new  forms  are  constantly  being  discovered,  and  important  ad- 
ditions are  yearly  being  made  to  our  knowledge  of  their  life-history  and 
of  their  structure.  It  is  highly  probable  that  among  these  groups,  as 
well  as  in  some  of  the  orders  of  Fungi,  forms  will  yet  be  discovered 
which  cannot  be  assigned  to  any  type  at  present  known,  gaps  in  the  life- 
history  of  many  species  will  yet  be  filled  up,  and  organisms  hitherto 
placed  in  widely  separated  families  will  ultimately  be  found  to  be  phases 
in  one  cycle  of  development.  We  have  therefore,  in  this  branch  of  our 
subject,  brought  before  our  readers  every  fact  of  importance  known  to 
us  which  is  vouched  for  by  observers  in  whom  we  have  cpnfidence  ; 
and  the  classification  here  submitted  is  a  purely  tentative  one.  In  the 
Algae,  the  Fungi,  and  the  Protophytes,  we  do  not  attempt  an  exhaustive 
enumeration  of  orders  or  families  which  shall  include  every  known 
organism,  but  describe  in  detail  only  those  types  which  are  of  greater 
importance,  and  of  which  our  knowledge  is  more  complete. 

Something  must  be  said  on  the  classification  adopted.  In  the  Vascular 
Cryptogams  and  in  the  Muscineae  this  proceeds  on  generally  recognised 
lines,  in  which  there  is  not  much  room  for  difference  of  opinion.  But 
a  very  different  treatment  seemed  necessary  of  the  Thallophytes,  and  of 
the  relationship  to  one  another  of  the  Algae  and  Fungi,  and  of  the 
different  orders  within  each  of  these  groups.  Here  the  systems  pro- 
posed are  almost  as  numerous  as  the  original  investigators,  and  it  has 
been  necessary  to  choose  that  which  appeared  to  the  authors  to  bring 
together  those  organisms  which  are  most  nearly  related  to  one  another. 
Whether  these  two  familiar  terms  represent  a  natural  bifurcation  in  the 
classification  of  the  lower  organisms,  is  a  question  which  has  been 
very  variously  answered  by  different  observers  and  theorisers.  About 
fifteen  years  ago  a  system  of  classification  of  the  Thallophytes  was  pro- 


INTRODUCTION  3 

posed,  on  authority  entitled  to  the  highest  respect,1  which  altogether 
abolished  the  bifurcation  into  Algae  and  Fungi.  On  this  system  the 
sole  character  made  use  of  in  their  primary  classification  was  the  mode 
of  reproduction.  First  came  the  Protophyta,  in  which  no  sexual  mode 
of  reproduction  is  known,  followed  by  three  primary  classes  (in  ascending 
order)— the  Zygosporeae,  Oosporeae,  and  Carposporeae — distinguished 
solely  by  the  degree  of  complexity  of  the  sexual  process.  Each  of  these 
four  classes  was  then  divided  into  a  series  containing  chlorophyll  and  a 
series  not  containing  chlorophyll,  the  former  including  the  organisms 
hitherto  known  as  Algae,  the  latter  those  hitherto  known  as  Fungi. 

In  support  of  this  view  it  was  urged,  with  great  plausibility,  that, 
reproduction  being  the  most  important  event  in  the  life-history  of  a 
plant,  the  mode  in  which  this  is  brought  about  must  become  fixed  *in  each 
group  by  heredity  ;  while  such  a  subordinate  character  as  the  presence 
or  absence  of  chlorophyll  is  seen,  in  the  higher  plants,  to  be  entirely 
without  importance  in  determining  affinity.  But  a  little  consideration 
will  show  that  it  is  unsafe  to  apply  the  same  rule  to  more  highly  and  to 
less  highly  organised  forms.  In  the  higher  forms  of  life  the  mode  of 
sexual  reproduction  becomes,  in  its  main  features,  absolutely  fixed  ;  and 
throughout  the  vast  range  of  Angiosperms  — as  in  the  higher  animals — 
there  is  entire  uniformity  in  this  respect  in  all  important  points  ;  while 
in  external  morphology,  and  in  the  mode  in  which  they  obtain  their  live- 
lihood, there  is  the  greatest  diversity,  even  within  a  narrow  circle  of 
affinity.  In  the  animal  kingdom  we  may  point,  as  an  illustration  of  this 
law,  to  the  existence  of  such  a  family  as  the  Cetacea  among  Mammalia; 
among  flowering  plants  we  have  only  to  consider  such  phenomena  as 
the  occurrence  of  parasitism,  insectivorous  habits,  or  the  suppression  of 
chlorophyll,  in  individual  genera  dispersed  through  a  large  number  of 
natural  orders.  Even  in  subsidiary  characters  connected  with  the  pro- 
cess of  reproduction  there  is  not  the  uniformity  that  might  have  been 
expected.  While  such  an  apparently  subordinate  point  as  the  number 
of  cotyledons  in  the  embyro  is  so  constant  as  to  give  its  name  to  primary 
divisions  of  Phanerogams,  a  character  which  might  have  been  supposed 
to  be  much  more  important  (but  which,  it  is  instructive  to  observe,  is 
connected  with  the  mode  in  which  the  germinating  embryo  receives  its 
nutriment)— viz.  the  presence  or  absence  of  endosperm— is  not  always 
constant,  even  within  narrow  limits.  The  first  necessity  of  a  nascent 
organism  is  to  live  ;  and  hence  it  is  not  surprising  to  find  that  in  the 
lower  forms  of  life  the  one  character  which  remains  most  constant  within 
wide  circles  of  affinity  is  the  mode  of  life.  In  the  course  of  development 

1  See  Sachs's  Text-book  of  Botany,  2nd  English  edition,  p.  244. 


4  INTRODUCTION 

of  the  higher  forms  nature  may  be  said  to  have  tried  a  variety  of 
experiments  in  the  mode  of  reproduction  ;  on  the  whole  there  is  a  con- 
tinual advance,  but  still  by  no  means  infrequent  fallings  back  to  simpler 
modes  ;  and  unless  this  law  of  retrogression  is  taken  into  account,  any 
system  of  classification  must  be  pro  tanto  imperfect  and  misleading. 

If  these  considerations  have  any  weight,  it  is  not  surprising  that, 
although  the  system  of  classification  of  Thallophytes  above  alluded  to 
has  been  adored  by  a  few  authorities  in  this  country  and  on  the 
Continent,  it  has  not  met  with  general  acceptance.  The  adoption  of  its 
leading  principle,  that  '  in  each  class  Fungi  have  diverged  as  ramifications 
from  various  types  of  Algae,' l  is  seen  to  lead  to  such  startling  results  as 
the  collocation  in  the  same  class  of  Spirogyra  and  Mucor,  of  Volvox  and 
Peronospora,  of  Callithamnion  and  Agaricus.  It  may,  on  the  contrary, 
be  safely  asserted  that  several  of  the  most  important  groups  among 
Fungi  (take,  for  example,  the  Uredineae  and  the  Basidiomycetes)  display 
no  traces  of  genetic  affinity  with  any  known  class  of  Algae  ;  and  if,  on  the 
other  hand,  we  have  forms  like  Saprolegnia  and  Chytridium  among  Fungi, 
or  Leptothrix  and  Beggiatoa  among  Protophyta,  which  betray  strong  indi- 
cations of  a  degraded  affinity  with  groups  of  Algae,  this  by  no  means 
contradicts  the  general  law  that  Fungi  as  a  class  form  an  altogether 
independent  series. 

Retrogression  may  take  the  form  of  the  suppression  of  either  the 
vegetative  or  the  reproductive  organs  ;  and  wherever  you  have  one  of 
these  sets  of  organs  displaying  strong  development,  while  the  other  set 
of  organs  is  very  feeble  or  altogether  wanting,  you  have  prima  facie 
evidence  of  retrogression.  Of  this  examples  will  be  given  in  the 
sequel. 

While,  therefore,  we  adopt  the  Protophyta  as  a  primary  class,  with 
the  general  limits  proposed  by  Sachs,  we  have  no  hesitation  in  reverting 
to  the  time-honoured  division  of  the  higher  Thallophytes  into  the  two 
great  groups  of  Algae  and  Fungi. 

The  classification  of  Fungi  adopted  is  that  of  de  Bary,  consisting  of 
a  main  series  (called  the  series  of  the  Ascomycetes),  composed  as  follows  : 
(i)  Peronosporeae  (with  Ancylisteae  and  Monoblepharis),  (2)  Sapro- 
legnieae,  (3)  Mucorini  or  Zygomycetes,  (4)  Entomophthoreae,  (5) 
Ascomycetes,  (6)  Uredineae;  and  of  divergent  groups  as  follows:  (7) 
Chytridineae,  (8)  Protomyces  and  Ustilagineae,  (9)  Doubtful  Ascomycetes 
(Saccharomyces,  &c.),  (10)  Basidiomycetes. 

The  groups  1-4  are  Phycomycetes,  and  7  and  8  of  the  second  series 
go  with  them  ;  while  9  stands  in  relation  to  5,  and  10  to  6;  and  they  are 

1  Sachs's  Text-book,  p.  244,  foot-note. 


INTRODUCTION  .  5 

so  considered  together  in  the  linear  series  in  which  they  come  in  the 
book.  The  Phycomycetes  approach  the  Algae  (Chlorophyceae)  very 
nearly  j  and  the  other  groups  of  Fungi  bear  a  relation  to  the  Phycomy- 
cetes which  seems  to  negative  any  supposition  of  their  independent 
connection  with  algal  forms. 

One  other  point  had  to  be  decided,  whether  to  commence  at  the 
bottom  or  at  the  top  of  the  series.  Had  our  purpose  been  to  construct 
theoretically  a  genealogical  tree  for  the  lower  forms  of  vegetable  life,  the 
former  course  must  necessarily  have  been  pursued,  and  in  the  laboratory 
there  is  no  doubt  much  to  be  said  in  favour  of  proceeding  from  the 
simple  to  the  more  complicated  types.  But  to  the  general  student,  '  from 
the  known  to  the  unknown  '  is  a  very  sound  principle.  And,  among 
flowerless  plants,  not  only  are  the  higher  types  far  the  best  known  to  the 
ordinary  observer,  but  they  are  also  those  about  the  life-history  of  which 
we  have  the  greatest  certainty  of  knowledge.  We  have  been  confirmed 
in  our  belief  of  the  correctness  of  this  decision  by  observing  that  in  the 
last  edition  of  Huxley  and  Martin's  '  Elementary  Biology '  these  authors 
have  (in  the  zoological  section)  abandoned  the  ascending  for  the 
descending  order. 

The  question  of  terminology  is  one  of  the  greatest  stumbling-blocks 
to  the  student  of  cryptogamy.  Not  only  are  new  terms  being  constantly 
introduced,  many  of  them  quite  needlessly  or  from  an  erroneous  idea  of 
structure  ;  but  some  that  are  in  continual  everyday  use  are  employed 
in  different  senses  by  different  writers  of  repute.  The  first  requisite  in 
a  terminology,  after  accuracy,  is  simplicity ;  and  to  this  end  we  have, 
wherever  possible,  used  anglicised  instead  of  Latin  and  Greek  forms. 
Many  of  the  terms  which  we  employ  throughout  this  volume — such  as 
sporange,  archegone,  antherid,  ccenobe,  sclerote,  epiderm,  &c. — will  probably 
be  accepted  at  once ;  and  it  seems  strange  that  the  awkward  and  un- 
couth foreign  forms  of  these  words  should  have  held  their  ground  so 
long.  With  others  there  will  no  doubt  be  greater  hesitation  ;  but  we 
hope  to  see  all,  or  nearly  all,  of  the  anglicised  forms  we  have  used  gradu- 
ally introduced  into  all  English  works  on  cryptogamic  botany,  and  the 
same  principle  possibly  extended  in  other  cases  where  we  have  not 
ventured  to  apply  it. 

A  striking  instance  of  the  uncertainty  which  still  surrounds  crypto- 
gamic terminology  is  afforded  by  the  various  senses  in  which  different 
writers  use  the  everyday  term  '  spore.'  Le  Maout  and  Decaisne  and 
Asa  Gray  speak  of  spores  as  '  the  analogues  of  seeds ; '  Berkeley  de- 
scribes the  unfertilised  oospheres  of  Fucus  as  spores  ;  Vines  includes 
under  the  term  all  reproductive  cells  produced  either  asexually  or 
sexually  ;  while  Sachs  defines  a  spore  as  a  reproductive  cell  produced 


6  INTRODUCTION 

either  directly  or  indirectly  by  an  act  of  fertilisation,  reserving  the  term 
'  gonidium  '  for  those  which  are  produced  without  any  previous  act  of 
impregnation.  It  is  obvious  that  one  practical  defect  of  this  last  sug- 
gestion is  that  it  may  necessitate  a  perpetual  change  of  terminology  as 
our  knowledge  advances.  Every  fresh  extension  of  the  domain  of  sexual 
fecundation — and  it  is  probable  that  many  such  will,  take  place — will 
involve  the  removal  of  a  fresh  series  of  reproductive  cells  from  the  cate- 
gory of  gonidia  to  that  of  spores,  even  though  they  may  not  be  the 
immediate  result  of  an  act  of  fertilisation.  Again,  if  the  spores  of  ferns 
and  mosses  are  the  indirect  result  of  impregnation,  it  is  difficult  to  say 
why  the  term  should  not  ultimately  include  all  reproductive  bodies 
whatever,  except  the  spores  of  the  '  apogamous  ferns '  with  which  Farlow 
and  de  Bary  have  recently  made  us  acquainted,  and  of  other  similar 
abnormal  productions,  which  are  certainly  not  the  result  of  impreg- 
nation, direct  or  indirect. 

It  seems  a  sounder  principle — and  is  certainly  more  convenient  to 
the  student— to  base  a  system  of  terminology  on  facts  which  can  be 
confirmed  by  actual  observation,  rather  than  on  unproved  hypotheses. 
We  propose,  therefore,  as  the  basis  of  our  terminology,  to  restore  the 
term  spore  to  what  has  been  in  the  main  hitherto  its  ordinary  significa- 
tion, and  to  restrict  its  use  to  any  cell  produced  by  ordinary  processes  of 
vegetation,  and  not  directly  by  a  union  of  sexual  elements,  which  becomes 
detached  for  the  purpose  of  direct  vegetative  propagation.  The  spore  may 
be  the  result  of  ordinary  cell-division  or  of  free-cell-fornlation.  In 
certain  cases  (zoospore)  its  first  stage  is  that  of  a  naked  primordial  mass 
of  protoplasm.  In  rare  instances  it  is  multicellular,  breaking  up  into  a 
number  of  cells  (poly spore,  composed  of  merispores,  or  breaking  up  into 
sporids). 

The  simple  term  spore  will,  for  the  sake  of  convenience,  be  retained 
in  Muscineae  and  Vascular  Cryptogams  ;  but  in  the  Thallophytes  it  will 
generally  be  used  in  the  form  of  one  of  those  compounds  to  which  it  so 
readily  lends  itself,  expressive  of  the  special  character  of  the  organ  in 
the  class  in  question.  Thus,  in  the  Protophyta  we  have  chlamydo- 
spores  ;  in  the  Myxomycetes,  sporangiospores  ;  in  the  Saprolegnieae  and 
many  Algae,  zoospores ;  in  the  Uredineae,  teleutospores,  cecidiospores, 
uredospores,  and  sporids  ;  in  the  Basidiomycetes,  basidiospores  ;  in  the 
Ascomycetes  (including  Lichenes),  ascospores,  poly  spores,  and  merispores  ; 
in  the  Diatomaceae,  auxospores ;  in  the  CEdogoniaceae,  androspores  ;  in 
the  Florideae,  tetraspores  ;  and  others  belonging  to  special  groups. 
The  cell  in  which  the  spores  are  formed  will,  in  almost  all  cases,  be 
called  a  sporange  ;  and  this  term  will  be  compounded  in  the  same  way 
as  spore. 


INTRODUCTION  7 

In  describing  the  heterosporous  Vascular  Cryptogams  it  is  usual  to 
speak  of  the  spores  which  give  rise  to  the  female  prothallium  and  those 
which  give  birth  to  antherozoids  as  '  macrospores  '  and  '  microspores  ' 
respectively.  The  first  of  these  terms  is  doubly  objectionable  :  firstly, 
etymologically,  the  proper  meaning  of  /xa/cpo's  being  not  'large/  but  'long  ; ' 
and  secondly,  from  the  close  similarity  in  sound  of  the  two  terms,  an 
inconvenience,  especially  in  oral  instruction,  which  every  teacher  must 
have  experienced.  Seeing  that  the  correct  and  far  preferable  terms 
megaspore  and  microspore  are  used  by  Berkeley,  Areschoug,  Carpenter, 
and  others,  it  is  difficult  to  understand  how  '  macrospore '  can  ever  have 
got  into  general  use  ;  and  these  terms,  together  with  megasporange  and 
microsporange,  will  be  used  in  the  following  pages.  For  similar  reasons 
megazoospore  is  always  used  instead  of  'macrozoospore.' 

The  male  organs  of  fecundation  are  so  uniform  in  their  structure 
throughout  Cryptogams  that  very  little  complication  has  found  its  way 
into  their  terminology.  The  cell  or  more  complicated  structure  in  which 
the  male  element  is  formed  is  uniformly  known  among  Cormophytes  as 
well  as  Thallophytes  as  an  antherid  ;  the  fecundating  bodies  are  almost 
invariably  naked  masses  of  protoplasm,  provided  with  vibratile  cilia, 
endowed  with  apparently  spontaneous  motion,  and  bearing  the  appro- 
priate name  of  antherozoids  or  '  spermatozoids.'  The  former  of  these  is 
perferable  for  two  reasons ;  from  its  etymological  connection  with 
antherid,  and  because  the  use  of  terms  compounded  from  '  sperm'  should, 
for  reasons  to  be  detailed  presently,  be  avoided  for  male  organs.  In  only 
two  important  groups,  Florideae  and  Ascomycetes,  are  -the  fecundating 
bodies  destitute  of  vibratile  cilia  and  of  spontaneous  motion  :  in  the 
former  case  they  are  still  usually  termed  '  antherozoids  ; '  in  the  latter 
'  spermatia,'  and  their  receptacles  '  spermogonia.'  In  order  to  mark  the 
difference  in  structure  from  true  antherozoids,  it  is  proposed  to  designate 
these  motionless  bodies  in  both  cases  pollinoids  ;  the  term  '  spermogone ' 
is  altogether  unnecessary,  the  organ  being  a  true  antherid. 

A  satisfactory  terminology  of  the  female  reproductive  organs  presents 
greater  difficulties,  from  the  much  greater  variety  of  structure,  and  the 
larger  number  of  terms  already  in  use.  The  limits  we  have  placed  to 
the  use  of  the  term  '  spore '  and  its  compounds  require  the  abandonment 
of  '  oospore '  for  the  fertilised  ovum  or  oosphere  in  its  encysted  state 
(enclosed  in  a  cell-wall),  anterior  to  its  segmentation  into  the  embryo  ; 
and  this  is  the  most  important  change  involved  in  the  terminology  of 
the  present  volume. 

In  devising  a  term  which  shall  include  all  those  bodies  which  are 
the  immediate  result  of  impregnation,  it  was  necessary  to  take  two 
points  specially  into  account.  Firstly,  the  term  must  be  capable  of 


£  INTRODUCTION 

defence  on  etymological  grounds  ;  and  secondly,  it  must,  like  'spore,'  be 
suited  for  ready  combination.  After  much  consideration  we  have  de- 
cided on  adopting  the  syllable  sperm.  No  doubt  the  objection  will 
present  itself  that  the  Greek  o-Trep/za,  like  the  Latin  '  semen,'  while  origi- 
nally meaning  the  ultimate  product  of  fertilisation,  came  afterwards  to 
signify  the  male  factor  in  impregnation  ;  and  hence,  in  zoology,  terms 
derived  from  these  roots  are  used  for  the  male  fertilising  bodies.  But 
the  objection  applies  to  a  much  smaller  extent  to  phyto-terminology, 
and  the  use  in  the  proposed  sense  of  the  syllable  *  sperm  '  is  justified  by 
the  universal  employment  in  phanerogamic  botany  of  such  terms  as 
' gymnosperm,'  'angiosperm,'  'endosperm,'  and  'perisperm.'  Ofcrypto- 
gamic  terms,  where  the  syllable  is  used  in  the  reverse  sense,  'sperm-cell,' 
for  antherozoid  or  pollen-grain,  has  never  come  into  general  use  in  this 
country  ;  '  spermatozoid '  is  easily  replaced  by  '  antherozoid  ; '  '  spermo- 
gonium '  is  simply  a  peculiar  form  of  antherid,  and  '  spermatium '  has 
already  been  referred  to.  Accepting  this  term  as  the  least  open  to 
objection  of  any  that  could  be  proposed,  it  will  be  found  to  supply  the 
basis  of  a  symmetrical  system  of  terminology,  which  will  go  far  to  redeem 
the  confusion  that  at  present  meets  the  student  at  the  outset  of  his  re- 
searches. For  the  unfertilised  female  protoplasmic  mass  the  term 
oosphere  is  already  in  general  use  ;  and,  though  not  all  that  could  be 
desired,  it  is  proposed  to  retain  it.  The  entire  female  organ  before  fer- 
tilisation, whether  unicellular  or  multicellular,  is  designated  by  a  set  of 
terms  ending  m  gone,  such  as  archegone  and  carpogone,  again  >  following 
existing  analogy. 

The  term  reproduction  itself  is  often  far  too  vaguely  employed  by 
botanical  writers.  We  propose  to  limit  its  use,  in  accordance  with  its 
etymology,  to  the  production  of  a  new  individual,  that  is,  to  a  process 
of  impregnation  ;  all  cases  of  non-sexual  multiplication  being  described 
as  propagation, 

The  object  of  the  writer  of  a  handbook  is  to  gather  up  and  to  collate 
material  already  existing,  winnowing,  to  the  best  of  his  judgment,  the 
wheat  from  the  chaff.  Except,  therefore,  where  original  observations 
may  have  been  made  by  the  compiler  himself,  it  will  contain  nothing 
new.  In  compiling  from  the  writings  of  the  original  observers  it  was 
thought  best,  as  far  as  possible,  to  use  their  own  words,  and  this  will 
account  for  the  frequent  close  resemblance  in  the  following  pages  of  the 
descriptions  contained  to  those  in  such  works  as  de  Bary's  '  Comparative 
Anatomy  of  the  Phanerogams  and  Ferns,'  the  *  Comparative  Morphology 
and  Biology  of  the  Fungi,  Mycetozoa,  and  Bacteria,'  by  the  same  writer, 
the  scheme  of  which  has  been  mainly  adopted  in  outline,  and  Goebel's 
'Outlines  of  Classification  and  Special  Morphology.'  Admirable,  on 


INTRODUCTION  9 

the  whole,  as  are  the  translations  of  these  works  by  which  the  Clarendon 
Press  has  enriched  English  scientific  literature,  it  is  the  original  work 
rather  than  the  translation  that  we  have  in  all  cases  followed.  We  wish 
here  to  express  the  great  obligation  under  which  we  lie  to  these  writers, 
and  to  acknowledge  the  extent  to  which  we  have  borrowed  from  them. 
In  the  chapter  on  Fossil  Vascular  Cryptogams  we  have,  to  a  considerable 
extent,  followed  Graf  zu  Solms-Laubach's  excellent  '  Einleitung  in  die 
Palaeophytologie,'  though  with  some  modifications.  To  the  description  of 
each  group  or  family  we  have  appended  a  bibliography  of  the  researches 
on  which  that  description  is  founded  ;  these  having  again  been  consulted, 
wherever  possible,  in  the  original  language. 


IO 


FIRST    SUBDIVISION. 
VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS. 

THE  Vascular  Cryptogams  include  all  the  highest  forms  of  cryptogamic 
life,  and  constitute  a  well-marked  group  of  plants  intermediate  between 
the  Gymnosperms,  or  lowest  division  of  Flowering  Plants,  and  the  lower 
or  Cellular  division  of  Flowerless  Plants.  From  the  former  they  differ 
mainly  in  the  mode  in  which  fertilisation  is  effected  ;  from  the  higher 
forms  of  the  latter  in  the  much  greater  differentiation  of  tissues.  The 
term  '  vascular '  Cryptogams  is,  however,  strictly  speaking,  correct  only 
to  a  limited  degree.  Although  the  arborescent  and  fruticose  species 
display  as  well-marked  a  differentiation  of  their  tissues  as  Flowering 
Plants,  into  epidermal  tissue,  '  vascular '  bundles,  and  fundamental  tissue, 
and  the  bundles  consist  of  distinct  xylem  and  phloem  (without  any 
intermediate  cambium,  as  in  Gymnosperms),  it  is  only  rarely,  as  in  that 
group  of  Flowering  Plants,  that  the  xylem  is  composed  of  vessels  in  the 
true  sense  of  the  term. 

The  Vascular  Cryptogams  and  the  highest  families  of  Cellular 
Cryptogams  are  distinguished  from  Flowering  Plants  by  an  obvious 
Alternation  of  Generations  between  Sexual  Generation  or  Oophyte,  and 
Non-sexual  Generation  or  Sporophyte.  The  former  is  a  small  and 
purely  cellular  structure,  usually  of  very  temporary  duration,  the  purpose 
of  which  is  to  bear  the  sexual  organs  of  reproduction,  male  antherids 
and  female  archegones,  the  structure  of  which  is  uniform  in  all  essential 
characters  throughout  the  class,  and  which  are  borne  on  a  cellular  ex- 
pansion, the  prothallium.  This  prothallium  may  be  either  monoecious 
or  dioecious — that  is,  the  male  and  female  organs  may  be  borne  on  the 
same  or  on  different  prothallia.  The  act  of  fertilisation  consists  in  the 
impregnation  of  an  oosphere,  a  naked  mass  of  protoplasm  contained 
within  the  central  cell  of  the  archegone,  by  one  or  more  antherozoids, 
minute  masses  of  protoplasm  endowed  with  spontaneous  motion  by 
means  of  vibratile  cilia,  which  escape  from  the  cells  of  the  antherid 
and  penetrate  to  the  central  cell  of  the  archegone.  The  immediate 
result  of  the  impregnation  of  the  oosphere  is  that  it  invests  itself 


VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS  11 

with  a  cell-wall  of  cellulose,  and  thus  becomes  an  oosperm,  wrhich 
develops  into  the  embryo,  and  finally  into  the  sporophyte,  which 
is  often  of  great  size  and  extended  length  of  life.  It  is  this  that  is  com- 
monly known  in  popular  language  as  the  Fern,  Club-moss,  &c.  On  it 
are  produced,  without  any  process  of  fertilisation,  the  spores,  which  are 
always  single  cells,  protected  by  two  or  three  coats,  and  giving  rise  on 
their  part,  when  they  germinate,  to  the  oophyte.  This  is  the  cycle  of 
development  in  the  Isosporous  families  of  Vascular  Cryptogams.  In  the 
Heterosporous  families  there  are  produced  (always  on  the  same  plant) 
two  different  kinds  of  spore,  differing  very  greatly  in  size — larger  mega- 
spores  and  smaller  microspores.  The  former  produce  female  prothallia, 
that  is,  those  which  bear  archegones  only  ;  the  latter  male  prothallia, 
bearing  antherids  only,  or  even  antherozoids,  without  the  intervention  of 
a  male  prothallium  or  antherid.  The  spores  are  always  endogenous 
structures,  produced  by  free-cell-formation  within  a  spore-case  or 
sporange,  which  again,  in  the  heterosporous  families,  is  a  megasporange 
or  a  microsporange,  according  as  it  contains  megaspores  or  microspores. 
The  sporanges  are  often  collected  into  groups  known  as  son,  and  these 
may  again  be  enclosed  within  special  chambers,  sporocarpsmconceptades. 
Various  kinds  of  vegetative  propagation,  similar  to  those  of  Flowering 
Plants,  also  occur  on  both  oophyte  and  sporophyte  ;  and  in  certain  ex- 
ceptional cases  either  the  oophore  or  the  sporophore  may  be  entirely 
suppressed,  constituting  the  phenomena  of  apogamy  and  apospory  re- 
spectively. These  will  be  described  especially  under  Ferns,  where  they 
are  of  the  most  common  occurrence. 

It  may  be  useful  in  this  place  to  compare  the  structure  of  the  organs 
of  reproduction  and  the  phenomena  of  impregnation  in  Vascular 
Cryptogams  with  those  of  Phanerogams,  and  to  endeavour  to  trace  the 
requisite  homologies,1  although  these  cannot  be  fully  understood  with- 
out some  knowledge  of  the  details  of  structure  described  under  the 
separate  families.  It  has  been  usual  to  compare  the  pollen-grain  of 
Phanerogams  with  the  antherozoid  of  Vascular  Cryptogams  ;  but  this  is 
not  strictly  accurate.  The  essence  of  the  act  of  fecundation  consists  in 
the  coalescence  of  the  protoplasmic  contents  of  an  active  (male)  and  of 
a  passive  (female)  cell.  The  protoplasmic  endoblast  or  cell-contents  in 
each  case  must,  therefore,  be  homologous  ;  that  is,  the  antherozoid  with 
the  protoplasmic  contents  of  the  pollen-grain  which,  in  Flowering  Plants,  is 
brought  into  contact  with  the  embryonic  vesicle  by  means  of  the  pollen- 

1  Hofmeister  was  the  first  to  point  out  these  homologies  in  his  Vergleich.  Unters. 
iiber  Keimungu.s.iv.  der  hoheren  Kryptogamen  (see  the  Ray  Society's  translation,  On 
the  Germination,  &*<:.,  of  the  Higher  Cryptogatnia,  p.  438).  They  have  since  been 
traced  out  more  completely  by  Hanstein,  Celakovsky,  and  others. 


12  VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 

tube  ;  or  probably  the  more  correct  homology  is  that  of  the  nucleus  of 
the  antherozoid  with  the  *  generative '  nucleus  of  the  pollen-grain.  The 
most  important  difference  between  Cryptogams  and  Phanerogams  lies 
in  the  mode  in  which  this  contact  between  the  male  and  female  elements 
is  brought  about.  In  Flowering  Plants  it  takes  place  by  the  penetration 
into  the  embryo-sac,  through  the  micropyle  of  the  ovule,  of  the  extension 
of  the  inner  coat  of  the  pollen-grain  known  as  the  pollen-tube,  excited 
into  activity  by  the  viscid  secretion  of  the  stigma.  The  pollen-grain 
has  therefore  in  the  first  place '  to  be  conveyed  from  the  anther  to  the 
stigma ;  and  the  various  parts  of  the  flower  of  Flowering  Plants  are  all  more 
or  less  concerned,  directly  or  indirectly,  with  arrangements  for  facilitating 
the  conveyance  of  pollen.  In  Flowerless  Plants,  on  the  contrary,  contact 
between  the  male  and  female  elements  is  effected  by  the  protoplasmic 
contents  escaping  from  the  male  cells  and  coming  directly  into  contact 
with  the  oosphere  in  consequence  of  an  independent  power  of  motion 
imparted  to  these  naked  masses  of  protoplasm  (antherozoids)  by  the 
vibratile  cilia  with  which  they  are  provided.  This  impregnation  always 
takes  place  in  water  or  moisture,  and  no  external  agency  is  needed  to 
bring  it  about.  Hence  the  absence  from  all  Flowerless  Plants  of  any 
conspicuous  compound  organ  analogous  to  the  flower  of  Phanerogams. 
The  true  homology  of  the  pollen-grain  of  Phanerogams  appears  to  be 
with  the  microspore  of  the  heterosporous  Vascular  Cryptogams,  notwith- 
standing the  fact  that  the  contents  of  the  microspore  break  up  into  a 
number  of  antherozoids,  each  capable  of  impregnating  an  oosphere  : 
while  the  pollen-grain,  as  a  rule,  emits  only  a  single  pollen-tube.  Here, 
as  in  other  phenomena,  we  are  guided  to  the  true  homology  by  compar- 
ing the  highest  Cryptogams  with  the  lowest  Phanerogams,  the  Gymno- 
sperms,  which  form  a  connecting  link  between  them  and  Angiosperms. 
In  all  Gymnosperms,  as  in  some  Angiosperms,  the  pollen-grain  is 
divided  into  several  cells,  only  one  of 'which  (very  much  larger  than  all 
the  rest)  emits  a  short  pollen-tube.  The  large  fertile  cell  in  the  pollen- 
grain  of  Gymnosperms  corresponds  to  the  larger  fertile  portion  of  the 
microspore  of  Selaginellaceae,  to  the  entire  contents  of  the  microspore 
of  Marsileaceae,  to  the  terminal  cell  of  the  germinating  filament  in 
Salviniaceae,  and  to  the  antherid  of  the  isosporous  Vascular  Cryptogams. 
In  Angiosperms  the  sterile  cells  of  the  pollen-grain  of  Gymnosperms 
appear  to  be  sometimes  entirely  suppressed,  and  the  pollen-grain 
becomes  unicellular.  The  contents  of  the  pollen-grain  of  Angiosperms, 
together  with  the  intine  or  inner  coating  of  the  grain,  are  therefore 
homologous  with  the  antherid  of  Cryptogams.  Seeing  that  the  motile 
antherozoids  have  to  be  conveyed  to  the  oosphere  through  the  medium 
of  water,  it  is  convenient  for  both  antherid  and  archegone  to  be  freely 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


exposed  to  the  action  of  moisture  at  the  time  of  maturity.  Hence,  in 
all  the  isosporous  Vascular  Cryptogams,  by  far  the  largest  portion  of  the 
product  of  germination  of  the  hermaphrodite  spore  is  the  cellular  tissue 
or  prothallium  (reduced  to  a  comparatively  small  size  in  the  Lycopo- 
diacese  and  Ophioglossaceae),  on  which  are  borne  both  the  antherids  and 
the  archegones.  In  the  heterosporous  Salviniaceae  the  male  prothallium 
is  reduced  to  a  simple  unseptated  germinating  filament ;  and  in 
Marsileaceae  it  altogether  disappears.  In  Selaginellaceae  it  takes  the  form 
of  the  small  sterile  cells  at  one  extremity  of  the  microspore  ;  in  Gymno- 
sperms,  of  the  sterile  cells  of  the  pollen-grain  ;  in  Angiosperms  it  is 
almost  entirely  suppressed.  The  contents  of  the  pollen-grain  corre- 


FlG.   I.— I.,  male  catkin  of  Zamia.  (Cycadeae). 
II.  III.,  antheriferous  scale  and  pollen-sacs. 


FIG.  2.— Peltate  scale  of  Equisetunt, 
with  sporanges  sg.   (After  Sachs.) 


spending  to  the  antherozoids,  the  pollen-grain  itself  becomes  homologous 
with  the  microspore,  the  pollen-sac  or  anther-cell  to  the  microsporange. 
Even  in  external  appearance  the  pollen-sacs  of  Coniferae  and  Cycadeae 
bear  a  striking  resemblance  to  the  sporanges  of  some  Vascular  Crypto- 
gams. The  modes  of  formation  of  the  pollen-grains  within  the  pollen- 
sac  and  of  spores  within  the  sporange,  from  an  original  archespore,  are 
identical  in  their  main  features. 

Turning  now  to  the  female  organs  of  reproduction,  we  must  trace 
the  homology  of  these  back  from  the  product  of  the  union  of  the  two 
elements,  which  in  all  the  higher  plants,  whether  flowering  or  flowerless, 
may  be  termed  the  oosperm,  developing  later  into  the  embryo.  In 


14  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

Flowering  Plants  this  is  the  product  of  the  action  of  the  contents  of  the 
pollen-grain  on  the  protoplasmic  embryonic  or  germinal  vesicles  ;  in  the 
higher  Flowerless  Plants,  of  the  action  of  the  antherozoid  on  the  oosphere, 
or  protoplasmic  contents  of  the  central  cell  of  the  archegone.  The 
naked  masses  of  protoplasm  known  as  the  germinal  vesicles  ( or  perhaps 
rather  that  one  only  which  is  ultimately  fecundated)  are  therefore  un- 
questionably homologous  with  the  naked  mass  of  protoplasm  known  as  the 
oosphere.  In  Vascular  Cryptogams  the  central  cell  which  contains  the 
oosphere  is  a  portion  of  an  archegone  which  is  borne  on  a  prothallium 
resulting  from  the  germination  of  a  spore  or  of  a  megaspore,  as  the  case 
may  be.  To  understand  the  homologies  with  the  higher  Phanerogams 
we  must  again  have  recourse  to  the  intermediate  Gymnosperms.  In 


FIG.  4.— Female  prothallium  of  Mar- 
silea,  with  archegone  a  and  oo- 
spheres.  (After  Hanstein.) 

FIG.  3.— Fertilisation  of  Abies  (Coniferae).  /, 
pollen-grains ;  PS,  pollen-tube  ;  e,  embryo- 
sac  ;  c,  secondary  embryo-sac  or  corpusculum. 
(x  60.) 

this  class  the  female  elements  are  not  directly  developed  in  the  in- 
terior of  the  embryo-sac,  but  within  certain  chambers  produced  within 
the  embryo-sac,  the  secondary  embryo-sacs  or  '  corpuscula,  the  homo- 
logues  of  the  central  cell  of  the  archegone.  In  connection  with  them 
there  have  been  detected  other  structures  comparable  to  the  neck  and 
the  canal-cells  of  the  archegone.  The  object  of  the  peculiar  structure 
of  the  archegone  and  the  deliquescence  of  the  canal-cells  being  to  facili- 
tate the  passage  of  the  motile  antherozoids  to  the  oosphere,  these  are 
no  longer  wanted  when  impregnation  is  effected  by  means  of  a  pollen  - 
tube.  The  archegone  (except  the  central  cell)  is  therefore  reduced  to 
a  rudimentary  condition  in  Gymnosperms,  and  disappears  altogether  in 
Angiosperms,  where  the  embryonic  vesicles  are  produced  directly  within 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS  15 

the  embryo-sac,  the  homologue  of  the  me'gaspore.  The  nucellus  of  the 
ovule  must  then  be  regarded  as  corresponding  to  the  megasporange  ; 
but  it  is  difficult  to  carry  the  homology  further.  In  Filices  and  Lyco- 
podiaceae  an  hermaphrodite  prothallium  usually  exposes  both  kinds  of 
sexual  organ  to  the  action  of  moisture  ;  in  Equisetaceae  we  find  a  normal 
differentiation  into  male  and  female  prothallia,  but  produced  from  one 
kind  of  spore  only  ;  in  the  heterosporous  families  the  differentiation  is 
carried  back  to  the  spores  and  sporanges,  and  the  female  prothallium 
is  altogether  a  subordinate  product,  and  never  has  any  separate  existence 
apart  from  the  megaspore,  within  which  it  is  more  or  less  concealed, 
only  that  part  which  bears  the  archegones  being  exposed.  In  Angio- 
sperms  it  has  been  suggested  that  we  have  a  rudiment  of  the  female 
prothallium  surviving  in  the  peculiar  '  antipodal  cells  '  found  within  the 
embryo-sac  in  certain  natural  orders  ;  but  the  homology  is  doubtful. 
In  the  Selaginellaceae  we  find  also  the  rudiments  of  two  other  structures 
which  characterise  the  ovule  of  Flowering  Plants.  The  sterile  tissue  which 
occupies  the  lower  part  of  the  megaspore  in  this  order  is  probably  the 
first  appearance  of  the  endosperm  (albumen)  which  is  found  in  the  seed 
of  a  large  number  of  Flowering  Plants  ;  the  purpose  in  both  cases  being 
the  same,  to  provide  the  embryo  with  nutritive  material  during  the  early 
stages  of  its  growth.  In  all  Phanerogams  the  young  embryo  is  borne 
on  a  longer  or  shorter  pedicel  of  cellular  structure,  the  suspensor  or  pro- 
embryo,  which,  again,  we  find  for  the  first  time  in  the  same  order  of 
Cryptogams. 

In  all  the  isosporous  Vascular  Cryptogams  the  sexual  generation  or 
oophyte  has  an  independent  existence  distinct  from  the  spore  which 
produced  it ;  while  in  the  heterosporous  families  the  prothallium  recedes 
more  and  more  into  the  background,  existing  only  within  the  megaspore  ; 
and  at  the  same  time  the  male  organs  or  antherids  become  more  rudi- 
mentary in  structure.  In  Gymnosperms  the  female  prothallium  and  the 
antherids  (as  distinct  from  the  antherozoids)  have  become  much  reduced, 
and  in  Angiosperms  have  completely  disappeared.  While,  therefore,  in 
Characeae  alternation  of  generations  disappears  by  the  suppression  of 
the  non-sexual  generation  which  bears  the  spores,  in  Phanerogams  the 
same  result  is  brought  about  by  an  exactly  opposite  process,  the  sup- 
pression of  the  sexual  generation  or  prothallium  with  its  antherids  and 
archegones,  and  the  coalescence  of  male  and  female  elements  takes 
place  within  the  non-sexually  produced  embryo-sac  of  the  ovule,  which 
corresponds  to  the  megaspore. 

The  life-history  and  general  structure  of  the  various  organs  in 
Vascular  Cryptogams  may  now  be  described  more  in  detail. 

The  immediate  product  of  the  germination  of  the  spore  or  megaspore 


16  VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 

is  always  a  prothallium,  which  is  usually  a  green  plate  of  tissue  lying  flat 
on  the  soil,  very  commonly  lobed  or  reniform  in  shape,  sometimes 
microscopic,  but  often  quite  visible  to  the  naked  eye,  from  £  to  \  an  inch 
in  diameter,  and  constituting,  with  its  organs  of  reproduction,  the  oophore, 
oophyte,  or  sexual  generation.  The  prothallium  usually  disappears  as  soon 
as  the  non-sexual  generation  has  firmly  rooted  itself  in  the  soil ;  but  in 
Gymnogramme  (Filices)  it  attains  a  larger  size,  and  continues  its  existence 
for  a  considerable  time,  producing  a  succession  of  reproductive  organs. 
The  oophyte  never  becomes  differentiated  into  stem  and  leaves,  as 
in  the  Muscineae,  nor  does  it  contain  any  vascular  tissue.  It  usually 
consists  of  only  a  single  layer  of  cells  filled  with  chlorophyll,  except  a 
marginal  cushion,  where  there  are  several  layers.  Here  it  puts  out  into 
the  soil  numerous  colourless  elongated  cells,  the  organs  of  attachment, 
or  rhizoids,1  among  which,  or  scattered  over  the  whole  of  the  under 
surface  and  margin,  are  the  archegones  and  antherids.  True  vegetative 
budding  takes  place  but  rarely  on  the  prothallium  ;  but  it  sometimes, 
in  certain  Filices,  exhibits  apogamy,  the  sporophore  springing  directly 
from  it,  without  the  intervention  of  the  sexual  organs.  In  some  Lyco- 
podiacese  and  in  the  Ophioglossaceae  the  prothallium  is  subterranean, 
destitute  of  chlorophyll,  and  cylindrical  or  tuberous.  In  the  Hymeno- 
phyllaceae  (Filices)  it  is  often  filiform.  In  the  isosporous  families  the 
prothallium  is  most  commonly  monoecious,  less  often  dioecious.  In  the 
heterosporous  families  it  is  far  less  fully  developed.  That  which  arises 
from  a  megaspore  is  very  small,  formed  within  the  spore,  and  at  no 
period  maintains  an  independent  existence ;  while  that  developed 
within  a  microspore  is  still  more  rudimentary. 

The  archegones  of  Vascular  Cryptogams  are  produced  on  the  pro- 
thallium,  usually  on  the  under  side  of  the  cushion.  Each  archegone 
consists  of  a  swollen  basal  portion  or  venter,  and  a  neck,  usually  composed 
of  four  longitudinal  rows  of  cells  ;  the  venter  is  buried  in  the  tissue 
of  the  prothallium,  the  neck  alone  projecting  above  it.  The  arche- 
gone originates  from  a  superficial  cell  of  the  prothallium,  which 
divides  by  a  tangential  wall  into  an  inner  and  an  outer  cell  ;  the  latter 
then  develops,  by  further  divisions,  into  the  four  rows  of  cells  constitut- 
ing the  neck,  which  is,  therefore,  always  comparatively  short.  The 
inner  cell  puts  out  a  protuberance  between  the  neck-cells,  which  is  first 
of  all  separated  as  the  neck-canal-cell,  and  below  it  a  small  portion  is 
again  separated  from  the  lower  larger  cell  as  the  ventral  canal-cell ;  the 

1  These  organs  are  frequently  termed  root-hairs  ;  but  it  is  better  to  confine  this 
term  to  the  epidermal  appendages  (trichomes)  of  the  roots  of  Phanerogams  and  of  the 
sporophyte  generation  of  Vascular  Cryptogams,  between  which  and  true  rhizoids  there 
is  a  functional  rather  than  a  morphological  homology. 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS  17 

lowermost  portion  of  the  lowest  cell  remains  of  a  comparatively  large 
size,  and  is  the  central  cell  containing  the  oosphere.  When  mature,  the 
two  canal-cells  deliquesce  into  mucilage,  which  swells  up  considerably, 
drives  apart  the  four  apical  lid-cells  or  stigmatic  cells  of  the  neck,  and 
is  ejected  ;  an  open  canal  being  thus  formed  to  allow  the  access  of  the 
antherozoids  to  the  oosphere,  which  always  takes  place  in  moisture,  the 
ejected  mucilage  assisting  also  in  this  process. 

The  tf«Mm#rappear  as  roundish  papillae  on  the  margin,  or  dispersed 
over  the  under  surface  of  the  prothallium  ;  in  some  cases  they  are  im- 
bedded in  its  tissue.  Each  antherid  consists  of  a  comparatively  small 
number  of  cells  ;  when  mature  the  cell-walls  are  ruptured  under  water, 
and  from  each  escapes  a  swarming  antherozoid.  The  antherozoids  are 
spirally  coiled  threads  of  protoplasm,  the  body  of  which  is  formed  from 
the  nucleus  of  the  mother-cell,  with  a  number  of  fine  vibratile  cilia 
on  the  anterior  coils.  There  is  generally  attached  to  each  anthero- 
zoid, as  it  escapes  from  its  mother-cell,  a  vesicle  of  protoplasm  contain- 
ing starch-grains,  formed  out  of  the  cytoplasm  of  the  mother-cell,  which, 
adhering  to  one  of  its  posterior  coils,  is  dragged  along  with  it  during  its 
swarming,  but  becomes  detached  before  its  entry  into  the  neck  of  the 
archegone.  In  the  heterosporous  families  the  antherid  is  of  very  simple 
structure,  and  is  either  produced  directly  within  the  microspore,  or  after 
the  preliminary  formation  of  a  few  cells,  which  must  be  regarded  as  a 
rudimentary  prothallium. 

The  form  and  size  of  the  non-sexual  generation  or  sporophyte  vary 
within  very  wide  limits,  from  the  filmy,  moss-like  Hymenophyllacese 
(Filices)  to  the  arborescent  tree-ferns  (Filices),  and  must  be  described 
more  in  detail  under  the  various  families.  It  arises  in  the  archegone, 
from  the  oosperm  or  fertilised  oosphere.  The  first  effect  of  impregnation 
is  that  the  oosphere  invests  itself  with  a  cell-wall  of  cellulose,  thus 
becoming  the  oosperm,  which  then  divides  into  a  small  number  of 
undifferentiated  cells,  in  which  condition  it  is  known  as  the  embryo.  In 
the  earliest  subsequent  divisions  of  the  embryo  may  be  recognised  the 
rudiments  of  the  first  root,  of  the  first  leaf  or  cotyledon,  and  of  the  apex 
of  the  stem  ;  while  at  the  same  time  a  lateral  outgrowth  termed  \hefoot 
is  formed  at  the  bottom  of  the  venter,  and  draws  from  the  prothallium 
the  first  nourishment  for  the  young  plant.  The  venter  at  first  grows 
vigorously,  enveloping  the  embryo,  until  this  latter  finally  protrudes 
free,  leaving  the  foot  still  attached  to  it  for  some  time  as  a  nutritive 
organ.  The  primary  root  soon  disappears,  and  in  some  Hymenophyl- 
laceae,  and  in  Salvinia  and  Psilotum,  is  not  followed  by  others  ;  but  in 
the  great  majority  of  cases  other  true  roots  succeed  in  acropetal  suc- 
cession, and  the  prothallium  then  disappears.  The  cotyledon  always 

c 


iS  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

remains  small  ;  the  first  stem  bends  upwards,  and  other  leaves  of  a 
more  complicated  structure  appear  on  it. 

The  roots  of  Vascular  Cryptogams  usually  arise  in  acropetal  succession 
on  the  stem  (in  some  ferns  on  the  leaf-stalk),  and  branch  either  mono- 
podially  or  dichotomously.  There  is  never  one  preponderating  root 
continuous  in  a  downward  direction  with  the  main  stem  corresponding 
to  the  tap-root  in  Flowering  Plants.  They  are  distinguished  from  the 
roots  of  Flowering  Plants  by  the  lateral  roots  springing,  not  from  the 
procambium,  but  from  the  innermost  cortical  layer  of  the  mother-root. 
They  are  abundantly  covered  with  root-hairs,  trichomic  formations  by 
means  of  which  the  nutritive  materials  are  absorbed  from  the  soil. 
They  possess  a  true  root-cap.  Salvinia  (Rhizocarpeae)  and  Psilotum 
(Lycopodiaceae)  are  altogether  rootless,  as  also  are  a  few  Hymenophyl- 
laceae  (Filices),  the  function  of  roots  being  performed  by  underground 
branches  of  the  stem. 

The  degree  of  development  of  the  stem  varies  within  very  wide  limits. 
In  the  tree-ferns  it  is  of  erect  habit,  and  attains  great  height  and  consider- 
able thickness.  In  many  herbaceous  ferns  the  internodes  of  the  erect 
stem  are  altogether  suppressed,  while  the  underground  portion  forms  an 
elongated  rhizome.  In  the  existing  Lycopodiaceae,  and  in  some  Sela- 
ginellaceae.  the  very  elongated  creeping  stem  is  mainly  above  ground  ; 
in  the  rootless  forms,  like  Psilotum,  branches  of  the  stem  bending  down 
into  the  soil  perform  the  function  of  roots.  In  some  paludose  species 
belonging  to  the  Rhizocarpeas  the  stem  is  almost  entirely  suppressed, 
and  in  Salvinia  the  whole  plant  floats  on  the  surface  of  the  water.  The 
mode  of  branching  is  either  monopodial  or  dichotomous  ;  the  leaves  do 
not  usually  produce  buds  and  branches  in  their  axils,  as  in  Flowering 
Plants. 

In  all  the  larger  species  the  stem  displays  a  distinct  differentiation  of 
tissues  into  the  three  systems,  fundamental,  epidermal,  and 'vascular'  or 
fascicular.  The  so-called  vascular  bundles  are  closed,  like  those  of  Mono- 
cotyledons— that  is,  they  contain  no  formative  cambium  ;  and  they  are 
usually  but  not  always  concentric,  the  phloem  portion  surrounding  the 
xylem  portion  in  the  form  of  a  phloem-sheath.  Each  bundle,  or  a  group 
of  bundles,  is  again  very  frequently  surrounded  by  a  single  layer  of 
strongly  sclerenchymatous  cells  belonging  to  the  fundamental  tissue,  the 
vascular  bundle-sheath,  where  it  encloses  a  single,  or  plerome-sheath, 
while  it  surrounds  a  group  of  bundles.  The  prevalent,  though  not  the 
exclusive  form  of  thickening  in  the  xylem  is  that  of  scalariform  tra- 
cheides ;  true  vessels  formed  from  the  coalescence  of  cells  are  rare  ;  in 
the  phloem  sieve-tubes  are  of  common  occurrence.  Potonie  holds  that 
there  is  no  sharp  differentiation  between  the  xylem  and  phloem  portions 


VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS  19 

of  the  '  vascular '  bundles  of  Vascular  Cryptogams,  and  prefers  for  them 
the  terms  hadrome  and  leptome  respectively.  According  to  Van  Tieghem, 
the  secondary  tissues,  like  those  of  Flowering  Plants,  proceed  normally 
from  two  concentric  generating  layers — an  external  one  in  the  cortex, 
forming  bark  outwardly  and  secondary  cortex  inwardly,  and  an  inner  one 
in  the  central  'vascular 'cylinder  intercalated  in  the  liber  and  in  the  xylem 
of  the  primary  '  vascular '  bundles,  producing  secondary  liber  outwardly 
and  secondary  xylem  inwardly.  The  epiderm  is  in  most  cases  abun- 
dantly provided  with  trichomic  appendages  of  various  kinds. 

The  size  and  form  of  the  leaves  are  extremely  various.  In  Lycopo- 
diurn,  Selaginella,  and  some  other  genera,  they  are  very  small,  unseg- 
mented,  and  lanceolate,  not  unlike  those  of  mosses,  and  form  a  dense 
imbricated  clothing  to  the  stem  ;  in  Psilotum  they  are  altogether  rudi- 
mentary ;  in  the  Equisetaceae  they  are  reduced  to  divisions  or  teeth  of 
a  membranous  sheath  ;  in  Isoetes  (Selaginellaceae),  Pilularia  (Rhizo- 
carpeae),  and  Phylloglossum  (Lycopodiaceae),  they  are  long,  narrow,  and 
awl- shaped.  In  some  ferns  the  barren  and  fertile  leaves  differ  from  one 
another  in  appearance,  and  especially  in  the  degree  of  division  of  the 
lamina.  In  Salvinia  they  are  of  two  kinds,  one  floating  on  the  surface 
of  the  water  and  entire,  the  other  submerged,  very  finely  divided,  and 
performing  the  function  of  a  root  ;  in  Azolla  (Rhizocarpeae)  they  are 
floating  and  bilobed.  In  some  genera  of  Filices  and  their  allies  the 
leaves  are  quite  entire  ;  in  the  Hymenophyllaceae  they  are  very  delicate, 
consisting  of  only  a  single  layer  of  cells,  and  in  the  smaller  species 
closely  resemble  those  of  the  foliose  Hepaticae  ;  while  in  most  ferns  they 
are  of  considerable  (in  the  tree-ferns  of  gigantic)  size,  with  well-marked 
petiole,  rachis,  and  lamina,  and  distinguished  by  the  great  extent  to 
which  the  lamina  is  divided.  In  most  cases  (except  the  Hymenophyl- 
laceae) they  are  abundantly  provided  with  stomates.  The  tissue  beneath 
the  epiderm  consists  of  a  parenchymatous  mesophyll  containing  abun- 
dance of  chlorophyll,  the  portion  of  which  adjacent  to  the  upper 
epiderm  is  frequently  developed  as  palisade-parenchyme.  This  meso- 
phyll is  permeated  by  '  vascular '  bundles  or  veins,  which  branch  off 
from  the  cauline  bundles,  and  are  distinguished,  in  the  majority  of  ferns, 
by  their  dichotomous  mode  of  branching,  in  contrast  to  the  reticulate 
anastomosing  in  Dicotyledons,  and  the  parallel  arrangement  in  most 
Monocotyledons.  Among  Gymnosperms  a  similar  arrangement  is  pre- 
sented by  Salisburia  and  Stangeria.  The  floral  metamorphosis  of 
the  leaves  of  Flowering  Plants  does  not  occur  in  Vascular  Cryptogams, 
nor  their  special  agglomeration  round  the  organs  of  reproduction  as 
in  mosses. 

The  mature  sporange,  theca,  or  spore-case,  is  usually  a  roundish 

c  2 


20  VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 

capsule  borne  on  a  stalk,  of  small  size  and  simple  structure.  Its  morpho- 
logical value  varies  greatly,  and  will  be  referred  to  more  particularly 
under  the  separate  families.  In  the  majority  of  Filices  the  sporanges  are 
trichomic  structures,  and  are  collected  into  groups  or  sort,  which  are 
always  located  in  connection  with  a  'vascular  'bundle  on  the  under  side 
or  margin  of  the  leaf.  In  the  Marattiaceae  they  spring  from  a  hypo- 
dermal  mass  of  tissue.  In  the  Ophioglossaceae  a  segment  of  a  leaf  is 
transformed  into  sporanges.  In  Selaginella  and  Lycopodium  they 
arise  from  the  growing  point  of  the  stem  above  the  axil  of  a  leaf.  In 
Psilotum  they  are  sunk  in  the  extremity  of  branchlets  of  a  peculiar  form. 
In  the  Salviniaceae  they  are  enclosed  in  receptacles  or  sporocarps,  which 
are  themselves  modifications  of  divisions  of  the  leaf.  The  mode  of 
formation  of  the  spores  closely  corresponds  to  that  of  the  pollen-grains  in 
Flowering  Plants.  The  spore-forming  tissue  can  always  be  traced  back  to 
a  single  cell  or  a  row  or  layer  of  cells,  the  archespore,  which  may  be  dis- 
tinguished at  a  very  early  period  from  the  remaining  cellular  tissue  by 
the  nature  of  its  contents.  From  this  proceeds  the  sporogenous  tissue, 
which  afterwards  becomes  the  mother-cells  of  the  spores  by  perfectly 
regular  divisions,  the  details  of  which  differ  in  the  different  families. 
This  is  surrounded  by  one  or  more  layers  of  cells,  the  tapetal  cells  or 
tapete,  and  the  whole  is  enclosed  in  the  wall  of  the  sporange,  itself 
composed  of  one  or  more  layers  of  cells.  In  the  heterosporous 
families  the  distinction  between  megaspores  and  microspores  is  manifested 
only  at  a  comparatively  late  period  in  their  development.  In  the  iso- 
sporous  families  the  spores  are  always  strictly  unicellular,  very  commonly 
elliptical  or  reniform  in  shape.  The  coat  always  consists  of  two  separ- 
able layers — an  outer  cuticularised  exospore,  often  elevated  into  warts  or 
other  prominences  ;  and  an  inner  endospore,  composed  of  cellulose,  which 
bursts  through  the  exospore  on  germination,  producing  the  germ-filament, 
which  develops  by  cell-division  into  the  prothallium.  In  the  mega- 
spores  of  the  heterosporous  families  these  are  further  protected  on  the 
outside  by  a  third  separable,  greatly  hardened  layer,  the  epispore.  The 
mode  in  which  the  spores  escape  from  the  sporange  differs  in  the  dif- 
ferent families. 

A  purely  vegetative  mode  of  propagation  by  means  of  gemmae  or 
bulbils  borne  on  the  sporophyte  occurs  especially  in  Filices  and 
Equisetacese  ;  on  the  oophyte  vegetative  propagation  is  less  common. 

The  classification  of  Vascular  Cryptogams  is  attended  with  consider- 
able difficulty.  None  of  the  systems  as  yet  produced  have  much  claim 
to  be  regarded  as  natural  ;  and,  until  some  doubtful  points  are  cleared 
up  connected  with  fossil  forms  which  may  be  links  between  existing 
families,  the  primary  distinction  into  Heterosporous  and  Isosporous 


VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS  21 

Vascular  Cryptogams  is  so  convenient,  that  we  have  decided  to  adhere 
to  it,  without  dogmatising  as  to  its  permanent  retention.  In  the 
boundaries  of  the  families,  again,  there  is  equal  room  for  diversity  of 
opinion.  Whether  to  retain  the  Psiloteae  under  Lycopodiaceae,  and 
the  Isoeteae  under  Selaginellaceae,  and  whether  to  regard  the  trueFilices, 
the  Marattiaceae,  and  the  Ophioglossaceae  as  constituting  one,  two,  or 
three  classes,  are  points  on  which  there  is  much  to  be  said  in  favour  of 
classifications  different  from  that  which  we  have  decided  to  adopt. 

LITERATURE. 

Thuret— (Zoospores  and  Antherids)  Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  vol.  xiv.,  1850,  p.  214;  and 
vol.  xvi.,  p.  5. 

Hofmeister—  Germination,  Development,  and  Fructification  of  the  Higher  Crypto- 
gams, Ray  Soc.,  1862. 

Schacht — Die  Spermatozoiden,  Braunschweig,  1864. 

Dippel— (Fibrovasc.  Bundles)  Ber.  Deutsch.  Naturf.  u.  Aerzte,  1865. 

Nageli  u.  Leitgeb — (Root)  Nageli's  Beitr.  z.  wiss.  Bot.,  1867. 

Kny— (Prothallium)  Sitzber.  Ges.  Naturf.  Freunde,  Berlin,  1868. 

Millardet— (Prothallium)  1869. 

Russow — Vergleich.  Unters. ,  Petersburg,  1872. 

Janczewski  -  (Archegone)  Bot.  Zeit.,  1872,-  p.  418. 

Goebel-  (Sporangia)  Bot.  Zeit.,  1880  and  1881. 

Sadebeck—  Die  Gefasskryptogamen,  1880. 

Prantl  -Morphologic  der  Gefasskrypt. ,  1881. 

Van  Tieghem- Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  France,  1883,  p.  169. 

Potonie— (Vase.  Bundles)  Jahrb.  Bot.  Gart.  Berlin,  1883. 

Leitgeb  -  (Spores)  Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell.,  1883,  p.  246. 

Celakovsky — Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  f.  wiss.  Bot.,  xiv.,  1884,  p.  291. 

Bower — (Leaf)  Proc.  Roy.  Soc.,  xxxvii.,  1884,  p.  61. 

Rabenhorst— Crypt.  Flora  Deutschland,  Vase.  Crypt.,  by  Luerssen,  1884-88. 

De  Bary— Comparative  Anatomy  of  Phanerogams  and  Ferns,  1884. 

Klein— (Dehiscence  of  Sporange)  Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  France,  1884,  p.  292. 

Leclerc  du  Sablon — (Spores)  Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  vol.  ii.,  1885,  p.  5. 

Campbell— (Antherozoids)  Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell.,  1887,  p.  I2O. 

Baker -Handbook  to  Fern  Allies,  1887. 


•     HETEROSPOROUS     VASCULAR     CRYPTOGAMS. 
Class  I.— Rhizocarpeae. 

The  Rhizocarpeae  or  Hydropterideas  constitute  a  class  composed  of 
only  a  small  number  of  genera,  none  of  which  includes  more  than  a  few 
species.  They  grow  submerged  in  or  floating  on  water,  and  derive  their 
name  from  the  circumstance  that  the  non-sexual  organs  of  propagation 
are  produced  in  the  radicular  region,  or  near  the  base  of  the  leaves. 


22 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


The  spores  are  of  two  kinds,  one  of  which  is  many  hundred  times 
larger  than  the  other.  The  larger  spores,  or  megaspores,  produced  in 
megasporangeS)  are  female  ;  the  smaller  spores,  or  microstores,  produced 


F/G.  5. — Pihila ria globulifera.  L.,  with         FIG.  6. — Marsilea  quadrifolia  L.,  with  fructifi- 
fructification,     natural    size.       (After  cation,    natural    size,    and    fructification    en- 

Luerssen.)  larged.     (After  Luerssen.) 

in  microsporanges,  are  male.  The  megaspore  is  not  completely  spherical, 
but  has  a  distinct  apical  protuberance,  which  at  the  period  of  maturity 
is  enveloped  in  a  thick  firm  layer  termed  the  epispore,  formed  by  the 


RHIZOCARPE^E  23 

hardening  of  mucilage  derived  from  the  disorganisation  and  deliques- 
cence of  a  portion  of  the  contents  of  the  sporange.  The  female  prothal- 
lium  is  formed  within  the  apical  papilla  of  the  megaspore,  and  is 
exposed  by  the  bursting  of  the  enveloping  epispore.  It  never  completely 
frees  itself  from  the  megaspore,  and  is  usually  altogether  destitute  of 
chlorophyll.  It  bears  one  or  more  archegones,  differing  from  one 
another  in  smaller  points  of  structure  in  the  different  genera.  The 
microspores  do  not  give  birth  to  a  male  prothallium,  nor  even  to 
antherids,  in  the  sense  in  which  the  terms  are  employed  elsewhere  in 


A 


FIG.  7. — Salvinia  natans  L.  A  and  B  natural  size,  the  latter  with  two  aerial  leaves  and  sub- 
merged fertile  leaves  ;  C,  two  sporocarps,  slightly  magnified  and  diagrammatic,  one  con- 
taining a  few  megasporanges,  the  other  a  large  number  of  microsporanges ;  Z>,  section  of 
empty  sporocarp,  slightly  magnified.  (After  Luerssen.) 

Vascular  Cryptogams  ;  the  contents  divide  more  or  less  directly  into  the 
parent-cells  of  the  antherozoids,  which,  accompanied  by  peculiar  vesicles 
attached  to  them,  reach  and  impregnate  the  oosphere  contained  in  the 
central  cell  of  the  archegone. 

The  external  form  of  the  sporophyte  or  non- sexual  generation  varies 
widely  in  the  different  genera.  The  growth  of  both  stem  and  root  is 
always  the  result  of  successive  divisions  from  a  single  apical  cell.  The 
stem  is  extremely  abbreviated  in  Salvinia  (Schreb.)  and  Azolla  (Lam.)  ; 
procumbent  and  creeping  in  Marsilea(L.)andPilularia(L.).  It  is  traversed 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


by  closed  concentric  '  vascular  '  bundles,  each  surrounded  by  its  bundle- 
sheath,  and  the  branching  is  always  monopodial.  The  roots — except  in 
Salvinia,  which  is  rootless — are  fibrous,  are  furnished  with  a  root-cap, 
and  branch  monopodially.  The  leaves  also  vary  greatly  in  form.  In 
Pilularia  they  are  erect,  cylindrical,  and  setiform  :  in  Marsilea  (L.)  the 
lamina  consists  of  several  distinct  leaflets  at  the  extremity  of  a  more  or 
less  elongated  petiole.  In  both  these  genera  the  vernation  is  circinate. 
In  Azolla  the  leaves  are  deeply  bifid.  Salvinia  is  remarkably  hetero- 
phyllous. While  the  majority  of  the  leaves  retain  an  ordinary  leaf-like 

habit,  others  develop  into  coriaceous 
scutiform  structures,  while  others  again 
divide  into  a  number  of  capillary 
segments,  which  perform  the  function 
of  roots,  and  at  the  same  time  bear  the 
non-sexual  propagating  organs. 

The  fructification  is  of  a  more 
complicated  structure  than  in  other 
classes  of  Vascular  Cryptogams.  In 
Salvinia  it  springs  from  the  lower  teeth 
of  the  submerged  leaves  ;  in  Azolla 
from  the  pendent  section  of  the  deeply 
bipartite  leaf,  or  rather  of  one  particular 
leaf;  in  Pilularia  it  stands  beside  and 
beneath  the  leaves  ;  in  Marsilea  (L.)  on 
the  under  side  of  the  petiole,  or  of  the 
base  of  the  leaf  itself.  The  Rhizo- 
carpese  are  always  monoecious,  the  two 
kinds  of  sporange  being  produced  on 
the  same  individual,  and  usually  in 
close  proximity.  The  structure  and 
degree  of  complexity  of  the  fructifi- 
cation differ  in  the  different  genera. 
The  sporanges  are  always  associated 
together  in  groups.  Each  of  these  groups,  known  as  asorus  or  sporocarp, 
is  a  closed  capsule-like  chamber,  which  is  of  epidermal  or  trichomic 
origin,  its  wrall  or  indusium,  often  considerably  hardened,  being  an 
extension  of  the  epiderm.  Each  sporocarp  is  regarded  by  Celakovsky 
as  the  homologue  of  the  integumented  ovule  of  Flowering  Plants.  In 
the  Salviniaceae  the  sporocarp  is  unilocular;  in  the  Marsileaceae  it  is 
plurilocular,  and  the  wall  indurated  into  a  hard  shell.  Each  sporocarp 
may  contain  sporanges  of  one  kind  only  or  of  both  kinds  ;  in  the  former 
case  male  and  female  sporocarps  are  often  associated  together  in 


FIG.  8. — Salvinia  natans  L.  Young 
plant  still  attached  to  the  prothal- 
lium^r,  and  megaspore  5^.  f>,  scuti- 
form leaf ;  /  and  //,  first  and  second 
leaves  ;  L1  and  L",  later  aerial,  and 
iv,  submerged  leaf  of  the  first  whorl. 
(After  Pringsheim,  x  20.) 


RHIZOCARPE^:  25 

groups.  The  megasporanges  are  often  considerably  larger  than  the 
microsporanges. 

In  the  early  stages  of  their  development  no  difference  is  exhibited 
between  the  megasporanges  and  microsporanges.  In  both  cases  the 
sporange  originates  in  a  papilla  placed  on  the  placenta,  which  divides 
first  into  an  upper  and  a  lower  cell,  the  latter  developing,  by  repeated 
transverse  septation,  into  the  pedicel,  the  former  into  the  body  of  the 
sporange,  and  dividing  ultimately  into  a  large  central  tetrahedral 
archespore,  surrounded  by  a  layer  which  almost  immediately  breaks  up 
into  two  layers  of  tapetal  cells  or  mantle-layers.  The  archespore  further 
divides  into  sixteen  spore-mother-cells,  and  each  of  these  into  four 
special  spore-cells  arranged  tetrahedrally.  A  difference  is  now  mani- 
fested according  as  the  sporange  is  to  develop  into  a  mega-  or  a  micro- 
sporange.  In  the  latter  case  each  of  the  sixty-four  cells  develops  into 
a  microspore,  while  the  tapetal  cells  become  disorganised,  and  changed 
into  the  frothy  mucilage  which  subsequently  hardens  and  encloses  the 
spores.  In  the  former  case  only  one  of  the  sixty-four  cells  develops 
into  a  megaspore,  growing  rapidly  at  the  expense  of  the  others,  and 
ultimately  filling  up  the  cavity  of  the  sporange.  The  remaining  sixty- 
three  spore-cells,  as  well  as  the  tapetal  cells,  become  disorganised,  and 
deliquesce  into  a  frothy  mucilage  which  envelops  the  ripe  megaspore, 
ultimately  hardening  into  the  epispore,  which  splits  to  allow  the  emergence 
of  the  prothallium.  In  Azolla  the  mucilage  of  the  microsporanges  forms 
the  peculiar  massulce  which  will  be  described  later. 

A  more  detailed  description  requires  the  division  of  the  Rhizocarpese 
into  the  two  orders  Salviniacece.  (Salvinia  and  Azolla)  and  Marsileacece. 
(Marsilea  and  Pilularia),  which  are,  perhaps,  not  in  reality  very  nearly 
related  to  one  another. 

ORDER    i. — SALVINIACECE. 

The  female  prothallium  of  Salvinia  is  formed  within  the  apical  papilla 
of  the  megaspore.  The  protoplasm  in  this  papilla  appears  to  separate  from 
that  of  the  rest  of  the  spore,  and  then  breaks  up  by  free-cell-formation 
into  several  portions,  which  remain  for  a  time  unclothed  with  cellulose  ; 
subsequently  they  secrete  cell-walls,  and  form  a  tissue,  which  breaks 
through  the  cell-wall  of  the  papilla,  and  forces  its  way  through  the  epi- 
spore, which  splits  into  a  three-lobed  body.  The  prothallium,  when  it 
first  emerges  from  the  epispore,  has  a  somewhat  triangular  form,  with  an 
elevated  ridge  along  its  median  line,  and  two  wing-like  appendages, 
subsequently  forced  apart  by  the  growth  of  the  embryo,  which  hangs 
down  on  each  side  of  the  spore.  It  contains  a  considerable  amount  of 


26 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


chlorophyll,  but  never  loses  its  connection  with  the  megaspore,  even 
after  the  commencement  of  the  germination  of  the  sporophyte.  The 
first  archegone  makes  its  appearance  on  the  elevated  dorsal  ridge  of  the 
prothallium,  and  subsequently  two  others  are  formed,  one  on  each  side 
of  the  first.  If  one  of  these  is  fertilised  no  more  archegones  are  pro- 
duced, and  the  prothallium  ceases  growing.  But  if  no  impregnation 
has  taken  place  the  prothallium  continues  to  grow,  and  produces  from 
one  to  three  additional  rows,  each  consisting .  of  from  three  to  seven 
archegones.  In  Azolla  the  prothallium  has  the  form  of  a  slightly  convex 

disc,  consisting,  in  its  central  part, 

Prfi  #  of  several  layers  of  cells,  at   the 

margin  of  only  one.  A  single 
archegone  is  first  formed,  near  the 
centre  of  the  prothallium.  If  this 


FIG.  9. — Salvinia  natans.  Longitudinal  section 
through  megaspore  and  prothallium.  a,  wall 
of  sporange ;  l>,  epispore,  formed  of  hardened 
mucilage ;  c,  coat  of  spore  ;  d,  diaphragm 
separating  prothallium  from  spore-cavity  ;  pr, 
prothallium  ;  m,  neck  of  archegone  ;  /,  77, 
first  two  leaves  of  embryo  ;  s,  scutiform  leaf 
or  cotyledon.  (After  Pringsheim,  x  70.) 


FlG.  10. — Archegone  of  Sahnnia.  natans 
in  three  stages,  a,  b,  c,  divisions  in  the 
neck-cells  ;  d,  neck-canal-cell ;  <?,  oosphere  ; 
h,  neck-cells.  (After  Pringsheim,  x  150.) 


is  fertilised,  no  others  are  formed ;  if  not,  it  is  followed  by  a  few  others. 
The  archegone  of  Salvinia  is  a  nearly  globular  cavity,  its  venter  being 
completely  buried  in  the  tissue  of  the  prothallium.  The  central  cell  is 
at  first  somewhat  elliptical,  its  axis  lying  obliquely  to  the  surface  of  the 
prothallium.  Its  apex  is  at  first  covered  by  four  cells  belonging  to  the 
epiderm,  arranged  in  the  form  of  a  cross.  Each  of  these  four  neck-cells 
divides  by  transverse  septa  into  a  row  of  three  cells,  the  four  rows  thus 
forming  a  short  neck.  The  large  central  cell  now  elongates  upwards 
-and  forces  its  way  between  the  lowermost  four  cells  of  the  neck,  and  its 


RHIZOCARPE& 


27 


conical  point  becomes  cut  off  by  a  septum,  forming  the  neck-canal-cell. 
Below  this  a  second  very  small  portion  of  the  central  cell  is  again  cut  off 
to  form  the  ventral  canal-cell,  so  that  the  canal  now  consists  of  two 
cells.  These  two  cells  become  transformed  into  mucilage,  which  escapes 
by  forcing  apart  the  four  apical  or  stigmatic  cells,  leaving  an  open  canal 
In  the  meantime  the  protoplasm  of  the  large  basal  portion  of  the  central 
cell  has  become  transformed  by  contraction  into  the  oosphere.  The 
archegone  is  now  ready  for  impregnation,  the  antherozoids  reaching  the 
oosphere  through  a  funnel-shaped  depression  in  the  epispore  and  the 
open  canal.  After  fertilisation  the  canal  again  closes  up  by  the  expan- 
sion of  the  stigmatic  cells.  The 
archegone  of  Azolla  resembles  that 
of  Salvinia  in  all  essential  points. 

The  male  prothallium  of  Salvinia 
is  reduced  to  a  mere  rudiment.  The 
microspores  lie  imbedded  in  a  mass 
of  hardened,  granular,  frothy  mucilage, 
formed  by  the  disorganisation  of  the 
tapetal  cells.  They  do  not  escape 
from  this  mucilage,  but  the  endospore 
of  each  develops  into  a  tubular  fila- 
ment which  pierces  through  the  muci- 
lage and  the  wall  of  the  sporange. 
The  extremity  of  this  filament  which 
projects  outside  the  sporange  is 
curved,  and  becomes  cut  off  by  a 
septum.  The  lower  and  larger  of  the 
two  cells  thus'formed  is  regarded  as 
a  rudimentary  prothallium  •  the  termi- 
nal cell,  which  again  divides  into  two, 

as  a  rudimentary  antherid.  The  protoplasm  of  each  of  the  two 
antheridial  cells  divides  into  four,  and  each  of  these  eight  masses  of 
protoplasm  escapes  as  an  antherozoid.  Each  antherozoid  is  a  corkscrew- 
like  coil  of  protoplasm,  bearing  vibratile  cilia  of  great  length  at  its' 
broader  extremity.  To  the  same  extremity  is  attached  a  vesicle,  com- 
posed of  a  portion  of  the  protoplasm  of  the  antheridial  cells  which 
was  not  used  up  in  the  formation  of  the  antherozoids,  and  which  does 
not  leave  the  antherozoid  during  the  period  of  its  'swarming.' 

The  development  of  the  multicellular  embryo  from  the  fertilised 
oosperm  has  been  very  carefully  followed  out  in  Salvinia.  The  first 
segmentation  is  by  a  nearly  vertical  wall  (at  right  angles  to  the  surface 
of  the  prothallium)  into  two  somewhat  unequal  portions,  each  of  which 


FIG.  ii. — Salvinia  natans.  A,  micro- 
sporange,  with  microspore-tubes  st. 
(x  ioo.)  £,  microspore-tube  (x  200) 
with  closed,  C  with  empty  antherid. 
D,  antherozoids  (  x  600).  (After 
Pringsheim.) 


28  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

again  divides  by  a  septum  nearly  at  right  angles  to  the  first  one.  Further 
divisions  then  take  place.  Out  of  the  posterior  of  the  first  two  segments 
(the  one  immediately  beneath  the  mouth  of  the  archegone)  is  formed 
the  foot  of  the  young  plant,  by  which  it  is  attached  to  and  derives  its 
nutriment  from  the  prothallium.  From  the  anterior  of  these  two  seg- 
ments is  derived  a  peculiar  foliar  structure,  differing  from  all  the  subse- 
quent leaves,  the  cotyledon  or  scutiform  leaf,  by  the  growth  of  which  the 
terminal  bud  of  the  stem  becomes  directed  downwards.  No  root  what- 
ever is  produced.  Azolla  is  stated  to  have  a  second  cotyledon.  Both 
stem  and  root  (in  Azolla)  are  developed  from  a  single  apical  cell,  which 
is  rounded  in  front  and  pointed  below.  The  primary  meristem-layers 
are  differentiated,  as  in  Flowering  Plants,  into  plerome,  periblem,  and 
dermatogen. 

The  mature  sporophyte  differs  considerably  in  appearance  in  the  two 
genera,  but  always  floats  on  the  surface  of  the  water.  The  very  short 
stem  is  erect  or  horizontal,  and  the  branching  of  both  stem  and  root  (in 
Azolla)  is  monopodial.  The  root,  stem,  and  leaf-stalk  are  each  traversed 
by  a  single  concentric  '  vascular '  bundle  of  simple  structure,  containing 
spiral  and  annular  tracheides.  The  leaves  of  Azolla  are  very  crowded, 
and  are  placed  in  two  rows  on  the  dorsal  side  of  the  stem ;  but  in  some 
species  they  have  the  appearance  of  standing  in  four  rows.  They  are  of 
delicate  membranous  texture,  and  are  always  deeply  bifid,  one  lobe  being 
submerged  and  the  other  floating.  The  floating  lobe  of  each'  leaf  has  a 
remarkable  cavity,  covered  by  a  double  epidermal  layer,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  a  narrow  orifice  which  opens  into  the  cavity.  This  cavity  is 
formed  during  the  growth  of  the  leaf  by  a  more  rapid  growth  of  the 
epiderm  than  of  the  subjacent  tissue,  and  is  itself  clothed  with  an  epi- 
dermal layer.  The  cavities  are  frequently  occupied  by  well-developed 
colonies  of  Nostoc-filaments.  Salvinia  is  remarkably  heterophyllous 
(see  figs.  7,  8).  The  first  leaf  of  the  young  plant  is  the  scutiform  or 
peltate  leaf  already  mentioned,  which  is  produced  near  the  base  of  the 
stem.  It  is  coriaceous  in  texture  and  sagittate  in  form.  Next  are  pro- 
duced, also  singly,  two  ovate  aerial  leaves.  All  the  subsequent  leaves 
are  arranged  in  whorls  of  three,  two  of  which  are  aerial,  with  flat,  ovate, 
or  orbicular  lamina,  floating  on  the  surface  of  the  water  ;  while  the  third 
or  submerged  leaf  at  once  branches  into  long  slender  filiform  segments, 
which  hang  down  into  the  water  and  perform  the  function  of  roots.  The 
leaves  of  adjacent  whorls  are  placed  alternately,  so  that  the  mature  plant 
has  two  rows  of  ventral  submerged,  and  four  rows  of  dorsal  aerial 
leaves.  Each  leaf  has  a  single  definite  apical  cell  in  Salvinia,  but  not  in 
Azolla.  The  leaves  of  both  genera  are  furnished  with  stomates,  which, 
according  to  Strasburger,  differ  considerably,  both  in  structure  and 


RHIZOCARPE& 


appearance,  from  those  of  Flowering  Plants.  Those  of  Salvinia  are  re- 
markably small,  and  are  inserted  about  halfway  up  the  epidermal  cells, 
which  are  eight  or  nine  times  their  height.  Air-pores  occur  also  in  the 
submerged  leaves.  The  very  simple  roots  of  Azolla  are  of  endogenous 
origin.  The  root-cap  originates  from  a  single  cell ;  in  A.  Caroliniana 
(Willd.)  the  cap  is  eventually  thrown  off,  leaving  the  root-tip  naked. 

The  sporanges  are  enclosed  in  unilocular  sporocarps,  formed  two 
together  or  in  larger  numbers  ;  in  Salvinia  on  the  youngest  teeth  of  the 
submerged  leaves,  in  Azolla  on  the  pendent  submerged  lobe  of  the 
deeply  bifid  leaves,  and  only  on  the  lowermost  leaf  of  each  shoot.  The 
leaf-segment  which  is  destined  to  become  fertile  first  of  all  develops 
into  a  columel  or  placenta,  to  which  the  sporanges  are  attached.  An 
annular  wall,  the  rudiment  of  the  in- 
dusium,  then  becomes  elevated  from 
the  base  of  the  columel,  eventually 
overtops  its  apex,  closes  up,  and 
thus  forms  the  wall  of  the  sporocarp. 
The  sporocarp  of  Salviniaceae  is 
therefore  a  metamorphosed  portion 
of  a  leaf,  and  corresponds  to  a  sorus 
in  the  Hymenophyllaceae  (Filices), 
with  the  difference  that  in  the  latter 
the  envelope  remains  open  in  the 
form  of  a  cup,  while  in  the  former  it 
closes  completely  over  the  sorus, 
as  in  Cyathea  (Filices).  The  in- 
dusium  is  much  more  strongly 
developed  than  that  of  ferns,  and 
completely  envelops  the  sorus  ;  it 
consists  of  two  layers  of  cells,  the 
walls  of  which  are,  in  Azolla,  strongly  lignified  in  the  upper  part.  Each 
sporocarp  contains  one  kind  of  sporange  only  \  but  both  kinds  always 
occur  on  the  same  individual,  and  may  even  spring  from  the  same 
metamorphosed  leaf.  In  Salvinia  the  megasporanges  are  considerably 
larger  than  the  microsporanges,  and  the  number  of  the  latter  in  a  sporo- 
carp is  greater  (see  fig.  7).  In  Azolla  the  number  of  microsporanges  in 
a  sporocarp  is  about  forty,  while  the  female  sporocarps  contain  only  a 
single  megasporange,  and  consequently  only  a  single  megaspore,  en- 
veloped first  in  the  wall  of  the  sporange,  and  then  in  the  greatly  hardened 
indusium.  The  microsporanges  are  nearly  globular  capsules,  with  long 
slender  pedicels,  the  wall  consisting,  when  mature,  of  a  single  layer  of 
cells.  The  megasporanges  are  pear-shaped,  with  much  shorter  and 


FIG.  12. — Fertile  shoot  of  Azolla  filiculoides 
Lam.,  with  two  female  sporocarps,  a,  (  x  27). 
(After  Strasburger.) 


3o  VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 

stouter  pedicels,  and  arise  from  the  apex  of  the  columel.  In  the  forma- 
tion of  the  pedicels  of  the  megasporanges  longitudinal  cell-division  takes 
place,  as  well  as  transverse.  The  mode  of  formation  of  the  spores 
within  each  kind  of  sporange  has  already  been  described  in  general 
terms,  after  the  preliminary  separation  of  a  single  external  layer  of  cells 
which  develops  into  the  wall  of  the  sporange.  The  sixty-four  micro- 
spores  appear  to  be  disposed  without  any  arrangement  in  the  cavity  of 
the  microsporange.  A  large  nucleus  lies  at  the  end  of  the  megaspore 
which  is  nearest  the  apex  of  the  sporange.  Before  fertilisation  both 
kinds  of  sporange  become  detached  from  their  pedicels,  and  are  carried 


FIG.  13. — Massula  of  Azolla  Caroliniana  Willd.  (X24o).     (After  Strasburger.) 

up  to  the  surface  of  the  water  in  the  spring  by  the  surrounding  masses 
of  Algae.  The  epi  spore  then  splits  above  the  apex  of  the  megaspore 
into  three  lobes,  between  which  the  emerald-green  prothallium  forces 
itself,  and  impregnation  is  effected.  In  Azolla  the  epispore  assumes  a 
still  more  striking  form.  In  the  microsporanges  it  has  the  appearance 
of  a  large-celled  tissue,  and  breaks  up  into  two  or  more  spherical  masses 
called  massulce,  each  of  which  envelops  a  number  of  microspores,  and 
has  a  distinct  coat.  In  some  species,  but  not  in  all,  the  surface  of  these 
masses  is  covered  with  hair-like  appendages,  barbed  at  the  apex,  the 
glochids,  by  means  of  which,  after  emerging  from  the  sporange,  and 
when  floating  on  the  surface  of  the  water,  they  attach  themselves  to  the 


RHIZOCARPEAZ  31 

floating  megaspores.  The  roundish  megaspore,  which  does  not  nearly 
fill  up  the  sporange,  is  completely  covered  by  a  very  thick  warty  layer 
of  hardened  frothy  mucilage,  its  epispore,  which  projects  far  above  the 
apex,  and  separates,  in  its  upper  part,  into  either  three  or  nine  large 
pear-shaped  masses  of  the  same  substance,  terminating  in  a  tuft  of  fine 
threads.  These  bodies  constitute  a  floating  apparatus  for  the  megaspore, 
the  fine  threads  floating  on  the  surface  of  the  water,  and  suspending 
beneath  them  the  float-corpuscles,  either  three  in  number  or  more 
numerous,  containing  abundance  of  air-cavities,  and  the  megaspores,  to 
which  the  microspores  are  attached  by  their  glochidiate  processes. 

The  two  genera  of  Salviniaceae,  Salvinia  and  Azolla,  each  include 
but  a  small  number  of  species,  all  annual  plants,  widely  distributed  over 
the  globe,  especially  in  its  warmer  regions.  Those  of  Azolla  form  green 
or  red  floating  patches  of  considerable  size,  with  the  habit  of  a  Junger- 
mannia.  No  economical  application  is  known  of  either  genus. 

ORDER  2. — MARSILEACE^E. 

The  female  prothallium  attains  here  a  much  smaller  degree  of 
development  than  in  the  Salviniaceae.  It  arises  within  the  apical  papilla 
of  the  megaspore,  the  protoplasm  of  which  breaks  up  into  several  cells, 
which  remain  for  a  time  unclothed  with  cellulose,  and  only  subsequently 
constitute  a  tissue  containing  a  small  quantity  of  chlorophyll.  Even 
after  this  the  prothallium  still  remains  for  some  time  completely  enclosed 
within  the  apical  papilla  of  the  megaspore,  being  covered  by  the  epi- 
dermal layers  of  the  apex  of  the  spore  itself,  and  shut  off  from  the 
spore-cavity  within  and  below  by  a  diaphragm  which  is  attached  to  the 
internal  coat  Of  the  spore.  By  the  further  growth  of  the  prothallium 
the  epidermal  layers  of  the  apical  papilla  are  broken  through,  and  the 
dorsal  ridge  of  the  prothallium  projects  into  the  funnel  formed  by  the 
absence  at  this  spot  of  the  thick  outer  layers  of  the  epispore.  The 
diaphragm  subsequently  arches  convexly,  and  the  prothallium  is  pushed 
further  outwards,  but  still  lies  as  a  hemispherical  mass  in  the  funnel- 
shaped  opening. 

In  those  species  which  have  hitherto  been  examined  each  prothallium 
produces  only  a  single  archegone.  Even  before  the  prothallium  breaks 
through  the  megaspore,  the  large  central  cell  may  be  recognised  in  it, 
covered  only  by  four  cells  arranged  in  a  cross,  which  form  at  the  same 
time  the  apex  of  the  prothallium.  From  these  are  developed  the  more 
or  less  projecting  neck  and  the  stigmatic  cells  of  the  archegone.  As  in 
Salviniaceae,  a  neck-canal-cell  is  separated  from  the  central  cell,  which 
pushes  up  between  the  neck-cells,  as  well  as  a  smaller  ventral  canal-cell ; 


VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 


the  lower  and  larger  portion  of  the  protoplasmic  cell-contents  contract- 
ing into  an  oosphere.  If  the  archegone  remains  unfertilised  the  prothal- 
lium  continues  to  grow  into  a  comparatively  large  chlorophyllous  structure 
with  rhizoids. 

The  male  prothallium  and  antherids  are  reduced    to  a  still  more 


FIG.  14. — Marsilea  salvatrix  L.  Longi- 
tudinal section  through  megaspore,  pro- 
thallium,  and  embryo.  ant,  starch 
grains  ;  i,  inner  coat  ;  ex,  epispore  ;  c, 
space  beneath  diaphragm  ;  pt,  prothal- 
lium ;  wh,  its  rhizoids  ;  a,  archegone ; 
f\  foot ;  TV,  root  of  embryo  ;  b,  coty- 
ledon ;  si,  mucilaginous  envelope  of 
megaspore.  (After  Goebel,  X  60.) 


FIG.  15. — Marsilea  salvatrix.  A,  prothallium 
pt,  projecting  from  ruptured  coat  r  of  mega- 
spore ;  si,  layers  of  mucilage  forming  funnel, 
with  antherozoids.  B,  vertical  section  of 
prothallium  pt ;  o,  oosphere  ;  a,  stigmatic 
cells.  (After  Goebel,  greatly  magnified.) 


rudimentary  condition  than  in  the  Salviniaceae.  The  contents  of  the 
microspore  divide  into  three  cells,  one  of  which  (the  prothallium) 
remains  sterile,  the  other  two  constituting  the  antherid.  The  contents 
of  each  of  these  two  cells  again  divide  into  sixteen  antherozoid-mother- 
cells.  From  the  nucleus  of  each  of  these  is  formed  an  antherozoid  ; 


RHIZOCARPE^E 


33 


these  bodies  are  therefore  developed  entirely  within  the  microspore, 
while  the  microspores  themselves  are  set  free  completely  from  the 
sporange.  As  in  the  Salviniaceae,  the  whole  of  the  contents  of  the 
mother-cell  is  not  used  up  in  the  formation  of  the  antherozoid  ;  a  por- 
tion remains  behind  in  the  form  of  a  roundish  turbid  lump  consisting  of 
protoplasm  and  starch -grains,  which  gradually  becomes  clearer,  and 
attaches  itself,  in  the  form  of  a  vesicle,  to  the  antherozoid,  which  in 
Pilularia  becomes  soon  detached,  but  in  Marsilea  remains  attached  to 
the  antherozoid  during  the  greater  portion  of  the  period  of  '  swarming.' 
When  the  antherozoids  are  mature  the  exospore  of  the  microspore 
bursts  at  its  apex,  and  the  endospore  swells  up  into  a  hyaline  bladder, 


FIG.  16. — Pilularia  globulifera  L.  Longitudinal 
section  of  megaspore.  a,  coat  of  spore  ;  b,  c, 
d,  the  three  layers  of  the  epispore.  (After  Luers- 
sen,  magnified.) 


FIG.  17. — Marsilea  salvatrix.  Micro- 
spore  discharging  antherozoids.  ex, 
exospore ;  dl,  endospore  ;  zz,  anthe- 
rozoids ;yy,  their  vesicles  with  starch- 
grains.  (After  Goebel,  X3so.) 


which  finally  bursts  to  allow  of  the  escape  of  the  antherozoids  with  their 
vesicles.  In  Pilularia  the  antherozoid  consists  of  only  four  or  five  coils 
with  a  few  vibratile  cilia ;  in  Marsilea  it  is  of  considerable  length,  the 
shape  of  a  corkscrew,  and  consists  of  twelve  or  thirteen  coils,  the  vibra- 
tile cilia  being  also  of  great  length.  The  antherozoids  collect,  in  large 
numbers,  in  the  funnel-shaped  depression  of  the  epispore  of  the  mega- 
spore  above  the  prothallium  (see  fig.  15),  and  force  themselves,  through 
the  neck  of  the  archegone,  to  its  central  cell. 

In  its  early  stages  the  development  of  the  oosperm  or  impregnated 
oosphere  corresponds  to  that  of  Salviniacese.  After  becoming  invested 
with  a  cell-wall  of  cellulose,  the  first  segmentations  give  rise  to  the 

D 


34  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

parent-cells  of  the  first  root,  of  the  young  stem,  of  the  first  leaf  or 
cotyledon,  and  of  the  foot  by  which  the  young  embryo  is  attached  to 
the  prothallium.  In  Marsilea  a  second  cotyledon  is  formed  from  the 
fourth  octant  of  the  lower  half  of  the  embryo.  The  layer  of  tissue 
surrounding  the  central  cell  becomes  double  after  impregnation  ;  a  few 
grains  of  chlorophyll  are  formed  in  it,  and  its  outer  cells  develop  into 
long  rhizoids,  which  are  especially  luxuriant  if  no  fertilisation  has  taken 
place. 

The  sporophyte  of  the  Marsileaceae  differs  very  widely  in  external 
form  in  the  two  genera  ;  but  its  internal  structure  agrees  in  its  essential 
features  with  that  of  the  Salviniaceae.  The  stem,  root,  and  leaves  all 
originate  from  a  single  apical  cell,  which  always  divides  into  three  rows. 
The  stem  is  procumbent  on  damp  soil  or  at  the  bottom  of  stagnant 
water,  and  is  traversed  by  a  single  central  *  vascular '  cylinder  filled  with 
fundamental  tissue,  each  bundle  consisting  of  a  central  xylem  with  spiral 
or  scalariform  tracheides,  surrounded  by  a  phloem  with  large  sieve-tubes 
and  sieve-plates,  and  the  whole  enclosed  in  a  brown  sclerenchymatous 
bundle-sheath,  composed  of  a  single  layer  of  cells  with  wavy  lateral 
walls.  A  single  '  vascular '  bundle  traverses  each  root  and  leaf-stalk  ; 
in  the  lamina  of  the  leaf  of  Marsilea  this  branches  into  a  dichotomous 
venation.  The  fundamental  tissue  abounds,  in  both  genera,  in  large 
schizogenous  intercellular  cavities,  as  is  usually  the  case  with  water- 
plants.  Those  of  Marsilea  form  a  complete  intercommunicating  system. 
In  those  of  Pilularia  are  remarkable  spiral  hairs.  The  leaves  develop 
basifugally,  as  in  Salviniaceae  ;  they  are  formed  in  two  alternating  rows 
on  the  dorsal  side  of  the  stem  ;  but,  as  in  Salviniaceae,  it  is  not  every 
segment  of  the  stem  that  produces  a  leaf.  In  this  respect  the  Rhizo- 
carpeae  agree  with  Filices,  and  differ  from  Equisetacese  and  Muscineae. 
The  leaves  are  circinate  in  vernation,  resembling  in  this  respect  true 
ferns  only.  Tannin-sacs  occur  in  the  petiole.  In  Marsilea  (see  fig.  6) 
all  the  leaves  except  the  first,  which  is  filiform  and  destitute  of  a  lamina, 
have  a  very  long  slender  petiole  and  a  four-lobed  lamina  ;  they  are 
larger  when  growing  in  water  than  on  dry  land.  M.  quadrifolia  (L.)  has 
stomates  on  both  surfaces  of  the  aerial,  on  the  upper  surface  only  of  the 
floating  leaves.  The  stomates  are  depressed  in  the  tissue  of  the  leaf  by 
the  growth  of  the  adjoining  epidermal  cells  over  the  guard-cells.  The 
mesophyll  of  the  aerial  leaves  is  characterised  by  the  presence  of  rows  of 
sclerenchymatous  cells.  In  Pilularia  the  petiole  is  elongated  and  quill- 
like,  and  entirely  destitute  of  a  lamina  (fig.  5). 

The  sporocarp  or  conceptacle  of  the  Marsileaceae  is  an  even  more 
complicated  structure  than  that  of  the  Salviniaceae.  In  Pilularia  it  is  a 
roundish,  shortly-stalked  capsule  springing  from  the  axil  of  a  leaf-stalk 


RHIZOCARPEsE 


35 


on  the  procumbent  stem.  According  to  Juranyi,  each  sporocarp  is  the 
result  of  the  coalescence  of  two  segments  of  bifid  leaves.  The  wall  of 
the  sporocarp  is  very  thick  and  hard,  and  consists  of  several  layers  of 
cells  forming  a  sclerenchymatous  tissue.  It  is  divided  by  vertical  walls 
into  compartments,  varying  from  two  to  four  in  the  different  species. 
Each  compartment  has,  at  least  in  its  young  state,  an  opening  at  the 
apex,  and  is  therefore  not  of  endogenous  origin,  but  rather  a  depression 
in  the  surface.  In  each  compartment  there  is,  on  the  side  which  forms 
its  outside  wall,  a  cushion-like  placenta,  formed  from  superficial  cells, 
and  resting  on  a  '  vascular '  bundle.  To  this  placenta  are  attached  a 
number  of  stalked  sporanges  of  both  kinds,  constituting  a  sorus  ;  the 
megasporanges  are  chiefly  below, 
and  the  microsporanges  above. 
The  remainder  of  each  compart- 
ment is  occupied  by  a  delicate 
thin-walled  parenchyme.  When 
mature  the  sporocarp  splits  from 
the  apex  downwards  into  as  many 
valves  as  it  has  compartments  ; 
and  each  sporange  dehisces  by 
the  expansion  of  the  gelatinous 
mass  resulting  from  the  dissolu- 
tion of  the  tapetal  cells. 

The  sporocarps  of  Marsilea 
are  capsules  with  somewhat  the 
shape  of  a  bean,  a  longer  or 
shorter  pedicel,^ and  a  very  hard 
sclerenchymatous  wall.  They 
spring,  usually  in  clusters,  from 
the  petiole  of  an  ordinary  leaf. 
The  pedicel  runs  along  the  dorsal  edge  of  the  sporocarp,  and  gives 
off  lateral  veins  right  and  left  which  branch  dichotomously  and  run  to 
the  ventral  edge.  The  ripe  sporocarp  has  a  bilaterally  symmetrical 
structure,  and  is  divided  by  transverse  walls  into  two  rows  of  compart- 
ments, each  of  which  has,  when  young,  a  narrow  opening  on  the  ventral 
side.  Each  compartment  contains  a  single  sorus,  consisting  of  a  few 
megasporanges  in  the  centre,  with  a  larger  number  of  microsporanges  on 
each  side.  As  in  Pilularia,  a  large  portion  of  the  cavity  of  each  compart- 
ment is  occupied  by  a  succulent  parenchyme. 

The  development  of  the  sporanges  commences,  in  both  genera,  with 
the  swelling  up  of  some  of  the  epidermal  cells  of  the  part  which 
ultimately  becomes  the  placenta.  These  cells  divide  several  times 


FIG.  18. — Transverse  section  of  sporocarp  of  Pilu- 
laria. globulifera.  mi,  microsporanges;  ma, 
megasporanges ;  e,  wall  of  sporocarp  ;  g,  paren- 
chyme. (After  Goebel,  magnified.) 


36  VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 

obliquely — not  horizontally,  as  in  Salviniaceae — into  three  rows  of  seg- 
ments, until  ultimately  a  convex  septum  cuts  off  a  triangular  apical  cell, 
which  at  length  becomes  the  tetrahedral  archespore.  From  this  is 
separated  the  mantle-layer  of  tapetal  cells  ;  further  divisions  take  place 
both  in  these  and  in  the  rows  of  cells  of  which  the  wall  of  the  sporange 
is  composed,  and  the  archespore  divides  by  successive  bipartitions  into 
sixteen  spore-mother-cells,  each  of  which  produces  four  spores  in  the 
ordinary  way.  The  pedicel  of  the  sporange  consists  at  first  of  three  rows 
of  cells,  the  number  being  subsequently  increased  by  further  longitudinal 
divisions.  The  tapetal  cells  become  gradually  disorganised,  and  form  a 
granular  mucilage,  filling  up  the  interstices  between  the  mother-cells  of 
the  spores,  which  is  subsequently  employed  in  the  production  of  the 
epispore  or  gelatinous  envelope  of  the  spore.  The  differentiation  of  the 
two  kinds  of  spore  now  commences.  In  the  microsporanges  all  the 
sixty-four  microspores  reach  maturity,  each  special  mother-cell  or  rudi- 
mentary spore  becoming  invested,  while  still  within  the  mother-cell,  with 
its  permanent  cell-wall,  while  the  walls  of  the  sixteen  mother-cells  dis- 
appear. In  the  megasporanges,  on  the  other  hand,  one  of  the  four 
special  mother-cells  in  each  of  the  sixteen  tetrads  displays  at  first  a 
greater  vigour  of  growth  than  the  other  three.  Of  these  sixteen  sister- 
cells  fifteen  gradually  become  abortive,  only  one  reaching  maturity  and 
developing  into  a  perfect  megaspore.  During  their  development  and 
disappearance  all  the  rudimentary  spores  are  furnished  with  -spiny  pro- 
tuberances, by  which  they  are  attached  to  one  another.  As  the  mega- 
spore  increases  in  size  its  coat  becomes  hard  and  brown  ;  and  it  is  ulti- 
mately invested  by  a  gelatinous  epispore  consisting  of  three  distinct 
layers  (fig.  16).  The  innermost  of  these  is  a  mucilaginous  coat,  which 
is  often  folded,  and  ultimately  forms  a  papilla  above  the  apex  of  the 
mature  spore.  Outside  this  is  a  thicker  layer  of  a  soft  prismatic  sub- 
stance, and  external  again  to  this  a  third  still  thicker  but  less  clearly 
organised  envelope.  The  two  outer  layers  are  wanting  at  the  apex  of 
the  spore,  where  there  is  a  funnel-shaped  depression  exposing  the  papilla 
belonging  to  the  innermost  layer  of  the  epispore.  Down  \\\\s  funnel  the 
antherozoids  pass  to  impregnate  the  oosphere  within  the  archegone  pro- 
duced on  the  prothallium  within  the  apical  papilla  of  the  megaspore. 

The  processes  by  which  both  kinds  of  spore  escape  from  the  very 
hard  shell-  of  the  sporocarp  are  very  remarkable.  In  Pilularia  globu- 
lifera  (L.)  the  ripe  sporocarp  lies  above  or  beneath  the  surface  of  the 
damp  soil.  It  splits  from  its  apex  downwards  into  four  valves,  and 
exudes  a  tough  hyaline  mucilage  derived  from  the  parenchymatous 
tissue  within  each  compartment.  This  mucilage  accumulates  on  the 
ground  ;  and  into  it  both  kinds  of  spore  escape  after  the  rupture  of  the 


RHIZOCARPE^: 


37 


sporanges.  Fertilisation  takes  place  within  the  drop  of  mucilage,  which 
then  gradually  disappears,  and  the  impregnated  megaspore  lies  on  the 
damp  ground,  to  which  it  becomes  attached  by  the  rhizoids  put  out 
from  the  prothallium  until  the  first  root  of  the  embryo  penetrates  into 
the  soil.  In  Marsilea  the  processes  are  somewhat  similar.  The  exces- 
sively hard,  almost  stony,  shell  of 
the  sporocarp  gives  way  slightly  at 
its  ventral  edge  as  it  lies  in  water, 
and  the  water  penetrates  into  the 
interior.  This  causes  the  suc- 
culent parenchymatous  tissue  in 
each  compartment  to  swell  up, 
and  splits  the  shell  along  the  whole 
of  the  ventral  edge  into  two  valves. 
Between  these  valves  the  contents 
are  gradually  forced  out;  the  com- 
partments still  remain  closed,  each 
enclosing  a  sorus,  and  are  attached 
in  two  rows  to  the  cartilaginous 
cushion  or  sorophore  which  ran 
along  the  ventral  edge  of  the  spo- 
rocarp, and  which  now  becomes 
detached  at  one  end,  and  ex- 
posed in  the  form  of  a  string 
many  times  longer  than  the  sporo- 
carp itself  ;  by  the  absorption  of 
water  it  has  increased  enormously 
in  size,  to  something  like  200 
times  its  original  dimensions,  and 
the  sori  are  thus  placed  at  a  con- 
siderable distance  from  one  an- 
other. Ultimately  the  walls  of 
the  sori  or  original  compartments 
of  the  sporocarp  disappear  ;  the 
walls  of  the  sporanges  burst,  both 
kinds  of  spore  escape,  and  fertilisation  is  effected  on  the  damp  soil. 

All  the  species  of  both  genera  of  Marsileaceae  are  marsh  or  aquatic 
perennial  plants,  mostly  natives  of  the  warmer  temperate  and  tropical 
countries.  The  number  of  species  of  Pilularia  is  small,  of  Marsilea 
about  forty.  The  leaves  of  Marsilea,  when  growing  in  the  air,  display  a 
sensitiveness  to  light,  folding  up  in  the  evening  and  expanding  in  the 
morning,  similar  to  those  of  many  Leguminosse  and  other  Flowering 


FIG.  19. — Sporocarp  of  Marsilea  salvatrix.  A, 
transverse  section.  B,  swollen  and  bursting, 
showing  sorophore  (  x  2$).  C,  sporocarp  (natural 
size),  with  sorophore  fully  extended,  and  sori 
attached.  D,  section  of  sorus  (  x  6)  ;  ids,  indu- 
sium ;  mik,  microsporanges ;  mak,  megaspo- 
ranges.  (After  Hanstein.) 


38  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

Plants.  The  sporocarps  of  M.  Drummondii  (Br.),  and  probably  of  some 
other  species,  are  eaten  by  the  natives  of  Australia  under  the  name  of 
nardoo. 

LITERATURE. 

Bischoff — Die  Rhizocarpeen  und  Lycopodiaceen,  Nuremberg,  1828. 

Mettenius— Beitr.   zur  Kenntniss  der  Rhizocarpeen,   1846;  Linmea,  1847,  p.   260; 

and  Beitr.  zur  Botanik,  Heft  i,  1853;  Plantse  Tinneanse. 
Meyen — Nov.  Art.  Acad.  Caesar-Leopold.,  vol.  xviii.,  pt.  I,  p.  253. 
Hofmeister — Ueb.    Keimung  der   Salvinia,   Abhandl.   Sachs.    Gesell.    Wiss.    1857, 

p.  665. 

Pringsheim — (Salvinia)  Jahrb.  f.  wiss.  Bot.,  vol.  iii.,  1863,  p.  484. 
Hanstein — Ueb.  eine  neuhollandische  Marsilia,  Monber.  Berl.  Akad.,  1862,  p.  183  ; 

Befruchtung  u.  Entwickelung  der  Marsilia,  Jahrb.  f.  wiss.  Bot.,  vol.  iv.,  1865, 

p.  107  ;  Pilularise  generatio  cum  Marsilia  comparata,  Bonn,  1866. 
Braun — (Marsilia  and   Pilularia)  Monber.  Akad.   Wiss.   Berlin,   1870,  p.   653,  and 

1872,  p.  668. 
Russow — Vergleich.  Unters.,  Petersburg,   1872  ;  and  Hist.  u.  Entwick.  d.   Sporen- 

frucht  v.  Marsilia,  Dorpat,  1877. 
Strasburger — Ueber  Azolla,  Jena,  1873. 
Juranyi — Ueb.  d.  Entwick.  d.  Sporangien  u.  Sporen  v.  Salvinia,  Berlin,  1873  ;  and 

(Pilularia)  Sitzber.  Ungar.  Akad.  Wiss.,  1879(566  Bot.  Centralbl.,  vol.  i.,  1881, 

p.  207). 

Berggren— (Azolla)  Rev.  Sc.  Nat.,  1881,  p.  21. 

Heinricher — (Spores  of  Salvinia)  Sitzber.  Akad.  Wiss.  Wien,  vol.  Ixxxv.,  1882,  p.  494. 
Goebel— (Pilularia)  Bot.  Zeit.,  1882,  p.  771. 


Class  II.— Selaginellaceae. 

This  class  is  composed  of  two  genera  only,  Selaginella  (Spring)  and 
Isoetes  (L.),  resembling  one  another  in  the  general  facts  of  their  life- 
history,  but  differing  widely  in  external  appearance,  and  each  consti- 
tuting a  monotypic  order.  We  have,  again,  as  in  Rhizocarpeae,  two 
kinds  of  spore;  the  megasporanges  and  microsporanges  are  of  very 
similar  appearance,  and  are  produced  in  connection  with  the  leaves. 
The  female  prothallium,  produced  within  the  megaspore,  is  a  more 
completely  endogenous  structure  than  in  any  other  class  of  Cryptogams, 
and  is  altogether  destitute  of  chlorophyll.  From  the  occurrence  in  both 
genera  of  a  foliar  structure  known  as  the  ligulet  the  term  '  Ligulata? ' 
is  sometimes  given  to  the  class  ;  but  the  character  is  unsatisfactory, 
and  it  will  be  best  to  treat  the  two  orders  Selaginellece  and  Isoetece  sepa- 
rately. 


SELA  G I  NELL  A  CE^E 


39 


ORDER  i. — SELAGINELLE^E. 

In  the  genus  Selaginella,  the  sole  representative  of  the  order,  the 
prothallium  appears  to  be  already  completely  formed  by  the  time  the 
megaspore  is  mature,  but  occupies  only  the  apical  portion  of  the  cavity 
of  the  spore  ;  the  basal 
portion  is  still  filled  by  an 
undifTerentiated  mucilagi- 
nous protoplasm,  which 
subsequently  develops  into 
a  cellular  tissue,  the  second- 
ary prothallium,  or,  as  it 
is  termed  by  some  writers, 
the  endosperm.  In  some 
species,  at  least,  this  struc- 
ture is  separated  by  a  dia- 
phragm from  the  true  pro- 
thallium.  The  prothallium 
always  produces  a  number 
of  archegones,  sometimes 
as  many  as  thirty,  which 
arise  in  centrifugal  succes- 
sion on  the  exposed  portion 
of  the  prothallium,  the  one 
formed  first  being  at  the 
apex.  The  archegone  ori- 
ginates by  division  of  a 
superficial  cell  in  a  direction 
parallel  to  the  surface  ;  the 
outer  of  these  two  then 
divides  into  four  cells,  and 
each  of  these  again  breaks 
up  by  tangential  division 
into  two.  These  form  the 
neck  of  the  archegone,  which 
therefore  consists  of  four 
rows,  each  composed  of 
two  cells.  The  lower  of 
the  two  original  cells  becomes  the  venter  of  the  archegone,  and  puts  out 
a  slender  prolongation  between  the  neck-cells,  which  is  separated  as  the 
neck-canal-cell .  Another  very  small  portion  is  subsequently  separated 


H 


FIG.  20. — A — F,  stages  in  the  division  of  the  microspore  of 
Selaginella,  caulescens  Spr,  z>,  sterile  cell ;  G,  antherozoid 
(x  1400);  ff,  vertical  section  of  megaspore  of  S.  Mar- 
tensii  Spr.  ;  p,  prothallium  with  three  archegones  ;  end,  en- 
dosperm ;  e,  exospore(x  165).  (After  Pfeffer.) 


40  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

as  the  ventral  canal-cell,  and  the  protoplasm  of  the  larger  and  lower 
portion  rounds  itself  off  into  the  oosphere.  The  two  canal-cells  then 
deliquesce  into  mucilage,  leaving  an  open  passage  for  the  entrance  of 
the  antherozoids. 

The  microspores,  spherical  orange  or  bright  red  bodies,  remain  in 
a  dormant  condition  through  the  winter,  and  undergo  further  develop- 
ment in  the  spring.  The  contents  then  divide,  first  of  all  by  a  trans- 
verse wall  of  cellulose  near  one  end  into  two  cells  of  very  unequal  size. 
The  smaller  one  of  these  does  not  divide  further,  and  remains  sterile  ; 
it  is  regarded  as  the  last  degraded  vestige  of  a  male  prothallium.  The 
contents  of  the  larger  of  the  two  cells,  which  may  be  regarded  as  an 
antherid,  then  break  up  into  from  four  to  eight  primordial  cells,  and 
each  of  these  divides  again  into  four  mother-cells  of  antherozoids  ;  but 
it  is  uncertain  whether  all  the  cells  are  fertile.  The  antherozoids  are 
coiled  up  into  a  helix,  and  are  furnished  at  the  anterior  end  with  two 
long  fine  cilia.  The  antherozoid  is  in  all  cases  derived  from  the  nucleus 
of  the  mother-cell ;  a  central  vacuole,  invested  with  a  delicate  membrane, 
often  remains  attached  to  its  posterior  end  during  '  swarming.'  The 
'  swarming '  condition  continues  for  about  half  to  three-quarters  of  an 
hour. 


FIG.  2i.  — Formation  of  embryo  and  suspensor  in  5".  Martensii,  showing  order  of  formation 
of  dividing  walls.     (After  Pfeffer.) 

In  the  formation  of  the  embryo  the  first  division  of  the  oosperm 
differs  from  that  in  Rhizocarpeae  and  in  Filices  in  taking  place  at  right 
angles  to  the  axis  of  the  archegone.  It  is  thus  divided  into  two  super- 
posed halves,  from  the  lower  of  which  is  developed  the  embryo  itself ; 
from  the  upper  half  a  structure  almost  peculiar  to  this  order,  consisting 


SELAGINELLACEsE  41 

of  a  small  number  of  large  cells,  known  as  the  suspensor,  or  pro-embryo, 
from  its  apparent  homology  with  the  structure  which  goes  by  this  name 
in  Flowering  Plants.  By  the  elongation  of  the  suspensor  and  the 
compression  and  absorption  of  the  adjacent  cells,  the  lower  portion  of 
the  oosperm  is  forced  into  the  endosperm,  from  which  it  appears  to 
derive  nutriment,  dividing,  both  previously  and  subsequently,  into  a 
small-celled  tissue.  This  tissue  undergoes  a  large  amount  of  differentia- 
tion before  the  embryo  emerges  from  the  megaspore,  the  rudiments  of 
all  the  principal  parts  of  the  sporophyte  making  their  appearance  at  this 
early  stage.  The  mother-cell  of  the  embryo  divides  into  two  by  an 
oblique  wall.  From  one  of  the  two  cells  thus  formed  originate  the  stem 
and  one  of  the  cotyledons,  from  the  other  the  foot  and  the  other  coty- 
ledon. The  rudimentary  stem  has  a  two-edged  apical  cell,  from  which 
segments  are  cut  off  alternately  right  and  left.  An  inner  mass  of  tissue 
soon  becomes  differentiated  as  the  procambium  of  the  axial  '  vascular ' 
bundle,  the  peripheral  tissue  as  dermatogen  and  periblem.  The  stem- 
bud,  or  plumule,  with  its  first  leaves  (subsequent  to  the  cotyledons), 
finally  grows  erect  from  the  apex  of  the  megaspore  as  the  embryo 
increases  in  length.  The  formation  of  the  first  root  begins  later  between 
the  foot  and  the  suspensor  ;  its  apical  cell  is  formed  from  an  inner  cell 
of  the  older  segment  \  the  first  layer  of  its  root-cap  originates  from  the 
splitting  into  two  layers  of  the  overlying  dermatogen  ;  the  later  layers  of 
the  root-cap  are  formed  from  the  apical  cell  of  the  root. 

The  sporophyte  differs  greatly  in  appearance  in  the  two  orders. 
In  Selaginella  the  stem  is  always  slender,  erect  or  procumbent,  with 
distinct  internodes,  and  lengthening  rapidly  by  monopodial  branching, 
which  very  often  has  a  dichotomous  appearance  from  the  vigorous 
growth  of  the  lateral  branches.  These  lateral  branches,  with  their 
ramifications,  frequently  develop  in  a  single  plane,  giving  the  system 
the  appearance  of  a  compoundly  pinnate  leaf;  all  the  branches  and 
leaves  displaying  a  distinctly  dorsiventral  character.  The  stem  has  an 
epiderm  composed  of  elongated  prosenchymatous  cells,  without 
stomates,  but  containing  a  considerable  amount  of  chlorophyll  in  re- 
markably large  grains.  The  fundamental  tissue  consists  of  elongated 
thin-walled  'cells  with  oblique  septa,  fitting  closely  together  without 
intercellular  spaces,  and  •  endowed  with  the  power  of  long-continued 
growth  both  in  length  and  diameter.  In  the  absence  of  small  inter- 
cellular spaces  the  stem  of  Selaginella  resembles  that  of  mosses  ;  but, 
on  the  other  hand,  each  '  vascular '  bundle  is  surrounded  by  a  large 
air-cavity,  traversed  by  trabecules,  rows  of  cells  connecting  the  bundle 
with  the  surrounding  fundamental  tissue.  The  entire  cortex  has  a 
tendency  to  become  dark  brown  with  age  from  partial  sclerosis.  When 


42 


VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 


the  cells  of  which  these  trabecules  are  composed  are  round,  they  form  a 
loose  spongy  parenchyme  surrounding  the  bundle,  and  sharply  differ- 
entiated from  the  firm  compact  fundamental  tissue.  The  stem  has 
one  or  more  cauline  {  vascular '  bundles,  which  may  be  traced  in  the 


FIG.  *-2.—Selazinella  inaqnalifolia  Spr.   A,  branch  (natural  size);  B,  microsporange ;  C,  megasporange 

(greatly  magnified). 

procambial  condition  to  the  apex  of  the  stem  close  beneath  the  apical 
cell  and  above  the  youngest  leaves  :  the  separate  bundles  which  descend 
from  the  leaves  (leaf-trace-bundles)  only  unite  with  the  cauline  ones  at  a 
later  period.  The  bundles  are  usually  ribbon-shaped,  and  are  concen- 


SELA  GIN  ELL  A  CE^ 


43 


trie  and  closed.     In  the  centre  is  the  xylem,  consisting  chiefly  of  scalari- 
form  and  reticulate  tracheides  ;  this  is  completely  surrounded  by  the 


FIG.  23. — Transverse  section  through  leaf  of  6".  in&qualifolia.  ch,  chlorophyll-bodies  ;  co, 
upper  epiderm  ;  eu,  lower  epiderm  ;  sp,  stomates  ;  /,  air-cavity  surrounding  vascular  bundle 
and  traversed  by  trabecules.  (After  Goebel,  magnified.) 


FIG.  24. — Transverse  section  of  stem  of  6".  denticulata  Lk.     b,  air-cavity 
surrounding  '  vascular '  bundle.     (After  Goebel,  magnified.) 

thin- walled  phloem.     The  primary  elements  of  the  xylem,  very  narrow 
spiral  tracheides,  are  formed  at  the  angles  of  the  bundle,  and  from  them 


44 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


the  development  and  lignincation  of  the  tracheides  advance  centripe- 
tally.  The  external  layer  of  phloem  is  itself  surrounded  by  two  or 
three  parenchymatous  layers,  constituting  a  bundle-sheath^  belonging 
to  the  fundamental  tissue,  but  within  the  large  air-cavity.  The  mode 
of  apical  growth  varies  in  the  different  species.  In  some  the  apex  of 
the  stem  is  occupied,  as  in  Isoetes,  by  a  group  of  equivalent  meris- 
matic  cells  ;  while  in  others  there  are  two  co-ordinate  apical  cells  side 

by  side,  or  a  single  one, 
which  may  be  two-sided  or 
three-sided. 

The  leaves  are  simple 
and  unbranched,  and  are 
traversed  by  a  single  '  vas- 
cular' bundle.  They  are 
always  of  small  size,  re- 
sembling those  of  Lycopo- 
dium,  awl-shaped  and  acu- 
minate, or  ending  in  a 
delicate  awn,  and  usually 
with  a  cordate  base.  The 
greater  number  of  species 
are  heterophyllous,  the 
sterile  leaves  having  two 
different  forms  ;  those  on 
the  ventral  or  shaded  side 
of  the  obliquely  ascending 
stem  are  larger  than  those 
on  the  dorsal  side  exposed 
to  the  light.  They  are 
always  in  four  rows,  one 
dorsal  and  one  ventral  leaf 
forming  a  pair.  On  the 
upper  side  of  the  leaf  near 
its  base  is  the  peculiar 

structure  known  as  the  ligule^  from  the  presence  of  which  the  class  has 
sometimes  been  called  *  Ligulatse.'  The  fertile  leaves  are  uniform  in  size, 
and  differ  somewhat  in  shape  from  the  sterile,  forming  a  compact  square 
terminal  spike.  The  sporange  springs  from  the  upper  surface  below  the 
ligule.  In  some  species  the  epiderm  is  alike  on  the  two  sides  of  the  leaf ; 
in  others  it  differs.  The  epidermal  cells  contain  chlorophyll,  as  is  the  case 
in  ferns,  and  frequently  have  beautifully  serpentine  lateral  walls  ;  in  some 
species  they  are  so  greatly  thickened  that  the  cell-cavity  disappears  alto- 


FIG.  25.— S.  inaqualifolia  ;  transverse  section  of  stem 
(  x  150).     (After  Sachs.) 


SELAGINELLACE&  45 

gether.  The  chlorophyll,  both  in  the  epidermal  cells  and  in  the  meso- 
phyll,  is  collected  into  large  lumps,  in  which  are  grains  of  starch. 
Stomates  occur  in  the  under,  rarely  also  in  the  upper  surface.  The 
mesophyll  consists  of  a  loose  spongy  parenchyma  ;  when  the  leaves  are 
very  small  it  is  developed  only  as  a  single  layer  surrounding  the  central 
'  vascular '  bundle,  and  is  altogether  suppressed  near  the  margins,  where 
the  upper  and  lower  epiderm  are  in  actual  contact. 

True  roots  occur  in  all  known  species  belonging  to  the  order.  In 
some  species  of  Selaginella  a  structure  known  as  the  rhizophore  inter- 
venes between  the  stem  and  the  root.  The  rhizophores  resemble  roots 
in  general  appearance,  but  are  destitute  of  a  root-cap.  They  may  spring 
either  from  the  dorsal  side  of  the  stem  only,  near  the  base  of  a  branch, 
bend  round  and  then  grow  downwards,  or  two  may  spring  from  each 
fork,  one  on  the  dorsal,  the  other  on  the  ventral  side,  the  former  of  which 
usually  remains  undeveloped  in  the  form  of  a  small  protuberance,  while 
the  latter  grows  to  the  normal  size.  Their  origin  is  very  near  the  grow- 
ing point,  and  they  appear  to  be  formed  in  the  same  way  as  the  branches. 
Unlike  the  roots,  they  are  exogenous  structures.  After  apical  growth 
has  ceased,  the  end  of  the  rhizophore,  which  is  still  very  short,  swells  up 
into  a  spherical  form  ;  its  cell- walls  become  thicker,  and  the  first  rudi- 
ments of  the  true  root  originate  in  the  interior  of  the  swelling,  but  do 
not  break  through  the  surface  until  the  rhizophoLe  has  increased  consi- 
derably in  length  by  intercalary  growth,  and  its  swollen  end  has  penetrated 
the  soil,  where  its  apical  cells  deliquesce  into  mucilage,  through  which 
the  true  roots  reach  the  ground.  In  some  species  the  rhizophores  are 
frequently  transformed  into  leafy  shoots,  which  at  first  manifest  some 
deviations  from  the  normal  structure  of  aerial  shoots,  but  afterwards 
present  the  ordinary  structure,  and  may  even  bear  sporanges.  The 
rhizophore  is  not,  however,  universal  in  Selaginella.  In  many  species 
the  roots  spring  directly  from  the  lowest  fork  of  the  stem,  and  branch 
monopodially  before  they  reach  the  ground.  They  originate,  like  those 
borne  by  the  rhizophores,  near  the  growing  point.  All  the  roots  branch 
copiously,  the  planes  of  the  successive  branchings  crossing  one  another 
at  right  angles.  They  have  a  single  apical  cell,  but  this  soon  ceases  to 
give  off  segments,  and  the  subsequent  increase  in  length  is  chiefly  due 
to  intercalary  growth. 

Both  kinds  of  sporange  are  shortly  stalked  nearly  spherical  capsules 
(fig.  22),  closely  resembling  those  of  Lycopodium  in  appearance  and 
structure,  except  in  their  being  heterosporous.  They  are  collected  into 
dense  spikes  at  the  extremity  of  somewhat  metamorphosed  leafy  shoots. 
The  lower  portion  of  each  spike  in  some  species  consists  of  megaspo- 
ranges,  the  upper  portion  of  microsporanges,  and  the  former  may  be 


VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 


reduced  to  only  one.  Each  fertile  leaf  or  sporophyll  subtends  only  a. 
single  sporange,  which  is  borne  on  the  stem  above  the  leaf-axil.  The 
sporanges  are  of  considerable  size  in  proportion  to  that  of  the  leaf,  and 
are  formed  from  a  group  of  superficial  cells  at  the  growing  point  of  the 
stem.  They  make  their  first  appearance  as  flat,  afterwards  spherical  or 

club-shaped,  swellings,  completely 
covered  by  the  epiderm,  which 
subsequently  forms,  by  tangential 
divisions,  the  wall  of  the  sporange, 
composed  of  three  layers.  By 
subsequent  growth  the  sporange 


FIG.  27.— Section  of  megasporange  of  6". 
intpquctlifolia,  showing  double  wall  of 
sporange,  layer  of  tapetal  cells,  and  mega- 
spores.  (After  Goebel,  magnified.) 


comes  to  be  placed  in  the  axil  or 
even  on  the  base  of  the  leaf.  The 
'  vascular '  bundle  of  the  leaf  passes 
beneath  the  sporange  without 
sending  a  branch  into  it.  As  in 
the  other  heterosporous  families, 

the  two  kinds  of  sporange  present  no  differentiation  in  their  early 
stages.  The  archespore  is  the  terminal  hypodermal  cell  of  an  axial  row. 
This  divides  into  the  sporogenous  tissue  surrounded  by  the  layer  of  tapetal 
cells  formed  from  the  innermost  of  the  layers  of  cells  into  which  the  wall 
of  the  sporange  divides.  In  the  megasporanges  one  of  the  spore-mother- 
cells  grows  more  vigorously  than  the  rest,  which  gradually  abort.  In  this 


FIG.  26. — A,  fertile  branch  of  S.  inteqnali- 
folia  (half  natural  size).  B,  longitudinal 
section  of  upper  part,  showing  microspo- 
ranges  and  megasporanges.  (After  Goebel , 
magnified.) 


SELAGINELLACE^  47 

• 

privileged  cell  are  formed  four  spores,  the  number  usually  present  in 
the  mature  megasporange.  The  microspores  are  formed  in  the  same 
way  as  in  the  other  heterosporous  families.  After  falling  out  of  the 
sporange  they  frequently  adhere  together  in  fours.  The  microspore 
has  three  coats — endospore,  exospore,  and  epispore — of  which  the  inner- 
most is  composed  of  cellulose.  The  coat  of  the  megaspore  is  also 
treble,  and  the  epispore  is  not  unfrequently  beautifully  granulated  and 
spiny.  The  dehiscence  of  both  kinds  of  sporange  is  caused  by  the 
unequal  contraction  of  the  epidermal  cells.  The  microsporanges  are 
2-valved,  the  megasporanges  3-4-valved. 

The  genus  Selaginella  (Spring)  includes  above  300  species,  spread 
over  the  whole  globe,  but  most  abundant  in  the  tropics.  Many  species 
resemble  Lycopodium  very  closely  in  habit,  but  are  more  moss-like, 
and  the  leaves  generally  more  delicate  ;  in  others  the  stem  is  erect,  and 
they  reach  the  magnitude  of  small  shrubs.  Several  species  are  favourite 
objects  of  cultivation  from  the  beautiful  metallic  lustre  of  the  leaves. 
They  are  readily  propagated  non-sexually,  a  small  fragment  of  the  stem 
producing  a  new  plant  if  kept  warm  and  moist  on  loose  earth,  owing  to 
the  production  of  adventitious  roots  in  the  angle  formed  by  the  branch- 
ing of  the  *  vascular '  bundle  of  the  leaf  from  that  of  the  stem.  No 
economical  use  is  known  of  any  species  either  of  Selaginella  or 
Isoetes. 

ORDER  2.— ISOETE^E. 

In  the  single  genus  Isoetes  the  general  phenomena  of  the  life-history 
correspond  to  those  of  Selaginella,  but  with  some  important  differences. 
Some  weeks  after  the  escape  of  the  megaspore  from  the  decaying  mega- 
sporange its  cavity  becomes  filled,  by  free-cell-formation,  with  a  number 
of  naked  primordial  cells,  which  gradually  fill  up  the  whole  cavity  of  the 
endospore,  and  then  become  converted  into  a  cellular  tissue  by  the  in- 
vestment of  each  with  a  cell-wall  of  its  own.  The  endospore  at  the 
same  time  thickens,  and  separates  into  several  layers  with  a  finely  granu- 
lar structure.  The  epispore,  or  outer  layer  of  the  coat  of  the  megaspore, 
now  splits  at  its  apex  by  a  three-rayed  fissure,  exposing  the  endospore, 
which  also  subsequently  disappears,  and  a  portion  of  the  spherical  pro- 
thallium  is  thus  laid  open.  At  its  exposed  apex  appears  the  first  arche- 
gone,  which  is  followed  by  others  if  the  first  is  not  fertilised.  The 
archegones  resemble  those  of  Selaginella,  except  that  each  of  the  rows 
which  constitute  the  neck  is  composed  of  four  instead  of  two  cells. 

The  microspores  are  yellowish  grey,  and  of  the  form  of  the  quadrant 
of  a  sphere.  The  antherozoids  are  very  long,  slender,  and  attenuated 


48  VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 

at  both  ends,  where  they  are  provided  with  two  tufts  of  very  long  cilia  ; 
in  some  species  they  are  remarkably  large.  Their  period  of  '  swarming  ' 
does  not  last  more  than  about  five  minutes. 

The  stem  of  Isoetes  is  distinguished  by  its  extraordinarily  restricted 


FIG.  28. — Isoetes  lacustris  L.  (natural  size). 

growth  in  length,  and  the  complete  absence  of  branching,  as  well  as  by 
a  remarkable  secondary  increase  in  thickness.  It  is  completely  covered 
by  the  bases  of  the  leaves,  leaving  no  part  exposed.  Its  upper  portion 
has  the  form  of  a  shallow  funnel,  with  the  apex  depressed  in  its  centre. 


SELA  GIN  ELL  A  CE^ 


49 


The  long-continued  increase  in  thickness  which  distinguishes  this  genus 
alone  among  Vascular  Cryptogams — except  possibly  Botrychium  (Filices) 
—is  dependent  on  an  internal  layer  of  meristem  which  surrounds  the 
axial  'vascular'  cylinder,  and  continually  produces  new  layers  of  paren- 


FIG.  29. — A,  megaspore  of  Isoctes  acustris  L.     £,  prothallium  ;  a,  archegone  (x  about  50). 
(After  Hofmeister.) 

chyme  on  the  outside.  This  takes  place  especially  in  either  two  or 
three  directions,  so  that  a  corresponding  number  of  projecting  masses  of 
tissue  are  formed,  which  slowly  die  off  on  the  outside  ;  and  between 
them  lie  the  same  number  of  furrows  meeting  on  the  ventral  side  of  the 
stem,  which  has  hence  the  appearance  of  a  laterally  elongated  plate  or 


FIG.  30. — /.  lacustris.  A — D,  microsppre,  showing  stages  in  formation  of  antherid  and  antherozoids 
(x  580).  ?',  sterile  cell ;  a— d,  stages  in  formation  of  antherozoid  (x  580)  ;  e,f.  mature  antherozoid 
(  x  700).  (After  Millardet.) 

disc.  In  these  furrows  are  produced  a  large  number  of  rows  of  roots  in 
acropetal  succession.  In  the  stem  is  a  single  cauline  axial  bundle  com- 
posed of  short  reticulate  and  spiral  tracheides,  surrounded  by  a  rudi- 
mentary phloem  without  sieve-tubes.  From  this  axial  bundle  there 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


proceeds  a  branch  into  each  leaf  and  one  into  the  root.  The  layer  of 
meristem  which  surrounds  the  axial  bundle  increases  chiefly  in  the 
centrifugal  direction,  fresh  layers  thus  formed  replacing  the  outer  ones, 
which  continually  die  off.  The  secondary  long-enduring  increase  in 
thickness  of  the  stem  is  chiefly  due  to  increase  in  thickness  of  the  cortical 
tissue,  though  new  xylem-elements  are  also  produced.  The  mode  of 
apical  growth  differs  from  that  in  most  species  of  Selaginella.  There  is 
no  single  apical  cell,  the  apex  of  the  stem  being  occupied  by  a  group  of 
equivalent  merismatic  cells. 


FIG.  31. — Longitudinal  section  of  stem  of  7.  lacustris.  b—b9, 
leaves ;  rl — r10,  roots  :  the  ligules  are  shaded  ( x  30). 
(After  Hofmeister.) 


FIG.  32.— Longitudinal  section 
through  lower  portion  of 
leaf  of /.  lacustris  (diagram- 
matic). L,  ligule  ;  J,  indu- 
sium  ;  S#,  microsporange  ; 
TV,  trabecules ;  Gf,  vascu- 
lar bundle  of  sporophyll. 
(After  Goebel.) 


The  leaves  of  Isoetes  are  very  elongated,  cylindrical,  and  quill-shaped, 
and  are  arranged  in  a  complicated  phyllotaxis  on  the  very  short  stem. 
They  are  segmented  into  a  basal  portion,  the  sheath  or  glossopodt,  and 
an  apical  portion,  the  lamina.  The  sheath  is  nearly  triangular  in  form 
with  a  very  broad  insertion,  and  does  not  completely  embrace  the  stem. 
It  is  convex  behind  and  concave  in  front,  where  it  bears  the  sporange 
in  a  large  depression  known  as  thefovea  ;  the  margin  of  this  depression 
rises  in  the  form  of  a  thin  membranous  outgrowth,  the  veil  or  indusium^ 
which,  in  many  species,  extends  above  and  beyond  the  sporange.  Above 


SELA  GINELLA  CE.E  5 1 

the  fovea,  and  separated  from  it  by  a  ridge  called  the  saddle,  is  a  smaller 
depression,  \hefoveola,  the  lower  margin  of  which  forms  a  lip-like  struc- 
ture, the  labium,  and  from  its  base  rises  a  narrow  membranous  acuminate 
structure,  the  ligule,  with  a  cordate  base,  and  usually  projecting  above 
the  foveola.  The  sheath  passes  above  into  the  lamina,  which  is  narrow 
and  thick,  almost  cylindrical,  but  flattened  in  front,  contains  chlorophyll, 
and  is  traversed  by  four  wide  longitudinal  air-cavities,  segmented  by 
transverse  septa.  A  rosette  of  these  fertile  leaves  or  sporophylls  is  pro- 
duced annually,  but  between  these  whorls  are  alternate  whorls  of  phyl- 
lades,  or  imperfec:  leaves,  consisting,  in  the  submerged  species,  of  only 
a  small  lamina  with  no  sheath,  while  in  the  terrestrial  species  they  are 
reduced  to  mere  scales.  Stomates  occur  in  the  paludose  and  terrestrial, 
but  not  in  the  submerged  species.  Scattered  spiral  tracheides  are  found 
in  the  parenchymatous  base  of  the  leaf.  The  fundamental  tissue,  which 


A 


FIG.  33. — Developmen'.  of  microsporange  of  /.  lacustris.     t,  tapetal  cells  ;   TV,  trabecules  :  the 
archespore  and  sporogenous  cells  derived  from  it  are  shaded.     (After  Goebel,  magnified.) 


is  not  separated  from  the  single  'vascular'  bundle  by  a  bundle-sheath, 
has  a  strong  tendency  to  become  sclerenchymatous,  especially  beneath 
the  epiderm  and  in  the  sheath.  The  very  simple  bundle  which  occurs 
in  each  leaf  is  stated  by  Russow  to  be  collateral,  the  xylem  and  phloem 
lying  side  by  side. 

The  roots  spring  from  the  furrows  of  the  stem,  and  resemble,  in 
structure  and  mode  of  branching,  those  of  Selaginella.  There  is  no 
rhizophore. 

The  sporanges  of  Isoetes  do  not  make  their  appearance  until  the 
third  year  after  germination.  Each  sporophyll  bears  only  a  single 
sporange,  which  is  undoubtedly  a  product  of  the  leaf,  and  is  situated 
below  the  ligule  in  the  fovea,  to  which  it  is  attached  by  a  narrow  base. 
The  outer  leaves  of  the  fertile  rosette  produce  megasporanges  only,  the 
inner  leaves  microsporanges  only.  Both  kinds  of  sporange  originate 
from  a  group  of  cells  at  the  base  of  the  leaf  The  archespore  is  derived 

E  2 


52  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

from  a  hypodermal  layer  of  cells.  In  the  formation  of  the  microsporange 
the  archespore-cells  elongate  in  a  direction  at  right  angles  to  the  surface, 
and  divide  by  transverse  walls.  Some  of  these  rows  of  cells  are  then 
arrested  in  their  growth,  lose  their  abundant  protoplasm,  and  divide 
into  elongated  tabular  cells  constituting  the  trabecules,  which  cross  the 
sporange  from  the  dorsal  to  the  ventral  side.  The  remaining  cells 
develop  into  the  mother-cells  of  the  microspores,  an  external  layer 
having  been  previously  separated  as  tapetal  cells.  In  the  development 
of  the  megasporange  the  processes  are  the  same  as  far  as  regards  the 
formation  of  the  tapetal  cells  and  the  trabecules  ;  the  mature  sporange 
may  contain  either  four  or  a  much  larger  number  of  megaspores.  The 
mode  of  development  of  the  megaspores  presents  perhaps  the  closest 
analogy  to  that  of  the  secondary  embryo-sacs  of  Gymnosperms  that 
occurs  in  any  order  of  Vascular  Cryptogams  ;  and  the  same  remark 
applies  to  the  formation  of  the  microsporanges  and  pollen-sacs.  Both 
kinds  of  sporange  are  indehiscent,  the  spores  escaping  only  by  the  decay 
of  the  tissue. 

In  both  kinds  of  spore  the  epispore  is  frequently  granulated,  tuber- 
culate,  or  echinate  ;  and  in  some  species  there  are  two  kinds  of  microspore 
differing  from  one  another  in  this  respect. 

One  or  two  species  of  Isoetes  display  the  phenomenon  of  apogamy  in 
various  degrees.  In  extreme  cases  the  formation  of  the  megasporange 
is  arrested  at  a  very  early  stage,  and  its  place  supplied  by  a -vegetative 
shoot,  which  becomes  detached  and  develops  into  an  independent  plant. 

The  number  of  species  of  Isoetes  is  about  fifty,  the  greater  part 
inhabitants  of  the  warmer  portions  of  the  globe.  They  somewhat 
resemble  Pilularia  in  general  habit.  Some  species  are  aquatic  and 
entirely  or  partially  submerged,  other  paludose,  and  a  very  few  terrestrial  ; 
and  they  present  corresponding  differences  in  the  structure  of  their  tissue, 
presence  of  stomates,  &c. 

LITERATURE. 

Von  Mohl— (Stem  of  Isoetes)  Linnsea,  1840,  p.  181. 

Braun— Ueber  Isoetes,  Monber.  Berlin  Akad.  Wiss.,  1863. 

Hofmeister — Entwick.  d.  Isoetes  lacustris,  Abhandl.  Sachs.  Gesell.  Wiss.,  1865. 

Pfeffer—  Entwick.  d.  Reims  Selaginella,  in  Hanstein's  Bot.  Abhandl.,  iv.,  1871. 

Tchistchakoff-( Isoetes)  Nuov.  Giorn.  Bot.  Ital.,  1873,  p.  207. 

Bruchmann — Wurzeln  v.  Lycopodium  u.  Isoetes,  1874. 

Hegelmaier — Bot.  Zeit.,  1874,  p.  481. 

Goebel— (Apogamy  of  Isoetes)  Bot.  Zeit.,  1879,  p.  I. 

Mer— (Sporange  of  Isoetes)  Compt.  Rend.,  xlii.,  1881,  p.  310;  and  Bull.  Soc.  Bot. 

France,  1881,  pp.  72,  109. 

Kienitz-Gerloff— (Embryo  of  Isoetes)  Bot.  Zeit.,  1881,  pp.  761,  785. 
Vines  — (Isoetes)  Annals  of  Botany,  vol.  ii.,  1888,  p.  117. 


L  YCOPODIA  CE^E  5  3 

ISOSPOROUS   VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS. 

Class  III.— Lycopodiaceae. 

The  Lycopodiaceae  are  a  comparatively  small  group  of  plants  com- 
prised in  only  four  genera,  differing  from  one  another  greatly  in  habit, 
but  agreeing  in  the  prevalence  of  a  dichotomous  rather  than  of  a  mono- 
podial  mode  of  branching  in  both  stem  and  root,  though  this  is  by  no 
means  universal.  Growth  is  effected  by  a  group  of  equivalent  cells  in 
the  growing  point,  never  (except  in  Psilotum,  Sw.)  by  a  single  apical 
cell.  The  leaves  are  always  of  small  size  and  entirely  undivided  ;  in 
Psilotum  they  are  reduced  to  mere  scales,  and  this  genus  is  also  entirely 
rootless ;  while  in  Phylloglossum  (Kze.)  the  underground  stem  is  tuberous. 
The  sporanges  and  spores  are  of  one  kind  only  ;  the  spore  produces  on 
germination  (where  this  has  been  observed)  a  green  or  colourless  pro- 
thallium,  which  carries  on  a  much  more  independent  existence  than  is 
the  case  in  the  heterosporous  orders,  and  bears,  in  the  cases  which 
have  been  examined,  both  archegones  and  antherids.  The  position  of 
the  sporanges  varies.  In  the  Lycopodieae  it  corresponds  to  that  of  the 
Selaginelleae,  on  the  upper  side  of  the  base  of  the  leaf,  or  they  are 
crowded  on  special  erect  branches  ;  and  here  the  sporanges  are  unilocu- 
lar  •  while  in  the  Psiloteae  they  are  plurilocular,  and  are  grouped  on  the 
main  stem  or  on  short  lateral  branches.  Further  details  are  best  described 
under  the  heads  of  the  two  orders  into  which  the  Lycopodiaceae  may 
be  divided.  In  the  monoecious  prothallium  the  Lycopodiaceae  approach 
the  Ophioglossaceae  ;  while  in  the  structure  of  the  sporophyte  they  display 
a  remarkable  resemblance  to  the  heterosporous  Selaginellaceae. 

ORDER    i. — LYCOPODIE.E. 

In  this  order  are  included  two  genera  of  very  different  habit :  Lyco- 
podium  (L.),  with  nearly  100  known  species  ;  and  Phylloglossum  (Kze.), 
with  only  one.  The  form  and  appearance  of  the  oophyte  vary  greatly 
even  in  the  different  species  of  the  typical  genus  Lycopodium.  The  ger- 
mination of  the  spores  of  L.  inundatum  (L.)  has  been  described  as  follows 
by  de  Bary  : — The  endospore  bursts  in  the  form  of  a  nearly  spnerical 
vesicle  through  the  exospore,  which  splits  into  three  valves ;  the  ger- 
minating filament  which  originates  in  this  way  then  divides  by  a  septum 
into  a  basal  cell,  which  undergoes  no  further  change,  and  a  larger  apical 
cell,  which  divides  into  two  rows  of  segments  ;  each  segment  further 
divides  by  a  tangential  wall  into  an  inner  and  an  outer  cell,  so  that 


54 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


the  young  prothallium  now  consists  of  an  axial  row  of  four  short  reHs, 
the  basal  and  apical  cells,  and  two  lateral  rows.  The  cells  contain  a 
few  grains  of  chlorophyll.  The  formation  of  the  sexual  organs  was  not 
observed.  The  mature  oophyte  of  L.  annotinum  (L.)  presents  several 
important  differences.  The  prothallium  is  underground  and  of  a 
yellowish-white  colour,  destitute  of  chlorophyll,  and  consists  of  a  tuberous 
mass  with  cushion-like  ridges  on  the  upper  side  and  a  few  small  rhizoids. 
On  its  upper  side  and  completely  imbedded  in  the  tissue  are  a  number 
of  antherids,  consisting  of  cavities  covered  by  one  or  more  layers  of  cells, 
and  containing  a  large  number  of  mother-cells 
of  antherozoids.  The  antherozoids  themselves 
appear  to  be  minute  bodies  consisting  of  only 
a  few  coils,  and  probably  with  two  cilia.  The 
archegones  have  not  been  actually  observed, 
but  are  evidently  borne  on  the  same  prothallium 


FIG    34.— Young  plant  of  Lycopo-  FiG.35.—A,protha.\\iumofLyc0J0fiiuMcernHitm 

dinm  annotinum  L.    /,  prothal-  L.  ;  t,  tuberous  outgrowth  (  x  25).  £,  young  plant 

Hum;    w,    root     (natural     size).  of  L.  cernuum  (x2).    (After  Ireub.) 
(After  Fankhauser.) 

as  the  antherids,  and  in  close  contiguity  with  them,  apparently  on  the 
upper  side,  in  the  depressions  between  the  ridges.  Only  one  archegone 
appears  to  be  fertilised  on  each  prothallium.  The  young  sporophyte 
has  no  foot,  its  place  being  supplied  by  a  tuberous  swelling  with  root- 
hairs.  A  very  different  type  of  prothallium  is  presented,  according  to 
Treub,  by  L.  cernuum  (L.).  It  consists  of  a  short  cylindrical  axis  half 
immersed  in  the  soil,  containing  chlorophyll  in  its  exposed  portion,  and 
putting  out  rhizoids  from  its  lower  end.  The  upper  extremity  bears  a  tuft 


LYCOPODIACE^E 


55' 


of  small  leaf-like  lobes,  beneath  which  are  the  archegones  and  antherids 
on  the  same  prothallium,  and  buried  in  its  tissue.  Each  antherid  arises 
from  a  single  superficial  cell,  which  divides  by  a  transverse  septum  into 
an  outer  stigmatic  cell,  subsequently  splitting  up  into  three,  and  a  basal 
cell  in  which  the  antherozoids  are  formed.  The  archegone  has  a  very 
short  neck,  consisting  of  three  rows  of  cells.  While  the  prothallium  dis- 
plays greater  differentiation  than  is  the  case  elsewhere  in  Vascular 
Cryptogams,  the  embryo  or  young 
sporophyte  is,  on  the  contrary,  of 
very  simple  structure,  and  entirely 
parenchymatous.  A  cotyledon  is 
formed  at  one  end,  but  there  is  no 
primary  root,  or  other  differentiation 
of  organs.  In  L.  Phlegmaria  (L.) 
the  prothallium  is  cylindrical,  with- 
out chlorophyll,  and  branches  freely. 
The  rhizoids  proceed  from  a  super- 


FIG.  36. — Prothallium  of  L.  Phleginaria,  L.  Bifurcate 
branch  bearing  antherids,  a,  and  paraphyses.  2* 
(xgo).  (After  Treub.) 


FIG.  37. — Lycopodium  clavatutn  L. 
A ,  sporangiferous  branch  (natural  size)  ; 
£,  sporange  and  subtending  leaf  (greatly 
magnified)  ;  C,  spore,  showing  lines  of 
fissure  (still  more  magnified). 


ficial  layer,  which  also  branches  laterally,  by  which  means  fresh 
prothallia  are  constantly  being  formed  without  any  production  of  sexual 
organs.  The  archegones  and  antherids  are  borne  on  the  upper  surface 
of  the  prothallium,  and  are  always  accompanied  by  paraphyses,  barren 
tubular  cells  of  rare  occurrence  among  Vascular  Cryptogams.  The 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


antherids  are  scattered  or  in  groups,  and  produce  biciliated  antherozoids. 
The  archegones  appear  later  than  the  antherids  on  the  thickened 
extremities  of  the  same  branches.  They  project  above  the  surface  of 
the  prothallium,  and  have  from  three  to  five  canal-cells.  In  the  forma- 
tion of  the  sporophyte  it  is  possible  that  we  have  a  transition  between 
Vascular  Cryptogams  and  Muscineae.  The  oosphere  divides  by  a  wall 
vertical  to  the  axis  of  the  archegone  into  two  cells,  of  which  the  one 
nearest  the  neck  becomes  the  suspensor,  while  the  other  is  the  mother- 
cell  of  the  embryo.  The  first  root  is  but  slightly  endogenous.  The  cells 
of  the  prothallium  of  all  known  species  of  Lycopodium  are  liable  to  be 
infested  by  an  endophytic  Pythium,  the  zoospores  of  which  have  very 
probably  been  taken  for  antherozoids.  The  oophyte  of  Phylloglossum 
is  unknown.  Of  the  development  of  the  spo- 
rophyte of  the  Lycopodieae  very  little  is  known 
in  its  early  stages. 

In  the  typical  genus  Lycopodium  the  sporo- 
phyte resembles  Selaginella  in  habit.  The  stem 
of  most  species  is  procumbent,  extending  in 
the  case  of  L.  clavatum  (L.)  to  several  feet,  and 
putting  out  here  and  there  a  few  roots  into  the 
soil.  Less  vigorous  branches  rise  erect,  and 
are  sporangiferous.  The  procumbent  species 
display  a  tendency  to  bilateralness^especially 
in  the  structure  of  the  axial  '  vascular  '  bundle. 
In  other  species  the  much  shorter  stem  grows 
erect,  and  puts  out  roots  from  its  lower  portion, 
which  in  some  cases  grow  downwards  through 
the  tissue  of  the  stem,  emerging  only  as  a  tuft 
at  its  base.  In  some  of  these  erect  species, 
especially  in  the  tropics,  the  stem  is  stout  and 
shrubby.  One  or  two  species  of  Lycopodium 
a  few  are  epiphytic. 

The  sporophyte  of  Phylloglossum,  its  only 
known  condition,  has  a  striking  resemblance  to  the  embryonic  condition 
of  Lycopodium.  The  erect  unbranched  stem  is  very  short,  rising  into 
a  slender  scape,  which  bears  at  its  extremity  a  spike  of  sporanges,  and  at 
its  base  a  rosette  of  long  subulate  leaves  ;  otherwise  the  stem  bears 
only  a  few  very  rudimentary  leaves.  The  plant  is  reproduced  by  adven- 
titious shoots  consisting  of  a  tuber  with  a  leafless  rudimentary  bud. 

As  far  as  has  been  at  present  observed,  the  growing  end  of  the  stem 
of  Lycopodium  has  no  single  apical  cell,  and  the  same  is  true  of  the 
leaves  and  of  the  roots.  The  growing  point  of  the  stem  corresponds 


FIG.  38.—. 
mondii  Kze.  /, 
/„  old  tuber  ;  t. 


'ossum  Drum- 
aves  ;  r,  roots  ; 
new  tuber  :  a, 


Bo°ierg)ifer°usaxis(X3)'(After  have   climbing   stems; 


LYCOPODIACE& 


57 


closely  with  that  of  Gymnosperms.     It  is  composed  of  a  small-celled 
primary  meristem,  in  which  no   differentiation  can   be  detected  into 


FIG.  39. — Transverse  section  of  stem  of  L.  annotinum.  O,  epiderm  ;  A  R,  outer  cortex  ;  J  R,  inner 
cortex  ;  S,  sclerotised  fundamental  tissue  ;  P,  vascular  bundle-sheath ;  H,  xylem ;  B,  phloem- 
portion  of  axial  vascular  cylinder  ;  Bsp,  leaf-traces  (magnified). 


58  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

dermatogen  and  periblem,  the  rudiments  of  the  c  vascular '  bundle 
penetrating  nearly  to  its  apex.  In  some  species  it  projects  in  the  young- 
est leaves  in  the  form  of  a  low  cone  ;  in  others  the  apex  is  flat.  As  in 
Flowering  Plants,  the  leaves  and  rudiments  of  the  shoots  do  not  arise 
from  single  cells,  but  from  groups  of  cells  which  include  both  the  outer- 
most and  the  subjacent  layers  of  the  primary  tissue  of  the  growing  point. 

The  branching  of  the  stem  of  Lycopodium  is  either  monopodial  or 
dichotomous  in  its  origin  ;  but  in  the  latter  case  one  of  the  bifurcations 
usually  greatly  exceeds  the  other  in  vigour  of  growth.  The  branches 
are  never  placed  in  the  axils  of  leaves,  as  in  Flowering  Plants,  but 
usually  arise  from  the  stem  above  a  leaf,  but  without  any  definite  rela- 
tion to  it.  In  several  species  two  new  growing  points  of  equal  strength 
appear  side  by  side  on  the  flat  apical  surface,  and  continue  to  de- 
velop dichotomously.  (  In  others  the  rudiment  of  the  new  branch  takes 
the  form  of  a  lateral  protuberance  on  the  greatly  elevated  cone  of 
growth.  On  the  stems  of  many  species  the  small  leaves  are  so  closely 
packed  that  the  internodes  are  completely  suppressed. 

The  internal  structure  of  the  stem  of  Lycopodiese  presents  several 
peculiarities.  The  cells  of  the  fundamental  tissue  are  sometimes 
uniformly  thin-walled,  but  usually  the  inner  layers  in  particular  have 
thicker  walls,  and  the  cells  are  prosenchymatous,  or  even  have  their  walls 
strongly  sclerotised,  reminding  one  of  the  sclerenchymatous  layer  in 
ferns;  but  they  are  never  coloured  brown.  The  axial  *  vascular  'cylinder 
is  separated  from  the  cortical  fundamental  tissue  by  a  strongly  developed 
bundle-sheath,  composed  of  from  one  to  three  layers  of  cells.  Air- 
cavities  and  mucilage-  and  gum-passages  sometimes  occur  in  the  funda- 
mental tissue  of  the  stem  and  the  leaves.  The  '  vascular  '  bundles  them- 
selves present  a  striking  peculiarity  in  Lycopodium,  forming  in  the  stem 
and  root  a  single  axial  cylinder,  usually  with  a  circular  outline.  In  this 
compound  bundle  are  plates  or  bands  of  xylem,  which  are  either  com- 
pletely isolated,  or  coalesce  in  various  ways  so  as  to  form  figures  which 
are  divided  into  two  similar  halves  by  an  axial  longitudinal  section.  The 
cylinder  may  therefore  be  described  as  displaying  a  bilateral  symmetry. 
If  transverse  sections  are  made  at  different  heights  in  the  stem,  the 
xylem  presents  different  figures,  in  consequence  of  the  bands  anasto- 
mosing in  their  course.  The  elements  of  these  xylem-bands  are,  like 
those  of  ferns,  tracheides  pointed  at  both  ends,  and  increasing  in  breadth 
towards  the  interior,  the  most  common  form  of  thickening  being  pitted 
or  scalariform  rather  than  annular  or  spiral ;  the  latter  are  found  only 
at  the  outer  edges  of  the  bands.  The  whole  mass  of  xylem-bands  is 
surrounded  by  a  narrow-celled  phloem,  containing,  in  the  larger  species, 
sieve-tubes.  Between  the  outer  edges  of  the  xylem-bands  and  the 


L  YCO  PODIA  CE&  59 

periphery  lie  the  bast-like  cells  known  as  c  protophloem-elements.' 
Within  the  bundle-sheath  the  phloem  is  surrounded  by  several  layers  of 
larger  cells,  corresponding  to  the  phloem-sheath  of  ferns.  Though  the 
sclerotised  tissue  is  much  less  developed  than  in  ferns,  the  axial '  vascular ' 
bundle  is,  in  the  stouter  species  of  Lycopodium,  surrounded  by  a  ring 
of  fibres  composed  of  several  layers.  The  axial  bundle  is  cauline,  and 
may  be  followed  out,  in  a  rudimentary  condition,  to  very  near  the  apex. 
In  Phylloglossum  the  short  stem  is  traversed  by  a  single  narrow  bundle, 
which  is  very  weak,  and  has  no  scalariform,  only  a  few  spiral  and 
annular  tracheides. 

The  roots  of  Lycopodium  originate  on  the  outside  of  the  axial 
cylinder  ;  their  internal  structure  is  similar  to  that  of  the  stem.  In  the 
erect  species  they  have  their  origin  at  a  considerable  height  in  the  stem, 
whence  they  strike  downwards  through  its  fundamental  tissue,  in  which 
they  sometimes  even  branch  dichotomously,  and  emerge  in  the  form  of 
a  tuft  at  the  base  of  the  greatly  thickened  stem.  In  the  creeping  and 
climbing  species  they  emerge  separately,  and  dichotomise  in  the  soil 
in  intercrossing  planes.  The  epiderm  of  the  root  is  often  strongly 
cuticularised.  In  Phylloglossum  the  underground  portion  of  the  stem 
consists  of  two  ovoid  tubers  of  different  age  (see  fig.  38),  which  are 
destitute  of  the  least  trace  of  *  vascular '  bundles.  From  above  these 
tubers  spring  a  few  adventitious  roots,  which  are  of  endogenous  origin, 
do  not  branch,  and  each  of  which  has  a  single  concentric  axial  bundle. 

The  leaves  are  very  small  in  most  species  of  Lycopodium,  and 
invariably  narrow,  simple,  and  sessile  ;  sometimes  with  a  long  apiculus. 
They  are  sometimes  adpressed  to  the  stem  with  the  exception  of  the  free 
apex  ;  more  often  they  are  entirely  free.  In  some  species  the  form 
and  size  of  the  leaves  vary  greatly  even  on  the  same  individual  plant, 
and  these  heterophyllous  species  often  display  more  or  less  of  a  bilateral 
structure.  The  phyllotaxis  is  sometimes  verticillate,  sometimes  spiral, 
or  both  arrangements  occur  together  in  the  same  species.  In  the 
verticillate  species  the  leaves  are  either  decussate,  or  in  whorls  of  three, 
four,  or  more  ;  on  creeping  stems  they  are  usually  placed  on  a  transverse 
zone  oblique  to  the  axis  ;  and  the  number  of  leaves  in  a  whorl  varies 
even  on  the  same  branch.  The  small  and  extremely  variable  divergences 
of  the  leaves  in  the  species  with  spiral  phyllotaxis  are  very  remarkable. 
Each  leaf  is  always  penetrated  by  a  single  central  '  vascular '  bundle 
without  any  lateral  branches  ;  it  is  of  very  simple  structure,  and  is  in 
connection  with  the  axial  cylinder  of  the  stem.  In  L.  albidum  (Bak.) 
the  leaves  are  membranous,  and  quite  destitute  of  chlorophyll.  The 
epiderm  is  provided  with  stomates,  either  on  the  under  surface  only  or  on 
both  surfaces,  and  frequently  collected  into  groups.  The  fundamental 


60  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

tissue  is  sometimes  furnished  with  air-cavities  and  gum-passages,  usually 
in  connection  with  the  '  vascular '  bundle.  In  some  of  the  heterophyllous 
species  these  occur  only  in  the  sporangiferous  or  fertile  leaves.  In 
Phylloglossum  the  leaves  all  spring  from  the  base  of  the  scape  (see  fig. 
38) ;  they  are  narrow  and  subulate,  about  half  an  inch  in  length,  and  pene- 
trated by  a  single  '  vascular  '  bundle.  They  are  colourless  in  their  basal 
half,  green  in  their  apical  half,  and  have  stomates  only  in  the  green  part. 
In  a  large  number  of  species  of  Lycopodium  all  the  leaves  serve  the 
purpose  of  nutrition  only,  and  the  sporanges  are  borne  in  the  axils  of 
ordinary  leaves.  But  in  the  remaining  species  of  Lycopodium,  and  in 
Phylloglossum,  the  leaves  which  subtend  the  sporanges  are  greatly 
modified,  being  of  a  membranous  texture  and  colourless.  In  these 
species  the  sporanges  with  their  subtending  leaves  are  usually  collected 
into  spike-like  '  inflorescences,'  which  may  be  short,  erect,  bifurcate 
branches,  as  in  L.  clavatum,  or  an  elongated  naked  scape,  as  in 
Phylloglossum. 

The  sporanges  of  Lycopodium  are  seated  each  on  the  base  of  a  leaf 
which  has  frequently  undergone  more  or  less  metamorphosis  (see 
fig.  37,  B] ;  by  displacement  they  may  subsequently  become  axillary. 
They  are  kidney-shaped,  and  are  attached  at  their  broader  side  by  a 
short  thick  pedicel.  They  are  unilocular,  and  dehisce  by  a  fissure  across 
the  apex  in  the  longest  diameter.  In  all  the  Lycopodiacese  the  outer 
walls  of  the  epidermal  cells  of  the  sporange  are  composed  of  pure  cellu- 
lose, while  the  inner  and  side  walls  are  lignified.  Dehiscence  takes 
place  by  the  outer  face  of  these  cells  contracting  more  than  their  inner 
face  in  dry  air.  The  small  and  numerous  spores  are  sphere-cubical,  the 
exospore  being  marked  in  a  variety  of  ways.  On  germinating  the  exo- 
spore  splits  by  three  fissures  which  meet  in  a  point  at  the  apex  of  the 
spore,  the  endospore  projecting  between  the  three  valves  thus  formed. 
The  sporange  originates  as  aprominence  from  a  group  of  superficial  cells 
at  the  base  of  the  leaf.  The  original  cells  from  which  it  is  formed  are 
few  in  number  ;  the  central  one  of  these  gives  rise  to  the  archespore. 
The  wall  of  the  sporange  ultimately  consists  of  from  two  to  four  layers 
of  cells  ;  the  innermost  of  these  forms  the  layer  of  tapetal  cells.  The 
mother-cells  of  the  spores  become  separated  from  one  another,  and 
invest  themselves  with  very  thick  cell-walls  ;  from  each  is  developed 
four  spores,  and  the  exospore  becomes  elevated  into  warts,  spines,  &c., 
before  the  walls  of  the  mother-cells  have  become  absorbed.  In  Phyllo- 
glossum the  sporanges  are  also  unilocular,  and  are  placed  in  the  axil 
of  short  triangular  apiculate  metamorphosed  leaves  ;  and  a  large  number 
are  collected  into  a  spike-like  '  fructification  '  at  the  extremity  of  a  naked 
scape.  They  dehisce  by  a  vertical  longitudinal  fissure.  The  spores 


L  YCO  PODIA  CE&  61 

are  excessively  minute,  and  have  three  radiating  lines  meeting  at  the 
apex.  Their  germination  is  unknown. 

In  most  species  of  Lycopodium  vegetative  propagation  takes  place 
by  means  of  axillary  bulbils,  which  become  detached  ;  and  in  some, 
adventitious  buds  are  also  produced  lower  down  on  the  stem.  L.  cer- 
nuum  produces  similar  gemmae  or  bulbils  on  the  root.  Phylloglossum 
is  propagated  by  the  lateral  budding  of  its  underground  tubers,  in  a 
manner  somewhat  similar  to  our  native  species  of  Orchis. 

The  species  of  Lycopodium  are  scattered  over  the  whole  globe  from 
the  polar  to  the  equatorial  regions,  the  greater  number  growing  on 
elevated  ground  or  in  swamps  ;  some  are  epiphytic.  The  monotypic 
Phylloglossum  Drummondii  (Kze.)  is  a  native  of  swamps  in  Australia  and 
New  Zealand.  Several  species  of  Lycopodium  have  an  ancient  use  as 
cathartics.  The  spores  are  used  in  the  manufacture  of  pills,  and  have 
the  property,  from  the  large  quantity  of  oil  which  they  contain,  of  keep- 
ing the  hands  dry  when  dipped  in  water.  Those  of  L.  clavatum  are 
collected  in  large  quantities,  especially  in  Northern  Germany,  for  pyro- 
technic purposes.  The  British  species  are  popularly  known  as  '  club- 
moss  '  and  '  stag's-horn  moss.' 

ORDER  2. — PSILOTE^:. 

This  order  is  composed  of  the  two  very  small  tropical  genera  Psilo- 
tum  (Sw.)  and  Tmesipteris  (Bernh.),  of  the  latter  of  which  very  little  is 
known,  it  never  having  been  examined  in  the  living  state. 

