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They perform the same functions and bear spicules, sometimes in pairs, sometimes quaternate, each spicule being surmounted by a spore.

With this introduction we may state that the technical characters of the family are thus expressed:— Hymenium free, mostly naked, or, if enclosed at first, soon exposed; spores naked, mostly quaternate, on distinct spicules = Hymenomycetes.

With buttercups and brambles and many others there is only an increase above the typical five; quaternate flowers are wanting or at least are very rare.

A species of cinquefoil, Potentilla Tormentilla, which is distinguished by its quaternate flowers, occurs in Holland in two distinct types, which have proved constant in my cultural experiments.

I have often seen isolated plants with quaternate leaves, but only rarely have I observed individuals with more than one such leaf.