~r 
nar d 
-of Lathrea Squamaria, &c. 403 
lt is évident from an inspection of Fig. 2, that in an early 
stage of its growth the embryo-stem, contrary to the almost 
universal rule, avoids the surface, and takes a downward direc- 
tion in common with the root. The intention of this is sufhi- 
ciently apparent; for when once it finds itself among the roots 
and fibres of the tree, it no longer continues to descend, but 
spreads Aorizontally, fixing its tubers upon them, and com- 
mencing its attacks on every hand. ‘This is one of those in- 
stances of adaptation effected in direct opposition to an esta- 
blished law, which fills us with unceasing wonder, and cannot 
fail to exalt our views of the Mighty Author of Universal Na- 
ture. A necessary consequence of the downward tendency of ` 
the young stem is, the contrary direction of the flowering 
branches, one of which is shown at.c, in Fig. 2, evidently seek- 
ing its natural element, the atmosphere. They are invariably 
curved at their base till they acquire a perpendicular position, 
and are the only portion of this singular plant which ever ap- 
pears above the surface of the soil. As this takes place before 
the trees acquire their leafy honours, it weakens the opinion, 
that their unnatural and sickly hue is owing to a deficiency of 
light. 
. It seems probable, from the sound and healthy appearance of 
the root, and from the large tubers on the caudex being in full 
activity, that it continues for many years; at all events, that it 
does not decay as soon as the smaller tubers of the stem have 
begun their operations. Yet I have little doubt, that if it were 
possible to separate the root from the stems without disturbing 
them, they would receive adequate and ample nourishment from 
their own tubers to supply the Severe stems they respectively 
produce. | 
I shall now endeavour to describe the nature of the parasitical 
pusece of our plant with some minuteness, as it has hitherto 
been 
