Organization in Phceiiogamoiis Plants, 177 



calyx ofthreeparts, each leaf of which is completely dividedfrom 

 the others, equally large, and standing at the same height; 

 the two inner leaves become gradually united, and form with 

 the external one, which has grown disproportionately large, 

 the later developed palece auct. Of course under these cir- 

 cumstances the inner one possesses the two central nerves of 

 the formerly separate leaves. With these parts belonging to 

 the calyx there alternate three corollary leaves [squamnlce 

 auct.), forming an inner circle, and in like manner stand- 

 ing at the same height; of these, that which is directed to- 

 wards the axis becomes at a later period abortive through 

 pressure. We find also further, three stamina alternating re- 

 gularly with these corollary leaves, the two inner of which, 

 although at a later period, are thrust by the lateral press- 

 ure towards the side of the ovarium ; lastly, the basis of 

 the entire flower, the very short pedunculus, cannot, on ac- 

 courlt of pressure, extend itself horizontally upon the se- 

 condary rachis, and is therefore forced to ascend upon the 

 inner side, by which means that part of the flower which is 

 directed towards the rachis spiculcc assumes an apparently 

 greater elevation than the outer does. In this manner proba- 

 bly we may be able to explain in a simple manner the appa- 

 rently complicated development of the flower in the Graminece. 



We will now pass to the consideration of the stamens. 

 These are more deserving of attention, since some (among 

 others Agardh, following Wolff", whom, however, he does 

 not quote, although he is otherwise well acquainted with him,) 

 have appeared disposed to give them the character of buds ; 

 the opinions also concerning the formation of the anthers are 

 not yet unanimous. 



It is evident likewise from the study of their development 

 that the stamens are modified leaves, for they constantly ap- 

 pear at a later period than the petals (although they after- 

 wards develop themselves more rapidly) ; they stand at first 

 higher up upon the axis than the preceding circle of corollary 

 leaves, and alternate invariably with them; by this means, and 

 from the smallness of the individual parts, the relative propor- 

 tions can be much easier observed*, and for this reason they 

 cannot be axillary buds of the calyx. 



* In some families the petals and sepals, (as is frequently the case with 

 the stamens) or indeed other pcrigonial parts, consist of more than one 

 circle of leaves, as, for instance, in the Berberidecc of 2-3 leaved, in the 

 ThymelecB of 2-leaved circles; we can here therefore speak of opposition 

 with as little correctness as in the LUiacces. Whenever actual opposition 

 of the outer circle of stamens towards the inner circle of petals occurs, it 

 will always be found that an intermediate circle of stamens has become 

 abortive. 



Pltil. Mag. S. 3. Vol. 12. No. 73. Feb. 1838. Y 



