129. [Gramineæ] ([p. 623]). Glumes in pairs. Perianth replaced by minute scales. Anthers versatile. Fruit a caryopsis. Culm usually hollow, terete; sheaths split to the base.
Series II. CRYPTOGAMOUS or FLOWERLESS PLANTS; destitute of stamens and pistils, in fructification producing spores instead of seeds.
Class III. ACROGENOUS PLANTS.
Cryptogamous plants with a distinct axis (stem and branches), growing from the apex only, and furnished for the most part with distinct leaves (sometimes taking the form of an expanded leaf-like usually prostrate thallus); reproduction by means of antheridia and archegonia, sometimes also by gemmation.
Subclass I. VASCULAR ACROGENS, or PTERIDOPHYTES. Stems (and foliage when present) containing both woody fibre and vessels; antheridia or archegonia, or both, borne on a minute prothallus, which is developed from the spore on germination.
[*] Spores of only one kind; prothallus bearing antheridia and archegonia.
130. [Equisetaceæ] ([p. 675]). Cylindric jointed hollow-stemmed plants, with toothed sheaths. Fructification in a terminal spike.
131. [Filices] ([p. 678]). Ferns, with fronds circinate in vernation, bearing the fructification on the under surface or beneath the margin.
132. [Ophioglossaceæ] ([p. 693]). Fronds often fern-like, erect in vernation. Sporangia globose, coriaceous, 2-valved, in special spikes or panicles.
133. [Lycopodiaceæ] ([p. 695]). Low moss like plants with elongated stems and small persistent entire several-ranked leaves. Sporangia solitary, axillary, 1–3-celled, 2–3-valved.