270 
The roots at the nodes, so far as observation has thus far ex- 
tended, all die in the fall; but we found much vitality still existing 
in the nodes. Portions of the internodes were discolored, had 
lost their rigidity, and were dead; such might have grown early 
in the season, and were the first to die. Other portions appeared 
full of life, and their cells, as well as those of the nodes, were filled 
with starch grains; but not one of the many nodes examined ex- 
hibited a bud, except as above stated, those at or near the ex- 
tremity of the vines. This absence of buds, and the dead roots, 
suggest the early dissolution of all parts of the plant except those 
last formed. Although other portions of this wonderful plant 
may survive the winter, yet if this prove true it is presumed that 
after growth re-commences in the buds of the tubers, the starch 
in the vines behind them will be utilized, after which they will 
probably die. Let investigation be directed to this, as well as to 
- other points of interest. 
The living buds are at the ends of the tubers. Back of the 
tubers we have. a long vine in which starch is stored, and which 
contains no buds, and show no signs of further growth. From 
this it appears that both the. vines and tubers after being fully de- 
veloped serve merely to store nutritive materials, and to transmit 
them to the growing points. 
We now behold this noble plant not only as a true aquatic, 
subterranean vine, but it is metamorphosed into a migratory vine. 
Why migratory ? Simply because the next year’s buds are so far 
removed from the location of those of the last. Just how far a 
plant removes its situation in a single season can only be deter- 
mined by locating one in early spring, tracing it throughout its 
entire length in the fall, and noting the position of the next year’s 
buds. Our specimen furnished ocular demonstration that this re- 
moval must have been more than forty-seven feet! Is this method 
of growth found in any other genus than Nelumbo? we ask 
for information. The annual character of the growth from each 
particular node is a most wise provision. If all those plantlets 
survived the winter, and became the centre from which new growth 
proceeded, there soon be an overcrowding ; and none would have 
room to develop naturally when deterioration and extinction would 
eventually ensue. 
