198 NAIADES. 
The spadix is always terminal and the two uppermost 
leaves are so approximated as to appear opposite. The axilla 
of each leaf bears a bud consisting generally of leaves, but 
occasionally of a branch of the axis. 
In this last case, it is furnished with a sheath, in the 
former, the inner leaf is always similarly provided. The 
spatha is of similar structure and possibly of a similar origin, 
it never even in very young stages protects the spadix, al- 
though its margins are curved in this direction. Although 
not evidently belonging to the peduncle of the spatha, yet as 
it always exists, and is never folded round the leaf or the ra- 
mification of the axis, I am disposed to consider it as being a 
true spatha. 
The flowers are of very simple conformation, consisting of 
4 anthers, and 4 alternating ovaries, the disposition is always 
alternate, and the number limited to two. In the pollen 1 
have not yet ascertained the existence of any fold or pore, 
or an indication of the existence of an inner membrane. In 
the appearance of this structure and the large size of the 
contained granules, it agrees entirely with Naias and Cerato- 
phyllum, and with some very widely different Dicotyledonous 
plants, such as Sarcocodon, all of which are immediately al- 
lied with Rafflesiacez. 
I have seen that the radicle presents a marked devia- 
tion from its usual relations with the coats of the ovulum. 
Before impregnation, which appears to be of very general oc- 
currence, the foramen of the coats of the ovulum is situated 
at the apex of the seed, and to this the apex of the nucleus, 
strictly corresponds. In the mature seed the foramen will be 
found somewhat above the centre of the outer face of the seed 
on which it presents a mammillar appearance. 
The change in the direction of this occurs very rapidly, 
and at the time when it is quite completed, the radicle will 
be found developed at the geometrical apex. 
— Whether this change is accompanied by the usual corres- 
ponding change in the nucleus I cannot state from demons- 
