170 



Finally we remark that Ei-anthis-stems,, eut off near 

 the junction on the rhizoma can continue growing for 

 days when they are put with their feet in water and then 

 show the same behaviour as whole plantlets. Besides, the 

 présence of one out of the three green leaves is sufflcient 

 to render a considérable growth in length of the stem 

 possible; e.g. lenghthening from 53 to 89 mm. in two 

 weeks. That also with Era^ithis-leuYea the growth of the 

 leaf-stalk dépends on the présence of the leaf-disk will 

 now be obvions; I havc ascertained mysclf of it by 

 measurements, however. 



Galanthus nivalis L. enables us to observe phenomena 

 of a différent kind in this same respect. With this plant 

 also, the stem terminâtes in a single flower which, however, 

 when it is fully developed and unfolded, hangs on a thin, 

 limp, flower-stalk. This is implanted on the top of the 

 stem, where also the coalescent bracts are found which 

 enveloped the flower-bud before its unfolding. Hence we 

 must hère investigate the influence of the terminal organs 

 on the growth of the stem as well as on that of the flower-stalk. 



Concerning the longitudinal growth of the stem, we 

 find that it is completely independent of the présence of 

 the flower. A single example will sufi&ce to show this. The 

 stem was measured from the point where it appears from 

 the bulb to the implantation of the bracts; thèse latter 

 still surrounded the flower-bud; in a the plant remained 

 undamaged ; in h bracts and flower were eut away to the foot. 



Date 13.2 16.2 20.2 23.2 26.2 



Length in mm. a. 90 133 157 161 162 



h. 46 60 90 105 108 



On the other hand, the growth of the flower-stalk stops 

 as soon as the flower is removed. The influence of the 

 flower on this organ is even so great that already after a 