The  stem  is  erect,  and  is  penetrated,  in  Psilotum,  by  a  cauline 
'  vascular'  bundle  of  very  simple  structure,  which  is  circular  on  transverse 
section,  and  is  surrounded  by  a  bundle-sheath.  It  always  branches 
dichotomously.  Psilotum  is  entirely  rootless,  the  function  of  roots 
being  performed  by  remarkable  underground  branches  of  the  stem, 
which  dichotomise  like  the  aerial  shoots.  These  underground  shoots 
have  a  three-sided  apical  cell,  and  are  entirely  destitute  of  a  root-cap. 
Those  only  which  are  nearest  the  surface  have  a  few  whitish  subulate 
rudimentary  leaves  ;  these  may  turn  upwards,  develop  chlorophyll,  and 
become  ordinary  aerial  shoots.  Those  branches  which  strike  deeper 
into  the  soil  are  slenderer,  and  the  rudiments  of  leaves  are  reduced  to 
groups  of  a  few  cells  which  remain  buried  in  the  tissue,  not  projecting 
above  the  surface.  They  resemble  true  roots  in  their  single  axial 
'vascular'  cylinder.  Psilotum  triquetrum  (Sw.)  produces  minute  gemmag 
or  bulbils,  which  remain  dormant  for  a  time,  and  from  which  the  plant 
not  unfrequently  makes  its  appearance  apparently  spontaneously  in 
orchid-  and  palm-houses.  The  leaves  of  Tmesipteris  are  erect,  elliptical, 


62 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


FIG.  tf^—Psilctum  triqiietrum  Sw.     A ,  fertile  branch  (natural  size)  ;  B,  portion  of  the  same 
(magnified)  ;  C,  smaller  portion  and  sporange  (still  more  magnified). 


LYCOPODIACEyE 


63 


and  apiculate,  and  are  penetrated  by  a  single  *  vascular  '  bundle  ;  those 

which  subtend  the  sporanges  are  much  smaller,  and  apparently  deeply 

bifid,  in  consequence  of  their  becoming  connate 

at  their  base  in  pairs.     In  Psilotum  the  leaves 

are  reduced  to  mere  scales  without  any  'vascular' 

bundle. 

The  sporanges  of  the  Psilotese  differ  from 
those  of  the  Lycopodieae  in  not  being  formed  in 
connection  with  the  leaves,  and  in  being  pluri- 
locular.     They  are  collected  into  spikes  which 
are  formed  at  the  growing  point  of  a  primary 
shoot.  In  Tmesipteris  each  spike  usually  consists 
of  two  sporanges  only,  situated  in  the  fork  be- 
tween two  connate  or  one  bifid  fertile  leaf ;  they 
are  oblong  and  bilocular,  and  dehisce  by  two 
vertical  slits  ;  the  spores  are  very  minute,  oblong, 
and  curved.     In  Psilotum  the  sporanges  are  col- 
lected into  groups  of  three  or  four 
on  special  short  lateral  branches, 
each  in  the  axil  of  a  rudimentary 
leaf,  and   forming   a   loose  spike. 
They  are   turbinate  in  form,   and 
are    divided   into   three   compart- 
ments, less  often  into  two  or  four  ; 
each  locule  dehisces  by  a  vertical 
fissure.      The  germination  of  the 
spores  and  the  oophyte  generation 


B 


FIG.  41. — Tmesipteris  tannensis  Bernh.  A,  por- 
tion of  branch  (natural  size);  £,  sporange 
and  subtending  leaves  (magnified). 


are  entirely  unknown  in  the  order. 
Psilotum  consists  of  two  spe- 
cies, natives  of  the  tropical  regions  of  both  hemispheres,  having  the 
appearance  of  small  branching  nearly  leafless  shrubs  ;  Tmesipteris  of 
a  single  known  species,  epiphytic  on  the  trunks  of  tree-ferns,  with  a 
pendulous  habit,  in  the  Southern  Hemisphere. 

LITERATURE. 

Spring— Monograph  des   Lycopodiacees  in  Mem.   Acad.  Roy.   Belgique,   1842  and 

1849. 

Cramer— (L.  Selago)  in  Nageli  u,  Cramer's  Pflanzenphys.  Unters.     Heft  i.,  1855. 
De  Bary — (Germination)  Naturf.  Gesell.  Freiburg,  1858. 
Mettenius — (Phylloglossum)  Bot.  Zeit. ,  1867,  p.  97. 
Payer— Botanique  Cryptogamique,  1 868. 
Juranyi — (Psilotum)  Bot.  Zeit.,  1871,  p.  177. 
Hegelmaier— Bot.  Zeit.,  1872,  pp.  798  ef  seq.,  and  1874,  p.  773. 


64  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

Fankhauser— (Prothallium)  Bot.  Zeit.,  1873,  p.  i. 

Strasburger — Bot.  Zeit.,  1873,  pp.  81  et  seq. 

Bruchmann— Ueb.  Wurzeln  v.  Lycopodium  u.  Isoetes,  1874. 

Beck— (Prothallium)  Oesterr.  Bot.  Zeitschr.,  1880,  p.  341. 

Bertrand— (Psilotum)  Compt.  Rend.,  xcvi.,  1883,  pp.  390,518;  (Phylloglossum)  do., 

xcvii.,  1883,  pp.  tp^et  seq. 
Solms-Laubach— (Psilotum)  Ann.  Jard.   Bot.   Buitenzorg,  1884,  p.   139,  and   1886, 

pp.  217,  233. 
Treub— (Prothallium)   Ann.  Jard.  Bot.  Buitenzorg,    1884,  p.  307,  and  1886,  p.  87; 

see  Nature,  xxxi.,  1885,  p.  317,  and  xxxiv.,  1886,  p.  145. 
Galloway— (Spores)  Bull.  Torrey  Bot.  Club,  1885,  p.  55. 
Bower — (Phylloglossum)  Proc.  Roy.  Soc.,  xxxviii.,  1885,  p.  445. 
Bruchmann — (do.)  Bot.  Centralbl.,  xxi.,  1885,  pp.  23,  309. 
Treub— (Prothallium)  Ann.  of  Bot.,  i.,  1887,  p.  119. 
Goebel— (Prothallium)  Bot.  Zeit.,  1887,  pp.  161,  177. 


Class  IV.— Filices. 

Ferns  (under  which  term  the  Ophioglossaceae  are  also  included  in 
popular  language)  are  by  far  the  most  numerous  and  best  known  class 
of  Vascular  Cryptogams.  In  some  families,  however,  as  the  Marattia- 
ceae  and  Schizaeaceae,  much  yet  remains  to  be  made  out  with  regard  to 
the  history  of  development,  and  their  exact  position  in  the -N  circle  of 
affinity  must  remain  for  a  time  doubtful. 

The  germinating  spore  develops  into  the  prothallium  by  the  burst- 
ing of  the  cuticularised  exospore,  and  the  rapid  growth  and  division  of 
the  contents  of  the  endospore  into  a  plate  of  cells.  Before  germination 
the  contents  of  the  spore  become  invested  with  a  new  cellulose  mem- 
brane. But  the  tabular  prothallium  does  not  always  result  directly  from 
the  contents  of  the  spore.  In  the  Hymenophyllaceae  the  spore  under- 
goes division,  even  before  the  rupture  of  the  exospore,  into  three  cells, 
one  of  which  only  attains  great  development,  dividing  by  transverse 
septa,  and  branching  until  it  greatly  resembles  the  protoneme  of  a 
moss  ;  the  flat  prothallia  then  springing  from  lateral  shoots.  In  most 
of  the  Polypodiaceae,  which  include  by  far  the  greater  number  of  the 
genera  of  ferns,  and  in  the  Schizaeaceae,  the  contents  of  the  spore 
develop  directly  into  a  short  segmented  filiform  protonemal  structure, 
which  expands  at  the  apex  into  a  cordate  or  reniform  plate  of  tissue, 
consisting  at  first  of  only  a  single  layer  of  cells.  If  a  single  apical  cell 
is  present,  it  soon  disappears,  and  is  replaced  by  a  growing  point  situated 
in  a  depression  at  the  anterior  end  of  the  prothallium,  behind  which  a 
cushion,  several  layers  in  thickness,  is  formed  by  tangential  cell- 


FILICES  65 

divisions.  The  prothallium  is  most  commonly  monoecious,  though  the 
sexual  organs  may  not  appear  at  the  same  time,  and  is  strictly  bilateral 
or  dorsiventral,  the  result,  according  to  Leitgeb  (Sitzber.  Akad.  Wiss. 
Wien,  Ixxx.,  1880,  p.  201),  of  the  action  of  light.  The  archegones 


FIG.  42. — Germination  of  prothallium  of  fern,  with  exospore  still  attached,     a,  b,  Dicksonia 
antarctica.  Lab.  (x  240);  c,  d,  Aspidium  filix-mas  Sw.  (x  120).     (After  Luerssen.) 

are  found  exclusively  (except  in  Marattiaceae)  on  the  under  side  of  the 
cushion.  Rhizoids  are  produced  in  large  numbers  on  the  under  side 
of  another  part  of  the  cushion  ;  the  antherids  also  on  the  under  side 
among  the  rhizoids,  or  less  often  on  the  margin.  In  Gymnogramme 


66 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


leptophylla  (Desv.)  the  prothallium  is  many-lobed,  and  the  archegones 
and  antherids  are  produced  on  separate  conical  tuber-like  outgrowths 

from  its  under  side,  which  penetrate 
into  the  soil,  where  they  are  perennial, 
and  may  give  birth  by  budding  to  new 
prothallia,  while  the  sporophyte  gene- 
ration is  annual.  The  prothallium  is 
occasionally,  in  the  Hymenophyllaceae, 
reduced  to  a  single  row  of  cells  ter- 
minating  in  an  antherid,  or  even  to  a 
single  cell.  Campbell  has  detected 
continuity  of  protoplasm  in  the  cells  of 
the  prothallium  of  Struthiopteris  ger- 
manica  (L.).  In  the  Osmundaceae  the 
prothallium  springs  directly  from  the 
spore  without  any  intermediate  proto- 
neme,  a  plate  of  cells  being  formed  on 
FIG.  43.— Under  side  of  prothallium  of  germination  by  longitudinal  and  trans- 

Aneimia    Phyllitidis   Sw.      sk,    cushion,  ....  _ 

with  archegones;  a,  antherids  and  rhizoids     VCrSC     dlVlSlOttS  ;      the    first      rhlZOld     IS 

formed  out  of  a  posterior  cell.  The  rib- 
bon-shaped prothallium  of  Osmunda  (L.)  is  characterised  by  the  presence 
of  a  midrib  composed  of  several  layers  of  cells  running  along  its  whole 

length.     The   arche- 

i      j.  \ 

p 


gones  are  produced 
on  the  under  surface 
on  this  midrib  ;  the 
antherids  either  on 
the  margin  or  on  the 
under  surface  with 
the  exception  of  the 
midrib.  An  approach 
towards  a  higher  type 
of  organisation  is 
indicated  by  the 
tendency  of  the  pro- 
thallium  to  become 
dioecious  in  the 
Osmundaceae,  and  in 
Struthiopteris  (L.). 
All  the  spores  from 
the  same  sporange 
'.e.  such  as  bear  antherids  only,  the 


FIG.  44. — Antherid  of  Adiantum  capillus-Veneris  L.,  in  different 
stages.  /,  prothallium  ;  a,  antherid  ;  s,  antherozoids  ;  b,  vesicle 
with  starch-grains  (  x  500). 

sometimes  produce  male  prothallia, 


FILICES  67 

archegones  being  produced  later,  and  in  smaller  numbers,  on  female  pro- 
thallia  ;  or  the  same  prothallium  may  produce  first  antherids  and  sub- 
sequently archegones,  when  it  may  be  termed  proterandrous.  This  is 
remarkably  the  case  also  in  Gymnogramme.  In  Cystopteris  fragilis 
(Bernh.)  (Polypodiaceae)  Campbell  states  that  there  are  two  kinds  of 
prothallium,  a  smaller  male  and  a  larger  hermaphrodite.  The  prothal- 
lium of  ferns  is  sometimes  propagated  vegetatively  by  the  production  of 
adventitious  shoots  from  single  marginal  cells,  which  become  detached 
and  form  independent  prothallia.  This  takes  place  especially  in 
Hymenophyllaceae  and  in  Osmunda,  but  occurs  also  in  Polypodiaceae, 


FIG.  45. — Archegone  of  Adiantum  capillus-Veneris,  in  various  stages.  A,J3,C,  E,  in  longitudinal, 
/?,  in  transverse  section  ;  h,  neck  ;  j/,  canal-cells  converted  into  mucilage  ;  s,  ventral  canal-cell  ; 
e,  oosphere  ;  in  E  divided  into  a  2-celled  embryo  (  x  800).  (After  Goebel.) 

abundantly  in  Gymnogramme  (see  Cramer,  Denkschr.  Schweiz.  Naturf. 
Gesell.,  1880).  The  prothallium  of  Vittaria  (Sm.)  produces  peculiar 
stalked  bulbils. 

The  antherids  of  ferns  are  small  papilliform  projections  on  the 
under  side  or  margin  of  the  prothallium  (very  rarely  on  the  upper  side), 
produced  among  the  rhizoids,  and  of  similar  origin,  i,e.  from  a  single 
superficial  cell  ;  in  the  Hymenophyllaceae  they  are  produced  also  on 
the  protonemal  filaments.  The  protuberance  becomes  separated  by  a 
septum  from  the  parent  superficial  cell,  and  then  sometimes  divides  at 
once  into  the  parent-cells  of  the  antherozoids.  But  more  often  the 

F  2 


68 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


papilla  divides  first  of  all  into  a  central  cell  surrounded  by  a  single  layer 
of  peripheral  cells.  These  last  are  barren,  but  contain  chlorophyll  ; 
while  the  central  cell  divides  still  further,  each  derivative  nearly  cubical 
cell  then  producing  a  flat  spirally-coiled  antherozoid  contained  within  a 
vesicle,  or  *  special  parent-cell.'  In  no  case  is  the  number  of  anthero- 
zoids  produced  by  a  single  antherid  very  considerable.  The  function 
of  the  peripheral  cells  appears  to  be  to  absorb  water  violently  when  the 
antherid  is  mature,  in  consequence  of  which  they  swell  up  considerably 
and  rupture  the  central  cells,  thus  causing  the  escape  of  the  parent-cells 
of  the  antherozoids.  From  each  of  these  is  then  discharged,  by  the  bursting 
of  its  delicate  cell-wall,  an  antherozoid  consisting  of  a  flat  band  of  proto- 
plasm coiled  spirally  three  or  four  times,  and  bearing  at  its  anterior  end 

a  number  of  fine 
cilia  (fig.  44).  To 
its  posterior  end  is 
frequently  attached 
for  a  time  a  vesicle 
containing  starch- 
grains,  which  is  pro- 
bably the  remains  of 
the  special  parent- 
cell  of  the  anthero- 
zoid. AS  in  other 
Vascular  Crypto- 
gams, the  body  of 
the  antherozoid  ap- 
pears to  be  formed 
from  the  nucleus  of 
the  mother-cell,  the  cilia  from  the  cell-protoplasm. 

The  archegones  are  produced  on  the  under  side  of  the  cushion  of  the 
pro  thallium,  but  in  much  smaller  numbers  than  the  antherids.  Like 
them,  each  archegone  is  derived  from  a  single  superficial  cell,  which  at 
first  bulges  only  slightly,  and  is  first  divided  into  three  cells  by  two 
tangential  walls.  The  lowermost  of  these  three,  or  basal  cell,  divides 
further,  and  takes  its  share  in  the  formation  of  the  venter,  or  swollen 
part  of  the  archegone,  which  is  altogether  imbedded  in  the  prothallium. 
The  outermost  of  the  three  cells  develops  into  the  neck-wall,  or  outer- 
most wall  of  the  neck  of  the  archegone,  dividing  at  first  into  four  cells, 
from  which  the  four  rows  of  cells  which  constitute  the  neck  are  formed 
by  oblique  septa.  Since  the  neck  grows  more  rapidly  on  the  anterior 
side,  i.e.  the  side  nearest  to  the  apex  of  the  prothallium,  and  hence 
becomes  convex  on  that  side,  the  number  of  cells  is  also  larger  in  the 


FIG.  46. — Archegone  of  Pteris  serrnlata  L.  at  the  moment  of  the 
expulsion  of  the  mucilage  (  x  350).     (After  Strasburger.) 


FILICES  69 

anterior  rows  of  the  neck,  the  usual  number  being  six,  while  there  are 
seldom  more  than  four  in  the  concave  posterior  side.  From  the  middle 
one  of  the  three  primary  cells  arises  the  whole  of  the  axial  row  of  cells 
of  the  archegone,  consisting  of  the  central  cell  and  the  canal-cells. 
During  the  development  of  the  neck  this  middle  cell  becomes  pointed 
upwards,  and  forces  itself  between  the  neck-cells  ;  this  pointed  portion 
becomes  divided  off  by  a  septum,  and  now  forms  the  single  neck-canal- 
cell,  which  lengthens  as  the  neck  lengthens.  The  large  central  cell  now 
breaks  up  into  an  upper  and  smaller  ventral  canal-cell  and  a  much 
larger  lower  cell,  the  protoplasmic  contents  of  which  subsequently 
become  rounded  off,  and  constitute  the  oosphere.  According  to  Campbell, 
the  ventral  canal-cell  is  wanting  in  Struthiopteris  germanica  (L.).  The 
walls  of  the  canal -cells  swell  up  and  become  converted  into  mucilage, 
and  finally  this  thin  mucilage,  together  with  the  protoplasm  of  the 
canal-cells,  is  expelled  from  the  open  neck.  The  antherozoids  are 
retained  by  the  mucilage,  and  collect  in  large  numbers  before  the 
archegone  ;  a  number  of  them  force  themselves  into  the  canal  of  the 
neck,  and  of  these  some  eventually  reach  the  oosphere,  and  coalesce 
with  it,  entering  it  at  a  light-coloured  spot  near  the  neck,  which  is 
termed  the  receptive  spot.  After  impregnation  the  neck  closes  up.  It 
is  very  rare  for  more  than  one  archegone  to  be  fertilised  on  the  same 
prothallium,  and  the  enormous  majority  of  prothallia  perish  without 
producing  any  sporophyte  generation. 

The  ordinary  course  of  the  alternation  of  generations  is  occasionally 
interrupted  by  apogamy  or  by  apospory,  the  suppression  respectively  of  the 
oophyte  or  of  the  sporophyte  generation.  The  former  has  been  observed 
especially  in  Pteris  serrulata  (L.  fil.),  the  laiter  in  particular  varieties  of 
Athyrium  nlix-fcemina  (Bernh.),  and  of  Polystichum  angulare  (Willd.).  In 
apogamy  the  non-sexual  fern-plant  springs  directly  from  the  prothallium 
without  the  intervention  of  a  fertilised  archegone.  In  apospory  a  pro- 
thallium  is  produced  on  the  surface  of  the  frond,  either  in  the  locality 
where  the  sorus  would  normally  be  found,  or  less  often  elsewhere,  and 
may  assume  unusual  forms,  sometimes  that  of  a  solid  cylindrical  body, 
but  bears  normal  archegones  and  antherids.  Bower  classifies  the 
various  forms  of  substitutionary  or  correlative  growths  connected  with 
the  suppression  of  the  sporophyte  generation  under  three  heads,  viz. — 
(i)  simple  prolification  ;  (2)  sporophytic  budding;  (3)  apospory.  The 
first  hardly  occurs  among  ferns.  The  second  is  illustrated  by  the 
familiar  formation  of  bulbils  in  species  of  Asplenium  (L.),  Cystopteris 
(Bernh.),  &c.,  in  which  the  formation  of  the  buds  cannot  be  directly  corre- 
lated with  arrest  of  spore-formation.  In  apospory  we  get  a  more  or  less 
complete  sporal  arrest,  but  this  may  vary  in  degree.  In  some  instances 


70  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

the  substitutionary  growths  which  accompany  the  arrest  of  spore-forma- 
tion are  restricted  to  the  sporanges  themselves.  These  are  replaced  by 
'  pseudo-bulbils  '  of  a  pear-like  form,  presenting  but  little  resemblance  to 
ordinary  prothallia,  but  demonstrating  their  oophytic  character  by  pro- 
ducing antherids.  In  other  examples  the  prothalloid  growths  are  by  no 
means  restricted  to  the  sporange  ;  they  may  either  arise  from  the  sorus 
itself,  or  may  appear  at  points  quite  distinct  from  the  sori,  and  even  on 
fronds  which  bear  no  sori  at  all.  There  is  here  a  distinct  transition  from 


arch 


FIG.  47. — Apogamous  shoot  of  Pteris  serrulata,  on  the 
under  side  ot  the  prothallium/  ;  b,  first  leaf;  z>,  apex  of 
stem  ;  iv,  rudiment  of  first  endogenous  root  ( x  80). 
(After  de  Bary.) 


FIG.  48.— Prothalloid  growth  of  Poly- 
stichum  angulare  Willd.  var.  pul- 
cherrima,  originating  from  surface 
of  frond  ;  arc/i,  archegone  (  x  10). 
(After  Bower.) 


sporophyte  to  oophyte  without  the  intervention  of  spores.  Compara- 
tively little  is  known  about  the  oophyte  generation  in  the  Hymeno- 
phyllaceae,  but  it  would  appear  as  if  apogamy  were  a  very  common, 
perhaps  even  normal  occurrence  in  some  species  of  Trichomanes  (Sm.) ; 
and  here  the  two  phenomena  have  even  been  observed  on  the  same  indi- 
vidual, the  oophyte  and  sporophyte  generation  succeeding  one  another 
without  the  production  of  either  spores  or  sexual  organs. 

The  fertilised  oosphere  or  .oosperm  becomes  immediately  invested 


FILICES 


7i 


with  a  cell-wall  of  its  own,  and  develops  by  cell-division  into  the 
embryo,  from  which  springs  the  young  sporophyte,  commonly  known  as 
the  fern-plant.  The  first  division-wall  in  the  oosperm  is  always  nearly 
vertical ;  and  two  others  follow,  at  right  angles  to  it  and  to  each  other, 
dividing  the  oosperm  into  octants.  From  the  anterior  of  the  two  original 
halves  are  derived  the  growing  point  of  the  stem,  and  the  cotyledon  or  first 
leaf;  from  the  posterior  half  the/00/ by  which  it  is  attached  to  the  prothal- 
lium,  and  the  first  root.  Until  the  differentiation  of  the  first  leaf  and  the 
fixed  root,  the  embryo  remains  imbedded  in  the  surrounding  tissue  of 
the  prothallium,  which  grows  with  its  growth.  The  primary  root  is 
always  small ;  in  the  Hymenophyllaceas  it  disappears  early,  and  in  many 


FIG.  49. — Asplenium  decussatum  ;  adventitious  bud,  k, 
already  rooting  (natural  size). 


FiG.  50. — Young  sporophyte  of 
Adiantum  capillus-Veneris  still 
attached  to  prothallium  /  ;  b, 
first  leaf ;  w',  w",  ist  and  2nd 
root ;  h,  rhizoids  of  prothallium 
(  x  30).  (After  Goebel.) 


species  of  Trichomanes  no  subsequent   roots  are   formed,    their  place 
being  supplied  by  underground  branches. 

The  mature  fern  varies  in  size  from  that  of  the  'filmy  ferns,'  species 
of  Hymenophyllum  not  above  an  inch  in  height,  with  delicate  moss- 
like  habit,  to  the  stately  '  tree-ferns '  of  the  Southern  Hemisphere 
(Cyatheaceae  and  Dicksonia,  L'Herit),  fifty  or  sixty  feet  in  height.  The 
stem  is  either  ascending  and  vertical,  or  creeping  on  or  beneath  the 
surface  of  the  soil,  or  occasionally  scandent  (Lygodium,  Sw.),  often  very 
short  with  undeveloped  internodes,  and  the  leaves  so  crowded  that  fre- 
quently no  portion  of  the  stem — then  often  called  a  caudex — remains 
exposed  ;  while  in  the  creeping  and  climbing  species  the  leaves  are  often 


72  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

separated  by  long  mternodes.  The  ultimate  roots  are  always  adventi- 
tious ;  that  is,  there  is  no  predominant  axial  root  which  is  a  prolongation 
downwards  of -the  main  axis  of  the  plant,  as  in  many  Dicotyledons  and 
some  Monocotyledons.  They  are  usually  very  numerous,  especially  in 
tree-ferns,  arising  in  acropetal  succession,  and  completely  clothing  the 
lower  part  of  the  stem,  or,  where  this  is  suppressed,  the  leaf-stalks,  as  in 
the  case  of  the  common  '  male  fern '  (Aspidium  filix-mas,  Sw.).  The 
ultimate  branches  of  the  root  are  furnished  with  a  root-cap  as  in  Flower- 
ing Plants.  The  leaves,  or,  as  they  are  more  commonly  called,  '  fronds,' 
are  invariably  stalked,  and  are  remarkable  in  many  species,  especially 
when  they  attain  a  large  size,  for  the  great  extent  to  which  subdivision 
of  the  lamina  is  carried ;  in  some  tree-ferns  they  attain  a  length  of  from 
six  to  ten  feet.  In  the  filmy  ferns  they  consist,  as  in  Muscineae,  of  only 
a  single  layer  of  cells  penetrated  by  distinct '  vascular'  bundles.  Stomates, 
similar  in  structure  to  those  of  Flowering  Plants,  occur  abundantly  both 
on  the  under  side  of  the  leaf  and  on  the  leaf-stalk,  except  in  the 
Hymenophyllacese.  The  leaves  exhibit  very  little  metamorphosis  com- 
pared to  those  of  Flowering  Plants.  Most  usually  all  the  leaves  are  alike 
in  form  and  extent  of  division,  and  even  nearly  so  in  size  ;  but  in  some 
species  only  certain  of  the  leaves,  sporophylls^  are  fertile,  and  these  then 
show  a  more  or  less  well-marked  difference  from  the  barren  leaves,  as  in 
our  'hard  fern '  (Lomaria  spicant,  Desv.)and  'parsley fern '(Cryptogramme 
crispa,  R.  Br.).  In  the  '  elk's-horn  fern '  (Platycerium  alcicorne,  Desv.), 
commonly  grown  in  cultivation,  the  leaves  are  alternately  broad  thallus- 
like  barren  plates,  closely  applied  to  the  surface  on  which  the  plant 
grows,  and  long  erect  dichotomously  branched  fertile  leaves.  The 
leaves  (except  the  first,  which  spring  from  the  prothallium)  are  cirdnate 
in  vernation,  both  the  principal  rachis  and  the  midrib  of  the  pinnae 
(when  the  leaf  is  pinnate)  being  rolled  up  on  their  upper  side — owing  to 
the  more  rapid  growth  of  the  cells  on  the  under  than  those  on  the  upper 
surface — and  only  slowly  unroll  as  the  development  of  the  leaf  advances. 
The  young  leaves,  and  the  rachis  and  petiole  of  mature  leaves,  are 
generally  more  or  less  completely  clothed  with  pales  or  ramenta,  flat 
brown  scale-like  trichomes  or  outgrowths  of  the  epiderm.  These  are 
often  glandular,  and  sometimes  contain  crystals  of  oxalate  of  lime.  They 
serve  as  a  protective  mantle  to  the  young  stem  and  leaves,  and  also  as  a 
reservoir  of  moisture.  Capitate,  glandular,  and  other  more  ordinary 
kinds  of  hair  are  also  of  frequent  occurrence.  In  the  typical  ferns  the 
sporanges  are  also  trichomic  in  their  origin.  They  are  collected  into 
groups  or  sort  (fig.  58),  usually  formed  in  connection  with  a  'vascular ' 
bundle.  In  unilamellar  leaves  these  sori  are  placed  on  the  edge,  in  all 
others  almost  invariably  on  the  under  side  of  the  leaf,  especially  of  its 


FILICES 


73 


apical  portion,  and  they  then  assume  a  great  variety  of  shapes — circular, 
reniform,  crescent-shaped,  linear,  or  they  are  concealed  beneath  the 
revolute  margin  of  the  leaf.  The  sorus  may  or  may  not  be  covered  by 
a  membrane  called  the  indusium,  an  outgrowth  of  the  epiderm.  In  the 


FIG.  51. — Asplenium  Adiantum-nigrum  L.  ;  rhizome  with  fronds  showing  Circinate 


Asplenitun  Adiantum-nigniin  L.  ;  rhizome  with  fronds  showing  drcii 
irnation  (natural  size),    a,  under  side  of  fertile  pinnule  (magnified). 


Cyatheacese  they  assume  the  form  of  a  cup  ;  in  the  Hymenophyllaceae 
they  are  situated  at  the  extremity  of  a  vein  at  the  apex  or  margin  of  a 
pinna.  In  some  instances,  as  in  our  native  '  flowering  '  or  '  royal  fern  ' 
.(Osmunda  regalis,  L.),  the  sori  completely  consume,  in  the  course  of  their 


74 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


development,  the  parenchyme  of  the  fertile  (apical)  part  of  the  leaf, 
giving  the  appearance  of  a  panicled  or  thyrsoid  inflorescence.  The 
sporange  is  usually  stalked,  and  has  an  elliptical  form,  or  that  of  a  battle- 
dore or  racket-bat.  The  sides  are  commonly  thin  and  membranous,  and 
the  sporange  dehisces  either  longitudinally  or  transversely,  generally  from 
the  elasticity  of  an  annulus  or  ring  of  brown  thick-walled  cells  running 
along  or  across  it.  The  position  of  this  annulus,  and  its  more  or  less 
complete  development  or  entire  absence,  are  useful  characters  in  the 
subdivision  of  the  class.  In  the  Marattiaceae  the  sporanges  are  of 
altogether  different  origin,  being  developed  from  hypodermal  masses  of 
cells  ;  and  transitional  forms  occur  between  the  two.  The  spores  are 

minute,  very  commonly  re- 
niform,  or  often  nearly 
cubical,  resembling  pollen- 
grains  in  structure,  usually 
furnished  with  two  coats, 
an  exospore  and  endospore, 
the  latter  of  which  is  some- 
times double,  and  the 
former  generally  marked 
with  papillae,  reticulations, 
&c. 

A  more  minuteAdescrip- 
tion  must  now  be  given  of 
the  structure  and  peculi- 
arities of  the  various  organs. 
The  great  distinguishing 
feature  which  characterises 
the  development  of  the 
stem  of  ferns,  as  contrasted 
with  that  which  occurs  in 
all  Flowering  Plants  (Gym- 
nosperms  and  Angiosperms),  is  the  presence  of  a  single  apical  cell, 
from  which  the  whole  of  the  growing  point  or  apical  meristem  origi- 
nates, and  which  may  therefore  be  recognised  as  the  parent-cell  of  the 
whole  of  the  tissue  subsequently  formed.  This  apical  cell  is  usually 
wedge-shaped  in  creeping  stems  with  a  bilateral  structure,  a  three-sided 
pyramid  in  erect  or  ascending  stems.  The  growing  apex  of  the  stem  is 
frequently  completely  hidden  in  the  youngest  leaf-bud,  but  in  other  species 
there  is  a  considerable  intervening  space.  In  some  Hymenophyllaceae 
leafless  prolongations  of  the  stem  assume  the  appearance  and  the  funccion 
of  roots.  As  contrasted  with  Flowering  Plants,  especially  Exogens,  the 
stem  of  ferns  is  characterised  by  the  small  extent  to  which  it  branches  ; 


FIG.  52.  — Diagram  of  tip  of  leaf  of  Cerate 
troides  Brongn.  S,  apical  cell  ;  L,  latera; 
(After  Kny.) 


">teris   thalic- 
lobe  of  leaf. 


FILICES 


75 


and  this  is  true  not  only  of  the  erect  columnar  stem  of  tree-ferns,  but 
also  of  the  creeping  or  erect  stem  of  smaller  species.  Axillary  branch- 
ing is  very  rare,  if  it  ever  actually  occurs  ;  the  terminal  branching  is 
always  dichotomous,  never  sympodial.  The  fundamental  tissue  of  the 
stem  and  leaf-stalk  consists,  in  many  species,  entirely  of  thin-walled 
parenchyme.  In  others,  and  especially  in  tree-ferns,  portions  of  it 
undergo  a  change  in  the  great  thickening  and  brown  colouring  of  the 
cell-walls,  the  cells  becoming  at  the  same  time  prosenchymatous.  In 

this  sclerenchyme  of 
the  fundamental  tis- 
sue    the     sclerosis 
take  place  in 


FIG.  54. — Transverse 
section  of  stem  of 
Pteris  aquilina  L. 
T,  epiderm  ;  p,  fun- 
damental tissue ;  pr, 
sclerenchymatous 
sheath ;  ig,  vascular 
bundle ;  ag",  outer 
network  (somewhat 
magnified). 


individual    isolated 
cells  ;    more    often 

FIG.    53.  —  Transverse  section  of  'vascular'  bundle  of  Polypodiitm 
leiorhizum   Wall,     p,  fundamental   tissue  ;    s,   sclerenchymatous         the  CCuS  SO 
sheath  ;  *,  phloem  ;  h,  xylem  (  x  : 


spicuous  bands  or  sheaths.  In  many  Polypodiaceae  and  Osmundacese 
the  entire  cortex  assumes  eventually  a  dark  colour.  In  the  common 
brake  (Pteris  aquilina,  L.)  two  thick  sclerenchymatous  bands  of  this 
description  lie  between  the  inner  and  outer  'vascular'  bundles, 
while  another  continuous  layer  immediately  underlies  the  epiderm. 
The  firmness  and  solidity  of  the  stem  of  tree-ferns  are  mainly  due  to 
strongly  developed  sclerenchymatous  cylinders  which  form  complete 
sheaths  surrounding  the  'vascular'  bundles.  The  '  vascular  '  bundles 
themselves  are  always  dosed  or  destitute  of  cambium  ;  in  the  stem, 
except  in  Osmunda,  and  usually  in  the  leaves,  they  are  concentric^  consist- 
ing of  a  central  xylem-portion  entirely  enveloped  in  a  layer  of  phloem  ; 
in,  the  stem  and  leaves  of  Osmunda,  and  in  the  leaves  of  some  other 
ferns,  they  are  collateral^  the  xylem  and  phloem  portions  lying  side  by 


76  VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 

side.  Besides  a  few  narrow  spiral  tracheides,  lying  at  definite  points 
of  the  transverse  section,  the  xylem  consists  mainly  of  scalariform 
tracheides^  i.e.  of  tracheides  with  bordered  pits  which  usually  have  the 
appearance  of  transverse  clefts,  their  ends  being  mostly  obliquely  trun- 
cate or  fusiform  and  pointed.  True  vessels  occur  but  rarely  in  ferns  ; 
e.g.  in  Pteris  aquilina  and  in  the  rhizome  of  Athyrium  filix-fcemina, 
where  they  are  also  scalariform.  Between  the  tracheides  lie  narrow 
thin-walled  cells  which  contain  starch  in  winter.  In  the  phloem,  in 
addition  to  narrow  parenchymatous  cells,  are  sieve-tubes  with  well- 
developed  sieve-plates,  but  forming  true  callus  only  in  a  small  number 
of  cases  ;  and  at  the  circumference  narrow  bast-like  thick-wall  prosen- 
chyme.  Each  individual  bundle  is  usually  immediately  enclosed  in  a 
single  distinct  layer  of  narrower  cells,  the  vascular  bundle-sheath  or 
endoderm  ;  this  layer,  which  probably  originates  from  the  fundamental 
tissue,  displays  a  strong  tendency  for  its  walls  to  become  brown  and 
suberised.  In  very  young  stems  and  those  which  permanently  remain 
very  slender,  as  in  many  Hymenophyllacese,  there  is  a  single  axial 
bundle.  But  in  stouter  stems  and  leaf-stalks  the  central  bundle  is  re- 
placed by  a  network  of  anastomosing  bundles,  presenting,  in  typical 
cases,  a  cylinder  of  considerable  diameter,  by  which  the  fundamental 
tissue  is  separated  into  an  outer  cortical  and  an  inner  medullary  portion  ; 
but  isolated  scattered  bundles  also  arise  in  addition.  The  principal 
bundles  which  constitute  this  cylindrical  network  mostly  have  the  form 
of  broad  plates  with  the  margins  curved  outwards,  each  surrounded  by 
its  thick  firm  brown  sclerenchyme-sheath  ;  they  usually  present  the 
appearance  of  an  interrupted  ring  near  the  periphery,  but  in  Osmun- 
daceae  the  ring  is  more  continuous.  From  the  margins  of  these  cauline 
bundles  spring  the  more  slender  filiform  bundles  which  pass  into  the 
leaves,  the  number  of  openings  in  the  meshes  of  the  cauline  'vascular' 
cylinder  corresponding  to  that  of  the  leaves.  In  the  leaf-stalk  the 
bundles  may  either  run  separately  or  may  coalesce  into  plates.  Ter- 
letzki  (Pringsheim's  Jahrb.,  1884,  p.  452)  has  detected  continuity  of 
protoplasm  between  the  cells  in  the  parenchyme  of  the  rhizome  in 
several  species  of  fern  ;  the  intercellular  spaces  also  contain  protoplasm 
which  is  in  connection  with  that  of  the  cells.  In  the  aquatic  genus 
Ceratopteris  the  stem  contains  large  air-cavities.  Elongated  tannin-sacs 
occur  in  the  parenchyme  of  the  stem  and  leaf-stalk  of  many  ferns, 
especially  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  '  vascular '  bundles.  Gum-  and 
mucilage-cells  are  also  of  frequent  occurrence.  Incrustations  of  cal- 
cium carbonate  are  not  infrequent  on  the  leaves.  Round  stalked  glands 
occur  in  the  fundamental  tissue  of  the  stem  and  leaves  of  Aspidium 
filix-mas. 


FILICES  77 

The  leaves  of  ferns  stand  either  in  two  rows  on  the  stem,  or  less 
often  in  a  single  dorsal  row,  or  the  phyllotaxis  is  more  complicated  and 
spiral ;  they  are  never  opposite  or  whorled.  Each  leaf  originates  from 
a  superficial  cell  of  the  growing  point  distinguished  by  a  stronger  swell- 
ing of  its  outer  cell-wall.  The  petiole  is  the  first  part  of  the  leaf 
formed  ;  the  lamina  then  begins  to  appear  at  its  apex,  and  itself 
develops  from  the  base  to  the  apex.  In  many  ferns  the  leaves  of  the 
mature  plant  are  characterised  by  the  extraordinary  slowness  of  their 
development.  In  old  plants  of  Pteris  aquilina  the  formation  of  the  leaf 
commences  fully  two  years  before  it  begins  to  unfold  ;  at  the  com- 
mencement of  the  second  year  only  the  leaf-stalk  is  as  yet  in  existence  ; 
during  the  summer  of  the  second  year  the  lamina  begins  to  develop  at 
the  apex  of  the  rod-like  petiole,  and  may  be  found  hidden  beneath  the 
long  hairs  in  the  form  of  a  minute  disc.  It  then  begins  to  bend  down- 
wards at  its  apex,  and  continues  for  a  time  in  a  pendent  condition.  It 
is  only  in  the  spring  of  the  third  year  that  the  elongation  of  the  leaf- 
stalk forces  the  lamina  above  the  surface  of  the  soil,  and  that  the  latter 
begins  to  unfold.  In  Aspidium  filix-mas  the  development  is  almost  as 
slow.  The  basifugal  development  of  the  lamina  itself  is  also  extremely 
slow  in  many  ferns,  the  lower  portions  having  long  been  fTHly  formed 
while  the  apex  is  still  unfolding.  In  several  genera,  as  Gleichenia  (Sm.) 
and  Mertensia  (Willd.),  a  periodical  interruption  occurs  of  the  apical 
growth,  this  intermittent  development  even  extending  over  several  years. 
In  Lygodium  the  primary  pinnae  remain  unfolded  after  the  formation  of 
a  pair  of  pinnae  of  the  second  order,  while  the  rachis  of  the  leaf  grows 
without  limit  and  resembles  a  twining  stem,  climbing  in  some  cases  to 
the  height  of  fifty  or  one  hundred  feet,  the  pinnae  themselves  presenting 
the  appearance  of  leaves.  In  the  anomalous  Ceratopteris  thalictroides, 
which  grows  in  water,  the  ultimate  segments  of  the  leaves  are  swollen 
up  in  a  pod-like  manner.  Goebel  has  shown  (Ann.  Jard.  Bot.  Buiten- 
zorg,  vii.,  1887)  that  in  the  heterophyllous  ferns,  such  as  Platycerium 
alcicorne  and  several  species  of  Polypodium  (L.),  one  form  of  leaf  is 
specially  adapted,  directly  or  indirectly,  for  the  supply  of  nutriment  to 
the  plant,  and  is  sometimes  furnished  with  special  aquiferous  tissue. 
The  stipular  structures  of  the  Marattiaceae  are  quite  peculiar  among 
Vascular  Cryptogams.  The  leaves  of  ferns  not  unfrequently  display  a 
tendency  to  branch  dichotomously  at  the  apex,  but  in  other  cases  the 
branching  appears  to  be  monopodial.  The  leaf-stalk  has  frequently  the 
power  of  producing  adventitious  leaf-buds  (see  fig.  49).  In  Struthiopteris 
germanica  these  develop  into  long  underground  stolons  covered  with 
scale-leaves,  which  at  length  rise  above  the  surface,  and  bear  at  their 
apex  a  rosette  of  ordinary  leaves.  Nephrolepis  (Sch.)  is  also  furnished 


78  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

with  remarkable  stolons,  the  extremities  of  which  swell  up  into  tubers  ; 
but  it  is  uncertain  whether  they  belong  to  the  stem  or  the  root.  In 
other  cases  adventitious  leaf-buds  are  borne  on  the  upper  surface  of  the 
lamina  or  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves.  In  Woodwardia  radicans  (Sm.)  and 
some  other  species,  the  long  drooping  leaves  may  root  in  the  soil  and 
put  up  new  shoots.  The  veins  in  the  leaves  of  the  great  majority  of 
ferns  do  not  anastomose,  but  divide  repeatedly  dichotomously.  Their 
1  vascular  '  bundles  differ,  in  some  cases,  from  those  of  the  stem  in  being 
collateral,  the  xylem  facing  the  upper,  the  phloem  the  under  surface  of 
the  leaf. 

With  the  exception  of  some  species  of  Trichomanes,  all  ferns  have 
true  roots,  characterised,  like  those  of  Vascular  Cryptogams  generally, 
and  of  Flowering  Plants,  by  the  presence  of  a  true  root-cap,  composed  of 
several  layers  of  cells,  and  by  the  tendency  of  the  epidermal  cells  to 
develop  into  long  unsegrnented  filaments  or  root-hairs,  by  which  the 
nutriment  is  absorbed  from  the  soil.  These  proceed  in  acropetal  suc- 
cession from  the  creeping  underground  stem  or  rhizome,  or,  where  the 
stem  is  erect,  very  short,  and  densely  covered  with  leaves,  from  the  leaf- 
stalks. In  tree-ferns  the  lower  part  of  the  erect  stem  is  densely  covered 
with  a  thick  felt-like  envelope  of  slender  roots,  which  give  a  broad  base 
to  the  stem.  Like  the  stem,  the  tissue  of  the  root  develops  from  a 
single  apical  cell.  The  branching  is  always  monopodial.  The  lateral 
rootlets  arise  in  acropetal  succession  on  the  outside  of  the  primary 
'vascular'  bundle.  The  root  is  traversed  by  a  single  axial  cylinder 
formed  by  the  coalescence  of  '  vascular  '  bundles. 

The  epiderm  of  the  leaves  of  those  ferns  which  are  not  unilamellar 
differs  in  no  essential  respect  from  that  of  Flowering  Plants,  but  its  cells 
contain  a  larger  quantity  of  chlorophyll.  The  epiderm  of  the  under 
side  only  is  abundantly  provided  with  stomates,  which  are  usually  of 
quite  the  ordinary  structure.  In  some  cases,  as  Aneimia  (Sw.),  they 
present  the  peculiar  appearance  of  the  two  guard-cells  being  entirely 
enclosed  within  a  single  epidermal  cell.  Those  of  Kaulfussia  (Bl.) 
(Marattiaceae)  are  very  large,  and  of  peculiar  structure. 

The  sporanges  of  ferns  are  rounded,  ovoid,  or  pear-shaped  capsules, 
seated  on  long  stalks  in  the  Polypodiaceae  and  Cyatheaceae,  sessile  in 
the  other  orders.  When  mature,  the  wall  of  the  capsule  consists, 
except  in  the  Marattiaceae,  of  a  single  layer  of  cells,  a  particular  row  of 
which,  running  longitudinally,  transversely,  or  obliquely  round  the 
capsule,  usually  undergoes  special  development,  and  is  known  as  the 
annulus ;  but  the  annulus  may  be  entirely  wanting,  as  in  the  Marat- 
tiaceae, or  its  place  may  be  taken  by  the  special  development  of  an 
apical  or  lateral  group  of  cells,  as  in  the  Osmundaceae.  Where  there  is 


FILICES 


79 


an  annulus  the  sporange  dehisces  by  a  fissure  at  right  angles  to  it  ;  in 
the  Marattiacese  it  opens  by  an  apical  pore.  The  dehiscence  is  due  to 
unequal  contraction  in  drying  of  the  unequally  thickened  portions  of 
the  cell-walls  of  the  annulus.  On  one  side  of  the  sporange  of  a 
considerable  number  of  ferns  are  two,  three,  or  four  cells  of  peculiar  form, 
with  lignified  cell -walls,  the  lip-cells,  between  which  the  dehis- 
cence always  begins,  and  which  ap- 
pear to  guide  its  direction.  These  / 
cells  together  are  sometimes  called 
the  '  stomium.'  Among  the  spo- 


FIG.  55. — Sporange  of  Aspidium  filix- 
mas,  showing  annulus  an,  lip-cells 
/c,and  paraphyse  attached  to  stalk. 
(After  Kiindig,  greatly  magnified.) 

ranges  are  frequently  slender  seg- 
mented   filaments,    or   paraphyses. 

Tn    snmp    PnlvnnHiarp^    thprp    is    „   FIG.  56.— Development  of  sporange  of 

OiypOQiace  S     a       niwn    Trichomanes  L.      s,   archespore ;    r, 

single  (rarely  more  than  one)  out-  annulus  ( x  55°>-  (After  Goebei.) 
growth  from  the  stalk  of  the  sporange,  resembling  a  capitate  hair,  and 
sometimes  septated  internally.  It  is  regarded  as  a  paraphyse,  and  may 
probably  be  an  undeveloped  sporange.  The  entire  sorus  may  be 
covered  by  the  recurved  margin  of  the  leaf,  or  by  a  true  indusium 
belonging  to  the  epiderm,  or  by  a  false  indusium,  consisting  of  an 
outgrowth  of  the  hypodermal  tissue,  composed  of  several  layers  of  cells. 
In  Enterosora  (Bak.),  from  British  Guiana  (Polypodiaceas),  the  sporanges 
spring  from  the  base  of  spherical  chambers  in  the  under  surface  of  the 


8o  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

leaf,  which  open  only  by  a  narrow  slit.  Although  the  sori  usually 
originate  on  the  veins  of  a  leaf,  and  only  on  the  under  side  of  the 
lamina,  this  is  not  always  the  case.  In  Olfersia  they  spring  from  both 
surfaces  of  the  lamina  by  the  side  of  the  midrib  ;  and  in  this  and  other 
species  of  Acrosticheae  from  the  mesophyll  as  well  as  the  veins.  In  the 
Hymenophyllaceae  they  are  enclosed  in  a  cup-like  indusium,  and  are 
attached  to  the  apex  of  the  veins,  which  projects  beyond  the  margin  of 
the  leaf.  The  spot  on  the  fertile  vein  which  bears  a  sorus  is  known  as 
the  placenta  or  receptacle.  In  the  Polypodiaceae,  and  probably  also  in 
the  Cyatheaceae,  each  sporange  originates  from  a  single  epidermal  cell, 
which  swells  up  considerably,  and  is  cut  off  from  the  rest  of  the  leaf 
by  a  septum.  This  mother-cell  of  the  sporange  subsequently  divides 
by  another  septum  into  a  basal  cell  which  develops  into  the  pedicel, 
and  an  apical  cell  which  becomes  the  capsule.  The  pedicel  usually 
consists  ultimately  of  three  rows  of  cells  produced  by  longitudinal  and 
transverse  divisions.  The  nearly  hemispherical  mother-cell  of  the 
capsule  first  divides,  by  four  successive  oblique  walls,  into  four  parietal 
and  a  nearly  cubical  central  cell,  the  archespore.  In  the  parietal  cells 
further  divisions  follow  at  right  angles  to  the  surface ;  while  from  the 
archespore  are  formed  four  tabular  segments  parallel  to  the  parietal 
cells,  which  again  divide  by  walls  vertical  to  the  surface  into  one  or  two 
layers  of  tapetal  or  mantle-cells,  constituting  together  the  tapete.  The 
row  of  cells  in  the  wall  of  the  sporange  which  constitute  the  annulus  are 
the  result  of  divisions  at  right  angles  to  the  surface  of  the  sporange  ; 
their  outer  walls  bulge  out  and  project  above  the  surface.  The  tapetal 
cells  ultimately  disappear,  and  the  whole  of  the  space  within  the  wall  of 
the  capsule  is  occupied  by  a  fluid,  in  which  float  the  mother-cells  of  the 
spores  formed  by  successive  bipartitions  of  the  archespore,  and  nor- 
mally sixteen  in  number  in  the  Polypodiaceae  and  Schizaeacese.  In  these 
families  the  formation  of  the  spores  takes  place  in  the  following  way. 
Each  of  the  sixteen  spore-mother-cells  divides  into  four  by  two  succes- 
sive bipartitions  of  the  protoplasmic  contents,  preceded  by  correspond- 
ing divisions  of  the  nuclei.  Sixty-four  spores  are  thus  normally  formed 
in  each  sporange.  They  then  invest  themselves  with  a  cell-wall,  which 
is  usually  double,  consisting  of  an  inner  coat,  or  endospore,  generally 
but  not  always  composed  of  cellulose,  and  sometimes  itself  consisting  of 
two  layers,  and  an  outer  brown  cuticularised  exospore,  provided  with 
ridges,  papillae,  warts,  or  other  elevations.  Leitgeb  states  that  in 
Osmunda  and  some  other  genera  there  is  no  true  endospore  ;  while  in 
Onoclea  (L.),  according  to  Campbell,  there  are  three  coats.  The  spores 
of  the  Osmundaceae  and  Hymenophyllaceae  contain  chlorophyll. 
Another  mode  of  spore-formation,  more  analogous  to  what  takes  place 


FILICES  8 1 

in  the  formation  of  the  pollen  of  Flowering  Plants,  occurs  sometimes  in 
the  two  orders  just  named,  and  invariably  in  the  Cyatheaceae,  Osmun- 
daceae,  and  Hymenophyllaceae.  Each  spore-mother-cell  divides  at  once 
by  cell-walls  of  cellulose  into  four  compartments,  sometimes  called 
'  special  mother-cells '  ;  within  each  of  these  compartments  the  spores 
become  invested  with  their  permanent  cell-walls,  both  the  walls  of  the 
original  mother-cells  and  their  septa  being  then  absorbed.  The  spores 
formed  in  this  way  have  a  rounded  cubical  shape,  while  those  produced 
in  the  mode  first  described  are  bilateral,  and  very  commonly  kidney- 
shaped.  In  the  Schizaeacese  and  Osmundaceae  the  sporanges  are  not 
strictly  trichomic  in  their  origin,  being  formed,  before  the  differentiation 
of  the  epiderm,  each  from  a  single  cell,  which  may  be  regarded  as  the 
rudiment  of  a  leaf-branch.  In  both  these  orders  the  number  of  spores 
produced  in  a  sporange  is  much  larger  than  in  the  Polypodiaceae  ;  in 
this  and  in  other  respects  they  manifest  an  approximation  to  the  Marat  - 
tiaceae  and  Ophioglossaceae.  The  sporanges  of  Marattiaceae  are  alto- 
gether endogenous  in  their  origin,  being  developed  from  an  internal 
mass  of  tissue,  and  are  destitute  of  an  annulus.  On  the  dehiscence  of 
the  normal  sporange  the  spores  are  at  first  attached  to  the  annulus,  and 
are  detached  and  thrown  to  a  distance  by  its  sudden  return  to  its 
original  position.  The  spores  of  many  Polypodiaceae  retain  their  vitality 
and  power  of  germination  for  a  long  period,  and  require  a  longer  or 
shorter  period  of  rest  before  germination  ;  those  of  the  Hymenophylla- 
ceae, on  the  other  hand,  often  begin  to  germinate  while  still  enclosed  in 
the  sporange.  In  Scolopendrium  (Sm.),  according  to  Beck  (Verhandl. 
Zool.-Bot.  Ges.  Wien,  1879),  the  exospore  does  not  burst,  but  decays  at 
the  spot  where  the  germinating  filament  emerges. 

The  non-sexual  propagation  of  ferns  takes  place  chiefly  by  means  of 
the  adventitious  buds  already  described,  which  appear  on  the  lamina  or 
petiole  of  the  leaf  (fig.  49).  As  a  normal  phenomenon  it  is,  however,  con- 
fined to  a  small  number  of  species  known  in  cultivation  as  viviparous  or 
bulbiferous  ferns,  such  as  Asplenium  bulbiferum  (Forst.)  and  Cystopteris 
bulbifera  (Bernh.).  The  occasional  vegetative  propagation  of  the 
prothallium  has  also  been  already  described. 

Ferns  are  distributed  over  the  whole  globe,  from  the  equator  to  the 
arctic  zone  ;  and,  from  the  ease  of  their  culture  and  the  beauty  of  their 
forms,  are  favourite  objects  of  cultivation.  They  are  most  abundant  in 
moist  warm  climates,  and  hence  enter  largely  into  the  composition  of  all 
insular  floras.  In  the  tropics  a  large  number  of  species  are  epiphytic  ; 
and  it  is  only  there,  and  in  the  islands  of  the  Southern  Hemisphere,  that 
they  attain  the  size  of  tree-ferns.  One  or  two  species  are  annual,  and  a 
single  one,  Ceratopteris  thalictroides,  is  aquatic,  while  a  very  few  have  a 

G 


82  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

climbing  habit.  The  number  of  species  which  are  at  the  present  time 
applied  to  any  economical  purpose  is  extremely  small.  The  common 
brake,  Pteris  aquilina,  is  largely  used  throughout  Northern  Europe  for 
forage  purposes,  and  for  the  stuffing  of  rough  beds  and  pillows.  The  so- 
called  '  male  fern,'  Aspidium  filix-mas,  has  a  very  ancient  repute  as  a 
vermifuge,  and  is  still  occasionally  employed  for  that  purpose,  as  also  are 
several  other  species  to  a  less  extent  in  different  parts  of  the  globe,  either 
for  a  similar  purpose  or  as  astringents  and  mucilages.  In  several  species, 
especially  tropical,  the  stem  contains  sufficient  starch  to  be  esculent. 
The  number  of  known  species  of  ferns  is  at  present  estimated  at  about 
3,000,  but  it  is  constantly  and  rapidly  increasing.  They  are  arranged  in 
a  comparatively  small  number  of  genera,  the  limits  of  which  are  often 
extremely  difficult  to  define. 

LITERATURE. 

Mettenius — Filices  Hort.  Bot.  Lipsiensis,  1856. 

Hofmeister — Abhandl.   Sachs.  Gesell.  Wiss.,  vol.  v.,  1857  ;  and  Pringsheim's  Jahrb. 

wiss.  Bot.,  1863,  p.  278. 
Wigand — Botanische  Untersuchungen,  1854. 
Newman — History  of  British  Ferns,  4th  ed.,  1865. 
Reess — (Sporange)  Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1867,  p.  217. 
Strasburger — (Fertilisation)  ibid.,  1869,  p.  390. 
Kny— (Antherid)  Monber.  Akad.  Wiss.   Berlin,    1869,   p.    416  ;    and   Pringsheim's 

Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1869,  p.  i. 
Hooker  and  Baker— Synopsis  Filicum,  1868. 

Goebel — (Prothallium  of  Gymnogramme)  Bot.  Zeit.,  1877,  pp.  671  et  seq. 
Weiss— (Bundle-sheath)  Flora,  1880,  p.  119. 

Cramer— (Fertilisation)  Denkschr.  Schweiz.  Naturf.  Gesell.,  1880. 
Haberlandt — (Vascular  Bundles)  Sitzber.  Akad.  Wiss.  Wien,  Ixxxiv. ,  1881,  p.  121. 
Lachmann— (Root-organs)  Compt.  Rend.,  xcviii.,  1884,  p.  833  ;  and  ci.,  1885,  p.  592. 
Klein— Bot.  Zeit.,  1884,  pp.  577  et  seq. 
Schmidt— (Dehiscence  of  Sporange)  Flora,    1885,  pp.  451,  471,  and  1887,  pp.  177, 

202  ;  and  Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Ges.,  1886,  p.  396. 
Campbell— (Prothallium)  Bot.  Gazette,  1885,  p.  355. 
Thomae— (Leaf-stalk)  Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1886,  p.  99. 
Goebeler— (Pales)  Flora,  1 886,  pp.  451  et  seq. 
Gardiner  and  Ito— (Mucilage-cells)  Ann.  of  Bot.,  i.,  1887,  p.  27. 
Campbell — (Struthiopteris  germanica)  Mem.  Boston  Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  1887,  P-  17> 
Kiindig— (Sporange)  Hedwigia,  1888,  p.  I. 


The  following  classification  of  the  Filices  into  families  or  orders 
follows  partly  the  plan  proposed  by  Mettenius,  partly  that  adopted  in 
Hooker  and  Baker's  *  Synopsis  Filicum.'  It  must,  however,  be  distinctly 
borne  in  mind  that  the  divisions  are  of  very  unequal  value.  The  first 
three  are  closely  allied  to  one  another  ;  the  Hymenophyllaceae  show  con- 


FILICES  83 

siderably  greater  divergence  ;  the  affinity  of  Osmundaceae  and  Schizaeaceae 
with  the  typical  ferns  is  more  remote  ;  while  the  Marattiaceae  exhibit  so 
many  points  of  divergence  that  some  high  authorities  have  removed 
them  altogether  from  the  Filices. 


ORDER  i. — POLYPODIACE^E. 

This  order  includes  by  far  the  largest  number  of  genera  and  species, 
and  may  be  regarded  as  the  typical  family  of  ferns.  The  sporanges 
arise  out  of  single  epidermal  cells,  and  have  usually  long  pedicels  ;  they 


FIG.  57.— Alsophila  aculeata  Klotzsch,  a  tree-fern  (reduced). 

have  an  incomplete  vertical  annulus,  and  consequently  dehisce  trans- 
versely. The  sori  vary  greatly  in  size  and  form,  and  usually  consist  of 
a  large  number  of  sporanges.  They  are  seated  on  the  under  side  of  the 
divided  or  undivided  leaf,  upon  the  veins  ;  much  less  often  (Acrosticheae) 
also  on  the  upper  surface  or  in  connection  with  the  mesophyll ;  they 
are  usually  covered  by  an  indusium  in  the  Asplenieae,  Aspidiese,  and 
Davallieae,  but  not  in  the  Acrosticheae  or  Polypodiese.  In  the  great 
majority  of  species  all  the  leaves  are  ultimately  fertile;  but  in  some  genera 
(Gymnogramme  (Desv.),  Lomaria  (Willd.),  Platycerium  (Desv.),  &c.) 

G  2 


84 


VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 


there  are   species  with  barren   and   fertile   leaves,    differing  from   one 
another  in  habit  and  in  degree  of  segmentation  ;  in  other  heterophyllous 


FIG.  58.— Sori  of  Polypodiaceac (variously  magnified),  a,  b,  Adiantunt ;  c,  Lindsaya  ;  <i,  e,  Blechnum ; 
f*g>  Cystopteris  ;  h,  i,  Da-vallia ;  k,  /,  Cheilanthes ;  tn,  «,  Pteris  ;  o,fl,  Woodwardia ;  q,  Scolopen- 
drium;  r,  s,  Asplenium;  t,  Aspidium ;  u,v}  Woodsia;  w,  Gymnogramme ;  x,  z,  Polypodium. 
(After  Luerssen.) 

ferns  (species  of  Polypodium)  both  forms  of  leaf  are  fertile.     A  few  of 
the  Polypodies  are  arborescent  (Dicksonia  L'Herit). 


FILICES 


85 


Principal  genera  :  —  Adiantum  (L.),  Cheilanthes  (Sw.),  Pellaea  (Link), 
Pteris  (L.),  Lomaria  (Willd.),  Blechnum  (L.),  Woodwardia  (Sm.),  Doodia 
(R.  Br.),  Asplenium  (L.),  Scolopendrium  (Sm.),  Aspidium  (Sw.),  Nephro- 
dium(Rich.),  Lastrea  (Presl),  Nephrolepis  (Sch.),  Polypodium(L.),  Notho- 
clsena  (R.  Br.),  Gymnogramme  (Desv.),  Hermonitis  (L.),  Vittaria  (Sm.), 
Acrostichum  (L.),  Platycerium  (Desv.),  Onoclea  (L.),  Woodsia  (R.  Br.), 
Ceterach  (Adans.),  Dicksonia  (L'Herit.),  Davallia  (Sm.),  Cystopteris 
(Bernh.),  Lindsaya  (Dry.). 


with  open  indusium  (mag- 


ORDER  2. — CYATHEACE^E. 

This  order  is  not  distinguished  from  the  Polypodiaceae  by  any  very 
clear  lines  of  demarcation.  The  sporanges  are  epidermal  and  shortly 
stalked  ;  they  have  a  complete  oblique  eccentric  annulus.  The  sori 
are  seated  on  a  receptacle  or  placenta  which  often  projects  consider- 
ably ;  they  are  naked,  or  are  more  often  enclosed  in 
a  cup-shaped  indusium  or  '  involucre,'  which  some- 
times forms  a  closed  cup  opening  by  a  transverse 
fissure  ;  the  sporanges  are  densely  crowded  in  the 
sorus.  The  greater  number  of  the  tree-ferns 
belong  to  this  family  (fig.  57).  The  leaves  are 
often  very  large  (five  to  ten  feet  in  length),  and 
usually  compoundly  pinnate,  forming  a  rosette  at  the  summit  of  the 
columnar  unbranched  arborescent  stem,  which  is  densely  covered 
with  aerial  roots,  especially  in  its  lower  portion,  and  is  marked  in  a 
diamond  pattern  by  the  scars  of  fallen  leaves.  In  some  species,  in 
addition  to  the  ordinary  cylinder  of  'vascular'  bundles,  there  are  a 
number  of  accessory  bundles  distributed  through  the  medulla  and 
cortex,  forming  a  delicate  open  network.  Crystals  of  calcium  oxalate 
are  not  uncommon  in  the  epidermal  cells. 

Principal  genera  : — Cyathea  (Sm.),  Hemitelia  (Br.),  Alsophila  (R.  Br.). 

ORDER  3. — GLEICHENIACE^E. 

The  sporanges  are  epidermal  and  sessile,  with  a 
broad  complete  transverse  annulus  running  nearly  hori- 
zontally, and  hence  with  vertical  dehiscence.  The  sori 
are  naked,  on  the  under  side  of  ordinary  leaves,  and 
usually  consist  of  only  three  or  four  sporanges.  The 
stem  is  a  slender  creeping  rhizome  ;  the  leaves  are  usually 
very  large,  and  with  peculiar  buds  or  '  innovations '  on 
the  lamina. 

Principal  genera  : — Gieichenia  (Sm.),  Mertensia  (Willd.). 


, 

FIG.  60.—  Sporan^e 

of      Gieichenia 
(mas"ified>' 


86 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


ar, 


ORDER   4.  —  HYMENOPHYLLACE^E.    . 

The  oophyte  generation  is  known  but  in  a  very  few  species  of 
Hymenophyllaceae,  Where  it  has  been  observed  (some  species  of 
Hymenophyllum  and  Trichomanes)  it  differs  from  that  of  other  ferns, 
and  is  usually  filiform,  closely  resembling  the  protoneme  of  a  moss,  but 
somewhat  coarser.  Antherids  appear  to  be  produced  at  the  middle  of 
these  filaments,  and  archegones  at  their  extremity.  But  apogamy  is 
much  more  common  in  the  Hymenophyllaceae  than  in  any  other  family 
of  ferns,  and  it  is  doubtful  whether  it  does  not  even  occur  regularly  in 
some  species.  Bulbils  or  gemmae  are  produced  abundantly  on  the  pro- 
thallium,  consisting  of  a  small  number  of  cells,  and  borne  on  pedicels 
or  sterigmas.  They  germinate  with  extreme  slowness.  In  Trichomanes 

pyxidiferum  (L.)  the  prothallium  is 
frequently  an  aposporous  growth, 
derived  from  imperfect  arrested 
sporanges,  or  even  from  cells  of 
the  placenta.  The  archegones 
are  borne  on  peculiar  structures, 
known  as  archegoniophores^  mas- 
sive outgrowths  of  the  prothal- 
lium, each  archegoniophore  bear- 
ing either  a  single  arch,egone  or 
several.  The  archegoniophore  is 
usually  a  multicellular  structure, 

and  the  Venters  of  the  archegOttCS 
.      ,       ,,     ,     .  .  ™ 

are    imbedded    in    US    tlSSUC.       T. 

alatum  (Sw.)   is   habitually  apo- 

gamous,  and  is  possibly  never  reproduced  sexually.  Aposporous  pro- 
thallia  spring  in  great  numbers  from  all  parts  of  the  frond,  often  quite 
independent  of  the  sori,  and  are  more  flattened  and  ribbon-like  in  struc- 
ture than  those  of  most  Hymenophyllaceae,  They  produce  large 
numbers  of  stalked  gemmae.  Archegones  have  never  been  observed  in 
this  species,  and  the  antherids  are  imperfect,  and  apparently  functionless 
The  spores  are  multicellular  before  germination.  The  archegones  differ 
from  those  of  other  ferns  in  having  a  perfectly  straight  neck. 

The  sporanges  have  a  complete  horizontal  or  oblique  annulus 
(incomplete  in  Loxsoma,  R.  Br.),  and  hence  dehisce  by  a  vertical  fissure. 
They  are  borne  on  a  prolongation  of  the  fertile  vein,  the  columel^  which 
projects  beyond  the  margin  of  the  leaf,  and  is  enclosed  in  the  cup-shaped 
indusium.  The  columel  or  placenta  elongates  by  intercalary  growth,, 
and  the  sporanges  are  produced  on  it  in  a  spiral  line  in  basifugal  succes- 


FIG.  61.—  Archegoniophore  of  Trichomanes  pyxi- 
diferum  L.,  bearing  five  archegones,  art  of 
different  ages  (x  175).  (After  Bower.) 


FILICES 


sion.  In  Hymenophyllum  (L.)  and  Trichomanes  (Sm.)  the  sporanges  are 
sessile  and  biconvex,  and  are  attached  to  the  columel  by  one  of  their 
convex  faces  ;  the  annulus,  projecting  in  the  form  of  a  cushion,  separates 
the  two  convexities,  and  is  usually  oblique,  dividing  the  circumference 
into  two  unequal  portions  :  in  Loxsoma  they  are  pear-shaped  and  dis- 
tinctly stalked.  Para- 
physes  occur  only  in  a 
few  species  of  Hymeno- 
phyllum. The  meso- 
phyll  of  the  leaf  consists, 
in  the  two  larger  genera, 
of  only  a  single  layer  of 
cells,  and  the  leaves 
have  hence  a  filmy  and 


FIG.  63. — tfymenophyllitin\  spo- 
ranges exposed  (magnified). 

moss -like  appearance  \ 
but  in  Loxsoma  there 
are  several  layers  of 
cells,  and  the  leaf  is  then 
provided  with  stomates. 
The  stem  is  generally 
creeping  and  mostly 
very  slender,  and  is  pene- 
trated by  a  single  axial 

FIG.  62. — Hymenophyllum  tunbridgense  (natural  size).  'vaSCUlar'       bundle 

Many  species  of  Trichomanes  are  rootless ;  and  the  stem  is  then  densely 
clothed  with  root-hairs,  and  slender  ramifications  of  the  stem  assume 
the  appearance  and  function  of  true  roots.  Even  the  ordinary  branches 
of  the  stem  have  often  been  long  formed  before  their  leaves  emerge  from 
a  rudimentary  condition.  In  some  species  of  Trichomanes  the  fructifica- 
tion is  confined  to  special  fertile  leaves. 

The  Hymenophyllaceae  include  but  three  genera,  of  which  Loxsoma 
comprises    a  single    species   only,    of  creeping   habit,    native   of  New 


88 


VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 


FIG.  64. — A,  germinating  spore  and  prothallium  of  Hy7neno- 
phyllnm  ;  £,  C,  Z>,  stages  in  development  of  prothallium 
(x  120).  (After  Luerssen.) 


FIG.  65. — Prothallium  of  Osutunda 
regalis  L.  a,  antherids ;  w, 
rhizoids;  v,  growing  point.  (After 
Goebel.) 


Zealand  ;  Hymenophyl- 
lum  and  Trichomanes 
nearly  100  species  each, 
exceedingly  delicate  and 
graceful  ferns,  growing 
mostly  on  the  trunks  of 
trees  and  damp  rocks, 
often  within  reach  of  the 
spray  of  waterfalls,  in  the 
moister  and  warmer  parts 
of  the  globe.  The  smaller 
species  of  Hymenophyl- 
lum  are  known  as  *  filmy 
ferns.'  The  Hymeno- 
phyllaceae  may  be  re- 
garded as  the  simplest 
and  are  probably  the  oldest 
family  of  ferns,  and  pos- 
sibly form  a  connecting  link  be- 
tween the  Muscinese  and  the  Vas- 
cular Cryptogams. 

LITERATURE. 

Mettenius  —  Ueber  die  Ftymenophyl- 
laceen,  1864. 

Janczewski  and  Rostafinski  —  (Prothal- 
lium) Mem.  Soc.  Nat.  Sc.  Cher- 
bourg, xix.,  1875. 

Goebel — (Germination)  Ann.  Jard.  Bot. 
Buitenzorg,  vii.,  1887,  p.  57. 

Prantl—  Untersuchungen  zur  Morpho- 
logic derGefasskryptogamen,  Heft  I. 

Bower — Annals  of  Botany,  vol.  i.,  1887, 
pp.  183  and  269. 

ORDER  5.— OSMUNDACE^E. 

The  prothallium  of  the  Os- 
mundaceae  is  characterised  by  its 
strong  tendency  to  propagate  itself 
vegetatively,  by  means  of  adventi- 
tious shoots,  and  is  commonly 
dioecious,  springing  directly  from 
the  spore.  It  is  usually  ribbon- 
shaped,  with  a  well-defined  midrib 


FILICES 


89 


The  sessile  or  shortly  stalked,  roundish,  but  unsymmetrical  sporanges 
are  not  strictly  epidermal  in  their  origin.  They  bear  on  one  side  of  their 
apex  a  modified  annulus  in  the  form  of  a  group  of  cells  of  peculiar  form, 
and  dehisce  vertically  on  the  other  side.  Todea  (Willd.)  presents  no 

difference  between  the  fertile 
and  sterile  leaves  ;  while  in 
Osmunda  (L.)the  fructification 
has  the  appearance  of  a  con- 
tinuous or  interrupted  panicle, 


FIG.  67. — Mucilage-gland  from  Osmitnda. 
regalis  (magnified).     (After  Gardiner.) 

from  the  entire  absorption  of 
the  mesophyll  of  the  fertile 
part  of  the  leaf.  In  some 
species  of  Todea  the  leaf  con- 
sists of  only  a  single  layer  of 
cells.  In  Osmunda  there  are 


FIG.  68. — Sporange  of  Osiminda 
(magnified). 

abundant  mucilage-cells  at 
the  base  of  the  leaf-stalk. 
The  ^vascular '  bundles  of  the 
stem  are  collateral,  as  con- 
trasted with  the  concentric 
bundles  of  typical  ferns,  and  their  course  bears  more  resemblance  to 
that  in  Gymnosperms  and  in  Dicotyledons.  In  the  structure  of  the 
leaves,  and  in  the  structure  and  development  of  the  growing  point, 
Osmundaceae  exhibit  a  transitional  condition  between  the  typical  ferns 


FIG.  66. — Osmunda  regalis  L.     Portion  of  frond 
(natural  size). 


90  VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 

and  the  Marattiacese.     The  young  leaves  (in  Osmunda  cinnamomea,  LM 
and  Todea  superba,  Col.)  present  the  remarkable  peculiarity  of  their 
apex  being  occupied  by  a  well-marked  triangular-conical  apical  cell. 
The  family  includes  only  a  very  small  number  of  species,  comprised 
in  the  two  genera  Osmunda  (L.)  and  Todea 
(Willd.).    Osmunda  regalis  (L.),  growing  in 
bogs,  with  remarkably  coriaceous  leaves,  is 
our  '  royal  fern '  or  •  flowering  fern.' 

LITERATURE. 

Bower — Proc.    Roy.   Soc.,    xxxvii.,    1884,  p.    42; 

and  Quart.  Journ.  Micr.  Sc.,  1885,  p.  75. 
Gardiner  and  Ito — Annals  of  Botany,  vol.  i.,  1887, 

p.  27. 

ORDER  6. — SCHIZ^ACE^E. 

The  ovoid  or  pear-shaped  sessile  spo- 
ranges  are  not  strictly  epidermal  in  their 
origin.  The  apex  of  the  sporange  is  occu- 
pied by  a  cap-like  zone  of  cells  of  peculiar 
form,  and  the  dehiscence  is  vertical.  In 
the  genera  Aneimia  (Sw.)  and  Schizaea 
(Sm.)  the  fertile  leaves  have  the  paniculate 
appearance  of  an  Osmunda.  In  Schizaea  and 
Lygodium  (Sw.)  the  sporanges  are  seated  in 
two  rows  on  the  under  side  of  very  narrow 
pinnae  ;  and  in  Lygodium  each  sporange  is 
enclosed  in  a  pocket-shaped  industum.  In 
Aneimia  the  two  lowermost  pinnae  form  a 
long-stalked  panicle,  from  which  the  meso- 
phyll  has  disappeared.  In  Aneimia  and 
Lygodium  the  sporanges  spring  originally 
from  the  margin  of  the  leaf,  but  are  eventu- 
ally placed  in  the  course  of  development 
on  its  under  side.  In  Mohria  (Sw.)  they  are 
placed  on  the  back  of  the  leaf,  and  are  con- 
FIG.  (^.—LygodhtmpaimatumSvi.  cealed  by  its  recurved  margin.  The  differ- 

(reduced).  '  ,1-1 

entiation  of  tissues,  both  in  the  mesophyll 

of  the  leaf  and  in  the  '  vascular '  bundles,  is  very  slight.  The  stem  is 
in  general  but  feebly  developed,  and  seldom  branches  ;  the  leaf-stalk  is 
penetrated  by  only  a  single  '  vascular '  bundle.  The  peculiar  position 
of  the  stomates  in  some  species  of  Aneimia  has  already  been  described. 


FILICES  91 

The  family  of  Schizaeaceae  comprises  a  small  number  of  species,  in- 
cluded in  five  genera,  of  which  Mohria(Sw.)and  Trochopteris  (Gardn.)are 
monotypic.  Aneimia  (Sw.)  and  Schizaea  (Sm.)  resemble  the  Osmundaceae 
in  their  paniculate  appearance.  All  the  species  of  Lygodium  (Sw.)  pre- 
sent the  appearance  of  climbing  stems,  from  the  peculiar  structure  and 
mode  of  growth  of  the  leaves  already  described.  The  family  is  confined 
to  the  warmer  parts  of  the  globe. 

LITERATURE. 

Prantl — Untersuchungen  zur  Morphologic  der  Gefasskryptogamen,   Heft   2,    1881  ; 
also  in  Engler's  Jahrb.  1881,  p.  297. 

ORDER  7. — MARATTIACE^E. 

The  Marattiaceae  differ  more  widely  from  the  typical  ferns  than  any 
of  the  families  hitherto  described,  and  are  by  many  authorities  separated 
from  them  into  a  distinct  class.  But  the  point  of  divergence  most  relied 
on,  the  endogenous  origin  of  the  sporanges,  has  lost  much  of  its  signifi- 
cance since  it  has  been  known  that  the  Osmundaceae  and  Schizaeacese 
present  connecting  links  in  this  respect.  The  aerial  flat  prothallium, 
the  circinate  vernation  and  general  structure  of  the  leaf,  and  the  ultimate 
structure  of  the  sori,  present  so  many  points  of  contact  with  the  other 
orders  of  Filices,  that  it  seems  most  desirable  at  present  to  retain  them 
as  an  aberrant  order  of  the  class. 

The  prothallium,  the  development  of  which  is  very  slow,  is  a  dark 
green  elliptical  or  heart-shaped  plate  of  tissue,  lying  on  the  surface  of 
the  soil,  consisting  of  one  or  more  layers  of  cells,  and  with  a  projecting 
hemispherical  cushion  on  the  under  side.  Its  development  has  been 
followed  out  in  Marattia  (Sm.)  and  Angiopteris  (Hoffm.).  Chlorophyll  is 
formed  in  the  spore  as  soon  as  it  begins  to  germinate.  The  exospore 
bursts,  and  the  first  cell  of  the  prothallium  projects  as  a  papilla  between 
the  two  lobes.  After  a  considerable  time  the  first  division  takes  place 
at  right  angles  to  the  direction  of  growth,  and  the  first  rhizoid  is  formed. 
Further  divisions  follow  rapidly,  and  the  prothallium  soon  becomes  a 
cellular  tissue,  and  is  distinguished  from  that  of  typical  ferns  by  its  deep 
green  colour  and  by  its  moderately  thick  cuticle.  One  of  the  cells  first 
formed  becomes  an  apical  cell,  from  which  fresh  cells  are  formed  until 
the  prothallium  has  assumed  its  ultimate  cordate  form.  The  antherids 
make  their  appearance,  after  a  period  of  some  months,  on  both  sides  of 
the  prothallium,  but  especially  on  the  ventral  cushion.  Their  structure 
differs  in  some  respects  from  that  of  typical  ferns.  From  a  single 
superficial  cell  are  produced  a  central  cell,  two  upper  cells,  and  a 
triangular  stigmatic  cell,  which  is  thrown  off.  when  the  antherid  is 


92  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

mature.  Within  the  central  cell  are  produced  from  twenty  to  two  hundred 
antherozoids,  each  in  its  own  mother-cell.  Both  antherids  and  arche- 
gones  are  deeply  sunk  in  the  tissue  of  the  prothallium.  The  archegones, 
only  the  uppermost  part  of  the  neck  of  which  appears  above  the  surface, 
are  formed  on  the  ventral  cushion,  very  rarely  on  the  upper  side  of  the 
prothallium.  Their  development  presents  no  very  special  features. 

The  sporophyte  generation  has,  when  mature,  the  habit  and  appear- 
ance of  an  ordinary  fern.  The  stem  is  usually  erect  and  short,  with 
tuberous  base,  never  attaining  a  greater  height  than  from  one  to  two 
feet  ;  less  often  (Kaulfussia,  Bl.)  a  creeping  underground  rhizome.  It 
resembles  the  stem  of  OphioglossaceSe  and  Isoeteae  in  never  branching  ; 
that  of  true  ferns  in  being  densely  covered,  when  erect,  with  leaves  as 
well  as  with  roots,  so  that  no  portion  is  left  exposed.  The  growing 
point  has  a  single  apical  cell,  and  is  concealed  in  a  terminal  rosette  of 
large  leaves.  The  fundamental  tissue  is  everywhere  traversed  by  long 
rows  of  tannin-cells  ;  and  lysigenous  mucilage-cells 
abound  in  the  petioles  and  in  the  parenchyme 
of  the  pith  and  cortex  of  the  stem  ;  they  anasto- 
mose freely,  and  are  continuous  from  the  stem 
into  the  roots.  The  sclerenchyrnatous  tissue,  so 
characteristic  of  the  parenchyme  of  the  stem  of 
typical  ferns,  is  but  feebly  developed,  or  is  alto- 
gether wanting,  in  the  Marattiaceae.  The.  '  vascu- 

Fro.7o.-Baseofieaf,taikof  lar  '  bundles  are  concentric,  and  resemble  those 
Marattia  cut  through.  st,   of  true  ferns.     A  central  xylem,  composed  of  wide 

stipule  ;   c,  commissure  ;  v,  .       .  .  1-1  •  111  i 

anterior,  k,  posterior  wing   scalanform    tracheides,    is    surrounded    by   the 

(natural  size).  (After  Sachs.)    ^^  .      ^    bundle.sheath     js    wanting     in     the 


bundles  belonging  to  the  stem  and  leaves,  but  is  present  in  those  of  the 
root.  The  bundles  bend  from  the  stem  into  the  leaves  in  the  ordinary 
way.  The  stem  and  rachis  of  the  leaves  are  not  covered  with  pales,  as 
in  true  ferns,  nor  are  they  completely  glabrous,  as  in  the  Ophioglossaceae. 
The  leaves  are  thick,  coriaceous,  and  very  large,  attaining  in  some 
species  a  length  of  from  five  to  ten  feet.  They  have  a  long  and  very 
stout  petiole,  which  is  channelled  on  the  upper  side  ;  the  lamina  unfolds 
very  slowly,  and  is  either  simply  or  doubly  pinnate,  less  often  palmate 
or  digitate.  They  are  furnished  at  their  base  with  appendages  peculiar 
to  the  Marattiacese  among  Vascular  Cryptogams,  the  stipules  or  auricles. 
While  still  in  the  bud  the  leaves  are  rolled  up  in  a  circinate  manner, 
and  are  entirely  enveloped  in  the  large  stipules  until  the  lamina  unfolds. 
The  pair  of  stipules  belonging  to  each  petiole  form  an  anterior  and  a 
posterior  chamber,  separated  from  one  another  by  a  longitudinal  wall 
termed  the  commissure.  In  the  posterior  chamber  is  the  rolled-up  leaf 


FILICES  93 

to  which  the  stipules  belong,  the  two  posterior  wings  of  the  stipule 
being  folded  together  behind  it  ;  while  the  chamber  formed  by  the 
anterior  wings  encloses  all  the  younger  leaves.  The  stipules  remain 
succulent,  not  merely  as  long  as  the  leaves  last,  but  even  after  the 
lamina  has  fallen  off;  and  adventitious  buds  are  not  unfrequent  upon 
them.  The  leaf-stalk  is  articulated  immediately  above  the  stipule  ;  the 
leaf  always  becomes  detached  at  this  articulation  by  a  smooth  scar, 
leaving  behind  the  base  of  the  leaf-stalk  with  its  succulent  stipules. 
The  primary  and  secondary  pinnae  are  attached  to  their  respective  rachis 
by  similar  articulations  ;  and  at  each  articulation  is  a  pulvinus  or  cushion, 
containing  collenchymatous  tissue.  In  the  mesophyll  of  the  leaf  occur, 
in  all  the  genera,  outgrowths  of  the  cell-walls  bounding  the  intercellular 
spaces  and  projecting  into  them.  Where  the  intercellular  spaces  are 
small  these  outgrowths  have  the  form  of  humps  and  cones  ;  in  larger 
spaces  they  elongate  into  long  slender  filaments  which  present  a  super- 
•  ficial  resemblance  to  the  hyphae  of  Fungi,  but  are  quite  solid,  and  consist 
of  cuticularised  cellulose.  They  are  found  also  less  abundantly  in  the 
leaf-stalk,  stem,  and  root.  Layers  and  bundles  of  sclerenchyme  occur 
in  the  mesophyll,  but  are  only  feebly  developed  and  of  a  light  colour. 
The  leaves  of  Kaulfussia  are  characterised  by  the  presence  of  remarkably 
large  stomates  on  the  under  side,  formed  in  the  ordinary  way,  but  dis- 
tinguished by  the  great  .size  of  the  orifice,  and  by  the  guard-cells  forming 
a  narrow  ring,  and  being  surrounded  ~by  two  or  three  layers  of  epidermal 
cells,  which  are  also  arranged  in  a  ring.  There  are  only  two  semicir- 
cular guard-cells,  and  the  structure  of  these  organs  is  very  different  from 
that  of  the  stomates  of  Marchantia,  to  which  they  bear  a  superficial 
resemblance.  Lenticels  occur  in  the  leaf-stalk  of  many  species. 
Spherocrystals  have  been  found  in  the  mesophyll  and  leaf-stalk  of 
Marattia  cicutaefolia  (Kaulf.)  and  Angiopteris  evecta  (Hoffm.). 

The  roots  arise  endogenously  from  immediately  beneath  the  growing 
point  of  the  stem.  They  strike  obliquely  downwards  through  the 
succulent  parenchyme  of  the  stem,  penetrating  the  network  of  the 
'  vascular  '  bundles,  with  which  they  may  easily  be  confounded,  and  gene- 
rally emerging  from  a  leaf-stalk.  They  are  of  a  lighter  colour,  greater 
thickness,  and  more  delicate  texture  than  those  of  true  ferns,  approach- 
ing those  of  Ophioglossaceae.  After  entering  the  soil  they  branch 
copiously  and  apparently  monopodially. 

The  sporanges  are  produced  in  large  numbers  on  the  under  side  of 
ordinary  leaves,  each  being  developed,  not  from  a  single  cell,  but  from 
a  group  of  cells.  They  are  situated  on  the  veins,  and  usually  form  two 
rows  of  sori,  which  cover  the  lateral  veins  either  for  their  whole  length 
or  only  near  the  margin  of  the  leaf ;  in  Kaulfussia  they  are  placed  on 


94 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


fine  anastomosing  branches  between  the  lateral  veins.  The  placenta  or 
receptacle  on  which  each  sorus  is  seated  is  a  cushion-like  outgrowth  of 
the  vein.  The  sporanges  are  altogether  destitute  of  an  annulus  ;  the 
wall  always  consists  of  several  layers  of  cells.  In  Angiopteris  the 
sporanges  which  make  up  a  sorus  are  quite  distinct,  ovoid,  and  sessile, 
and  dehisce  by  a  vertical  fissure  on  the  inner  side.  In  all  the  other 
genera  they  are  more  or  less  confluent,  and  the  entire  boat-shaped  sorus 
is  then  known  as  a  synange ;  but  each  sporange  still  dehisces  separately 
by  a  vertical  slit  on  its  inner  side  ;  or,  in  Danaea,  by  an  apical  pore. 
The  coalescence  is  most  complete  in  Kaulfussia,  where  the  circular 
sorus  has  the  appearance  of  a  plurilocular  basin.  The  sorus  is  usually 
surrounded  by  flat  lobed  hairs  of  epidermal  origin,  forming  a  kind  of 


FIG.  71. — A,  under  side  of  leaf  of  A n%iopteris  caudata  ;  B,  of  Marattia  ;  s.  sori ;  C,  sorus  of 
Marattia  cut  through,  showing  open  sporanges.     (After  Goebel.) 

involucre.  The  true  indusium  is  sometimes  altogether  wanting.  The 
sporanges  originate  from  the  tissue  of  the  leaf  itself.  The  placenta  is 
first  formed  as  a  cushion-like  outgrowth  of  the  fertile  vein,  partly  from 
the  epiderm,  partly  from  the  subjacent  tissue.  On  this  originate,  in 
Angiopteris,  the  separate  sporanges  as  papillae,  each  composed  of  a 
number  of  cells.  In  Marattia,  however,  while  the  two  rows  of  sporanges 
are  distinct,  those  of  each  row  are  confluent  from  the  first,  but  each  has 
its  own  archespore.  The  primary  mother-cells  of  the  spores  are  formed 
at  an  early  period  within  the  archespore. 

The  spores  are  formed  in  fours  within  their  parent-cells,  and  resemble 
in  general  character  those  of  typical  ferns.  Two  different  forms  of  spore 
sometimes  occur  in  the  same  species,  but  they  present  no  difference  on 


FILICES  95 

germination.  The  wall  of  the  spore  is  composed  of  three  layers  ;  the 
surface  is  covered  by  minute  wart-like  spines. 

Vegetative  propagation  takes  place  with  great  facility  in  some  species 
of  this  family.  In  Marattia  cicutaefolia  the  leaves,  or  even  the  stipules, 
have  only  to  be  cut  into  small  pieces,  and  placed  in  damp  soil  or  in  a 
bottle,  when  a  number  of  adventitious  buds  will  be  developed  in  con- 
nection with  the  *  vascular '  bundles. 

The  Marattiaceae  comprise  only  a  very  small  number  of  species, 
almost  entirely  confined  to  the  tropics,  and  included  in  the  four  genera 
Angiopteris  (Hoffm.),  Marattia  (Sm.),  Danaea  (Sw.),  and  Kaulfussia(BL). 
With  the  exception  of  the  stipules,  and  the  great  thickness  of  the  leaves, 
they  have  quite  the  habit  of  ordinary  ferns. 

LITERATURE. 

De  Vriese  and  Harting — Monographic  des  Marattiacees,  1853. 

Mettenius — Ueber  den  Bau  von  Angiopteris,  1863. 

Luerssen — Mittheil.  aus  denvGesammtgebiete  der  Bot.,  vol.  i.,  Heft  3,  1872;  and 

Bot.  Zeit.,  1872,  p.  768  ;  and  1873,  pp.  624  and  641. 
Russow — Vergleichende  Untersuchungen,  1872,  p.  185. 
Holle— Bot.  Zeit.,  1875,  P-  2I5- 

Jonkman — Bot.  Zeit.,  1878,  p.  129;  and  Archives  Neerland.,  1880. 
Schenk— Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell.,  1886,  p.  86. 


Class  V.— Ophioglossaceae. 

This  small  but  very  well-defined  group,  although  popularly  included 
with  the  Filices  under  the  common  denomination  of  ferns,  differs  from 
them  in  several  important  points  of  structure,  in  some  of  which  a  con- 
necting link  is  furnished  by  the  Marattiaceae.  The  prothallium  is  under- 
ground and  destitute  of  chlorophyll,  exhibiting  a  similarity  to  that  of 
Lycopodiaceae  rather  than  to  that  of  true  ferns.  The  stem  rarely  at-, 
tains  more  than  a  few  inches  in  height,  and  usually  does  not  branch  ;  it 
is  remarkable  for  its  slowness  in  growth.  It  contains  no  sclerenchy- 
matous  layers.  The  leaves  are  not  circinate  in  vernation,  and  the 
petiole  is  furnished  at  the  base  with  lateral  outgrowths,  which  have 
been  compared  to  the  stipules  of  Marattiaceae.  The  venation  is  dicho- 
tomous  or  reticulate,  and  generally  inconspicuous.  The  sporanges  are 
completely  endogenous  in  their  origin,  and  are  never  borne  on  the  under 
side  of  the  green  leaf,  but  on  a  separate  branch  of  the  leaf,  altogether 
destitute  of  green  parenchyme,  and  form  a  compound  '  fructification,' 
.  resembling  in  appearance  a  spike  or  panicle :  there  is  no  annulus.  The 


96 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


1  vascular '  bundles  of  the  stem  are  collateral ;  the  primitive  elements  of 
the  xylem  are  usually  scalariform  tracheides. 

The  oophyte  generation  has  been  observed  in  only  a  few  species.    In 


FIG.  T2.—Opkioglossum  vulgatum  L.     A,  p'ant  (natural  size)  ;  B,  portion  of 
sporophyll  (magnified). 

Ophioglossum  (pedunculosum,  Desv.)  it  has  at  first  the  form  of  a  small 
round  parenchymatous  tuber,  entirely  buried  in  the  soil  and  destitute 
of  chlorophyll,  from  which  is  subsequently  developed  a  cylindrical 
vermiform  shoot,  which  grows  erect  by  means  of  a  single  apical  cell, 


OPHIOGLOSSA  CE.^ 


97 


and  very  rarely  branches,  and  then  but  slightly.  The  apex  of  this  shoot 
finally  appears  above  ground,  develops  chlorophyll,  becomes  lobed,  and 
ceases  to  grow.  When  fully  developed,  the  prothallium  consists  of  an 
axial  bundle  of  elongated  cells  surrounded  by  shorter 
parenchymatous  cells  :  its  upper  surface  is  clothed  with 
rhizoids.  Its  length  sometimes  amounts  to  as  much 
as  two  inches,  though  generally  it  is  much  shorter ;  its 
breadth  is  always  very  small.  In  Botrychium  (Lunaria, 
Sw.)  the  prothallium  is  a  minute  light  brown  or  yel- 
lowish white  ovoid  mass  of  firm  cellular  tissue,  subter- 
ranean and  destitute  of  chlorophyll,  and  producing 
rhizoids  from  all  sides.  In  both  genera  the  prothallium 
is  monoecious. 

The  archegones^  antherids,  and  antherozoids  do  not 
differ    materially  in  structure   from   those  of  Filices. 


i 


FIG.  74.— Longitudinal  section  of  prothallium  of  Botrychium  Lunaria^ 
showing  archegones  and  antherids  (x  50).     (After  Hofmeister.j 


Neither  archegones  nor  antherids  are  limited  in  their 
production  to  any  particular  part  of  the  prothallium. 
In  Botrychium  (Sw.)  the  antherids  are  cavities  in  the 
tissue  chiefly  of  the  upper  side  of  the  prothallium,  and 
the  archegones  are  produced  in  their  immediate 
vicinity;  in  Ophioglossum  (L.)  they  project  slightly  above 
the  surface.  Before  opening  to  discharge  the  anthero- 
zoids, they  are  covered  by  a  few  epidermal  layers  of 
cells.  The  mode  of  formation  of  the  antherozoids 
resembles  that  of  Marattiaceae.  Their  mother-cells 
originate  from  repeated  divisions  of  one  or  two  cells  of 

..-rycm  the  inner  tissue  ^g  beneath  these  \*y^     They  are 
£%SaHa  Sw' (nat-   comparatively  large,  and  escape  through  a  narrow  open- 
ing in  the  layers  of  cells  which  originally  covered  the 
antherid.     The  archegone  consists  of  a  venter  containing  the  central 
cell,  and  a  neck  composed  of  four  vertical  rows,  each  consisting  of  two 
or  more   cells,   and  only  slightly  projecting  above  the   surface.     The 

H 


98  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

venter  is  completely  imbedded  in  the  prothallium,  its  wall  being  de- 
veloped out  of  the  tissue  of  the  latter. 

The  course  of  development  of  the  embryo  and  rudimentary  sporo 
phyte  has  not  yet  been  followed  out  in  a  sufficient  number  of  instances 
to  warrant  a  general  description ;  in  those  in  which  it  has  at  present  been 
observed  it  appears  to  present  some  discrepancies. 

The  short  stem  is  erect  and  entirely  glabrous,  often  with  a  swollen 
tuberous  base ;  only  in  Helminthostachys  (Kaulf.)  is  there  a  creeping 
underground  rhizome.  In  only  a  very  few  exceptional  cases  does  it 
branch.  The  flattened  apex  of  the  stem  consists  of  an  irregular  meristem 
derived  from  a  single  pyramidal  apical  cell.  The  fundamental  tissue  of 
the  stem  consists  of  short  nearly  cylindrical  thin-walled  succulent  cells, 
which  are  longer  in  the  leaf- stalk,  interspersed  with  large  intercellular  spaces. 
It  exhibits  a  striking  difference  from  the  corresponding  tissue  of  true  ferns 
in  the  entire  absence  of  sclerenchymatous  layers.  It  is  separated  by  the 
1  vascular '  cylinder  into  a  cortical  and  a  medullary  parenchyme.  It  has  an 
epiderm  well  provided  with  stomates,  and  exhibits  sometimes  a  remarkable 
development  of  layers  of  cork.  The  '  vascular '  bundles  form  (in  Ophio- 
glossum  vulgatum,  L.)  a  hollow  cylindrical  network,  from  each  rnesh  of 
which  is  sent  out  a  leaf-trace.  The  whole  of  the  tissue  which  fills  up 
the  meshes  is  frequently  transformed  into  scalariform  tracheides,  so  that 
considerable  lengths  of  the  stem  then  contain  a  continuous  hollow 
cylinder  of  lignified  tissue.  The  bundles  of  the  stem  are  collateral,  the 
xylem  occupying  the  axial,  the  phloem  the  peripheral  side  ;  and  the 
structure  is  the  same  in  Botrychium  (Lunaria).  Those  of  the  leaf-stalk 
are  four  to  eight  in  number,  arranged  in  a  circle  and  separated  by  fun- 
damental tissue.  In  Ophioglossum  they  are  collateral,  the  axial  portion 
consisting  of  narrow  reticulate  tracheides,  the  peripheral  portion  of  a 
broad  band  of  phloem,  containing  sieve-tubes  ;  while  in  Botrychium 
they  are  concentric,  consisting  of  a  broad  band  of  scalariform  or  reticulate 
tracheides  surrounded  by  a  thick  layer  of  phloem.  There  is  no  bundle- 
sheath  in  Ophioglossum,  and  only  a  rudimentary  one  in  Botrychium. 

The  roots  of  Ophioglossaceae  are  remarkable  from  the  slight  develop- 
ment of  the  root-cap,  and  the  absence  of  root-hairs.  They  spring  from 
the  short  stem  in  the  midst  of  the  leaf-insertions,  and  rarely  branch,  then 
always  monopodially.  Like  the  stem,  they  originate  from  a  single 
pyramidal  apical  cell.  The  roots  of  Ophioglossum  give  rise  to  adven- 
titious buds. 

The  leaves  are  always  very  few  in  number,  often  only  one  on  each 
stem,  and  the  number  is  uniform  in  the  same  species.  They  are  re- 
markable for  the  slowness  of  their  growth,  which  extends,  in  Botrychium 
Lunaria,  over  five  years,  the  leaf  only  rising  above  the  surface  of  the 


OPHIOGLOSSACEJ: 


99 


soil  at  the  commencement  of  the  fifth  year  ;  where  there  are  several 
leaves,  the  points  of  origin  of  those  of  successive  years  have  a  spiral 
phyllotaxis.  They  are  quite  simple  and  entire,  simply  pinnate,  or  twice 
or  thrice  pinnate.  There  is  always  a  long  petiole,  which  is  furnished 
with  a  ligular  or  sheath-like  outgrowth  on  each  side  ;  and  the  coalescence 
of  these  appendages  forms  a  hollow  chamber  within  which  the  leaf  is 
developed,  similarly  to  what  takes  place  in  Marattiaceae.  They  are 
never  circinate  in  vernation.  They  are  of  coriaceous  texture,  and  are 
always  quite  glabrous,  and  possess  a  well-defined  epiderm  furnished 
with  stomates  on  both  surfaces,  and  in  immediate  contact  with  the 
mesophyll,  without  any  intermediate  hypodermal  layers.  The  mesophyll 
is  large-celled  and  spongy,  with  large  intercellular 
spaces.  The  'vascular'  bundles  are  but  feebly  deve- 
loped ;  they  anastomose  in  Ophioglossum,  but  only 
dichotomise  in  Botrychium  and  Helminthostachys. 
In  most  species  all  the  leaves  are  fertile  ;  but  in  Rhi- 


FlG. 


76.  —  Ophioglos- 
sum  vulgatum.  Por- 
tion of  sporophyll 
with  closed  spo- 
ranges,  s  ;  g;  '  vas- 
cular '  bundle  (  x  10). 


FIG.  75.— Botrychium  Lunarict.     Portion  of  sporophyll  with 
open  sporanges  (magnified).     (After  Luerssen.) 


zoglossum  (Presl)  (a  section  of  Ophioglossum)  there 
are  both  barren  and  fertile  leaves.  The  leaf  divides 
at  an  early  period  into  two  branches — an  outer  branch 
which  is  sterile,  and  which  alone  develops  chlorophyl- 
lous  parenchyma;  and  an  inner  fertile  branch,  the  sporo- 
phyll, which  springs  either  from  the  base  or  middle  of 
the  lamina  or  from  the  leaf-stalk.  This  branch  never 
has  any  green  parenchyme  except  in  Helmintho- 
stachys. 

The  sporanges  resemble  in  their  origin  and  mode  of  formation  those 
of  Marattiaceae.  They  are  not  formed  from  a  single  cell,  but  from  a 
group  of  cells  in  the  substance  of  the  sporophyll  which  are  differentiated 
from  the  surrounding  tissue.  The  terminal  cell  of  the  axial  row  beneath 
the  epiderm  is  the  archespore  from  which  all  the  spores  are  formed  ;  it 
is  surrounded  by  the  layers  of  mantle-cells  constituting  the  tapete, 
which  are  formed  out  of  the  epidermal  cell  immediately  above  the 
archespore,  and  which  ultimately  disappear.  The  wall  of  the  sporange, 
consisting  of  several  layers  of  cells,  is  developed  from  the  epiderm,  and 
contains  stomates.  Strasburger  regards  each  sporange  as  corresponding 
homologically  to  an  entire  sorus  in  the  Filices— being,  in  fact,  a  meta- 

H  2 


ido  VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 

morphosed  portion  of  a  leaf.  They  are  buried,  in  an  early  stage,  in 
parenchyme,  which  ultimately  becomes  entirely  absorbed,  and  which  is 
traversed  by  '  vascular '  bundles  anastomosing  into  long  meshes.  The 
sporanges  require  an  entire  year  for  their  complete  development.  They 
have  no  annulus,  and  dehisce  vertically  from  unequal  tension  of  the 
epidermal  and  hypodermal  layers  of  cells.  In  the  formation  of  the 
spores  each  mother-cell  divides  into  four  '  special  mother-cells,'  with 
very  thin  cell-walls  ;  the  protoplasm  in  each  of  these  becomes  invested 
with  a  new  and  firmer  cell-wall,  and  the  spores  are  thus  completely 
formed,  and  are  ultimately  set  free  by  the  absorption  of  the  walls  both 
of  the  special  mother-cells  and  of  the  original  spore-mother-cells.  The 
spores  are  nearly  cubical  ;  the  exospore  is  strongly  cuticularised,  and  is 
furnished  with  prominent  knobs  and  ridge. 

Vegetative  propagation  is  known  to  take  place  only  by  means  of 
adventitious  buds  produced  on  the  roots. 

The  Ophioglossaceae  include  only  a  very  small  number  of  species, 
comprised  in  the  genera  Ophioglossum  (L.),  Botrychium  (Sw.),  and 
Helminthostachys  (Kaulf.),  spread  over  the  whole  globe.  They  are  small 
plants,  dying  down  each  year,  only  a  few  species  attaining  the  height  of 
more  than  a  foot,  with  a  single  or  only  a  very  few  coriaceous  leaves,  and 
a  conspicuous  '  fructification,'  which  is  simple  and  spicate  in  Ophio- 
glossum and  Helminthostachys,  branched  and  paniculate  in  Botrychium. 
They  are  of  no  known  economic  value.  They  are  represented  in  our 
English  flora  by  the  *  adder's-tongue  '  (Ophioglossum  vulgatum,  L.)  and 
'  moonwort '  (Botrychium  Lunaria,  Sw.). 

LITERATURE. 

Mettenius — Filices  Hort.  Bot.  Lipsiensis,  1856. 
Hofmeister — Abhandl.  Sachs.  Gesell.  Wissenschaften,  1857. 
Holle— Bot.  Zeit,  1875,  pp.  241  et  seq. 

Prantl— Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.   Gesell.,  1883,  pp.  155  and  348  ;  and  Jahrb.  Bot.  Gart. 
Berlin,  1884. 


Class  VI.— Equisetacese. 

The  Equisetacese  or  Horsetails  are  a  very  small  group  of  plants,  con- 
sisting only  of  a  small  number  of  species,  arranged  in  a  single  genus, 
of  remarkably  uniform  and  peculiar  habit.  The  aerial  stems,  which  are 
invariably  erect  or  ascending,  arise  from  a  creeping  underground  rhizome, 
and  are  characterised  by  their  perfect  multilateral  symmetry  and  verticil- 
late  branching.  The  ascending  stem  is  always  elongated  and  slender, 
fluted  with  longitudinal  furrows  and  ridges,  and  is  remarkable  for  the 


EQUISETACE^E 


101 


FIG.  77. — Equisetum  sylvaticiim  L.     a,  non-chlorophyllous  fertile  branch  :  b,  chlorophyllous 
fertile  branch  ;  c,  barren  branch  (reduced). 


102  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

tendency  displayed  by  the  epidermal  cells  to  deposit  silica  in  their  cell- 
walls.  It  is  always  divided  into  very  distinct  nodes  and  internodes,  and 
is  furnished  at  the  nodes  with  modified  foliar  organs  of  a  membranous 
character,  the  leaf -sheaths,  the  margin  of  which  is  split  into  a  number  of 
teeth.  The  tissue  of  the  internodes  is  permeated  by  large  intercellular  air- 
canals.  At  the  nodes  the  stem  (except  in  some  species  the  fertile  stem) 
gives  out  a  whorl  of  symmetrically  arranged  branches,  which  almost 
precisely  resemble  the  main  stem  except  in  their  smaller  size  and  simpler 
structure,  consisting  of  internodes  and  nodes  furnished  with  leaf-sheaths  ; 
but  these  secondary  branches  do  not  usually  again  branch.  The  stem  and 
root  increase  in  length  by  means  of  a  single  large  pyramidal  apical  cell, 
which  produces  three  rows  of  segments.  The  '  vascular '  bundles  of  the 
stem  are  but  feebly  developed,  and  contain  but  little  xylem.  Both  stem 
and  branches  perform  the  function  of  leaves,  contain  chlorophyll,  and 
are  provided  with  stomates..  The  sporanges  are  never  borne  on  the 
branches  or  leaves,  but  are  collected  into  spicate  or  catkin-like  '  fructifi- 
cations,' borne  at  the  extremity  either  of  ordinary  vegetative  steins,  or  of 
special  fertile  stems  which  resemble  the  ordinary  stems  in  structure,  but 
contain  no  chlorophyll  and  do  not  branch.  The  sporanges  spring  from 
the  inner  side  of  the  peltate  scales  of  which  these  '  fructifications '  are 
composed  ;  they  dehisce  by  a  longitudinal  fissure,  but  have  no  annulus 
like  those  of  ferns.  The  spores  are  distinguished  from  those  of  all  other 
Vascular  Cryptogams  by  being  enclosed  in  four  distinct  coats,  4he  outer- 
most of  which  ultimately  breaks  up  into  four  ribbon-shaped  strips,  and 
detaches  itself  from  the  spore  except  at  the  point  of  junction  of  these 
strips,  which  are  termed  elaters.  The  elaters  are  remarkably  hygroscopic, 
absorbing  or  giving  off  water  with  every  change  in  the  moisture  of  the  sur- 
rounding atmosphere.  In  consequence  of  this  they  are  constantly  altering 
their  shape,  and  imparting  a  somewhat  rapid  motion  to  the  spores,  thus 
assisting  in  their  dissemination.  On  germinating  the  spore  gives  rise 
to  a  strap-shaped  prothallium,  which  has  an  independent  power  of 
growth,  and  is  usually  dioecious.  The  antherids  and  archegones  differ  in 
no  essential  point  from  those  of  other  Vascular  Cryptogams.  Male  and 
female  prothallia  are  generally  produced  in  close  proximity  to  one 
another,  so  that  impregnation  is  readily  effected  through  the  agency  of 
moisture. 

The  oophyte  generation  of  Equisetum  (L.)  springs  directly  from  the 
spore,  which  contains  chlorophyll.  On  germinating  the  spore  throws  off 
its  outer  coats,  and  changes  its  form  from  spherical  to  pear-shaped.  The 
contents,  still  clothed  in  the  thin  endospore,  then  divide  by  a  wall,  the 
direction  of  which  is  not  constant,  into  two  cells  of  unequal  size ;  accord- 
ing to  Stahl  the  direction  of  this  division  depends  on  the  direction  of  the 
rays  of  light.  From  the  smaller  of  these  two  cells  the  chlorophyll 


EQUISETACEJE 


103 


rapidly  disappears  entirely ;  it  undergoes  no  further  division,  but  elongates 
rapidly  into  a  long  hyaline  rhizoid.  The  larger  of  the  two  primary  cells, 
which  still  contains  abundance  of  chlorophyll,  divides  further  by  walls,  at 
first  in  two  directions  only,  into  a  multicellular  plate  which  increases 
rapidly  by  apical  growth,  and  soon  branches  in  one  plane.  A  difference 
is  now  set  up  between  the  develop- 
ment of  the  male  and  female  pro- 
thallia.  The  former  remain  com- 
paratively small  and  narrow,  and 
the  cell-division  continues  in  the 


FIG.  78. — A.  male  prothallium  of  Equisetum 
arvense  L. ;  a,  antherids  (  x  200).  (After  Hof- 
meister.)  B — E,  antherozoids  of  E.  maximum 
Lam.  in  different  stages  of  development 
(  x  1200).  (After  Schacht.) 


two  directions  only  ;  they  consist, 
therefore,  permanently  of  only  a 
single  layer  of  cells,  and  display 
but  little  lobing.  Their  colour  is 
yellowish  green.  The  female  pro- 
thallia,  on  the  other  hand,  grow  to 

a  considerably  larger  size,  as  much  as  half  an  inch  in  length,  are  of  a 
deeper  green  colour,  and  at  an  early  period  form  a  number  of  lobes  at 
their  anterior  portion,  which  consist  of  masses  of  merismatic  tissue,  cell- 
division  taking  place  in  the  tangential  as  well  as  the  other  two  directions ; 
they  branch  also  in  the  same  plane  much  more  abundantly  than  the  male 
prothallia.  The  formation  of  female  or  male  prothallia  appears  to  depend 


FIG.  79. — Vertical  section  of  lobe  of  female  pro- 
thallium  of  E,  arz'ense.  a,  archegones;  h, 
rhizoids  (  x  600).  (After  Goebel.) 


104 


VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 


ar 


on  the  greater  or  less  supply  of  nutriment.  The  antherids  make  their 
appearance  about  five  weeks  after  germination,  the  archegones  not  till 
much  later. 

The  antherids  arise  at  the  extremity  or  margin  of  the  male  prothallia. 
They  are  first  separated  off  as  papillae  by  a  tangential  wall ;  further 
divisions  then  arise,  by  which  they  are  divided  into  a  large  central  cell 
and  a  single  layer  of  much  smaller  peripheral  'mantle-cells.'  The 
contents  of  the  central  cell  then  divide  into  the  mother-cells  of  the 
antherozoids.  These  escape,  still  enclosed  in  the  delicate  wall  of  the 
'  special  mother-cell,'  by  the  separation  from  one  another,  through  the 
action  of  water,  of  the  apical  cells  of  the  mantle-layer ;  the  expulsion  often 

takes  place  with  considerable  force, 
and  is  due  to  the  swelling  up  of  the 
walls  of  the  mother-cells;  sometimes 
they  emerge  still  all  united  together 
into  a  ball.  The  antherozoids  are 
much  more  numerous  than  in  ferns ; 
probably  several  hundreds  are  formed 
in  each  antherid ;  they  are  also 
much  larger,  being  the  largest  in  any 
class  of  Cryptogams.  Each  anthero- 
zoid  (see  fig.  78)  is  a  thread  of  pro- 
toplasm, gradually  narrowing  from 
the  posterior  to  the  anterior  end, 
where  it  is  coiled  spirally,  and  bears  a 
tuft  of  very  long  delicate  vibratile 
cilia.  The  posterior  portion  is 
widened  into  a  thin  membranous 
fin-like  expansion,  by  the  undula- 
tions of  which  its  motion  through  the  water  is  greatly  assisted,  and  may 
continue  for  many  hours.  To  the  posterior  portion  of  the  antherozoid 
is  also  frequently  attached  for  a  time  a  minute  bladder  containing 
starch,  which  is  regarded  by  some  as  the  wall  of  the  special  mother-cell, 
by  others  as  a  vesicle  contained  in  it.  The  body  of  the  antherozoid 
appears  to  be  formed  from  the  nucleus  of  the  mother-cell,  its  cilia  from 
the  cell -protoplasm. 

The  archegones  are  formed  on  the  under  (shaded)  side  of  the  thick 
lobed  portions  of  the  female  prothallia,  a  lobe  being  usually  situated 
immediately  beneath  an  archegone,  and  assisting  in  its  impregnation  by 
retaining  water.  By  the  continued  growth  of  the  subjacent  tissue  they 
are  ultimately  pushed  on  to  the  upper  surface,  and  hence  the  direction 
of  growth  of  the  archegone  is  the  opposite  of  that  of  ferns.  Otherwise 


FIG.  80.— Portion  of  female  prothallium  of  E. 
sylvaticum,  with  projecting  archegone,  ar. 
(After  Buchtien,  greatly  magnified.) 


EQUISETACEsE  105 

the  mode  of  development  and  structure  of  the  archegones  of  Equisetum 
differ  in  no  essential  respect  from  those  of  other  Vascular  Cryptogams. 
The  basal  cell  is  wanting,  and  the  neck-canal-cell  does  not  extend  the 
whole  length  of  the  neck.  The  lower  portion  of  the  neck  and  the  venter 
remain  completely  imbedded  in  the  tissue  of  the  prothallium,  while  the 
outermost  or  stigmatic  cells  of  the  neck  lengthen  greatly,  and  ultimately 
bend  outwards,  giving  to  the  archegone,  when  ready  for  impregnation, 
the  appearance  of  a  miniature  four-armed  anchor. 

Although  the  prothallium  of  Equisetum  is  normally  dioecious,  it 
is  not  very  uncommon  to  find  a  few  archegones  on  male,  and  a  few 
antherids  on  female  prothallia.  The  abnormal  sexual  organs  then 
generally  make  their  appearance  later  than  the  normal  ones. 

The  mode  of  formation  of  the  embryo  from  the  impregnated  oosperm 
is  essentially  the  same  as  in  other  classes  of  Vascular  Cryptogams.  The 
first  division-wall  is  vertical  to  the  axis  of  the  archegone,  and  therefore 
parallel  to  the  surface  of  the  prothallium  ;  by  subsequent  walls  a  division 
takes  place  into  octants.  Of  the  four  quadrants  of  the  upper  half,  one 
gives  birth  to  the  rudimentary  stem,  with  a  triangular  pyramidal  apical 
cell,  while  from  the  three  others  proceed  two  cotyledons,  which  at  a  very 
early  period  unite  in  their  growth  with  the  first  leaf  which  proceeds  from 
the  apex  of  the  stem.  From  the  lower  quadrants  of  the  octant  are 
formed  \hefoot  and  the  first  root.  The  first  few  stems  of  the  sporophyte 
generation  are  successively  thicker,  and  with  a  larger  number  of  teeth 
in  their  leaf-sheaths,  until  ultimately  mature  stems  are  produced  from 
perennial  underground  rhizomes. 

The  stem  of  Equisetum  always  consists  of  very  distinct  more  or  less 
elongated  internodes,  which  are  hollow,  but  are  closed  above  and  below 
at  the  nodes  by  transverse  septa  or  diaphragms.  The  cortex  of  each 
internode  is  continued  upwards  above  its  upper  node  into  a  leaf-sheath, 
which  embraces  the  base  of  the  next  internode  above,  and  is  split  at  its 
margin  into  teeth,  varying  from  three  or  four  to  a  considerable  number. 
From  each  tooth  of  the  leaf-sheath  a  '  vascular '  bundle  descends  verti- 
cally as  far  as  the  next  node.  The  teeth  at  each  node  always  alternate 
in  position  with  those  of  the  leaf-sheaths  belonging  to  the  nodes  next 
above  and  next  below  it,  and  each  descending  bundle  branches  at  the 
node  into  two  short  diverging  arms,  each  with  its  own  xylem  and  phloem, 
by  means  of  which  it  unites  with  the  two  adjacent  bundles  of  the  next 
internode  below,  where  they  descend  into  it  from  the  sheath-teeth  in 
which  they  originate.  In  addition  to  the  large  central  cavity  in  the  axis 
of  each  internode,  the  cortical  tissue  contains  a  number  of  much  smaller 
cavities  running  vertically  through  the  internode,  the  lacunce  or  valle- 
cular  canals,  which  alternate  with  the  *  vascular '  bundles,  and  are  there- 


io6 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


fore  intermediate  between  the  sheath-teeth  ;  these  canals  are  of  lysi- 
genous  origin — that  is,  they  result  from  the  disappearance  of  masses  of 
cells.  Each  bundle  also  contains  a  longitudinal  air-cavity,  or  carinal 

canal  (sometimes  called  the  '  essential  air- 
cavity  ').  The  outline  of  the  stem  always 
shows  a  number  of  alternate  ridges  and 
furrows ;  the  ridges  correspond  to  (or 
are  on  the  same  radii  as)  the  '  vascular ' 
bundles,  the  furrows  to  the  cortical  lacunae. 
This  general  description  applies  equally  to 
the  primary  vegetative  stems,  the  fertile 
unbranched  stems,  and  the  underground 
rhizomes  ;  the  branches  of  the  barren 
stems  have  no  axial  cavity  or  cortical 
lacunas.  In  those  species  where  the  fer- 
tile differ  in  structure  from  the  barren 
shoots,  this  appears  to  result  from  an 
arrest  of  development  of  the  latter.  The 
difference  consists  essentially  in  the 
absence  of  chlorophyll,  the  suppression 
of  branching,  and  the  absence  of  sto- 
mates,  as  well  as  in  the  greater  develop- 
ment of  the  leaf-sheaths.  It  is  ^possible 
to  induce  artificially  the  fertile  shoots  of 
E.  arvense  (L.)  to  put  out  green  branches 
from  the  lower  internodes,  chlorophyll 
being  also  formed  in  the  main  stem. 

The  branches  always  spring  from 
within  the  leaf-sheath  at  its  base,  each 
branch  in  the  space  between  two  teeth  ; 
they  therefore  correspond  in  number  to 
the  *  vascular  '  bundles  of  the  stem,  and  ' 
are  always  arranged  in  a  whorl.  The  same 
description  applies  to  the  roots.  The 
number  of  leaf-teeth  and  bundles  is  always 
smaller  on  the  secondary  than  on  the  pri- 
mary axes,  and  these,  as  a  rule,  do  not 
again  produce  branches.  In  some  species 
even  the  primary  stem  never  branches. 
The  whorl  in  which  the  branches  stand  is,  however,  not  a  true,  but  a 
false  whorl — that  is,  the  phyllotaxis  originally  shows  a  regular  spiral 
one-third  divergence  ;  but  by  subsequent  unequal  growth  the  insertions 


FIG.  81. — E.  maximum.  A,  portion  of 
stem  (natural  size).  2,  i1,  internodes  ; 
h,  central  cavity  ;  /,  cortical  lacunae  ; 
S,  leaf-sheath  ;  a,  a.',  a",  branches. 
B,  longitudinal  section  of  rhizome 
(  x  2).  K,  transverse  diaphragm  ;  ft,  /t, 
cavities  ;  £-,  '  vascular '  bundle  ;  /, 
cortical  lacunae  ;  S,  leaf-sheath.  C, 
transverse  section  of  rhizome.  D, 
union  of  '  vascular '  bundles  of  two  in- 
ternodes, i,  i  •  K,  node.  (B  —  1), 
diagrammatic.) 


EQUISETACE&  107 

come  ultimately  to  stand  on  a  level.  On  the  rhizomes  the  ridges  and 
furrows  of  the  outer  surface  are  generally  less  well  marked,  and  the  axial 
cavity  of  the  internode  is  sometimes  wanting  ;  but  the  vallecular  and 
carinal  canals  are  always  present,  and  play  an  important  part  in  the 
diffusion  of  air  through  the  tissue.  The  aerial  stems,  both  barren  and 
fertile,  are  usually  completely  formed  in  miniature  during  the  preceding 
year  within  the  underground  bud,  and  their  rapid  growth  after  they 
appear  above  the  soil  is  mainly  due  to  the  great  elongation  of  the 
internodal  cells.  The  ascending  stem  and  all  other  aerial  parts  of  the 
plant  are  always  entirely  destitute  of  hairs  ;  while  the  rhizomes  and  the 
underground  leaf-sheaths  are  frequently  covered  with  a  felt  of  root- 
hairs. 

The  firmness  and  strength  of  the  slender  aerial  stem  are  not  due,  as 
in  ferns,  to  the  '  vascular '  bundles,  but  mainly  to  the  siliceous  epiderm 
and  the  firm  hypodermal  tissue.  The  epiderm,  consisting  of  a  single 
layer  of  elongated  cells,  is  provided  with  stomates  in  the  green,  leafy, 
aerial  stem,  but  not  usually  in  the  colourless  fertile  stem,  or  in  the 
rhizomes.  In  most  species  of  Equisetum  the  stomates  lie  in  one  or 
more  longitudinal  rows  in  the  furrows  of  the  stem  only ;  but  in 
E.  arvense,  according  to  Miss  E.  A.  Southworth  ('American  Naturalist,' 
1884,  p.  1041),  also  on  the  ridges.  Stomates  also  occur  on  the  leaf- 
sheaths.  The  stomates  either  have  their  orifice  on  a  level  with  the 
surface  (Equiseta  phaneropord)  or  considerably  depressed  below  it 
(Equiseta  cryptopora)  ;  in  the  latter  case  they  frequently  do  not  open 
directly  into  the  surrounding  air,  but  are  situated  in  the  hypodermal 
tissue,  beneath  a  '  false  stomate,'  or  pore  in  the  epiderm.  The  stomates 
(fig.  82)  differ  from  those  of  other  classes  of  vascular  plants  in  being 
formed  of  two  pairs  instead  of  a  single  pair  of  guard-cells.  Strasburger 
(Beitr.  zur  Entwickelungsgesch.  der  Spaltoffnungen,  in  Pringsheim's 
Jahrb.,  vol.  v.,  p.  297)  terms  the  lower  pair  '  subsidiary  cells '  of  the 
true  stomate.  All  the  cells  of  the  epiderm,  even  the  guard-cells  of  the 
stomates,  have  their  outer  walls  or  cuticle  strongly  silicified  ;  and  these 
deposits  of  silica  frequently  project  above  the  surface  in  the  form  of 
fine  granules,  bosses,  rosettes,  rings,  transverse  bands,  teeth,  or  spines. 
On  the  guard-cells  they  usually  have  the  form  of  ridges  radiating  from 
the  orifice.  Beneath  the  epiderm,  except  on  the  deciduous  fertile  stems, 
bundles  or  layers  of  firm  thick-walled  cells  generally  constitute  a 
sclerenchymatous  hypodermal  tissue,  which  is  especially  developed  in 
the  elevated  ridges  of  the  aerial  internodes.  On  the  underground  stems 
both  epiderm  and  hypoderm  frequently  assume  a  beautiful  brown-red 
colour.  In  addition  to  silica,  analysis  of  the  ash  of  Equisetacese 
(Dieulafait,  '  Compt.  Rend.,'  vol.  c.,  1885,  p.  284)  shows  the  presence 


io8 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


of  a  large  amount  of  sulphates,  and  the  total  absence  of  alkaline  carbon- 
ates. 

A  large  portion  of  the  parenchymatous  fundamental  tissue  is  desti- 
tute of  chlorophyll ;  it  is  only  in  the  vegetative  aerial  shoots  that  there 
is  any  considerable  development  of  chlorophyllous  tissue,  and  then  it  is 
usually  situated  in  the  furrows  beneath  the  stomates.  The  '  vascular ' 
bundles  of  Equisetum  are  collateral,  and  are  much  less  strongly  lignified 
than  those  of  ferns.  They  lie  in  a  circle  between  the  medulla  and  the 
cortex,  between  and  somewhat  within  the  cortical  canals,  and  necessarily 
run  parallel  to  one  another.  As  will  be  seen  from  the  description  given 
above,  each  bundle  is  the  result  of  the  coalescence  of  two  branches,  one 
of  which  originates  in  the  leaf-sheath,  while  the  other  develops  in  the 


FIG.  82. — Stomate  of  E.  hyemale'L.  (x  390).     A.  front  view  ;  B,  transverse  section  of  stem,  showing 
side  view  ;  C,  siliceous  residuum  after  maceration.    (After  de  Bary.) 

internode  itself,  from  above  downwards.  At  the  angle  where  the  two 
arms  meet,  the  formation  of  tracheides  begins  in  each  ;  the  lower  end 
of  each  bundle  unites  by  two  lateral  branches  with  the  two  next  bundles, 
one  on  each  side,  of  the  next  lower  internode  ;  and  the  bundles  are 
therefore  of  the  description  known  as  'common.'  Their  course  re- 
sembles more  that  of  the  bundles  of  most  Dicotyledons  and  Conifers 
than  that  of  ferns.  Each  bundle  is  traversed  longitudinally  on  its  axial 
side  by  a  carinal  canal,  occupying  the  place  of  the  first  tracheides, 
which  have  become  absorbed ;  right  and  left  of  this,  in  the  mature 
bundle,  are  reticulate,  annular,  and  scalariform  tracheides ;  on  the 
outside  is  the  phloem-portion  of  the  bundle,  consisting  of  a  few  wide 


EQUISETACE^E  109 

sieve-tubes  and  narrow  cambiform  cells.  In  most  species  (e.g.  E.  ar- 
vense)  a  general  bundle-sheath,  or  plerome-sheath,  consisting  of  a  single 
layer  of  cells,  encloses  the  entire  circle  of  bundles,  as  in  most  Flowering 
Plants  ;  while  in  others  (E.  limosum,  L.,  and  littorale,  Kuhlw.)  each 
individual  bundle  is  enclosed  in  a  separate  special  bundle-sheath,  as  in 
ferns.  In  the  colourless  fertile  shoots  they  bend  out  into  the  pedicels  of 
the  peltate  scales  of  the  '  fructification,'  as  they  do  into  the  leaf-sheaths. 

The  growth  of  the  stem  takes  place  through  the  activity  of  a  single 
large  pyramidal  apical  cell  with  an  inverted  triangular  base.  There  is 
no  other  group  of  plants  which  exhibits  such  a  well-defined  single  apical 
cell  or  exclusively  apical  growth.  Normally  the  terminal  bud  never 
branches,  branching  taking  place  solely  by  lateral  buds  produced  at 
the  nodes.  It  was  formerly  thought  that  the  Equisetacese  display  the 
only  known  example  of  lateral  branching  being  due  to  the  formation  of 
endogenous  buds  ;  but  recent  researches  have  shown  (in  E.  arvense) 
that  these  lateral  bud<?  are  not  of  endogenous  origin,  but  originate  from 
a  single  superficial  cell  of  the  growing  point  of  the  stem  in  the  ordinary 
way.  The  segments  resulting  from  the  first  divisions  of  the  apical  cell 
lie  in  three  straight  rows,  and  are  arranged  in  a  spiral  divergence  of  one- 
third. 

The  roots  are  produced  in  whorls  at  the  nodes  of  the  underground 
stem,  in  direct  connection  with  lateral  buds,  or,  under  favourable  con- 
ditions, at  the  nodes  of  the  aerial  stems.  They  are  furnished  with  a 
root-cap,  increase  by  the  segmentation  of  a  single  apical  cell,  and  are 
penetrated  by  an  axial  '  vascular '  bundle  surrounded  by  a  large  air- 
cavity  formed  by  the  coalescence  of  intercellular  spaces  owing  to  the 
absorption  of  intermediate  cells.  The  weak  bundle,  in  which  the 
tracheides  are  but  feebly  developed,  is  concentric,  with  the  xylem  in  the 
centre.  The  secondary  or  lateral  roots,  which  arise  in  acropetal  succes- 
sion on  the  primary  root,  differ  in  their  origin  from  those  of  ferns  and 
other  Vascular  Cryptogams.  In  these  latter  it  is  the  innermost  layer  of 
cells  belonging  to  the  fundamental  cortical  tissue  immediately  surround- 
ing the  axial  'vascular'  bundle  that  becomes  differentiated  into  the 
bundle-sheath  or  endodermal  layer,  within  which  lies  the  pericambium 
of  the  bundle  itself ;  and  the  lateral  roots  originate  from  the  innermost 
layer  of  the  cortex  separated  by  the  pericambium  from  the  bundle.  In 
the  roots  of  Equisetacese  the  pericambium  is  wanting,  and  its  place  is 
to  a  certain  extent  supplied  by  the  innermost  cortical  layer,  from  which 
the  lateral  roots  spring,  and  therefore  in  close  contact  with  the  periphery 
of  the  axial  bundle.  The  bundle-sheath  itself  is,  in  the  Equisetaceae, 
formed  from  the  row  of  cortical  cells  next  to  the  innermost  row,  and  not 
from  the  innermost  row  itself,  as  in  other  Vascular  Cryptogams. 


110 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


The  sporanges  of  the  Equisetaceae  are  collected  into  terminal  spicute 
'  fructifications '  of  a  cone-like  or  catkin-like  character,  resembling 
nothing  else  among  existing.  Vascular  Cryptogams.  These  are  borne  at 
the  extremity  either  of  the  ordinary  green  vegetative  stems,  whether 
branched  (E.  palustre,  L.)  or  unbranched  (E.  hyemale,  L.),  or  of  special 
fertile  stems  (E.  arvense,  pratense,  Ehrh.,  maximum,  Lam.),  which  are 

then  always  simple,  even  when  the 
barren  stems  are  branched,  and  are 
usually  stouter,  nearly  or  quite  desti- 
tute of  chlorophyll,  and  with  much 
larger  leaf-sheaths  and  coarser  teeth. 
As  already  mentioned,  these  can  be 
artificially  converted  into  vegetative 
stems  ;  and  occasionally  deciduous 
fructifications  are  borne  at  the  extre- 
mity of  the  ordinary  green  branched 
stems,  in  species  which  normally  pro- 
duce special  fertile  stems  (E.  arvense). 
The  sporanges  are  not,  like  those  of 
typical  Filices,  trichomic  or  epidermal 
in  their  origin  ;  their  development 
closely  resembles  that  in  the  Marat- 
tiacese.  They  are  endogenous  out- 
growths of  peculiarly  metamorphosed 
leaves,  the  peltate  scales  or  sporophylh, 
arranged,  like  the  branches,  in  whorls. 
Intermediate  between  these  and  the 
uppermost  whorl  of  ordinary  leaf- 
sheaths  there  is  (in  E.  maximum)  a 
whorl  of  barren  but  more  or  less 
modified  leaf-sheaths,  forming  a  small 
annular  girdle,  the  involucre  or  an- 
nulus.  The  whorls  of  sporangiferous 
scales,  of  which  a  number  are  formed 
above  this  involucre,  make  their  first 
appearance  as  similar  annular  girdles, 
projecting  but  slightly  from  the  stem,  but  gradually  forming  a  hemi- 
spherical cushion.  This  cushion  finally  breaks  up  into  a  number  of 
plates,  the  surface  of  which  is  parallel  to  that  of  the  stem  ;  and  these,  by 
mutual  pressure,  become  polygonal  and  usually  hexagonal ;  each  plate 
or  disc  is  attached  to  the  stem  by  a  slender  pedicel  at  right  angles  both 
to  its  surface  and  to  that  of  the  stem.  On  the  inner  surface  of  these 


FlG.  83. — A,  upper  part  of  ferule  stem  of  E. 
maximum  (natural  size) ;  b,  leaf-sheath  ; 
a,  annulus ;  x,  sporophylls  and  their 
stalks.  B,  sporophylls  ( x  6) ;  sg~,  spo- 
ranges. (After  Goebel.) 


EQUISETACE^E  in 

discs  are  developed  the  sporanges,  from  five  to  ten  on  each  disc, 
arising  at  first  as  small  multicellular  projections.  The  archespore  is  the 
terminal  cell  of  a  hypodermal  row  on  the  under  side  of  the  sporophyll, 
the  sporogenous  tissue  resulting  from  its  division.  The  mantle-cells  are 
formed  in  the  same  way  as  in  Ophioglossaceae,  but  are  not  so  sharply 
defined.  The  mother-cells  of  the  spores  are  connected  together  in 
groups  of  fours  or  eights,  and  float  freely  in  the  fluid  which  fills  the  spo- 
range.  The  mode  of  formation  of  the  spores  affords  an  exceedingly 
good  illustration  of  the  production,  by  free-cell-formation,  of  new  cells 
within  a  mother-cell.  When  division  is  about  to  take  place,  the  proto- 
plasm first  becomes  perfectly  clear,  the  nucleus  disappears,  and  a 
number  of  granules  arrange  themselves  in  the  form  of  a  disc.  The 
protoplasm  then  again  becomes  turbid,  with  the  exception  of  two  clear 
spots,  one  on  each  side  of  the  disc,  which  are  the  rudiments  of  the 
fresh  nuclei.  These,  however,  after  a  time  again  disappear,  and  their 
place  is  taken  by  four  smaller  nuclei,  each  of  which  is  surrounded  by 
a  number  of  the  granules  which  formed  a  portion  of  the  original  disc. 
Round  these  nuclei  the  cell-protoplasm  begins  now  to  collect  into  four 
separate  masses,  which  gradually  become  globular  ;  and  these  are  the 
special  mother-cells  of  the  spores  after  each  has  become  invested  with 
a  very  delicate  coat  of  cellulose.  This  process,  which  has  a  remarkable 
analogy  to  the  formation  of  the  pollen  in  Flowering  Plants,  especially  in 
Conifene,  does  not  vary  in  any  essential  point  from  that  in  the  other 
orders  of  Vascular  Cryptogams  ;  but  it  has  been  followed  out  with  the 
greatest  minuteness  and  success  in  Equisetum  (limosum,  L.). 

The  mature  sporange  dehisces  by  a  longitudinal  fissure  on  its  inner 
side  facing  the  sporophyll.  The  mechanism  of  the  bursting  is  similar 
to  that  of  the  anther  of  Flowering  Plants,  and  results  from  the  unequal 
contraction  of  lignified  and  of  non-lignified  portions  of  the  wall,  which 
is  furnished  with  annular  or  spiral  thickenings  to  its  cell-walls.  The 
various  coats  of  the  spores  are  formed  while  still  within  the  mother-cell. 
The  first  formed  is  the  outermost,  a  non-cuticularised  coat  capable  of 
swelling,  which  becomes  gradually  detached,  and  finally  splits  into  two 
bands,  the  elaters,  which  remain  attached  to  the  spore  only  at  one  point, 
in  the  centre  of  each,  where  they  meet,  while  the  distal  ends  of  each  are 
dilated  into  a  flattened  spathulate  form.  When  the  spore  escapes  from 
the  sporange  the  four  elaters  are  stretched  out  nearly  straight ;  when 
moistened  they  roll  up,  owing  to  their  unequal  lignification,  covering  up 
the  spore  almost  entirely,  as  they  did  at  first  before  becoming  detached. 
The  second  coat  is  more  or  less  cuticularised,  and  on  germination  also 
raises  itself  in  folds  from  the  innermost  coat,  which  is  closely  applied  to 
the  contents  of  the  spore,  and  is  again  differentiated  into  an  outer 


112 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


granular  cuticularised  exospore,  and  an  inner  endospore,  composed  of 
unchanged  cellulose.  So  strong  is  the  hygroscopic  property  of  the 
elaters,  that,  even  if  lightly  breathed  on,  the  spores  of  Equisetum  are 
seen  under  the  microscope  to  be  in  active  motion,  from  constant  changes 
in  the  humidity  of  the  air.  The  spores  contain  chlorophyll,  and,  in 
consequence,  retain  their  vitality  only  for  a  very  few  days,  and  germinate 
in  a  few  hours  after  being  placed  in  favourable  conditions.  In  this 
respect  they  show  a  striking  contrast  to  those  of  ferns. 


FIG.  84.  — Stages  in  the  development  of  spore  of  E. 
limosum  (  x  800).  i  and  e,  outer  coat  from  which  the 
elaters  are  formed  ;  2,  3,  inner  coats.  (After  Gcebel.) 


FIG.  85. — Spore  with  elaters  extended  (magnified). 


FIG.  B6.—E.  limosum  L. 
Rhizome  and  tubers. 


The  only  mode  of  vegetative  propagation  known  in  the  Equisetaceag 
is  by  the  production  of  tubers  on  the  rhizomes  and  on  the  underground 
portions  of  the  erect  stems  ;  they  are  peculiarly  modified  internodes,  filled 
with  starch  and  other  food-materials,  and  may  remain  dormant  for  years. 
The  buds,  especially  those  produced  at  the  lower  nodes  of  the  erect 
stem,  also  have  the  power  of  retaining  their  vitality  for  a  considerable 
pericd  in  a  rudimentary  condition  ;  and,  when  they  vegetate,  develop  into 
branches  of  great  vigour.  Tomaschek  (' Oesterr.  Bot.  Zeitschr.,'  1881, 
p.  245)  induced  prothallia  of  Equisetum  to  hibernate  by  growing  them 


EQUISETACE.E  113 

in  a  warm  situation,  in  which  condition  they  attained  a  large  amount  of 
independence,  and  propagated  freely  by  budding. 

The  number  of  known  species  of  Equisetum,  commonly  known  as 
'  horsetails,'  does  not  exceed  20  or  25  ;  they  are  most  numerous  in  the 
temperate  regions,  decreasing  in  number  both  towards  the  pole  and  the 
equator,  and  are  very  rare  in  the  Southern  Hemisphere.  The  stem  is 
always  very  slender,  and  seldom  exceeds  two  or  three  feet  in  height, 
though  E.  giganteum  (L.)  reache/  20  to  40  feet  in  the  tropics,  with  a 
climbing  habit.  Most  of  the  species  prefer  loose  sandy  or  gravelly  soil 
in  damp  situations  ;  several  grow  in  marshes  or  standing  water.  The 
erect  stems  are  mostly  annual,  but  in  a  few  species  they  endure  for 
several  years  ;  while  the  rhizome  is  always  perennial,  and  frequently 
attains  great  size  both  in  depth  and  in  lateral  extension.  The  species 
are  all  remarkably  similar  in  habit,  differing  chiefly  in  the  presence  or 
absence  of  special  fertile  stems,  the  position  of  the  stomates,  and  the 
degree  of  branching ;  but  the  classification  of  the  species  into  two  dis- 
tinct groups  of  '  homophyadic  '  and  'heterophyadic '  is  not  a  natural  one. 
Each  species  is  also  characterised  by  a  special  arrangement  of  the 
1  vascular  '  bundles,  and  of  the  air-cavities  as  seen  in  a  transverse  section 
of  the  stem.  In  external  form,  but  not  in  internal  structure,  they  call 
to  mind  Ephedra  among  Gymnosperms,  and  Casuarina  among  Angio- 
sperms.  The  large  amount  of  silex  deposited  in  the  epiderm  renders 
several  species,  especially  E.  hyemale,  useful  for  scouring  purposes,  and 
they  are  popularly  known  under  the  name  of  '  Dutch  rushes.' 

LITERATURE. 

Cramer — in  Nageli  u.  Cramer's  Pflanzenphys.  Unters.,  vol.  iii.,  1855. 

Sanio— (Epiderm  and  Stomates)  Linnsea,  1857-8,  p.  385. 

Duval-Jouve — Hist.  Nat.  des  Equisetum,  1864. 

Rees — (Apex  of  stem)  Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1867,  p.  209. 

Milde — Monographia  Equisetorum,  1867. 

Pfitzer— (Bundle-sheath)  Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1867,  p.  297. 

Famintzin — (Buds)  Bull.  Acad.  Sc.  St.  Petersburg,  vol.  ix.,  1876. 

Campbell— (Pro thallium)  Amer.  Natural.,  1883,  p.  10. 

Leclerc  du  Sablon — (Sporange)   Bull..  Soc.   Bot.   France,   1884,  p.   292;   and  Ann. 

Sc.  Nat.  (Bot.),  vol.  ii.,  1885,  p.  5. 

Goebel— (Fertile  shoots)  Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell.,  1886,  p.  184. 
Buchtien— (Oophyte)  Uhlworm  and  Haenlein's  Biblioth.  Bot.,  Heft  8,  1887. 


U4  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


Fossil  Vascular  Cryptogams. 

Fossil  remains  or  impressions  of  plants  are  found  in  all  the  stratified 
geological  formations  from  the  Upper  Silurian  to  the  latest.  Of  the 
Thallophytes  that  must  certainly  have  existed  in  the  seas  from  which 
the  oldest  fossiliferous  strata  were  deposited,  the  traces  are,  as  might  be 
expected,  few  and  doubtful ;  and  it  is  certain  that  many  markings  that 
have  been  claimed  under  this  category  do  not  belong  to  the  vegetable 
kingdom  at  all.  The  remains  of  Vascular  Cryptogams  make  their  first 
appearance  in  the  Upper  Silurian,  and  are  remarkably  abundant  in 
the  Devonian  and  Carboniferous  formations.  During  these  periods 
the  arborescent  vegetation  of  the  globe  consisted  entirely  of  Vascular 
Cryptogams  and  Gymnosperms,  no  remains  that  can  be  referred  with 
certainty  to  Angiosperms  being  known  earlier  than  the  Permian  forma- 
tion. The  structure  and  mode  of  reproduction  in  Vascular  Cryptogams 
seem  to  have  been  remarkably  uniform  from  the  earliest  times  to  the 
present.  The  remains  found  in  the  fossil  state  belong,  of  course,  ex- 
clusively to  the  sporophyte  generation  ;  but  these  indicate  not  only 
that  nearly  every  class  of  Vascular  Cryptogams  now  in  existence  was 
represented  in  the  Carboniferous  period,  but  also  that  none  of  the 
primeval  forms  of  vegetable  life  at  present  discovered  presented  charac- 
ters differing  very  widely  from  existing  types. 


FOSSIL  RHIZOCARPE^:. 

The  fossil  remains  that  can  be  referred,  with  any  degree  of  cer- 
tainty, to  the  Rhizocarpeae  are  very  scanty.  A  few  leaves  found  here 
and  there  have  been  described  by  their  discoverers,  under  the  names 
Marsilidium(Schenk)and  Sphenoglossum  (Emm.),  as  representing  genera 
nearly  allied  to  Marsilea  ;  and  capsules  presenting  an  external  resem- 
blance to  the  sporocarps  of  Pilularia  and  Marsilea  have  been  found  in 
the  Eocene. 

The  Salviniaceae  are  represented  with  much  more  certainty  in  the 
Miocene,  impressions  of  leaves  found  in  various  beds  belonging  to 
that  series  being  indistinguishable  from  those  of  Salvinia.  More  doubt 
attends  the  identification  of  fructifications  referred  to  this  order. 
Strasburger  and  Solms-Laubach  think  it  possible  that  certain  minute 
echinate  bodies  found  in  calcareous  nodules  in  the  Carboniferous, 
described  under  the  names  Traquairia  (Carruth.),  Zygosporites(WilL),  and 
Sporocarpon  (Will.),  the  first  of  which  is  regarded  by  its  discoverer  as  a 


FOSSIL    VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


115 


Radiolarian  Rhizopod,  may  be  massulas  of  Azolla.  Sir  W.  Dawson 
(Bull.  Chicago  Acad.  Sc.,  1886,  p.  105)  refers  organs  of  fructification  ob- 
tained from  the  Devonian  (=Erian)in  Canada  and  the  northern  United 
States — and  previously  described,  under  the  name  Sporangites  (Daws.), 
as  sporangia  of  Lycopodiaceae — to  a  genus  nearly  allied  to  Salvinia,  which 
he  calls  Protosalvinia  ;  but,  inasmuch  as  they  are  borne  on  Lepidoden- 
dron  scales,  this  explanation  is  inadmissible.  Sir  W.  Dawson  believes 
the  megaspores  of  Rhizocarpeae  to  be  the  chief  cause  of  the  highly 
bituminous  character  of  the  shales  in  which  these  bodies  are  found. 


FOSSIL  SELAGINELLACE^:. 

Remains  of  arborescent  vegetation  more  or  less  nearly  allied  to  the 
typical  Selaginellaceae  of  the  present  day  occur  in  extraordinary  abun- 
dance in  the  older  fossiliferous  strata.  Of  these  the  most  abundant  and 
best  known  families  are  the  Lepidodendreae  and  the  Sigillarieae. 

Of  the  LEPIDODENDREAE  the  stems  are  known  as  Lepidodendron,  and 
the  fructification  occasionally  found  in  organic  connection  with  the 


FIG.  87. — A,  B,  C,  portions  of  surface  of  stem  of  different  species  of  Lepidodendron  (natural 
size)  ;  Z?,  single  cushion  (magnified).     (After  Solms-Laubach.) 

branches,  as  Lepidostrobus.  The  fructification  is  distinctly  heterosporous  ; 
and  although,  in  a  large  number  of  Lepidostrobus  cones,  microspores  only 
have  been  detected,  this  is  unquestionably  either  because  the  portion  con- 
taining the  megaspores  has  not  been  preserved,  or  possibly  because  the 
megasporanges  and  microsporanges  may  have  been  distributed  in  distinct 
fructifications — a  degree  of  differentiation  unknown  in  any  existing  form. 
The  remains  of  a  large  number  of  species  of  Lepidodendron  occur  in 
the  coal  measures.  They  were  trees,  with  stems  up  to  ninety  feet  in 
height  and  two  feet  in  diameter,  covered  with  the  diamond-shaped  scars 
of  fallen  leaves.  These  scars,  together  with  a  portion  of  the  leaf-stalk 
remaining  behind  in  the  form  of  a  cushion,  occupied  the  whole  surface 
of  the  stem.  Wherever  the  internal  structure  has  been  preserved,  a 

I  2 


n6 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


central  'vascular'  cylinder  can  be  detected,  consisting  of  scalariform 
tracheides.  There  is  distinct  evidence  of  a  secondary  growth  in  thick- 
ness. The  branching  was  always  dichotomous.  The  leaves  were  very 
similar  to  those  of  Lycopodium,  and  were  penetrated  by  a  single 
-vascular'  bundle. 

The  fructifications  known  as  Lepidostrobus  are  cone-like  structures, 
not  unlike  fir-cones  in  appearance,  consisting  of  densely  packed  sporo- 
phylls.  On  the  upper  side  of  each  leaf  is  a  single  sporange,  often  of 
considerable  size.  The  cones  themselves  vary  in  size  from  that  of  a 
hazel-nut  to  one  and  a  half  feet  in  length.  It  is  seldom  that  the  remains 
are  in  a  sufficiently  perfect  condition  for  the  structure  of  the  spores  to 


A 


I 


FIG.  88. — A,  transverse  section  of  cone  of  Lepidostrobus  Browmi  Schimp.  ;  B,  longitudinal  section 
(after  R.  Brown) ;  C.  diagrammatic  longitudinal  section  of  portion  of  cone  of  L.  ornati4s  Hook. 
(after  Hooker)  ;  D,  upper  surface  of  sporophyll  {Lepidophylhun).  (All  from  Solms-Laubach.) 

be  made  out  with  certainty  ;  but  in  several  examples  both  kinds  occur. 
Where  one  kind  only  has  at  present  been  detected,  it  is,  in  most  cases, 
the  microspore,  the  megaspores  being  probably  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
fructification,  which  has  not  been  preserved  or  examined.  In  the  mega- 
s.pores  the  exospore  has  three  ridges  ;  there  are  numerous  spores  in  each 
sporange.  The  microspores  of  L.  dabadianus  (Schpr.)  are  connected 
together  in  groups  of  four  ;  while  in  L.  Brownei  (Schpr.)  they  are  in  threes. 
More  or  less  nearly  allied  to  Lepidodendron  are  a  number  of  other 
arborescent  genera,  among  the  more  striking  of  which  are  Ulodendron 
(Stbg.),  Bothrodendron  (L.  and  H.),  and  Lepidophloios  (Stbg.),  all  from 
the  coal  measures. 


FOSSIL    VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


117 


Although  the  genus  Sigillaria  is  still  placed  by  some  writers  among 
Gymnosperms,  its  true  place  is  undoubtedly  near  to  Lepidodendron 
in  the  order  Selagineilaceae  ;  the  structure  of  the  stem  presents  no 
important  difference 
from  that  of  Lepido- 
dendron, while  the 
fructification  known  as 
Sigillariostrobus  bears  a 
remarkable  resemblance 
to  Lepidostrobus. 

The  remains  of 
various  species  of  Sigil- 
laria occur  in  enormous 
•quantities  in  the  coal 
measures  ;  and  they 
constituted  one  of  the 
predominant  forms  of 
vegetation  of  the  period. 
The  stems  rivalled  in 
height  and  thickness 
those  of  Lepidoden- 
dron, and  were  covered, 
like  them,  with  the 
scars  of  fallen  leaves  in 
linear  series.  They  were 
simple  ordichotomousiy 
branched.  The  scars 

are  circular,  ovate,  or  hexagonal  from  mutual  compression.  In  the 
section  known  as  Leiodermaria  the  cushions  which  occur  in  other  forms 
are  wanting,  and  the  scars  stand  out  at  a  considerable  distance  from  one 
another  on  the  smooth  surface  of  the  stem.  The  leaves,  which  are 
occasionally  found  still  attached  to  the  branches,  were  narrow,  linear, 
and  sedge-like,  up  to  as  much  as  one  and  a  half  feet  in  length,  with  a 
projecting  midrib.  According  to  Van  Tieghem  the  stem  of  Sigillaria 
differs  from  that  of  the  Lepidodendreae,  and  indeed  from  that  of  all 
other  Vascular  Cryptogams,  in  the  leaf-trace  bundles  being  ( diploxy- 
lous' — that  is,  in  the  central  cylinder  having  an  external  secondary  and 
centrifugal  as  well  as  an  internal  primary  and  centripetal  xylem.  Renault 
regards  the  Rkytidokpid^  or  Sigillariae  with  stem  exhibiting  raised 
cushions  as  well  as  scars,  as  Cryptogamic  ;  the  Leiodermariece,  or  smooth- 
stemmed  Sigillariae,  as  Gymnospermic  ;  but  this  view  is  not  supported 
by  a  careful  examination  of  the  structure.  . 


D 


FIG.  .89. — A,  B,  C,  portions  of  surface  of  stem  of  different  species 
of  Sigillaria  ;  D,  Leiodermaria.     (After  Solms-Laubach.) 


Ji8  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

Sigillariostrobus,  the  fructification  of  Sigillaria,  is  extremely  rare.  It 
was  a  cone  resembling  Lepidostrobus,  with  the  sporanges  placed  singly 
on  the  base  of  the  sporophylls.  The  sporophylls  are  broadly  lanceolate 
and  apiculate.  Only  one  kind  of  spore  has  at  present  been  discovered, 
the  megaspores,  but  it  may  be  regarded  as  certain  that  these  were  asso- 
ciated with  a  second  and  smaller  kind. 

The  fossils  known  as  Stigmaria  are  the  roots  of  Sigillaria,  the  two 
having  been  not  unfrequently  found  in  connection  with  one  another. 
They  occur  in  the  Devonian  and  Carboniferous  formations.  Fragments 
have  been  found  from  twenty  to  thirty  feet  or  more  in  length  (S.  ficoides, 
Brongn.),  cylindrical  and  unbranched,  or  the  branching  always  dichoto- 
mous,  the  two  branches  running  in  a  nearly  parallel  direction.  The 
surface  is  smooth,  with  numerous  shallow  saucer-like  depressions,  the 
scars  of  the  rootlets,  some  of  which  aje  still  very  commonly  found 
attached  to  the  primary  root.  The  Stigmariae  obviously  lengthened 


FIG.  90.—  Stigmaria  ficoides  Brongn.  with  rootlets.     (After  Solms-Laubach.) 

exclusively  by  apical  growth.  Transverse  section  shows  a  hollow 
'  vascular '  cylinder,  broken  by  meshes  for  the  passage  of  the  bundles 
of  the  rootlets,  and  consisting  of  scalariform  tracheides  with  a  central 
parenchymatous  tissue  or  '  medulla.'  In  the  rootlets  the  single  central 
bundle  consists  of  a  few  scalariform  tracheides,  which  leave  the  cylinder 
as  a  triangular  bundle,  but  become  circular  in  the  rootlets. 

Under  the  term  LYCOPODITES  are  included  a  number  of  fossil  forms, 
the  fructification  of  which  is  either  entirely  unknown,  or  is  not  in  a  suf- 
ficiently well-preserved  state  for  definite  determination.  Some  of  the 
leafy  stems  ought  possibly  to  be  referred  to  Coniferae ;  others,  with 
leaves  of  one  kind  only,  perhaps  belong  to  Lycopodiaceae  ;  while  others, 
with  leaves  of  two  different  kinds,  are  Selaginellaceae.  From  beds  near 
the  bottom  of  the  Carboniferous  series  there  is  a  species  with  thick 
club-shaped  terminal  fructification,  bearing  a  striking  resemblance  to 
Lycopodium  Phlegmaria  (Lycopodites  Stockii,  Kidst).  Ptilophyton 


FOSSIL    VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 


119 


(Daws.),  from  the  Devonian  and  Carboniferous  formations  of  Scotland 
and  North  America,  should  also  be  included  here. 

The  only  fossils  that  can  be  referred  with  any  degree  of  certainty  to 
the  Isoeteae  are  those  comprised  in  the  genus  Isoetites  (Schmp.),  from  the 
Miocene,  which  is  scarcely  distinguishable  from  existing  Isoetes.  More 
doubt  rests  on  the  true  place  of  Solenites  (L.  and  H.),  from  the  Jurassic, 
which  has  been  referred  with  equal  probability  to  Gymnosperms. 

Of  fossil  Psiloteae  the  remains  are  few  and  uncertain.  To  this  family 
has  been  referred  Psilophyton  (Daws.) ;  but  the  fructification  is  very 


FIG.  oi.— 


91. — Bases  of  stem  of  Sigillaria,  with  Stigmaria  roots  attached.     (After  Solms-Laubach. 


aberrant  from  the  existing  Psiloteae,  consisting   of  a  pair  of  pod-like 
capsules  at  the  end  of  special  branches. 


FOSSIL  FILICES. 

The  remains  of  ferns— or  more  commonly  the  impressions  of  the 
leaves — are  found  in  all  fossiliferous  strata  from  the  Devonian  on- 
wards. Great  difficulty  is  presented  in  the  classification  of  fossil  ferns 
by  the  small  fragments  in  which  they  are  usually  found,  anything  like 
an  entire  plant,  or  even  a  number  of  fronds  attached  to  an  aerial  stem 


120 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


or  rhizome,  being  extremely  rare.     The  great  majority  of  species  appear 
to   have  been  herbaceous  ;  or  at  all  events  the  stems  of  tree-ferns  are 

not  of  very  common  occur- 
rence, even  in  the  coal 
measures.  And  although  the 
fructification  has  frequently 
been  met  with,  the  vast  ma- 
jority of  the  leaves  of  which 
the  remains  or  the  impres- 
sions have  been  preserved 
are  barren.  The  only  avail- 
able system  of  classification  of 
the  greater  number  of  fossil 
ferns  is  based  on  the  mode  of 
venation,  on  which  character 
a  number  of  families  have 
been  founded  by  Brongniart ; 
but  it  is  doubtful  whether 
this  has  any  great  value  as  a 
natural  system  of  classifica- 
tion. A  form  of  heterophylly 
different  from  anything  which 
occurs  among  existing  ferns 
is  found  in  a  few  species  from 
the  Carboniferous  formation, 
where,  in  addition  to  the 
normal  pinnae  of  the  frond, 
themselves  again  pinnate,  im- 
perfect pinnae  of  much  smaller 
size  and  simpler  structure  are 
intercalated  between  them. 

These  imperfect  pinnae,  known  as  aphkbice,  were  described  as  distinct 
species  before  their  true  character  was  known.  Thus  Rhacophyllum 
adnascens  (L.  and  H.)  is  the  aphlebia  of  Sphenopteris  crenata  (L.  and 
H.)  ;  while  various  so-called  species  of  Cyclopteris  are  abnormal  pinnae 
springing  from  the  rachis  below  the  normal  pinnae  of  Neuropteris. 
On  the  whole,  the  leaves  of  ferns  belonging  to  the  Carboniferous  period 
bear  a  striking  resemblance  to  those  of  our  own  day  ;  in  many  cases 
they  might  belong  to  living  genera. 

The  remains  of  the  fructification  of  fossil  ferns  that  have  come  down 
to  us  lead  us  to  believe  that  the  existing  orders  of  Filices  may  have  been 
represented  in  the  earlier  geological  periods  \  and  none  have  as  yet  been 


FIG.    92. — AphleMa,  from  the  Carboniferous  formation, 
i,  Sphenopteris  crenata   L.  and   H.  ;    2,  3,   Rhaco- 
adnascens  L.  and  H.    (After  Schimper.) 


FOSSIL    VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


121 


discovered  that  cannot  be  referred  to  some  existing  type.  The  preva- 
lent forms  appear  to  have  been  the  Polypodiacese,  Hymenophyllaceae, 
and  Marattiaceae  ;  this  last  order  having  been  apparently  much  more 
widely  distributed  and  more  abundant  in  the  earlier  periods  than  it  is 
now. 

The  HYMENOPHYLLACE^:  may  possibly  have  been  one  of  the  earliest 
differentiated  types.      In  Palaeopteris  hibernica  (Schmp.)  (Cyclopteris 


VIG.  93. — A,  frond  of  Palceopteris  hibernica  Schmp.  (restored)  (-^-6)  ;  B,  pinnule  (somewhat  mag.)  ; 
V,  fertile  pinna  (nat.  size)  ;  D,  two  cup-shaped  indusia  attached  to  the  filiform  midrib  (mag.)  ;  E, 
sporanges  of  a  hymenophyllaceous  fern  from  the  coal  measures  (mag.).  (After  Carruthers.) 

hibernica,  Forbes),  specimens  have  been  found  in  which  all  the  lower 
pdnnag  are  fertile.  The  pinnule  was  reduced  to  a  midrib  supporting  the 
slender  stalks  of  the  bilabiate  cup-shaped  indusia  ;  and  the  stalk  is  con- 
tinued into  the  indusium,  to  which  the  sessile  sporanges  are  attached. 
The  texture  of  the  frond  was  not  membranaceous,  like  that  of  most  exist- 
ing Hymenophyllaceee,  but  was  more  like  that  of  Loxsoma.  On  the 
rachis  between  the  pinnae  are  seated  single  large  decurrent  pinnules. 


122 


VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 


The  edges  of  the  pinnules  are  slightly  serrate  from  the  numerous  dicho- 
tomising veins  ;  the  lower  part  of  the  stipe  is  clothed  with  scales.  Spo- 
ranges  with  the  characteristic  oblique  annulus  of  the  Hymenophyllaceae 
have  also  been  found  in  the  coal  measures  by  Carruthers  ('Geol.  Mag.,' 

Feb.  1872). 

Remains  which  can  be 
referred  with  certainty  to  the 
MARATTIACE^E  are  not  unfre- 
quent.  In  Scolecopteris  (Stur) 
we  have  a  true  synange  ;  the 
separate  sporanges,  arranged 
on  a  common  elevated  re- 
ceptacle, are  linear-ovate  with 
a  long  free  apex,  and  open  by 
a  fissure  on  the  inner  side 
without  any  trace  of  an  an- 
nulus. In  Asterotheca  (Presl) 
the  circular  sorus  usually  con- 
sists of  six  exannulate  spo- 
ranges closely  adnate  to  one 
another,  the  sori  are  sessile, 
and  are  arranged  in  a  single 
row  on  each  side'  of  the  mid- 
rib of  the  pinna.  In  Renaultia 
(Stur)  a  group  of  cells  occurs 
in  the  outer  wall  of  the  spo- 
range  similar  to  that  in  Angi- 
opteris,  which  may  be  the 
rudiment  of  an  annulus. 
Seftenbergia  (Cord.)  presents 
important  differences.  The 
sporanges  are  not  collected 
into  sori,  but  are  scattered 
along  the  veins  of  the  third 
order ;  each  sporange  has  at 
its  apex  a  cap-like  annulus. 
It  appears  to  be  a  connecting 
link  between  the  Marattiaceae 
and  Schizaeaceae.  Other  types  of  Marattiaceae  are  presented  by  Danaeites 
(Gopp.)  and  Botryopteris  (Ren.). 

The  remaining  types  of  ferns  of  the  Devonian  and  Carboniferous, 
and  especially  those  of  more  recent  periods,  present  the  greatest  resem- 


FIG.  94. — Fructifications  of  fossil  Marattiaceae.  A, 
Seftenbergia  ophidermatica  ;  B,  Haulea  Miltoni; 
C,  Oligocarpia  Lindsceoides  ;  D,  Scolecopteris  poly- 
morpha;  £,  Asterotheca.  Sternbergii.  (After  Solms- 
Laubach.) 


FOSSIL    VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


123 


blance  to  POLYPODIACE^E  and  CYATHEACELE  among  existing  forms.  No 
fructification  resembling  that  of  Osmundaceae  has  at  present  been  dis- 
covered ;  but  Osmundites  (Carruth.),  from  the  Lower  Eocene,  has  been 
referred  to  that  order  by  its  discoverer  from  the  peculiarities  of  the 
structure  of  the  stem.  The  Ophioglossacese  are  still  unrepresented  in 
palseophytology. 

The  internal  structure  of  the  stem  and  leaf-stalk  of  most  fossil  ferns, 


FIG.  95. — Section  of  Stemmatopteris  Cord,  invested  with  roots=Psar0nhts  Cord. 
(From  a  specimen  in  the  British  Museum.) 

where  this  can  be  determined,  differs  in  no  important  respect  from  that 
of  living  forms.  We  find  the  same  interrupted  ring  of  'vascular' 
bundles,  which  may  be  either  concentric  or  collateral,  the  xylem  con- 
sisting largely  of  scalariform  tracheides,  the  same  layers  of  sclerenchyme 
both  in  connection  with  the  bundles  and  beneath  the  epiderm  ;  evident 
indications  of  gum-passages  have  even  been  detected.  But  though  this 
is  by  far  the  most  common  type  of  structure,  a  second  is  displayed  in  a 
few  rare  examples,  in  which  the  arrangement  of  the  '  vascular '  elements. 


124  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

may  be  compared  to  that  in  the  stem  of  Monocotyledons,  as  the  ordinary 
arrangement  maybe  to  that  in  the  first  year  in  the  stem  of  Dicotyledons. 
In  Stemmatopteris  (Cord.)  (including  Psaronius,  Cord.,  and  Zippea, 
Cord.),  from  the  Bath  coal-field,  the  circumference  of  the  stem  is  com- 
posed of  a  continuous  envelope  of  sclerenchymatous  tissue,  within  which 
are  perpendicular  tracts  of  '  vascular '  tissue  not  penetrated  by  meshes. 
Between  these  tracts  the  leaves  were  given  off  in  perpendicular  series, 
the  large  single  leaf-bundles  coming  right  out  from  the  central  paren- 
chyme,  in  which  they  existed  as  well-formed  bundles,  filling  up  more  or 
less  completely  the  central  cavity  (see  fig.  95).  There  is  therefore  no 
closed  cylinder  with  central  *  medulla  '  as  in  ordinary  ferns.  By  some 
authors  it  has  been  proposed  to  establish  "the  fern-stems  which  display 
this  character  as  a  separate  group  under  the  name  Psaronieae,  but  there 
is  every  reason  to  identify  the  stem  of  Stemmatopteris  insignis  (Cord.) 
with  the  fronds  of  Pecopteris  arborescens  (Schl.),  which  bear  fructi- 
fication indistinguishable  from  that  of  Cyathea  ;  and,  this  character 
being  the  more  important,  the  genus  must  be  placed  under  Cyathe- 
aceae. 


FOSSIL  EQUISETACE^:. 

Remains  of  the  genus  Equisetites,  evidently  very  nearly  allied  to 
Equisetum,  if  not  identical  with  it,  are  found  in  greater  or  less  abun- 
dance in  various  strata  from  the  Carboniferous  to  the  Tertiary,  attaining 
their  maximum  development  in  the  Trias.  The  stems  of  these  fossil 
horsetails  are  from  one  and  a  half  to  six  inches  in  diameter,  and  may  have 
attained  a  height  of  from  twenty-five  to  thirty-five  feet.  They  are  cylin- 
drical, and  are  marked  with  alternate  ridges  and  furrows.  At  the  nodes 
are  tubular  leaf-sheaths  split  at  the  margin  into  numerous  short  teeth, 
each  of  which  terminates  in  an  elongated  bristle  ;  in  some  species  the 
number  of  these  teeth  appears  to  have  amounted  to  as  many  as  one 
hundred.  The  nodal  diaphragms  are  clearly  seen  in  E.  arenaceus 
(Brongn.),  the  remains  of  which  occur  in  extraordinary  abundance  in  the 
Upper  Trias  ;  and,  in  some  species  at  least,  the  furrows  and  ridges  of 
each  internode  are  alternate  respectively  with  those  of  the  internodes 
next  above  and  next  below.  Remains  of  rhizomes  have  been  found  closely 
resembling  in  structure  those  of  Equisetum.  Nearly  allied  to  Equise- 
tites  are  the  genera  Schizoneura  (Schmp.)  and  Phyllotheca  (Brongn.); 
the  latter  differing  from  the  type  in  its  spreading  sheath-teeth,  and  in 
the  ridges  and  furrows  of  adjacent  internodes  not  being  alternate.  The 
fructification  of  Equisetites  has  only  been  found  in  a  very  imperfect  con- 
dition. That  of  Phyllotheca  bears  "a  close  resemblance  to  the  cone- 


FOSSIL    VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


125 


like  sporangiferous  spikes  of  Equisetum.     It  contained  spores  of  one 
kind  only. 

