of Lathraa Squamaria, Sj-c. 403 



It is evident 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 suffi- 

 ciently apparent ; for when once it finds itself among the roots 

 and fibres of the tree, it no longer continues to descend, but 

 spreads horizontally, 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 flowering stems they respectively 

 produce. 



I shall now endeavour to describe the nature of the parasitical 

 connection of our plant with some minuteness, as it has hitherto 



been 



