134 Mr. Brown's Observations on the 



ture, so nearly resembling that of Compositie, seems to strengthen 

 the analogical argument in favour of the hypothesis advanced in 

 the present paper — of the compound nature of the pistilhun in 

 that order, and of its type in phaenogamous plants generally ; — 

 Brunonia having an obvious and near affinity to Goodenovice, in 

 the greater part of whose genera the ovarium has actually two 

 cells with one or an indefinite number of ovula in each; while in 

 a few genera of the same order, as Dampiera, Diaspasis, and cer- 

 tain species of Scavola, it is equally reduced to one cell and a single 

 ovulum. 



Sir James Smith, in establishing Brunonia as a genus, is disposed 

 to refer it to Dipsacea. To certain species of this order it, indeed, 

 bears a striking resemblance in habit ; it also very nearly agrees 

 with them in its remarkable inflorescence ; and one great objec- 

 tion to its union with them may be supposed to be removed in 

 adopting M. Decandolle's account of their ovarium. 



But as Brunonia differs from the whole order in the following 

 characters, all of which are of primary importance ; — namely, in 

 the origin and aestivation of corolla ; in the insertion and whole 

 structure of stamina ; in the indusium of the stigma ; in the ovu- 

 lum being inserted at the base of the cavity of the ovarium; in 

 the erect embryo and want of albumen ; — I continue to think that 

 its proper place in the natural method is between Goodenovice and 

 Composite. 



I shall conclude this subject, by proposing a few queries re- 

 specting the indusium of Brunonia and Goodenovice. 



Is this remarkable covering of the stigma in these families 

 merely a process of the apex of the style ? or is it a part of di- 

 stinct origin, though intimately cohering with the pistillum ? On 

 the latter supposition, may it not be considered as analogous to 

 the glandular disk surrounding or crowning the ovarium in many 



other 