The  group  of  CALAMARIE/E — including  the  stems  known  as  Cala- 
mites  and  Calamodendron^  and  the  fruit  known  as  Calamostachys — 
have  been  separated  by  some  authorities  from  the  Equisetaceae  on  the 
ground  of  their  alleged  heterospory,  but  without  sufficient  warrant  from 
the  facts  of  their  structure  as  actually  observed. 

The  remains  of  Calamites  occur  in  immense  quantities  in  the  Car- 
boniferous strata  ;  apparently  they 
constituted  one  of  the  most  im- 
portant features  of  the  vegetation  of 
that  period,  disappearing  after  the 
Permian.  The  stems  were  fre- 
quently of  gigantic  dimensions  com- 
pared with  our  existing  Equisetums, 
attaining  a  height  of  thirty  feet  and 
a  diameter  of  four  inches  or  more. 
They  consist  of  a  hollow  central 
cavity,  with  a  cylinder  of  tracheides 
in  wedge-shaped  bundles,  separated 
at  their  origin  by  parenchyme,  and 
alternating  at  the  nodes,  where  there 
is  a  diaphragm  or  '  phragma.'  The 
leaves,  which  spring  in  whorls  from 
each  node,  do  not,  as  in  Equi- 
setites,  coalesce  laterally  into  sheaths 
surrounding  the  stem.  They  are 
narrow  and  acicular,  with  a  single 
prominent  midrib.  At  the  nodes 
are  occasionally  seen  saucer-shaped 
depressions,  the  scars  of  the  lateral 
branches,  which  are  sometimes 
found  attached  to  the  primary  axis. 
The  growth  of  the  stem  is  characterised  by  a  considerable  secondary 
increase  in  thickness  ;  and,  since  this  phenomenon  was  formerly  un- 
known among  living  Vascular  Cryptogams,  it  has  induced  some  authori- 
ties to  transfer  those  examples  where  it  occurs,  under  the  name  of 
Calamodendreae,  to  Gymnosperms  ;  but  this  has  been  rendered  un- 
necessary from  the  fact  that  a  secondary  growth  in  thickness  occurs 
also  in  Lepidodendron  and  Sigillaria,  as  well  as  in  Isoetes;  and  is 
further  contradicted  by  the  fact  that  fructification  of  an  evidently 
cryptogamic  character  has  been  found  in  organic  connection  with  stems 


FIG.  96.— A,  Phyllotheca  eqriisetiformis ;  B, 
fructification  of  Phyllotheca,  (After  Solms- 
Laubach.) 


126 


VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


which  must  be  referred  to  the  same  group.  To  the  same  family  as 
Calamites  belong  probably  Astromyelon  (Will.),  and  at  least  some 
species  of  Arthropitys  (Gopp.).  The  degree  of  identity  in  structure  of 
Calamodendron  with  Calamites  is  a  point  on  which  the  best  authorities 
are  not  yet  in  agreement. 

To  the  genus  Calamitina  (Weiss)  (Asterophyllites,  Ren.,  Calamocladus, 
Schmp.)  belong  a  number  of  calamite  stems  found  with  the  leaves  still 
in  connection  with  them.  These  are  of  very  peculiar  form,  consisting 
of  an  ovate-lanceolate  basal  portion,  thickened  and  marked  by  a  central 
furrow,  and  a  narrowly-lanceolate  acuminate  apical  portion  ;  the  basal 


FIG.  97.— Stems  of  Calamites.     (After  Weiss.) 

portion  alone  being  very  frequently  preserved.  The  leaves  do  not 
coalesce  laterally  into  sheaths  ;  on  falling  off  they  leave  behind  whorls 
of  round  or  ovate  scars.  Bornia  (Brongn.)  (Archaeocalamites,  Stur)  is 
an  older  fossil  occurring  in  the  Devonian  formation,  differing  from  the 
more  recent  forms  in  the  broad  flat  longitudinal  ribs  on  the  stem  not 
alternating  in  adjacent  internodes. 

In  Annularia  (Brongn.),  which  occurs  only  in  the  Carboniferous 
formation,  the  leaves  are  linear- lanceolate,  and  are  penetrated  by  a  single 
'  vascular '  bundle  ;  those  of  each  whorl  are  united  laterally  in  their 
basal  portion  into  a  shallow  saucer-shaped  cup,  through  which  the  stem 


FOSSIL    VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 


127 


passes,  and  from  the  margin  of  which  spring  the  linear-lanceolate  free 
portions  of  the  leaves.  Annularia  has  been  regarded  by  some  writers 
as  an  herbaceous  aquatic  plant ;  but  there  is  little  doubt  that  it  is  the 
branches  and  foliage  of  Calamites. 

The  fructification  of  the   Calamarieae,  described  under  the  name 
Calamostachys — with  which  must  be  identified  Volkmannia  (Stbg.)  and 


FIG.  98. — Leaves  of  Calamitina. 
(After  Weiss.) 


\ 

FIG.  99. — ArchiPOcalamites  radiatus  Stur 
(After  Stur.) 


Bruckmannia  (Stbg.) — has  not  unfrequently  been  found  in  organic  con- 
nection with  the  stem.  Each  cylindrical  cone-like  fructification  consists 
of  a  number  of  whorls  of  sporophylls,  but  differs  from  that  of  Equisetum 
or  of  Equisetites  in  the  fertile  whorls  alternating,  in  each  spike,  with 
barren  whorls  consisting  of  a  large  number  of  lanceolate  acute  leaves, 
free  or  more  or  less  connate  at  the  base  ;  the  free  portions  completely 
cover  the  next  upper  fertile  whorl  and  the  base  of  the  barren  whorl 


I'28 


VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS 


above  that  ;  thus  giving  a  remarkable  superficial  resemblance  to  a  fir- 
cone. The  sporophylls  of  each  whorl  are  not  united  with  one  another  ; 
they  resemble  those  of  Equisetum  in  their  peltate  form,  and  each  bears 
on  its  under  side  four  sporanges.  It  is  very  rarely  that  the  spores  are 
preserved  in  sufficient  perfection  for  their  structure  to  be  made  out  with 
certainty.  The  statement  that  they  are  of  two  kinds,  megaspores  and 
microspores,  rests  on  insufficient  evidence.  Carruthers  believes  that  he 
has  detected  in  a  few  cases  an  outer  separable  membrane  which  would 


FIG.  100. — A,  Fructification  of  Cingularia  typica;  B,  portion  of  a  barren  and  of  a  fertile  whorl 
C,  upper  surface  of  fertile  whorl.       (After  Weiss.) 

unroll  itself  in  the  form  of  elaters.  In  Palaeostachys  (Weiss)  the  spo- 
rophylls stand  in  the  axils  of  the  barren  leaves.  The  fructification  of 
Cingularia  (Weiss)  has  a  very  remarkable  appearance,  from  the  alternate 
barren  and  fertile  whorls  standing  out  nearly  at  right  angles  to  the  axis  ; 
the  leaves  of  the  barren  whorls  are  connate  for  about  half  their  length  ; 
the  sporophylls  are  also  united  in  each  whorl  into  a  horizontal  plate, 
divided  at  the  margin  into  truncate  lobes  ;  from  the  under  side  of  this 
plate  the  sporanges  hang  vertically  in  radial  rows.  The  remains  of 
Cingularia  fructifications  are  found  in  large  numbers  in  the  coal 


FOSSIL    VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 


129 


measures.     Very  little  is  known  of  their  stem,  which  appears,  however, 
to  have  resembled  that  of  the  Calamarieae. 

More  doubt  rests  on  the  affinity  with  the  Equisetaceae  of  the  group 
of  SPHENOPHYLLE^E.  The  remains  of  Sphenophyllum  (Brongn.)  are 
found  in  abundance  in  the  Carboniferous  formation,  but  do  not  come 
down  to  more  recent  times 
than  the  Lower  Permian. 
The  stem  is  divided  into 
distinct  nodes  and  inter- 
nodes,  the  latter  usually 
marked  with  conspicuous 
ridges  and  furrows,  which 
are  not  alternate  in  adja- 
cent internodes,  but  pass 
continuously  through  the 
nodes.  At  the  swollen 
nodes  are  whorls  of  leaves, 
with  occasional  axillary 
branches.  Each  whorl  ap- 
pears to  consist  always  of 
six  leaves  or  of  some  mul- 
tiple of  six.  They  are  ses- 
sile, and  obcuneate  from  a 
narrow  base,  sometimes 
denticulate  and  bifid  at  the 
apex,  but  are  not  in  any 
degree  connate.  Each  leaf 
contains  a  number  of 
simple  or  dichotomous 
'vascular'  bundles.  In 
the  centre  of  the  stem  is 
a  triangular  bundle  com- 
posed of  scalariform  tra- 
cheides,  to  which  some 
authorities  add  spiral  tra- 
cheides  and  others  with 
bordered  pits  ;  the  bundle  passes  through  the  node  without  material 
change.  This  is  often  surrounded  by  some  layers  of  secondary  wood  ; 
the  greater  part  of  the  stem,  on  transverse  section,  is  occupied  by  a 
small-celled  parenchyme. 

The  fructification  of  Sphenophyllum  consists  of  cylindrical  cone- 
like  spikes  resembling  those  of  Calamites.     It  is  composed  of  whorls 


FIG.  loi.— i,  2,  Fructification  and  branch  of  Asterophyl- 
lites;  3,  4,  fructification  and  branch  of  Annnlaria  ;  5, 
6,  fructification  and  branch  of  Sphenophyllum.  (After 
Carruthers.) 


I3o  VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS 

of  sporophylls  without  any  intermediate  barren  whorls  ;  the  separate 
leaves  are  often  saccate,  the  narrow  apices  ascending  and  covering  in  an 
imbricate  fashion  the  bases  of  the  next  upper  whorl.  The  position  of  the 
sporanges  differs  materially  from  that  of  the  other  Equisetaceae.  They 
are  comparatively  large  bodies,  lenticular,  from  i  to  2*5  mm.  in  diameter, 
solitary  and  sessile  in  the  saccate  hollow  on  the  upper  surface  of  the 
base  of  the  sporophyll.  The  solid  remains  have  not  yet  been  found  in 
a  sufficiently  perfect  condition  for  the  structure  of  the  spores  to  be 
determined  with  any  degree  of  certainty,  but  no  sufficient  evidence  of 
heterospory  has  been  presented. 

From  the  form  and  position  of  the  sporanges  the  Sphenophylleae  are 
placed  by  some  writers  under  Selaginellaceae  ;  but  in  the  general  appear- 
ance and  structure  of  the  vegetative  organs  they  approach  so  nearly  to 
the  Calamarieae  that  it  seems  best  at  present  to  place  them  here  until 
we  are  better  acquainted  with  the  details  of  the  fructification.  Stur  has 
recently  described  and  figured  specimens  with  leaves  of  Asterophyllites 
at  the  base,  Sphenophyllum -leaves  higher  up,  and  terminating  in  a  fructi- 
fication. 


LITERATURE  OF  FOSSIL  VASCULAR  CRYPTOGAMS. 


Sternberg— Flora  der  Vorwelt,  1821-1838. 

Brongniart— Hist,   des  Vegetaux   Fossiles,    1820-1840;    (Sigillaria,   Stigmaria,   and 

Lepidodendron)  Arch.  Mus.  d'Hist.  Nat.,  1839. 
Lindley  and  Hutton— Fossil  Flora  of  Great  Britain,  1833-1837. 
Witham — Internal  Structure  of  Fossil  Vegetables,  1833. 

Goppert— Systema  Filicum  Fossilium,  1826  ;  Gattungen  der  fossilen  Pflanzen,  1841. 
Unger — Genera  et  Species  Plantarum  Fossilium,  1840. 
Corda— Beitr.  zur  Flora  der  Vorwelt,  1845. 

Hooker— Vegetation  of  Carboniferous  Period,  in  Mem.  Geol.  Survey,  1847. 
Brown — Triptosporites,  in  Linn.  Soc.  Trans.,  1851. 
Geinitz — Steinkohlenformation  in  Sachsen,  1855. 
Ludwig— Calamiten-Friichte  Palseontographia,  1861. 
Goldenberg— Flora  Saraepontana,  1862. 

Binney — Fossil  Carboniferous  Plants,  Palseont.  Soc.,  1868-1875. 
Schimper — Paleontologie  vegetale,  1869-1874. 
Weiss — Fossile  Flora  der  Steinkohlenformation,  &c.,  1869  ;  Beitr.  zur  fossilen  Flora, 

1876-1884. 
Carruthers— (Ulodendron  and  Bothrodendron)  Monthly  Micr.  Journ.,  1870;  (Lycopo- 

diacese)  1869;  (Calamites)  Seemann's  Journ.  Bot.,  1867. 
Dawson-Fossil  Plants  of  Upper  Silurian  and  Devonian   of  Canada,    1871-1882; 

Geological  Hist,  of  Plants,  1888. 
De  Saporta— Paleontologie  Fra^aise,  1873. 
G rand 'Eury— Flora  Carbonifere  du  Dpt.  de  la  Loire,  &c.,  1877. 


FOSSIL    VASCULAR   CRYPTOGAMS  131 

Renault — Cours  de  Bot.  fossile,  vols.  i.-iii.,  1881-1883. 

Williamson— Organisation  of  Plants  of  the  Coal  Measures,  Phil.  Trans.  1871-1888  ; 

(Stigmaria)  Pakeont.  Soc.,  1887. 

Kidston — (Lepidodendron,  Sigillaria,  &c.)  Ann.  and  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.,  1885. 
Lesquereux — Coal  Flora  of  Carboniferous  Formation  of  Pennsylvania,  &c.,  1884. 
Stur— Carbonflora  der  Schatzlarenschichter,  1885  ;  Culmflora,  1877-1883. 
Van  Tieghem— Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  France,  1883,  p.  169. 
Zeiller— Ann.  Sc.  Nat.  (Bot.),  1884;  (Sigillaria)  do.,  1884,  p.  256. 
Zittel— Handbuch  der  Paloeontologie,  1879-1885. 
Solms-Laubach — Einleitung  in  die  Palaeophytologie,  1887  (for  which  see  very  copious 

bibliography). 
Schenk — Die  fossilen  Pflanzenreste,  in  Schenk's  Handb.  der  Botanik,  vol.  iv.,  1888. 


K  2  . 


132  M  US  CINE  & 


SECOND    SUBDIVISION. 
MUSCINE^. 

THE  line  of  demarcation  between  the  Vascular  Cryptogams  and  the 

plants   immediately   below   them   in    the    scale    of    organisation,    the 

Muscineae,  is  a  very  sharp  one,  and  their  genetic  relationship  to  one 

another  presents  considerable  difficulties.     The  lower  type  of  structure 

is,  however,  chiefly  manifested  in  the  vegetative  organs.     The  mode  of 

sexual  reproduction  which  occurs  throughout  this  group  corresponds  in 

its  most  important  features  with  that  in  Vascular  Cryptogams  ;  and  we 

have  here  also  a  division  of  the  life-history  of  the  plants  into  a  sporo- 

phyte   and   an   oophyte   generation,   a   true   alternation  of  generations, 

although  the  phenomenon  differs  in  one  important  point  from  that  which 

we  have  seen  in  Vascular  Cryptogams,   viz.  in  almost  the  whole  of  the 

vegetative  system  belonging  to  the  oophyte  instead  of  to  the  srjorophyte 

generation.  To  this  we  have  already  seen  an  approach  in  Gymnogramme 

(p.  65).     The  vegetative  system  is  invariably  of  small  size,  and  almost 

entirely  destitute  of  vascular  bundles  and  of  all  other  strengthening 

tissues.     Within  the  group  the  boundary  line  is  crossed  between  Cormo- 

phytes  and  Thallophytes  ;  and  in  the  lower  orders  we  entirely  lose  the 

differentiation  of  the  vegetative  organs  into  cauline  and  appendicular 

organs — in   other  words,  into  stem  and  leaves  ;   the  entire  vegetative 

system  consisting  of  an  undifferentiated  thallus.     The  mature  plant  is 

almost  invariably  terrestrial  in  habit,  and  is  attached  to  the  substratum 

by  rhizoids.    The  appendicular  organs,  when  present,  are  minute  leaves, 

which  never  contain  true  vascular  bundles,  and  usually  consist  of  only  a 

single  layer  of  cells.     We  find,  however,   the  first  stage  towards  the 

epidermal  and  fibrovascular  structures  characteristic  of  the  leaves  of 

vascular  plants,  in  a  distinct  midrib  and  edging  of  elongated  cells  with 

somewhat  thicker  cell-walls  overlapping  one  another  at  the  extremities, 

and   partially  or   altogether  destitute   of  chlorophyll.     In   one   group 

(Sphagnaceae)  the  leaves  are  composed  of  cells  of  two  different  kinds, 

small  cells  containing  chlorophyll  interspersed  among  much  larger  empty 

cells.     The  leaves,  being  usually  unilamellar,  cannot,  of  course,  be  pro- 


MUSCINEAE  133 

vided  with  stomates,  though  these  are  frequently  present  on  the  organs 
of  propagation  ;  while  one  group  of  thalloid  forms  (Marchantiacese) 
possess  stomates  of  remarkable  and  complicated  structure.  The  vegeta- 
tive propagation  of  the  Muscineae  takes  place  in  several  ways  :  ist,  by 
innovation,  i.e.  by  a  process  of  renewal  at  the  apex,  while  the  oldest  parts 
die  off  behind  ;  2nd,  by  means  of  gemmae,  stolons,  or  detached  buds  ; 
and  3rd,  by  the  non-sexual  production  of  a  thallus  or  protoneme,  a 
process  which  will  be  described  presently.  The  facility  of  these  various 
modes  of  vegetative  multiplication  gives  rise  to  the  tufted  or  caespitose 
habit  of  many  species. 

Notwithstanding  the  variety  in  the  development  of  the  vegetative 
structure,  the  sexual  organs  of  Muscinese  are  remarkably  uniform  in 
their  main  features.  The  male  and  female  organs  are  termed  respec- 
tively, as  in  Vascular  Cryptogams,  antherids  and  archegones.  The 
mature  antherid  is  a  spherical,  ellipsoidal,  or  club-shaped  body,  with  a 
longer  or  shorter  stalk,  the  outer  layer  of  its  cells  forming  an  enclosing 
wall,  while  each  of  the  small  and  numerous  crowded  cells  in  the  interior 
develops  an  anther ozoid.  These  bodies  are  spirally-coiled  threads  of 
protoplasm,  thicker  at  the  posterior  end,  and  tapering  to  a  fine  point 
at  the  anterior  end,  where  they  are  furnished  with  two  long  fine  cilia, 
the  vibrations  of  which  set  them  in  constant  motion  ;  they  are  set  free 
by  the  rupture  of  the  wall  of  the  antherid  at  its  apex.  The  archegones, 
when  in  a  condition  capable  of  impregnation,  are  flask-shaped  bodies 
bulging  from  a  narrow  base,  and  produced  above  into  a  long  neck. 
The  swollen  or  ventral  portion,  the  venter,  encloses  one  cell  much 
larger  than  the  rest,  the  central  cell,  from  the  larger  and  lower  portion 
of  which  is  developed,  after  its  separation  by  a  horizontal  septum,  the 
germ-cell  or  oosphere.  Above  this  central  cell  is  an  axial  row  of  cells 
termed  the  canal-cells,  passing  through  the  narrow  portion  or  neck  of 
the  archegone,  and  continued  as  far  as  the  apical  cells,  stigmatic  cells, 
or  lid-cells,  which  form  what  is  called  the  stigma.  These  canal-cells 
are  transformed  before  impregnation  into  mucilage,  which  finally  swells 
up  and  forces  apart  the  four  stigmatic  cells,  an  open  canal  being  thus 
formed,  through  which  the  antherozoids  reach  the  oosphere.  Notwith- 
standing the  general  uniformity  in  structure  of  the  sexual  organs  of  the 
Muscineae,  their  origin  varies  greatly.  They  may  originate,  in  the 
thalloid  forms,  below  the  growing  apex,  from  the  superficial  cells  of  the 
thallus,  or  on  special  metamorphosed  branches  ;  in  the  foliose  forms 
both  antherids  and  archegones  may  be  formed  from  the  apical  cell  of 
the  shoot,  or  from  segments  of  it ;  and  in  this  case  they  may  take  the 
place  of  leaves,  of  lateral  shoots,  or  even  of  hairs.  According  to 
Leitgeb,  the  order  of  evolution  from  the  lower  to  the  higher  forms  of 


i34  •        MUSCINE^E 

Muscineae  is  indicated  by  the  position  of  the  sexual  organs  on  the 
vegetative  shoots  ;  as  these  organs  approach  nearer  and  nearer  to  the 
apex,  the  shoot  gradually  loses  its  vegetative  character,  and  becomes 
differentiated  into  a  special  fertile  branch. 

The  sexual  organs  are  frequently  surrounded  by  crowded  and  slightly 
modified  foliar  structures,  the  whole  arrangement  having  then  some 
resemblance  to  the  flower  of  Phanerogams.  Thus,  in  the  thalloid 
forms,  the  antherids  and  archegones  are  commonly  borne  on  umbrella- 
shaped  outgrowths  of  the  thallus  which  are  not  inaptly  termed  respec- 
tively male  and  female  inflorescences.  In  the  foliose  forms  they  are 
frequently  arranged  at  the  extremities  or  laterally  on  branches,  and 
closely  surrounded  by  small  leaves  constituting  the  perichcete  or  perianth, 
reminding  one  of  the  bracts,  or  even  of  the  calyx,  of  Flowering  Plants, 
the  whole  structure  forming  an  hermaphrodite,  monoecious,  or  dioecious 
'  flower.'  They  are  often  accompanied  by  barren,  hair-like  cells,  termed 
paraphyses. 

The  first  result  of  the  impregnation  of  the  oosphere  by  an  anthero- 
zoid  is  the  formation  of  an  ovoid  embryo  by  repeated  cell-divisions ; 
this  continues  to  grow  at  its  apex,  and  finally  develops  into  the 
fructification  here  known  distinctively  as  the  sporogone,  the  ultimate 
form  of  which  varies  greatly  in  the  different  families.  In  its  most 
perfect  form  the  sporogone  is  differentiated  externally  into  a  slender 
stalk  or  seta,  which  penetrates  into  the  base  of  the  archego-ne,  or  even 
into  the  underlying  tissue,  and  a  spore-capsule,  called  indifferently  the 
sporange,  theca,  or  urn.  Along  with  the  spores  the  spore-capsule  some- 
times contains  (in  the  Hepaticse)  elongated  cells  thickened  by  a  single 
or  double  spiral  band  known  as  elaters,  which  assist  in  the  dissemination 
of  the  spores.  The  mature  sporange  is,  in  the  highest  forms,  sur- 
mounted by  a  cap  or  calypter,  which  becomes  completely  detached  at 
its  base,  while  the  mature  lower  portion  of  the  archegone  encloses  the 
base  of  the  seta  in  the  form  of  a  sheath  or  vagine ;  in  the  lower  forms 
the  spore-capsule  always  remains  enclosed  in  the  calypter.  The  spores 
of  the  Muscineae  are  always  formed  in  fours  within  the  spore-mother- 
cells,  which  latter  are  produced  within  the  cavity  of  the  sporange  by  free 
cell-formation,  from  a  special  layer  or  layers  of  cells  known  as  the 
archespore.  When  ripe  they  have  a  double  cell-wall,  the  outermost 
layer  or  exospore  being  provided  with  small  excrescences,  and  the  inner 
layer  or  endospore  bursting  through  it  on  germination.  The  contents 
consist  of  protoplasm,  chlorophyll-grains,  starch,  and  oil. 

The  thalloid  or  leafy  plant  (as  the  case  may  be)  does  not,  as  a  rule, 
arise  immediately  from  the  germinating  spore,  but,  in  all  the  higher 
forms,  only  after  the  previous  formation  of  a  colourless  confervoid  or 


MUSCINE^E  135 

filamentous  structure,  the  prothallus  or  protoneme,  on  which  the  leafy 
plant  containing  chlorophyll  arises  as  a  lateral  shoot.  The  Muscinese 
present,  therefore,  an  illustration  of  the  phenomenon  of  alternation  of 
generations  ;  the  sexual  generation  which  intervenes  between  germina- 
tion and  impregnation,  or  oophyte,  consisting  of  the  protoneme  (when 
present),  the  leafy  (or  thalloid)  plant,  together  with  the  sexual  organs  ; 
the  non-sexual  generation  intervening  between  impregnation  and  ger- 
mination, or  sporophyte,  consisting  of  the  sporogone  only  with  its 
spores. 

The  Muscinese  are  divided  into  two  well-marked  families,  the  Musci 
or  Mosses,  and  Hepaticce.  or  Liverworts.  In  the  Musci  the  immediate 
result  of  the  germination  of  the  spore  is  always  a  protoneme  consisting 
erf  branched  rows  of  green  or  colourless  cells,  and  often  growing  for  a 
considerable  time  independently,  even  after  it  has  produced  leafy  stems 
by  lateral  budding.  The  vegetative  structure  is  always  cormophytic, 
and  consists  of  a  filiform  stem  furnished  with  two,  three,  or  four  rows  of 
leaves,  not  exhibiting  any  distinct  bilateral  structure,  and  branching 
monopodially,  never  dichotomously.  The  sporogone  is  only  for  a  time 
enclosed  in  the  calypter,  which  is  usually  eventually  ruptured  below,  the 
lower  portion  developing  into  the  vagine,  while  the  upper  part  is  elevated 
above  the  apex  of  the  sporogone  in  the  form  of  a  cap.  The  spore- 
mother-cells  are  produced  from  one  or  more  special  layers  of  tissue 
within  the  sporange,  the  archespore,  while  the  axial  mass  develops  into 
a  solid  columel.  The  uppermost  portion  of  the  wall  of  the  sporange 
forms  a  lid  or  opercule,  which  usually  becomes  detached  from  the  lower 
portion,  to  which  the  term  theca  or  sporange  specially  belongs,  to  allow 
the  escape  of  the  spores.  The  outermost  layer  of  cells  of  the  wall  of 
the  sporange  is  more  or  less  completely  differentiated  into  an  epiderm, 
which  is  frequently  penetrated  by  stomates.  When  the  opercule  is 
removed,  the  rim  of  the  sporange  is  either  quite  smooth,  when  it  is 
termed  gymnostomous,  or  the  edge  is  furnished  with  delicate  hair-like 
appendages,  constituting  the  peristome,  arranged  in  a  single  row  or  fre- 
quently in  two,  when  they  are  called  respectively  teeth  and  cilia,  the 
former  constituting  the  outer,  the  latter  the  inner  row.  The  number  of 
both  teeth  and  cilia  is  always  a  multiple  of  four,  or  more  correctly  speak- 
ing, a  '  power '  of  two.  In  the  Hepaticae  the  protoneme  is  either  scantily 
developed  or  is  altogether  suppressed.  The  rest  of  the  sexual  generation 
consists  either  of  a  flat  dichotomously  branched  thallus  or  thalloid  stem, 
or  of  a  slender  stalk  furnished  with  two  or  three  rows  of  leaves.  In  the 
division  into  Foliose  and  Thalloid  or  Frondose  forms,  the  Hepaticse 
therefore  present  the  transition  from  Cormophytes  to  Thallophytes.  The 
mode  of  growth  is  always  distinctly  bilateral ;  the  thalloid  forms  cling 


136  MUSCINE^E 

closely  to  the  ground  or  to  some  other  substratum  ;  and  even  in  the 
foliose  forms  there  is  a  well-marked  tendency  to  the  differentiation  of  an. 
upper  or  dorsal  and  an  under  or  ventral  surface.  The  non-sexual 
generation  or  sporogone  remains  surrounded  by  the  calypter  until  the 
spores  are  ripe  ;  the  calypter  is  usually  at  length  ruptured  at  the  apex, 
and  remains  at  the  base  of  the  sporogone  as  an  open  sheath,  while  the 
sporange  projects  above  its  apex  to  allow  the  escape  of  the  spores.  The 
mother-cells  of  the  spores  are  either  developed  from  the  whole  of  the 
archespore,  or,  in  most  families,  some  of  the  cells  develop  into  elaters  ; 
there  is  no  columel. 

LITERATURE. 

Hofmeister — On  the  Germination,  Development,  and  Fructification  of  the  Higher 

Cryptogamia,  Ray.  Soc.,  1862. 
Leclerc  du  Sablon.,  Ann.  Sc.  Nat,  1885,    p.   126;    and  Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  France, 

1885,  pp.  30  and  187. 
Goebel— Die  Muscineen,  in  Schenk's  Handbuch  der  Botanik,  vol.  ii.,  1882. 


Class  VII.— Musci. 

The  germinating  spore  of  Mosses  gives  rise  to  a  prothallium  which  is 
always  in  the  typical  families  of  a  filamentous  conferva-like  character, 
and  is  hence  known  as  the  protoneme.  On  this  is  produced  the  leafy 
plant  with  differentiated  stem  and  leaves  by  lateral  budding.  These 
together,  therefore,  constitute  the  sexual  generation  or  oophyte,  which 
terminates  in  the  production  of  the  sexual  organs.  From  the  fertilised 
oosphere  proceeds  the  sporogone^  which  comprises  in  itself  the  non-sexual 
generation  or  sporophyte. 

The  protoneme  first  originates,  in  typical  mosses  (Bryacese),  as  a 
tubular  bulging  of  the  endospore  or  inner  coat  of  the  spore,  divisions 
taking  place  in  it  in  the  transverse  direction  only.  It  has  an  unlimited 
power  of  apical  growth,  and  often  branches  copiously,  forming  a  dense 
felt  of  considerable  size  above  or  below  the  surface  of  the  soil,  in  the 
former  case  densely  filled  with  chlorophyll.  The  protoneme  usually 
disappears  altogether  after  the  appearance  on  it  of  the  leafy  plant  ;  but 
in  some  cases,  especially  in  the  Phascacese,  it  remains  vigorous  even 
.after  the  formation  of  the  sporogone.  In  the  Sphagnaceae  the  proto- 
neme consists  of  a  flat  plate  of  cells  ;  while  in  the  Andreaeaceae  cell- 
division  begins  to  take  place  within  the  spore,  the  resulting  prothallium 
consisting  of  a  small  cellular  tissue.  The  buds  which  develop  into  the 


MUSCI 


T37 


leafy  stems  appear  never  or  very  seldom  to  arise  at  the  apex  of  a  primary 
filament  of  the  protoneme,  but  always  as  lateral  branches. 

Mosses  display  a  certain  amount  of  differentiation  of  tissues.     The 
apical  cell  of  the  stem  is,  except  in  Fissidens  (Hedvv.),  a  three-sided 


FIG.  102.—  Catharine 'a  (AMckttm)  ttndulata  W.  and  M.  (magnified).    (After  Schimper.) 

pyramid.  The  primary  meristem  of  the  stem,  situated  beneath  the 
growing  point,  which  develops  into  the  permanent  tissue,  usually  becomes 
differentiated  into  an  inner  and  a  peripheral  mass ;  the  latter,  although 


I38 


MUSCINE& 


not  strongly  defined,  partaking  of  an  epidermal  character  ;  the  bright  red 
or  yellow  cell-walls  are  considerably  thicker  than  those  of  the  central  thin- 
walled  large-celled  fundamental  tissue.  In  some  genera  a  further  differen- 
tiation takes  place  of  the  axial  portion  of  the  central  cylinder  into  a 
rudimentary  '  vascular '  bundle  with  thicker  cell-walls  ;  similar  rudimen- 
tary bundles  being  also  formed  in  the  pedicel  of  the  sporogone.  Both 
the  partially  lignified  and  the  thin-walled  cells  have  simple  pits  in  their 
cell-walls  ;  these  are  found  in  all  families  of  mosses,  and  are  especially 
abundant  in  the  midrib  of  the  leaves.  Some  species  of  Sphagnum  (L.) 
have  rudimentary  sieve-plates.  The  central  bundle  in  the  stem  of  Mnium, 
Polytrichum  (L.),  and  other  genera,  has  been  shown  by  Haberlandt  not 
to  possess  any  of  the  strengthening  functions  of  a  true  vascular  bundle,  but 


FIG.  103. — A,  germinating  spore  of  Fnnaria.  hygrometrica.  L.  (x  550)  ;  s,  exospore  ;  iu,  rhizoid  ;  r, 
vacuole.  B,  portion  of  protoneme  (  x  90) ;  K,  rudiment  oi  leafy  axis  ;  w,  rhizoid.     (After  Goebel.) 

to  be  constructed  for  the  purpose  of  the  conduction  of  water.  Its  cells  con- 
tain nothing  but  a  watery  fluid,  without  starch-grains,  oil,  or  protoplasm. 
In  genera  which  have  no  such  central  bundle,  like  Dicranum  (Hedw.) 
and  Leucobryum  (Hpe.),  the  epidermal  tissue  of  the  stem  and  branches, 
with  its  perforated  cells,  forms  a  similar  capillary  apparatus.  In  the 
more  highly  developed  mosses,  Haberlandt  notes  the  following  dis- 
tinct tissues  :— (i)  an  epidermal  tissue,  sometimes  developing  trichomic 
structures ;  (2)  a  mechanical  system,  consisting  of  elongated  cells  with 
thickened  walls ;  (3)  an  absorbing  system,  most  strongly  displayed  in 
the  rhizoids — also  at  the  base  of  the  sporange ;  (4)  an  assimilating  system, 
often  composed  of  palisade-cells,  in  the  leaves  or  in  the  sporange;  (5) 
a  conducting  system,  consisting  of  the  rudimentary  '  vascular '  bundles; 


MUSCI 


139 


(6)  a  reserve-system,  usually  represented  by  the  aquiferous  tissue;  (7) 
a  secreting  system,  developed  typically  in  the  sporange.  No  special 
secretory  or  excretory  organs  have  been  detected  in  mosses. 

The  leaves  of  mosses  originate  as  broad  papillose  bulgings  of  a  cell 
of  the  stem  which  becomes  cut  off  by  a  septum.  They  are  always  of 
small  size,  sessile,  and  vary  in  shape  from  extremely  narrow  to  broadly 
lanceolate  or  almost  orbicular.  The  tissue  of  the  greater  part  of  the 
leaf  usually  consists  of  only  a  single  layer  of  cells, 
all  of  which  contain  chlorophyll,  except  in  the 
Sphagnaceae  and  in  Leucobryum,  where  the  cells  are 
of  two  different  kinds,  one  large  and  empty,  the  other 
very  small  and  chlorophyllous,  thus  giving  the  leaf 
a  very  light  yellow-green  colour.  In  most  mosses 
the  marginal  cells  of  the  leaf,  and  a  row  extending 
through  the  middle  of  the  leaf  from  the  base  to 
the  apex,  are  much  smaller,  and  are  disposed  in 
several  layers,  though  still  thin-walled,  thus  consti- 
tuting the  rudiments  of  an  epiderm  and  midrib. 
The  midrib  may  even  extend  beyond  the  apex  of 
the  leaf  as  an  awn  or  bristle.  The  leaves  are  usually 
crowded,  especially  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
sexual  reproductive  organs.  Their  phyllotaxis  is 
spiral,  or  more  rarely  distichous.  The  branch- 
ing of  the  stem  of  mosses  is  apparently  neither 
dichotomous  nor  axillary  ;  the  number  of  lateral 
shoots  is  always  much  smaller  than  that  of  the  leaves. 
When  the  primary  shoot  produces  a  so-called 
'  flower  '  at  its  apex,  a  lateral  shoot  situated  beneath 
it  not  unfrequently  displays  a  more  vigorous  growth 
of  a  monopodial  character,  and  is  then  termed  an 
innovation.  Prolification,  or  the  prolongation  of  a 
shoot  by  the  continued  growth  of  the  bud  within  and 
above  the  male  '  flower,'  is  a  common  phenomenon 
in  Polytrichum.  Nearly  leafless  shoots  or  stolons 
are  sometimes  formed  beneath  or  on  'the  surface  of 
the  ground,  arising  finally  as  erect  leafy  stems. 

In  most  mosses  large  numbers  of  rhizoids  are  formed  on  the  under 
side  of  the  stem,  often  clothing  it  completely  with  a  reddish  brown  felt 
(see  fig.  102).  They  differ  from  the  protoneme  in  their  tendency  to  grow 
downwards,  and  in  not  usually  containing  chlorophyll  ;  but  there  is  no 
sharp  distinction  between  the  two,  each  possessing  the  power  of  pro- 
ducing branches  indistinguishable  from  those  of  the  other. 


o 
nified)!11 


140 


MUSCINE& 


The  non-sexual  propagation  of  mosses  takes  place  in  a  variety  of 
ways,  the  first  step  being,  in  nearly  all  cases,  the  production  of  a  colour- 
less filament  of  the  nature  of  a  protoneme.  This  protonemal  branch,  like 
the  true  protoneme  which  springs  from  a  spore,  may  produce  by  lateral 
budding  a  number  of  leafy  shoots.  Protonemal  branches  of  this  kind 
are  in  some  genera  (such  as  Mnium,  L.,  Barbula,  Hedw.,  and  Phascum, 

L.)  produced  in  large  num- 
bers simply  by  turning  over 
a  tuft  of  moss  on  the  soil. 
In  this  state  they  frequently 
hibernate,  the  portion  above 
the  soil  disappearing  entirely. 
In  some  mosses  the  leaves 
produce  a  protoneme  simply 
by  the  growth  of  particular 
cells  into  segmented  fila- 
ments ;  and  this  may  even 
take  place  with  detached 
leaves  if  kept  moist.  The 
seta  or  stalk  of  the  sporogone 
has  a  special  tendency  to 
produce  protonemes  when 
in  contact  with  damp  soil. 
Rhizoids  also  may  give  rise  to 
gemmae  or  leaf-buds,  whether 
above  or  beneath  the  surface 
of  the  soil.  Gemma  of  a  more 
complicated  structure  occur 
in  a  few  species,  as  Aulacom- 
nion  androgynum  (Schw.) 
(Bower,  'Journ.  Linn.  Soc.,' 
1884,  xx.,  p.  465),  and  Tetra- 
phis  pellucida  (Hedw.),  being 
stalked  fusiform  or  lenticular 
multicellular  bodies.  In  the 

latter  species  they  are  enveloped  in  an  elegant  cup  or  cupule,  composed  of 
a  number  of  leaves,  out  of  which  they  eventually  fall,  and  then  put  forth 
protonemal  filaments,  which  give  rise  first  to  a  flat  prothallus  resembling 
that  of  a  fern,  and  then  to  a  leaf-bud.  Gemmae  are  produced  in  a  variety 
of  situations,  as  at  the  apex  of  a  leaf  and  on  the  rhizoids. 

The  sexual  organs  of  mosses  are  very  commonly  enveloped  in  closely 
crowded  leaves  which  have  undergone  a  certain  amount  of  modification, 


FIG.  105. — «4,  young  plant  of  Barbula,  in  ',  //,  rhizoid, 
producing  protonemes  /,  and  underground  gemma  k 
(  x  20).  £,  the  same  gemma  ( x  300).  (After  Goebel.) 


MUSCI 


141 


and  the  entire  structure  is  sometimes — from  analogy  with  the  corre- 
sponding structure  in  Flowering  Plants— called  the  flower.  Such  a 
flower  may  either  be  hermaphrodite,  including  both  antherids  and 
archegones,  or  unisexual,  and  the  species  may  then  be  monoecious  or 
dioecious.  The  female  and  the  hermaphrodite  flowers  are  not  dissimilar 
in  appearance,  while  that  of  the  male  flowers  is  altogether  different. 


FIG.  106. — Fnnaria  hygromettica  ;  longitudinal  section  through  male  inflorescence  ;  a,  young  an- 
therid  ;  b,  nearly  mature  antherid  ;  c,  paraphyses  ;  d,  e,  perigonal  leaves  (  x  300).    (After  Goebel.) 

In  the  hermaphrodite  flowers  the  archegones  usually  occupy  the 
central  position,  corresponding  to  the  pistil  in  Flowering  Plants,  the 
antherids  being  arranged  in  an  encircling  spiral;  while  the  whole  is 
enveloped  in  a  rosette  of  small  leaves  termed  the  perichcete  or  perianth. 
The  entire  structure  resembles  externally  an  elongated  closed  bud.  Only  a 
single  archegone  in  each  flower  is  usually  fertilised  or  arrives  at  maturity. 
The  female  resemble  the  hermaphrodite  flowers  in  every  respect  except 


MUSC1NE& 


srf  that  the  antherids  are  suppressed.    The  male 

fjr  flowers  present  much  greater  variety  in  form 

and  appearance ;  the  male  perianth  or  peri- 
gone  is  usually  composed  of  broader,  shorter, 
and  thicker  leaves,  which  sometimes  sheath 
at  the  base,  and  are  not  unfrequently  red. 
The  flowers  themselves  are  ovoid,  globular, 
or  discoid;  the  antherids  usually  stand  in 
the  axils  of  metamorphosed  leaves.  Both 
male  and  female  flowers  are  provided  with 
barren  segmented  filaments  or  paraphyses. 
In  the  male  flowers  the  paraphyses  are  fili- 
form, club-shaped,  or  spathulate,  and  termi- 
nate in  several  rows  of  cells ;  in  the  female 
flowers  they  are  simple  filiform  bodies  com- 
posed of  a  single  row  of  cells.  Their  function 
appears  to  be  to  keep  the  archegones  moist 
until  they  have  been  fertilised  by  the  anthe- 
rozoids. 

The  first  antherid  appears  to  be  a  terminal 
structure,  being  developed  out  of  the  apical 
cell  of  a  branch.  An  hermaphrodite  flower 
is  probably  derived  from  two  independent 
shoots,  the  female  shoot  being  formed  im- 
mediately beneath  the  male  organs.  The 
mature  antherid  is  a  stalked  club-shaped,  or 
less  often  spherical  sac,  with  a  wall  com- 
posed of  only  a  single  layer  of  cells.  In  the 
Sphagnacess  it  opens  by  longitudinal  de- 
hiscence  ;  in  the  other  orders  by  an  apical  slit 
through  which  the  antherozoids,  still  enclosed 
in  their  mother-cells,  are  discharged  as  a 
thick  mucilaginous  mass,  being  imbedded  in 
a  jelly  which  is  expelled  in  jets  when  the  an- 
therid bursts,  but  which  is  soluble  in  water. 
The  antherozoids  then  escape  from  their 
mother-cell  walls,  and  swim  about  as  filiform 
bodies,  furnished  at  the  anterior  end  with 
two  slender  vibratile  cilia,  and  containing  a 
number  of  starchy  granules.  The  male  in- 
poiyMck«m  commune,  florescence  of  Polytrichum  exhibits  a  re- 
uure  plants  with  sporo-  markable  tendency  to  prolification  (see  fig. 

male  plant  (nat.  size).  * 


MUSCI 


104).  The  archegone  has  somewhat  the  form  of  a  very  long-necked  flask. 
The  wall  of  the  venter  or  ventral  portion,  which  is  ovoid  and  supported 
on  a  short  stalk,  consists  of  two  layers  of  cells,  while  the  elongated  neck, 
which  is  often  somewhat  twisted,  is  composed  of  from  four  to  six  rows 
in  a  single  layer.  The  interior  of  the  venter  consists  of  a  single  large 
cell,  the  central  cell,  which  divides  into  two  by  a  horizontal  septum ;  the 
lower  segment  contains  the  oosphere, 
and  the  upper  segment  becomes  the 
ventral  canal-cell,  while  the  neck  is 
penetrated  by  a  single  axial  row  of 


FIG.  108. — A,  antherid  of  Funaria 
hygrometrica,  discharging  anthe- 
rozoids,  a  (x  350).  B,  antherp- 
zoid  of  Polytrichum  ;  b,  still 
enclosed  in  mother-cell  ;  c,  free 
(x  800). 


FIG.  109. — Fnnaria  hygrometrica.    A.  longitudinal 
section   through    female   inflorescence;    a,  arche- 


gones ;  b,  perichaetial  leaves  ( x  100).  B,  arche- 
gone (  x  500) ;  b,  venter  and  central  cell ;  h,  neck  ; 
tn,  opening  of  canal.  C,  opening  of  neck  (more 
highly  magnified),  with  stigmatic  cells  forced  open. 


cells  which  deliquesce  into  mucilage  before  impregnation.  An  open  canal 
is  thus  left,  through  which  the  antherozoids  penetrate  to  the  oosphere ; 
the  terminal  stigmatic  or  lid-cells  of  each  row  of  the  neck,  constituting 
together  the  stigma,  being  forced  apart  by  the  exudation  of  the  mucilage. 
The  first  archegones  are  formed  from  apical  cells  of  shoots. 


144 


MUSCINE& 


The  impregnated  oosphere,  or  oosperm,  develops  into  an  embryo, 
from  which  is  derived  the  sporogone  within  the  ventral  portion  of  the 
archegone.  After  investing  itself  with  a  cell-wall,  it  divides  by  a  number 
of  longitudinal,  radial,  and  transverse  septa.  At  an  early  period  in 
typical  mosses  the  young  elongated  sporogone  ruptures  transversely  the 
wall  of  the  venter,  the  lower  part  of  which  forms  a  sheathing  protection 
to  its  base,  and  is  termed  the  vagine,  while  the  upper  part  becomes 
elevated  in  the  form  of  a  cap  or  calypter.  In  the  Sphagnaceae  the  sporo- 
gone attains  almost  perfect  development  before  the  rupture  of  the 

archegone ;  in  other  mosses  the 
various  portions  of  which  the 
sporange  is  composed  are  diffe- 
rentiated only  at  a  later  date. 
The  sporange  is  at  first  filled 
with  fluid  contents,  the  greater 
part  of  which  is  the  archespore, 


FIG.  no. — Funa.r:a  hygrojnetrica.  A,  young 
plant  with  young  sporogone.  B,  mature  plant 
with  mature  sporogone  ;  s,  seta ;  f,  sporange  ; 
c,  calypter  (natural  size).  C,  longitudinal  section 
of  sporange  (greatly  magnified) ;  d.  opercule ; 
a,  annulus  ;  /.  peristome  ;  c,  columel ;  s,  arche- 
spore ;  h,  air-cavities.  •  (After  Goebel.) 


FIG.  in. — Mouth  of  sporange  of  Fonti- 
nalls  antepyretica  L.,  with  peristome  ; 
afl,  teeth  ;  z^,  cilia  ( X  50).  (After 
Schimper.) 


developing  into  the  mother-cells  of  the  spores,  from  each  of  which  are 
produced  four  spores  by  free-cell  formation  after  preliminary  indica- 
tion of  bipartition.  The  withered  neck  of  the  archegone,  which  has 
assumed  a  deep  reddish  brown  colour,  may  often  be  recognised  for 
some  time  surmounting  the  apex  of  the  calypter.  The  mature  sporogone 
consists  of  a  pedicel  or  seta — which  is  usually  of  considerable  length,  the 
lower  portion  or  foot  being  enclosed  withiri  the  vagine,  but  is  short  in 
Sphagnum  and  some  other  genera — and  the  sporange  or  spore-capsule 
surmounted  by  the  calypter,  while  the  base  of  the  seta  is  surrounded  by 
the  sheath-like  vagine.  The  wall  of  the  sporange  is  composed  of  several 
layers  of  cells,  the  outermost  of  which  has  a  distinctly  epidermal  cha- 
racter, and  is  sometimes  perforated  by  stomates  with  imperfect  guard-cells. 


MUSCI  145 

While  the  greater  part  of  the  internal  tissue  is  used  up  in  the  formation 
of  the  spores,  the  axial  portion  always  remains  unchanged  in  the  form 
of  a  solid  columel.  There  are  no  elaters.  Leitgeb  regards  the  sporogone 
of  all  mosses  (including  Sphagnaceae)  as  consisting,  in  its  earliest  stage 
of  development,  of  an  inner  mass  of  cells,  the  etidothedvm,  distinctly 
separated  from  the  peripheral  mass,  or  amphithedum.  In  Sphagnaceae 
the  archespore  is  formed  from  the  latter,  in  the  other  orders  from  the 
former  portion.  Among  the  typical  mosses  he  again  distinguishes  three 
types,  viz. : — (i)  The  Archidium-\.ypQ\  the  spore-forming  and  sterile  cells 
are  intermingled  in  the  endothecium  ;  the  spore-sac  is  separated  from  the 
wall  of  the  capsule  by  a  bell-shaped  cavity ;  (2)  the  Andretza-type  :  the 
endothecium  is  differentiated  into  the  archespore  and  the  columel,  which 
does  not  penetrate  the  former ;  the  innermost  layer  of  the  amphithecium 
becomes  the  spore-sac,  which  is  not  separated  from  the  wall  of  the 
capsule  by  any  cavity ;  (3)  the  J?ryum-type  :  the  endothecium  is  differ- 
entiated as  in  the  last  case,  but  the  columel  penetrates  the  spore-sac, 
which  is  separated  from  the  wall  of  the  capsule  by  a  cylindrical  cavity. 
In  all  true  mosses  the  sporogone  is  developed  by  means  of  a  two-edged 
apical  cell.  The  ripe  spores  are  roundish  or  cubical,  with  a  thin,  finely 
granulated  yellowish,  brownish,  or  purple  cuticularised  exospore,  and  an 
endospore  of  cellulose,  and  contain  protoplasm,  chlorophyll,  and  oil. 
The  number  of  spores  in  a  capsule  varies  from  sixteen  (Archidium,  Brid.) 
to  an  immense  quantity,  and  their  size  also  varies  inversely.  Several 
cases  of  hybridism  have  been  recorded  in  mosses. 

Mosses  are  found  in  all  climates,  from  the  coldest  to  the  hottest ; 
they  are  most  abundant  in  temperate  regions  and  in  damp  situations, 
clothing  old  walls,  the  trunks  of  trees,  £c.  A  few  growT  in  stagnant,  and 
one  genus  (Fontinalis,  L.)  in  running  water.  Some  species  are  sapro- 
phytes. They  are  of  scarcely  any  economical  value,  but  are  of  great 
importance  in  nature  in  the  formation  of  soil. 

LITERATURE. 

Bruch  &  Schimper— Bryologia  Europrea,  1836-1865. 
Schimper — Recherches  anatom.  et  physiol.  sur  les  Mousses,  1848. 
Wilson— Bryologia  Britannica,  1855. 

Hofmeister— Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1863,  p.  259. 
Unger — Sitzber.  Akad.  Wiss.  Wien,  xliii.,  1861,  p.  497. 
Lorentz — Moosstudien,  1864;  Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1867,  p.  363  ;  Flora, 

1867. 

Berkeley— Handbook  of  British  Mosses,  1863. 
Leitgeb— Sitzber.  Akad.  Wiss.  Wien,  1868,  1869. 
Nageli — Pflanzenphys,  Untersuch.,  Heft  i.  p.  75. 
Janczewski— (Archegonium)  Bot.  Zeit,  1872,  pp.  377  et  seq. 
Stahl— Bot.  Zeit.,  1876,  p.  689. 
Kienitz-Gerloff—  (Sporange)  Bot.  Zeit.,  1878,  pp.  33  and  49. 

L 


146  MUSCINE& 

Braithwaite— The  British  Moss-Flora,  1880-1887. 

L'Abbe  Hy— Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  France,  1880,  p.  106  ;  Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  xviii.,  1884,  P-  IO5- 

Goebel— Flora,  1882,  p.  323. 

Firtsch— Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell.,  1883,  p.  83. 

Satter— Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell.,  1884,  p.  13. 

Haberlandt — Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell.,  1883,  p.  263  ;  and  Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss> 

Bot.,  1886,  p.  359. 

Magdeburg — Die  Laubmooskapsel  als  Assimilations-Organ,  1886. 
Vaizey— (Sporogone)  Ann.  of  Bot.,  i.,  1887,  p.  73. 
Limpricht—  Die  Laubmoose,  in  Rabenhorst's  Crypt.-Flora  Dsutschland,  1885-1888. 


The  Musci  are  classified  under  four  orders,  as  follows.  The  Sphag- 
nacese  exhibit  much  more  important  peculiarities  than  the  other  three 
orders,  and  are  ranked  by  some  writers  of  authority  as  a  distinct  class. 

ORDER  i. — BRYACE^E. 

This  order  includes  the  vast  majority  of  the  genera  of  mosses,  and 
all  the  more  familiar  forms  except  the  bog-mosses.  The  sporanges  or 
'  fruits '  form  objects  of  great  beauty  in  the  autumn  and  winter,  their 
usual  period  of  maturity,  fertilisation  taking  place  in  the  spring  or  early 
summer.  In  some  species  the  sporogone  requires  more  than  a  year  for 
its  full  development.  The  sporogone  consists  of  a  sporange  which  is 
always  surmounted  by  a  calypter,  easily  removed  by  the  wind ;  beneath 
this  is  the  opercule,  which  becomes  detached,  either  alone  qr  together 
with  the  annulus,  a  circular  layer  of  hygrometric  epidermal  cells  between 
the  opercule  and  the  edge  of  the  capsule;  the  whole  elevated  on  a 
longer  or  shorter  stalk  or  seta,  which  is  inserted  at  its  lower  end  in  the 
vagine.  The  portion  of  the  seta  concealed  in  the  vagine  is  known  as 
the  foot,  and  acts  as  a  kind  of  root,  all  the  food-material  needed  for  the 
development  of  the  sporogone  being  absorbed  through  it.  The  central 
strand  of  tissue  in  the  seta  of  the  Polytrichacese  consists,  according  to 
Vaizey,  of  two  portions — a  leptophloem  or  rudimentary  phloem,  in  which 
the  storing  up  and  conduction  of  the  food-material  takes  place  ;  and  a 
leptoxykm  or  rudimentary  xylem,  which  serves  for  the  conduction  of  the 
transpiration-current  to  the  lower  portion  of  the  sporange  furnished 
with  stomates.  In  the  Polytrichacese,  in  addition  to  the  opercule,  a 
horizontal  layer  of  cells  termed  the  epiphragm  remains  attached  to  the 
points  of  the  teeth  of  which  the  peristome  is  composed,  and  covers  the 
mouth  of  the  sporange  after  the  removal  of  the  opercule.  The  sporange 
is  penetrated  by  a  complete  axial  columel.  The  spores  are  formed  by 
free-cell  formation  in  fours  within  spore-mother-cells,  themselves  derived 
from  a  single  primordial  layer,  the  archespore ;  the  walls  of  the  spore- 
mother-cells  finally  deliquesce,  leaving  the  spores  floating  in  a  fluid 


MUSCI 


which  for  a  time  fills  the  spore-sac,  composed  of  two  or  three  layers  of 
barren  cells  immediately  enclosing  the  mass  of  spores.  Between  the 
spore-sac  and  the  wall  of  the  mature 
sporange  is  an  annular  air-cavity,  tra- 
versed horizontally  by  rows  of  chloro- 
phyllous  cells,  the  trabecules.  The 
opercule  is  simply  a  piece  of  the  epi- 
derm  of  the  sporange.  In  most  genera 
a  portion  of  the  wall  of  the  sporange, 
situated  near  the  base  of  the  columel, 
consists  of  an  assimilating  system 
composed  of  spongy  or  palisade- 
parenchyme,  containing  chlorophyll, 
and  marked  by  the  presence  of  sto- 
mates.  If  the  detachment  of  the  oper- 
cule leaves  the  mouth  of  the  sporange 
with  a  smooth  edge,  it  is  said  to  \yegym- 
nostomous,  as  in  Pottia  (Ehrh.).  More 
often  the  mouth  of  the  open  sporange 
is  furnished  with  hair-  or  tooth-like 
appendages,  arranged  in  one  or  two 
rows,  constituting  the  peris  tome.  The 
single  row  of  these  appendages,  or  the 
outer  row  if  there  are  two,  are  called 
teeth,  the  inner  row  cilia.  In  some 
genera  the  cilia  are  furnished  with 
lateral  processes  uniting  them  with  one 
another,  or  they  are  replaced  by  a 
lattice-work  of  longitudinal  or  trans- 
verse ridges  termed  the  endostome.  The 
inner  and  outer  layers  of  both  teeth 
and  cilia  differ  from  one  another  in 
their  hygroscopic  capacity;  hence,  as 
the  moisture  of  the  air  varies,  they 
bend  inwards  and  outwards,  or  some- 
times coil  spirally  round  one  another 
(Barbula,  Hedw.).  The  peristome  has  a 
very  beautiful  appearance  under  the 
microscope,  and  its  structure  furnishes 
useful  characters  for  the  discrimination 
of  the  genera.  In  most  genera  the  teeth  and  cilia  are  not  composed  of 
cells,  but  of  pieces  of  thickened  cell-wall  which  become  detached  from  a 

L  2 


FIG.  112. — A,  longitudinal  section  of  spo- 
range of  Polytrichum  piliferum  Schreb. 
(  x  15).  B,  transverse  section  (  x  5 '..  w,  wail 
of  sporange  ;  cu,  opercule  ;  c,  columel ;  p, 
peristome  ;  ep,  epiphragm  ;  a,  annulus  ; 
z,  air-spaces  traversed  by  trabecules  ;  s, 
spore-sac  ;  ap,  apophyse  ;  st,  seta.  (After 
Lantzius-Beninga.) 


148 


MUSCINE^E 


layer  of  cells  beneath  the  epiderm ;  but  in  Polytrichum  the  teeth  are 
composed  of  bundles  of  thickened  prosenchymatous  cells.  The  exterior 
peristome  may  have  two  distinct  forms.  Either  the  teeth  have  a  double 
outer  and  a  single  inner  series  of  plates  (Dipiokpida\  or  the  exterior 
series  is  simple  (Aplolep$Ue\  and  then  the  inner  series  is  nearly  always 
double.  The  Aplolepidae  never  have  a  double  peristome ;  and  in  the 
Diplolepidae  the  inner  peristome  is  occasionally  wanting  in  particular 
families  or  genera.  In  much  the  larger  number  of  genera  (Arthrodontecz) 
the  teeth  are  septated  by  transverse  walls ;  in  a  much  smaller  number 


FIG.  -L-L^.—Hypnumpopuleum  S\v.  (natural  size). 

7 


FIG.  114. —  Tetraphispelluclda. 
Hedw.  a  (slightly  magnified), 
with  open  sporange  ;  b,  ditto 
with  gemma  ;  c,  sporange  with 
calypter  (greatly  magnified)  ; 
d,  open  sporange,  showing 
peristome. 

Flo.  115. — Bryum  argenteum  L.      FIG.  •n.&.—Splachnum  am- 
(natural  size).  pullaceum  L.  (natural  size). 

{Nematodontetz)  the  transverse  septa  are  wanting.  The  cilia,  when 
present,  are  usually  shorter  and  less  developed  than  the  teeth ;  they 
are  also  composed  of  two  layers  of  plates,  often  marked  on  the  surface 
by  a  beautiful  network ;  their  divisions  correspond  to  those  of  the  teeth. 
The  number  of  both  teeth  and  cilia  is  always  a  multiple  of  4,  the  most 
common  numbers  being  8,  16,  32,  and  64.  The  most  perfect  type 
of  peristowie  is  seen  in  the  Encalypteae,  from  which  all  the  less  perfect 
forms  are,  according  to  Philibert,  derived  by  degradation.  In  addition 
to  the  presence  of  an  epiphragm,  the  genus  Polytrichum  presents  the 
peculiarity,  in  most  species,  of  the  seta  being  swollen  beneath  the  spo- 
range, forming  an  annular  cushion  known  as  the  apophyse  (see  fig.  112). 


MUSCI 


149 


In  most  Bryaceae  the  tissue  of  the  leaf  is  nearly  homogeneous,  with  the 
exception  of  the  margin  and  an  elementary  midrib  composed  of  elongated 
prosenchymatous  cells;  but  in  Leucobryum  (Hpe.)  the  small  chloro- 


FIG.  117. — Sporange  of  Polytrichum  commune,  showing 
epiphragra.  A,  covered  by  calypter ;  B,  with  calypter 
removed  ;  C,  with  opercule  removed  (magnified). 


FtG.  118.— Sporange  of  Hypnum 
populeum,  showing  peristome 
(magnified). 


phyllous  cells  interlace  among  large  empty  cells  with  circular  orifices  in 
their  walls,  as  in  Sphagnum. 

The  very  numerous  genera  of  Bryaceae  are  further  classified  as  under. 

Acrocarpi. — Fructification  produced  at  the  extremity  of  the  branches. 
Illustrative  genera  : — Weissia  (Hedw.),  Dicranum  (Hedw.),  Leucobryum 
(Hpe.),  Pottia  (Ehrh.),  Tortula 
(Hedw.),    Bartramia    (Hedw.), 
Encalypta  (Schreb.),    Fissidens 
(Hedw.),  Grimmia  (Ehrh.),  Or- 
thotrichum   (Hedw.),  Zygodon 
(H.  &  T.),  Tetraphis  (Hedw.), 
Buxbaumia     (Hall.),     Polytri- 
chum    (Dill.),     Aulacomnion 
(Schw.),    Bryum    (H.    &    T.), 
Mnium    (B.    £    S.),    Funaria 
(Schreb.),  Splachnum    (B.  &  S.),  Tayloria  (Hook.),  Barbula  (Hedw.), 
Ceratodon  (Brid.). 

Pleurocarpi. — Fructification  lateral,  not  at  the  extremity  of  the  prin- 
cipal branches.  Illustrative  genera  : — Hedwigia  (Ehrh.),  Fontinalis  (L.), 
Hookeria  (Sm.),  Hypnum  (Dill),  Leucodon  (Schw.),  Neckera  (Hedw.). 

LITERATURE  (in  addition  to  the  papers  already  quoted). 

Philibert— (Peristome)  Rev.  Bryol.,  1884-1888. 

Vaizey—  (Polytrichacese)  Journ.  Linn.  Soc.,  xxiv.  (1888),  p.  162. 


FIG.  119.— Peristome  ot 
A  irichum  undulalum 
(magnified). 


FIG.  120.— Peristome  of 
Cinclidium  stygium 
(magnified). 


150 


MUSCINE^E 


ORDER  2. — PHASCACE^E. 

In  the  small  order  of  Phascaceae  the  roundish  sporange  dehisces 
neither  by  the  detachment  of  an  opercule  nor  by  longitudinal  slits,  but 
decays  to  allow  of  the  escape  of  the  spores ;  the  calypter  is  ruptured 
laterally  without  being  raised  up  as  a  cap ;  the  columel  is  sometimes 
wanting.  According  to  Leitgeb, 
Archidium  (Brid.)  resembles  the 
Hepaticse  more  closely  than  the 
Bryacese  in  the  processes  which 
lead  to  the  formation  of  the 
spores,  especially  in  the  differ- 
entiation of  the  archespore  into 
spore-mother-cells  which  are 


FIG.  121. — E^>hemerntm  serratum  Hampe ; 
mature  plant  with  persistent  protoneme 
(magnified).  (After  Luerssen.) 


FIG.  122. — Pleuridium  subulatum  Rabenh. 
sporange  (magnified).     (After  Luerssen. 


irregularly  interspersed  among  cells  that  remain  sterile.  The  spore- 
mother-cells  do  not  number  more  than  from  one  to  seven  in  each  spo- 
range ;  in  each  of  them  four  spores  are  formed  tetrahedrally. 

The  Phascaceae  are  caespitose  in  their  habit  \  the  protoneme  persists 
until  the  maturity  of  the  sporogone.  Principal  genera  : — Phascum  (L.), 
Archidium  (Brid.),  Ephemerum  (Hpe.),  Pleuridium  (Brid.). 

LITERATURE. 

Leitgeb— Sitzber.  Akad.  Wiss.  Wien,  1 880,  p.  447. 
Miiller — Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1867,  p.  237. 


ORDER  3. — 

The  Andreaeacese  constitute  a  small  order  of  mosses,  comprising  the 
single  genus  Andreaea  (Ehrh.),  characterised  by  the  absence  of  an  oper- 
cule to  the  sporange,  which  opens  by  four,  or  very  rarely  eight,  longi- 
tudinal slits,  not  reaching  either  to  the  base  or  the  apex  of  the  capsule. 


MUSCI  151 

The  calypter  is  elevated,  as  in  the  Bryaceae,  on  the  summit  of  the  ripe 
sporogone  in  the  form  of  a  cap  ;  there  is  a  short  seta  buried  in  the  vagine, 
and  the  whole  sporogone  is  elevated  on  a  stalk  or  pseudopode,  as  in  the 
Sphagnaceae.  At  the  base  of 
the  sporange  is  an  enlarged 
apophyse.  The  structure  of 
the  sporange  differs  from  that  of 
the  Bryaceae  in  the  columel  not 
penetrating  the  archespore,  and 
in  the  absence  of  a  cavity  be- 
tween the  spore-sac  and  the 
wail  of  the  sporange.  The  con- 
tents of  the  spore  divide,  while 
still  within  the  exospore,  into 
four  or  more  cells.  As  in  Sphag- 
num, the  oosphere  is  always 
enveloped  in  a  hyaline  mass  of 
mucilage  in  which  the  anthero- 
zoids  imbed  themselves. 

The  Andreaeaceae  are  also 
caespitose  in  their  habit,  and  are 
natives  of  cold  or  mountainous 
regions. 


FIG.  124. — A.   alpestris 

Schmp. ;  dehiscent  spo- 
range and  apophyse 
(magnified). 


FIG.  123.  — Andrecea 
alpcstris  Schmp. 
(*  5)- 


LITERATURE. 

Kiihn— Entwickelungsgeschichte  der  Andreseaceen,  1870. 

\Valdner-Bot.  Zeit.,  1879,  p.  595;  and  Entwick.  d.  Sporogone  v.  Andresea,  1887. 


ORDER  4. — SPHAGNACEAE. 

The  bog-mosses  form  a  large  portion  of  the  vegetation  of  bogs  and 
swamps,  and  are  characterised  by  the  spongy  structure  of  the  whole 
plant,  the  light  yellowish  green  colour  of  the  leaves,  and  the  bright  red 
globular  spore-capsules.  The  protoneme  is  much  less  developed  than 
in  typical  mosses  ;  and  when  the  spore  germinates  on  dry  ground  a 
flat  prothallinm  intervenes  between  it  and  the  leafy  stem.  The  stem 
branches  abundantly,  giving  a  caespitose  appearance  to  the  whole  plant ; 
and  innovations,  produced  below  the  apex  after  the  ripening  of  the 
fructification,  become  detached  by  the  decay  of  the  lower  part  of  the 
stem,  and  carry  on  an  independent  existence.  The  leaves  are  lanceolate 
and  apiculate,  usually  arranged  in  a  |-  phyllotaxis,  larger  than  in  other 
mosses,  and  of  a  peculiar  structure  of  their  own.  As  the  leaf  develops, 


152 


MUSCINE& 


the  single  layer  of  cells  of  which  it  is  composed  becomes  differentiated 
into  cells  of  two  distinct  kinds.     A  comparatively  small  number,  of  a 

lozenge-shaped  form,  grow  to  a  large 
size  and  lose  the  whole  of  their  con- 
tents, while  their  walls  are  provided 
with  spiral  thickening-bands,  and  fre- 
quently display  a  large  circular  orifice 
opening  from  one  cell  into  the  next. 
A  much  larger  number  of  cells  remain 
permanently  of  a  very  small  size,  are  very 
narrow  in  proportion  to  their  length, 
and,  being  filled  with  protoplasm  and 
chlorophyll,  constitute  the  whole  of  the 
nutritive  tissue  of  the  leaf.  These 
nutritive  cells  form  a  kind  of  network 
ramifying  among  the  large  empty  cells  ; 
but,  as  their  total  area  is  small  com- 
pared with  these  latter,  the  entire  leaf 
has,  to  the  naked  eye,  a  semi-trans- 
parent very  light  yellow-green  appear- 
ance. The  tissue  of  the  stem  consists 
of  cells  of  three  distinct  kinds.  In 
the  centre  is  a  cylinder  of  tfcin-walled 
elongated  colourless  parenchymatous 

FIG.    125.— Sphagnum  acKtifoUitm   Ehrh.  .   .  ,  ,     .  . 

A,  megaspore;   B,  microspore ;   C,  proto-      Cells  ;    thlS    IS    enveloped    in    a    layer    Ol 

dotted  prosenchymatous  cells,  the  walls 


FIG.  126.— Flat  prothallium  ofS.  acutifotium,  with  young  leafy  stems  (x  120).     (After  Schimper.) 

of  which  are  thicker  and  of  a  brown  colour ;   while  outside  all  is  an 
epidermal  layer  of  large  thin-walled  empty  cells,  sometimes  with  spiral 


MUSCI 


153 


thickenings  and  circular  orifices,  similar  to  those  of  the  leaves.  These 
serve  as  capillary  tubes,  through  which  the  water  of  the  bogs  in  which 
these  mosses  grow  is  raised,  and  the  whole  plant  is  in  consequence 
always  saturated  with  water  like  a  sponge. 


FIG.   127.—  A,  portion  of  surface  of  leaf  of  6".  acntifolium.  cl,  small  chlorophyllous  cells  ;  f,  large 
empty  cells  ;  /,  orifices  in  these  cells.     B,  transverse  section  (magnified). 


FIG.  128. — Transverse  section  of  stem  of  6".  cymbifolium  Dill,    x,  inner  cells  with  colourless  wall    ;    r, 
outer  layer  of  cells  ;  ee,  peripheral  layers  of  cells  with  orifices,  /(x  900).     (Aft  r  Luerssen.) 


154 


MUSCINE^E 


In  their  organs  of  reproduction,  and  especially  in  the  structure  of  the 
sporogone,  the  Sphagnaceae  exhibit  some  divergences  from  the  typical 
mosses.  Some  species  are  dioecious,  and  the  '  flowers '  of  the  monoecious 
species  are  never  hermaphrodite,  the  male  and  female  organs  being  always 
distributed  on  different  branches.  The  male  branches  are  distinguished 
by  their  densely  crowded  leaves,  which  are  often  of  a  bright  red  colour, 
giving  a  catkin-like  appearance  to  the  branch.  On  removing  these  the 

antherids  are  found  near  the 
middle  of  the  branch.    They 
are  minute  nearly  globular 
or  elliptical  bodies,  elevated 
on    a    slender     stalk,    and 
dehiscing    by    longitudinal 
fission  into  valves.    The  an- 
therozoids  are  spiral  bodies 
with  many  coils,    and   two 
large  flagellate  cilia   at  the 
posterior  end.     The  arche- 
gones  are    formed    towards 
the  extremity  of  the  female 
branches,  are  accompanied 
by     paraphyses,     and     are 
enveloped     by    peiuchaetial 
leaves.     They  resemble   in 
all  essential  points  those  of 
other  mosses.     On  impreg- 
nation the  oosperm  divides 
by  a  horizontal  septum  into 
two  cells,  the  sporogone  ori- 
ginating from  the  upper  cell 
only.     The  nearly  spherical 
usually  bright  red  sporange 
differs  from    that  of   other 
mosses  in  being  completely 
enclosed  within  the  venter  almost  till  maturity.     It  is,  in  most  species, 
elevated  on  a  long   slender  pedicel,  the  pseudopode,   which  must   not 
be  confounded  morphologically  with  the  seta  of  other  mosses,  being  a 
prolongation  of  the  axis  below  the  vagine.     The  lower  portion  of  the 
sporogone    is  widened  out  into  a  broad  disc-like  foot,  resembling  in 
appearance  the  apophyse  of  Polytrichacese,  which  is  seated  on  the  top  of 
the  pseudopode,  and  enclosed  in  the  vagine.    The  calypter,  when  finally 
ruptured,  is  not  elevated  in  the  form  of  a  cap,  but  remains  attached  as  a 


FIG.  129. — ^".  acutifolium.  a,  antheridial  branches  ;  Z>, 
leaves  of  primary  stem ;  ch,  perichaetial  leaves  with 
sporogones(x  5).  (After  Schimper.) 


MUSCI 


155 


frill  to  the  base  of  the  sporange,  which  dehisces  by  a  transverse  slit  near 
the  apex,  detaching  a  strongly  convex  opercule.  There  is  no  peristome 
nor  annulus.  A  portion  of  the  contents  of  the  sporange  remains  un- 
differentiated  in  the  form  of  a  low  columel  not  reaching  to  the  apex. 
The  remainder  is  converted  into  spores,  which  differ  from  those  of  other 
mosses  in  being  of  two  kinds,  megaspores  and  microspores  (see  fig.  125). 
According  to  Warnstorf  ('  Hedwigia,'  1886,  p.  89  ;  and  '  Verhandl.  Bot. 


FIG.  130.—  S.  acutifolium.  A,  male  branch, 
with  leaves  removed  to  expose  antherids, 
a  (magnified).  B,  antherid  (more  highly 
magnified)  dehiscing.  C,  antherozoid  (still 
more  magnified).  (After  Schimper.) 


FIG.  131.— A,  S.  acutifolium,  section  of  female 
inflorescence ;  ar,  archegones  ;  ch,  pericha;tial 
leaves.  B,  longitudinal  section  of  sporogone,  sg  ; 
ar,  archegone  ;  c,  calypter  ;  sg1,  foot ;  v,  vagine  ; 
ps,  pseudopode.  C,  S.  squarrosum  Pers.  ;  sg, 
sporogone  ;  d,  opercule  ;  c,  ruptured  calypter  ; 
gs,  pseudopode  ;  ch,  perichsetial  leaves  (magni- 
fied). (After  Schimper.) 


Verein,'  Brandenburg,  1886,  p.  181),  these  two  kinds  of  spore  are  found 
either  in  the  same  or  in  different  sporanges  ;  the  diameter  of  the  former 
varies  between  30  and  33  mm.,  that  of  the  latter  between  12  and  18  mm. 
The  megaspore  is  by  far  the  most  common  form,  and  its  germination  only 
has  at  present  been  observed.  Warnstorf  suggests  that  the  two  kinds  are 
sexually  differentiated,  the  megaspores  giving  rise  to  a  female,  the  micro- 
spores  toamaleprothallium,  as  in  the  Heterosporous  Vascular  Cryptogams. 


156  MUSCINE^E 

All  the  species  of  the  single  genus  Sphagnum  (L.)  grow  in  bogs  and 
swamps,  often  covering  enormous  tracts  of  ground,  and  entering  largely 
into  the  composition  of  peat.  The  best  authorities  differ  widely  as 
to  the  number  of  species ;  the  most  divergent  forms  are  distinguished 
by  well-marked  characters,  but  these  merge  into  one  another  by  a  com- 
plete series  of  connecting  links. 

LITERATURE. 

Schimper — Entwickelungsgeschichte  der  Torfmoose,  1858. 

Waldner — Bot.  Zeit.,  1879,  p.  595  ;  and  Entwickelung  d.  Sporogone  v.  Andreasa  u. 

Sphagnum,  1887. 

Braithwaite — Sphagnaceae  of  Europe  and  North  America,  1880. 
Warnstorf— Die  Europ.  Torfmoose,  1881  ;  and  Flora,  1884. 
Limpricht— Bot.  Centralbl.,  x.,  1882,  p.  214. 
Roll— Flora,  1886. 


Class  VIII.-Hepaticas. 

The  Hepaticae  or  Liverworts  are  small  elegant  plants,  usually  of  a 
bright  green  colour,  which  are  especially  abundant  on  damp  ground  or 
rocks,  or  by  the  sides  of  streams  ;  a  few  species  are  aquatic.  Some  o'f 
the  genera  bear  a  considerable  external  resemblance  to  lichens,  others  to 
mosses.  Their  vegetative  structure  is  either  an  undifferentiated  thallus, 
or  consists  of  a  distinctly  differentiated  stem  and  leaves,  in  both  cases 
attached  to  the  soil  by  rhizoids.  The  former  are  known  as  the  Thalloid 
or  Frondose,  the  latter  as  the  Foliose  Hepaticcz.  The  transition  marks 
the  passage  from  the  upper  of  the  two  great  divisions  of  the  vegetable 
kingdom,  the  Cormophytes,  to  the  lower  division,  or  Thallophytes  ;  but 
intermediate  forms  occur  in  the  genera  Fossombronia  (Rad.)  and  Blasia 
(Mich.).  Even  the  foliose  forms  have  no  true  vascular  tissue,  and  no 
true  roots,  the  functions  of  which  are  performed  by  the  rhizoids.  Both 
sections  have,  except  in  Riella  (Mont.)  and  Haplomitrium  (N.  ab  E.),  a 
distinct  bilateral  or  dorsiventral  structure  ;  the  free  side  which  faces  the 
light  is  differently  organised  from  that  which  faces  and  often  clings  to  the 
substratum,  and  which  is  not  exposed  to  light.  The  mode  of  branching 
in  the  thalloid  forms  is  dichotomous,  and  the  growing  region  of  the  shoot 
commonly  lies  in  an  apical  depression  formed  by  the  more  rapid  growth 
of  the  cells  lying  right  and  left  of  the  apical  cell,  which  has  a  form  allied 
to  wedge-shaped.  The  filiform  stem  of  the  foliose  forms,  on  the  other 
hand,  ends  in  a  bud  with  a  more  or  less  prominent  cone  of  growth, 
and  the  apical  cell  is  a  three-sided  pyramid.  The  leaves  of  the  foliose 
forms  always  consist  of  only  a  single  layer  of  cells,  without  even  a  rudi- 
mentary midrib  ;  while  the  stem  sometimes  contains  the  first  rudiments 


HEPATIC^ 


157 


of  vascular  bundles  in  the  form  of  cambium-strings,  and  is  furnished 
with  a  slightly  differentiated  epidermal  layer.  In  the  thalloid  forms  the 
thallus  is  composed  of  a  more  or  less  thick  plate  of  tissue,  which  in 
one  order,  the  Marchantiacese,  possesses  on  the  upper  side  a  strongly 
developed  epiderm,  provided  with  stomates  of  very  peculiar  form,  unlike 
anything  that  occurs  elsewhere  in  the  vegetable  kingdom. 

The  first  result  of  the  germination  of  the 
spore  is  either  a  filiform  protoneme,  a  flat  plate 
of  cells,  or  a  mass  of  tissue  ;  but  the  differentia- 
tion of  the  protoneme  from  the  sexual  genera- 
tion is  not  so  well  marked  as  in  the  Musci.  The 
non-sexual  propagation  of  the  Hepaticse  takes 
place  either  by  innovation,  i.e.  by  the  continual 
dying  away  of  the  stem  behind,  or  by  gemma, 
which  exhibit  a  high  degree  of  development.  In 
the  thalloid  genera  Marchantia  (L.),  Lunularia 
(Mich.),  and  Blasia,  these  gemmae  are  found  in 
peculiar  outgrowths  of  the  upper  surface  of  the 
thallus  known  as  cupuks,  which  are  cup-shaped 
in  Marchantia  (see  fig.  150),  crescent-shaped  in 
Lunularia,  flask-shaped  in  Blasia.  From  the 
base  of  these  cupules  there  spring  hair-like 
papillae,  the  apical  cells  of  which  divide  re- 
peatedly in  both  directions,  and  constitute  the 
gemmae.  In  some  of  the  foliose  genera,  e.g. 
Madotheca  (Dum.),  the  gemmae  are  formed  out 
of  cells  belonging  to  the  margin  of  the  leaf, 
and  simply  detach  themselves.  Vochting  states 
that  in  Lunularia,  and  Marchantia  also,  isolated 
masses  of  cells  possess  the  power  of  regenera- 
tion or  development  into  new  individuals,  to 
whatever  part  of  the  thallus  they  may  have  be- 
longed. Shoots  resembling  a  normal  thallus 
spring  from  the  pedicel  of  the  inflorescence  of 
Marchantia  polymorpha  (L.)  when  lying  pros- 
trate on  the  soil. 

The  locality  of  the  sexual  organs  of  reproduction,  antherids  and 
archegones,  varies  in  the  different  orders.  In  one  genus,  Anthoceros 
(Mich.),  they  are  endogenous,  or  originate  in  the  tissue  of  the  thallus 
itself ;  in  the  remaining  thalloid  forms  they  are  produced  on  the  upper 
side  of  the  thallus  ;  and  in  the  Marchantiaceae  on  special  vertical  out- 
growths, some  of  which  bear  antherids  on  their  upper,  others  archegones 


FIG.    132. — Jimgerinannia 
nemorosa  L.  (  x  10). 


158 


MUSCINE& 


on  their  under  side  ;  these  male  and  female  inflorescences,  as  they  are 
termed,  may  be  either  monoecious  or  dioecious.  In  the  foliose  orders 
there  is  a  great  variety  in  their  locality  and  mode  of  origin. 

The  antherid  originates  as  a 
papilliform  swelling  of  a  super- 
ficial cell,  from  which  it  is  marked 
off  by  a  septum.  When  mature 
it  is  seated  on  a  pedicel  or  stalk, 
and  consists  of  an  external  layer 
of  cells  containing  chlorophyll, 
which  encloses  the  mother-cells  of 
the  antherozoids.  The  antherid 
dehisces  by  longitudinal  fissures 
into  valves,  and  the  mother-cells 
themselves  escape  into  the  sur- 
rounding moisture,  into  which 
each  discharges  an  antherozoid. 
The  antherozoids  are  slender 
threads  of  protoplasm,  with  from 
one  to  three  spiral  coils,  and  are 
provided  at  the  anterior  end  with 
two  long  and  very  slender  cilia,  by 
means  of  which  they  '  swarm  '  in 
the  water  with  a  rotating  motion. 
The  archegone  also  first  makes 
its  appearance  as  a  papillose  out- 
growth of  a  superficial  cell,  which 
then  becomes  separated  in  the 
same  manner.  After  this  mother- 
cell  has  divided  several  times 
longitudinally,  the  central  one  of 


FIG.  133. — Gottschea  appendiculata  N.  ab  E.  (magnified). 

the  cells  thus  formed  divides  transversely  into  an  upper  stigmatic  or 
lid-cell  and  a  lower  cell.  Two  layers  are  subsequently  formed,  the 
upper  of  which  becomes  the  neck  of  the  archegone,  the  lower  its  ventral 


HE  PA  TIC ^  159 

portion,  or  venter.  The  lowermost  cell  of  this  ventral  portion,  now 
known  as  the  central  cell,  increases  considerably  in  size,  and  divides 
by  a  transverse  septum  into  a  lower  and  larger  portion,  which  encloses 
the  oosphere,  and  an  upper  and  smaller  portion,  the  ventral  canal-cell 
In  the  meantime  the  upper  layer  of  cells  increases  in  length  by  the 
formation  of  a  number  of  fresh  cells,  the  neck-canal-cells.  The  ventral 
portion  of  the  archegone  becomes  eventually  enclosed  in  a  wall,  and  by 
the  deliquescence  of  the  neck-canal-cells  an  open  channel  is  formed 
down  to  the  oosphere.  In  addition  to  the  perichaste,  the  archegones 
are  frequently  surrounded  by  a  circular  wall,  originating  as  an  out- 
growth of  the  thallus,  and  known  as  the  perigyne  or  involucre. 

The  result  of  the  impregnation  of  the  oosphere  by  one  or  more 
antherozoids  is  the  production  of  the  embryo,  from  which  is  derived  the 
sporogone,  which  alone  constitutes  the  sporophyte,  or  non-sexual  genera- 
tion. It  is  formed  entirely  from  the  ventral  portion  of  the  archegone. 
Its  external  form  and  internal  structure  vary  greatly  in  the  different 
groups  ;  as  is  also  the  case  with  the  course  of  cell-divisions  in  its  forma- 
tion. Ultimately  the  wall  of  the  spore-capsule  becomes  differentiated 
from  the  archespore,  or  layer  of  tissue  which  develops  into  the  mother- 
cells  of  the  spores  and  elaters  when  these  latter  organs  are  present. 
There  is  usually  no  solid  axis  or  columel.  The  cells  which  develop 
into  elaters  cease  early  to  divide  transversely,  and  thus  remain  long, 
while  the  rest  of  the  cells  round  themselves  off,  and  become  mother-cells 
of  spores.  The  mature  elaters  (fig.  159)  have  in  their  wall  an  elongated 
single  or  double  spiral  band,  the  twisting  and  untwisting  of  which  on 
the  absorption  and  giving  off  of  moisture  helps  to  disseminate  the 
spores.  Leclerc  du  Sablon  finds  the  sporogone  of  the  typical  Hepa- 
ticae  to  be  composed,  at  a  very  early  stage,  of  sixty-four  cells,  each  of 
which  subsequently  divides  into  four.  These  cells  now  elongate  in  the 
direction  of  the  axis  of  the  sporogone,  and  then  become  differentiated 
into  two  kinds.  In  the  one  kind  the  nucleus  undergoes  repeated 
bipartitions,  and  these  give  rise  to  the  spore-mother-cells  ;  in  the  other 
kind  the  nucleus  does  not  divide,  and  the  protoplasm  forms  spiral 
granulations  ;  these  become  the  elaters.  Rarely  (as  in  Riella)  they  are 
replaced  by  barren  cells  filled  with  food-material  for  the  nutrition  of 
the  growing  spores.  The  two  kinds  of  cell  are  equal  in. number,  each 
alternating  with  the  other.  The  degree  of  complexity  of  the  sporogone 
in  the  different  orders  of  Hepaticse  corresponds  in  the  main  to  the  degree 
of  development  of  the  vegetative  organs.  In  the  Jungermanniaceas  it 
bursts  longitudinally  into  four  valves,  and  the  walls  are  composed  of  two 
layers  of  cells  furnished  with  'ornaments,'  or  elevated  markings  of  various 
patterns ;  in  the  Anthoceroteaa  it  splits  longitudinally  into  two  valves  ; 


i6o  MUSCINE^E 

in  the  Ricciaceae  and  Marchantiaceae  it  bursts  irregularly,  and  the  wall 
is  composed  of  a  single  layer  of  cells  without  ornaments,  or  nearly  so. 
The  spores  also  vary  considerably  in  the  different  orders.  In  many 
Jungermanniaceae  the  spore  has  only  a  single  cuticularised  membrane, 
which  is  entirely  used  up  in  the  formation  of  the  germinating  filament. 
In  most  genera  the  wall  is  composed  of  two  distinct  separable  layers, 
the  exospore  and  endospore ;  while  in  Sphaerocarpus  (Mich.),  Corsinia 
(Radd.),  and  some  others  there  is  a  third  outer  layer,  often  beautifully 
sculptured,  which  is  derived  from  the  membrane  of  the  special  mother- 
cells  of  the  spores.  This  layer  is  called  by  Leitgeb  the  perinium. 
Warnstorf  (Verhandl.  Bot.  Ver.  Brandenburg,  1886,  p.  181)  finds  in 
Blyttia  (Endl.)  two  kinds  of  spore,  larger  and  smaller,  which  he  believes 
to  produce  female  and  male  plants  respectively.  In  Sphaerocarpus  the 
spores  are  combined  into  tetrads.  When  the  spore  germinates,  the 
endospore  breaks  through  both  exospore  and  perinium,  when  the  latter 
is  present,  and  protrudes  as  the  first  rhizoid. 

LITERATURE. 

Bischoff—  Nov.  Act.  Acad.  Leop.  Car.,  1835. 

Gottsche— Ibid.,  1838. 

Gottsche,  Lindenberg  u.  Esenbeck — Synopsis  Hepaticarum,  1844. 

Kny — Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1865,  p.  64. 

Leitgeb— Bot.  Zeit.,  1871,  p-  557,  and  1872,  p.  33  ;  Mittheil.  naturw.  Ver.  Steiermark, 

1872;  Unters.  liber  die  Lebermoose,  1874-1881;  and  Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell., 

1883,  p.  246. 

Janczewski — (Archegone)  Bot.  Zeit.,  1872,  p.  372  et  set/. 
Carrington— British  Hepaticse,  1874. 
Kenitz-Gerloff— Bot.  Zeit.,  1875,  pp.  777  et  seq. 
Vochting — Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1885,  p.  367. 
Satter— Sitzber.  Akad.  Wiss.  Wien,  1882. 
Leclerc  du  Sablon— (Antherozoids)  Comptes  rendus,  cvi.,  1888,  p.  876. 


Liverworts  are  distributed  throughout  the  entire  globe,  growing 
mostly  in  moist  situations.  Many  tropical  species  are  epiphytic  on  the 
leaves  of  Flowering  Plants  or  ferns.  They  are  of  no  economic  importance. 
They  are  classified  under  five  orders,  of  which  the  first  includes  both 
foliose  and  thalloid,  the  remaining  four  almost  entirely  thalloid,  forms. 

ORDER  i. — JUNGERMANNIACE/E. 

In  this,  much  the  largest  order  of  the  class,  are  included  genera  with 
every  variety  of  vegetative  development,  from  an  undifferentiated  thallus 
to  a  slender  filiform  stem,  with  sessile  leaves  seated  either  in  two  rows  on 
the  upper  side,  or  in  three  rows,  two  of  them  on  the  upper,  and  the  third, 
the  amphigasters,  smaller  and  adpressed  to  the  under  side.  The  thalloid 


HEPATICsE 


161 


forms  have,  except  in  Haplomitrium,  a  bilateral  structure  resembling  that 
of  the  Marchantiaceae  ;  rhizoids  and  rudimentary  foliar  structures  are 
formed  on  the  under,  the  sexual  organs  on  the  upper  side.  In  the 
foliose  forms  the  leaves,  always  very  small,  are  frequently  bisected  or 
bilobed,  the  lower  lobe  or  auricle  being  the  smaller  one,  and  amplexicaul 
or  concave.  Goebel  states  that  in  Java  many  of  the  Jungermanniaceae 
are  epiphytic,  and  that  in  these  the  auricle  is  frequently  hollowed  out 
into  the  shape  of  a  pouch  or  pitcher,  serving  as  a  receptacle  for  water 
(fig.  140).  In  some  species  of  Physiotium  (N.  ab  E.)  this  receptacle  is 
prolonged  into  the  so-called  'tubular  organ.'  The  leaves  of  the  foliose 


FIG.  \^.—Fossombroniaptisilla^.  ab  E.,  male 
plant,  a,  natural  size  ;  b,  magnified. 


FIG.   134. — Calypogeia.  Trichomanis 
Cord,  (magnified). 


species  consist  of  a  single  layer  of  cells  without  even  the  rudiments  of 
vascular  bundles.  There  are  species  which  form  a  connecting  link 
between  the  foliose  and  the  thalloid  Jungermanniaceae.  The  mode  of 
branching  varies  greatly,  but  growth  always  takes  place  by  means  of  a 
three-sided  pyramidal  apical  cell. 

As  respects  the  sexual  organs,  some  species  are  monoecious,  others 
dioecious.  In  the  foliose  genera  they  are  usually  formed  at  the  apex  of 
the  primary  shoots  or  of  special  small  fertile  branches,  which  have  often 
an  endogenous  origin  on  the  ventral  side.  These  constitute  the  acro- 
gynous  section  of  the  order,  which  includes  all  the  foliose  genera  except 
Haplomitrium.  In  the  thalloid  genera,  or  anacrogynous  section,  they 

M 


1 62 


MUSCINE& 


appear  on  the  dorsal  surface  of  the  shoot,  at  some  distance  from  the 
apex ;  while  in  the  acrogynous  forms  they  are  formed  in  close  proximity  to 
the  apical  cell.     In  Radula  (Dum.)  the  entire  female  inflorescence,  com- 
posed of  a  number  of  archegones  enclosed  in 
a  perigyne,  is  developed  from  the  apical  cell 
of  a   shoot,   and   from   its   youngest    three 
segments.    Neither  archegones  nor  antherids 
are  elevated  on  receptacles,  as  in  the  Mar- 
chantiaceae.      The   antherids   usually  occur 


FIG.  i&.—Pellia  epiphylla  Cord., 
male  plant,  a,  natural  size  ;  b, 
magnified. 


FIG.  137. — Radula  compla- 
nata  Dum.  Plant  with 
closed  and  open  sporange 
(x  2). 


FIG.  138.  —  Jtingermannia 
barbata  Schreb.  Under 
side  of  leaves  with  ciliated 
amphigasters  (magnified). 


singly  or  in  groups  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves.  In  Pellia  (Radd.)  the  an- 
therids are  imbedded  in  the  thallus,  the  archegones  appearing  in  large 
numbers  at  the  apex  of  the  shoot.  In  the  Geocalyceae  (e.g.  Calypogeia, 
Radd.)  the  female  branches  are  so  hcllovred  out  that  the  archegones  are 


IT. 


FIG.  139. — I.  Under  side  of  stem  of  Fnillania 
Tatnarisci  Dum. ,  with  true  leaves  and  amphi- 
gasters (magnified).  II.  Leaf  of  F.  dilatata 
(more  magnified). 


FIG.  140. — Auricle  of  Fritllania,  sp.   (mag- 
nified).    (After  Goebel.) 


sunk  in  a  deep  pitcher-shaped  hollow  or  tube,  within  which  the  spo- 
rogone  is  subsequently  formed.  In  other  genera  they  are  concealed  by 
the  nearest  leaves.  The  modified  leaves  which  thus  enclose  a  group  of 
archegones,  or  of  both  archegones  and  antherids,  constitute  the  perichcete, 


HEPATIC.Z 


163 


each  archegone  being,  in  addition,  usually  surrounded  by  a  distinct  mem- 
branous envelope,  the  perianth  or  perigyne. 

In  the  formation  of  the  sporogone,  the  fertilised  oosphere  first  divides 
by  a  wall  at  right  angles  to  the  axis  of  the  archegone.  Only  the  upper 
of  the  two  cells  thus  formed — that  is,  the  one  that  faces  the  neck  of  the 
archegone — undergoes  further  divisions ;  it  becomes  the  apical  cell  of 
the  sporogone,  and  sometimes  again  divides  transversely  once  or  twice 
before  a  longitudinal  wall  makes  its  appearance  in  it ;  the  two  cells  thus 
formed  finally  divide  into  four  apical  cells  arranged  as  octants  of  a  hemi- 
sphere. The  basal  portion  of  the  growing  archegone  swells  out  and 
penetrates  down  into  the  tissue  of  the  stem,  forming  the  vagine. 


a/ 


n 


FIG.  141. — Sexual  organs  of  Radnla 
complanata.  ar,  archegone  ;  an,  an- 
therid  ;  b,  leaf.  (After  Hofmeibter.) 

FIG.  142. — Jungermann:a  bicuspidata.  L.  Longi- 
tudinal section  of  immature  sporogone,  sg ;  ar, 
calypter ;  ar1 ,  unfertilised  archegones  ;  /,  base  of 
perigyne  ;  st,  stem ;  6,  leaf.  (After  Hofmeister.) 

After  frequent  divisions  have  taken  place,  the  wall  of  the  spore-capsule 
becomes  differentiated  from  the  inner  tissue,  out  of  which  are  developed 
the  spores  and  elaters.  There  is  no  columel.  By  rapid  extension  of 
the  hitherto  short  pedicel,  the  calypter  is  ruptured  at  the  apex,  and  the 
globular  sporogone,  containing  the  already  ripe  spores,  becomes  elevated. 
The  inner  of  the  two  layers  of  which  the  wall  of  the  sporogone  is  com- 
posed has  become  absorbed  before  the  ripening  of  the  spores ;  the  single 
layer  of  cells  which  still  remains  is  ruptured  at  the  apex,  and  splits  into 
four  (rarely  more)  longitudinal  valves,  which  separate  suddenly  in  the 
form  of  a  star,  carrying  with  them  at  the  same  time  the  elaters,  and  thus 
bringing  about  the  dispersion  of  the  spores.  The  mature  elaters  are 

M  2 


1 64 


MUSCfNEJS, 


long  fusiform  thin-walled  cells,  marked  internally  by  from  one  to  three 
brown  spiral  bands,  but  more  complicated  in  structure  in  the  foliose 
than  in  the  thalloid  genera. 

Illustrative  genera. — Foliose :  Radula  (Dum.),  Jungermannia  (L.), 
Lejeunia  (G.  &  L.),  Frullania  (Radd.),  Madotheca  (Dum.),  Mastigo- 
bryum  (N.  ab  E.),  Calypogeia  (Radd.),  Lepidozia  (Dum.),  Plagiochila 
(Dum.),  Geocalyx  (N.  ab  E.),  Chiloscyphos  (Cord.),  Gymnomitrium 
(N.  ab  E.),  Lophocolea  (Dum.).  Thalloid'.  Metzgeria  (Cord.),  Aneura 
(Dum.),  Fossombronia  (Radd.),  Pellia  (Radd.),  Blasia  (Mich.). 

LITERATURE. 

Leitgeb — Bot.  Zeit.,  1871,  p.  556  ;  and  Abhandl.  Bot.  Ver.  Brandenburg,  1880,  p.  58. 

Gottsche — Abhandl.  Gesell.  Naturf.  Hamburg,  1880,  p.  39. 

Goebel — (Epiphytic  Species)  Ann.  Jard.  Bot.  Buitenzorg,  vi.,  1887,  p.  21. 


ORDER  2.— MONOCLEACE^:. 

This  small  order  appears  to  occupy  an  intermediate  position  be- 
tween the  Jungermanniaceae  and  the  Anthoceroteae.  The  vegetative 
structure  is  either  thalloid  or  foliose.  The  elongated  sporange  dehisces 
longitudinally,  and  contains  elaters,  but  has  no  columel. 

Principal  genus : — Monoclea  (Hook.). 


FIG.  144. — Anthoceros  Iwis 
male  plant  (natural  size). 


FIG.  143.— Monoclea  Forsteri  Hook,  (magnified). 


FIG.  145.  —  A.  lewis,  a,  dehiscent  sporange 
(x  2). 


ORDER  3. — ANTHOCEROTEAE. 

The  vegetative  structure  consists  of  a  flat  ribbon-like  thallus,  the 
irregular  dichotomous  ramifications  of  which  form  a  circular  disc 
composed  of  one  or  more  layers  of  cells,  each  cell  containing  only  a 


HEPATIC^E  165 

single  chlorophyll-corpuscle.  The  antherids  and  archegones  arise 
endogenously  on  the  upper  side  of  the  thallus,  apparently  without  any 
definite  arrangement,  and  are  not  protected  by  a  perigyne.  The  mature 
sporogone  is  an  elongated  dehiscent  two-valved  pod,  provided  with 
stomates,  which  forces  its  way  through  a  mass  of  tissue  overarching  the 
archegone,  and  is  known  as  the  involucre.  Within  the  sporange  is,  in  most 
genera,  a  solid  axial  columel\  the  wall  consists  of  four  or  five  layers  of 
cells ;  the  rest  of  the  contents,  developed  from  the  archespore,  becoming 
the  mother-cells  of  the  spores  and  elaters.  Except  in  some  species  of 
Arithoceros  (L.)  the  elaters  are  of  simpler  structure  than  in  the  other 
Hepaticae,  having  no  spiral  bands.  Anthoceros  possesses  peculiar 
cavities  on  the  under  side  of  the  thallus,  opening  by  slits  or  fissures, 
which  are  regarded  by  some  authors  as  stomates,  by  others  as  mucilage- 
receptacles.  Filaments  of  Nostoc,  which  have  found  their  way  into 
these  cavities  through  the  slits,  cause  peculiar  changes  in  them,  and 
have  been  mistaken  for  endogenous  gemmae.  The  genus  Anthoceros  is 
of  much  interest  from  the  fact  that  the  sporophyte-generation  shows  a 
greater  vegetative  energy  than  is  usually  the  case  with  Muscineae; 
growth  continues  at  the  base  of  the  sporange,  and  new  spores  are  formed 
there  after  those  at  the  apical  portion  are  already  mature. 
Principal  genus  : — Anthoceros  (L.). 

LITERATURE. 
Leitgeb — Die  Anthoceroteen,  1879. 


ORDER  4. — RICCIACE^E. 

The  Ricciaceae  are  regarded  by  Leitgeb  as  forming  a  connecting  link 
between  the  Jungermanniaceae  and  the  Marchantiaceae ;  but  in  some  re- 
spects they  are  simpler  in  their  structure  than  either  of  these  orders.  The 
thallus  is  usually  flat,  and  branches  dichotomously ;  it  floats  on  water  or 
roots  in  the  soil.  In  Riella  (Mont.)  it  is  submerged  and  erect,  and  has 
the  appearance  of  a  ring  forming  a  continuous  spiral  round  an  axial  stem. 
It  is  always  destitute  of  stomates,  but  is  provided  with  internal  air- 
cavities,  and  with  rudimentary  foliar  organs  among  the  rhizoids.  The 
antherids  and  archegones  are  not,  as  in  the  Anthoceroteae,  endogenous, 
but  are  developed  from  young  superficial  cells  of  the  upper  surface, 
which  grow  into  papillae  and  become  overarched,  in  the  course  of  their 
development,  by  the  surrounding  tissue.  Both  antherids  and  archegones 
are  enclosed  in  an  involucre  formed  in  this  way;  the  antherids  are 
sessile,  the  involucre  sometimes  constituting  an  elevated  neck  above 
them.  In  Riccia  (L.)  the  archegones  are  ultimately  buried  in  the 


1 66 


MUSCINE& 


thallus ;  while  in  Oxymitra  (Bisch.)  they  are  raised  above  the  surface. 

The  sporange  is  a  thin-walled  spherical  capsule,  occasionally  produced 
under  water,  entirely  filled  with  spores  without 
true  elaters  br  columel,  and,  with  its  calypter, 
depressed  in  the  thallus.  It  is  much  less  differ- 
entiated in  its  structure  than  in  the  other 
orders.  In  all  the  genera  except  Riccia  and 
Oxymitra  the  elaters  are  represented  by  sterile 
cells  among  the  spore-mother-cells.  The  spo- 
range bursts  irregularly  when  ripe,  but  the 
spores  are  only  set  free  by  the  decay  of  the 


FIG.  147. — Sp'i(erocarpus  terrestfis  Sm.     Frond  and  archegone 
(magnified). 


FIG.  146. — Riella  helicophyila 
Mont,  (magnified) 


FIG.  148. — Riccia glarica  L.  A,  section  of  apical  region  of 
frond,  ar,  archegone  ;  c,  oosphere  ( x  50).  £,  immature 
sporogone,  sg ;  ar,  neck  of  archegone  (  x  300).  (After  Hof- 
meister.) 


surrounding  tissue  of  the  thallus.  The  spores  of  Sphaerocarpus  (Mich.) 
and  Corsinia  (Radd.)  have  a  beautifully  sculptured  extine.  Riella  is 
altogether  dioecious,  and  perfects  its  fructification  beneath  the  water. 

Principal  genera  : — Riccia  (L.),   Duriaea   (Bor.),  Oxymitra  (Bisch.), 
Riella  (Mont.),  Sphaerocarpus  (Mich.),  Corsinia  (Radd.). 

LITERATURE. 

Kny— Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1866,  p.  364. 
Leitgeb — Die  Riccieen,  1879. 


... 

HEP  A  TIC^E 


167 


ORDER  5. — MARCHANTIACE^E. 

The  thallus  is  flat  and  ribbon-shaped,  and  usually  branches  dicho- 
tomously  from  two  apical  cells ;  it  is  frequently  furnished  with  a  well- 


FIG.  149. — MarcJtantia  polymorpha  L.     Male 
plant  (natural  size). 


-• 


FIG.  151. — M.  polymorpha.     Female  inflo- 
rescence (magnified). 


FIG.  150. — M.  polymorpha.     Male  inflorescence        FIG.  152. — Fegatclla  conica  Cord.     Male  plant 
and  cupule  (magnified).  (natural  size). 

marked  midrib,  and  is  coriaceous  in  texture.     It  is  composed  of  three 
distinct  layers  of  cells,  viz.: — (i)   the  air-chamber-layer  to  which  the 


168 


MUSCINE^E 


stomates  belong;  (2)  a  close  tissue  containing  but  little  chlorophyll,  and 
with  the  cell-walls  pitted  or  reticulately  thickened,  without  intercellular 
spaces  but  sometimes  containing  mucilage-receptacles  j  and  (3)  a  ventral 


rlil 


FIG.  153. — A,  transverse  section  through  middle  portion  of  thallus  of  M.  polymorpha  (x  30);  B, 
through  marginal  portion  (more  highly  magnified).  /,  colourless  layer  without  intercellular  spaces 
•&,.  epiderm  of  upper  side  ;  chl,  chlorophyllous  layer ;  sp,  stomate ;  s,  partition-walls  between  air- 
chambers  ; .«,  lower  epiderm  ;  h,  rhizoids  ,  b,  leaf-like  lamellae.  (After  Goebtl.) 


FIG.  154. — Portion  of  young  receptacle  of  M.  polymorpha.  A,  vertical  section;  a,  epiderm;  sfi, 
stomate  ;  S,  partition-wall  separating  air-chamber  from  chlorophyllous  cells  ;  g,  mucilage-cell.  B, 
C,  young  stomate  ;  po,  pore.  (After  Goebel.) 

epidermal  layer,  from  which  spring  rhizoids  and  leaf-like  lamellae.     The 
mucilage-passages   are  especially  developed  in  Fegatella  (Radd.)  and 


HEPATIC^E 


169 


Preissia  (Cord.),  and  the  thallus  of  the  latter  genus  has  also  rudimentary 
vascular  bundles.  The  stomates  which  penetrate  the  epidermal  layer  of 
the  upper  surface  of  the  thallus  into  the  air-chamber-layer  are  of  a  struc- 


FIG.  155.—^,  B,  C,  young  shoot  of  M. 

morpha  (slightly  magnified)  with  cupules  ; 
.   iru,  apical  region.     D,  portion   of  epiderm 

(more  highly  magnified),     sp,  stomate. 


FIG.  156.  —  Female  inflorescence  of  M,  poly- 
inorpha  seen  from  the  under  side,  sr,  radiat- 
ing  branches  ;  f,  sporogone.  (After  Goebel.) 


ture  quite  peculiar  to  this  order.  Each  stomate  is  formed,  according  to 
Leitgeb,  by  the  simple  separation  of  four  or  more  superficial  cells,  and  the 
subsequent  segmentation  of  these  in  a  direction  parallel  to  the  surface. 


FIG.  157. — A,  male  plant  of  M.  polymorpha.  B,  longitudinal  section  through  inflorescence,  ha 
o,  o,  openings  to  antheridial  cavities,  a.  C,  nearly  ripe  antherid.  D,  two  antherozoids  (x  800). 
(After  Goebel.) 

They  are  situated  in  the  centre  of  plates  of  a  rhombic  form,  consisting 
of  portions  of  the  epidermal  layer  which  overarch  large  air-cavities. 
From  the  base  and  sides  of  these  air-cavities  spring  chlorophyllous  cells 


MUSCINE^E 


in  rows  directed  upwards,  but  not  actually  reaching  the  epidermal  layer 
of  cells  through  which  the  stomates  penetrate ;  while  beneath  them  is 
the  non-chlorophyllous  layer,  consisting  of  cells  longest  in  the  hori- 
zontal direction  without  intercellular  spaces.  Each  stomate  has  a  number 
_,__  of  guard-cells  formed  by 

radial  cell-divisions.  The 
details  in  the  structure  of 
the  stomates  differ  in  the 
different  genera.  Leitgeb 
describes  them  as  of  two 
kinds,  simple  and  canali- 
culate. The  former  are 
epidermal  pores  situated 
immediately  above  the  air- 
chambers  ;  the  latter,  which 
occur  in  Marchantia  and 
Preissia,  have  the  ap- 
pearance of  canals  exca- 
vated in  the  surface  of  the 
thallus.  Some  of  the  rhi- 
zoids  of  Marchantia  are 
characterised  by  singular 
internal  thickenings  to  the 
cell-wall.  The  peculiar  non- 
sexual  organs  of  propagation 
of  Marchantia,  Lunularia 
(Mich.),  and  other  genera, 
known  as  cupules,  have 
already  been  described  (figs. 
150,155).  A  peculiar  non- 
sexual  mode  of  propagation 
by  means  of  gemmae  occurs 

FIG.   158.— Development  of  archegone  of  M.  polymorpha.     in  Fegatella  (Radd.). 
(x  300).     I—V,  before,  VI—  VIII,  after  fertilisation,     e, 
central  cell  with  oosphere  ;f,  young  embryo  ;  si,  lowest  cell 
of  axile  row ;  //,  perigyne.     IX,  immature  sporogone  in 


venter  of  archegone  ( x  30) ;  a,  neck  of  archegone  ;  st, 
stalk  of  sporange  which  contains  young  spores  and  elaters. 
(  After  Goebel.) 


The  sexual  reproductive 
organs  of  the  Marchanti- 
aceaa  are,  in  most  of  the 
genera,  borne  on  erect 
branches  of  the  thallus  of  a  peculiar  umbrella-like  form,  which  have  been 
variously  termed  receptacles,  discs,  and  inflorescences.  They  may  be  male, 
female,  or  bisexual ;  and,  when  unisexual,  the  species  may  be  monoecious 
or  dioecious.  In  Fegatella  the  male  inflorescences  are  oval  discs  sessile 
upon  the  thallus  (fig.  152).  The  inflorescence  is  generally  regarded 


HEP  A  TIC^E 


171 


as  a  transformed  thalloid  axis.  The  antherids  spring  from  superficial 
cells  of  these  branches  which  are  depressed  in  hollows  on  the  upper 
surface  of  the  disc,  and  become  overarched  by  the  surrounding  tissue. 
With  the  exception  of  one  section,  the  Targionieae,  in  which  they  occur 
at  the  apex  of  ordinary  shoots,  the  archegones  are  borne  on  the  under 
surface  of  the  female  discs,  which  are  always  stalked,  while  the  male 
discs  may  be  either  stalked  or  sessile.  The  archegones  are  variously 
surrounded  by  involucres  or  perigynes.  Leitgeb  describes  the  sexual 
organs  as  being  at  first  distributed  over  the  surface  of  the  thallus, 
and  becoming  subsequently  collected  into 
groups  or  inflorescences,  which  have  at 
first  a  dorsal  position,  but  become  con- 
stantly pushed  towards  the  apex.  The 
mature  sporange  is  usually  shortly  stalked, 
and  contains  elaters,  which  radiate  from 
the  centre  towards  the  circumference.  It 
has  no  central  columel.  It  either  dehisces 
at  the  apex  with  numerous  teeth,  or  is 
four-lobed,  or  the  upper  portion  becomes 
detached  by  an  annular  fissure  as  an 
opercule.  The  elater.s  are  well  developed, 
and  are  furnished  with  several  spiral  bands, 
but  do  not  usually  appear  to  take  any 
part  in  the  expulsion  of  the  spores  from  the 
sporange. 

The  thallus  of  many  Marchantiaceae 
displays  remarkable  hygroscopic  properties, 
which  have  their  seat  in  the  'mechanical' 

layer,  i.e.  the  layer  of  closely  packed  cells     FIG.  159.—  A,  piece  of  eiater of  M. 
containing    but    little    chlorophyll,    which 
underlies    the    air-containing    assimilating 
layer.     On  desiccation  this  layer  contracts 

greatly,  so  that  the  epidermal  layer  with  its  stomates  is  completely  pro- 
tected from  further  evaporation  by  the  recurved  ventral  surface  covered 
with  brown  or  violet  scales.  In  this  condition  the  dried -up  thallus  may 
retain  its  vitality  for  a  very  long  period.  The  cells  of  the  mechanical 
layer  are  frequently  occupied  by  colonies  of  Nostoc. 

Illustrative  genera  : — Marchantia  (L.),  Targionia  (L.),  Fegatella 
(Radd.),  Reboulia  (Radd.),  Fimbriaria  (N.  ab  E.),  Dumortiera  (N.  ab 
E.),  Plagiochasma  (L.  &  L.),  Preissia  (Cord.),  Lunularia  (Mich.). 


polymorpha  (magnified).  A ',  a  por- 
tion more  highly  magnified.  B, 
pitted  cell  of  thallus.  C,  D,  rhizoids 
with  internal  thickenings. 


172  MUSCINE^E 

LITERATURE. 

Mirbel — Mem.  Acad.  Sc.,  xii.,  1835. 

Strasburger — Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1870,  p.  409. 

Vogt — Bot.  Zeit.,  1879,  pp.  729  and  745. 

Goebel— Arb.  Bot.  Inst.  Wiirzburg,  1880,  p.  529. 

Leitgeb  — Sitzber.  Akad.  Wiss.  Wien,  1880,  pp.  40  and  123;  and  Die  Marchantieen, 

1881. 

Prescher— (Mucilage-receptacles)  Sitzber.  Akad.  Wiss.  Wien,  1882. 
Mattirolo — (Hygroscopic  Properties)  Malpighia,  ii.  1888,  p.  181. 


FOSSIL  MUSCINE^:. 

No  remains  have  been  found  earlier  than  the  Tertiary  formations 
which  appear  to  belong  to  Muscineae.  Here  and  in  the  Quaternary 
beds  remains  or  impressions  occur  which  have  been  referred  to  various 
families  of  Musci  and  Hepaticae,  including  leaves  of  a  single  species  of 
Sphagnum  and  a  single  moss- capsule.  The  leaves  of  Jungermanniaceae 
are  not  uncommonly  found  enclosed  in  amber. 


173 


THIRD    SUBDIVISION   AND   CLASS    IX. 
CHARACE^. 

THE  true  position  of  this  small  group  in  a  natural  system  of  classifi- 
cation has  been  a  subject  of  much  controversy.  By  some  writers  of 
high  authority  it  is  regarded  as  occupying  the  highest  place  among 
green  Algae.  On  the  other  hand,  although  without  any  lignification  of 
their  tissue,  the  Characese  display,  in  the  structure  of  their  vegetative 
organs,  a  distinctly  higher  type  of  structure  than  the  Thallophytes,  in  the 
distinct  differentiation  of  the  plant  into  a  primary  axis  or  stem,  and 
secondary  axes  or  branches ;  but  the  branches  are  similar  in  structure 
to  the  primary  stem.  They  are,  in  fact,  Cormophytes  rather  than 
Thallophytes  ;  and  it  seems  best  to  retain  them  as  a  distinct  subdivision 
intermediate  between  the  Muscineae  and  the  highest  Algae. 

The  plant  is  acrogenous,  growing  by  means  of  an  apical  cell  contained 
in  an  apical  bud  ;  the  main  stem  has  indefinite  apical  growth,  the  branches 
increasing  by  definite  apical  growth.  The  branches  and  the  organs  of 
sexual  reproduction  grow  in  the  axils  of  other  lateral  organs  of  more 
simple  structure,  which  are  usually  termed  leaves;  those  that  subtend 
the  reproductive  organs  being  by  some  writers  described  as  bracts  or 
bracteoles.  In  all  the  Characeae  these  appendicular  organs  spring  in 
whorls  from  well-defined  nodes  of  the  primary  stem,  imparting  the  pecu- 
liar habit  to  the  plants  by  which  they  are  distinguished  from  nearly 
all  other  Cryptogams.  Each  internode  consists,  in  the  Nitelleae,  of  a 
single  very  large  cell  extending  along  its  whole  length,  and  many  times 
longer  than  broad.  In  the  majority  of  the  Chareae  this  internodal  cell 
is  invested  by  a  layer  of  similar  elongated  cells  of  much  smaller  diameter 
arranged  spirally  round  it,  collectively  known  as  the  cortex,  and  giving 
the  stem  the  appearance  of  being  spirally  striated.  Each  node  consists, 
in  the  corticated  species,  of  a  single  layer  or  plate  of  small  cells  from 
which  the  cortex  is  derived.  From  the  nodes  spring  the  whorls  of 
branches  and  their  subtending  leaves.  The  branches  are  altogether 
similar  in  structure  to  the  primary  axis.  The  leaves  have  also,  in  the 
Chareae,  a  simple  cortical  layer,  with  the  exception  of  the  apex,  where 


174 


CHARACE/E 


the  large  terminal  cell  is  exposed.  In  addition  to  the  leaves  there 
spring,  from  the  basal  nodes  of  some  species  of  Chara  (L.),  other  leaf- 
like  structures  known  as  stipules,  one,  two,  or  three  in  connection  with 
each  leaf.  The  stipular  cells  are  always  undivided 
by  septa,  and  arise  as  papillae  on  the  cortical 
cells. 

The  cortex  of  the  stem  and  branches  is  de- 
veloped  out   of  the  nodal    plate   of  cells  ;    the 
upward  and  downward  prolongations  from  the 
nodes  usually  meeting  about  the  middle  of  each 
internode,  where  they  dovetail  into  one  another. 
These  cortical  internodal  cells  do  not,  however, 
like  the  axial  cells,  remain  entire  ;  they  divide, 
both  transversely  and  longitudinally,  into  three 
parallel  rows  of  cells,  the  central  row  of  each 
series   being   somewhat   elevated    into   a   ridge. 
The  mode  and   extent   of  development  of  the 
cortical   cells    vary   according    to    the    species. 
The  number  of  leaves  in  a  whorl 
is  usually  from  four  to  ten.     At 
the  lower  part  of  the  main  stem 
the  internodes   are   shorter,    and 
from    the    nodes    spring    rhizoids 
or  rooting  filaments  which  serve 
to  fix  the  plant  in  the  soil,  con- 
sisting of  long  hyaline  nearly  undi- 
vided tubes,  which  grow  obliquely 
downwards,  and  lengthen  only  at 


their  apex.  The  rhizoids  are 
always  trichomic,  springing  from 
superficial  cells. 

The  nearly  hemispherical 
apical  cell  of  the  terminal  bud  of 
the  stem  first  divides  by  a  trans- 
verse wall  into  a  new  apical  cell 
and  a  disc-shaped  segment-cell. 
Each  segment  then  again  divides 
by  a  wall  parallel  to  the  first; 
the  lowest  of  these  does  not  again  divide,  but  develops  into  the  axial 
internodal  cell,  while  the  upper  one  undergoes  vertical  division,  and  be- 
comes a  node.  Each  successive  whorl  on  the  main  stem  alternates  with 
those  immediately  above  and  below  it,  so  that  the  oldest  leaves  of  a 


FIG.   160. — Chara  fragilis 
Desv.  (natural  size). 


nified)L>  (mag' 


CHARACE^E  175 

whorl,  which  subtend  the  branches,  are  arranged  in  a  spiral  line  running 
round  the  stem ;  but  this  is  not  the  case  with  the  branches  or  secondary 
axes,  where  the  members  of  contiguous  whorls  are  superposed. 

The  Characeas  exhibit  in  an  especially  clear  and  beautiful  manner 
the  phenomenon  of  cydosis,  or  rotation  of  the  protoplasm  (see  fig.  163). 
The  best  objects  for  observation  are  the  large  internodal  cells  of  Nitella 
(Ag.),  the  apical  cells  in  the  leaves  of  Chara,  or  some  of  those  belonging 
to  the  reproductive  organs,  especially  to  the  '  manubria.'  The  cell  first  of 
all  develops  vacuoles  in  its  protoplasm,  which  coalesce  into  a  single 


A 


FIG.  162. — Longitudinal  section  through  bud  of  C.fragilis,  showing  apical  cell,  /,  and  segments,  g,  b. 
A ,  cells  empty.  B,  with  cell-contents,  granular  protoplasm,  chlorophyll-grains,  and  vacuoles.  C, 
with  cell-contents  contracted  by  iodine  (  x  500).  (After  Sachs.) 

large  sap-cavity.  The  outermost  thin  parietal  layer  of  protoplasm,  in 
which  are  imbedded  most  of  the  grains  of  chlorophyll,  remains  motion- 
less; within  this  motionless  lining  is  a  thick  layer  of  protoplasm,  in  which  a 
regular  current  gradually  sets  up,  up  one  side  of  the  cell  and  down  the  other; 
the  boundary  between  the  two  currents  being  marked  by  hyaline  bands 
entirely  destitute  of  chlorophyll,  the  neutral  zones,  in  which  no  movement 
is  visible.  The  direction  of  the  rotating  movement  in  each  cell  stands 
in  a  definite  relation  to  that  of  all  the  other  cells  of  the  plant.  From 
time  to  time  the  movement  ceases,  and  then  begins  again  in  the  oppo- 
site direction.  Before  the  rotation  commences  the  cell-nucleus  has 


usually  broken  up  into  a  number  of  fragments.  The  current  is  most 
rapid  next  to  the  stationary  parietal  layer,  and  becomes  gradually  slower 
towards  the  interior.  As  the  cell  grows  the  rotating  protoplasm  becomes 
differentiated  into  a  watery  and  a  less  watery  denser  portion,  the  former 
having  the  appearance  of  a  hyaline  cell-sap,  in  which  the  latter  floats  in 
the  form  of  larger  or  smaller  roundish  lumps.  Since  these  denser  bodies 
are  passively  swept  along  by  the  clear  rotating  protoplasm,  the  appear- 
ance is  presented  as  if  the  cell-sap  caused  the  rotation.  Together  with 
the  denser  lumps  of  protoplasm  of  less  regular  form,  there  are  also  a 
number  of  globular  masses  carried  along  in  the  current,  which  are 
covered  with  delicate  protoplasmic  spines  or  cilia;  their  nature  and 
function  are  involved  in  obscurity. 

Owing  to  the  large  size  of  the  cells  and  the  distinct  differentiation  of 
the  nucleus,  the  internodal  cells  of  the  main  axis  of  Chara  and  Nitella, 
as  well  as  the  apical  cells  of  the  leaves,  have  been  largely  used  for  fol- 
lowing the  complicated  processes  connected  with  cell-division  and  the 
division  of  the  nucleus.  Schmitz  describes  the  process  as  one  of  'direct 
division  of  the  nucleus,'  Treub  and  Strasburger  as  one  of  'fragmenta- 
tion ; '  Johow  differs  in  some  respects  from  all  previous  observers ; 
Cagnieul  (Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  France,  1884,  p.  211)  finds  the  process  espe- 
cially easy  to  follow  in  the  mother-cells  of  the  antherozoids.  Schaar- 
schmidt  (Bot.  Centralblatt,  vol.  xxii.,  1885,  p.  i)  describes  peculiar  cell- 
wall  thickenings  and  grains  of  'cellulin'  in  Chara  hispida  (L.). 

The  Characeae  do  not  produce  spores,  i.e.  single  non -sexual  pro- 
pagative  cells ;  but  are  multiplied  non-sexually  in  three  different  ways, 
the  nodes  being  always  the  place  of  origin  of  the  propagative  cells, 
(i)  Chiefly  in  Lychnothamnus  stelliger  (A.Br.),  but  also  in  C.  hispida, 
C.  aspera  (Willd.),  and  Lamprothamnus  alopecuroides  (A.Br.),  structures 
called  bulbils  or  'amylum-stars'  are  formed,  agglomerations  of  cells  deve- 
loped round  the  larger  internodal  cells  at  the  level  of  the  nodes ;  they  are 
of  beautiful  regularity,  and  are  densely  filled  with  starch  and  other  food- 
materials.  On  germinating  they  appear  to  produce  at  first  other  bulbils, 
and  from  these  a  new  plant.  (2)  Chara  fragilis  and  other  species  produce, 
on  old  hibernating  or  on  cut  nodes,  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves,  peculiar 
branches  known  as  gymnopodal  shoots,  which  differ  from  the  ordinary 
branches  in  the  partial  or  entire  absence  of  the  cortex  in  the  lowest 
internode  and  in  the  first  whorl  of  leaves.  The  cortical  branches  which 
descend  from  the  first  node  become  detached,  bend  upwards,  and  pro- 
pagate themselves.  (3)  Also  on  C.  fragilis,  Pringsheim  describes  the 
occurrence  of  'pro-embryonic,'  or  more  properly  of  prothalloid  branches. 
These  also  spring  from  the  nodes  of  the  main  axis,  but  differ  essentially 
from  the  ordinary  branches,  presenting  a  similar  structure  to  the  pro- 


CHAR AC E^ 


177 


thallium  or  *  pro-embryo  '  which  proceeds  from  the  germinating  oosperm. 
No  mode  of  vegetative  propagation  is  known  in  the  other  genera. 

The  sexual  reproductive  organs  of  the  Characeae,  the  male  antherids 
and  the  female  archegones,  are  visible  to  the  naked  eye  as  minute  orange  - 
red  globes  and  elliptical  green  bodies  springing  from  the  nodes  in  the 
axils  of  leaves  or  bracts. 
The  antherids  are  glo- 
bular bodies,  of  a  bright 
red  colour  when  mature, 
from  ^  to  i  mm.  in  dia- 
meter, morphologically 
the  terminal  cell  of  a 
leaf  or  lateral  leaflet. 
The  moderately  thick 
wall  of  the  antherid  is 
made  up  of  eight  flat 
disc-shaped  cells  called 
shields,  four  of  which, 
situated  round  the  distal 
pole  of  the  ball,  are  tri- 
angular, while  the  four 
situated  round  the  base 
are  four-sided.  On  their 
inner  face  there  lies 
a  layer  of  chlorophyll- 
grains,  which  eventually 
turn  red,  while  the  outer 
face  is  clear  and  trans- 
parent ;  the  walls  of 
these  cells  are  folded  in- 
wards at  the  edge  where 
they  meet.  From  the 
centre  of  the  inner  face 
of  each  shield  a  cylin- 
drical cell,  termed  a 
handle  or  manubrium, 
projects  inwards  nearly  to  the  centre  of  the  globe.  The  antherid 
is  supported  on  a  short  flask-shaped  pedicel-cell,  which  also  projects 
into  the  interior  between  the  four  lower  four-sided  shields.  At  the 
free  end  of  each  of  the  eight  manubria  is  a  roundish  hyaline  cell,  the 
head-cell  or  capitulum.  These  twenty-five  cells—viz,  the  eight  shields, 
eight  manubria,  eight  capitula,  and  the  pedicel-cell — constitute  the 


FIG.  163.—  Nitella  flexilis  Ag.  A,  nearly  ripe  antherid  sub- 
tended by  two  bracts  showing  direction  of  protoplasm-currents, 
and  neutral  zone,  i.  2>,  manubrium,  with  capitulum,  secondary 
capitula,  and  whip-like  filaments.  C—F,  antheridial  filaments, 
showing  formation  of  antherozoids.  G,  antherozoids  (C — G  x 
550).  (After  Sachs.) 


178 


CHARACE& 


framewoik  of  the  antherid.  Each  capitulum  bears  six  smaller  cells, 
or  secondary  capitula ;  and  from  each  of  these  grow  four  long  whip- 
shaped  filaments,  bent  into  a  number  of  coils  and  filling  up  the  interior 
of  the  globe.  The  manubrium,  capitulum,  secondary  capitula,  and 
whip-shaped  filaments,  bear  a  resemblance  to  a  many-thonged  whip. 
The  number  of  these  filaments  in  an  antherid  amounts  to  nearly  200, 
and  each  filament  is  divided  by  transverse  septa  into  from  100  to  200 
small  disc-shaped  cells.  The  protoplasm  in  each  of  these  antheridial 
cells  becomes  gradually  transformed  into  an  antherozoid  strongly  re- 
sembling the  corresponding  organ  in  Muscineae  rather  than  in  Thallo- 


FIG.  164.— A,  portion  of  branch  otC.JragfZis',  a,  antherid  ;  6",  archegone;  c,  crown  ;  /3',  /3",  bracts 
(x  50).     B,  a  young  antherid  ;  SK,  young  archegone  (x  350).     'After  Sachs.) 

phytes.  It  is  a  slender  thread  of  protoplasm  coiled  spirally  like  a  cork- 
screw, somewhat  thickened  at  rhe  posterior  end,  and  bearing  at  its 
pointed  anterior  end  two  long  fine  cilia.  The  number  of  antherozoids 
in  an  antherid  is,  as  will  be  seen,  from  20,000  to  40,000.  When  ripe, 
the  eight  shields  fall  apart,  and  the  antherozoids  escape  from  their 
mother-cells,  and  move  about  rapidly  in  the  water  by  means  of  their 
vibratile  cilia.  This  appears  generally  to  take  place  in  the  morning,  the 
antherozoids  swarming  about  for  some  hours  till  the  evening. 


CHARACE& 


179 


The  Characese  are  either  monoecious  or  dioecious.  In  the  former 
case  the  male  and  female  organs  are  formed  in  close  juxtaposition  on  the 
same  node,  the  archegone  being  somewhat  below  the  antherid  in  Nitella, 
above  it  or  by  its  side  in  Chara.  The  archegones,  like  the  antherids,  are 
metamorphosed  leaves.  When  ready  for  fertilisation,  the  archegone  has 
a  longer  or  shorter  ovoid  form,  and  is  borne  on  a  short  pedicel-cell.  In 
the  interior  is  an  axial  row  of  cells  enveloped  by  five  tubes,  which  are  at 
first  straight,  but  are  afterwards  coiled  spirally  round  the  axial  row. 
The  lowest  portion  of  each  of  these  tubes  is  an  elongated  unsegmented 
cell;  while  at  the  upper  part 
one  or  two  very  small  cells  are 
segmented  off.  In  Nitella  each 
of  the  terminal  cells  again  di- 
viides  into  two  by  a  vertical 
septum.  The  five  terminal  cells 
of  Chara  and  the  ten  terminal 
cells  of  Nitella  are  not  twisted, 
and  form  together  the  crown. 
When  the  archegone  is  ready 
for  impregnation  these  crown- 
cells  separate  from  one  another, 
forming  the  neck,  and  leaving  an 
open  passage  down  to  the  axial 
row.  This  apical  cavity  is,  how- 
ever, very  nearly  closed  below 
by  a  diaphragm  formed  by  the 
projecting  inwards  of  the  five 
neck-cells,  through  which  there 
is  only  a  very  narrow  opening 
for  the  entrance  of  the  anther- 
ozoids.  The  apical  cell  of  the 
axial  row  is  much  larger  than 
the  rest,  and  is  the  female  or 
germ-cell,  corresponding  to  the 
central  cell  in  the  archegone 

of  the  higher  Cryptogams.  It  is  filled  with  protoplasm,  oil-drops,  and 
starch-grains ;  its  apical  portion,  the  apical  papilla,  or  receptive  spot, 
containing  only  hyaline  protoplasm.  Between  the  apical  cell  and  the 
pedicel-cell  of  the  archegone,  there  is  in  Chara  only  a  single  cell,  in 
Nitella  a  group  of  cells,  the  '  Wendungszellen.'  Before  fertilisation  the 
crown  is  a  compact  structure  covering  the  apical  cavity  ;  but  when  the 
archegone  is  ready  for  impregnation  a  small  aperture  is  formed  in  its 


FIG.  165.—  A,  fertile  branch  ot  Nitella.  flexilis 
(natural  size)  ;  /,  internode  ;  b,  branches.  B,  upper 
portion  of  fertile  leaf,  b  ;  K,  node  ;  nb,  bracts  ;  S, 
young  archegone.  C,  older  leaf  with  two  bracts  ; 
a,  antherid  ;  6",  spermocarp.  D,  half-mature  sper- 
mocarp (highly  magnified).  (After  Sachs.) 


i8o 


CHARACE& 


centre,  through  which  the  antherozoids  force  their  way,  and  finally  enter 
the  apical  cell  by  the  deliquescence  of  the  upper  portion  of  its  cell-wall,, 
and  coalesce  with  the  apical  papilla.  The  whole  contents  of  the  apical 
cell  may  be  regarded  as  the  oosphere. 

Impregnation  causes  at  first  very  little  external  change  in  the  structure 
of  the  female  organ.  The  protoplasm  of  the  oosphere,  now  invested 
with  a  cell-wall  and  transformed  into  an  oosperm,  gives  place  to  starchy 
or  oily  matter;  the  walls  of  the  enveloping  tubes  which  lie  next  it  in- 
crease in  thickness  and  hardness,  and  the  oosperm  thus  becomes  invested 
in  a  hard  black  shell  or  pericarp.  The  structure  thus  formed,  the  so- 
called  '  fruit '  or  spermocarp  of  the  Characeae  ultimately  becomes  de- 
tached, falls  into  the  mud  at  the  bottom  of  the  water,  and  there  germinates 
in  the  next  spring. 

When  the  spermocarp  germinates,  the  oosperm  first  divides  into 


FIG.  167.— Calcareous 
spermocarp  of  C. 
hispida  (magnified). 


FIG.  166. — A-D,  stages  in  development  of  archegone  of  AT.  flexilis.   6,  apex 
of  fertile  leaf;  x,  '  Wendungszellen  ; '  K,  crown  (x  300).     (After  Sachs.) 

three  cells,  a  large  basal  and  two  apical  cells,  the  former  apparently 
serving  the  purpose  of  supplying  with  nutriment  the  young  plant  which 
proceeds  from  the  latter ;  and  these  three  cells  may  be  said  together  to 
constitute  the  embryo.  From  one  of  the  two  apical  cells  proceeds  a  long 
hyaline  unseptated  filament,  commonly  called  the  primary  root,  by  means 
of  which  the  young  plant  is  attached  to  the  soil.  The  other  of  the  two 
apical  cells  develops  into  a  hypha-like  filament,  consisting  at  first  of  a 
single  row  of  cells  with  limited  apical  growth,  and  called  by  some  writers 
the  'pro-embryo,'  or  more  correctly  the prothallium.  In  this  prothallium 
are  developed  two  primary  nodes  at  considerable  distance  from  one 
another,  and  separated  by  a  very  long  internode.  From  the  lower  of 
these  two  primary  nodes  there  springs  a  whorl  of  rhizoids,  which  soon 


CHARACEjE 


181 


usurp  the  functions  of  the  primary  root.     The  upper  of  the  two  nodes 

is  still  at  some  distance  from  the  apex  of  the  prothallium,  this  apical 

portion  above  the  upper  node  consisting  of  a  few  much  shorter  cells. 

From    this   upper  node   is   developed   the   new 

plant.     It  is  divided  by  longitudinal  septa  into 

two  inner  and  six  or  eight  peripheral  cells.     The 

peripheral  cells   ultimately  become   rudimentary 

leaves,  which  do  not,  however,  form  a  true  whorl. 

In  the  midst  of  them  appears  a  bud,  or  growing 

point,  developed  from  one  of  the  inner  cells,  from 

which  springs  the  new  stem,  in  a  direction  nearly 

at   right  angles  to  that  of  the  prothallium.     At 

present  the  formation  of  the  prothallium  has  been 

observed  only  in  the  genus  Chara. 

A  remarkable  instance  of  parthenogenesis  has 
been  recorded  in  Chara  crinita  (Wallr.).  The 
species  is  dioecious,  and  male  plants  are  extremely 
rare.  On  the  female  plants  the  oospheres  develop 
into  oosperms  without  apparently  any  possibility  of 
their  having  been  impregnated ;  and  the  spermo- 
carps  thus  formed  germinate  in  the  ordinary  way. 

The  Characese  consist  of  only  a  compara- 
tively small  number  of  species,  but  some  of  them 
very  abundant,  growing  submerged  in  deep  or  in 
shallow,  in  stagnant  or  in  running,  or  occasionally 
in  brackish  water.  Several  species  are  grown  with 
great  facility  in  fresh- water  aquaria,  where  they 
multiply  very  rapidly.  The  presence  of  certain 
species  may  be  detected  by  the  foetid  odour  of 
sulphuretted  hydrogen  given  off  when  decaying. 
Phipson  (Compt.  Rend.,  Ixxxiv.,  1879,  pp.  316, 
1078)  attributes  this  odour  to  the  presence  of  a 
special  substance  which  he  calls  charadn.  The 
typical  genus  Chara  is  distinguished  by  its  power 
of  extracting  calcium  carbonate  from  the  water  in 
which  it  grows,  the  whole  plant  becoming  thus 
covered  with  a  calcareous  incrustation,  which 
frequently  renders  it  difficult  to  make  out  the 
structure.  Hence  the  family  has  acquired  the  popular  names  of  '  brittle - 
worts'  and  'stoneworts.'  Nitella  translucens  (Ag.)  sometimes  forms 
enormous  mat-like  masses  at  the  bottom  of  ponds. 

The  systematic  position  of  the  Characeae  has  been  a  matter  of  much 


FIG. 


. — Germination  of  C. 
fragilis.  sp,  spermocarp ; 
•zv',  first  root  ;  z",  first  inter- 
node  of  prothallium ;  d, 
first  node  ;  w",  rhizpids  i 
q,  second  elongated  inter- 
node  of  prothallium  ;  g; 
second' node  with  first  whorl 
of  leaves  ;  pi,  apical  por- 
tion of  prothallium  (  x  4). 
(After  Pringsheim.) 


1 82  CHAR ACE ^ 

controversy.  In  habit  and  in  general  appearance  they  resemble  the  Algae, 
among  which  they  are  placed  by  the  majority  of  writers.  But  in  some 
important  points  of  structure  they  differ  so  widely  from  all  known  families 
of  Algae,  that  a  true  estimate  of  their  relationships  appears  to  require  their 
location  in  a  distinct  subdivision  by  themselves.  With  the  exception 
of  the  Fucaceae  and  the  Conjugate,  the  Characeae  stand  alone  among 
the  larger  groups  of  Cryptogams  in  the  entire  absence  of  true  spores. 
Seeing  that  the  oosperm  germinates  directly  in  the  soil,  the  embryo  which 
results  from  its  first  divisions  developing  directly  into  the  new  plant, 
there  is  no  'alternation  of  generations  '  in  any  accurate  sense  of  the 
term.  From  those  classes  where ,  a  true  alternation  of  generations 
attains  its  fullest  development,  the  Muscineae  and  Vascular  Cryptogams, 
the  Characeae  differ  in  the  complete  suppression  of  the  sporophyte- 
generation ;  while  Phanerogams  (at  all  events  those  Angiosperms  which 
are  destitute  of  endosperm)  deviate,  on  the  other  hand,  in  the  suppres- 
sion of  the  oophyte-generation.  In  the  investment  of  the  oosperm  with 
a  lignified  pericarp  directly  without  any  previous  breaking  up  into 
carpospores,  the  Characeae  again  differ  essentially  from  all  classes  of 
Algae. 

The  Characeae  are  divided  into  two  orders,  viz. — 

1.  CHARES. — Stem  and  branches  usually  corticated  and  calcareous; 
leaves  usually  with  one  or  two  stipules  at  their  base ;  antherids  usually 
solitary  on  each  node;  crown  always   five-celled;  pericarp  often  cal- 
careous.   Genera  :  Chara  (L.),  Lamprothamnus  (A.  Br.),  Lychnothamnus 
(Leon.). 

2.  NITELLE^E. — Stem  and  branches  not  corticated  nor  calcareous; 
leaves  without  stipules ;  archegones  often  clustered ;  crown  always  ten- 
celled  ;    pericarp   not   calcareous.      Genera :    Nitella    (Ag.),    Tolypella 
(A.  Br.). 

LITERATURE. 

Goppert  and  Cohn — Bot.  Zeit.,  1849,  pp.  665  et  sec]. 

Braun — Monber.  Berlin  Akad.  Wiss.,  1852,  p.  220  ;  and  1853,  p.  45  ;  and  (Partheno- 
genesis) Abhandl.  Berl.  Akad.  Wiss.,  1856,  p.  337. 

Thuret— Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  xvi.,  1851,  p.  18. 

Montagne— Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  xviii.,  1852,  p.  65. 

Nageli— Beitrage  zur  wiss.  Bot.,  ii. ,  1860,  p.  61. 

Pringsheim— Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot,  1863,  p.  294. 

Braun — Conspectus  systematicus  Characearum  europrearum,  1867  ;  and  Abhandl. 
Berlin  Akad.  Wiss.,  1882. 

De  Bary — Monber.  Berlin  Akad.  Wiss.,  1871,  p.  227  ;  and  Bot.  Zeit.,  1875,  pp.  377 
et  seq. 

Bennett— Journ.  of  Bot.,  1878,  p.  202. 

Groves — Journ.  of  Bot.,  1880,  p.  97. 


C  HA  RACEME  183 


Miiller— Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  Geneve,  1881. 
Johow— Bot.  Zeit.,  1881,  pp.  729  et  seq. 
Nordstedt -Hedwigia,  1888,  p.  181. 
Allen— Characece  of  America,  1888. 


FOSSIL   CHARACE^:. 

In  various  strata,  commencing  with  the  Cretaceous,  remains  known 
as  gyroliths  are  found,  sometimes  in  great  abundance,  which  appear  to 
be  the  petrified  pericarp  of  the  spermocarp  of  Characeae.  Upwards  of 
forty  species  have  been  described,  some  of  them  closely  resembling 
existing  forms. 


184  ALG^E 


FOURTH    SUBDIVISION. 
ALGsE. 

THE  degree  of  affinity  between  the  small  group  of  Characeae  and  the 
very  large  group  of  Algae  is,  as  has  already  been  mentioned,  a  point 
on  which  the  best  authorities  are  not  agreed.  But,  in  passing  from 
one  to  the  other,  we  finally  cross  the  line  which  separates  the  Cormo- 
phytes  from  the  Thallophytes.  From  this  point  we  have  to  do  exclu- 
sively with  plants  whose  vegetative  organs  are  in  no  sense  differentiated 
into  axial  and  appendicular,  and  which  further  contain  no  true  vessels 
and  no  woody  tissue.  On  their  lower  limit  there  is  no  sharp  line  of 
demarcation  between  the  Algae  and  the  chlorophyllous  Protophyta,  but 
the  consideration  of  Algae  as  a  group  by  themselves,  distinct  from  Fungi, 
we  regard  not  only  as  convenient,  but  as  also  most  in  accordance  with 
their  probable  affinities. 

Within  the  limits  above  mentioned,  the  degree  of  complexity  in  the 
structure  of  Algae  is  very  various,  and  the  different  types  will  be  best 
described  under  the  separate  families.  In  their  vegetative  structure  we 
may  recognise  three  types  :  the  elaboration  in  the  development  of  a 
single  cell,  the  loose  association  of  cells  into  a  family  or  coenobe,  and  the 
close  aggregation  of  cells  into  a  filament  or  a  thallus.  To  the  latter 
belong  all  the  higher  families,  and  in  some  of  these  we  see  indications 
of  the  various  kinds  of  tissue  found  in  vascular  plants.  The  higher 
forms,  consisting  of  a  well-developed  thallus  of  large  size,  in  which  the 
cells  are  associated  with  one  another  in  all  three  directions,  are  almost 
exclusively  marine,  and  include  the  whole  of  the  organisms  popularly 
known  as  seaweeds.  In  the  larger  forms  the  plant  is  attached  to  the 
substratum — a  rock,  stone,  or  other  large  alga — by  a  root-like  organ  of 
attachment  known  as  the  disc.  The  attachment  is,  however,  always 
superficial,  and  the  organ  takes  no  part  in  the  absorption  of  nourish- 
ment for  the  plant.  The  organ  may  result  from  the  repeated  division  of 
a  single  cell,  or  it  may  be  more  complicated,  being  formed  out  of  the 
termination  of  the  downward  growth  of  cortical  rows  of  cells.  In  nearly 
all  fresh-water  Algae  the  single  cell,  the  coenobe,  or  the  filament  is  en- 


185 

closed  in  a  more  or  less  strongly  developed  gelatinous  sheath.  The 
greater  number  of  families  exhibit  both  a  sexual  and  a  non-sexual  mode 
of  reproduction,  though  in  some  cases  one  or  the  other  mode  has  not 
yet  been  detected.  In  the  great  majority  of  families  the  non-sexual 
propagating  bodies  are  motile  cells  or  zoospores,  minute  masses  of  proto- 
plasm formed  singly  from  the  whole  contents  of  a  cell  by  rejuvenescence, 
or  more  often  in  large  numbers  by  free-cell  formation,  destitute  of  a  true 
cellulose  membrane,  but  containing  protoplasm  and  a  contractile 
vacuole,  and  provided  with  two  or  sometimes  a  larger  number  (rarely 
only  one)  of  vibratile  cilia,  by  means  of  which  they  move  about  actively 
for  a  time,  then  come  to  rest,  excrete  a  cellulose  membrane,  and  de- 
velop into  a  new  plant.  In  one  class  only,  the  Florideae,  are  the  zoo- 
spores  replaced  by  non-motile  tetraspores ;  in  the  Conjugate  and 
Fucaceae  they  are  altogether  wanting.  The  simplest  form  of  sexual 
reproduction  is  that  of  conjugation,  or  the  coalescence  of  two  compara- 
tively undifferentiated  masses  of  protoplasm.  These  masses  of  proto- 
plasm may  be  either  the  contents  of  stationary  cells,  which  are  nearly 
or  quite  alike,  as  in  the  Conjugates,  or  they  may  be  motile  ciliated 
bodies  indistinguishable  from  zoospores — zoogametes — or  they  may  be 
distinguished  from  the  true  zoospores  by  their  smaller  size.  From 
the  conjugation  of  zoogametes  there  is  a  gradual  transition  through 
intermediate  stages  to  a  true  sexual  process,  the  impregnation  of  a 
stationary  oosphere  by  a  motile  antherozoid,  usually  much  smaller  than 
the  oosphere,  the  result  being  the  production  of  an  oosperm  by  the 
encysting  of  the  oosphere  in  a  coat  of  cellulose.  In  the  higher  families 
the  oospheres  and  antherozoids  are  formed  in  special  cells  or  organs, 
known  as  oogones  and  antherids  respectively.  In  the  Florideae  the 
process  displays  very  great  complication  ;  the  structure  in  which  the 
oosphere  is  formed  is  known  as  the  carpogone  ;  the  fertilised  oosphere  is 
the  carposperm,  which  often  breaks  up  into  carpospores.  In  this  class 
also  the  antherozoids  are  replaced  by  motionless  protoplasmic  bodies 
known  as  pollino ids.  Multiplication  by  the  simple  fission  of  individuals, 
by  the  detachment  of  gemmce,  or  buds,  and  by  the  encysting  of  special 
cells  or  masses  of  cells  into  cysts,  also  occur.  In  the  green  Algae 
(Confervoideae  heterogamae  and  isogamae  and  Conjugates)  single  non- 
motile  cells  which  become  detached  for  the  purpose  of  propagation  are 
termed  by  Wille  akinetes  when  they  are  formed  without  rejuvenescence, 
aplanospores  when  formed  by  rejuvenescence.  The  former  occur  in 
Trentepohlia  (Mart.),  Conferva  (L.),  and  Ulothrix  (Ktz.),  as  well  as  in  the 
Nostocaceas  and  Rivulariaceas,  the  latter  in  the  Confervaceae.  The  two 
kinds  pass  into  one  another,  and  akinetes  into  vegetative  cells,  by  in- 
sensible gradations. 


1 86  ALG^E 

Any  classification  of  Algae  which  attempts  to  follow  the  lines  of 
affinity — in  other  words,  any  natural  system  of  classification — must  be 
based  on  a  consideration  of  both  the  vegetative  and  the  reproductive 
organs.  All  the  families  of  Algae  appear  undoubtedly  to  have  sprung 
from  the  PROTOCOCCOIDE^E,  and  their  further  development  has  taken 
place  in  three  directions — the  perfection  and  differentiation  of  the  in- 
dividual cell,  the  association  of  cells  into  ccenobes,  and  cell-division. 
The  production  of  ccenobes  may  be  supposed  to  start  from  such  forms 
as  Botryococcus  among  Protocoaacece. ;  the  first  step  in  the  develop- 
ment of  the  CCENOBI^E  being  the  Sorastrece,  including  Sorastrum, 
Ccelastrum,  and  Selenastrum,  motile  colonies  of  non-ciliated  cells,  with 
no  known  production  of  zoospores.  The  series  attains  a  much  higher 
development  in  the  PandorinecR,  including  Pandorina,  Gonium,  and 
Stephanosphaera,  where  reproduction  is  effected  by  the  conjugation  of 
zoogametes.  Simple  organisms  like  Chlamydomonas  and  Chlamydo- 
coccus,  consisting  merely  of  conjugating  zoogametes,  are  possibly  retro- 
gressions from  the  higher  forms,  though  they  may  also  be  stages  in  a 
direct  ascent  from  Protococcus.  Eudorina,  with  a  rudimentary  differ- 
entiation of  antherozoids  and  oospheres,  unquestionably  indicates  the 
line  of  development  of  Volvox^  in  which  this  differentiation  is  more 
strongly  developed.  In  Volvox  we  have  the  culmination  of  the  attempt 
of  nature  to  evolve  higher  organisms  out  of  coenobes.  Hydrodictyon  is 
probably  an  aberrant  member  of  this  group,  and  the  Pediastrece  are  more 
or  less  nearly  related  to  them. 

From  the  Eremobice,  the  fuller  development  of  the  individual  cell  has 
advanced  a  further  stage  in  the  MULTINUCLEATVE,  composed  of  the 
Siphonodadacece  and  Siphonetz,  and  characterised  by  each  individual 
consisting  of  an  enormously  developed  cell,  often  ramifying  greatly  and 
attaining  gigantic  dimensions,  and  possessing  several,  often  a  very  con- 
siderable number,  of  nuclei.  In  the  Siphonocladaceae  the  only  known 
mode  of  reproduction  is  by  the  conjugation  of  zoogametes  ;  and 
Botrydium  displays  a  distinct  affinity  with  Botrydina  among  the 
Eremobice.  The  Siphoneae  or  Cceloblastae,  represented  by  Vaucheria, 
are  a  higher  development  of  the  same  series,  in  which  true  sexual  organs, 
oogones  and  antherids,  are  formed  in  addition  to  non-sexual  zoospores  ; 
and  in  this  genus  culminates  the  striving  after  a  higher  development  in 
the  elaboration  of  a  single  cell. 

A  rudimentary  cell-division  is  exhibited  in  the  Nostochinea  among 
Protophytes,  but  accompanied  by  other  conditions  which  prevented  its 
full  success  there.  Where  cell-division  originated  in  the  Protococcoideae 
is  not  clear,  probably  in  the  Eremobiae ;  we  find  it  already  fully  developed 
in  the  CONFERVOIDE^  ISOGAM/E,  the  members  of  which  consist  of  a 


ALG^E  187 

single  unbranched  or  branched  filament  of  cells,  the  only  known  modes 
of  multiplication  being  the  conjugation  of  zoogametes  and  the  direct  ger- 
mination of  larger  zoospores.  In  the  lowest  two  classes,  the  Chroolepidece 
and  Ulotrichacece^  embracing  a  very  small  number  of  genera,  the  filament 
is  usually  unbranched ;  in  the  two  higher,  the  Confervacecz  and  Pitho- 
phoracecB,  further  vegetative  activity  is  displayed  in  the  copious  branching  : 
and  in  the  former  we  have  an  indication  of  affinity  with  the  Multi- 
nucleatae  in  an  occasional  plurality  of  nuclei. 

The  exact  course  of  evolution  from  the  isogamous  Confervoideae  is 
obscure,  but  it  would  appear  to  have  taken  place  in  three  distinct  lines. 
The  first  of  these,  which  evidently  came  to  an  abrupt  conclusion,  is  the 
CONJUGATE,  consisting  of  the  Zygnemacece,  Mesocarpece,  and  Desmidiece^ 
a  well-marked  and  sharply  differentiated  group  with  no  near  affinities. 
The  first  two  orders,  consisting  of  unbranched  filamentous  forms,  are 
probably  derived  directly  from  the  Confervoideae,  although  the  change 
in  the  mode  of  reproduction  is  very  abrupt.  The  production  of  zoospores 
is  entirely  suppressed,  and  they  are  reproduced  solely  by  the  conjuga- 
tion of  cells  belonging  to  the  same  or  to  different  individuals.  The 
Desmidieae  must  then  be  regarded  as  a  group  adapted,  by  a  certain 
amount  of  retrogression  in  both  vegetative  and  reproductive  characters, 
to  life  in  shallow  water ;  and  derived,  through  such  filamentous  genera 
as  Desmidium  and  Hyalotheca,  from  Zygnemaceae  with  lateral  con- 
jugation. By  some  writers  the  Diatomaceae  are  associated  with  the 
Desmidieae ;  our  reasons  for  placing  them  among  the  Protophyta  will 
be  given  hereafter.  The  mode  of  reproduction  by  conjugation  attains 
its  climax  in  the  Mesocarpeae. 

The  second  line  of  descent  is  that  of  the  brown  seaweeds.  In  the 
PtLEOSPORE^E  we  have  every  shade  of  transition  in  the  mode  of  repro- 
duction from  isogamous  to  heterogamous.  The  typical  Phaeosporeae, 
such  as  Punctaria  and  Ectocarpus,  are  characterised  by  the  possession  of 
two  kinds  of  zoosporange,  unilocular  and  multilocular.  The  zoospores 
produced  in  these  two  kinds  of  zoosporange  present  no  difference  in  size 
or  form ;  but  those  from  the  unilocular  sporanges  appear  in  all  cases  to 
germinate  directly,  while  those  produced  in  the  multilocular  sporanges 
are  sometimes  zoogametes  with  sexual  functions.  In  some  families  one 
or  the  other  kind  of  zoosporange  is  suppressed.  In  the  Ectocarpacecz  and 
some  other  genera  we  have  a  mode  of  reproduction  closely  resembling 
that  in  the  isogamous  Confervoideae,  except  in  the  greater  differentiation 
of  the  cells  which  become  zoosporanges,  a  conjugation  of  zoogametes 
which  are  to  all  appearance  exactly  alike,  though  a  slight  differentiation 
is  exhibited  in  the  fact  of  one  of  them  coming  to  rest  and  partially  losing 
its  cilia  before  conjugation  takes  place.  In  the  Cutleriacea  the  differ- 


i88 

entiation  is  more  complete  ;  the  male  and  female  swarm-cells  are  pro- 
duced either  on  the  same  or  on  different  individuals ;  the  female  are 
much  larger  than  the  male,  and  come  perfectly  to  rest,  entirely  losing 
their  cilia  before  being  impregnated  by  the  former.  In  the  Dictyotacece 
the  differentiation  is  carried  still  further,  and  the  female  reproductive 
bodies  are  from  the  first  motionless  oospheres  not  provided  with  cilia. 
Several  families  of  Phaeosporeae  exhibit  reduction  or  degradation  of  the 
vegetative  structure ;  and  among  these  we  are  disposed  to  place  the 
small  group  of  Syngeneticce,  consisting  of  but  two  genera,  Hydrurus  and 
Chromophyton,  which  resemble  one  another  in  but  few  points  except 
the  possession  of  a  brown  endochrome.  In  the  former  genus  the  pro- 
pagative  bodies  are  reduced  to  non-ciliated  masses  of  brown  protoplasm, 
which  germinate  directly  without  impregnation  ;  in  the  latter  the  vegeta- 
tive structure  is  almost  entirely  suppressed ;  the  propagative  bodies  are 
uniciliated  masses  of  protoplasm  of  two  kinds,  but  without  any  observed 
process  of  conjugation.  The  step  from  the  Dictyotaceae  to  the  FUCACE^E 
is  an  easy  one.  In  the  highest  type  of  brown  seaweeds,  such  as  Fucus  or 
Durvillasa,  with  their  typical  heterogamous  or  *  oogamous '  reproduction, 
consisting  in  the  impregnation  of  a  comparatively  large  oosphere  by  a 
number  of  minute  antherozoids,  we  have  the  highest  attainment  of  this 
series  of  development. 

The  third  line  of  descent  from  isogamous  Confervoideae  is  a  much 
more  direct  one,  to  the  CONFERVOIDEAE  HETEROGAM.E,  including  the 
three  orders  Sphceropleacece,  CEdogoniacecE,  and  Coleoch&tacece.  In  the 
first  of  these,  which  comprises  only  a  single  species,  we  have  a  distinct 
differentiation  of  the  male  and  female  reproductive  cells,  the  latter  having 
now  become  permanently  quiescent ;  but  still  a  strong  reminiscence  of 
the  Confervaceae  in  the  multinucleated  cells.  The  CEdogoniaceae 
exhibit  a  distinct  advance  in  vegetative  structure,  and  still  more  in  the 
cells  which  contain  the  male  and  female  reproductive  bodies  being,  for 
the  first  time  in  this  series,  differentiated  into  antherids  and  oogones 
respectively.  Between  the  (Edogoniaceoe  and  the  Coleochaetaceae  we 
have  an  evident  connecting  link  in  Bulbochsete ;  but  the  typical  genus 
Coleochaete  presents  a  singular  reduction  of  the  non-reproductive  portion 
of  the  thallus  from  a  filament  to  a  single  plate  of  cells.  The  mode  of 
sexual  reproduction  has  now  attained  a  much  higher  degree  of  complexity. 
The  oogone  is  surmounted  by  a  tubular  appendage,  the  trichogyne, 
through  which  the  motile  antherozoids  find  their  wa.y  to  the  oosphere 
in  order  to  impregnate  it.  The  fertilised  carpogone,  as  it  is  now  called, 
then  becomes  invested  by  a  cortical  layer  of  ceils,  forming  the  complex 
body  known  as  the  sporocarp. 

The  Coleochaetaceae  lead  up  .directly  to  the  highest  type  of  structure 
attained  by  Algae,  the  FLORIDE^E  or  red  seaweeds,  a  well-defined  and 


ALG&  1 89 

natural  group,  though  exhibiting  remarkable  variety  in  the  degree  of 
development  of  the  sexual  organs.  So  striking  is  the  resemblance  in 
the  mode  of  impregnation  in  the  most  highly  developed  genera  of 
Florideae,  such  as  Callithamnion,  Dudresnaya,  or  Corallina,  to  that  in 
Coleochaete,  that  it  is  scarcely  possible  to  doubt  the  direct  descent  of 
one  from  the  other ;  the  chief  difference  is  in  the  replacement  of  motile 
antherozoids  by  pollinoids  which  have  no  active  power  of  motion.  The 
process  of  fertilisation  is  the  most  intricate  which  occurs  among  Thallo- 
phytes,  and  presents  a  remarkable  forecast,  so  to  speak,  of  the  mode 
afterwards  elaborated  in  Flowering  Plants,  though  only  after  a  very  long 
interval,  comprising  the  entire  evolution  of  the  Muscineae  and  Vascular 
Cryptogams.  With  the  loss  of  motility  of  the  male  reproductive  cells 
is  also  correlated  a  corresponding  loss  of  motility  of  the  non-sexual 
reproductive  cells  or  tetraspores.  In  the  higher  families  of  the  Florideae 
we  have  also  the  highest  development  of  the  organs  of  assimilation  found 
among  Thallophytes.  If  the  view  is  correct  that  the  higher  Florideae 
are  derived  directly  from  the  Coleochaetaceae,  it  follows  that  we  must 
regard  all  the  less  highly  developed  families  of  this  group  as  retrogres- 
sions from  the  parent  type  ;  and  this  view  appears  to  offer  the  most 
probable  explanation  of  the  true  position  of  some  aberrant  forms.  In 
the  Helminthodadiacetz  and  Squamariacece  the  degeneration  is  exhibited 
solely  in  the  less  perfect  development  of  their  thallus  or  vegetative 
structure.  In  the  Lemaneacect  this  is  accompanied  also  by  a  simpler 
structure  of  the  sexual  organs.  But  here,  as  well  as  in  Batrachospermum, 
we  have  the  first  rudimentary  appearance  of  a  phenomenon  resembling 
that  known  as  '  alternation  of  generations,'  which  plays  so  important  a 
part  in  the  Vascular  Cryptogams,  and  which  may  possibly  indicate  the 
genesis  of  the  Muscineae.  In  the  Porphyracetz  we  find  a  reduction  of  the 
thallus  to  a  simple  filament  or  plate  of  cells,  accompanied  by  only  a  rudi- 
mentary development  of  both  carpogones  and  trichogynes,  and  a  limited 
reversion  to  motility  in  the  tetraspores.  Regarding  the  Porphyraceae^ 
as  exhibiting  retrogression  from  the  more  complicated  Florideae,  rather 
than  as  the  lowest  member  of  an  ascending  series,  it  is  difficult  to  resist 
the  conclusion  that  the  Ulvacece  are  derived  from  the  Porphyraceae  by 
further  retrogression,  displayed  in  the  entire  suppression  of  antherids  and 
oogones,  and  a  reversion  to  the  primitive  conjugation  of  zoogametes. 
In  their  vegetative  structure  the  Ulvaceae  differ  widely  from  the  isogamous 
Confervoideae,  with  which  they  are  usually  associated,  while  the  close 
resemblance  between  Ulva  and  Porphyra  is  obvious.  In  the  Florideae: 
the  Algae  attain  their  highest  type  of  development. 

By  far  the  larger  number  of  Algae  grow  entirely  immersed  in  water,, 
running  or  stagnant,  fresh,  brackish, :or  salt ;  some  float  on  the  surface 
without  any  attachment  •  others  are  found  on  moist  soil,  among  moss* 


190  ALG& 

&c.  The  whole  of  the  marine  vegetation  of  the  globe,  with  the  excep- 
tion of  a  very  small  number  of  species  of  Flowering  Plants,  belongs 
either  to  the  Algae  or  to  the  chlorophyllous  Protophytes.  They  vary  in 
size  from  the  microscopic  Desmidieae  and  Pediastreae  to  that  of  shrubs 
or  trees  in  the  case  especially  of  some  genera  of  Laminariaceae  and 
Fucaceae  ;  and  in  these  classes,  as  well  as  in  the  Florideae,  we  find  a 
rudimentary  differentiation,  not  only  of  tissues,  but  of  organs,  which 
leads  the  way  to  the  much  more  complete  development  in  the  higher 
classes  of  the  vegetable  kingdom.  Fresh- water  Algae  are,  with  very  few 
exceptions  (species  of  Bangia,  Hildenbrandtia,  Lithoderma,  Hydrurus, 
&c.),  green.  Among  marine  Algae  there  are  many  genera  of  green  sea- 
weeds, belonging  chiefly  to  the  families  Confervaceae,  Siphonocladaceae, 
and  Ulvaceae  ;  but  these  mostly  grow  in  shallow  water.  As  regards  all 
organisms  growing  in  deep  seas,  it  appears  to  be  essential  to  them  that 
the  green  colour  of  the  chorophyll  should  be  masked  by  a  coloured 
pigment,  red  in  the  case  of  the  Florideae,  brown  in  those  of  the 
Phaeosporeae  and  Fucaceae  ;  the  nature  of  these  pigments  will  be  dis- 
cussed under  the  separate  families.  A  few  of  the  smaller  species, 
belonging  to  the  Coleochaetaceae,  Chordariaceae,  and  Squamariaceae, 
grow  attached  to  stones,  larger  Algae,  or  other  marine  objects,  as  flat 
discs,  gelatinous  cushions,  or  calcareous  incrustations,  and  the  deposition 
of  lime  takes  place  to  a  much  larger  extent  in  the  corallines.  The  propor- 
tion of  ash  to  the  organic  constituents  is  much  larger  in  marine  than  in 
land  or  fresh-water  plants,  seaweeds  having  the  power  of  extracting  from 
the  salt  water  large  quantities  of  the  soluble  salts  contained  in  it.  The 
larger  species  of  Fucaceae  and  Laminariaceae  are  largely  used  in  the 
north  of  Europe  for  manuring  the  land  and  for  foddering  cattle  ;  and  in 
former  times  the  manufacture  from  their  ashes  of  kelp  and  barilla  was 
an  important  industry.  They  are  also  an  important  commercial  source 
of  iodine.  From  the  quantity  of  gelatine  contained  in  their  thallus, 
some  species  of  Ulvaceae,  Porphyraceae,  Fucaceae,  and  Laminariaceae  are 
also  occasionally  used  as  articles  of  food  or  for  medicinal  purposes. 

LITERATURE. 

Greville — Algae,  in  Scottish  Cryptogamic  Flora,  1823-28;  Algae  Britannicae,  1830. 
Kiitzing — Phycologia  generalis,  1843  ;  Tabulae  Phycologicae,  1845-69  ;  and  Species 

Algarum,  1849. 
Harvey — Phycologia  Britannica,  1846-51  ;  Nereis  Australia,  1847-49  ;  British  Marine 

Algae,  1 849;  Nereis  Boreali- Americana,  1851-58;  Phycologia  Australica,  1858-63. 
Hassall — British  Fresh-water  Algae,  1845. 
Nageli — Die  neuern  Algensysteme,  1847. 
Agardh— Species,  Genera,  et  Ordines  Algarum,  1848-80  ;  Till  Algernes  Systematik, 

1872-87. 
Thuret — Antheridies   cles   Cryptogames,    1851.;  Zoospores   des  Algues,    1851  ;  and 

Etudes  Phycologiques,  1878. 


ALG.-E  191 

Landsborough  -Popular  Hist,  of  British  Seaweeds,  1851. 

Pringsheim  -Ueber  Befruchtung  u.  Keimung  der  Algen,  1855. 

Gray — British  Seaweeds,  1867. 

Wood  —  Fresh-water  Algae  of  North  America,  1873. 

Bornet  &  Thuret— Notes  Algologiques,  1876  80. 

Falkenberg — Die  Algen,  in  Schenk's  Handbuch  der  Botanik,  vol.  ii.,  1881. 

Hauck — Die  Meeresalgen,  in  Rabenhorst'sKryptogamen-Flora  Deutschland,  1883-85. 

