LiLiALES.] GILLIESIACE^. 197 



becomes of the outer segments, which had previously been referred to the perianth ? for 

 it would be diftieult to trace any analogy between the structure of Gilliesia and of those 

 genera m which a third series is added to the usual ternary division of Monocotyledons. 

 But none of the peculiarities adverted to are opposed to those bodies being referred to 

 depauperated or reduced bracts. With respect to the central body from which the 

 stamens proceed, this body, which might be conveniently disposed of by referring it to 

 what Linncean botanists call a nectarium, consists of a fleshy slipperlike lobe, with or 

 without two auricles at the base, and withm which the cup of stamens is inserted. The 

 relation it bears, as regards insertion, to the parts which have been ah-eady noticed, is 

 very obscm-e ; it is always opposite the solitary external bracts ; but whether it is ante- 

 rior Avith respect to the common axis of inflorescence, or posterior, has not at present 

 been ascertamed. The reasons which have been offered for the view here taken of the 

 parts smToimding this body, make it obvious that it must be considered the perianth. 

 It manifestly bears an intimate relation to the stamens, being obliterated in the 

 same du-ection and degree as they are. In this view, then, the petaloid segments are 

 considered perfect bracts, the subulate interior processes abortive bracts, and the fleshy 

 central labelloid body the perianth. However paradoxical this description of Gilhesia 

 may appear, it will probably be found more deserving of attention if compared with 

 Miersia. In Miersia the bracts are six m number, of which two are interior and fom- 

 exterior, a still more valid reason against theii- bemg segments of a perianth. The subu- 

 late processes assume a more regidar form, and a more constant mode of insertion, but 

 still bear no very apparent relation to the bracts, and the fleshy labelloid central body is 

 represented by an m-ceolate six-toothed cup, within the orifice of which six fertile sta- 

 mens are included. In ^Miersia, therefore, the perianth, which was in Gilhesia subject 

 to a certam degree of imperfection, in which the stamens also participated, is in the 

 usual regular form of many Monocotyledons, no irregularity occurring in the stamens. 

 As there can be no doubt of the affinity between Gilliesia and Miersia, and as there can 

 also be httle doubt that the central body of the latter genus is a perianth, it will follow, 

 that as the supernumerary appendages of that genus are external with respect to the 

 perianth, and are therefore neither perianth nor stamens, so also will the analogous 

 appendages of Gilliesia not be perianth. And tlie central body having been ascertained 

 to be perianth, all the parts which surro\ind it will necessarily be bracts, or modifications 

 of them. 



" The natural affinity of these two genera is obscure. Their black, brittle seeds, 

 large axile embryo, tunicated bulbs, spathaceous inflorescence, and general appearance, 

 place them near Lilyworts, with some genera of which, especially Muscai'i and Puschkinia, 

 Miersia at least agrees in the structure of perianth ; but there is no genus among the 

 Lilies to which the fructification of Gilliesiads can be otherwise compared. If the one- 

 flowered species of Schoenus, in which a single naked flower is siu'rounded by several 

 imbricated scales, be admitted as a form of inflorescence analogous to that under con- 

 sideration, it may perhaps be allowable to carry this comparison yet further, and to 

 suggest an identity of origin and function between the depauperated bracts of Gilhesia 

 and the hj'pogynous setae of Scirpus and other Sedges." 



But although such plants may be analogous m structm-e to the GilUesiads, as well as 

 to Cordleafs, to which they were also compared m the work above quoted, }-et no doubt 

 can exist, that they foi'm a most curious part of the Lihal AUiance. 



Chihan bulbs, of no knov^ii size. 



GENERA. 

 Gilliesia, Lindl. Miersia, Lindl. 



Numbers. Gen. 2. Sp. 5. 



Position. Gilliksiace.e. — Liliacese. 



Oyperacece. 



