AXILE ORGANS. Som 
From the instances cited it is clear that branching 
of the inflorescence occurs most frequently in those 
plants naturally characterised by a dense compact 

Fig. 182.—Brocecoli, with six perfect heads on one stalk (‘ Gard. 
Chron.,’ 1856, Oct. 25). 
mode of growth, whether that be definite or indefinite, 
as in spikes, umbels, capitula, &c.; so that compound 
spikes, umbels, &c., are formed in the place of simple 
ones (see also prolification of the inflorescence, p. 102). 
Increased number of florets in the individual spikelets of 
erasses 1s also met with under some circumstances. I 
have seen this in Hordewm and Lolium, and an instance 
is figured in Avena by Dr. Wiegmann.’ M. Duval Jouve’ 
records a similar occurrence in Catabrosa aquatica, the 
spikelets of which contained from two to seven flowers.’ 
1 «Flora, 1831, p. 5, tab. 1; see also Hanstein, ‘ Flora,’ 1857, p. 513. 
Schlechtendal, ‘ Bot. Zeit.,’ xviii, p. 381. 
2 «Bull. Soc. Bot. Fr.,’ ix, p. 8. 
3 Tt will be seen, from what has been just said, that in some of the 
cases where the axile organs, branches, &c., appear to be multiplied, the 
increased number is due to subdivision rather than to renewed forma- 
tion (see Fission). Of this last description is an instance which came 
under the writer’s notice after the section relating to that subject was in 
print, and which may therefore here be alluded to. The instance is that 