Schmitz — Die  Chromatophoren  der  Algen,  1882;  andjourn.  Micr.  Soc. ,  1883,  p.  405. 

Cooke — British  Fresh-water  Algae,  1884. 

Gay— Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  France,  1886,  Sess.  Extraord.,  p.  21. 

Bennett -Journ.  Linn.  Soc.,  xxiv.,  1887,  p.  49. 

Wolle  — Fresh-water  Algae  of  the  United  States,  1887. 

Wille — (Resting-spores)  Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1887,  p.  492. 

Stroemfelt— (Attachment-disc)  Bot.  Centralbl.,  xxxiii.,  1888,  pp.  381  &  395. 


Class  X.--Florideae. 

This  large  family — known  also  as  Rhodosporeae  and  Rhodospermese 
— exhibits  the  highest  type  among  Algae  in  the  mode  of  sexual  repro- 
duction, and  also  possibly  in  the  development  of  the  vegetative  organs. 
It  consists  almost  entirely  of  seaweeds,  including  all  the  red  and  purple 
kinds.  A  few  species  only,  belonging  to  the  genera  Hildenbrandtia 
(Nard.),  Batrachospermum  (Bory),  Lemanea  (Bory),  Bangia  (Lyng.), 
and  a  few  others,  grow  in  fresh  water.  Some  of  these  are  green,  but  the 
great  majority  of  the  Florideae  are  of  a  bright  red  colour,  varying  with 
purple,  brown,  yellowish,  or  dirty  white.  The  'fronds'  do  not  attain 
nearly  the  size  of  those  of  the  Fucaceae  and  Laminariaceae,  but  they  are 
often  of  delicate  texture  and  finely  divided,  rendering  them  the  most 
beautiful  of  our  seaweeds. 

The  thallus  varies  within  very  wide  limits  in  its  degree  of  develop- 
ment. In  a  few  genera,  such  as  Callithamnion  (Lyng.),  it  consists  of 
distinct  filaments  of  cells  which  are  almost  always  branched  ;  in  others, 
as  Porphyra  (Ag.),  Hildenbrandtia,  and  Cruoria  (Fr.),  of  a  flat  plate  of 
cells,  composed  of  only  a  single  or  of  several  layers ;  in  the  fresh- water 
genus  Batrachospermum,  of  an  axis  with  beautifully  regular  whorls  of 
branches ;  while  in  most  seaweeds  it  constitutes  a  massive  parenchyme, 
or  the  filaments  are  held  together  by  a  more  or  less  dense  gelatinous 
envelope.  Growth  takes  place,  in  the  majority  of  cases,  by  means  of  a 
single  apical  cell,  but  this  is  often  followed  by  a  strong  intercalary 
growth.  The  apical  cell  is  not  three-sided,  as  in  Vascular  Cryptogams, 
but  is  either  wedge-shaped,  dividing  by  walls  which  incline  alternately  to 
the  right  and  left,  or  it  divides  by  nearly  parallel  walls.  In  some  forms, 
however,  especially  the  prostrate  Melobesiaceae  and  Squamariaceae,  and 


192 


ALG.-E 


in  the  Nemalieae,  the  apical  cell  appears  to  be  replaced  by  a  group  of  equi- 
valent cells.  Wille  distinguishes  six  types  of  Florideae  as  respects  their 
mode  of  growth ;  in  four  of  these  groups  growth  takes  place  from  a 
single  apical  cell ;  in  two  from  an  apical  mass  of  cells,  with  peripheral 

growth.  In  the  so-called 
polysiphonous  seaweeds,, 
such  as  Polysiphonia 
(Grev.),  a  transverse  sec- 
tion of  the  '  frond '  shows 
a  large  central  elongated 
cell,  surrounded  by  four 
or  more  smaller  cells, 
which  are  also  elon- 
gated in  the  longitudi- 
nal direction,  and  which 
are  known  as  siphons. 
These  pericentral  tubes 
are  often  connected  with 
one  another  and  with 
the  axial  cell  by  threads 
of  protoplasm.  When 
the  pericentral  tubes  are 
wanting  the  frond  is 
monosiphonous.  In  some 
genera  belonging  to  the 
Ceramiaceae  either  the 
single  axial  tube  or  both 
axial  and  pericentral 
tubes  are  surrounded  by 
a  pseudo-cortex  formed 
of  a  dense  agglo- 
meration of  secondary 
branches  originating  at 
the  nodes  and  closely 
adpressed  to  the  pri- 
mary branch.  These 
•  are  always  the  result  of 
further  division  of  the 
pericentral  tubes,  the 
apical  cell  remaining 
undivided.  In  other  genera  a  similar  cortical  tissue  is  composed  of 
moniliform  rows  of  cells  arranged  at  right  angles  to  the  axis. 

Although  there  is  in  the  Florideae  no  distinct  differentiation  of  the 


FIG.  169. — Gigartina  mamillosa  Ag.,  with  cystocarps 
(natural  size).     (After  Luerssen.) 


FLORIDE^E 


193 


tissue  into  epidermal,  assi- 
milating, and  conducting 
systems,  still  there  are,  in 
the  higher  forms,  cells  which 
are  especially  concerned 
with  assimilation,  and  which 
may  be  either  isodiame- 
.trical.  or  elongated  in  either 
direction.  Such  assimilat- 
ing tracts  are  classed  by 
Wille  under  three  heads, 
^viz. : — (i)  those  which  act 
.also  for  purposes  of  con- 
ducting ;  (2)  those  which 
are  altogether  distinct  from 
the  conducting  cells ;  and 
(3)  those  where,  in  addition 
to  an  assimilating,  there  are 
also  primary  and  secondary 
conducting  cells.  In  some 
species  the  'frond'  assumes 
the  appearance  of  a  stalked 
leaf,  as  in  Hydrolapathum 
(Rupr.)  and  Delesseria 
(Grev.),  often  of  the  most 
beautiful  form,  and  present- 
ing even  a  rudimentary 
venation.  The  genera 
Melobesia  (Lmx.),  Hilden- 
brandtia,  Cruoria,  and  some 
others,  consist  of  small 
algae,  mostly  marine,  with 
crustaceous  or  gelatinous 
thallus,  growing  flat  on 
stones  or  larger  algae,  often 
of  lichen-like  appearance. 
In  their  mode  of  growth 
some  Florideae  display  bi- 
lateral symmetry,  and  the 
branching  may  be  either 
monopodial  or  sympodial. 
In  Polysiphonia,  Spyridia 


FIG.  170. — Polysiphonia.  opaca  Zan.  «,  with  cystocarpxs  ; 
b,  with  tetrasporanges  (natural  size) ;  c,  branch  with 
tetrasporanges ;  d,  branch  with  cystocarp  ( x  100). 
(After  Kiitzing.) 


194 


ALG.-E 


(Harv.),  and  some  others,  the  'phyllotaxis'  is  spiral.  The  genera  Ryti- 
phlcea  (Ag.),  Vidalia  (Lmx.),  Amansia  (Lmx.),  and  Polyzonia  (Suhr) 
are  distinguished  by  the  endogenous  formation  of  the  normal  lateral 
shoots.  In  Pollexfenia  (Harv.)  and  allied  genera,  Falkenberg  records  a 
remarkable  congenital  union  of  all  the  branches  of  the  thallus  which  lie 
in  the  same  plane. 

The  red  colouring  matter  of  the  Florideae   has  been  investigated 
by  Rosanoff,  Cramer,  Askenasy,  Sorby,  and  others. 
Cramer  first  extracted  it,  from  Bornetia  secundiflora 
(Ag.)  and  Callithamnion  caudatum  (Ag.),  in  the  form 
of  regular  crystals,  partly  hexagonal,  partly  octohedral, 
and  gave  it  the  name  rhodospermin.     Rosanoff  ex- 
tracted it  by  cold  fresh  water,  and  found  it  carmine- 
red  in  transmitted,  reddish  yellow,   or  rarely  green, 
in  reflected  light.      It  is  insoluble  in  alcohol.     The 
chlorophyll-grains  also  exhibit  fluorescence  when  left 
behind,  if  the  pigment,  the  phyco-erythrin  of  Askenasy 
and  Sorby,  has  escaped  from  them  in  consequence  of 
injury  to  the  plant.      The  spectrum  of  the  chloro- 
phyll is  nearly  identical  with  that  in  Flowering  Plants. 
The  compound  pigment  of  the  red  Algae  is  termed 
by  Schiitt  rhodophyll,  the  term  phyco-erythrin  being 
limited  to  the  portion  soluble   in  water,   while   the 
portion  soluble  in  alcohol  he  calls  Flo- 
ridece-green.      Cohn  found,  in  Bornetia 
(Thur.),  colourless  crystalloids  of  an  albu- 
minous substance   coloured  a  beautiful 
red   by  the  same  pigment;    and  Klein 
has  found  similar  crystalloids  in  several 
Florideae.     The  chromatophores  contain 
starch-grains,    which    differ    both    from 
the  ordinary  grains  of  Flowering  Plants 
and   from  those  of  the  brown  Algae  jn 
being  coloured  brown  or  red  by  iodine. 
Schmitz   (Sitzber.    Niederrhein.    Gesell., 

1880)  has  detected  a  number  of  nuclei  in  the  vegetative  cells  of  many 
Florideae,  but  not  in  the  reproductive  cells.  Hick  (Proc.  Brit.  Ass.,  1883; 
'  Nature,' vol.  xxix.,  1884,  p.  581),  Massee  (l.c.\  and  Moore  (Journ.  Linn. 
Soc.  Bot.,  vol.  xxi.,  1886,  p.  595)  find  continuity  of  protoplasm  from  cell 
to  cell  very  beautifully  displayed  in  Callithamnion  (Lyng.),  Ptilota  (Ag.), 
Polysiphonia,  and  several  other  genera,  not  only  in  the  vegetative  cells, 
but  also  in  the  tetrasporanges.  In  Corallina  (L.),  Melobesia,  Liagora 


FIG.  171.  —  Hydrolapathum.  sangui- 
neum  Stackh.  a,  two  young  fronds 
with  two  cystocarps ;  l>,  c,  prolifica- 
tions  from  the  stem  (natural  size). 
(After  Kiitzing.) 


FLORIDE& 


195 


(Lmx.),  and  a  few  other  genera,  the  'frond'  becomes  densely  incrusted 
by  a  deposit  of  calcium  carbonate,  giving  to  the  so-called  'coralline's' 
the  external  form  and  appearance  of  miniature  corals. 

The  ordinary  non-sexual  propagative  organs  of  the  Florideae  are 
bright  red  motionless  spores,  commonly  formed  in  fours  in  the  mother- 
cell,  and  hence  known  as  tetraspores  (the  sphaerospores  of  Agardh),  and 
the  cell  in  which  they  are  produced  as  a  tetrasporange.  The  four  spores 
are  sometimes  arranged  in  a  row,  when  they  are  called  zonate ;  more 
often  as  quadrants  of  a  sphere,  when  they  are  cruciate  :  rarely  there  are 
only  one  or  two,  or  occasionally  eight.  In  the  Ulvaceae,  Lemaneaceae, 


FIG.  T.-j2.—Crouania  attemtata  Ag.     «,  branch  (x  40)  ;  B,  apex  of  branch  (x  100)  ;  c,  lower  ; 
portion  of  branch  with  tetrasporanges  (  x  100).    (After  Kiitzing.) 

and  in  some  Nemalieae  they  are  altogether  wanting.  The  tetraspores 
(see  fig.  231)  may  be  formed  in  the  six  following  ways  : — (i)  The 
whole  contents  of  the  sporange  become  a  single  spore  ;  (2)  the  contents 
divide  into  two  equal  parts  by  a  transverse  wall ;  (3)  they  divide  into 
four  quadrants  by  two  successive  bipartitions  ;  (4)  they  divide  into  four 
tetrahedra  by  simultaneous  quadripartition  ;  (5)  they  divide  into  four 
by  three  parallel  transverse  walls  ;  (6)  the  contents  divide  into  more 
than  four  spores.  On  germination  the  tetraspores  may  give  birth  either 
to  sexual  or  to  non-sexual  individuals.  In  the  monosiphonous  Florideae 
the  tetrasporanges  are  usually  formed  at  the  expense  of  the  ultimate 
branchlets.  In  other  forms  they  are  most  commonly  found  scattered 

o  2 


196 


ALG^E 


near  the  margin  of  the  '  frond,'  sometimes  (Rhodymenia  bifida,  Ktz.)  im» 
bedded  in  the  thallus,  and  then  often  grouped  into  sori  (Nitophyllum,, 
Grev.)  ;  or,  in  the  Corallinaceae,  enclosed  in  special  conceptades.  In 
other  genera  (Phyllophora,  Grev.,  &c.)  they  are  developed  in  nematheces^ 
wart-like  elevations  of  the  surface,  where  they  are  accompanied  by  barren 
hyphae  or  paraphyses.  In  others  again  they  are  borne  on  metamorphosed 
pod-like  branches  known  as  stichids,  as  in  Dasya  (Ag.),  Plocamium  (Lmx.), 
&c.  Only  in  the  Porphyraceae  are  the  tetraspores  endowed  with  a  slow 


FIG.  173. — Xitophyllum  punctatuin  Harv.  «,  piece  of  frond  with  tetrasporanges  (natural  size) ;  b,  piece 
of  the  thallus  with  tetrasporanges  (x  100)  ;  c,  section  through  frond  showing  cystocarp(x  100  . 
(After  Kiitzing.) 

amoeboid  motion.  Zoospores  are  altogether  unknown  in  the  class,  except 
in  the  Ulvaceae  ;  but  other  modes  of  non-sexual  propagation  occur  in  a 
few  cases.  In  some  genera  of  Ceramiaceae  special  organs  occur,  known 
as  seirospores.  Melobesia  is  characterised  by  the  production  of  genuine. 
In  Monospora  (Sol.)  stalked  gemmae  or  propagules  are  produced  at  the 
forks  of  the  branchlets,  and  readily  become  detached,  apparently  repla- 
cing the  sexual  organs,  which  are  unknown  in  the  genus.  Lemanea 
(Bory)  increases  by  budding.  In  Hydrolapathum  peculiar  bud-like 
prolifications  are  produced  on  the  stem  (see  fig.  171). 


FIG.  174. — Dasya  elegans  Ag.   a,  piece  of  frond  with  tetrasporanges ;  b,  piece  with  cystocarp 
(natural  size) ;  c,  branch  with  stichids  (  x  100)  ;  d,  cystocarp  (x  25).     (After  Kiitzing.) 


i98 

A  true  understanding  of  the  sometimes  complicated  process  of  sexual 
reproduction  in  the  Florideae  has  been  much  obscured  by  the  numerous 
terms  employed  by  the  older  writers  for  identical  organs,  and  by  incor- 
rect notions  as  to  their  functions.  The  true  sexual  organs,  antherids 
and  procarps,  are  nearly  always  formed  on  individuals  which  do  not 
produce  tetraspores  ;  and  the  sexual  individuals  may  be  monoecious  or 
dioecious  ;  the  latter  is  the  most  common  condition.  If  the  Ulvaceae 
are  rightly  included  under  Florideae,  we  have  here  a  wide  departure  from 


FIG.  175. — Stages  in  the  development  of  the  reproductive  organs  of  Neinalion  ntultifidum  Ag. 
(magnified).   (Spennat.  =  pollinoids.) 

the  normal  type,  sexual  reproduction  taking  place  by  the  conjugation  of 
motile  swarm-cells. 

The  antherid  consists,  in  its  simplest  form  (Porphyraceae),  of  a  soli- 
tary cell  at  the  end  of  a  long  segmented  branch  ;  and  in  this  case  it 
gives  birth  to  a  single  pollinoid  ;  in  other  forms  the  antheridial  cells 
occupy  a  similar  position  to  the  tetraspores,  being  formed  in  groups  at 
the  expense  of  the  ultimate  branchlets.  They  are  also  sometimes  pro- 


FLORIDE^E 


199 


duced,  like  the  tetraspores,  in  wart-like  protuberances  or  nematheces  on  the 
surface  of  the  thallus,  and  interspersed  with  paraphyses,  sometimes 
(Gracilaria,  Grev.)  in  depressions  which  are  overarched  by  the  surround- 
ing tissue  ;  or,  in  the  Corallinaceae,  in  special  conceptades.  When  the 
thallus  is  otherwise  unilamellar,  as  in  Porphyra  (Ag.),  the  spots  where  the 
antherids  are  formed  divide  by  walls  parallel  to  the  surface.  The  fer- 
tilising bodies  or  pollinoids  are  naked  masses  of  protoplasm,  of  a  spheri- 
cal or  elongated  form,  sometimes  with  a  beak-like  appendage,  and  are 
discharged  in  succession  one  after  another.  They  are  carried  along 
passively  by  the  water,  and  are  distinguished  from  the  antherozoids  of 
other  Cryptogams  by  the  absence  of  cilia,  and,  in  most  cases,  of  any 
spontaneous  power  of  motion.  Wright  (Trans.  Irish  Acad.,  1879,  P-  27) 


FIG.  176. — SperiHothamnion  Jiennaphrodititni  (magnified).  A ,  branch  with  procarp 
(tfg  z)  and  antherid  (an)  before  fertilisation  ;  J5,  after  fertilisation,  the  cystocarp 
developing ;  t,  trichogyne  ;  c,  trichophore  ;  g,  carpogenous  cells.  (After  Nageli.) 

states  that  in  Griffithsia  (Ag.)  the  pollinoids  have  an  obscure  amoeboid 
motion,  as  they  have  also  in  the  Porphyraceae  ;  according  to  Dodel-Port 
their  access  to  the  trichogyne  is  greatly  facilitated  by  the  currents  made 
in  the  water  by  Vorticelke  and  other  Infusoria  ;  and  there  can  be  little 
doubt  that  fishes  which  feed  on  seaweeds  are  an  important  agent  in  pro- 
moting their  fertilisation.  The  pollinoids  and  the  tetraspores  appear  to 
be  homologous  in  their  origin. 

The  female  organ  before  fertilisation — corresponding  functionally 
to  the  pistil  of  Flowering  Plants — is  termed  the  procarp.  In  its  simplest 
form  (Porphyraceae  and  Nemalieae)  it  consists  of  a  single  cell  with  a 
lateral  hair-like  prolongation,  the  trichogyne.  But  in  all  the  higher 
forms  the  procarp  is  composed  of  one  or  more  fertile  cells  constituting 
the  carpogone^  and  one  or  more  infertile  cells  which  make  up  the  tricho- 


200 


ALG.-E 


phore,  the  function  of  which  is  to  convey  the  fertilising  substance  from 
the  trichogyne  to  the  carpogone.  The  procarp  is  usually  formed  on  the 
youngest  parts  of  the  plant,  and  .often  originates  from  the  terminal  cell 
of  a  lateral  branch.  Occasionally  each  carpogone  has  two  trichogynes 
and  two  trichophores  ;  or,  again,  each  trichophore  may  be  connected 
with  two  carpogones.  The  trichogyne  often  becomes  eventually  coiled 


FIG.  177.  —  Lejolisia  itiediterranea  Born,     a,  filament  with  tetrasporange  ;  I',  plant 
with  cystocarps  and  antherids  ;  c,  empty  cystocarp  (x  150).      (After  Bornet.) 

spirally  at  its  base.  It  does  not  open  to  admit  the  entrance  of  the 
pollinoids  ;  in  the  act  of  impregnation  these  bodies  attach  themselves 
to  a  spot  near  the  apex  of  the  trichogyne,  and  at  the  same  time  clothe 
themselves  with  a  cell-wall.  At  the  point  of  contact  the  cell-wall  of  both 
trichogyne  and  pollinoid  is  absorbed  ;  the  contents  of  the  latter  pass 
through  the  trichogyne  and  the  trichophore  to  the  carpogone,  impregnat- 


201 


ing  its  contents,  and  the  trichogyne  then  disappears.  The  carpogone 
now  divides  by  a  horizontal  wall  into  two  cells  ;  the  upper  one  of  these 
is  functionless,  and  ultimately  disappears  ;  the  lower  one  contains  the 
impregnated  oosphere  or  carposperm.  The  carposperm  does  not,  how- 
ever, in  any  case  possess  the  power  of  germinating  directly.  In  the 
Porphyraceae  it  breaks  up  into 
eight  portions,  the  carpospores, 
which  germinate  after  moving 
about  with  a  slow  amoeboid  mo- 
tion. In  all  the  other  orders 
the  contents  of  the  carpogone 
undergo,  after  impregnation, 
more  complicated  divisions,  and 
become  differentiated  into  a 
sterile  and  a  fertile  portion,  the 
placenta  and  the  nucleus.  The 
placenta  may  consist  of  one  or 
more  cells,  and  frequently  occu- 
pies the  larger  portion  of  the 
carpogone  ;  or  it  may  be  re- 
duced to  very  small  dimensions. 
The  nucleus  is  the  mass  of  carpo- 
spores, and  may  be  made  up 
of  a  number  of  secondary  nuclei. 
The  mass  of  carpospores  is 
sometimes,  as  in  Callithamnion, 
completely  exposed  except  for  a 
gelatinous  membrane  by  which 
it  is  surrounded  •  but  much 
more  often  there  is  gradually 
formed  round  the  nucleus  after 
impregnation,  not  only  a  layer 
of  mucilage,  but  also  a  more  or 
less  hard  solid  layer,  the  peri- 
carp; and  the  whole  structure 
thus  constituted  is  then  known 
as  the  sporocarp  or  cystocarp.  From  this  cystocarp  the  carpospores 
escape,  when  ripe,  either  by  the  decay  of  the  pericarp  ('coccidium'  of 
the  older  systematists),  or  through  an  opening  at  its  apex,  the  carpostome 
('  ceramidium  '  of  older  writers).  In  some  genera  (Polysiphonia,  Lejolisia, 
Born.,  Bonnemaisonia,  Ag.)  the  cystocarp  is  completely  exposed,  con- 
spicuous, and  sometimes  stalked  ;  but  it  is  usually,  as  in  Gracilaria, 


FIG.  178.  —  Gracilaria.  compressa  Ag.     Branch  with 
cystocarps  (natural  size).    (After  Hauck.) 


202 


ALG^E 


more  or  less  imbedded  in  the  thallus,  often  in  special  fertile  branches  ; 
and  its  situation  is  then  usually  indicated  by  an  external  wart-like 
swelling.  In  Polyides  (Ag.)j  the  Squamariaceae,  and  other  forms  with 
a  perfectly  flat  frond,  the  cystocarps  are  enclosed  in  nematheces. 

In  a  considerable  number  of  Florideae  the  formation  of  the  cystocarp 
is  a  more  complicated  process  than  that  already  described,  the  process 
of  impregnation  consisting  of  two  distinct  stages — (i)  the  fertilisation 
of  the  trichogyne  by  the  pollinoids  ;  and  (2)  the  fertilisation  by  the 
impregnated  trichophore-cells  of  the  carpospores,  which  may  be  at  some 
considerable  distance  from  the  trichophore  and  trichogyne,  even  on  a 


FIG.  179. — Dudresnaya  cocclnea  Crouan.      /,  young  trichophore.     //,  young  trichogyne  ; 
f,  young  fertilising  tubes.    ///,  impregnated  trichophore  with  pollinoids  on  the  coiled  tncho- 

fyne,^;  the  fertilising  tube,./',  impregnating  successively  the  carpogones,  VII,  VI,  and  V, 
V,  carpogone  before  fertilisation  ;  c,  carpogenous  cell.     VIII,  masses  of  carpospores. 

different  branch.  This  is  effected  by  means  of  long  simple  or  branched 
tubes,  the  fertilising-tubes,  or  '  ooblastema-filaments  '  of  Schmitz.  The 
following  is  the  process  as  it  takes  place  in  Dudresnaya  (Born.).  The 
trichophore  consists  of  a  row  of  cells  which,  before  fertilisation,  put  out 
short  branches,  which  subsequently  develop  into  long  tubes.  No  carpo- 
gone is  found  in  the  immediate  neighbourhood  of  the  trichophore  ;  but 
at  some  distance  are  a  number  of  short  segmented  filaments,  the  termi- 
nal cells  of  which  are  considerably  larger  than  all  the  rest.  These  cells 
are  carpogones.  The  fertilising-tubes  make  their  way  between  the  fila- 
ments or  hyphae  of  which  the  thallus  is  composed,  come  into  contact 


FLOR1DE&  203 

with  the  carpogones,  and  convey  to  them  the  fertilising  principle  from 
the  trichophore.  The  result  is  that  each  carpogone  develops  into  a 
cystocarp  containing  carpospores.  A  single  fertilising-tube  may  in  this 
way  impregnate  a  number  of  carpogones. 

Schmitz  describes  the  process  of  secondary  impregnation  in  the  more 
highly  developed  Florideae  as  consisting  in  the  fertile  cells  (carpogones) 
entering  into  communication,  through  orifices  in  their  cell-walls,  with 
certain  special  sterile  cells  rich  in  protoplasm,  the  auxiliary  cells,  to 
which  the  fertilising  material  is  brought  from  the  trichophore  by  the 
ooblastema-filaments.  The  details  of  this  conjugation  between  the 
auxiliary  cells  and  the  carpogones  are  subject  to  great  variation  in 
different  genera.  In  some  cases  the  protoplasmic  contents  of  the  two 
cells  coalesce  completely,  while  in  others  their  nuclei  still  remain  distinct 
after  conjugation.  The  carposperm,  or  cell  resulting  from  this  conjuga- 
tion, then  grows  rapidly,  and  peripheral  cells  divide  off  from  it,  leaving 
a  large  central  cell  which  alone  remains  sterile,  all  the  peripheral  cells 
developing  into  carpospores.  In  the  Corallinaceae  the  ooblastema-fila- 
ment  enters  into  conjugation  successively  with  several  neighbouring 
auxiliary  cells.  In  a  larger  number  of  genera  the  process  is  as  follows  : — 
A  short  branch  of  the  carpogone,  usually  consisting  of  three  or  four  cells, 
becomes  attached  laterally  to  a  branch  of  the  thallus,  and  curves  in  such 
a  way  that  the  carpogone-cell  is  closely  applied  to  the  nearest  auxiliary 
cell,  or  reaches  it  by  means  of  a  short  protuberance  from  one  or  both 
of  the  conjugating  cells.  The  entire  oosphere,  or  at  all  events  its  nucleus, 
then  passes  over  into  the  auxiliary  cell.  In  the  Gigartinacese  the  auxiliary 
cell  itself  becomes  the  central  cell  of  the  cystocarp. 

LITERATURE. 

Nageli  u.  Cramer— Pflanzenphysiol.  Untersuch.,  1855,  1857. 

Pringsheim — Monber.  Bed.  Akad.  Wiss.,  1855,  p.  133  (Quart.  Journ.  Microsc.  Sc. , 

1856,  p.  124). 
Rosanoff — (Rhodospermin)  Mem.   Soc.  Sc.  Nat.   Cherbourg,  1856;  Ann.  Sc.  Nat., 

iv.,  1865,  p.  320  ;  and  Compt.  Rend.,  Ixii.,  1866,  p.  831. 
Van  Tieghem— Compt.  Rend.,  Ixi.,  1865,  p.  804. 
Solms-Laubach— Bot.  Zeit.,  1867,  p.  161. 
Askenasy — (Rhodospermin)  Ibid. ,  p.  233. 
Sorby — (Rhodospermin)  Journ.  Microsc.  Soc.,  1871,  p.  124. 
Klein — Flora,  1871,  p.  161  ;  and  1880,  p.  65. 

Agardh— Epicrisis  Syst.  Florid.,  1876;  and  Florid.  Morpho].  (with  atlas),  1879. 
Bornet  and  Thuret— Notes  Algologiques,  fasc.  i.   and  ii.,  1876,   1880;  and  Etudes 

Phycol.,  1878. 

Falkenberg— Nachricht.  Gesell.  Wiss.  Gottingen,  1879  and  1880. 
Ambronn— Bot.  Zeit.,  1880,  p.    61  ;  and   Sitzber.   Bot.  Verein  Brandenburg,   1880, 

p.  74. 


204  ALG& 

Schwendener — Monber.  Preuss.  Akad.  Wiss.,  1880,  p.  327. 

Berthold—  Pringsheim's  J ahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1882,  p.  569. 

Schmitz— Sitzber.  Akad.  Wiss.  Berlin,  1883,  p.  215. 

Ardissone— Phycol.  mediterranea,  Part  i.,  Florideae,  1883. 

Buff  ham— Journ.  Quek.  Micr.  Club,  1884,  p.  337. 

Massee — Journ.  Microsc.  Soc. ,  1884,  pp.  198  et  seq.  ;  and  1886,  p.  561. 

Wille— (Tissue-systems)  Bot.  Salsk.  Stockholm   (see  Bot.    Centralblatt,  xxi.,   1885, 

pp.   282,  315;  xxiii.,  1885,  p.   330;  andxxvi.,   1886,  p.   86)  ;  and  Nov.  Act. 

Leopold-Carol.  Akad.,  Hi.,  1888,  p.  51. 
Schiitt— (Phyco-erythrin)  Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell.,  1888,  p.  36. 


A  complete  classification  of  the  very  numerous  types  of  structure 
belonging  to  the  Florideae  would  carry  us  beyond  our  present  limits  ; 
and  the  principles  of  such  a  classification  are  by  no  means  agreed  on 
by  the  best  authorities,  many  details  connected  with  the  process  of 
fertilisation  being  still  obscure.  Agardh,  in  his  'Epicrisis,'  divides  the 
family  into  six  groups,  dependent  on  the  structure  and  mode  of  develop- 
ment of  the  cystocarp,  and  into  twenty-two  orders.  We  shall  therefore 
confine  ourselves  to  an  account  of  some  groups  or  special  forms,  the 
structure  of  which  has  been  specially  studied,  commencing  with  the  most 
highly  differentiated  orders. 

In  the  CERAMIACE^:,  which  are  exclusively  marine,  are  included  a 
considerable  number  of  the  more  delicate  red  seaweeds  of  our  own  and 
other  coasts,  included  in  the  genera  Callithamnion  (Lyng.),  Grifnthsia 
(Ag.),  Ptilota  (Ag.),  Crouania  (Ag.),  Ceramium  (Lyng.),  and  others.  The 
thallus  is  either  monosiphonous  and  uncorticated,  or  more  or  less  corti- 
cated. In  Crouania  (fig.  172)  the  branches  are  beautifully  whorled.  The 
procarp  frequently  consists  of  a  carpogone  and  two  trichogynes.  The 
cystocarps  are  formed  externally  on  the  branches  or  at  their  base,  and  are 
frequently  closely  surrounded  by  them  as  by  an  envelope.  With  rare  ex- 
ceptions the  cystocarp  consists  of  a  roundish  or  lobed  nucleus,  enclosed 
in  a  colourless  gelatinous  membrane,  without  any  pericarp,  and  composed 
of  a  larger  or  smaller  number  of  closely  packed  carpospores.  The  tetra- 
sporanges  are  usually  external,  and  the  mode  of  division  of  their  contents 
varies  greatly.  The  complicated  process  of  fertilisation  in  Dudresnaya 
has  already  been  described.  In  addition  to  the  tetraspores,  two  other 
special  kinds  of  non-sexual  organs  of  propagation  occur  in  the  order. 
Some  species  of  Ceramium  are  characterised  by  the  presence  offavella, 
dense  agglomerations  of  spores,  resembling  the  cystocarps,  but  pro- 
duced at  the  ends  of  branches,  quite  exposed  except  for  a  thin  colourless 
membrane.  They  appear  to  be  homologous  to  the  multipartite  tetra- 
sporanges.  Callithamnion  seirospermum  (Griff.)  (Seirospora  Griffithsiana, 
Harv.),  C.  versicolor  (Drap.),  and  some  other  species,  produce  seirospores, 


FIG.   181. — Branch  of  Ceramium  strict  urn  Grev. 
with  favellae  (  x  40).    (After  Kutzing.) 


FIG.  1 80.— Branch  of  Cattithamnio-i 
seirosperinum  Griff.,  with  se:rospores 
(  x  :oo).  (After  Kutzing.) 


FIG.  \%z,—Melobesia.  membranacea,  Lmx.  a,  vertical 
section  through  female  conceptacle  ;  l>,  vertical  section 
through  conceptac'.e  with  tetraspcranges  ;  c,  vertical 
section  through  male  conceptacle  (x  350);  d,  pol- 
linoids  (  X  1300).  (A'  .cr  Rosanoff.) 


206 


ALG^E 


branched  rows  of  roundish  or  oval  spores  resulting  from  the  division 
of  terminal  cells  of  particular  branches,    or   produced   on   the   main 

branches. 

LITERATURE. 

Cramer— Pflanzenphysiol.  Untersuch.,  1857  and  1863. 
Nageli— Sitzber.  Munch.  Akad.  Wiss.,  1861,  p.  297. 
Pringsheim — Abhandl.  Berlin.  Akad.  Wiss.,  1862,  p.  I. 


The  CORALLINACE^E  (Corallina,  L.,  Melobesia,  Lmx.,  Litholhamnion, 
Phil.,    Amphiroa,    Lmx.,    &c.)    are  distinguished    from   other   marine 


^ul,!^-- ' :  •'  •'"  ^iiiaiiSbua» 


FIG.  183. — Corallina  officinalis  L.     a,  longitudinal  section  through  conceptacle  with  tetrasporanges  ; 
b,  longitudinal  section  through  cystocarp  (x  100).     (After  Bornet.) 

algae  by  their  calcareous  habit.  Most  of  the  species  are  natives  of 
warmer  seas.  In  Corallina  the  thallus  is  at  first  soft  and  flexible, 
but  it  soon  becomes  very  hard  and  brittle  from  the  deposition  of 
calcium  carbonate.  The  red  colour  and  branching  habit  give  this 
genus  a  remarkable  resemblance  to  small  corals,  as  in  C.  officinalis  (L.), 
the  common  '  coralline  '  or  '  nullipore  '  of  our  southern  coasts.  Many 
species  of  Melobesia  (fig.  182),  Lithothamnion,  Lithophyllum  (Phil.),  and 
other  genera,  grow  as  lichen-like  incrustations  or  in  the  form  of  small  flat 


FLORWEJE 


207 


discs  attached  to  rocks,  or  on  the  leaves  of  Zostera,  or  on  other  seaweeds. 
The  sexual  reproductive  organs  and  the  lion-sexual  organs  of  propaga- 
tion are  alike  formed  in  small  cavities  or  conceptacles,  which  are  either 
entirely  imbedded  in  the  thallus,  or  more  often  form  external  wart-like  or 
ovoid  swellings.  The  female  conceptacle  opens  at  the  apex  by  an  ostiole 
(fig.  182,  a);  the  very  short  sporiferous  filaments,  the  terminal  cells  of  which 


V 

ft  \ 


FIG.  184. — Coraliina  rubens  L.  a,  branch  with  three  cystocarps  and  a  male  conceptacle  ;  con- 
ceptacles of  Melobesia,  Thureti  Born,  are  attached  to  the  upper  part  of  the  branch  (  x  20) ;  £,  longi- 
tudinal section  through  a  male  conceptacle  deprived  of  its  calcareous  incrustation  (  X  160)  ;  c,  pol- 
linoids(x  400).  (After  Bornet.) 

become  the  carpospores,  spring  from  the  base  of  the  cavity,  and  are 
accompanied  by  paraphyses.  The  male  conceptacles  are  of  similar 
structure  ;  the  pollinoids  (fig.  182,  d)  possess  one  or  two  short  appen- 
dages. The  non-sexual  present  a  general  resemblance  to  the  sexual 
conceptacles  ;  the  tetrasporanges  spring  from  their  base  and  sides,  and 
are  accompanied  by  paraphyses ;  the  contents  of  the  sporange  not  un- 


208 


ALG^E 


frequently  divide  into  only  two  tetraspores.  The  conceptacles  are  not 
unfrequently  surmounted  by  singular  horn-like  processes.  Melobesia 
produces  peculiar  branching  septated  gemma:. 

LITERATURE. 

Rosanoff—  Mem.  Soc.  Sc.  Nat.  Cherbourg,  1866. 

Areschoug— Observ.  Phycol,,  iv.,  1875. 

Solms-Laubach — Die  Corallinenalgen  d.  Golfes  Neapel,  1881. 


The  greater  number  of  our  red  seaweeds  belong  to  the  following 
orders,  established  by  Agardh,  the  boundaries  of  which  are  not  in  all 


FIG.  T&s.  —  Chondrns  crispus  Stackh.  a,  with  cystocarps  (natural  size) ;  b,  uppermost  portion  of 
frond  with  tetrasporanges  (natural  size)  ;  c,  section  through  the  frond  and  a  portion  of  the  cystocarp 
(x  100).  (After  Kiitzing.) 

cases  well  defined,  and  in  regard  to  many  of  which  much  yet  remains 
to  be  discovered  as  to  their  mode  of  reproduction,  viz.: — CRYPTONEMIA- 
CE^E  (Nemastoma,  Ag.,  Grateloupia,  Ag.,  Halymenia,  Ag.,  Dumontia, 
Lmx.,  Cryptonemia,  Ag.,  &c.),  GIGARTINACE^:  (Chondrus,  Grev.,  Gigar- 
tina,  Lmx.,  Kallymenia,  Ag.,  &c.),  RHODYMENIACE^E  (Rhodymenia, 
Grev.,  Chylocladia,  Grev.,  Plocamium,  Lmx.,  Hydrolapathum,  Rupr., 
&c.),  DELESSERIACE^E  (Nitophyllum,  Grev.,  Delesseria,  Lmx.),  SPH^ERO- 
COCCACE^E  (Sphserococcus,  Stackh.,  Gracilaria,  Grev.,  &c.),  HYPN^EACE/E 


FLORIDE.& 


209 


(Hypngea,  Lmx.),  GELIDIACE^E  (Gelidium,  Lmx.,  &c.),  SPONGIOCARPE^E 
(Polyides,  Ag.),  LOMENTARIACE^:  (Lomentaria,  Gaill.),  RHODOMELACE^E 
(Laurencia,  Lmx.,  Chondria,  Ag.,  Rhodomela,  Ag.,  Polysiphonia,  Ag., 
Rytiphlaea,  Ag.,  Amansia,  Lmx.,  Vidalia,  Ag.,  Dasya,  Ag.,  Pollexfenia, 
Harv.,  &c.),  SPYRIDIACE^:  (Spyridia,  Harv.),  and  WRANGELIACE^E  (Sper- 
mothamnion,  Aresch.,  Bornetia,  Thur.,  Lejolisia,  Born.,  Wrangelia,  Ag., 
&c.).  A  peculiar  mode  of  fertilisation  is  described  in  the  case  of 
Gracilaria  confervoides  (Grev.).  The  procarp  is  composed  of  six  or  seven 
cells,  and  its  position  is  indicated  by  an  external  swelling  on  the 
*  frond  ; '  the  pericarp  is 
formed  before  fertilisation. 
The  cells  both  of  the  pro- 
earn  and  of  the  placenta 
fuse  together  by  the  dis- 
appearance of  their  cell- 
walls  ;  and  the  fused  cells 
of  the  procarp  and  of  the 
placenta  are  placed  in 
communication  with  one 
another  by  protoplasmic 
protrusions  or  diverticula, 
proceeding  from  the  fused 
cells  of  the  procarp  and 
passing  through  their 
swollen  walls.  The  cells 
which  form  the  free  sur- 
face of  the  placenta  now 
produce  radiating  rows  of 
spores  formed  basipetally, 
while  from  the  fused  pro- 
carpial  cells  other  diverti-  FIG 
cula  arise  which  also  form 
spores  at  their  free  ends 

independently  of  the  placental  cells.  It  would  appear  as  if  by  this 
means  a  portion  of  the  protoplasm  of  the  pollinoid  were  conveyed 
through  the  trichogyne  and  the  procarpial  cells,  which  play  the  part  of 
the  auxiliary  cells  of  Dudresnaya,  to  the  placental  cells.  In  Polyides 
the  cystocarps  are  congregated  in  external  amorphous  wart-like  ex- 
crescences formed  of  vertical  confervoid  filaments,  of  which  the  carti- 
laginous '  frond '  is  almost  entirely  composed,  set  in  firm  jelly. 

Plocamium  coccineum  (Huds.)  is  one  of  the  most  abundant  of  our 
red  seaweeds.    Rhodymenia  palmata  (Grev.),  a  very  common  red  seaweed, 


86. — Rhodymenia  Palmetto.  Grev.  a,  with  tetraspo- 
ranges  (natural  size)  ;  ft,  section  through  apex  of  frond  with 
tetrasporanges  (  x  100).  (After  Ktitzing.) 


210 


ALG^E 


is  eaten  in  Scotland  under  the  name  of  '  dulse.'  Chondrus  crispus  (L.) 
is  known,  when  dried,  as  '  carrageen '  or  '  Irish  moss.'  Gracilaria  lichen- 
oides  (L.),  which  yields  copious  gelatine,  known  as  '  Fucus  amylaceus,' 
is  largely  used  as  an  article  of  food  in  Ceylon  and  on  other  tropical 
coasts.  Japanese  isinglass  is  a  product  of  species  of  Gelidium.  The 


FIG.  187. — Vertical  median  section  of  swelling  on  frond  of  Gracilaria  confervoides  Grev. 
/,  /,  cells  of  procarp  ;  pc,  placental  cells  ;  s,  s,  s,  spores  (x  400).     (After  Johnson.) 

substance  known  to  microscopists  as  'agar-agar'  is  yielded  also  by 
Gracilaria  lichenoides,  Eucheuma  spinosa  (Ag.),  and  other  seaweeds. 
Several  other  species  are  employed  in  different  parts  of  the  world  as  glues 
and  varnishes.  Marchesettia  spongioides  (Hauck)  (Areschougiaceae), 
from  Singapore,  has  a  remarkable  resemblance  to  a  sponge. 

LITERATURE. 

Berthold— (Cryptonemiacese)  Fauna  u.  Flora  Golfes  Neapel,  1884. 
Johnson — (Gracilaria)  Annals  of  Botany,  i.  1888,  p.  213. 


The  SQUAMARIACE^E  (Hildenbrandtia,  Nard.,  Cruoria,  Fries,  Peysson- 
nelia,  Dene.,  &c.)  are  a  small  group  of  small  marine,  or  rarely  fresh-water 
Algae,  growing  on  stones  or  on  the  shells  of  molluscs  or  Crustacea,  or 
attached  to  larger  algae.  The  '  frond  '  is  expanded  flat  or  hemispheri- 
cal, gelatinous,  membranaceous,  or  crustaceous,  with  lichen-like  habit, 
composed  of  a  single  layer  of  cells,  or  more  often  of  short  densely 


FLO  RIDE  A:  211 

packed  vertical  filaments.  The  species  of  Hildenbrandtia  form  rose- 
coloured  incrustations  on  rocks,  stones,  and  shells  in  salt  or  (H.  rivularis, 
Ag.)  running  fresh  water.  The  tetrasporanges  are  either  terminal  cells 
of  special  filaments,  enclosed  in  a  gelatinous  coating  and  rising  verti- 
cally from  the  flat  thallus  ;  or  they  are  formed  in  nematheces,  in  external 
wart-like  protuberances,  or  in  depressions  in  the  surface  of  the  thallus. 
The  cystocarps  are  also  either  formed  in  nematheces,  or  are  external, 


FIG.  188. — Hildenbrandtia  prototypus  NarHo.     Vertical  section  through  thallus,  showing 
three  conceptacles  with  cystocarps  (  x  300).     (After  Kiitzing.) 

springing  from  moniliform  fertile  filaments.  It  is  stated  that  there  are 
sometimes  two  kinds  of  carpogone,  one  provided  with  a  trichogyne,  the 
other  not.  After  a  carpogone  of  the  first  kind  has  been  fertilised 
through  its  trichogyne,  it  puts  out  a  fertilising-tube  or  'ooblastema- 
filament,'  which  impregnates  a  carpogone  of  the  second  kind.  In 
Hildenbrandtia  a  large  number  of  antherids  are  developed  from  a  single 
cell  of  the  thallus.' 

LITERATURE. 

Schmitz — Sitzber.  Niederrhein.  Gesell.,  1879. 
Borzl— Rivista  Scientifica,  1880. 
Petit— Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  France,  1880,  p.  194. 
Wollny — Hedwigia,  1886,  pp.  I  and  125. 


The  HELMINTHOCLADIACE^E  (including  Nemalieae,  Batrachospermeae, 
and  Chaetangiaceae)  comprise  a  number  of  marine  (Helminthocladia,  Ag., 
Nemalion,  Ag.,  Liagora,  Lmx.,  Galaxaura,  Lmx.,  &c.)  and  fresh- water 
(Chantransia,  Fries,  Batrachospermum,  Roth,  Thorea,  Bory)  forms,  the 
relationship  of  which  to  one  another  is  uncertain,  and  the  family  is  not 
likely  to  be  one  that  will  be  ultimately  retained.  The  fresh-water 
species  are  mostly  of  small  size,  but  of  great  beauty  from  the  elegant 
symmetry  and  arrangement  of  the  branches.  The  '  frond  '  of  Liagora 
and  Galaxaura  is  calcareously  incrusted,  like  that  of  a  coralline  ;  that  of 

P  2 


212 


ALG& 


some  other  genera  is  very  soft  and  gelatinous  :  the  whole  is  usually 
enclosed  in  a  gelatinous  envelope.  The  thallus  is  of  filamentous  struc- 
ture, and  either  simple  or  branched,  the 
secondary  axes  often  arranged  in  whorls. 
The  main  axis  usually  consists  of  a  central 
row  of  cylindrical  cells  surrounded  by  a 
pseudo-cortex  composed  of  smaller  cells, 
either  placed  in  rows  at  right  angles  to 
the  axis,  or  parallel  to  it.  It  may,  how- 
ever, consist  of  a  single  uncorticated  row 
of  cells.  Batrachospermum  is  a  genus  of 
small  green  fresh-water  Algae  of  great  beauty 
from  the  symmetry  of  their  branching.  The 
stem  grows  by  means  of  a  cup-shaped 


FIG.  T%g.—Batrachosp'rjmim  monilifonne  Roth,     a,  portion  of  plant  (  x  30)  ;  />,  portion  with 
cystocarps,  c  cc  c  (  x  150).    (From  nature  and  after  Cooke.) 


FLORIDE& 


213 


apical  cell,  which  divides  by  septa  ;  the 
resulting  cells  do  not  divide  further,  but 
elongate  and  swell  somewhat  at  each  end 
into  a  bone-shaped  form,  producing  the 
whorled  branches.  From  the  basal  cells  of 
these  branches  secondary  branches  grow 
vertically  downwards  over  the  main  axis,  pro- 
ducing the  pseudo-cortex.  According  to 
Sirodot,  absorption  takes  place  only  in  special 
thin  -  walled  cells  ;  the  resting-cdls,  with 
thicker  walls,  often  display  continuity  of  pro- 
toplasm. In  Nemalion  and  Batrachospermum 
the  procarp  is  unicellular,  and  bears  at  its 
apex  the  long  thin-walled  trichogyne.  The 
antherids  are  scattered  in  groups  at  the  end 
of  peculiar  ovoid  cells.  After  fertilisation 
the  carpogone  divides  by  longitudinal  walls 
into  a  multicellular  glomerule  enclosed  in  a 
gelatinous  envelope  ;  the  terminal  cells  of 
the  branches  of  the  glomerule  produce  the 
spores.  The  cystocarps  are  external  in  the 
axils  •  of  the  branches  in  Chantransia  and 


FIG.  190. — Chantransia  -virga- 
tuln  Thur.  with  tetrasporanges 
(  x  100).  (After  Kiitzing.) 


FIG.  191.  —  C.  corymbosa  Thur.  7,  unicellular  procarp,  b, 
with  pollinoid  attached.  1 1-V>  stages  in  the  branching  of 
the  procarp  after  impregnation  (x  400).  VI,  cystocarp 
(  x  250).  (After  Thuret.) 


214  ALG^E 

Batrachospermum,  more  or  less  imbedded  in  the  thallus  in  the  other 
genera  of  the  order.     In  several  of  the  genera  tetraspores  are  unknown. 

A  very  singular  genetic  connection  exists  between  the  genera  Chan- 
transia  and  Batrachospermum,  it  being  possible  to  transform  the  former 
into  the  latter  by  changing  its  conditions  of  life.  The  germinating 
carpospores  of  Batrachospermum  put  out  a  kind  of  protoneme,  which  is 
the  Chantransia  of  Fries,  the  non-sexual  generation  of  Batrachospermum  ; 
this  can  propagate  itself  by  simple  budding  from  generation  to  genera- 
tion, producing,  as  a  rule,  as  its  organs  of  propagation,  only  non-sexual 
tetraspores.  Chantransia  grows  especially  in  dark  situations  under  water, 
and,  when  transferred  to  the  light,  undergoes  a  metamorphosis.  There 
springs  up  from  the  Chantransia  protoneme  a  branch  which  is  in  every 
respect  a  Batrachospermum,  and  which  bears  sexual  organs  only,  and 
no  tetraspores.  On  one  species  only  of  Chantransia,  C.  corymbifera 
(Thur.),  are  sexual  organs  known.  Although  this  phenomenon  is  some- 
times spoken  of  as  an  example  of  '  alternation  of  generations,'  it  is  not 
identical  with  the  process  known  under  that  name  in  the  higher  Crypto- 
gams, being  rather  a  difference  in  the  mode  of  development  dependent 
on  a  change  in  the  vital  conditions. 

LITERATURE. 

Solms-Laubach— Bot.  Zeit. ,  1867,  p.  161. 

Sirodot— Compt.   Rend.,  Ixxvi.,  1873,  pp.  1216,  1335  ;  Ixxix.,  1874,  p.  1366;  xci., 

1880,  p.  862  ;  xcii.,    1881,  p.  993  ;  Bull.  Soc.   Bot.  France,  1875,  P-  128;  and 

Les  Batrachospermees,  1884. 

Arcangeli— Nuov.  Giorn.  Bot.  Ital.,  1882,  p.  155. 
Massee — Journ.  R.  Microsc.  Soc.,  1886,  p.  561. 


The  LEMANEACE.E  are  a  small  group  of  fresh-water  Algae,  comprising 
the  genera  Lemanea  (Bory)  and  Sacheria  (Sir.),  growing  in  rapidly  running 
water,  as  beneath  mill-wheels.  The  thallus  is  filiform  and  cartilaginous, 
of  a  dull  grey  or  greenish  colour,  and  consists  of  a  single  row  of  tubular 
cells,  or  of  an  axial  row  surrounded  by  rows  of  smaller  cortical  cells  ;  it 
displays  swellings  or  projections  at  regular  intervals.  It  grows  by  means 
of  an  apical  cell,  from  which  segments  are  cut  off  at  right  angles  to  the 
direction  of  growth.  By  transverse  septation  each  segment  divides  into 
a  central  cell  surrounded  by  peripheral  cells  ;  the  central  cell  becomes 
a  member  of  the  central  axis,  the  peripheral  cells  members  of  the  cortical 
tubes.  The  '  frond '  increases  by  budding  at  the  free  surface  of  the 
rooting  system,  finally  producing  csespitose  tufts.  No  non-sexual  spores 
are  known.  The  only  other  mode  of  reproduction  is  sexual.  The 
antherids  are  short  cylindrical  cells  produced  externally  in  the  neigh- 


FLORIDE&  215 

bourhood  of  the  swellings,  with  a  more  or  less  regular  annular  arrange- 
ment. The  trichogyne  is  a  long  transparent  cylindrical  tube,  simple  or 
branched,  produced  within  the  tubular  thallus.  The  procarp  is  unicel- 
lular, and  of  a  very  simple  structure.  The  carpogone  puts  out  before 
impregnation  a  number  of  segmented  filaments  resembling  paraphyses, 
and  enclosed  in  a  transparent  jelly.  After  the  oosphere  has  been  im- 


FIG.  192.— A ,  Lemanea  nodosa  Ktz.  (natural  size).  B,  section  of  tube  with  female  organs  ;  t, 
trichogyne,  at  the  base  of  which  sporiferous  filaments  (.$•)  are  beginning  to  be  formed  (  x  200). 
C,  transverse  section  of  male  organs  ;  a,  antherids  (  x  400).  (After  Sirodot.) 

pregnated,  it  puts  out  an  '  ooblastema-filament,'  and  the  trichogyne 
disappears  ;  at  the  extremity  of  this  filament  are  produced  the  carpo- 
spores.  'On  germinating  the  carpospore  puts  out  a  protonemal 
filament  somewhat  resembling  that  of  mosses,  on  which  the  fertile  axes 
are  produced  as  lateral  branches.  This  is  regarded  by  some  as  a  rudi- 


216 


ALG^E 


mentary  alternation  of  generations  ;  and  Peter  asserts  (Bot.  Verein 
Miinchen,  Feb.  28,  1887)  that  the  sexual  form  of  Lemanea  fluviatilis  (Ag.) 
may  develop  out  of  heteromorphic  branches  of  a  Chantransia. 

LITERATURE. 

Wartmann— Beitr.  zur  Anat.  und  Entwick.  der  Lemanea,  1854. 

Sirodot— Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  xvi.,  1872,  p.  5;  1873,  p.  241  ;  and  Compt.  Rend.,  Ixxix., 

1874,  p.  1366. 
Ketel— Anat.  Untersuch.  iiber  Lemanea,  1887. 


The  PORPHYRACE^E  or  Bangiaceaa  are  marine  or  fresh-water  Algae 
belonging  to  the  two  genera  Porphyra  (Ag.)  and  Bangia  (Lyngb.).  They 
are  regarded  by  some  authors  as  much  lower  in  structure  than  the  red 


FIG.  194. — B.fnsco-purpurea  Lyngb.     Filament 
in   different   stages   of  development   (-X  200). 
(After  Kiitzing.) 
FIG.     193.  -a,     b,     Bangia    ceramicola 
Chauv.     Portions  of  barren  and  fertile 
filaments  (x  330).     (After  Thuret.) 

seaweeds,  but  are  best  placed  at  present,  from  their  mode  of  sexual 
reproduction,  as  one  of  the  lowest  families  of  Florideae.  The  thallus  is 
either  filiform  (Bangia),  or  is  a  thin  transparent  plate  (Porphyra)  com- 


FLORIDE^E 


217 


posed,  in  its  vegetative  portion,  of  a  single  layer  of  cells  ;  in  both  cases 
coloured  by  phycoerythrin.  The  tetrasporanges  and  the  male  and 
female  organs  appear  to  be  homologous  to  one  another,  and  not  to  be 
sharply  differentiated.  The  tetraspores  are  motile  for  about  forty-eight 
hours  after  their  escape  from  the  tetrasporange  ;  by  some  writers  they  are 
described  as  being  endowed  with  an  amoeboid  change  of  form.  The 
trichogyne  is  quite  rudimentary ; 
the  pollinoids  attach  themselves 
singly  or-  in  numbers  to  the  fertile 
portion  of  the  thallus'  where  the 
oogones  or  rudimentary  carpogones 
occur.  While  in  this  position  they 
are  invested  by  a  thin  cell-wall  of 
cellulose,  and  then  put  out  a  slender 
thread  of  protoplasm  which  pierces 
the  cell-wall  of  the  oogone,  nearly 
the  whole  of  the  protoplasm  of  the 
pollinoid  passing  into  this  organ. 
According  to  Berthold,  the  contents 
of  the  oogone  break  up,  after  impregnation,  into  eight  carpospores, 
the  '  octospores '  of  Janczewski,  which  move  about,  on  escaping,  in  an 
amoeboid  manner,  putting  out  and  withdrawing  protoplasmic  protru- 
sions, then  come  to  rest  and  germinate.  Porphyra  vulgaris  (L.),  not 
uncommon  on  the  coasts  of  Western  Europe,  is  eaten  under  the  name 
'  purple  laver.' 

LITERATURE. 

Janczewski — Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  1873,  p.  241. 

Reinke — Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1878,  p.  274. 

Goebel— Bot.  Zeit.,  1878,  p.  199. 

Berthold — Mittheil.  Zool.  Stat.  Neapel,  1880  and  1882. 


FIG.  195. — Tetraspores  of  Bangiafiisco-purpu- 
rea  Lyng.,  showing  amoeboid  changes  of  form 
(magnified).  (After  Reinke.) 


The  position  of  the  ULVACE^E  is  still  uncertain.  The  group  includes 
a  small  number  of  genera—  Ulva  (L.),  Enteromorpha  (Lk.),  Phycoseris 
(Ktz.),  Prasiola  (Ag.),  and  Monostroma  (Thur.) — of  fresh-water  or  more 
often  of  marine  or  brackish  Algae,  of  a  bright  green  colour,  consisting  of 
a  flat  usually  ribbon-shaped  plate,  composed  of  either  one  (Monostroma) 
or  two  (Ulva)  layers  of  cells  ;  less  often  (Enteromorpha)  having  the 
form  of  a  tube.  The  cells  are  sometimes  arranged  symmetrically  in 
groups  of  four  (Prasiola).  The  male  and  female  reproductive  organs, 
which  are  rudimentary  in  the  Porphyraceae,  are  entirely  suppressed  in 
the  Ulvaceae,  and  we  find  a  reversion  to  a  much  simpler  mode  of  repro- 


218 


duction  in  the  conjugation  of  equivalent  swarm-cells.     Ulva   produces 
two  kinds  of  swarm-spore — megazoospores  with   four  cilia,   and  micro- 

.^ob-  * 
jy^x 

'cgp^o^aoOQ' 

PQ^P^RQR 
wSJ^y 

v^^^O^/r^0/ 


FIG.  196.  —  Ulva. 


a,  portion  of  frond  showing  cells  which  produce  the  swarm-spores  ;  b,  portion  of 
frond  with  empty  cells  ;  c,  megazoospores  (magnified). 


zoospures  or  zoogametes  with  two  cilia  ;  and 
these  two  kinds  are  produced  either  on  the  same 
or  on  different  individuals.  The  megazoo- 
spores germinate  directly.  Conjugation  of  the 
smaller  swarm-cells  has  been  observed  in  Ulva, 
Enteromorpha,  and  Monostroma,  but  the 
coalescence  takes  place  only  gradually  ;  some 
time  after  conjugation  four  cilia  and  two 
pigment-spots  are  still  to  be  detected.  In 
Ulva  the  zygosperm  thus  formed  divides  re- 
peatedly after  becoming  attached  to  some  solid 
substance ;  the  cells  thus  formed  separate,  and 
a  small  colony  of  multicellular  individuals  is 
produced,  each  of  which  develops  into  a  new 
'  frond,'  dividing  first  into  a  filament  and  then 
into  a  plate.  In  Monostroma  a  non-sexual 
mode  of  propagation  has  been  observed.  At 


FIG.  197.— Enteromorpha  intestinalis 
Lk.  (natural  size).    (After  Hauck.) 


FIG.  198.  — Stages  in  the  conjugation  of  the  zoogametes 
of  Monostroma  bullosiim  Thur.    (magnified). 


FLOR1DE&  2i9 

certain  spots  the  cells  divide  in  a  direction  parallel  to  the  plane  of  the 
thallus,  and  a  small  projection  is  thus  formed  which  becomes  detached 
and  develops  into  a  new  '  frond.'  Geddes  (Trans.  R.  Soc.  Edinburgh, 
1 88 1,  p.  555)  describes  also  a  process  of  gemmation  in  Enteromorpha. 
The  ordinary  mode  of  reproduction  in  the  Ulvaceae  so  closely  resembles 
that  in  the  Confervaceoe  that  the  two  families  are  generally  considered 
as  nearly  allied ;  but  the  difference  in  the  structure  of  the  thallus  is  so 
great  that  it  is  difficult  to  believe  in  any  near  affinity  between  them. 
On  the  other  hand,  the  structure  of  the  thallus  in  Ulva  and  Porphyra  is 
almost  identical  ;  and  it  is  at  least  as  probable  that  the  Ulvaceae  are 
derived  from  the  Porpt^yraceae  by  further  retrogressive  metamorphosis 
displayed  in  the  comirfete  suppression  of  the  antherids  and  carpogones, 
and  the  reversion  of  me  tetraspores  into  motile  swarm-spores  of  two  kinds, 
the  smaller  of  which  are  zoogametes.  On  the  other  hand,  Monostroma 
may  be  allied  to  Tetraspora  among  the  Protococcaceae.  Several  species 
of  Enteromorpha  form  a  large  portion  of  the  green  vegetation  in  salt 
ditches  or  on  muddy  sea-shores,  or  on  rocks  between  high  and  low  water 
mark  ;  Prasiola  grows  on  bare  rocks  or  stones,  or  on  salt  soil ;  the 
substance  known  as  '  green  laver  '  consists  of  several  species  of  Ulva. 

LITERATURE. 

Jessen — Prasiolae  Monographia,  1848. 
Thuret— Mem.  Acad.  Sc.  Nat.  Cherbourg,  1854,  p.  9. 
Wittrock — Monogr.  Monostroma,  1866. 

Janczewski  et  Rostafinski — Mem.  Acad.  Sc.  Nat.  Cherbourg,  1874,  p.  369. 
Areschoug  — Bot.  Notiser,  1876. 
Thuret  et  Bornet— Etud.  Phycol.,  1878. 
Reinke— Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1878,  p.  531. 
•Borzl— Studi  Algologici,  1883. 


Class  XL— Confervoidese  Heterogamae. 

The  small  group  of  green  fresh- water  Algae  comprised  in  this  class 
form  a  connecting  link  between  the  lower  Florideae  and  the  Isogamous 
Confervoideae,  from  which  latter  they  are  distinguished  by  the  sharp 
differentiation  of  their  male  and  female  organs  of  reproduction.  In  the 
highest  order,  the  COLEOCH^TACE^E,  the  mode  of  reproduction  bears  a 
striking  analogy  to  that  in  the  Nemalieae,  being  effected  through  the 
agency  of  a  tubular  trichogyne ;  but  the  male  elements  are  no  longer 
immotile  pollinoids,  but  motile  swarming  antherozoids,  naked  biciliated 
or  multiciliated  protoplasmic  bodies,  but  much  more  closely  resembling 
the  corresponding  structures  in  the  lower  Algae  than  the  coiled  anthero- 


220  ALG^E 

zoids  of  the  Muscineae  and  Vascular  Cryptogams.  The  vegetative 
thallus  is  here  either  composed  of  branching  filaments,  or  is  reduced  to 
a  flat  plate  of  cells.  In  the  two  lower  orders,  the  CEDOGONIACE^E  and 
the  SPH^ROPLEACE^E,  it  consists  of  an  unbranched  filament  of  uni- 
nucleated  or  multinucleated  cells ;  and  in  them  the  impregnation  of  the 
oosphere  by  the  motile  antherozoids  is  brought  about  directly,  without 
the  intervention  of  a  trichogyne.  Non-sexual  propagation  by  means  of 
swarming  biciliated  zoospores,  formed  within  zoosporanges,  and  bearing  a 
close  resemblance  to  the  antherozoids,  occurs  in  the  Coleochaetaceae  and 
Sphaeropleacae ;  in  the  QEdogoniaceae  the  zoospores  are  much  larger 
bodies,  bearing  a  tuft  of  cilia.  The  class  displays  a  rudimentary  alter- 
nation of  generations. 

ORDER  i. — COLEOCH^TACE^:. 

The  typical  genus  of  this  small  order,  Coleochczte  (Breb.),  comprises 
several  species  of  small  fresh- water  Algae  forming  minute  discs  or  cushions 
attached  to  submerged  plants,  from  -^  to  £  inch  in  diameter,  consisting, 
in  the  simpler  forms,  of  a  single  layer  of  cells,  often  arranged  in  rays 
proceeding  from  a  common  centre.  Some  of  these  cells  are  furnished 
with  colourless  bristle-like  protuberances  fixed  into  narrow  sheaths.  All 
the  cells  of  which  the  thallus  is  composed  usually  lie  in  one  plane,  but 
their  degree  of  union  with  one  another  varies.  In  C.  scutata  (Breb.) 
they  are  closely  united  into  a  compact  disc,  which  continues  to  grow  by 
peripheral  increase,  the  marginal  cells  dividing  by  radiating  and  tangential 
walls.  In  C.  soluta  (Pringsh.)  the  thallus  consists  of  a  number  of  branches, 
which  ramify  dichotomously,  and  lie  side  by  side,  more  or  less  closely 
crowded,  in  one  plane.  In  other  species,  as  C.  pulvinata  (A.  Br.)  and 
divergens  (Pringsh.),  the  branches  do  not  ramify  in  one  plane  only,  but 
develop  also  segmented  ascending  branches,  which  form,  in  the  latter 
species,  together  with  the  original  disc,  a  nearly  hemispherical  cushion. 
The  entire  thallus  is  always  enveloped  in  mucilage. 

Non-sexual  propagation  takes  place  in  Coleochaete  by  means  of 
biciliated  zoospores,  produced  either  in  all  the  cells  of  the  thallus  or  only 
in  the  terminal  cells  of  the  branches.  The  entire  protoplasmic  contents 
of  the  mother-cell  or  zoosporange  are  used  up  in  the  production  of  the 
zoospores,  which  escape  from  them  either  at  the  side  or  at  the  back. 
'Sexual  reproduction  is  effected  by  the  impregnation  of  an  oosphere  formed 
within  an  oogone  by  motile  antherozoids,  through  the  agency  of  a  tricho- 
gyne. The  oogone  is,  in  C.  pulvinata,  always  constituted  out  of  the 
terminal  cell  of  a  branch,  which  swells  up  and  at  the  same  time 
elongates  at  its  extremity  into  a  narrow  hair-like  trichogyne,  which  then 


CONFERVOIDE&  HETEROGAM^E 


221 


opens  at  its  apex  and  exudes  a  drop  of  colourless  mucilage.  The  oogone 
still  contains  chlorophyll,  and  its  protoplasmic  contents  contract  into  a 
green  oosphere.  At  the  same  time  flask-shaped  protuberances  grow  out 
from  adjoining  cells,  and  these,  becoming  cut  off  from  the  parent- 
cells  by  septa,  are  the  antherids.  The  entire  contents  of  each  antherid 
escape  as  a  single  ovoid  antherozoid  furnished  with  two  very  long  and 
slender  cilia.  Other  species  are  dioecious,  the  antherids  being  produced 
on  different  individuals  from  the  oogones.  The  antherozoids  probably 
pass  into  the  trichogyne  through  its  open  apex,  and  thence  into  the  oogone; 
but  the  act  of  impregnation  has  not  actually  been  observed  hitherto. 
The  first  result  of  the  impregnation  of  the  oosphere  is  its  investment 


FIG.  199. — ColeochcetepulvinataK.  Br.  A,  portion  of  fertile  thallus(x  350);  an,  antherid  ;og,  oogone  ; 
h,  hyaline  hair  ;  z,  antherozoid.  J3,  ripe  oogone  with  its  pericarp,  r  ( x  280).  C,  formation  of" 
carpospores  within  the  spermocarp  (  x  280).  D,  zoospores  (  x  280).'  (After  Pringsheim.) 

by  a  cell-wall  of  cellulose,  and  a  considerable  increase  in  its  size.  The 
fertilised  oogone,  with  the  exception  of  the  trichogyne,  then  becomes 
surrounded  by  &  pericarp,  or  cortical  layer  of  cells ;  the  oogone  and  peri- 
carp together  constitute  the  spermocarp  enclosing  the  fertilised  oosphere 
or  oosperm.  The  spermocarp  subsequently  becomes  further  invested  by 
a  cortex  of  closely  applied  branches  resulting  from  the  continued  de- 
velopment of  cells  at  the  base  of  the  spermocarp.  After  the  complete 
development  of  this  organ,  which  takes  place  between  May  and  July, 
the  vegetative  cells  of  the  thallus  disappear,  and  its  walls  assume  a  dark- 
brown  colour.  The  spermocarp  remains  dormant  through  the  winter :. 


222  ALG^E 

the  cortical  layer  is  then  thrown  off,  and  the  oosperm  divides  into  several 
cells  or  carpospores.  The  germinating  carpospore  does  not  give  rise  to  a 
new  thallus,  but  to  a  zoospore,  which  gives  birth  to  several  successive  non- 
sexual  generations  propagated  by  zoospores,  until  the  cycle  of  generations 
is  completed  by  the  production  of  a1  sexual  individual. 

Mycoidea  parasitica  Cunn.  (Trans.  Linn.  Soc.,  vol.  i.,  1879,  P-  301) 
is  probably  nearly  allied  to  Coleochaete,  which  it  resembles  in  the  nature 
of  its  fhallus  and  in  its  mode  of  reproduction.  It  is  endophytic  in  the 
cells  of  the  leaves  of  Camellia  in  tropical  India,  inflicting  great  injury 
on  the  trees.  Ward  (Trans.  Linn.  Soc.,  ii.,  1884,  p.  87)  contends  that 
Mycoidea  is  in  reality  an  epiphyllous  lichen.  Mobius  (Ber.  Deutsch. 
Bot.  Gesell.,  1888,  p.  242)  regards  Mycoidea,  and  the  nearly  allied 
Chaetopeltis  (Berth.),  as  more  probably  belonging  to  Chsetophoraceae. 

LITERATURE. 

Brebisson — Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  i. ,  1844,  p.  25. 
Pringsheim — Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1860,  p.  i. 
Kny— Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell.,  1884,  p.  93. 

ORDER  2. — (EDOGONIACE^:. 

This  small  order,  as  at  present  constituted,  comprises  only  two 
genera — QEdogonium  (Lk.)  and  Bulbochsete  (Ag.). 

CEdogonium  includes  several  species,  abundant  in  streams,  ponds, 
and  tanks.  TfTey  are  readily  distinguished  by  the  fact  that  they  never 
branch,  by  the  cells  being  of  small  diameter  and  considerable  length, 
filled  with  a  homogeneous  dark-green  protoplasm  with  a  parietal  nucleus, 
and  by  the  peculiar  appearance  of  annular  striae  near  one  end  of  some 
of  the  cells.  These  striae  result  from  the  appearance  known  as  '  inter- 
calary surface-growth.'  Below  the  septum  is  formed  an  annular  deposit 
or  cushion  of  cellulose;  at  this  place  the  cell-wall  splits,  as  if  by  a 
circular  cut,  into  two  pieces,  which  separate  from  one  another,  but  re- 
main united  by  a  zone  of  the  cell-wall  formed  by  an  extension  of  the 
cushion.  This  process  is  constantly  repeated  over  a  short  space  of  the 
cell-wall  immediately  beneath  a  septum,  each  slit  being  a  little  further 
from  the  septum  than  those  that  preceded  it ;  so  that  these  pieces,  form- 
ing small  projections,  give  to  the  upper  end  of  the  cell  the  appearance 
of  consisting  of  caps  placed  one  over  the  other ;  while  its  lower  end 
appears  as  if  enclosed  in  a  long  sheath  consisting  of  the  portion  of  the 
cell-wall  below  the  caps.  This  lower  portion  of  the  cell  is  always  cut 
•off  by  a  septum  from  the  upper  cap-bearing  portion.  The  filaments 
are  fixed  at  their  base  by  a  rhizoid  to  solid  bodies  or  submerged  plants. 

Non-sexual  propagation  takes  place  in  CEdogonium  by  means  of 
•zoospores,  the  formation  of  which  affords  a  typical  example  of  the  process 


CONFERVOIDE^E  HETEROGAMsE 


223 


first  described  by  A.  Braun  as  the  'rejuvenescence'  of  a  cell,  i.e.  the 
transformation  of  the  entire  protoplasm  of  a  vegetative  cell  into  a 
'  primordial  cell,'  which  subsequently  invests  itself  with  a  new  cell-wall, 
and  forms  the  starting-point  of  the  life  of  a  new  individual.  In  some 
one  cell  of  a  filament,  either  the  terminal  or  some  other,  sometimes 
even  in  the  single  cell  of  which  a  young  filament  is  composed,  the  proto- 
plasm contracts  into  a  globular  body  which 
ultimately  becomes  free  by  the  rupture  of  the 
cell-wall,  by  a  transverse  slit,  into  two  very  un- 
equal halves.  .  When  this  takes  place  in  the 
terminal  cell  of  a  filament  or  the  single  cell  of 
a  young  individual,  the  upper  smaller  portion 
of  the  cell-wall  is  lifted  up  like  a  lid,  or  even 
completely  thrown  off  like  a  cap.  The  zoospore 
thus  formed,  which  in  some  species  is  one  of 
the  largest  and  most  striking  known,  has  a 
nucleus,  a  red  'pigment-spot,'  and  an  anterior 
hyaline  region,  to  which  is  attached  a  tuft  of 
cilia,  visible  even  before  its  escape  from  its 
mother-cell.  At  the  period  of  escape  it  is  still 
enveloped  in  a  transparent  membrane,  which, 
however,  it  soon  breaks  through,  and  then  moves 
about  in  the  water  with  great  velocity  for 
perhaps  half  an  hour,  displaying  at  this  period  a 
number  of  vacuoles.  On  coming  to  rest,  the 
zoospore  becomes  attached  by  its  anterior  hya- 
line end,  loses  its  cilia,  invests  itself  with  a 
cell-wall,  puts  out  a  rhizoid  from  the  point  of 
attachment,  and  develops  into  a  filament  with 
transverse  septa.  From  the  position  occupied 
by  the  zoospore  in  the  mother-cell,  the  direc- 
tion of  growth  of  the  new  individual  must  be 
at  right  angles  to  that  of  the  parent-filament. 
Many  of  the  plants  which  spring  from  zoospores 
are  non-sexual,  producing  nothing  but  zoospores. 
(Edogonium  is  also  reproduced  by  resting-spores  (Wille,  Bot.  Gesell. 
Stockholm,  Sept.  26,  1883;  see  Bot.  Centralbl.,  xvi.,  1883,  p.  215). 

The  sexual  reproduction  of  (Edogonium  still  shows  a  high  degree  of 
differentiation  of  the  male  and  female  elements.  The  antherozoids  are 
very  similar  in  form  to  the  zoospores,  but  much  smaller,  and  they  are 
provided  with  a  similar  tuft  of  cilia.  The  antherids  are  cells  belonging 
to  ordinary  filaments,  but  shorter  and  not  containing  so  much  chlorophyll 


cushion  of  cellulose  which 
has  lengthened  to  the  piece 
of  cell- wall,  7t>'  in  B ;  c,  cell- 
caps  (magnified). 


224 


ALGsE 


as  the  rest,  lying  either  singly  among  the  ordinary  vegetative  cells,  or 
sometimes  in  groups  of  as  many  as  twelve.  In  most  species  each 
antheridial  cell  divides  either  horizontally  or  vertically  into  two  '  special 
mother-cells,'  each  of  which  gives  birth  to  an  antherozoid.  The  oogones 
are  developed  either  in  the  same  filament  as  the  antherids  or  not,  some 
species  being  monoecious,  others  dioecious.  They  are  also  frequently  in 
groups  of  from  three  to  six.  Their  development  always  takes  place  out  of 


II. 


B 


FIG.  201.— I.  A,  filament  of  Q^dogonium  ciliatum  Hass.  ; 
n,  zoosporange  ;  og,  oogone  with  '  dwarf  male,'  in.  B,  oogone 
at  the  moment  of  impregnation  ;  o,  oosphere  ;  z,  antherozoid  ; 
111,  '  dwarf  male.'  C,  CE.gemelliparum  Hass. ;  piece  of  filament 
in  which  zoospores,  z,  are  being  formed,  from  which  the  'dwarf 
males '  are  produced  (x  250).  II.  Zoospores  ;  A,  still  within 
the  zoosporange  ;  J3,  in  the  act  of  escaping  ;  C,  free  zoospore. 
(After  Pringsheim.) 


the  upper  half  of  the  lower  portion  of  a  cell  provided  with  cell-caps  at 
its  upper  end,  which  has  just  divided,  and  which,  directly  after  the 
division,  swells  up  into  a  spherical  or  ovoid  form.  Immediately  before 
impregnation  the  protoplasm  contracts  into  an  oosphere,  containing  in 
one  portion  densely  crowded  chlorophyll-grains,  and,  at  the  spot  opposite 
to  the  part  of  the  wall  of  the  oogone  which  is  to  open,  a  hyaline  'receptive 
spot.'  The  oogone  opens  in  several  ways.  Sometimes  an  oval  orifice  is 


CONFERVOIDEsE  HETEROGAM^E 


225 


formed  at  the  side,  through  which  the  colourless  portion  of  the  proto- 
plasm protrudes  in  the  form  of  a  papilla  which  takes  up  the  antherozoids. 
In  other  cases  the  oogone  splits  in  the  same  way  as  the  zoosporanges, 
throwing  back  a  kind  of  lid  ;  through  the  lateral  crevice  exudes  some 
colourless  mucilage  in  the  form  of  a  beak-like  canal,  through  which 
the  antherozoids  enter,  and  coalesce  with  the  hyaline  portion  of  the 
oosphere.  Immediately  after  impregnation  the  oospenn  invests  itself 
with  a  cell-wall,  and  assumes  a  "brown  colour,  still  remaining  within  the 
oogone,  which  separates  from  the  other  cells  of  the  filament,  and  falls 
to  the  ground,  where  the  oosperm  passes  a  period  of  rest  before  germi- 
nation as  a  hypnosperm. 


FIG.  202. — Bnlbochcetc  setigera  Ag.    B,  unicellular  amheridial  plant.      A,  C,  young  bicellular  plants. 
D,  mature  plant  with  oogone,  o,  and  '  dwarf  male,'  dm  (x  400).     (After  Cooke.) 

In  some  species  the  mode  of  fertilisation  is  more  complicated. 
Peculiar  zoospores  known  as  androspores  are  produced  non-sexually  in 
special  cells  of  the  parent-plant,  similar  to  those  which  give  birth  to  the 
antherozoids,  only  that  there  is  in  their  case  no  preliminary  formation 
of  'special  mother-cells.'  These  androspores,  which  closely  resemble  the 
antherozoids  in  form  and  size, .  fix  themselves  after  swarming  to  a 
definite  spot  on  the  female  plant,  on  or  near  an  oogone,  producing  very 
small  male  plants,  which  are  known  as  '  dwarf  males '  or  micrandres. 
Each  of  these  consists  of  two  or  three  cells,  the  uppermost  of  which  is 
an  antherid.  This  gives  birth  to  one  or  more  antherozoids,  which  escape 


226  ALG^E 

by  the  lifting  up  of  a  lid,  and  which  impregnate  the  oospheres  in  the 
usual  way. 

When  the  hypnosperm  germinates  after  a  lengthened  period  of  rest, 
it  does  not  immediately  develop  into  a  new  plant,  but  breaks  up  into 
several  zoospores,  usually  four  ;  these  give  birth  to  several  generations  of 
non-sexual  plants,  until  the  cycle  is  completed  by  the  production  of 
antherids  and  oogones.  The  sexual  plants,  however,  especially  the  female 
ones,  produce  zoospores  as  well. 

The  species  of  Bulbochcete  (classed  by  some  writers  with  Coleochsete) 
are  minute  plants  growing  in  fresh  water,  and  differing  from  CEdogonium 
in  having  branched  filaments  ;  the  terminal  cells  of  the  branches 
ending  in  long  hyaline  bristles,  which  are  swollen  at  the  base.  The 
modes  of  reproduction  correspond  closely  to  those  in  CEdogonium. 
Wittrock  includes  also  Coleochaete  and  Sphseroplea  among  the  CEdo- 
goniaceae. 

LITERATURE. 

Braun— Verj.  in  der  Natur,  1851  (Ray  Sue.  Bot.  and  Phys.  Mem.,  1853). 

De  Bary — Ueber  CEdogonium  ur  Bulbochaete,  1854. 

Pringsheim — Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1858,  p.  I. 

Carter— Ann.  and  Mag.  Nat.  Hist.,  1858,  p.  29. 

Juranyi — Pringshein/s  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1873,  p.  I. 

Wittrock — Prodr.  Monogr.  CEdogoniearum,  1874. 

Wille — Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1887,  pp.  443  and  454. 


ORDER  3. — SPH^EROPLEACE^. 

This  order  comprises  at  present  the  single  species  Sphceroplea 
annulina  Ag.,  the  simplest  of  the  class,  found  occasionally  on  flooded 
fields.  The  filaments  are  cylindrical  and  unbranched,  and  are  composed 
of  cells  which  vary  in  their  comparative  length  and  breadth  to  an  extra- 
ordinary degree  ;  sometimes  the  length  will  hardly  exceed  the  breadth, 
while  in  other  cases  it  may  be  as  much  as  ninety  times  as  great.  The 
transverse  cell-walls  are  of  great  thickness,  their  surface  is  irregularly 
wavy,  and  they  swell  out  here  and  there  into  great  '  beams '  and  excres- 
cences of  cellulose  from  both  the  lateral  and  longitudinal  walls.  During 
the  development  of  these  septa,  orifices  are  formed  in  them  for  the 
passage  of  the  antherozoids.  The  cells  contain  a  large  number  of 
chromatophores  and  starch-grains,  as  well  as,  when  mature,  a  consider- 
able number  of  small  nuclei. 

The  sexual  reproductive  elements  are  oospheres  and  antherozoids, 
formed  in  different  cells  of  the  same  filament,  which  may  therefore  be 
regarded  as  rudimentary  oogones  and  antherids.  A  filament  may  consist  of 


CONFERVOIDE&  HETEROGAM& 


227 


only  two  cells,  and  then  one  becomes  an  oogone,  the  other  an  antherid. 
When  the  number  of  cells  is  greater,  the  oogones  and  antherids  some- 
times alternate  with  one  another,  but  this  is  not  always  the  case.  The 
contents  of  an  oogone  break  up  into  several  spherical  oospheres,  each 
of  which  is  characterised  by  a  hyaline  speck  or  '  receptive  spot.'  The 
antherozoids  are  produced  in  extraordinarily  large  numbers  by  the 
breaking  up  of  the  contents  of  an  antherid  which  had  previously  assumed 
a  brownish  red  colour.  They  are  furnished  with  two  long  slender  vibra- 
tile  cilia,  and  enter  the  oogones  through  the  orifices  in  the  transverse 
walls  already  mentioned ;  in  their  passage  they  go  through  remarkable 


FIG.  203. — Portion  of  filament  of 
Sph&roplea  annulina  Ag.  ; 
upper  cell  containing  oospheres 
and  antherids,  lower  cell  an  im- 
pregnated oosperm  ( x  500). 
(After  Cohn.) 


FIG.  204. — 6".  anmilina.  A,  young  unicellular  plant 
( x  900) ;  £,  portion  of  mature  filament,  showing 
thick  transverse  wall  and  two  nuclei,  n  (x  800). 
(After  Rauwenhoff.) 


changes  of  form.  The  fertilised  oospore,  or  oosperm,  clothes  itself  with 
a  thick  cuticularised  warty  membrane,  and  its  contents  turn  a  brick- 
red  colour.  It  usually  hibernates  within  the  oogone  in  the  form  of  a 
hypnosperm  ;  in  the  spring  its  contents  break  up  into  three  or  four 
zoospores,  each  of  which  develops  into  a  slender  thread  consisting  at  first 
of  a  single  fusiform  cell  which  displays  no  distinction  of  base  and  apex, 
each  extremity  being  elongated  into  a  flagelliform  point.  The  oosphere 
may  also  break  up  into  zoospores  without  previous  impregnation. 

Probably  nearly  allied  to  Sphaeroplea,  but  of  somewhat  uncertain 
position,  is  Cylindrocapsa  (Reinsch)  (Cienkowski,  Mel.  Biol.  Acad. 
St.  Petersbourg,  1876,  p.  534),  the  mode  of  reproduction  of  which  is 

Q  2 


228  'ALG^E 

heterogamous.  In  other  respects  it  indicates  affinity  with  Ulothrix,  and 
is  surrounded  by  a  remarkably  thick  lamellated  gelatinous  envelope.  It 
is  made  by  some  writers  the  type  of  a  distinct  family,  the  CYLINDRO 
CAPSACE^E. 

LITERATURE. 

Cohn— Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  v.,  1856,  p.  187. 
Heinricher  -  Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell.,  1883,  p.  433. 

Rauwenhoff— Rev.   Internat.  Sc.  Biol.,  1883,  p.  176;  and  Arch.  Neerl.  Sc.  Exact, 
et  Nat.,  1887,  p.  91. 


Class  XII.— Fucaceae. 

This  family — adopting  the  limits  first  proposed  by  Thuret — consists 
of  a  small  number  of  genera  of  large  olive-brown  seaweeds  distinguished 
by  their  mode  of  sexual  reproduction,  and  by  the  entire  absence, 
throughout  the  class,  of  zoospores,  or  indeed  of  any  kind  of  non-sexual 
spore. 

The  thallus  or  '  frond  '  is  often  several  feet  in  length,  cylindrical  or 
flattened,  or,  in  Himanthalia  (Lyng.),  cup-shaped,  of  a  cartilaginous 
texture,  and  is  attached  to  the  sea  bottom  by  a  branched  rhizoid  or 
attachment- disc.  This  organ  is  altogether  superficial,  and  has  no  function 
in  the  absorption  of  food-material,  like  the  root  of  higher  plants.  It 
is  formed  entirely  of  filaments  originating  from  the  stipe  or  stem.  In 
some  species  detached  branches  have  the  power  of  maintaining  their 
existence,  and  even  multiplying  for  an  indefinite  period,  floating  on  the 
surface.  Nearly  all  the  species  are  perennial.  Although  the  thallus 
does  not  display  the  same  amount  of  external  differentiation  into  '  stipe  ' 
and  *  frond '  as  some  of  the  Laminariaceae,  the  differentiation  of  internal 
tissues  is  quite  as  great.  In  the  centre  of  the  thallus  is  a  medullary 
system  composed  of  elongated  cells,  and  surrounded  by  a  cortical  system 
of  shorter  nearly  isodiametrical  cells  ;  there  is  only  a  very  rudimentary 
development  of  epiderm.  The  thallus  increases  in  thickness  by  the 
radial  division  of  the  outermost  rows  of  cells  or  hyphce  of  which  the 
cortex  is  composed.  Growth  in  length  is  entirely  apical,  taking  place, 
according  to  the  most  recent  observations,  by  the  segmentation  of  a 
single  well-marked  four-sided  apical  cell,  which  may  be  seated,  as  in 
Fucus  furcatus  (Ag.),  at  the  base  of  a  depression  at  the  apex  of  the 
frond.  Grabendorfer  states  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1885,  pp.  609  et  seq.}  that  in 
Durvillsea  (Bory)  there  is  no  apical  growing  point.  The  thallus  of  the 
Fucaceas  always  branches  dichotomously  and  monopodially,  the  branches 
lying,  when  not  disturbed,  in  a  single  plane.  In  the  more  highly 


FUCACE^E 


229 


FIG.  205. — Himanthalialorea.  Lyng.  (natural 
size).     (After  Hauck.) 


FIG.  206. — Halidrys  siliqnosa  Lyng. 
(natural  size).     (After  Hauck.) 


230 

developed  genera,  such  as  Sargassum  (Ag.)  and  Durvillaga,  there  is  a 
more  or  less  advanced  differentiation  of  lamina  or  leaf  from  stipe  or  stem  ; 
and  the  '  leaves '  are  even  arranged  spirally  and  furnished  with  a  rudi- 
mentary midrib. 

The  cell-wall  often  consists  of  two  distinct  layers,  an  inner  firm 
compact  but  thin  layer,  and  an  outer  gelatinous  one  which  swells  greatly 
in  fresh  water,  filling  up  the  intercellular  spaces,  and  causing  the 
slimy  character  which  the  Fucaceae  commonly  assume  after  they  have 
lain  for  some  time  in  fresh  water.  The  cells  contain  chlorophyll ;  but 
the  green  colour  is  in  all  cases  entirely  masked  by  a  pigment  of  a  brown 
or  olive  colour,  which  can  be  extracted  from  the  dead  plant  by  cold  fresh 
water.  The  nature  of  this  pigment  has  been  investigated  by  Millardet, 
Rosanoff,  Sorby,  Schiitt,  and  others.  According  to  Millardet,  an  olive - 
green  alcoholic  extract  may  be  obtained  from  quickly  dried  and  powdered 
specimens.  If  this  is  then  shaken  up  with  double  its  volume  of  benzine 
and  allowed  to  settle,  the  upper  layer  of  benzine  is  coloured  green  by 
having  taken  up  the  chlorophyll,  while  the  lower  alcoholic  layer  is  yellow, 
and  contains  phycoxanthin  in  solution.  Thin  sections  of  the  thallus, 
after  complete  extraction  by  alcohol,  still  yield  a  reddish  brown  substance 
which  in  fresh  cells  adheres  to  the  chlorophyll-grains,  but  can  be  dis- 
solved out  with  cold  water,  especially  if  the  frond  be  first  reduced  to 
powder.  To  this  reddish  brown  substance,  the  spectrum  of  which  has  one 
absorption  band  between  E  and  F,  Millardet  gives  the  name  phycophczin. 
Schiitt  states  that  the  spectrum  of  phycophaein  has  no  characteristic 
absorption  bands,  but  a  regular  increase  of  absorption  from  the  red 
towards  the  blue  end.  He  proposes  to  limit  the  term  phycophaein  to 
the  portion  soluble  in  water,  and  phycoxanthin  to  that  soluble  in  alcohol, 
while  the  entire  compound  pigment  of  the  Fucaceae  and  Phaeosporeae 
he  would  call  phceophyll.  Sorby  applies  the  term  fucoxanthin  to  the 
principal  colouring  matter  of  the  olive-green  seaweeds  (Fucaceae  and 
Laminariaceae).  It  is  soluble  in  bisulphide  of  carbon,  imparting  to  it  a 
beautiful  amber  colour  ;  its  spectrum  shows  two  obscure  absorption- 
bands  in  the  yellow.  Hick  (Journ.  of  Bot,  1885,  pp.  97  and  354)  has 
detected  continuity  of  protoplasm  in  several  species  of  Fucus,  both  in 
the  cortical  layers  and  in  the  central  medullary  tissue.  The  intercom- 
munication of  the  protoplasmic  contents  of  contiguous  cells  is  also 
effected,  as  in  ;the  Laminariaceae  (see  p.  244),  through  structures  of  the 
nature  of  sieve-plates. 

In  many  of  the  Fucaceae  air-bladders  are  formed  in  the  frond  by  the 
hollowing  out  of  large  cavities  in  the  interior  of  the  tissue,  which  serve 
to  float  the  frond  in  the  water,  and  to  aid  in  the  process  of  fertilisa- 
tion. These  are  especially  noticeable  in  the  common  *  bladder-wrack ' 


FUCACE& 


FIG.  207.— a,  Ficcus  vesicnlosus  L.  ;  t>,  F.  terrains  L.,  with  their  attachment-discs  united  in  growth 
(natural  size).     (After  Ktitzing.) 

*Q4 


232 


ALG^E 


of  our  coasts,  Fucus  vesiculosus  (L.),  and  in  other  species  of  the  genus. 
In  the  'gulfweed'  of  the  'Sargasso  Sea'  (Sargassum  bacciferum,  Ag.) 
these  bladders  are  spherical,  and  are  elevated  on  pedicels  above  the 
surface  of  the  frond,  giving  them  the  appearance  of  berries  (fig.  211).  In 
Halidrys  (Grev.)  they  are  ovoid,  segmented,  and  pod-like  in  appearance 
(fig.  206). 

The  only  reproductive  organs  of  the  Fucaceae  are  sexual,  antherids 
and  oogones.  Both  kinds  are  formed  in  globular  cavities  known  as  con- 
ceptacles,  which  are  either  distributed  uniformly  over  the  thallus,  or  are 
congregated  in  particular  portions  of  it,  which  are  then  known  as  re- 
ceptacles. These  are  always  either  the  terminal  portions  of  branches, 
or  are  in  the  parts  provided  with  air-bladders,  so  as  to  be  elevated  above. 


.FiG.  208.  — Section  of  male  conceptacle  of  F.  vesicnlosus,  clothed  with  branched 
hyphae  bearing  the  antherids  ;  o,  ostiole  (magnified). 

the  surface  of  the  water  for  the  purpose  of  fertilisation.  In  Fucus  (L.) 
the  receptacles  constitute  the  warty  extremities  of  the  branches  ;  in 
Himanthalia  (Lyng.)  the  whole  of  the  long  whip-shaped  stem  which  pro- 
ceeds from  the  cup-shaped  thallus  is  a  receptacle  (fig.  205) ;  in  Sargassum 
(Ag.)  they  pccupy  distinct  fertile  branches.  In  some  species  there  are 
separate  male  sundfema/e  conceptacles,  and  then  they  are  always  dioecious  ; 
in  other  species  antherids  and  oogones  are  contained  in  the  same  con- 
ceptacle, the  female  organs  occupying  the  lower,  the  male  organs  the 
upper  part  of  the  cavity.  There  are  also  sometimes  cavities  of  precisely 
similar  structure,  but  producing  no  sexual  organs,  which  may  be 
degraded  or  aborted  conceptacles.  Both  the  fertile  and  barren  con- 
ceptacles  are  clothed  internally  by  a  dense  weft  of  loose  hyphae,  which 


FUCACE^  233 

are  a  prolongation  of  those  of  which  the  thallus  is  composed,  and 
frequently  project,  through  the  mouth  or  ostiok  of  the  conceptacle,  into 
the  surrounding  water.  When  infertile  these  hyphae  are  known  as 
paranemes  or  paraphyses.  In  the  male  conceptacles  they  are  usually 
branched,  unbranched  in  the  female.  Both  the  barren  and  fertile  con- 
ceptacles are  always  first  formed  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the  growing 
point,  the  cavity  originating  from  the  absorption  of  a  row  of  cells  at 
right  angles  to  the  surface. 

The  antherids  are  produced  on  lateral  branches  of  trie  hyphae  in  the 
male  or  in  the  upper  part  of  bisexual  conceptacles.  Each  consists  of 
an  ovoid  thin-walled  or  sometimes  double-walled  cell,  the  abundant 
protoplasm  of  which  breaks  up  into  a  number  (usually  sixty-four)  of 


FIG.  209. — Section  of  female  conceptacle  of  F.  vesiculosus,  clothed  with  unbranched 
hyphae  bearing  the  oogones  ;  o,  ostiole  (magnified). 

minute  antherozoids,  pointed  at  one  end,  with  a  pair  of  cilia  of  unequal 
length  placed  laterally  below  the  beak-like  apex,  and  contains  an  orange- 
red  pigment  spot  and  a  nucleus.  The  olive-brown  oogones  are  developed 
from  unbranched  hyphae  in  the  female,  or  in  the  lower  part  of  bisexual 
conceptacles.  These  fertile  hyphae  are  at  first  unicellular,  and  are 
bounded  at  the  base  by  a  septum  ;  the  single  cell  subsequently  divides 
into  a  basal  pedicel-cell,  and  an  upper  portion,  which  swells  into  a 
spherical  or  ellipsoidal  form,  the  oogone,  filled  with  protoplasm  coloured- 
brown  by  phycophaein,  and  always  provided  with  a  wall  composed  of 
two  layers.  Either  the  whole  of  the  contents  of  the  oogone  contract 
into  a  single  oosphere,  or  it  divides  into  two,  four,  or  eight  oospheres, 
each  with  its  own  nucleus.  Impregnation  always  takes  place  outside 


234 


ALG/E 


the  conceptacle.  The  outer  layer  of  the  double  wall  of  the  oogone 
bursts,  the  inner  layer  still  continuing  to  enclose  the  oospheres  in  a  thin 
bladder-like  membrane.  In  this  form  they  escape  from  the  conceptacle 
through  the  ostiole  into  the  surrounding  water,  where  the  remaining 
membrane  is  also  absorbed.  In  the  meantime  the  antherids  have  become 
detached,  the  inner  layer  of  the  double  cell-wall  having  burst  through 
the  outer  layer,  and  collect  in  large  numbers  before  the  ostiole  of  the 
female  or  of  the  bisexual  conceptacles,  forming  orange-red  masses  which 
are  often  caughf  by  the  paraphyses  which  hang  out  from  the  ostiole,  or 
are  left  on  the  shore  at  low  tide.  On  the  return  of  the  tide,  or  after 
they  have  remained  for  a  time  entangled  in  the  paraphyses,  the  inner 
membrane  of  the  antherid  also  becomes  absorbed,  and  the  antherozoids 
escape  at  the  same  time  that  the  oospheres  become  released  from  their 


FIG.  210. — F.  vesiculosus.  A,  branched  hypha  bearing  antherids  (x  160).  B,  antherozoids  (x  330). 
/,  oogone,  Og,  contaiping  eight  oospheres  ;  /,  unbranched  hyphae.  //,  oospheres  preparing  to 
escape  ;  a,  outer,  z',  inner  layer  of  cell-wall  of  oogone.  ///,  oosphere  surrounded  by  antherozoids. 
IV,  V,  stages  in  germination  of  oosperm  (x  160).  (After  Thuret.) 

enveloping  membrane.  The  antherozoids  frequently  collect  round  the 
oospheres  in  such  numbers  that  the  motion  of  their  cilia  imparts  to  the 
comparatively  very  large  passive  oosphere  a  rolling  movement  which  lasts 
for  about  half  an  hour,  when  they  become  absorbed  into  it  and  impreg- 
nate it.  The  oospheres  are  receptive  over  their  whole  surface ;  and, 
although  it  has  been  calculated  that  the  bulk  of  an  oosphere  is  equal  to 
that  of  from  30,000  to  60,000  antherozoids,  an  oosphere  can  apparently 
be  fertilised  by  a  single  antherozoid.  In  this  family  the  mode  of  repro- 


FUCACE^E 


235 


duction  consisting  in  the  impregnation  of  a  passive  oosphere  by  motile 
antherozoids  attains  its  highest  development  among  Algae.  The. 
antherozoids  retain  their  motility  and  vitality  for  from  one  to  three  days. 
The  oospheres  will  show  signs  of  a  rudimentary  germination  even  when 
unfertilised,  but  in  that  case  the  germ  soon  perishes.  Thuret  succeeded 
in  obtaining  a  hybrid  Fucus  by  impregnating  the  oospheres  of  F.  vesicu- 
losus  (L.)  by  the  antherozoids  of  F.  serratus  (L.). 

A  short  time  after  impregnation  the  oosperm  invests  itself  with  a 
cell-wall,  fixes  itself  to  some  other  body,  and  begins  to  germinate  with- 
out any  intervening  period  of  rest.  The  first  transverse  division  of 
the  young  germinating  filament  is  followed  by  others  in  various  direc- 
tions, so  that  a  solid 
mass  of  pseudo- 
parenchyme  is  at 
length  formed,  fixed 
to  the  bottom  by  a 
root-like  rhizoid. 

The  Fucaceae 
constitute  a  small 
and  well  -  marked 
family  of  seaweeds, 
united  by  some  sys- 
tematists  with  the 
Phaeosporeae,  or  at 
least  with  the  Lami- 
nariaceae,  to  make 
up  the  Fucoideae 
of  Agardh,  or  the 
Melanospermese  of 
Harvey.  They  are, 
however,  well  dis- 
tinguished by  their 
mode  of  reproduc- 
tion. The  family 
is  represented  in 
Britain  by  the  genera 
Halidrys  (Grev.), 
Cystosira  (Ag.),  Pycnophycus  (Ktz.),  Fucus  (L.),  Ascophylla  (Stackh.),and 
Himanthalia  (Lyng.),  and  includes  also  the  exotic  genera  Sargassum  (Ag.), 
Pelvetia(Dcne.),  Durvillsea  (Bory),  Splachnidium(Grev.),  and  a  few  others. 
Although  the  number  of  native  British  species  described  by  Harvey  is  only 
thirteen,  some  of  these  occur  in  such  vast  quantities  that  the  Fucaceae 


FIG.  2ii.— The  gulfweed,  Sargassum  bacciferum  Ag. 
(natural  size). 


256  ALGJZ 

cover  a  larger  amount  of  surface  of  tidal  rocks  than  all  the  other  sea- 
weeds together.  Among  these  may  be  especially  mentioned  the  familiar 
bladder-wrack,  Fucus  vesiculosus,  so  abundant  on  all  our  coasts.  The 
well-known  gulfweed,  Sargassum  bacciferum,  distinguished  by  its  berry- 
like  air-bladders,  a  native  of  warmer  seas,  is  sometimes  thrown  up 
on  our  shores,  where  it  is  carried  by  the  gulf-stream.  It  very  rarely 
fructifies  ;  detached  pieces,  buoyed  up  by  the  air-bladders,  being  able 
to  retain  their  vitality  for  an  indefinite  length  of  time.  An  enormous 
floating  mass  of  this  seaweed,  consisting  entirely  of  detached  pieces, 
is  said  to  cover  an  area  of  200,000  square  miles  in  the  Atlantic, 
about  lat.  20-25°  N.  and  long.  40°  W.,  where  it  has  maintained  itself 
writh  but  little  shifting  since  the  time  of  Columbus,  affording  a  home 
and  breeding-place  for  countless  numbers  of  marine  animals.  The 
family  is,  however,  chiefly  European  ;  a  large  proportion  of  the  species 
live  only  in  shallow  water,  being  exposed  at  every  ebb-tide,  or  only 
at  neap-tides,  when  fertilisation  takes  place.  The  distinctions  be- 
tween the  different  genera  are  made  to  rest  on  the  disposition  of  the 
air-bladders  and  conceptacles,  and  on  the  more  or  less  distinct  differen- 
tiation of  the  leaf-like  organs.  The  frond  of  Splachnidium  is  partially 
gelatinous.  The  structure  of  that  of  Durvillaea,  one  of  the  largest  of 
seaweeds,  is  very  beautiful,  being  permeated  by  very  large  and  regular 
cavities  resembling  a  honeycomb.  Together  with  the  Laminariaceae,  our 
native  Fucaceae  are  largely  used  in  the  manufacture  of  kelp,  though  not 
to  the  same  extent  as  formerly,  and  as  a  source  of  iodine  ;  they  are  also 
employed  by  farmers  as  a  manure  for  their  fields.  On  the  coast  of 
Chili  the  poorer  classes  use  a  species  of  Durvillaea  for  food,  and  a  soup 
is  made  from  it  which  is  mucilaginous  and  sweet. 

LITERATURE. 

Agardh — Species,  Genera,  et  Orclines  Fucoidearum,  1848. 
Thuret—  Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  1854,  p.  195. 
Pringsheim— Member.  Berlin.  Akad.  Wiss.,  1855,  p.  133. 
Rosanoff—  (Pigment)  Mem.  Soc.  Sc.  Nat.  Cherbourg,  1867,  p.  145. 
Millardet — (Pigment)  Comptes  Rendus,  Ixviii.,  1869,  p.  462. 
Kraus  et  Millardet — (Pigment)  Mem.  Soc.  Sc.  Nat.  Cherbourg,  1870,  p.  23. 
Kny— Bot.  Zeit.,  1872,  p.  699;  and  1875,  P-  45°- 
Sorby  — (Pigment)  Proc.  Roy.  Soc.,  1873,  PP-  455  et  seq. 
Reinke— Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1876,  p.  399  ;  and  Bot.  Zeit.,  1877,  p.  651. 
Rostafmski — Beitr.  z.  Kenntniss  d.  Tange,  1876. 
Thuret  &  Bornet— Etudes  phycologiques,  1878. 
Kuntze — (Sargassum)  Engler's  Bot.  Jahrbuch,  1880,  p.  191. 
Bower — (Conceptacle)  Quart.  Journ.  Microsc.  Sc. ,  1880,  p.  36. 
Bnrthairi     TV  Cystoseiren  (Fauna  u.  Flora  Golfes  Neapel),  1883. 
Hanstein— Sitzber.  Phys.-Med.   Gesell.  Wiirzburg,    1884,  p.  104;  and   Arbeit.  Bot. 
Inst.  Wiirzburg,  1885,  p.  289. 


FUCACE^E  237 

Dodel-Port — (Cystosira)  Biolog.  Fragmente,  pt.  i.,  1885. 
Behrens— (Fertilisation)  Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell.,  1886,  p.  92. 
Schiitt — (Phycophsein)  ibid. ,  1887,  p.  259. 
Woodworth— (Apical  Cell)  Ann.  of  Bot.,  i.,  1888,  p.  203. 


Class  XIII.— Phaeosporeae. 

The  Phaeosporese  or  Phaeozoosporeae  form,  together  with  the  Fucaceae, 
the  whole  of  the  olive  and  brown  seaweeds  of  the  globe,  formerly 
grouped  together  under  the  names  Fucoideae,  Melanosporeae,  or  Melano- 
spermese  ;  but  of  many  the  history  of  development  is  at  present  but 
imperfectly  known  ;  and  when  this  is  ascertained  more  fully,  they  may 
possibly  be  separated  into  groups  having  but  little  affinity  with  one 
another.  A  number  of  the  Phaeosporeae  are  epiphytic,  and  a  few 
parasitic  on  other  seaweeds  ;  a  very  few  grow  in  fresh  water. 

The  ordinary  mode  of  multiplication  of  the  Phaeosporeae  is,  so  far  as 
is  known  at  present,  non-sexually  by  means  of  zoospores*  which  occur  in 
all  the  orders  except  the  most  aberrant  groups — the  Dictyotaceae,  where 
they  are  replaced  by  motionless  spores,  and  the  Syngeneticae.  In  the 
Sphacelariaceae  there  is  another  mode  of  non-sexual  propagation  by 
means  of  gemmae  or  propaguks.  Each  zoospore  has  a  large  red  pigment- 
spot  and  two  cilia,  a  longer  one  pointing  forwards  and  a  shorter  one 
directed  backwards.  They  differ  from  those  of  the  green  Algse,  such  as 
the  Confervoideae,  in  the  lateral  insertion  of  the  cilia  at  the  base  of  the 
colourless  apex.  They  are  produced  in  zoosporanges,  which  are  either 
external,  when  they  are  usually  the  terminal  cells  of  short  branches,  or  are 
imbedded  in  the  thallus,  in  which  case  they  are  frequently  collected 
into  definite  groups  or  sort,  and  are  interspersed  with  barren  filaments 
or  hyphae,  known  as  paranemes  or  paraphyses.  These  are  often  swollen 
and  club-shaped  at  their  apex  ;  the  zoosporanges  sometimes  spring  as 
lateral  branches  from  similar  filaments.  The  zoosporanges  are  of  two 
kinds,  unilocular  and  multilocular  (the  'oosporanges'  and  'trichospo- 
ranges'  respectively  of  Thuret).  The  former  are  comparatively  large, 
nearly  spherical,  ovoid,  or  pear-shaped,  and  their  contents  break  up  directly 
into  a  large  number  of  zoospores  which  escape  through  a  terminal  or 
lateral  opening.  The  latter  kind  have  somewhat  the  appearance  of  jointed 
hairs,  and  are  segmented  in  the  transverse  direction  only  ;  or  less  often 
are  more  like  the  unilocular  zoosporanges  in  form,  but  are  divided 
internally  by  both  transverse  and  longitudinal  septa.  Each  cell  gives 
birth  to  a  single  zoospore  ;  and  these  either  escape  each  separately 


238 


ALGsE 


from  its  own  mother-cell,  or  an  opening  is  formed  at  the  apex  of  the 
sporange  through  which  all  the  zoospores  escape  after  dissolution  of  the 
septa.  The  zoospores  are  in  all  cases  imbedded  in  mucilage  ;  no  differ- 


FIG.  212. — Giraudia  sphacelarioid.es  D.  and  S.  a,  upper  portion  of  thallus  (x  250)  ;  b,  lower  portion 
with  multilocular  sporanges  ( x  250).  (After  Areschoug.)  c,  portion  of  filament  with  unilocular 
sporanges  (  x  600).  (After  Hauck.) 


PH.-EOSPOREAL  239 

•ence  is  observable  in  size  or  form  between  those  produced  in  the  two 
kinds  of  sporange,  but  those  from  the  unilocular  sporanges  appear 
in  all  cases  to  germinate  directly,  while  those  from  the  multilocular 
sporanges  are  sometimes  zoogametes  with  sexual  functions.  The  two 
kinds  of  sporange  may  be  borne  on  the  same  or  on  different  indi- 
viduals j  in  the  former  case  they  are  occasionally  developed  at  different 
times.  In  certain  orders  or  groups  one  or  the  other  kind  is  altogether 
wanting. 

The  various  modes  of  sexual  reproduction  known  in  the  Phseosporese 
present  a  most  interesting  gradual  transition  from  the  conjugation  of 
equivalent  motile  zoogametes  to  the  impregnation  of  a  quiescent 
oosphere  by  motile  antherozoids.  In  Ectocarpus  (Lyng.),  Giraudia  (D. 
and  S.),  and  Scytosiphon  (Ag.)  conjugation  takes  place  between  swarm- 
cells  from  the  multilocular  sporanges,  which  are  to  all  appearance 
exactly  alike  ;  but  a  slight  sexual  differentiation  is  exhibited  in  the  fact 
of  one  of  them  coming  to  rest  and  partially  losing  its  cilia  before  conju- 
gation takes  place.  In  Cutleria  (Grev.)  and  Zanardinia  (Nard.)  the 
differentiation  is  more  complete.  The  male  and  female  swarm-cells  are 
produced  either  on  the  same  or  on  different  individuals  ;  the  latter  are 
much  larger  than  the  former,  and  come  perfectly  to  rest,  entirely  losing 
their  cilia  before  being  impregnated  by  the  former.  In  Dictyota  (Lmx.) 
the  differentiation  is  carried  still  further,  and  the  female  reproductive 
bodies  are  from  the  first  motionless  masses  of  protoplasm  not  provided 
with  cilia.  In  Dictyosiphon  (Grev.)  (Punctariaceae)  a  different  kind  of 
conjugation  has  been  observed. 

The  degree  and  mode  of  development  of  the  thallus  Differ  very 
widely  within  the  class.  A  few 'species  of  Ectocarpaceae,  belonging  to 
the  genera  Streblonema  (Derb.)  and  Ectocarpus  (Lyng.),  are  microscopic. 
Some  of  the  Mesoglceaceae  and  Ralfsiaceas  are  small  seaweeds  epiphytic 
on  those  of  larger  growth,  with  a  flat  radiating  thallus  reminding  one  of 
Coleochaete.  In  some  of  the  Ectocarpaceae  the  thallus  consists  of 
simple  branched  or  unbranched  filaments  resembling  those  of  the 
Confervaceae.  In  the  Sphacelariaceae  each  branch  is  composed  of  a 
row  of  larger  central  surrounded  by  a  layer  of  smaller  cortical  cells,  all 
originating  from  a  large  uncorticated  apical  cell.  In  the  Cutleriaceae 
filaments  of  cells  become  separated  from  the  margin  of  the  thallus,  the 
basal  portions  of  which  are  coalescent  into  a  solid  tissue,  the  increase  in 
breadth  of  which  is  due  to  the  branching  of  the  filaments.  The 
Laminariaceas  include,  in  the  genera  Alaria  (Grev.),  Laniinaria  (Lmx.), 
Macrocystis  (Ag.),  and  others,  the  most  gigantic  of  marine  organisms, 
in  which  the  thallus  or  '  frond '  is  to  a  certain  extent  differentiated 
externally  into  rhizoid  or  organ  of  attachment,  stipe  or  stem,  and 


240 


ALGsE 


leaves.  We  have  here  also  an  approach  to 
the  internal  differentiation  of  tissues  which 
occurs  in  the  higher  plants,  though  this  is 
not  so  strongly  displayed  as  in  the  Fucacese. 
In  Macrocystis,  however,  the  lamina  of  the 
frond  may  be  divided  into  an  epidermal  layer, 
cortical  parenchyme,  and  medullary  tissue. 
Sieve-hyphae  occur  in  all  the  genera,  and  in 
Macrocystis  and  Nereocystis  (Post.)  true  sieve- 
tubes  with  sieve-plates  and  deposit  of  callus. 
Through  the  perforations  in  the  sieve-plates 
HickQourn.  Bot,  1885,  p.  356)  and  Willehave 
detected  the  passage  of  strings  of  protoplasm 
connecting  the  cells  with  one  another.  The 
protoplasts  of  the  cortex  in  Laminaria  digitata 
(Lmx.)  are  described  by  Hick  as  rhizopod- 
like  bodies  spreading  in  such  a  way  that  the 
cells  of  each  layer  are  brought  into  connection 
both  with  one  another  and  with  those  of  adja- 
cent layers.  The  cells  of  the  Phaeosporeae  con- 
tain a  carbohydrate  closely  resembling  starch, 
but  differing  in  not  being  coloured 
blue  b)ttodine,  and  an  olive-brown 
pigment  soluble  in  cold  fresh  water 
identical  with  the  phycophmn  of 
the  Fucaceae.  The  tissues  both 


(I/. 


241 


of  the  Laminariaceae  and  of  other  large  marine  Algae  belonging  to  other 
groups  display  remarkable  elasticity  or  other  properties  to  enable  them 
to  resist  the  traction  of  the  waves.  In  the  larger  species  the  frond  is 
buoyed  up  by  air-bladders. 

Janczewski  describes  the  occurrence  in  the  class  of  three  distinct 
modes  of  growth,  viz. —  (i)  The 
thallus  and  all  its  ramifications 
terminate  in  a  generative  apical  cell 
which  divides  in  a  direction  parallel 
to  its  base,  and  thus  gives  birth  to  a 
series  of  segments.  This  occurs  in 
the  Sphacelariacese  and  in  Dictyo- 
siphon,  but  is  the  least  common 
mode.  (2)  By  peripheral  growth, 
i.e.  the  marginal  cells  of  the  thallus 
are  the  youngest,  and  are  more  or  less 
united  into  a  generative  peripheral 
zone  (Myrionema,  Grev.,  Leathesia, 
Gray,  Ralfsia,  Berk.).  (3)  By  in- 
tercalary growth.  This  is  much  the 
most  common  mode,  and  there  are, 
again,  three  modifications  of  it,  -viz. 
—  i.  The  thallus  terminates,  when 
young,  in  one  or  more  hairs,  the 
common  growing  point  of  the 
thallus  and  of  the  hairs  being  situ- 
ated at  their  point  of  junction  (Ecto- 
carpus,  Desmarestia,  Lmx.,  Carpo- 
mitra,  Ktz.,  Cutleria,  Sporochnus, 
Ag.).  2.  The  thallus  is  differen- 
tiated into  three  'organs'— frond, 
stipe,  and  rhizoids  ;  the  growing  point  from  which  the  stipe  and  frond 
originate  is  common  to  these  two  organs,  while  the  rhizoids  increase  by 
apical  growth  (Laminariaceae).  3.  The  absolutely  undivided  thallus  is 
regenerated  from  the  growing  point  situated  at  the  base  of  the  frond 
(Scytosiphon,  Chorda,  Punctaria,  Grev.,  Asperococcus,  Lmx.). 

LITERATURE. 

Magnus — Festschr.  Gesell.  naturf.  Freunde,  Berlin,  1873. 

Areschoug—  Bot.  Notis.,  1873. 

Gobi— -Bot.  Zeit.,  1877,  p.  425. 

Reinke — Ibid. ,  p.  441. 

Thuret  &  Bornet— Etudes  Phycologiques,  1878. 


FIG.  214 


— Lessonia  fuscescens    Bory 
(greatly  reduced). 


242 


ALG.E 


Falkenberg  —  Mittheil.   Zool.    Stat.    Neapel,    1878,  p. 

531- 

Wille— Bot.  Sallsk.  Stockholm,  Nov.  19,  1884  (see  Bot. 
Centralbl.,  xxi.,  1885,  pp.  282  et  seq.). 


In  so  many  of  the  Phaeosporeae  the  life- 
history  is  at  present  but  imperfectly  known, 
and  different  authors  differ  so  widely  as  to  the 
best  characters  to  be  employed  in  classifica- 
tion, that  no  attempt  is  here  made  to  arrange 
into  orders  all  the  known  forms.  A  de- 
scription is  given  only  of  the  best-marked 
groups. 

The  LAMINARIACE^:  include  many  of  the 
largest  of  the  brown  seaweeds  of  both  warmer 
and  colder  seas;  in  the  southern  hemisphere 
they  form  dense  submarine  forests  of  gigantic 
size,  frequently  making  even  deep  water  impass- 
able for  boats,  and  forming  a  home  for  myriads 
of  marine  animals  ;  the  individual  '  fronds  ' 
sometimes  attaining  a  length  of  several  hundred 
feet.  The  thallus.is  coriaceous,  is  not  articu- 
lated, and  is  usually  attached  to  the  sea-bottom 
by  rhizoids  or  root-like  organs  of  attachment, 
or  less  often  by  a  discoid  expansion,  from 
which  springs  a  tough  cylindrical  stipe  or  stem, 
the  tissue  of  which  is  more  or  less  differentiated 
into  a  medullary  portion,  an  internal  and  an 
external  cortical  portion,  and  an  epidermal 
portion,  the  cells  of  which  are  coloured  brown 
by  phycophaein.  It  increases  in  length  by 
intercalary  growth  at  the  junction  of  the  stipe 
and  lamina.  Although  most  of  the  larger 
species  are  perennial,  Areschoug  states  that 
even  the  largest  species  of  Nereocystis  (Post.) 
are  annual.  In  others  the  stem  increases  in 
girth  from  year  to  year,  attaining  sometimes 
the  thickness  of  a  man's  thigh.  In  Chorda 
,  .  filum  (Stackh.).  one  of  the  commonest  of  our 

FIG.  215.  -  -  Laminanasaccharina  ^  /' 

Lmx.,  with  rhizoids.  j,  por-  seaweeds,  the  entire  thallus  is  cylindrical  and 

tion  of    frond    which    produces  .  .... 

zoospores  (reduced  j).  (After  whip-like,   as  much   as   forty  feet   in   length, 

Reinke.) 


FIG.  217.— Longitudinal  section  of  Macrocystis  pyrifera,  showing 
sieve-tubes,  /,  and  sieve-plates,  s,  with  callus  (x  300).  (After 
Oliver.) 


FIG.  216. — Chorda,  filum  Stackh.     a,  uppermost  and  lowermost  portion  of  frond  (natural  size);  bt 
-transverse  section,  showing  differentiation  into  cortical  and  epidermal  layers  (x  200).    (After  Hauck.) 

R  2 


244 

« 

and  is  septated  by  transverse  divisions;  it  is  constantly  dying  off  at  the 
apex,  the  growing  point  lying  at  its  base  immediately  above  the  rhizoids. 
More  often  the  upper  part  of  the  thallus  is  differentiated  into  branched 
annual  'leaves'  of  cartilaginous  texture,  usually  flat,  but  sometimes 
tubular,  and  often  ribbed.  Lessonia  (Bory)  grows  erect  to  a  great 
height,  and  resembles  a  branching  tree  with  pendent  leaves  two  or  three 
feet  long  (fig.  214).  In  Thalassiophyllum  (Post.),  Agarum  (Grev.),  and 
other  genera,  the  frond  is  beautifully  perforated  ;  these  perforations  are 
formed  from  hollow  conical  papillae  by  which  the  frond  is  first  covered ; 
the  tissue  diminishes  at  the  apex  of  the  cones,  then  bursts,  and  the 
opening  enlarges  as  the  frond  grows.  In  Macrocystis  (Ag.)  the  stalk-like 
base  of  each  branch  of  the  frond  is  swollen  out  into  a  large  pear-shaped 
air-bladder.  In  Nereocystis  the  air-bladder  is  barrel-shaped,  six  or 
seven  feet  in  length,  and  crowned  with  a  tuft  of  fronds.  Sieve-hyphae  or 
trumpet-hyphae  with  imperfect  sieve-plates  occur  in  all  the  genera ;  and 
Oliver  has  discovered  in  the  comparatively  weak  stems  of  Nereocystis 
and  Macrocystis  a  structure  almost  identical  with  that  which  occurs  in 
the  weak  climbing  stems  of  many  Flowering  Plants,  true  sieie-tubes  with 
perfectly  formed  sieve-plates  both  in  the  septa  and  in  the  longitudinal 
cell-walls,  provided  with  a  true  callus-formation  (fig.  217). 

Zoosporanges  of  one  kind  only— the  uniloQular — are  at  present  known 
in  the  Laminariaceae ;  these  are  distributed  uniformly  over  the  surface 
of  the  thallus  or  are  collected  into  sort,  and  are  interspersed  with  simple 
unsegmented  club-shaped  sterile  hairs  or  paraphyses.  Of  the  mode  in 
which  the  zoospores  act  as  propagative  organs  very  little  is  known. 
Areschoug  has  observed  the  germination  of  the  zoospores  of  Chorda 
tomentosa  (Lyng.)  after  the  coherence  of  two  of  them  by  their  beaks ;  but 
he  does  not  regard  this  as  a  true  process  of  conjugation.  Gardiner  be 
lieves  that  he  has  detected  the  conjugation  of  zoospores  in  Alaria  (Grev.). 

Along  with  the  Fucaceae,  the  Laminariaceae  are  one  of  the  most  im- 
portant commercial  sources  of  iodine.  The  species  of  our  own  shores 
are  employed  in  the  manufacture  of  kelp.  Alaria  esculenta  (L.)  is  used 
by  the  inhabitants  of  Scandinavia  and  Iceland  as  an  article  of  food,  as 
also  are  Laminaria  digitata  (Lmx.)  and  other  species  under  the  name  of 
'  tangle.'  The  stems  of  the  last-named  species  are  employed  for  surgical 
purposes ;  those  of  Ecklonia  (Hornem.)  and  others  of  the  larger  genera 
are  used  as  siphons  and  for  making  fishing-nets. 

LITERATURE. 

Reinke — Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1876,  p.  317. 
Areschoug— Observ.  Phycol.,  iii.,  1875,  iv->  l883>  v->  1884  ;  and  ActaSoc.  Sc.  Upsa- 

liensis,  1875,  1883,  and  1884. 
Will— ( Macrocystis)  Bot.  Zeit.,  1884,  pp.  801  et  seq. 


PH^EOSPORE^E 


245 


Wille— (Sieve-tubes)  Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell.,  1885,  p.  29. 
Gardiner— (Conjugation  of  Zoospores)  Proc.  Cambr.  Phil.  Soc.,  1886. 
Humphrey— (Agarum)  Proc.  Amer.  Acad.  Sc.,  1886,  p.  195. 
Oliver — (Sieve-tubes)  Ann.  of  Bot.,  i.,  1887,  p.  95. 


In  the  PUNCTARIACE^E,  SPOROCHNACE^E,  and  SCYTOSIPHONACE^E — 
the  limits  of  which  orders  are  not  settled  by  systematists — the  structure 
of  the  thallus  varies  greatly.  In  Punctaria  (Grev.)  and  Phyllitis  (Ktz.) 
it  is  flat  and  leaf-like,  from  one  to  six  layers  of  cells  in  thickness;  in 
other  genera  it  is  slender,  cylindrical,  erect,  and  more  or  less  branched, 
the  main  axis  being  either  solid  or  hollow,  and  consisting  of  a 
pseudo-parenchymatous  tissue,  in  which  the  outermost  or  the  two  or 
three  outer  rows  of  cells  are  much  smaller  than  the  inner  ones.  In 


FIG.  218. — Asperoccccns  bnllosus  Lmx.     a,  natural  size  (after  Bornet)  ;  £,  portion  of  surface  with 
sorus(x  100)  ;  c,  transverse  section  through  thallus  and  sorus  ( x  100).     (After  Kiitzing.) 

Dictyosiphon  (Grev.)  the  'frond'  branches  into  delicate  hairs.  In 
Arthrocladia  (Duby)  the  branches  are  arranged  in  delicate  whorls.  In 
Scytosiphon  (Ag.)  the  thallus  is  elongated,  cylindrical,  and  unbranched, 
but  constricted  at  intervals,  and  resembles  that  of  Chorda  in  habit.  In 
other  genera,  as  Asperococcus  (Lmx.)  and  Hydroclathrus  (Bory),  it  is 
hollow  and  bladdery.  In  most  of  the  genera  both  kinds  of  zoosporange 
are  known,  while  in  others  one  or  the  other  has  not  yet  been .  detected. 


246 

* 

Their  arrangement,  on  which  the  delimitation  of  the  orders  is  largely 
made  to  rest,  varies  greatly.  They  may  be  collected  into  wart-like  sori 
on  the  surface  of  the  thallus,  appearing  sometimes  like  dark  dots  uni- 
formly distributed,  or  they  may  spring  from  the  branches.  In  Sporochnus 
(Ag.)  the  unilocular  sporanges  are  collected  into  a  peculiar  receptacle 


FIG.  219. — Sporochnus pedunculatus  Ag.     <z,  natural  size  ;  l>,  c,  receptacle  containing 
zoosporanges ;  d,  unilocular  zoosporange  (  X  100).     (After  Kiitzing.) 

consisting  of  pear-shaped  swellings  near  the  extremity  of  the  branches, 
composed  of  a  dense  mass  of  filaments  on  which  the  sporanges  appear 
as  lateral  branches.  Very  little  is  known  of  the  further  history  of  the 
zoospores.  In  Scytosiphon  lomentarium  (Ag.)  Berthold  ('Mittheilungem 
Zool.  Stat.  Neapel,'  ii.,  1881)  has  observed  conjugation  of  the  swarm- 


PH^EOSPORE^E 


247 


spores  contained  in  the  multilocular  sporanges,  which  must  therefore 
be  regarded  as  zoogametes,  and  the  phenomena  are  the  same  as  in 
the  Ectocarpaceae.  Areschoug  (' Observ.  Phycol.,  iii.,  1875)  describes 
a  remarkable  kind  of  conjugation — altogether  peculiar  as  far  as  the 
brown  seaweeds  are  concerned— in  the  swarm-spores  of  Dictyosiphon 
hippuroides  (Lyng.),  somewhat  resembling  that  in  the  Conjygatae.  Two, 
or  sometimes  three,  of  the  zoogametes  cohere  by  their  apices,  and  the 
contents  slowly  pass  entirely  into  one  of  them,  but  only  after  they  have 
come  to  rest.  Both  then  become  invested  with  a  thin  coat  of  cellulose, 
and  the  one  into  which  the  endochrome  has  passed,  which  may  be  called 
the  female  element,  subsequently  germinates.  In  other  cases  the  con- 
jugating zoogametes  put  out  conjugating  tubes  not  unlike  those  of  the 
Zygnemaceae.  Some  of  the  zoospores  also  germinate  without  conju- 
gating. 

LITERATURE. 

Reinke — Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1878,  p.  362. 


The  MESOGLCEACEJE  or  Chordariaceae  (Myrionema,  Grev.,  Leathesia, 
Gray,  Chordaria,  Ag.,  Mesoglcea,  Ag., 
&c.)  are  seaweeds  with  a  gelatinous 
or  cartilaginous  thallus  of  hemisphe- 
rical or  cylindrical  outline,  variable  in 
size,  and  forming  small  gelatinous  or 
slimy  cushions  or  branching  tufts  on 
larger  seaweeds.  Each  filament  is  com- 
posed of  a  vertical  central  row  of  cells, 
surrounded  by  a  '  cortex '  of  radial  rows 
at  right  angles  to  the  central  row.  On 
these  cortical  rows  are  placed  the  zoo- 
sporanges,  which  are  both  unilocular 
and  multilocular,  concealed  within  the 
periphery  of  the  'frond.'  Nothing  is 
known  of  the  conjugation  of  the 
swarm-spores;  they  appear  to  germi- 
nate directly,  giving  rise  to  a  creep- 
ing branched  filament,  from  which  the  ascending  axes  subsequently  rise. 


FIG.   wo.—Chordaria 


jlagelliformis    Ag. 
Transverse  section  through  thallus,  with 


unilocular  zoosporanges  (x  200). 
Kutzing.) 


(After 


The  ECTOCARPACE/E  constitute  an  ill-defined  group  of  small,  occa- 
sionally microscopic,  marine  (Elachista,  Duby,  Ectocarpus,  Lyng., 
Giraudia,  Derb.)  or  rarely  fresh-water  (Pleurocladia,  Br.)  Algae,  usually 


248 


ALG^E 


attached  in  tufts  to  larger  algae,  and  resembling  in  habit  the  fresh-water 
Confervaceae.  The  thallus  consists  of  segmented  more  or  less  branched 
filaments,  either  composed  of  a  single  row  of  cells  or  corticated.  The 
growing  point  of  the  filament  does  not  lie  at  its  apex,  but  at  the  extremity 
of  a  basal  portion,  the  true  thallus,  the  terminal  hair-like  portion  being 

deciduous.  The  zoosporanges  are  of 
both  kinds,  and  are  either  external 
and  stalked,  or  are  ordinary  cells 
of  a  filament,  whether  terminal  or 
intercalary.  Multilocular  sporanges 
are  sometimes  produced  on  the 


FIG.  221. — Ectocarpus  investiens  Hauck, 
epiphytic  '  on  Gracilaria  compt  essa 
(x  250).  (After  Burnet.) 


FiG.  aa-,2.  —  Conjugation  of  zoogametes  of 
Ectocarpiis  siliculosus  Ktz.  /,  a-f,  female 
zoogamete,  gradually  losing  its  cilia.  //, 
male  zoogametes  swarming  round  female  zoo- 
gamete  ///,  ct-e,  stages  in  the  coalescence 
of  the  male  and  female  zoogametes  (x  790). 
(After  Berthold.) 


same  individual  as  the  uhilocular,  but  at  a  later  period.  The  swarm- 
cells  which  escape  from  the  unilocular  sporanges  are  non-sexual  zoospores, 
germinating  directly  after  coming  to  rest,  and  investing  themselves  with 
a  cell-wall.  Those  contained  in  the  multilocular  sporanges  all  escape 
through  a  single  terminal  opening,  and  partake  to  a  certain  extent  of 
sexual  properties,  or  become  under  certain  conditions  zoogametes. 


PH.EOSPOREsE  249 

Goebel  has  observed  their  conjugation  in  Giraudia  sphacelarioides  (Derb.) 
and  Ectocarpus  pusillus  (Griff.),  Berthold  in  E.  siliculosus  (Ktz.).  The 
process  is  thus  described  by  Berthold.  There  is  no  apparent  difference 
between  the  male  and  female  'gametes.  The  female  swarm-spores  lose 
their  cilia  and  come  to  rest  first.  They  appear  to  be  in  a  receptive 
condition  only  for  a  few  minutes,  during  which  time  they  seem  to  exer- 
cise an  attractive  force  on  the  male  gametes,  which  swarm  round  them 
until  coalescence  takes  place.  The  impregnated  gamete  immediately 
clothes  itself  with  a  cell-wall,  and  proceeds  to  germinate.  If  unim- 
pregnated  it  will  still  germinate,  though  not  so  rapidly ;  as  also  do  the 
male  swarm-spores  which  fail  to  conjugate  ;  but  in  this  case  the  resulting 
hew  individuals  are  weakly,  and  soon  perish.  This  process  in  the 
Ectocarpaceae  may  be  regarded  as  the  first  stage  between  the  conjuga- 
tion of  equivalent  zoogametes  and  the  impregnation  of  a  passive  oosphere 
by  an  antherozoid.  Wright  (Trans.  Roy.  Irish  Acad.,  1877,  p.  15)  has 
•detected  on  an  Ectocarpus  a  parasitic  Chytridium,  the  zoospores  of 
which  he  believes  to  have  been  mistaken  for  sexual  organs  of  the  host. 

LITERATURE. 

Askenasy— Bot.  Zeit.,  1869,  p.  785. 

Janczewski — Mem.  Soc.  Sc.  Nat.  Cherbourg,  1875,  P-  97- 
Goebel— Bot.  Zeit,  1878,  pp.  177,  193. 
Berthold  -  Mittheil.  Zool.  Stat.  Neapel,  ii.,  1881. 


The  TILOPTERIDE^:  (Tilopteris,  Ktz.,    Haplospora,    Kjellm.)  are  a 
small  and  ill-defined  family,  probably  nearly  related  to  the  Ectocarpaceae. 


The  SPHACELARIACE^:  (Sphacelaria,  Lyng.,  Stypocaulon,  Ktz.,  Chae- 
topteris,  Ktz.,  Cladostephus,  Ag.)  are  all  small  marine  Algae,  mostly  para- 
sitic ;  ChiKtopteris  plumosa  (Ktz.)  grows  on  rocks  at  a  considerable 
depth  below  the  surface.  The  thallus  usually  consists  of  a  number  of 
TOWS  of  cells  united  into  a  pseudo-parenchyme,  and  often  differentiated 
into  an  appearance  of  a  '  medullary  '  row  surrounded  by  '  cortical '  tissue. 
In  Cladostephus  and  Stypocaulon  these  corticating  rows  of  cells  descend 
to  the  base  of  the  stem,  and  form  rhizoids  or  organs  of  attachment.  The 
zoosporanges  are  of  both  kinds,  and  are  usually  placed  at  the  ends  of 
special  branches,  while  in  Stypocaulon  they  are  axillary  ;  but  very  little 
is  certainly  known  about  the  germination  or  possible  conjugation  of  the 
swarm-spores.  The  apical  cell  of  each  branch  is  uncorticated,  and  fre- 
quently develops  into  a  hollow  chamber  of  considerable  size  termed  a 
sphacele,  filled,  when  young,  with  dark  mucilaginous  contents,  which  at 
.a  later  stage  become  watery.  Geyler  has  described  two  kinds  of  sexual 


250 


ALGJE 


organ,  antherids  and  '  sexual 
spores'  (oospheres),  formed 
within  the  sphaceles  ;  but 
Janczewski  believes  that  the 
supposed  antherozoids  are  in 
reality  the  zoospores  of  para- 
sitic Fungi  (Chytridiaceae), 
to  whose  attacks  these  sea- 
weeds are  especially  liable. 
Pringsheim  describes  two 
kinds  of  fructification  pro- 
duced by  Cladostephus,  one 
in  the  autumn,  the  other  in 
the  winter  ;  but  Wollny  sug- 
gests that  both  the  autumnal 
fructification  and  the  so- 
called  unilocular  sporanges 
may  be  due  to  the  attacks 
of  parasitic  Chytridiaceae. 
The  Sphacelariaceae  have  a 
strong  tendency  to  multiply 
by  means  of  buds,  gemmae, 
or  propagules.  Janczewski 
describes  the  mature  gemmae 
as  consisting  of  a  pedicel  and 


FIG.  223. — Sphacelaria  cirrhosa  Ag.  a,  natural  size  ; 
b,  branch  with  propagules,  a  (x  100)  ;  c,  filament  with 
unilocular  zoosporange  (  x  100).  (After  Hauck.) 


FIG.  224.  —  S.  cirrhosa.  «,  filament 
with  propagule,  b  ( x  140).  (After 
Reinke.) 


2  5 1 

three  rays  diverging  above,  with  a  hair  springing  from  the  centre  of  the 
rays.  They  become  detached  like  the  basidiospores  of  Fungi,  and  are 
constantly  being  formed  afresh. 

LITERATURE. 

Geyler — Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1866,  p.  479. 

Janczewski — Mem.  Soc.  Sc.  Nat.  Cherbourg,  xvi.,  1872,  p.  337;  and  Ann.  Sc.  Nat., 

1873,  p.  253. 

Magnus — Zur  Morphologic  der  Sphacelarieen,  1873. 
Pringsheim — Abhandl.  Berlin  Akad. ,  1873,  p.  137. 
Rischawi—  Algol.  Untersuch.,  i.,  1874  (Just's  Jahrb.,  1874,  p.  13). 
Wollny — Hedwigia,  1880,  p.  65. 


The  RALFSIACE^E  (Ralfsia,  Berk.,  Lithoderma,  Aresch.,  &c.)  are  small 
seaweeds  (with  the  exception  of  two  species  of  Lithoderma  which  grow 
in  fresh  running  water)  with  crustaceous  thallus,  attached  to  stones, 
rocks,  or  the  shells  of  molluscs  and  Crustacea,  composed  of  a  pseudo- 


FiG4  225. — Lithoderma  fatiscens  Aresch.     «,  vertical  section  of  portion  of  thallus  with 
unilocular  zoosporanges  ;  b,  with  multilocular  zoosporanges  (x  320).     (After  Hauck.) 

parenchymatous  tissue  of  vertical  rows  of  cells.  They  have  both  kinds 
of  sporange,  collected  into  wart-like  groups  or  sori  on  the  surface  of  the 
thallus,  but  nothing  is  known  with  regard  to  the  function  of  the  swarm- 
spores.  

The  small  order  of  CUTLERIACE^E,  comprising  the  genera  Cutleria 
(Grev.),  Zanardinia  (Nard.),  and  Aglaozonia  (Zan.),  consists  of  a  small 
number  of  seaweeds,  nearly  all  natives  of  warmer  seas,  although  others 
from  colder  climates  have  been  erroneously  included  in  it.  The  thallus 
is  coriaceous  or  membranaceous,  flat,  and  either  erect  (Cutleria),  or 
prostrate  (Zanardinia),  with  the  peculiarity  that  the  marginal  filaments 
are  dissociated  in  their  growth  from  the  rest  of  the  '  frond.'  A  true 
sexual  mode  of  reproduction  has  been  observed  by  Reinke  in  Zanardinia, 
and  by  Falkenberg  and  Janczewski  in  Cutleria.  The  former  genus  is 
monoecious,  the  latter  dioecious.  The  oogones  and  antherids  are  both 
collected  into  sori,  the  former  very  dark  brown,  the  latter  orange-coloured. 


22 


ALGA. 


, 


The  oogones  are  divided  into  thirty-two  or  sixty-four  cells,  each  of  which 
produces  an  oosphere.  The  oospheres  are  at  first  biciliated  swarm-cells 
or  zoospheres  endowed  with  active  motion,  closely  resembling  .the  zoo- 
spores  of  other  Phasosporeae,  but  are -larger  and  variable  in  form — one  of 
the  very  few  instances  known  in  the  vegetable  kingdom  of  the  occurrence 

of  such,  organs.  They  are 
said  to  be  destitute  of  a 
nucleus.  The  antherids  are 
also  divided  into  a  number 
of  cells,  each  of  which  pro- 
duces two  antherozoids,  the 
normal  number  in  an  an- 
therid  (in  Cutleria  adspersa, 
De  Not.)  being  128.  The 
antherozoids  are  also  bi- 
ciliated swarm-cells,  but 
smaller  than  ttye  oospheres  ; 
they  have  each  an  orange 
pigment-spot,  and  are  iden- 
tical in  structure  with  those 
of  the  Fucaceae.  The  an- 
therozoids do  not  approach 
the  oospheres  until  the  latter 
have  come  to  rest  and  lost 
their  cilia  ;  the  absorption 
of  a  single  antherozoid  into 
the  oosphere  is  then  suffi- 
cient to  impregnate  it  ;  it 
becomes  invested  with  a 
cell-wall  of  cellulose,  and 
begins  to  germinate  at 
once.  Thuret  states  that 
in  C.  multifida  (Grev.)  the 
oospheres  germinate  with- 
out having  been  fertilised. 
The  thallus  resulting  from 
the  germination  of  the  im- 
pregnated oospheres  is  said  to  be  dorsiventral,  producing  rhizoids  on 
the  ventral  side  only.  Zanardinia  produces  also  non-sexual  zoospores 
iri  unilocular  sporanges  ;  and  has  another  non-sexual  mode  of  pro- 
pagation, by  budding.  In  Aglaozonia  .reptans  (Ktz.)  the  non-sexual 
zoospores  are  the  only  reproductive  organ  known  ;  and  Falkenberg 


FIG.  226.  —  Cutleria  itniltifida.  Grev.  (natural  size). 
(After  Hauck.) 


FIG.  227.—  C.  multijida;  transverse  section  of  portion  of  thallus  with  a  sorus  of  multiloculai 
zoosporanges  in  different  stages  of  development  (x  330).     ('Alter  Bornet.) 


FIG.  229.— Fertilisation  of  Z.  cpllaris.  a,  swarm- 
ing oosphere  ;  b,  antherozoids  ;  c,  coalescence 
of  antherozoid  with  passive  oosphere ;  d,  oo- 
sperm  (magnified).  (After  Reinke.) 


FIG.  228. — Zaitardinia.  collciris  Crouan. 
«,  oogones ;  b,  antherids  (magnified). 
(Arter  Reinke.) 


. 

254  ALG& 

regards  this  species  as  probably  a  non-sexual  generation  in  the  cycle  of 
development  of  Cutleria  multifida.  The  chief  argument  for  placing  the 
Cutleriacese  among  the  Phseosporeae  is  the  occurrence  of  non-sexual 
zoospores,  but  the  mode  of  sexual  reproduction  indicates  a  distinct 
approach  to  the  Fucaceae  ;  in  this  latter  class,  however,  the  structure  of 
the  antherids  is  quite  different. 

LITERATURE. 
Janczewski — Mem.  Soc.  Sc.  Nat.  Cherbourg,  1872,  p.  345,  and  Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,xvi., 

1883,  p.  210. 
Reinke — Monber.  Berlin.  Akad.  Wiss.,  1876,  p.  565  ;  and  Nova  Acta  Acad.  Leop. - 

Carol,  1878,  p.  67. 
Falkenberg — Mittheil.  Zool.  Stat.  Neapel,  i.,  1879,  p.  420. 


The  order  DICTYOTACE^E,  comprising,  according  to  Bornet,  the  eight 
genera  Dictyota  (Lmx.),  Zonaria  (Harv.),  Stcechospermum  (Ktz.),  Lobo- 
spira  (Thur.),  Spatoglossum  (Ktz.),  Padina  (Adans.),  Taonia  (Ag.),  and 
Dictyopteris  (Lmx.),  has  been  united  by  some  writers  with  the  Cutleriaceae, 
while  by  others  it  has,  with  much  more  reason,  been  erected  into  a 
distinct  class,  of  equal  rank  with  the  Phaeosporese.  It  differs,  in  fact, 
from  the  other  orders  of  Phseosporeae  in  several  important  points.  The 
thallus  of  the  Dictyotacese  is  membranaceous,  usually  erect  flat  and 
leaf-like,  seldom  ribbed,  often  beautifully  variegated  in  zones  from  the 
presence  of  prismatic  hairs  or  from  incrustation  of  calcium  carbonate. 
Growth  takes  place  either  by  means  of  a  single  apical  cell  (Dictyota),  or 
from  a  group  of  equivalent  cells.  Non-sexual  organs  of  propagation  are 
known,  and  other  organs  which  are  probably  sexual.  The  Dictyotacese 
differ,  in  the  first  place,  from  all  other  Phssosporeae  in  the  absence  of 
motile  ciliated  zoospores.  The  non-sexual  tetraspores  are  produced  in 
tetrasporanges  developed  on  the  margin  of  the  thallus,  or  in  sori  on  its 
surface,  on  special  non-sexual  individuals.  Although  the  contents  of 
each  sporange  usually  break  up  into  four  spores,  when  they  resemble  in 
all  respects  the  tetraspores  of  the  Florideae,  this  is  not  always  the  case  ; 
occasionally  they  divide  into  only  two  spores,  and  still  less  often  the 
entire  contents  of  the  sporange  escape  as  a  single  naked  spore.  The 
spores  germinate  directly,  after  investing  themselves  with  a  cellulose 
membrane.  The  presumed  sexual  organs,  oogones  and  antherids,  are 
collected  into  sori  in  similar  situations,  but  not  on  the  same  individuals 
as  the  tetrasporanges.  Some  species  are  monoecious,  others  dioecious. 
The  contents  of  each  oogone  consist  of  a  single  undivided  motionless 
oosphere.  The  contents  of  the  antherids,  on  the  other  hand,  divide  into 
a  large  number  of  motionless  pollinoids.  Up  to  the  present  time,  however, 
actual  impregnation  of  the  oospheres  by  the  pollinoids  has  not  been 


PH&OSPORE& 


255 


observed.    As  the  Cutleriaceae  present  an  approach  towards  the  Fucaceae, 
so  the  Dictyotacese  may  possibly  indicate  the  point  of  departure  of  the 


FIG.  230. — Padina  Pavonia  Gaill.    a,  natural  size  ;  b,  portion  of  surface  of  thallus  with  tetrasporanges  ; 
c,  transverse  section  of  upper  portion  of  thallus;  d,  of  lower  portion  (x  100).     (After  Kiitzing.) 

Florideae,  agreeing  with  that  order  in  the  presence  of  tetraspores  and  of 
non-motile  pollinoids  ;  but  as  the  oogone  presents  no  indication  of  even  a 
rudimentary  trichogyne,  and  there  is  no  process  analogous  to  the  forma- 


FIG.  231.— Stages  in  the  formation  of  the  tetraspores  in  Padina.  Pavonia  (magnified).    (After  Reinke.) 

tion  of  a  cystocarp,  it  seems  best,  until  more  is  known  of  the  process  of 
fertilisation,  to  retain  the  Dictyotacese  as  an  aberrant  order  of  Phseosporese, 
with  which  they  also  agree  best  in  the  nature  of  their  pigment. 


256  ALG.-E 

LITERATURE. 

Reinke — Nova  Acta  Acad.  Leop. -Carol. ,  1878. 
Thuret  &  Bornet — Etudes  Phycologiques,  1878. 
Hauck— (Padina)  Hedwigia,  1887,  p.  41. 

The  position  of  the  small  family  of  SYNGENETICLE,  as  constituted  by 
Rostannski,  is  one  of  great  uncertainty.  The  two  genera  of  which  it  is 
composed  have  generally  been  regarded  as  of  a  very  low  type  of  structure, 

and  it  is  very  doubtful  whether  they  are 
nearly  related  to  one  another.  The  pro- 
bability seems  to  be  in  favour  of  both 
genera  having  been  derived  from  the 
Phaeosporeae  by  retrogressive  metamor- 
phosis in  different  directions.  Heckel 
and  Chareyre  (Journal  de  Microgra- 
phie,  1885)  regard  Hydrurus  and  Chro- 
mophyton  as  presenting  a  connecting 
link  between  the  Diatomaceae  and  the 
P'haeosporeae. 

Hydrurus  Ag.  consists  of  a  fila- 
mentous thallus,  attaining  sometimes  a 
foot  in  length,  slimy  and  affixed  to  a 
conical  disc,  and  growing  in  cold  fresh 
running  water.  The  filaments  are  simple 
below  but  branched  above,  often  with 
exceedingly  fine  penicillate  divisions, 
filled  with  a  brown  or  olive  endochrome 
identical  with  phycophaein.  The  sur- 
face is  naked  or  densely  covered  with 
delicate  hair-like  appendages,  which  are 
occasionally  fasciculate.  The  thallus  is 
composed  of  cells  dispersed  through 
the  gelatinous  matrix ;  towards  the  apex 
of  the  branches  the  cells  are  in  close 
contact  with  one  another,  but  in  the 
older  parts  of  the  thallus  they  are  some 
distance  apart.  Each  is  surrounded  by 
a  very  delicate  membrane,  and  Lager- 
heim  states  that  some  of  them  contain 
pulsating  vacuoles.  Propagation  takes  place  by  means  of  zoospores  of 
very  peculiar  form,  produced  in  the  branches  only,  two  or  four  from  each 
cell.  When  mature  the  zoospores  are  tetrahedral,  each  angle  being 


FIG.  232. — A,  Hydmrus penicillatus  Ag. 
(natural  size).  (After  Cooke.)  B,  zoo- 
spore  (greatly  magnified).  (After  Lager- 
heim.) 


PHJEOSPORE&  257 

prolonged  into  a  slender  colourless  beak ;  in  one  of  the  angles  is  a 
brown  chromatophore  ;  and  attached  to  the  centre  of  the  opposite  side 
a  single  short  cilium,  and  near  it  two  pulsating  vacuoles,  but  no  pig- 
ment-spot. The  zoospores  appear  to  germinate  directly  without  con- 
jugation. Lagerheim  has  also  detected,  on  different  individuals  from 
the  zoospores,  peculiar  resting-spores,  through  the  vitality  of  which 
Hydrurus  remains  dormant  through  the  summer  and  autumn,  its  active 
life  extending  only  through  the  cold  season.  Hydrurus  is  placed  by 
Rabenhorst  and  Cooke  among  the  Palmellaceae. 

Chromophyton  Wor.  is  an  epiphytic  organism  which  vegetates  and 
hibernates  within  the  hyaline  cells  of  the  leaves  of  Sphagnum  and  other 
aquatic  mosses.  In  this  state  it  consists  of  unciliated  naked  masses  of 
protoplasm  with  pulsating  vacuoles,  and  endowed  with  an  amoeboid 
motion.  While  still  within  the  cells  of  the  host,  these  bodies  become 
invested  with  a  delicate  cell-wall,  multiply  by  repeated  bipartition,  and 
assume  the  condition  of  resting-spores,  the  endochrome  being  now  of  a 
brownish  red  colour.  From  these  resting-spores  are  developed  zoospores, 
minute  ellipsoidal  or  nearly  spherical  bodies,  8-9  //,.  long  and  4-6  />u 
broad,  with  a  single  cilium,  a  contractile  vacuole,  and  a  bright  yellow 
or  yellowish  brown  pigment-disc,  consisting  of  a  substance  apparently 
identical  with  the  diatomin  of  the  Diatomaceae.  These  zoospores  are 
imbedded  in  a  colourless  mucilaginous  matrix,  in  which  condition  they 
float  in  large  numbers  on  the  surface  of  the  water  of  bogs  in  the  form  of 
a  fine  yellow  dust.  When  completely  immersed  in  water,  the  zoospores 
are  set  free  from  their  investing  mucilage,  and  at  once  begin  to  swarm. 
After  a  time  each  zoospore  develops  a  second  colourless  gelatinous 
envelope,  with  a  tubular  opening  below,  through  which  it  absorbs  water. 
In  this  encysted  condition,  having  now  lost  its  cilium,  it  multiplies  by 
bipartition.  Although  two  forms  of  zoospore  have  been  observed,  one 
much  smaller  than  the  other,  no  process  of  conjugation  has  been  detected. 
Cornu  describes  a  second  species  of  Chromophyton  with  stalked  bodies 
which  may  be  sporanges,  and  a  siliceous  coat  like  that  of  diatoms. 
Although  in  some  respects  presenting  a  resemblance  to  a  degraded 
form  of  Phaeosporeae,  it  is  possible  that  Chromophyton  may  be  a  stage 
in  the  development  of  some  organism  belonging  to  a  totally  different 
class.  In  some  respects  it  may  be  compared  to  the  Chytridiaceae 
among  Fungi. 

LITERATURE. 

Woronin— (Chromophyton)  Bot.  Zeit,  1880,  pp.  625,  641. 

Rostafinski  -Hydrurus  u.  seine  Verwandtschaft,  Krakow,  1882  (Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  xiv. , 
1882,  p.  5). 

S 


258  ALG^E 

Cornu— (Chromophyton)  Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  France,  1883,  p.  xciii. 
Hansgirg — Oesterr.  Bot.  Zeitschr. ,  1884,  p.  31. 
Lagerheim — Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell. ,  1888,  p.  73. 

Phceothamnion  Lagerh.  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1885,  p.  604)  is  a  fresh-water 
alga  forming  brownish  yellow  tufts  on  Vaucheria,  Cladophora,  &c. 
Certain  cells  develop  into  zoosporanges,  each  of  which  produces  two 
biciliated  zoospores,  and  the  alga  has  also  a  palmella  condition.  Not- 
withstanding the  brown  endochrome,  and  the  fact  that  the  zoospores 
germinate  directly  and  have  not  been  observed  to  conjugate,  Lagerheim 
places  this  genus  near  to  Chroolepideae  and  Chsetophoraceae,  making  it 
the  type  of  a  new  family;  PH^EOTHAMNIE^:.  It  may  possibly,  however, 
be  more  nearly  related  to  the  Syngeneticae. 


Class  XIV.- Conjugate. 

The  Conjugate,  as  defined  by  de  Bary,  constitute  an  extremely  well- 
marked  and  natural  group,  composed  of  the  three  families  Mesocarpacea, 
Zygnemacea,  and  Desmidiacetz,  with  no  near  affinities  (except  possibly 
with  the  Diatomaceae).  The.  individual  is  unicellular  in  most  of  the 
Desmidiaceae  ;  but  in  some  genera  of  desmids,  and  in  all  belonging  to 
the  other  two  orders,  it  consists  of  a  filament  of  cells,  which  is  almost 
invariably  unbranched.  The  arrangement  of  the  bright  green  endo- 
chrome, in  spiral  bands,  plates,  discs,  or  stars  of  beautiful  symmetry,  is 
altogether  peculiar  to  this  group  of  plants,  and  renders  them  among  the 
most  interesting  and  beautiful  of  microscopic  objects.  No  formation 
of  zoospores  occurs  throughout  the  class,  and  the  ordinary  mode  of 
vegetative  increase  is  by  simple  cell-division,  and  the  breaking  up  of  old 
individuals  in  the  filiform  genera  into  fragments.  They  retain  their 
power  of  life  through  the  winter,  when  under  conditions  unfavourable  to 
the  formation  of  zygosperms,  by  the  production  of  resting-spores,  or 
single  cells  which  retain  for  a  long  period  their  vitality.  These  may  be 
either  akinetes  or  aplanospores  in  Wille's  sense  of  the  terms.  Gay  states 
(Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  France,  1886,  p.  41)  that  the  filaments  of  Zygnema 
(Ktz.),  especially  when  growing  in  dry  situations,  have  a  tendency  to 
break  up  into  cysts,  i.e.  fragments  which  become  enclosed  in  a  mucila- 
ginous sheath,  resulting  from  the  gelifi  cation  of  the  outer  layers  of  the 
cell-wall.  These  cysts  may  preserve  their  vitality  for  months,  and 
then,  when  moisture  again  penetrates  the  sheath,  they  divide  by  trans- 
verse septa,  and  develop  into  new  individuals.  The  single  cell  of  the 
Desmidiaceae  and  the  filament  of  the  filiform  genera  is  enveloped  in  a 


CONJUGATE  259 

thin  transparent  mucilaginous  sheath.  According  to  Klebs  (Untersuch. 
Bot.  Inst.  Tubingen,  1886,  p.  333)  this  sheath  is  composed  of  two  dis- 
tinct portions,  a  homogeneous  substance  which  is  but  slightly  refringent, 
and  a  portion  which  consists  of  minute  rods  placed  at  right  angles  to 
the  cell-wall.  He  regards  this  mucilaginous  sheath  as  entirely  independ- 
ent of  the  substance  of  the  cell-wall,  and  derived  from  the  protoplasmic 
contents  of  the  cell  by  diffusion  through  the  cell-wall.  The  same  struc- 
ture probably  prevails  also  in  the  Confervaceae  and  other  filiform  algae 
growing  in  fresh  water.  The  Desmidiaceae  possess  a  remarkable  power 
of  apparently  spontaneous  motion,  which  will  be  spoken  of  in  detail 
under  that  order. 

The  only  sexual  mode  of  reproduction  in  the  Conjugatae  is  the 
conjugation  of  stationary  cells,  found  nowhere  else  except  in  some  of  the 
Zygomycetes.  This  consists,  in  the  unicellular  genera,  of  the  complete 
union  or  fusion  of  the  protoplasmic  contents  of  two  individuals  ;  in  the 
multicellular  genera,  of  the  isogamous  union  of  the  whole  or  a  part  of 
the  contents  of  gametes  or  non-motile  unciliated  cells  into  a  zygosperm  ; 
•conjugation  may  take  place  between  cells  belonging  to  the  same  or  to 
-different  filaments.  Whether  the  two  conjugating  cells  are  physiologi- 
cally equivalent  or  not  will  be  discussed  under  the  separate  orders,  and 
the  process  described  more  in  detail.  Klebahn  finds  the  union  of  the 
two  nuclei  in  the  zygosperm  to  take  place  only  slowly  in  Zygnema  (Ktz.) 
(Zygnemaceae)  ;  while  in  Closterium  (Nitzsch)  (Desmidiaceae)  they 
remain  distinct  even  in  the  mature  zygosperm. 

The  Zygnemaceae  must  be  regarded  as  the  typical  family  of  Conju- 
gatae, from  which  the  Desmidiaceae  have  probably  been  derived  by 
retrogression,  exhibited,  in  most  cases,  by  the  reduction  of  the  filament 
to  a  single  cell.  The  Mesocarpaceae  display  an  approach  to  a  higher 
type  of  sexual  reproduction  in  the  more  complicated  processes  connected 
with  the  formation  of  the  zygosperm.  The  reasons  for  excluding  the 
Diatomaceae  from-  the  Conjugatae,  contrary  to  the  opinion  of  some 
writers,  and  placing  them  in  a  totally  different  group,  will  be  given 
hereafter. 

Many  of  the  Conjugatae  are  extremely  abundant  in  fresh  water, 
whether  running  or  stagnant,  to  which  they  are  almost  entirety  confined  ; 
some  of  the  filiform  species  grow  also  on  moist  ground  and  among 
moss. 

LITERATURE. 

De  Bary — Untersuchungen  liber  die  Conjugaten,  1858. 

Gay — Essai  d'un  Monographe  des  Conjuguees,  1884. 

Bennett — Journ.  Linn.  Soc.,  xx.,  1884,  p.  430. 

Klebahn— (Zygosperm)  Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell.,  1888,  p.  160. 


260 


ORDER  i.— MESOCARPACE^E. 

The  species  belonging  to  this  family  consist  of  cylindrical  unbranched 
or  very  rarely  branched  filaments  of  elongated  cells,  in  which  the  chloro- 
phyll is  not  arranged,  as  in  the  Zygnemaceae,  in  stars  or  spiral  bands, 
but  in  a  thin  axile  plate  occupying  one  diameter  in  each  cell,  and  con- 
taining a  number  of  conspicuous  starch-grains  ;  those  of  adjacent  cells 
lying  usually  or  invariably  in  the  same  plane.  Vegetative  propagation 
takes  place  by  the  breaking  up  of  a  filament  into  its  constituent  cells  ; 
sexual  reproduction  by  a  process  of  conjugation,  which  may  take  place 
either  between  cells  of  the  same  or  of  different  filaments. 

The  ordinary  mode  of  conjugation  in  the   Mesocarpaceae  is  that 
termed  scalariform,  viz.  between  the  several  cells  of  two  different  fila- 
ments.    In  most  species  of  Mesocarpus  (Hass.)  this  takes  place  in  the 
following  way.     When  two  filaments  lie  very  near  one  another  side  by 
side,-  each  cell  of  each  filament  puts  out  a  short  protuberance  on  the 
side  facing  the  other  filament.-    While  these  are  forming,   the  greater 
part,  but  not  the  whole,  of  the  endochrome  in  each  cell  passes  into  the 
protuberance  thus  formed,  a  portion  being  apparently  always  left  behind 
As  soon  as  the  two  protuberances  meet,  the  cell-wall  becomes  absorbed 
at  the  extremity  of  each,  and  an  open  tube  is  thus  formed  in  which  the 
protoplasm  of  the  two  conjugating  cells  coalesces,  with  expulsion  of  cell- 
sap  and  consequent  contraction  into  a  globular  zygosperm.     The  zygo- 
sperm  is  not  formed  in  the  centre  of  the  short  tube,  but  at  one  extremity 
of  it,  in  contact  with  what  may  possibly  be  regarded  as  the  female  fila- 
ment, although  the  differentiation  is  doubtful,  and  in  any  case  exceed- 
ingly slight.     The  zygosperm  may  be  the  result  of  the  coalescence  of 
three  cells  instead  of  two.     The  zygosperm  is  at  once  separated  from 
the  rest  of  the  conjugating  tubes,  or  from  the  mother-cells,  by  a  septum  on 
either  side.    In  Staurospermum  (Ktz.),  where  the  cells  are  very  long  and 
narrow,  four  cells  take  part  in  the  formation  of  each  zygosperm.     Two  of 
the  slender  filaments,  lying  side  by  side,  bend  towards  one  another  con- 
vexly  so  as  to  bring  a  part  of  each  filament  where  there  is  a  septum  in 
contact.     Both  the  septa  and  the  longitudinal  bounding-walls  become 
absorbed  at  this  spot,  and  the  greater  part  of  the  contents  of  the  four 
cells  coalesce  into  a  zygosperm,  which  is  often  of  a  more  or  less  quadrate 
form,  and  is  again  sharply  marked  off  from  the  four  mother-cells  by  septa 
at  the  truncated  corners.     Lateral  conjugation  also  takes  place  in  some 
species  of  Mesocarpus  between  two  adjacent  cells  in  the  same  filament. 
In  this  process  each  of  the  two  cells  puts  out  a  horn-like  protuberance  at 
the  end  adjacent  to  the  other  cell  ;  these  protuberances  bend  towards  one 


CONJUGATE  c6i 

another  and  meet ;  the  septum  between  them  disappears  ;  the  endo- 
chromes  of  the  two  cells  draw  towards  one  another  and  coalesce,  with 
condensation  of  the  protoplasm,  in  the  connecting  tube  thus  formed  (fig. 
235).  In  M.  neaumensis  (Bennett,  Journ.  Micr.  Soc.,  1886,  p.  15)  the 


FIG.  z^.—Mesocarpus  panmlus  Hass. ; 
stages  in  the  formation  of  zygosperm 
(  *  750).  (After  de  Bary.) 


FIG.  234.  —  Staurospennum  gracillimuin 
Hass.,  with  quadrate  zygosperms,  showing 
axile  plate  of  chlorophyll  in  the  cells  which 
have  not  conjugated  (x  400).  (From) 
nature.) 


zygosperm  is  not  formed  in  the  connecting  tube,  but  in  one  of  the  con- 
jugating cells.  In  Gonatonema  (Wittr.)  parthenosperms  are  said  to 
be  formed  closely  resembling  zygosperms,  but  not  resulting  from  the 


coalescence  of  the  contents'of  two  cells.  Several  species  of  Mesocarpus 
frequently  put  out  long  connecting  tubes  between  two  filaments,  which 
assume  a  barrel-shaped  form,  but  without  any  formation  of  zygosperms. 
In  this  condition  they  closely  resemble  Mougeotia  (de  By.). 

The  most  important  point  in  which  the  Mesocarpaceae  differ  from 
the  Zygnemaceae  is  in  the  processes  which  take  place  after  the  formation 
of  the  true  zygosperm.  Immediately  after  its  formation,  it  divides  into 
two,  three,  or  more  cells,  the  central  one  only  of  which  is  fertile,  ger- 
minating after  a  period  of  rest ;  the  other  sterile  cells,  which  are  separated 
from  the  fertile  cell  by  septa,  taking  no  part  in  the  germination.  The 
germinating  cell  is  therefore  here  a  resting-spore  or  hypnospore,  produced 
non-sexually,  and  the  whole  structure  is,  as  Pringsheim  points  out,  a 
rudimentary  sporocarp,  indicating  an  approach  to  the  higher  classes  of 
Algae  ;  while  the  family  is,  on  the  other  hand,  con- 
nected with  the  Zygnemaceae  through  the  species  of 
Zygnema  in  which  the  zygosperm  is  formed  in  the 
connecting  tube;  and  the  best  writers  are  by  no  means 
agreed  as  to  the  limits  of  the  two  orders. 

Wittrock  has  described  the  formation  of  the  '  spo- 
rocarp '  as  taking  place  in  three  different  ways  in  the 
Mesocarpaceae,  viz.: — (i)  By  the  tripartition  of  the 
zygosperm  into  a  hypnospore  and  two  sterile  cells; 
when  the  conjugation  is  lateral,  the  sterile  cells  are 
not  separated  from  one  another  by  the  hypnospore, 
FIG.  235.— Mesocarpus  but  are  permanently  united  with  one  another.  (2) 

pleurocarpus  de  by. ;       _.  ,    .  .   .  ",     ,  1-11 

lateral  conjugation  -By  quadnpartition  of  the  zygosperm ;  this  has  been 
tie!?*  (Fr°m  na~  observed  only  in  the  case  of  scalariform  conjugation, 
the  sterile  cells  being  arranged  two  on  one  side  and 
one  on  the  other  side  of  the  hypnospore.  (3)  The  zygosperm  is  cruci- 
form or  H  -shaped,  and  the  sporocarp  is  formed  from  it  by  quinqueparti- 
tion,  two  sterile  cells  bounding  the  hypnospore  on  each  side ;  this 
mode  also  only  takes  place  in  scalariform  conjugation.  Although  these 
characters  have  been  used  by  Braun  and  others  for  the  separation  of 
the  genera  of  Mesocarpaceae,  Wittrock  regards  them  as  of  very  little 
systematic  value,  since  in  one  species,  Mougeotia  calcarea  (Wittr.),  he 
observed  all  three  modes  of  reproduction  on  one  and  the  same  fila- 
ment. In  this  same  species  Wittrock  also  records  the  formation  of 
parthcno sperms,  precisely  resembling  the  normal  zygosperm?,  but  not 
resulting  from  any  act  of  conjugation.  An  outgrowth  springs  from 
a  filament,  but  is  not  met  by  any  corresponding  outgrowth  from  an- 
other filament.  It  is,  however,  cut  off  by  a  septum,  and  divides  into 
sterile  cells  and  a  hypnospore,  just  as  if  fecundation  had  taken  place. 


