named Rafflfsia, 



231 



no instance being, I believe, at present known of parasites on 

 roots, which likewise originate from other parts of the plant. 



Many important particulars remain to be ascertained respect- 

 ing the Vist ilium. 



From Mr. Jack's account it appears that the seeds are found 

 in the substance of the column ; in other words, that the ovarium 

 is superior. But as I have formerly remarked, that in the male 

 flower the same internal structure seems to be continued below 

 the apparent base of the column, it is possible that in the female 

 the production of seeds may extend to an equal depth : the ova- 

 rium would then become essentially inferior, as far at least as 

 regards the question of the affinity of the plant. This point would 

 be determined by a description of the unimpregnated ovarium, 

 a knowledge of whose structure is also wanting to enable us to un- 

 derstand the nature of the ripe fruit, and especially the origin 

 and direction of the fissures, on the surfaces of which the seeds 

 are produced. 



It is desirable likewise to have a more particular description 

 of the Stigma, to which Mr. Jack seems to refer both the cor- 

 niculate processes of the disk, and the undivided limb of the 

 column. These parts in the male flower have no evident papulose 

 or secreting surface ; for the hispid tips of the processes can 

 hardly be regarded as such. But it is not likely that in the female 

 flower they are equally destitute of this, which is the ordinary 

 surface of a stigma ; and it appears to me more probable that 

 such a surface should be confined to a definite portion, probably 

 the tips, of the corniculate processes, than that it should extend 

 over every part of the apex of the column. 



vVhatever may be the fact, my conjecture respecting these 

 processes being possibly imperfect stamina is completely set 

 aside ; though it is still difficult to connect their number and ar- 

 rangement with the supposed structure of ovarium. 



Until 



