314 Miscellaneous. 
tiple cotyledons are frequently seen ranged in two parallel lines, 
and these two lines are then separated one from the other by a 
very visible slit. ‘This intercotyledonary slit is continued to the two 
opposite sides of the embryo, where it is easily recognised by its 
greater size, especially in some species (Pinus pinaster, Solan., Pinus 
excelsa, Wall., &c.). In certain cases these two opposite lateral slits 
gradually descend lower than those interposed between the lobes; 
the assertion of Jussieu therefore, although too much generalized, 
was based on facts. ‘To recognise, in these doubtful cases, the ar- 
rangement of the cotyledonary lobes into two groups, the best plan 
is to make with a very sharp instrument, a transverse section towards 
the middle of the lowest cotyledons; the remaining basilary portion 
evidencing clearly, in almost every case, the arrangement here de- 
scribed. 
To these facts furnished by the adult embryo, I add others taken 
from the germination and phyllotaxy. M. Lestiboudois has likewise 
recently been led, by observations on anatomical phyllotaxy, to aden 
that all the Coniferz are dicotyledonous. 
The species of Ceratophylium have been and are still described as 
possessing four unequal cotyledons in pairs. But the observations of 
M. Schleiden, with which mine agree on nearly every point, have 
sufficiently shown that it is an error arising from the first whorl of 
plumular leaves, and which always appear binary, having been con- 
founded with the two cotyledons. 
After having removed from the category of polycotyledonous plants 
nearly all those admitted as such, there remains in my opinion but 
some species of Persoonia which should provisionally be referred to 
this group, upon the authority of Mr. R. Brown, and respecting 
which I am unable to form an opinion owing to want of material.— 
Comptes Rendus, xxvii. p. 226. 
Preparation of Pineapple Fibres in Singapore for the Manufacture of 
Pina Cloth. 
Some time ago we observed, in the neighbourhood of Batu Blyer, 
a number of Chinese labourers employed in cleaning the fibres of 
pineapple leaves for exportation to China. As we believe this to 
be a new and promising branch of industry in this settlement, where 
numerous islets are covered by the pineapple, it would be well to 
draw the attention of the Chinese and Bugis frequenting or inhabit- 
ing these islets to the subject. The process of extracting and 
bleaching the fibres is exceedingly simple. ‘The first step is to re- 
move the fleshy or succulent side of the leaf. A Chinese, astride 
on a narrow stool, extends on it, in front of him, a pineapple leaf, 
one end of which is kept firm by being placed beneath a small bun- 
dle of cloth on which he sits. He then with a kind of two-handled 
plane made of bamboo removes the succulent matter. Another 
man receives the leaves as they are planed, and with his thumb-nail 
loosens and gathers the fibres about the middle of the leaf, which 
enables him by one effort to detach the whole of them from the outer 
skin. The fibres are next steeped in water for some time, after 
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