PARASITIC PLANTS. 195 
plant, and soon forms a perfect graft (Fig. 5). The cells 
of the parasite can be traced deeply imbedded, until lost 
at the margin, among the cells of the ; 
guardian plant, which is thenceforth 
compelled to support the vine to frui- 
tion,—expanding its flowers, and per- 
fecting its numerous progeny of seeds. 
Though these aerial roots (which are the only true roots 
the plant has), are thus seen to penetrate to a consider- 
able depth, their union is of such a character, and the 
absorption and assimilation of the two classes of cells 
so gradual and complete, that no manifest swelling of 
the tissues of either plant in contact is visible. 
When grown within doors, the plant is somewhat 
green, and does not take on that deep orange color, so 
general in its native state. 
Such are a few observations that this humble plant has 
afforded. It merits farther investigation, and, in the 
economy of its nature, is as worthy an object of study 
as the venerated oak, or the tree that yields us fruit. 
Among our wild plants are to be found many others 
of a parasitic nature. With but a passing allusion to the 
lichens, fungi, and mosses, many of which grow by at- 
tachment to other plants, and are more or less Epiphytic 
in character, we proceed to notice a peculiar tribe of ab- 
normal plants, that however much they may resemble 
fungi in certain aspects of their being, yet, as they have 
flowers and fruit conformable to those of the highest 
organization, will ever maintain a place among true 
phenogamous plants, such as Beech Drops,—Epiphegus, 
and different species of Orobanche,—whose seed are said 
to germinate only in contact with the roots of beech, or 
other favorite of the particular species. In the subdued 
