169 



assimilating leaves renders a strong longitudinal growth 

 of the stem possible, which does not occur if only the 

 flower is preserved on the top. It will be superfluous to 

 mention figures in this respect. 



No more does it appear necessary to give in extenso 

 the measurements proving that removal of the pistils, the 

 stamens or the petals has with Eranthis little or no 

 influence on the longitudinal growth of the stem. On the 

 other hand it is not superfluous to remark that the leaf- 

 whorl must be pretty completely eut away if we want 

 soon to arrest growth. The three green leaves namely show 

 basai growth themselves and if their foot is not damaged, 

 this latter may appreciably grow in size in the course of 

 a few days; at the same time the stem continues growing 

 in length. 



Example: foot of the three green leaves kept; also the 

 flower intact. 



Date 8.2 11.2 15.2 20.2 26.2 

 Length in mm. 54 81 113 145 145 



Already on the 13*1^ the leaf-whorl had considerably 

 grown out ; at the edge nothing of the nature of a wound 

 could still be seen. In the same time a stem of 102 mm. 

 length on which the leaf-whorl had been completely eut 

 away, the flower rem^aining intact, had only reached a 

 length of 117 mm. 



If one should be inclined to think that not the présence 

 of the whorl of green leaves but the intact condition of 

 the junction of the leaves on the stalk is the principal 

 point hère, I must remark that of this junction-zone a 

 layer of tissue may be removed ail round without the 

 longitudinal growth being materially affected. Also from 

 the somewhat vaulted réceptacle a part may be removed 

 or the middle part may be hollowed without any other 

 conséquences than would ensue on the plucking ofFofthe 

 floral parts situated on it. 