CONJUGA  T.-E  263 

In  Gonatonema  notabile  (Wittr.)  parthenogenetic  hypnospores  are  formed 
by  tripartition  of  the  contents  of  an  ordinary  cell  which  swells  up  into 
the  form  of  a  cask. 

The  phenomenon  of  reproduction  in  the  Mesocarpaceae  is  regarded 
by  some  as  a  rudimentary  appearance  of  an  'alternation  of  generations.' 
The  sexual  generation  or  oophyte  is  completed  by  the  production  of  the 
zygosperm  as  the  immediate  product  of  fecundation.  This  does  not 
germinate  directly,  but  its-  formation  is  immediately  followed  by  cell- 
division,  or  the  development  of  the  non-sexual  generation  or  sporophyte ; 
the  sporocarp  consists  of  the  germinating  hypnospore — in  the  immediate 
formation  of  which  no  process  of  impregnation  took  part — and  the  in- 
vesting sterile  cells  or  '  pericarp.'  Pringsheim,  regarding  the  process  of 
conjugation  in  the  Mesocarpaceas  as  representing  a  distinctly  higher  type 
than  that  in  the  Zygnemaceae,  divides  the  process  in  the  former  family 
into  two  stages.  The  first  stage,  to  which  he  applies  the  term  '  copula- 
tion,' consists  in  the  simple  union  of  two  cells  by  the  absorption  of  the 
dividing  cell-wall ;  the  second  stage  is  an  intimate  coalescence  of  the 
protoplasmic  contents  of  the  conjugating  cells,  effected  by  the  motility  of 
the  chlorophyll-bodies;  and  this  stage  he  terms  'connubium.'  The 
hypnospore  might,  indeed,  be  correctly  termed  a  '  carpospore,'  and  we 
have  here  a  point  of  departure  in  the  direction  of  a  much  more  highly 
specialised  type  of  structure.  But  the  complete  similarity  of  the  two 
conjugating  cells  before  conjugation  necessitates  the  retention  of  the 
Mesocarpaceae  among  the  Conjugatae. 

Limiting  the  order  in  accordance  with  the  above-named  characters, 
the  genera  which  the  Mesocarpaceae  comprise  are  Mesocarpus  (Hass.), 
Staurospermum  (Ktz.),  Craterospermum  (Br.),  and  Gonatonema  (Wittr.). 
Several  species  of  Mesocarpus  and  Staurospermum  are  not  infrequent  in 
stagnant  water,  especially  in  moor  pools  and  among  Sphagnum.  The 
filaments  are  not  so  copiously  invested  with  mucilage  and  not  of  so 
bright  green  a  hue  as  those  of  the  Zygnemaceae ;  Staurospermum 
capucinum  (Ktz.)  has  a  beautiful  violet  tinge. 

LITERATURE. 

Wittrock — Algologiska  Studier,  Upsala,  1867  ;  Orn  Gotlands  och  Oelands  Sotwas- 
seralger,  1872  (Quart.  Journ.  Micr.  Sc.,  1873,  p.  123);  On  the  Spore-formatioa 
of  the  Mesocarpece,  1878. 


264 


ALG^F. 


ORDER  2. — ZYGNEMACE^E. 

The  individual  consists,  as  in  the  Mesocarpaceae,  of  a  filament  of 
cells  placed  end  to  end,  which  is  almost  always  simple  and  unbranched. 
The  filaments  are  cylindrical,  and  the  cells  of  which  it  is  composed  often 
of  comparatively  large  size  ;  those  of  Spirogyra  crassa  (Ktz.)  as  much  as 
.g.^  of  an  inch  (125  //.)  in  diameter,  and  twice  as  long  as  broad.  The 
chlorophyll  is  arranged  in  one  or  more  straight  (Siro- 
gonium,  Ktz.)  or  more  commonly  spiral  (Spirogyra,  Lk.) 
bands,  or  in  stars  placed  in  pairs  in  each  cell  (Zygnema, 
Ktz.),  or  occasionally  in  an  axile  plate  (Mougeotia, 
deBy.),  and  encloses  large  starch-grains  and  a  nucleus, 
often  very  large  and  easily  discernible  even  without  the 
use  of  staining  reagents,  connected  with  the  parietal 
protoplasm  by  radiating  threads.  In  some  species  ot 
Zygnema  the  characteristic  appearance  of  the  endo- 
chrome  is  assumed  only  when  the  cells  are  about  to 
conjugate.  The  ease  with  which  some  members 
of  this  family,  especially  species  of  Spirogyra  and 
Zygnema,  are ..  cultivated  in  fresh-water  aquaria,  and 
the  beautiful  arrangement  of  the  endochrome,  not  only 
make  these  algae  extremely  striking  objects  under  the 
microscope,  but  afford  especially  good  opportunities  for 
observing,  in  their  details,  the  processes  of  division 
of  the  nucleus  and  of  the  cell.1  It  is  also  in  this 
family  that  the  interesting  process  of  conjugation  is 
most  easily  followed. 

The  filaments  increase  in  length  by  ordinary  cell- 
division  ;  and  single  cells,  which  become  very  easily 
detached,  are  able  to  develop  in  this  way  into  new 
individuals,  corresponding,  therefore,  functionally  to 
the  non-sexual  spores  of  fungi.  Like  the  Desmidiaceae 
and  other  floating  algae,  they  can  obtain  their  nourish- 
ment entirely  from  the  water,  and  increase  without 
any  attachment  to  the  substratum.  The  formation  of 
resting-cells  and  of  cysts  has  already  been  mentioned.  The  only  other 
known  mode  of  reproduction  is  by  conjugation  ;  but  the  reproductive 
organs  of  other  algae  or  fungi,  which  are  sometimes  parasitic  upon  or 


FIG.  236. — Spirogyra 
por  tic  alls  Vauch.  ; 
stages  in  the  forma- 
tion of  zygosperm 
( x  100).  (From 
nature.) 


1  See  Strasburger,  Ueber  Zellbildung  und  Zelltheilun^ 
Botany ',  2nd  English  cd.  1882,  p.  16. 


also  Sachs,  Text-book  cf 


CONJUGA  T^E 


265 


'endophytic  in  species  of  Spirogyra  and  Zygnema,  have  been  mistaken 
for  zoospores. 

The  usual  mode  of  conjugation  is  the  scalariform,  between  the  cells 
of  two  filaments  lying  side  by  side.  The  first  stage  is  the  putting  out  of 
lateral  protuberances  at  right  angles  to  the  axis  of  growth,  from  the  cells 
in  each  filament  towards  the  corresponding  cells  in  the  other  filament. 
The  protuberances  put  out  by  opposite  cells  at  length  meet ;  the  proto- 
plasm-mass of  each  of  the  two  cells  has  by  this  time  begun  to  contract, 
withdrawing  itself  from  the  cell-wall,  and  rounding  itself  off  into  an  ellip- 
soidal form,  with  expulsion  of  some 
of  its  cell-sap,  the  chlorophyll- 
bodies  at  the  same  time  losing 
their  characteristic  arrangement. 
The  cell-wall  then  opens  between 
the  two  protuberances,  and  the 
whole  of  the  protoplasmic  con- 
tents of  one  of  the  two  cells 
passes  through  the  connecting 
tube  thus  formed,  and  glides 
slowly  through  it  into  the  other 
cell-cavity,  coalescing  with  its  pro- 
toplasm-mass. After  complete 
union  the  combined  protoplast  is 
again  ellipsoidal  or  spherical,  and 
scarcely  larger  than  each  of  the 
two  before  coalescence,  further 
expulsion  of  water  and  conse- 
quent contraction  having  taken 
place.  In  some  species  of  Zyg- 
nema the  zygosperm  is  formed, 
not  in  either  of  the  conjugating 
cells,  but  in  the  connecting  tube, 
as  in  the  Mesocarpaceae.  In  Sirogonium  no  connecting  tube  is  formed, 
but  conjugation  takes  place  by  genuflexion ;  the  two  filaments  are  brought 
into  contact  by  a  knee-like  bend  in  each  ;  at  the  point  of  contact  the 
adjacent  cells  of  the  two  filaments  are  placed  in  communication  by  the 
disappearance  of  the  cell-walls,  and  a  zygosperm  is  formed  in  one  of  the 
two  cells  by  the  coalescence  of  the  two  protoplasts. 

A  second  mode  of  conjugation,  not  nearly  so  frequent,  is  the  lateral, 
between  two  contiguous  cells  of  the  same  filament.  Protuberances 
formed  near  the  adjacent  ends  of  contiguous  cells  bend  towards  one 
another  till  they  meet  ;  the  cell- wall  between  them  then  disappears,: 


FIG.  237. — Zygnema  pecti- 
natnm  Ag.,  in  conjugation 
(x  100).  (After  Cooke.) 


FIG.  238. — Spiro- 
gyra be  His  Hass. ; 
lateral  conjuga- 
tion ( x  100). 
(From  nature.) 


266 

and  conjugation  is  effected  though  the  curved  tube  thus  formed  by  the 
coalescence  of  the  protoplasts  of  the  two  cells.  The  zygosperm  is  never 
formed,  as  irt  the  Mesocarpaceae,  in  the  connecting  tube,  but  in  one  of 
the  two  cells.  Lateral  conjugation  frequently  takes  place  with  groups 
of  four  cells,  the  zygosperms  being  formed  in  the  two  central  ones. 

The  protoplast  formed  by  either  mode  of  conjugation  finally  secretes 
a  cell-wall  of  cellulose,  and  becomes  a  zygosperm.  Germination  some- 
times takes  place  while  still  within  the  mother-cell ;  but  most  commonly 
both  filaments  perish  after  conjugation,  with  the  exception  of  the 
numerous  zygosperms,  which  fall  to  the  bottom,  the  green  endochrome 
having  in  the  meantime  turned  to  a  brick-red  colour.  It  then  remains 
dormant  through  the  winter  as  a  resting-cell  or  hypnospe rm,  germinating 
in  the  spring.  Whether  the  axis  of  growth  of  the  new  individual  is 
parallel  or  at  right  angles  to  that  of  the  old  individual  is  differently 
stated  by  different  observers.  On  the  commencement  of  germination, 
one  end  of  the  zygosperm  of  Spirogyra  attaches  itself  like  a  root  to  a 
stone  or  to  some  other  alga,  so  that  in  the  earliest  stage  of  the  new 
individual  there  is  a  differentiation  between  base  and  apex  ;  but  this 
soon  disappears.  The  innermost  of  the  three  layers  of  which  the  cell- 
wall  of  the  hypnosperm  is  composed  bursts  through  the  other  two,  and 
protrudes  like  a  bag.  The  chlorophyll  then  arranges  itself  in  spiral 
bands,  with  starch-grains  within  them,  and  the  cell  divides  by  transverse 
septa  into  a  filament,  all  the  cells  being  from  this  time  precisely  alike. 
Instances  are  recorded  of  filaments  persisting  through  the  winter. 
Hofmeister  states  that  the  growth  of  Spirogyra  is  intermittent,  and  that 
the  filaments  exhibit  a  nutation,  due  probably  to  differences  in  the 
rapidity  of  growth  of  different  sides  of  the  same  cell.  Where  branching 
takes  place,  it  appears  to  be  confined  to  the  barren  portion  of  a  filament 
in  which  zygosperms  have  been  formed. 

Although  the  view  is  contested  by  some  writers,  the  process  of 
conjugation  is  regarded  by  most  as  a  sexual  process,  but  one  of  the 
most  rudimentary  character,  the  differentiation  of  the  two  conjugating 
elements  being  exceedingly  slight.  As  de  Bary  has  pointed  out — and 
his  statement  is  confirmed  by  nearly  all  more  recent  observers — the 
direction  of  conjugation  is  clearly  governed  by  some  physiological  law, 
the  movement  of  the  protoplasm  between  the  two  filaments  almost 
invariably  taking  place  in  one  direction  only,  so  that  one  of  the  two 
conjugating  filaments  is  entirely  emptied,  while  the  other  is  filled  with 
zygosperms.1  Designating  the  former  as  the  male  and  the  latter  as 
the  female  filament,  it  is  frequently  the  case  that  the  cells  of  the 

1  Hassall,  however,  asserts  and  figures  the  contrary  (British  Fresh -water  Algcs, 
i,,  p.  130). 


CONJUGATE  267 

female  are  both  longer  and  broader  than  those  of  the  male  filament ;. 
and  the  contraction  of  the  protoplasm  has  been  observed  to  begin 
earlier  in  the  male  than  in  the  female  filament.  It  is  also  stated  that 
the  protuberance  from  the  female  cell  is  shorter  but  broader  than  that 
of  the  male  cell,  the  latter  fitting  into  the  former  as  into  a  socket.  The 
chief  argument  against  the  sexuality  of  the  filaments  is  the  occurrence 
of  lateral  conjugation  ;  and  when  this  takes  place  a  sexual  differentiation 
can  be  assumed  only  of  the  individual  cells  and  not  of  the  filaments  ; 
but  that  there  is  some  differentiation  of  this  kind  would  appear  from  the 
fact  that  when  lateral  conjugation  takes  place  in  a  group  of  four  cells 
the  zygosperms  are  formed  in  the  two  centre  cells,  which  may  be 
regarded  as  female.  The  phenomena  may  then  be  compared  to  those 
in  Sphaeroplea.  Bessey  states  (in  lit.)  that  scalariform  and  lateral  conju- 
gation may  sometimes  be  seen  in  different  parts  of  the  same  filament. 
The  female  filaments  are,  as  a  rule,  very  much  more  abundant  than  the 
male  ;  and  it  is  not  uncommon  for  conjugation  to  take  place  between 
one  male  and  several  female  filaments,  while  the  reverse  is  at  all  events 
much  more  rare.  Occasionally  one  cell  will  conjugate  with  two  others,, 
the  zygosperm  being  then  the  product  of  one  female  and  two  male  cells. 
Several  instances  are  recorded  of  hybridism  between  two  different  species 
of  Spirogyra.  Parthenogenesis,  or  the  formation  of  parthenospe nhs 
capable  of  germination,  and  in  all  respects  resembling  zygosperms,  but 
formed  out  of  the  contents  of  a  single  cell  without  any  previous  process 
of  conjugation,  is  also  stated  to  occur. 

The  genera  included  in  the  Zygnemaceae  with  the  above  characters 
are  Zygnema  (Ktz.),  Spirogyra  (Lk.),  Mougeotia  (de  By.),  Sirogonium 
(Ktz.),  and  Zygogonium  (Ktz.).  Several  species  of  Spirogyra  and 
Zygnema  are  among  the  commonest  of  fresh-water  Algae  in  both  stagnant 
and  running  water,  forming  dense  bright  green  masses,  often  with  a 
slimy  feel,  owing  to  the  well- developed  mucilaginous  sheath  in  which 
each  filament  is  enveloped.  While  conjugation  is  in  active  progress, 
which  is  mostly  in  the  early  summer,  the  filaments  of  Spirogyra  assume 
a  dull  green  or  even  brown  colour,  easily  recognised  by  the  naked  eye.. 
The  other  genera  are  more  frequent  in  moor  pools. 

LITERATURE. 

Pringsheim — Flora,  1852,  pp.  465  et  seq. 

Cleve — Monografi  Zygnemaceae,  1868. 

Hofmeister — Wiirtemb.  naturw.  Jahresheft,  1874,  p.  211. 

Overton— Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell.,  1888,  p. '68. 

(For  fuller  bibliography  see  Bennett,  Journ.  Linn.  Soc. ,  xx. ,  1884,  p.  430). 


268  ALGsE 


ORDER  3. — DESMIDIACE^:. 

The  Desmids  are  unicellular  organisms,  for  the  most  part  solitary, 
and  inhabiting  almost  exclusively  fresh  water,  especially  stagnant,  where 
they  occur  in  very  large  numbers;  a  very  few  species  are  brackish. 
They  always  float  free  without  any  attachment  to  the  bottom  or  to  other 
algae,"  and  many  species  possess  a  power  of  apparently  spontaneous 
motion  through  the  water  similar  to  that  of  diatoms,  though  not  so 
strongly  marked.  In  several  genera,  as  Desmidium  (Ag.)  and  Hyalotheca 
(Ehrb.),  the  individuals  are  united  into  long  filaments ;  and  either  the 
separate  individuals  or  the  filaments  are  invested  by  a  more  or  less 
dense  mucilaginous  envelope,  species  of  Desmidium  and  Hyalotheca 
frequently  forming  a  green  slime  on  the  surface  of  moor  pools.  The 
origin  and  structure  of  the  mucilaginous  sheath  appear  to  be  the  same 
as  in  the  Zygnemacese.  According  to  Hauptfleisch,  the  cell-wall  of 
desmids  always  consists  of  two  distinct  layers,  sometimes  of  more,  which 
are  then  provided  with  a  girdle-band  similar  to  that  of  diatoms.  He 
also  states  that  in  nearly  all  species  the  cell-membrane  is  perforated, 
and  that  through  these  pores  proceed  threads  of  protoplasm,  connecting 
the  protoplasm  in  the  interior  of  the  cell  with  the  gelatinous  envelope 
which  is  excreted  through  the  pores  from  the  cell-contents.  In  the 
filamentous  species  the  protoplasm  is  probably  in  connection  throughout 
the  filament. 

The  cells  vary  greatly  in  size  and  form  in  different  species,  the 
largest  (Cosmarium,  Cord.,  Micrasterias,  Ag.)  being  just  visible  to  the 
naked  eye.  The  individual  is  usually  divided  by  a  deep  constriction  into 
two  symmetrical  halves ;  and  even  where  this  is  not  the  case,  the  cell- 
contents— chlorophyll-bodies  and  starch-grains  —  are  symmetrically 
arranged  in  the  two  halves  of  the  cell.  The  cell-wall  is  smooth,  or 
punctated,  warty,  or  even  elevated  into  spines,  but  has  no  (or  very  little) 
deposit  of  silica.  The  cells  contain  a  large  quantity  of  chlorophyll  of  a 
bright  green  colour,  never  concealed  by  any  pigment,  often  arranged  in 
bands  or  stars,  and  containing  much  starch.  Each  genus  has  its  own 
general  form  of  cell,  often  of  very  great  beauty.  In  Docidium  (Breb.), 
Penium  (Breb.),  and  Tetmemorus  (Ralfs)  the  individual  or  '  frustule ' 
is  elongated,  cylindrical,  and  usually  divided  by  a  constriction  into  two 
halves  placed  end  to  end;  in  Closterium  (Nitzsch)  it  is  crescent- shaped; 
in  Micrasterias  it  is  very  thin  and  flat,  usually  with  a  more  or  less  orbi- 
cular or  elliptical  outline,  deeply  divided  into  two  symmetrical  halves, 
and  each  half  more  or  less  deeply  lobed ;  in  Euastrum  (Ehrb.)  the  indi- 
vidual is  usually  smaller  than  in  Micrasterias,  often  very  minute,  and 


CONJUGATE 


269 


the  half-cells  have  a  smooth,  sinuate,  or  beaked  margin,  with  circular  in- 
flated protuberances ;  in  Cosmarium  the  half-cells  are  quite  undivided, 
and  the  whole  outline  often  nearly  orbicular;  in  Xanthidium  (Ehrb.) 
and  in  most  species  of  Staurastrum  (Mey.)  the  surface  is  elevated  into 
prominent  tubercles  or  spines. 

The  transparency  of  the  cell- wall  in  desmids  enables  the  rotation  of 
the  protoplasm  to  be  distinctly  seen ;  and  at  the  colourless  spaces  at 
the  extremities  of  some  species  of  Closterium  and  Docidium  the  dancing 
'brownian'  movement  of  particles  suspended  in  the  cell-sap  is  very 


FIG.  239.— A,  Desmidium  Siuartzii  Ralfs ;  B,  Micrasterias  rotata  Grev.  ;  c,  Euastrum  ro stratum 
Ralfs  ;  D,  Cosmarium  ccelatum  Ralfs;  k,  Xanthidium  cristatum~&r€b.  \  F,  Staurastrum  Arachne 
Ralfs  ;  G.  Closterium  DiattaEhrb.  ;  H,  Docidium  baculum  Br£b.  (All  after  Ralfs  and  variously- 
magnified.) 

evident.  Klebs  describes  four  kinds  of  movement  in  desmids,  viz. : — 
(i)  A  forward  motion  on  the  surface,  one  end  of  each  cell  touching  the 
bottom,  while  the  other  end  is  more  or  less  elevated  and  oscillates 
backwards  and  forwards ;  (2)  an  elevation  in  a  vertical  direction  from 
the  substratum,  the  free  end  making  wide  circular  movements ;  (3)  a 
similar  motion,  followed  by  an  alternate  sinking  of  the  free  end  and 
elevation  of  the  other  end ;  and  (4)  an  oblique  elevation,  so  that  both 
ends  touch  the  bottom — lateral  movements  in  this  position ;  then  an 
elevation  and  circular  motion  of  one  end,  and  a  sinking  again  to  an 
oblique  or  horizontal  position.  These  movements  are,  according  to  this 
observer,  all  due  to  an  exudation  of  mucilage,  and  the  first  two  to  the. 


270 


ALG.-E 


formation,  during  the  motion,  of  a  filament  of  mucilage  by  which  the 
desmid  is  temporarily  attached  to  the  bottom,  and  which  gradually 
lengthens.  The  movements  of  desmids  are  especially  vigorous  when 
they  are  in  the  act  of  dividing.  Stahl  found  that,  like  the  movements 
of  zoospores,  they  are  affected  by  light. 

Vegetative  propagation  takes  place  by  division  or  fission,  a  process 
which  can  be  easily  followed  out  in  species  of  Cosmarium  or  Staurastrum, 
the  whole  being  completed  in  the  course  of  a  few  hours.  When  cell- 
•division  is  about  to  commence,  the  endochrome  retreats  slightly  from 
the  band  or  '  isthmus '  which  connects  the  two  half-cells  with  one  an- 
other; and  the  two  halves  then  separate  from  one  another,  retaining 
their  connection  only  by  a  transverse  band  formed  by  the  gradual 
broadening  of  the  isthmus  ;  this  is  after  a  time  divided  into  two  by 

a  septum  along  the  length  of 
the  isthmus,  midway  between  the 
two  half-cells  and  parallel  to  the 
constriction  between  them.  The 
endochrome  now  passes  out  of 
each  original  half-cell  into  the 
half  of  the  band  in  connection 
with  it,  and  at  the  same  time  the 
half-band  bulges,  and,  growing 
rapidly,  assumes  the  form  and 
appearance  of  an  original  half- 
cell.  Fresh  formation  of  chloro- 
phyll is  at  the  same  time  taking 
place  in  it,  and  the  half-band  becomes  a  complete  half-cell,  but  some- 
times slightly  larger.  We  have  now  two  individuals  attached  to  one  an- 
other by  their  larger  halves ;  these  frequently  remain  in  contact  for  a 
•considerable  period,  but  at  length  separate.  In  the  spiny  species  of 
Staurastrum  the  spines  are  developed  very  rapidly  on  the  half-bands 
while  their  development  into  half-cells  is  progressing. 

A  sexual  process  of  conjugation  takes  place  in  the  following  way 
in  the  genera  where  the  individuals  are  quite  distinct.  Two  individuals — 
which  cannot  in  any  way  be  differentiated  as  male  and  female — lay  them- 
selves either  parallel  to  or  across  one  another,  and  the  pair  become  en- 
veloped in  a  common  mucilaginous  coating.  In  each  individual  the 
outer  of  the  two  layers  of  which  the  cell-wall  is  composed  gives  way,  and 
a  circular  opening  is  formed  at  the  constricted  part ;  the  inner  layer  of 
the  cell-wall  of  each  individual  protrudes  through  the  opening  in  the 
form  of  a  bladder,  and  these  two  protrusions  come  into  contact.  The 
outer  cell-wall  is  then  thrown  off,  and  the  wall  separating  the  two  con- 


FIG.  240. — Staurastrum  teliferum  Ralfs,  dividing 
(x  400).     (From  nature.) 


CONJUGA  T.'E 


271 


jugating  protrusions  disappears.  The  two  protoplasmic  bodies  then 
unite  in  the  conjugating  tube  thus  formed  into  a  nearly  spherical  zygo- 
sper?n,  enclosed  in  a  cell-wall  which  ultimately  becomes  differentiated 
into  three  layers,  the  innermost  and  outermost  of  which  are  colourless, 
while  the  middle  one  is  firmer  and  brown.  The  outer  surface  remains 
in  some  species  smooth,  while  in  many  it  becomes,  when  mature, 
covered  with  warts  or  spines,  which  are  not  unfrequently  barbed.  In 
those  genera  where  the  individuals  are  associated  into  filaments,  conju- 


FIG.  241.— Zygosperms  of  desmids.  A,  Euastrum pectinatrim  Br£b.  (x  400).  B,  Penhtm 
margaritaceum  Brdb.  (x  300).  c,  Closterium  rostratuin  Ehrb.  early  stage  (  x  200).  D, 
Desmidiutn.  Swartzii  Ralfs  (  x  600),  (All  after  Ralfs.) 

gation  takes  place  between  the  cells  of  different  filaments,  and  a 
large  number  of  zygosperms  may  frequently  be  seen  in  the  same  fila- 
ment. In  Gonatozygon  (de  By.),  where  the  cells  are  very  long  and 
slender,  the  process  is  very  similar  to  that  in  Zygnema.  The  state- 
ment of  the  occurrence  of  zoospores  in  the  Desmidiacese  is  founded  on 
erroneous  observation,  the  antherozoyis  of  parasitic  fungi  having  pos- 
sibly been  mistaken  for  zoospores. 

After  remaining  for  a  considerable  time  at  rest,  the  zygosperm  ger- 
minates by  the  bursting  of  its  two  outer  coats,  the  protoplasmic  contents 
escaping  still  enveloped  in  the  very  thin  innermost  coat.  In  this  embryo. 


2/2  ALG^E 

as  it  may  be  termed,  the  protoplasm  and  chlorophyll-corpuscles  are 
already  distributed  symmetrically  into  two  half-cells,  which  contract 
somewhat,  and  the  whole  becomes  invested  by  a  new  cell-wall.  A  con- 
striction has  in  the  meantime  made  its  appearance  between  the  two 
halves,  and  the  new  individual  rapidly  assumes  its  mature  form,  but  is 
at  first  of  small  size.  It  soon  divides  repeatedly,  and  each  generation 
gradually  increases  in  size  until  the  full  size  is  attained. 

The  number  of  known  species'of  desmids  is  not  large  compared  with 
that  of  diatoms ;  they  are  found  in  great  abundance  in  the  midst  of 
larger  algae  in  fresh  water,  especially  in  moor-pools,  sometimes  forming 
a  green  scum  on  the  surface. 

LITERATURE. 

Ehrenberg  —  Die  Infusionsthierchen,  1838. 
Ralfs— British  Desmidiese,  1848. 
Nageli— Gattungen  einzelliger  Algen.  1849. 
Stahl— Verhandl.  Phys.-med.  Gesell.  Wiirzburg,  1880,  p.  24. 
Fischer — Bot.  Zeit.,  1883,  pp.  225  et  seq. 
Wolle— Desmids  of  the  United  States,  1884. 
Klebs— Biolog.  Centralblatt,  1885,  p.  353. 

Cooke — British  Desmids,  1887  (which  see  for  farther  bibliography). 
Hauptfleisch — Zellmembran  u.  Hiillgallerte  der  Desmidiaceen,  1888. 


Class  XV.— Confervoideae  Isogamae. 

In  this  class  the  individual  still  consists  of  a  filament  of  cylindrical 
cells,  placed  end  to  end,  which  may  be  branched  or  unbranched.  As 
in  the  Conjugate,  the  only  known  sexual  mode  of  reproduction  is  an 
isogamous  one  between  two  masses  of  protoplasm,  which  are  not  clearly 
differentiated  beforehand  into  a  male  and  a  female  element  ;  but  the 
conjugating  bodies  are  not  the  contents  of  stationary  cells,  but  are 
motile  ciliated  swarm-spores  or  zoogametes,  produced  by  free-cell  forma- 
tion in  ordinary  or  in  slightly  differentiated  cells  of  the  filament,  hence ' 
termed  gametanges,  their  conjugation  resulting  in  the  production  of  a 
zygosperm.  The  filament  increases  in  length  by  the  repeated  transverse 
septation  of  successive  apical  cells,  or  less  often  of  intercalary  cells. 
The  ordinary  mode  of  multiplication  is  a  non-sexual  one,  by  means  of 
~naked  ciliated  zoospores,  closely -resembling  the  zoogametes,  but  often 
larger,  and  formed  singly  or  in  pairs  in  a  cell.  Vegetative  propagation 
also  takes  place  by  the  formation  and  detachment  of  cysts  or  resting- 
cells,  which  may  be  either  akinetes  or  aplanospores.  The  cells  very 
frequently  display  a  plurality  of  nuclei,  but  this  is  not  nearly  so  strongly 


CONFERVOIDE^:  ISOGAM& 


273 


marked  as  in  the  unicellular  Multinucleatae.  The  class  includes  one 
large  order,  the  Confervacece,  and  three  smaller  ones,  the  Ulotrichacta, 
Pithophoracece,  and  Chroolepidece,  though  the  boundaries  between  them 
are  not  in  all  cases  well  denned.  In  the  Confervacese  and  Ulotrichaceos 
the  filament  which  springs  from  the  germination  either  of  a  zoospore 
or  of  a  zygosperm  resulting  from  the  conjugation  of  zoogametes,  attaches 
itself  to  the  substratum — a  stone,  another  alga,  or  some  other  aquatic 
plant — by  a  rhizoid,  which  may  consist  of  a  single  cell,  or  may  branch 
into  a  number  of  cells.  As  in  the  higher  algae,  the  rhizoid  is  not  a 
nutritive  organ,  but  simply  an  organ  of  attachment.  These  algae  may, 
however,  continue  to  grow  and  retain  their  vitality  for  a  long  period  in 
water  without  any  attachment  to  the  substratum. 


ORDER  i.  —  CONFERVACESE  (i 


The  term  Confervacese  has  been  very 
vaguely  applied  to  a  variety  of  green  fresh- 
water organisms,  but  is  now  limited  to  a 
comparatively  small  number  of  genera  of 
fresh-water,  and  a  few  brackish  and  salt- 
water algae,  in  which  each  individual 
consists  of  a  segmented  branched  or  un- 
branched  filament  of  cylindrical  or  disc- 
shaped  cells,  invested  by  a  mucilaginous 
sheath,  and  in  which  multiplication  takes 
place  non-sexually  by  megazoospores,  or 
sexually  by  the  conjugation  of  smaller 
zoogametes.  Both  kinds  of  swarm-cell  have 
two  cilia,  or  the  former  in  some  cases 
four  ;  Lagerheim  describes,  in  Conferva 
bombycina  (Ktz.),  megazoospores  with  a 
single  cilium.  From  each  parent-cell  are 
produced  either  one  or  two  megazoospores. 

In  only  a  few  species  has  the  process 
of  conjugation  of  zoogametes  been  actually 
observed,  and  the  systematic  position  of  a 
large  number  of  the  species  is  therefore 
at  present  only  conjectural.  Areschoug  has  FIG.  w.—Microsporajio 
followed  both  the  conjugation  of  the  zoo- 
gametes  and  the  direct  germination  of  the 
megazoospores  in  Urospora  (Aresch.).  In 
Conferva  (L.),  Chaetophora  (Schr.),  Draparnaldia  (Ag.),  and  some  other 


§  2t 

zoospores  (x   30o)' 


274 


ALGsE 


FIG.  -z^.—Cladophora.  gracilis  Ktz.     a,  natural  size 
l>,  upper,  c,  lower  portion  (x  200).     (After  Hauck.) 


genera,  vegetative  propagation 
takes  place  by  means  of  resting- 
spores  or  cysts,  usually  found 
in  swollen  barrel-shaped  cells. 
In  Conferva  the  resting-cells 
may  be  either  akinetes  or  apla- 
nospores ;  and  Wille  believes 
that  they  are  produced  espe- 
cially under  circumstances  un- 
favourable for  the  formation  of 
zoospores.  The  resting-spores 
of  Confervacese  are  formed  in 
three  different  ways:  either  (i) 
by  rejuvenescence,  and  the  for- 
mation of  a  new  cell-wall  round 
the  contracting  contents;  or  (2) 
by  separation  of  a  portion  of  the 
cell-substance  so  as  to  form  a 
swollen  part  of  the  mother-cell,, 
and  the  thickening  of  the  cell- 
wall  at  this  portion;  or  (3)  by 
the  simple  thickening  of  the 
wall  of  the  mother-cell.  In  the 
formation  of  aplanospores,  one, 
two,  or  four  proceed  from  •  a 
single  cell  by  the  cell-contents 
rounding  off  and  enclosing 
themselves  in  a  cell-wall  while 
still  within  the  parent-cell.  They 
hibernate  within  the  parent-cell, 
and  germinate  in  the  spring. 
Resting  swarm  -  cells^  naked 
masses  of  protoplasm  endowed 
with  an  amoeboid  power  of  mo- 
tion, are  formed  in  the  same 
way. 

The  mucilaginous  sheath  of 
the  Confervaceae  appears  to 
have  the  same  construction  as 
in  the  classes  of  algae  already 
described,  but  is  often  but  feebly 
developed.  Wille  states  that  the 


CONFERVOIDE^E  ISOGAMsE 


275 


spores  put  out  an  organ  of  attachment  even  before  they  germinate.  In 
Chsetophora  and  other  genera  which  make  up  the  Chaetophoraceae  of 
Hassall,  the  terminal  cell  of  the  main  axis  or  of  its  branches  is  prolonged 
into  a  colourless  hyaline  bristle.  These  are  especially  well  developed 
in  Draparnaldia,  an  exceedingly  beautiful  organism  not  uncommon  in 


FIG.  244.  —  Draparnaldia  gloinerata  Ag.  (x  100).     (From  nature.) 

freshwater,  which  exhibits  a  somewhat  higher  type  of  development  than  the 
other  genera,  being  differentiated  into  an  axis  or  central  tube,  and  smaller 
secondary  branches  arranged  in  regular  whorls  ;  the  zoospores  being 
produced  in  the  latter  only.  Maupas  states  (Compt.  Rend.,  Ixxxix.,  1879, 
p.  250)  that  the  cells  of  Cladophora  contain  a  large  number  of  nuclei  ; 
and  Schmitz  (Sitzber.  Niederrhein.  Gesell.,  1879)  finds  four  nuclei  in  a 


276  ALG.-E 

cell  in  certain  conditions  of  Conferva.  In  this,  and  in  the  possession  of 
proteinaceous  crystalloids  (Klein,  Bot.  Zeit,  1880,  p.  782),  these  genera 
show  an  affinity  to  Siphonocladaceae.  Binuclearia  ( Wittr. )  (Bot.  Centralbl., 
xxix.,  1887,  p.  60)  appears  to  have  always  two  nuclei  in  each  cell. 

There  are  still  many  points  to  be  cleared  up  in  the  life-history  of 
the  Confervaceae,  although  some  of  the  genera  are  among  the  most 
abundant  of  fresh-water  organisms  ;  and  the  bounds  and  systematic 
position  of  the  family  are  still  uncertain.  According  to  some  observers, 
many  of  the  species  are  connected  genetically  with  forms  at  present 
placed  under  the  Protophyta  ;  to  this  view  further  reference  will  be 
made  hereafter.  Andersson  (Bot.  Centralbl.,  xxxv.,  1888,  p.  351)  believes 
Palmella  uvaeformis  (Ktz.)  to  be  a  resting  condition  of  Draparnaldia. 
Among  the  genera  now  included  in  the  order  are  Conferva  (L.),  Micro- 
spora  (Thur.),  Cladophora  (Ktz.),  Rhizoclonium  (Ktz.),  Stigeoclonium 
(Ktz.),  Chaetomorpha  (Ktz.),  Draparnaldia  (Ag.),  Chaetophora  (Schr.), 
Urospora  (Aresch.),  and  Binuclearia  (Wittr.).  Phseothamnion  (Lagerh.) 
(see  under  Syngeneticae)  ought  possibly  to  be  included  here;  as  also 
Spongocladia  (Aresch.)  (see  p,  290).  Several  species  of  Cladophora, 
Chaetomorpha,  and  Rhizoclonium  grow  in  brackish  or  even  in  salt  water. 

LITERATURE. 

Vaucher — Hist,  des  Confervas  d'eau  douce,  1803. 

Areschoug  -  Nova  Act.  Reg.  Soc.  Upsala,  vi.,  1868,  and  ix.,  1874. 

Reinhardt— Arb.  Naturf.  Gesell.  Charkoff,  1876. 

Wille — Bot.  Centralbl. ,  xi.,  1882,  p.  113;  and  Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1887, 

PP-  437>  459.  and  492. 

Lagerheim— Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell.,  1887,  p.  409. 
Murray  and  Boodle  — (Spongccladia)  Ann.  of  Bot.,  ii.,  1888,  p.  169. 

ORDER  2  (?). — PITHOPHORACE^E. 

The  Pithophoraceae  must  be  admitted  as  a  distinct  order  only  with 
very  great  doubt,  both  because  the  mode  of  sexual  reproduction  is  at 
present  unknown,  and  because  of  their  strong  resemblance  to  the  Con- 
fervaceae. The  family,  consisting  of  a  single  genus,  was  founded  on 
Pithophora  Kewensis  Wittr.,  an  inhabitant  of  warm  tanks  in  the 
Botanic  Gardens  at  Kew,  Oxford,  and  elsewhere ;  other  species  have 
since  been  found  in  tropical  America.  The  thallus  is  composed  of 
branching  'filaments  of  cells  resembling  Cladophora,  but  increasing  only 
by  bipartition  of  the  terminal  cell,  and  presenting  here  and  there  barrel- 
shaped  cells  very  rich  in  chlorophyll,  in  which  are  formed  resting-spores 
of  non-sexual  origin.  These  germinate  directly,  and  in  opposite  direc- 
tions, from  the  two  apices.  There  is  another  mode  of  non-sexual  pro- 
pagation by  '  prolific  cells ' ;  but  no  zoospores  nor  any  sexual  mode  of 


CONFERVOIDEsE  ISOGAMAZ 


277 


reproduction  have  as  yet  been  detected. 
They  are  distinguished  by  the  remarkable 
development  of  their  rhizoids  or  organs  of 
attachment. 

LITERATURE. 

Wittrock— On  the  Development  and  Systematic 
Arrangement  of  the  Pithophor<xce0e,  1877. 


ORDER  3.  —  ULOTRICHACE^E. 

This  small  order  includes  the  genera 
Ulothrix  (Ktz.),  Hormiscia  (Aresch.),  and 
perhaps  one  or  two  others,  not  uncommon  . 
in  fresh  and  occasionally  in  brackish  water. 
The  life-history  of  U.  zonata  (Ktz.)  and 
other  species  has  been  investigated  by 
several  observers.  They  exhibit  consider- 
able affinity  both  to  the  Confervacese  and 
to  the  Hydrodictyeas.  Each  individual 
is  composed  of  an  unbranched  filament  of 
short  cells,  broader  than  long,  and  nearly 
uniform  in  length.  Some  of  the  cells  are 
megasporanges,  giving  birth  to  2,  4,  or  8 
megazoospores  with  4  cilia;  others  are 
microsporangesmgametanges,  producing  16 
or  32  biciliated  microzoospores  or  zooga- 
metes.  From  the  non-sexual  megazoo- 
spores to  the  zoogametes  there  is,  however, 
a  gradual  transition,  the  only  constant  dif- 
ference between  them  being  the  number 
of  cilia.  Those  microzoospores  which  do 
not  conjugate,  as  well  as  the  megazoo- 
spores, germinate  directly,  germination 
sometimes  taking  place  even  within  the 
mother-cell.  Their  escape  is,  however, 
sometimes  arrested,  when  they  lose  their 
cilia,  invest  themselves  with  a  thick  cell- 
wall,  and  assume  a  palmelloid  condition. 
The  plants  which  spring  from  the  germina- 
tion  of  the  megazoospores  are  larger  than 
those  which  spring  directly  from  the  micro- 


(After  wi"rock.) 


278 


ALGsE 


zoospores,  as  also  than  those  which  spring  from  the  zygosperms  resulting 
from  the  conjugation  of  the  zoogametes.  The  escape  of  the  swarm-spores 
was  observed  by  Cramer  to  take  place,  usually  in  the  morning,  even  in 
water  which  froze  on  the  surface  every  night,  conjugation  following 
quickly  afterwards.  The  two  kinds  of  swarm-spore  are  never  produced 
in  the  same  cell,  but  in  different  cells  of  the  same  filament,  and  Cramer 
believes  that  conjugation  takes  place  between  zoogametes  from  the  same 
filament.  The  megazoospores  use  up  in  their  formation  the  whole  proto- 
plasmic contents  of  the  mother-cell,  while  in  the  production  of  the 
* 


FIG.  -2i£>.  — Ulothrix  implexa  Ktz.  a,  vegetative  filament  (x  480);  b,  portion  of  the 
same  (  x  800)  ;  c,  palmella-condition  (  x  480)  ;  d,  escape  and  conjugation  of  zoogametes 
(  x  800).  (After  Dodel-Port.) 

microzoospores  or  zoogametes  a  portion  of  the  contents  forms  a  bladder 
which  escapes  with  them,  but  soon  perishes.  According  to  Wille  (Bot. 
Centralblatt,  vol.  xi.,  1882,  p.  113)  Ulothrix  also  produces  cysts  or  rest- 
ing-spores,  which  may  be  either  aplanospores  or  akinetes.  In  some 
other  members  of  the  order  the  filament  is  branched.  Schaarschmidt 
points  out  that  a  state  closely  resembling  the  microsporiferous  filaments 
of  Ulothrix  occurs  in  the  development  of  the  Confervaceae ;  and 


CONFERVOIDEsE 


279 


Hansgirg  (Bot.  Centralblatt,  1885)  believes  that  the  filamentous  genera 
placed  in  this  genus  are  connected  genetically  with  forms  classed  under 
the  Chaetophoraceae,  Siphonocladaceae,  and  Ulvaceae.  To  this  order 
belong  also  Hormidium  (Ktz.)  and  Schizogonium  (Ktz.)..  Wildeman 
(Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  Belg.,  1886,  p.  7)  traces  a  genetic  connection  between 
Ulothrix  and  Pleurococcus. 

LITERATURE. 

Cramer — Vierteljahrschrift  Nat.  Gesell.  Ziirich,  1870. 
Cier.kowski— Mel.  biol.  Bull.  Acad.  St.  Petersbourg,  1876,  p.  531. 
Dodel-Port— Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1876,  p.  417;  Bot.  Zeit.,  1876,  p.  177. 
Gay— Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  France,  1888,  p.  65. 
Hansgirg— Flora,  1888,  p.  259. 

ORDER  4. — CHROOLEPIDE^E. 

This  order,  as  constituted  by  Borzi,  comprises  a  small  group  of 
algae  found  on  damp  walls,  the  trunks  of  trees,  and  similar  situations, 
not  unfrequently  imbedded  in  the  thallus  of  lichens,  or  constituting  their 
gonidial  element.  The  thallus  consists  of  a  branched  or  unbranched 
filament  of  cells,  usually 
somewhat  rounded  or  mo- 
niliform  in  outline,  and  is 
distinguished  by  the  mask- 
ing of  the  colour  of  the 
chlorophyll  by  a  golden 
yellow,  orange,  or  red  oily 
pigment,  soluble  in  alcohol 
and  imparting  a  strong 
odour  of  violets.  This  pig- 
ment, which  occasionally 
occurs  also  in  other  lowly 
organised  algae  and  proto- 
phytes,  has  been  examined 
by  Rostafinski,  and  found 
to  be  a  derivative  of  chlo- 
rophyll to  which  he  gives 
the  name  chlororufin. 
Microzoospores  or  zooga- 


.  __„.     _, Bleischii  Rbh.     A,   filament  with 

ITieteS    and    megaZOOSpOrCS  swollen  cells  in  which  the  zoogametes  are  formed  (game- 

,  -  ..  tanges),  g;  £,  stages  in  the  conjugation  of  the  zoogametes 

are  produced  in  gametanges       ( x  33o).   (After  wiiie.) 

or  zoosporanges,  which  are 

indistinguishable  from  the  vegetative  cells  except  by  their  somewhat  larger 

size,  and  which  are  either  terminal  or  intercalary.     Conjugation  of  the 


280  ALGsE 

smaller  swarm-spores  has  been  observed  in  Chroolepus  (Ag.),  but  they  can 
also  germinate  without  conjugation.  Chroolepus  also  produces  resting- 
spores.  Of  this  genus  one  species,  C.  aureum  (Ktz.),  is  common  on  walls 
and  rocks,  and  another,  C.  umbrinum  (Ktz.),  occurs  on  the  bark  of  trees. 
C.  lolithus  (Ag.)  is  one  of  the  few  algae  that  grow  in  perfectly  dry  situations 
on  gneiss  &c.,  and  on  a  siliceous  rock  in  the  Hartz  Mountains  known  as 
'  violet-stone.'  The  genus  Trentepohlia  (Mart.)  is  now  merged  by  many 
writers  in  Chroolepus.  Wille  has  pointed  out  that  the  organism  de- 
scribed as  Gongrosira  de  Baryana  (Rbh.),  which  grows  attached  to  the  shell 
of  fresh-water  molluscs  as  a  green  velvety  coating,  is  a  form  of  Chroolepus 
or  Trentepohlia. 

The  genera  included  under  the  Chroolepidese  by  Borzi  in  addition  to 
Chroolepus  and  Trentepohlia  are  Microthamnion  (Nag.),  Acroblaste 
(Reinsch),  Leptosira  (Borz.),  Chlorotylium  (Ktz.),  and  Pilinia  (Ktz.). 
Acroblaste  grows  in  salt  water  attached  to  mussel-shells,  but  its  position 
here  is  doubtful.  Leptosira  produces  zoospores,  some  of  which  germi- 
nate directly,  while  others  are  said  to  conjugate,  but  in  a  manner  different 
from  other  zoogametes,  by  the  end  which  does  not  bear  the  cilia.  To 
this  family  probably  belongs  also  Trichophilus  (Weber),  a  remarkable 
alga  parasitic  on  the  hairs  of  a  sloth,  which  produces  two  kinds  of 
zoospore  (Bot.  Centralblatt,  vol.  xxxiv.,  1888,  p.  161). 

LITERATURE. 

Caspary — Flora,  1858,  p.  579. 
Hildebrand— Bot.  Zeit.,  1861,  p.  81. 
Gobi— Bull.  Acad.  Sc.  St.  Petersbourg,  1872. 

Schnetzler— Bull.  Soc.  Vaud.  Sc.  Nat.,  1879,  p.  267  ;  1880,  p.  13  ;  and  1883,  p.  53. 
Borzl — Studi  Algologici,  1883. 

Wille — Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1887,  pp.  426  and  484. 
Wildeman— C.  R.  Soc.  Roy.  Bot.  Belgique,  1888,  p.  140. 
De  Toni— Notarisia,  1888,  p.  581. 


Class  XVI.— Multinucleatae. 

In  this  newly-constituted  group  are  included  the  four  orders  of 
Siphoneae,  Botrydiaceae,  Dasycladaecea,  and  Siphonocladaceae,  the  near 
relationship  of  which  to  one  another  is  scarcely  doubtful,  although  the 
first  displays  sexual  reproduction  of  a  high  type,  with  strongly  differ- 
entiated antherids  and  oogones,  which  are  not  found  in  the  other 
orders.  All  the  orders  nre  also  propagated  non-sexually  by  zoospores. 
Their  common  characteristic  is. the  extraordinary  development  in  size 


MUL  TJNUCLEA  T&  28 1 

of  the  single  cell,  which  nowhere  else  in  the  vegetable  kingdom  attains 
anything  like  so  great  dimensions.  Under  ordinary  conditions  the  in- 
dividual is  entirely  unseptate,  except  where  it  is  about  to  form  repro- 
ductive bodies,  whether  sexual  or  non-sexual.  The  very  large  number 
of  nuclei  is  universal  in  the  Siphonocladaceae ;  and,  although  their 
occurrence  in  the  Siphonese  rests  chiefly  on  the  evidence  of  Schmitz, 
there  can  be  little  doubt  that  this  order  also  shares  in  the  peculiarity,  which 
does  not  lead  on  to  cell-division,  as  in  the  groups  of  algae  already 
described ;  and  this  must  clearly  be  regarded  as  indicative  of  a  lower  or 
more  ancestral  type  of  structure.  Whether  the  Siphonocladaceae  and 
Dasycladaceae  are  an  earlier  form  leading  up  to  the  Siphoneae,  or 
whether  they  have  been  derived  from  the  latter  by  retrogression,  indi- 
cated by  the  suppression  of  the  sexual  organs,  is  uncertain,  though  the 
probability  appears  to  be  in  favour  of  the  latter  hypothesis. 

ORDER  i. — SIPHONED  (CCELOBLASTTE). 

The  thallus  is  in  this  family  ordinarily  unicellular,  although  often 
copiously  branched,  until  the  commencement  of  the  formation  of  the 
organs  of  vegetative  propagation  or  of  sexual  reproduction. 

In  the  genus  Vaucheria  DC,  which  alone  represents  this  order,  the 
plant  consists,  when  in  a  non-reproductive  state,  of  a  single  elongated  cell 
of  a  pale  green  colour,  branching  in  various  ways,  sometimes  as  much 
as  a  foot  in  length,  increasing  by  apical  growth.  Maupas  (Comptes 
Rendus,  I.e.)  and  Schmitz  (Sitzber.  Niederrhein.  Gesell.,  1879)  state 
that  each  tube  contains  a  large  number  of  nuclei.  The  non-sexual 
organs  of  propagation  are  of  two  kinds,  motionless  resting-spores  and 
motile  zoospores.  The  former  are  produced  simply  by  the  abstriction  of 
ends  of  particular  branches,  which  swell  up  to  an  oval  form,  become 
cut  off  from  the  rest  of  the  tube  by  a  septum,  contract,  and  finally 
develop  a  new  cell-wall  within  the  old  one,  thus  affording  an  illustration 
of  the  formation  of  a  new  cell  by  rejuvenescence.  This  process  takes 
place  especially  as  a  result  of  injury  to  the  thallus.  In  some  cases 
the  newly-formed  spore  is  set  free  simply  by  the  absorption  of  the 
original  cell-wall,  and  falls  off  with  the  remains  of  the  mother-cell  still 
attached  to  it,  germinating  after  a  few  days ;  or  it  is  thrown  out  with  a 
jerk,  and  goes  through  a  period  of  rest  as  a  hypnospore  before  germinat- 
ing. Another  method  is  the  swelling  up  to  a  considerable  size  of 
certain  branches,  which  separate  at  the  base,  and  put  out  at  once  one 
or  more  germinating  tubes.  The  zoospores  are  among  the  most  beauti- 
ful of  those  of  any  class  of  Algae,  being  of  considerable  size,  and  entirely 
surrounded  by  a  fringe  of  fine  cilia.  In  their  formation  the  extremity 


282 


ALG& 


of  a  branch  is  cut  off  by  a  septum  as  a  zoosporange\  the  dark  green  en- 
dochrome  in  it  gradually  contracts  into  an  ellipsoidal  form,  finally  forcing 
its  way  out  by  the  rupture  of  the  cell-wall  at  the  apex  of  the  branch. 
The  rotatory  motion  imparted  to  the  zoospore  by  its  fringe  of  cilia 
begins  even  within  the  mother-cell.  During  its  escape  it  sometimes 
gets  nipped  in  two  by  the  pressure  of  the  cell-wall,  and  each  half  then 
becomes  a  zoospore,  one  inside,  the  other  outside,  the  wall  of  the 
mother-cell.  The  zoospores  are  formed  in  the  night  and  escape  in  the 
morning ;  their  spontaneous  motion  lasts  for  a  period  varying  from  less 
than  a  minute  to  several  hours.  As  soon  as  they  have  come  to  rest  they 


Off 


E 


osp 


FIG.  248. —  Vaucheria  sessilis  Vauch.  A,  J>,  formation  of  antherids  and  oogones  ;  /i,  male 
branch  ;  a,  antherid  ;  og,  oogune.  C,  oogone  opening  and  ejecting  drop  of  mucilage,  si. 
D,  antherozoids.  £,  antherozoids  entering  oogone.  F  :  a,  empty  antherid  ;  osp,  oogone 
with  fertilised  oosperm  (magnified).  (After  Pringsheim  and  Goebel.) 

lose  their  cilia,  and  become  invested  by  a  cell- wall  of  cellulose ;  their 
germination  begins  during  the  same  day  or  the  following  night.  The 
spore  puts  out  either  one  or  two  germinating  tubes,  formed  by  its  inner 
roat  or  endospore  bursting  through  the  outer  coat  or  exospore ;  and 
the  new  plant  usually  fixes  itself  by  a  rhizoid-  or  root -like  organ  of 
attachment. 

The  sexual  reproductive  organs  of  Vaucheria,  oogones  and  antherids, 
originate  as  lateral  protuberances  on  a  filament,  sometimes  even  on 


MUL  TIN  UC LEA  T.E 


283 


the  germinating  tube  which  springs  directly  from  a  zoospore.  Most  of 
the  species  are  monoecious,  and  the  oogones  and  antherids  are  usually 
found  very  near  together.  The  antherids  are  the  terminal  portions  of 
slender  branches,  in  some  species  straight,  in  others  curved  and  more 
or  less  resembling  horns  or  hooks.  They  contain  but  little  chlorophyll, 
and  the  protoplasm  breaks  up  into  a  large  number  of  biciliated  anthero- 
zoids,  which  escape  through  the  ruptured  apex.  The  two  cilia  are  of 
unequal  length,  and  point,  one  backwards,  the  other  forwards.  The 
oogones  arise  as  thick  swellings,  often  somewhat  resembling  a  bird's 
head  in  shape,  and  are  densely  filled  with  chlorophyll ;  they  are  finally 
cut  off  from  the  rest  of  the  tube  by  a  septum.  The  coarsely-granular 
green  protoplasm  collects  in  the  centre  of  the  oogone,  leaving  a  colour- 
less portion  at  the  apex  which  corresponds  to  the  beak  of  the  bird. 
Here  the  oogone  opens,  and  a  colourless  drop  of  mucilage  is  sometimes 
expelled.  When  the  greater  part 
of  the  contents  has  contracted 
into  an  oosphere,  a  number  of 
.antherozoids  force  their  way  in 
through  the  open  mouth  of  the 
oogone,  and  impregnate  the 
oosphere  by  coalescing  with  it. 
The  oosperm,  resulting  when  the 
impregnated  oosphere  has  be- 
come invested  by  a  cell-wall  of 
cellulose,  assumes  a  red  or  brown 
•colour,  and  passes  through  a 
period  of  rest  as  a  hypnosperm. 
On  germination  several  non- 
sexual  generations  are  pro- 
duced, ending  in  the  formation 
of  sexual  organs.  The  formation  of  antherids  and  oogones  begins 
in  the  evening  and  is  completed  the  next  morning ;  fertilisation  being 
usually  accomplished  between  10  A.M.  and  4  P.M.  It  is  most  usual  for 
zoospores  to  be  formed  on  parts  of  the  thallus  which  are  completely 
submerged  in  water ;  while  the  sexual  organs  are  more  commonly  found 
when  the  plant  grows  on  moist  ground  or  on  the  margin  of  a  ditch. 

Several  species  of  Vaucheria  are  frequent  in  fresh,  while  some  occur 
.also  in  brackish  or  salt  water  ;  others  abound  on  moist  or  shady  ground, 
being  especially  common  in  flower-pots  or  on  neglected  gravel-paths, 
where  they  form  light  green  tufts  or  thick  mats.  The  normally  uni- 
cellular thallus  is  liable  to  segmentation  as  the  result  of  injury ;  and, 
even  when  uninjured,  has  a  tendency  to  become  septated  by  thick 


FIG.  249.  —  Vaucheria  dichotoma  Lyng.  A, 
oogone;  £,  germinating  spore  (x  200).  (After 
Woronin.) 


284 


ALGsE 


gelatinous  walls.  In  this  condition  it  was  formerly  described  as  a 
distinct  organism  under  the  name  Gongrosira.  These  gongrosira-cells, 
when  isolated,  develop  into  ordinary  plants ;  or  sometimes  their  proto- 
plasm breaks  up  into  fragments  which  escape  from  the  cell-wall  and 
move  about  with  an  amoeboid  motion.  These  invest  themselves  after 
a  time  with  a  cell-wall  and  remain  in  this  condition  as  spherical  resting- 
cells  or  hypnospores,  finally  developing  into  ordinary  filaments.  Wille 
has,  however,  shown  (Bot.  Centralblatt,  vol.  xvi.,  1883,  p.  162)  that 
the  organisms  formerly  grouped  under  Gongrosira  are  states  of  algae 
belonging  to  a  number  of  widely  separated  genera,  such  as  Trentepohlia 

(Chroolepus),  Botrydium,  Stigeoclo- 
nium,  &c.  In  some  species  of  Vau- 
cheria  the  filaments  have  a  tendency 
to  branch  copiously  at  the  extremity, 
the  branches  interweaving  into  a 
ball.  Several  species  are  liable  to< 
the  formation  of  singular  galls  caused 
oy  the  attacks  of  a  rotifer  belonging, 
to  the  genus  Notommata  (Benko, 
Bot.  Centralbl.,  vol.  xiv.,  1883,  p.  i). 
Phyllosiphon  (Kiihn)  is  a  truly- 
parasitic  chlorophyllous  alga  occur- 
ring in  the  south  of  Europe  within  the 
leaves  of  Arisarum  vulgare,  the  posi- 
tion of  which  appears  to  be  near  this 
family.  The  single  cell  contains  a 
large  number  of  nuclei  ;  the  mode  of 
reproduction  is  unknown  (Kiihn,  Sitz- 
ber.  Naturf.  Gesell.  Halle,  1878  ;  Just., 
Bot.  Zeit.,  1882,  p.  2  etseq. ;  Schmitz, 
id.,  1882,  p.  523  et  seq.  ;  Franke, 
Jahrber.  Schles.  Gesell.,  1883,  p.  195). 
Endodonium  (Franke)  (Cohn's 
Beitrage,  1883,  p.  365),  Chlorochy- 
trium  (Cohn),  Endosphcera  (Klebs), 
and  Phyllobium  (Klebs)  (Bot.  Zeit.,, 
1 88 1,  p.  249  et  seq.}  are  green  parasitic  algae  found  within  the  cells  of  the 
leaves  of  various  land  and  aquatic  plants  ;  and,  in  the  case  of  Chloro- 
chytrium,  also  on  animals  (Bot.  Zeit,  1885,  p.  605).  They  are  stated  to 
produce  megazoospores,  which  germinate  directly,  and  microzoospores 
or  zoogametes,  which  germinate  only  after  conjugation  ;  but  their  exact 
position  is  altogether  uncertain. 


FIG.  250.  —  Botrydium  grannlatuin  Wallr. 
s,  vesicular  portion  ;  ~7t',  rhizoids  (  x  30). 
(After  Woronin.) 


MUL  TINUCLEA  T^E  285 

LITERATURE. 

Thuret— Ann.  Sc.  Nat.  (Bot.),  xiv.,  1850,  p.  214. 
Pringsheim  —  Member.  Akad.  Berlin,  1856,  p.  225  (Quart.  Journ.  Micros.  Sc.,  1856, 

p.  63). 

Schenk— Wurzburg  Verhandl.,  viii.,  1858,  p.  235. 
"Walz— Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  1866,  p.  127. 
Solms-Laubach— Bot.  Zeit.,  1867,  p.  361. 
AVoronin-  Bot.  Zeit.,  1869,  p.  137  et  seq. 
Nordstedt— Bot.  Notiser,  1878,  p.  176;  and  1879,  p.  177  ;  and  Scottish  Naturalist, 

1886. 
Stahl— Bot.  Zeit.,  1879,  p.  129. 

ORDER  2.— BOTRYDIACE^E. 

This  order  consists  at  present  of  only  a  single  genus,  Botryditim  Wallr., 
represented  by  the  single  species  B.  granulatum  (Wallr.),  differing  widely 
from  Vaucheria  in  its  mode  of  reproduction.  This  remarkable  organism 
forms  minute  green  blobs  on  wet  clayey  ground  or  in  dried-up  pools,  and 
is  attached  to  the  soil  by  branching  root-like  rhizoids.  The  young  plant 
consists  of  a  single  nearly  spherical  cell,  branched  hyaline  prolongations 
of  which  constitute  the  rhizoids,  while  in  the  upper  swollen  part  the  proto- 
plasm forms  a  hyaline  parietal  layer  containing  chlorophyll.  From  this 
protoplasm  are  ultimately  produced  a  number  of  zoospores,  each  pro- 
vided with  only  a  single  cilium,  which  germinate  directly  on  the  damp 
soil  after  becoming  invested  with  a  double  cell-wall  of  cellulose.  If  the 
zoosporange  is  exposed  to  drought,  the  vesicular  portion  shrivels  up  and 
the  chlorophyll  is  driven  into  the  underground  portion,  which  then  divides 
into  a  number  of  green  cells.  These  may  germinate  in  three  different 
ways: — (i)  Each  cell  becomes  an  underground  zoosporange,  producing 
zoospores  of  the  ordinary  kind ;  or  (2)  each  cell  may  develop  into  an 
ordinary  vegetative  plant;  or  (3)  each  cell  becomes  a  hypnosporange, 
closely  resembling  the  ordinary  vegetative  plant,  with  a  vesicular  portion 
above  the  surface,  and  hyaline  rhizoids,  but  of  an  olive-green  colour; 
these  may  retain  their  vitality  for  a  whole  year  and  then  produce  zoo- 
spores.  The  ordinary  vegetative  plant  may  also,  under  certain  con- 
ditions, break  up  into  a  number  of  resting-spores,  of  a  brownish  red 
colour,  which  have  been  described  as  species  of  Protococcus.  These 
may  either  give  birth  to  zoospores  of  the  ordinary  kind  or  to  biciliated 
zoogametes  which  conjugate  in  pairs,  or  sometimes  in  larger  numbers. 
The  resulting  zygosperm  ('isospore'  of  Ros*tafinski)  soon  rounds  itself 

off  and  germinates. 

LITERATURE. 

Janczewski  et  Rostafinski— Mem.  Soc.  Sc.  Nat.  Cherbourg,  1874,  p.  273. 
Janczewski  u.  Woronin— Bot.  Zeit.,  1877,  p.  649  et  seq. 


286 


ALGsE 


ORDER  3. — DASYCLADACE/E. 

The  Dasycladaceae  are  clearly  distinguished  from  the  other  orders  of 
the  class  by  their  verticillate  branches  and  their  external  sporanges.  In 
Acetabularia  Lmx.  the  thallus  has  the  form  of  a  small  hymenomycetous 
fungus  with  a  hemispherical  or 
funnel-shaped  cap  or  '  pileus ' 
at  the  summit  of  a  cylindrical 
*  stipe '  or  stalk.  From  the 
lower  end  of  the  stalk  proceed 
a  number  of  root-like  branches 
which  fix  the  plant  to  the  sub- 
stratum. The  whole  plant  con- 
sists of  a  single  ramifying  cell, 


FIG.   251. — Acetctbnlaria  mediterranea. 
Lmx.  (natural  siza). 

the  walls  of  which  are,  when 
mature,  permeated  by  calcium 
carbonate.  The  cap  is  divided 
by  regular  radial  projections 
into  a  large  number  of  cham- 
bers of  nearly  equal  size,  which 
are  in  communication  with  one 
another  above  the  insertion  of 
the  stalk.  The  upper  part  of 
the  thallus  perishes  at  the  end  of  the  season,  while  the  lower  portion 
is  perennial.  After  a  number  of  sterile  thalli  have  been  produced,  a 
fertile  thallus  appears,  similar  in  structure  to  the  sterile  ones.  In  the 
chambers  of  the  cap  of  this  thallus  are  produced  the  zoosporanges,  a  large 
number  in  each  chamber,  of  an  ellipsoidal  form,  and  furnished  at  one 
end  With  a  lid,  which  subsequently  becomes  detached.  When  mature 
the  protoplasm  of  the  sporange  breaks  up  into  a  number  of  swarm- spores, 


FIG.  252. — A.  mediterranean  7,  cap  (magnified)  ; 
«,  scars  of  branches  ;  r,  rudimentary  whorl  of  branches ; 
?v,  ring  above  the  cap  ;  v,  depressed  apex  ( x  4). 
//,  sporange  with  lid  (x  120).  ///,  the  same,  show- 
ing the  escape  of  the  swarm-spores  (x  120).  IV, 
conjugation  of  zoogametes.  V,  VI,  lower  part  of 
stem,  showing  rhizoids,  b.  VII r,  plant  germinating 
from  a  zygosperm.  VIII,  origin  of  branches  at 
summit  of  the  stem(x  120).  IX,  at  a  later  stage 
(x  90).  (After  de  Bary  and  Strasburger.) 


MUL  TIN  UC LEA  T^E 


287 


which  escape  into  the  surrounding  water  by  the  removal  of  the  lid.     It 

would  appear  from  de  Bary  and  Strasburger's  observations  that  some 

of  these  swarm-spores  germinate  directly,  while  others  conjugate  to  form 

a  zygosperm;  but  that  conjugation  never  takes  place  between  zooga- 

metes   from  the   same    spo- 

range.     One  species  of  Ace- 

tabularia  is  a  native  of  the 

Mediterranean  ;  the  rest  are 

tropical.     In  Dasycladus  Ag. 

the    spherical    zoosporanges 

stand  singly  at  the  apex  of 

verticillate  branches,  and  are 

surrounded  by  branchlets  of 

the  second  order.  The  bicili- 

ated  zoospores  or  zoogametes 

are  of  one  kind  only,  and  are 

flattened   and   heart-shaped. 

Those  from  the  same  plant  show  no  disposition  to  conjugate  ;  but  as 

soon  as  those  from  different  plants  are  brought  together,  true  zygosperms 

are  formed.     In  Neomeris  Lmx.  the  surface  consists  of  a  large  number 

of  usually  hexagonal  facets,  and  is  covered  with  deciduous  hairs.     The 


FIG.  253. — Dasycladus  clav&formis  Ag.  a.  natural  size  ; 
b,  piece  of  branch  of  a  whorl  with  a  zoosporange  (  x  50). 
(After  Hauck  and  Derbes  and  Solier  ) 


FIG.  254. — Neomeris  Kelleri  Cram.  ;  transverse  section  through  tube,  a,  insertion  of 
the  branches ;  b,  £,  primary  branches  ;  c,  central  secondary  branch  or  zoosporange ; 
d,  elongated  lateral  secondary  branches  (x  40).  (After  Cramer.) 

very  large  axial  cell  is  always  simple ;  the  lateral  branches  again  divide 
into  three  branchlets,  of  which  the  central  one  is  ovoid  and  fertile,  the 
two  lateral  ones  greatly  elongated  and  sterile.  The  fertile  branch  is  a 


288 


ALG^E 


zoosporange,  no  conjugation  of  swarm-spores  having  been  observed. 
Klein  (Bot.  Zeit,  1880,  p.  782)  has  detected  fine  proteinaceous  crystal- 
loids in  Dasycladus  (Ag.)  and  other  allied  forms.  To  this  family  belong 
also  Polyphysa  (Lmx.),  Cymopolia  (Lmx.),  and  some  other  genera. 


FIG.    255. — Polyphysa  penlculits    R.    , 
Br.,  with  whorl  of  zoosporanges,  sp 
(magnified).     (After  Agardh.) 


FIG.  256.  —  Caulerpa  prolifera.  Lmx.  (natural  size).     (After  Reinke.) 

ORDER  4. — SIPHONOCLADACE^E. 

This  order  comprises  a  number  of  very  remarkable  green  algae,  mostly 
inhabitants  of  warm  and  shallow  seas,  characterised  by  the  thallus  con- 
sisting of  a  single  cell  which  is  often  of  very  great  size  and  much  branched, 
differentiated  into  a  root-like  and  stem-like  portion.  The  undivided  cell 
very  commonly  contains  a  large  number  of  nuclei ;  and  the  cell-wall  is 


MUL  T1NUCLEA  T.-E 


289 


iU. 


often  strongly  encrusted  with  calcium  carbonate.  In  several  of  the 
genera  of  Siphonocladaceae,  but  little  is  at  present  known  as  to  the  mode 
of  reproduction  ;  and  until  this  has  been  more  fully  ascertained,  their 
true  affinities  are  uncertain  ;  and  it  is  possible  that  the  order,  as  at 
present  constituted,  includes  forms  which  are  not  nearly  allied  to  one 
another.  In  none  of  the  genera  is  a  fertilisation  of  oogones  by  anthero- 
zoids  known,  similar  to  that  of  Vaucheria.  The  ordinary  mode  of  re- 
production appears  to  be  by  zoospores  which  germinate  directly  without 
conjugation.  Other  modes  of  non-sexual  propagation  occur  in  some  of 
the  genera,  by  'propagules'  or  by  '  prolification.'  The  following  are 
some  of  the  more  remarkable  forms  included  in  the  group. 

The  CAULERPE^E  include  the  single  genus  Caulerpa  Lmx.,  cha- 
racterised by  its  greatly-branched  thallus  of 
remarkably  leaf-like  appearance.  Very  little  is 
known  about  the  mode  of  reproduction.  The 
ordinary  process  of  propagation  appears  to  be 
by  '  prolification  '  from  all  parts,  the  so-called 
'roots,'  '  stem,' and  'leaves.'  Within  the  tube 
are  solid  branched  layers  of  cellulose  stretching 
from  wall  to  wall,  and  forming  a  closed  net.  It 
often  covers  enormous  tracts  of  the  shore 
between  high  and  low  water  marks  with  a  green 
coating. 

The  VALONIACE^E  (Valonia,  Gin.,  Siphono- 
cladus,  Schr.,  Struvea,  Sond.,  Anadyomene, 
Lmx.,  &c.)  are  an  ill-defined  family,  in  which 
the  cell  is  frequently  swollen  up  into  a  bladder- 
like  structure  ;  the  mode  of  propagation  is  ap- 
parently by  non-sexual  zoospores.  To  these 
are  closely  allied  the  UDOTEACE^E  (Avrainvillea, 
Dene.,  Penicillus,  Ktz.,  Udotea,  Lmx.,  Halimeda,  Lmx.,  &c.).  Halimeda 
has  a  remarkable  Opuntia-like  appearance,  from  the  single  cell  consisting 
of  a  large  number  of  pear-shaped  branches,  each  connected  with  the 
one  below  it  by  a  narrow  base,  and  the  whole  encrusted  by  calcium 
carbonate. 

In  the  BRYOPSIDE^:  (Bryopsis,  Lmx.,  Derbesia,  Sol.)  and  SPON- 
GODIE^E  (Codium,  Stackh.)  the  thallus  is  not  encrusted  with  calcium 
carbonate.  Codium  forms  a  spongy  spherical  or  cylindrical  floating  mass, 
of  considerable  size,  consisting  of  branched  tubes.  It  is  apparently  pro- 
pagated by  zoospores.  In  Bryopsis  Lmx.  the  thallus  has  a  branched 
root-like  colourless  portion,  and  an  erect  cylindrical  stem,  the  upper  half 
of  which  branches  into  pinnate  leaf-like  ramifications  with  limited  apical 

U 


FIG.  257. —  Valonia  macrophysa- 
Ktz.  (natural  size).  (After 
Hauck.) 


290  ALG& 

growth  ;  in  these  branches  zoospores  are  formed  ;  conjugation  between 
them  has  not  actually  been  observed.  External  organs  of  reproduction 
known  as  '  conceptacles '  have  also  been  described  on  several  species 
of  Bryopsis,  which  have  been  conjectured  to  be  true  sexual  organs, 
whether  male  or  female,  but  their  true  structure  and  functions  are  alto- 
gether obscure.  If,  as  is  probable,  some  of  the  swarm-spores  of  Codium 


FIG.  258.  ~  Halimeda.  Tuna  Lmx.     a,  natural  size  ;  b,  portion  with  zoosporanges  (  x  50). 
(After  Derbes  et  Solier.) 

and  Bryopsis  are  in  reality  conjugating  zoogametes,  this  would  bring 
these  two  families  into  close  relationship  to  the  Botrydiaceae  ;  and  this 
is  probably  the  nearest  affinity  of  the  latter  group.  Spongocladia 
(Aresch.),  described  >by  Zanardini  as  belonging  to  the  Siphoneae,  appears 
to  be  a  genus  more  nearly  allied  to  Cladophora,  in  which  the  filaments 
are  remarkably  infested  with  sponge-spicules. 


LITERATURE. 

(Dasycladaceo:  and  Siphonocladacea.  ) 

Nageli—  In  Zeitschr.  wiss.  Bot.  ,  1844. 

Derbes  &  Solier—  Ann.  Sc.  Nat.  (Bot.),  1850,  p.  240. 


M  UL  T1NUCLEA  T^E  291 

Braun—Verj  tingung  in  der  Natur,   1851,  p.  136  (Ray  Soc.,  Bot.  and  Phys.  Mem., 


Woronin—  Ann.  Sc.  Nat.  (Bot.),  xvi.,  1862,  p.  200. 

Pringsheim  —  Member.  Berlin  Akad.,  1871,  p.  240. 

Arcangeli  —  Nuov.  Giorn.  Bot.  Ital.,  1874,  p.  174. 

De  Bary  u.  Strasburger  —  (Acetabularia)  Bot.  Zeit.,  p.  713  et  seq. 

Cornu  —  Compt.  Rend.,  Ixxxix.,  1879,  p.  1049. 

Schmitz  —  Sitzber.  Niederrhein.  Gesell.,  1879  and  1881. 

Berthold—  Bot.  Zeit.,  1880,  p.  648  ;  and  Mittheil.  Zool.  Stat.  Neapel,  1880,  p.  72. 

Murray  —  (Rhipilia  Ktz.  =Avrainvillea  Dene.)  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.,  ii.,  1886,  p.  225 

Wakker—  (Caulerpa),  Versl.   Akad.  Weten.   Amsterdam,   1886,  p.   251  ;  and    1887, 

p.  251. 

Agardh  —  Till  Algernes  Systematik,  Siphoneae,  1887. 

Cramer  —  Ueber  die  verticillirten  Siphoneen  (Neomeris  und  Cymopolia),  1887. 
Noll—  Bot.  Zeit.,  1887,  p.  473. 
Murray  and  Boodle  —  (Struvea)  Ann.  of  Bot.,  ii.  ,  1888. 


Class  XVII.— Ccenobieae. 

In  this  class  are  included  a  small  number  of  minute  (mostly  micro- 
scopic) fresh-water  organisms,  characterised  by  the  cells  being  associated 
together  into  a  cxnobe,  i.e.  into  a  colony  of  more  or  less  equivalent  cells 
resulting  from  the  division  of  a  common  mother-cell.  As  this  division 
always  takes  the  form  of  repeated  bipartition,  the  number  of  cells  con- 
stituting a  colony  is  necessarily,  when  perfect,  a  power  of  2,  viz.  4,  8,  16,  32, 
64,  &c.  The  cells  constituting  the  coenobe  are  more  or  less  imbedded 
in  a  gelatinous  envelope,  which  is  sometimes  enclosed  in  a  membrane 
common  to  the  whole  colony  ;  in  the  higher  forms  the  cells,  or  some  of 
them,  are  ciliated,  the  cilia  protruding  through  the  enveloping  mem- 
brane, and  the  colony  moves  about  in  the  water  with  very  great  activity  ; 
the  lower  forms  are  not  ciliated,  but  the  colony  is  nevertheless  endowed 
with  a  very  considerable  power  of  motion.  The  ccenobe  is  always  of 
an  exceedingly  beautiful  regular  form,  spherical,  or  less  often  discoid 
or  cubical,  or,  in  the  Hyo^rodictyeae,  in  the  form  af  a  net.  The  five 
orders  of  which  it  is  composed,  the  Sorastreae,  Pandorineas,  Pediastreae. 
Hydrodictyeae,  and  Volvocineae,  form  a  series  of  ascending  develop- 
ment. Very  little  is  known  about  the  reproduction  of  the  first  ;  the 
Pandorineae,  Pediastreae,  and  Hydrodictyeae  multiply  by  the  conjugation 
of  zoogametes ;  while  in  the  Volvocineae,  which  represent  the  highest 
type  attained  by  organisms  of  the  coenobe  type,  the  mode  of  sexual 
reproduction  is  much  more  complicated,  the  male  and  female  reproduc- 
tive cells  being  separately  formed  in  distinct  antherids  and  oogones. 

U  2 


292 

ORDER  i. — VOLVOCINE^E. 

The  well-known  Volvo x  glob ator  L.  may  be  taken  as  a  type  of  this 
interesting  family.  This  organism  is  not  uncommon  in  clear  pools,  and 
is  visible  to  the  naked  eye  as  a  minute  pals-green  globule,  about  ^ 
inch  in  diameter,  rolling  through  the  water,  the  motion  being  due  to 
numerous  colourless  cilia  projecting  from  its  surfa'ce.  It  is  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  objects  that  can  be  observed  under  the  microscope. 

Under  a  sufficiently  high  power  of  the  microscope,  Volvox  is  seen  to 
be  a  membranous  transparent  hollow  sac  studded  with  green  points  ; 
in  the  interior  are  darker  green  globules,  the  original  number  of  which 
is  apparently  always  eight.  The  green  peripheral  corpuscles  or  swarm- 
cells  are  each  provided  with  a  pair  of  vibratile  cilia,  which  protrude 
through  the  enveloping  sac  ;  they  vary  in  form,  but  are  usually  some- 
what pear-shaped,  and  contain  a  starch-granule,  a  reddish-brown 
pigment-spot,  and  one  or  two  contractile  vacuoles,  the  cilia  being  borne 
at  the  narrow  anterior  hyaline  end.  The  internal  green  globules  are 
young  individuals  formed  within  the  parent,  which  thus  constitutes  a 
colony  or  cainobe  ;  but  all  the  cells  which  make  up  the  colony  are  not 
equivalent  as  respects  their  reproductive  power.  The  larger  number  of 
the  cells  are  sterile  or  purely  vegetative,  while  a  much  smaller  number,, 
developed  at  particular  spots  in  the  colony,  are  generative,  these  again 
being  differentiated  into  non-sexual  propagative  and  male  and  female 
reproductive  cells.  The  sterile  cells  are  the  peripheral  or  swarm-cells, 
2-3  mm.  in  diameter,  which  precisely  resemble  in  structure  Chlamydo- 
coccus,  the  motile  stage  of  Pleurococcus,  or  the  zoospores  of  many 
algae.  The  gelatinous  membrane  which  envelopes  each  of  these  swarm- 
cells  is  pierced  by  a  number  of  canals,  which  lie  nearly  in  one  plane, 
and  which  are  filled  by  green  or  colourless  extensions  of  the  proto- 
plasmic interior.  Since  the  canals  of  adjoining  swarm-cells  correspond 
in  position,  they  appear  as  if  they  were  all  connected  together  by  a 
network  of  fine  reticulations.  The  membrane  is  also  perforated  by  two 
pores,  through  which  the  vibratile  cilia  protrude  into  the  surrounding 
water.  These  bodies  present  the  unusual  pl^nomenon  of  cells  endowed 
with  spontaneous  power  of  motion,  which  have,  nevertheless,  as  far  as  is 
known,  no  reproductive  function,  and  are  therefore  not  properly  called 
zoospores.  The  non-sexual  propagative  cells,  zoospores  or  partheno- 
spores,  are  similar  in  structure  to  the  sterile  swarm-cells,  but  from  two 
to  three  times  their  diameter.  Very  early  in  the  development  of  the 
young  colony  the  contents  of  the  mother-cells  of  the  zoospores  begin 
to  divide  by  repeated  bipartition,  all  in  the  same  colony  being  usually 
at  the  same  stage  of  development  at  one  time  ;  the  daughter-colonies,, 


CCENOBIEsE  293 

or  zoosporanges  thus  formed  have  the  form  and  appearance  of  the 
parent-colony,  each  segment  possessing  a  single  chlorophyll-body,  which 
contains  starch.  Ultimately,  while  still  within  the  parent-colony,  vibra- 
tile  cilia  are  developed  in  its  peripheral  segments,  which  cause  it  to 
rotate,  clothed  at  first  by  a  transparent  mucilaginous  envelope,  which 
it  at  length  breaks  through.  The  number  of  colonies  of  zoospores  thus 
produced  within  the  parent-colony  is  normally  eight,  resulting  appa- 
rently from  the  eight  cells  into  which  the  parent-colony  breaks  up  on 
its  third  segmentation.  The  young  colonies  complete  their  growth  in  a 
few  days,  attaining  a  diameter  of  from  100  to  150  mm.,  and  have  by 
this  time  absorbed  the  greater  part  of  the  chlorophyll  and  starch  of  the 
parent-colony,  from  which  they  finally  escape. 

Volvox  may  multiply  by  this  non-sexual  mode  of  propagation  for 
several  successive  generations,  and  these  are  succeeded  by  a  sexual  mode 
of  reproduction.  The  male  and  female  reproductive  cells  are  formed 
either  in  the  same  or  in  different  colonies  ;  or,  according  to  other  ob- 
servers, the  so-called  *  dioecious  '  species  are  in  reality  proterandrous, 
producing  antherids  at  an  earlier,  oogones  at  a  later  stage.  While  the 
non-sexual  propagation  by  zoospores  goes  on  through  the  whole  year,  the 
sexual  cells  appear  to  be  produced  only  in  the  autumn.  The  oogones  are 
at  first  quite  indistinguishable  from  the  non-sexual  cells  except  in  size, 
but  are  much  more  numerous,  and  soon  manifest  a  distinction  from  the 
fact  that  they  do  not  divide.  On  their  first  appearance  they  are  about 
three  times  the  size  of  the  sterile  cells  ;  their  protoplasm  increases 
rapidly,  and  becomes  of  a  dark-green  colour,  from  copious  production 
of  chlorophyll.  They  have  at  first  a  frothy  appearance  from  the  forma- 
tion of  vacuoles,  but  afterwards  appear  to  be  densely  filled  with  the 
dark-green  endochrome.  They  soon  become  flask-shaped,  the  narrow 
end  touching  the  periphery  of  the  colony,  and  the  larger  end  hanging 
free  inside  ;  but,  when  ready  for  impregnation,  round  themselves  off 
into  a  spherical  form,  their  contents  being  an  oosphere  enveloped  by  a 
gelatinous  membrane.  The  antherids  present  at  first  sight  a  still  closer 
resemblance  to  zoospore-colonies  at  an  early  stage,  but  are  lighter  in 
colour  from  containing  a  smaller  quantity  of  chlorophyll.  Their  con- 
tents soon  begin  to  divide,  but  in  two  directions  only,  the  young  colony 
thus  developing  into  a  plate  instead  of  a  sphere  of  segments  enveloped 
in  a  gelatinous  coating.  The  colony  ultimately  resolves  itself  into  a 
bundle  of  antherozoids,  naked  fusiform  masses  of  protoplasm,  each 
consisting  of  a  thicker  but  elongated  body,  in  which  the  chlorophyll  has 
been  transformed  into  a  yellow-brown  pigment,  and  a  slender  colourless 
beak,  with  a  pigment-spot  at  its  base,  where  also  are  attached  on  one 
side  two  very  long  cilia.  About  the  time  when  the  oogones,  with  their 


294 


© 


FIG.  259. —  Volvox  globafor_  L.  A,  colony,  sexual  generation;  a,  antherids;  b,  oogones ;  c, 
oospheres.  B,  ciliated  peripheral  cells.  D,  antherid.  £,  F,  antherozoids.  G,  oogone  containing 
mature  oosphere  and  antherozoids.  ff,  mature  oosperm.  C,  mode  of  division  of  parent-cell  of  a 
zoosporange  (all  highly  magnified).  (After  Cohn.) 


C&NQB1EM  295 

oospheres,  are  mature,  the  movement  of  the  cilia  begins  to  set  the  entire 
antherid  in  motion  ;  but  it  shortly  breaks  up,  and  the  separate  anthero- 
zoids  are  seen  in  rapid  motion  within  their  gelatinous  envelope,  which 
they  ultimately  break  through,  and  then  move  about  rapidly  in  all 
directions  within  the  cavity  of  the  parent-colony.  They  assemble  in 
large  numbers  round  the  oogones,  and  some  of  them  finally  penetrate 
through  the  gelatinous  membranes  of  these  organs,  and  coalesce  with 
the  oospheres.  The  number  of  sexual  reproductive  colonies  within  a 
parent-colony  varies  greatly  ;  Cohn  has  observed  five  or  six  male  and 
about  forty  female.  The  impregnated  oosphere  now  becomes  an  oosperm 
by  the  development  of  a  cell-wall  of  cellulose,  which  is  at  first  single 
and  smooth,  but  becomes  subsequently  differentiated  into  three  distinct 
layers,  of  which  the  two  inner  ones  are  smooth,  while  the  outermost 
becomes  ultimately  covered  with  conical  or  warty  elevations,  giving  it 
on  section  a  stellate  appearance.  The  chlorophyll  of  the  oosperms 
gradually  disappears,  and  is  replaced  by  an  orange-red  pigment  dissolved 
in  oil,  giving  a  red  tinge  to  the  entire  organism  as  seen  by  the  naked 
eye.  Soon  after  the  maturity  of  the  oosperms,  the  parent-colony  breaks 
up,  and  the  peripheral  swarm-cells  escape  from  the  combination  and 
swim  about  freely  in  the  water ;  their  further  history  has  not  been  traced. 
The  orange-yellow  oosperms  sink  to  the  bottom,  and  there  hibernate  as 
hypno sperms.  Their  contents  are  said  to  break  up  into  eight  Volvox- 
colonies,  which  ultimately  escape  by  the  rupture  of  the  outer  and  absorp- 
tion of  the  inner  coats  of  the  oosperm,  and  swarm  about  in  the  water. 

In  Eudorina  Ehrb.  the  ccenobe  is  a  hollow  ellipsoid  body,  consisting 
of  usually  16  or  32  cells  enclosed  in  a  gelatinous  envelope,  each  pro- 
vided with  two  long  cilia  which  protrude  through  canals  in  the  envelope, 
and  a  red  pigment-spot.  Daughter-colonies  are  formed  non-sexually 
within  the  parent-colony  by  repeated  bipartition  of  its  cells,  the  cells  of 
the  daughter-colony  being  arranged  in  a  disc.  The  male  and  female 
reproductive  bodies  are  formed  in  special  daughter-colonies  which  may 
be  termed  antherids  and  oogones  respectively ;  the  oospheres  contained 
in  the  oogones  are  each  provided  with  two  cilia,  and  are  therefore  true 
zoospheres ;  the  antherozoids,  which  closely  resemble  those  of  Volvox, 
swarm  round  the  oogones  until  their  cilia  become  entangled  in  those  of 
the  zoospheres  ;  they  then  force  their  way  into  the  gelatinous  envelope 
of  the  oospheres,  and  finally  coalesce  with  them. 

Volvox  and  Eudorina  are  regarded  by  Ehrenberg  and  Stein  as 
belonging  to  the  Flagellate  Infusoria. 

Under  the  name  of  Scyamina,  Van  Tieghem  (Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  France, 
1880,  p.  200)  describes  a  singular  blackish  organism  found  on  the  surface 
of  ponds,  which  he  regards  as  a  genus  of  Volvocineae  destitute  of 
chlorophyll. 


296  ALG^E 

LITERATURE. 

Ehrenberg — Die  Infusionsthierchen,  1838. 
Busk — Trans.  Micros.  Soc.,  1853,  p.  31. 
Cohn—  Jahrber.  Schles.  Gesell.,  1856,  p.  237  ;  and  Beitrage,  i.,  1875,  Heft  3,  p.  93 

(Pop.  Sc.  Rev.,  1878,  p.  225). 

Carte.r-(Eudorina)  Ann.  Nat.  Hist.,  1858,  p.  237  ;  and  1859,  p.  i. 
Braun — Bot.  Zeit.,  1875,  p.  189. 

Stein — Der  Organismus  der  Infusionsthiere,  part  iii.,  1878. 
Henneguy— Journ.  d.  Micrographie,  1878,  p.  485. 
Maupas— Compt.  Rend.,  Ixxxix.,  1879,  p.  129. 
Kirchner  in  Conn's  Beitrage,  iii.,  1879. 

ORDER  2. — HYDRODICTYE^:. 

The  relationship  of  the  Hydrodictyeae  to  the  other  families  of  Cceno- 
bieae  is  somewhat  obscure.  They  differ  from  them  in  the  form  of  the 
ccenobe,  which,  instead  of  being  minute  and  globular,  ellipsoidal  or  tabu- 
lar, is  of  considerable  size,  and  presents  the  appearance  of  a  net.  The 
only  known  mode  of  reproduction  is  by  the  conjugation  of  zoogametes. 

As  here  constituted  the  order  is  limited  to  the  single  genus  Hydro- 
dictyon  Roth,  one  species  of  wh'ich  is  moderately  common  in  ponds 
and  ditches,  and  is  known  under  the  name  of  *  water-net.'  When  the 
plant  is  mature,  the  ccenobe  consists  of  a  sac-like  net  several  centimetres 
in  length,  composed  of  a  great  number  of  cylindrical  cells  united  at  their 
ends  so  as  to  form  a  4-  or  6-cornered  mesh.  The  ordinary  mode  of  pro- 
pagation consists  in  the  protoplasm  of  one  of  the  cells  breaking  up  into 
from  7,000  to  20,000  megazoospores,  each  furnished  with  four  cilia,  which 
move  about  with  a  trembling  motion  within  the  zoosporange,  come  to 
rest  in  the  course  of  half  an  hour,  and  then  arrange  themselves  in  such 
a  way  that,  by  their  elongation,  they  again  form  a  net  of  the  original 
kind,  which  is  set  free  by  the  absorption  of  the  wall  of  the  mother- cell, 
and  attains,  in  the  course  of  three  or  four  weeks,  the  size  of  the  mother- 
colony.  In  other  cells  of  the  mature  net  the  protoplasm  breaks  up  into 
from  30,000  to  40,000  smaller  swarm-cells  or  zoogametes,  furnished 
with  only  two  cilia,  which  at  once  leave  the  garnet ange  and  swarm 
about  for  some  hours.  Conjugation  between  these  has  been  observed  to 
take  place  even  within  the  gametange,  more  than  two  sometimes  uniting 
together.  The  resulting  zygosperm  retains  its  green  colour,  and  invests 
itself  with  a  firm  cell-wall.  After  remaining  for  several  months  at  rest 
as  a  hypnosperm,  it  begins  to  grow  slowly,  and,  when  it  has  attained 
a  considerable  size,  its  contents  break  up  into  two  or  four  mega- 
zoospores,  which  come  to  rest  after  a  few  minutes,  and  assume  a  pecu- 
liar angular  form  when  they  have  attained  a  considerable  size,  putting 
out  horn-like  appendages.  In  each  of  these  polyhedra  the  green  parietal 


CCENOBlEjE 


297 


protoplasm  again  breaks  up  into  zoospores,  which  swarm  about  for  twenty 
or  forty  minutes  within  a  sac  which  protrudes  out  of  the  protoplasm. 
When  they  come  to  rest,  they  arrange  themselves  within  the  sac  into  a 
small  net  consisting  of  from  200  to  300  cells,  which  gradually  grows  to 


FIG.  260. — Hydrodictycn  ntricu?atum  Roth.  A,  net  (natural  size).  B,  mesh  (x  10),  C,  megazoo 
sporange  (x  300).  D,  megazoospores  (x  600).  £,  gametange  with  zocgametes(x  300).  (After 
Cohn.) 

one  of  the  ordinary  size.  In  some  of  the  polyhedra  smaller  and  more 
numerous  microzoospores  are  formed  ;  but  they  also  appear  to  unite 
again  into  a  net  without  displaying  sexual  functions. 

LITERATURE. 

Nageli—  Gattungen  einzelliger  Algen,  1849,  p.  92. 

Braun— Verjiingung  in  der  Natur,  1851  (Ray  Soc. ,  Bot.  and  Phys.  Mem.,  1853) ;  and 

Algoe  unicellulares,  1855. 
Pringsheim— Monber.  Berl.  Akad.,  1860,  p.  775  (Quart.  Journ.  Micr.'Sc.,  1862,  pp. 

54  and  104). 


298 


ALGsE 


ORDER  3. — PEDIASTRE^E. 

The  Pediastreae  are  most  nearly  allied  to  the  Hydrodictyeae  in  their 
mode  of  reproduction.  Of  the  typical  genus  Pediastrum  Mey.,  several 
species  are  very  common  in  fresh  water,  whether  stagnant  or  running, 
attached  in  the  form  of  minute  (usually  microscopic)  discs  to  other  algae 
or  water-plants,  or  swimming  free.  Each  disc  is  of  a  regular  symmetrical 


FIG.  261.—  Pediastrum  integrnm  Nag.    ~A,  younger,  8,  older  ccenobe  (x  300).     C,  portion 
of  older  coenobe  showing  resting -cell,  r  (  x  600).     (From  nature.) 

form,  usually  elliptical,  and  consists  most  often  of  8,  1 6,  or  32  cells,  or 
some  larger  number  which  is  probably  always,  when  perfect,  a  power  of 
two.  The  ccenobe  is  invested  in  a  very  thin  gelatinous  envelope,  and 
the  peripheral  cells  have  commonly  horn-like  or  crescent-shaped  appen- 
dages. Pediastrum  is  multiplied  either  by  non-sexual  propagation  or 

by  sexual  reproduction.  In  the  former 
case  one  of  the  ordinary  vegetative  cells 

>*^  ^      *? — i  ^ 

vV5^  f     B      \      becomes  a  zoosporange,  its  protoplasm 

Jifjf  I       \\        \    breaking  up  into  a   number  of  nearly 

^^•^  I         \(        I    globular  megazoospores  each  furnished 

with  two  very  fine  and  inconspicuous 
cilia,  which,  after  swarming  about  for  a 
time,  lose  their  cilia  and  arrange  them- 
selves in  the  form  of  a  plate,  which 
then  escapes  from  the  zoosporange  in- 
vested in  mucilage,  and  develops  into 

a  new  Pediastrum-disc.  Others  of  the  cells  become  gametanges,  the 
contents  dividing  in  the  same  way  into  zoogametes  of  an  ovoid  or 
pear-shaped  form,  which  conjugate  after  escaping  separately  from  the 
mother-cell,  but  apparently  only  with  those  from  other  gametanges.  The 
peripheral  cells  of  the  ccenobe  appear  to  have  a  tendency  to  develop 
into  resting-spores. 


FIG.  262. — A,  polyhedra  of  Pediastrnm 
(  x  55°)'  -B,  formation  of  Pediastrum- 
disc  within  polyhedra  (x  550).  (After 
Askenasy.) 


CCENOBIE^E  299 

Askenasy  has  observed  the  development  of  the  Pediastrum-coenobe 
by  another  method  from  the  polyhedra  form,  previously  regarded  as 
a  distinct  genus  under  the  name  Polyedrium  (Nag.).  In  this  form  each 
individual  consists  of  a  minute  flat  angular  cell  often  provided  with 
spines  or  hook-like  processes.  From  this  a  Pediastrum-disc  is  developed 
in  precisely  the  same  way  as  from  a  Pediastrum-cell.  The  cell-contents 
break  up  into  a  number  of  megazoospores,  which  escape  in  the  form  of 
a  plate  after  swarming  about  for  a  time  ;  then,  losing  their  cilia,  and 
placing  themselves  in  a  plane  side  by  side,  develop  into  an  ordinary 
Pediastrum.  Reinsch,  on  the  other  hand  (Notarisia,  1888,  p.  493),. 
regards  Polyedrium  as  the  type  of  a  separate  family  of  Palmellaceae. 

LITERATURE. 

Nageli— Gattungen  einzelliger  Algen,  1849. 

Braun — Verjiingung  in  der  Natur,  1851  (Ray  Soc.,  Bot.  and  Phys.  Mem.,  1853) ;  and 

Algae  unicellulares,  1855. 
Lagerheim — Bot.  Centralbl. ,  xii.,  1882,  p.  33. 
Askenasy— Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell.,  1888,  p.  127. 


ORDER  4. — PANDORINE^:. 

In  the  higher  genera  of  this  order,  Pandorina  (Ehrb.),  Gonium  (Mull.), 
and  Stephanosphsera  (Cohn),  the  individual  is  a  spherical  or  tabular 
ccenobe,  the  cells  of  which  are  united  together  by  a  gelatinous  matrix 
with  a  definite  bounding-wall.  With  them  are  associated  also  some 
unicellular  organisms,  Chlamydococcus  (A.  Br.)  and  Chlamydomonas 
(Ehrb.),  which  may  possibly  be  connected  with  them  by  a  process  of 
degeneration.  Whether  isolated  or  associated,  each  cell  possesses  a 
pair  of  whip-like  vibratile  cilia  attached  to  the  anterior  pointed  end,  by 
means  of  which  it  is  rapidly  propelled  through  the  water ;  in  the  case 
of  the  social  genera  these  cilia  project  through  the  common  gelatinous 
envelope  of  the  colony.  Multiplication  takes  place  either  non-sexually 
by  simple  subdivision  of  the  cells  of  a  colony,  or  sexually  by  the  union 
of  two  (or  occasionally  more  than  two)  zoogametes  into  a  resting  zygo- 
sperm.  A  characteristic  feature  of  the  family  is  the  formation  of  a 
colony  of  cells  within  each  cell  in  the  mother-colony.  The  organisms 
here  included  were  described  by  Ehrenberg  as  constituting  a  family  of 
Infusorial  Animalcules.  They  live,  associated  with  larger  algae,  in  fresh 
water,  running  or  stagnant,  often  in  such  quantities  as  to  impart  to  it  a 
green  colour.  The  family  closely  approaches  Volvocineoe  through 
Eudorina. 

Of  the  unicellular  Pandorineae  Chlamydomonas  Ehrb.  may  be  taken 
as  a  type.  In  the  form  in  which  it  is  known  under  this  name,  it 


300  ALGsE 

consists  simply  of  a  single  motile  primordial  cell,  in  other  words,  of  a 
zoospore  or  swarm-cell.  These  are  megazoospores,  half  as  long  again 
as  broad,  each  with  two  contractile  vacuoles,  a  lateral  red  pigment-spot, 
and  two  long  cilia ;  in  the  posterior  half  is  a  nucleus.  After  the  con- 
clusion of  the  period  of  swarming,  these  zoospores  become  invested 
with  cellulose,  and,  after  a  long  period  of  rest  as  hypnospores,  multiply 
non-sexually  by  division  into  four — less  often  into  two.  According  to 
Rostafinski  sexual  reproduction  takes  place  by  one  of  these  mega- 
zoospores dividing,  by  successive  bipartitions,  into  eight  daughter-cells, 
which  are  then  microzoospores — or,  more  correctly,  zoogametes.  These 
have  a  longish  almost  elliptical  form,  and  a  light  green  colour,  one 
nucleus,  a  red  pigment-spot,  and  four  cilia.  They  are  distinguished 
from  the  true  zoospores,  not  only  by  their  smaller  size,  but  also  by  the 
large  colourless  extremity  in  place  of  the  two  contractile  vacuoles.  They 
swarm  out,  and  soon  begin  to  conjugate  in  pairs,  coming  into  contact 
by  their  colourless  extremities,  and  coalescing  into  a  single  cell,  the 
ends  which  bear  the  cilia  at  the  same  time  rounding  off  and  approxi- 
mating. This  body  has  now  eight  cilia  and  two  lateral  pigment-spots ; 
ultimately  the  eight  cilia  disappear,  and  a  zygosperm  is  formed,  which 
multiplies  by  simple  division  without  swarming.  Dangeard  finds  in 
Chlamydomonas  pulvisculus  (Mull.)  a  differentiation  of  male  and  female 
gametes,  the  latter  being  considerably  larger  than  the  former.  In  C. 
Morieri  (Dang.)  he  describes  a  peculiar  mode  of  conjugation  of  zooga- 
metes, which  he  compares  to  that  of  Spirogyra. 

Chlamydococcus  A.  Br.  presents  a  similar  life-history ;  and,  according 
to  some  observers,  the  organisms  known  as  Pleurococcus,  Glceocystis, 
and  others  usually  included  under  Protococcaceae,  are  identical  with  the 
resting  conditions  of  Chlamydomonas ;  and,  under  suitable  conditions, 
can  be  made  to  produce  biciliated  zoospores  with  two  contractile 
vacuoles  and  a  nucleus. 

Under  the  Volvocinese,  and  near  to  Chlamydomonas,  Dangeard 
(Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  vii.,  1888,  p.  105)  and  Stein  include  also  Chlorogonium 
(Ehrbl); 

Among  the  most  interesting  of  the  social  Pandorineae  is  Pandorina 
Ehrb..  Each  family  or  ccenobe  consists  of  sixteen  cells  closely  crowded 
together,  and  surrounded  by  a  thin  gelatinous  envelope  through  which 
the  cilia  protrude.  Non-sexual  multiplication  is  preceded,  after  the 
colony  has  come  to  rest,  by  the  absorption  of  the  cilia  in  the  sixteen 
cells,  each  of  which  then  breaks  up  into  sixteen  smaller  cells ;  and  these 
sixteen  daughter-families  are  set  free  by  the  absorption  of  the  gelatinous 
envelope  of  the  parent-colony;  each  becomes  itself  invested  by  a 
gelatinous  envelope,  and  grows  to  the  size  of  the  original  parent-colony, 


CCENOB1E& 


having  in  the  meantime  developed  two  cilia  from  each  of  its  cells. 
Sexual  reproduction  takes  place  in  the  following  way.  Sixteen  daughter- 
families  are  first  of  all  formed  in  the  same  manner,  but  the  gelatinous 
envelopes  of  the  young  colonies  deliquesce,  and  the  separate  256  (=  16 
x  1 6)  swarm-cells  are  set  free  as  zoogametes.  These  vary  in  size,  but 
are  always  rounded  and  green  at  the  posterior  end,  pointed  hyaline  and 
with  a  red  pigment-spot  in  front,  where  they  bear  two  cilia.  Among 
the  crowd  of  these  swarm-cells — now  swimming  about  freely — some, 
irrespective  of  their  relative  size,  approach  one  another  in  pairs,  their 
pointed  anterior  apices  coming  into  contact,  and  they  finally  coalesce 
into  a  body  which  has  at  first  somewhat  the  shape  of  an  hour-glass,  but 
gradually  contracts  into  a  sphere,  in  which  the  two  pigment-spots  and 
the  four  cilia  are  still  to  be  seen  for  a  time,  but  soon  disappear.  This 
whole  process  occupies  about  five  minutes.  The  resulting  zygosperm 
is  then  a  spherical  cell  enclosed  in  a  cell-wall,  which  remains  at  rest  for 
some  time  as  a  hypnosperm,  its  green  colour  becoming  changed  to- 
brick-red.  If  the  dried-up  hypnosperms  are  placed  in  water,  they  begin, 
to  germinate  after  about  twenty-four  hours.  The  outer  layer  of  the 
cell-wall  is  ruptured,  an  inner  layer  becomes  gelatinous  and  swells  up, 
and  the  protoplasmic  contents  escape  in  the  form  of  one,  two,  or  three 
large  zoospores.  Each  of  these,  after  a  short  period  of  swarming,  loses 
its  cilia,  surrounds  itself  with  a 
gelatinous  envelope,  and  breaks 
up,  by  successive  bipartitions, 


into  sixteen  portions,  which 
develop  cilia,  and  form  them- 
selves into  a  new  ccenobe. 

A  still  more  remarkable 
succession  of  phenomena  is 
exhibited  by  Stephanosphcera 
Cohn,  a  rare  organism  occur- 
ring occasionally  in  the  rain- 
water which  collects  in  the 
hollows  of  large  stones  in 
mountainous  countries.  In 
addition  to  the  process  of 
vegetative  or  non-sexual  pro- 
pagation, the  cells  belonging  to  a  family,  each  of  which  possesses  a  red 
pigment-spot,  divide  repeatedly  into  zoogametes,  which  ultimately 
become  free,  and  coalesce  into  resting  zygosperms  or  hypnosperms. 
Motionless  balls,  which  are  probably  the  result  of  this  conjugation, 
accumulate  at  the  bottom  of  the  water,  and  assume  a  red  colour.  After 


FIG.  263.  —  Pandorina  morum  Fhrb.  <z,  swarming 
coenobe  ;  b,  c,  swarm-cells ;  d,  e,  coniugation  of 
zoogametes  ;  f,  zygosperm  (  x  500).  (After  Prings- 
heim.) 


302  ALG^E 

these  resting-cells  have  lain  for  some  time  dry,  and  then  again  been 
flooded,  the  contents  breakup  into  four  or  eight  zDospores,  which  invest 
themselves  with  a  cell-wall,  and,  in  the  course  of  a  single  day,  divide,  by 
successive  bipartitions,  into  an  eight-celled  coenobe,  which  again,  during 
the  next  night,  gives  birth  to  eight  motile  families.  The  enclosed 
primordial  cells  of  Stephanosphaera  are  of  a  bright  green  colour,  fusi- 
form, and  are  attached  to  an  equator  of  the  investing  membrane  at 
both  ends  by  branched  strings  of  protoplasm.  The  whole  family 
rotates  on  an  axis  at  right  angles  to  the  plane  which  passes  through 
them  all. 

In  Gonium  Mull,  the  ccenobe  is  a  tabular  aggregation  of  cells  moving 
rapidly  through  the  water  by  the  aid  of  vibratile  cilia.  Its  life-history 
has  not  been  fully  followed  out,  and  very  little  is  known  of  its  mode  of 
reproduction. 

LITERATURE. 

Henfrey— Trans.  Micros.  Soc. ,  1856,  p.  49. 

Cohn&  Wichura— (Stephanosphtera)  Nova  Acta  Acad.  Nat.  Cur.,  xxvi. ,  Suppl.  1857, 

p.  i  (Quart.  Journ.  Micros.  Sc.,  1858,  p.  131). 
Archer— Quart.  Journ.  Micros.  Sc.,  1865,  pp.  166,  185. 
Cienkowski— Bot.  Zeit.,  1865,  p.  21. 

Pringsheim— Monber.  Berlin  Akad. ,  1869,  p.  721  ;  and  Bot.  Zeit.,  1870,  p.  265. 
Yolten— Bot.  Zeit.,  1871,  p.  383. 

Rostafinski  -  Bot.  Zeit.,  p.  785  ;  and  Mem.  Soc.  Sc.  Nat.  Cherbourg,  1875. 
Goroshankin  —  Nachr.  Gesell.  Naturf.  Moskau,  1875. 
Hieronymus  -  Oesterr.  Bot.  Zeitschr.,  1874,  p.  $i$etseq, 
Reinhard- Arbeit.  Naturf.  Gesell.  Charkoff,  1876. 
Breal-Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  France,  1 386,  p.  238. 
Dangeard— (Chlamydomonas)  Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  vii.,  1888,  p.  105. 

ORDER  5. — SORASTRE^. 

In  this  order  are  included  a  few  genera  distinguished  by  the  ccenobe 
being  unciliated.     In  Sorastrum  Ktz.  the  colony  consists  of  a  more  or 


FIG.  264. — Sorastrum  spinu- 
losum  Nag.  ( x  400).  (After 
Cooke.) 

FIG.  265. — Ccclastrum  citbicitm  Nag. 
(x  600).     (From  nature.) 

less  spherical  aggregation  of  closely-packed,  horned  or  bind,  somewhat 


CCENOBIE.-E  303 

wedge-shaped  cells  ;  in  Selenastrum  Reinsch  the  cells  are  crescent- 
shaped  ;  in  Calastrum  Nag.  the  coenobe  is  spherical  or  cubical,  com- 
posed of  a  single  layer  of  cells,  and  hollow  in  the  centre.  The  species 
are  found  occasionally  in  bog-pools  ;  although  unciliated,  the  coenobe 
swims  freely  in  the  water  with  a  kind  of  rolling  motion.  Very  little  is 
known  with  regard  to  the  mode  of  reproduction  ;  no  formation  of  zoo- 
spores  has  been  detected.  Lagerheim  describes  the  mode  of  formation 
of  a  coenobe  of  Selenastrum  by  cell-division  within  the  mother-coenobe. 
The  affinities  of  this  very  beautiful  family  are  clearly  with  Botryococcus 
among  the  Protococcaceae,  and  upwards  with  the  Pandorineae.  Scene - 
desmus  Mey.  is  very  probably  a  primordial  or  a  retrogressive  member 
of  this  family. 

LITERATURE. 

Nageli  —  Gattungen  einzelliger  Algen,  1849,  p.  97. 
Reinsch — Algen-Flora  Mittel-Franken,  1867. 
Lagerheim — Bot.  Centralbl.,  xii. ,  1882,  p.  33. 
Bennett— Journ.  Micr.  Soc.,  1887,  p.  13. 


FOSSIL   ALG.E. 

All  that  we  know  of  the  relationships  between  the  animal  and  vege- 
table kingdoms  leads  us  to  the  conclusion  that  the  appearance  of  animal 
life,  both  in  fresh  and  in  salt  water,  must  have  been  preceded  by  that 
of  aquatic  vegetation  ;  and  it  is  almost  certain  that  these  primeval 
vegetable  organisms  must  have  had  a  structure  and  mode  of  life  which 
would  classify  them  under  the  head  of  Algae  or  of  Schizophyceae. 
But,  since  even  the  largest  of  these  organisms  would  probably  consist 
entirely  of  cellular  tissue,  it  is  not  to  be  anticipated  that  their  remains 
could  be  handed  down  to  us  in  the  fossil  state  except  in  those  cases  where 
the  cell-walls  were  either  silicified  or  impregnated  or  coated  with  lime. 

As  far  back  as  the  Laurentian  period,  beds  of  graphite  occur  which 
must  undoubtedly  have  been  the  result  of  the  decomposition  of  vegetable 
matter,  but  all  traces  of  the  structure  of  the  organisms  from  which  it 
has  been  derived  are  lost.  The  structures  from  the  Russian  coal-fields 
described  by  Reinsch  as  the  remains  of  algae  allied  to  the  Scytonemaceae, 
are  either  the  spores  of  Vascular  Cryptogams,  or,  in  many  cases,  are 
inorganic  crystallisations.  Even  the  very  earliest  argillaceous  deposits, 
whether  from  fresh  or  from  salt  water,  display  long  rounded  trailing 
impressions,  which  are  believed  by  some  writers  to  be  the  remains  of 
algae  ;  but  it  is  exceedingly  difficult  to  distinguish  between  these  and 


304 

the  trails  of  aquatic  animals,  or  even  ripple-marks.  Carruthers  is  disposed 
to  regard  the  structure  which  he  has  called  Nematophycus,  from  the 
Lower  Erian  or  Upper  Silurian  beds  of  Canada,  as  the  earliest  algoid 
remains  or  impressions  which  have  come  down  to  us.  The  true  nature 
of  the  tracings  in  the  still  earlier  Laurentian  rocks  known  as  Eozoon 
canadense  is  still  a  subject  of  controversy  with  palaeontologists  and 
petrologists. 

Coming  down  to  more  recent  periods,  the  organisms  described  as 
Chondrites  and  Confervites,  found  in  the  Cretaceous  beds,  were  possibly 
algae  allied  to  the  Confervaceae,  and  are  thought  by  some  to  have  had 
a  large  effect  in  the  precipitation  of  chalk  from  sea  water,  from  the  great 
quantity  of  carbonic  acid  which  they  removed.  From  nodules  in  the 
Pleistocene  of  Canada,  Dawson  obtains  remains  which  he  places  under 
genera  allied  to  Ulva  or  Fucus,  and  possibly  also  to  Laminaria.  Various 
other  remains,  sometimes  of  gigantic  size,  found  in  strata  extending 
over  a  very  wide  geological  range,  are  referred  by  Saporta  and  others  to 
algae  allied  to  the  Laminariaceae  and  Fucaceae  ;  but  the  evidence  is 
generally  too  imperfect  to  justify  a  settled  conclusion  on  the  subject. 

Of  the  calcareous  remains  of  algae  which  have  come  down  to  us,  the 
most  remarkable  are  those  described  by  Munier-Chalmas,  including 
more  than  fifty  genera,  which  he  refers  to  the  Siphonocladaceae,  mostly 
found  in  the  Triassic,  Jurassic,  Cretaceous,  and  Tertiary  strata.  The 
calcareous  skeleton  contains  hollow  chambers  and  canals  where  the  rays 
and  the  organs  of  reproduction  were  seated  in  life,  rendering  them  very 
.  liable  to  be  mistaken  for  the  remains  of  Foraminifera,  under  which 
class  of  animals  many  of  them  have  been  placed  by  palaeontologists. 
Among  these  is  the  genus  Ovulites  from  the  Eocene. 

LITERATURE. 

Balfour— Introduction  to  Palaeontological  Botany,  1872. 

Carruthers  -  (Nematophycus)  Monthly  Microscopical  Journal,  1872,  p.  208. 

Munier-Chalmas  — Comptes  Rendus,   1877,  P-  814;  Bull.  Soc.  Geol.  France,   1881, 

p.  661. 

Saporta — Les  organismes  problematiques  des  anciennes  mers,  1884. 
Reinsch — Micro-paleeophy tologia,  1 884. 
Nathorst— Nouvelles  observations   sur   des  traces  d'animaux  et  autres  phenomenes 

d'origine  purement  mecanique  decrits  comme  Algues  fossiles,  1886. 
Delgado— Etudes  sur  les  Bilobites,  1886,  1888. 
Dawson— Geological  History  of  Plants,  1888. 
(See  also  under  Fossil  Vascular  Cryptogams.) 


FIFTH    SUBDIVISION. 
FUNGI. 

UNTIL  recent  years  Fungi  were  looked  upon  as  a  great  group  embracing 
all  Thallophytes  which  do  not  vegetate  by  means  of  intrinsic  chloro- 
phyll. With  the  advance  of  research  and  the  widening  of  knowledge,  a 
new  classification  of  Thallophytes .  was  established,  mainly  by  Sachs, 
which  was  based  on  the  characters  of  the  sexual  organs,  and  under  it 
groups  were  constituted  composed  of  Algae  and  Fungi  alike,  in  recogni- 
tion of  the  principle  that  a  mere  physiological  attribute,  such  as  the 
presence  or  the  absence  of  chlorophyll,  should  be  no  bar  to  the  bringing 
together  of  organisms  associated  with  each  other  by  morphological 
characters.  With  the  analogy  before  their  eyes  of  the  relationship  of 
flowering  parasites  devoid  of  chlorophyll  with  green  Flowering  Plants, 
morphologists  readily  accepted  the  proposed  grouping,  and  until  a 
few  years  ago  it  was  generally  adopted.  It  then  became  apparent 
that  this  step,  though  in  the  right  direction,  exceeded  due  bounds  ; 
and,  with  the  first  publication  by  de  Bary  of  the  classification  of  Fungi 
used  in  this  treatise,  a  new  movement,  which  cannot,  however,  be  justly 
called  a  reaction,  took  place.  This  classification  recognises  a  main 
group  of  Fungi  branching  off  from  the  Algae  (Chlorophyceae),  and  defi- 
nitely marked  by  morphological  relationship.  This  main  group  differs 
from  the  old  group  of  Fungi  not  only  in  its  internal  disposition,  but  in 
the  exclusion  from  it  of  Mycetozoa  and  Bacteria,  though  it  resembles 
the  old  group  in  its  latter  days  in  the  inclusion  of  lichen-forming  fungi. 
As  clearly  characterising  and  delimiting  the  group,  the  words  of  de  Bary 
('  Lectures  on  Bacteria,'  p.  2)  may  here  be  quoted  :— 

'  The  term  Fungi  denotes  a  group  of  lower  plant-forms,  distinguished 
by  definite  characteristics  of  structure  and  development,  and  recognised 
at  once  when  we  see  a  mushroom  or  a  mould.  The  members  of  this 
group  are  all,  as  a  matter  of  fact,  devoid  of  chlorophyll,  but  they  might 
contain  chlorophyll  and  yet  belong  to  this  group,  just  as  a  bird  may 
have  no  apparatus  for  flight,  and  yet  be  allowed  to  be  a  bird.  To  these 
Fungi,  as  defined  by  natural  history,  and  not  by  physiological  characters 

x 


3o6 


FUNGI 


only,  Bacteria  are  as  little  related  in  structure  and  development  as  bats 
are  to  birds  ;  the  relationship  is  even  less,  because  there  are  a  few, 
though  only  a  few,  true  Bacteria  which  contain  chlorophyll  and  decom- 
pose carbon  dioxide,  and  which  are  therefore  not  Fungi  in  the  physio- 
logical sense.' 

HlSTOLOGICAL    CHARACTERISTICS. 

The  thallns  of  fungi  consists  of  one  or  more  cylindrical  hyphce 
branching  in  monopodial  fashion,  rarely  dichotomously,  and  increasing 
by  apical  growth.  In  numerous  instances  the  hypha  remains,  for  a 
period  at  least,  unsegmented,  but  most  frequently  transverse  septa  are 
formed  either  in  the  apical  cell  or  in  segment-cells  of  the  first  order, 
The  thallus  of  the  simple  filamentous  fungi  consists  of  one  hypha  with 
its  ramifications.  The  so-called  compound  thallus  of  larger  fungi  is 
formed  of  hyphae  of  which  the  branches  meet  and  remain  in  close 
contact.  While  all  fungi  have  the  filamentous  habit  to  begin  with, 


FIG.  266.  — Clamp-connec- 
tions :  mycele  of  H\- 
pochnu*  centrifugiis  Tul. 
(X39o).  (After  de  Bary.) 


FIG.  zf.-j.  —  Pseudo-parenchyme  brea  ng  up  at  end 
into  separate  hypha;  :  Xectria  cinnabarina  Fr. 
(highly  magnified).  (After  Reinke  ) 


some  remain  so  throughout  their  whole  development,  and  others  are 
characterised  by  both  habits  in  different  periods  of  their  life-history. 
It  should  also  be  mentioned  that  the  whole  thallus  of  a  fungus  may  be 
reduced  to  a  single  globular  cell.  Clamp-connections  take  place,  especi- 
ally in  the  Basidiomycetes,  between  adjoining  segment-cells  of  the  same 
hypha  by  means  of  a  protuberance  emitted  from  the  one  nearer  the 
growing-point.  This  protuberance  issues  immediately  above  the  trans- 
verse wall,  and  effects  a  junction  with  the  cell  beneath.  By  this  means 
open  communication  is  maintained  between  the  cells  for  a  time,  but  it  is 


FUNGI 


307 


eventually  closed  by  the  formation  of  a  transverse  wall  in  the  protube- 
rance. Cross-links,  loops,  &c.,  are  frequently  formed  between  branches 
of  the  same  hypha,  or  between  originally  distinct  hyphae,  by  the  resorp- 
tion  of  the  membranes  at  the  point  of  contact.  The  coherence  of  the 
compound  thallus  is  most  commonly  effected  by  the  more  or  less  dense 
interweaving  of  the  hyphae,  and  by  the  cementing  of  them  together  in 
many  cases  by  an  intercellular  substance.  The  union  of  the  component 
hyphse  may  proceed  so  far,  and  the  conditions  of  pressure,  &c.,  be  so 
favourable,  that  a  tissue 
is  formed  resembling  the 
parenchyme  of  higher 
plants.  Being  thus  diffe- 
rent from  it  in  mode  of 
formation,  the  tissue  in 
question  is  \&rcs\£&pseudo- 
parenchyme. 

The  form  of  hypha 
•described  is  not  universal 
among  fungi.  Sprouting, 
as  it  is  called,  is  cha- 
racteristic of  the  thallus 
•of  the  yeast-fungus  Sac- 
•charomyces,  and  it  occurs 
in  certain  stages  of  other 
fungi,  such  as  Mucor. 
This  process  consists  in 
the  production  of  ovoid 
•or  globular  cells,  by  means 
of  excrescences  which 
remain  connected  by  a 
narrow  base  with  the  pa- 
rent cell,  and  are  eventu- 
ally cut  off  at  or  before 
maturity  by  a  cross-parti- 
tion. This  process,  on  being  repeated  again  and  again  undisturbed, 
exhibits  in  the  result  the  appearance  of  a  copiously-branching  hypha 
formed  of  bead-like  cells.  This  connection,  however,  is  very  easily 
broken,  and  the  usual  appearance  presented  is  that  of  small  aggregates 
of  sprouting  cells. 

Cell-contents. — The  cells  of  fungi  are  characterised  rather  by  the 
absence  of  certain  cell-contents  than  by  the  presence  of  peculiar  sub- 
.stances.  The  absence  of  chlorophyll  and  of  starch-grains  is  most  note- 


FIG.  vf&.—Saccharoinyces  cerevisicz  Meyen.  a,  single  cell 
of  beer- yeast ;  b,  c,  stages  of  sprouting  ;  d,  colony  of  sprout- 
cells  ;  e,  cell  with  four  ascospores  ;  f,  one  with  two ;  g,  group 
of  ascospores  with  one  sprouting  ;  h,  further  development  of 
a  similar  group  (Ji  x  750,  the  others  much  more),  (e — h 
after  Reess.) 


3o8  FUNGI 

worthy,  and  the  physiological  substitution  for  the  latter  of  fatty  matters 
Glycogen  is  found  in  the  asci  of  Uiscomycetes  and  Tuberacese,  and  in  the 
vegetative  cells  of  these  and  other  fungi.  Crystalloids  of  albuminoid 
substance  occur  in  the  sporophores  of  Mucorini.  Nuclei  are  of  frequent 
occurrence  in  the  cells  of  the  reproductive  system  of  many  fungi,  and  in 
the  vegetative  cells  of  the  Saprolegniese  and  other  groups,  though  abso- 
lutely satisfactory  evidence  has  not  been  produced  with  regard  to  their 
common  presence  in  the  thallus  of  fungi,  apart  from  the  reproductive 
system.  Unsegmented  hyphae  resemble  the  Siphoneous  Algas  in  their 
multinucleate  condition,  though  single  cells  of  segmented  hyphae  also 
sometimes  contain  several. 

Cell-membrane. — The  typical  cell-membranes  of  fungi  consist  of  a 
substance  differing  from  cellulose  in  its  behaviour  to  the  usual  reagents, 
which  is  therefore  known  by  the  special  name  of  Fungus-cellulose.  Richter 
contends  that  this  difference  is  more  apparent  than  real,  since  he  found 
that  after  prolonged  maceration  in  a  7-8  per  cent,  potash  solution,  mem- 
branes exhibited  the  ordinary  cellulose  reaction  which  had  refused  the 
reaction  after  treatment  of  the  usual  kind  with  boiling  potash  solution, 
&c.  De  Bary,  who  originally  gave  the  name  of  Fungus-cellulose  to  the 
membranes  of  fungi,  welcomes  these  observations  as  confirming  the  un- 
doubted near  affinity  of  such  membranes  to  ordinary  cellulose,  but 
points  out  that  it  merely  proves  that  the  membranes  of  the  fungi 
operated  on  by  Richter  are  altered  by  maceration  with  potash  in  the 
way  described.  '  Whether  this  alteration  consists  in  the  removal  of 
some  substance  which  was  present  from  the  first  must  remain  uncertain  ; 
such  an  explanation  has  not  been  proved,  and  others  are  at  least  pos- 
sible'  (*  Comp.  Morph.,'  p.  13).  It  is  specially  noteworthy  that  the 
membranes  of  certain  filamentous  fungi  (Saprolegnieae,  &c.)  exhibit  the 
ordinary  blue  reaction  with  iodine. 

The  membranes  of  fungi  undergo  thickening  and  stratification,  but 
are  rarely  pitted.  The  capillitium-threads  of  Lycoperdon  are  pitted,  for 
example,  and  spiral  and  annular  thickening  occurs  in  the  corresponding 
structure  in  Batarrea.  Membranes  very  frequently  become  coloured 
with  age,  and  undergo  sclerosis  ;  while  in  contrast  to  that  condition 
other  membranes  often  occur,  which,  though  hard  and  horny  in  a  dry 
state,  swell  up  enormously  by  absorption  of  water,  and  acquire  a  gela- 
tinous consistency. 

Calcium  oxalate,  though  of  common  occurrence  in  various  forms 
in  fungi,  is  of  extreme  rarity  within  their  cells  ;  Russula  adusta  (Fr.)  and 
Mutinus  caninus  (Fr.)  are  the  only  recorded  instances  known  to  us. 


FUNGI 


309 


DIFFERENTIATION  OF  THE  THALLUS. 

It  is  usually  possible  to  draw  a  fairly  sharp  distinction  between  the 
vegetative  part  of  the  thallus,  the  mycele,  and  that  portion  specialised 
for  the  bearing  of  propagative  bodies,  the  sporophore.  In  reduced 
forms,  however,  such  distinction  will  be  seen  to  be  arbitrary,  since 
propagative  cells  are  formed  in  such  cases  from  otherwise  undifferen- 
tiated  hyphal  cells.  The  mycele,  which  serves  the  same  physiological 
purposes  as  roots  in  point  of  the  absorption  of  nutriment  and  of  attach- 
ment, occurs  in  a  variety  of  forms.  The  simplest  and  the  typical  form 
is  a  loose  filamentous  condition,  spreading  on  or  in  the  substratum,  and 
.sometimes  provided  with 

special  branches  termed  d  B 

haustoria,  which  pene- 
trate cells  of  living 
plants  and  act  as  special 
organs  of  nutrition  and 
of  attachment.  Such  are 
the  haustoria  of  Perono- 
sporeae  and  Erysipheae, 
&c.  A  denser  condition 
of  mycele  is  represented 
by  a  membranous  state 
to  be  found  in  forms 
vegetating  on  the  sur- 
face of  fluids  and  in  fungi 
which  attack  wood,  such 

dry-rOt  (MeruliuS  FlG.  269.  —  Intercellular  mycelial  hypha:  (;«),  with  haustoria 
r  ^  anH  vprv  penetrating  into  cells  (z),  A,  tfCystopus  ccindidns  Lev.  ;  B,  of 
r.;  ana  Very  Peronospora  calotheca  de  By.  (  x  390).  (After  de  Bary.) 

many    others.      Strands 

of  mycele  are  formed  frequently  in  the  Gasteromycetes  and  other 
fungi  possessing  compound  sporophores.  The  strand-mycele  of  Aga- 
ricus  melleus  (L.),  formerly  known  as  Rhizomorpha,  possesses  a 
highly-developed  structure,  in  which  a  cortical  and  a  medullary  region 
may  be  distinguished.  Most  compact  of  all  forms  of  mycele  are  those 
known  as  sderotes — densely  compacted  tuberous  bodies.  These  con- 
sist of  a  central  medullary  tissue  composed  of  very  compact  uniform 
hyphae,  sometimes  pseudo-parenchymatous,  enclosed  by  one  or  more 
layers  of  cortical  cells  with  sclerosed  walls.  They  are  resting  states  of 
mycele,  and  act  as  stores  of  reserve  material.  With  sclerotes  may  be 
classed  such  sclerotioid  bodies  as  Pachyma  and  Mylitta,  the  develop- 


3io 


FUNGI 


ment  of  which  is  quite  unknown.  Sclerotes  were  formerly  classed  to- 
gether under  the  generic  name  of  Sclerotium  before  it  was  recognised 
that  such  bodies  are  mere  growth  forms,  or  rather  resting  forms,  of 
myceles  of  different  fungi.  Such  a  strand-mycele  as  that  of  Agaricus 
melleus  (L.),  formerly  considered  an  independent  fungus  (Rhizomorpha), 
noticed  above,  has  been  aptly  called  a  sclerote  with  a  growing-point. 
B.  Frank  (Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesellsch.,  1885)  has  described  masses 
of  fungal  hyphae  having  a  dense  sclerotioid  structure  investing  the  roots 
of  trees  (Cupuliferae,  Salicaceae,  Coniferse)  and  intimately  associated  with 
the  superficial  cells  of  the  root.  To  these  bodies,  termed  mycorhiza,  a 
symbiotic  relationship  with  the  trees  in  question  is  attributed,  viz.,  the 


FIG.  270. — Agaricus  mellens  L.     Longitudinal  section  through  apex  of  rhizomorph-strand 
(x  250).     (After  de  Bary.) 

absorbing  function  of  root-hairs,  the   formation  of  which   mycorhiza 
suppresses. 

The  sporophores  of  fungi  are  either  simple  or  compound.  They 
arise  from  the  mycele,  and  produce  the  spores  or  definite  organs 
of  propagation.  Simple  sporophores  are  commonly  erect  branches 
of  the  mycele  which  either  remain  unbranched  or  branch  again. 
The  spores  are  borne  at  the  extremities,  and  with  the  production  of 
these  bodies  the  growth  of  the  sporophore  either  ceases  altogether,  or 
it  may  be  renewed  with  farther  production  of  spores.  The  modes  of 
branching  and  the  forms  of  sporophore  are  characteristic  of  species  of 
fungi.  Comoound  sporophores  are  structures  often  of  considerable  size,  of 


FUNGI  311 

varying  external  appearance,  and  of  a  certain  degree  of  differentiation  of 
tissue.  This  differentiation  is  exhibited  in  the  formation  of  layers,  some- 
times pseudo-parenchymatous,  adapted  for  special  functions.  They  are 


FIG.  271. —  Section  through  sclerote  of  Sclerotima  Sclerotioniin  Lib.,  showing  its  cortical 
medullary  tissue  (x  375).     (After  de  Bary.) 

commonly  characterised  by  the  bearing  of  spores,  or  special  spore- 
mother-cells,  on  definite  regions  and  in  more  or  less  definite  arrange- 
ment. They  form,  as  a  rule,  that  portion  of  the  whole  organism  which 


FIG.  272.— Simple  sporophores  of  Phytophthora  infcstans  de  By.  a,  formation  of  first 
spores  (zoosporanges)  at  ends  of  branches  ;  b,  two  ripe  spores  on  each  branch  and  a  third 
being  formed  (x  about  200).  (After  de  Bary.) 

is  popularly  termed  a  fungus,  such  as  the  stalk  and  cap  of  mushrooms, 
the  peridium  of  puff-balls,  and  the  like.  The  structure  of  these  is,  as 
has  been  said,  very  diverse,  and  it  will  be  found  described  in  more  or 


3I2 


FUNGI 


less  detail  under  the  different  groups  of  fungi.     It  may  be  well  to  note 
that  transition-forms  occur  between  the  simple  and  compound  types  of 


FIG.  273. — Agaricns  dryophilns  Bull.  «,  compound  sporophore,  longitudinal  section  showing 
the  course  of  the  hyphae,  a  very  young  complete  specimen  1*3  mm.  in  height,  first  beginnings 
of  pileus  ;  b,  older  specimen  with  pileus  2*5  mm.  in  breadth  :  /,  piece  of  a  lamella  (slightly 
magnified).  (After  de  Bary.) 

sporophore  :  for  example,  Penicillium,  though  commonly  simple,  some- 
times produces  tufts  of  sporophores  formerly  supposed  to  belong  to  a 
different  fungus  under  the  generic  name  of  Coremium. 


SPORES. 

The  prevailing  mode  of  spore-formation  is  by  acrogenous  adjunction. 
The  terminal  portion  of  the  mother-cell  or  a  special  protuberance  formed 
on  it  is  cut  off  by  a  transverse  wall,  and  this  daughter-cell  then  drops  off 
as  a  spore.  The  basidiospores  of  Basidiomycetes  may  be  taken  as  an 
example.  Finely  pointed  processes  are  formed  on  the  summit  of  the 
basid,  and  these  swell  into  ball-like  form  at  the  apex.  The  globular 
body  is  then  abjointed  and  set  free  as  a  spore.  Series  or  chains  of 
spores  are  successively  formed  in  like  fashion  in  Cystopus,  Penicillium, 
Uredinese,  £c.  Spores  are  also  endogenously  formed  within  mother- 
cells — sporanges — and  these  are  of  two  kinds,  motile  and  non-motile. 
Examples  of  non-motile  spores  thus  formed  are  to  be  found  in  Mucor, 
and  in  the  ascospores  of  Ascomycetes.  Such  spores  are  either  set  free  by 
the  disappearance  of  the  sporangial  wall  or  by  internal  causes  effecting 
their  ejection.  Motile  spores  or  zoospores  (swarm-spores)  possess  the 
power  of  moving  freely  in  water  by  means  of  fine  whip-lashes  or  cilia, 
and  examples  of  these  are  to  be  found  in  the  Saprolegniese  and  Perono- 
sporeae,  the  groups  presumably  most  nearly  related  to  Algse.  That  the 
phenomenon  of  the  production  of  swarm-spores  is  one  nearly  akin  to  that 


Frc.  "274. — Pnccinia  graminis 
Pers.  t,  teleutospores  ;  u,  ureclo- 
spores  (  x  390).  (After  Sachs.) 


FIG.  275.  in,  mycelial  branch  of  Cystopus  Portulaceez 
Lev.  producing  two  basids  abjointing  spores,  in  series  ; 
b,  sporophore  of  Enrotium  het  bar iorit  HI  Lk.  with 
sterigmata ;  5  and  t,  portions  showing  sterigmata, 
/,  p,  with  their  spores,  n  being  the  youngest  (a.  x  390, 
the  rest  x  300).  (After  de  Bar}*.) 


FIG.  276. — Pcziza  (JPyroncina)  conjJuens^e.rs.  a,  small  portion  of  hymenium  :  J>,  paraphyse  attached 
to,  not  originating  in,  hyphal  branches  from  which  the  three  asci  spring;  111,  young  asci  ;  r  u>, 
successive  stages,  according  to  letters,  in  the  development  of  ascospores  within  asci  (x  390).  (After 
de  Bary.) 


FUNGI 


of  simple  germination  by  the  emission  of  a  germ-tube  is  manifest.    The 
example  of  Phytophthora  infestans  (de  By.)  illustrates  this.    The  acro- 

genously-formed  zoosporange  pro- 
duces  zoospores   in    pure   water 

&       MffnB      /.  e>  containing   free    oxygen    in   fair 

1  _  ^  amount.  In  nutrient  solutions,  on 
the  other  hand,  no  zoospores  are 
formed,  and  the  potential  zoospo- 
range simply  emits  germ-tubes. 
Germination  of  spores,  however, 
takes  place  characteristically  in 

spores  ;  c.  free  zoospores  \d -spores  come  to  rest      fungi    by    the    emission     of   germ- 
and  germinating  ( x  390).     (After  de  Bary.)  . 

tubes  under  'conditions  of  tempe- 
rature, moisture,  and  the  like  presently  to  be  discussed.  Germination 
by  the  formation  of  sprout-cells,  however,  occurs  in  a  number  of  forms. 

SEXUAL  REPRODUCTION. 

This  subject  is  incidentally  so  fully  discussed  under  the  different 
groups,  that  nothing  need  be  said  here  beyond  calling  attention  to  the 
fact  that  it  falls  under  the  same  types  as  in  Algae.  Such  a  form  as 
Polyphagus  may,  however,  be'  mentioned  since  it  exhibits  a  type  apart 
from  ordinary  isogamous  or  oogamous  reproduction. 

CONDITIONS  OF  GERMINATION. 

Spores  may  be  divided  into 
two  categories  with  reference 
S,  to  their  power  of  germination, 
viz.  those,  by  far  the  majority, 
which  are  capable  of  germina- 
tion from  the  time  of  maturity, 
and  those  which  must  undergo 
a  period  of  rest.  Of  the  first 
kind  a  considerable  number, 
generally  speaking  thin-walled 
watery  spores,  sporids,  or  zoo- 
spores,  do  not  retain  this  power 
for  more  than  a  period  measured 

FIG.    278. — Ascospores   of  Ht-fcella    esculent  a.   Pens,      i        v  ji  T>U  A' 

Stages  of  germination   in  order  of  letters  (x  39o).      by  hOUrS   Or    QayS.        1  he  COnCil- 

tions  under  which  they  are  kept 

are,  as  will  be  expected,  of  importance  in  this  respect.     Many  spores 
retain  the  power  of  germination  for  a  long  period  if  kept  in  an  air-dry 


FUNGI  315 

state.  This  time  extends  in  numerous  instances  to  one  or  two  years,  and, 
in  the  case  of  spores  of  Ustilagineae  especially,  to  longer  periods.  The 
spores  of  Tilletia  caries  (Tul.)  germinated  after  eight  and  a  half  years,  and 
those  of  other  species  after  shorter  intervals  varying  from  seven  an'd  a  half 
downwards.  Resting-spores,  or  those  of  the  second  category,  generally  un- 
dergo more  or  less  definite  periods  of  rest  corresponding  to  periods  of  vege- 
tation. While  germination  cannot  be  procured  before  the  lapse  of  this 
time,  they  frequently  exhibit  inability  to  survive  the  occasion  presumed 
to  be  favourable.  Such  are  hibernating  spores  like  the  teleutospores  of 
Uredineae,  and  the  oosperms  of  Peronosporese.  Resting-cells  belonging 
to  saprophytes  again,  e.g.  the  zygosperms  of  Mucorini,  while  they  undergo 
a  necessary  period  of  rest  of  varying  duration,  yet  display  no  partiality 
for  seasons  of  the  year,  and  this  also  is  intelligible  in  view  of  their  mode 
of  life. 

The  power  of  resistance  of  spores  to  external  agencies  operating 
against  their  vitality  is  in  many  instances  very  great.  The  spores  and 
zygosperms  of  several  Mucorini  withstand  mechanical  injury  and  re- 
pair slight  wounds  while  preserving  the  power  of  germination.  Short- 
lived spores  and  those  of  aquatic  fungi  do  not  bear  desiccation  :  but 
a  great  number  of  spores  retain  the  power  of  germinating,  as  has  been 
stated,  for  considerable  periods  in  an  air-dry  state.  Spores  adapted  for 
hibernation  in  temperate  climates,  and,  it  may  be  assumed,  long-lived 
spores,  withstand  very  low  degrees  of  temperature,  ranging  below  zero 
C.  ;  while  such  long-lived  spores,  on  the  other  hand,  are  very  sensitive 
to  high  temperatures.  The  capacity  for  germination  after  exposure  to 
high  temperatures  is  maintained  or  not  within  certain  degrees,  according 
to  the  dryness  or  humidity  of  the  environment.  Thus  it  has  been 
shown  that  while  no  spores  are  known  to  withstand  a  temperature  of 
100°  C.  in  water  or  watery  vapour,  and  many  perish  under  these  circum- 
stances at  much  lower  temperatures,  the  same  spores  can  endure  a 
considerably  higher  temperature  in  a  dry  state.  Dry  spores  of  some 
fungi  have  been  found  to  withstand  temperatures  up  to  120°  C. 
and  beyond,  but  it  is  probable  that  130°  C.  marks  the  death-point  of 
all.  Others,  again,  perish  at  degrees  considerably  below  100°  C.  It 
must,  of  course,  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  duration  of  the  exposure  is 
an  important  factor  in  such  experiments,  and  that  spores  which  support 
a  high  temperature  for  a  few  minutes  or  an  hour  are  killed  by  longer 
exposure.  It  is  probable  that  much  individual  variation  exists  in 
regard  to  this  matter  and  to  the  duration  of  life  under  ordinary  circum- 
stances, and  that  in  this  lies  the  explanation  of  conflicting  results  ob- 
tained by  different  experimenters. 

There    is    not    much  known  as    to  the  maximum,  minimum,  and 


3i6  FUNGI 

•optimum  temperatures  at  which  the  actual  germination  of  spores  takes 
place.  According  to  Wiesner.  the  minimum  for  the  spores  of  Penicil- 
lium  glaucum  (Lk.)  is  from  1-5°  C.  to  2°,  the  optimum  about  22°  C,  and 
the  maximum  40°  C.  to  43°.  This  may  be  taken  as  fairly  illustrative  of 
other  fungi  in  temperate  countries  in  the  open.  Those  which  germinate, 
like  many  Mucorini  and  fungi  inhabiting  excrement,  in  the  digestive 
tract  of  warm-blooded  animals,  have  a  much  higher  minimum,  and  an 
optimum  agreeing  with  the  body  temperature.  A  supply  of  water  and 
of  oxygen  must  accompany  the  favourable  temperature  in  all  cases,  and 
of  nutrient  substances  in  some.  Speaking  generally,  parasites  germinate 
freely  in  pure  water  or  vapour,  and  saprophytes  in  nutrient  substances, 
but  the  spores  of  many  fungi  germinate  in  both. 


CONDITIONS  OF  VEGETATION. 

Under  this  head  it  will  be  necessary  to  consider  little  else  than 
the  nutritive  adaptation  of  fungi,  since  they  resemble  other  plants  in 
the  general  conditions  of  vegetation,  in  their  dependence  on  tempe- 
rature, light,  &c.  The  optimum  temperature  varies,  as  might  be  ex- 
pected, in  the  cases  of  fungi  which  flourish  at  different  seasons  of  the 
year,  and  in  different  climates.  The  optimum  temperature  for  the 
growth  of  mycele  in  Penicillium  glaucum  is  about  26°  C.,  while  that 
of  spore-formation  is  the  same  as  that  of  germination,  about  22°  C. 
These  figures  may  be  taken  as  fairly  illustrative. 

Luminosity  1  is  exhibited  by  a  considerable  number  of  fungi — Agari- 
cus  olearius  (DC.)  and  the  rhizomorph  form  of  A.  melleus,  Polyporus 
annosus  (Fr.),  and  P.  sulphureus  (Fr.)  .(Europe),  Agaricus  igneus  (Tul.) 
(Amboyna),  A.  noctilucens  (Lev.)  (Manilla),  A.  Gardneri  (Berk.)  (Brazil), 
A.  lampas  (Berk.)  (Australia),  A.  Emerici  (Berk.)  (Andaman  Islands),  a 
species  of  Didymium  (Jamaica),  and  probably  by  a  number  of  other  forms, 
the  evidence  as  to  which  is  doubtful.  It  is  a  phenomenon  dependent  upon 
the  life  of  the  organism,  and  the  progress  in  it  of  destructive  metabolism. 

As  regards  nutrition,  the  absence  of  chlorophyll  and  the  consequent 
inability  to  decompose  carbon  dioxide  drive  fungi  to  seek  for  organic 
carbon-compounds.  In  taking  up  food,  fungi  cause  chemical  changes 
in  the  organic  bodies  which  furnish  the  food,  e.g.  fermentation.  The 
well-known  ferment-fungi  need  only  be  mentioned.  It  is  in  the  highest 
degree  probable  that  the  solvents  secreted  by  such  fungi  as  penetrate 
dense  woody  and  other  structures  are  ferments.  All  fungi  may  be 

1   Vines,  Lectures  on  the  Physiology  of  Plants,  p.  317  ;  see  also  Phillips,  Proc. 
Woolhope  Chil>,  1888. 


FUNGI  317 

divided  primarily  into  such  as  feed  on  the  decaying  bodies  of  plants 
and  animals  and  dead  organic  substances —saprophytes — and  those  which 
attack  living  bodies— ^arasi/es.  Between  the  two  extremes  of  strict 
saprophytes  and  strict  parasites  there  are  intermediate  forms.  Some 
saprophytes,  which  ordinarily  live  throughout  their  course  of  develop- 
ment as  such,  have  the  power  of  living  as  parasites  either  wholly  or 
during  a  part  of  their  course  of  development.  Such  are  called  faculta- 
tive parasites.  Similarly  some  parasites  which  ordinarily  live  as  such 
have  the  power  of  passing  at  all  events  a  part  of  their  lives  as  sapro- 
phytes. Such  are  facultative  saprophytes.  The  lichen-forming  fungi 
which  live  socially  with  algae  may  be  placed  in  another  category.  Most 
fungi  are  saprophytes,  and  it  is  obvious,  from  the  fact  that  so  many  are 
confined  to  specific  substrata,  that  there  is  much  variation  in  the  nutri- 
tive adaptations  of  such  forms.  These  adaptations  are,  however,  more 
clearly  marked  in  the  case  of  the  smaller  number  which  lead  parasitic 
lives.  Some  are  confined  to  single  species  of  host-plants  ;  many  range 
over  allied  species,  some  of  them  attacking  plants  outside  the  group 
mostly  affected,  or  exempting  from  attack  certain  species  within  the 
group.  Others,  again,  may  be  said  to  be  omnivorous  parasites,  attack- 
ing plants  or  animals  of  diverse  groups.  With  regard  to  the  predisposi- 
tion of  the  host  to  the  attack  of  the  parasite,  it  is  impossible  for  the 
most  part  to  say  exactly  wherein  it  lies.  Reference  may  be  made  to  the 
case  of  species  of  Pythium  which  as  facultative  parasites  attack  Phanero- 
gams, £c.  The  amount  of  water  present  in  the  host  determines  there 
the  degree  of  predisposition  to  attack.  While  a  sickly  condition  may 
constitute  a  predisposing  cause  to  the  attack  of  a  parasite  in  some 
cases,  it  is  by  no  means  so  in  the  majority  of  instances.  It  has  been 
asserted  that  certain  cultivated  plants,  such  as  cereals  and  the  potato- 
plant,  have  by  cultivation  acquired  an 'inherent  tendency '  to  certain 
parasitic  diseases,  whereas  it  is  obvious  that  the  growing  together 
of  vast  numbers  of  these  plants  furnishes  opportunity  for  the  spread  of 
diseases  which,  in  the  absence  of  other  evidence,  may  be  taken  to 
account  for  extensive  outbreaks.  Parasites  commonly  attack  their  hosts 
by  the  penetration  of  the  membranes  of  the  uninjured  host,  though 
cases  are  numerous  where  the  entry  is  made  by  means  of  the  stomates, 
or  of  wounded  surfaces  only.  Most  are  endophytes,  but  a  small  number 
— e.g.  Erysiphe— are  epiphytes,  which  send  haustorial  branches  into  the 
body  of  the  host.  The  result  of  attack  is  either  the  destruction  of  the 
host,  or  the  production  of  deformities  by  anomalous  processes  of  growth 
in  the  parts  affected. 


FUNGI 


LICHEN-FORMING  FUNGI. 

These  are  strictly  parasitic  fungi  which,  without  the  aid  of  algal 
hosts,  do  not  develop  beyond  the  earliest  stage  of  germination.  Their 
nutritive  inter-relations  with  their  hosts,  however,  mark  them  off  from 
other  parasites.  The  hyphae  of  the  lichen-fungus  embrace  the  algal 
cells,  and  the  two  elements  together  compose  a  thallus  of  definite  form. 
The  algal  cells  form  by  means  of  their  chlorophyll-contents  organic 
•carbon-compounds  by  which  the  fungal  cells  benefit  ;  but  here  the 

resemblance  to  true  parasitism 
ceases.  The  host  exhibits  no 
sign  of  exhaustion,  since  a  reci- 
procal accommodation  exists  be- 
tween the  two  elements.  The 
rhizoid  filaments  of  the  fungus 
draw  from  the  substratum  mineral 
substances,  the  raw  material  of 
food.  The  hyphal  cells  are  fed 
by  the  exosmose  of  starch  and 
the  like  from  the  algal  cells,  and 
the  inference  is  justifiable  that 
the  algal  cells  receive  in  exchange 
by  endosmose  the  waste  products 
of  the  fungal  protoplasm.  There 
thus  exists  a  lasting  consortism  or 
symbiosis  between  the  elements, 
and  the  result  is  a  thallus  which 
may  be  treated  from  the  point 
of  view  of  the  systematist  as  an 
autonomous  organism.  It  must 
never  be  forgotten,  however,  that 
it  is  fundamentally  two  organisms,  one  of  which,  the  fungal,  cannot  live 
without  the  other,  while  the  latter  can  and  does  exist  separately  and 
independently  in  nature.  It  is  a  question  not  definitely  decided  whether 
certain  algal  forms  thus  living  in  consortism  can  or  cannot  live  separately, 
and  it  is  also  doubtful  whether  the  fungal  portion  of  such  lichens  as  live 
on  the  bark  of  trees  or  substrata  rich  in  humus,  does  not  live  partially 
as  a  saprophyte.  Evidence  certainly  points  in  this  direction.  The  sym- 
biotic relations  existing  in  lichens  are  comparable  with  those  described 
by  Geddes,  Brandt,  and  others,  as  in  operation  in  Radiolarians  and 
other  animals,  the  '  yellow-cells '  of  which  are  actively  vegetating  algas. 


FIG.  279. — Algal  cells  of  Lichens.  A,  spore  of 
Physciaparietina  Nyl.  germinating  on  Protococ- 
cus  'z'iridis  Ag.  B,  Synalissa  symphorea  Nyl. 
with  Glccocapsa.  C,  Cladonia  /ztrcata.  Hoffm. 
with  Protococcus.  D,  Stereocaulon  rainuiosum 
Ach.  with  Scytonema.  (A,  B,  and  C,  x  950, 
D  x  650.)  (After  Bornet.) 


FUNGI 


319 


By  far  the  greater  number  of  lichen-forming  fungi  are  Discomycetes 
or  Pyrenomycetes.  A  few  small  tropical  genera,  Cora  (Fr.),  Rhipidonema 
'(Mattir.),  Dictyonema  (Mont),  and  Laudatea  (Johow.),  are  Basidiomyce- 
tous,  and  two  other  tropical  forms,  Emericella  (Berk.)  and  Trichocoma 
(Jungh.),  have  recently  been  declared  by  Massee(Phil.  Trans.  Roy.  Soc. 
Lond.,  vol.  178,  p.  305)  to  be  Gasteromycetous 
Lichens.  The  two  last-named  cases  are  by  no  ( 
means  satisfactorily  established,  and  much  more  ? 
and  better  evidence  must  be  forthcoming  before 


FIG.  280.  —  Coccocarpia  inolybdia  Pers.  Transverse  section  of 
thallus.  or,  upper,  and  nr,  under  cortical  layer.  ;«,  so-called 
medulla  ;  g,  algal  cells  ;  r,  rhizoids  (x  6_o).  (After  Bornet.) 


they  can  be  adopted  as  lichen-forming  fungi. 
Propagation  is  effected  by  the  spores  of  the  fun- 
gal thallus,  and  an  adaptation  exists  in  certain 
lichens  examined  by  Stahl  for  the  supply  of  algae 
to  the  new  lichen.  Algal  cells,  the  offspring  of 
the  thallus  algae,  which  have  been  carried  up  into  the  hymenium,  are  cast 
out  along  with  the  spores,  so  that,  both  falling  in  the  same  neighbourhood, 
the  germ-tubes  of  the  spores  find  suitable  hosts  at  once.  This  primary 
synthesis,  however,  probably  takes  place  comparatively  rarely  in  lichens  as 
a  whole.  Propagation  is  very  abundant  by  means  of  soredes  or  brood -buds 


FIG.  281. — Ephebe  pubescens 
Fr.  Branch  of  thallus  with 
two  young  lateral  branches 
(*)  I  £">  algal  cells  ;  h,  hypha; 
(x  500).  (After  Luerssen.) 


320 


FUNGI 


consisting  of  one  or  more  algal  cells  surrounded  by  hyphce  which  separate 
from  the  parent-thallus.  As  a  rule  one  species  of  alga  furnishes  all  the 
algal  cells  of  a  lichen ;  more  rarely  two,  and  then  one  prevails  in  abundance 


FIG.  •i&z.  —  Usnea  barbata  Fr.  Development  of  soredes.  a,  group  of  eight  algal  cells  attached  to 
hypha  ;  b,  similar  group  with  branching  hypha  ;  c,  sorede  with  algal  cell  in  optical  section  ;  d,  sorede 
with  algal  cells  divided  ;  e,f,  germinating  soredes  (  x  500—700).  (After  Schwendener.) 

over  the  other.  The  same  species  of  alga,  however,  may  be  found  in 
consortism  with  different  species  of  fungus,  and  taking  part  in  the  com- 
position, therefore,  of  differently  formed  thalli — different  lichens  in  short. 


FIG.  283. — Cctraria  islandica,  Ach.,  a  fruticose  lichen  (natural  size). 

Stahl  experimentally  proved  this  in  his  successful  attempts  at  lichen 
synthesis.  The  algae  which  furnish  the  hosts  belong  to  different  groups, 
and  both  unicellular  and  filamentous  forms  occur. 

The  thallus  of  lichens  is  of  two  sorts,   the  heteromerous  and  the 


FUNGI  321 

homoiomerous.  The  heteromerous  thallus  mainly  consists  of  the  fungus 
body  of  the  lichen  differentiated  into  a  cortical  layer  and  a  medullary 
layer,  the  algae  occurring  either  as  a  definite  layer  where  the  cortical 
and  the  medullary  hyphae  join,  or  they  are  scattered  throughout  the 
medulla,  or  form  a  dense  mass  in  it.  Such  thalli  exhibit  considerable 
variety  in  forms  of  growth,  and  are  &£&.£.&  foliaceous,fruticose,  crustaceous^ 


FIG.  284. — Roccella  tinctoria  DC.    A  filamentous  lichen.     Small  plant  (natural  size). 

&c.,  in  descriptive  works.  The  homoiomerous  thallus  consists  of  algal 
cells  and  hyphae  more  or  less  equally  distributed  and  alike  in  bulk. 
Collema,  referred  to  below,  is  a  gelatinous  lichen,  exemplifying  this 
structure.  Though  the  fungus  does  not  actually  prevail  in  bulk,  it 
modifies  the  form  of  the  thallus. 

Until  comparatively  recent  times,    lichens  were  considered '  to   be 

Y 


322  FUNGI 

independent  organisms,  the  algal  portion,  the  so-called  'gonidia,'  being 
regarded  as  only  specially  developed  cells  arising  from  the  colourless  cells 
of  the  thallus.  In  1868  Schwendener  first  accurately  determined  their 
dual  nature,  though  de  Bary  had  two  years  before  indicated  the  possibility 
of  this  state  of  things  in  the  case  of  the  Collemaceae,  &c.  The  dis- 
covery so  far,  though  sufficiently  convincing,  was  based  on  anatomical 
considerations  only,  but  the  matter  was  finally  proved,  as  well  as  a  thing 
can  be  proved,  by  the  experiments  of  Bornet,  Treub,  Reess,  and  Stahl. 
Reess  succeeded  in  producing  the  thallus  of  Collema  by  synthesis,  and 
Stahl  went  a  step  farther,  and  effected  the  formation  of  no  less  than 
three  species  of  lichen.  His  observations  on  the  relations  of  the  algal 
and  fungal  elements  of  the  lichen-thallus  crowned  the  work  of  demon- 
stration of  its  dual  nature.  Many  systematic  lichenologists  who  have 
been  unable  to  shake  off  the  traditions  of  their  study  still  cling  to  the 
old  view  of  the  independent  nature  of  lichens.  It  is  hardly  necessary 
to  point  out  that  the  judgment  of  morphologists  on  such  matters  is  the 
one  to  be  trusted,  especially  as  the  matter  has  once  and  for  all  passed 
beyond  the  state  of  trust  in  authoritative  opinion  into  the  perfect  state 
of  complete  proof. 

LITERATURE  (BOOKS  OF  GENERAL  REFERENCE). 

DC  Bar}'— Vergleichende  Morphologic  u.  Biologic  der  Pilze,  Mycetozoen  u.  Bacterien 
(Leipzig,  1884).  [Translation  by  Garnseyand  Balfour,  Oxford,  Clarendon  Press, 
1887,  referred  to  in  text  as  de  Bary,  Comp.  Morph.,  &c.] 

(In-  the  above  book  a  complete  guide  to  the  detailed  morphological  literature 
will  be  found.) 

Systematic. 

Saccardo — Sylloge  Fungorum  (1882,  in  progress).  This  work  is  intended  to  include 
all  known  Fungi. 

The  student  should  also  consult  the  numerous  works  of  Fries,  dealing 
chiefly  with  Basidiomycetes  ;  Corda's  Icones  Fungorum  (Prag,  1837-54)  ;  and 
for  British  Fungi,  Berkeley's  Outlines  of  British  Fungology  (1860) ;  Cooke's 
Handbook  of  British  Fungi  (1871);  the  same  author's  Illustrations  of  British 
Fungi  (1881,  in  progress)  ;  Stevenson's  Hymenomycetes  Britannici  (Edinburgh, 
1886)  ;  and  Phillips'  Handbook  of  British  Discomycetes  (London,  1887). 

Diseases  of  Plants  caused  by  Fungi. 
Frank — Krankheiten  der  Pflanzen  (Breslau,  1880-81). 
Sorauer — Handbuch  der  Pflanzenkrankheiten  (Berlin,  1886). 
Smith,  W.  G. — Diseases  of  Field  and  Garden  Crops  (London,  1884). 

Literature  of  Lichen-thalhis. 

This  literature  is  too  vast  to  be  quoted  here  in  detail,  but  the  reader  is  re- 
ferred to  the  following  essential  papers. 

Bornet — Recherches  sur  les  gonidies  d.  Lichens  (Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  ser.  5,  xvii.  and  xix.). 
Johow — Ueber  Westind.  Hymenolichenen  (Sitzber.  Berl.  Acacl.,  1884). 


OOMYCETES 


323 


JReess — Ueber  d.  Entstehung  d.  Flechte  Collema  glaucescens  (Monber.  Berl.  Acad., 

1871). 
Heess — Ueber    d.   Natur  d.    Flechten   (Samml.   wiss.   Vortrage  von   Virchow  u.  v. 

Holtzendorff,  1879). 

Schwendener— Die  Algentypen  d.  Flechtengonidien  (Basel,  1869). 
Schwendener — Erorterungen  z.  Gonidienfrage  (Flora,  1872). 
Schwendener — Die  Flechten  als  Parasiten  d.  Algen  (Verb.  d.  Basel,  naturf.  Ges., 

1873). 

Stahl — Beitr.  z.  Entwickel.  d.  Flechten,  ii.  (Leipzig,  1877). 
Treub— Lichenencultur  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1873). 
Treub — Onderzoek.  over  d.  Natuur  d.  Lichenen  (Diss.)  (Leiden,  1873). 

SPECIAL  literature  is  quoted  tinder  each  groiip. 


GROUP   L— PHYCOMYCETES. 

Class  XVIII.— Oomycetes. 

ORDER  i. — PERONOSPORE.E. 

The  thallus  of  the  Peronosporeae  consists  of  irregularly  and  copiously 
branched  hyphae  inhabiting  for  the  most  part  the  living,  and  especially 
the  chlorophyll-bearing,  tissues  of  terrestrial  flowering  plants  of  different 
natural  orders.  The 
mode  of  life  in  this  case 
is  parasitic,  and  the 
hyphae  usually  follow 
the  intercellular  spaces, 
and  in  many  cases  send 
short  processes  termed 
haustoria  into  the  ad- 
joining cells.  These 
haustoria  are  variously 
formed  according  to  the 
species.  They  are  gene- 
rally branched  in  Pero- 
nospora  (Corda)  and  glo- 
bular in  Cystopus  (Lev.). 
The  hyphse  of  other 
species  (Phytophthora, 
de  By.)  traverse  the  cells 
of  the  host- plant.  Trans- 


FIG.  285.  —  Intercellular  mycelial  hyphae  (;«),  with  haustoria 
penetrating  into  cells  (z),  A ,  of  Cystopus  candidrts  LeV.  ;  B,  of 
Peronospora  calothcca  de  By.  (  x  390).  (After  de  Bary.) 


verse  walls  do  not  commonly  appear  in  the  hyphae  until  the  period  of  the 
formation  of  reproductive  organs.      The  effect  of  this  parasitic  mode 


324 


FUNGI 


of  life  on  the  host  is  extensive  destruction  of  the  tissues,  usually  ending 
in  death.  Hypertrophy  is  produced  in  other  cases,  especially  at  the 
time  of  the  formation  of  oosperms,  leading  to  swellings  and  distortions 
of  the  parts  affected. 

Of  the  species  of  Pythium  (Pringsh.)  transferred  to  this  order  by 
de  Bary  (Bot  Zeit,  1881)  from  the  Saprolegnieae,  some  are  saprophytes 
inhabiting  the  dead  bodies  of  both  plants  and  animals,  while  others 
are  both  parasites  and  saprophytes. 

The  oogones  are  globular  cells  with  either  a  smooth  or  a  granulated 
wall  of  some  thickness,  situated,  as  a  rule,  terminally,  or  more  rarely 
interstitially.  Soon  after  separation  by  a  transverse  wall  from  the  hypha 
which  bears  it,  the  protoplasm  of  the  oogone,  which  is  rich  in  drops 


FIG.  286. — Fertilisation  of  Peronosporeae.  7.  —  VI.,  Pythium  gracile  Schenk.  Successive  stages  accord- 
ing to  numbers  (  x  about  800).  VII.,Peronospora  arbores>cens  de  By.  Oosphere  is  in  vested  with  a 
thick  membrane,  outside  of  which  is  the  periplasm  contracting  to  form  outer  coat  of  oosperm  (  x  600). 
(After  de  Bary.) 

of  fatty  matter,  begins  to  collect  into  a  central  mass  containing  the 
drops  and  bounded  by  a  hyaline  layer.  Outside  this  central  body 
(oosphere]  there  is  left  over  a  clear  mass  of  protoplasm  (periplasvi],  which 
fills  up  the  space  between  it  and  the  wall.  While  the  oogone  is  thus 
developing,  the  antherid  arises,  either  from  the  pedicel-cell  of  the  oogone 
itself,  or  as  the  terminal  cell  of  a  neighbouring  branch.  It  has  commonly 
the  form  of  an  irregularly  bent  tube  with  an  unthickened  cell-wall,  and 
at  first  ordinarily  granular  protoplasm.  It  applies  itself  closely  to  the 
wall  of  the  oogone,  and  sends  through  it  a  delicate  straight  impregnating 
tube,  which  penetrates  to  the  surface  of  the  oosphere.  The  protoplasm 
of  the  antherid  also  undergoes  about  this  period  a  differentiation  into 
two  masses  ;  one,  threadlike  but  irregular,  and  occupying  the  middle.. 


OOMYCETES  325 

contains  the  more  granular  particles,  and  is  termed  the  gonoplasm,  while 
the  other  (periplasvi)  surrounds  it.  The  gonoplasm  enters  the  oosphere 
through  the  impregnating  tube  of  the  antherid,  and  thus  accomplishes 
the  act  of  impregnation.  Sometimes  two,  rarely  more,  antherids  arise 
and  apply  themselves  to  the  oogone,  and  this  varies  both  with  species 
and  individuals.  After  impregnation  the  oosperm  assumes  a  cellulose 
membrane,  and  gradually  ripens.  The  fatty  contents  collect  into  one 
body  occupying  the  middle,  and  the  membrane  becomes  thicker  and 
differentiated  into  two  cellulose  layers,  the  extine  and  the  intine.  The 
periplasm  develops  into  a  brown,  often  granulated  and  warty  membrane, 
the  extine,  enclosing  the  oosperm,  while  the  original  wall  of  the  oogone 
generally  breaks  up,  but  may  in  some  cases  persist. 

The  oosperms  germinate  in  water  after  a  period  of  rest  generally 
lasting  throughout  the  winter  ;  and  this  takes  place  either  by  the  emission 
of  a  germ-tube  which  gives  rise  directly  to  a  new  thallus  like  the  parent 
one,  or  the  protoplasm  divides  into  a  number  ofzoospores,  which,  extruded 
together  within  a  globular  sac  and  escaping  from  it,  swim  for  a  short 
time,  and,  after  settling  down,  push  out  each  a  germ-tube  which  pro- 
duces a  new  thallus.  In  other  species,  again,  both  methods  of  germina- 
tion occur,  some  of  the  oosperms  directly  emitting  germ-tubes,  while  in 
the  others  the  production  of  zoospores  intervenes.  In  certain  species, 
the  oosperms  of  which  produce  a  germ-tube  directly,  a  short  mycele 
(promycele)  is  formed,  which,  after  bearing  a  few  conidiospores,  dies,  and 
these  conidiospores  in  turn  propagate  new  thalli. 

The  non-sexual  organs  of  propagation  (conidiospores)  are  borne  upon 
.special  branches  of  the  thallus  (sporophores)  in  a  variety  of  ways  cha- 
racteristic of  the  genera  and  in  a  minor  degree  of  the  species.  These 
germinate  either  by  means  of  a  germ-tube  directly  produced,  or  the 
contents  break  up  into  zoospores,  which,  after  swarming,  settling  down, 
and  becoming  invested  with,  a  membrane,  also  produce  germ-tubes. 

