318 PLANTS CALLED COMPOSITE. 



they are equal in number to the divisions of calyx and 

 corolla united; and moreover, in such families where it 

 consists of distinct parts, these parts are placed where an 

 addition to the number of stamina is least likely to take 

 place, as in Crassulacece. Here, however, as in many other 

 cases, the divisions of the disk are opposite to the ovaria ; 

 they may therefore be supposed more intimately con- 

 nected with the pistilla than with the stamina ; an opinion 

 which is I believe held, though not yet published, by the 

 ingenious M. Decandolle with respect to Ranunculacea. 

 In support of this opinion it may be noticed that in Paonia 

 Moidan, where the disk or urceolus is in the state of the 

 greatest development, when a multiplication of the pistilla 

 takes place, which in the double-flowered varieties of this 

 142] species it not unfrequently does by the addition of one 

 or more inner series, the rudiments of an analogous disk 

 are produced along with each of the additional series. 



Yet, in opposition to this view, I have in a single instance 

 found one of the divisions of the urceolus in Pceonia Moutan 

 changed into an anthera ; and the divisions of the ap- 

 parently analogous organ in Aquilegia, which in their usual 

 state resemble barren filaments, have sometimes been 

 observed with perfect antherse. 1 



1 Schkuhr Ha dbuch, tab. 146. 



