named \\\ PPLBS . \ . I r> 



It is unnecessary for my present purpose do cuter Into a more 

 minute account of the various structures of stamina, most of 

 which appear to me easily reducible to the type here assumed. 



The precise relation of the anthem of Rafflesia, however, to this 

 type is so far from being obvious, that at least three different 

 opinions may be formed respecting it. 



According to one of these, each actual anthera would be con- 

 sidered as composed of several united stamina. But in adopting 

 this opinion, which is suggested solely by the existence and dis- 

 position of the cells of the anthera, it seems also necessarj to con- 

 sider the apparently simple flower of Rafflesia as in realit\ com- 

 pound, and analogous to the spike of an Aroidca ; the pistilla, 

 if present, being consequently to be looked for not in the centre 

 but in the circumference. On attending, however, to the w bole 

 external structure of the flower, as well as to the disposition of 

 vessels, this supposition will, I conclude, appear still more im- 

 probable than that in support of which it is adduced. 



A second opinion, diametrically opposite to the former, would 

 regard the anthera of Rafflesia, as only half a regular anthera, 

 whose two thecae are separated by portions of the united fila- 

 ments, which, being produced beyond the anthera?, together form 

 the crenated limb of the column. 



This view, though less paradoxical than the first, will hardly 

 be considered as affording so probable an explanation of struc- 

 ture as the third opinion ; according to which each anthera 

 would be regarded as complete, made up of two united thecae, 

 opening by a common foramen, and internally subdivided into 

 numerous vertical cells by persistent portions of the confluent 

 receptacles of the pollen ; a structure not perhaps essentially 

 different from that of certain anther* more obviously reducible 

 to the supposed type. 



Even in adopting this opinion, a question would still remain 



respecting 