The  usual  course  of  life  is  the  production  upon  the  thallus  of  vast 
numbers  of  conidiospores,  which  propagate  the  species  extensively 
throughout  spring  and  summer,  followed  in  autumn  by  the  bearing  of 
sexual  organs,  with  which  the  generation  terminates.  De  Bary  points 
out('Comp.  Morph.,'&c.,  1 884)  that  only  in  the  instances  above  mentioned 
of  the  production  from  the  oosperm  of  a  promycele  bearing'a  few  coni- 
diospores, can  a  distinct  alternation  of  generations  be  recognised.  There 
is  indeed  merely  the  succession  of  one  oosperm-bearing  generation  to 
another,  the  propagating  spores  being  only  accessory  products  of  the 
thallus.  In  such  cases  as  Pythium  vexans  (de  By.)  and  Artotrogus 
(Mont.),  for  example,  there  are  no  such  organs  of  propagation  at  all,  or 
at  least  long-continued  research, has  failed  to  discover  them.  Other 


326 


FUNGI 


species  appear  again  to  have  lost  the  power  of  producing  sexual  organs, 
and  this  is  notably  the  case  in  Phytophthora  infestans  (de  By.),  the 
potato-disease  fungus,  which  succeeds  in  hibernating  by  means  of  a 
perennial  mycele.  In  such  a  case  the  species  is  entirely  dependent 
upon  the  propagating  spores  for  distribution. 

Cystopus  (Lev.). — The  thallus  consists  of  hyphae  inhabiting  the 
intercellular  spaces  of  the  tissue  of  flowering  plants,  and  provided  with 
haustoria.  The  oosperms  are  resting-cells  which  ger- 
minate in  spring  by  means  of  the  production  of  zoo- 
spores  in  the  usual  way.  The  propagating  zoospores 
are  borne  in  zoosporanges  at  the  end  of  cylindrical  or 
club-shaped  zoosporangiophores  in  vertical  series.  A 
small  broad  swelling  first  appears  at  the  apex,  and 
then  a  transverse  wall  cuts  off  the  \ipper  portion, 
which  rounds  off  and  thus  becomes  the  first  and 
oldest  zoosporange  of  the  series.  Then  another  is 
cut  off  in  the  same  fashion,  while  the  sporangio- 
phore  elongates.  A  series  or  chain  is  thus  produced, 
each  zoosporange  joined  to  its  neighbour  by  a  very 
short  and  slender  connecting  stalk.  The  first  cell 
at  the  top  of  the  series  has  a  thicker  wall  than  the 
others,  is  yellowish  in  colour,  and  is,  at  least  in  the 
vast  majority  of  cases,  incapable  of  germination.  If 
germination  does  take  place,  a  germ-tube  is  said  to 
be  produced,  while  all  the  other  members  of  the  series » 
give  rise  to  zoospores.  These  chains  of  zoosporanges 
arise  in  dense  masses  stde  by  side  below  the  epiderm 
of  the  host,  which  is  gradually  ruptured,  permitting 
their  escape,  the  thick  wall  of  the  top  member  of  the 
FIG.  287.—;«,  myceiiai  series  serving  as  a  shield  in  bursting  the  epiderm. 
j^rtuiaceaiJv^pm-  When  the  zoospores  germinate,  their  germ-tubes  enter 
phoi-ef,  A  beSSngn?oo-  the  host  by  way  of  the  stomates,  by  this  means  attain- 
ing directly  the  intercellular  spaces.  The  disease  thus 
set  up  in  the  host  is  not  so  active  as  in  the  case  of 
species  of  Peronospoja,  and  the  parts  affected  do  not  perish  so  rapidly. 
During  the  formation  of  oosperms  in  Cystopus  candidus  (Lev.),  regions 
of  the  host  undergo  acute  hypertrophy.  The  commonest  species  of  the 
genus  is  C.  candidus  ('  white  rust '),  which  attacks  a  large  number  of 
Cruciferae.  Cabbages  and  the  Shepherd's  Purse  (Capsella  bursa-pas- 
tqris)  suffer  conspicuously  from  ft,  while  the  latter  is  often  affected  by 
Peronospora  parasitica  (de  By.)" in  company  with  it;  Other  well-known 
species  are  C.  Portulaceas  (Lev.)  and  £.  cubicus  (Lev.). 


sporanges,  * 
.) 


Bary.) 


OOMYCETES  327 

Peronospota  (Corda). — The  thallus  and  the  sexual  organs  closely 
resemble  those  of  Cystopus.  In  both  genera  the  passage  of  protoplasm 
from  the  antherid  into  the  oogone  is  not  directly  visible,  and  the 
oogonial  periplasm  is  more  abundant  than  in  the  other  genera.  In 
germinating,  the  oosperm  produces  a  germ-tube,  but  the  process  of  germi- 
nation has  not  been  observed  in  a  number  of  species,  and,  as  de  Bary  says 
(Journ.  Roy.  Agric.  Soc.,  1876),  it  is  quite  possible  that  the  species  of 
Peronospora  which,  like  Cystopus,  produce  zoospores  from  their  'conidia' 
(zoosporanges)  present  also  the  same  phenomenon  in  connection  with 
the  oosperms.  The  sporophores  of  Peronospora  commonly  issue  from 
the  host-plant  through  the  stomates,  and  are,  for  the  jnost  part,  regu- 
larly and  copiously  branched.  At  the  fine  points  of  the  branches  the 
non-sexual  propagating  bodies  are  produced  singly.  These  are  rfi  some 
species  conidiospores  germinating  by  the  emission  of  a  germ-tube,  and 
in  others  zoosporanges  producing  zoospores.  Conidiospores  and  zoo- 
qporanges  are  borne  in  precisely  similar  fashion,  and  present  the  same 
appearance  up  to  the  production  of  the  germ-tube  or  zoospores,  as  the 
case  may  be.  The  zoospores  are  formed  within,  and  escape  from  the 
original  zoosporangial  membrane  and  not  from  an  extruded  sac.  Inter- 
mediate between  these  forms  are  the  plasmatoparous  species  (P.  densa, 
Rab.,  and  P.  pygmasa,  Uhg.),  in  which  the  whole  protoplasm  escapes 
from  the  spore  in  a  mass  through  the  opening  of  a  papilla-like  point  in 
the  wall,  and,  at  once  becoming  globular,  secretes  a  cellulose  membrane, 
and  subsequently  germinates  by  the  emission  of  a  short  thick  germ-tube. 
The  germ-tubes  both  of  zoospores  and  of  conidiospores  penetrate 
directly  the  epiderm  of  the  host  and  the  cells  underlying  it,  until  an 
intercellular  space  is  reached.  This  genus  contains  a  large  number  of 
well-known  parasites,  such  as  P.  viticola  (de'By.)  on  the  vine,  P.  nivea 
(de  By.)  on .  Umbelliferae,  P.  parasitica  (de  By.)  on  Cruciferse,  P.  Schlei- 
deniana  (Ung.)  on  onions  ;  P.  Vicise  (de  By.),  P.  Trifoliorum  (de  By), 
&c.  Hypertrophy  i$  frequently  produced  in  the  host  at  the  time  of 
oosperm-formation,  but  not  so  acutely  as  by  Cystopus.  The  oosperms 
of  several  species  are  unknown,  and  of  these  P.  Rumicis  (Corda)  and 
P.  Schachtii  (Fiickel)  hibernate  by  means  of  their  perefinial  mycele, 
while  P.  Ficariae  (Tul),  the  oosperms  of  which  are  known,  passes  the 
winter  in  the  same  way. 

Phytophthora  (de  By.). — This  genus  was  founded  for  the  reception 
of  P.  infestans  (de  By.),  which  was  formerly  placed  in  Peronospora. 
Industrious  research  has  failed  to  discover  thfc  sexual  organs  and 
oosperms  of  this  species.  Mr.  Worthington  Smith  claims  to  have 
found  them,  but  the  balance  of  evidence  is  distinctly  against  this. 
The  sexual  organs  of  Phytophthora  omnivora  (de  By.)  have  been 


328 


FUNGI 


observed,  however,  and  fertilisation  takes  place  in  the  usual  way.  A 
very  small  quantity  of  gonoplasm  (not  visibly  differentiated)  passes 
over  into  the  oosphere.  The  antherids  and  oogones  arise  together 
in  this  species,  and  develop  in  close  connection.  The  oosperms 
form  each  a  promycele,  as  described  above.  The  sporangiophores  of 


each  branch 


FIG.  288. — Simple  sporophores  of  Phytophthora  infestans  de  By.  a,  formation  of  first 
spores  (zoosporanges)  at  ends  of  branches*:  b,  two  ripe  spores  on  each  branch  and  a  third 
being  formed  (x  about  200).  (After  de  Bary.) 

Phytoph|hora,  which  resemble  those  of  Peronospora  in  general  habit, 
differ  from  them  in  the  fact  that  each  branch  bears  more  than  one  pro- 
pagating body — not  in  chains,  like  Cystopus,  but  at  intervals  on  the 
branch.  In  P.  infestans  a  propagating  cell  is  produced  at  the  apex  of 
and  as  it  ripens  a  papilla-like  swelling  arises  beneath  it  ; 
the  branch  grows  on  and  turns 
the  cell  aside.  These  propagat- 
ing cells  are  usually  zoosporanges, 
but  not  unfrequently  they  are  coni- 
diospores,  differing  from  them  in 
no  other  respect  than  the  pro- 
duction of  a  germ-tube  directly 
instead  of  zoospores.  The  zoo- 
spores  are  formed  within  and 
escape  directly  from  the  zoospo- 
range  itself,  as  in  Peronospora. 
Phytophthora  infestans  has  a  special  economic  interest,  as  the  cause 
of  the  well-known  r&ta|D-disease.  The  "disease  first  appears,  as  a  rule, 
on  the  green  leaves  of  the  potato  plant  in  July  or  August,  the  sporangio- 
phores emerging  through  the  stomates.  Sporanges  are  formed,  under 
favourable  conditions  of  temperature,  moisture,  &c.,  in  a  few  hours,  are 


FIG.  289. — Zoosporanges  of  Phytophthora  infestans 
de  By.  a,  division  completed  ;  b,  escape  of  zoo- 
spores  ;  c,  free  zoospores ;  d,  spores  come  to  rest 
and  germinating  (x  390).  (After  de  Bary.) 


OOMYCETES  329 

Avafted  away,  and,  falling  on  other  potato  leaves,  there  produce  zoospores, 
or  germ-tubes  directly,  in  drops  of  water  formed  by  dew  or  rain.  The 
germ-tubes  penetrate  the  epiderm,  setting  up  fresh  growths  of  mycele  in 
new  plants,  and  thus  the  disease  is  propagated.  Countless  numbers  of 
such  propagating  cells,  each  potentially  the  mother  of  a  number  of  zoo- 
spores,  may  thus  be  set  free  from  a  few  diseased  plants,  and  the  spread 
of  infection  and  destruction  of  tissue  in  warm  moist  weather  is  almost 
inconceivably  rapid.  The  disease  extends  to  all  parts  of  the  plant,  in- 
cluding the  tubers,  in  which  the  mycele  often  remains  in  a  resting  con- 
dition throughout  the  winter  (as  in  certain  species  of  Peronospora 
mentioned  above),  and  from  which  a  fresh  start  is  made  in  the  following 
year.  The  interest  attaching  to  the  subject  is  mainly  economic,  and  an 
extensive  literature  bearing  upon  it  has  grown  up — by  far  the  greater 
part  of  it  utterly  worthless. 

Pythium  (Pringsh.). — Several  species  of  this  genus  are  saprophytes, 
inhabiting  the  dead  bodies  of  plants  and  animals,  while  others  are  true 
parasites  on  fresh-water  algae,  on  prothallia,  and  on  flowering  plants. 
The  thallus  and  sexual  organs  are  of  the  type  described,  The  oosperms 
of  P.  proliferum  (de  By.),  like  those  of  Phytophthora  omnivora,  form  a 
promycele  ;  while  of  P.  vexans  (de  By.)  the  oosperms  only  are  known. 
The  formation  of  propagating  spores  occurs  at  the  end  of  simple  thallus- 
hyphae.  A  terminal  cell  is  cut  off  by  a  transverse  wall,  and  usually  becomes 
a  zoosporange.  This  body  expands  at  the  apex  into  a  thin  globular 
sac,  into  which  the  whole  of  its  protoplasm  empties  itself.  There  zoo- 
spores  are  differentiated,  and,  bursting  the  sac,  escape  and  germinate. 
There  is  some  variation  according  to  species  in  the  forms  of  the  zoo- 
sporanges  ;  sometimes  they  are  round  or  oval  and  sometimes  elongated. 
They  have  not  the  definite  arrangement  which  characterises  the  other 
genera.  P.  intermedium  (de  By.)  and  P.  de  Baryanum  (Hesse)  some- 
times form  spores  which  emit  a  germ-tube  instead  of  the  usual  zoospo- 
ranges.  P.  gracile  (Schenk),  P.  entophytum  (Pringsh.),  and  P.  Chloro- 
cocci  (Lohde)  inhabit  fresh-water  algae,  P.  Equiseti  (Sad.)  and  P. 
circumdans  (Lohde)  attack  prothallia,  while  P.  de  Baryanum  infests 
seedlings  of  different  phanerogams  and  fern-prothallia.  The  last-named 
is  capable  of  attaining  full  development  as  a  saprophyte  on  both  dead 
plants  and  animals.  P.  intermedium,  also  saprophytic,  becomes  a 
parasite  on  fern-prothallia.  It  is  worthy  of  note  that  these  fungi  are 
parasitic  only  on  seedlings,  prothallia,  &c.,  which  contain  abundance  of 
water  ;  and  though  P.  de  Baryanum  causes  local  injury  to  grown  plants, 
'this  power  may  be  raised  to  one  of  destruction  under  water.  Pythium 
: vexans  is  found  in  diseased  potato  tubers. 


330  FUNGI 

FOSSIL  FORM. 

Peronosporites  (W.G.S.). — This  genus  was  founded  by  Mr.  Worthing-- 
ton  Smith  for  the  reception  of  a  fossil  fungus  Peronosporites  antiquarius- 
(W.G.S.),  first  detected  by  Mr.  Carruthers  in  the  axis  of  a  Lepidodendron 
from  the  coal  measures.  Mycele  and  bodies  which  may  well  be  oogones 
are  visible  in  the  preparations.  The  fungus  is  probably  nearly  related 

to  Pythium. 

LITERATURE. 

De    Bary— Recherches  sur   le  developpement  de  quelqnes  Champignons   parasites 

(Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  4  ser.,  Tom.  xx.).     (Contains  reference  to  older  literature.) 
De  Bary— Zur  Kenntnissder  Peronosporeen  (Beitr.  zur  Morph.  u.  Physiol.  d.  Pilze,  ii.). 
De  Bary— Untersuch.  liber  die  Peronosp.  u.  Saprolegn.  (ibid.,  iv.). 
De  Bary — Research  into  the  Nature  of  the  Potato-fungus  (Phytophthora  infestans  de 

By.)  (Journ.  Roy.  Agric.  Soc.,  1876,  xii.). 
De  Bary— Zur  Kenntniss  der  Peronosporeen  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1881). 
Cornu— Monogr.  d.  Saproleg.  (Pythium)  (Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  5  ser.,  Tom.  xv.). 
Hesse — Pythium  de  Baryanum,  Halle,  1874. 
Millardet — Le    Mildiou   (Paris,   G.   Masson,   1882  ;    and   Journ.    d'Agric.   pratique, 

1 88 1,  T.  i.,  No.  6,  and  1882,  T.  ii.,  No.  27). 
Pringsheim — Die  Saprolegnieen  (Pythium)  (Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  i.). 
Schroter — Peronospora  obducens  (Hedwigia,  1877,  p.  129). 
Schroter — Protomyces  graminicola  (ibid.,  1879,  p.  83). 
\V.  G.  Smith — Resting-spores  (so  called)  of  Potato  Disease  (Gard.  Chron.,  1875,  iv., 

N.S.  ;  and  1876,  vi.,  N.S.). 
W.  G.  Smith — Peronosporites  antiquarius,  W.  G.  S.  (Gard.  Chron.,  1877).    [See  also 

G.  Murray,  Academy,  17  Nov.    1877  and  following  numbers  ;  and  Williamson, 

Phil.  Trans.  Roy.  Soc.  Lond.,  1881.] 
A.  Zalewski — Zur  Kenntniss  der  Gattung  Cystopus  (Bot.  Centralb.,  1883,  No.  33). 

ORDER  2. — ANCYLISTE^:. 

This  order  embraces  a  few  genera  which,  so  far  as  what  is  known  of 
them  indicates,  are  related  most  nearly  to  Pythium.  All  the  members 
of  the  group  are  parasitic  in  fresh-water  algae  (Cladophora,  Mougeotia, 
Spirogyra,  Mesocarpus,  Closterium,  &c.),  and  they  are  all  farther  charac- 
terised by  simplicity  of  structure.  The  thallus  is  represented  by  hyphae 
at  first  undivided,  which  often  extend  from  one  end  of  the  host-cell  to 
the  other.  Ancylistes  Closterii  (Pfitz.)  displaces  the  chorophyll-plates  of 
its  host,  and  ultimately  causes  the  death  of  the  cell.  Lagenidium 
(Schenk),  found  in  filamentous  algae,  causes  the  separation  of  cell-contents 
from  cell-wall,  and  discolours  the  chlorophyll,  which  gathers  together 
into  a  mass. 

The  sexual  organs  are  formed  by  the  division  into  cells  of  the  thallus- 
hyphae  by  transverse  walls.  Of  these  cells,  some  swell  and  become 
oogones,  while  others  remain  small  and  act  as  antherids  (Myzocytium,. 


OOMYCETES 


33* 


Schenk)  ;  or  different  individuals  produce  the  oogones  and  the 
antherids  (Lagenidium,  Ancylistes).  A  perforation  having  been  made 
in  the  oogonial  wall,  the  whole  of  the  protoplasm  of  the  antherid  empties 
itself  into  the  oogone  (there  being  no  periplasm),  and  the  united  mass 
rounds  itself  off  and  becomes  the  oosperm.  The  germination  of  the 
oosperm  has  not  been  observed. 

Propagation  takes  place  by  means  of  zoospores  (Lagenidium),  and 
to  this  end  either  the  whole  thallus-hypha  becomes  transformed  into  a 
zoosporange,  or  it  is  divided  into  a  series  of  such.  Each  zoosporange 
sends  out  through  the  membrane  of  the  host-cell  to  the  surrounding 
water  a  protuberance,  through  which  the  contents  escape  after  the 
fashion  of  Pythium,  forming  uniciliated  zoospores,  which  ultimately 
attack  the  fresh  cells  of  other  algae.  In  Ancylistes  the  only  propagation 
known  is  a  process  of  extension  of  its  hyphas  from  one  host  to  another. 

LITERATURE. 

Cornu — Monogr.  des  Saprolegn.  (loc.  cit.). 

Cornu—  Note  sur  1'oospore   du    Myzocytium  proliferum,   Schenk    (Bull.   Soc.    Bot. 

France,  xvi.,  1869,  p.  222). 

Pfitzer  — Ein  neuer  Algen  Parasit  (Monatsber.  Berl.  Acad.,  1872). 
Schenk — Ueber  das  Vorkommen  contractiler  Zellen  im  Pflanzenreich  (Wiirzburg,  1858). 
Zopf — Ueber  einen  neuen  parasitischen  Phycomyceten,  &c.  (Lagenidium)  (Bot.  Zeit., 

1879,  P-  350- 

ORDER  3. — MONOBLEPHARIDE^E. 

The  single  genus 
Monoblepharis  (Corn.), 
like  the  preceding 
group,  is  closely  re- 
lated to  Peronosporeae 
and  especially  to  Py- 
thium. The  thallus- 
hyphas  bear  both  ter- 
minal and  interstitial 
oogones,  in  which  there 
is  no  preliminary  dif- 
ferentiation of  peri- 
plasm,  but  the  whole 
protoplasm  contracts 
and  forms  the  oo-, 
sphere,  while  the  apex 
of  the  oogonial  wall  opens.  The  antherid  (usually  a  cell  adjoining  an 
oogone)  produces  several  swarming  antherozoids,  which  escape,  one  of 


FIG.  290. — Monoblepharis  sphcerica  Cornu. 
oogone,  o,  and  antherid,  a,  antherozoid,  s. 
successive  stages  (  x  800).  (After  Cornu.) 


Filament  bearing  an 
The  numbers  indicate 


332  FUNGI 

them  attaining  and  entering  by  the  apical  opening  of  the  oogone,  and 
uniting  with  the  oosphere.  The  resulting  oosperm  has  not  yet  been 
observed  to  germinate. 

Propagation  takes  place  by  the  formation  of  uniciliated  zoospores  in 
-zoosporanges,  from  which  they  escape  in  the  same  way  as  those  of 

Phytophthora. 

LITERATURE. 

Cornu — Monogr.  cles  Saprolegn.  (loc,  cit.). 

ORDER  4. — SAPROLEGNIEAE. 

The  Saprolegniese,  as  their  name  indicates,  are  saprophytes  on  the 
•dead  bodies  of  both  plants  and  animals  in  water  ;  with  at  all  events  the 
•exception  of  the  Saprolegnia  of  the  salmon  disease,  which  is  both  sapro- 
phyte and  facultative  parasite.  The  cause  of  the  .predisposition  to  this 
disease  has  not  yet  been  exactly  determined,  as  for  example  has  been  the 
case  with  those  species  of  Pythium  which  possess  a  similar  mode  of  life. 
Prof,  de  Bary  points  out  with  regard  to  them  that  susceptibility  to  disease 
in  the  host  is  in  relation  to  the  amount  of  water  present.  The  problem 
in  the  case  of  the  salmon  disease  has  every  appearance  of  being  a  more 
.complex  one.  The  Saprolegnieae  bear  in  other  respects  much  resem- 
blance to  the  Peronosporeae,  and  especially  to  Pythium,  which  until 
recently  was  included  among  the  former.  Pythium  indeed  presents 
points  of  relationship  with  the  types  of  Oomycetes  in  general ;  and  the 
relationship  is  rendered  the  more  striking  by  the  union  in  some  of  its 
species  of  both  parasitic  and  saprophytic  modes  of  life.  The  thallus- 
hyphae  of  the  Saprolegnieae  are  usually  of  relatively  large  size,  springing 
from  slender  rhizoids  buried  in  the  substratum. 

The  oogones  arise,  as  in  Peronosporeae,  on  branches  of  the  thallus- 
hyphae.  In  most  cases,  however,  several  oospheres  are  formed  in  each 
oogone  (sometimes  as  many  as  thirty  or  forty),  and,  no  periplasm  having 
been  differentiated,  the  whole  of  the  oogonial  protoplasm  is  included  in 
them.  It  happens  in  some  cases  that  only  one  oosphere  is  formed, 
but  the  number  is  variable  according  to  species,  and  also  partly  according 
to  individuals.  Pits  arise,  but  by  no  means  always,  in  the  oogonial  wall. 

The  antherids,  which  are  commonly  club-shaped,  are  produced  on 
slender  branches  of  the  thallus  ;  and  each  antherid  is  borne  either  on 
the  same  hypha  of  the  thallus  as  the  oogone  to  which  it  is  attached,  or 
on  a  hypha  which  bears  no  oogones.  The  remarkable  point  about 
these  antherids  is  their  impotency,  since  no  actual  observation  of  the 
transference  of  protoplasm  from  them  to  the  oospheres  has  ever  been 
made,  though  they  perforate  the  oogonial  wall,  and  processes,  like 
impregnating  tubes  sent  through,  come  in  contact  with  the  oospheres. 
These  processes  grow  from  one  oosphere  to  another,  and  may  even 


OOMYCETES 


333 


emerge  again  outside  the  oogonial  wall,  but  they  remain  closed  at  all 
points,  and  after  a  day  or  two  perish.  In  the  case  of  certain  species,  the 
antherids  never  produce  these  pro- 
cesses, or  the  oogones  may  be 
without  antherids.  In  other  cases 
antherids  are  never  produced  at  all, 
or  only  by  way  of  rare  exception. 
In  the  meantime  the  oospheres  ripen 
into  oosperms,  while  the  antherids, 
if  present,  perish.  Pringsheim  has 
recently  endeavoured  to  show  that 
impregnation  takes  place  in  certain 
species  by  the  transference  into  the 
oospheres  of  minute  portions  of 
antheridial  protoplasm  moving  in 
amoeboid  fashion.  De  Bary  points 
out  that,  while  Pringsheim  has  not 
actually  seen  this,  the  sole  evidence 
trusted  to  is  that  of  stained  prepa- 
rations, which  appear  to  exhibit  open 
communication  between  antherid 
and  oosphere,  &c.  In  any  case  the 
observation  does  not  affect  those 
cases  where  antherids  are  either  want- 
ing, or  do  not  produce  the  penetrating 
tubular  processes. 

The  ripe  oosperms  thus  parthe- 
nogenetically  produced  germinate 
after  a  period  of  rest  varying  from 
a  few  days  to  several  months.  Ger- 
mination takes  place,  as  in  the 
Peronosporese,  either  by  means  of 
a  germ-tube,  or  zoospores  are  pro- 
duced. 

Propagation  is  effected  by  the 
agency  of  zoospores  produced  in 
special  zoosporanges,  and  also  excep- 
tionally by  means  of  certain  resting- 
cells  formed  by  the-  mycele  after 
transverse  division  of  the  hyphas 
(Saprolegnia).  These  swell  out  into  globular  form,  with  thick  mem- 
branes and  plentiful  protoplasm,  and  germinate  by  the  emission  of  a 
germ-tube,  or  zoospores  are  formed  in  them  ('resting  sporanges'  of 


FIG.  5291.  —  A  to  C,  Achlya  racemosa  Hildebr. 
At  the  end  of  A  is  an  empty  zoosporange,  j. 
with  empty  zoospore  membranes  ;  at  a.  b,  and 
c,  are  ocgones  with  antherids,  a,  in  an  early 
stage,  b  and  c  as  in  £,  oogone  with  two 
oospheres  and  an  antheridial  tube  applied 
to  one.  C,  ripe  oosperm.  Z>,  £,  Achlya. 
polyandra  Hildebr.  D,  oosperms  germinat- 


ing. E,  germinating  oosperm  which  has  formed 
a  sporange  with  a  head  of  spores.  {A  x  145. 
B  and  C  x  375,  D  and  E  x  225.)  (After 


334 


FUNGI 


Pringsheim).      These  resting  cells   or  sporanges   are  formed  only  on 

old  myceles,  and  by  no  means  regularly. 

The  zoosporanges  vary  in  form  with  the 
genus,  and  in  a  minor  degree  with  the 
species.  The  usual  form  is  a  large  club- 
shaped  zoosporange  containing  a  great 
number  of  biciliated  zoospores,  which 
escape  from  it  through  an  opening  at  the 
apex ;  though  in  poorly  developed  indi- 
viduals (and  normally  in  Aphanomyces,  de 
By.),  the  zoosporange  is  more  cylindrical, 
and  only  one  row  of  zoospores  is  formed. 
In  Saprolegnia  (Nees  ab  Esenb.)  the  zoo- 
spores  are  actively  motile  when  they  escape. 
Their  activity  ceases  for  the  most  part 
after  a  few  minutes  ;  they  settle  down, 
assume  a  thin  cellulose-membrane,  rest 
for  a  short  time,  only  to  escape  from  this 
membrane,  and  resume  active  movement 
before  final  settling  down  and  germina- 
tion. The  spores  of  individuals  may  on 
the  other  hand  omit  the  second  period  of 
movement,  and  germinate  directly  on  first 
settling  down.  In  Achlya  (Nees  ab  Esenb.) 
and  Aphanomyces  the  spores  escape  from 
the  sporange  without  cilia  and  active 
movement.  They  arrange  themselves  in 
globular  fashion  outside  the  apex  of  the 
sporange,  assume  each  a  thin  cellulose- 
membrane,  within  which  they  rest  for  a 
few  hours,  and,  escaping  from  it,  swim 
about,  and,  settling  down,  ultimately  ger- 
minate. In  the  sporanges  of  Dictyuchus 
(Leitg.)  the  spores  are  each  enclosed  in 

net-like  cellulose   walls,  from   which  they  escape,  not  by  any  special 

orifice  of  the  sporange,  but  by  taking  as  it  were  the  shortest  cut  through 

the  sporangial  wall  and  empty  spore -cases  if  they  come  in  the  way. 

In  Aplanes  Braunii  (de  By.)  the  formation  of  propagating  spores  is 

as  a  rule  omitted.     When  produced  they  give  rise  to  germ-tubes  directly 

without  swarming. 

The  zoospores  produced  by  oosperms  behave,  so  far  as  is  known 

like  those  from  the  corresponding  zoosporanges. 


FIG.  292. — Zoosporanges  of  Achlya 
N.  ab  E.  A ,  with  zoospores  formed 
but  still  enclosed.  £,  with  zoo- 
spores  escaping.  At  a  they  are  in- 
vested with  a  cell-membrane,  at  c 
they  are  free,  empty  membranes 
at  b  (x  about  300).  (After  de  Bary.) 


OOMYCETES  335 

The  modes  of  zoospore-formation  in  Phytophthora  and  Cystopus, 
Pythium  Achlya,  and  Aphanomyces,  Dictyuchus,  and  lastly  Saprolegnia, 
express  in  an  interesting  way  the  relationships  of  these  genera. 

LITERATURE. 

De  Bary  — Beitr.  zur  Kenntniss  cler  Achlya  prolifera  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1852). 

De  Bary — Einige  neue  Saprolegnieen  (Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  ii.). 

De  Bary — Untersuch.  liber  die  Peronosp.  u.  Saprolegn.  (Beitr.  zur  Morph.  u.  Physiol. 
der  Pilze,  iv.). 

De  Bary— Zu  Pringsheim's  Neue  Beob.  iiber  d.  Befruchtungsact  cler  Gattungen  Achlya 
und  Saprolegnia  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1883). 

Cornu — Monograph,  der  Saprolegn.  (Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  1872). 

Hildebrandt — Mycolog.  Beitrage,  i.  (Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  vi.). 

Hartog— On  the  Formation  and  Liberation  of  Zoospores  in  the  Saprolegnieae  (Quart. 
Journ.  Micr.  Sc.,  1887). 

Hartog — Recent  Researches  on  Saprolegnieae  (Annals  of  Botany,  1888). 

Huxley  and  Murray — Salmon  Disease  (Reports  of  Inspector  of  Fisheries,  1882,  1883, 
1884,  1885.  See  also  Quart.  Journ.  Micr.  Sc.,  1882,  and  Journ.  Bot.,  1885). 

Leitgeb — Neue  Saprolegnieen  (ibid.,  vii. ). 

Lindstedt— Synopsis  der  Saprolegn.,  Berl.,  1872. 

Pringsheim — Entwickelungsgeschichte  der  Achlya  prolifera  (N.  Acta  Acad.  Leop.- 
Carol.,  xxiii.,  p.  r). 

Pringsheim— Beitr.  zur  Morph.  u.  Systematik  d.  Algen,  ii.  Die  Saprolegn.  (Jahrb. 
wiss.  Bot.,  i.,  ii.,  and  ix.). 

Pringsheim— Neue  Beobacht.  iiber  d.  Befruchtungsact  von  Achlya  u.  Saprolegnia 
(Sitzber.  Berl.  Acad.,  8  Juni,  1882).  Nachtragliche  Bemerk.  zu  dem  Be- 
fruchtungsact von  Achlya  (Pringsheim's  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  xiv.). 

Reinsch — Beobacht.  iiber  einige  neue  Saprolegn.  (ibid.,  xi. ). 

Thuret — Rech.  sur  les  zoospores  des  Algues,  1851. 

Ward — On  Saprolegniere,  and  also  on  Pythium  (Quart.  Journ.  Micr.  Sc.,  1883). 
Contain  histological  details. 


Class  XIX.— Zygomycetes. 

ORDER  i. — MUCORINI.  _ 

The  Mucorini  are  for  the  most  part  terrestrial  saprophytes,  the  re- 
mainder being  parasites  on  other  Mucorini.  The  thallus  consists  of  a 
copiously  branching  hypha  undivided  up  to  the  time  of  the  production 
of  spores  or  sporanges,  when  transverse  walls  first  appear.  Sexual  repro- 
duction is  effected  by  the  formation  of  a  zygosperm,  while  spores  and  pro- 
pagating cells  (like  some  of  the  resting-cells  produced  by  the  mycele  of 
Saprolegnia)  are  also  borne,  the  former  regularly  and  in  characteristic 
forms,  the  latter  only  in  special  cases  and  under  certain  conditions.  The 
production  of  a  zygosperm  is  effected  by  the  conjugation  of  two  specially 
differentiated  cells,  gametes,  not  to  be  distinguished  from  each  other  by 
any  mark  or  power  of  movement.  The  two  cells  thus  contributing  to 


336 


FUNGI 


its  formation  either,  by  their  simple  fusion,  themselves  constitute  the 
zygosperm,  or  this  body  is  the  direct  offspring  (daughter-cell)  of  the 
union.  The  spores  are  produced  either  in  terminal  sporanges  or  singly 
at  the  apex  of  a  sporophore,  or  again  serially  in  like  fashion  to  the  last. 
In  a  considerable  number  of  cases  the  zygosperms  are  unknown,  and  it 


FIG.  293. — B,  Phycomyces  nitens  Kze.  Plant  grown  on  decoction  of  plums  ;  mycele,  ;//,  spo- 
rophore, g.  A,~  C,  and  Z>,  Mucor  Mucedo  L.  A,  sporange  in  optical  longitudinal  section. 
C,  zygosperm  (z)  borne  on  suspensors.  £,  germ-tube  ;  g>  sporange.  D,  conjugation. 
a,  a,  gametes ;  b,  b,  suspensors.  (B  slightly,  A,  C,  and  D  more  highly  magnified.)  (After 
Brefeld.) 

may  be  assumed,  on  the  weighty  authority  of  de  Bary,  that  in  certain  of 
these  they  do  not  occur,  since  industrious  observation  has  failed  to  dis- 
cover them.  They  are  known,  in  fact,  only  in  nineteen  species,  though 
future  research  may  bring  a  fair  number  more  to  light.  Where  they  have 
been  observed  the  life-history  proceeds  as  follows.  The  germinating 


ZYGOMYCETES  337 

zygosperm  gives  rise  directly  to  a  promycele  bearing  the  characteristic 
spores,  and  these  in  turn  produce  on  germination  a  mycele  which  bears 
spores  again,  and  ultimately  a  zygosperm.  It  has  been  observed  in  an 
artificially  nourished  individual,  that  the  germinating  zygosperm  at  once 
produced  a  mycele  which  subsequently  bore  spores  without  the  inter- 
vention of  the  promycele  stage.  In  another  instance  (Sporodinia  grandis, 
Link)  zygosperms  have  been  observed  on  a  mycele  which  arose  from  a 
spore,  before  the  production  of  sporophores  upon  it ;  while  it  sometimes 
happens  in  this  species  that  a  zygosperm  is  produced  on  a  mycele  arising 
directly  from  a  zygosperm  without  the  intervention  of  spores  at  all.  But 
in  the  great  majority  of  cases  the  production  of  spores  precedes  the 
formation  of  a  zygosperm  on  the  same  mycele.  In  many  species  the 
zygosperms  are  of  rare  occurrence,  and  an  indefinite  number  of  succes- 
sive spore-bearing  generations  come  between  zygosperm  and  zygosperm. 
Throughout  the  whole  order  spores  are  produced  in  vastly  greater 
numbers  than  zygosperms.  Syzygites  (Ehrenb.)  is  the  generic  name  given 
to  certain  forms  of  doubtful  affinity  which  produce,  so  far  as  is  known, 
zygosperms  alone. 

Sub-order  i  :  MUCORE^E. — The  members  of  this  group  are  for  the 
most  part  saprophytes  on  the  excrement  of  animals,  fruits,  bread, 
saccharine  fluids,  £c.  The  thallus-hyphse  are  relatively  large  and  much 
ramified.  The  conjugating  hyphae  arise  either  as  branches  of  the 
mycele  or  on  special  hyphae  somewhat  resembling  sporangiophores, 
their  place  of  origin  being,  in  different  instances,  in  either  morphological 
or  merely  local  approximation  to  each  other.  At  an  early  stage  of 
development  they  come  into  contact  by  their  apices,  and  a  firm  connec- 
tion between  the  two  is  established.  Thus  joined  the  development  of 
each  goes  on,  and  soon  a  transverse  wall  cuts  off  the  apical  portion  of 
each.  This  portion  is  a  gamete,  and  the  rest  of  the  hypha,  generally 
club-shaped,  its  suspensor.  A  pore  next  appears  in  the  centre  of  the 
original  wall  separating  the  two  gametes,  and  gradually  the  whole  wall 
disappears  and  the  contents  conjugate.  The  zygosperm  thus  formed 
increases  in  size,  drawing  upon  the  contents  of  the  suspensors.  The 
protoplasm  becomes  dense,  and  the  fatty  contents  gather  into  a  large  drop. 
The  wall  commonly  becomes  covered  externally  with  warts  or  spines  at 
all  points  except  where  the  suspensors  are  attached.  The  form  of  the 
whole  is  roundish  or  drum-shaped,  the  smooth  walls  adjoining  the  sus- 
pensors corresponding  with  the  sides  of  the  drum.  The  wall  is  divided 
into  two  coats,  the  outer  one  (extine}  brown  or  black,  and  the  inner  one 
(intine)  stratified,  and  either  entering  the  corrugations  of  the  extine  or 
remaining  smooth  along  the  surface  of  contact  with  it.  The  suspensors 
usually  remain  in  statu  quo,  but  in  Rhizopus  nigricans  (Ehrenb.),  where 

z 


338 


FUNGI 


one  gamete  is  about  half  the  height,  though  of  the  same  breadth,  as  the 
other,  the  suspensor  of  the  smaller  one  becomes  greatly  enlarged  after 
conjugation,  while  the  other  remains  as  it  was.  In  most  cases  the  sus- 
pensors  eventually  decay,  but  in  others  (Phycomyces,  Kze.,  and  Absidia, 
Van  Tiegh.)  an  outgrowth  of  darkly  coloured  hyphse  takes  place  from 
each  suspensor  and  invests  the  zygosperm.  In  Mortierella  (Coemans), 
which  has  a  smooth  extine,  this  outgrowth  arises  from  the  hyphas  bearing 
the  suspensors  (as  well  as  from  the  suspensors  in  one  case),  and  forms  a 
compact  integument  of  the  zygosperm.  In  M.  nigrescens  (Van  Tiegh.) 
this  outgrowth  begins  after  conjugation,  first  from  the  suspensors,  then 
from  the  adjoining  hyphas;  while  in  M.  Rostafinskii  (Bref.)  the  outgrowth 


FIG.  294. — Rhizopus  nigricans  Ehr.  Formation  of  a  zygosperm.     Stages  according  to 
1  tters  (  x  about  90).     (After  de  Bary.) 

takes  place  solely  from  the  adjoining  hyphae,  and  begins  so  early  that  an 
investment  is  formed  before  actual  conjugation  takes  place. 

A  phenomenon  resembling  that  of  the  parthenogenesis  of  the  Sapro- 
legnieae  is  exhibited  by  a  number  of  the  Mucoreae  in  the  formation  vtazygo- 
sperms.  This  occurs  in  Absidia,  Sporodinia  (Link),  and  Spinellus  fusiger 
(Van  Tiegh.),  and  the  formation  of  these  bodies  ensues  when  gametes 
have  failed 'to  conjugate,  and  even  when  single  gametes  only  are  pro- 
duced. They  possess  the  structure  and  power  of  germination  of  normal 
zygosperms,  just  as  the  parthenogenetic  oosperms  of  Saprolegnia  do. 
Bainier  states  that  Mucor  tenuis  (Link)  forms  only  azygosperms,  and 
de  Bary  suggests  that  the  (as  yet  little  known)  Azygites  of  Fries  may  be 
found  to  exhibit  this  phenomenon. 

On  the  germination  of  the  zygosperm,  as  has  been  said,  zpromycele 
bearing  sporanges  is  produced  directly,  and  these  sporanges  have  the 


ZYGOMYCETES  339 

same  structure  as  those  that  follow  them.  They  are  globular  sacs  borne 
at  the  end  of  sporangiophores,  and  the  spores  produced  within  them  are 
never  endowed  with  the  power  of  active  movement.  The  different 
forms  of  sporange  and  sporangiophore  afford  characters  for  the  genera 
of  the  group.  Mucor  (Michel.),  Pilobolus  (Tode),  Sporodinia  (Link), 
Phycomyces,  Rhizopus  (Ehrenb.),  Circinella  (Van  Tiegh.),  and  Absidia 
possess  a  peculiar  conformation  of  the  basal  wall  of  the  sporange.  It 
bulges  inwards  in  a  conical  or  more  or  less  oval  form  (see  fig.  293  A),  and 
presents  an  appearance  which  has  suggested  the  name  of  columel  for 
this  peculiarity.  Of 'the  genera  possessing  a  columel  some  are  dis- 
tinguished by  a  fugacious  sporangial  wall,  others  by  a  firm  persistent 
one,  while  the  mode  of  branching  of  the  sporangiophore  (or  the  absence 
of  branching)  and  its  general  form,  aiford  other  generic  characters. 
Morti.erella  has  a  fugacious  sporangial  wall  but  no  columel.  Tham 
nidium  (Link),  Chaetostylum  (Van  Tiegh.),  and  Helicostylum  (Cord.) 
have  two  kinds  of  sporange,  the  one  kind  like  those  of  Mucor,  and 
the  other  smaller  (sporangioles)  with  a  persistent  wall,  no  columel, ' 
and  containing  but  a  few  spores,  which  however  resemble  the  others  in 
function. 

On  old  and  on  badly  nourished  myceles  of  some  species,  accessory 
propagating  bodies  are  formed  (chlamy  do  spores,  stylospores,  &c.).  All 
such  accessory  spores  are  capable  of  giving  rise  to  normal  characteristic 
myceles  either  at  once  or  after  a  period  of  rest.  In  Mortierella  single 
acrospores  are  borne  on  slender  mycelial  hyphae.  The  old  myceles  and 
even  the  sporangiophores  of  Mucor  break  up  into  resting-cells  like  those 
of  Saprolegnia  with  thick  walls.  The  chlamydospores  (Van  Tieghem)  of 
Mortierella  are  such  bodies,  and  where  they  occur  terminally,  de  Bary 
regards  them  as  transitional  forms  to  the  acrospores  of  the  same  genus 
just  mentioned.  Brefeld  and  Van  Tieghem  have  described  (Mucor 
racemosus,  Fres.,  &c.)  another  form  of  accessory  propagating  spores, 
which  are  produced  in  series  or  chains  through  transverse  division  of 
the  mycelial  hyphae.  These  either  remain  joined  together  in  conferva 
fashion,  as  Berkeley  says,  or  they  part  company,  and  each  such  cell 
exhibits  a  yeast-like  vegetation. 

Sub-order  2 :  CH^TOCLADIE^E. — The  mycelial  hyphae  of  Chaetocladium 
(Fres.)  become  attached  to  the  hyphae  of  the  Mucor-host,  and,  by  the 
resorption  of  the  cell-wall  at  the  place  of  contact,  effect  a  direct  com- 
munication. At  such  places  of  attachment  a  large  number  of  globular 
protuberances  are  produced  close  together,  forming  a  body  of  consider- 
able size,  which  may  be  regarded  as  a  food-reservoir.  The  act  of  con- 
jugation and  the  formation  of  the  zygosperm  agree  in  all  essential  par- 
ticulars with  the  corresponding  processes  in  the  Mucoreae.  The  intine 

z  2 


340 


FUNGI 


of  the  zygosperm  has  a  smooth  surface,  not  entering  the  external  warts 
of  the  extine.  Azygosperms  have  not  been  observed.  The  sporophores 
terminate  in  a  fine  hair-point,  but  below  this  give  rise  to  a  whorl  of 
branches  nearly  at  right  angles  to  each  other,  terminating  again  each  in 
a  hair-point.  These  again  branch  more  or  less  in  like  fashion.  The 
ultimate  branches  become  swollen,  and  on  these  swellings  fine  short 
sterigmata  arise,  each  sterigma  bearing  a  spore.  The  mass  of  spores 
thus  produced  has  a  bunch-like  aspect. 

Cunningham's  Choanephora,  found  by  him  on  the  flowers  of  Hibiscus, 
appears  to  approach  most  nearly  to  Chaetocladium. 

Sub-order  3  :  PIPTOCEPHALIDE^E.  —  This  very  small  group  (Piptoce- 
phalis,  de  By.,  Syncephalis,  Van  Tiegh.)  is,  like  the  last,  composed  of 
parasites  on  the  Mucoreae,  and  to  this  end  the  mycelial  hyphae  bear 

haustoria,  each  of  which 
emits  from  its  slightly 
swollen  base  a  small 
crop  of  short  delicate 
rhizoids  traversing  the 
Mucor-hypha  affected. 
The  conjugating  hyphas 
of  Piptocephalis  are 
arched  somewhat  like  an 
inverted  D,  the  point 
of  contact  being  the 
summit.  Actual  conju- 
gation occurs,  as  in  the 


FIG.  295. — Piptocephalis  Freseniana  de  By.  and  Wor.     Con- 
jugation  and  formation  of  a  zygosperm,  z.     Stages  in  the 
(After  ~ 


order  of  the  numbers  (  x  650).     (l 


Brefeld.) 


Mucoreae  ;  but  when  this 
stage  is  reached,  the  pro- 
duct of  the  conjugation 

begins  to  swell  at  the  point  of  union,  and  generally  on  the  convex 
side,  into  a  globular  body,  which  becomes  echinulate  as  it  swells. 
When  it  has  attained  its  full  size  and  development  at  the  expense  of 
the  protoplasm  of  the  united  gametes,  it  becomes  separated  from  them 
by  transverse  partition,  and  remains  seated,  as  it  were,  on  the  summit 
of  the  arch.  Though  not  the  morphological  equivalent  of  the  zygo- 
sperm of  the  Mucoreae,  but  rather  the  offspring  of  the  original  zygo- 
sperm produced  by  the  conjugation  of  the  gametes,  it  will  be  most 
convenient  to  regard  it  as  the  zygosperm.  The  sporophores  bear  at 
their  apices  series  or  chains  of  spores  produced  by  transverse  partition. 
In  Piptocephalis  the  sporophore  is  dichotomously  branched  at  the 
summit,  and  each  bifurcation  bears  a  capitulum  of  chains  of  spores. 
Accessory  acrospores  are  sometimes  produced  by  Syncephalis. 


ZYGOMYCETES  341 

De  Bary  ('Comp.  Morph.,'  p.  156)  treats  the  incompletely  known 
Dimargaris  and  Dispira,  both  of  Van  Tieghem,'  as  at  present  doubtful 
Mucorini,  probably  near  Piptocephalideae.  Another  small  group  of 
genera  of  doubtful  position  is  formed  by  Kickxella(Coem.),  Martensella 


FIG.  296. — P.  Freseniana.  M,  a  mycelial  tube  of  Mucor  Mncedo,  the  host  of  Pipto- 
cephalis.  The  mycele  of  the  latter,  m,  penetrates  M  by  haustoria,  h.  Z,  zygosperm. 
c,  sporophore  (x  300,  the  rest  x  630).  (After  Brefeld.) 

(Coem.),  Coemansia  (Van  Tiegh.  and  Le  Mon.);  while  Sorokin's  Zygo- 
chytrium,  an  aquatic  saprophyte  on  dead  insects,  the  account  of  which 
needs  confirmation,  stands  in  a  like  uncertain  position. 

LITERATURE. 

Bainier  — Observ.  sur  les  Mucorinees  et  sur  les  zygospores  des  Mucorinees  (Ann.  Sc. 

Nat.,  6  ser.,  Tom.  xv.,  1883). 

De  Bary  und  Woronin — Beitr.  zur  Morph.  u.  Physiol.  der  Pilze,  i.  and  ii. 
Brefeld — Bot.  Unters.  tiber  Schimmelpilze,  i.  and  iv. 


342  FUNGI 

Brefeld-Ueber  Canning,  iii.  (Landvv.  Jahrb.,  Thiel,  v.,  1876). 

Coemans — Spicilege  mycologique  (Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  Belg.,  i.). 

Coemans—  Quelques  Hyphomycetes  nouveaux  (Bull.  Acad.  Roy.  de  Belgique,  2  ser., 

Tom.  xv.). 
Coemans — Recherches  sur  le  polymorphisme  et  les  different*  appareils  de  reproduction 

chez  les  Mucorinees  (ibid,,  Tom.  xvi.). 
Coemans — Monographic  du  genre   Pilobolus  (Mem.   Couronn.    de  1'Acad.    Roy.  d. 

Belgique,  Tom.  xxx. ). 
Cunningham— On  the  Occurrence  of  Conidial  Fructification  in  the  Mucorini,  illustrated 

by  Choanephora  (Trans.  Linn.  Soc.  Lond.,  2  ser.,  i.,  1878). 
Fresenius — Beitr.  zur  Mycologie,  i.  and  iii. 
Gilkinet — Mem.   sur  le  polymorphisme  des  Champignons  (Mem.  Couronn.   Acad. 

Belg.,  Tom.  xxvi.,  1875). 

Hildebrand — Ueber  zwei  neue  Syzygites  Formen  (Pringsh.  Jahrb.,  vi.). 
Klein — Zur  Kenntniss  des  Pilobolus  (Pringsh.  Jahrb.,  viii.). 
Tulasne— Note  sur  les  phenomenes  de  copulation,  &c.  (Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  5  ser.,  Tom. 

vi.,  1866). 
Van  Tieghem  et  Le  Monnier — Rech.  sur  les  Mucorinees  (Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  5  ser.,  Tom. 

xxvii.,  1873). 

Van  Tieghem — Nouv.  Rech.  sur  les  Mucorinees  (ibid.,  6  ser.,  Tom.  i.,  1875). 
Van  Tieghem— Troisieme  Mem.  surges  Mucorinees  (ibid.,  6  ser.,  Tom.  iv.,  1876). 
Zimmermann — Das  Genus  Mucor  (Chemnitz,  1871). 


ORDER  2. — ENTOMOPHTHORE/E. 

This  small  group  of  parasites  inhabiting  the  bodies  of  insects  agrees 
with  the  Mucorini  only  in  the  formation  of  zygosperms.  The  mycele 
vegetates  within  the  body  of  the  insect  attacked,  and  consists  either  of 
septate  branching  hyphae  (Entomophthora,  Fres.),  or  of  a  yeast-like  mass 
of  cells  (Empusa,  Cohn).  Zygosperms  are  formed,  as  described  by 
Nowakowski  (Entomophthora  ovispora,  Nowak.,  and  E.  curvispora, 
Nowak.),  by  the  conjugation  of  adjacent  hyphae  which  emit  correspond- 
ing lateral  protuberances.  These  meet,  become  united  in  an  H  fashion 
(somewhat  as  in  Spirogyra),  and  enter  thus  into  open  communication. 
As  a  result  of  this  conjugation,  there  arises,  either  on  the  conjugating 
branches  or  near  them,  a  globular  body,  which  develops  at  the  expense 
of  the  protoplasm  of  the  united  hyphae,  and  finally  becomes  cut  off  by 
a  wall.  This  must  be  regarded  as  a  zygosperm,  morphologically  the 
equivalent  of  that  of  Piptocephalis.  Azygosperms  occur  in  E.  radicans 
(Bref.)  and  certain  species  of  Empusa,  arising  either  as  lateral  out- 
growths, or  sometimes  as  terminal  bodies.  The  cell-membrane  of  both 
zygosperms  and  azygosperms  -becomes  much  thickened  and  differen- 
tiated into  a  thick  extine,  generally  of  regular  outline,  and  a  thin  intine, 
while  •  in  the  contents  a  large  fatty  drop  appears.  Zygosperms  and 
azygosperms  both  rest  for  a  considerable  period  within  the  dead  body 


ZYGOMYCETES  343 

of  the  host,  the  surrounding  mycele  disappearing.  On  germination, 
which  Nowakowski  describes  in  Empusa  Grylli  (Fres.),  a  short  pro- 
mycele  is  emitted  which  bears  a  single  spore. 

Commonly,  however,  neither  zygosperms  nor  azygosperms  are 
formed,  and  after  the  death  of  the  insect,  spores  are  produced  on  its 
outer  surface.  In  the  case  of  Empusa — for  example,  E.  Muscae  (Cohn), 
which  attacks  the  common  house-fly  in  large  numbers  in  autumn— the 
yeast-like  mycelial  cells,  at  the  time  of  the  death  of  the  insect,  send 
forth  each  a  tube,  which  bursts  through  the  skin,  and  outside  becomes 
a  short  club-shaped  sporophore  bearing  a  single  acrospore.  Each 
sporophore  bears  but  one  spore,  and  then  perishes.  The  spores  are 
capable  of  germination  at  once,  but  the  power  lasts  only  for  a  few  days. 
Affected  flies  in  this  condition  are  common  enough  objects  attached  to 
windows,  &c.,  and  surrounded  by  a  whitish  mass  of  spores.  The 
mycele  of  Entomophthora,  which  is  septate,  much  branched,  and  often 
anastomosing,  sends  branches  through  the  skin  to  the  outer  surface, 
where  farther  ramification  takes  place,  investing  the  body  of  the  insect. 
These  branches  range  themselves  at  right  angles  to  the  insect's  body, 
and  terminate  together  at  nearly  the  same  elevation.  Each  such  branch 
is  a  sporophore,  which,  as  in  Empusa,  forms  a  single  acrospore.  The 
spores  are  capable  of  germination  at  once  like  those  of  Empusa ;  and  in 
both  genera  either  a  very  short  tube  is  formed,  bearing  a  secondary 
spore,  as  in  the  promycele  of  the  zygosperm,  which,  on  germination,  may 
attack  a  fresh  insect,  or  the  germ-tube  of  the  primary  spore  may  do  so 
without  the  intervention  of  secondary  spores. 

Completoria  complens  (Lohde),  found  by  Leitgeb  in  fern  prothallia, 
and  Conidiobolus  utriculosus  (Bref.),  described  by  Brefeld  as  a  parasite 
on  Tremellini,  are  two  forms  placed  here  which,  unlike  the  rest  of  the 
group,  do  not  attack  insects.  Brefeld,  who  has  investigated  the  group 
minutely,  does  not  accept  the  conjugation  as  a  real  one,  and  brings 
forward  arguments  against  it  based  on  the  anastomosing  of  hyphae  and 
the  situation  of  the  zygosperms.  His  opinion,  if  accepted,  would  lead 
to  placing  the  group  elsewhere  ;  but  de  Bary  states  ('  Comparative 
Morph.,'  p.  159)  that  Nowakowski's  and  Brefeld's  different  observations 
may  be  explained  by  the  different  behaviour  of  different  species. 

LITERATURE. 

Brefeld Untersuch.  liber  die  Entwickel.  der  Empusa  Muscae  und  Empusa  radicans 

und  die  durch  sie  verursachten  Epidemien  der  Stubenfliegen  und  Raupen. 
(Abhandl.  d.  Naturforsch.  Gesellsch.  zu  Halle,  xii.). 

Brefeld Ueber  Entomophthoreen  und  ihre  Verwandten  (Sitzungsber.  d.  Gesellsch, 

Naturforsch.  Freunde  zu  Berlin,  1877).  See  also  Bot.  Zeit.,  1877,  p.  345. 

Brefeld— Bot.  Unters.  liber  Schimmelpilze  (Ent.  radicans),  iv.,  1881,  p.  97. 


344  FUNGI 

Cohn — Empusa  Muscae  und  die  Krankheit  der  Stubenfliege  (Nova  Acta,  xxv. ,  p.  i). 
Cohn — Ueber  eine   neue  Pilzkrankheit  der  Erdraupen  (Tarichium  megaspermum) 

(Beitrage  zur  Biologic  der  Pflanzen,  Bd.  i.,  Heft  i,  p.  58). 
Eidam — Eine   auf  Excrementen   von    Froschen   gefundene    Entomophthoree   (Bot. 

Centralblatt,  xxiv.,  1885). 
Fresenius— Ueber  die  Pilzgattung  Entomophthora  (Abhandl.   d.   Senkenberg.  Ges., 

Bd.  ii.). 
Giard — Deux  especes  d'Entomophthora,  &c.  (Bull.  Sc.  du  Depart,  du  Nord,  2  ser. , 

2  Ann.,  No.  n). 
Frey  und   Lebert — Die  Pilzkrankheit  der  Fliegen   (Verhandl.   d.   Naturf.   Ges.    zu 

Zurich,  1856). 
Leitgeb— Completoria  complens,   ein   in  Farnprothallien    schmarotzende  Pilz  (Sit- 

zungsber.  d.  Wien.  Acad.,  Bd.  84,  Abth.  i). 

Nowakowski — Die  Copulation  bei  einigen  Entomophthoreen  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1877). 
Nowakowski— Entomophthoreae    (Abhandl.   d.    Acad.    d.    Wiss.    zu   Krakau,  1883). 

Polish,  see  Bot.  Zeit.,  1882. 
Sorokin— Zwei  neue  Entomophthora  Arten  (Cohn's  Beitrage  zur  Biol.  d.  Pflanzen, 

Bd.  ii.,  Heft  3,  p.  387). 

ORDER  3. — CHYTRIDIACE^E. 

The  Chytridiaceae  are  a  group  of  minute,  more  or  less  aquatic,  parasitic 
fungi,  embracing  forms  which  may,  in  the  present  state  of  our  knowledge 
of  them,  be  thus  classed  together  ;  but  whether  it  will  eventually  appear 
that  these  are  naturally  related  to  each  other,  or  are  merely  organisms 
of  different  affinities  presenting  a  similar  appearance  owing  to  similar 
environment  and  ways  of  life,  is  but  a  subject  for  speculation.  How- 
ever, there  are  points  in  which  all  agree,  and  their  life-history  may  be 
briefly  summarised  thus  : — Zoospores— mostly  uniciliated  ^the  rest  with 
two  cilia),  and  containing  generally  a  drop  of  fatty  substance,  and,  in 
the  larger  forms  at  least,  a  nucleus — are  produced  in  zoosporanges  of 
various  forms  and  sizes.  These  escape  from  the  apex  of  the  zoosporange, 
which  is  provided  in  some  cases  with  a  lid,  either  successively  or  in  a 
mass  held  together  by  a  viscous  substance,  from  which  they  are  gradually 
set  free.  An  undulating  alteration  of  outline,  accompanied  by  amoeboid 
movement,  takes  place  in  the  zoospores  of  certain  species  towards  the 
end  of  the  period  of  their  activity.  The  zoospores  give  rise  again  to 
zoosporanges.  Resting-spores  are  known  in  certain  cases,  which  like- 
wise give  rise  to  zoosporanges  ;  while  in  the  Rhizidieas  a  process  probably 
intermediate  between  oogamous  reproduction  and  isogamous  con- 
jugation takes  place.  Of  the  four  sub-orders,  the  first  (Rhizidiecz)  is 
manifestly  nearly  related  to  the  Mucorini  and  the  Ancylisteae  ;  the 
second  (Cladoehytrtece)  may  be  regarded  as  allied  to  the  Rhizidieae  ;  the 
third  (Olpidiece}  and  the  fourth  (Synchytriece)  in  all  probability  following 
the  second,  De  Bary  suggests  ('Comp.  Morph.,'  p.  169)  that  in 


ZYGOMYCETES 


345 


this  order  the  whole  group  may  be  looked  upon  as  a  lateral  branch 
of  the  Mucorini  or  Ancylisteae  successively  modified  (degraded)  by 
aquatic  parasitism,  with  its  extremity  represented  by  the  Synchytrieae, 
Woronina  (Cornu),  and  Rozella  (Cornu).  De  Bary  also  discusses  (loc. 
at.)  the  suggested  relationship  to  such  algae  as  Protococcaceae,  Cha- 
racium,  Chlorochytrium,  &c.  Apart  from  the  possession  of  chlorophyll, 
the  conjugation  of  zoospores  in  these  algae  separates  them  from  the 
Chytridiaceae,  in  which  group  such  a  process  has  not  (at  least  as  yet)  been 
discovered.  Granting  a  relationship  of  the  simpler  Chytridiaceae  with 
Protococcaceae,  &c.,  these  might  be  regarded  as  leading  up  to  Rhizidieae, 
Ancylisteae,  and  Mucorini ;  unless  one  regards  the  Chytridiaceae  as  com- 
posed of  two  distinct  sub-groups,  Rhizidieas  and  Cladochytrieas,  related 
to  Mucorini  and  Ancylisteae;  and  the  Olpidieae  and  Synchytrieae  to 
Protococcaceae,  &c.  Only  further  research  may  determine  these  ques- 
tions of  affinity. 

Sub-order  i :  RHIZIDIE^:. — The  life-history  of  Polyphagus  Euglenae 


FIG.  297. — Polyphagus  Englence  Now.  A,  zoospore  with  drop  of  fatty  matter  and  nucleus.  £,  young 
plant  attached  to  resting  Euglena,  e.  C,  zoosporange  containing  spores  resting  on  empty  pro- 
zoosporange,  a.  D,  conjugation :  a,  the  receptive  individual  ;  b,  the  supplying  individual  ;  s,  the 
swollen  end  of  conjugation  tube  (rudiment  of  resting-spore) ;  e,  e,  e,  the  Euglenae.  E,  portion  of 
D  five  and  a  half  hours  later :  b,  empty,  .y,  mature;  represent  the  same  parts  as  in  D.  (A  x  550, 
-B,  D,  E,  x  350,  C  x  about  400.)  (After  Nowakovvski.) 

(Nowak.),  described  by  Nowakowski,  furnishes  us  with  the  most  highly 
developed  type  of  the  whole  group.  The  mycele  consists  of  very  slender 
branching  rhizoids,  tapering  each  to  a  very  thin  point,  and  attaching 
themselves  to  the  Euglena-hosts.  The  original  germinating  zoospore 


346  FUNGI 

from  which  these  arose  remains,  as  it  were,  the  centre  of  the  system 
of  rhizoids,  and,  nourished  by  them,  grows  considerably  in  size.  At 
length,  when  it  has  attained  full  development,  it  becomes  a  pro%oosporange, 
since  from  it  there  grows  out  a  thick,  cylindrical,  thin-walled  process, 
into  which  all  the  protoplasm  passes,  and  within  which  it  breaks  up 
into  zoospores.  These,  escaping,  repeat  the  life-history.  Zygosperms 
(or  oosperms)  are  produced  by  the  conjugation  of  gametes,  which  play 
unequal  parts  in  the  process.  The  one  (supplying)  individual  is  round 
and  larger  than  the  other  (the  receptive)  individual.  A  rhizoid  from  the 
receptive  individual  places  its  apex  in  contact  with  the  supplying  indi- 
vidual itself,  and  begins  to  grow  in  girth.  The  cell-wall  at  the  place  of 
contact  disappears,  the  protoplasm  of  both  unites  and  passes  into  a 
swelling  which  has  arisen  on  the  conjugating  tube  of  the  receiving  indi- 
vidual close  behind  the  place  of  contact.  This  swelling  then  becomes 
the  zygosperm,  which  is  provided  with  a  thick  wall,  sometimes  covered 
with  fine  spines,  appearing  as  early  as  the  outset  of  the  swelling  process. 
It  happens— though  rarely — that  the  tubes  of  two  or  three  receptive  in- 
dividuals attach  themselves  to  one  supplying  plant,  and  a  corresponding, 
number  of  zygosperms  is  thus  formed.  After  a  period  of  rest,  the  zygo- 
sperm germinates  by  producing  a  zoosporange.  Generation  after  gene- 
ration of  zoosporanges  inteivene  between  zygosperm  arid  zygosperm. 
*  Which  of  the  two  should  be  called  the  male  and  which  the  female,  is 
not  easy  to  determine.  ...  It  is  evident  that  we  have  before  us  an. 
intermediate  case  between  the  ordinary  forms  of  oogamous  and  iso- 
gamous  conjugation.'  (De  Bary,  loc.  cit.,  p.  163.) 

A  series  of  incompletely -known  -forms  may  be  placed  beside  Poly- 
phagus  (Nowak.),  viz.: — Physoderma  (Wallr.)  (pro  parte),  Rhizidium 
(A.  Br.),  Rhizophydium  (Schenk),  Obelidium  (Nowak.),  Chytridium 
(A.  Br.),  Phlyctidium  (A.  Br.).  Resting-cells  of  some  of  these  have 
been  found,  but  their  genesis  is  unknown. 

Sub-order  2  :  CLADOCHYTRIE^E. — This  is  a  small  sub-order,  the 
members  of  which  mostly  inhabit  the  tissues  of  marsh  plants,  and  possess 
copiously  branching  mycelial  rhizoids,  bearing  terminal  and  interstitial 
zoosporanges.  The  zoospores  give  rise  on  germination  to  a  mycele  like 
the  parent  one.  Resting  zoosporanges  occur.  No  process  of  conjuga- 
tion is  known  either  between  filaments  or  zoospores.  Cladochytrium 
(Nowak.)  and  Physoderma  (pro parte)  compose  the  sub-order. 

Sub-order  3  :  OLPIDIE^. — The  Olpidiese  are  wholly  destitute  of  a 
mycele,  and  the  life-history,  as  described  by  Fischer  for  Olpidiopsis 
Saprolegniae  (Fisch.),  and  O.  fusiformis  (Cornu),  which  inhabits  species 
of  Achlya,  is  a  very  simple  one.  The  zoospores  of  O.  Saprolegniae  per- 
forate the  young  mycelial  hyphae  of  Saprolegnia,  and,  after  a  few  days  of 


ZYGOMYCETES  347 

growth  in  amoeboid  fashion,  a  cell-wall  is  secreted,  and  each  becomes  a 
zoosporange.  Swellings  arise  on  the  mycele  of  the  host  as  the  result  of 
this  parasitism.  The  zoosporange  then  sends  forth  a  cylindrical  process, 
which  perforates  the  wall  of  the  Saprolegnia,  and  through  it  the  zoospores 
are  discharged.  The  zoosporanges  are  either  smooth  and  capable  of 
emission  of  zoospores  at  once,  or  are  covered  with  fine  spines  and  capable 
either  of  emission  at  once  or  of  resting.  While  the  latter  are  generally 
formed  under  adverse  circumstances,  it  seems  to  occur  with  some  regu- 
larity that  the  zoospores  of  the  smooth  zoosporanges  give  rise  to  spiny 
zoosporanges,  and  vice  versa.  The  life-history  of  these  two  species  may  be 
taken  as  typical,  and  the  incompletely-known  species  of  Olpidium  (A..  Br.) 
doubtless  conform  to  it. 

Sub-order  4  :  SYNCHYTRIE^E. — The  Synchytriese  inhabit  the  epiderm 
of  terrestrial  Flowering  Plants,  in  which  they  excite  the  production  of 
small  yellow  or  dark-red  galls,  owing  to  the  abnormal  swelling  of  the 
epidermal  cells  affected.  Like  the  Olpidieae,  they  have  no  mycele,  but 
they  are  distinguished  from  that  sub-order  by  the  formation  of  a  sorus 
of  zoosporanges.  From  the  germinating  zoospore  an  initial  cell  is  formed, 
the  contents  of  which  break  up  into  a  sorus  of  zoosporanges.  In 
Pycnochytrium  (de  By.)  (  =  Chrysochytrium,  Schroet.,  and  Leuco- 
chytrium,  Schroet.)  the  initial  cell  is  a  resting-cell,  which  eventually 
germinates  by  the  gradual  protrusion  of  its  contents  into  a  globular  sac 
seated  upon  the  extine.  Within  this  sac  the  sorus  of  zoosporanges  is 
formed  by  the  division  of  the  protoplasm.  Each  zoosporange  pro- 
duces a  considerable  number  of  zoospores,  which  again  give  rise  to 
resting-cells.  In  Eusynchytrium  (Schroet.)  an  indefinite  number  of 
sorus-forming  generations,  which  at  once  produce  zoospores,  intervene 
between  resting-cell  and  resting-cell ;  while  in  Synchytrium  Taraxaci 
(deBy.)  the  resting-cell  produces  a  zoosporange  without  the  intervention 
of  a  sorus,  a  process  suggestive  of  the  Olpidieas.  No  conjugation  of 
zoospores  nor  any  sexual  process  has  been  observed  in  any  member  of 
the  group. 

WToronina  and  Rozella,  which  inhabit  Saprolegniese,  may  be  placed 
with  Synchytrieae. 

De  Bary  (loc.  at.,  p.  170)  treats  as  doubtful  Chytridiaceas  (i)  Tetra- 
chytrium  triceps  (Sorok.),  the  zoospores  of  which  are  said  to  conjugate; 
and  (2)  Hapalocystis  mirabilis  (Sorok.),  the  zoospores  of  which  are 
described  as  conjugating  within  the  mother-cell.  The  observations, 
however,  require  confirmation. 

Beyond  the  general  reference  to  Professor  de  Bary's  '  Comparative 
Morphology,'  &:c.,  the  student  is  specially  referred  to  that  source  with 
regard  to  this  incompletely-known  group. 


348  FUNGI 

LITERATURE. 

De  Bary  —  Beitr.  zur  Morph.  u.  Physiol.  der  Pilze,  i.  (Physoderma  [Cladochytrium]). 
De  Bary  und  Woronin  —Beitr.   zur  Kenntniss  der  Chytridieen  (Ber.    Naturf.   Ges. 

Freiburg,  Bd.  iii.  ;  and  Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  5  ser.,  Tom.  iii.). 
Woronin  —  Neuer  Beitr.   zur  Kenntniss  der  Chytridieen   (Synchytrium  Mercurialis) 

(Bot.  Zeit.,  1868,  p.  81). 
Woronin-  Chytridium    Brassiere    (in   his   paper   on    Plasmodiophora,    Pringsheim's 

Tahrb.  wiss.  Bot.,  Bd.  xi.). 

Braun  —  Ueber  Chytridium,  &c.  (Monber.  und  Abhandl.  Berl.  Acad.,  1855). 
Braun  —  Ueber  einige  neue  Arten  der  Gattung  Chytridium  und  die  damit  verwandte 

Gattung  Rhizidium  (Monber.  Berl.  Acad.,  1856). 
•Cienkowski  —  Rhizidium  Confervas  glomeratas  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1857). 
Cohn  —  Ueber  Chytridium,  &c.  (Nova  Acta  Leop.  -Carol.,  xxiv.,  Pt.  i.,  p.  142). 
Cornu  —  Chytridinees  parasites  des  Saprolegniees  (in  Monogr.  d.  Saproleg.,  Ann.  Sc. 

Nat.,  5  ser.,  Tom.  xv.,  p.  112). 

Fisch  —  Ueber  zwei  neue  Chytridiaceen  (Sitzber.  d.  phys.  med.  Soc.  zu  Erlangen,  1884). 
Fischer  —  Ueber  d.  Stachelkugeln  in  Saprolegniaschlauchen  (Olpidiopsis)  (Bot.  Zeit., 

1880). 
Fischer  —  Untersuch.  liber  die  Parasiten  der  Saprolegnieen  (Pringsh.  Jahrb.,  Bd.  xiii.). 

(Berlin  Habilitationschrift,  1882). 

Fischer  —  Zur  Kenntniss  d.  Chytridiaceen  (Erlangen,  1884). 
Kny—  Ueber  Entwickelung  des  Chytridium  Olla  (Sitzber.  d.  Berl.  Naturf.  Freunde. 

See  also  Bot.  Zeit.,  1871,  p.  870). 
Nowakowski—  Beitrage  zur  Kenntniss  d.  Chytridiaceen  (Cohn's  Beitr.  zur  Biol.  d. 

Pflanzen,  ii.). 

Nowakowski  —  Polyphagus  Euglense  (ibid.,  ii.  ). 

Schenk  —  Algol.  Mittheilungen  (Verhandl.  d.  Phys.  Med.  Ges.  zu  Wiirzburg,  Bd.  viii.). 
.Schenk  —  Ueber  d.   Vorkommen  contractiler  Zellen  im  Pflanzenreiche  (Wiirzburg, 

1858). 
Schroeter—  Die  Pflanzenparasiten  aus  der  Gattung  Synchytrium  (Cohn's  Beitr.  zur 

Biol.  d.  Pflanzen,  i.). 
Schroeter  —  Uotersuch.  liber  die  Pilzgattung  Physoderma  (Ber.  d.  Schlesischen  Ges., 

1882). 

Sorokin  —  Einige  neue  Wasserpilze  (Tetrachytrium  triceps)  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1874). 
.Sorokin  —  Uebersicht  d.   Gruppe  Syphomycetes  (Hapalocystis  mirabilis)  (Arbeiten  d. 

Naturf.  Ges.  an  der  Univ.  Kazan,  1874,   Bd.  iv.).      (See  Just's  Jahresbericht, 


Thomas  —  Synchytrium  cupulatum  (Bot.  Centralblatt,  xxix.). 

ORDER  4.  —  PROTOMYCETACE^E. 

Protomyces  macrosporus,  Ung.,  to  which  there  have  recently  been 
.added  a  considerable  number  of  species,  many  of  them  on  insufficient 
grounds,  is  a  parasite  on  Umbellifers,  especially  ^Egopodium  Poda- 
graria,  Meum  athamanticum,  and  more  rarely  Heracleum  sphondylium, 
inhabiting  the  intercellular  spaces  of  the  leaf,  petiole,  stem,  flower-  stalk, 
and  pericarp.  It  possesses  a  branching  septate  mycele,  at  irregular 
intervals  on  which  there  are  formed  interstitially  large  somewhat  oval 


ZYGOMYCETES 


349 


resting  progametanges,  with  a  stratified  membrane  and  dense  contents. 
These  persist  when  the  mycele  dies,  and  hibernate.  After  this  period 
of  rest,  and  on  liberation  from  the  decaying  tissues  of  the  host  (in 
water),  the  intine,  with  the  contents,  bursts  the  extine,  and,  becoming 
free,  constitutes  the  gametange.  Within  it  a  large  number  of  minute 
short  rod-shaped  gametes  are  formed,  while  a  portion  of  the  proto- 
plasm remains  unused  in  the  process.  These  gametes  are  ejected, 
and,  being  without  the  power  of  spontaneous  movement,  they  remain 


FIG.  298. — Protomyces  macrosporns  Unger.  a,  a  mature  resting  progametange  ;  b,  gametange  ;  c,  d, 
and  e,  further  stages  of  the  same  in  the  development  of  gamete?,  c  shows  the  parietal  protoplasm,. 
d  the  same  divided  into  gametes,  e  the  gametes  rounded  off  and  separated  from  the  rest  of  the  parietal 
protoplasmic  layer  (  x  390).  (After  de  Bary.) 

in  more  or  less  proximity  to  each  other.  Where  pairs  of  gametes 
come  together,  they  emit  fine  processes  which  conjugate,  the  whole 
having  the  appearance  of  a  dumb-bell  or  of  the  letter  H.  The  germi- 
nation of  these  has  been  observed  on  the  epiderm  of  ^Egopodium  ;  it 
takes  place  by  the  emission  from  one  of  the  original  gametes  of  a 
germ-tube,  to  the  nourishment  of  which  the  protoplasm  of  the  united 
gametes  contributes.  This  germ-tube,  on  entering  the  tissues  of  the 
host,  repeats  the  life-history. 

LITERATURE. 

De  Bary— Beitr.  zur  Morph.  und  Phys.  der  Pilze,  i. 
Von  Thiimen — Eine  neue  Protomyces  Species  (Hedwigia,  1874). 
Wolff — See  footnote  to  de  Bary's  paper  '  Protomyces  microsporus  und  seine  Ver- 
wandten'  (Bot.  Zeit,  1874,  p.  82). 

Oilier  literature  of  systematic  interest  in  Saccardd's  Sylloge. 


ORDER  5. — USTILAGINE^:. 

The  parasites  which  are  grouped  together  under  this   name  affect 
Flowering  Plants  of  different  natural  orders,  but  are  especially  conspi- 


350 


FUNGI 


<:uous  as  causing  diseases  of  grasses.  As  a  rule  the  attack  of  the  para- 
site is  limited  to  one  special  region  of  the  host,  e.g.  the  ovary,  or  the 
whole  flower,  or  the  leaf,  or  the  stem,  or  even,  in  a  few  cases,  the  root ; 
and  when  the  fungus  has  attained  its  maturity,  the  result  commonly  is 
that  the  part  affected  has  been  destroyed  with  the  exception  of  the  epi- 
derm  or  integument  and  the  remains  of  vascular  tissue,  and  is  replaced 
by  a  powdery  mass  of  brown  or  black  resting-spores.  The  mycele  sends 
its  long  thin  hyphae  mostly  along  the  intercellular  spaces,  in  many  cases 
•emitting  branched  haustoria  into  the  adjoining  cells,  and  the  resting- 
spores  are  formed  either  on  all  parts  of 
the  hyphae  or  on  particular  branches. 
The  life-history,  briefly  stated, 
begins  with  the  production  from  the 
resting-spore  of  a  promycele  which 
bears  sporid-like  gametes  ;  these 
gametes  conjugate  in  pairs,  and  the 
united  pair  either  directly  produce 
a  new  mycele,  or  sporids  which  do 
so.  This  mycele  then  bears  resting^ 
spores  again  in  another  host.  Varia- 
tions on  this  course  of  life-history 
will  be  mentioned  later  on.  Though 
these  conjugating  gametes  differ  from 
those  of  Protomyces  in  their  acro- 
genous  origin  on  a  promycele,  they 
may  yet  be  considered  homologues  of 
those,  just  as  the  acrogenous  spores 
of  Chaetocladium  are  undoubtedly 
homologous  with  the  endogenous 
spores  of  Mucor. 

In  Entyloma  (de  By.)  the  resting-spores  are  borne  interstitially  at 
indefinite  intervals  on  the  mycele,  as  in  Protomyces  ;  in  Tilletia  (Tul.) 
they  occur  singly,  and  only  terminally  on  the  spore-bearing  hyphae  ; 
while  in  Geminella  (Schroet.)  they  are  borne,  two  together,  in  series 
throughout  the  length  of  the  special  hyphae.  In  Urocystis  (Rabenh.), 
Sorosporium  (Rudolphi),  and  Tuburcinia  (Berk.)  they  are  united, 
several  together,  into  a  kind  of  coil,  which  is  invested  with  a  transitory 
or  a  persistent  integument.  With  the  exception,  perhaps,  of  Graphiola 
(Port.),  the  exact  relationship  of  which  to  the  Ustilagineae  has  yet  to  be 
determined,  Sphacelotheca  Hydropiperis  (de  By.),  formerly  Ustilago 
Hydropiperis,  according  to  de  Bary's  description,  affords  the  best 
example  of  a  well-developed  stroma.  This  fungus  attacks  the  ovule  of 


FIG.  299. — Tilletia  caries  Tul.,  germinating. 
In  «,  gametes  on  promycele,/.  In  b,  ga- 
metes, s,  conjugate  in  pairs.  In  c,  a  germ- 
tube  proceeding  from  pair  of  gametes,  s. 
A',  a.  sporid  (  x  460).  (After  Tulasne.) 


ZYGQMYCETES  351 

Polygonum  Hydropiper,  and  replaces  it  by  a  dense  plexus  of  hyphse, 
which  exhibits  a  differentiation  of  a  thick  outer  wall  enclosing  the 
whole,  a  cylindrical  columel,  both  colourless,  and  a  dark-violet  mass 
of  resting-spores  filling  up  the  space  between.  An  undifferentiated 
basal  portion  discharges  the  function,  as  it  were,  of  a  meristem,  and 
adds  new  elements  to  wall,  columel,  and  spore-mass.  The  fungus 
attacks  only  the  ovule  ;  and  as  it  grows  thus  in  bulk,  the  unaffected 
wall  of  the  ovary  is  burst,  and  exposes  the  brittle  wall  of  the  sporal 
mass,  which  breaks  at  the  slightest  touch,  and  sets  the  resting-spores 
free. 

The  germination  of  the  resting-spores,  which  are  usually  round  or 
many-sided,  and  possessed  of  both  intine  and  extine,  the  latter  often 
covered  with  characteristic  fine  granulations,  varies  according  as  it  takes 
place  in  water  merely  or  in  a  nutritive  fluid.  In  water  only  the  resting- 
spores  of  Entyloma,  Tilletia,  Tuburcinia,  and  Urocystis  produce  a 
short  promycele-tube,  which  bears  simultaneously  on  its  blunt  apex 
a  whorl,  or  '  crown '  of  elongated  gametes,  varying  in  number.  Many 
species  of  Ustilago  (Pers.)  and  Tolyposporium  (Woron.)  produce  a 
prornycele-tube  which  divides  into  a  number  of  cells,  from  each  of 
which  bud  off  laterally  rod-shaped  sporids  or  gametes,  somewhat  as  a 
yeast-cell  buds  off.  The  resting-spores  of  Thecaphora  Lathyri  (Kuhn) 
and  Ustilago  longissima  (Tul.)  give  rise  to  a  short  slender  promycele- 
tube,  which  bears  an  acrogenous  sporid,  or  several  serially  ;  while  in 
Thecaphora  hyalina  (Fingerh.),  Ustilago  carbo  (Tul.),  and  U.  destruens 
(Tul.)  it  divides  into  several  cells,  each  of  which  produces,  if  any, 
only  one  sporid. 

The  conjugation  of  gametes  in  pairs  takes  place  either  before  or 
after  separation  from  the  promycele,  by  means  of  short  or  long  cross 
hyphse,  according  to  the  distance  between  them.  The  product  of  this 
union  is  the  outgrowth  from  the  connected  gametes  of  a  mycelial  germ- 
tube,  or,  as  occurs  in  Tilletia,  Entyloma,  Tuburcinia,  and  Urocystis, 
sporids  are  produced  on  the  outgrowth  from  the  connected  pair,  and 
these  then  emit  mycelial  germ-tubes.  In  a  number  of  forms  gametes 
are  constantly  produced  which  do  not  conjugate,  but  give  rise  to 
mycelial  germ-tubes,  as  sporids  do,  while  in  Sorosporium  Saponariae 
(Rudolph.)  the  resting-spore  itself  emits  the  mycelial  germ-tube  directly, 
without  the  intervention  of  promycele,  gametes,  and  sporids.  What 
occurs  regularly  in  these  species  may  occur  exceptionally  in  the  case  of 
individuals  the  gametes  of  which  ordinarily  conjugate  ;  that  is,  they 
may  fail  to  produce  gametes  or  sporids  at  all,  or  their  gametes  may  fail 
to  conjugate,  either  all  of  them,  or,  where  the  number  of  gametes  is. an 
uneven  one,  the  odd  gamete.  In  such  exceptional  instances  the 


352  FUNGI 

resting- spore  or  the  single  gamete,  as  the  case  may  be,  produces  a 
mycelial  germ-tube,  as  a  sporid  does. 

When  the  resting-spores  germinate  in  nutritive  fluids,  as  the  ex- 
periments of  Brefeld  show,  the  product  is,  according  to  the  species,  either 
directly  a  mycele  which  bears  spores,  or  an  abundant  yeast-like  out- 
growth from  the  promycele.  In  cases  where  the  resting-spores  failed  to 
germinate,  they  were  permitted  to  do  so  in  water,  and  the  sporids  so 
formed,  on  being  introduced  into  a  nutritive  fluid,  gave  rise  to  myceles 
bearing  acrospores,  resembling,  as  the  case  might  be,  either  the  gametes 
or  the  sporids. 

Accessory  acrospores  resembling  the  sporids  are  borne  on  branches 
of  the  mycele  of  certain  species  of  Entyloma  before  the  production  of 
resting-spores.  The  branches  of  the  mycele  which  bear  them  protrude 
through  the  stomates  and  epiderm  of  the  host.  They  probably  give 
rise  to  new  myceles,  as  the  spends"  do.  The  same  thing  occurs  in 
Tuburcinia  Trientalis  (Berk.),  only  here  the  accessory  spores  differ  in 
form  from  the  promycelial  sporids.  They  produce  in  this  case  un- 
doubtedly each  a  mycele  which  bears  resting-spores. 

Brefeld  regards  the  conjugation  of  the  gametes  as  a  merely  vege- 
tative process,  and  in  no  way  analogous  to  any  sexual  act.  De  Bary 
('Comp.  Morph.,'  p.  182)  subjects  Brefeld's  arguments  to  destructive 
criticism,  while  stating  Brefeld's  case  in  the  fairest  terms.  While  the 
student  is  referred  to  the  source  quoted  for  the  details,  it  may  be  shortly 
stated  that  de  Bary's  arguments  are  broadly  based  on  the  regularity 
with  which  conjugation  occurs,  and  on  the  fact  that  it  takes  place 
equally  regularly  in  pairs,  under  the  normal  conditions  of  germination 
in  water.  He  shows,  besides,  conclusively  how  the  process  differs  from 
the  well-known  vegetative  anastomosing  of  hyphae,  £c. 

De  Bary  regards  the  higher  forms  of  Ustilagineae,  such  as  the  coil- 
forming.  Urocystis,  Sorosporium,  and  Tuburcinia,  and  Sphacelotheca 
with  its  well-developed  stroma,  as  connected  through  the  simpler  forms 
(e.g.  Entyloma)  with  Protomyces.  Both  produce  (in  the  one  case  acro- 
genous,  in  the  other  endogenous)  conjugating  cells  of  equal  value.  The 
next  indicated  ally  is  Cladochytrium,  the  spores  of  which  are  zoospores 
(a  matter  not  affecting  the  homology),  but  these  fail  to  conjugate  so  far 
as  is  known.  At  all  events  the  nearest  ally  appears  to  be,  in  the  present 
state  of  our  knowledge,  that  group  of  Chytridiaceae  to  which  Cladochy- 
trium belongs,  through  Entyloma  and  Protomyces. 

The  peculiarity  is  to  be  noted  that  in  Protomyces  and  the  Ustila- 
gineae  the  act  of  conjugation  takes  place  at  a  stage  of  the  life-history 
which  bears  no  homology  with  the  sexual  states  of  other  Phyco- 
mycetes. 


ZYGOMYCETES  353 

LITERATURE. 

De  Bary — Untersuch.  liber  die  Brandpilze  (Berlin,  1853). 

De  Bary  -Protomyces  microsporus  und  seine  Verwandten  (Bot.  Zeit.,   1874)  (Enty- 

loma). 

Brefeld— Botanische  Untersuchungen,  v.  (Leipzig,  1883). 

Cornu — Sur  quelques  Ustilaginees  nouvelles  (Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  6  ser.,  Tom.  xv.). 
Fischer  von  Waldheim — Beitr.  zur  Biologic  und  Entwickelungsgesch.  der  Ustilagi- 

neen  (Pringsh.  Jahrb. ,  Bd.  vii.). 
Fischer  von  Waldheim— Les  Ustilaginees  et  leurs  plantes  nourricieres  (Ann.  Sc.  Nat., 

6  ser.,  Tom.  iv. )t 

Ed.  Fischer — Beitr.  zur  Kenntniss  der  Gattung  Graphiola  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1883). 
Kuhn  -  Die  Krankheiten  der  Culturgewachse  (Berlin,  1858). 
Prillieux— Quelques  observ.  sur  la  formation  et  la  germination  des  spores  des  Uro- 

cystis  (Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  6  ser.,  Tom.  x.). 
Schroeter— Bemerk.    u.    Beobacht.    iiber  einige   Ustilagineen   (Cohn's   Beitrage  zur 

Biologic  der  Pflanzen,  Bd.  ii.). 
Tulasne — Mem.  sur  les  Ustilaginees  comparees  aux   Uredinees  (Ann.   Sc.  Nat.,  3 

ser.,  Tom.  vii.). 

Tulasne — Second  Mem.  sur  les  Uredinees  et  les  Ustilaginees  (ibid.,  4  ser.,  Tom.  ii.). 
Ward — Entyloma  Ranunculi,  Proc.  Roy.  Soc.,  xli.  (1886). 
Winter— Einige  Notizen  iiber  d.  Fam.  d.  Ustilagineen  (Flora,  1876). 
Wolff — Beitr.  zur  Kenntniss  der  Ustilagineen  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1873). 
Wolff- Der  Brand  des  Getreides  (Halle,  1874). 
Woronin — Beitr.    zur   Kenntniss   der    Ustilagineen    (Tuburcinia).       (De    Bary   und 

Woronin's  Beitr.  zur  Morph.  u.  Phys.  d.  Pilze,  v.). 

The  older  literatttre  will  be  found  quoted  in  Tulasne,  Fischer  von  Waldheim,  and  in 
de  Barfs  '  Brandpilze. ' 


GROUP    II.— SPOROCARPE^E. 

Class  XX  — Ascomycetes. 

THE  SPOROCARP. 

This  large  class  is  distinguished  by  the  universal  formation  of  spores 
in  asci,  for  the  most  part  tubular  in  shape,  but  sometimes  broadly  ovate 
or  roundish,  and  borne  terminally  on  special  hyphae  termed  ascogenous 
hyphce.  When  an  ascus  has  reached  its  full  size,  and  only  then,  the 
formation  takes  place  within  it  of  ascospores  by  free -cell  formation.  The 
young  ascus  is  at  first  filled  with  finely  granular  protoplasm,  which  con- 
tains a  nucleus,  and  within  it  a  smaller  body,  probably  a  nucleole.  The 
protoplasm  next  gathers  itself  together  at  the  upper  part  of  the  ascus, 
while  a  watery  fluid  occupies  the  remainder  of  the  cavity  except  a  thin 

A  A 


35* 


FUNGI 


layer  of  protoplasm  coating  the  wall.  At  this  stage  the  full  growth  of 
the  ascus  is  commonly  reached,  and  the  formation  of  ascospores  begins 
with  the  division  of  the  nucleus  into  two  ;  then  by  the  same  process 
four  appear,  then  eight,  which  in  the  majority  of  cases  represents  the 
number  of  ascospores.  In  many  Ascomycetes,  however,  other  numbers 
typically  prevail,  e.g.  one,  or  two,  or  four,  or  sixteen,  forty,  fifty,  and  so 
on  to  over  a  hundred.  Dothidea  (Fr.),  for  example,  has  two  to  four,  Sor- 
daria  (Ces.  and  De  Not.)  four,  sixteen,  sixty-four,  and  one  hundred  and 
twenty-eight.  Whatever  the  number,  the  nuclei  always  possess  the  same 


FIG.  300.  -Peziza  (Pyroncma)  confluens  P.  a,  small  portion  of  hymenium  ;  /,  paraphyse  attached' 
to,  not  originating  in,  hyphal  branches  from  which  the  three  asci  spring  ;  m,  young  asci  ;  r  w,. 
successive  stages,  according  to  letters,  in  the  development  of  ascospores  within  asci  (  x  390).  (After 
de  Bary.) 

structure  in  all  stages  of  multiplication,  but  they  become  smaller  in 
size  as  the  number  advances.  Round  each  nucleus  there  gathers  a  clear 
mass  of  protoplasm,  and  ultimately  this  becomes  enclosed  by  a  mem- 
brane, and,  growing  in  size,  thus  develops  into  a  spore.  The  ascospores 
are  arranged  in  a  series,  one  over  the  other  within  the  ascus.  The 
protoplasm  left  over  within  the  ascus  and  outside  the  spores  differs  from 
that  within  the  spores  in  exhibiting  a  reddish  or  violet-brown  colour 
after  treatment  with  iodine  solution.  De  Bary  originally  proposed  the 
term  *  epiplasm '  for  this  portion  of  the  contents ;  but,  Errera  having^ 


ASCOMYCETES  355 

shown  that  it  contains  a  relatively  large  proportion  of  glycogen,  he  has 
more  lately  ('  Comp.  Morph.,'  p.  77)  adopted  for  it  the  term  glycogen-mass 
or  simply  the  glycogen.  In  certain  cases  the  separation  of  the  glycogen 
from  the  protoplasm  takes  place  before  the  formation  of  spores,  the 
former  occupying  the  lower  part  of  the  ascus,  and  in  some  instances 
both  the  apical  and  the  basal  portions  on  either  side  of  the  protoplasm 
in  which  the  nucleus  is  situated  and  the  ascospores  are  formed. 

Such  are  the  asci  which  characterise  the  great  class  of  Ascomycetes. 
They  are  borne  as  a  rule  in  considerable  numbers  mostly  between  hair- 
like  bodies,  the  paralyses,  and  united  into  hymenia  within  special  sporo- 
carps.  The  sporocarps  are  either  seated  on  a  fine  mycele  or  they  are 
borne  on  a  large  stroma  (thallus),  which  assumes  in  different  genera 
diverse  characteristic  forms.  The  whole  body  of  the  Ascomycetous 
type  is  always  built  up  of  septate  hyphse. 

The  sporocarps  are  composed  of  two  main  elements — of  the  asci  with 
the  ascogenous  hyphse,  and  of  the  envelope  including  paraphyses.  These 
two  elements,  though  much  interwoven  with  each  other,  are  of  dis- 
tinct origin.  The  paraphyses,  for  example,  are  never  borne  by  the  asco- 
genous hyphae,  and  the  asci  never  by  the  cells  of  the  envelope  ;  at  all 
events  the  one  thing  certain  about  so-called  exceptions  is  their  doubtful 
character.  According  to  the  structure  of  the  mature  sporocarp,  the 
Ascomycetes  may  be  classed  in  three  divisions  :  the  Discomycetes^  with 
discocarps  or  apotheces  (hymenia  exposed)  ;  the  Pyrenomycetes,  with 
pyrenocarps  or  peritheces  (hymenia  within  flask- shaped  bodies  open  at 
the  neck)  ;  and  a  third  assemblage  of  forms  with  cleistocarps  (enclosed 
hymenia). 

The  hymenial  disc  of  the  apothece,  consisting  of  asci  and  paraphyses 
placed  perpendicularly  to  the  surface,  is  when  ripe  fully  exposed.  The 
asci  are  imbedded,  so  to  speak,  in  the  paraphyses,  and  the  whole  mass 
terminates  in  a  regular  surface.  The  paraphyses  originate  beneath  from 
a  dense  plexus  of  hyphae  called  the  subhymenial  layer  or  hypothecey 
directly  continuous  with  the  outer  envelope  termed  the  exciple  or  with 
the  tissue  of  the  stroma  as  the  case  may  be.  The  paraphyses  thus  form 
a  part  of  the  envelope-tissue  as  distinguished  from  the  ascus-apparatus. 
The  ascogenous  hyphae  are  interwoven  with  those  hyphae  of  the  hypo- 
thece  which  bear  the  paraphyses.  Terminating  upwards  in  the  asci 
they  are  barely  otherwise  distinguishable  in  the  mature  apothece,  unless 
in  certain  cases  by  their  greater  size  and  the  blue  colour  they  assume 
after  treatment  with  potash.  The  asci  grow  up  between  the  paraphyses^ 
and  reach  the  surface,  as  has  already  been  indicated,  about  the  period 
of  ripening.  As  a  rule  the  apothece  exhibits  a  regular  progressive 
marginal  growth,  with,  in  a  considerable  number  of  cases,  an  intercalary 


356  FUNGI 

'growth  in  addition,  giving  rise  to  irregularities  of  shape.  The  basin- 
shaped  apotheces  of  Peziza  (Discomycetes)  and  of  the  gymnocarpous 
lichens  are  the  characteristic  forms,  while  with  them  may  be  placed 
the  large  stromata  of  Morchella  (Dill.)  and  allied  genera,  which  are 
club-shaped  and  in  the  form  of  stalked  caps.  The  Hysterinese  and 
the  Phacidiaceae,  Ascobolus  (Pers.),  Pyronema  (Fckl.),  &c.,  which 
show  no  marginal  extension,  approach  the  Pyrenomycetes  in  this 
respect. 

The  perithece  does  not  differ  essentially  from  the  apothece.  As  a 
rule  it  is  much  smaller,  rarely  more  than  one  millim.  in  diameter,  and  it 
consists  of  an  outer  wall  enclosing  an  ascogenous  hymenium  at  all 
points  but  one  narrow  opening,  the  ostiole.  The  whole  perithece  is 
round  or  flask-shaped,  and  the  ostiole  is  simply  a  pore  in  the  wall  or  a 
channel  through  the  neck  of  the  flask.  In  other  words,  while  an 
apothece  is  generally  larger,  it  does  not  differ  in  any  marked  way  from 
a  perithece,  except  that  its  hymenium  has  an  open  surface,  while  the 
margin  of  the  perithece  is  arched  over,  leaving  only  a  narrow  opening 
for  the  escape  of  the  spores.  The  asci  arise  from  ascogenous  hyphae, 
either  exclusively  at  the  base  of  the  perithecial  cavity  or  at  all  points  of 
the  inner  surface,  and  in  successive  crops,  producing  in  all  a  considerable 
number  of  ascospores.  The  envelope  consists  of  a  wall  which,  when  a 
stroma  is  absent  and  the  peritheces  appear  singly  on  the  mycele,  is  com- 
posed of  a  dense  pseudo-parenchyme  clothed  sometimes  externally  with 
hairs.  Where  the  peritheces  are  borne  on  a  stroma  there  is  no  sharp 
differentiation  of  wall-structure.  The  neck,  when  present,  is  but  a  pro- 
longation of  the  wall,  and  the  ostiole  arises  (for  at  first  the  cavity  is  fully 
closed)  as  an  intercellular  passage  either  schizogenously  by  the  separation 
of  tissue  through  unequal  growth,  or  lysigenously  by  the  absorption  of 
the  tract  of  tissue  originally  occupying  its  place.  In  many  cases  it  is 
hard  to  say  by  which  process  it  arises,  and  it  is  likely  enough  that  both 
sometimes  have  a  share  in  it.  One  distinguishes  here  between  para- 
physes  which  arise  and  stand  in  relation  to  the  asci  as  in  the  apothece, 
and  periphyses,  by  which  is  meant  other  hairs  of  like  origin  arising  from 
the  hymenium  at  places  where  there  are  no  asci — for  example,  in  the 
region  of  the  neck.  Sometimes  the  periphyses  protrude  through  the 
ostiole.  They  are  always  present  in  greater  or  less  numbers,  except, 
according  to  Fiiisting,  in  Massaria  (De  Not.) ;  while  paraphyses  are  absent 
from  a  number  of  genera,  both  of  fungi  and  of  lichens.  In  Chaetomium 
fimeti  (Fckl.)  the  perithece  remains  closed,  and  this  transition  form  leads 
us  to  the  division  which  possesses  cleistocarps. 

Just  as  the  peritheces  are  essentially  folded  over  apotheces,  so  the 
cleistocarps   may   be  described  in  general  terms  as    peritheces   which 


ASCOMYCETES 


357 


remain  wholly  closed.  The  spores  escape  from  them  by  the  decay  or 
the  rupture  of  the  wall  by  external  agencies.  The  Tuberaceae,  which 
possess  undoubted  asci  of  peculiar  form,  are  necessarily  included 
among  the  Ascomycetes,  and,  since  little  more  is  known  of  them  than 
the  structure  of  the  sporocarps,  they  may  be  most  fittingly  dealt 
with  here  at  the  conclusion  of  the  consideration  of  the  mature  sporo- 
carp. 

The  formation  of  ascospores  within  the  asci  of  Tuberacece  (truffle  family) 
differs  from  the  typical  mode  already  described.  In  Tuber  (Mich.)  the 
asci  are  globular,  and  a  differentiation  of  glycogen  from  protoplasm  takes 
place,  the  glycogen  forming  as  it  were  a  layer  next  the  wall.  In  the  proto- 
plasm cavity,  which  is  separated  from  the  glycogen  by  a  sharply  outlined 


FIG.  ~$oi.  — Tuber  rnfnm  Pico.  «,  section  seen  in  reflected  light.  The  white  veins,  /,  contain  air, 
the  dark  ones,  v,  fluid  ;  h,  hymenial  tissue,  b,  a  thinner  section  seen  in  transmitted  light,  lettering 
as  in  a,  white  and  dark  appearance  of  veins  reversed.  («  x  5,  b  x  15.)  (After  de  Bary.) 

layer,  the  nuclei  (4-6  in  number)  are  formed,  and  young  ascospores 
appear — one  or  more  only,  however,  developing,  while  the  rest  are 
arrested  and  ultimately  disappear.  In  Elaphomyces  (Nees  ab  Esenb.) 
the  process  is  somewhat  similar,  though  here  no  glycogen  is  dif- 
ferentiated. 

The  sporocarps  of  the  Tuberaceae,  which  are  mostly  large  subter- 
ranean bodies,  are  borne  on  a  fine  mycele,  usually  vanishing  at  the  time 
of  maturity.  They  are  either  attached  to  the  mycele  only  at  their  bases 
or  are  completely  invested  by  it.  Very  little  is  known  as  to  the  life- 
history  of  any  of  the  forms,  but  the  structure  of  the  sporocarps  has  been 
accurately  and  exhaustively  detailed.  These  are  enclosed  by  zperidium, 
the  outer  surface  of  which  is  frequently  corrugated  irregularly  (Tuber) 
or  regularly  (Hydnobolites,  Tul.,  Genabea,  Tul.),  sometimes  covered 


358  FUNGI 

with  wart-like  excrescences,  or  quite  smooth.  This  peridium  consists  of 
a  pseudo-parenchyme  of  densely  compacted  hyphae,  showing,  in  the 
case  of  Stephensia  (Tul.),  separate  layers.  The  external  cells  are  denser 
and  thicker-walled  than  those  within,  but  a  gradual  transition  takes 
place  from  one  to  the  other,  and  again  from  the  latter  to  the  cells  com- 
posing the  veins  or  seams  of  tissue  which  traverse  the  interior  and 
divide  the  spore-bearing  tissue  into  chambers.  The  walls  of  such 
chambers  in  Genabea  (Tul.)  possess  a  pseudo-parenchymatous  structure 
like  the  peridium,  but  in  general  such  walls  consist  of  a  looser  tissue. 
Only  by  the  perishing  of  this  peridium  or  its  rupture  by  external  agencies 
do  the  spores  escape. 

Certain  authors  divide  the  Tuberaceae  into  two  families,  the  Tuberece, 
containing  Tuber,  with  an  assemblage  of  allied  genera  mentioned  below ; 
and  the  Elaphomycec^  containing  Elaphomyces,  Onygena  (Pers.),  and 
Penicillium  (Link).  Though  the  sporocarps  of  Elaphomyces  and  Peni- 
cillium  undoubtedly  resemble  each  other,  there  is  at  all  events  as  yet 
hardly  sufficient  ground  for  going  so  far  as  to  assume  for  Elaphomyces 
'(or  Onygena)  the  life-history  of  Penicillium.  Onygena  again,  though 
it  may  be  placed  beside  Elaphomyces,  is  hardly  near  enough  morpho- 
logically to  deserve  other  than  a  provisional  juxtaposition. 

Of  the  Tuberece,  Hydnobolites  is  the  simplest,  with  asci  distributed 
through  the  internal  tissue,  and  the  peridium  represented  only  by  the 
outer  layer  of  sterile  hyphae.  Genabea,  with  a  regularly  corrugated  peri- 
dium and  asci  arranged  in  groups  imbedded  in  tracts  of  sterile  hyphae, 
forms  another  type  with  Terfezia  (Tul.),  in  which  the  large  masses  of 
fertile  hyphae  are  separated  by  branching  white  seams  of  sterile  tissue. 
These  sterile  tracts  or  seams  proceed  inwards  from  the  thick  peridium. 
There  is  a  third  type,  characterised  by  a  stout  peridium  enclosing  an 
internal  mass  consisting  of  thick  plates  of  tissue,  which  proceed  from 
tthe  peridium,  and  are  separated  by  many  narrow  channels  or  chambers. 
The  wall  of  these  chambers  bears  the  hymenium.  This  type  includes  the 
•remaining  genera  Tuber  (truffles),  Balsamia  (Vitt.),  Choiromyces(Vitt.), 
Pachyphloeus  (Tul.),  Stephensia,  Hydnocystis  (Tul.),  Hydnotria  (B.  and 
Br.),  and  Genea  (Vitt.). 

Elaphomyces  has  a  thick,  hard,  corky  peridium  consisting  of  two 
distinct  but  united  layers.  The  external  one  is  thin,  and  either  smooth 
or  warty  ;  the  inner  thicker,  and  composed  of  a  dense  plexus  of  thick- 
walled  hyphae.  When  ripe  the  internal  substance  consists  of  a  dark 
mass  of  spores  traversed  by  a  delicate  cobweb-like  capillitium  which 
arises  from  the  inner  surface  of  the  peridium.  Before  maturity  the  asco- 
genous  hyphae  may  be  recognised  by  their  greater  diameter  than  the 
capillitium-hyphae,  but  they  vanish  with  the  ripening  of  the  spores. 


ASCOMYCETES 


359 


According  to  Boudier  (Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  France,  xxiii.,  1876),  Elapho- 
myces  is  probably  parasitic  on  roots  ;  but  this  is  not  certainly  esta- 
blished. 

In  Onygena,  which  inhabits  animal  remains,  the  peridium  is  stalked, 
and  the  ascospores  (eight  in  each  ascus)  become  free  through  the  dis- 
appearance of  the  ascus  when  ripe,  and  ultimately  escape  on  the  rupture 
of  the  peridium. 

ORIGTN  OF  THE  SPOROCARP. 

The  following  types,  selected  by  de  Bary  ('  Comp.  Morph.,'  p.  197) 
as  illustrating  the  origin  of  the  sporocarp  of  the  Ascomycetes,  show 
an  amount  of  variation  in  this  process  which,  it  may  be  anticipated, 
will  be  extended  with  farther  research  into  the  subject,  while  certain 
gaps  between  these  types 
may  be  filled  up.  Taking 
the  most  simple  instance  of 
the  origin  of  such  a  sporo- 
carp, that  of  Eremascus  albus 
Eid.  described  by  Eidam, 
the  sexual  act  preceding  the 
formation  of  the  sporocarp 
is  manifestly  the  conjuga- 
tion of  two  sexual  elements 
of  identical  structure.  Two 
cells  of  the  septate  mycele 

Send      forth,      Close       by      the        FIG.  302.— Eremascus  albus  Eidam.       Fertilisation  and 
i'i  ,1  formation  of  sporocarp.     Stages  in  order  of  letters.     In 

Septum     Which     partS      them,  /the  ascospores  are  formed  ( x  900).     (After  Eidam.) 

-each   a    short    lateral   tube, 

the  two  tubes  being  not  only  exactly  alike  but  in  close  contact  from  the 
outset.  They  continue  to  grow  outward,  winding  round  each  other  in 
a  spiral  course,  performing  three  or  four  revolutions  apiece.  At  this 
stage  a  septum  gro\vs  across  the  base  of  each  tube,  and  the  apices  con- 
jugate. As  a  result  of  this  act,  a  globular  swelling  arises  at  the  apex, 
the  protoplasm  of  the  tubes  is  withdrawn  into  it  and  enclosed  by  trans- 
verse walls  growing  across  the  tops  of  the  tubes.  Within  this  body 
(an  ascus),  which  so  strikingly  resembles  a  simple  zygosperm,  there  are 
subsequently  formed  eight  ascospores.  [The  carpogone  itself  becomes  an 
.ascus  here.] 

The  next  type  embraces  such  forms  as  the  Erysiphese,  Eurotium, 
Penicillium,  Sordaria,  Melanospora  from  among  cleistocarpous  and 
pyrenocarpous  forms  ;  and  Gymnoascus,  Pyronema,  Ascobolus  from 
gymnocarpous  and  discocarpous  fungi,  and  the  Collemaceoe  (discocarpous) 


360  FUNGI 

from  the  lichens.  It  is  characterised  by  the  production  on  the  mycele 
or  the  thallus-hyphcE  of  a  body  consisting  sometimes  of  a  cell,  sometimes 
of  a  chain  of  cells,  called  the  carpogone,  or  with  reference  to  its  function  the 
ascogone,  since  from  it  there  arise  the  ascogenous  hyphce.  (In  Podosphaera, 
'  a  genus  of  Erysipheae,  a  single  stalked  ascus  only  is  formed.)  In  this 
type  the  sexual  act  which  precedes  the  farther  development  of  the  carpo- 
gone is  distinctly  of  a  higher  character.  In  such  forms,  as  Pyronema  and 
Eurotium  an  antheridial  filament  is  produced  which  fertilises  the  tricho- 
gyne, as  the  special  conjugating  portion  of  the  carpogone  is  called  ;  and 
in  the  Collemaceae  detached  male  cells,  pollinoids,  formed  in  special 
antherids,  often  described  as  'spermatia'  and  'spermogones/are  conveyed 
passively  to  the  trichogyne,  and  there,  becoming  attached,  fuse  their 
contents  into  those  of  the  trichogyne.  There  is  a  distinct  difference  here 
between  the  sexual  organs  in  the  parts  they  play  and  in  their  structure  ; 
though  in  the  Erysipheae,  Penicillium,  Sordaria,  and  Gymnoascus,  the 
actual  process  of  fertilisation  has  not  been  observed,  yet  the  constant 
presence  of  the  organs  of  sexuality  justifies  our  regarding  the  function 
as  extremely  probable.  The  case  is  not  so  strong  with  regard  to- 
Melanospora  and  Ascobolus,  where  the  anftierid  is  either  not  constant 
in  its  appearance,  or  with  difficulty  to  be  distinguished  from  the  hyphae 
of  the  envelope.  A  third  type  is  that  of  Polystigma,  which  closely 
resembles  the  Collemacese  in  the  origin  of  the  sporocarp.  The  carpo- 
gone, trichogyne,  and  antherid  with  pollinoids  are  here  very  much  the 
same  as  in  that  group,  only  the  sexual  union  has  not  been  observed,  and 
there  is  present  in  the  early  development  of  the  carpogone  and  surround- 
ing it,  a  special  coil  of  pseudo-parenchymatous  hyphae  which  is  ultimately 
concerned  in  the  formation  of  the  envelope-tissue  of  the  sporocarp. 
Conforming  also  to  the  type  represented  by  the  Collemaceae,  and  more 
especially  allied^ to  Polystigma  in  this  respect,  is  the  process  as  described 
for  Xylaria.  Here  too  there  is  a  special  coil  of  hyphae,  and  in  the 
interior  of  it  a  chain  of  large  cells  (like  the  carpogone  of  Polystigma) 
called  by  Fiiisting  *  Woronin's  hypha.'  This  hypha  vanishes,  and  no 
connection  has  been  discovered  between  it  and  the  ultimate  ascogenous 
hyphae  in  the  hypothece.  Again  no  trichogyne  has  been  observed  to 
arise  from  '  Woronin's  hypha,'  and  therefore  no  union  with  it  of  pollinoids, 
though  bodies  are  recorded  for  Xylaria  which  resemble  these  male 
organs.  The  difference  in  the  origin  of  the  sporocarp  between  this  type 
and  Polystigma  is  essentially  this  :  that  here  no  distinct  carpogone  gives 
rise  to  the  ascogenous  hyphae  which  have  their  origin  in  the  special 
coil  mentioned,  since  '  Woronin's  hypha '  disappears  before  this  stage 
in  the  development  of  the  sporocarp.  Sclerotinia  sclerotiorum  (de  By.) 
affords  another  type,  since  the  ascogenous  hyphae  and  those  of  the 


ASCOMYCETES  361 

envelope,  which  are  unconnected  with  each  other  though  interwoven 
in  the  hypothece,  may  be  traced  down  to  the  apparently  uniform  tissue 
of  the  stalk.  De  Bary  thinks,  however,  that  these  may  have  a  distinct 
origin — the  ascogenous  hyphse  in  those  proceeding  from  the  original 
coil  formed  in  the  sclerote,  and  the  envelope-hyphas  in  others  springing 
with  them  from  the  sterile  tissue  of  the  sclerote — that  the  coil  in  fact 
may  be  (or  may  contain)  a  carpogone,  though  there  is  no  sign  of 
antherid  or  pollinoids.  The  tracing  of  the  continuity  of  these  hyphae  is 
impossible  throughout  the  long  stalk  with  its  uniform  tissue.  With  this 
type  are  to  be  classed  the  lichen-fungi  investigated  by  Krabbe(Sphyridium, 
Flot,  Bseomyces,  Pers.,  and  Cladonia,  Hill)  the  sporocarps  of  which 
exhibit  a  clear  distinction  between  ascogenous  and  envelope  hyphae  from 
an  early  stage.  The  former,  however,  have  not  been  traced  to  a  carpo- 
gone or  other  special  initial  organ,  and  neither  antherid  nor  pollinoid 
has  been  discovered.  Such  genera  as  Claviceps,  Epichloe,  Pleospora,  &c., 
in  which  all  that  has  been  observed  is  a  gradual  specialisation  of  uniform 
hyphae  to  the  functions  of  ascogenous  and  envelope  hyphae  follow  this 
last  type  as  the  farthest  removed  from  those  forms  described  under  the 
second  type. 

COURSE  OF  DEVELOPMENT. 

Within  this  large  class  several  more  or  less  distinct  types  of  the 
course  of  development  may  be  recognised.  Just  as  in  the  case  of  the 
origin  of  the  sporocarp,  Eremascus  albus  is  amorfg  the  simplest  of  all. 
This  remarkable  type  (the  sporocarp  of  which  is  destitute  of  envelope- 
tissue)  possesses  no  other  reproductive  bodies  than  the  ascospores  pro- 
duced in  the  single  ascus  which  represents  the  sposocarp.  That  is  to 
say,  the  germinating  ascospore  gives  rise  to  a  thallus  which  directly  bears 
the  sporocarp  again.  In  the  same  case  are  also  the  Collemaceae  with 
probably  all  lichen-fungi,  and  Pyronema,  Ascobolus,  Gymnoascus,  Hypo- 
copra,  and  Sclerotinia  sclerotiorum,  which  last,  however,  possesses  other 
propagating  bodies  in  the  shape  of  mycelial  resting-cells  comparable  with 
the  soredes  of  lichens.  Another  type  (to  which  Sclerotinia  Fuckeliana, 
de  By.  and  Wor.,  belongs)  is  but  one  remove  beyond  this,  since  the 
life-history  may  go  directly  from  sporccarp  to  sporocarp,  though  in  the 
typical  state  acrospores  intervene.  Here  the  germinating  ascospore 
gives  rise  to  a  thallus  which  bears  acrospores,  or,  as  has  been  said,  the 
sporocarp  again  ;  though  never  both  together  or  successively  on  the  same 
thallus.  The  germinating  acrospore  in  turn  produces  a  thallus  with 
precisely  the  same  properties  and  capabilities  as  that  arising  from  the 
ascospore,  except  that  in  some  cases  there  appears  to  be  a  tendency  to 


362  FUNGI 

go  on  producing  other  acrospore-bearing  thalli.  In  a  third  type  aero- 
spores  are  always  formed  (so  far  as  experience  goes)  on  the  primary 
thallus  produced  by  the  germinating  ascospore.  This  type  de  Bary 
subdivides  into  two  as  follows  :  (a)  the  primary  thallus  arising  from 
the  ascospore  is  only  a  promycele  bearing  sporids,  which  in  turn 
produce  a  definite  thallus,  which  either  bears  a  sporocarp  at  once,  or 
develops  as  sub-type  (^).  There  is  here  then  a  necessary  intervention  of 
acrospores  (sporids)  before  the  sporocarp  is  again  formed.  (/;)  The 
primary  thallus  arising  from  the  ascospore  is  a  definite  one,  which  ulti- 
mately bears  the  sporocarp,  it  is  true,  in  all  cases  of  complete  develop- 
ment, but  not  until  acrospores  have. been  formed  on  it.  The  sub-type 
to  some  extent  suggests  the  first  type,  since  the  acrospores  are  not 
morphologically  a  necessary  intervention,  though  their  appearance  is 
invariable.  The  thallus  produced  by  the  germinating  acrospore 
resembles  the  primary  one  in  all  respects.  The  development  in  this 
type  may  stop  short  with  the  formation  of  acrospores,  and  this  is  often 
repeated  in  succeeding  generations. 

The  spores  of  such  intervening  states  are  invariably  acrospores,  and 
they  appear  either  singly  or  on  hymenia  on  the  free  surface  of  the 
thallus  ;  or  they  are  produced  in  pycnids,  bodies  resembling  peritheces. 
The  spores  so  produced  are  termed  stylospores,  or  better,  pycnospores, 
as  de  Bary  proposes.  A  species  may  produce  only  one  of  these  kinds 
of  acrospore,  e.g.  Erysiphe  ;  or  under  favourable  circumstances  more 
than  one  kind,  e.g.  Pleospora. 

i.  ERYSIPHE^E. — The  mycele  of  the  Erysipheae  infests  the  surface 
of  green  living  plants,  through  the  epiderm  of  which,  it  sends  down 
haustoria  into  the  tissues  beneath.  The  mycele  is  delicate  and  cob-web 
like  in  appearance  and  consists  of  branching  septate  hyphae,  and  is 
secured,  so  to  speak,  to  the  host-plant  by  means  of  the  haustoria.  In 
the  course  of  the  branching  of  these  hyphae  they  frequently  cross  each 
other,  and  at  such  points  of  contact  the  sporocarp  is  formed.  If  Podo- 
sphasra  (Kze.),  which  has  only  a  single  ascus,  be  taken  for  the  sake  of 
simplicity,  its  development  may  be  described  as  taking  place  in  this 
fashion.  From  one  of  these  crossing  hyphae,  at  the  point  of  contact 
there  springs  an  oval  cell,  the  carpogone,  which  is  separated  by  a 
transverse  wall  from  the  hypha.  From  the  other  hypha,  likewise  at  the 
point  of  contact,  there  springs  also  a  cell,  longer  and  thinner  than  the 
other,  which  is  similarly  cut  off  by  a  septum.  It  overtops  the  carpogone 
to  which  it  adheres,  and  the  upper  portion,  which  is  slightly  bent  over 
the  carpogone,  is  farther  cut  off  from  the  lower  by  a  transverse  wall, 
The  upper  portion  is  the  antherid  and  the  lower  its  stalk.  From  the 
hyphae  at  the  base  there  now  grow  up  a  number  of  tubes,  which  envelop 


ASCOMYCETES 


363 


the  carpogone  and  form  the  single-layered  outer  perithecial  wall.  From 
the  inner  surface  of  the  cells  composing  this  wall  there  subsequently 
.arise  a  number  of  other  cells  forming  an  inner  wall  several  cells  thick. 
The  growth  of  these  separates  the  antherid  from  the  carpogone,  and  it 
takes  part  in  the  formation  of  the  outer  wall.  From  the  outer  wall,  the 
cells  of  which  have  become  larger  and  brown  in  colour,  fine  rhizoids  are 
produced  near  the  base,  and  in  some  species  a  few  fine  hairs  at  the  apex 
termed  appendicuke.  Meanwhile  the  carpogone  has  divided  into  two 
cells,  one  the  ultimate  ascus,  and  the  other  its  pedicel-cell.  Within  the 
ascus  finally  eight  ascospores  are  formed. 

In  Erysiphe  (Hedw.)  the  chief  points  of  difference  from  Podosphaera 


FIG.  303. — /,  II,  Podosphcera  pannosa  de  By.  and  Wor.  7,  chain  of  spores  on  sporophore  and 
mycele.  //,  ripe  sporocarp  with  asous,  a,  emerging  through  wall  of  sporocarp,  h.  Ill—  V,  P. 
Castagnei  de  By.  and  Wor.,  fertilisation.  HJ ,  c,  carpogone  :  p,  antherid.  IV,  older  state  ; 
h,  hyphal  branches  of  envelope.  V,  still  older  state  in  optical  longitudinal  section  ;  a,  ascus 
(  x  too).  (I,  II,  after  Tulasne,  III— I',  after  de  Bary.) 

to  be  noted  are  these.  The  antherid  winds  spirally  round  the  club- 
shaped  carpogone,  which  divides  into  a  series  of  cells — produces  a 
number  of  asci — and  the  inner  wall  of  the  perithece  is  more  developed. 
The  germinating  ascospore  gives  rise  to  a  mycele  provided  with 
haustoria,  on  a  suitable  host,  and  from  this  thallus  there  spring  short 
sporophores  which  produce  successively  a  series  of  acrospores.  The 
acrospores  in  turn  produce  a  mycele  exactly  like  the  primary  one  from 
the  ascospore — which  like  it,  if  completely  developed,  ends  by  bearing 
the  sporocarp  again.  But  owing  to  external  conditions  such  as  varying 
weather,  nutrition,  and  the  like,  this  consummation  is  frequently  not 
reached,  and  acrospores  only  are  then  formed  generation  after  generation. 


364  FUNGI 

For  example,  the  acrospore  form  called  Oidium  Tuckeri  (Berk.),  which 
occurs  abundantly,  and  is  well  known  as  vine-mildew,  never  produces  in 
Europe,  so  far  as  is  known,  peritheces.  These  it  is  believed  have  been 
found  on  native  vines  in  North  America,  which  is  supposed  to  be  the 
home  of  the  disease,  the  perithecial  form  being  the  fungus  described  as 
Erysiphe  (Uncinula)  spiralis  (Berk,  et  Curt.). 

The  Erysipheae  are  parasites  infesting  living  flowering  plants  of  many 
natural  orders.  Among  the  best  known  and  most  destructive  are  the 
above-mentioned  vine-mildewr ;  E.  la*mprocarpa  (Lk.)  on  Compositse, 
Plantago,  Verbascum,  Labiatae ;  E.  graminis  (Lev.)  on  grasses  ;  E. 
Martii  (Lev.)  on  Umbelliferae,  clover,  lucern,  lupins,  &c. ;  E.  communis 
(Lk.)  on  Polygonum,  Ruinex,  Convolvulus,  Dipsacus,  Lathyrus, 
Delphinium,  Aquilegia,  Ranunculus,  &c.  Podosphaera  Kunzei  (Lev.) 
attacks  species  of  Prunus,  and  Podosphaera  Castagnei  (de  By.)  is  a  well- 
known  mildew  of  hops,  though  it  also  attacks  many  other  plants  of 
different  natural  orders. 

2.  EUROTIUM  (Link). — The  carpogone  is  formed  by  the  rolling  up 
in  corkscrew  fashion  of  the  tip  of  a  mycelial  hypha,  the  turns  of  which, 
four  or  five  in  number,  gradually  come  into  closer  contact  till  they  pre- 
sent the  appearance  of  a  hollow  screw.  It  is  then  divided  by  transverse 
walls  into  as  many  cells  as  there  are  turns  in  the  screw.  From  the 
bottom  turn  of  the  screw  there  grow  up  two  or  three  branches  of  irregular 
diameter,  which  take  an  irregular  course  towards  the  apex,  but  remain 
in  close  contact  with  the  outside  of  the  carpogone.  Sometimes  one 
ascends  by  way  of  the  inside  of  the  screw.  One,  however,  climbs  faster 
than  the  others  and  reaches  the  apex  first ;  this  is  the  antherid.  Im- 
pregnation by  it  having  taken  place  at  the  apex  of  the  carpogone  after 
the  absorption  of  a  minute  portion  of  the  wall,  both  the  antherid  and 
the  other  branches  of  the  basal  turn  of  the  carpogone  which  follow  it 
proceed  to  branch  copiously,  the  hyphae  being  septate,  until  the  carpo- 
gone is  completely  enveloped.  In  this  way  the  outer  perithecial  wall 
is  formed  as  in  the  Erysipheae.  From  it,  as  in  the  last  type  too,  the 
inner  wall  grows  inward,  filling  up  the  space  between  the  outer  wall  and 
the  carpogone  with  several  layers,  and  pressing  apart  the  turns  of  the 
screw.  The  wall-cells  are  of  a  pseudo-parenchymatous  appearance,  and 
the  membrane  of  the  outer  wall  becomes  covered  externally  by  a 
golden-coloured  substance.  The  whole  of  these  envelope-cells,  it  should 
be  mentioned,  increase  in  volume  considerably.  From  the  carpogone 
there  now  proceed  numerous  ascogenous  hyphae,  which  press  among  and 
suppress  the  inner  wall-cells,  and,  branching  plentifully,  bear  at  the  ends 
of  the  branches  oval  asci.  These  contain  each  eight  ascospores.  So 
copiously  does  this  take  place  that,  of  the  ascogenous  hyphae  soon  only 


ASCOMYCETES 


365 


the  traces  may  be  seen,  and  by  the  time  of  maturity  even  the  ascus-walls 
disappear  and  the  perithece  contains  little  but  ripe  ascospores. 

When  the  ascospore  germinates  it  produces  a  mycele,  on  which  there 
shortly  arise  upright  sporophores  with  round  swollen  apices  bearing 
numerous  short  sterigmata  over  the  surface.  On  the  sterigmata  chains 
of  acrospores  are  formed  successively,  which,  proceeding  radially  from  the 


FIG.  304. — Enrotium  repens  de  By.  A,  branch  of  mycele  with  sporophore,  c,  and  sterigmata,  si; 
early  stage  of  carpogone  at  as.  B '.  spirally  twisted  carpogone,  as,  antherid,  p,  and  an  envelope- 
hypha.  C,  older  state  with  more  envelope-hyphae.  D,  young  sporocarp.  E  and  F,  young  spo- 
rocarps  in  optical  longitudinal  section.  In  E  the  inner  wall  is  beginning  to  be  formed  ;  iv ,  the 

.  outer  wall ;  f,  the  nner  wall  and  other  cells  filling  space  between  it  and  carpogone.  G,  ascus  with 
spores.  //,  ascospore  of  E.  herbariorum  Lk.  (A  x  190,  the  others  x  600.)  (After  de  Bary.) 

apex  of  the  sporophore,  surround  it  with  a  globular  mass  of  acrospores. 
The  course  of  development  is  the  same  here  as  in  the  Erysipheae,  and 
generation  after  generation  of  acrospores  is  usually  formed  in  succession 
without  the  myceles  attaining  to  the  formation  again  of  the  sporocarp  — 
this  being  the  result  of  the  external  conditions  of  life  of  the  fungus. 


366  FUNGI  . 

The  species  of  Eurotium  are  saprophytes,  and  are  found  inhabiting 
decaying  plants,  fruits,  &c.,  and  forming  in  such  situations  a  loose 
mycele  of  delicate  thin-walled  cells.  The  common  mould  formerly 
called  Aspergillus  glaucus  (Link)  is  the  acrospore  stage  of  Eurotium 
herbariorum  (Link),  and  was  believed  to  be  an  independent  form  before 
de  Bary  discovered  the  pleomorphism  of  this  fungus  and  identified  it 
with  the  sporocarp  stage  (Eurotium). 

3.  PENICILLIUM  (Link). — The  sporocarp  of  Penicillium  takes  its 
origin  in  the  winding  round  each  other  once  or  twice  of  two  lateral 
branches  of  mycelial  hyphae.  These  are  so  like  each  other  that  it  is  im- 
possible, from  the  observations. made  on  them,  to  say  which  is  male  and 
which  female — a  question  on  which  the  ultimate  development  throws  no 
light,  since  it  is  uncertain  whether  the  ascogenous  hyphae  proceed  from 
either  or  from  both,  and  moreover,  besides  being  alike  in  formation,  they 
are  equal  in  activity.  Neither  has  any  observation  been  made  of  the 
conjugation  of  these  presumptive  sexual  elements— though  their  position 
towards  each  other  signifies  a  sexual  union.  Together  with  the  out- 
growths from  these  of  numerous  short  asQogenous  hyphae,  there  arises 
from  the  neighbouring  hyphae  of  the  mycele  a  dense  growth  which  com- 
pletely envelops  the  presumptive  carpogone  and  becomes  interlaced 
with  the  ascogenous  hyphae  proceeding  from  it— these  being  at  first 
thicker  hyphae  than  those  of  the  envelope-tissue.  However,  with  the 
growth  of  the  whole  body,  the  cells  of  the  envelope  increase  considerably 
in  volume,  especially  the  central  mass,  and  acquire  thickened  pitted  cell- 
walls,  while  the  layers  nearer  the  circumference  form  themselves  into  an 
outer  wall  the  cells  of  which  have  yellowish-brown  membranes.  The 
whole  has  a  pseudo-parenchymatous  appearance.  The  originally  outer- 
most cells  are  cast  off,  owing  to  their  taking  no  part  in  the  growth. 
While  this  development  of  the  envelope  has  been  going  forward,  the 
ascogenous  hyphae  have  been  pushing  in  between  the  interstices  of  the 
cells,  and  sharing  in  the  process  of  thickening  of  the  cell-membranes. 
At  this  stage  of  the  history  of  the  sporocarp  a  period  of  rest  intervenes 
lasting  about  six  or  seven  weeks.  This  past,  the  ascogenous  hyph?s 
begin  anew  their  growth  in  vigorous  fashion,  and,  branching  copiously  at 
the  expense  of  the  cells  of  the  envelope,  ultimately  produce  at  the  ends 
of  the  branches  short  thick  twisted  terminal  branches,  which  bear 
serially  strings  of  asci  containing  each  eight  ascospores.  So  far  is  this 
process  carried  that  finally  not  only  is  the  whole  interior  envelope-tissue 
used  up,  but  the  asci  themselves  disappear,  leaving  enclosed  by  the  outer 
wall  only  a  dense  mass  of  ascospores.  De  Bary  compares  the  exist- 
ence here  of  two  forms  of  ascogenous  hyphae — viz.  the  relatively  slender 
form  which  traverses  and  uses  up  the  envelope-tissue,  and  the  short 


ASCOMYCETES  367 

twisted  thicker  form  which  bears  the  asci — with  the  occurrence  of  the 
two  forms  of  hyphae  in  the  ripening  sporocarp  of  Elaphomyces.  Some 
authors,  it  may  be  remembered,  place  Penicillium  and  Elaphomyces  side 
by  side. 

The  germinating  ascospore  produces  a  mycele  in  all  respects  like 
that  which  bore  the  sporocarp,  a  much-branching  anastomosing  septate 
flocculent  mycele,  which  bears  acrospores  serially  in  succession  at  the  end 
of  their  characteristic  sporophores.  The  sporophore  arises  from  the  mycele 
in  the  form  of  an  upright  septate  stalk,  which  bears  at  its  summit  cymose 
branches  ending  in  sterigmata  of  equal  height.  On  the  sterigmata  are 
the  chains  of  acrospores.  Such  a  sporophore  has  a  brush-like  appear- 
ance, the  stalk  being  the  handle,  and  the  branches,  sterigmata,  &c., 
the  hairs.  The  sporophores  arise  in  dense  masses,  and  in  all  produce 
enormous  numbers  of  spores.  So  densely  do  they  occur  in  exception- 
ally favourable  situations — in  the  case  of  Penicillium  glaucum  (Lk.)— 
that  they  are  sometimes  bound  together  in  bundles,  fasciated  as  it 
were,  and  bear  at  the  summit  a  dense  crown  of  chains  of  spores. 
This  form  was  originally  described  as  a  distinct  genus  by  the  name  of 
Coremium  glaucum  (Lk.).  As  in  Erysiphe  and  Eurotiurn,  so  in  Peni- 
cillium, the  course  of  development,  after  the  production  of  acrospores, 
may  omit  the  formation  of  the  sporocarp  on  the  same  thallus  through 
external  conditions  being  unfavourable  to  its  development.  This,  in 
fact,  is  the  usual  case  in  Penicillium,  and  generation  after  generation 
of  thalli  bearing  acrospores  only,  and  there  stopping  short,  intervene  as 
a  rule  between  sporocarp  and  sporocarp.  Perhaps  the  commonest  of  all 
moulds  is  Penicillium  glaucum  (Lk.),  occurring  on  decaying  fruits,  or* 
bread,  &c.,  &c.,  in  the  acrospore-bearing  condition.  The  sporocarp- 
occurs,  very  rarely,  in  dark  places  where  there  is  a  poor  supply  of  oxygen,, 
and  mostly  on  bread. 

4.  GYMNOASCUS  (Baranetsk.)  and  CTENOMYCES  (Eidam)  do  not 
differ  in  any  very  striking  peculiarity  from  types  already  discussed.  The 
origin  of  the  sporocarp  is  characterised  by  the  fact  that  while  one  sexual 
hypha  entwines  the  other,  it  is  the  entwining  one  which  is  the  carpogone 
—  which  subsequently  produces  the  ascogenous  hyphae — and  the  other,, 
round  which  the  carpogone  winds,  is  the  antherid.  The  relative  posi- 
tions of  these  certainly  recall  the  case  of  Eurotium,  where  the  antherid 
occasionally  ascends  by  way  of  the  inside  of  the  screw  ;  but  here,  on 
the  other  hand,  the  carpogone  takes,  as  it  were,  the  active  step,  and 
winds  round  the  antherid.  These  have  their  origin  as  lateral  shoots 
either  of  the  same  hypha  or  of  different  hyphae  ;  or  it  may  be  that  only 
the  entwining  one  (carpogone)  is  a  lateral  shoot,  and  the  other  merely 
the  intercalary  portion  of  a  hypha.  The  ascogenous  hyphae  branch. 


368 


FUNGI 


•copiously,  and  ultimately  bear  at  the  ends  asci  containing  each  eight 
.ascospores,  and  the  envelope-tissue  is  contributed  by  shoots  from  the 
neighbouring  mycele  and  from  the  base  of  the  carpogone. 

As  already  mentioned  above,  no  acrospore  stage  intervenes  here 
between  sporocarp  and  sporocarp,  i.e.  the  ascospore,  on  germinating, 
produces  a  thallus,  which  again  bears  the  sporocarp  directly.  Gym- 
noascus  is  a  saprophyte  growing  on  dung. 

5.  ASCOBOLUS  (Pers.). — The  cafpogone  arises  on  the  mycele  in  the 
form  of  a  thick  curved  sausage-shaped  lateral  hypha,  which  becomes 
•divided  by  transverse  walls  into  six  or  seven  cells,  about  as  long  as  they 

are  broad.  While  in  this  stage  the 
farther  end  of  it  is  clasped  by  the 
branching  end  of  a  much  thinner 
hypha — like  one  of  the  ordinary  my- 
celial  hyphae — which,  it  may  be  as- 
sumed, is  the  antherid,  from  analogy 
with  those  types  already  discussed. 
At  allx events,  it  soon  loses  its  iden- 
tity in  the  dense  growth  of  envelope- 
hyphae  which,'  immediately  after 
this  stage  has  been  reached,  are 
produced  both  from  the  ordinary 
mycele  and  from  the  hyphae  which 
bear  the  carpogone  and  presump- 
tive antherid.  These  envelope- 
hyphae,  which  soon  enclose  the 
carpogone  in  a  round  mass  with 
a  differentiated  rind,  next  proceed 
to  develop  in  the  upper  region  over 
the  carpogone  (which  is  situated 
in  the  basal  portion)  the  sub- 

hymenial  layer  of  a  discocarp.  From  this  subhymenial  layer  there 
•rise  upward  the  straight  perpendicular  paraphyses.  By  the  time  the 
development  has  gone  so  far,  the  carpogone  gives  rise  to  a  dozen  or 
more  ascogenous  hyphae  from  a  cell  near  the  middle  of  the  row, 
which  has  manifestly  obtained  from  its  neighbours  contributions  from 
their  contents.  The  ascogenous  hyphae  grow  upward  to  the  subhy- 
menial layer,  where  they  branch  and  spread  about  among  the  roots, 
so  to  speak,  of  the  paraphyses,  and  here  bear  asci.  The  asci  grow 
straight  upward  among  the  paraphyses  to  the  hymenial  surface.  The 
portion  of  the  rind  (envelope-tissue)  immediately  over  the  hymenial 
surface  is  ruptured,  in  consequence  of  the  expansion  of  this  surface 


FIG.  305. — Ascobolusfurfuraccus  Pers.  Young 
sporocarp  in  longitudinal  section  (diagram- 
matic), m.  mycele  ;  A,  hymenium  ;  c,  car- 
pogone with  ascogenous  hyphae,  s,  in  the 
subhymenial  layer,  and  a,  asci  (shaded);  /, 
antherid  ;  p—r,  tissue  of  envelope  giving  rise 
to  paraphyses.  (After  Janczewski.) 


ASCOMYCETES 


369 


during  growth,  to  permit  the  escape  of  the  ascospores,  and  as  new  asci 
are  produced  (mostly  taking  the  place  of  older  ones),  the  expansion  often 
continues  till  the  hymenial  surface  becomes  convex. 

Ascobolus,  like  Gymnoascus,  has  no  intervening  acrospores,  and  the 
germinating  ascospore  gives  rise  to  a  thallus  which  bears  the  sporocarp 
directly.  It  is  a  saprophyte,  and  the  species  abound  on  dung. 

6.  PYRONEMA  (Fckl.). — Pyronema  confluens  (Tul.)  (or  Peziza  con- 
fluens,  Pers.,  as  it  was  formerly  called),  which,  when  mature,  forms  a  dis- 
cocarp  like  Ascobolus,  differs  considerably  from  that  genus  in  the  struc- 
ture of  the  carpogone  and  antherid,  though  both,  doubtless,  belong  to 


FIG..  306. — Pyronema,  conflrtens  Tul. 
chogyne  marked  /  has  not  yet  become 


a,  is  in  communication  through  t  with  ca 
hypha;  (  x  about  300).     (From  de  Bary,  after 


The  tri- 

'ne  /,  proceed- 
the  antherid, 

one,  c,  which  is  swollen  and   emitting  ascogenous 
"  "man.) 


A  :  r,  carpogones ;  a,  antherids  ;  t,  trichogynes. 
:  united  with  a.     B,  older  state.     The  trichogyne 
ing  from  carpogone  <r,  and  cut  off  by  a  transverse  wall,  is  in  open  union  with  a.     C  :  the  antherid, 


the  same  main  type  in  this  respect.  On  the  mycele  of  Pyronemaycon- 
fluens  there  arise  clusters  or  rosettes  of  more  or  less  club-shaped  cells 
by  forked  branching  at  the  summits  of  erect  hyphae,  occurring  generally 
in  pairs  ;  these  pairs  in  turn  having  their  origin  in  densely  branched 
groups  of  hyphae.  The  rosettes  consist  each  of; three  kinds  of  cell: 
the  broad  club-shaped,  slightly  curved  cells  are  carpogones,  and  are 
usually  borne  on  two  pedicel- cells  ;  the  antherids  are  also  club-shaped,  of 
the  same  height,  but  of , about  half  the  breadth  ;  and  the  third  kind  are 
sterile  cells  of  cylindrical  form.  Two  or  three  pairs  of  carpogones  and 
antherids  are  included  in  each  rosette.  From  the  -top  of  the  carpogone 
there  grows  forth  a  slender  curved  trichogyne,  with  plentiful  supply  of 

B  B 


370  FUNGI 

protoplasm  ;  and  this  organ,  instead  of  behaving  passively  in  the  opera- 
tion, bends  over  till  it  touches  the  top  of  an  adjoining  antherid,  to  which 
it  adheres.  When  this  has  taken  place,  the  trichogyne  becomes  separated 
by  a  transverse  septum  at  the  base  from  the  carpogone,  and  then, 
through  the  dissolution  of  the  intervening  membrane,  the  contents  of 
trichogyne  and  antherid  are  mingled.  After  impregnation  the  carpogone 
increases  in  volume,  and  from  numerous  points  of  its  surface  there  are 
emitted  ascogenous  hypha£.  From  the  sterile  cells  and  the  whole  basal 
region  of  the  rosette,  the  envelope-hyphae  now  grow  forth  and  form  a 
large  stroma  enclosing  the  carpogones  and  antherids — the  latter  re- 
maining almost  unaltered,  full  of  protoplasm,  and  taking  no  part  in  the 
formation  of  the  envelope— and  upon  the  stroma  a  free  hypothece 
bearing  the  paraphyses.  In  the  production  of  asci  and  the  farther 
development  of  the  apothece,  Pyronema  agrees  with  Ascobolus. 

Pyronema,  like  Ascobolus  and  Gymnoascus,  produces  no  acrospores ;. 
and  sporocarp  follows  sporocarp  without  intervention  on  successive 
thalli. 

7.  SORDARIA  (Ces.  and  de  Not.)  and  MELANOSPORA  (Corda),  both 
Pyrenomycetous  forms,  are  placed  next   Ascobolus  by  de  Bary  with 
respect  to  the  morphology  of  their  sporocarps— of  course  excluding  such 
differences  of  form  as  are  peculiar  to  their  being  Pyrenomycetes,  while 
Ascobolus  is,  as  has  been  shown,  a  Discomycete.     Fundamentally  there 
is  little  real  difference  in  the  mode  of  origin  of  the  sporocarp  ;  and 
Chaetomium  and  Ascotricha  may  eventually  prove  to  belong  to  the  same 
series. 

8.  COLLEMACE^E. — In   the   Collemaceae,  a   group   of  discocarpous 
lichens,  the  structure,  development,  and  mode  of  behaviour  of  the  male 
sexual  element  is  wholly  different  from  any  hitherto  described,  while 
the  carpogone  remains  of  similar  structure,  though,  of  course,  modified 
to  meet  the  requirements  of  the  changed  conditions.     The  male  cells 
are  pollinoids  formed  in  a  flask-shaped  antherid,  somewhat  resembling 
a  peiithece.     It  is  sunk  beneath  the  surface  of  the  thallus,  and  opens 
by  means  of  a  narrow  neck.     The  flask  consists  of  a  wall  of  densely- 
compacted  hyphae,  giving  off  towards  the  interior  a  layer  of  numerous 
delicate  hyphae  (sterigmata),  which  converge  towards  the  central  portion 
of  the  flask.     These  form  at  their  apices  successively  in  series  numerous 
pollinoids,  which  soon  fill  the  central  space.     The  pollinoids  are  thin- 
walled  rod-shaped  cells,  with  an  outer  membrane  of  a  gelatinous  kind, 
readily  swelling  and  dissolving  in  water.     In  damp  rainy  weather  water 
gets  access  to  the  pollinoids,  and  through  the  swelling  action  mentioned 
they  are  forced  out  through  the  neck  of  the  antherid  and  dispersed 
over  the  surface  of  the   thallus.      The  development   of  the  antherid 


ASCOMYCETES 


37i 


generally  somewhat  precedes  the  origin  of  the  carpogone.  Under 
the  surface  of  the  thallus  a  hypha  not  distinguishable  from  its  neigh- 
bours gives  off  a  broader  lateral  branch,  which  coils  itself  up  two  or 
three  times,  and  then  sends  forth  the  tip  of  tha^coil,  which,  growing 
upward,  emerges  through  the  surface  of  the  thallus  into  the  open.  The 
tube  is  commonly  somewhat  swollen  as  it  passes  through  the  superficial 
tissue,  and  for  some  short  distance  above  it,  and  attains  a  height  above 
the  surface  of  four  or  five  times  its  breadth.  This  is  the  trichogyne. 
The  coil  as  it  grows  is  divided  by  transverse  walls  into  about  a  dozen 
thin-walled  cells,  and  the  trichogyne  likewise  into  a  similar  number. 
Its  development  having  taken  place,  and  the  suitable  conditions  of 
moisture  having  dispersed  the  pollinoids  over  the  surface,  these,  wher- 


B 

FIG.  307. — A,  Leptogium  microphyllum  Ach.,  section  of  thallus.  a,  point  of  trichogyne ; 
g,  algal  cells  ;  /*,  hyphae,  B,  Collema  pulposum  Bernh.,  young  carpogone.  C,  tncho- 
•gyne  with  pollinoids  of  L.  microphyllum.  D,  a  similar  one  showing  union  with  polli- 
noid.  (A  x  350,  B,  C,  D  x  750.)  (After  Stahl.) 

ever  they  come  into  contact  with  a  trichogyne,  stick  to  it,  sometimes  in 
considerable  numbers,  and  an  open  communication  between  pollinoid 
and  trichogyne  is  established  by  means  of  a  short  minute  process  from 
the  pollinoid.  When  this  has  been  accomplished  the  cells  of  the 
trichogyne  collapse,  remaining  distended  only  where  a  transverse  septum 
occurs  in  its  course,  while  the  cells  of  the  coil  increase  in  volume  and 
in  number  through  the  growth  of  fresh  transverse  walls.  The  neigh- 
bouring thallus-hyphae  then  give  out  numerous  shoots,  which  not  only 
grow  round  the  coils,  but  press  them  asunder.  The  hyphae  on  the  side 
next  the  surface  then  give  off  branches  in  that  direction,  the  end  shoots 
of  which  form  the  first  paraphyses,  after  displacing  the  intervening  tissue 
in  their  course.  The  enveloping  hyphae  extend  laterally  until  a  basin- 

B  B  2 


372 


FUNGI 


shaped  pseudo-parenchymatous  exciple  is  formed,  the  margin  of  which 
reaches  the  surface.  The  interior  of  this  basin  is  then  soon  filled  with 
upright  paraphyses  like  those  which  originally  attained  the  surface.  The 
turns  of  the  original  coil  become  unloosed,  and  eventually  there  are 
given  off  from  it  ascogenous  hyphae  which,  after  branching  in  the  sub- 
hymenial  zone  like  those  of  Ascobolus,  finally  produce  successive  asci 
in  the  mature  apothece. 

In  Physma  Massal.  the  carpogone  is  produced  from  the  hyphae 
which  form  the  wall  of  the  antherid,  and  the  trichogyne  rises  to  the 
surface  outside  the  wall.  Eventually  the  paraphyses  and  asci  are  pro- 
duced in  the  place  formerly  occupied  by  the  sterigmata  of  the  antherid, 


FIG.  308. — Leptogium  microphyllnm  Ach.,  young  apothece  in  section,  h,  hyphae  ;  g,  algal  cells  ' 
a,  thalloidal  exciple ;  b,  exciple  proper  ;  c,  hypothece.  The  apothece  is  filled  with  paraphyses, 
among  which  may  be  seen  bladder-shaped  ascogenous  hyphae  with  three  young  asci  (  x  530).  (After 
Stahlj 

and  the  antherid  is  thus  transformed  into  the  sporocarp.  The  species 
of  Collema  (Ach.)  have  no  acrospores,  and  resemble  in  the  course  of 
their  life -history  Ascobolus,  Pyronema,  &c.  For  structure  of  lichen- 
thallus,  see  p.  318. 

9.  POLYSTIGMA  (Pers.)  is  a  genus  of  parasitic  fungi  bearing  a  striking 
resemblance  to  the  Collemaceae  in  its  sexual  reproductive  apparatus. 
Antherids  and  pollinoids  are  formed  differing  in  no  material  respect 
from  those  of  the  Collemaceae — the  pollinoids  being  in  this  case  more 
thread-like  and  bent.  The  genesis  of  the  sporocarp  is  characterised 
here,  however,  by  the  formation  of  a  fundamental  coil  of  hyphae  smaller 
than  the  thallus-hyphae.  The  carpogone  appears  among  these,  consisting 
of  a  spirally-wound  hypha  of  two  or  three  turns,  with  broad  short  cells. 


ASCOMYCETES  373 

It  traverses  the  fundamental  coil,  and  its  apex  grows  out  as  a  trichogyne, 
which  protrudes  through  a  stomate  of  the  leaf  of  the  host-plant.  Pollinoids 
have  been  observed  attached  to  it,  but  so  far  no  actual  communication 
has  been  detected.  Accompanying  the  trichogyne  are  a  few  fine  hyphae, 
which,  after  the  collapse  of  the  trichogyne,  protrude  through  the  stomate 
like  the  tip  of  a  small  brush.  The  farther  development  of  the  sporocarp 
(the  envelope-tissue  arising  from  the  fundamental  coil)  is  like  that  of  the 
last  type,  with  this  difference,  that,  instead  of  an  apothece,  it  is  a  perithece 
which  is  here  produced. 

The  ascospore  produces  on  germinating  a  short  promycelial  tube, 
the  end  of  which  bears  a  sporid.  The  sporid,  on  germinating  in  turn 
on  the  leaf  of  a  suitable  host  (Prunus),  sends  its  germ-tube  through  the 
outer  wall  of  the  epiderm,  and  branches  within  the  epidermal  cell, 
these  branches  again  penetrating  into  the  parenchyme  of  the  leaf.  Here 
a  thallus  is  formed,  which  remains  covered  by  the  epiderm  of  the  leaf  of 
the  host  until  the  sporocarp  is  again  produced. 

10.  XYLARIE^E,  &c. — In  Xylaria  (Hill),  Hypoxylon  (Bull.),  Ustulina 
(Tul.),  Diatrype  (Fr.),  Stictosphaeria  (Till.),  Eutypa  (Tul),  Nummularia 
(TuL),  and  Quaternaria  (Tul.),  we  have  the  occurrence  of  a  fundamental 
coil  preceding  the  formation  of  the  peritheces,  followed  by  the  gradual 
disappearance,  as  mentioned  above  for  Xylaria,  of  '  Woronin's  hypha,' 
which  is  formed  in  it,  without  its  taking  part  in  the  formation  of  the 
ascogenous  hyphae.     These  arise,   together  with  the  paraphyses,  from 
the  perithecial  wall.     No  trichogyne  is  formed  from  '  Woronin's  hypha,' 
and  there  are  no  antherids.     Before  the  formation  of  the  peritheces  in 
Xylaria  there  are  borne  on  the  same  stroma  in  dense  hymenia  bodies 
which  resemble  acrospores,  or  it  may  be  pollinoids.     In  this  genus  they 
have  not  been  observed  to  germinate,  though  similar  bodies  germinate 
freely  in  Ustulina,   e.g.,   and  other  genera.     In  Xylaria  at  all  events 
they  may  be  functionless  pollinoids  persisting  in  an  organism  in  which 
indications  of  a  carpogone  (in  the  form  of  'Woronin's  hypha ')  also  still 
remain. 

11.  SCLEROTINIA  (Fckl.). — The  sporocarp  of  Sclerotiniasclerotiorum 
(de  By.)  is  in  the  form  of  a  disc  at  first  cup-shaped,  borne  at  the  summit 
of  a  stalk  arising  from  a  sclerote.     It  takes  its  origin  from  an  entangled 
primordial  coil   of   hyphse  with   gelatinous    membranes  situated    just 
beneath  the  dark  peripheral  cells  of  the  sclerote.     There  are  many  such 
coils  in  each  sclerote,  but  they  do  not  all  attain  this  farther  development. 
The  bundle  of  hyphae  constituting  the  stalk  of  the  sporocarp  breaks 
forth,  as  has  been  said,  from  this  region  of  the  sclerote,  the  central 
portion  of  the  hyphae  arising  from  the  coil,  and  the  external  hyphae  from 
the  ordinary  tissue  of  the  sclerote.     In  the  growth  of  the  stalk  it  has 


374  FUNGI 

been  found  impossible  to  trace  any  anatomical  distinction  between  these 
elements,  and  therefore  it  amounts  to  no  more  than  a  probability  that 
the  hyphae  from  the  coil  are  the  ultimate  ascogenous  hyphae ;  while  those 
from  the  tissue  of  the  sclerote  may  furnish  the  envelope-tissue  of  the 
sporocarp.  The  main  difference  between  the  development  of  S.  sclero- 
tiorum  and  S.  Fuckeliana  in  this  respect  consists  in  the  primordial  coil 
of  the  latter  originating  not  within  the  sclerote,  but  in  the  central  portion 
of  the  bundle  of  stalk-hyphae  after  it  has  reached  the  external  surface. 

S.  sclerotiorum  possesses,  so  far  as  is  known,  no  intervening  aero- 
spores.  The  germinating  ascospore  produces  a  mycele  on  which  sclerotes 
are  formed,  and  on  these  only  the  sporocarps  again.  S.  Fuckeliana 
sometimes  does  the  same,  and  de  Bary  has  observed  a  single  instance  of 
the  sporocarp  being  produced  on  the  mycele  without  even  the  formation 
of  a  sclerote.  The  sclerotes  of  this  species,  however,  frequently  produce 
filamentous  sporophores  bearing  acrospores,  this  stage  being  that 
formerly  known  as  Botrytis  cinerea  (Pers.).  It  never  happens  that  a 
sclerote  bears  both  acrospores  and  sporocarps,  either  together  or  after 
each  other.  The  primary  mycele  may  bear  acrospores  directly  without 
interfering  with  the  subsequent  production  of  sclerotes,  but  this  does  not 
happen  often.  The  mycele  produced  by  the  germinating  acrospores  is 
similar  in  all  respects  to  the  primary  one  arising  from  the  ascospore,  with 
the  reservation  that  it  has  a  greater  tendency  than  the  other  to  the  pro- 
duction of  sporophores.  In  this  species  there  are  also  often  formed 
certain  abortive  acrospores,  or  it  may  be  pollinoids. 

12.  PLEOSPORA  (Rabenh.). — In  the  origin  of  the  perithece  of  Pleo- 
spora  herbarum  (Rabenh.),  the  traces  of  sexuality  disappear  from  view, 
and  indeed  it  is  stated  that  the  asci  arise  among  the  paraphyses  as 
branches  of  the  basal  cells  of  the  latter.  In  the  life-history  of  this 
fungus  a  considerable  number  of  forms  are  embraced.  Besides  the 
ascospores,  which  are  compound  multicellular  bodies,  there  are  in  the 
second  category  acrospores  of  three  sorts,  viz.  (a)  Double  or  multicellular 
acrospores  of  rounded  short  cylindrical  form,  previously  taken  to  be  an 
independent  species  (Macrosporium  Sarcinula,  Berk.).  Each  such  com- 
pound spore  appears  as  a  rule  singly  on  its  sporophore.  (<£)  Conical  pear- 
shaped  likewise  compound  spores  appearing  in  series,  often  in  branching 
series.  This  was  also  formerly  described  as  an  independent  species  of 
Alternaria  (Nees  ab  Esenb.).  (c)  A  small  form  of  acrospore  recorded  by 
Bauke,  but  not,  according  to  de  Bary,  Cladosporium  herbarum  (Link), 
which,  though  placed  in  genetic  connection  with  Pleospora  herbarum  by 
Tulasne,  does  not  belong  here.  In  the  third  category  there  are  pycno- 
spores  formed  in  pycnids  interstitially  arising  on  mycelial  hyphae.  The 
pycnids  consist  of  a  wall  of  several  layers,  from  the  inner  surface  of 


ASCOMYCETES 


375 


which  there  converge  series  of  cells  producing  successively  (terminally 
and  laterally)  pycnospores.  These  are  about  twice  as  long  as  broad,  and 
very  thin-walled,  but  surrounded  by  a  hyaline  gummy  substance.  Not 
only  are  all  these  forms  on  record,  but  the  mycele  shows  a  tendency  to 
pass  into  a  resting  state,  and  single  cells  or  groups  of  cells  becom- 
ing detached  add  to  the  means  of  propagation.  There  is  some 
contradiction  involved  in  the  accounts  of  the  occurrence  of  some  of 


FIG.  309. — Claviceps  purpurea  Tul.    Longitudinal  section  of  portion  of  sclerote,  m,  in  Sphacelia 
stage,  producing  conidiospores,  c  (much  magnified).     (After  Tulasne.) 

these  forms  and  the  order  of  their  succession  given  by  Bauke  and  by 
Gibelli  and  Griffini,  and  further  research  may  be  expected  to  throw 
light  on  the  matters  in  dispute,  as  also  on  the  question  whether  or  not  we 
have  here  one  species  very  rich  in  spore-forms  or  two  species  resembling 
each  other,  but  each  less  rich  in  forms. 

13.  CLAVICEPS  (Tul.). — The  peritheces  of  Claviceps  purpurea  (Tul.) 
appear  as  it  were  in  a  kind  of  capitulum  (immersed  in  the  same  stroma), 


376 


FUNGI 


FIG.  310. — Ear  of  rye  with  two 
mature  sclerotes  (ergot)  of 
Claviceps  purpurea>  (natural 
size).  (After  Luerssen.) 


borne  on  the  summit  of  a  stalk  arising  from  a 
sclerote  (the  well-known  ergot  of  grasses)  ;  the 
ascospores  are  filamentous  in  form,  and  on 
germinating  produce  hyphae  at  several  points. 
When  this  takes  place  under  suitable  circum- 
stances on  the  pistil  of  grasses,  the  tubes  enter, 
and,  besides  penetrating  the  tissue,  form  at 
length  a  white  hymenium  on  the  surface.  This 
hymenium  consists  of  numerous  cylindrical  ste- 
rigmata,  which  bear  acrospores  at  their  apices. 
(This  stage  was  described  by  Leveille  by  the 
name  of  Sphacelia.)  These  are  given  off  in 
drops  of  a  sugary  juice  which  oozes  out  be- 
tween the  flower-leaves  in  which  the  pistil  lies. 
This  juice,  '  honey-dew,'  is  eaten  greedily  by 
insects,  which  doubtless  eat  the  acrospores  with 
it.  These  propagate  the  Sphacelia  state.  At 
the  base  of  this  acrospore-forming  body  the 
formation  of  the  sclerote  proceeds,  and  it  ulti- 
mately replaces  the  ovary,  emerging  from  the 
flower  of  the  grass  with  its  base  seated  on  the 
floral  receptacle.  It  gives  rise  in  turn  to  the 
sporocarp  again. 

The  allied  genera  Cordyceps  (Fr.)  and 
Epichloe  (Fr.)  agree  with  Claviceps  in  the  de- 
velopment of  the  sporocarp. 

Besides  the  above  distinctly  marked  types,, 
the  origin  of  the  sporocarp  and  the  life-history 
of  a  considerable  number  of  other  forms  have 
been  more  or  less  completely  investigated.  It 
would  be  entirely  beyond  the  proportions  of 
the  present  book  to  enter  into  a  description 
of  these,  and  a  discussion  of  the  controversies 
that  are  bound  up  with  the  accounts  of  the 
multitude  of  incompletely  known  forms.  The 
citation  of  the  literature  at  the  end  of  this 
section  will  guide  the  student  to  original  papers, 
but  he  may  also  be  referred  here,  as  in  so  many 
other  cases  of  difficulty,  to  de  Bary's  '  Compara- 
tive Morphology  and  Biology  of  Fungi,'  &c., 
1887,  as  containing  ah  exhaustive  and  critical 
treatment  of  these  more  or  less  obscure  forms. 


ASCOMYCETES 


377 


He   will   find   there   also   more   information   on   the   development   of 
the  sporocarps  (both  discocarpous  and  pyrenocarpous)   of  the   types 


FIG.  311. —  Claviceps  purpurea  Tul.  A,  sclerote  which  has  produced  seven  stromata.^  fB, 
upper  portion  of  a  stroma  in  longitudinal  section,  cp,  peritheces.  C,  longitudinal  section 
of  perithece.  cp,  ostiole  ;  s/i,  cortical  tissue  ;  hy,  inner  tissue  of  stroma.  D,  ascus  isolated. 
sp,  ascospores  issuing.  (A,  natural  size,  B  slightly,  C  and  D  highly  magnified.)  (After 
Tulasne.) 


quoted  than  it  is  possible  to  give  in  this  place  without  burdening  the 
section  beyond  proportion  with  matter  of  no  striking  morphological 
significance. 


HOMOLOGIES    OF   THE    ORGANS. 

De  Bary,  the  founder  of  the  system  of  classification  of  fungi  adopted 
in  the  present  book,  calls  attention  to  the  striking  parallelism  between 
Ascomycetous  forms  on  the  one  hand  and  the  Mucorini,  Peronosporeae, 
and  Saprolegnieae  on  the  other.  From  the  oosperms  and  the  spores  of 
the  sporocarps  there -arises  a  thallus  which  closes  its  development  with 
the  formation  of  sexual  organs  and  the  oosperm  and  sporocarp  resulting 
from  their  union.  In  many  cases  the  life-history  is  confined  to  this  ; 
for  example,  from  the  Phycomycetes,  Pythium  vexans,  &c.  ;  from  the 


378  FUNGI 

Ascomycetes,  Eremascus,  Pyronema,  and  Ascobolus.  In  most  cases, 
however,  there  intervenes  the  formation  of  non-sexual  spores  which  may 
be  in  a  species  all  of  one  sort,  e.g.,  Erysiphe,  Peronospora  ;  or  of  several 
sorts ;  and  such  spores  are,  moreover,  in  many  cases  exceedingly  alike. 
Eremascus  might  almost  belong  to  the  Mucorini  (Piptocephalideae), 
while  on  the  other  hand  it  is  not  wanting  in  the  essential  attributes  of 
an  Ascomycete.  In  the  form  of  its  sexual  organs  it  completely  resembles 
Penicillium,  Gymnoascus,  Eurotium,  &c.  Again,  great  agreement  is  to 
be  recognised  between  the  thallus,  spores,  and  sexual  organs  of  the 
Erysipheae  (Podosphaera  especially)  and  those  of  the  Peronosporeae. 
The  resemblance  ceases  with  the  farther  development  of  the  results  of 
sexual  union,  and  at  this  point  the  groups  diverge  from  the  point  of 
contact  of  Eremascus  and  Podosphaera  with  the  Mucorini  and  Perono- 
sporeae. Of  course  the  envelope-apparatus  of  the  asci  is  not  included  in 
any  comparison,  as  being  of  purely  secondary  importance ;  and  since  such 
envelope  is  actually  wanting  in  Eremascusx,  the  case  is  made  the  clearer. 
It  is  also  pointed  out  that  though  the  oogones  of  the  Peronosporeae  have 
no  envelope,  it  is  by  no  means  impossible  that  such  may  be  found,  while 
the  zygosperms  of  Mucorini,  as  has  been  shown,  are  sometimes  provided 
with  an  envelope.  On  such  evident  grounds  as  these,  cited  from  de 
Bary  ('Comp.  Morph.  and  Biol.  of  Fungi,'  p.  232),  who  enters  minutely 
into  the  matter  (as  well  as  the  subject  of  the  sexuality  of  the  Ascomy- 
<?etes),  the  relationship  of  these  groups  with  each  other  is  abundantly 
established. 

DOUBTFUL  ASCOMYCETES. 

i.  LABOULBENIE^E. — The  Laboulbenieae  are  a  small  assemblage  of 
remarkable  parasites  on  insects,  attacking  mostly  water-beetles,  but  also 
other  insects,  including  the  house-fly.  They  possess  no  mycele,  and 
occur  fixed  on  the  chitin  of  the  insect  attacked  by  means  of  a  short 
process  which  serves  as  a  haustorium,  if  that  name  may  be  applied  to  it. 
Above  this  rises  a  stalk  consisting  usually  of  two  cells,  one  above  the 
other,  bearing  at  the  summit  a  simple  perithece  and  a  few  lateral  hairs 
(the  appendage]  composed  of  seriated  cells  sometimes  having  minute 
round  swellings  at  their  apices.  Before  the  complete  development  of  the 
perithece  has  been  reached,  there  is  emitted  from  its  summit  a  short  fine 
process,  which  may  be  a  trichogyne  ;  and  according  to  Karsten  (Stigma- 
tomyces,  Karst.)  the  minute  round  swellings  on  the  hairs  become  free  and 
attach  themselves  to  the  trichogyne.  Doubt,  however,  has  been  cast 
upon  the  accuracy  of  this  observation  by  the  investigation  of  Peyritsch, 
who  also  attaches  no  great  value  to  the  suggestion  that  the  so-called 


ASCOMYCETES 


379 


trichogyne  is  fertilised  by  the  contact  with  it  of  one  of  the  young  hairs. 
The  perithece  contains  a  number  of  asci,  and  these  eight  or  twelve  double 
ascospores.  The  ripe  double  ascospore  attaches  itself  to  a  fresh  host  by 
one  of  its  ends,  and  develops  into  the  new  plant. 


FIG.  312. — A  :  b — h,  Stiginatomyces  Bacri  Peyr.  (St.  Musca  Karsten).  A,  optical  longi- 
tudinal section  of  ripe  specimen  with  organ  of  attachment  at  base  ;  the  asci  are  seen 
through  wall  of  perithece.  a,  everywhere  the  appendage  ;  />,  an  isolated  ascus  with  spores  ; 
•  c— h,  stages  of  development  of  perithece  and  appendage  in  order  of  letters.  £,  Laboiil- 
benia  JJagellata  Peyr.  «,  the  appendage.  (A,  c,  g,  h  X  350  ;  b,  d,  e,f  x  450  ;  B  x  125.) 
(After  Peyritsch.) 

2.  EXOASCUS  (Fiickel). — The  species  of  Exoascus  mostly  attack 
fruits,  and  set  up  in  them  sometimes  conspicuous  deformities.  While 
some  of  them  possess  a  mycele  which  penetrates  the  parenchyme  of  the 
fruit,  &c.  (e.g.  E.  Pruni,  Fckl.,  E.  deformans,  Fckl.),  others  extend  no 
farther  than  between  the  cuticle  and  the  epiderm-cells.  In  the  former 
•case  the  terminal  cells  of  the  hyphae  which  emerge  from  the  surface 


FUNGI 


become  asci.  In  the  latter  case  either  certain  cells  become  asci  while 
others  remain  sterile  or  the  whole  body  of  hyphae  form  asci.  In  E. 
alnitorquus  (Sadeb.)  these  asci  havjs  a  pedicel-cell ;  in  E.  aureus  (Sadeb.) 
there  is  nothing  but  asci  left  at  maturity.  When  the  ascospores  ger- 
minate they  give  rise  to  a  yeast-like  sprouting. 

