42 MR. J. P. M. WEALE ON A SOUTH-AFRICAN DISPERIS. 
that the same is the case with the Ceratium? We have, how- 
ever, at present, nothing more to put forward by way of ar- 
gument in support of this hypothesis. The ovoid spores of the 
Ceratium increase very much in size, and become nearly spherical 
in germination ; the germs themselves are thick, very obtuse, and 
send out little branches very rapidly. 
Kerleano near Auray (Morbihan), December 1870. 
Notes on a Species of Disperis found on the Kagaberg, South 
Africa. By J. P. Maxset WEALE, B.A. Oxon. (Commu- 
nicated by C. Darwin, Esq., F.R. & L.SS.)* 
[Read November 3, 1870.] 
Tuts pretty little white and green flower is found in boggy 
places at the mouths of springs on the Kagaberg, in the months 
of February and March. As far as I am aware, no descriptions 
have been as yet published of the mode of fertilization of either 
the genus Disperis or Corycium; and as their structure offers 
many peculiarities strikingly divergent from the better-known 
genera of Orchidez, I shall endeavour to describe the curious 
contrivances exhibited in this plant. 
Each spike contains from 1 to 8 blossoms. The back sepal is 
adnate to the petals, and forms a very inflated dome-like galea 
having a very distinct keel-like crest. The two petals spread 
outwardly about halfway from their base, and are marked with 
green glandular ridges. They then lap forwards and taper up- 
wards to a point like the opening to a tent. The two lateral 
sepals have each a short nectary about the centre of the blade, in 
front of, and at each side of the column. 
The column forms, with the adnate labellum, a broad fluted 
pillar surmounted by a cup, whose long lip tapers upwards be- 
tween the adhering apices of the two petals. On each side of 
the labellum project the two step-like processes of the rostellum 
considerably in front of the face of the flower. 
Having thus described the general aspect of the flower, a more 
* [This and the three following papers by Mr. Weale were accompanied by 
drawings, which remain in the keeping of the Society, and which may be con- 
sulted by any one who may wish to make a special study of the subjects re- 
ferred to, —Szc. L.S.] 
