DR. M. T. MASTERS ON THE PASSIFLORACE E. 605 
even f before that process occurs a small projection from the funicle at the joint may be 
seen near the inverted apex of the ovule (fig. 22). This gradually enlarges after the fer- 
tilizátion of the ovule, so as to enclose the seed in a membranous sheath, at first open at 
thé top (figs. 23, 24), but ultimately closed (fig. 26). The pulpy matter intervening 
between the aril and the seed consists of large cells formed apparently from the inner 
surface of the aril. 
It will thus be seen that my observations, so far as they go, are in accordance in all 
material points with those of Griffith* and Payer + as regards the development of the parts 
of the flower, and with those of Planchon on the arillust. With Schleiden’s account of 
the development of the flower my observations agree in all points save the formation of 
the ovary. Schleiden$ describes and figures the commencement of the ovary in the form 
of a central depression or cavity in the axis, from the sides of which afterwards proceed 
the three tubercles which form the carpels. “ In the centre," says Schleiden, “the axis 
is conspicuous as the germen (cauligenum), with a cavity, but as yet no trace of a style 
(carpellary leaf);' and again, ‘ Three carpellary leaves are seen at the edges of the 
germen ;" and at p. 370, “In Passiflora the superior germen arises from a cup-shaped 
axis, at whose edges the carpels arise, which form styles and stigmas.” From this it will 
be seen that Schleiden evidently considered that the axis itself entered directly into the 
composition of the ovary. But, in all the buds of various species that I have examined 
with reference to this special point (and these have not been few), I have not been able to 
satisfy myself that any depression in the central disk of the flower takes place prior to 
the appearance of the three carpellary tubercles. In by far the great majority of cases 
the central disk remains in the form of a flattened or raised cushion-like mass until after 
the development of the three carpellary tubercles; and as these grow comparatively 
rapidly, while the central axis no longer developes, a central depression is very speedily 
produced. | 
But here arises a nice point. It has been previously stated that the carpels, originally 
separate, are afterwards seen to be united together at the base; and what we have now 
to determine is, whether this tubular portion at the base of the carpels is to be regarded 
as truly consisting of the inseparate bases of the carpels, or whether it is à process of 
the axis like the flower-tube. I do not think that organogeny per se is sufficient to decide 
this question ; but, as a matter of opinion, 1 should, if it be considered necessary to 
adhere uncompromisingly to the alleged distinctions between axis and leaf-organ, regard 
the tubular structure just alluded to as foliar rather than axial; while, if foliar, it is the 
sheath of the leaf to which it must be compared; and between the sheath of the leaf and 
an axial structure the difference is very small. As in so many similar instances, this 
question seems to be very much a question of words; for who shall tell where axis ends 
and foliar organ begins? Holding, as 1 do, that there is no absolute fundamental dif- 
ference between axial and foliar organs, and that those divergences which ultimately 
present themselves between the two sets of organs are secondary modifications or adap- 
* Griffith, Notulæ, Part i. 1847, tab. 2. + Payer, Organogénie, p. 396, t. 86, 87. 
+ Planchon, Aun, Sc. Nat. 3 ser, vol. iii. 1845, p. 275. 
$ “Principles of Scientific Botany,’ Lankester’s Translation, p. 597, tab. 4 et 5. figs. 6-8. 
