sarily some power of three, but that, taking two of the parts 

 for leaves, it is immaterial by what number of similar parts 

 those two are separated, because the intermediate processes 

 are analogous to the setae of Spermacoceae, the number of 

 which is variable. 



Perhaps this question is more important in appearance 

 than in reality, for in some respects it is a mere difference 

 about words ; stipules being rudimentary leaves, and leaves 

 developed stipules. It is however connected with some 

 points of speculative interest, especially as regards syste- 

 matic Botany, and therefore I avail myself of the present • 

 opportunity of stating what I conceive to be the objections 

 to Mr. Bentham's line of argument, and why I still retain 

 my original opinion upon the subject. 



1. With regard to the relation borne by the leaves to the 

 angles of the stem, it is to be observed that if those foliaceous 



organs only which 



pposite the 



g 



are 



said 



be 



Galiacese, and the rest stipules, then we must sup 



pose that Labiate plan 



have 



for in that and similar orders the apparent leaves 



but stipules only. 



'Pposite the angles of 



stem, but 



always placed be 



them. Nor do I find that the number of angles 



the stem of verticillate plants necessarily corresponds with 

 the number of their leaves; for example in Dysophylla 

 stellata, where the whorls often consist of ten parts, the stem 



be admitted that 



axils are there- 



has still but four angles. Neither 

 bodies which do not form branches in their 

 fore not 



. All foliaceous organs of whatever kind, and 

 especially stipules, possess that power or not, according to 

 circumstances, as is too well known to require particular 

 proof. Besides DeCandolle's statement is not sustained by 

 fact ; for in Asperula the uppermost branches, bearing 

 flowers, are frequently produced alternately with the leaves 

 that form the node from which they spring, and consequently 



must, in such 



arise from the seat of one of the sup 



posed stipules. It is more probable that the developement 

 of branches from a portion only of the leaves, is connected 

 with the form of the stem, and the relation which the leaves 

 bear to each other. If the form of the stem requires an 

 alternate developement of a pair or a triplet of opposite 



1838 



X 



