270 



PHILOSOPHICAL NOTES ON 



Fig. 110. Ovary of Ophris apifem (Liudley's " F. K.," Fig. 119). 



In my mind there is no doubt that the placentae of Ophrys 

 apifera (Fig. 110) are on the midribs of the carpels, and form 

 two rows of branches or compound hairs- along the midrib. 

 This ovary really consists of six carpels, the three alternate ones 

 being contracted into simple and barren midribs, probably owing 

 originally to want of sustenance. 



Prof. Henslow, in his " Floral Structures," mentions that in 

 some monstrous states of Primula^ rudiments of ovules are found 

 on the midribs. 



The placentation of Tetrapoma harharcefolia, Fig. Ill, might 

 be either on the margin or on the midril:* of the carpels. The 



Fig. 111. Tetrapoma harLarcpfoiia (Le Maout and Decaisne. p. 223). 



incomplete septa («, a) might be either a continuation of the fused 

 margins or an outgrowth from the midrib. 



Delesseria dendroides (Fig. 14) shows us that the midrib is 

 equal not only to giving off hairs and glands, and ovules, but also 

 subordinate cladophyh or leaves. 



* Vide " Glandular Hairs." 



