[43915 ] 
XXII. On the Impregnation of Dischidia. By the late Witu1aM GRIFFITH, Esq., 
F.L.S. &c. &c. Communicated by R. Brown, Esq., V.P.L.S. &c. &c. 
Read March 2nd, 1847. 
THE following observations were made on the Dischidia Rafflesiana, Wall., 
about the 18th of January 1835. They were confirmed by subsequent re- 
examination about a week after that time, and, with the exception of the 
development of the ovula, by the examination of another species, apparently 
allied to D. bengalensis, on the 3rd of February 1835. I shall first run over 
the changes that occur in the ovula while passing from their infant to their 
perfect form. 
At the earliest period the ovula are mere rounded elevations on the pla- 
centze, attached to this by broad bases (Tas. XVIII. fig. 1). The first change 
takes place when the corolla begins to exceed the calyx in length, and merely 
consists of a narrowing towards the base (Tas. XVIII. fig. 2). When the 
corolla is about twice as long as the calyx, this narrowed portion has put on 
the appearance of a funiculus. At the same time a rounded rather shallow 
cavity appears on the upper edge of the ovule and close to the funicle. Both 
diameters of this are nearly equal (Tas. XVIII. fig.3). The changes now take 
place rapidly. When the corolla is two-thirds longer than the calyx, the ovula 
have assumed to a considerable degree their perfect form, differing chiefly in 
size. The rounded cavity has now assumed the appearance of a deep fissure, ex- 
tending from the base of the ovule close to the umbilical cord, along the upper 
margin of the ovule for about one-fourth of its length. The margins of this 
fissure appear raised : its greatest diameter is longitudinal (Tas. XVIII. fig. 4). 
Up to this period there is no trace of a central excavation or cavity. When 
the corolla is half-developed the ovule retains the same form, but the fissure 
is longer and its lips more expanded. A small rather indistinct grumous-look- 
ing mass is now visible in the central line, but towards the apex of the ovule. 
VOL. XX. 3F 
