100 NYMPHiEACEjE. 



at some distance from either suture, affords the completest confirmation of 

 Mr. Brown's remark upon this subject.* 



Our analyses clearly demonstrate that the embryo in Nymphaeaceas and in 

 Cabombaceae is just that of Nelumbium on a smaller scale : the difference 

 being that the albumen has been absorbed into the latter, which has taken a 

 further development ; and that the amniotic sac has disappeared, or become 

 confluent with the coats of the seed, unless, indeed, it may be identified with 

 the diaphanous membrane which surrounds the plumule. The state of our 

 fresh specimens of Nelumbium, transmitted to us at midsummer from a great 

 distance, forbade an investigation of this and other points, which a botanist 

 who has the growing plant before him might prosecute with success. 



Besides Nymphasa and Nuphar, the order comprises three exclusively 

 tropical genera, namely, Barclaya of Pegu, Euryale of Northern India, and 

 the superb Victoria of Guiana and Northern Brazil, the most gigantic of 

 water-plants, its orbicular peltate leaves being from six to eight feet, and its 

 fragrant blossoms often fifteen inches, in diameter ! f 



These plants are destitute of noxious, or any active properties, excepting 

 a moderate astringency. The stalks are also mucilaginous ; and the farina- 

 ceous seeds are edible, as likewise are the thickened rootstocks of some spe- 

 cies, when cooked. 



* " A case of this kind is found in a portion of one of those families in which 

 the whole surface is generally ovuliferous, namely, in Hydropeltideae, which I 

 have always regarded as a mere section of Nymphceaceae; and from the nature 

 of these differences in placentation, which are more apparent than real, an ar- 

 gument might even be adduced in favor of that opinion.' II. Br. in Horsef. PI. 

 Jav. Rar., note, p. ]08. 



t The latest and fullest account of this Titanic Water-Lily is that given by 

 Hooker in the Botanical Magazine for January, 1847. 



