Symplocarpus feetida. 429 
According to the observations of Mr. Nuttall, « the. seed: of the 
Symplocarpus does not appear to possess any thing like a proper 
cotyledon, the embryo formed in the exact posture of the growing 
plant, (with thesradical downwards,) differs not from .it.in any par- 
ticular but that of size. In place of a cotyledon there is a sheathing 
stipule similar to that which is ever after produced ; in fact it is vi- 
viparous. The embryon is. seated in a small. umbilical _or_hemis- 
pherical depression, in the upper end of what may be called a vitel- 
lus rather than a perisperm, judging from its functions ; this callus; 
or seminal tubercle is roundish and turbinate, nearly as large as a 
filbert nut, very solid and carneous, possessing in a high degree the 
alliaceous feeter of the grown plant; the mutual point of attachment 
subsisting betwixt this body and the embryon is at. first. Be: minute 
and nearly central funiculus which enlarges and becomes ‘more 
distinct during the progress of germination; but what appears to be 
most singular in it, is the length of time which it. continues attached 
to the growing plant, apparently. inert at the. base, the caudex for 
twelve or eighteen months,” Kagel 
The Skunk-cabbage is exclusively a native of America,* and 
grows in bogey woods and meadows, in swamps, on the margins of 
brooks and rivulets, and other moist places. Extreme humidity and 
* It was introduced into England by Peter Collinson, Esq. in 1735. It flowers there in March and 
April, as it does in this country. — 
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