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XXXV. On the Origin and Development of the Pitchers of Nepenthes, wii an 
Account of some new Bornean Plants of that Genus. By J.D. es Pa 
F.R.S. & LS. $c. 
Read June 16th, 1859, 
Ina paper read before the Linnean Society on the 16th June, 1857, and published in 
this volume of the * Transactions” (p. 137), I mentioned, in a note, that I had examined 
and prepared drawings of the development of the pitchers of Nepenthes, from plants in 
the Royal Gardens at Kew, and that these confirmed Griffith’s observation * that the 
pitchers are modifications of the excurrent midrib of the leaf. I have now the honour 
of laying before the Society the principal facts observed during the examination in 
question, which have further led me to the conclusion that the pitchers are modifications 
of a gland situated at the apex of the midrib of the leaf; and I have added the necessary 
illustrations. I shall also append to this paper an account of the most singular and 
gigantic plants of the Order, which have lately been discovered by H. Low, Esq., on the 
lofty mountain of Kina Balou in Borneo. 
Part I.—On the Development of the Pitchers of Nepenthes. 
At the earliest period at which I have examined the undeveloped leaf of the full-grown 
plant of Nepenthes levis of our gardens t, I find it to consist of p — ue ou 
body, about 45th of an inch long (Tas. LXXIV. fig. 12), with a slight longitu " 
depression on the anterior surface, leading to a shallow oval cavity, which is cedet 
diately below the apex. At this period the cuticle is scarcely sri rper ort 
depression has a more shining appearance and less defined rer t ^g] + thie | ve 
any other part of the cone. On a vertical section carried tak; i f ves ol å ee 
and oval depression (Ag. ) the whole substanco is found to be formal oa mer 
dense parenchyma, becoming looser, and as it were deliquescent : e bb À id 
oval cavity is all that represents the future pitcher, and it is simp mi; d that at which 
_ The next period (as defined by a marked progress oe specializa Dis ol Dé teak død à 
there is an evident differentiation of the conical body into wis rolonged upwards, and 
superimposed body. At this stage (fig. 3) the nn — | eom as defined margins. 
about 35th of an inch long. The frontal groove 1s joa it most marked 
There is an evident contraction about halfway between ne tester à ær deb cn 
on the edges of the groove. The apex of tb ec Pen 2 d downwards. There is a 
the oval cavity, which has deepened, and is directed inwards and do | 
* In “Calcutta Journal of Natural History,’ vol. iv. no. xiv. July one 
t It is the N. gracilis, Korth. I have to record my obligations to Tt © 
Messrs. Veitch and Son, of the Exotic Nurseries, Chelsea and verte 
aided me by specimens of rare species in their establishments, for examination. 
1843, p. 231. | : 
í Messrs. Low, of Clapton Nurseries, and 
liberal manner in which they have 
