184 



ALTERATION OP POSITION. 



filaments were involute or circinate, just as the ordinary 

 stamens are in the unexpanded flower-bud. In some 

 cases imperfect stamens were found, mere barren fila- 

 ments, with or without rudimentary anthers at the 

 top. In no instance was there a perfect ovule, or, 

 indeed, any trace of ovules. The stamens appeared to 

 be arranged irregularly on the walls of the ovarian 

 cavity ; and while they were certainly more numerous 

 at the lower portion (that now generally considered to 

 be formed by the cup-like end of the pedicel), they 

 were not wanting in the upper half of the ovary (or 

 that which is probably formed from the carpellary 

 leaves). 



This case differs from most that have been recorded, 

 and in which there has been a more or less complete 

 substitution of anther for carpel, or where the tissues 

 of the carpel have produced pollen, and so taken upon 

 themselves the appearance and functions of anthers. 

 Instances of this latter kind are not uncommon ; but 

 in the Bceckea there were perfect stamens proceeding 



Pio. 98. 1. Vertical section of flower of BcBckea diosmcefolia, showing 

 stamens within the ovary ; magnified ten times. 2. Transverse section of 

 ovary. 3, Stamen. 4. imperfect stamen. 