3.  SACCHAROMYCES  (Meyen). — The  species  of  Saccharomyces  occur 
in  fermenting  substances,  and  are  well  known  from  theirpower  of  convert- 
ing sugar  into  alcohol  and  carbonic  acid.  Among  the  familiar  species 

are  S.  cerevisiae  (Meyen) 
(ordinary  yeast),  S.  el- 
lipsoideus  (Reess),  S. 
Pastorianus  (Reess),  al- 
coholic ferments  which 
are  apparently  mere  form- 
species.  With  these 
should  be  placed  S.  My- 
coderma  of  Reess,  and 
Chalara  Mycoderma  of 
Cienkowski  ;  and  the 
'thrush'  fungus  S.  albi- 
cans  (Reess),  which  lives 
parasitically  on  the  mu- 
cous membrane  of  the 
human  digestive  organs, 
but  is  also  capable  of  ex- 
citing a  feeble  alcoholic 
fermentation  in  sugar 
solutions.  With  the  ex- 
ception of  the  last-men- 
tioned forms  in  which 
a,  single  cell  hyphae  occur,  the  species 
of  Saccharomyces  are 
unicellular  fungi  which 
increase  by  sprouting. 
The  cells,  in  which  a  nucleus  has  not  been  demonstrated,  are  round  or 
oval  in .  form,  and  the  sprouting  takes  place  in  the  form  of  a  pro- 
tuberance, which  gradually  swells  and  becomes  constricted  and  finally 
cut  off  by  a  wall  at  the  point  of  origin.  These  new  cells  either  separate 
at  once,  or  chains  or  groups  remain  united  as  they  have  been  formed! 
When  such  cells  are  cultivated,  on  the  cut  surface  of  a  potato  for 
example,  certain  cells  may  form  asci,  each  containing  two  to  four 
ascospores.  These  are  at  once  capable  of  germination,  which  takes- 


F'iG.  313. — Saccharomyces  cerevisice  Meyen. 
of  beer-yeast ;  b,  c,  stages  of  sprouting  ;  d,  colony  of  sprout- 
cells  ;  e,  cell  with  four  ascospores  ;  f,  one  with  two ;  g,  group 
of  ascospores  with  one  sprouting  ;  A,  further  development  of 
a  similar  group  (h  x  750,  the  others  much  more),  (e — h 
after  Reess.) 


ASCOMYCETES  381 

place  by  the  sprouting  process  described,  though  they  may  retain  the 
power  of  germinating  for  a  longer  period. 

This  cell-increase  by  sprouting  is,  as  has  been  seen,  by  no  means 
confined  to  Saccharomyces,  but  occurs  in  other  groups  of  fungi  (e.g. 
Mucor),  and  the  special  character  which  entitles  them  to  this  place  in 
the  classification  of  fungi  is  the  production  of  asci,  which  they  share 
only  with  the  Ascomycetes.  They  may  therefore  be  regarded  as  much 
degraded  Ascomycetous  forms — the  other  alternative,  that  they  are  early 
forms  from  which  typical  Ascomycetes  have  developed,  being  disposed 
of  by  the  establishment  of  the  connection  of  this  great  group  with  the 
Phycomycetes  as  already  described. 

LITERATURE. 

Barenetski— Entwickel.  d.  Gymnoascus  Reessii  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1872).   , 

De  Bary— Ueber  d.  Fruchtentwickel.  d.  Ascomyceten  (Leipzig,  1863). 

De  Bary — Beitr.  zur  Morph.  u.  Physiol.  d.  Pilze,  iii.,  1870. 

De  Bary — Exoascus  Pruni  (Beitr.,  i.). 

De  Bary— Ueber  einige  Sclerotinien,  &c.  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1886). 

Bauke — Zur  Entwickelungsgesch.  d.  Ascomyceten  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1877). 

Bauke — Beitr.  zur  Kenntniss  d.  Pycniden  (Nova  Acta  Leop.,  xxxviii.,  1876). 

Borzl— Studii  sulla  sessualita  degli  Ascomicete  (N.  Giorn.  Bot.  Ital.,  x.,  1878). 

Brefeld— Botan.  Untersuch.,  ii.  and  iv.  ;  compare  also  v. 

Brefeld — Mucor  racemosus  und  Hefe  (Flora,  1873). 

Brefeld  — Ueber  Gahrung  (Thiel's  Landwirthsch.  Jahrb.,  1875,  1876). 

Cienkowski — Die  Pilze  der  Kahmhaut  (Melanges  Biol.  Acad.  St.  Petersb.,  viii.). 

Cornu— Reproduction  des  Ascomycetes  (Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  6  ser.,  Tom.  u). 

Currey — On  the  Fructification  of  certain  Sphoeriaceous  Fungi  (Phil.   Trans.   Roy. 

Soc.,  1858). 

Eidam— Beitr.  zur  Kenntniss  d.  Gymnoasceen  (Cohn's  Beitr.,  iii.). 
Eidam — Zur  Kenntniss  d.  Entwickel.  d.  Ascomyceten  (ibid.). 
Eidam— Ueber  Pycniden  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1877). 
•Engel — Les  ferments  alcooliques,  1872. 

Fisch — Zur  Entwickelungsgesch.  einiger  Ascomyceten  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1872). 
Fiiisting — De    nonnullis   Apothecii    Lichenum   evolvendi  rationibus    (Diss.    inaug. 

Berol.,  1865). 

Fiiisting — Zur  Entwickelungsgesch.  d.  Pyrenomyceten  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1867,  1868). 
Fiiisting — Zur  Entwickelungsgesch.  Lichenen  (ibid.,  1868). 

Gibelli — Sugli  org.  reprod.  del  gen.  Verrucaria  (Mem.  Soc.  Ital.  di  Scienc.  Nat.,  i.). 
Gibelli  e  Griffini — Sul  polimorfismo  della  Pleospora  herbarum  (Arch.  d.  Laborat.  di 

Bot.  Crittog.  Pavia,  i.,  1875). 

Gilkinet — Recherches  sur  les  Pyrenomycetes  (Bull.  Acad.  Belg.,  1874). 
Hansen  —  Oidium  lactis,  &c.  (Medd.  fra  Carlsberg  Laborat.,  Bd.  i.). 
Hansen — Untersuch.  iiber  d.  Physiol.  u.  Morph.  d.  Alkoholfermente  (ibid.). 
Hansen— Untersuch.  iiber  d.  Organismen  welche  sich  zu  verschiedenen  Jahreszeiten 

in  d.  Luft  finden,  &c.  (ibid.). 
Hansen — Untersuch.   iiber  d.  Physiol.  u.   Morph.   d.    Alkoholgahrungspilze  (ibid., 

Bd.  ii.). 


3S2  FUNGI 

Hansen — Bemerk.  liber  Hefepilze  (Allg.   Zeitsch.  f.  Bierbrauerei,  &c. ,   1883;  Bot. 

Central bl.,  xvii.). 

Hartig — Wichtige  Krankheiten  d.  Waldbaume,  p.  101. 
Hartig — Untersuch.  aus  d.  Forstbot.  Institut_zu  Mi.inch.en,  i. 
Janczewski — Morphol.  d.  Ascobolus  furfuraceus  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1871). 
Karsten — Stigmatomyces  (Laboulbeniaceen)  in  Chemismus  der  Pflanzenzelle,  1869. 
Kihlman — Zur  Entwickelungsgesch.   d.  Ascomyceten  (Acta  Soc.    Sc.  Fennicse,  xiii.,. 

1883). 
Krabbe — Entwickel.,  Sprossung  und  Theilung einiger  Flechtenapothecien  (Bot.  Zeit., 

1882). 
Krabbe — Morphol.   u.    Entwickelungsgesch.   d.    Cladoniaceen    (Ber.  d.    D.    Botan. 

Gesellsch.,  1883). 

Kiihn — Mittheil.  d.  Landw.  Instituts  Halle,  i. 
Lauder  Lindsay — Spermogones  and  Pycnides  of  Lichens  (Trans.  Roy.  Soc.  Edinb. , 

xxii. ). 

Low — Ueber  Dematium  pullulans  (Pringsh.  Jahrb.,  Bd.  vi.). 
Mattirolo — Sullo  sviluppo  e  sullo  sclerozio  della  Peziza  Sclerotiorum  Lib.  (N.  Giorn. 

Bot.  Ital.,  xiv.). 

Millardet — Mem.  Soc.  d'Hist.  Nat.  Strasbourg,  vi.,  1868  (Myriangium,  &c.). 
Pasteur — Mem.  sur  la  fermentation  alcoolique  (Ann.   Chim.  et  Phys.,  Tom.  Iviii., 

1860). 

Pasteur — Etudes  sur  la  biere  (Paris,  1876). 
Peyritsch — Ueber    die    Laboulbeniaceen,  &c.   (Sitzber.     Wiener    Acad.,    Bd.    64, 

Abth.  I,  1871  ;  Bd.  68,  Abth.  I,  1873  ;  and  Bd.  72,  Abth.  3,  1875). 
Pirotta — Sullo  sviluppo  della  Peziza  Fuckeliana  (N.  Giorn.  Bot.  Ital.,  xiii.). 
Rathay — Ueber  d.  Hexenbesen  d.   Kirschbaume  (Sitzber.   Wiener  Acad.,  Bd.  83, 

Abth.  i). 

Reess— Botan.  Untersuch.  liber  d.  Alkoholgahrungspilze  (Leipzig,  1870). 
Reess — Zur   Kenntniss    d.    Exoascus   d.    Kirschbaume     (Sitzber.    d.     Phys.    Med. 

Gesellsch.  'zu  Erlangen,  1882). 
Reess— Ueber  den  Soorpilz  (ibid.,  1877  and  1878). 
Reess — Untersuch.  ii.  Elaphomyces  granulatus  (Deutsch.  Naturf.  u.  Aerzte,  Strass- 

burg,  1885). 

Reinke  u.  Berthold — Die  Zersetzung  d.  Kartoffel  durch  Pilze  (Berlin,  1879). 
Schwendener — Ueber  d.   Entwickelung  der  Apothecien  von   Ccenogonium  (Flora, 

1862). 
Schwendener — Ueber  d.  Apothecia  primitus  aperta  u.  d.  Entwickel.  d.  Apothecien 

im  Allgemeinen  (ibid.,  1864). 

Sorokin — Quelques  mots  sur  PAscomyces  polysporus  (Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  6  ser.,  Tom.  iv.). 
Stahl — Beitrage  zur  Entwickelungsgesch.  d.  Flechten,  i.  (Leipzig,  1877). 
Van  Tieghem— Chsetomium  (Comptes  Rendus,  81). 
Van  Tieghem — Nouv.  observ.  sur  le  developpement  du  fruit,  &c.,  des  Ascomygetes 

(Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  France,  xxiii.,  1876). (See  also  Bot.  Zeit.  same  year.) 
Van  Tieghem — Sur  le  developpement  du  fruit  des  Ascodesmis  (ibid. ). 
Van  Tieghem — Nouv.  observ.  sur  le  developpement  du  perithece  des  Choetomium 

(ibid.). 

Van  Tieghem — Sur  le  developpement  de  quelques  Ascomycetes  (ibid.,  xxiv.). 
Van  Tieghem— Monascus,  genre  nouveau   de  1'ordre  des  Ascomycetes  (Bull.  Soc. 

Bot.  France,  1884). 
Tulasne— Fungi  hypogaei  (Paris,  1851). 


ASCOMYCETES  383 

Tulasne  — Selecta  Fungorum  Carpologia,  i.-iii.  (Paris,  1861-65). 

Tulasne — Rech.  sur  1'organisation  des  Onygena  (Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  3  ser.,  Tom.  i.). 

Tulasne— Note  sur  1'appareil  reproducteur  des  Lichens  et  des  Champignons  (ibid.,. 

3  ser.,  Tom.  xv.). 

Tulasne— Mem.  pour  serv.  a  1'hist.   organograph.  et  physiol.  des  Lichens  (ibid.,  3, 

ser. ,  Tom.  xvii. ). 

Tulasne — -Discomycetes  (ibid.,  3  ser.,  Tom.  xx.). 
Tulasne — Mem.  sur  1'Ergot  des  Glumacees  (ibid.}. 
Tulasne — Note  sur  1'appareil  reprod.  des  Hypoxylees  et  des  Pyrenomycetes  (ibid., 

4  ser.,  Tom.  v. ). 

Tulasne — Nouv.  observ.  sur  les  Erysiphes  (ibid.,  4  ser.,  Tom.  i.).    (See  also  Bot.  Zeit.,. 

18530 

Tulasne — Note  sur  les  Isaria  et  les  Sphaeria  entomogenes  (ibid.,  4  ser.,  Tom.  viii.). 
Tulasne — De  quelques  Spherics  fongicoles  (ibid.,  4  ser.,  Tom.  xiii.). 
Tulasne — Note  sur  les  phenomenes  de  copulation  d.  1.  Champignons  (ibid.,  5  ser.,. 

Tom.  v.). 

Tulasne — Super  Friesiano  Taphrinarum  genere  (ibid.}. 
Vittadini — Monographia  Tuberacearum  (Mediolani,  1831). 
Vogel — Gymnoascus  uncinatus  (Bot.  Centralblatt,  xxix. ). 
Wilhelm — Beitr.  zur  Kenntniss  d.  Pilzgattung  Aspergillus  (Diss.  Berl.,  1877). 
Woronin — Entwickelungsgesch.    d.    Ascobolus    pulcherrimus   und    einiger    Pezizen 

(Beitr.  zur  Morph.  u.  Physiol.  d.  Pilze,  ii.), 
Woronin — Sphaeria  Lemaneae,  Sordaria,  &c.  (ibid.,  iii. ). 
Zopf — Zur  Entwickelungsgesch.   d.  Ascomyceten  (Chaetomium)  (Nova  Acta  Leop.». 

xlii.). 
Zopf — Die  Conidienfriichte  von  Fumago  (ibid.,  xl.). 


Class  XXI.— Uredineae. 

The  Uredineae  are  a  class  of  parasites  on  flowering  plants  and  ferns*. 
They  resemble  the  Ascomycetes  in  many  points,  as  will  be  seen  from 
this  short  account  of  them.  The  mycele  is  septate  and  much  branched, 
follows  the  intercellular  spaces  of  the  host-plants,  and  penetrates  the. 
cells  themselves  by  means  of  short  branches. 

Puccinia  graminis  (Pers.)  may  be  taken  as  a  type  of  the  course  of 
development  followed  by  some  of  the  forms.  Owing  to  the  change  of 
host  involved  in  the  course  of  development  of  this  and  other  forms,  and 
to  the  different  appearances  presented  by  succeeding  stages  of  the 
organism,  it  was  formerly  supposed  that  these  stages  constituted  distinct 
fungi.  Thus  no  less  than  three  form-genera  (^Ecidium,  Pers.,  Uredo, 
Pers.,  and  Puccinia,  Pers.)  were  established  to  denote  the  stages  of  the 
life-cycle  of  Puccinia  graminis,  the  well-known  com  mildew.  The 
sporocarp  (^Ecidium)  is  formed  in  spring  on  the  barberry.  In  its 


FUNGI 


FIG.  314. — A,  diagrammatic  transverse  section  of 
barberry  leaf  with  secidia,  a,  b,  and  antherids. 
s  (slightly  magnified).  B,  uredospores,  11,  and 
teleutospore,  t.  C,  germinating  uredospore 
(S  and  C  x  390).  D,  teleutospores.  £,  germi- 
nating teleutospore  :  promycele,  /,  and  spo- 
rids,  sp  (  x  400).  (A ,  £,  D,  and  E  of  Pnccinia 
^graminis,  C  of  P.  straminis  Fckl.,  F  teleuto- 
spore of  A  coronata  Cord.,  X  300).  G,  teleuto- 
spore of  Phragmidium  incrassatum  Link, 
(x  300).  -04,  .F and  G,  after  Luerssen  ;  B — D, 
after  de  Bary  ;  E,  after  Tulasne.) 


earliest  stage  it  appears  to  consist 
of  a  densely  interwoven  mass  of 
hyphse  situated  in  the  subepi- 
dermal  parenchyme  of  the  leaf. 
This  gradually  increases  in  bulk 
and  displaces  the  surrounding 
tissue.  As  it  grows  the  hyphse  in- 
crease in  size,  and  the  shape  of 
the  whole  becomes  more  definitely 
spherical.  Within  the  base  of  this 
sphere  the  hymenium  is  developed, 
and  consists  of  a  continuous  layer 
of  club-shaped  basids,  from  the  sum- 
mit of  each  of  which  is  produced  in 
basipetal  succession  a  single  series 
of  (Ztidiospores.  Enclosing  the 
sporal  mass  is  a  single  layer  of 
pseudo-parenchymatous  cells  aris- 
ing from  the  margin  of  the  hyme- 
nium, and  arching  over  the  top  of 
the  spores.  The  cells  composing 
the  envelope  are  larger  than  the 
spores,  and  possess  thicker  walls, 
while  their  clearer  contents  contrast 
with  the  orange-coloured  spores. 
The  enlargement  of  the  whole 
body  increases  until  the  epiderm  is 
ruptured,  while  the  tissues  of  the 
host  are  pushed  aside  and  com- 
pressed. After  the  rupture  of  the 
epiderm  the  envelope  bursts  at  the 
apex,  and  curves  back,  forming  the 
lip  of  a  cup-shaped  body  ;  the 
sporal  mass  is  farther  elevated  and 
the  spores  escape.  These  sporo- 
carps  are  situated  on  the  under  sur- 
face of  the  leaf,  but  accompanying 
them  on  the  upper  surface  there  are 
to  be  found  numerous  flask-shaped 
antherids  containing  pollinoids 
produced  at  the  apices  of  ste- 
rigmata,  and  in  all  points  recalling 


UKEDINE& 


385 


those  already  described  in  Collema.  They  are  orange-coloured  like  the 
sporocarps,  and  the  pollinoids  have  never  been  known  to  germinate. 
No  corresponding  female  sexual  organ  occurs  in  any  Uredine,  though 
the  early  stages  of  the  development  of  the  sporocarp  are  not  sufficiently 
known.  No  such  body  as  Woronin's  hypha  in  Xylaria,  for  example,  has 
ever  been  observed  in  the  Uredineae,  and  the  only  suggestion  of  a  female 
sexual  organ  is  to  be  found  in  the  occasional  occurrence  in  some 
Uredines  of  short  obtuse  hyphae,  projecting  through  the  stomates  of  the 
host  like  the  trichogynes  of  Polystigma.  These  may  be  traced,  it  is  true, 
to  young  aecidia,  but  there  may  well  be  nothing  more  in  the  suggestion 
than  the  mere  protrusion  of  mycelial  hyphae,  since  observations  connecting 
such  filaments  with  an  act  of  fertilisation  are 
wholly  wanting.  Massee  ('Annals  of  Botany,' 
1888,  p.  47)  has  recently  published  an  ac- 
count of  observations  of  a  supposed  sexual 
process  in  Uredineae,  involving  the  fertilisa- 
tion of  a  carpogone  by  an  antheridial  branch  ; 
but  the  subject  stands  in  great  need  of  farther 
investigation. 

The  spores  from  the  ripe  sporocarp  (aci- 
diospores)  germinate  only  on  the  leaves 
or  stems  of  grasses,  and  the  germ-tubes 
entering  by  way  of  the  stomates  give  rise  to 
myceles,  which  attack  the  tissues  of  the  host. 
In  the  course  of  a  week  or  more,  cushion- 
like  masses  of  mycelial  hyphae  situated  be- 
neath the  epiderm  give  rise  to  erect  basids, 
each  of  which  bears  a  red  uredospore  (Uredo) 
at  the  apex.  On  the  rupture  of  the  epiderm 
the  uredospores  escape,  and  these  alighting  on 
grass  plants  germinate,  again  enter  by  way  of  the  stomates,  and  renew  the 
same  generation.  This  process  may  and  does  go  on  indefinitely,  and 
thus  much  damage  is  annually  caused  by  the  attack  of  this  fungus  on 
the  corn  crop. 

Later  on  there  are  developed'  on  the  same  mycele,  first  side  by  side 
with  the  uredospores,  then  gradually  replacing  them  altogether,  two-celled 
spores  called  teleutospores,  and  with  their  production  the  development  of 
the  fungus  ceases  for  a  period.  In  this  condition  the  winter  is  passed. 
With  spring  they  germinate,  each  of  the  two  cells  of  the  teleutospore 
(Puccinia)  giving  rise  to  a  short  promycele,  the  terminal  cells  of  which 
bear  on  slender  stalks  a  single  sporid  apiece.  These  sporids  germinate 
in  turn  on  the  leaves  of  the  barberry,  the  germ-tubes  piercing  the  epi- 

c  c 


FIG.  315.— Puccinia  graininrs 
Pers.  t  teleutospore ;  it,  uredo- 
spores (  x  390).  (After  Sachs.) 


386  FUNGI 

derm,  and  giving  rise  within  to  the  mycele  which  ultimately  bears  the 
sporocarps  and  antherids. 

Gymnosporangium  (DC.)  represents  another  type  of  the  course  of 
development  in  Uredineae.  The  sporocarps  (corresponding  to  aecidia, 
but  here  denoted  by  the  form-genus  Roestelia,  Reb.)  appear  in  summer 
on  the  leaves  and  fruits  of  Pomeae.  No  uredospores  are  formed. 
The  next  generation  (teleutospores)  is  produced  in  spring  on  juniper  in 
odd-shaped  mucilaginous  brown  or  yellow  masses.  Promyceles  are  formed 
which  bear  sporids,  and  these  again  set  up  on  the  leaves,  &c.,  of  Pomese 
the  sporocarp  generation. 

A  farther  reduced  type  is  to  be  found  in  Endophyllum  (Lev.).  In 
this  case  the  germ-tube  of  the  spores  of  the  sporocarp  (aecidiospores) 
becomes  a  promycele,  and,  dividing  up  into  several  cells,  each  of  these 
bears  at  the  end  of  a  sterigma  a  single  sporid.  The  sporid  on  germi- 
nating renews  the  sporocarp  generation. 

Two  cases  of  exceptional  structure  may  be  noted.  In  Phragmidium 
(Link)  the  sporocarps  have  no  proper  envelope,  the  place  of  the  wall 
being  taken  by  a  circle  of  club-shaped  paraphyses  surrounding  the 
margin  of  the  hymenia.  On  the  other  hand  the  uredospores  of  Me- 
lainpsora  populina  (Jacq.)  and  of  Cronartium  (Pers.)  are  enclosed  in 
an  envelope  resembling  that  of  the  sporocarp.  The  development  of 
the  paraphyses  in  the  one  case  and  of  the  envelope  in  the  other  requires 
investigation. 

Besides  the  sporocarp-forming  Uredineae  there  is  another  group 
known  as  the  tremelloid  Uredinece,  which  do  not  possess  a  sporocarp 
generation.  These  are  not  to  be  confounded  with  those  Uredineae  in 
which  presumably  from  want  of  investigation  the  sporocarps  are  un- 
known. The  course  of  development  of  the  tremelloid  Uredineae  is  per- 
fectly well  known  in  a  number  of  cases  (Leptopuccinieae  and  Leptochry- 
somyxa,  de  By.),  and  consists  of  a  teleutospore-bearing  generation  with 
commonly  softer  and  more  gelatinous  spore-membranes.  These  teleuto- 
spores germinate  as  a  rule  at  maturity  and  not  after  a  period  of  rest. 
The  sporids  formed  on  the  promycele  produce  a  mycele  which  again 
bears  teleutospores.  Leptopuccinia  malvacearum  (Schroet),  L.  Dianthi 
(Schroet),  &c.,  bear  the  same  relation  in  appearance,  &c.,  to  Puccinia 
as  Leptochrysomyxa  Abietis  (Ung.)  bears  to  Chrysomyxa  (Ung.),  the 
species  of  which  form  sporocarps,  uredospores,  and  teleutospores. 

Enough  has  been  said  in  this  brief  account  to  indicate  a  probable 
connection  of  the  Uredineae  with  the  Ascomycetes  through  their 
sporocarps.  Those  .forms — the  tremelloid  Uredineae — in  which  the 
sporocarp  generation  may  be  presumed  to  have  been  lost,  sufficiently 
resemble  the  complete  types  to  be  necessarily  bound  up  with  them  ; 


UREDINE^E  387 

while  on  the  other  hand,  as  will  be  seen,  they  furnish  a  valuable  link 
with  the  next  class. 

LITERATURE. 

De  Bary — Untersuch.  iiber  die  Brandpilze  (Berlin,  1853). 
De  Bary  — Rech.  sur  le  developpement  de  quelques  Champignons  parasites  (Ann.  Sc. 

Nat.,  ser.  4,  xx.). 

De  Bary — Ueber  Cseoma  pinitorquum  (Monatsber.  Berl.  Akad.,  1863). 
De  Bary-  Neue  Untersuch.  iiber  d.  Uredineen  (ibid.,  1865,  1866). 
De  Bary — Ueber  d.  Krebs  u.  d.  Hexenbesen  d.  Weisstanne  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1867). 
De  Bary— /Ecidium  abietinum  (ibid.,  1879). 
Dietel — Beitr.  z.   Morph.   u.  Biol.  d.  Uredineae  (Bot.   Centralblatt,  xxxii.,  1887,  p. 

54;  ibid.,  1888,  No.  33). 
Farlow— The  Gymnosporangia  or  Cedar  Apples  of  the  United  States  (Mem.  Boston 

Soc.  Nat.  Hist.,  1880). 

R.  Hartig — Wichtige  Krankheiten  der  Waldbaume  (Berlin,  1874). 
R.  Hartig — Lehrbuch  der  Baumkrankheiten  (Berlin,  1882). 

Leveille— Sur  la  disposition  methodique  des  Uredinees  (Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  ser.  3,  viii.). 
Oersted-  Orn  Sygdomme  hos  Planterne,  &c.  (Kjobenhavn,  1863). 
Oersted — On    Podisoma    and    Roestelia    (Oversigt    k.    Danske    Vidensk.    Selskab. 

Forhandl.,  1866  ;  and  K.  Danske  Vidensk.  Selskab.  Skrifter,  ser.  5,  vii. ). 
Parker— On  the  Morphology  of  Ravenelia  gUndulaeformis  (Proc.  Amer.   Acad.  Sc. 

and  Arts,  1886). 
Rathay— Untersuch.  iiber  d.  Spermogonien  d.  Rostpilze  (Denkschr.  d.  \Vien.  Akad., 

1883,  Bd.  xlvi.). 
M.    Reess  —Die   Rostpilzfonnen  d.  deutsch.   Coniferen    (Abhandl.  Nat.   Gesellsch. 

zu  Halle,  Bd.  xi.). 
Schroter — Die  Brand-    u.   Rostpilze   Schlesiens    (Abhandl.   Schles.    Ges.   vaterland. 

Cultur,  1869  [1872]). 
Schroter— Entwickelungsges.   einiger  Rostpilze  (Cohn,  Beitr.  i.,   Heft  3;  ibid.,  hi., 

Heft  i). 

Schroter — Ueber  einige  amerikanische  Uredineen  (Hedwigia,  1875). 
Schroter  — Beobacht.   iiber   d.    Zusammengehorigkeit    von   ^Ecidium   Euphorbke   u. 

Uromyces  Pisi  (ibid.,  1875). 
Tulasne— Mem.    sur  les  Ust'laginees  et  les  Uredinees  (Ann.  Sc.   Nat.,  ser.   3,  vii.  ; 

ibid.,  ser.  4,  ii.). 
Ward— Researches  on  the  Life-history  of  Hemileia  vastatrix  (Linn.  Soc.  Journ.  Bot., 

xix.). 
Ward  —  On  the  Morphology  of  Hemileia  vastatrix  (Quart.   Journ.   Micr.  Sc.,  N.S., 

xxii.,  1882). 
R.  Wolff — /Ecidium  pini  u.  seine  Zusammenhang  mil  Coleosporium  Senecionis  Lev. 

(Festschrift,  Riga,  1876). 

In  the  above  papers  will  be  found  references  to  older  literature  and  farther 
memoirs  on  the  group.  For  a  systematic  account  the  student  is  specially  referred  to 
Winter's  Die  Pilze  Deutschlands,  Oesterreichs  und  der  Schweiz,  in  the  new  edition 
of  Rabenhorst's  Kryptogamenflora  von  Deutschland,  &c. ;  and  to  Plo \\ light's  British 
Uredineaeand  Ustilagineee  (London,  1889). 


C  c  2 


388  FUNGI 


Class  XXII.— Basidiomycetes. 

The  Basidiomycetes  are  a  large  class  comprising  forms  of  the  utmost 
diversity  in  appearance,  mostly  saprophytes  living  on  humus,  rotten  wood, 
or  the  old  wood  and  the  bark  of  trees.  A  small  number  are  parasites. 
They  all  agree  in  the  production  of  spores  (basidiosports)  acrogenously 
on  basids,  which  are  club-shaped  and  disposed  as  a  rule  parallel  to  each 
other,  thus  forming  hymenia.  The  spores  produced  on  one  basid  are 
two  or  four  in  number,  more  rarely  eight,  though  divergences  from  these 
numbers  occur.  They  vary  in  shape,  but  consist,  except  in  some  Tremel- 
lineae,  of  a  single  cell.  Among  the  basids  there  commonly  occur  sterile 
hyphal  branches — paraphyses.  Besides  these  spores  thus  borne  on 
definite  hymenia  there  are  also  others  produced  more  or  less  inde- 
finitely on  the  myceles  of  certain  members  of  the  group,  and  their 
character  will  be  described  below.  The  Basidiomycetes  are  divided 
into  two  sub-classes,  the  HYMENOMYCETES  with  gymnocarpous,  and  the 
GASTEROMYCETES  with  angiocarpous  fructification. 

Sub-class  1. — Hymenomycetes. 

The  Hymenomycetes  are  characterised  by  the  possession  of  a 
hymenium  on  the  free  exposed  surface  of  the  compound  structure  which 
bears  it — the  sporophore.  The  forms  embraced  in  this  sub-class  range 
from  very  simple  to  highly  complex  structures,  the  latter  being  repre- 


FIG.  316. — Tremella  mesenterica.  Retz.  (natural  size).     (After  Tulasne.) 

sented  by  such  types  as  the  common  mushroom  and  the  like — in  short 
those  fungi  to  which  the  name  is  popularly  applied. 

EXOBASIDIUM  VACCINII  (Woron.)  may  be  taken  as  the  simplest  type. 
Its  mycele  is  parasitic  on  the  leaves  and  stems  of  Vaccinium  vitis-idaea, 


BA  S  IDIOM  YCE  TES 


389 


and  forms  on  the  surface  a  hymenium  of  club-shaped  basids  each  of 
which  produces  four  basidiospores.  The  spores  divide  at  maturity  trans- 
versely into  four  cells,  only  the  two  end  cells  of  which  germinate,  doubt- 
less at  the  expense  of  the  contents  of  the  remaining  two.  The  germ- 
tubes  penetrate  the  epiderm  of  the  leaf  of  the  host,  and  a  new  mycele  is 
formed  which  again  bears  basids.  If,  however,  germination  takes  place 
elsewhere  than  on  the  proper  host-plant,  and  conditions  for  the  vegeta- 
tion of  the  fungus  be  otherwise  favour- 
able, the  germ-tube  begins  to  sprout  in- 
definitely by  means  of  elongated  sprout- 
cells,  giving  rise  to  others  only  at  the  ends. 
This  condition  has  been  maintained  in  nu- 
trient solutions  for  a  considerable  time,  but 
the  sprout-cells  have  never  been  observed 
actually  to  give  rise  to  a  new  mycele  like 
the  one  produced  by  the  basidiospores. 

The  TREMELLINE^E  (Tremella,  Dill, 
Exidia,  Fr.)  present  another  simple  type. 
They  are  gelatinous  fungi  of  not  very 
definite  form,  commonly  of  wavy  outline, 
and  are  saprophytic  on  old  and  dead 
wood.  The  hymenia  are  formed  on 
the  surface  of  the  gelatinous  mass.  The 
basids  vary  in  appearance,  and  are  usually- 
provided  with  fine  elongated  sterigmata 
and  reniform  spores.  Certain  forms  such 
as  Sebacina  (Tul.)  and  Hypochnus  (Fr.) 
do  not  possess  gelatinous  membranes.  The 
course  of  development  is  much  the  same 
as  in  Exobasidium.  The  germinating 
basidiospore  gives  rise  under  ordinary  con- 
ditions to  the  compound  sporophore 
again.  Under  other  conditions,  it  has  been 
observed  in  Dacryomyces,  the  germ-tubes 
do  not  grow  to  any  great  length,  but  produce 
secondary  spores,  or  they  form  sprout-cells. 

The  basidiospores  of  the  same  form  divide  transversely  at  maturity,  usually 
into  four  cells,  each  of  which  may  germinate.  It  should  be  added  that 
on  germination  these  secondary  spores  give  rise  to  myceles.  The  hyphae 
of  such  myceles,  moreover,  as  well  as  those  proceeding  from  basidiospores, 
sometimes  give  rise  to  tufts  of  rod-like  cells,  which  in  turn  produce 
myceles.  Similar  phenomena  have  been  observed  in  other  Tremellinege. 


FIG.  317. — Exidia  spiculosa  Sommerf. 
Longitudinal  section  of  portion  of 
hymenium  (much  magnified).  s, 
spores  ;  b,  basids :  h,  hyphae  of 
thallus.  (After  Tulasne.) 


390 


FUNGi 


It  is  manifest  therefore  that  in  these  simple  types  we  have  repeated 
very  much  the  same  order  of  things  as  in  the  tremelloid  Uredinese.  It  is 
perhaps  most  striking  in  the  case  of  Exobasidium,  from  which  the  transi- 
tion is  easy  to  the  Tremellineae.  The  layer  of  basids  and  basidiospores  may 
be  compared  with  the  layer  of  teleutospores,  while  the  transverse  division 


FIG.  318. — Coprinus  stercorarius  Fr.  A,  B,  and  C,  germinating  spore  in  successive  stages.  D 
portion  of  mycele,  *«,  with  five  early  stages  of  development  of  fungus.  E  and  F,  further  stages. 
(7,  longitudinal  section  through  germinating  sclerote,  s,  with  young  fungus  still  within  volva,  t>. 
//,  fully  developed  fungus  with  sclerote,  s,  and  rhizoids,  r.  (A—C  x  300,  D  x  200,  E  x  120, 
F  x  50,  G  and  H  natural  size.)  (After  Brefeld.) 

of  the  basidiospores  into  four  cells,  two  of  which  germinate,  heightens  the 
resemblance.  Farther  the  production  of  secondary  spores  on  the  short 
germ-tubes  of  basidiospores  recalls  the  formation  of  sporids  on  the 


BASIDIOMYCETES 


.391 


promyceles  from  teleutospores. 
From  the  Tremellineae  another 
easy  step  leads  us  on  to  the 
Thelephoreae,  and  it  may  be 
borne  in  mind  in  this  connec- 
tion that  certain  Tremellinese, 
as  mentioned  above,  do  not 
possess  gelatinous  membranes. 

The  THELEPHOREAE  (Corti- 
cium,  Pers.)  may  be  shortly 
described  as  recalling  in  point 
of  simplicity  of  structure  the 
teleutospore-layer  of  Uredineae, 
while  they  approach  very  closely 
the  club-shaped  Hymenomy- 
cetes  such  as  the  Clavariese,  in 
which  the  hymenium  is  dis- 
posed on  the  outer  surface  of 
erect  club  shaped  cylindrical 
and  often  much-branched  com- 
pound sporophores.  Through 
a  series  of  intermediate  forms, 
the  completeness  of  which  may 
be  recognised  from  a  systematic 
study  of  the  group,  we  proceed 
to  the  more  perfect  types  of 
Hymenomycetes  which  possess 
sporophores  of  more  complex 
structure. 

In  the  higher  forms  of 
Hymenomycetes,  the  sporo- 
phore  consists  of  a  cap  ex  pileus 
borne  on  the  summit  of  a  stalk 
or  stipe.  The  mycele  com- 
monly vegetates  in  a  soil  rich 
in  humus  or  on  old  wood  or 
the  like,  and  though  usually  of 
loose  filamentous  texture  it  is  in 


FIG.  -$\<).—Agaricus  mellens  L.,  in  diffe- 
rent stages  of  development  on  branched 
rhizomorph-strands.  The  upper  portion 
of  rhizomorph  represents  that  formerly 
known  as  RhizomorpHa  fragilis  Roth, 
while  the  lower  strap-shaped  portion  is 
var.  subcor  tic  alls.  (After  Hartig.) 


392 


FUNGI 


certain  instances  of  more  compact  character.  Such  are  the  sderotes  which 
are  resting  states  of  Coprinus  stercorarius  (Fr.)  (fig.  318),  and  the  rhizo- 
viorphs  of  Agaricus  melleus  (L.)  (fig.  319),  composed  of  root-like 
branched  strands  of  rnycelial  hyphae,  parasitic  on  the  pine.  The  rhizo- 
morphs  are  simply  sclerotes  with  growing-points.  From  the  mycele,  of 
^yhatever  character  it  be,  there  arises  the  compound  sporophore  by  the 
continued  apical  or  marginal  growth  of  a  bundle  of  hyphae.  It  is  not 
certain,  but  it  may  very  well  be,  that  intercalary  growth  also,  in  some 


FIG.  320. — Agaricus  campestris  L.     The  common  mushroom  (natural  size).    Stages  of  development 
from  a  to  e  ;  b  and  c  in  section.     (After  Luerssen.) 

cases  at  least,  assists  in  the  development.  The  hymenial  surface,  which 
is  commonly  situated  on  the  under  surface  of  the  cap  or  pileus,  is 
characterised  in  different  genera  by  being  spread  over  teeth-like  projec- 
tions (Hydnum,  L.),  radial  plates  in  the  numerous  species  of  Agaricus 
(L.),  concentric  plates  in  the  small  genus  Cyclomyces  (Kze.),  reticulated 
folds  or  pores  (Polyporus,  Mich.  Boletus,  L.) ;  such  typical  characters 
being  united  by  a  wealth  of  intermediate  forms.  As  a  rule  these  pro- 
jections are  very  symmetrical  and  of  regular  occurrence,  and  on  them  the 
chief  generic  characters  are  based  in  the  classification  of  the  group ; 


BA  SIDIOM  YCE  TES 


393 


FIG.  321.  —  Cogrinus  stercorarius  Fr.  Longi- 
tudinal section  of  the  end  of  a  gill  in  com- 
plete spore-bearing.  t,  trama;  /,  sterile 
palisade  cells  ;  b,  basids  with  spores ;  e, 
cystids  (x  300).  (After  Brefeld.) 


they  are  termed ^///y  or  lamella  in  the  AGARICINI,/W^  or  tubuli  in  POLY- 
PORE^E,  and  teeth  in  the  HYDNE^E.  In  many  of  the  forms  the  hymenium 
is  exposed  from  the  first  ;  in  a  series 
of  others  a  membrane  (velum  partiale] 
connects  the  edge  of  the  pileus  all 
round  with  the  stalk,  and  on  its  rupture 
by  the  extension  of  the  pileus,  part  of  it 
is  left  attached  to  the  stalk,  when  it  is 
termed  the  annulus  or  ring  (fig.  320), 
though  this  does  not  occur  in  all  cases. 
In  a  third  series  a  membrane  (velum 
universale  or  volvci}  (fig.  31 8)  encloses 
the  whole  sporophore,  pileus  and 
stalk  alike,  and  in  the  species  be- 
longing to  Amanita,  a  sub-genus  of 
Agaricus,  both  velum  universale  and 
velum  partiale  are  present.  In  these 
latter  cases,  therefore,  in  which  a 
membrane  is  present, 
the  sporophore  differs 
from  the  truly  gymno- 
carpous  forms.  The  de- 
velopment of  Amanita 
is  especially  noteworthy, 
since  the  gills  are  not 
developed  on  the  free 
inner  surface  of  the 
pileus,  but  during  an 
early  condition  from 
tissue  common  to  both 
stalk  and  pileus. 

Immediately  beneath 
the  hymenium  is  a  layer 
of  tissue  called  the  sub- 
hy menial  layer,  distin- 
guished from  the  rest  of 
the  tissue  of  the  sporo- 
phore by  the  greater 
density  of  the  ramifica- 
tions of  the  hyphae  and 

by    the    more     abundant      FIG.  322. — Polyponis  igniarhis  Fr.    Transverse  section  of  the 

under  surface,    h,  the  plexus  of  hyphae  forming  the  walls  be- 
Contents.          tween  the  pores  ;  s,  the  hymenium  (  x  270).   (After  Luerssen.) 


594 


FUNGI 


The  trama  is  that  portion  of  the  projection  which  bears  the  subhyme- 
nial  layer,  and  consists  of  hyphae  running  parallel  to  the  surface  from 
the  insertion  of  the  projection  to  its  margin,  which  in  many  cases  is  un- 
covered by  the  hymenium. 

The  hymenium  itself  consists  of  parallel  rows  of  club-shaped  basids 
surmounted  bysterigmata  and  basidiospores.  The  basids  are  the  termi- 
nations of  the  subhymenial  hyphae,  but  the  latter  also  frequently  end 
in  sterile  cells,  which  are  termed  paraphyses,  from  the  fact  that  they 
stand  in  the  same  relation  to  the  basids  as  the  paraphyses  do  to  asci. 
Large  inflated  cells,  often  of  relatively  great  dimensions,  called  cystids, 


FIG.  323. — Polyporus  igniarius  Fr.     Upper  surface  (half  natural  size).     (After  Luerssen.) 

are  frequently  found  emerging  from  the  hy menial  surface  (fig.  321).  They 
are  very  variable  in  form,  club  shaped,  flask-shaped,  cylindrical;  pointed, 
hooked,  or  knob-shaped  at  the  tip.  They  may  be  regarded  as  merely 
prominent  hymenial  hairs  with  the  probable  function  of  protecting  the 
basids,  or  of  parting  the  appressed  lamellae.  They  have  been  the 
subject  of  much  idle  speculation,  and  among  other  erroneous  views  they 
have  been  regarded  as  male  organs. 

In  the  sporophores  of  many  Agaricini,  notably  of  Lactarius  (Fr.), 
latidferous  hyphce  occur,  which  yield  considerable  quantities  of  milky, 
generally  acrid,  juice  when  the  tissue  is  bruised. 


BA  S  IDIOM  YCE  TES 


395 


Sub-class  2. — Gasteromycetes. 

The  Gasteromycetes  very  closely  resemble  the  Hymenomycetes  in 
the  essential  points  of  the  structure  of  the  basids.  At  all  events  the 
agreement  is  close  in  this  respect  between  the  higher  Hymenomycetes 
with  cap  and  stalk,  and  the  Hymenogastreae,  a  section  of  the  Gastero- 
mycetes ;  while  other  subordinate  sections,  such  as  the  Lycoperdaceae 
and  Phalloideae,  diverge  from  the  Hymenogastreae  only  in  minor  points, 
as,  it  was  seen,  the  lower  Hymenomycetes  do  from  the  higher  forms. 
The  possession  of  a  trama  with  a  hymenial  layer  on  either  side  of  it  may 
be  here  noted.  In  the  external  conformation,  however,  of  the  members 
of  the  group,  a  great  variety  is  displayed,  and,  but  for  the  existence  of 
numerous  intermediate  forms,  the  group  would 
appear  to  lack  coherence  in  this  respect,  so  great 
is  the  range  of  variation. 

The  mycele  is  very  frequently  in  the  form  of 
root-like  strands,  though  there  is  no  constancy 
in  this  respect,  and  the  simple  filamentous 
mycele  occurs  abundantly.  The  compound 
sporophores  frequently  grow  to  a  great  size  in 
some  of  the  sections,  but  the  character  which 
unites  the  whole  is  the  possession  of  an  invest- 
ing membrane,  the  peridium,  within  which,  and 
springing  from  it,  are  plates  of  tissue  dividing  the 
interior  into  chambers  where  the  hymenium  is 
produced. 

At  the  outset  there  may  be  noted  the  remarkable  genus  Gautieria 
(Vitt.),  which  has  no  peridium.  The  peripheral  chambers  are  therefore 
exposed  on  the  free  surface.  The  peridia  of  other  forms  vary  consider- 
ably in  thickness  and  other  characters,  and  a  tendency  exists  towards 
excessive  thickening  in  the  basal  region,  which  develops  outwards, 
forming  a  stalk  in  some  instances,  e.g.  Lycoperdon  (Tourn.)  ;  or  inwards, 
in  which  case  either  a  cushion-like  body  is  produced,  e.g.  Hymeno- 
gaster  (Vitt.),  or  a  central  column,  e.g.  Phalloideae.  The  whole  cham- 
bered structure  is  termed  the  glebe. 

The  HYMENOGASTREAE  may  be  regarded  as  an  assemblage  of  the 
simplest  forms  of  Gasteromycetes,  possessing  usually  the  simple  structure 
indicated,  but  including  among  its  members  Gautieria  without  aperidium, 
and  Secotium  (Kze.),  a  genus  with  a  central  column  traversing  the  body 
of  the  fungus.  These  two  forms  but  heighten  the  resemblance  which  it 
lias  been  remarked  exists  between  the  Hy-menogastreae  and  the  Hymeno- 


FIG. 


324 


—  A,      Octa?>iana 


asterosperma  Vitt.,  in  sec- 
tion (  x  5).  (From  .Luerssen 
after  Tulasne.) 


396 


FUNGI 


mycetes,  the  one  being  an  approach  to  gymnocarpous  forms,  and  the 
other  noteworthy  in  respect  of  its  stalked  and  pileate  appearance. 
De  Bary,  in  comparing  the  groups,  says  ('  Comp.  Morph.  and  Biol,' 
P-  337)  :  'If  we  could  attribute  a  decisive  value  to  the  habit  of  the 
plants,  we  should  dwell  upon  the  great  resemblance  between  the  stalked 
Hymenogastreas,  like  Secotium  erythrocephalum  (Tul.),  and  a  veiled 
Boletus.  .  .  .  But  among  the  Polyporese  there  is  a  remarkable  form 
Polyporus  volvatus  (Pk.),  the  Polyporus  obvallatus  (Berk,  and  Cooke), 
which  considered  by  itself  must  be  placed  with  or  close  to  the  Hyme- 
nogastreae.  Its  sporophore,  which  lives  in  the  bark  of  trees,  is  a  hollow 
spherical  body  flattened  at  the  poles  and  about  the  size  of  a  hazel  nut, 
with  a  thick  closed  wall  of  leathery  texture  ;  its  interior  surface  is 


FIG.  325. — Batarrea  Steveni  Fr.,  longitudinal  sections. 

a,  a  younger  specimen,  but  with  most  of  its  spores  ripe 

b,  a  mature  specimen,  of  which  only  apex  and  base  are 
shown,     p  and  h,  the  outer,  i,  the  inner  peridium  ;  g, 
the  glebe  (one-third  natural  size).     (After  de  Bary.) 


FIG.  326. — Batarrea  Steveni  Fr. 
Isolated  threads  of  the  capillitium 
(  x  390).  (After  de  Bary.) 


covered  with  the  hymenium  of  a  Polyporus  on  the  part  next  the  sub- 
stratum, and  is  sterile  on  the  opposite  side.' 

In  the  LYCOPERDACE.E  (Puff-balls)  the  peridia  are  often  developed  to 
a  colossal  size,  and  in  structure  they  agree  in  the  main  with  the  Hyme- 
nogastreae.  The  chief  distinction  lies  in  the  existence  of  two  kinds  of 
hyphae  in  the  trama  ;  slender  segmented  hyphae  with  dense  protoplasmic 
contents,  the  terminal  members  of  which  compose  the  hymenium,  and 
stouter  hyphae  running  not  only  in  the  trama,  but  crossing  the  chambers. 
Eventually  the  slender  hyphae  and  the  hymenium  disappear,  leaving  only 
the  stout  hyphae,  now  called  the  capillitium,  and  the  masses  of  spores 
between.  As  examples  of  the  possession  of  both  inner  and  outer  peridium 
in  this  section,  there  may  be  cit^d  Geaster  (Mich.),  in  which  the  outer  one 


BA  S IDIOM  YCE  TES 


397 


becomes  recurved  after  splitting  longitudinally  and  acquiring  a  stellate 
aspect,  and  Batarrea  (Pers.),  which  possesses  an  axile  column  immedi- 
ately beneath  the  middle  of  the  inner  peridium.  It  develops  into  a  stout 
stalk,  which  raises  the  closed  inner  peridium  on  its  summit  and  ruptures 
the  outer  one,  which  now  resembles  in  appearance  the  velum  universale 
of  Hymenomycetes.  In  Scleroderma  (Pers.)  the  development  of  the 
glebe  is  intermediate  between  Hymenogastreae  and  Lycoperdaceae. 
While  the  trama  is  disorganised,  and  a  portion  persists  as  a  fine  network 
together  with  the  masses  of  spores,  it  yet  forms  no  true  capillitium. 
The  NIDULARIE/E,  though  very  different  in  outward  aspect  from  the 


FIG.  327. — Crucibiilum  vulgare  Tul. 
•A—C,  longitudinal  section  through 
ripening  sporophores ;  stages  of  deve- 
lopment in  order  of  letters  (slightly 
magnified).  D,  ripe  sporophore  in 
which  the  epiphragm  is  beginning  to 
disappear  (natural  size).  (After  de 
Bary.) 


up 


FIG.  •$-2<&.—Cnicibulum  vulgare.  Section  through  upper 
part  of  sporophore  of  about  same  age  as  B  in  Fig.  327 
(more  highly  magnified),  a/,  the  outer,  ij>,  the  inner 
peridium ;  rf  and  of,  its  hairs ;  «,  funiculus  ;  t,  the 
layer  which  forms  a  sheath  round  it,  and  belongs  to  a 
peridiolum  divided  through  the  middle.  (After  Sachs.,} 


other  sections,  are  yet  readily  comparable  with  them.  The  chambers 
of  the  glebe  possess  very  stout  walls,  and  ultimately  become  separated 
from  each  other.  The  wall  of  the  peridium  becomes  transformed  into 
a  gelatinous  substance  over  the  apical  region,  and  on  its  disappearance 
the  chambers  of  the  glebe  (peridiola)  are  left  exposed  in  the  interior  of 
the  bowl-shaped  lower  portion  of  the  wall.  Free  and  detached  they 
resemble  comparatively  large  sporanges.  In  Crucibulum  (Tul.)  a  thin 
white  membrane  ternied  the  epiphragm  temporarily  covers  the  summit 

(ng-  327)- 

The  PHALLOIDE^:  are  an  assemblage  of  very  remarkable  and  strange 
forms,  in  which  the  Basidiomycetes  find  their  highest  development. 


398 


FUNGI 


Great  variety  of  external  conformation  exists  within  the  group,  as  the 
student  will  at  once  recognise  on  viewing  such  members  of  it  as  Phallus 
(L.),  Hymenophallus  (Nees  ab  Esenb.),  Clathrus  (Mich.),  Ileodictyon 
(Tul.),  Aseroe  (La  Bill.),  &c. 

Specimens  of  Phallus  impudicus  (L.)  while  yet  enclosed  within  the 
peridium  exhibit  the  following  structure  :  The  peridium  consists  of  an 
outer  white  membrane  and  an  inner  white  thinner  one,  and  between  these 
two  a  thick  layer  of  tissue  which  has  become  gelatinous.  Immediately 
within  the  inner  membrane  lies  the  glebe,  situated  in  the  upper  capitate 
portion,  and  bounded  on  its  inner  surface  by  a  conical  membrane 


FIG.  329. — Mntittus  caninns  Fr.  Young  sporophore. 
in,  mycele  ;  stages  of  development  in  order  of  letters 
it — y.  y,  a  specimen  with  ripe  spores,  but  before  elonga- 
tion of  stalk,  a,  the  outer  wall ;  /,  the  inner  :  g,  gela- 
tinous layer  of  peridium ;  l>,  the  basal  portion  ;  k,  the 
cone  ;  s,  the  stalk  ;  gb,  the  glebe  (natural  size).  (After 
de  Bary.) 


FIG.  330.— A  nearly  mature  specimen  of 
Phallus  impudicus  L.  before  elonga- 
tion of  stalk,  in  longitudinal  section. 
/«,  mycele  ;  a,  outer,  t,  inner  wall ;  g, 
gelatinous  layer ;  st,  stalk ;  h,  its 
cavity  filled  with  mucilage  ;  t,  lower 
margin  of  pileus  ;  j/,  glebe;  »,  the 
cup-shaped  basal  portion  ;  x,  the  spot 
where  the  peridium  bursts  (two- 
thirds  natural  size).  (After  Sachs.) 


belonging  to  the  central  axis.  This  membrane  gives  off  outwards  into 
the  glebe  numerous  walls  arranged  honeycomb  fashion  and  dividing 
the  glebe  into  compartments.  The  structure  of  the  glebe  itself  recalls 
that  of  the  Hymenogastreae  and  Lycoperdacese.  Below  the  glebe,  and 
surrounding  the  base  of  the  central  axis,  is  a  cup-shaped  mass  of  com- 
paratively firm  tissue,  in  which  the  base  of  the  stalk  is  fixed.  It 
connects  with  the  lower  portion  of  the  inner  peridium,  and  sends  a  thin 
projection  of  tissue  of  less  consistency  upwards  between  the  conical  mem- 
brane and  the  stalk.  The  base  rests  on  the  outer  layer  of  the  peridium. 
The  stalk  itself  is  hollow  at  maturity,  and  is  composed  of  air-containing 


BA  S  IDIOM  YCE  TES 


399* 


tissue,  with  numerous  compartments.  To  scatter  the  spores  the  stalk 
elongates  enormously,  while  it  increases-  in  thickness  at  the  same  time  ; 
the  peridium  bursts  at  the  apex,  and  the  glebe  is  separated  from  the 
inner  peridial  membrane  and  ele- 
vated on  the  summit  of  the  stalk. 
When  the  spores  are  scattered, 
the  conical  membrane  (so-called 
pileus]  remains  with  the  honey- 
comb-like structure  on  its  outer 
surface  attached  to  the  apex  of 
the  spongy  stalk. 

In  Clathrus  the  development 
of  peridium  and  glebe  agrees 
with  Phallus,  but  instead  of  a 
stalk  a  net-like  structure  serves  to 
burst  the  peridium  and  elevate 
the  glebe. 

Such  forms  as  Mitremyces 
(Nees  ab  Esenb.),  Tulostoma 
(Pers.),  Polysaccum  (DC.),  and  Sphaerobolus  (Tode)  exhibit  other  and 
remarkable  types  of  development.  Though  they  do  not  properly  fall 
under  any  of  the  sections  dealt  with,  they  may  be  regarded  as  more 
or  less  divergent  from  the  Lycoperdaceae. 


FIG.  331.— Aseroe  ritbra  Berk.  Mature  specimen. 
The  peridium  is  attached  below  ;  the  glebe  is  in 
the  middle  of  the  radiating  expansion  (half  natural 
size).  (From  de  Bary,  after  Berkeley.) 


LITERATURE. 

De  Bary— Zur  Kenntniss  einiger  Agaricinen  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1859). 

Bonorden— Beobacht.  li.  d.  Bau  d.  Agaricinen  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1858). 

Bonorden— Mycologische  Beobacht.  (Phallus,  Sphserobolus)  (ibid.,  1851). 

Bonorden— Die  Gattungen  Lycoperdon  u.  Bovista,  &c.  (ibid.,  1857). 

Brefeld — Bot.  Untersuch.  ti.  Schiinmelpilze,  iii.  (Leipzig,  1877). 

Brefeld—  For  further  development  of  Brefeld's  views  on  the  classification,  &c.,  of 

Basidiomycetes  (with  much  research  on  the  lower  forms)  see  Unters.  aus  dem 

Gesammtgebiete  der  Mykologie,  Heft  vii.,  1888. 
Corda— Icones  Fungorum  Prag  (1837-1854). 
Eidam— Die  Keimung  der  Sporen  u.  d.  Entstehung  d.   Fruchtkorper  bei  d.  Nidu- 

larieen  (Cohn's  Beitrage,  ii.). 
Fischer — Zur    Entwick.    d.     Gasteromyceten     (Sphetrobolus,     Mitremyces)    (Bot. 

Zeit.,  1884). 

Hartig— Wichtige  Krankh.  d.  Waldbaurne  (Berlin,  1874). 
Hartig— Die  Zersetzungserscheinungen  d.   Holzes  d.   Nadelholzbaume  u.   d.   Eiche 

(Berlin,  1878). 
Hesse— Mikroskop.    Unterscheidungsmerkmale   d.    typischen  Lycoperdaceengenera 

(Pringsh.,  Jahrb.  x.). 
Hesse— Keimung  d.  Sporen  von  Cyathus  striatus  (ibid.,  x.). 


400  '  FUNGI 

Murray  — On  the  outer  peridium  of  Broomeia  (Journ.  Linn.   Soc.  Bot.,   xx.,   1884). 
Murray— On  two  new  species  of  Lentinus,  one  of  them  growing  on  a  large  sclero- 

tium  (Trans.  Linn.  Soc.,  1886). 
Nees    v.   Esenbeck —Plant,    mycetoid.,   £c.,   Evolutio    (Nova   Acta   Acad.    Leop.- 

Carol.,  xvi.). 

Pitra — Zur  Kenntniss  d.  Sphserobolus  stellatus  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1870). 
Rossmann— Beitr.  zur  Entwickl.  d    Phallus  impudicus  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1853). 
Sachs— Morph.  d.  Crucibulum  vulgare  Tul.   (Bot.  Zeit.,   1855,  p.  833).      (Omitted 

from  index  to  vol.  of  Bot.  Zeit. ) 
Schlechtendal—  Eine   neue    Phalloidee,   nebst   Bemerkungen    ii.    d.    ganze    Familie 

(Linnsea,  1862). 

Schlechtendal  u.  Miiller— Mitremyces  Junghuhnii  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1844). 
Schmitz — Mycologische  Beobachtungen,  £c.  (Linnsea,  1842). 
Schmitz  — Ueber  Entw.,  Bau  u.  Wachstum  von  Thelephora  sericea  u.  Iiirsuta  (ibid., 

1843)- 
Schroter— Ueber  d.  Entwickl.  u.  d.   systematische  Stellung  von  Tulostoma  (Cohn's 

Beitrage,  ii.). 

De  Seynes  — L'organisation  des  Champignons  su,perieurs  (Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  ser.  5,  i.). 
De  Seynes  —  Rech.  sur  1.  vegetaux  inferieurs,  i.  Des  Fistulines  (Paris,  1874). 
Sorokin — Developpement  du  Scleroderma  verrucosum  (Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  ser.  6,  iii. ). 
Tulasne  —  Carpologia,  i.  (Paris,  1861). 
Tulasne— Fungi  Hypogoei  (Paris,  1851). 

Tulasne — Obs.  sur  Porganisalion  des  Tremellinees  (Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  ser.  3,  xix.). 
Tulasne— Nouvelles  notes  sur  les  fungi  Tremellini  et  leurs  allies  (ibid.,  ser.  5,  xv.). 
Tulasne — De  la  fructification  des  Scleroderma  comparee  a  celle  des  Lycoperdon  et 

des  Bovista  (ibid.,  ser.  2,  xvii.). 

Tulasne — Sur  les  genres  Polysaccum  et  Geaster  (ibid.,  ser.  2,  xviii.). 
Tulasne — Rech.  sur  1'organ.  d.  Nidulariees  (ibid.,  ser.  3,  i.). 

Tulasne— Description  d'une  espece  nouvelle  du  genre  Secotium  (ibid.,  ser.  3,  iv.). 
Tulasne — See  Explor.  Sc,  d'Algerie,  p.  434  (Clathrus). 
Van  Tieghem  -  Sur  le  developpement  du  fruit,  £c.,  des  Basidiomycetes,  £c.  (Bull. 

Soc.  Bot.  France,  1876).      (See  also  Bot.  Zeit.,  1876.) 
Vittadini — Monographia  Lycoperdineorum  (Mem.  Acad.  Torino,  v.,  1842). 
Woronin — Exobasidium  Vaccinii  (Ber.  d.  Naturf.  Gesellsch.  Freiburg,  1867). 

Of  historical  interest  is — 
Micheli  -Nova  Plant.  Genera,  1729  (Phallus,  Clathrus). 

The  student  is  also  referred  for  both  morphological  and  systematic  treatises  to  the 
numerous  papers  of  Berkeley— to  be  found  especially  in  the  Ann.  and  Mag.  of  Nat. 
Hist,  and  Hooker's  Journal  of  Botany  —  and  to  his  separate  books  ;  for  systematic 
information  particularly  to  the  works  of  Fries,  Persoon,  Hoffmann  (Icones  Analytics 
Fungorum,  Giessen,  1861-65),  Saccardo,  Sylloge,  vols.  v. -vii.  ;  and  for  British  forms 
to  Cooke's  Handbook  of  British  Fungi,  1871,  and  to  Stevenson's  Hymenomycetes 
Britannici,  1886. 


40i 


SIXTH    SUBDIVISION. 
MYCETOZOA. 

THE  Mycetozoa  are  a  group  of  organisms  separated  by  a  great  gulf 
from  the  Thallophytes,  but  presenting  certain  points  of  resemblance  to 
the  Fungi  which  may  here  be  indicated,  while  the  amount  of  that  resem- 
blance and  the  degree  of  their  divergence  will  be  more  fittingly  esti- 
mated at  the  end  of  this  chapter.  Their  nutrition  is  saprophyti.c,  and  the 
organs  of  reproduction  are  sufficiently  like  those  of  the  Fungi  to  justify 
the  use  of  the  terms  sporange,  spore,  swarm-spore.  The  vegetative  body, 
on  the  other  hand,  differs  in  structure  toto  ccelo  from  any  form  of  thallus. 
It  consists  of  a  naked  protoplasmic  body,  either  a  plasmode  formed  by 
the  coalescence  of  peculiar  swarm-spores,  or  an  aggregation  of  such 
swarm-spores.  The  first  case  is  characteristic  of  one  class,  the  Myxo- 
mycetes  ;  the  second  case  of  the  other  smaller  class,  the  Acrasieae. 


Class  XXIII.— Myxomycetes. 

The  ripe  spores  of  Myxomycetes  are  capable  of  germination  at  once, 
and  many  of  them  retain  this  power  for  considerable  periods,  some  for 
as  long  as  several  years.  Most  germinate  at  the  ordinary  spring 
or  summer  temperature,  and  in  pure  water,  while  others  require  a 
nutrient  solution.  The  germination  of  the  spores  of  Cribrariese  and 
Tubulinse  has  not  been  observed,  and  the  failure  of  the  attempts  to  pro- 
cure it  may  be  owing  either  to  the  supply  of  unsuitable  media  or  to  a 
necessity  for  a  period  of  rest — more  likely  the  former.  In  structure 
the  spores  resemble  those  of  fungi,  as  has  been  said.  The  wall 
is  either  smooth  or  sculptured  on  the  outer  surface,  and  the  protoplasm 
contains  one,  sometimes  two,  nuclei.  The  act  of  germination  consists  of 
the  emission  of  a  swarm-spore.  The  membrane  opens  and  the  proto- 
plasm escapes  with  a  creeping  motion.  This  naked  protoplasmic  body 
or  swarm-spore  then  exhibits  amoeboid  movements,  protruding  and  with- 
drawing irregular  processes,  becoming  more  or  less  elongated,  and 

D  D 


402 


MYCETOZOA 


acquiring  a  cilium  at  the  end  of  a  finely  pointed  process.    Its  movements 
are  of  two  kinds  :  a  hopping   movement,  during  which  it  commonly 

rotates   round   its  longi- 
3  2  t  


tudinal 
outline 


axis,    while    the 
undulates  ;    and 


FIG.  332. — Chondrioderma  difforme  Rost.  i,  a  ripe  spore  ; 
2,  the  same  germinating ;  3-5,  swarm-spores  ;  6,  7,  the  same 
in  amoeboid  state ;  8,  two  in  close  contact ;  9,  the  same 
coalesced  ;  10,  three  in  contact  ;  n,  two  after  coalescence,  the 
third  still  free ;  12,  young  plasmode  which  has  taken  up 


two  spores  into  its  substance  (x  350).    (From  Sachs, 
Cienkowski.) 


after 


a  creeping  movement,, 
which  takes  place  on  a 
firm  substratum  with  the 
cilium  in  advance.  The 
creeping  is  also  some- 
times accomplished  by 
the  protrusion  and  re- 
traction of  pseudocodes. 
The  same  swarm- spore 
often  moves  both  by 
hopping  and  by  creeping 
alternately.  After  passing 
through  this  stage,  during 
which  swarm-spores  mul- 
tiply by  simple  division 
into  two  (such  division 
taking  place  in  some  cases 
even  before  leaving  the 
spore),  the  formation  of 
plasmodes  begins.  The 
swarm-spores  taking  part 
in  this  process  are  such 
as  have  withdrawn  their 
cilia  and  exhibit  creeping 
amoeboid  movements. 
Several  come  into  con- 
tact and  coalesce,  thus 
forming  the  beginning  of 
theplasmode.  Others  are 
drawn  towards  it — how, 
no  one  has  ever  found 
out — and  successively 
coalesce  with  it,  until  a 
.  comparatively  large  plas- 

t  IG.  333. — Didymmm  serpnla  v  r.  A  and  B,  plasmodes  (natural  x  J  .          . 

size).     C,  margin  of  a  moving  plasmode  (  x  about  200).    (After    mode  IS   formed  With  the 
Reinke.) 

appearance    and    move- 
ments of  a  huge  amoeboid  swarm-spore  without  cilia.     This  plasmode- 


MYXOMYCETES 


403 


nourishes  itself  and  grows,  acquiring,  in  the  case  of  some  Physareae,  great 
dimensions,  and  forming  reticulated  masses  which  may  be  measured  by 
inches.  Fuligo  varians  (Somm.)  (or  as  it  is  more  commonly  called  ^Etha- 
lium  septicum  (Fr.)  or  *  flowers  of  tan,'  from  its  appearing  during  summer 
on  tan)  is  such  a  body,  but  the  plasmodes  of  other  families  of  Myxo- 
mycetes,  as  well  as  of  some  Physareae,  generally  remain  very  small  in  com- 
parison with  this.  The  appearance  of  the  strands  or  branches  of  the  plas- 
mode  (under  the  microscope)  is  that  of  a  turbid  granular  mass  bordered 
by  a  clearer  hyaloplasm.  The  surface  of  the  plasmode  of  Physareae  is  in- 
vested with  a  soft  shiny  envelope  of  a  substance  different  from  protoplasm. 
The  plasmodes  of  certain  other  forms  are  similarly  invested  with  en- 
velopes, as  to  the  nature  of  which  not  much  is  known.  The  larger  portion 
of  the  granules  contained  in  the  plasmodes  of  Physareae  are  of  calcium 
carbonate  ;  granules  contained  in  other 
plasmodes  require  investigation.  Nuclei 
are  abundantly  present.  Many  foreign 
bodies  such  as  spores,  diatoms,  &c., 
are  often  found  included  in  plasmodes. 
Constant  movement  is  maintained,  and 
the  most  characteristic  is  that  of  the  pro- 
trusion and  retraction  of  pseudopodes. 
Since  protrusion  is  commonly  more 
active  on  one  side  than  on  the  other,  an 
advancing  movement  of  the  whole  is  thus 
brought  about.  Internal  streamings,  more 
or  less  copious,  answer  to  the  amoeboid 
movements.  The  external  causes  of  move- 
ments are  :  with  reference  to  (i)  illumina- 
tion,  they  are  negatively  heliotropic  ;  (2) 
water — they  are  positively  hydrotropic, 
i.e.,  when  not  about  to  form  spores  they 
leave  comparatively  dry  spots  and  move 
towards  moist  places  ;  ($)food — they  are 
positively  trophotropic,  i.e.,  they  move 
towards  nutrient  substances  (as  might 
be  expected) ;  (4)  heat — within  certain 
limits  they  move  towards  the  warmer  side 
of  a  surface  unequally  warmed.  These 
movements  are  without  reference  to  the 
direction  in  space  in  which  they  may 

have  to  be  made.     It  may  be  stated  here  that  the  process  of  nutrition 
takes  place  only  in  the  amoeboid  states — the  swarm-cell  and  plasmode. 


FIG.  334. — Stemonitis  fusca  Roth, 
sporange  (natural  size).    B,  capillitium 
(x  about  100).     (After  Reinke.) 


404 


MYCETOZOA 


Resting  states  may  occur  at  all  motile  stages  of  the  life-history.  Micro- 
cysts  are  the  resting  states  of  swarm-spores.  They  round  themselves  off, 
and  are  invested  with  a  delicate  membrane  or  only  with  a  firm  border. 
Young  plasmodes  similarly  form  thicker-walled  cysts,  and  mature  plas- 
modes  form  multicellular  bodies— sderotes. 

The  spores  of  Myxomycetes  are  formed  either  endogenously  within 
sporanges,  or  on  the  free  surface  of  sporophores  (Ceratieae).  Sporanges 
are  formed  either  by  the  whole  plasmode  becoming  one,  or  the  plasmode 
divides  into  portions,  each  of  which  becomes  a  sporange.  Such  as  are 
situated  on  stalks  begin  as  small  swellings  on  a  strand  of  the  plasmode, 
and  by  degrees  acquire  their  mature  form  as  the  protoplasm  ascends  into 


FIG.  335.— a,  Ccratinm  hydnoidcs  Alb.  and  Sch.  Piece  of  sporophore  in  act  of  forming. 
b,  Ceratiiim  porioides  Alb.  and  Sch.  Piece  of  the  margin  of  a  sporophore  ;  spore- 
formation  beginning;  two  spores  which  subsequently  become  slightly  ellipsoid  on  their 
stalks,  (a  x  about  68,  b  x  120.)  (After  Famintzin  and  Woronin.) 

them.  While  this  process  of  formation  goes  on  the  solid  contents  of  the 
plasmode  are  expelled.  The  interior  of  the  mature  sporange  is  either  filled 
with  spores  only,  or  more  commonly  there  is  also  present  a  capillitium 
consisting  of  numerous  filaments  traversing  the  cavity  in  all  directions. 
They  probably  serve  as  supports  to  the  wall  of  the  sporange  in  the  first 
instance,  and  may  further  be  connected  with  its  rupture  and  the  dispersal 
of  the  spores. 

There  are  only  two  known  species  of  Ceratium  (Link),  a  genus 
which  forms  free  spores,  i.e.  not  within  a  sporange.  In  this  case  the* 
plasmode  before  spore-formation  consists  of  a  network  of  innumerable 
branches  from  which  cylindrical  processes  arise.  The  whole  protoplasm 


MYXOMYCETES  405 

flows  into  these  processes  and  finally  breaks  up  into  numerous  polyhedral 
portions.  Each  of  these  portions  grows  outward  into  the  form  of  a  ball 
connected  with  the  surface  by  a  short  narrow  stalk.  This  sphere 
acquires  a  wall,  and  the  process  of  spore-formation  is  completed. 


Class  XXIV.— Acrasiese. 

So  far  as  is  known  the  spores  of  Acrasieae  germinate  only  in  nutrient 
solutions.  The  swarm-spores  are  never  ciliated,  and  move  only  by 
creeping  in  amoeboid  fashion.  Under  unfavourable  conditions  they 
encyst  themselves,  and  form  temporary  resting  states.  They  unite  in 
great  numbers  for  the  purpose  of  forming  spores  again,  but  the  union 
never  amounts  to  coalescence  into  plasmodes.  They  are  heaped  together 
as  it  were,  and  compose  bodies  of  more  or  less  definite  form.  In  this 
condition  each  swarm-spore  becomes  invested  with  a  thin  membrane, 
though  no  common  sporangial  wall  is  formed.  Guttulina(Cienk.)  forms 
simple  spore-heaps,  but  in  Dictyostelium  (Bref.)  and  Acrasis  (Van  Tiegh.) 
a  stalk  is  formed  by  the  swarm-spores  in  the  centre  of  the  mass  becoming 
transformed  into  series  of  cells  with  firm  walls,  and  up  it  the  rest  of  the 
swarm-spores  climb  and  form  spores  at  the  top. 

DOUBTFUL  MYCETOZOA. 

De  Bary  repudiates  the  attempt  made  by  Zopf  to  bring  together 
under  this  group  an  ill-assorted  assemblage  of  lower  organisms  exhibit- 
ing amoeboid  movements.  He  considers  such  forms  as  Bursulla  (Sorok.), 
Protomyxa  (Haeck.),  Vampyrella  (Cienk.),  Nuclearia  (Cienk.),  Monas 
amyli  (Cienk.),  Monadopsis  (Klein),  Pseudospora  (Cienk.),  Colpodella 
(Cienk.),  and  Plasmodiophora  (Woron.)  to  be  doubtful  Mycetozoa. 
Plasmodiophora  Brassicae  (Woron.),  which  is  parasitic  on  the  roots 
of  Cruciferae,  on  which  it  produces  large  swellings,  is  common.  The 
ciliated  swarm-spores  penetrate  into  the  parenchymatous  tissue  of  such 
roots.  The  cells  affected  swell  to  a  great  size,  and  large  amceboids 
appear  in  them,  but  it  is  not  certain  whether  these  are  single  swarm- 
spores  or  small  plasmodes  formed  by  the  coalescence  of  several.  The 
whole  protoplasmic  contents  of  a  cell  then  break  up  into  spores. 

AFFINITIES. 

De  Bary,  to  whose  remarkable  investigations  we  owe  the  bulk  of 
our  knowledge  of  the  Mycetozoa,  considers  that  the  group  differs 


406  MYCETOZOA 

distinctly  from  the  Fungi  (and  still  more  from  other  plants)  '  in  all  such 
characteristics  as  do  not  belong  to  all  organisms  alike.  .  .  .  The  differ- 
ence would  not  be  less  decided,  if  the  Mycetozoa  were  without  their  re- 
markable amoeboid  movements,  for  such  movements  are  observed  in 
other  vegetable  cells  which  have  not  a  firm  membrane.  The  character- 
istic mark  of  separation  lies  in  the  formation  of  plasmodes  or  aggrega- 
tion of  swarm-cells  '  (*  Comp.  Morph.,'  p.  443).  He  farther  remarks  that 
the  highest  forms  of  the  group  give  no  evidence  of  close  affinity  with 
yet  higher  organisms,  and  seeks  for  their  relationship  with  Amoeba. 
Guttulina,  he  points  out,  differs  from  such  forms  only  by  the  aggregation 
of  its  spores.  Guttulina  protea  (Fay.)  (Copromyxa  protea,  Zopf)  even 
forms  solitary  spores.  This  form  then  links  the  Amoebae  with  the  more 
highly  differentiated  Acrasieae,  and  these  connect  with  the  Myxomycetes. 
Taking  together  this  connection  with  the  animal  kingdom,  and  the  want 
of  connection  on  the  other  hand  with  Fungi  (to  which  they  have  a  merely 
superficial  resemblance)  or  other  plants,  we  are  justified  in  placing  them, 
as  de  Bary  does,  'outside  the  limits  of  the  vegetable  kingdom.' 

LITERATURE  OF  MYCETOZOA. 

Baianetzki—  Influence  de  la  lumiere  sur  les  Plasmodia  des  Myxomycetes  (Mem.  Sc. 

Nat.  Cherbourg,  xix.,  p.  321). 
De  Bary — Die  Mycetozoen  (Zeitsch.  f.  wissensch.  Zoologie,  Bd.  x.,  1859;  and  2nd 

edition,  Leipzig,  1864). 

Brefeld — Dictyostelium  mucoroides  (Abh.  d.  Senckenberg.  Naturf.  Gesellsch.,  vii.). 
Brefeld — Untersuch.  aus  der  Gesammtgebiete  der  Mykologie  (Leipzig,  1884). 
Cienkowski — Zur  Entwickelungsgesch.  d.  Myxomyceten(Pringsh.  Jahrb.  wiss.  Bot. ,  iii. ). 
Cienkowski — Das  Plasmodium  (ibid. ,  iii. ). 
Cienkowski — Ueber  einige  protoplasmatische  Organismen  (Guttulina).     See  Just's 

Jahresber.  for  1873,  p.  61. 

Cienkowski — Beitr.  zur  Kennt.  der  Monaden  (Schultze's  Arch.  f.  micros.  Anat.,  i.). 
Lister — Plasmode  of  Badhamia  and  Brefeldia  (Ann.  of  Bot.,  ii.,  1888,  p.  i). 
Rostafinski— Versuch  eines  Systems  der  Mycetozoen  (Dissertat.  Strassburg,  1873). 
Rostafmski — Slucowce  (Mycetozoa)  (Paris,  1875).   A  monograph  admirably  illustrated, 

but  written  in  Polish.     The  system  in  Cooke's   Myxomycetes  of  Great  Britain 

(London,  1877)  is  adapted  from  Rostafinski's  monograph. 
Stahl — Zur  Biologic  der  Myxomyceten  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1884). 

Strasburger — Wirkungd.  Lichtesund  d.  Warmeauf  Schwarmsporen  (Jena,  1878, p.  69). 
Strasburger — Zur  Entwickgesch.  d.  Sporangien  v.  Trichia  fallax  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1884). 
Van  Tieghem— Sur  quelques  Myxomycetes  a  plasmode  agrege  (Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  de 

France,  1880,  p.  317). 
Zopf — Die  Schleimpilze,  in  Schenk's  Handbuch  der  Botanik,  iii.  (1887). 

For  further  literature  see  De  Bary's   Comp.  Morph.,  p.   453,  and  Rostafinski's 
monograph. 


407 


SEVENTH    SUBDIVISION. 
PROTOPHYTA. 

WHETHER  the  Protophyta  should  be  reckoned  as  a  distinct  subdivision 
from  the  Algae,  or  only  as  the  lowest  members  of  that  great  series,  is  a 
question  rather  of  convenience  than  of  principle.  In  an  ideal  system  of 
classification  founded  exclusively  on  genetic  affinities,  those  organisms 
•would  be  regarded  as  'protophytes'  which  were  the  earliest  heralds  of 
the  appearance  of  vegetable  life  on  the  surface  of  the  globe.  But,  from 
the  structure  and  conditions  of  life  of  such  organisms,  it  is  impossible  that 
they  can  have  been  preserved  to  us  in  the  fossil  state,  and  it  is  only  from 
the  comparative  simplicity  or  complexity  in  the  structure  of  an  organism 
that  we  can  conjecture  whether  it  is  an  archaic  or  a  derivative  form.  And 
here,  as  was  remarked  in  the  Introduction,  we  are  extremely  liable  to  be 
misled  if  we  neglect  to  take  into  account  the  phenomenon  of  the  constant 
appearance  of  degeneration  or  retrogression  in  the  vegetable  kingdom. 
An  organism  may  be  simple  in  its  structure  either  because  it  has  never 
risen,  through  countless  ages,  above  the  simplicity  of  its  primeval  ances- 
tors, or  because  it  has  fallen  back  from  a  more  complicated  condition. 
The  object  of  the  scientific  systematist  should  be  to  separate,  so  far  as 
possible,  between  these  two  sets  of  organisms,  to  include  the  former 
among  his  lowest  class  of  protophytes,  and  to  relegate  the  latter  in  each 
case  to  the  class  from  which  they  have  degenerated.  But  this  task  is 
attended  with  great  difficulties,  and  is  often  well-nigh  impossible.  An 
organism  may  display  degeneration  of  one  set  of  organs,  while  another 
set  manifest  no  such  degeneration  and  have  even  continued  to  develop. 
We  may  take  it  indeed  as  a  general  law  that  wherever  you  have  either 
the  vegetative  or  the  reproductive  organs  strongly  developed,  while  the 
other  set  are  very  feeble  or  altogether  wanting,  you  have  prima  fade 
evidence  of  retrogression.  But,  on  the  other  hand,  degeneration  may 
take  effect  in  all  the  organs  of  a  plant,  leading  to  retrogression  in  all  lines 
towards,  it  may  be,  the  archaic  form.  As  knowledge  advances,  the  constant 
tendency  will  be  to  transfer  to  this  class  of  retrogressive  members  of 
higher  families  forms  previously  regarded  as  protophytal. 


4o8  PRO  TOPH  VTA 


While  the  Schizophyceas  or  chlorophyllous  Protophyta  approach  very 
closely  to  the  lowest  forms  of  Algae,  the  Schizomycetes  or  non-chloro- 
phyllous  Protophyta  exhibit  greater  affinities,  as  de  Bary  has  shown,  with 
the  chlorophyllous  forms  than  with  any  family  of  Fungi,  Grouping,, 
therefore,  all  these  lowest  forms  of  vegetable  life,  whether  containing 
chlorophyll  or  not,  into  a  single  subdivision  of  Cryptogams,  it  will  be 
most  convenient  to  discuss  them  under  two  heads,  as  distinct  and  to  a 
certain  extent  parallel  series. 


GROUP   I.— SCHIZOPHYCEyE. 

An  attempt  is  here  made  to  bring  together  those  chlorophyllous; 
forms  which,  in  the  present  state  of  our  knowledge,  we  must  regard  as- 
primordial  ;  while  others,  almost  equally  simple  in  structure,  have  been 
referred  to  the  classes  of  which  they  appear  to  be  retrogressive  members. 
The  group  now  under  consideration  comprises  the  greater  number  of  the 
forms  of  vegetable  life  which  are  unicellular,  which  display  no  true  pro- 
cess of  sexual  reproduction,  and  which  contain  chlorophyll. 

Limited  in  this  sense,  the  Schizophyceae  may  be  divided  into  three 
well-marked  classes,  the  Protococcoide^  the  Diatomacecz,  and  the  Cyano- 
phycece.  In  the  Cyanophyceae  are  included  those  forms  in  which  the 
pure  green  colour  of  the  chlorophyll  is  masked  by  a  blue-green  pigment 
dissolved  in  the  cell-sap,  an  arrangement  not  found  except  in  plants  of 
the  very  simplest  structure.  The  position  of  the  Diatoms  has  been  a 
subject  of  much  controversy  among  systematists.  They  display  in 
some  respects  a  similarity  to  the  Desmids  ;  but,  for  reasons  given  below, 
we  are  disposed  to  consider  this  resemblance  as  apparent  rather  than 
real,  and  to  regard  the  Diatomaceae,  not  as  a  family  derived  from  the 
Desmidiaceae  by  retrogression,  but  as  a  primordial  type  of  great  simplicity 
of  structure.  In  the  Protococcoideae  are  included  those  forms  in  which 
the  pure-green  of  the  chlorophyll  is  not  concealed  by  the  blue-green 
colouring  matter  of  the  Cyanophyceae,  nor  by  the  brown  colouring 
matter  of  the  Diatoms.  It  is  unquestionably  from  them  that  all  the 
higher  forms  of  vegetable  life  have  been  derived,  and  the  boundary  line 
between  the  Protococcoideae  and  the  lower  forms  of  Algae  is  one  that 
cannot  be  accurately  laid  down. 

LITERATURE. 

The  literature  of  the  Schizophycese  is  included  under  that  of  Algae,  or  in  the 
works  specially  named  when  treating  of  the  separate  classes  and  orders. 


PROTOCOCCOIDE/E  409 


Class  XXV.— Protococcoideae. 

In  this  class,  the  Chlorophyllophyceae  of  some  writers,  are  included 
those  simplest  forms  of  vegetable  life  in  which  the  endochrome  consists 
of  pure  chlorophyll  of  its  natural  green  colour,  sometimes  replaced, 
to  a  larger  or  smaller  extent,  by  a  red  pigment,  but  the  cell-sap  never 
pervaded,  as  in  the  Cyanophycese,  by  a  soluble  blue  colouring-matter. 
The  individuals  are  of  microscopic  size,  and  may  be  either  motile  or 
resting,  and  very  commonly  the  same  species  occurs  in  both  conditions. 
The  motile  or  protococcus  form  is,  in  the  lower  members,  strictly  unicel- 
lular, consisting  of  chlorophyllous  protoplasm  either  naked  or  invested 
with  a  very  delicate  coat  of  cellulose  or  of  a  carbohydrate  nearly  allied 
to  cellulose,  usually  developing  but  little  or  no  mucilage,  and  moving 
freely  through  the  water  by  means  of  a  pulsating  vacuole  and  two  vibra- 
tile  cilia.  In  the  resting  condition  the  individuals  are  invested  by  a 
much  thicker  cell-wall,  and  have  a  tendency  to  congregate  or  coalesce 
i n  to  palmelloid  families,  and  to  enclose  themselves  in  a  common  gela- 
tinous envelope.  In  this  state  they  multiply  rapidly  by  repeated  bipar- 
tition.  The  palmelloid  form  may  be  derived  directly  from  the  proto- 
coccoid,  the  protococcus-cells  coming  to  rest,  losing  their  cilia,  and 
investing  themselves  with  a  thicker  cell-wall  of  cellulose  ;  or,  in  the 
higher  members,  the  individual  consists  of  a  number  of  gonids,  chloro- 
phyllous masses  of  protoplasm,  enclosed  in  a  common  watery  hyaline 
envelope  of  mucilage,  and  propagation  takes  place  by  the  escape  of 
these  gonids  from  the  envelope  in  the  form  of  naked  biciliated  zoospores 
or  swarm-spores,  closely  resembling  protococcus-cells,  which,  after  going 
through  a  motile  period,  come  to  rest,  lose  their  cilia,  invest  themselves 
with  a  coat  of  cellulose,  and  multiply  by  repeated  bipartition  in  the 
palmelloid  form.  In  some  cases  these  swarrn-spores  are  of  two  kinds,  the 
smaller  ones  being  conjugating  zoogametes.  In  no  case  is  the  individual 
filiform  and  divided  by  transverse  septa,  as  in  the  higher  families  of 
the  Cyanophyceae. 

It  cannot  be  too  strongly  insisted  on  that  this  class  is  a  purely  pro- 
visional one.  Many  of  the  forms  at  present  included  in  it  are,  in  all 
probability,  nothing  but  stages  in  the  development  of  algae  of  consider- 
ably greater  complexity  of  structure  belonging  to  widely  separated 
families.  The  external  resemblance  between  the  Protococcaceae  and  the 
Chroococcaceae,  and  'the  parallel  series  of  forms  in  these  two  families, 
does  not  probably  represent  any  genetic  affinity.  There  is,  on  the  other 
hand,  an  undoubted  alliance  with  the  Pandorineae,  through  Chlamy- 
dococcus  and  Chlamydomonas,  as  well  as  with  the  Hydrodictyese  and 


4io  PROTOPHYTA 

Siphoneae  through  intermediate  forms.  The  Protococcaceae  converge 
also  on  the  boundary  line  between  the  vegetable  and  animal  kingdoms  ; 
and,  since  it  has  been  demonstrated  that  the  power  of  forming  chloro- 
phyll and  starch  is  not  of  itself  sufficient  to  determine  an  organism  to 
belong  to  the  vegetable  kingdom,  it  is  impossible  to  draw  a  hard  and 
fast  line  between  the  Protococcaceae  and  the  Flagellate  Infusoria,  with 
which  they  are  connected  by  such  forms  as  Euglena  and  the  Peridinieae. 
The  Protococcoideae  are  divided  into  two  orders,  the  boundaries  of 
which  are  very  ill-defined  :  the  Eremobice  and  the  Protococcacece. 

LITERATURE. 

Ehrenberg — Die  Infusionsthierchen,  1838. 

Nageli — Neuern  Algensysteme,  1847,  pp.  123-132;  and  Gattungen  einzelliger  Algen, 

1849. 
Braun — Verjiingung  in  der  Natur,  1851  (Ray  Soc.  Bot.  and  Phys.  Memoirs,  1853) ; 

and  Algarum  unicellularum  genera,  1855. 

(Also  the  Memoirs  referred  to  under  the  separate  genera,  and  the  literature  ot 
Algre  generally.) 

ORDER  i. — EREMOBL*:  (including  SCIADIACE^:). 

In  this  ill-defined  family,  known  by  some  writers  as  Characiaceae, 
the  limits  of  which  are  very  difficult  to  assign,  are  included  a  number  of 
genera  distinguished  from  the  Protococcaceae  by  their  greater  complexity 
of  structure.  They  are  mostly  fresh-water,  but  comprise  also  a  few 
marine  organisms,  free-swimming  or  attached  to  algae.  In  the  larger 
number  of  genera  each  individual  consists  of  a  number  of  green  proto- 
plasmic bodies,  pseudocysts  or  gonids — that  is,  masses  of  chlorophyllous 
protoplasm  of  defined  outline  but  not  clothed  with  a  definite  cell-wall  of 
cellulose — sometimes  of  considerable  size,  enclosed  in  a  common  trans- 
parent hyaline  envelope,  which  may  be  simple  or  may  branch  in  an 
arborescent  manner.  In  some  genera  the  hyaline  envelope  is  wanting. 
Multiplication  takes  place  by  simple  division,  or  by  the  transformation  of 
the  gonids  into  zoospores,  which  sometimes  display  a  differentiation  into 
larger  megazoospores  and  small  er  microzoospores  or  zoogametes.  Although 
conjugation  of  these  gametes  has  hitherto  been  observed  only  in  a  few 
cases,  this  appears  to  be  the  earliest  indication  among  chlorophyllous 
organisms  of  a  differentiation  of  sexual  elements  ;  and  the  Eremobiae 
clearly  approach  those  algae  which  multiply  by  conjugation  through 
Botrydium,  or  through  such  forms  as  Endosphaera,  Chlorochytrium,  and 
Phyllobium,  or  again  through  Hydrodictyon.  Lagerheim  (Ber.  Deutsch. 
Bot.  Ges.,  1884,  p.  302)  asserts  the  presence  of  chromatophores  in 
Glaucocystis  (Itz.). 


PRO  TOCOCCOIDE& 


411 


In  the  following  paragraphs  only  the  more  remarkable  or  better 
Tmown  genera  are  described. 

In  Sdffdium  A.  Br.,  made  by  some  writers  the  type  of  a  distinct 
family  SCIADIACE^E,  the  peculiar  mode  of  germination  of  the  zoospores 
gives  rise  to  a  remarkably  complicated  structure.  Each  individual  consists 
at  first  of  a  single  elongated  cylindrical  cell.  The  green  protoplasmic 
contents  of  this  cell  break  up  ultimately  into  a  number  of  biciliated 
zoospores,  which  are  set  free  by  the  upper  portion  of  the  cell -wall  be- 
coming detached  in  the  form  of  a  cap. 
The  zoospores  do  not,  however,  escape, 
but  germinate  while  still  attached  to 
the  mother-cell,  giving  rise  to  a  cluster 
of  smaller  cylindrical  cells  springing 
from  the  apex  of  the  mother-cell.  This 
may  go  on  until  the  colony  consists  of 
as  many  as  four  generations,  giving 
the  appearance  of  a  minute  branching 
shrub.  The  zoospores  of  each  genera- 
tion are  smaller  than  those  of  the  pre- 
ceding one,  and  it  is  probable  that 
those  of  the  last  generation,  which  escape 
altogether  from  the  parent-cell,  are 
conjugating  zoogametes.  It  is  pos- 
sible that  a  form  allied  to  Sciadium  may  have  been  the  starting-point  of 
the  Siphonocladaceae,  with  which  family  it  shows  a  certain  affinity,  as,  for 
example,  with  Valonia. 

Chlorothecium  Bzi.  (Malpighia,  1888,  p.  250)  occurs  in  the  form  of 
palmeiloid  colonies  with  a  thick  and  firm  cell-wall  on  aquatic  plants. 
From  the  cells  of  these  colonies  are  developed  zoosporanges,  or  rather 
gametange:,  without  any  alteration  of  their  primitive  form  ;  from  each 
gametange  there  escape  from  two  to  four  swarm- spores,  or  occasionally 
only  one,  each  provided  with  a  single  cilium  and  a  conspicuous  red 
pigment-spot.  These  swarm-spores  are  zoogametes,  conjugating  by 
gradual  fusion.  After  hibernating  the  contents  of  the  zygosperm  break 
up  into  two  masses,  each  of  which  escapes  as  a  non-sexual  zoospore,  so 
that  the  zygosperm  is  itself  a  zoos'porange.  From  these  zoospores  are 
again  formed  the  palmeiloid  colonies,  in  which  form  Chlorothecium 
may  multiply  itself  non-sexually  without  producing  zoogametes. 

The  position  of  Halosphara  (Schmitz,  Mittheil.  Zool.  Stat.  Neapel, 
1878,  p.  61)  is  very  doubtful.  Each  individual  is  a  minute  green  globe, 
just  visible  to  the  naked  eye,,  as  much  as  0-5  mm.  in  diameter,  floating 
on  the  surface  of  the  sea,  and  bearing  an  external  resemblance  to  Volvox. 


FIG.  336. — Sciadium  arbuscnla  A.  Br. 
(magnified). 


412 


PROTOPHYTA 


Each  cell  contains  a  nucleus  and  a  vacuole  ;  the  green  protoplasmic 
contents  break  up  ultimately  into  zoospores  of  a  very  peculiar  form, 
conical,  with  two  cilia  attached  to  the  nearly  flat  base,  recalling  those  of 
^^^.-^  Hydrurus  (p.  256). 

In  Dictyosphcerium  Nag.,. 
which  ought  possibly  to  be 
placed  under  the  Ccenobieae,  the 
free-swimming  colony  is  com- 
posed of  globular  or  kidney- 
shaped  green  gonids  connected 
together  by  delicate  threads  of 
mucilage.  New  colonies  are 
formed  by  repeated  biparti- 

B  ^^^^^^^^     A  N        tion  of  the  gonids,  which  fre- 

FIG.  w.~-Hapiosph*ra  -viridis  Schm.    Globe  ( x  80),     quently  exist  for  a  time  without 

any  enclosing  cell-wall.     Mis- 

chococcus  Nag.  consists  of  minute  globular  gonids  connected  together 
in  an  arborescent  manner  and  enclosed  in  a  hyaline  envelope,  the  whole 
colony  attached  to  fresh-water  algae.  Borzi  (Malpighia,  1888,  p.  133) 
describes  also  a  palmelloid  form  of  Mischococcus,  the  cells  of  which 
give  birth  to  megazoospores  with  only  a  single  cilium.  The  dendroidal 
form  may  spring  either  from  these  zoospores  or  directly  from  the 
palmella- cells  ;  its  cells  also  produce  uniciliated  swarm-spores,  similar  to 
the  zoospores  but  smaller.  They  are  apparently  zoogametes  conjuga- 


FIG.  338. — Dictyosphczrium  rcniforme 
Buln.  (x  400).     (After  Cooke.) 


FIG.  339. — Mischococcus  confenncola  Nag. 
(X4oo).     (After  Cooke.) 


ting  to  produce  a  biciliated  zoosperm.  Botrydina  Breb.,  found  on 
moist  ground,  trunks  of  trees,  &c.,  is  composed  of  a  number  of  minute 
gonids  enclosed  in  a  pear-shaped  or  globular  hyaline  envelope,  as  much 
as  o-i  mm.  in  diameter,  and  resembling  Aphanocapsa  among  the 
Chroococcaceae.  It  may  possibly  be  allied  to  Botrydium. 

Chararium  A.  Br.  is  a  minute  green  organism  attached  by  a  gela- 
tinous stalk  to  algae  or  other  fresh-water  plants,  often  in  groups.     It  is 


PROTOCOCCOIDEsE 


ovate  or  pear-shaped,  0*02-0  025  mm.  in  diameter  in  the  larger  species, 
often  apiculate  or  spinous  at  the  apex.     The  cell-contents  divide,  by 
successive  bipartitions,  into  zoospores,  which  commence  swarming  while 
still  within  the  mother-cell,  indicating  an  approach 
to  Hydrodictyon.    They  escape  through  a  lateral  or 
terminal   fissure.      Nearly   allied  to  Characium  are 
Hydrocytium  A.  Br.,  also  met  with  in  fresh  water, 
and  Hydrianum  Rabh.,  found  in  similar  localities. 
In  the  last  genus  the  zoospores  also  escape  at  the 
apex.     In  Apiocystis  Nag.  a  large  number  of  gonids 
are  sparsely  scattered  through  a  stalked  pear-shaped 
gelatinous   envelope  attached   to   fresh- water   algae. 
They  occur  chiefly  in  the  periphery,  and  are  ulti- 
mately converted  into  zoospores. 

Codiolum  A.  Br.  is  a  club-shaped  marine  organism,  about  0*04  mm. 
in  diameter,  and  four  to  six  times  the  length,  attached  to  rocks  or  sea- 
weeds. It  is  propagated  by  zoospores,  or,  according  to  some  observers, 
also  by  resting  hypnospores.  Hauckia  Bzi.  (Nuov.  Giorn.  Bot.  Ital., 


FIG.  340.  —Characium 
ornithocephaluin  A. 
Br.  (x  600).  (After 
A.  Braun.) 


FIG.  341. — Apiocystis  Brauniana  Nag. 
(  x  100).    (From  nature.) 


FIG.  342. — Codiolum  gregarium  A.  Br.  (magnified). 
(After  Hauck.) 


1880,  p.  290)  grows  on  rocks  exposed  to  the  sea.  The  gonids  are  placed 
in  pairs  on  a  long  hyaline  stalk  ;  it  produces  zoospores  of  two  different 
sizes,  but  no  process  of  conjugation  has  at  present  been  observed. 


PROTOPHYTA 


(Trans.  Irish  Acad.,  1881,  p.  27)  is  also  a  marine  genus,. 
allied  to  Characium  and  Hydrocytium  ;  but  the  zoospores  escape 
through  a  terminal  instead  of  a  lateral  fissure. 

Of  free-swimming  forms  occurring  in  fresh  water,  Nephrocythnn 
Nag.  consists  of  kidney-shaped  gonids  enclosed 
in  a  hyaline  envelope.  Although  the  production  of 
zoospores  has  not  been  detected  in  this  genus,  its 
position  is  probably  here,  though  its  true  place 
may  possibly  be  among  the  Sorastreae.  Dangeard 
(Bull.  Soc.  Linn.  Normandie,  i.,  1888,  p.  196)  has 
observed  a  mode  of  propagation  by  the  formation 
of  daughter-colonies  within  the  membrane  of  the 
parent-colony.  In  Ophiocytium  Nag.,  the  origi- 
na^y  cylindrical  individual  becomes  curved  in  .a 
serpentine  manner,  and  produced  at  one  extremity 
into  a  hyaline  spine.  The  zoospores  escape  by  the  detachment  of  the 
cap-like  apex  of  the  hyaline  envelope. 

In  Hormospora  Breb.  the  free-swimming  individual  or  colony  con- 
sists of  a  very  elongated  straight  or  bent  cylinder,  sometimes  branching, 
the  gonids  arranged  in  a  single  or  double  row  within  a  dense  hyaline 
envelope.  No  formation  of  zoospores  has  been  observed.  Cylindro- 
capsa  (Reinsch)  (see  p.  227)  is  placed  here  by  some  authorities. 


FIG.  w.-Ncphrocytium 
(Affer  cSke")  (  x  30o)' 


FIG.  344-—  Hormospora  mntabilis  Bn;b.  (  x  200).     (From  nature.) 

Although  in  the  majority  of  the  genera  named  above  only  one  kind 
of  swarm-spore  has  hitherto  been  observed,  it  is  highly  probable  that 
some  or  all  of  them  produce  both  megazoospores  and  zoogametes  with 
a  sexual  function. 

LITERATURE. 

Fresenius— Abhandl.  Senckenberg.  Naturf.  Gesell.,  iii.,  1856-8,  p.  237. 

Archer — Microscop.  Journ.,  1866. 

Zukal — Oesterr.  Bot.  Zeitschr.,  1880,  p.  u.  * 

Holmes — Journ.  Linn.  Soc.,  xviii.,  1881,  p.  132. 

Borzl — Nuov.  Giorn.  Bot.  Ital.,  1882,  p.  272  ;  and  Studi  Algologici,  1883. 

Lagerheim— Bot.  Centralbl.,  xii.,  1882,  p.  33  ;  and.  Oefv.  Vetensk.  Akad.  Forhandl., 

Stockholm,  1885,  p.  21. 

Klebs— Unters.  Bot.  Inst.  Tubingen,  i.,  1883,  p.  233. 
Bennett— Journ.  Micr.  Soc.,  1887,  p.  9;  and  1888,  p.  2. 


PRO  TOCOCCOIDE.E  4 1 5 


ORDER  2.— PROTOCOCCACE.E  (including  PALMELLACE^E). 

In  this  family  are  included  a  number  of  organisms  of  very  simple 
structure,  many  of  which  occur  both  in  the  free-swimming  (protococcus} 
and  in  the  resting  (palmella]  condition.  In  the  former  state  they  bear 
a  very  close  resemblance  to  the  zoospores  of  the  higher  algae.  Other 
forms  are  known  in  one  condition  only,  in  which  they  have  a  free- 
swimming  motion  without  the  aid  of  cilia. 

Protococcus  Ag.  is  one  of  the  commonest  objects  in  fresh  water, 
especially  stagnant  rain-water,  forming  masses  of  a  bright  green  colour, 
either  floating  free  or  attached  to  a  submerged  or  floating  object,  but 
destitute  in  this  state  of  any  spontaneous  power  of  motion.  In  this 
palmella-condition  each  individual  consists  of  a  nearly  spherical  cell, 
varying  between  forty  and  fifty  microns  (=  '04-'o5  mm.)  in  diameter, 
which  multiplies  rapidly  by  repeated  bipartition  of  its  contents.  The 
bright  green  endochrome  has  usually 
intermixed  with  it  a  larger  or  smaller 
quantity  of  a  red  pigment,  the  propor- 
tion varying  according  to  the  conditions 
of  life,  &c.  The  change  to  the  active 
condition  takes  place  in  the  following 
way.  The  protoplasm  withdraws  itself 
from  the  cell- wall,  and  escapes  in  the 

FIG.     \4$.—Protocecciu    pluvialis    Ktz. 

form  Of  an    OVOld    maSS    provided  With  A,  motile  condition;  B,  palmella  condi- 

,  j     ,         ,  .,          .,         .,.  tion(x25o).    (After  Cohn.) 

two  very  long  and  slender  vibratile  cilia 

and  a  pulsating  vacuole,  by  the  agency  of  which  it  is  driven  rapidly  through 
the  water.  The  pulsation  of  this  vacuole  has  been  explained  by  the 
alternate  absorption  from  the  water,  through  the  agency  of  the  chloro- 
phyll, of  carbon  dioxide,  and  the  expulsion  of  free  oxygen  resulting  from 
the  process  of  assimilation.  In  some  cases  the  contents  of  the  mother- 
cell  do  not  escape  as  a  single  zoospore,  but  break  up  before  escaping 
into  eight  or  more  smaller  zoospores.  The  motile  protococcus  may 
be  either  entirely  without  cell-wall  of  cellulose,  or  may  have  a  very 
delicate  one,  through  orifices  in  which  the  protoplasmic  cilia  pro- 
trude. Some  observers  state  that  there  are  two  kinds  of  zoospore  in 
Protococcus — microzoospores  and  megazoospores,  and  that  conjuga- 
tion takes  place  between  the  latter ;  but  this  last  statement  at  all 
events  requires  confirmation.  After  swimming  about  rapidly  for  a 
time  in  all  directions  with  an  apparently  spontaneous  movement,  the 
motile  protococcus  comes  to  rest,  loses  its  cilia,  becomes  encysted,  or  in- 
vested with  a  thick  cell-wall  of  cellulose,  and  again  enters  the  palmella- 


4i  6  PROTOPHYTA 

condition  in  the  form  of  resting-spores,  which  may  become  dried  up  and 
retain  their  vitality  for  years  as  a  dry  powder,  resuming  their  activity  when 
again  placed  in  water.  McNab  (Ann.  &  Mag.  Nat.  Hist,  1883,  p.  124) 
has,  by  the  use  of  osmic  acid  and  carmine,  detected  a  nucleus  in  the 
free  ciliated  state  of  Protococcus,  and  also  in  individuals  in  which  cell- 
division  is  going  on. 

When  in  an  active  condition  in  sunlight,  Protococcus  gives  off  into 
the  surrounding  water  large  quantities  of  oxygen,  the  result  of  the  activity 
of  its  chlorophyll,  thus  contributing  to  render  it  habitable  for  animal 
life.  The  amount  of  the  red  pigment  varies  greatly.  It  is  often  con- 
fined to  a  small  spot  near  to  the  point  of  attachment  of  the  cilia,  the 
*  pigment-spot,'  bearing  a  close  resemblance  to  the  '  eye-spot '  of  the 
Flagellate  Infusoria.  If  present  in  larger  quantities,  so  as  to  give  a  red 
tint  to  the  entire  organism,  this  is  known  as  Hasmatococcus  (Ag.).  In 
the  palmella-condition  this  form  frequently  presents  the  structure  and 
appearance  of  a  blood-red  incrustation  on  rocks  and  stones,  when  it  has 
been  described  as  Palmella  cruenta  (Ag.)  and  Porphyridium  cruentum 
(Nag.).  Very  closely  allied  are  the  Palmella  prodigiosa  (Mont.)  (Monas 
prodigiosa,  Ehrb.),  which  forms  blood-red  spots  on  bread,  potatoes,  &c., 
and  the  Palmella  nivalis  (Hook.)  (Protococcus  nivalis,  Ag.,  Chlamydo- 
coccus  nivalis,  A.  Br.),  which,  under  the  name  of  '  red  snow,'  frequently 
covers  large  tracts  of  snow  in  arctic  and  alpine  regions  in  a  very  short  time. 
Phipson  (Compt.  Rend.,  Ixxxix.,  1879,  pp,  316,  1078)  has  examined 
the  red  colouring-matter  of  Palmella  cruenta,  and  finds  it  to  consist  of 
minute  globules  about  four  microns  (-004  mm.)  in  diameter,  closely 
resembling  those  of  the  hsemaglobin  of  blood,  but  somewhat  smaller. 
He  proposes  for  the  pigment  the  name  palmellin.  It  is  soluble  in 
water,  but  insoluble  in  alcohol,  ether,  and  carbon  bisulphide.  Like 
haemaglobin  it  contains  traces  of  iron.  Other  lowly-organised  snow  and 
ice  plants  besides  Palmella  nivalis  are  brightly  coloured,  and  appear  to 
perform  an  important  function  in  melting  the  snow  by  their  strong 
absorption  of  the  rays  of  heat.  In  addition  to  palmellin,  Palmella 
contains  also  xanthophyll,  and  a  small  quantity  of  another  substance  of 
the  nature  of  camphor  and  possessing  a  marshy  odour,  which  Phipson 
calls  characin^  and  which  is  present  in  other  terrestrial  and  fresh-water 
algae,  and  especially  in  Chara.  In  the  haematococcus-condition  it  is 
sometimes  impossible  to  detect  directly  the  presence  of  chlorophyll ;  but 
experiments  by  Engelmann  (Rev.  Internat.  Sci.  Biol.,  1882,  p.  468,  and 
Bot.  Zeit.,  1882,  p.  663)  seem  to  show  that  there  is  always  a  certain 
amount  of  chlorophyll  present,  though  it  is  possible  that  the  power 
which  Haematococcus  undoubtedly  has  of  decomposing  carbon  dioxide 
may  be  due  to  the  presence  of  other  substances  allied  to  chlorophyll, 
but  differing  from  it  in  colour. 


PRO  TOCOCCOIDE& 


417 


It  is  impossible  to  distinguish  between  the  genera  Protococcus  (Ag.), 
Pleurococcus  (Meneg.),  and  Palmella  (Lyngb.)  ;  but  it  is  doubtful 
whether  Chlamydococcus  (A.  Br.)  and  Chlamydomonas  (Ehrb.),  which 
undergo  much  more  complicated  changes  of  form,  and  in  some  condi- 
tions very  closely  resemble  Protococcus,  have  been  rightly  identified  with 
it  (see  p.  299).  Haematococcus  Butschlii  (Blockmann,  Ber.  Heidelberg 
Naturh.  Ver.,  1886)  probably  belongs  to  Chlamydomonas.  Schnetzler 


FIG,  346. — Glochiococcns  anglicus  Benn. 
(  x  200).     (From  nature.) 


FIG.  347.— Chlorococcum gigas  Griin.  (x  300). 
(After  Cooke.) 


(Bull.  Soc.  Vaud.  Sc.  Nat,  1882,  p.  115)  regards  Palmella  uvaeformis 
(Ktz.)  as  a  stage  in  the  development  of  a  Stigeoclonium  ;  while  Ander- 
sson  identifies  it  with  Draparnaldia. 

Glochiococcus  (Lagerh.)  (Acanthococcus,  Reinsch,  Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot. 
Ges.,  1886,  p.  237)  differs  from  Palmella  in  the  cell- wall,  which  is  thick 
and  lamellated,  being  in  most  of  the  species  furnished  with  warts, 
spines,  or  other  prominences.  The  cells,  which  closely  resemble  the 
zygosperms  of  desmids,  divide  into  eight  or  sixteen  daughter-cells,  which 
remain  but  a  short  time  in  connection,  being  set  free  by  the  deliques- 
cence of  the  outer  membrane. 

Chlorococcum  (Fr.)  is  analogous  to  Chroococcus  among  the  Chroo- 
coccacese.  Several  species  are  common  in  pools  or  on  moist  walls  or 
rocks.  In  C.  gigas  (Griin.)  the  cells  are  as  much  as 
o'0 1-0-015  mm.  in  diameter,  and  either  a  single  cell 
or  a  colony  of  cells  is  enclosed  in  a  very  thick  lamel- 
lated hyaline  envelope.  In  Glaocystis  (Nag.),  corre- 
sponding to  Gloeocapsa  among  the  Cyanophyceae, 
the  cells  are  associated  in  families  of  two,  four,  or 
eight,  each  family  being  enclosed  in  a  lamellated  gela- 
tinous envelope,  in  addition  to  the  similar  envelope  which  encloses  each 
cell.  In  Schizochlamys  (A.  Br.)  the  cells  escape  from  the  surrounding 
envelope  by  the  latter  splitting  into  two  or  four  equal  parts.  Eremosphcera 
(de  By.)  is  a  beautiful  bright  green  globe,  0-1-0-15  mm-  m  diameter, 
floating  free  in  bog-pools,  and  enclosed  in  a  thin  hyaline  envelope. 

E  E 


FIG.  348. — Schizochlamys 
gelatinosa  A.  Br.  (x 
600). 


4J8  PROTOPHYTA 

Botryococcus  Ktz.  consists  of  mulberry-like  masses  of  thick-walled 
cells  united  together  into  colonies,  with  no  investing  membrane,  or  only 
a  very  slight  one  ;  it  is  found  in  bog-pools,  and  is  endowed  with  a 

rotating  as  well  as  a  free-swimming 
motion.  It  has  possibly  a  genetic 
affinity  with  the  Coenobieae. 

In   Urococcus    Hass.    the   endo- 
chrome  is  bright  red,  and  the  cell- 
walls  throw  off  successive  layers  of 
FIG.  w.-Botryo-  ^^^^       mucilage,    which   form    together    a 

'     FIG.   350. -Urococcus     cylindrical  or  fusiform  stalk,   cora- 

POSed>    in    SOme    Species,    of    a    large 

number  of  distinct  annular  segments. 
Tetraspora  Lk.  is  composed  of  cells  associated  together  in  large 
numbers  in  a  single  layer  imbedded  in  a  copious  gelatinous  envelope. 
It  has  no  spontaneous  motion,  and  is  possibly  allied  to  Merismopedia, 
and  also  appears  to  have  affinities  with  the  Ulvaceae.  Gay  (Bull.  Soc.  Bot. 
France,  1886,  Sess.  Extraord.,  p.  41)  records  in  T.  gelatinosa  (Desv.)  the 
formation  of  biciliated  zoospores,  one  being  produced  from  the  contents 
of  each  cell,  and  afterwards  becoming  encysted  into  a  resting-spore. 
In  Palmodictyon  Ktz.  the  gelatinous  envelope  is  filiform  and  branched, 
and  cell-division  takes  place  chiefly  in  two  directions  only. 

The   position   of  the   following   genera   is   very   uncertain.     Very 
little   is   known   of  their   mode  of  reproduction,    and  they   lack   the 
copious  gelatinous  envelope  which  is  characteristic  of  the  family  gene- 
rally.    They  are  mostly  but  feebly  endowed  with  spontaneous  move- 
ments, and  may  probably  be  a  resting 
condition  of  algae  or  protophytes  classed 
under  entirely  different  groups. 

Raphidium    Ktz.    includes     several 
species   very   common   in   fresh   water, 
and  consisting  of  very  narrow  fusiform 
acuminate  cells,  usually  curved,  solitary 
FIG.  352.— Scene-      or  joined  together  in  bundles,  the  cells 

desmus  obtusus        ,      -  .          ,        ,  •      j   i_        i      • 

Mey.  (x  4oo).      being  in  the  latter  case  united  by  their 
(From nature')       middle,    Cell-division  takes  place  in  one 

Ktz.      (x    800).  j-  •  i  « 

(From  nature.)  direction  Only. 

Under   the    class    Palmellaceae    are 

usually  placed  also  the  genera  Scenedesmus  Mey.  and  Polyedriuin 
Nag.,  but  their  rank  as  independent  organisms  is  exceedingly  doubtful. 
Their  probable  position  has  already  been  discussed  under  the  heads  of 
the  Sorastreae  and  the  Pediastreae  respectively  (see  pp.  303  and  299). 


PRO  TOCOCCOWEsE  4 1 9 

Reinsch  unites  Polyedrium  with  three  other  genera  to  make  up  a  sepa- 
rate family,  POLYEDRIACE^E,  belonging  to  Palmellaceae. 

Richter  connects  Glceocystis  with  the  Chroococcaceae,  and  hence 
genetically  with  higher  forms  of  algae.  Cienkowski  regards  Pleuro- 
coccus,  Glceocystis,  and  probably  other  genera  of  Protococcaceae,  as 
resting  conditions  of  Chlamydomonas,  or  of  similar  organisms  classed 
among  the  Ccenobieae  which  multiply  by  conjugation.  Under  suitable 
conditions  he  states  that  they  can  all  be  made  to  produce  biciliated 
zoospores  with  two  contracting  vacuoles  and  a  nucleus.  The  part  taken 
by  some  Protococcaceae  in  the  development  of  lichens  has  already  been 
discussed  on  p.  318. 

LITERATURE. 

Cohn — (Protococcus)  Nov.  Act.  Akad.  Cses.    Leop.-Carol.,  xxii.,  1850,  p.  605  (see 

Ray  Soc.,  Bot.  and  Phys.  Mem.,  1853,  p.  515). 
Cienkowski — Bot.  Zeit.,  1865,  p.  21. 

Rostafinski — (Hsematococcus)  Mem.  Soc.  Sc.  Nat.  Cherbourg,  1875,  P-  J42- 
Lagerheim — Oefv.    Svensk.   Vetensk.  Akad.  Forh.,  Stockholm,   1882,  p.   47  ;  and 

1883,  p.  37  (Bot.  Centralbl.,  xii.,  1882,  p.  33). 

Richter— Hedwigia,  1880,  pp.  154,  169,  191  ;   1884,  p.  65  ;  and  1886,  p.  249. 
Dangeard — (Chlamydococcus)  Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  vii.,  1888,  p.  105. 
Reinsch  —(Polyedrium)  Notarisia,  1888,  p.  493. 


Class  XXVI.— Diatomaceae. 

The  family  of  Diatoms — called  by  the  older  writers  Bacillariacese — 
includes  a  very  large  number  of  genera  and  species,  all  microscopic, 
some  of  them  extremely  abundant  in  running,  stagnant  (but  not  putrid), 
and  salt  water.  The  individuals  are  strictly  unicellular,  and  are  either 
free-swimming  and  isolated,  or  attached  to  one  another  in  a  linear  series 
or  in  zigzag  chains,  adhering  to  one  another  by  means  of  small  annular 
cushions,  or  fixed  to  some  solid  object  by  a  simple  or  compound 
gelatinous  stalk.  They  are,  with  very  few  exceptions,  characterised 
by  the  presence  in  the  cell-wall  of  a  deposit  of  silica,  by  which  it  becomes 
converted  into  a  hard  but  thin  and  perfectly  transparent  shell ;  and  this 
is  always  invested  in  a  thin  gelatinous  envelope.  Some  species  are 
closely  adherent  to  submerged  plants  by  the  whole  of  one  side  ;  in 
other  cases  whole  colonies  are  enclosed  in  a  common  gelatinous  en- 
velope, which  assumes  the  form  of  a  simple  or  compound  tube,  flattened 
plate,  or  globular  mass.  This  is  especially  the  case  with  the  marine 
species. 

Each  individual  or  frustule  consists  of  two  more  or  less  symmetrical 

EE  2 


420 


PROTOPHYTA 


halves  known  as  valves ;  the  silicified  cell- wall  of  the  older  of  these 
halves  is  slightly  the  larger  of  the  two,  fitting  on  to  the  younger  one 
like  the  lid  of  a  cardboard  box.  The  cell-wall  is  composed  of  an 
organic  matrix  closely  allied  in  composition  to  cellulose,  impregnated 
with  silica  or  a  compound  of  silica  ;  either  of  these  two  ingredients  can 

be  removed  and  the  other  left  behind, 
the  former  by  calcination,  the  latter 
by  the  action  of  hydrofluoric  acid.  In 
those  species  which  are  fixed  by  a 
gelatinous  stalk,  this  stalk  is  also  com- 
posed of  a  substance  allied  to  cellu- 
lose. The  overlapping  edge  of  one  of 
the  two  valves  over  the  other  is  called 
the  girdle  or  hoop  ;  this  girdle  may  be 
simple,  or  there  may  be  several.  In 
many  species — and  probably  in  all, 
if  examined  with  a  sufficiently  high 
power — each  valve  is  marked  with  a 
number  of  rows  of  very  fine  perfora- 
tions, which,  except  under  the  very 
highest  microscopic  powers,  appear 
as  if  confluent  into  striae  or  furrows. 
There  may  be  two  or  three  sets  of 
these  apparent  striae,  but  they  do  not, 
as  a  rule,  reach  to  the  centre  of  the 
valve.  So  constant  is  the  arrange- 
ment and  the  fineness  of  these  stria- 
tions  in  some  of  the  more  abundant 
species,  that  they  furnish  an  admirable 
test  for  the  definition  and  angular 
aperture  of  microscopic  lenses.  Some 
species  of  Navicula  (Bory)  and  Pleu- 
rosigma  (Sm.)  are  especially  used  for 
this  purpose.  Some  marine  genera 
in  particular  (Triceratium,  Ehrb., 
Coscinodiscus,  Ehrb.,  &c.)  are  cha- 
racterised by  the  beautiful  honeycomb-like  areolation  of  the  cell-wall, 
due  to  the  presence  in  it  of  actual  chambers,  which  may  or  may  not  be 
covered  by  a  thin  membrane.  The  membrane  at  the  bottom  of  these 
chambers  is  also  most  minutely  perforated,  constituting  what  is  known 
as  the  secondary  markings.  In  describing  diatoms,  the  aspect  in  which 
the  girdle  is  turned  towards  the  observer  is  spoken  of  as  fae  front,  girdle, 


h 


FIG.  353.  —  Pinnularia  viridis  Sm. 
valve-view  ;  B,  girdle-view  (diagrammatic). 
r,  furrows ;  m,  raphe ;  g,  central  node ; 
A-,  terminal  nodules ;  v*,  outer  and  older 
valve  ;  z,  inner  valve  ;  «,  secondary  lines 
(  x  800).  (After  Pfitzer.) 


DIATOMACE^ 


421 


FIG.  354  A.—  Anom&neis  spherophora.  a,  c,  girdle- 
view  ;  b,  valve- view.  The  endochrome- plates  are 
shaded  (  x  900).  (After  Pfitzer.) 


tir  zonal  view ;  the  aspect  in  which  the  surface  of  the  valve  is  turned  to- 
wards the  observer  is  the  side  or  valve  view.  In  many  diatoms  the 
central  space  on  the  valve  view 
not  occupied  by  transverse 
striae  shows  at  its  middle  and 
at  each  end  a  strongly  refractive 
thickening  known  as  a  node  or 
nodule  ;  and  these  nodules  are 
connected  with  one  another  by 
a  longitudinal  line  or  rib — the 
raphe  or  suture.  The  primary 
classification  of  the  genera  of  di- 
atoms usually  adopted  depends 
on  the  presence  or  absence  of 
this  raphe. 

Each  diatom-cell  contains  a 
nucleus  and  a  nucleole.  The 
chlorophyll  occurs  in  the  form 
of  plates  or  bands  arranged 
with  more  or  less  symmetry,  and  there  are  usually  also  drops  of  oil, 
especially  when  conjugation  is  about  to  take  place.  A  very  few  di- 
atoms are  green ;  but  in  the  great  majority  of  cases  the  colour  of  the 
chlorophyll  is  obscured  by  a 
characteristic  brown  pigment 
known  as  diatomtn,  readily 
soluble  in  alcohol,  forming  a 
brownish-yellow  solution  which 
is  only  slightly  or  not  at  all 
fluorescent.  With  concentrated 
sulphuric  acid  it  assumes  a 
beautiful  blue-green  colour. 
Petit  (Brebissonia,  1879-80, 
p.  81)  has  very  carefully  in- 
vestigated the  chemical  and 
physical  properties  of  the 
colouring  matter  of  diatoms. 

..  ,.  .  FIG.   354  B.  —  Gompkonema  constrictum   Ehrb.      s, 

He      regards       diatOmm       aS      a  valves,  side    view,  showing  nucleus ;  g,,  glt,  girdle- 

views  ;  q,  transverse  section  through  middle  of  cell, 


f  3' 


showing  silicified  cell-wall,  one  half  overlapping  the 
other  ;  k,  nucleus  ;  />,  dense  protoplasm  ;  <f .,  g,,, 
girdle  surfaces  (magnified).  (After  Pfitzer.) 


compound  of  chlorophyll  -and 
phycoxanthin,  and  as-  having 
a  great  analogy  with  the  chlo- 
rophyll of  the  higher  plants,  the  two  spectra  being  very  similar. 

Many  of  the  solitary  species  of  diatom,  such  as  those  belonging  to 


422 


PROTOPHYTA 


the  genus  Navicula,  possess,  the  power  of  propelling  themselves  through 
the  water  with  considerable  rapidity  backwards  and  forwards  in  the 
direction  of  their  longer  axis,  often  with  a  jerking  motion,  or  of  creeping 
along  the  bottom  on  some  submerged  substance.  The  cause  of  this 
motion  is  a  subject  on  which  a  large  amount  of  attention  has  been  be- 
stowed. Nageli  attributed  it  to  osmotic  currents  passing  through  the 
cell-wall.  Ehrenberg  believed  that  he  had  actually  seen,  in  some  cases, 
the  extrusion  through  the  raphe  of  vibratile  cilia,  in  other  cases  of  a 

'  foot '  or  pseudopode ;  but 
his  observations  have  not 
been  confirmed  by  others. 
The  explanation  of  the  mo- 
tion now  generally  accepted 
is  that  of  Schultze— that  it 
is  due  to  the  contractility 
of  the  protoplasm  which  is 
exuded  outside  the  cell-wall. 
Mereschkowsky  (Bot.  Zeit., 
1880,  p.  529)  states  the 
arguments  in  support  of  the 
various  views  with  regard 
to  the  causes  of  the  mo- 
tion, and  sums  up  in  favour 
of  the  theory  that  it  is  the 
result  of  osmotic  currents 
within  the  siliceous  cell-wall. 
Hallier,  again  (Unters.  iiber 
Diatomeen,  1880),  considers 
it  due  to  a  contractile  layer 
of  protoplasm,  and  asserts 
that  at  an  early  stage  di- 
atoms have  no  true  cell- 
wall  of  cellulose.  Onderdonk 
(Microscope,  1885,  p.  205)  also  attributes  it  to  '  external  cyclosis.' 

Diatoms  have  three  modes  of  multiplication  : — by  simple  division, 
by  auxospores,  and  by  a  kind  of  conjugation  which  is  regarded  by  some 
as  sexual  ;  but  the  three  modes  pass  gradually  one  into  another.  Simple 
division  always  commences  with  the  bipartition  of  the  nucleus.  When 
it  is  about  to  commence  the  two  valves  separate  from  one  another,  the 
contents  divide  into  two  daughter-cells,  and  new  siliceous  valves  are 
formed  inside  the  old  ones,  and  therefore  necessarily  smaller  than  they. 
The  valves  of  the  new  individual  are  formed  necessarily  one  after  the 
other,  the  one  formed  later  being  smaller.  The  individuals  produced  in 


FIG.  355.— Stages  in  the  formation  of  the  auxospore  of 
Frnstnlia  saxonica  Ag.  s,  valves  ;  ///,  gelatinous  en- 
velope ;  c,  endochrome-plates  ;  a,  auxospore  (x  1,200). 
(After  Pfitzer.) 


DIATOMACE&  423 

this  way  constantly  diminish  in  size,  until  the  original  size  is  restored  by 
the  formation  of  an  auxospore,  resulting  from  the  concents  leaving  the 
siliceous  valves,  which  fall  away  from  one  another,  and  increasing  in 
size,  either  by  simple  growth  or  by  the  coalescence  of  two  auxospores 
produced  in  the  same  mother-cell.  In  other  cases  two  distinct  auxo- 
spores appear  to  be  produced  from  the  contents  of  a  single  mother-cell. 
The  auxospore  finally  becomes  invested  in  a  new  siliceous  cell-wall.  In 
those  cases  in  which  the  process  has  been  most  carefully  followed  out, 
the  auxospore  does  not  appear  to  owe  its  origin  to  any  process  of  true 
sexual  union. 

In  some  genera  what  is  regarded  by  some  as  a  true  process  of  con- 
jugation has  been  observed,  a  zygosperm  being  produced  as  the  result  of 
the  coalescence  of  the  protoplasmic  contents  of  two  different  individuals. 
The   conjugating  diatoms   are  here  placed 
side  by  side  enclosed  in  a  common  gela- 
tinous sheath  ;  the  contents  of  each  escape 
by  the  falling  apart  of  the  two  valves,  and 
unite  into   a   single   zygosperm.     In  other 
cases  two  zygosperms  result  from  the  con- 
jugation of  a  pair  of  cells.     The  protoplasm 
of  each  cell,  as  it  escapes  from  its  siliceous 
wall,  puts    out    two    protuberances ;    these 
meet  in  pairs,  and  the  whole   contents   of 
the  pair  of  mother-cells   finally  pass   into 
the  two  zygosperms,  which  complete  their     FlG-  -, 

J     ,A  turn  khrb.  attached  by  gelatinous 

development  in  precisely  the  same  way  as       stalks  to   a    fresh-water  aiga 

i  -i-»     /v-i  /T  (greatly  magnified). 

the   auxospores.      Buffham   states    (Journ. 

Quek.  Micr.  Club,  1885,  p.  131)  that  in  the  conjugation  of  Rhabdomena 
(Ktz.)  the  'male'  frustule  is  always  smaller  than  the  'female'  frustule, 
and  that  the  union  is  effected  by  the  'male'  frustules  attaching  them- 
selves in  numbers  to  any  part  of  the  girdle  of  the  'female'  frustule. 
De  Bary  and  Pfitzer  do  not  regard  the  fusion  of  the  cell-contents 
of  diatoms  as  in  any  sense  a  true  process  of  sexual  conjugation.  De 
Bary  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1858,  Supplement,  p.  61)  thus  summarises  the  four 
modes  in  which  diatoms  are  reproduced  by  means  of  auxospores  or 
zygosperms  : — (i)  Two  products  of  conjugation  are  formed  by  the  union 
of  the  contents  of  two  distinct  individuals;  (2)  a  similar  process  results 
in  the  formation  of  a  single  product  of  the  same  nature ;  (3)  a  single 
act  of  conjugation  (production  of  auxospore)  takes  place  between  two 
portions  of  the  contents  of  the  same  individual ;  (4)  two  such  acts  of 
conjugation  take  place  simultaneously  between  different  portions  of  the 
contents  of  the  same  individual.  In  all  cases  the  formation  of  a  new  in- 
dividual is  completed  by  the  simple  division  of  the  product  of  union 


424  PROTOPHYTA 

{auxospore  or  zygosperm)  into  two  symmetrical  halves  with  or  without 
the  intervention  of  a  period  of  rest. 

Still  another  mode  of  reproduction  is  described  by  Count  Castracane 
and  by  some  other  observers,  in  Mastogloia  (Thw.)  and  a  few  other 
genera,  in  the  production  of  endogenous  spores  within  the  frustules. 

It  will  be  seen  that,  notwithstanding  the  great  abundance  of  diatoms, 
some  important  points  in  their  life-history  still  remain  unsettled.  On 
the  minuter  details  of  the  modes  of  reproduction,  the  spontaneous 
motion  of  diatoms  and  its  causes,  the  structure  of  the  siliceous  cell-wall, 
and  the  chemical  and  physical  properties  of  diatomin,  the  reader  is 
referred  to  the  very  extensive  literature  of  the  subject ;  only  the  most 
important  memoirs  are  referred  to  below.  The  number  of  described 
species  certainly  exceeds  10,000  ;  but  this  has  been  unduly  increased 
by  want  of  attention  to  the  necessary  variations  in  size  in  the  same 
species.  Not  unfrequently  diatoms  form  a  gelatinous  yellow  scum 
on  the  surface  of  the  water,  or  completely  encrust  submerged  algae 
and  other  water-plants;  they  abound  on  the  surface  of  wet  walls 
and  rocks,  and  are  not  unfrequently  present  in  the  air.  Some  species 
are  cosmopolitan ;  the  marine  forms  are  especially  remarkable  for  their 
size  and  beauty.  Various  deposits  found  on  the  surface  of  the  globe, 
often  of  very  considerable  thickness,  known  as  tripoli,  '  Kieselguhr,' 
&c.,  consist  almost  entirely  of  the  fossilised  siliceous  shells  of  diatoms, 
and  they  enter  largely  into  the  composition  of  a  variety  of  earths 
used  for  manufacturing  purposes.  In  some  countries,  such  as  China, 
Japan,  Siberia,  Lapland,  &c.,  they  form,  cemented  together  by  salts 
of  lime,  the  edible  earths  which  are  mixed  with  meal  to  make  a  kind 
of  flour.  They  occur  also  in  large  quantities  in  guano. 

As  has  already  been  stated,  the  position  of  the  Diatomaceae  in  the 
natural  system  is  a  point  on  which  there  has  been  much  controversy. 
Those  who  regard  the  mode  of  reproduction  already  described  as  a  true 
process  of  conjugation  place  them  in  the  class  of  Conjugatae,  near  to  the 
Desmidiaceae,  with  which  family  they  present  many  points  of  resemblance 
in  external  form,  phenomena  of  spontaneous  movement,  &c. ;  and  it  is 
possible  that  the  diatoms  may  be  derived  from  the  desmids  by  retro- 
gressive metamorphosis.  But  we  are,  on  the  whole,  disposed  to  the 
conclusion  that  they  have  a  totally  different  origin ;  their  very  wide  dis- 
tribution in  time  and  space,  the  sharp  differentiation  of  the  family,  and 
the  enormous  number  of  species,  favouring  the  view  that  they  represent 
a  comparatively  small  ascent  from  an  archaic  type  which  has  never 
attained  any  higher  degree  of  development. 

Illustrative  genera : — Eunotia  (Ehrb.),  Diatoma  (DC.),  Melosira 
(Ag.),  Gomphonema  (Ag.),  Navicula  (Bory),  Rhabdonema  (Ktz.), 


ft 


DIATOMACE& 


425 


FIG.  357 — Diatomaceae  :  A,  Eunotia  monodon  Ehrb.  ;  .Z?,  Tricerattum  Favus  Ehrb.  ;  C,  Surirelia 
splendida  Ktz.  ;  /),  SynedraArcus  Ktz.  ;  ^,  Naviciila  rhomboides  Ehrb.  ;  ^',  Pleurosigma  lacustre 
Sm.  ;  G,  Cocco-nema  lanceolatnm  Ehrb.  ;  //,  Meridian  constrictnm  Rlfs.  ;  /,  Achnanthes  breiripes 
Ag.  ;  JiT,  Diatvma  elongatum  Ag.  (variously  magnified).  (After  W.  Smith.) 


426  PROTOPHYTA 

Nitzschia  (Hass.),  Pleurosigma  (W.  Sm.),  Achnanthes  (Bory),  Meridion 
(Leibl.),  Biddulphia  (Gray),  Amphora  (Ehrb.),  Campylodiscus  (Ehrb.), 
Cymbella  (Ag.),  Epithemia  (Breb.),  Pinnularia  (Ehrb).,  Stauroneis 
(Ehrb.),  Surirella  (Turp.)",  Synedra  (Ehrb.),  Mastogloia  (Thw.), 
Amphipleura  (Ktz.),  Fragillaria  (Lyng.),  Tabellaria  (Ehrb.),  Aulacodiscus 
(Ehrb.),  Coscinodiscus  (Ehrb.),  Licmophora  (Ag.). 

LITERATURE. 

Agarclh  —  Conspectus  Diatomacearum,  1830. 

Ehrenberg  —Die  Infusionsthierchen,  1838. 

Kiitzing — Die  kieselschaligen  Bacillarien,  1844. 

Rabenhorst— Die  Slisswasser-Diatomaceen  Deutschlands,  1853. 

Rylands — (Marking  of  diatoms)  Quart.  Journ.  Micr.  Sc.,  1860,  p.  25. 

Grunow— Oesterreichische  Diatomaceen,  1862. 

Heiberg— Kritisk  Oversigt  Danske  Diatomaceer,  1863. 

Cleve— Svenska  och  Norska  Diatomaceer,  1868. 

W.  Smith— Synopsis  of  British  Diatomacese,  1872. 

Hamilton  L.  Smith — Conspectus  of  the  Diatomaceae,  Lens,  1873,  P-  63. 

Habirshaw — Catalogue  of  the  Diatomaceae,  1877.. 

Mereschkowsky- (Movements  of  diatoms)  Bot.  Zeit.,  1880,  p.  520. 

Hallier — Untersuchungen  iiber  Diatomeen,  1880. 

Brun— Diatomacees  des  Alpes,  1880. 

Van  Heurck —Synopsis  des  Diatomacees  de  Belgique,  1881. 

Pfitzer — Die  Bacillariaceen,  in  Schenk's  Handbuch  der  Botanik,  ii.,  1882. 

Castracane — Diatoihaceae  of  the  Challenger  Expedition,  1886. 

Also  numerous  papers  by  Wallich,  Thwaites,  Carter,  Liiders,  Millardet  and  Kraus, 
Schultze,  Schmitz,  Askenasy,  Borzcow,  Cox,  Schaarschmidt,  O.  Miiller,  Flogel, 
Schiitt,  Nelson  and  Karop,  Deby,  Brun,  Cleve,  Grunow,  Janisch,  F.  W.  Lewis, 
Greville,  O'Meara,  Petit,  Gregory,  Donkin,  Ralfs,  Walker-Arnott,  Castracane, 
Brebisson,  Kitton,  Leuduger  Fortmorel,  Pfitzer,  Rattray,  Yan  Heurck,  Grove  and 
Sturt,  and  others. 

For  the  preparation  of  diatoms  as  microscopic  objects  see  H.  L.  Smith,  Lens, 
1873,  p.  209  ;  Kitton,  Science  Gossip,  1877.  For  detailed  bibliography  see  Deby 
and  Kitton,  Bibliography  of  the  Microscope,  pt.  3,  the  Diatomaceae,  1882. 


Class  XXVII.— Cyanophyceae. 

In  the  Cyanophyceae  or  Phycochromaceae  are  included  all  those 
unicellular  chlorophyllous  organisms  in  which  the  cell-sap  is  uniformly 
pervaded  by  a  blue-green  pigment  which  masks  the  pure  green  of  the 
chlorophyll.  This  pigment  can  be  separated,  giving,  in  its  aqueous 
solution,  a  beautiful  blue  colour  in  transmitted,  a  blood-red  in  reflected 


CYANOPHYCEAE  427 

light,  and  is  known  as  phycocyanin.  This  colour  is,  in  a  few  cases,  re- 
placed by  a  red,  and,  in  some  Scytonemaceae,  by  a  brown  endochrome, 
the  scytonemin  of  Nageli. 

Although  the  Cyanophyceae  are  described  as  unicellular,  this  term 
must  be  used  with  some  limitation  in  the  sense  employed  with  respect 
to  the  Protococcoideae,  in  comparison  with  which  some  of  the  blue- 
green  algae  display  greater  differentiation  in  their  vegetative  structure. 
In  several  families,  notably  the  Oscillariaceae  and  Rivulariaceae,  the 
protoplasm  of  the  very  long  filament  is  broken  up  transversely  into  a 
large  number  of  imperfect  cells  known  as  pseudocysts,  which  are,  how- 
ever, never  invested  with  a  true  cellulose  cell-wall.  In  the  Nostocaceae, 
the  breaking  up  of  the  filament  into  cells  is  much  more  complete  ;  but 
even  here  it  is  doubtful  whether  the  very  thin  membrane  in  which  they 
are  invested  is  composed  of  true  cellulose.  It  displays  the  strongest 
tendency  to  deliquesce  into  a  hyaline  jelly,  and,  not  unfrequently,  as  in 
the  Scytonemaceae  and  some  Nostocaceae,  this  gelatinous  envelope 
becomes  strongly  coloured.  Chromatophores  with  enclosed  pyrenoids 
and  nuclei  are  stated  to  have  been  detected  in  some  species  ;  while 
other  authorities  assert  that  neither  starch  nor  a  true  nucleus  is  found 
in  the  Cyanophyceae. 

Multiplication  by  ciliated  zoospores  is,  with  a  few  doubtful  excep- 
tions, unknown  in  the  Cyanophyceae.  The  ordinary  mode  of  propaga- 
tion in  the  lower  families  is  by  simple  cell-division.  Quiescent  resting- 
spores  or  cysts,  with  thicker  cell- walls,  are  also  produced  in  several 
families.  In  the  filiform  orders,  portions  of  the  filament  known  as 
hormogones,  consisting  of  a  varying  number  of  pseudocysts,  become 
detached  ;  these  hormogones  are  endowed  for  a  time  with  a  power  of 
spontaneous  motion,  after  which  they  come  to  rest,  and  develop  into 
new  filaments.  In  the  Oscillariaceae  this  power  of  motion  extends  to 
the  entire  individual.  In  the  Rivulariaceae,  Scytonemaceae,  and  Nosto- 
caceae, a  further  differentiation  is  exhibited,  of  special  cells  within  the 
filament  known  as  heterocysts  ;  but  their  function  is  unknown. 

The  life-history  of  many  of  the  Cyanophyceae  is  still  but  imperfectly 
known,  and  their  classification  into  families  is  very  obscure.  Some  of 
those  who  have  most  closely  investigated  their  structure  and  develop- 
ment are  of  opinion  that  a  large  number  of  the  apparently  distinct  forms 
are  but  stages  in  the  development  of  the  same  pleomorphic  organism, 
often  really  belonging  to  a  higher  type.  This  will  be  further  discussed 
under  the  separate  families.  They  may  be  conveniently  divided  into 
two  groups  :  the  Chroococcacece,  which  are  strictly  unicellular,  and  the 
Nostochinea,  embracing  those  families  in  which  the  aggregation  of  cells 
or  pseudocysts  assumes  more  or  less  of  a  filiform  character. 


428  PROTOPHYTA 


Sub-class  1. — Nostochinese. 

It  is  convenient  to  group  together  under  this  head  those  families  of 
Cyanophyceae,  the  Nostocacetz,  Rivulariacea,  Scytonemacea,  and  Osdl- 
lariacece,  which  are  characterised  by  the  individual  consisting  of  a  cel- 
lular or  pseudocellular  filament,  reproduced  by  motile  hormogones,  and, 
in  some  of  the  families,  forming  heterocysts. 

i  Borzi,  who  has  closely  examined  the  structure  and  life-history  of  the 
Nostochineae,  considers  that  they  display  only  a  rudimentary  cell-structure. 
The  cell-wall  is  extremely  thin,  is  inseparable  from  the  contained  proto- 
plasm, and  not  sharply  differentiated  from  it  in  its  chemical  reactions. 
The  cells  do  not  contain  true  starch,  its  place  being  taken,  in  spores 
and  in  the  constituent  elements  of  the  hormogones,  by  a  substance  to 
which  he  gives  the  name  cyanophycin — of  a  granular  nature,  apparently 
formed  from  the  substance  of  the  cell-wall,  possibly  a  carbohydrate,  and 
identical  with  the  gelatinous  substance  of  which  the  sheath  which 
encloses  the  filaments  is  composed.  The  only  indication  of  a  nucleus 
is  a  local  fragmentation  and  concentration  of  proteinaceous  matter. 
Borzi  states  that  in  all  the  families  of  Nostochineae  the  cells  of  a  fila- 
ment are  in  communication  with  one  another  by  pores  in  their  transverse 
walls,  through  which  pass  strings  of  protoplasm,  or  of  a  substance  allied 
to  cellulose.  When  heterocysts  are  about  to  be  formed,  this  intercellular 
communication  is  suspended,  and  the  pores  are  closed  by  a  thickening 
of  the  cyanophycin  or  other  cell-contents.  In  the  Nostocaceae,  Scyto- 
nemaceae,  and  Rivulariaceae,  the  filaments  are  enclosed  in  a  gelatinous 
sheath,  which  is  much  thinner  in  the  Oscillariaceae,  and  altogether  want- 
ing in  Borzia  (Cohn).  This  mucilaginous  sheath  may  be  continuous  or 
septated,  and  may  be  composed  of  a  single  layer  or  of  several  ;  in  the 
latter  case  it  not  unfrequently  assumes  the  form  of  a  funnel  at  the  end 
of  the  filament.  Gomont  differs  to  a  certain  extent  from  these  conclu- 
sions, previous  observers  having,  according  to  him,  confounded  the 
envelope  proper  of  the  cell  with  the  mucilaginous  sheath  of  the  trichome. 
By  the  action  of  chromic  acid  he  was  able  to  separate  the  one  from  the 
other,  and  finds  the  very  thin  perfectly  transparent  envelope  proper  of 
the  cell  to  possess  properties  intermediate  between  those  of  "fungus- 
cellulose  and  of  vegetable  cutin.  Bornet  and  Flahault  call  the  string 
of  cells  or  pseudocysts  the  trichome^  the  trichome  with  its  envelope  the 
filament. 

When  in  a  purely  vegetative  condition,  all  the  cells  of  a  filament  are 
alike  in  form  and  size,  and  multiply  by  repeated  bipartition.  Scott  and 
Wille  have  been  able  to  demonstrate  the  presence  of  a  nucleus  in 


CYANOPHYCE^  429 

several  species  of  Oscillaria  (Bosc.)  and  Tolypothrix  (Ktz.).  The 
hormogones  consist  of  a  number  of  cells,  often  considerable,  but  usually 
variable  in  the  same  species.  Only  in  a  few  species  is  the  number 
constant,  and  then  usually  two,  three,  or  four.  Their  contents  are 
generally  of  a  yellowish -green  colour.  According  to  Borzi,  the  hormo- 
gones of  the  Nostochineae  are  of  two  kinds,  straight  and  spiral.  The 
latter  kind  occur  only  in  the  Oscillariacese,  and  are  confined  to  the 
terrestrial  species  of  Oscillaria,  Microcoleus  (Desm.),  and  Spirulina 
(Lk.).  They  are  invested  in  a  thin  gelatinous  sheath,  and  their  movement 
is  of  a  spiral  nature,  lasting  much  longer  than  that  of  the  straight 
hormogones.  These  latter  occur  in  all  the  families  ;  they  are  not  in- 
vested in  a  gelatinous  sheath  ;  their  motion  is  rectilinear  and  of  short 
duration.  The  cells  have  excessively  thin  cell-walls,  and  contain 
abundance  of  cyanophycin,  slightly  coloured  by  phycocyanin.  The 
cells  of  the  hormogones  are  in  communication  with  one  another  in  the 
same  way  as  the  ordinary  vegetative  cells. 

The  spores  of  Nostoc  and  other  Nostochineae  are,  according  to 
Borzi,  formed  as  follows.  The  cells  which  become  transformed  into 
spores  cease  dividing  transversely  and  increase  somewhat  in  size.  The 
gelification  of  the  outer  layer  of  the  cell-walls  ceases  at  the  same  time 
and  a  new  cell  is  formed  inside  the  old  one  by  a  process  of  rejuvenes- 
cence, the  wall  of  the  mother-cell  ultimately  disappearing  altogether. 
The  membrane  of  the  spores  thus  constituted  is  formed  out  of  their 
protoplasmic  contents,  and  is  homogeneous,  without  differentiation  into 
exospore  and  endospore.  The  spore  is,  therefore,  not  homological  with 
those  of  the  higher  Cryptogams,  but  is  regarded  by  Borzi  as  partaking 
more  of  the  nature  of  a  cyst.  Gomont,  on  the  other  hand,  finds  that 
the  spores  of  the  Nostochineae,  which  are  always  the  result  of  the 
encysting  of  ordinary  vegetative  cells,  possess  a  distinct  exospore  and 
endospore,  the  former  being  again  composed  of  two  distinct  layers,  the 
outer  of  which  is  frequently  warty  or  otherwise  marked. 

LITERATURE. 

Thuret— Mem.  Soc.  Sc.  Nat.  Cherbourg,  1857,  p.  29  ;  and  Classification  des  Nosto- 

chinees,  1875. 

De  Bary — Beitr.  zur  Kenntniss  d.  Nostocaceen,  Flora,  1863,  pp.  553  and  577. 
Bornet  and  Thuret — Notes  Algologiques,  1876-1880  (especially  Fasc.  ii.). 
Borzi— Nuov.  Giorn.  Bot.  Ital.,  1882,  pp.  272  and  384 ;  and  Malpighia,  1886. 
Bornet  and  Flahault— Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  iii.-vii.,  1886-1888;  and  Mem.  Soc.  Sc.  Nat. 

Cherbourg,  1887,  p.,195- 
Gomont— Morot's  Journ.  de  Bot.,  1888,  p.  43;  and  Bull.  Soc.  Bot.   France,  1888, 

p.  204. 


43o  PROTOPHYTA 


ORDER  i. — NOSTOCACE/E. 

The  Nostocaceae  are  distinguished  from  all  the  other  families  of  fila- 
mentous Cyanophyceae  by  the  less  close  connection  with  one  another  of 
the  pseudocysts  of  which  the  filament  is  composed,  giving  it  always  more 
or  less  of  a  moniliform  or  necklace-like  appearance.  In  most  of  the 
genera  these  pseudocysts  are  spherical  or  elliptical ;  but  in  Nodularia 
(Mert.)  they  are  disc-shaped,  and  more  closely  connected  with  one 
another  than  in  the  other  genera.  The  extent  to  which  the  filaments 
are  enveloped  in  mucilage  varies  greatly.  In  some  genera  (Nodularia) 
each  filament  is  enclosed  in  a  distinct  hyaline  sheath.  In  others 
(Anabsena,  Bory,  Aphanizomenon,  Morr.,  Sphaerozyga,  Ag.,  Cvlindro- 
spermum,  Rlfs.)  this  sheath  is  obscure  or  wanting  ;  in  Aulosira  (Kirch.) 
the  filaments  are  either  naked,  or  enclosed  in  a  dry  membranous  sheath. 
In  most  species  of  Nostoc  (Vauch.)  a  single  filament  or  a  number  of 
filaments  are  enclosed  in  a  hyaline  jelly,  often  of  considerable  size  and 
definite  outline,  formed  from  the  more  or  less  complete  coalescence  of 

the  separate  sheaths,  which  can 
still  sometimes  be  indistinctly 
made  out.  Such  a  jelly-like  mass, 
which  sometimes  floats  freely  in 
the  water  of  bog-pools,  but  is 
more  often  found  on  damp  soil,  is 
sometimes  called  a  '  thallus '  or 

FIG.  358.-.V^jr^=L.  (natural  size).  <  fo^,      jt  may  yary  in  ^  fj.Qm 

0*2  mm.  to  that  of  a  small  plum  ; 

is  often  of  a  green,  violet,  or  blue  colour,  and,  in  the  larger  terrestrial 
species,  the  outer  layers  of  the  integument  are  more  or  less  hardened, 
forming  what  is  known  as  a  '  periderrn.' 

The  Nostocacese  display  no  differentiation  of  the  two  extremities  of 
filament.  In  nearly  all  the  genera  some  of  the  cells  are  here  and  there 
replaced  by  heterocysts — cells  incapable  of  further  division,  of  a  slightly 
larger  diameter,  and  with  a  somewhat  thicker  cell-wall,  which  is  often 
yellow,  the  green  protoplasmic  endochrome  being  replaced  by  a  watery 
colourless  cell-sap.  These  heterocysts,  the  function  of  which  is  unknown, 
may  be  terminal,  basal,  or  intercalary.  Others  of  the  cells,  always  in  this 
case  intercalary,  are,  in  most  species,  replaced  by  resting-spores,  also  dis- 
tinguished from  the  ordinary  cells  by  their  larger  size  and  thicker  cell- 
wall,  but  containing  a  green  endochrome.  They  are  often  formed  more 
or  less  in  connection  with  the  heterocysts.  In  Cylindrospermum  the 
terminal  cells  of  the  filaments  become  heterocysts,  and  the  spores,  some- 


CYANOPHYCEJE 


43* 


times  associated  in  chains,  are  formed  immediately  beneath  them.  Thfe 
cell-wall  of  the  resting-spores  is  often  coloured  yellow  or  brown,  and  is 
sometimes  warty.  After  a  period  of  rest  they  germinate  by  the  bursting 
of  the  cell-wall  and  protrusion  of  the  protoplasm.  The  hormogones  are 
strings  of  from  four  to  eight  or  twelve  ordinary  cells,  situated  between 
two  heterocysts,  which  detach  themselves  from  the  rest  of  the  filament, 
escape  from  their  mucilaginous  envelope,  move  about  with  a  creeping 
motion,  then  come  to  rest,  and  develop  into  new  individuals. 

Bornet  describes  the  motion  of  the  hormogones  of  Nostoc  as  a 
creeping  movement  along  a  solid  substratum  at  a  rate  of  i  p  (*ooi  mm.) 
per  second.  After  some  hours  they  come  to  rest,  large  refringent 
globules  which  had  previously  been  formed  in  the  cells  disappear,  and 
they  assume  the  appearance  of  ordinary  filaments.  Sometimes  they 


FIG.  360.  —  A  nabcena  jlos-aqu<z  Fr.  (  x  400). 
(After  Cooke.) 

FIG.  359. — N.  hyalinum  Benn.  A,  'frond'  (x  200)  ; 
/>',  portion  of  trichome  with  heterocyst,  c  (  X  600). 
(From  nature.) 

invest  themselves  with  a  mucilaginous  sheath,  and  are  transformed 
directly  into  spores,  but  usually  the  filament  lengthens,  displaying  at  the 
same  time  more  or  less  sinuosity.  The  heterocysts  do  not  appear  at 
regular  intervals.  A  new  filament  is  thus  formed  altogether  resembling 
those  which  spring  directly  from  the  germination  of  the  spores.  Once 
formed,  it  is  subject  to  intermittent  periods  of  growth,  a  second  genera- 
tion of  spores,  with  thinner  cell-walls,  being  sometimes  formed  after  the 
first.  In  other  cases  the  filament  springing  directly  from  a  hormogone 
assumes  a  zigzag  form,  in  consequence  of  some  of  the  cells  dividing  in 
the  transverse,  others,  in  the  longitudinal  direction.  In  N.  muscorum 
(Ag.)  all  the  cells  except  the  heterocysts  are  sometimes  transformed  into 
spores.  The  spores  will  occasionally  germinate  while  still  within  the 
'  frond.'  The  filaments  of  Nostoc  are  ultimately  serpentine,  and  often 


432 


PROTOPHYTA 


intricately  interwoven,  owing  to  the  heterocysts  maintaining  their  position 
when  once  formed,  while  the  portions  of  the  filament  between  them 
continue  to  lengthen  by  cell-division. 

Most  of  the  Nostocaceae  inhabit  fresh,  usually  stagnant,  water,  bog- 
pools,  &c. ;  a  very  few  grow  in  salt  water.  Several  species  of  Anabcena 
Bory,  Aphanizomenon  Morr.,  and  some  other  genera,  frequently  collect 
as  a  bright  bluish-green  scum  on  the  surface  of  bog-pools ;  Aphanizo- 
menon flos-aquae  (Rlfs.)  is  one  of  the  organisms  which  contribute  to  the 
phenomenon  know  as  the  '  breaking  of  the  meres.'  The 
decay  of  species  of  Anabaena  has  a  large  share  in  causing 
the  foul  odour  and  injurious  properties  of  stagnant  water. 
Of  the  numerous  species  of  Nostoc  Vauch.,  a  few 
only  swim  freely  in  water  ;  these  are  usually  minute  with 

a  colourless  *  thallus  '  more 
or  less  nearly  spherical  and 
distinctly  lamellated,  with 
a  spontaneous  power  of 
active  motion  in  the  water. 
The  larger  number  are 
terrestrial,  growing  on  wet 
rocks,  among  moss  on 
damp  soil,  or  even  on  the 
comparatively  dry  ground, 
forming  conspicuous  jelly- 
like  masses,  often  as  much 
as  from  one  to  two  inches 
in  diameter,  usually  of  a 
green,  yellow,  brown,  or 
sometimes  red  colour,  the 
'frond'  enclosing  a  large 
number  of  bright  blue- 
green  filaments  (fig.  358).  It  is  not  uncommon  for  other  chlorophyl- 
lous  protophytes  or  algae,  the  mycele  of  fungi,  and  the  protoneme 
of  mosses,  to  become  enclosed,  and  even  to  continue  growing,  within 
their  gelatinous  envelope.  Species  of  Nostoc  and  Anabaena  are  found 
in  hot  springs,  and  several  species  of  the  same  genera  are  frequently 
to  be  met  with  within  the  cells  of  living  aquatic  or  land  plants,  where 
they  carry  on  an  epiphytic  existence  (see  pp.  28,  165,  171).  They 
occur  with  especial  frequency  in  Lemna,  causing  yellow  spots  in  the 
leaves. 

Isocystis  Bzi.  is  probably  the  simplest  form  of  the  Nostocaceae.     It 
consists  of  delicate  moniliform  filaments,  which  do  not  form  colonies,  but 


FIG.  361. — Aphani- 
zomenonJJos-aqucE 
Morr.,  with  spore 
( x  400).  (After 
Cooke.) 


FIG.  362. — Cylindrospermnm  macro- 
spermutn  Ktz.,  with  heterocysts 
and  spores  (  x  400).  (After  Cooke.) 


CYANOPHYCE^E  433 

float  freely  on  the  surface  of  the  water,  solitary  or  in  interwoven  masses, 
forming  but  little  mucilage,  and  destitute  of  heterocysts. 

Hansgirg  (Bot.  Centralbl.,  xxii.  and  xxiii.,  1885)  regards  the  genera 
Nostoc,  Anabaena,  Cylindrospermum,  and  Sphaerozyga  as  stages  of 
development — analogous  to  certain  zoogloea-conditions  of  the  Schizo- 
mycetes— of  various  species  belonging  to  the  Oscillariaceae,  Rivulariaceae, 
and  Scytonemaceae.  The  relationship  of  Nostoc  with  Drilosiphon  will 
be  alluded  to  under  this  last  family  (see  p.  440).  The  Nostocaceae  appear 
also  to  approach  the  Schizomycetes  through  Leuconostoc  (Van  Tiegh.). 

Among  the  Nostocaceae  are  included,  in  addition  to  the  genera 
already  mentioned,  Nodularia  (Mert).,  Cylindrospermum  (Ktz.),  Sphae- 
rozyga  (Ag.),  and  Aulosira  (Kirch.). 

LITERATURE. 

Meneghini  —  Monogr.  Nostoc.  Ital. ,  1843. 

Thuret— Mem.  Soc.  Sc.  Nat.  Cherbourg,  1857,  p.  23;  Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  1875,  p.  372- 

Janczewski — Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  1874,  p.  123. 

Bornet  and  Thuret— Notes  Algol.,  fasc.  i.,  pp.  2-3  ;  fasc.  ii.,  pp.  78-132. 

Borzl— Flora,  1878,  p.  465  ;  and  Nuov.  Giorn.  Bot.  Ital.,  1878,  p.  236. 

Fischer — Beitr.  zur  Kenntniss  der  Nostocaceen,  1853. 


ORDER  2. — RIVULARIACE^:. 

In  the  Rivulariaceae — including  also  the  Calotrichaceae — the  cells 
or  pseudocysts  of  which  each  filament  is  composed  are  not  connected 
together  in  a  necklace-like  form,  but  constitute  a  continuous  thread 
divided  by  transverse  septa  which  are  exceedingly  thin  and  often 
scarcely  perceptible.  Many  of  the  species  are  extremely  minute,  the 
individual  filaments  being  quite  microscopic,  and  grow  attached  in  tufts 
to  a  solid  substratum,  some  water-plant  or  floating  body,  from  which  they 
radiate  in  a  star-shaped  manner,  forming  small  green  discs  or  cushions, 
often  imbedded  in  copious  mucilage.  Each  filament  displays  a  distinct 
differentiation  of  the  two  apices,  the  distal  extremity  being  elongated  and 
attenuated  into  a  hyaline  hair,  while  at  the  base  a  portion  is  marked  off 
into  a  more  or  less  globular  colourless  basilar  cell,  the  rudimentary  cell- 
division  being  exhibited  by  the  portion  intermediate  between  the  basilar 
cell  and  the  terminal  hyaline  hair.  The  terminal  hair  is,  according  to 
Gomont,  in  perfect  continuity  with  the  rest  of  the  true  membrane  of  the 
filament,  and  is  distinguished  only  by  having  fewer  transverse  septa,  and 
by  the  entire  absence  of  granular  protoplasm.  The  outer  layers  of  the 
walls  of  the  filaments  have  a  very  strong  tendency  to  become  transformed 
into  mucilage,  from  which  is  formed  not  only  the  copious  jelly  in  which 

F  F 


434 


PROTOPHYTA 


the  colony  is  usually  invested,  but  in  most  species  also  a  separate  delicate 
membranous  sheath  to  each  individual,  often  of  a  yellowish  colour,  which 
ultimately  becomes  open  at  the  apex.  In  Microchaste  diplosiphon 
(Gomont,  Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  France,  1885,  p.  209)  this  sheath  is  double. 
The  common  gelatinous  envelope  of  the 
colony  sometimes  becomes  at  length  calca- 
reous. In  other  species,  which  float  on  the 
surface  of  the  water,  the  development  of 
mucilage  is  much  feebler. 

The  filaments  of  the  Rivulariacese  branch 
in  a  peculiar  way.  A  small  portion  of  the 
green  tract  between  the  basilar  cell  and  the  ter- 
minal bristle  becomes  rounded  off,  loses  its 
endochrome,  and  forms  a  heterocyst  resembling 
the  basilar  cell.  This  heterocyst  now  assumes 
the  part  of  a  basilar  cell  ;  the  terminal  por- 
tion of  the  filament  beyond  it  detaches  itself, 
and  applies  itself  laterally  to  the  heterocyst, 


FIG.  ^.—Rivularia^olyotis  Hauck.      a,  invested  in  its  gelatinous  envelope  (natural  size). 
6,  vertical  section  (x  I2).     c,  filament  (  x  150).     (After  Hauck.) 

forming  a  '  pseudo-ramulus '  or  false  branch  ;  the  original  filament  then 
develops  a  new  apical  portion  in  a  direct  line  above  the  heterocyst. 
Heterocysts  have  not  yet  been  observed  in  all  the  genera  ;  they  some- 
times occur  interstitially  in  the  filament  without  giving  rise  to  a  pseudo- 
ramulus  ;  their  function  is  obscure.  The  terminal  hyaline  bristle  is  of 


CYANOPHYCE^E 


only  temporary  duration  ;  when  it 
disappears  it  leaves  the  membra- 
nous sheath  open  at  the  extremity. 
This  is  especially  well  seen  in 
Calothrix  (Ag.). 

The  ordinary  mode  of  multi- 
plication of  the  Rivulariaceae  is 
by  means  of  hormogones,  frag- 
ments of  the  green  portion 
which  become  detached  from  the 
rest  of  the  filament,  escape  from 
the  gelatinous  envelope,  move 
about  with  a  creeping  motion, 
eventually  come  to  rest,  invest 
themselves  with  a  gelatinous 
sheath,  and  develop  into  a  new 
filament  in  which  the  differenti- 
ation of  the  basal  and  apical 
extremities  is  soon  manifested. 
The  formation  of  hormogones 
is  confined  to  the  lower  and 
central  portions  of  the  filament, 
and  commences  only  after  the 
disappearance  of  the  terminal 
hyaline  hair.  They  vary  greatly 
in  length,  being  composed  of 
from  two  to  fifty  pseudocysts. 
When  fully  formed,  they  glide 
slowly  out  of  the  sheath,  several 
often  attached  to  one  another. 
At  the  period  of  detachment  of 
the  hormogones  the  whole  fila- 
ment displays  a  slow  movement ; 
otherwise  it  is  quiescent,  the 
power  of  motion  which  in  the 
Oscillariacese  belongs  to  the  entire 
filament  being  in  the  Rivulariaceae 
restricted  to  the  hormogones. 
Beck  (Verhandl.  zool.-bot.  Gesell. 
Wien,  1886,  p.  47)  describes  a 
peculiar  mode  of  formation  of  the 
hormogones  in  Glceotrichia  natans 


FIG.  364.  —  Calothrix  Crustacea  Thur.  (x  160). 
(After  Bornet.) 


436 


PROTOPHYTA 


(Thur.)  while  still  within  the  sheath,  the  cell-contents  passing  from  a 
heterocyst  into  the  basal  cell  of  a  hormogone. 

Multiplication  by  quiescent  resting-spores  has  been  observed  in  some 
species  of  Rivulariaceae.  The  lower  portion  of  the  green  part  of  a  fila- 
ment immediately  above  the  basilar  cell  is  transformed  into  an  elliptical 
thick-walled  spore,  which  escapes  from  its  investing  membrane,  and, 
after,  a  period  of  rest,  either  develops  directly  into  a  new  filament,  or 

breaks  up  into  a  number  of  hormo- 
gones.  The  spores  of  Glceotrichia 
punctulata  (Thur.)  are  rough. 
Under  the  name  '  conids '  Bornet 
and  Flahault  also  describe  special 
propagative  cells  which  become 
detached  from  the  lower  part  of  the 
filament. 

By  far  the  larger  number  of 
species  of  Rivulariaceae  grow  in 
fresh  water,  especially  stagnant,  also 
on  damp  soil  and  on  wet  rocks. 
The  species  of  the  typical  genus 
Rivularia  Roth  are  especially 
abundant  in  both  running  and 
standing  water  ;  R.  fluitans  (Cohn, 
Hedwigia,  1878,  pp.  i  and  33)  floats 
free  on  the  water,  forming  a  blue- 
green  scum  which  enters  largely 
into  the  composition  of  what  is 
known  as  '  flos  aquae.'  Some  species 
have  a  red  tinge.  Calothrix .^Ag., 
though  placed  by  Rabenhorst  among 
the  Scytonemaceae,  has  all  the  cha- 
racteristics of  the  Rivulariaceae. 
The  filaments  of  some  species  are 
comparatively  thick,  as  much  as 

o'oi  mm.  in  diameter,  and  are  invested  in  a  copious,  often  coloured, 
mucilaginous  sheath.  Microchcete  Thur.  is  nearly  allied  to  Calothrix, 
as  is  Glceotrichia  Ag.  to  Rivularia.  Several  species  of  Rivularia 
and  Calothrix  grow  in  salt  or  brackish  water,  and  Isactis  Thur.  is  ex- 
clusively marine.  In  Hormactis  Thur.,  which  is  also  marine,  the  fila- 
ments are  curved  in  a  serpentine  manner,  and  this  character,  together 
with  the  interstitial  heterocysts,  appears  to  indicate  an  approach  to  the 
Nostocaceae.  Other  genera  included  in  the  Rivulariaceae  are  Leptoch^ete 


FIG.  365. — 1  sactis  plana  Thur.  (x  160). 
(After  Bornet.) 


CYANOPHYCE&  437 

(Bzl),    Amphithrix   (Ktz.),    Dichothrix   (Zanard.),    Sacconema    (Bzi.), 
Brachytrichia  (Zan.),  and  Polythrix  (Zan.),  the  last  being  marine. 

Hansgirg  (Bot.  Centralblatt,  xxii.  and  xxiii.,  1885)  considers  the 
genera  ordinarily  placed  under  Rivulariaceae  as  being  higher  develop- 
ments of  organisms  belonging  to  the  Oscillariaceae. 

LITERATURE. 

De  Bary— Flora,  1863,  p.  577. 
Bornet  and  Thuret — Notes  Algol.,  fasc.  i.,   1876,  pp.  v.-viii.  ;  and  fasc.  ii. ,  1880, 

PP-  I57-I7S. 

