Extracts from the Minute-Book of the Linnean Society. 08 



Nov. 16. Read u Descriptions of some Vegetable Monstrosities," by the Rer. 

 William Hincks, F.L.S., F.R.S.E. &c. &c. 



In this paper, which is a continuation of one read before the s 

 ciety towards the close of the year 1839, and of which sonic account 

 is given at page 691 of the previous volume, Mr. Ilincks arrai 

 the monsters described by him under the several beads of adberences, 

 transformations, and increased or diminished developments of parti- 

 polar parts. 



The adherences comprise, first, a case of the union of five grapes 

 into one fruit in so complete a manner as to render it probable that 

 the flowers were also united ; secondly, an instance of cohesion 

 tween four peduncles of Centaurea moschata, without fusion of tbeii 

 capitula; and thirdly, the common case of adherence of two floi 

 of Fuchsia fulgens. The latter is introduced for the purpose of re- 

 marking- how frequently, when the usual number of organs in u circle 

 results from the suppression of certain parts rudimentally pretest, 

 the same cause which produces adherence with the Dearest flower, 

 also developes all the rudiments, and thus increases the number of 

 parts. On the other hand, in cases of union by fusion, that is, 

 where the united flowers form one enlarged flower, Mr. Ilincks ob- 

 serves, that one organ at least is generally sacrificed at each point 



of junction. 



Of transformations Mr. Hiockl notices two; fir*, •'' tenDiod bod 



of an Azalea, gathered about tbe period when the plant cewed to 

 produce blossoms, which is partially converted into a Boo 

 leaves nearest the centre being imperfectly changed into Man, 

 and snrrounded by many of petaloid aspect, while .he outer h,. 

 differ from the ordinary appearance only in having a little colon,; 

 the organs are not arranged in circles, and one leaf only and . a 

 among the most remote from the centre, «.»« the for. rf. 

 pistil!. The second transformation described oc,n, m a ; , 

 L of Gentiana camped, in which all the parts of - 

 averted into leaves, which are somewhat petalou, ***** 



