the Ovula of Loranthus and Viscum. 81 
The influence these parasites possess over the stock is according to their 
reciprocal size : L. Scurrula, generally attached to Melastoma malabathrica, 
or other shrubs, frequently destroys them to a considerable extent. Others, 
again, which are minute in comparison with the stock, such, for instance, as 
those that grow upon trees, produce no appreciable deleterious effect. 
The foregoing notes apply chiefly to the development of the ovula. I had 
. the generality of Loranthacee, with this species it is far different, the primary and secondary attach- 
ments taking place by suckers which appear to reach the older formed wood. From the first attach- 
ment roots are sent off upwards and downwards. These run to a considerable length, and adhere 
very firmly by means of suckers, which likewise are imbedded in the substance of the stem. 
In this specimen the branches are confined to the stem originating from the primary attachment. 
The roots, however, have the power of sending off shoots. The suckers produce a most pernicious 
effect on the branches along which the roots take their course, and from their large size soon produce 
atrophy. 
These roots have the same anatomy as the branches, the medullary rays being less distinct and the 
medulla almost obliterated ; it does exist, however, in a rudimentary state. 
The suckers are composed of cellular tissue, and form part of the cortical system, with which they 
are continuous. The cells are long and arranged at right angles with the woody system. No cuticle 
covers the adhering surface of the sucker. 
The pith is excentric, and, as might be expected, nearest the circumference on the side of the adhe- 
sion. The more vigorous and older of these suckers pierce the albumen to a greater or len distance ; 
but no identification of substance appears to take place, the fibres of the suckers being at right angles 
with those of the alburnum. In all probability they have not the power of piercing into the — 
of the wood, their greater depth in the older and larger branches being owing to the depont of new 
ligneous matter. At the same time a corresponding increase takes place in the sucker, which becomes 
hard towards its base. The upper bourrelet surrounding the suckers 3 always the larger. um 
Tas. IX. fig. 1. represents a sketch taken from a sucker about three — — the axis; ds 
lar fascicles of woody matter have passed off from the wood into the sucker, into which oe ct s 
deeply. They all appear to terminate at a short distance from the adhering surface es , 
; it is sti inations of 
which is entirely cellular, and much less coloured than the rest ; it 1s still large. The term : 
: So great is this tendency to throw out suckers that when 
th i te. 
CC they throw out suckers and form mutual adhe- 
two roots encounter each other, as they frequently do, perse 
sions. In this case there is actual identification of structure, woody fibrous bundles passing 
from both and becoming identified with the wood. See Tas. IX. fig. 4. It does not take place through- 
out the whole length of the sucker, but is chiefly confined to its upper —_ 3 
Tas. IX. fig. 2. represents the original attachment on the apex of a branch. 
; regular woody bundles have at a, nearly reached 
union between the woody systems, although the irre mer of this, observable 
the pith. Still the edges of the wood of the stock are entire. this side. The depth at which the 
at b,c, depend probably upon an attempt at me 7 kc z in which must have taken 
Sucker has apparently pierced is owing in reality to its original attac a 2: EE aee arta 
place when the stem of the stock was very thin: consequently the pith wo 
VOL. XVIII. = 
