22 FLORA OF THE 



the same cluster on a table close to a reclining figure 

 of Sardanapalus. 



It is important to note that the sculptor has given 

 all these objects the same character, as shown in 

 fig. 9, viz., a number of parallel finger-like objects, with 

 a thick line across them, not far from their base. 

 Like bananas, in one case, they have a distinct curve, 

 and in another they present an indication of two rows, 

 in the same cluster. 



As may be seen in the London shops, on the main 

 stem of the bunch are arranged clusters of bananas, 

 Vv'ith two rows in each cluster. The number of rows 

 varies according to species, and the number of bananas 

 in each row varies also. On the tree the bunch hangs 

 point downwards, and each cluster, when in flower, is 

 protected by a large leathery bract, which in some 

 species is of a very brilliant color. This 

 bract falls off, and as the ovaries mature 

 they usually curve upwards, that is, towards 

 the base of the bunch. When the bract 



falls off a scar of the whole breadth of the 



Fig. io. — . , ^ , . , 



Cluster of ban- clustcr IS left on the upper side near its 



anas, as seen in 



the shops [a] is basc. This scar appears like a dark thick 



the scar of the 



fallen bract. jj^^^^ Sometimes this thick line, represent- 



ing the scar left by the fallen bract, is curved, some- 

 times it is rather straight. Fig. lo is an outline of 

 a cluster of bananas, as seen in the London shops. 



