NAMED RAPFLESIA. 395 



Avith innumerable minute seeds. The flower rots away not 

 long after expansion, and the seeds are mixed with the 

 pulpy mass. 



" The male and female flowers can be distinguished by 

 a section not only when mature, but at every stage of their 

 progress. I have made drawings of every essential part, 

 which I hope soon to be able to send home, together with 

 a further account than I have yet had leisure to make. 



" I remain, &c., 



"William Jack." 



The two principal desiderata respecting Itaffiesia, namely 

 the satisfactory proof of its being a parasite, and the dis- 

 covery of the female flower, are now therefore supplied. 



Additional information, however, on several points is still 

 wanting to complete the history of this extraordinary 

 plant. 



Thus, it would be interesting, by a careful examination 

 of the buds in every stage, to trace the changes produced 

 in the root by the action of the parasite, and especially to 

 ascertain the early state of the reticulate base, which I have 

 ventured to consider as a production of an intermediate na- 

 ture, partly derived from the root itself, and which I suppose 

 will be found to exist before the bractese become visible. 



Further details are also wanting respecting the circum- 

 stance of its being found both on the roots and stems of the 

 Cissus or Vitis} no instance being, I believe, at present, [331 

 known of parasites on roots, which likewise originate from 

 other parts of the plant. 



Many important particulars remain to be ascertained 

 respecting the Fistillum. 



From Mr. Jack's account it appears that the seeds are 

 found in the substance of the column ; in other words, that 

 the ovarium is superior. But as I have formerly remarked, 

 that in the male flower the same internal structure seems to 

 be continued below the apparent base of the column, it is 



1 As these two genera differ from eaoli other merely in number of parts, I 

 liave formerly proposed to unite them under the name of Vitis. {Tncke/s 

 Congo, 7). 46 5 . Jntejp.lil,) 



