12C) U. W. KIN(i ON THE I'lIYSIOLOGY OP MONSTERA DELICIOSA. 



roots, that cling to rocks and the bark of trees as they ramify 

 from crevice to crevice in their search-like imjDiilse for moisture. 

 The dimension it attains in a natural state is probably very 

 considerable, as every node has a partially independent 

 existence, developing from the upper surface the broad, 

 divided, and perforated leaves, and from the under surface 

 the roots, thus giving to the plant the power of establishing 

 independent individuals with all the specialized functions 

 characteristic of the plant, the same as one developed from a 

 seed ; implying that * the plant is capable of multiplying its 

 individuality from the germ that originated the plant. So that 

 injury to the stem of the plant, caused by the grip of its own 

 roots or crushing by falling rocks through subsidence of the 

 earth, is an advantage to the species, by causing a multiplied 

 origin of the vitality, and more, a multiplied sphere for the 

 action of crossing by fertilization from flower to flower of the 

 strongest and best plants, the soils and conditions can develop 

 for maintaining or improving the excellence of the species, 

 for this node development and germ development of the plant 

 aims at the one object — the improvement or maintenance of the 

 species. Given a seed which has developed to a plant, the energy 

 of the seed does not stay, but goes on developing to its utmost 

 capacity by the plant dividing into many, each individual 

 plant searching for the best soil and conditions that it may 

 grow and produce a strong flower. Those plants producing 

 the largest, the most attractive flowers are the most likely to 

 receive the visits from insects, thus crossing only the higher 

 and the most perfect forms. 



The stem of the specimen from which these observations are 

 made was about three inches in diameter, of a brown colour 

 upon the older parts, and shading to dull olive green where it 

 is less matured, while the fresh-growing portions were of an 

 almost white hue. The surface of the stem is smooth, with the, 

 exception of certain protuberances or glands, to be found also 

 on the petiole and the peduncle. These glands are composed 

 of simple cells, and are evidently destined to keep open a com- 

 munication between the deep-seated parts and the exterior, as 

 the bark is of a close, thick nature. It is interesting to observe 

 the rigidity which these cellular protuberances assume, yet 

 they are merely thin, simple, transparent cells, and acquire 