Bornet  and  Thuret— Etud.  Phycol.,  1878,  pp.  1-6. 
Bornet  and  Flahault— Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  iii.  (1886),  p.  337;  and  iv.  (1886),  p.  341. 


ORDER  3. — SCYTONEMACEAE 
(including  STIGONEME.E  and  SIROSIPHONE^E). 

The  Scytonemaceae  resemble  the  Rivulariaceae  in  consisting  of 
branched  filaments,  often  comparatively  stout,  enclosed,  either  singly  or 
in  numbers,  in  a  mucilaginous  sheath  ;  but  differ  from  that  family  in  dis- 
playing no  differentiation  of  the  two  extremities.  The  filament  termi- 
nates at  each  end  in  a  large  thin-walled  apical  cell,  by  the  repeated 
division  of  which  the  greater  part  of  the  growth  in  length  takes  place. 
The  filaments  display  no  oscillation  or  other  spontaneous  motion.  The 
mucilaginous  sheath  which  invests  one  or  more  filaments  is  of  consider- 
able thickness,  except  over  the  apical  cells,  where  it  is  very  thin  ;  else- 
where it  is  generally  lamellated,  the  lamellae  decreasing  in  number 
towards  the  apex,  which  gives  the  appearance  of  a  number  of  funnels 
inserted  one  in  another.  It  is  often  coloured  by  a  deep  yellow  or  brown 
pigment  known  as  scytonemin,  and  becomes  dry  and  pulverulent  with 
age,  Jbut  in  younger  filaments  the  sheath  is  sometimes  altogether  wanting. 
The  filaments  are  not  septated  laterally,  but  the  contents  are  divided 
into  *  gonids  '  or  pseudocysts,  of  a  spherical  or  elliptical  form,  and  arranged 
in  a  single  row  in  the  thinner,  often  in  two  parallel  rows  in  portions  of  the 
thicker,  filaments.  These  pseudocysts  are  at  first  green,  but  frequently 
become  subsequently  dark  brown  ;  and  the  filament  exterior  to  the 
pseudocysts  is  commonly  filled  by  endochrome  coloured  brown  by 
scytonemin  ;  the  entire  plant  being  therefore  distinguished  by  its  brown 
or  orange  colour.  In  Tolypothrix  (Ktz.)  and  Plectonema  (Thur.)  the 
filaments  generally  retain  permanently  a  green  colour. 

The  Scytonemaceae'  may  multiply  by  the  individual  filaments, 
enclosed  in  a  common  sheath,  which  have  no  genetic  connection  with 
one  another,  escaping  separately  from  their  sheath,  and  then  investing 
themselves  in  a  new  mucilaginous  envelope.  But  the  ordinary  mode  of 


438 


PROTOPHYTA 


propagation  is  either  by  resting-spores  or  by  hormogones.  In  the  former 
case,  at  the  end  of  the  season  of  growth,  the  disc-shaped  pseudocysts 
towards  the  end  of  a  filament  assume  a  roundish  or  ovate  form,  the  gela- 
tinous sheath  disappears,  and  the  spores  thus  formed  remain  for  a  time 
united  together  in  masses.  These  resting-spores  are  capable  of  resisting  a 
high  degree  of  cold  and  drought ;  they  germinate  after  a  period  of  rest, 
when  the  membrane  bursts  transversely.  In  the  formation  of  hormogones 
the  sheath  also  becomes  absorbed,  beginning  from  the  apical  cell,  and 

the  filament  breaks  up  into 
a  number  of  hormogones, 
each  consisting  of  many 
pseudocysts.  In  the  Sti- 
gonemeae  the  hormogones 
are  formed  only  in  the 
lateral  branches,  which  con- 
tain only  a  single  row  of 
pseudocysts.  The  hormo- 
gones move  slowly  in  the 
water  in  a  straight  line ;  in 
some  cases  an  entire  fila- 
ment may  be  converted 
into  a  motile  hormogone. 
During  germination  the 
hormogone,  enclosed  in  a 
delicate  transparent  mucila- 
ginous sheath,  breaks  up 
into  portions  of  various 
lengths,  or  it  becomes  a  new 
individual  without  breaking 
up ;  and  at  this  period  one 
of  the  apical  pseudocysts 
usually  becomes  a  hetero- 
cyst. 

The  branching  of  the  Scytonemaceae  takes  place  in  two  different 
ways,  characteristic  of  the  two  sub-orders  into  which  they  are  divided— 
the  Scytoneme<z  and  the  Sirosiphonece.  In  the  Scytonemeae,  which  in- 
clude the  genera  Scytonema  (Ag.),  Petalonema  (Berk.),  Tolypothrix 
(Ktz.),  Plectonema  (Thur.),  and  Drilosiphon  (KA.z.\  pseudo-ramuli  are 
formed  somewhat  in  the  same  way  as  in  Rivularia,  but  the  branches  are 
much  stouter,  and  stand  out  at  right  angles  to  the  main  axis.  In 
Scytonema  Ag.  two  contiguous  pseudocysts  separate  at  indefinite  spots 
on  the  filament,  and  each  of  these  then  acts  as  the  terminal  pseudocyst 


FIG.  366.  -  Stigonema  minutum  Hass.  A ,  outline  of  fila- 
ment (  x  100) ;  B,  portion  of  primary  filament  (  x  200)  ; 
C,  ditto  with  branch  (  x  200).  (From  nature.) 


CYANOPHYCE& 


439 


to  a  lateral  branch  ;  the  branches  therefore  spring  in  pairs  at  a  right 
angle  from  the  main  axis.  Thick-walled  heterocysts  may  be  formed 
at  any  spot  in  the  filament.  In  Tolypothrix  Ktz.  the  false  branches 
spring  singly  from  beneath  heterocysts.  In  the  Sirosiphoneae,  including 
Stigonema  (Ag.),  Sirosiphon  (Ktz.),  Fischera  (Schw.),  Capsosira  (Ktz.), 
Hapalosiphon  (Nag.),  Mastigocladus  (Cohn),  and  Mastigocoleus 
(Lagerh.),  the  formation  of  a  false  branch  is  preceded  by  a  change  in 


FIG.  367. — Hapalo siphon  byssoideus  Kirch,  (x  200).     (From  nature.) 


the  direction  of  cell-division.  Two  or  three  contiguous  pseudocysts  in 
an  older  portion  of  the  filament  divide  in  a  direction  parallel  to  the 
axis  of  growth  of  the  filament,  and  one  of  the  new  pseudocysts  thus 
formed  now  becomes  the  basal  pseudocyst  of  a  lateral  branch,  which 
generally  consists  of  a  single  row  of  pseudocysts  at  right  angles  to  the 
axis.  In  Plectonema  Thur.  the  branches  protrude  outside  the  mucila- 
ginous sheath.  Heterocysts  are  formed  in  all  parts  of  the  filament,  but 
their  function  is  unknown. 


440  PROTOPHYTA 

Coleodesmium  Bzi.  appears  to  be  one  of  the  simplest  forms  of  the 
Scytonemaceae.  No  pseudo-ramuli  are  formed  ;  the  filaments  increase 
by  fission  only,  and  a  number  remain  united  in  a  bundle  within  a 
common  envelope.  Mazcza  (Bornet,  Bull.  Soc.  Bot.  France,  1881, 
p.  287)  is,  on  the  other  hand,  a  genus  in  which  the  development  is 
carried  to  its  highest  point.  The  gelatinous  '  fronds '  are  about  25  mm. 
in  diameter  ;  the  heterocysts  are  borne  on  pedicels  consisting  of  from 
one  to  three  cells,  and  the  whole  appearance  is  that  of  a  Rivularia,  the 
filaments  being  immersed  in  a  homogeneous  jelly,  and  spreading  from 
a  central  spot.  No  distinct  sheath  has  been  observed,  nor  any  resting- 
spores  or  hormogones.  In  Petalonema  Berk,  the  mucilaginous  sheath 
forms  a  kind  of  broad  coloured  wing  to  the  filament.  Mastigocoleus 
(Lagerheim,  Notarisia,  1886,  p.  65)  is  a  marine  genus  growing  attached 
to  the  shells  of  molluscs,  with  both  terminal  and  lateral  heterocysts  ; 
the  filament  sometimes  ends  in  a  hair,  as  in  the  Rivulariaceae.  Drilo- 
siphon  Julianus  Ktz.,  frequent  on  the  damp  walls  of  greenhouses,  is 
characterised  by  an  outer  calcareous  sheath,  and  is  a  remarkably  pleo- 
morphic  organism.  According  to  Zukal  (Oesterr.  Bot.  Zeitschr.,  1883, 
p.  73)  it  forms  two  kinds  of  hormogones,  and  displays  a  kind  of  alterna- 
tion of  generations.  The  ordinary  hormogones  produce  only  more  and 
more  slender  filaments,  which  gradually  assume  a  moniliform  character, 
and  are  then  known  as  Nostoc  parietinum  (Rabh.).  Eventually  the 
cells  of  these  nostoc-filaments  separate,  and  assume  the  character  of 
an  Aphanocapsa,  or,  in  other  cases,  become  the  organism  known  as 
Glceocapsa  fenestralis  (Ktz.) ;  or  very  slender  filaments  are  produced, 
constituting  the  Leptothrix  parasitica  and  muralis  (Ktz.),  which  forms 
are  distinctly  connected  genetically  with  Drilosiphon.  These  leptothrix- 
filaments  may  again  break  up  into  vibrio-  and  bacillus-forms.  The 
second  kind  of  hormogone  has  a  fusiform  shape,  and  consists  usually  of 
from  four  to  eight  pseudocysts.  It  may  remain  dormant  for  a  time, 
and,  on  germinating,  reproduces  the  ordinary  thick  filaments. 

Wille  (Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot.  Gesell.,  1883,  p.  243)  and  Scott  (Journ. 
Linn.  Soc.,  xxiv.,  1887,  p.  188)  have  determined  the  presence  of  a  cell- 
nucleus  in  Tolypothrix.  Wille  states  also  that  in  Stigonema  compactum 
(Kirch.)  the  necklace-like  pseudocysts  are  in  direct  communication 
with  one  another  through  perforations  in  their  cell -walls.  AVhen  this 
species  passes  into  the  Glceocapsa-condition,  the  perforations  disappear, 
in  consequence  of  the  gelification  of  the  common  sheath,  and  the 
separate  cells  then  carry  on  their  existence  as  distinct  individuals. 
Under  the  name  Tolypothrix  amphibia,  Zopf  (Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot. 
Gesell.,  1883,  p.  319)  describes  an  organism  having  both  an  aerial  and 
an  aquatic  form,  the  latter  being  a  true  Tolypothrix  with  its  filaments 


CYANOPHYCE^E  441 

enclosed  in  sheaths  and  breaking  up  into  hormogones,  from  which  is 
derived  the  aerial  form  with  the  nature  of  a  Chroococcus,  and  dividing 
in  three  directions. 

Rabenhorst  and  Cooke  regard  Stigonema,  and  the  latter  authority 
also  Hapalosiphon,  as  genera  of  lichens  ;  and  Bornet  and  Flahault 
state  that  several  organisms  described  as  species  of  Sirosiphon  and 
Stigonema  are  really  lichens  in  a  more  or  less  advanced  stage  of  deve- 
lopment. Hansgirg  (Oesterr.  Bot.  Zeitschr.,  1884,  and  Bot.  Centralbl., 
xxii.  &  xxiii.,  1885)  considers  the  genera  placed  under  Scytonemeae  to  be 
the  highest  forms  of  development  of  various  organisms  hitherto  mostly 
placed  under  Oscillariacese.  In  the  same  way,  from  Tolypothrix  and 
Scytonema  may  arise,  by  further  development,  the  corresponding  forms 
of  Hapalosiphon,  Mastigocladus,  Sirosiphon,  Stigonema,  Fischera,  and 
other  genera  usually  placed  under  Sirosiphoneae. 

With  the  exception  of  Mastigocoleus,  the  Scytonemaceae  are  found 
only  in  fresh  water,  in  bog-pools,  or  very  commonly  on  wet  rocks  or 
trunks  of  trees,  or  among  moss.  They  may  form  mats  of  considerable 
thickness,  but  the  individual  filaments,  including  the  sheath,  seldom 
exceed  o'04-o*c>5  mm.  in  thickness.  Several  Scytonemaceae  are  known 
to  enter  into  the  composition  of  lichens  (see  fig.  2790.) 

LITERATURE. 

Bornet— Notes  Algol.,  fasc.  I,  1876,  pp.  iv.-v.  ;  fasc.  2,  1880,  pp.  135-156. 
Bornet  and  Flahault — Ann.  Sc.  Nat.,  v.,  1887,  p.  51. 


ORDER  4. — OSCILLARIACESE  (including  CHAM^SIPHONACE^E). 

The  Oscillariaceae  or  Oscillatorieae,  in  which  the  Lyngbyeae  are  also 
included,  consist  of  delicate  blue-green  threads,  occurring  singly  or  in 
large  floating  masses  in  fresh  running,  or  more  abundantly  in  stagnant, 
less  often  in  salt,  water.  The  filaments  are  cylindrical  and  unbranched, 
straight,  or  (Oscillaria  princeps,  Vauch.)  with  the  terminal  portion  bent 
at  an  obtuse  angle  with  the  rest  of  the  filament ;  in  Spirulina  (Lk.)  the 
whole  filament  is  coiled  in  a  corkscrew-like  manner.  The  filament  is 
divided  by  very  delicate  transverse  septa  into  disc-shaped  pseudocysts  ; 
there  is  no  differentiation  between  the  two  extremities.  The  cell-wall  has 
the  property  of  transforming  its  outer  layers  into  copious  mucilage,  which 
forms  a  gelatinous  sheath  investing  either  single  filaments,  as  in  Lyngbya 
(Ag.)and  Symploca  ('Ktz.),  or  a  number  of  filaments,  as  in  Inactis  (Ktz.) 
and  Microcoleus  (Desm.).  In  most  species  of  Oscillaria  (Bosc.)  and 
Spirulina  a  distinct  sheath  is  either  wanting  or  it  is  extremely  thin  and 
delicate,  but  the  filaments  are  often  imbedded  in  structureless  jelly. 


442 


PROTOPHYTA 


The  blue-green  colour  of  phycocyanin  is  sometimes  replaced  by  a  red 
or  violet  pigment.  Scott  finds  a  cell-nucleus  in  several  species  of 
Oscillaria. 

The  only  certainly  known  mode  of  multiplication  of  the  Oscillariaceae 
is  by  a  filament  escaping  from  its  mucilaginous 
sheath,  and  breaking  up  into  hormogones,  each 
composed  of  a  small  number  of  pseudocysts, 
which  round  themselves  off  at  both  ends  and 
develop  into  new  filaments. 

The  family  derives  its  name  from  the 
oscillating  or  wavy  motion  with  which  the 
filaments  are  endowed.  This  consists  in  a 
creeping  movement  in  the  direction  of  the 
length  of  the  filament,  now  backwards  and 
now  forwards,  accompanied  by  a  curvature  of 
the  filament  and  rotation  round  its  own  axis  ; 
but,  according  to  Borzi,  this  power  of  motion 
is  limited  to  the  reproductive  period.  The 
filaments  of  the  Oscillariaceae  have  a  remark- 
able power  of  resistance  to  both  cold  and 
desiccation,  to  which  they  are  adapted  by  the 
encysting  of  the  filament  and  hardening  of 
the  mucilaginous  sheath. 

The  movements  of  the  Oscillariaceae  are 
greatly  influenced  by  temperature  and  light, 
being  much  more  active  in  warmth  and  sun- 
shine than  in  cold  and  shade,  but  their  cause 
is  involved  in  considerable  obscurity.  Cohn 
(Arch.  mikr.  Anat.,  1867,  p.  48)  observed  that 
the  oscillating  movements  take  place  only 
when  the  filament  is  in  contact  with  a  solid 
substratum.  Siebold  (Zeitschr.  wiss.  Zcol.,  1 849, 
p.  284)  states  that  if  the  water  in  which  they 
grow  is  coloured  by  indigo,  the  particles  collect 
round  the  filaments  of  Oscillaria  up  to  their 
apex,  whether  they  are  in  motion  or  not.  Some- 
A§-  times  creeping  spiral  lines  of  pigment  begin  to 
be  formed  at  both  ends  of  the  filament  and 
meet  in  the  middle,  where  the  particles  become  heaped  up  into  little  balls  ; 
or  sometimes  this  begins  in  the  middle  and  advances  to  both  ends.  The 
mode  in  which  the  particles  of  indigo  adhere  to  the  filament  and  to  one 
another  appears  to  indicate  the  excretion  of  mucilaginous  protoplasm. 


CYANOPHYCE&  443 

Engelmann  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1879,  P-  49)  claims  to  have  detected  this  external 
secretion  in  the  case  of  Oscillaria  dubia  (Ktz.).  Zukal  compares  the 
motion  of  Spirulina  to  that  of  a  growing  tendril,  and  asserts  that  it  is 
intimately  connected  with  the  growth  of  the  filament.  It  consists  of  a 
slow  torsion  of  the  entire  helix  round  its  own  axis,  and  is  the  result  of 
the  more  rapid  growth  in  length  of  the  filament  than  of  the  ideal  axis  of 
growth.  If  the  motion  is  suddenly  interrupted,  the  filaments  become 
for  a  moment  quiescent,  and  then  retreat  towards  the  central  point  of 
the  movement,  forming  a  dark  green  lump.  Hansgirg,  on  the  other 
hand  (Sitzber.  Bohm.  Gesell.  Wiss.,see  Bot.  Centralbl.,  xii.,  1882,  p.  361), 
considers  the  twisting  and  nodding  movements  to  be  due,  not  to  the 
growth  of  the  filament,  but  to  osmotic  changes  in  the  cell-contents  ;  the 
separate  cells  exhibiting  motion  when  the  envelope  itself  is  at  rest.  He 
regards  the  movements  as  of  the  same  nature  as  those  of  the  sarcode  in 
the  pseudopodes  of  Rhizopods  and  other  Protozoa.  The  same  observer 
states  further  (Bot.  Zeit.,  1883,  p.  831)  that  in  the  protoplasm  which  had 
escaped  from  the  broken  end  of  a  filament  of  O.  princeps,  he  has  observed 


FIG.  369.— Oscillaria  princeps  Vauch.  (x  200).     (From  nature.) 


a  number  of  amoeboid  cells  from  9  to  12  /j  in  diameter,  nearly  spherical 
in  form,  and  putting  out  colourless  pseudopodes  about  twice  the  length 
of  the  central  body,  and  to  these  he  attributes  the  motile  properties  of 
the  protoplasm.  He  believes  the  cause  of  the  oscillating  motion  to  be 
that  the  internal  protoplasm  takes  up  water  more  rapidly,  and  conse- 
quently swells  to  a  greater  extent,  than  the  enveloping  sheath,  causing 
the  filament,  to  move  slowly  backwards  and  forwards  within  the  sheath. 
In  those  species  in  which  each  filament  is  not  invested  in  a  separate 
sheath,  variations  in  the  turgidity  are  also  brought  about  by  variations 
in  the  endosmotic  and  exosmotic  currents.  Finally  Schnetzler  (Arch. 
Sc.  Phys.  etNat.,  1885,  p.  164)  describes  the  movements  in  O.  aerugineo- 
coerulea  (Ktz.)  as  of  six  different  kinds,  viz.  :  (i)  rotation  of  the  filament 
or  of  its  segments  round  its  axis  ;  (2)  creeping  or  gliding  over  a  solid 
substratum  ;  (3)  a  swimming  change  of  position  in  the  water  ;  (4)  rota- 
tion or  flexion  of  the  entire  filament  ;  (5)  sharp  tremblings  or  concus- 
sions ;  and  (6)  a  radiating  arrangement  of  the  entangled  filaments. 

Most  of  the  species  of  the  typical  genus  Oscillaria  Bosc.  grow  in 
dense  slimy  tufts  attached  to  other  algge  or  floating  bodies,  the  filaments 
being  not  more  than  from  2  to  6  /«  in  diameter  ;  in  a  few  species, 


444 


PROTOPHYTA 


such  as  O.  princeps  (Vauch.),  the  diameter  is  much  greater,  the  separate 
filaments,  just  visible  to  the  naked  eye,  floating  on  the  surface  of  the 
water.  Lyngbya  Ag.  is  distinguished  by  its  property  of  forming 
'  persistent  cells,'  the  function  of  which  is  not  known  ;  they  may  possibly 
be  propagative  spores.  The  species  have  a  much  less  active  motion  than 
those  of  Oscillaria,  and  chiefly  inhabit  salt  or  brackish  water.  Symploca 
Ktz.  grows  in  tufts,  frequently  among  grass  with  the  habit  of  a  Rivularia. 
In  Microcoleus  Desm,  and  Inactis  Ktz.  a  large  number  of  filaments  are 
enclosed  in  the  same  gelatinous  sheath. 

The  genera  Chamaesiphon  (A.  Br.),  Clastidium  (Kirch.),  Cyanocystis 

(Bzi.),  and  Dermocapsa  (Crouan)  (to 
which  Thuret  adds  Xenococcus  and 
Sphaerogonium,  Rostaf.)  constitute 
Borzi's  family  of  Chamasipkona&a,  dis- 
tinguished, according  to  that  author, 
by  the  presence  of  coccogones,  propa- 
gative cells  of  the  nature  of  sporanges, 
in  which  conids  are  formed  by  repeated 


FIG.  370. — Spirulina  tenuissima  Ktz. 
(  x  400).     (After  Cooke.) 


FIG.  371. — Lyngbya  (estuarii  Liebm.  (x  2co). 
(After  Hauck.) 


division,  the  usual  number  in  each  coccogone  being  four,  eight,  or 
sixteen.  Clastidium  (Jahrhft.  vaterl.  Naturk.  Wiirtemberg,  1880,  p.  135) 
is  characterised  by  each  filament  having  a  terminal  bristle.  Dermocapsa 
and  Xenococcus  are  epiphytic  on  Catenella,  Lyngbya,  and  other  marine 
algae.  The  former  genus  has  been  placed  among  both  Florideae  and 
Fucaceae,  owing  to  its  mode  of  propagation  ;  D.  violacea  (Crouan)  has 
a  bright  red  colour. 

Plaxonema  Tangl  (Sitzber.  Akad.  Wiss.  Wien,  1882)  is  a  fila- 
mentous protophyte  with  the  habit  of  an  Oscillaria,  but  characterised  by 
the  presence  of  a  disc-shaped  chromatophore  in  the  blue-green  proto- 
plasm. Under  certain  conditions  the  filaments  break  up  into  zoogloea- 
like  colonies.  J3orziaCo\\n  (Jahrber.  Schles.  Vaterl.  Cultur,  1883,  p.  226) 
is  a  genus  of  Oscillariaceae  with  the  habit  of  a  bacillus,  consisting  of 


CYANOPHYCEsE 


445 


short  oblong  rods,  which  oscillate  slowly  and  are  not  enclosed  in  a  gela- 
tinous sheath.  In  B.  trilocularis  (Cohn)  each  hormogone  is  composed 
uniformly  of  three  pseudocysts  only. 

Many  of  the  Oscillariaceae  enter  largely  into  the  composition  of  the 
blue-green  scum  seen  on  the  surface  of  stagnant  ditches,  &c.     Together 
with  others  of  the  Nostochinese  they  are  said 
to  have  the  power  of  decomposing  vegetable 
matter,  and  to  this  is  largely  due  the  foul 
stench  of  stagnant  water.     In  addition  to 
many  species  of  Lyngbya  a  few  belonging 
to  other  genera  grow  in  salt  or  brackish 
water.      Several  species  of  Oscillaria  are 
found  in  thermal  springs. 

The  relationship  of  the  genera  of 
Oscillariacese  to  one  another,  and  even 
to  genera  at  present  included  in  other 
families,  is  still  very  obscure.  Hansgirg 
believes  that  many  of  the  forms  described 
as  species  of  Chroococcus  result  from  the 
breaking  up  of  filaments  of  Lyngbya ; 
while,  on  the  other  hand,  most  of  Kiit- 
zing's  species  of  Leptothrix,  and  many 
of  Oscillaria,  may  be  simply  hormogones  of  species  of  Rivulariaceae, 
Scytonemeae,  and  Stigonemese,  propagating  by  frequent  divisions,  and 
becoming  invested  in  a  more  or  less  thick  gelatinous  sheath.  Many 
species  of  Lyngbya  may  be  only  the  young  stages  of  development  of 
those  species  of  Calothrix  and  Scytonema  to  which  they  are  found 
attached.  Oscillaria  or  Lyngbya  antliaria  (Hansg.)  he  now  regards  as  in 
reality  an  Aphanocapsa.  The  same  author  further  states  that  in  the 


FIG.  372. — Symfiioca  hydnoides  Kt/. 
(a,  natural  size ;  b,  x  200).  (After 
Hauck.) 


FIG.  w^.—Symploca  violacea  Hauck  (  X  280).     (After  Hauck.) 

Lyngbyese  and  other  of  the  higher  families-  of  Cyanophyceae,  nuclei, 
pyrenoids,  and  chromatophores  occur,  but  only  when  they  are  in  a  con- 
dition of  retrogression  from  the  filiform  stale,  and  are  breaking  up  into 
the  unicellular  condition.  Under  the  name  Chroomonas  Nordstedtii 
Hansgirg  describes  (Bot.  Centralbl.,  xxiii.,  1885,  p.  229)  a  biciliated 


446 


PROTOPHYTA 


organism  with  blue-green  endochrome  which  he  regards  as  the  swarm- 
cell  condition  of  a  phycochromaceous  alga  which  occurs  normally  in  a 
filamentous  form,  probably  as  Oscillaria  tenuis  (Ag.)  or  O.  Frolichii 

(Ktz.). 

LITERATURE. 

Fresenius — Ueb.  d.  Ban  u.  d.  Leben  d.  Oscillarieen,  1845. 
Braun— Bot.  Zeit.,  1852,  p.  395. 

Bornet  and  Thuret— Notes  Algol.,  fasc.  I,  pp.  iii.-iv.' ;  and  fasc.  2,  pp.  132-135. 
Zukal— Oesterr.  Bot.  Zeitschr.,  1880,  p.  n. 

Hansgirg— Oesterr.  Bot.  Zeitschr.,   1884,  pp.   313  et  seq.  ;  and  Ber.    Deutsch.  Bot. 
Gesell.,  1885,  p.  14. 


Sub-class  2  and  ORDER  5.  —  Chroococcacese. 

The  Chroococcaceae  share  with  the  Schizomycetes  the  distinction 
of  being  among  the  lowest  forms  of  vegetable  life.  The  separate 
cells  are  always  microscopic,  and  are  filled  with  a  blue-green  or  violet 
endochrome  which  owes  its  colour  to  the  phycocyanin  dissolved  in  the 
cell-sap  ;  they  contain  neither  distinct  chlorophyll-grains  nor  starch,  nor, 
except  in  Chroodactylon  (Hansg.),  a  distinct  nucleus.  The  cells  are  either 
isolated,  or  are  more  often  connected  together 
into  colonies  by  a  mucus  formed  from  the 
disintegration  of  the  outer  layers  of  the  cell- 
wall  ;  they  are  never  united  into  a  filament. 
This  gelatinous  envelope  is  either  colourless  and 
hyaline,  or  of  a  blue,  brown,  or  olive  colour, 
and  is  often  strongly  lamellated.  In  Chroo- 
coccus  (Nag.)  it  is  homogeneous  and  capable  of 
swelling  greatly;  in  Glceocapsa  (Ktz.)  it  is  com- 
posed of  two  successive  layers,  and  becomes 
eventually,  in  some  species,  crustaceous,  and  of 
a  very  dark  brown  or  even  black  colour.  1  he 

.  .  7  .  ,  j  j 

internal  pseudocysts  or  gonids  are  never  endowed 
with  cilia,  as  in  some  Protococcaceae,  and  are 

usually  quiescent  ;  but  in  Microcystis  (Ktz.)  they  have  a  constant 
'  swarming  '  motion  within  the  hyaline  envelope.  The  entire  organism 
has  usually  a  power  of  slow  spontaneous  motion.  Multiplication  by 
swarm-spores  or  zoospores  is  unknown  except  in  the  doubtful  case 
of  Merismopedia  (Mey.)  (Goebel,  'Outlines  of  Classification,'  p.  22). 
Resting-spores  or  cysts  (akinetes)  are  formed  in  Glceocapsa  by  the 
cells  of  which  a  colony  is  composed  investing  themselves,  while  still 
within  their  common  gelatinous  envelope,  in  a  rough  or  spiny  coat  of 


FIG.    374.-Stages    in    the    de- 

veiopment    of    ckroococcus 

turgidus  Nag.  (greatly  mag- 

nified).   (After  Reinke.) 


CYANOPNYCE^E 


447 


cellulose  ;  the  spiny  resting-spores  thus  formed  reproduce  the  colony  by 
division  after  a  period  of  quiescence. 

With  the  above  exceptions  the  only  mode  of  propagation  in  the 
Chroococcaceae  is  by  division — repeated  repartition  of  the  cell,  which  may 
take  place  in  one,  two,  or  three  directions.  This  is  usually  accompanied 
by  the  disappearance  of  the  separate  gelatinous  envelope  of  each  indi- 
vidual cell ;  but  in  Glceocapsa  these  still  remain,  and  as  many  as  three 
or  four  generations  of  families  may  be  enclosed  within  the  original 
envelope,  each  surrounded  by  its  own  investment.  In  Chroococcus  Nag. 
it  is  not  unusual  for  the  individual  cells  to  be  entirely  isolated  within  the 
common  envelope.  In  Synechococcus  Nag.  division'  takes  place  in  one 
direction  only,  and  the  derivative  cells  remain  attached  to  one  another 


FIG.  375. — Aphanothece  microscopica. 
Nag.  (x  70).     (From  nature.) 


FIG.  376. — Glaeothece  granosa  Rabh.  A,  gela 
tinous  colony  (magnified) ;  B,  cells  (  x  250} 
(After  Cooke.) 


in  a  string  *  but  the  attachment  is  very  loose,  and  soon  ceases.  In 
Merismopedia,  Tetrapedia  Reinsch.,  and  Glceochcete  Lagerh.  division 
takes  place  in  two  directions,  the  result  being  the  formation  of  a  plate  of 
cells,  often  of  great  regularity.  In  Chroocoaus,  Glceocapsa,  Glceothece 
Nag.,  Aphanocapsa  Nag.,  Aphanothece  Nag.,  Microcystis,  and  most 
other  genera,  division  takes  place  in  all  three  directions.  In  Clathrocystis 
Henf.  the  gelatinous  envelope,  which  is  of  great  extent,  is  broken  up 
into  clathrate  segments.  In  Ccelosphcerium  Nag.,  a  common  organism 
in  bog-pools  moving  about  with  considerable  rapidity,  it  is  lobed  at  the 
margin,  the  pseudocysts  appearing  like  blue-green  projections  >on  the 
surface  of  the  globe.  Chroodactylon  Hansg.  (Ber.  Deutsch.  Bot. 
Gesell.,  1885,  p.  14)  is  distinguished  by  the  formation  of  cell-families 
branching  in  an  arborescent  manner,  by  its  distinct  cell-nucleus,  and 


448  PROTOPHYTA 

. 

by  the    star-shaped    chromatophores  which    enclose    moderately  large 
pyrenoi^s.     It  has  possibly  been  erroneously  referred  to  this  family. 

Most  of  the  genera  and  species  of  Chroococcaceas  grow  in  moist 
situations,  as  on  damp  rocks,  where  they  frequently  form  large  shining 
blue-green  mucilaginous  masses  ;  others  swim  freely  on  the  surface  of 
bog-pools  ;  a  few  are  found  in  salt  water,  attached  to  sea-weeds.  The 
gonids  or  algal  constituents  of  many  lichens  have  been  shown  to  be  pro- 
tophytal  organisms  belonging  to  the  Chroococcaceae.  As  it  is  highly 
probable  that  many  forms  at  present  included  in  the  family  are  stages  in 
the  history  of  development  of  more  highly  organised  protophytes,  or  even 
of  algae,  their  place  in  a  final  system  of  classification  is  altogether  un- 
certain until  their  life-history  has  been  more  thoroughly  investigated. 
Many  are  closely  analogous  to  corresponding  forms  among  the  Protococ- 
caceae,  as  Chroococcus  to  Chlorococcum,  Glceocapsa  to  Gloeocystis, 


«N 


FlG.  yn.—Microcystis  marginata  Men.          FIG.  •$•]%.— Caiosphcerhim  Kiitzingianum  Nag. 
(x  400).     (After  Cooke.)  (x  400).     (After  Cooke.) 

Aphanocapsa  to  Protococcus,  Coelosphaerium  to  Botryococcus,  and 
Merismopedia  to  Tetraspora;  but  they  are  probably  merely  parallel 
serie^  of  forms  without  any  direct  genetic  connection.  Richter,  however, 
identifies  Glceocapsa  and  Gloeocystis. 

The  same  observer  suggests  also  a  genetic  affinity  lietween  the 
various  genera  usually  included  under  the  Chroococcaceae  of  the  follow- 
ing nature.  The  lowest  form  is  the  naked  Aphanocapsa-condition, 
corresponding  to  Palmella  among  the  Protococcaceae.  From  this  naked 
or  only  slightly  encysted  condition  is  developed  the  Gloeocapsa-  or 
Gloeocystis-form,  with  several  gelatinous  envelopes,  the  Chroococcus- 
condition,  where  the  investment  is  altogether  wanting,  and  the  coenobe- 
or  Ccelosphaerium-condition,  where  there  is  only  a  slight  vesicular 
envelope.  The  Gloeocapsa -form  is  especially  adapted  for  exposure  to 
air  and  growth  upon  a  comparatively  dry  substratum  ;  the  coenobe-type 
is  developed  in  wa^er  or  on  a  moist  substratum  in  the  air.  With  this 
is  connected  the  cylindrical  form,  a  higher  stage,  because  it  displays 
differentiation  in  the  direction  of  growth,  and  a  development  towards 


CYANOPHYCE&  449 

the  filiform  condition.  This  cylindrical  condition,  when  attained,  is 
usually  unstable,  but  becomes  stable  in  Synechococcus.  Glceocapsa  may 
also  pass  into  an  encysted  filiform  condition  in  Sirosiphon  (see  p.  439). 
Zopf  insists  on  the  close  affinity  between  the  blue-green  Schizo- 
phycese  and  the  Schizomycetes.  Hansgirg  regards  many  of  the  forms 
included  under  Chroococcus  as  resulting  from  the  breaking  up  of  fila- 
ments of  the  higher  Cyanophyceae  such  as  Lyngbya,  while  Glceocapsa 
may  be  derived  in  the  same  way  from  Stigonema,  and  Synechococcus  from* 
Calothrix.  He  believes,  in  fact,  most  if  not  all  of  the  organisms  hitherto 
included  in  this  family  to  be  connected,  by  retrogressive  metamorphosis, 
with  other  more  highly  developed  forms,  and  even  possibly  in  some 
cases  (Flora,  1886,  p.  291)  with  the  protoneme  of  a  moss.  Microcystis 
is  regarded  by  Richter  (Hedwigia,  1885,  p.  18)  as  a  resting-form  of 
Euglena.  The  Chroococcaceae,  like  the  other  Cyanophyceae  and  the 
Protococcaceae,  enter  largely  into  the  composition  of  Lichens.  The 
reader  will  find  this  subject  amply  treated  by  Bornet  in  his  '  Recherches 
sur  les  gonidies  des  Lichens '  (Ann.  Sci.  Nat.,  5  Ser.,  xvii.  and  xix.). 

LITERATURE. 

Nageli-  Gattungen  einzelliger  Algen,  1849. 

Borzl— Nuov.  Giorn.  Bot.  Ital.,  1878,  p.  369  ;  and  1879,  p.  47. 

Richter—  Hedwigia,  1880,  pp.  154,  169,  191. 

Zopf— Bot.    CentralbL,  x.,   1882,   p.    32;  and   Ber.    Deutsch.    Bot.    Gesell.,    1883, 

P-  319' 

Tangl — Anzeiger  Akad.  Wiss.  Wien,  1883,  p.  87. 
Hansgirg— Oesterr.  Bot.   Zeitschr.,  1884,  pp.   313,  351,  389;  and   Bot.   Centralbl. 

xxii.  and  xxiii.,  1885. 


GROUP   II.    AND   CLASS   XXVIIL— SCHIZOMYCfTES 
(BACTERIA). 

Though  this  group  has  been  the  subject  of  a  great  deal  of  investiga- 
tion and  much  speculation,  it  cannot  be  said  that  our  knowledge  of  it 
is  in  due  proportion  to  the  literature.  The  minute  size  of  the  cells  pre- 
cludes an  exact  study  of  their  structure.  This  leads  to  errors  of  deter- 
mination and  to  confusion  of  forms  in  culture  experiments,  and  thus 
renders  difficult  the  study  of  the  course  of  development.  A  large  number 
of  the  investigators  have  been  and  are  unequipped  with  a  knowledge 
of  natural  history,  and  are  unfitted  to  appreciate  the  significance  of 
phenomena  observed,  or,  in  other  cases,  are  incapable  of  observation  of 

G  G 


45o  PROTOPHYTA 

the  kind  at  all.  Records  of  the  successive  occurrence  of  different 
forms  in  the  same  situation  have  been  substituted  for  direct  observations 
of  continuity,  while  errors  of  even  grosser  kind  abound  in  the  vast 
literature  of  the  subject.  Bacteria  are  the  present  refuge  of  those 
who  believe  in  '  spontaneous  generation,'  just  as  higher  forms  of  organ- 
ised beings  were  the  subject  of  their  speculations  in  former  times,  when 
the  instruments  of  investigation  were  less  perfect. 

Bacteria  are  either  single  minute  cells  of  roundish  form,  or  cylin- 
drical and  rod-like  cells  or  rows  of  cells.  As  has  been  said,  their  very 
minute  sizetias  prevented  our  attaining  an  exact  knowledge  of  the  cell- 
structure.  The  cell-cavity*is  ordinarily  filled  with  homogeneous  proto- 
plasmic contents.  Chlorophyll  has  been  discovered  tingeing  the  proto- 
plasm in  three  forms — Bacterium  viride  and  Bacillus  virens  of  Van 
Tieghem,  and  more  faintly  in  Bacterium  chlorinum  of  W.  Engelmann. 
A  red  colouring  matter  discovered  by  Lankester,  and  named  by  him 
bacteriopurpurin,  tinges  the  protoplasm  of  Beggiatoa  roseo-persicina 
(Zopf ),  but  though  colours  are  often  associated  with  masses  of  Bacteria, 
it  is  difficult  to  discern  in  the  magnified  view  the  exact  seat  of  it, 
whether  it  occur  in  cell-contents,  cell-wall,  or  substratum.  In  some 
forms  (which  do  not  contain  chlorophyll)  a  substance  resembling  starch 
is  round.  No  one  has  yet  detected  nuclei  with  absolute  certainty.  The 
cell-membranes  are  very  delicate,  and  in  such  cases  as  Spirillum 
(Ehrenb.)  highly  elastic,  but  it  happens  to  most  Bacteria  at  one  stage  of 
their  development  that  gelatinous  outer  layers  are  formed,  which  either 
inve|t  single  cells  and  cell-groups,  or  unite  into  masses  large  numbers 
of  cells.  A  great  number  of  Bacteria  have  the  power  of  free  movement. 
During  such  movement  rotation  takes  place  round  the  longitudinal 
axis,  while  movements  of  oscillation  also  occur  in  other  forms,  Cilia  or 
flagella  are  found  in  some,  but  not  all,  of  these  moving  Bacteria,  and  it 
has  not  been  proved  that  they  are  motile  organs  as  one  might  too  readily 
infer.  As  a  matter  of  fact  it  is  not  known,  in  many  cases,  whether 
these  flagella  are  parts  of  the  membrane  or  of  the  protoplasm  protruded 
through  it ;  and  since  they  are  not  always  present  in  motile  Bacteria, 
they  need  not  be  regarded  as  essential  organs  of  locomotion  at  all 
events. 

Various  growth-forms  occur  which  were  at  first  associated  with  dif- 
ferent Bacteria  and  received  generic  names.  Individual  Bacteria  are 
either  roundish  or  in  the  form  of  straight  rods,  or  of  twisted  rods.  As 
de  Bary  has  remarked,  '  a  billiard  ball,  a  lead  pencil,  and  a  corkscrew  so 
exactly  illustrate  these  three  chief  forms,'  that  there  is  no  need  of  models 
to  convey  instruction  in  this  respect.  The  round  growth-forms  are 
termed  Coccus  \Micrococcus  Cohn  &c.)  ;  the  rod-like  forms  include  those 


SCHIZOMYCETES 


which  have  been  termed  Bacillus  Cohn  (long  rods),  and  specially  Bac- 
terium Cohn  (short  rods) ;  the  shortly  coiled  forms  acre  kribwn  as  Vibrio 
Cohn  ;  and  the  spiral  forms  have  received  the  names  of  Spirillum 
Ehrenb.,  Spirochceta  Ehrenb.,  &c.,  and  the  very  elongated  filiform 
forms  are  Leptothrix  Ktz.,  Beggiatoa  Trev.  &c.  Involution  forms  are 
swollen  bladder-like  structures  of  irregular  outline  probably  produced  by 
malnutrition.  These  growth-forms  of  cells  or  of  individuals  either  occur 
free,  or  in  the  form  of  filaments,  or  more  seldom  of  flat  surfaces  or 
cube-like  packets.  Large  gelatinous  masses  called  Zoogl&a,  composed  of 
numerous  individuals  of  these  growth-forms,  occur  in  various  situations 
such  as  the  surfaces  of  fluids  and  solids,  or  they  may  be  found 
suspended  in  fluids. 

O      O       O    a 

cos 


FIG.  379. — Bacillus  Fitzianus  Zopf.      Transition  forms  from  round   cocci  to  rods. 
d,  with  spores  (  x  4,000).     (After  Buchner.) 

Such  forms  of  Bacteria  are  grouped  into  two  divisions,  viz.  those 
which  form  their  spores  endogenously,  the  Endosporous  Bacteria,  and 
those  which  have  no  su&i  mode  of  forming  spores,  the  Arthrosporous 
Bacteria.  This  classification,  which  can  hardly  be  regarded  as  finally 
satisfactory,  corresponds,  at  all  events,  with  the  state  of  our  knowledge 
of  the  course  of  development  of  Bacteria. 

Endosporous  multiplication  is  accomplished  by  the  formation  within 
a  cell  of  a  minute,  granule-like  body,  which  gradually  enlarges,  whije 
the  surrounding  protoplasm  disappears  until  it  reaches  its  mature  form 

G  G  2 


452 


PROTOPHYTA 


within  the  wall  of  the  mother-cell.  The  mature  spore  is  usually  a  highly 
refringent  body  with  definite  outline,  and  of  globular  or  ellipsoidal  form. 
The  formation  of  spores  commonly  takes  place  when  the  substratum 
yields  no  more  nourishment,  or  vegetation  is  otherwise  interrupted,  and 
it  usually  occurs  in  most  of  the  cells,  others  remaining  sterile.  Arthro- 
sporous  reproduction  is  effected  by  the  simple  separation  of  members 
which  form  the  starting  point  of  new  growths. 

The  spores  of  Bacteria  are  capable  of  germination  from  maturity 
onwards,  often  for  considerable  periods.     They  withstand  the  operation 

of  external  agencies,  such  as  ex- 
treme degrees  of  temperature  and 
the  like,  with  varying  success,  many 
of^them  exhibiting  astonishing  en- 
durance. Such  arthrosporous  forms 
as  Beggiatoa,  which  vegetate  in 

/water,  are  probably  incapable  of 
withstanding  desiccation  at  a  very 
high  temperature,  but  the  spores 
of  endosporous  Bacteria  possess, 
many  of  them,  remarkable  powers 
of  endurance.  The  spores  of  Ba- 
cillus Anthracis  (Cohn)  (the  cause 
of  splenic  fever)  remain  alive  in 
absolute  alcohol.  They  may  be 
kept  for  at  least  three  years  in  an 
air- dry  state,  and  for  at  least  one 
year  in  water,  and  probably  for 
longer  either  in  air  or  in  water. 
They  were  found  by  Brefeld  to  with- 
stand boiling  in  a  nutrient  solution  for 
a  quarter  of  an  hour,  the  greater  part 
of  them  for  half  an  hour,  a  smaller 
number  for  one  hour,  but  none 
for  three  hours.  And  so  with  the 
spores  of  other  forms.  The  tempe- 
ratures at*which  germination  takes 

place,  the  minimum,  the  optimum,  and  the  maximum,  vary  with  different 
forms  ;  but  for  the  most  part  the  minimum  and  certainly  the  optimum 
may  be  said  to  be  above  the  ordinary  temperature  of  a  room.  Similarly 
the  optimum  temperature  for  vegetation  is  usually  high,  being  about 
3o°C.,  speaking  very  generally. 

With  reference  to  their  behaviour  towards  fhe  supply  or  exclusion  of 


FIG.  380. — Bacillus  Megaterimn  de  By.  a, 
outline  of  a  motile  chain  of  rods  ;  b,  a  pair  of 
same  ;  /,  a  quadricellular  rod  after  treatment 
with  alcoholic  solution  of  iodine  ;  c,  a  five- 
celled  rod  before  spore-formation  ;  d— f,  suc- 
cessive stages  of  pair  of  rods  while  forming 
spores,  about  an  hour  interval  between  each — 
state  d  was  about  two  o'clock  afternoon,  and 
the  spores  in  f  were  ripe  towards  evening  ;  r, 
a  quadricellular  rod  with  ripe  spores  ','  g1  a 
five-celled  rod  with  three  ripe  spores  placed 
in  a  nutrient  solution  after  several  days'  desic- 
cation at  12.30  ;  g",  same  about  1.30  ;  g*t  the 
same  about  4  o'clock ;  A1,  two  spores  with 
the  walls  of  the  mother-cells  dried,  and  then 
placed  in  a  nutrient  solution  about  11.45  \  h~, 
the  same  about  12.30;  z,  k,  /,  later  stages  of 
germination ;  m,  a  rod  formed  from  a  spore 
placed  eight  hours  before  in  a  nutrient  fluid, 
and  in  the  act  of  splitting  transversely,  (a  x 
250,  the  other  figures  x  600.)  (After  de  Bary.) 


SCHIZOMYCETES 


453 


FIG.  381. — Bcggiatoa  alba  Trev.  i,  group  ol  filaments.  2 — 5,  filaments  of  varying  thickness,  5 
breaking  up  ;  small  dark  circles  in  all  cases  grains  of  sulphur  ;  where  such  are  abundant  transverse 
segmentation  is  indistinct.  6—8,  filaments  rich  in  sulphur  showing  transverse  segmentation  after 
treatment  with  solution  of  methyl  violet ;  in  8  longitudinal  division  is  shown  (formation  of  cocci  or 
spores).  9,  filaments  which  have  broken  up  into  spores.  10,  mottle  spores,  (i  x  540,  other  figures 
x  900.)  (After  Zopf.) 


454  PROTOPHYTA 

oxygen,  there  ^s  great  variation  among  Bacteria.  This  variation  extends 
from  those  forms,  called  aerobiotic  by  Pasteur,  which  require  a  plentiful 
supply  of  free  oxygen  for  the  purpose  of  vegetation  (e.g.  Bacillus  sub- 
tilis,  Cohn),  to  others  (anaerobiptic)  in  which  vegetation  is  promoted  by 
its  exclusion  (e.g.  Bacillus  Amylobacter,  Van  Tiegh.).  Intermediate 
forms  occur  between  such  extremes  ;  and  Nageli  has  shown  that 
aerobiotic  forms  continue  to  vegetate  when  the  supply  of  free  oxygen 
ceases. 

Speaking  in  general  terms,  what  has  been  said  already  of  the  mode 
of  life  of  Fungi  in  other  respects,  e.g.  nutritive  adaptation,  holds 
good  of  such  Bacteria  as  contain  no  chlorophyll.  They  are  saprophytes 
exciting  fermentations  and  producing  combustions  of  the  substratum, 
and  putrefactive  processes  ;  or  parasites,  though  very  rarely  on  living 
plants,  it  may  very  well  be  on  account  of  the  acid  reaction.  As  para- 
sites in  living  animals  they  obtain  the  greatest  share  of  our  interest, 
since,  as  everyone  knows,  it  is  sought  to  connect  them  with  a  large 
number  of  diverse  diseases.  Thai  this  attempt  is  made  with  the 
greatest  rashness  in  many  cases,  on  utterly  insufficient  data,  often  on 
the  mere  presence  of  some  vaguely  determined  form  in  diseased  tissues, 
is  a  scandal  of  medical  literature.  On  the  other  hand  it  has  been 
thoroughly  proved  in  certain  cases  that  their  presence  and  action  have 
the  character  of  exciting  causes  of  disease,  and  it  cannot  be  doubted 
that  painstaking  research  will  bring  to  light  numerous  other  instances  of 
equal  weight.  Slipshod  research  will  only  retard  progress  in  this  direc- 
tion. It  has  already  done  much  in  obscuring  results,  and  in  placing 
obstacles  in  the  path.  The  most  noteworthy  ijeature,  as  de  Bary  has 
pointed  out,  in  the  parasitism  of  Bacteria  in  the  living  bodies  of 
animals  is  their  facultative  parasitism — (as  illustrated  for  example  in 
the  well-established  case  of  Bacillus  Anthracis  in  anthrax  or  splenic 
fever),  a  matter  of  grave  importance  from  the  medical  point  of  view. 

Among  saprophytes  may  be  mentioned  Bacterium  Termo  (Duj.), 
an  exceedingly  abundant  agent  of  putrefaction  ;  Bacillus  Megaterium 
(de  By.)  (fig.  380),  and  Beggiatoa  alba  (Trey.)  (figs.  381,  382),  the 
'  sewage-fungus  '  of  engineers,  found  in  sulphuretted  waters,  the  effluents 
from  manufactories  and  sewage-works,  which  has  a  remarkable  power  of 
extracting  sulphur  fr^n  the  water,  and  storing  it  up  in  the  form  of  minute 
refringent  globule^. 

*As  regards  the  position  ofcBacteria,  '  to  say  that  they  are  offshoots  of 
the  Fungi  is  to  "  contradict  all  trustworthy  observations  "  so  flatly,  that 
tri0  view  need  not  be  seriously  discussed  in  this  place'  (de  Bary,  'Comp. 
Morph.,'  &c.,  p.  474).  ^They  are  only  fungi  in  the  very  limited  sense  of 
their  b^ing  'thallophytes  which  contain  no  chlorophyll,'  and  indeed  it 


SCHIZOMYCETES 


455 


has  been  seen  that  certain  Bacteria  do  contain  chlorophyll.  Looking 
at  their  morphological  characters,  so  far  as  these  are  at  present  known 
to  us,  it  cannot  be  doubted  that  the  nearest  allies  of  the  Arthrosporous 
Bacteria  are  those  Protophyta,  Nostocaceae,  Oscillariaceae,  Chroococcaceae, 
&c.,  which  contain  chlorophyll.  Leuconostoc  (Van  Tiegh.)  has  already 
been  mentioned  (p.  433)  as  an  intermediate  form.  A  gap  certainly 
exists  between  Arthrosporous  and  Endosporous  forms  ;  but  so  far  as 


FIG.  382.— Bcggiatoa  alba  Trev.  Curved  and  spiral  forms.  A,  attached  filaments.  B — H,  por- 
tions of  spiral  filaments  ;  H  showing  separate  cells,  E  swarming  ('  spirillum ')  with  a  cilium  at  each 
end.  Small  dark  circles  are  sulphur  granules  (  x  540).  (After  Zopf.) 

can  be  seen  the  latter  stand  nearer  to  the  former  than  to  any  other 
group,  and  the  interval  which  separates  them  may  become  narrower  with 
farther  knowledge.  On  the  other  side  a  connection  appears  to  be  in- 
dicated between  Bacteria  and  the  Flagellata ;  but  more  than  this  one 


456  PROTOPHYTA 

can  hardly  say.  In  conclusion,  and  as  summing  the  matter  up,  the 
words  of  de  Bary  ('  Comp.  Morph.,'  &c.,  p.  475)  may  be  quoted.  '  If  we 
assume  for  a  moment  a  connection  between  the  Bacteria  and  the 
Flagellata,  it  is  evident  that  as  a  consequence  the  following  series  of 
forms  converge  to  the  Flagellata  :  firstly,  the  series  of  Bacteria  and  the 
Nostocaceae  ;  secondly,  that  of  the  Mycetozoa ;  thirdly,  that  of  the 
chlorophyllaceous  Algae,  with  which  are  connected  in  ascending  line  the 
main  series  of  the  vegetable  kingdom  and  of  the  Fungi  as  one  or  more 
lateral  branches.  .  .  .  fourthly,  and  lastly,  the  Rhizopoda  and  the 
Protozoa  with  the  animal  kingdom,  which  connects  writh  these  in  an 
ascending  line.' 

LITERATURE. 

De  Bary— Vorlesungen  tiber  Bacterien  (Leipzig,  1885  and  1886).    (See  English  trans- 
lation by  Garnsey  and  Balfour,  Oxford,  1887.) 

The  above  contains  an  admirable  guide  to  the  literature  of  the  subject.     (See 
also  the  same  author's  Comparative  Morphology,  &c.) 

Cornil  et  Babes— Les  Bacteries,  &c.,  2nd  ed.  (Paris,  1886).  * 

Crookshank— Introduction  to  Practical  Bacteriology  (London,  1886). 

Duclaux  — Chimie  biologique  (Paris,  1883). 

Grove — A  Synopsis  of  the  Bacteria  and  Yeast  Fungi  (London,  1884). 

Klein — Micro-organisms  and  Disease,  3rd  ed.  (London,  1886). 

Hueppe — Die  Formen  der  Bacterien  (Wiesbaden,  1886). 

Hueppe — Die  Methoden  der  Bacterienforschung  (Wiesbaden,  1885). 

Zopf-Die  Spaltpilze  (Breslau,  1884). 

The  references  to  the  vast  literature  of  the  subject  in  the  above  books  will  be  a 
sufficient  guide  to  the  most  ardent  student.  At  the  same  time  it  would  be  unpardon- 
able to  abstain  from  a  special  reference  to  the  labour^  of  Cohn,  Pasteur,  Koch,  Lan- 
kester,  Brefeld,  Van  Tieghem,  Prazmowski,  Naegeli,  and  Lister,  since  these  are  of 
fundamental  importance. 


INDEX. 


figures  in  large  type  refer  to  Illustrations.} 


AHIES,  3 

Abjunction,  312,  275 

Absidia  (Van  Tiegh.),  338,  339 

Absorbing  system,  138 

Acanthococcus  (Lagerh.),  417 

Acetabularia  (Lmx.),  286,  251,  252 

—  mediterranea  (Lmx.),  251,  252 
Achlya  (Nees  ab  Esenb.),  335,  346,  291,  292 

—  polyandra  (Hildebr.),  291 

—  racemosa  (Hildebr.),  291 
Achnanthes  (Bory),  426 

—  brevipes  (Ag.),  dt>7 
Acrasieae,  401,  405,  406 
Acrasis  (Van  Tiegh.),  405 
Acroblaste  (Reinsch),  280 
Acrocarpi,  149 

Acrogynous  Jungermanniaceae,  161 
Acrospore,  330,   343,  352,   361,  362,  363,  364, 

365,  367,  368>  369>  37°)  372,  373,  374,  376 
Acrosticheae,  80,  83 
Acrostichum  (L.),  85 
Adder's  Tongue,  100 
Adiantum  (L.),  85,  44,  50,  58 

—  capillus-Veneris  (L.),  44,  50 
Adventitious  bud,  77,  81,  100,  49 
^Ecidia,  384,  385,  386,  314 
^cidiospore,  6,  384,  385,  386,  314 
j£cidium(Pers.).  3§3  . 
yEgopodium  Podagraria,  348,  349 
Aerial  leaf,  28,  7,  8 
Aerobiotic  Bacteria,  454 
/Ethalium  septicum  (Fr.),  403 
Agar-agar,  210 

Agaricini,  393,  394,  270,  273,  318-321 
Agaricus  (L.),  4,  392,  393,  270,  273,  319,  320 


.,  4,  39 

—  campestris  (L.),  3 
ilus  (Bull.) 


—  oryophilus  (Bull.),  273 

—  Emerici  (Berk.),  316 

—  Gardn-  ri  (Berk.),  316 

—  igneus  (Tul.)»  3J6 

—  lampas  (Berk.),  316 

—  melleus  (L.),  309,  310,  3*6,  392,  270,  319 

—  noctilucens  (LeV.),  316 

—  olearius  (DC.),  316 
Agarum  (Grev.),  244 
Aglaozonia  (Zan.),  251 

—  reptans  (Ktz.),  252 

Air-bladder,  232,  236,  241,  244,  206,  207,  211 


ANO 

Air-cavity,  102,  105,  109,  147,  167,  169,  24,  110, 

112,  153,  154 

Akincte,  185,  258,  274,  446 
Alaria  (Grev.),  239,  244 

—  esculenta(L.),  244 
Alcoholic  ferment,  380 
Algae,  2,  3,  4,  184, 

Algal  cells  of  Lichens,  318,  319,  370,  279-282, 

307,  308 

Alsophila  aculeata  (Klotzsch),  57 
AIteinaria(Nees  ab  Esenb.),  374 
Alternation  of  generations,  16,  182,  189,  214, 

263,  325,  440 
Amanita,  393 
Amansia  (Lmx.),  194,  209 
Amoeba,  406 
Amoeboid  motion,  196,  199,  217,  274,  284,  344, 

401,  402,  403,  405,  406 
Amphigaster,  160,  138,  139 
Amphipleura  (Ktz.),  426 
Amphiroa  (Lmx.),  206 
Amphithecium,  145 
Amphithrix  (Ktz.),  437 
Amphora  (Ehrb.),  426 
Amylum-star,  176 
Anabaena  (Bory),  430,  432,  433,  360 

—  flos-aqu33  (Fr.),  360 
Anacrogynous  Jungermanniaceae,  161 
Anadyomene  (Lmx.),  289 
Anaerpbiotic  Bacteria,  454 
Ancylisteae,  4,  330,  344,  345 
Ancylistes  (Pfitz.),  331 

—  Closterii  (Pfitz.),  330 
Andreaea  (Ehrh.),  145,  150,  123,  124 

—  alpestris  (Schmp.),  123,  124 
Andreaeaceae,  136,  150,  123,    24 
Androspore,  6,  225,  202 
Aneimia  (Sw.),  78,  90,  91,  43 

—  Phyllitidis  (Sw.),  43 
Aneura  (Dum.),  164 
Angiopteris  (Hoffm.),  91,  94,  95,  71 

—  caudata  (De  Vriese),  71 

—  evecta(Hoffm.),  93 
Angiosperms,  12,  13 
Annularia(Brongn.),  126,  101 

s,  74,  78,  86,  89,  no 
56,  83,  110,  112,  319,320 
Anomceneis  spherophora  (Pfitz.),  354A 


458 


INDEX 


ANT 

Antherid,  7  (see  also  under  Vase.  Crypt.,  Muse., 
Char.,  Algae,  and  Fungi),  11,  30,  36,  43,  44,  65, 
74,  78,  106,  108, 130,  141,  157,  163-165,  175- 
177,  192,  199,  201-203,  208,  210,  248,  259, 286. 
290,  291,303-306,314 

Antheridial  tube,  291 


Antherozoid  7  (see  also  under  Vase.  Crypt., 
ungi),  11,  15,  17, 
„,,      ,      ,      ,      «    i*n    i" 
210,  248,  259,  290 


Muse.,  Char.,  Alga;,  and  Fungi),  1 

20,  30,  44,  78,  108,  130,  157,  163,  199,  201, 


Anthoceros  (L.),  157,  165,  144,  145 

—  laevis  (L.),  144,  145 
Anthoceroteae,  159,  164,  144,  145 
Antipodal  cells,  15 
Aphanizomenon  (Morr.),  430,  432,  361 

—  flos-aquae  (Morr.),  432,  361 
Aphanocapsa(Nag),  412,  440,  445,  447   448 
Aphanomyces  (de  By.),  334,  335 
Aphanothece  (Nag.),  447,  375 

—  microscopica  (Nag.),  375 
Aphlebia,  120,  92 

Apical  cavity,  179 

—  cell,  23,  41,  74,  90,  98,  102,  105,  156,  173,  174, 
176,  191,  214,  228,  241,  437,  52,  162 

—  papilla,  179 
Apiocystis(Nag.),  413,  341 

—  Brauniana  (Nag.),  341 
Aplanes  Braunii  (de  By.),  334 
Aplanospore,  185,  258,  274 
Aplolepidae,  148 
Apogamy,  n,  52,  69,  86,  47 
Apophyse,  148,  112,  124 
Apospory,  n,  69,  86,  48 
Apothece,  355,  356,  370,  372,  373,  308 
Appendage,  378,  379,  312 
Appendiculce,  363 

Aquilegia,  364 
Archaeocalamites  (Stur),  126,  99 

—  radiatus  (Stur),  99 

Archegone,   8  (see   also   under  Vase.   Crypt.. 

Muse.,  Char.,  and  Alga),  4,  10,  14,  20,  29, 

43,  45,  46,61,  74,  79,  80,  109,  131,  141,  142, 

147,  148,  158,  164,  165,  166 
Archegoniophore,  86,  61 
Archespore,    13,   20,    36,  60,  80,  99,  in,  134, 

135,  144,  146,  159,  33,  56,  110   . 
Archidium  (Brid.),  145,  150 
Areolation,  420 
Arthrocladia  (Duby),  245 
Arthrodpnte33,  148 
Arthropitys  (Gopp.),  126 
Arthrosporous  Bacteria,  451,  452,  455 
Artotrogus  (Mont.),  325 
Ascobolus  (Pers.),  356,  359,  360,  361,  368,  369, 

37°,  372>  378,  305 

—  furfuraceus  (Pers.),  305 

Ascogenous  hyphae,  353,  355,  360,  364,  366,  367, 
368,  369,  370,  372,  373,  374,  305,  306,  308 

Ascogone,  360 

Ascomycetes,  4,  312,  353,  383,  386,  267,  268, 
271,  276,  278,  300-313 

—  course  of  development,  361 

—  homologies  of  the  organs,  377 
-  (doubtful),  4,  378,  312,  313 
Ascophylla  (Stackh.),  235 

Ascospore,  6  (see  also  under  Ascomycetes),  268, 

276,  278,  300,  304,  311,  312,  313 
Ascotricha  (Berk.),  370 
Ascus,  353  (see  also  under  Ascomycetes),  276, 

300,  303,  305,  308,  311,  312 
Aseroe  (La  Bill.),  398,  331 

—  rubra( Berk.),  331 
Aspergillus  glaucus  (Lk.),  366 
Asperococcus(Lmx.),  241,  245,  218 

—  bullosus  (Lmx.),  218 


BAT 

Aspidieae,  83 
Aspidium  (Sw.),  85,  42,  55,  58 

—  filix-mas  (Sw.),  72,  76,  77,  82,  42,  55 
Asplenieae,  83 

Asplenium  (L.),  69,  85,  49,  51,  56,  58 
--  Adiantum-nigrum  (L. ',  51 

—  bulbiferum  (Forst.),  81 

—  decussatum  (Sw.),  49 

—  Trichomanes  (L.),  56 
Assimilating  tissue,  138,  193 
Asterophyllites  (Rev.),  126,  130,  101 
Asterotheca  (Presl),  122,  94 

—  Sternbergii  (Stur),  94 
Astromyelon  (Williams.),  126 
Athyrium  filix-foemina  (Bernh.),  69,  76 
Atrichum  undulatum  (P.  B.),  102,  119 
Attachment-disc,  228 
Aulacodiscus  (Ehrb.),  426 
Aulacomnion  (Schw.),  149 

—  androgynum  (Schw.),  140 
Aulosira(Kirchn.),  430,  433 
Auricle,  92,  161,  140 
Auxiliary  cell,  203 
Auxospore,  6,  422,  423,  355 
Azolla  (Lam.),  19,  26,  31,  115,  12,  13 

—  caroliniana  (Willd.),  13 

—  filiculoides  (Lam.),  12 
Azygosperm,  338,  340,  342,  343 
Azygites  (Fr.),  338 


BACILLARIACE^E,  419 

Bacillus  (Cohn),  44o,  451,  379,  380 

—  amylobacter  (Van  Tiegh.),  454 

—  anthracis  (Cohn),  452,  454 

—  Fitzianus  (Zopf),  379 

—  Megaterium  (de  By.),  454,  380 

—  subtilis  (Cohn),  454 

—  virens  (Van  Tiegh.).  450 
Bacteria,  305,  306,  449 

—  conditions  of  vegetation,  452 

—  growth-forms  of,  450 

—  mode  of  life,  454 

—  movements  of,  450 

—  spores  of,  451,  452 
Bacteriopurpurin,  450 
Bacterium  (Cohn),  451 

—  chlorinurn  (Engelm.),  450 

—  Termo  (Duj.),  454 

—  viride  (Van  Tiegh.),  450 
Baeomyces  (Pers.),  361 
Balsamia  (Vitt.),  358 

Bangia  (Lyngb.),  190,  191,  216,  193-195 

—  ceramicola  (Chauv.),  193 

--  fusco-purpurea  (Lyngb.),  194,  195 

Bangiaceae,  216 

Barberry,  383,  384,  385 

Barbula  (Hedw.),  140,  147,  149,  105 

Barilla,  190 

Bartramia  (Hedw.),  149 

Basal  cell,  68 

Basid,  312,  384,  385,   388,  389,  390,  393,  394, 

275,  317,  321 
Basidiomycetes,  4,  306,  312,  388,  266,  270,  273, 

316-331 

Basidiomycetous  Lichens,  319 
Basidiospore,   6,  312,  388,  389,   390,  275,  317, 

321,  322,  325,  329 
Basilar  cell,  433,  365 
Batarrea(Pers.),  308,  397,  325,  326 

—  Steveni  (Fr.),  325,  3iib 
Batrachospermeae,  211,  189-191 
Batrachospermum  (Bory),  191,   211,  212,  213, 

214,  189 

—  moniliforme  (Roth),  189 


INDEX 


459 


BEA 


Beam,  226,  204 
Beer-yeast,  268,  313 
Eeggiatoa(Trev.),  4,  451,  452,  381,  382 

—  alba  (Trev.),  454,  381,  382 

—  roseo-persicina  (Zopf),  450 
Biddulphia  (Gray),  426 
Binuclearia  (Witt.),  276 
Bladder-wrack,  230,  236 
Blasia  (Mich.),  156,  157,  164 
Blechnum  (L.),  85,  58 
Blyttia(EndL),  160 
Bog-mosses,  151 

Boletus  (L.),  392,  396 
Bonnemaisonia  (Ag.),  201 
Bornetia(Thur.),  194,  209 

—  secundiflora  (Ag.),  194 
Bornia  (Brongn.),  126 
Borzia  (Cohn),  428,  444 

—  trilocularis  ((John),  445 
Bothrodendron  (L.  and  H.),  116 
Botrychium  (Sw.),  97,  98,  99,  100,  73-75 

—  Lunaria  (Sw.),  97,  98,  100,  73-75 
Botrydiaceae,  280,  285,  250 
Botrydina  (Breb.),  186,  412 

Botrydium  (Wallr.)  186,  284,  285,  410,  412,  250 

—  granulatum  (Wallr.),  285,  250 
Botryococcus  (Ktz.),  186,  418,  448,  349 

—  Braumi(Ktz.),  349 
Botryopteris  (Ren.),  122 
Botrytis  cinerea  (Pers.),  374 
Brachytrichia  (Zan.),  437 
Bract,  173,  163-165 
Bracteole,  173 

Brake,  82 

Breaking  of  the  meres,  432 
Brittle-worts,  181 
Brownian  movement,  269 
Bruckmannia  (Stbg.),  127 
Bryaceae,  136,  146,  102-120 
Bryum  (L.),  145,  149, 115 

—  argenteum  (L.),  ii5 
Bryopsideae,  289 
Bryopsis  (Lmx.),  289,  290 

Bud,  133,  181,  196,  214,  250,  252,  162 

Bulbil,  61,  67,  176 

Bulbochaete  (Ag.),  188,  222,  226,  202 

-  setigera  (Ag.),  202 

Bundle-sheath,  44,  109 

Bursulla  (.Sorok.),  405 

Buxbaumia  (Hall.),  149 


CABBAGES,  326 

Calamariese,  125.  130,  96-100 

Calamites,  125,  126,  97 

Calamitina  (Weiss.),  126,  98 

Calamocladus  (Schmp.),  126 

Calamodendreae.  125 

Calamodendron  (Brongn.),  125,  126 

Calamostachys  (Schmp.),  125,  127 

Calcareous  incrustation,  181,  195,  206,  211,  286, 

3°4,  4°3>  44°>  167 
Calcium  oxalate,  85,  308 
Callithamnion  (Lyngb.),  4,  189,  191,  194,201, 

204,  180 

—  caudatum  (Ag.),  194 

—  seirospermum  (Griff.),  204,  1 80 

—  versicolor  (Drap.),  204 
Callus,  240,  244,  217 

Calothrix  (Ag.),  435,  436,  445,  449,  364 

—  Crustacea  (Thur.),  364 
Calotrichaceae,  433 
Calypogeia  (Radd.),  162,  164,  134 

—  Trichomanis  (Cord.),  134 
Calypter.  134,  144,  110,  114,  117,  131, 


Campylodiscus  (Ehrb.),  426 

Canal,  143,  109 

Canal-cell,  69,  133,  45 

Capillitium,  358,  396,  397,  404,  326,  334 

Capitulum,  177,  163 

Capsella  bursa-pastoris,  326 

Capsosira  (Ktz.),  439 

Carinal  canal,  106,  108 

Carpogenous  cells,  176,  179 

Carpogone,  8,  185,  199,  359,  360,  361,  362,  363, 

364,  365,  366,  367,368,  369,  370,  37i,  372,  373, 

385,  179,  303-50 '( 
Carpomitra  (Ktz.),  241 
Carposperm,  185,  201,  203 
Carpospore,  185,  201,  222,  263,  179,  199 
'  Carposporeae,   3 
Carpostome,  201 
'  Carrageen  moss,'  210 
Casuarina,  113 

Latharinea  undulata  (W.  &  M.),  102 
Caudex,  71 
Caulerpa  (Lmx.),  289,  256 

—  prolifera(Lmx.),  266 
Caulerpeae,  289,  256 
Cell-cap,  222,  200 
Cellulin,  176 
Central  bundle,  138 

—  cavity,  105,  81 

—  cell,  10,  14,  17,  26,  31,  69,  133,  143,  159,  109, 
158 

—  node,  353 

Ceramiaceee,  196,  204,  172,  179-181 
Ceramidium,  201 
Ceramium  (Lyngb.),  204, 181 

—  stricturn  (Grev.),  181 
Ceratieae,  404 
Ceratium  (Lk.),  404,  335 

—  hydnoides  (Alb.  &  Sch.),  335 

—  porioides  (Alb.  &  Sch.),  335 
Ceratodon  (Brid.),  149 

Ceratopteris  thalictroides  (Brongn.),  77,  81,  52 

Ceterach  (Adans.),  85 

Cetraria  islandica  (Ach.),  283 

Chaetangiaceae,  211 

Chaetociadieae,  339 

Chaetocladium  (Fres.),  339,  340,  350 

Chaetomium  (Kze.),  370 

—  fimeti  (Fckl.),  356 
Chaetomorpha  (Ktz.),  276 
Chaetopeltis  (Bert.),  222 
Chaetophora  (Schr.),  273,  275,  276 
Chaetophoraceae,  222,  258,  273,  275,  279 
Chaetopteris  (Ktz.),  249 

' —  plumosa  (Ktz.),  249 
Chaetostylum  (Van  Tiegh.),  339 
Chalara  Mycoderma  (Cienk.),  380 
Chamaesiphon  (A.  Br.),  444 
Chamaesiphonaceae,  441,  444 
Chantransia(Fr.),  211,  213,  214,  216,  190,  191 

—  corymbifera  (Thur.),  214,  191 

—  virgatula  (Thur.),  190 

Chara(L.),  174,   175,  176,  179,   181,  182,  160- 
162,  164,  167,  168 

—  aspera  (Willd.),  176 

—  crinita  (Wallr.),  181 

—  fragilis  (Desv.),  176,  160,  162,  164,  168 

—  hispida(L.),  176,  161,167 
Characese,  15,  173,  160-168 
Characiacea?,  410 
Characin,  181,  416 
Characium(A.  Br.),  345,  412,  340 

-  ornithocephalum  (A.  Br.),  340 
Charese,  173,  182,  160-162,  164,  167,  168 
Cheilanthes  (Sw.),  85,  58 
Chiloscyphos  (Cord.),  164 


460 


INDEX 


CHL 

Chlamydococcus  (\.   Br.),   186,   299,  300,  409, 

—  nivalis  (A.  Br.),  416 
Chlamydomonas  (Ehrb.),    186,    299,    300,  409, 

417,  419 

—  Morieri  (Dang.),  300 

—  pulvisculus  (Miill.),  300 
Chlamydospore,  6,  339 
Crilorochytrium  (Cohn),  284,  345,  410 
Chlorococcum  (Fr.),  417,  448,  347 

—  gigas  (Grun.),  417,  347 
Chlorogonium  (Ehrb.),  300 
Chlorophyceae,  305 
Chlorophyllophyceae,  409 
Chlororufin,  279 
Chlorothecium  (Brzi.),  411 
Chlorotylium  (Ktz.),  280 
Choanephora(Cunn.),  340 
Choiromycss  (Vitt.),  358 
Chondria  (Ag.),  209 
Chondrioderma  diffbrme  (Rost.),  332 
Chondrites  (Sternb.),  304 
Chondrus  (Grev.),  208,  185 

—  crispus  (Stackh.),  210, 185 
Chorda  (Stackh.),  241,  216 

—  filum  (Stackh.),  242,  216 

—  tomentosa  (Lyngb.),  244 
Chordaria  (Ag.),  247,  220 

—  flagelliformis  (Ag.).  220 
Chordariaceae,  190,  247 
Chromatophore,  194,  410,  427,  444,  445 
Chromophyton  (Wor.),  188,  257 
Chroococcaceae,  409,  419,  427,  446,  455,  374-378 
Chroococcus  (Nag.),    417,  44i,   445,  446,  447, 

448,  449,  374 

—  turgidus  (Nae.),  374 
Chroodactylon  (Hansg.),  446,  447 
Chroolepideae,  187,  258,  273,  279,  247 
Chroolepus  (Ag.),  280,  284 

—  aureum  (Ktz.),  280 

—  lolithus  (Ag.),  280 

—  umbrinum  (Ktz.),  280 
Chroomonas  Nords-edtii  (Hansg.),  445 
Chrysochytriurn  (Schroet.),  347 
Chrysomyxa  (Ung.),  386 
Chylocladia  (Grev.),  208 

-Chytridiaceae,  4,  250,  344,  352,  297 

—  (doubtful),  347 
Chytridium  (A.  Br.),  4,  249,  346 
Cilia  (of  peristome),  135,  147,  111 
Cinclidium  stygicum  (Sw.),  120 
Cingularia  (Wei-s),  128,  100 

—  typica  (Weiss),  100 
Circinate  vernation,  72,  51 
Circinella  (Van  Tiegh.),  339 
Cladochytrieae,  344,  345)  346 
Oadochytrium  (Nowak.),  346,  352 
Cladonia  (Hill),  361,  279 

—  furcata  (Hoffm.',  279 
Cladophora  (Ktz.),  275,  276,  330,  243 

—  gracilis  (Ktz.),  243 
Cladosporium  herbarum  (Lk.),  374 
Cladostephus  (Ag.),  249,  250 
Clamp-connection,  306,  266 
Clastidium  (Kirchn.),  444 
Clathrocysds  (Henf.),  447 
Clathrus  (Mich.),  398,  399 
Clavarieae,  391 

Clavicep^  (Tul.),  361,  375,  309-311 

—  purpurea  (Tul.),  375,  309-311 
Cleistocarp,  355,  356 

Closterium  (Nitzsch),  259,  268,  269,  330,  239, 

— Vianae  (Ehrb.),  239 

—  rostratum  (Ehrb.),  241 


Clover,  364 

Club-moss,  61 

Coccidium,  201 

Coccocarpia  molybdia  (Pers.),  280 

Coccogone,  444 

Cocconema  lanceolatum  (Ehrb.),  357 

Coccus,  450,  379,  381 

Codiolum  (A.  Br.),  413,  342 

—  gregarium  (A.  Br.),  342 
Codium  (Stackh.),  289,  290 
Ccelastrum  (Nag.),  186,  303,  265 

—  cubicum  (Nag.),  265  • 
Coeloblastae,  186,  281 

Coelosphaerium  (Naar.),  447,  448,  378 

—  Kiitzingianum  (Nag.),  378 
Coemansia  (Van  Tie^h.  and  Le  Mon.),  341 
Ccenobe,  184,  186,  291,  29?,  259-265 
Coenobieae,  186,  291,  412,  418,  419,  259-265 
Coleochaetaceae,  188,  190,  219,  220,  199 
Coleochaete  (Breb.),  189,  220,  199 

—  divergens  (Prings.),  220 

—  pulvinata  (A.  Br.),  220,  199 

—  scutata  (Breb.),  220 

—  soluta  (Prings.),  220 
Coleodesmium  (Brzi.),  440 
Collateral  vascular  bundles,  75,  89,  98 
Collema  (Ach.),  321,  322,  372,  385  307 

—  pulposum  (Bernh.),  307 

Collemaceae,  322,  359,  360,  361,  370,  372,  307 

308 

Collenchymatous  tissue,  93 
Colpodel'la  (Cienk.),  405 
Columel,  29,  86,   135,  145,  165,  339,  351,  110, 

112 

Commissure,  92 

Completoria  complens  (Lohde),  343 
Compositae,  364 

Concentric  vascular  bundles,  18,  75,  98,  109 
Conceptacle,  n,  196,  199,  207,  232,  290, 182-184, 

188,  208,  209 

Conducting  tissue,  138,  193 
Conferva  (L.),  185,  273,  274,  276 

—  bombycina  (Ktz.),  273 

Confervaceae,  185,  187,  190,  259,  273,  277,  278, 

242-244 

Confervites  (Sch.),  304 
Confervoideae,  237 

—  Heterogamae,  185,  188,  219,  199-204 

—  Isogamae,  185,  186,  272,  242^247 
'Conid,'  327,  436,  444 
Conidiobolus  utriculosus  (Bref.),  343 
Conidiospore,  325,  327,  309 
Coniferas,  13,  310,  3 
Conjugatae,  185,  187,  258,  233-241 
Conjugation,     185     (see     also    under     Alga;, 

Fungi,  and  Schizophyceae),  198,  222,  233- 
238,  241,  246,  247,  252,  293-297,  299 

Conjugation-tube,  346,  297 

*  Connubium,'  263 

Consprtism,  318 

Continuity  of  protoplasm,  66,  76,  192,  194,  230, 
240,  428,  440 

Contractile  protoplasm,  422 

—  (pulsating)  vacuole,  257,  292,  300,  409,  415 
Convolvulus,  364 

Coprinus  stercorarius  (Fr.),  392,  318,  321 
•  Copromyxa  protea  (Zopf),  406 
'  Copulation,"  263 
Cora(Fr.),  319 
Corallina  (L.),  189,  194,  206,  183,  184 

—  officinalis  (L.),  206,  183 

—  rubens(L.),  184 

Corallinacese,  196,  199,  203,  206,  182-184 
Coralline,  195,  206 
Cordyceps  (Fr.),  376 


INDEX 


461 


COR 

Coremium  (Lk.),  312 
— •  glaucum  (Lk.),  367 
Cork,  98 

Cormophytes,  135,  156,  173 
Corn-mildew,  383 
Corpusculum,  14,  3 
Corsinia  (Radd.),  160,  166 
Cortex,  173,  174,  221,  247,  39 
Cortical  lacuna,  81 

—  tissue,  76,  228,  242.  249,  321,  216,  271,  311 
Corticium  (Pens.),  391 

Coscinodiscus  (Ehrb.),  420,  426 
Cosmarium  (Cord.).  268,  269,  270,  239 

—  coelatum  (Ralfs),  239 

Cotyledon,  17,  28,  41,  55,  71,  105,  8,  9,  14 
Craterospermum  (A.  Br.),  263 
Cribrarieae,  401 
Cronartium  (Pers.),  386 
Crouania  (Ag.),  204,  172 

—  attenuata  (Ag.),  172 
Crown,  179,  164,  166 
Cruciate  (tetraspores),  195 
Crucibulum  (Tul.),  397,  327,  328 

—  vulgare  (Tul.),  327,  328 
Cruciferae,  326,  327 
Cruoria  (Fr.),  191,  193,  210 
Crustaceous  Lichens,  321 
Cryptogramme  crispa  (R.  Br.),  72 
Cryptonemia  (Ag.),  2c8 
Cryptonemiaceas,  208 
Crystalloid,  276,  288,  308 
Ctenomyces  (Eidam),  367 
Cupule,  140,  157,  170,  155 
Cupuliferss,  310 

Cushion,  93,  115,  87 

Cutleria  (Grev.),  239,  241,  251,    26,  227 

—  adspersa  (de  Not.),  252 

—  multifida  (Grev.),  252,  226,  227 
Cutleriaceae,  187,  239,  251,  254,  226-229 
Cyanocystis  (Brzi.),  444 
Cyanophyceae,  408,  409,  426,  358-378 
Cyanophycin,  428 

Cyathea  (Sm.),  85,  124,  59 

Cyatheaceae,  71,  73,  78,  So,  81,  85,  123,  124,  57, 

Cycadeae,  13,  1 
Cyclomyces  (Kze.),  392 
Cyclopteris  hibernica  (Forbes),  121 
Cyclosis,  175,  422,  163 
Cylindrocapsa  (Reinsch),  227,  414 
Cylindrocapsacese,  228 
Cylindrospermum  (Ralfs),  430,  433,  362 

—  macrospermum  (Ktz.),  362 
Cymbella  (As;.),  426 
Cymopolia  (Lmx.),  288 

Cyst,  185,  258,  264,  272,  274,  278,  427,  429,  446 

Cystid,  394,  321 

Cystocarp,  201,  213, 169-171,  173,  174,176-178, 

183,  184,  188,  189,  191 
Cystopteris  (Bernh.),  69,  85,  58 

—  bulbifera  (Bernh.),  81 

—  fragilis  (Bernh.),  67 

Cystopus  (Lev.),  312,  323,  326,  327,   328,  335, 
269,  275,  285,  28 1 

—  candidus  (Lev.),  326,  269,  285 

—  cubicus  (LeV.),  326 

—  Portulacse  (Lev.),  275,  287 
Cystosira  (Ag.),  235 


DACRYOMYCES  (Nees  ab  Esenb.)  389 
Danaea  (Sw.),  94,  95 
Danaeites  (Gopp.),  122 
Dasya  (Ag.),  196,  209,  174 
—  elegans(Ag.),  174 


ECT 

Dasycladaceae,  280,  281,  286,  251-255 
Dasycladus  (Ag.),  287,  288,  253 

—  clavaeformis  (Ag.),  253 
Davallia  (Sm.),  85 
Davallieae,  83 
Delesseria  (Grev.),  193,  208 
Delesseriaceae,  208 
Delphinium,  364 
Derbesia  (Sol.),  289 
Dermocapsa  (Crouan),  444 

—  violacea  (Croua  n),  444 
Desiccation  of  spores,  315,  452 
Desmarestia  (Lmx.),  241 

Desmidiaceae,  187,  190,  258,  259,  268,  239-241 
Desmidium  (Ag.),  187,  268,  239,  241 

—  Swartzii  (Ralfs),  239,  241 
Desmids,  movements  of,  269 
Diaphragm,  31,  39,  105,  124,  125,  179,  9,  14 
Diatoma  (DC.),  424,  357 

—  elongatum  (Ag.),  357 
Diatomaceae,  187,  258,  408,  419,  353-357 
Diatomin,  257,  421 

Diatoms,  movements  of,  422 
Diatrype  (Fr.),  373 
Dichothrix  (Zanard.),  437 
Dicksonia  (L'Herit.),  71,  84,  85,  42 

—  antarctica  (Lab.),  42 
Dicranum  (Hedw.),  138,  149 
Dictyonema  (Mont.),  319 
Dictyopteris(Lmx.i,  254 
Dictyosiphon  (Grev.),  239,  241,  245 

—  hippuroides  (Lyngb.),  247 
Dictyosphasrium  (Nag.),  412,  338 

—  reniforme  (Buln.),  338 
Dictyostelium  (Bref.),  405 
Dictyota  (Lmx.),  254 
Dictyotaceas,  188,  237,  254,  230,  231 
Dictyuchus  (Leitg.),  334,  335 
Didymium  (Schrad.),  316,  333 

-  serpula  (Fr.),  333 

Dimargaris  (Van  Tiegh.),  341 

Diplolepidae,  148 

Diploxylous  bundles,  117 

Dipsacus,  364 

Disc,  170,  184,  220 

Discocarp,  355,  369 

Discomycetes,  308,  319,  355,  356,  370 

Dispira  (Van  Tiegh.),  341 

Diverticula,  209,  187 

Docidium  (Breb.),  268,  269.  239 

—  baculum(Breb.),  239 
Doodia(R.  Br.),  85 
Dothidea  (Fr.),  354 
Draparnaldia,(Ag.),  273,  275,  276,  417,  244 

—  glomerata  (Ag.),  244 
Drilosiphon  (Ktz.),  433,  438,  440 

—  Julianus  (Ktz.),  440 
Dry-rot,  309 
Dudresnaya(Born.),  189,  202,  204,  179 

—  coccinea  (Crouan),  IV  9 
Dulse,  210 

Dumontia(Lmx.),  208 
Dumontiera  (Nees  ab  Esenb.),  171 
Duriapa  (Bor.),  166 

Durvillaea  (Bory),  J^S,  228,  230,  235,  236 
Dutch  rushes,  113 
Dwarf  male,  225,  201,  202 


ECKLONIA  (Horn.),  244 

Ectocarpaceae,  187,  239,  247,  212,  221,  222 

Ectocarpus  (Lyngb.),  187,    239,  241,  247,  221, 

—  investiens  (Hauck),  221 

—  pusillus  (Griff.),  249 


462 


INDEX 


ECT 


Ectocarpus  siliculosus  (Ktz.),  249,  222 

Edible  earths,  424 

E'aehista  (Duby),  247 

Elaphomyceae,  358 

Elaphomyces  (Nees  ab  Esenb.),  357>  358,  359» 

367 
Elater,  102.  in,  128,  134,  159,  163,  171,  84,  86, 

158,  159 

Elk's-horn-fern,  72 
Embryo,    n,   13,   17,  27,  40,  56,  105,  134,  180, 

271,  21,  45,  158 
Embryo-sac,  14,  3 
Embryonic  vesicle,  n,  14,  3 
Emeri'cella  (Berk.),  319 
Empusa  (Cohn),  342,  343 

—  Grylli  (Fres.),  343 

—  Muscae  (Cohn),  343 
Encalypta  (Schreb.),  149 
Encalypteae,  148 
Encysted  condition,  415 
Endoclonium  (Franke),  284 
Endoderm,  76,  109 
Endogenous  spore,  424,  451,  379-381 
Endophyllum  (Lev.),  386 
Endophytic  Algse,  222 

—  Fungi,  317 
Endosperm,  15,  39,  20 
Endosphaera(Klebs),  284,  410 

Endospore,  20.  47,  74,  80,  112,  134,  145,  160,  17 
Endosporous  Bacteria,  451,  452,  455 
Endostome,  147 
Endothecium,  145 

Enteromorpha  (Lk.),  217,  218,  219,  197 
-  intestinalis(Lk.),  197 
Enterosora  (Baker),  79 
Entomophthora(Fres.),  342,  343 
-  curvispora  (Nowak.),  342 

—  ovispora  (Nowak.),  342 

—  radicans  (Bref.),  342 
Entomophthoreae,  4,  342 
Entyloma(de  By.),  350,.  351,  352 
Envelope  of  plasmode,  403 
Envelope-tissue,  355,  360,   361,   363,  364,   366, 


368,  370,  373,  374;378, 
Ephebe  pubescens  (Fr.),  281 
Ephedra,  113 
Ephemerum  (Hampe),  150,  121 

—  serratum  (Hampe),  121 
Epichloe  (Fr.),  361,  376 
Epiderm,  39,  54,  153-155 
Epidermal  tissue,  10,  138,  193,  242,  216 
Epiphragm,  146,  397,  112,  ll7,  327 
Epiphytic  Algae,  237,  239,  248,  257.  444, 184,  221 

—  Fungi,  317 
Epiplasm,  354 

Epispore,  20,  22,  25,  36,  47,  14,  16 

Epithemia  (Br£b.),  426 

Equiseta  cryptopora,  107 

- —  phaneropora,  107 

Equisetaceae,  19,  20,  100,  124,  2,  77-86,  96-101 

Equisetites(Sch.),  124 

—  arenaceus  (Brongn.),  124 
Equisetum  (L.),  102,  124,  2,  77-86 

—  arvense  (L.),  106.  107,  109,  no,  78,  79 

—  giganteum  (L.),  113 

—  hyemale  (L.),  no,  113,  82 

—  limosum  (L.),  109,  in,  86 

—  littorale  (Kuhl.),  109 

—  maximum  (Lam.),  no,  78,  81,  83 

—  palustre  fL.),  no 

—  pratense  (Ehrh.),  no 
T-  sylvaticum  (L.),  77,  80 
Eremascus  (Eid.),  378,  302 

—  albus  (Eid.),  359,  361,  302 
.Eremobiss,  186,  410,  336-344 


FON 

Eremosphaera  (de  By.),  417 
Ergot,  376,  309-311 
Erysiphe  (Hedw.),  317,  362,  363,  367,  378 

—  communis  (Lk.),  364 

—  graminis  (LeV.),  364 

—  lamprpcarpa  (Lk.),  364 

—  Martii  (Lev.),  364 

—  (Uncinula)  spiralis  (Berk.  &  Curt.),  36 


Essential  air-cavity,  106 
Euastrum  (Ehrb.),  268,  239,  241 

—  pectinatum  (Breb.),  241 

—  rostratum  (Ralfs),  239 
Eucheuma  spinosum  (Ag.),  210 
Eudorina  (Ehrb.),  295 
Euglena,  345,  410,  449,  297 
Eunotia  (Ehrb.),  424,  357 

—  monodon  (Ehrb.),  357 

Eurotium  (Lk.),  359,  360,  364,  367,  378,  275,  304 

—  herbariorum  (Lk.),  366,  275,  304 

—  repens  (de  By.),  304 
Eutypa  (Tul.),  373 
Eusynchytrium  (Schroet.),  347 
Exciple,  355,  372,  308 
Exidia  (Fr.),  389,  317 

—  spiculosa  (Sommerf.),  317 
Exoascus  (Fckl.),  379 

—  alnitorquus  (.Sad.),  380 

—  aureus  (Sad.),  380 

—  deformans  (Fckl.),  379 

—  Pruni  (Fckl.),  379 
Exobasidium  (Woron.),  389,  390 

—  Vaccinii  (Woron.),  388 

Exospore,  20,  47,  74,  80,  112,  134,  145,  160,  17, 

20,  42 
Extine,  166,  325,  337.  340,  347,  349,  351 


FACULTATIVE  parasites,  317,  454 

—  saprophytes,  317 
False  stomate,  107 
Favella,  204,  181 

Fegatella  (Radd.),  168,  170,  171,  152 

—  conica  (Cord.),  152 
Female  conceptacle,  232,  209 

—  filament,  266 

—  inflorescence,  151,  156 

—  prothallium,  15,  102,  103,  4,  79,  80 
Ferment,  316,  380,  454 

Ferns,  64,  119,  42-76,  92-95 
Fertilising-tube,  202,  211,  179 
Filament,  184,  428 
Filamentous  Lichens,  284 
16,   17,  19,  2 


Fiiices.  15, 
92-95 


64,  119,  42-71, 


Filmy  ferns,  71,  72,  88,  62-64 

Fimbriaria  (Nees  ab  Esenb.),  171 

Fischera  (Schw.),  439,  441 

Fissidens  (Hedw.),  137,  149 

Fission,  185,  270,  240 

Flagellate  Infusoria,  410,  416,  455,  456 

Float-corpuscle,  31 

Floating  apparatus,  31 

Florideae,  185,  188,  191,  444,  169-198 

Florideae-green,  194 

'  Flos-aquae,'  436 

Flower,  134,  139,  141,  154,  104.  106,  129 

'  Flowering  fern,'  73,  90,  66,  67 

'  Flowers  of  tan,'  403 

Foliaceous  Lichens,  321 

Foliose  Hepaticae,  135,  156,  160,  132-134,  137- 

142 

Fontinalis  (L.),  145,  149,  111 
—  antipyretica  (L.),  Ill 


INDEX 


463 


Foot,  17,  41,  71,  105,  144,  146,  154,  422,  14,  131 
Fossil  Cryptogams,  114,  172,  183,  303,  330,  424, 

87-101 
Fossombronia  (Radd.),  156,  164,  135 

—  pusilla  (Nees  ab  Esenb.),  135 
Fovea,  50 

Foveola,  51 

Fragillaria  (Lyngb.),  426 

Fragmentation  of  nucleus,  176 

Frond,  72,  191,  228,  239,  241,  242,  430,  432,  359 

Frondose  Hepaticse,  135,  156,  135,  136,  143-159 

Front  view  (diatoms),  420.  353,  354 

Fructification,  102,  no,  5,  6,  77,  94,  96,  100, 101 

Fruit,  180 

Frullania  (Radd.),  164,  139,  140 

—  dilatata  (Nees  ab  Esenb.),  139 

—  Tamarisci  (Bum.),  139 
Frustule,  268,  419,  423,  353-355 
Frustulia  saxonica  (Ag.),  355 
Fruticose  Lichens,  321,  283 

Fucacese,  185,  188,  190,  228,  304,  444,  205-211 

Fucoideae,  235,  237 

Fucoxanthin,  230 

Fucus  (L.),  188,  235,  304,  207-210 

' —  amylaceus,'  210 

—  furcatus  (Ag.),  228 

—  serratus  (L.),  235,  207 

—  vesiculosus  (L.),  232,  235,  236,  207-210 
Fuligo  varians  (Somm.),  403 

Funaria  (L.),  149,  103,  106,  108-110 
---  hygrometrica  (L.),  103,  106,  108-110 
Fundamental  tissue,  10,  76,  39,  53,  54 
Fungi,  3,  4,  305,  266-331 

—  cell-contents,  307 

—  cell-membrane,  308 

—  differentiation  of  thallus,  309 

—  histplogical  characteristics,  306 

—  luminosity,  316 

—  nutrition,  316 

—  spores,  312 

—  conditions  of  germination,  314 

—  conditions  of  vegetation,  316 
Fungus-cellulose,  308 
Funictilus,  328 

Funnel,  31,  36,  15 

Furrow,  100,  106,  124,  129,  420,  353 

GALAXAURA  (Lmx.),  211 

Galls,  284,  347 

Gametange,  272,  277,  279,   296,  349,  411,  246, 

247,  260,  298 
Gamete,  259   335,  337,  338,  340,  346,  349,  350, 

351,  293,  298,  299 

Gasteromycetes,  309,  388,  395,  324-331 
Gasteromycetous  Lichen,  319 
Gautieria  (Vitt.),  395 
Geaster  (Mich.),  396 
Gelatine,  190,  210 
Gelatinous  Lichens,  321 

Gelidiaceas,  209 
Gelidium  (Lmx.),  209,  210 

Geminella  (Schroet.),  350 

Gemma,  61,  86,   133,    140,   157,   170,   185,   196, 
208,  219,  250,  105,  114 

Genabea  (Tul.),  357,  358 

Genea  (Vitt.),  358 

General  bundle-sheath,  109 

Genuflexion,  265 

Geocalycese,  162 

Geocalyx  (Nees  ab  Esenb.),  164 

Germ-cell,  179 

Germ-filament,  20 

Germ-tube,   314,    325,  326,  327,    328,  329,  333, 
35i,  352,  373,  385,  389,  390,  293,  299 


HAL 
Gigartina(Lmx.),  208,  169 

—  mamillosa  (Ag.),  169 
Gigartinaceae,  203,  208,  169,  185 
Gills,  303,  319-321 

Giraudia  (D.  &  S.),  239,  247,  212 

—  sphacelarioides  (D.  &  S.),  249,  212 
Girdle,  420,  353,  354 
Girdle-band,  268 

Girdle-view  (diatoms),  420,  354 
Gland,  76,  67 
Glaucocystis  (Itzig.),  410 
Glebe,  395,  397,  398,  399,  325,  329-331 
Gleichenia  (Sw.),  77,  85,  60 
Gleicheniaceae,  85,  60 
Glochid,  30,  13 

Glochiococcus  (Lagerh.),  417,  346 
-  anglicus  (Benn.),  346 

Gkeocapsa  (Ktz.),  417,  440,  446,  447,  448,  449, 
279 

—  fenestralis  (Ktz.),  440 
Gloeochaete  (Lagerh.),  447 
Gloeocystis  (Nag.),  300,  417,  419,  448 
Glceothece  (Nag.),  447,  376 

—  granosa  (Rabh.),  376 
Gloeotrichia  (Ag.),  436 

—  natans  (Thur.),  435 

—  punctulata  (Thur.),  436 
Glomerule,  213 
Glossopode,  50 
Glycogen,  308,  355,  357 
Gomphonema  (Ag.),  424,  354,  356 

—  constrictum  (Ehrb.),  354B,  356 
Gonatonema  (Wittr.),  261,  263 

—  notabile  (Wittr.),  263 
Gonatozygon  (de  By.),  271 
Gongrosira  (Ktz.),  284 

—  de  Baryana  (Rabenh.),  280 


Gonium  (Mull.),  186,  299,  302 

Gonoplasm,  325,  328 

Gottschea  appendiculata  (Nees  ab  Esenb.),  133 

Gracilaria  (Grev.),  199,  201,  208,  178,  187 

—  compressa  (Ag.),  178 

—  confervpides  (Grev.),  209,  187 

—  lichenoides(L.),  210 
Graphiola  (Port.),  350 
Grasses,  350,  364,  376,  385 
Grateloupia  (Ag.),  208 
Griffithsia  (Ag.),  199,  204 
Grimmia  (Ehrh.),  149 
Gulf-weed,  232,  236,  211 
Gum-cell,  58,  76,  123 
Guttulina  (Cienk.),  405,  406 

—  protea  (Fay.),  406 

Gymnoascus  (Baranet.),  359,  360,  361,  367,  368, 

369.  37°)  378 

Gymnocarpous  Lichens,  356 
Gymnogramme  (Desv.),  16,  67,  83,  85,  58 
-  leptophylla  (Desv.),  65 
Gymnomitrium  (Neesab  Esenb.),  164 
Gymnopodal  shoot,  176 
Gymnosperms,  12,  13,  14,  15,  52,  1,  3 
Gymnosporangium  (DC.),  386 
Gymnostomous,  135,  147 
Gyrolith,  183 


HADROME,  19 
Haematococcus  (Ag.),  416 

—  Butschlii  (Blockm.),  417 
Halidrys  (Grev.),  232,  235,  206 

—  siliquosa  (Lyngb.),  206 
Halimeda  (Lmx.),  289,  258 

—  Tuna  (Lmx.),  258 


464 


INDEX 


HAL 


Halosphasra  (Schm.),  411,  337 
-  viridis  (Schm.),  337 
Halymenia  (Ag.),  208 
Hapalocystis  mirabilis  (Sorok.),  347 
Hapalosiphon  (Nag.),  439,  441,  36Y 

—  byssoideus  (Kirchn.),  367 
Haplomitrium  (Nees  ab  Esenb.),  156,  161 
Haplospora  (Kjellm.),  249 

Hard  Fern,  72 

Hauckia  (Brzi.),  413 

Haustorium,  309,  323,  326,  340,  350,  362,  378, 

269,  285,  296 

Hawlea  Miltoni  (Stur),94 
Hedwigia  (Ehrh.),  149 
Helicpstylum  (Cord.),  339 
Helminthocladia  (Ag.),  211 
Helminthocladiaceae,  189,  211, 175,  189-191 
Helminthostachys  (Kaulf.),  98,  99,  TOO 
Helvella  esculenta  (Pers.),  278 
Hepatic'as,  135,  156,  132-159 
Heracleum  sphondylium,  348 
Hermonitis  (L.),  85 

Heterocyst,  427,  430,  431,  434,  438,  359,  362 
Hetercecism,  383 
Heteromeronsthallus,  320 
Heterophyadic  Equisetaceae,  113 
Heterosporous  Vascular   Cryptogams>  J3,   I5, 

20,  21, 5-33 

Hibernating  spores  (Fungi),  315 
Hibiscus,  340 
Hildenbrandtia  (Nard.),  190,  191,  193,210,211, 

188 

—  prototypus  (Nard.),  188 

—  rivularis  (Ag.),  211 

Himanthalia  (Lyngb.),  228,  232,  23?,  205 

—  lorea(Lyngb.),  ^05 
Homoiomerous  thallus,  321 
Homophyadic  Equisetaceae,  113 
'Honey-dew,'  376 

Hookeria  (Sm.),  149 

Hoop,  420 

Hops,  364 

Hormactis  (Thur.),  436 

Hormidium  (Ktz.),  279 

Hormiscia  (Aresch.),  277 

Hormogone,  427,  429,  431,  435,  438,  442,  445 

Hormospora  (Brdb.),  414,  344 

—  mutabilis  (Brdb.),  344 
Horse-tails,  100,  113,  124 
House-fly,  343,  378 

Hyaline  hair.  226,  275,  433,  199 

Hyaloplasm,  403 

Hyalrtheca  (Ehrb.),  187,  268 

Hybridism,  145,  235 

Hydneas,  393 

Hydnobolites  (Tul.),  357,  358 

Hydnocystis  (Tul.),  358 

Hydnotria  (B.  and  Br.),  358 

Hydnum  (L  ),  392 

Hydrianum  (Rabh.),  413 

Hydroclathrus  (Bory),  245 

Hydrocytium  (A.  Br.),  413 

Hydrodictyeae,  277,  291,  296,  409  260 

Hydrodictyon  (Roth),  186,  296,  410,  413,  260 

—  utriculatum  (Roth),  260 
Hydrolapathum  (Rupr.),  193,  196,  208,    71 

—  sanguineum  (Stackh.),  171 
Hydropteridea;,  21 

Hydrurus  (Ag.),  188,  too,  256,  257,  232 

—  penicillatus  (Ag.),  232 
Hygroscopic  properties,  171 
Hymenium,  355,  357,  368,  373,  376, 

3^,393,394,395,396,- 

Hymenogaster  (Vitt.),  395 


Hymenogastreae,  395,  396,  398 
Hymenomycetes,  388,  395,  266,  270,  273,  319- 

Hymenophallus  (Nees  ab  Esenb.),  398 
Hymenophyllaceae,  16,   17,   18,  19,  64,  66,  67, 

70,  71,  73,  76,  80,  81,  86,  121,  122,  61-64,  93 
Hymenophyllum  (L.),  86,  87,  88,  62-64 
'—  tunbridgense  (Sm.),  62 
Hypertrophy,  324,  326,  327 
Hypha,  228,  306,  208-210,  267,  273,  281,  282, 


285,  300,  307,  308,  317,  322 
Hypnea  (Lmx.),  209 
Hypneaceae,  208 

Hypnosperm,  225,  227.  266,  283,  295,  296 
Hypnosporange,  285 
Hypnospore,  262,  281,  284,  300 
Hypnum  (Dill.),  149 

—  populeum  (Ssv.),  113,  118 
Hypochnus  (Fr.),  389,  266 

—  centrifugus  (Tul.),  266 
Hypocopra  (Fckl.),  361 
Hypodermal  tissue,  107 
Hypothece,  355,  360,  361,  370,  308 
Hypoxylon  (Bull.),  373 
Hysterinea;,  356 


ILEODICTYON(TU!.),  398 

Impotent  antherids  332 

Impregnating  tube,  324,  332,  286 

Inactis  (Ktz.),  441,  444 

Indusium,  24,  29,  50,  73,  79,  86,  121,  19,  32,  59, 

63,  93 
Inflorescence,  134,  158,  170,  104,  106,  109,  131, 

150,  151,  156,  157 

Infusoria,  agents  in  fertilisation,  199 
Innovation,  85,  133,  139,  151,  157 
Intercalary  growth,  241 

—  surface-growth,  222,  200 
Internode,  102,  174,  81,  165,  168 
Intine,  325,  337,  339,  349,  351 
Involucre,  85,  94.  no,  159,  165,  171,  59 
Involution-forms  (Bacteria),  451 
Iodine,  190,  236,  244 

'  Irish  moss,'  210 
Isactis  (Thur.),  436,  365 

—  plana  (Thur.),  365 
Isinglass,  210 
Isocystis  (Brzi.),  432 
Isoe'tese,  21,  47,  119,  28-33 
Isoetes(L.),  19,  38,  47,  52.  119,  28-33 

—  lacustris  (L.),  28-33 
Isoetites  (Schmp.),  119 
Isogamous  reproduction,  272 
'  Isospore/  285 

Isosporous  Vascular  Cryptogams,    12,   15,    20, 

53,34-85 
Isthmus,  270 


JAPANESE  isinglass,  210 
Jungermannia  (L.).  164,  132,  138,  142 

—  barbata  (Schreb'),  138 

—  bicuspidata  (L.),  142 

—  nemorosa  (L.),  132 
Jungermanniaceas,  159,  160,  172,  132-142 


KALLYMENIA  (Ag.),  208 
Kaulfussia  (Bl.),  78,  92,  93,  94,  95 
Kelp,  190,  236,  244 
Kickxella  (Coem.),  341 
Kieselguhr,  424 


INDEX 


465 


LAB 

LABIAT.-E,  364 
Labium,  51 

Laboulbenia  flagellata  (Peyr.),  312 
Laboulbenieze,  378,  312 
Lactarius  (Fr.),  394 
:una,  105,  81 


MAS 


Laci 


Lagenidium  (Schenk),  330,  331 
Lamella,  393,  394,  153,  273,  3" ' 
Lamina,  50,  230,  242 


19-321 


Laminaria(Lmx.),  239,  304,  215 

—  digitata  (Lmx.),  244 

—  saccharina  (Lmx.),  215 
Laminariaceae,  IQO,  230,  236,  239.  241,  242,  304, 

213-217 
Lamprothamnus  (A.  Br.),  182 

—  alopecuroides  (A.  Br.),  176 
Lastrea  (Presl),  85 

Lateral  conjugation,  260,  265,  235,  238 
Lathyrus,  364 
Laticiferous  hyphae,  394 
Laudatea(Johow),  319 
Laurencia  (Lmx.),  209 
Laver,  green.  219 

—  purple,  217 

Leaf-sheath,  102,  105,  124,  81,  83 
Leathesia  (Gray),  241 
Leiodermaria  (Ren.),  117,  89 
Leiodermarieae,  117,  89 
Lejeunia  (G.  &  L.),  164 
Lejolisia(Born.),  201,  209,  177 

—  mediterranea  (Born.),  177 
Lemanea  (Bory),  191,  196,  214,  192 

—  fluviatilis  (Ag.),  216 

—  nodosa  (Ktz.),  192 
Lemaneaceae,  189,  195,  214,  192 
Lemna,  432 

Lenticel.  93 

Lepidodendreae,  115,  87,  88 
Lepidodendron  (Sternb.),  115,  87,  88 
Lepidophloios  (Sternb.),  116 
Lepidophyllum  (Brongn.),  88 
Lepidostrobus  (Brongn.),  115,  116,  88 

—  Brownii  (Schmp.),  116,  88 
• —  dabadianus  (Schmp.),  116 

—  ornatus  (Hook.),  88 
Lepidozia  (Dum.),  164 
Leptochaete  (Brzi.),  436 
Leptpchrysomyxa  (de  By.),  386 

—  Abietis  (Ung.),  386 

Leptogium  microphyllum  (Ach.),  307,  308 

Leptome,  19 

Leptophloem,  146 

Leptopuccinia  Dianthi  (Schroet. ),  386 

—  Malvacearum  (Schroet.),  386 
Leptopuccinieae,  386 
Leptosira  (Brzi.),  280 
Leptothrix  (Ktz.),  4,  440,  445,  451 

—  muralis  (Ktz.),  440 

—  parasitica(Ktz.),  440 
Leptoxylem,  146 
Lessonia  (Bory),  244,  214 

—  fuscescens  (Bory),  214 
Leucobryum  (Hampe),  138,  139,  149 
Leucochytrium  (Schroet.),  347 
Leucodon  (Sch\v.),  149 
Leuconostoc  (Van  Tiegh.),  433,  455 
Liagora  (Lmx.),  194,  211 
Lichen-fungi,  317,  318,  361 

Lichens,  222,  279,  318,  356,  419,  441,  448,  449, 
279-284,  307,  308 

—  discocarpous,  370 

—  gymnocarpous,  356 
Licmophora  (Ag.),  426 
Lid-cell,  17,  158 
Ligulatae,  38,  44 


.),  85,  58 


Ligule,  38,  44,  51,  31,  32 

Lindsaya  (D 

Lip-cell,  79, 

Lithoderma  (Aresch.),  190,  251,  225 

—  fatiscens  (Aresch.),  225 
Lithophyllum  (Phil.),  206 
Lithothamnion  (Phil.),  206 
Liverworts,  135,  156,  160 
Lobospira  (Thur.),  254 
Lomaria(Willd.),  83,85 

—  spicant  (Desv.),  72 
Lomentaria  (Gaill.),  209 
Lomentariaceae,  209 
Lophoclea  (Dum.),  164 
Loxsoma  (R.  Br.),  86,  87,  121 
Lucern,  364 

Luminosity  of  fungi,  316 
Lunularia  (Mich.),  157,  170,  171 
Lupins,  364 
Lychnothamnus  (Leon.),  182 

—  stelliger  (A.  Br.),  176 
Lycoperdaceae,  395,  396,  398,  399 
Lycoperdon  (Tourn.),  308,  395 
Lycopodiaceae,  u,  15,  16,  18,  19,  53,  34-41 
Lycopodieae,  53,  118,  34-39 
Lycopodites  (Brongn.),  118 

—  Stockii  (Kidst.),  118 

Lycopodium  (L.),  19,  20,  53,  56,  61,  34-37,  39 

—  albidum  (Bak.),  59 

—  annotinum  (L.),  54,  34,  39 

—  cernuum  (L.),  54,  61,  35 

—  clavatum  (L.),  56,  61,  37 

—  inundatum  (L.),  53 

—  Phlegmaria  (L.),  55,  118,  36 
Lygodium  (Sw.),  71,  77,  90,  91,  69 

—  palmatum  (Sw.),  69 
Lyngbya(Ag.),  441,  444,  445,  449,  371 

—  aestuarii  (Liebm.),  37i 

—  antliaria  (Hansg.),  445 
Lyngbyese,  441,  445 


MACROCYSTIS  (Ag.),  239,  240,  244,  213,  217 

—  pyrifera  (Ag.),  213,  217 
'  Macrosporange,'  7 

'  Macrospore,'  7 

Macrosporium  Sarcinula  (Berk.),  374 

'  Macrozoospore,'  7 

Madotheca  (Dum.),  157,  164 

Male  conceptacle,  233,  208 

'  —  fern,'  72 

—  filament,  266 

—  inflorescence,  104,  150,  152,  157 

—  prothallium,  15,  103,  78 
Mantle-cells,  36,  80,  99,  104 
Manubrium,  175,  177,  163 
Marattia  (Sm.),  91,  94,  95,  70,  71 

—  cicutsefolia  (Kaulf.),  93,  95 
Marattiaceae,  20,  21,  64,  65,  74,  77,  78,  79,  81, 

91,  121,  122,  70,  71,  94 
Marchantia  (L.),  157,  170,  171,  149  -151,  153- 

159 

-  polymorpha  (L.),  157,  149-151,  153-159 
Marchantiaceae,  133,  157,  160,  167,  149-159 
Alarchesettia  spongioides  (Hauck),  210 
Marsilea  (L.),  33,  37,  "4,  4,  6,  14,  15,  17,  19 

—  Drummondii  (R.  Br.),  38 

—  quadrifolia  (L.),  34,  6 

—  salvatrix  (L.),  14,  15,  17,  19 
Marsileaceae,  12,  13,  25,  31,  4-6,  14-19 
Marsilidium  (Schenk),  114 
Martensella  (Coem.),  341 
Massaria  (De  Not.),  356 

Massula,  25,  30,  13 

Mastigobryum  (Nees  ab  Esenb.),  164 

H  H 


466 


INDEX 


MAS 


NOS 


Mastigocladus  (Cohn),  439,  441 

Mastigocoleus  (Lagerh.),  439,  440,  441 

Mastogloia  (Thw.),  424,  426 

Mazaea  (Born.))  440 

Mechanical  system,  138,  171 

'  Medulla,'  118,  124,  280 

Medullary  system,  76,  228,  242,  249,  321,  271 

Megasporange,  7,  u,  22,  277,  7,  18,  19,  26,  27 

Megaspore,  7,  n,  15,  20,  22,  118,  155,  7-9,  14- 

16,  1§:  20,  29,  125 
Megazoosporange,  260 

Megazoospore,  7,  218,  273,  296,  410,  196,  260 
Melampsora  populina  (Jacq.),  386 
Melanospermeae,  235,  237 
Melanospora  (Cord.),  359,  360,  370 
Melobesia  (Lmx.),  193,  194,  196,  206,  182,  184 

—  membranacea  (Lmx.),  182 

-  Thureti  (Born.),  184 
Melobesiaceae,  191 
Melosira  (Ag.),  424 
Meridion  (Leibl.),  426,  357 

—  constrictum  (Ralfs),  357 
Merismopedia  (Mey.),  418,  446,  447,  448 
Merispore,  6 

Mercensia  (Willd.),  77,  85 
Merulius  lacrymans  (Fr.),  309 
Mesocarpacese,  187,  258,  259,  260,  233-235 
Mesocarpus  (Hass.),  260,  262,  263,  330,233,  235 

—  neaumensis  (Benn.),  261 
parvulus  (Hass.),  233 

—  pleurocarpus  (de  By.),  235 
Mesoglceaceae,  239,  247,  220 
Metzgeria  (Cord.),  164 
Meum  athamanticum,  348 
Micrandres,  225,  201,  202 
Micrasterias(Ag.),  268,  239 

—  rotata(Grev.),  239 
Microchaete  (Thur.),  436 

-  -  diplosiphon  (Gom  ),  434 
Micrococcus  (Cohn),  450,  379 
Microcoleus  (Desm.),  429,  441.  444 
Microcyst,  404 

Microcystis  (Ktz.),  446,  447,  449,  377 

—  marginata  (Meneg.),  377 
Microspora  (Thur.),  276,  242 

—  floccosa.OThur.),  242 

Microsporange.  7,  n,  22,  277,  7,  11,  18,  19,  26, 
32,33 

licrospore,  7,  n,  12,  2 
7,  11,  18,  20,  30, 125 
Microthamnion  (Nag.),  280 
Microzoospore,  218,  277,  410 
Mildew  of  corn,  383 
Mischococcus  (Nag.),  412,  339 

—  confervicola  (Nag.),  339 
Mitremyces  (Nees  ab  Esenb.),  399 
Mnium  (L.),  138,  140,  149 
Mohria  (S\v.),  90,  91 
Monadopsis  (Klein),  405 

Monas  amyli  (Cienk.),  405 
Monoblepharideas,  331,  290 
Monoblepharis  (Cornu),  4,  331,  290 

—  sphaerica  (Cornu),  290 
Monoclea  (Hook.),  164,  143 

—  Forsteri  (Hook.),  143 
Monocleaceae,  164,  143 
Monosiphonous,  192,  195 
Monospora  (Sol.),  196 
Monostroma  (Thur.),  217,  218,  219,  198 

—  bullosum  (Thur.),  198 
Moonwort,  100 
Morchella  (Dill.),  356 
Mortierella  (Coem.),  338,  339 

—  nigrescens  (Van  Tiegh.),  338 

—  Bostafinskii  (Bref.),  338 


Mosses,  135,  14: 


Mosses,  135,  145 

Mougeotia  (de  By.),  262,  264,  267,  330 

—  calcarea  (Wittr.),  262 
Moulds,  366 

Mucilage,  69,  220,  221,  238,  256,  257,  263,  269, 

283,  298,  398,  248,  330 
Mucilage-cell,  58,  76,  89,  92,  168,  67,  154 
Mucilaginous  sheath,   259,  267,  268,  274,  298, 

428,  430,  434,  437,  440,  441 
Mucor  (Mich.),  4.  307,  339,340,  350,  381,  293, 

296 

—  Mucedo  (L.),  293,  296 

—  •  racemosus  (Fres.),  339 
-  tenuis  (Lk.),  338 

Mucoreae,  337,  339,  340 

Muccrini,  4,  308,  315,  316,  335,  341,  342,  344, 

345,  377.  378,  293-296 

Multilocular  zoosporange,  187,  237,  212,  227 
Multinucleatae,  186.  280,  248-258^ 
Musci,  135,  136,  102-131 
Muscineae,  2,  132,  102-159 
Mushroom,  311,  320 
Mutinus  caniniis  (Fr.),  308,  329 

m'  389'  275' 


Mycetozoa,  305,  401,  456,  332-335 

—  doubtful,  405 
Mycoidea  (Cunn.),  222 

—  parasitica  (Cunn.),  222 
Mycorhiza,  310 
Mylitta(Fr.),  309 
Myrionema  (Grev.),  241 
Myxomycetes,  401,406,  332-335 
Myzocytium  (Schenk),  330 


NARDOO,  38 

Navicula  (Bory),  420,  422,  424,  357 

—  rhomboides  (Khrb.),  357 

Neck,  16,  26,  39,  86.  68,  143,  179,  109,  148,  158 
Neck-canal-cell,  16,  27,  39,  69,  159,  10 
Neck-cell,  26,  68,  10 
Neckera  (Hedw.),  149 
Nectria  cinnabarina  (Fr.),  267 
Nemalieae,  192,  195,  199,  211,  175 
Nemalion  (Ag.),  211,  213,  175 

—  multifidum  (Ag.),  175 
Nemastoma  (Ag.),  208 
Nemathece,  196,  199,  202 
Nematodonteae,  148 

(Carruth.),  304 


Nematophycus  (Carru 
Neomeris  (Lmx.),  287, 


254 


—  Kelleri  (Cram.),  287,  254 
Nephrocytium  (Nag.),  414,  343 

—  Nagelii  (Grim),  343 
Nephrodium  (RichA  85 
Nephrolepis  (Sch.),  77,  85 
Nereocystis  (Post.),  240,  242,  244 
Neutral  zone,  175,  163 
Nidularieae,  397,  327,  328 

Nitella  (Ag.),  175,  176,  179,  182,  163,  165,  166 
-  flexilis  (Ag.),  163,  165,  166 
Nitelleae,  173,  182,  163,  165,  166 
Nitophyllum  (Grev.),  196,  208,  173 

—  punctatum  (Harv.),  173 
Xitzschia  (Hass.),  426 
Node,  102,  173,  421,  165,  168 
Nodularia  (Mert.),  430,  433 
Nodule,  421 

Nostoc  (Vauch.),  28,  165,   171,  429,  430,  431, 
43*,  433,  353  f  9 

—  commune  (L.),  ooo 

—  hyalinum  (Benn.),  359 

—  muscoruin  (Ag.),  431 

—  parietinum  (Rabenh.),  440 


INDEX 


467 


NOS 


Nostocaceae,  185,  4*7,  428,  430,  455,  456, 358-362 

Nostochineae,  186,  427,  428,  358-373 

Nothoclama  (R.  Br.),  85 

Notommata,  284 

Nuclei,  plurality  of,  186,  187,  188,  194,  272,  275, 

281,  284 

Nuclearia  (Cienk.),  405 
Nullipore,  206 
Nummularia(Tul.),  373 


OBELIDIUM  (Nowak.),  346 

Octaviana  asterosperma  (Vitt.),  324 

'Octospore,'  217 

CEdogoniaceae,  188,  220,  222,  200-202 

CEdogonium  (Lk.),  222,  223,  226,  200,  201 

—  ciliatum  (Mass.),  201 

—  gemelliparum  (Hass.),  201 
Oidium  Tuckeri  (Berk.),  364 
Olfersia  (Radd.),  80 
Oligocarpia  Lindsaeoides  (Stur),  94 
Olpidiese,  344,  345,  346,  347 
Olpidiopsis  fusitormis  (Cornu),  346 

—  Saprolegniae  (Fisch.),  346 
Olpidium  (A.  Br.),  347 
Onions,  327 

Onoclea  (L.),  So,  85 

Onygena  (Pers.),  358,  359 

Ooblastema-filament,  202,  211,  215 

Oogamous  reproduction,  188 

Oogone,  185  (see  also  under  Algae  and  Fungi), 

199,  201,  202,  210,  228,  248,  249,  259,  286,  290, 

291 

Oomycetes,  323,  332,  285-292 
Oophyte,  10,  16,  132,  135 
Oosperm,    n   (see    also  under  Vase.    Crypt., 

Muse.,  Char.,  Algae,  and  Fungi),  203,  210, 

229,  248,  259,  286,  290,  291 
Oosphere,  8  (see  also  underVasc.  Crypt.,  Muse., 

Char.,  Algae,  and  Fungi),  4,  10,  15,  45.  109, 

148,  158,  201,  203,  210,  229,  259,  286,  291 
'  Oosporange,'  237 
'  Qospore,'  8 
'  Oosporeae,'  3 
Opercule,  135,  112,  117,  131 
Ophiocytium  (Nag.),  414 

Ophioglossaceae,  13,  16,  20,  21,  81, 95,  123,  72-76 
Qphioglossum  (L.),  97,  98,  99,  100,  72,  76 

—  pedunculosum  (Desv  ),  96 

—  vulgatum  (L.),  98,  100,  72,  76 
Orthotrichum  (Hedw.),  149 

Oscillaria  (Bosc.),  429,  441,  442,  443,  445,  368, 
369 

—  aerugineo-coerulea  (Ktz.),  443 

—  antliaria  (Hansg.),  445 

—  dubia  (Ktz.),  443 
-  Frolichii  (Ktz.),  446 

—  princeps  (Vauch.),  441,  443,  444,  369 

—  tenuis  (Ag.),  446,368 

Oscillariaceae,  427,  428,  429,  433,  437,  441,  455, 
368-373 

—  movements  of,  442 
Oscillatorieae,  441 

Osmunda  (L.),  66,  67,  75,  89,  90,  65-68 

—  cinnamomea  (L.),  90 

—  regalis  (L.),  73,  90,  65-67 
Osmundacese,  66,  75,  76,  78,  80,  81,  88,  65-68 
Osmundites  (Carruth.),  123 

Ostiole,  207,  356,  182-184,  208,  209,  311 
Ovulites  (Lam.),  304 
Oxymitra  (Bisch.),  166 


PACHYMA  (Fr.),  309 
Pachyphloeus  (Tul.),  35£ 


Padina  (Adans.).  254,  230,  231 

—  Pavonia  (Gaill.),  ^30,  231 
Palaeopteris  hibernica  (Schimp.),  121,  93 
Palaeostachys  (Weiss),  128 

Pale,  72 

Palisade-cells,  321 
Palisade-parenchyme,  19 
Palmella(Lyngb.),  415,  417,  448 

—  cruenta  (Ag.),  416 

—  nivalis  (Hook.),  416 

—  prodigiosa  (Mont.),  416 

—  uvaeformis  (Ktz.),  276,  417 
Palmellacese,  257,  415,  418,  419 
Palmellin,  416 

Palmelloid  condition,  277,  409,  411,  412,  415, 

Palmodictyon  (Ktz.),  418 
Pandorina  (Ehrb.),  186,  299,  300,  263 

—  morum  (Ehrb.),  263 
Pandorineee,  186,  291,  299,  409,  263 
Paraphyse,  55,  79,  87,   134,  142,   196,  233,  237, 

244,  354,  355)  356,  358,  3?o,  37i,  372,  373,  374, 
386,  388,  394,  36,  50,  106.  208,  209,  27b,  300, 

Parasites  (Fungi),  316,  317,  329,  383 
.—  (Bacteria),  454 
Parasitic  Algae,  249,  280,  284 
Parsley-fern,  72 

Parthenogenesis,  181,  267,  333,  338 
Parthenosperm,  261,  262,  267 
Parthenospore,  292 
Pecopteris  arborescens  (Schl.),  124 
Pediastreae,  186,  190,  291,  298,  418,  261,  262 
Pediastrum  (Mey.),  298,  26i,  262 

—  integrum  (Nag.),  261 
Pedicel,  80 

Pedicel-cell,  177,  179,  233,  369 

Pell;ea(Lk.),85 

Pellia  (Radd.),  162,  164,  136 

—  epiphylla  (Cord.),  136 
Peltate  leaf,  28,  8,  9 

—  scale,  102,  no,  2,  83 
Pelvetia  (Dene.),  235 

Penicillium  (Lk.),  312,  358,  359,  360,  366,  378 

—  glaucum  (Lk.),  316,  367 
Penicillus  (Ktz.),  289 
Penium  (Breb.),  268,  241 

—  margaritaceum  ( Brdb. ),  241 
Perianth,  134,  141,  142 
Pericarp,  180,  201,  221,  263,  199 
Pericentral  tubes,  192 

Perichsste,  134,  141,  162,  109,  129,  131 

Periderm.  430 

Peridinieae,  410 

Peridiolum,  397,  328 

Peridium,  311,  357,  358,  395,  396,  397,  398,  399, 

325,  328-331 
Perigone,  142,  106 
Perigyne,  159,  163,  171,  142,  158 
Perinium,  160 
Peripheral  growth,  241 
Periphyse,  356 

Periplasm,  324,  325,  327,  331,  332,  286 
Peristome,  135,  147,  110-112,  114,  118 
Perithece,  355,  356,  362,  365,  370,  373,  374,  375, 

378,  379,  311,  312 
Peronospora  (Cord.),  4,  323,  326,  327,  328,  329, 

3?8 

—  arborescens  (de  By.),  286 

—  calotheca  (de  By.),  269,  285 

—  densa(Rab.),  327 

—  Ficaria;  (Tul.),  327 

—  nivea  (de  By.),  327 

—  parasitica  (de  By.),  326,  327 

—  pygmaea  (Ung.),  327 


468 


INDEX 


PER 


Peronospora  Rumicis  (Cord.),  327 

—  Schachtii  (Fckl.),  327 

—  Schleideniana  (Ung.),  327 

—  Trifoliorum  (de  By.),  327 

—  Viciae  (de  By.),  327 

—  viticola  (de  By.),  327 

Peronosporeae,  4,  309,  312.  315,  323,  331,  332, 

333,  377,  378,  269,  272,  275,  277,  285-289 
Peronosporites  (W.  G.  S.),  330 

—  antiquarius  (W.  G.  S.),  330 
Persistent  cell,  444 
Petalonema  (Berk.),  438,  440 
Peyssonelia  (Dene.),  210 
Peziza  (Dill.),  356 

—  (Pyronema)  confluens  (Pers.),  369,  276,  300, 
306 

Phacidiaceae,  356 

Phaeophyll,  230 

Phaeosporeae,  187,  190,  230,  237,  212-232 

Phaeothamnieae,  258 

Phseothamnion  (Lagerh.),  258,  276 

Phaeozoosporeae,  237 

Phalloideae,  395,  397,  329-331 

Phallus  (L.),  398,  399,  330 

—  impudicus  (L.),  398,  330 
Phascaceae,  136,  150,  121,  122 
Phascum  (L.),  140,  150 
Phloem-sheath,  18,  59 
Phlyctidium  (A.  Br.),  346 
Phragma,  125 
Phragmidium  (Lk.),  386,  314 

-  incrassatum  (Lk.),  314 
Phycochromaceae,  426 
Phycocyanin,  427,  442 
Phyco-erythrin,  194,  217 
Phycomyces  (Kze.),  338,  339,  293 

—  nitens(Kze.),  293 

Phycomycetes,  4,  5,  323,  352,  377,  381,  285-299 

Phycophaein,  230,  240,  256 

Phycoseris  (Ktz.),  217 

Phycoxanthin,  230,  421 

Phyllade,  51 

Phyllitis  (Ktz.),  245 

Phyllobium(Klebs),  284,  410 

Phylloglossum  (Kze.),  19,  53,  56,  59,  60,  61,  38 

—  Drummondii  (Kze.),  61,  08 
Phyllosiphon  (Kiihn),  284 
Phyllotaxis,  59,  99,  106,  139,  151,  194 
Phyllotheca  (Brongn.),  124,  96 

—  equisetiformis,  96 
Physareae,  403 

Physcia  parietina  (Nyl.),  279 

Physiotium  (Nees  ab  Esenb.),  161 

Physma  (Massal.),  372 

Physoderma  (Wallr.),  346 

Phytophthora  (de  By.),  323,  327,  328,  332,  335, 

272  j  277 ,  289 
— infestans  (de   By.),   314,  326,  327,  328,  272, 

277,  289 

omnivora  (de  By.),  327,  329 
Pigment-spot,  223,  292,  300,  416 
Pileus    286,  f39i,  392,  393,   398,  399,  251,  252, 

Pilini'a(Ktz.),  280 

Pilobolus  (Tode),  339 

Pilularia  (L.),  19,  33,  37,  114,  5,  16,  18 

—  globulifera  (L.),  36,  5,  16,  18 
Pinnularia  (Ehrb.),  426,  353 
-viridis(W.  Sm.),353 
Piptocephalideae,  340,  378,  295,  296 
Piptocephalis  (de  By.),  340,  342,  295,  296 

—  Freseniana  (de  By.  and  Wor.),  295,  296 
Pithophora  Kewensis  (Wittr.),  276,  245 
Pithophoraceae,  187,  273,  276,  245 

Pits  in  oogonial  wall,  332 


POL 

Placenta,  25,  29,  35,  80,  86,  201 
Placental  cells,  209,  287 
Plagiochasma  (L.  &  L.),  171 
Plagiochila  (Dum.),  164 
Plantago,  364 

Plasmatoparous  Peronosporeae,  327 
Plasmode,  401,  402,  403,  404,  405,  406,  332,  333 

—  movements  of,  403 

-  resting  states  of,  404 
Plasmodiophora  (Woron.),  405 

—  Brassicae  (Woron.),  405 
Platycerium  (L.),  83,  85 

—  alcicorne  (Desv.),  72,  77 
Plaxonema  (Tangl),  444 
Plectonema  (Thur.),  437,  438,  439 
Pleomorphy  of  Uredineae,  383 
Pleospora  (Rabenh.),  361,  362,  374 

—  herbarum  (Rabenh.),  374 
Plerome-sheath,  18,  109 
Pleuridium  (Brid.),  150,  122 

—  subulatum  (H  abenh.),  122 
Pleurocarpi,  149 
Pleurocladia  (A.  Br.),  247 
Pleurococcus,  279,  300,  417,  419 
Pleurosigma  (W.  Sm.),  420,  426,  357 

-  lacustre  (W.  Sm.),  35Y 
Plocamium  (Lmx.),  196,  208 

—  coccineum  (Huds.),  209 
Plumule,  41 

Podosphsera  (Kze.),  360,  362,  378,  303 

—  Castagnei  (de  By.  and  Wor.),  364,  303 

—  Kunzei  (Le"v.),  364 

—  pannosa  (de  By.  and  Wor.),  303 
Pollen-grain,  n,  12,  14,  3 
Pollen-sac,  13,  1 

Pollen-tube,  n,  14,  3 

Pollexfenia  (Harv.),  194,  209 

Pollinoid,  7,  185,   198,   199,  207,   254,  360,  361, 


Polyedriaceae,  419 

Polyedrium  (Nag.),  290,  418,  419 

Polygonum,  364 

—  Hydropiper,  351 
Polyhedra,  296,  298,  299,  262 
Polyides  (Ag.),  202,  209 
Polyphagus  (Nowak.),  314,  346,  297 

—  Euglenae  (Nowak.),  345,  297 
Polyphysa  (Lmx.),  288,  255 

—  peniculus  (R.  Br.),  255 
Polypodiaceae,  64,   67,  75,  78,   79,  80,  81,   83, 

121,  123,  42,  44-56,  58 
Polypodies,  83,  84 
Polypodium  (L.),  77,  84,  85,  53,  58 
•—  leiorhizum  (Wall.),  53 
Polyporese,  303,  396,  322,  323 
Polyporus  (Mich.),  392,  396,  322,  323 

—  annosus  (Fr.),  316 

—  igniarius  (Fr.),  322,  323 

—  obvallatus  (Berk,  and  Cooke),  396 

—  sulphureus  (Fr.),  316 

—  volvatus  (Pk.),  396 
Polysaccum  (DC.),  399 

Polysiphonia  (Grev.),  192,   193,   194,  201,  209, 
170 

—  opaca  (Zan.),  170 
Polysiphonous,  192 
Polyspore,  6 

Polystichum  angulare  (Willd.),  60,  48 
Polystigma  (Pers.),  360,  372,  385 
Polythrix  (Zanard.),  437 
Polj-trichaceae,  146 

Polytrichum  (L.),   138,   139,  142,  148,  149,  104, 
107,  112,  117 

—  commune  (L.),  104,  107,  117 


INDEX 


469 


POL 

Polytrichum  piliferum  (Schreb.),  112 

Polyzonia  (Suhr),  194 

Pomeae,  386 

Pore,  154,  187 

Pores  of  Polyporeae,  393,  322 

Porphyra  (Ag.),  189,  191,  199,  216,  219 

—  vulgaris  (L.),  217 

Porphyraceas,  189,  190,  196,  198,  199,  216,  219, 

Porphyridium  cruentum  (Nag.),  416 
Potato-disease,  328 
Pottia  (Ehrh.),  147,  149 
Prasiola(Ag.),  217,  219 
Preissia  (Cord.),  169,  170,  171 
Primary  node,  180 

—  root,  180,  168 

Procarp,  198,  199,  213,  176,  187,  192 
'  Proembryo,'  177,  180 
'Proembryonic  branch,'  176 
Progametange,  349,  298 
Prolific  cells,  276 

Prolification,  69,  139,  142,  196,  289,  104,  171 
Promycele,  325,   328,   329,  337,  338,  350,  351. 

352,  362,  373,  385,  386,  391,  299,  614 
Propagation,  8 

Propagule,  196,  237,  250,  289,  223,  224 
Prothallium,  10,  339  (see  also  underVasc.  Crypt.  . 

Muse.,  &  Char.),  4,  8,  9,14,  15,  20,  29,  34-36' 

42,  43,  50,  65,  74,  78-80,  126,  168 
Prothalloid  branch,  176 

—  growth,  70,  48 

86'   345)  4°9'  4IO)    4I5'   448' 


RHI 


u  — 

Protococcoideae,  186,  408,  409,  449,  336-352 
Protococcus  (Ag.),  186,  285,  409,  417,  448,  279, 
345 

—  pluvialis  (Ktz.),  345 
Protomyces  (Ung.),  4,  350,  352,  298 

—  macrosporus  (Ung.),  348,  298 
Protomycetaceae,  348,  298 
Protomyxa  (Haeek.),  405 

Prot°neme,   133,   135,   136,   140,  214,  449,  105, 

Protophloem,  59 

Protophyta,  2,  3,  4,  186,  276,  407,  336-382 

Protosalvinia  (Daws.),  115 

Protozoa,  456 

Prozoosporange,  346,  297 

Prunus,  364,  373 

Psaronieae,  124 

Psaronius  (Cord.),  124,  95 

Pseudo-bulbil,  70 

Pseudo-cortex,  192,  212 

Pseudocyst,  410,  427,  437,  441,  446 

Pseudo-parenchyme,    249,    251,  307,  356,   358, 

360,  366,  372,  384,  267 
Pseudopode,  151,  154,  402,  403,  422,  443,  131, 

332 

Pseudo-ramulus,  434,  438,  364,  366 
Pseudospora  (Cienk.),  405 
Psilophyton  (Daws.),  119 
Psiloteae,  21,  53,  61,  119,  40,  41 
Psilotum  (Sw.),  17,  18,  19,  20,  53,  61,  63,  40 

—  triquetrum  (Sw.),  61,  40 
Pteris  (L.),  85,  46,  47,  54,  58 

—  aquilina  (L.),  75,  76,  77,  82,  54 

—  serrulata  (L.  fil.),  69,  46,  47 
Ptilophyton  (Daws.),  118 
Ptilota  (Ag.),  194,  204 
Puccinia  (Pers.),  383,  385,  386 

—  coronata  (Cord.),  314 

—  graminis  (Pers.),  383.  274,  314,  315 
-  straminis  (Fckl.),  314 

Puff-ball,  311,  396 
Pulvinus,  93 


Punctaria  (Grev.),  187,  241,  245 

Punctariaceae,  239,  245 

Pycnid,  362,  374 

Pycnochytrium  (de  By.),  347 

Pycnophycus  (Ktz.),  235 

Pycnospore,  362,  374,  375 

Pyrenocarp,  355 

Pyrenomycetes,  319,  355,  356,  370 

Pyronema  (Fckl.),  356,  359,  360,  361,  369,  370, 

372,  378,  276,  306 
—  confluens  (Tul.),  276,  306 
Pythium  (Pringsh.),  317,    324,   329,  330,    331, 


332,335, 
—  Chl< 


^hlorococci  (Lohde),  329 

—  circumdans  (Lohde),  329 

—  de  Baryanum  (Hesse),  329 

—  entophytum  (Pringsh.),  329 

—  Equiseti  (Sad.),  329 

—  gracile  (Schenk),  329,  286 

—  intermedium  (de  By.),  329 

—  proliferum  (de  By.),  329 

—  vexans  (de  By.),  325,  329,377 


QUATERNARIA  (Till.),  373 


RADIOLARIANS,  yellow  cells  of,  318 
Radula  (Dum.),  162,  164,  137,  141 

—  complanata  (Dum.),  137,  141 
Ralfsia  (Berk.),  241,  251 
Ralfsiaceae,  239,  251,  225 
Ramentum,  72 
Ranunculus,  364 

Raphe,  421,  353 
Raphidium  (Ktz.),  418,  351 

—  falcatum  (Ktz.),  351 
Reboulia  (Radd.),  171 

Receptacle,  80,  170.  232,  246,  149-151, 154, 156, 

157;  205,  207,  219     " 
Receptive  spot,  69,  227 
'  Red  snow,'  416 
Rejuvenescence,  223,  274,  281 
Renaultia  (Stur).  122 
Reproduction,  8 
Reserve-system,  139 
Resting-cell,  213,  264,  335,  339,  346,  347 
Resting-sporanae,  333 
Resting-spore,  223,  258,  276,  278,  281,  285,  298, 

315,   344,  345,   350,   351,  352,  416,  427,  430, 

436,  261,  361,  362 
Resting-swarm-cell,  274 
Resting-zoosporange,  346 
Retrogression,  4,  407,  449 
Rhabdonema  (Ktz.),  423,  424 
Rhacophyllum  adnascens  (L.  &  H.),  120,  92 
Rhipidonema  (Mattir.),  319 
Rhizidieae,  344,  345 
Rhizidium  (A.  Br.),  346 
Rhizocarpeae,  18,  19,  21,  114,  4-19 
Rhizoclonium  (Ktz.),  276 
Rhizoglossum  (Presl),  99 
Rhizoid,  16,  132,  139,  156,  174,   180,  222,  228, 

239,  241,  242,  273,  277,  282,   285,   332,  340, 

345  346,  363,  14,  43,  50,  65, 102, 163, 168,  250, 

252,  256,  280,  318 
Rhizome,  51,  72,  81,  86 
Rhizomorph,  392,  270,  319 
Rhizomorpha  (Roth),  309 

—  fragilis  (Roth),  319 
Rhizophore,  45 
Rhizophydium  (Schenk),  346 
Rhizopoda,  456 
Rhizopus  (Ehrb.),  339,  294 

-  nigricans  (Ehrb.),  337,  294 


470 


INDEX 


RHO 


SOR 


Rhodomela  (Ag.),  209 
Rhodomelaceae,  209,  170,  174 
Rhodophyll,  194 
Rhodospermeae,  191 
Rhodospermin,  194 
Rhodosporeae,  191 
Rhodymenia  (Grev.),  208,  186 

—  binda(Ktz.),  196 

—  palmata  (Grev.),  209 

—  Palmetta  (Grev.),  186 
Rhodymeniaceae,  208,  171,  186 
Rhytidolepidae,  117 

Riccia  (L.),  165,  166,  148 

—  glauca  (L.),  148 
Ricciacex,  160,  165,  146-148 
Ridge,  100,  106,  124,  129,  81 

Riella  (Mont.),  156,  159,  165,  166,  146     . 

—  helicophylla  (Mont.),  146 
Rivularia(Roth),  436,  363 

—  fluitans  (Cohn),  436 

—  polyactis  (Hauck),  363 
Rivulariaceae,  185,  427,  428,  433.  445,  363-365 
Roccella  tinctoria  (DC.),  284 

Roestelia  (Reb.),  386 

Root-cap,  18,  78,  109 

Root-hair,  18,  78 

Rotation  of  protoplasm,  175,  163 

'  Royal  Fern,'  73,  90,  66,  67 

Rozella  (Cornu),  345,  347 

Rumex,  364 

Russula  adusta  (Fr.),  308 

Rye,  310 

Rytiphloea  (Ag.),  194,  209 


SACCHAROMVCES  (Meyen),  4,  380,  381,  268,  313 

—  albicans  (Reess),  380 

—  cerevisiae  (Meyen),  380,  268,  313 

—  ellipsoideus  (Reess),  380 

—  Mycoderma  (Reess),  380 

—  Pastorianus  (Reess),  380 
Sacconema  (Brzi.),  437 
Sacheria  (Sir.),  214 
Saddle,  51 

Salicaceae,  310 
Salmon-disease,  332 
Salvinia(L.),  17,  18,  25,  31,  7-11 

—  natans  (I..),  7-11 
Salviniaceae,  12,  13,  20.  25,  114,  7-13 
Saprolegnia(Nees  ab  Esenb.),  4,  332,  333.  334, 

335,  338,  339,  346,  347 
Saprolegmeae,  4,  308,  312,  324,  332,   338,  347, 

377,  291,  292 

Saprophytes,  315,  316,  317,  329,  366,  454 
Sargasso  Sea.  232 
Sargassum  (A?.),  230,  232,  235,  211 

—  bacciferum  (Ag.),  232.  236,  211 
Scalariform  conjugation,  260,  265,  233,234,  236, 

237 

—  tracheide,  18,  76,  98,  123 
Scenedesmus(Mey.),  303,  418,  352 

—  obtusus  (Mey.),  352 
Schizaea(Sm.),  90,  91 
Schizaeaceae,  64,  80,  81,  90,  122,  43,  69 
Schizochlamys  (A.  Br.),  417,  348 

—  gelatinosa  (A.  Br.),  348 
Schizogonium  (Ktz.),  279 
Schizomycetes,  433,  449,  379-382 
Schizoneura  (Schimp.),  124 
Schizophyceae,  408,  336-378 
Sciadiaceas,  410,  411 
Sciadium  (A.  Br.),  411,  336 

—  arbuscula  (A.  Br.),  336 
Sclerenchyme.  75,  123,  53,  54 
Scleroderma  (Pers.),  397 


Sclerosis,  58,  309,  39 


374'  376'  392'  4°4' 


Sclerotinia  (Fckl.),  373 

—  Fuckeliana  (de  By.  and  Wor.),  361,  374 

—  sclerotiorum  (de   By.),  360,  361,  373,   374, 

Sclerotium  (Tode),  310 
Scolecopteris  (Stur),  122,  94 

—  polymorpha  (Stur),  94 
Scolopendrium  (Sm.),  81,  85,  58 
Scutiform  leaf,  28,  8,  9 
Scyamina  (Van  Tiegh.),  295 
Scytonema  (Ag.),  438,  441,  445,  279 
Scytonemaceae,    303,  427,  428,    433,  437,  366, 

367 

Scytonemeae,  438,  441,  445,  366,  367 
Scytonemin,  427,  437 
Scytosiphon  (Ag.),  239,  241,  245 

—  lomentarium  (Ag.),  246 
Scytosiphonaceas,  245 
Seaweeds,  184,  190,  191,  235,  237 
Sebacina  (Tul.),  389 
Secondary  capitulum,  178,  163 

—  embryo-sac,  14,  52,  3 

—  growth  in  thickness,  49,  116,  125 

—  markings,  420,  353 

—  prothallium,  39 
Secotium  (Kze.),  395 

—  erythrocephalum  (Tul.),  396 
Secreting  system,  139 
Seftenbergia  (Cord.),  122,  94 

—  ophidermatica  (Stur),  94 
Seirospora  Griffithsiana  (Harv.),  204 
Seirospore,  196,  204,  180 

Selaginella  (Spring),  19,  20,  38,  39,  47,  20-27 

—  caulescens   Spr.),  20 

—  denticulata  (Lk.),  24 

—  inasqualifolia  (Spr.),  22,  23,  25-27 

—  Martensii(Spr.),  20,  21 
Selaginellaceae,    12,    13,    18,    19,   38,   115,   130, 

20^33,  87-91 

Selaginelleae,  38,  39,  20-27 
Selenastrum  (Reinsch),  186,  303 
Seta,  134,  144,  146,  110,  112 
Sewage-fungus,  454 
Sheath,  50,  428,  430,  434,  437 
Shepherd's  Purse,  326 
Shield,  177,  163 

Side-view  (of  diatoms),  421,  354 
Sieve-hypha,  244 
Sieve-plate,  240,  244,  217 
Sieve-tube,  18,  58,  240,  244,  217 
Sigillaria,  117,  118,  89,  91 
Sigillariostrobus,  117,  118 
Silica,  102,  107,  419,  420 
Siphon,  192 
Siphoneas,    186,    280,   281,    290,   308,  410,  248, 

249 
Siphonocladaceae,  186,    190,  279,  280,  281,  288, 

304,  411,  256-258 
Siphonocladus  (Schr.),  289 
Sirogonium  (Ktz.),  264,  265,  267 
Sirosiphon  {Ktz.),  439,  441,  449 
Sirosiphoneae,  437,  438,  439,  441 
Solenites(L.  &  H.),  119 
Sorastreae,  186,  291,  302,  414,  418,  264,  265 
Sorastrum  (Ktz.),  186,  302,  264 

—  spinulo^um  (Nag.),  264 

Sordaria  (Ces.    and   De  Not.),  354,  359,   360, 

37° 

Sorede,  319,  282 
Sorophore,  37,  19 
Sorosporium  (Rud.),  350,  352 

—  Saponariae  (Rud.),  351 


INDEX 


47i 


Sorus,  n,  20,  24,  72,  79,  94,  122,  196,  2^7,  244, 

251,  347,  19,  58,  59,  71,  218 
Spatoglossum  (Ktz.),  254 
Special  bundle-sheath,  109 
'  Sperm,'  7,  8 
'  Sperm-cell,'  8 
'  Spermatia,'  7,  360 
'  Spermatozoid,'  8 

Spermocarp,  180,  221,  165,  167,  168,  199 
'  Spermogone,'  7,  360 
Spermothamnipn  (Aresch.),  209,  176 

—  hermaphroditum  (Nag.),  176 
Sphacelaria  (Lyngb.),  249,  223,  224 

—  cirrhosa  (Ag.),  223,  224 
Sphacelariaceae,  237,  239,  241,  249,  223,  224 
Sphacele,  249,  223 

Sphacelia  (Lev.),  376,  309 
Sphacelotheca  (de  By.),  352 

—  Hydropiperis  (de  By.),  350 
Sphaerobolus  (1  ode),  399 
Sphserocarpus  (Mich.),  160,  166,  147 

—  terrestris  (Sm.),  147 
Sphaeroccccaceae,  208,  178,  187 
Sphaerococcus  (Stackh.),  208 
Sphaerogonium  (Rostaf.).  444 
Sphaeroplea  (Ag.),  227,  203,  204 

—  annulina  (Ag.),  226,  203,  204 
Sphasropleacese,  188,  220,  226,  203,  204 
'  Sphaerosp  re,'  195 

Sphaerozyga  (Ag.),  430,  433 

Sphagnaceae,  132,  136,  139,  142,  144,   145,   151 

125-131 

Sphagnum  (L.),  138,  156,  172,125-131 
-  acutifolium  (Ehrh.),  125-127,  129-131 

—  cymbifolium  (Dill).  128 

—  squarrosum  (Pers.),  131 
Sphenoglossum  (Emm.),  114 
Sphenophylleae,  129,  130,  101 
Sphenophyllum  (Brongn.),  129,  130,  101 
Sphenopteris  crenata(L.  S:  H.),  120,  92 
Spherpcrystal.  93 

Sphyridium  (Plot.),  361 
Spinellus  fusiger  (Van  Tiegh.),  338 
Spiral  bands,  152 
Spirillum  (Ehrb.),  450,  451,  382 
Spirpchaeta  (Ehrb.),  451 

Spirogyra  (Lk.),  4,  264,  265.  266,  267,  330,  342, 
2367238 

—  bellis  (Mass.),  238 

—  crassa(Ktz.),  264 

—  porticalis  (Vauch.),  236 
Spirulina  (Lk.),  429,  441,  370 

—  tenuissima  (Ktz.),  370 
Splachnidium  (Grev.),  235,  236 
Splachnum(B.  &  S.),  149 

—  ampullaceum  (L.),  116 
Splenic  fever,  452,  454 
Spongiocarpese,  209 
Spongocladia  (Aresch.),  276,  290 
Spongodieae,  289 
Spontaneous  generation,  450 

—  movement,  415,  427,  431,  442 


Spore-sac,  147,  112 

SP°rid' 6,  314,  350,  35i,  352,  362,  373,385,  386 

390,  299,  314 

Sporiferous  filaments,  192 
Sporocarp,  n,  353  (see  also  under  Vase.  Crypt. 

Algat,    and   Sporocarpeae),   5-7,    12,  18,    19 


Ol,    ^\J)     "T-Lj     «J«J.    UU,    UU— VJW,    Wy   \J*~i,       I   AJ     I  t_j,     I  Wj     I  ^', 

83,  93,  110,  111,  114-118,  122,  124,  131,  133, 

134,  137,  145,  158,  293,  334 
—  dehiscence  of,  79,  94,  135,  i55»  I59,  55 
Sporangiole   339 

Sporangiophore,  328,  337,  339,  28' 
Sporangiospore,  6 
Sporangites  (Daws.),  115 
Spore,  5  (see  also  under  Vase.  Crypt.,  Muse., 

Algae,  Fungi,  Mycet.,  and  Prot.),  37,  84,  85, 

158,  181,  245.  249,  272,  275,  303,  317,  318, 

332,  335,  361,  362,  379-381 


—  origin  of,  359 
Sporocarpeas,  353,  300-331 
Sporocarpon  (Williams.),  114 
Sporochnaceae,  245 
Sporochnus  (Ag.),  241,  246,  219 

-  pedunculatus(Ag.),  219 
Sporodinia  (Lk.),  338,  339 

—  grandis  (Lk.),  337 
Sporogenous  tissue,  20.  46,  33 

Sporogone,  134,   136,   144,   159,   163,  107,    110, 

131,  142,  143,  145,  148,  J.56,  158 
Sporophore,  309,  325,  327,   328,  336,  337,   340, 

343,    363,  365,   367,   374,  388,  389,  404,  272, 

275,  288,  293,  296,  303,  304,  327-329,  33a 
Sporophore  (compound),    391,    392,    393,    395, 

396,  397,  398,  273,  319,  320 
Sporophyll,  46,  51,  72,  99,  IIO,  116,  32,  72,  75, 

76,  83,  88 

Sporophyte,  10,  17,  132,  135,  159 
Sporophytic  budding,  69 

SP0r°uti"g>  307,  3i4,    339,    352,  380,   381,   389, 

268,  313 

Spyridia  (Harv.),  193,  209 
Spyridiaceae,  209  ^ 

Squamariaceae,  189,  190,  191,  202,  210,  188 
Stag's-horn-moss,  61 
Staurastrum  (Mey.),  269,  270,  239,  240 

—  Arachne  (Ralfs),  239 
teliferum  (Ralfs),  240 

Stauroneis  (Khrb.),  426 
Staurospermum  (Ktz.),  260,  263,  234 

—  capucinum  (Ktz.),  263 

—  gracillimum  (Hass.),  234 
Stemmatopteris  (Cord.),  124,  95 

—  insignis  (Cord.),  124 
Stemonitis  fusca  (Roth),  334 
Stephanosphsera  (Cohn),  186,  299,  301 
Stephensia  (Tul.),  358 
Stereocaulon  ramulosum  'Ach.),  279 
Sterigma,  86   340     367,  370,  372,  376,  384,  386, 

389,  394,  2/5,  304 
Stichid,  196,  174 
Stictosphseria  (Tul.),  373 
Stigeoclonium  (Ktz.),  276,  284,  417 
Stigma,  133,  143 
Stigmaria,  118,  90,  91 

—  ficoides  (Brongn.),  118,  90 
Stigmatic  cell,  17,  27,  133,  143,  I58,  15,  109 
Stigmatomyces  (Karst.),  378 

-  Baeri  (Peyr-),  312 

-  Muscat  (Karst.),  312 
Stigonema  (Ag.),  439,  441,  449,  366 
-  compactum  (Kirchn.),  440 

—  minutum  (Hass.),  366 
Stigonemeae,  437,  438,  445,  366 

Stipe,  230,  239,  241,  242,  286,  391,  319,  320 

Stipule,  92,  174 

Stcechospermum  (Ktz.),  254 

Stolon,  78,  133,  139 

Stornate    19,  72,  78,  93,   107,  144,   169,  23,  82, 

Stomium,  79,  55 

Stoneworts,  181 

Strand-mycele,  309 

Streblonema  (Derb.),  239 

Stroma,  350,  352,  355,  356,  370,  375,  311 

Struthioptens  (L.);  66 

—  germanica  (L.),  66,  69,  77 
Struvea  (Sond.),  289 


472 


INDEX 


Stylospore,  339,  362 
Stypocaulon  (Ktz.), 


STY 
249 


otypocauion  ^  r^iz.),  249 

Subhymenial  layer,    355,    368,    372,   393,    394, 

Submerged  leaf,  28,  7,  8 
Subsidiary  cell,  107 
Sulphur,  454,  381,  382 
Surirella  (Turp.),  426,  357 

—  splendida  (Ktz.),  357 
Suspensor,  41,  56,  337,  338,  21,  293-296 
Suture,  421 

Swarm-cell,  198,  218,  239,  292,  196,  259,   263 

Swarming  motion,  446 

Swarm-spore,  312,  401,  402,  405,  252,  332 

Sykidion  (Wright),  414 

Symbiosis,  318 

Symploca  (Ktz.),  441,  444,  372,  373 

—  hydnoides  (Ktz.),  372 

—  violacea  (Hauck),  373 
Synalissa  symphorea  (Nyl.),  279 
Synange,  94,  122,  71,  94 
Syncephalis  (Van  Tiegh.),  340 


By.),  347 
Synechococcus(Nag.),  447,  449 
Synedra  (Ehrb.),  426,  357 
—  Arcus(Ktz.),  357 
Syngeneticae,  188,  237,  256,  232 
Syzygites  (Ehrb.),  337 


TABELLARIA  (Ehrb.),  426 

Tangle,  244 

Tannin-cell    34,  76,  92 

Taonia  (Ag.),  254 

Tapetal  cells,  20,  25,  36,  60,  80,  33 

Tapete,  20,  80 

Targionia  (Mich.),  171 

Targionieae,  171 

Tayloria  (Hook.),  149 

Teeth  of  Hydneae,  393 

—  peristome,  135,  145,  111 

sheath,  102,  105,  124,  83 

Teleutospore,  6,  385,  386,  390,  391,  274,  314, 

315 

Terfezia  (Tul.),  358 
Terminal  nodule  (diatoms),  353 
Tetmemorus  (Ralfs),  268 
Tetrachytrium  triceps  (Sorok.),  347 
Tetrapedia  (Reinsch),  447 
Tetraphis  (Hedw.),  149 

—  pellucida  (Hedw.),  140,  114 
Tetrasppra  (Lk.),  219,  418,  448 

—  gelatinosa  (Desv.),  418 
Tetrasporange,  195,  217,  254,  170,  172-174,  177, 

182, 183,  186,  190,  230 
Tetrasppre,  6,  185,  195,  217,  254,  195,  231 
Thalassiophyllum  (Post.),  244 
Thalloid   Hepaticae,    135,   156,    160,  135,  136, 

143-159 

Thallophytes,  2,  3,  4,  135,  156,  184 
Thallus,  132,  184,  191.  306,  430,  432,  153,  188, 

199,  212,  227,  230,  307,  358 

—  compound,  306 
Thamnidium  (Lk.),  339 
Theca,  134 

Thecaphora  hyalina  (Fingerh.),  351 

—  Lathyri  (Kuhn),  351 
Thelephoreae,  391 
Thorea  (Bory),  211 
Thrush-fungus,  38 
Tilletia  (Tul.),  350,  351 

—  caries  (Tul.),  315,  299 
Tilopterideae,  249, 
Tilopteris  (Ktz.),  249 


Tmesipteris(Bernh.),  61,  63,  41 

—  tannensis  (Bernh.),  41 
Tndea  (Willd.),  89,  90 

—  superba  (Col.),  90 
Tolypella(A.  Br.),  182 
Tolyposporium  (Woron.),  351 
Tolypothrix  (Ktz.),  429,  437,  438,  439,  440,  441 

—  amphibia  (Zopf),  440 
Tortula(Hedw.),  149 
Trabecule,  41,  52,- 147,  23,  32,  33,  112 
Tracheide,  18,  76 

Trama,  394,  395,  396,  397,  321 
Traquairia  (Carruth.),  114 
Tree-ferns,  71,  75,  78.  85,  57 
Tremella  (Dill.),  389 

—  mesenterica  (Retz.),  316 
Tremellineae,  343,  388,  389 
Tremelloid  Uredineae,  386 
Trentepohlia  (Mart.),  185,  280,  284,  247 
-    Bleischii  (Rabenh.),  247 
Triceratium  (Ehrb.),  420,  357 

—  Favus( Ehrb.),  357 
Trichocoma  (Jungh.),  319 

Trichoayne,  188,  199,  219,  220,  360,  369,  370, 
573,  378,   379,  385,  175,  176,  179, 


Trichomanes  (L.),  70,  71,  86,  87,  88,  61 

—  alatum  (Sw.),  86 

—  pyxidiferum  (L.),  86,  61 
Trichome,  428,  359 
Trichophilus  (Web.),  280 
Trichophore.  199,  176,  179 
'  Trichpsporange,'  237 
Tripoli,  424 

Trochopteris  (Gardn.),  91 
Truffle-family,  357 
Truffles,  358 

Tuber,  56,  112,  38,  86 
-  -  (Mich.),  357,  358 

—  rufum  (Pico),  301 
Tuberaceae,  308,  357 
Tubereae,  358 
Tubular  organ,  161 
Tubuli  of  Polyporeas,  393 
Tubulinae,  401 

Tuburcinia  (Berk.),  350,  351,  352 

—  Trientalis  (Berk.),  352 
Tulostoma  (Pers.),  399 


UDOTEA  (Lmx.),  289 

Udoteaceae,  289,  258 

Ulodendron  (Sternb.),  116 

Ulothrix  (Ktz.),  185,  277,  278,  279,  246 

—  implexa  (Ktz.),  246 

—  zonata  (Ktz.),  277 
Ulotrichaceae,  187,  273,  277,  246 
Ulva(L.),  189,  217,  304,196 

Ulvacea;,  189,  190,  195,  196,  198,  217,  218,  219, 

279,  418,  196-198 
Umbelliferae,  327,  348,  364 
Unicellular  plants,  184,  281,  284,  286,  288,  427 
Unilocular  zoosporange,  187,  237,  212,  219,  220, 

223 
Uredineae,  4,  312,  315,  383,  391,  274,  314,  315 

—  (tremelloid),  386,  390 
Uredo  (Pers.),  383,  385 
Uredospore,  6,  385,  386,  274,  314,  315 

Urococ3c4us  (Hass.),  418,  350 

—  insignis  (Hass  ),  350 
Urocystis  (Rabenh.),  350,  351,  352 
Urospora  (Aresch.),  273,  276 
Usnea  barbata  (Fr.),  282 
Ustilagineae,  4,  315,  349,  299 


INDEX 


473 


UST 

Ustilago  (Pens.),  35 1 

—  carbo  (Tul.),  35 1 

— •  destruens(Tul.),  351 

—  Hydropiperis  (Schm.),  350 

—  longissima  (Tul.),  351 
Ustulina  (Tul.),  373 

VACCINIUM  VITIS-ID*:A,  388 
Vagine,  134,  135,  144,  146    163,  131 
Vallecular  canal,  105 
Valonia  (Gin.),  289,  411,  257 

—  macrophysa  (Ktz.),  257 
Valoniaceae,  289,  257 
Valve,  420,  353-355 
Valve-view,  421,  353,  354 
Vampyrella  (Cienk.),  405 
Vascular  bundle-sheath,  18,  76,  39 

—  Cryptogams,  i,  2,  10,  2,  4-101 
cylinder,  58,  39 

Vaucheria  (DC.),  186,  281,  283,  284,  248,  249 

—  dichotoma  (Lyngb.),  249 
-sessilis(Vauch.),  248 

Veil,  50 

Velum  partiale,  393 

—  universale,  393,  397,  318 

Venter,  16,  39,  68,  133,  143,  159,  109,  158 

Ventral  canal-cell,  16,  27,  40,  69,  143,  159,  45 

Verbascum,  364 

Vesicle,  23,  17,  44 

Vessel,  76 

Vibrio  (Cohn),  440,  451 

Vidalia  (Lmx.),  194,  aoy 

Vine,  327 

—  mildew,  364 
Violet-stone,  280 
Vittaria  (Sm.),  67,  85 
Volkmannia  (Sternb.),  127 
Volva,  393,  318 
Volvocinea;,  291,  292,  259 
Volvox  (L.),  4,  292,  295,  259 

-  glpbator  (L.),  292,  259 
Vorticella,  199 


WATER-BEETLES,  378 

Watei-net,  296 

Weissia  (Hedw.),  149 

'  Wendungszellen,'  179,  166 

Whip-shaped  filaments.  178,  163 


ZYG 

Woocl*ia(R.  I'.r.),  85,08 
Woodwardia  (Sm.),  85,  53 
—  radicaus  (Sm.),  78 
Woronina  (Cornu),  345,  347 
*  Woronin's  hypha,'  360,  373,  385 
Wrangelia  (Ag.),  209 
Wrangeliaceas,  209,  176,  177 


XANTHIDIUM  (Ehrb.),  269,  239 
—  cristatum(Bre'b.),   239 
Xenococcus  (Rostaf.),  444 
Xylaria(Hill),  360,373,  385 
Xylariea;,  373 


YEAST,  380,  268,  313, 

YeHow  cells  of  Radiolarians,  318 


ZA.MIA,  1 

Zanardinia  (Nardo),  239,  251,  252,  228,  229 

-  -  collaris  (Crouan),  228,  229 
Zippea  (Cord.),  124 

Zonal  view  (diatoms),  421 

Zonaria  (Harv.),  254 

Zonate  (tetraspores),  195 

Zoogamete,    185    (see    also   under    Alga;    and 

Prot.),  196,  222,  246,  247,  252,  260,  263 
Zoogioea,  433,  444,  451 
Zoosphere,  252,  295,  229 
Zoosporange,  220  (see  also  under  Alga;,  Fungi- 

and  Prot.),  201,  252-255,  258,  259,  272,  277 1 

287-289,  291,  297 
Zoosporangiophore,  326,  275,  287 
Zoospore,  6  (see  also  under  Alga;,  Fungi,  and 

Prot.),  199,  201,  232,  242,  259,  277,  289,  291, 

292,297 

Zygnema  (Ktz.),  258,  259,  264,  265,  267,  237 
—  pectinatum  (Ag.),  237 
Zygnemacea;,  187,  258,  259,  264,  236  233 
Zygochytrium  (Sorok.),  341 
Zygodon  (H.  &  T.),  149 
Zygogoniura  (Ktz.),  267 
Zygomycetes,  4,  335,  293-299 
Zygosperm,    218   (see   also    under    Alg;e    and 

Fungi),  222,  233-238,  241,  252,  263,  293-293 

*  Zygosporea,'  3 
Zygosporites  (VVillhms.),  114 


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