PLAT ANTHER A. 211 



3. A third sheath, which is again longer, alternates with the 

 second. These three sheaths are attached close to each other. 

 They are generally quite dry at this time, though still perfect 

 in form. 



4. A leaf separated from the third sheath by a distiuct 

 intemode. 



5. A second leaf, for the most part apparently opposite to the 

 first, but sometimes the iuternode is tolerably developed. This is 

 followed by from three to five short leaves, whose axils are sterile, 

 separated by distinct internodes, and then follow the bracts. 



The new tuber, like the old, is clothed wtih delicate hairs, 

 which are of the same nature as those on the filiform roots and 

 the pseudo-tubers of Spiranthes. A short space below the point of 

 attachment of the new tuber, on the side which is turned away 

 from the peduncle, there is a shallow depression, and in this a bud 

 about two to three lines long. At the time when the lower flowers 

 are withering, but the upper are still blooming, it is plainly visible, 

 consisting of numerous membranous sheaths which lie more or less 

 closely above one another. The outermost is the shortest, and its 

 margin is very soon withered ; beyond this projects the upper 

 margin of the second, and beyond this the tip of the third. If 

 these sheaths are removed, the axil of the first, second, and often of 

 the third is barren ; the third, however, sometimes contains a bud 

 which rarely arrives at perfection. At the base of the last sheath 

 the first rudiments of the roots appear in the form of little round 

 swellings. In the axil of the fourth appendage, there is the first 

 rudiment of a bud, which is always greater than that in the axil 

 of the third. The first leaf of the bud is a flat annular prominence 

 or wall ; this, being below at the point of insertion of the fourth 

 leaf, is at an early period broader than at other points, since at 

 that point there are the first indications of the future pseudo-tuber. 

 A fifth sheath follows which incloses the succeeding leaves. 



We have then in the flowering plant three individuals ; the 

 peduncle on the last year's pseudo-tuber, the bud on the new 

 pseudo-tuber which is to flower next year, and the bud in the axil 

 of the fourth leaf of this bud which is to flower the next year. 



When the fruit is ripe, late in summer or in autumn, all the 

 parts of the old plant die off, and the bud on the new pseudo- 

 tuber, which has now attained its full size, becomes longer and 

 thicker, and exhibits the two leaves and the blossoms inclosed within 

 them. The root-threads break out from the axis of the bud (as 

 early as July, if the weather is favourable), perforating the third 



VOL. VIII. • Q 



