Development of Cassytha filtformis, L. 415 
The large amount of mucilage produced is probably pro- 
tective in character, as in the Cactaceae and other xero- 
phytes. Cactaceous plants and Cassytha not unfrequently 
grow side by side. 
The plant is not omnivorous in its parasitism, though 
the luxuriant appearance in its native haunts would lead one 
at first to suppose this. The seedlings raised in our green- 
houses refused to attach to several hosts that were offered 
them, and seemed to prefer leguminous plants, though the 
long list of hosts observed shows that in the wild state it by 
no means confines its attention to this order. 
Cassytha filiformis is thus a unique member of the Laura- 
ceae and departs widely from its order in many structural 
details. 
The writer hopes, in a later paper, to deal with the floral 
structure, which presents interesting peculiarities, particu- 
larly in its sporangial organs. 
EXPLANATION OF PLATES. 
Fig. 1. Longitudinal section of mature fruit. 
Fig. 2. Portion of same, enlarged, somewhat diagrammatic. Reference 
figures apply to Figs. 1 and 2 alike. 
1-4 Receptacle. 
5 Epicarp. 
6 and 7 Mesocarp. 
8 Horny layer. 
9 Indusium. 
10 Tegmen. 
1m Raphe. 
12 Cotyledon. 
13 Radicle. 
Fig. 3. Cross section of embryo showing two cotyledons and connec- 
tion of one by incipient bundle strands with hypocotyl. 
Fig. 4. Young seedlings of Cassytha. 
Figs. 5, 6, 7. Stages in the distribution of xylem and phloem strands 
into the four side rootlets. 
5. Condition in the hypocotyl. 
6. In the root, above branches. 
