OP INFLORESCENCE. 39 



entire system of flowers or fruits, in the Mulberry, 

 Fig, &c. 



The study of the vegetation of the pedicules and 

 pedicels forms a part of physiology rather than 

 of Organography: I shall limit myself to remarking 

 here — 



1st. That we frequently see them take different and 

 fixed directions before, during, and after flowering : in 

 general they spring upright, and fall as they advance in 

 age; but different plants present in this respect very 

 curious physiological phenomena. 



2d. They also sometimes, on becoming old, alter 

 their length in a very decided manner. 



3. They also sometimes change in texture : thus, that 

 of Anacardium, which bears the Cashew-nut, becomes 

 so fleshy after flowering as to have nearly the form and 

 size of a pear ; that of the Fig is so pulpy as to be con- 

 sidered a true fruit. On the contrary, some remain 

 and dry up after flowering, so as to take the appearance 

 of true spines, as we see in Mesembryanthemum spino- 

 sum, Alyssum spinosum, &c. 



4th. Some pedicules, when their flowers are abortive, 

 are transformed into elongated processes, which are 

 named Tendrils, and of which we shall speak in the 

 next Book. 



5. Some peduncles, especially among those which 

 arise from near the neck, and which are called Scapes 

 (scapi), present a disposition to twist themselves in a 

 regular spire, in a manner analogous to twining stems, 

 and sometimes even more decided : this is observed in 

 the scapes of Cyclamen, and in those which bear the 

 female flowers of Vallisneria. These, as is well known, 

 elongate so as to elevate the flower to the surface of 

 the water, unrolling the turns of their spire ; and con- 

 tracting again after flowering, in order to bring back 



