GENERAL REMARKS. 231 
To reconcile this with the actual idea of a stigma ; we should 
have to assume, that the stigmatic surface was least developed 
at the spot from which it is said to originate, because the pa- 
pilla are more developed on the sides of the apex, than on its 
centre, and then again to assume its decurrence down the style. 
Such an idea of the structure and origin of the stigma, sets out 
with the improbability, that from the most fibrous and the most 
dense portion of the structure of an ovarium, the most cel- 
lular and the most lax portion should originate. Considering 
the stigmatic surfaces as productions from the placentz, we 
obviate these difficulties, and more, we render every apparent- 
ly anomalous instance capable of easy and direct explanation. 
If that portion of the ovarialleaf which forms the style be 
Spread out, or is otherwise not involute, the stigmatic sur- 
face will be external, it may be either marginal as in the in- 
stance alluded to, or it may, by mutual adhesion, occupy the 
whole inner surface. 
If the Style be involute to that degree that its outer edges 
arè brought into juxta position, the stigmatic surface will 
occupy to a greater or less degree the centre of the canal so 
formed, Were the stigmatic surface to orginate from the 
apex of the midrib, it could not have such relations to the 
placentze as would insure the shortest road to the completion 
of fecundation, and in this point of view the theory is very 
faulty, i 
In this same plant there is an obvious attempt to form the 
iment of a calycine limb, while in some others (instead of 
Such being the case) the base of the corolla grows downwards 
Over the ovary. Pp]. CCCCLXVI. Fig. g. A 
In Carthamoides 639*, there is a tendency to abortion in 
the famale part of the flowers of the ray ; the stigmata being 
Comparatively small, Even in the disc, the branches of the 
Style are firmly united and papillose over all their exposed 
Surfaces, except towards their apices, which are smoothest, and 
* Itinerary Notes p. 273. " 
