366 



Prof. G. Gulliver on Raphides. 



stand in the natural system between orders not thus producing 

 raphides. The annexed woodcut (figs, 1 & 2) represents them in 

 the ovule and in the berry of Fuchsia. 



Fig. 1. 



Fig. 2. 



Fig. 3. 



12 3 4 



Scale, yg^ths of an inch. 



Fig. 1. Raphides in the ovule of Fuchsia. 



Fig. 2. Raphis-cells of the berry of Fuchsia. 



Fig. 3. Raphis-cells of the berry of Arum maculatum. 



Thus, taking the order Onagracese as a typical raphidiferous 

 one, we have shown the presence regularly of raphides through 

 every part and period of growth of the vigorous plant, from the 

 ovule, cotyledons, axis, leaves and their modifications, to the 

 parts of fructification, and, finally, to the pulp of the berry. In 

 most, if not all, species of the order, the raphides occur more 

 or less in the anthers, filaments, style, and stigma, and, less 

 plentifully, in the petals. 



Dioscoreacece. — The raphides are sometimes so very distinct 

 and beautiful in this order, that they would be excellent exam- 

 ples for demonstration at lectures. By simply drying on glass 

 some of the juice of the berry of Tamus communis, the raphides 

 may be preserved for an indefinite time ; and, as they are about 

 -pi^th of an inch long and -^ ^\ pth thick, they may be seen 

 merely with the aid of a common hand lens. In the ripe berry 

 the raphides generally occur naked, either singly or in the cha- 

 racteristic bundles, destitute of a cell- wall. 



Aracece.—^wt the raphis-cells are so large and plain in the 

 berry oi Arum maculatum, and thus continue for a long while in 

 its ripe state, as to afford as good an example for the study of 

 the development, form, and relations of the raphis-cell as the 

 berry of Tamus is for the examination of the separate raphides. 

 And, in this point of view, these very common berries arc well 

 worthy of the attention of teachers and pupils. In the woodcut, 



