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of the outer segments, which had previously been referred to perianthium ? 

 for it would be difficult to trace any analogy between the structure of 

 Gilliesia and of those -genera in which a third series is added to the usual 

 senary division of Monocotyledones. But none of the peculiarities adverted 

 to are opposed to those bodies being referred to depauperated or reduced 

 bractese. 



" With respect to the central body from which the staimens proceed, this 

 body, which might be conveniently disposed of by referring it to what 

 Linneean botanists call a nectarium, consists, as we have -seen, of a fleshy 

 slipper-like lobe, with or without two auricles at the base, and within 

 which the cup of stamens is inserted. The relation it bears, as regards 

 insertion, to the parts Avhich have been already noticed, is very obscure ; 

 it is always opposite the solitary external bracteec ; but whether it is anterior 

 with respect to the common axis of inflorescence, or posterior, has not at pre- 

 sent been ascertained. The reasons which have been offered for the view here 

 taken of the parts surrounding this body, make it obvious that it must be con- 

 sidered the perianthium. But of this more will be said hereafter. For the pre- 

 sent it will be sufficient to remark, that it manifestly bears an intimate relation 

 to the stamens, being obliterated in the same direction and degree as they are, 

 " In this view, then, the petaloid segments are considered perfect brac- 

 tese, the subulate interior processes abortive bractese, and the fleshy central 

 labelloid body the perianthium. 



" However paradoxical this description of Gilliesia may appear, and 

 however inconclusive the arguments adduced in support of the view we 

 have taken of it may have hitherto been considered, they will probably be 

 found more deserving of attention if compared with a nearly-allied plant 

 discovered in Chile, by our friend John Miers, Esq., after whom it has been 

 named. This singular genus forms part of a most valuable and remarkable 

 collection of botanical drawings, which were made by Mr. Miers during his 

 long residence in Chile, and which, it is to be hoped, will, at some future 

 day, be laid before the public. Having been kindly permitted to make use 

 of the drawing and manuscript description of the plant alluded to, we shall 

 endeavour to explain the analogies and relation which exist between it and 

 Gilliesia. 



" In Miersia the bractese are six in number, of which two are interior 

 and four exterior, a still more valid reason against their bemg segments of 

 a perianthium. The subulate processes assume a more regular form, and 

 a more constant mode of insertion, but still bear no very apparent relation 

 to the bractees ; and the fleshy labelloid central body is represented by an 

 urceolate six-toothed cup, within the oriHce of which six fertile stamens 

 are included. In Miersia, therefore, the perianthium, which was in Gilliesia 

 subject to a certain degree of imperfection, in which the stamens also parti- 

 cipated, is in the usual regular form of many Monocotyledones, no irre- 

 gularity occurring in the stamens. As there can be no doubt of the strict 

 analogy which exists between Gilliesia and Miersia in their fructification, 

 and as there can also be little doubt tl-.at the. central body of the latter 

 genus is perianthium, it will follow as a necessary consequence, that as the 

 supernumerary appendages of that genus are external with respect to the 

 perianthium, and therefore neither perianthium nor stamens, so also will 

 the analogous appendages of Gilliesia not be perianthium. And the central 

 body having been ascertained to be perianthium, all the parts which sur- 

 round it will necessarily be bractea;, or moditicalions of bractese. 



" The natural affinity of these two genera is extremely obscure; and till 

 some accurate information can be obtained of the structure of their seeds, 

 it must be a subject of much uncertainty. Even with the requisite informa- 



