392 Mr. GnirrirH on the Impregnation of Dischidia. 
This is the first rudiment of the nucleus, or of the cavity within which the 
future embryo is to be developed (Tas. XVIII. fig. 5). Just before the ex- 
pansion of the corolla this mass becomes distinct, and frequently assumes a 
rounded form. The globules I consider to be dislocated tissue. It consists 
of an aggregation of brownish globules and smaller granules, which in fact 
closely resemble the granules of the boyaux. The perfect ovule is compressed 
laterally: the umbilical cord is attached close to its base. The upper margin 
is convex; the lower or dorsal generally straight, and often more or less 
concave. The fissure is now very large, extending longitudinally from the 
base of the umbilical cord for about one-third of the length of the convex upper 
margin ; its lips or edges are gaping; it is of considerable depth. It appears 
to narrow gradually towards its fundus. The grumous globular mass is now 
very distinct, and the first indications of an excavation around this mass are 
appreciable (Tas. XVIII. fig. 6). In flowers which have passed their meridian 
(no impregnation however having taken place) the excavation is enlarged: 
the grumous mass is now more irregular, and frequently appears to be broken 
up, the component parts being then irregularly grouped together. 
In this genus the corolla is always closed to a considerable degree by the 
connivence of its divisions. In addition to this, the divisions of the corolla in 
D. Rafflesiana are furnished with short hairs, which project inwards. We 
may therefore subtract the aid of foreign agency in determining the escape of 
the pollinia from the anthers; and we may likewise state, that when impreg- - 
nation takes place in a given flower, it is by the action of its proper pollinia. 
The pollinia are erect, oblong, somewhat compressed ; they have no dia- 
phanous margin. The dehiscence takes place along the inner margin of each 
mass, that is, as regards the cell of the anther in which it was previously 
lodged. This corresponds with the margin of dehiscence of the pendulous 
pollinia, first noticed by Mr. Brown. This line presents no appreciable struc- 
tural difference,—nothing to indicate why the boyaux pass out here in pre- 
ference to any other point. The fissures of communication are open in 
D. Rafflesiana ; in the other species their edges are closely approximated as 
far as their most prominent angles, j 
The base of the stigma is stigmatic (i. e. papillose) in both species ; slightl 
so in D. Rafflesiana, considerably more so in the other species. - The cellular 
