102 Mr. Brown on the Organs and Mode of 
description of stigma which, in 1813, I introduced into the 
character of Satyrium*, implies an analogous development in 
that genus. 
On the relative position of stamina and stigmata in the column 
of an Orchideous plant, it may be remarked that there is hardly 
an instance of a perfectly developed stamen and stigma placed 
opposite to each other, and consequently deriving their vessels 
from the same cord. é 
For, in the ordinary structure of the family in which only one 
perfect stamen is produced, the corresponding stigma loses 
entirely or in great part its proper function, which it recovers, 
so to speak, in those cases where this stamen becomes imperfect, 
or is destitute of an anthera: and hence, perhaps, it may be said 
that to obtain in any case the complete development of the 
lateral stamina, and, what is of greater importance, to ensure 
in all cases the perfection of the lateral stigmata, these organs 
are never placed opposite, but uniformly alternate with each 
other. 
The general conformation of the ovarium, with regard to the 
number and relative position of the parietal placenta, and the 
arrangement of their numerous ovula, has long been well under- 
stood. But the early structure and evolution of the unimpreg- 
nated ovulum have not yet, as far as I know, been in any 
degree attended to. 
In its gradual development, the pe exhibits ; a series 
of changes nearly agreeing with those which M. Mirbelt has 
described and illustrated as taking place in other families. 
In the earliest state in which I have examined the ovulum in 
Orchidez, it consists merely of a minute papilla projecting 
* Ait. Hort. Kew. ed. 2. vol. v. p. 196. 
t Annal. des Sc. Nat, xvii. p. 309. ;—and in Mém. de? Acad. des Sc. de l Instit. ix. 
p. 212. 
from 
