NAMED RAFFLESIA. 381 



tlic i)olliiuferous cells arc at the same time persistent, as in 

 certain species of Viscum, 



The deviations from the regular mode of bnreting arc 

 also numerous ; in some cases consisting either in the 

 aperture being confined to a definite portion, generally the 

 upi)er extremity, of the longitudinal furrow, as in Billenia 

 and Solauuw ; in the apex of each theca being produced 

 beyond the receptacle of the pollen into a tube opening 

 at top, as in several Ericincp. ; or in the two thecse being 

 confluent at the apex, and bursting by a common foramen 

 or tube, as in Tefrafhcca. In otlier cases a separation of 

 determinate portions of the membrane takes place, either 

 the whole length of the theca, as in HamameJideoi ami 

 Berhcridcce ; or corresponding with its subdivisions, as in 

 several Laurince ; or lastly, having no obvious relation to 

 internal structure, as in certain species of Hhizophova. 



The regular structure may also be altered or disguised 

 by the union of two or more stamina ; the thecae of each 

 anthera cither remaining distinct and parallel, as in 

 Mtjristica, Canella, and in several Aroidece ; being divari- 

 cate and united, as in Cissampelos ; or absolutely separate, 

 by division of the filament, as in Conospermum and 

 S^naphea. 



It is unnecessary for my present purpose to enter into :-'i3 

 a more minute account of the various structures of stamina, 

 most of which appear to me easily reducible to the type 

 here assumed. 



The precise relation of the anthera of Itnjjfcsia, however, 

 to this type is so far from being obvious, that at least three 

 different opinions may be formed respecting it. 



According to one of these, each actual anthera would be 

 considered as composed of several united stamina. But in 

 adopting this opinion, which is suggested solely by the 

 existence and disposition of the cells of the anthera, it seems 

 also necessary to consider the ai)parently simple flower of 

 Rafflesia as in reality compound, and analogous to the spike 

 of an Aroidca ; the pistilla, if present, being consequently 

 to be looked for not in the centre but in the circumference. 

 On attending, however, to the whole external structure of 



