THE AETJM FAMILY. 165 



II. Open a spathe so as to explore the parts within. 

 Observe 



1. The elongated, club^haped, sterile portion of the 



spadix. 



2. The lower, fertile part, on which the naked flowers 



are borne. 



III. Examine the flowers of a number of different 

 individuals. It will be seen that, as a rule, some have 

 only pistillate flowers and others only staminate ones. 

 Notice 



1. The very simple structure of the staminate flowers 



and the mode of dehiscence of their anthers. 



2. The closely packed pistillate flowers, each with a 



sessile, white stigma. Make sections and ascertain 

 the structure of the ovary, and the number and 

 position of the ovules. 



IV. Ascertain by a further comparison of specimens 

 whether this species is strictly dioecious. 



V. If Ariscema Dracontium, Schott., can be obtained, 

 compare it throughout with the species just studied, 

 noting carefully all points of likeness and difference. 



SKUNK-CABBAGE. Symplocarpus fcstidus, Salisb. 



General Characters. 



The skunk-cabbage is in flower very early in the season. 

 Its striking features at once attract attention. The dis- 

 agreeable odor, suggesting its common name, the thick, 

 shell-like spathe enclosing the large, rounded spadix, the 

 ample leaves, and numerous long, fleshy roots, arising 

 from the thickened rootstock, mark this as an exceed- 



