THE VINE RAPE FAMILY. 



207 



but their flower having been found to contain stamens 

 and pistils, ranks them with flowering plants. Dr. 

 Lindley considered them to be sufficiently characteristic 

 to constitute a distinct class (Rhizogens). Since then 

 the whole has been carefully investigated, and their 

 affinities defined by Dr. Hooker; and admitting the 

 positions to which he assigns them to be botanically 

 correct, it is, nevertheless, unnatural so far as regards 

 the general character of the families with which they are 

 associated. This being the case, and considering that 

 little is known of the true nature of their seeds, and 

 nothing of their germination, I therefore deem it best 

 for the purpose of this work to retain them in Dr. Lind- 

 ley^s Class Rhizogens, and which I place between Gym- 

 nogens and Exogens. 



The Vine Hape Family. 



(RAFFLESIACEiE.) 



Plant a flower only, sessile or nearly so ; consisting of a 

 tubular, bell-shaped, or spreading monophyllous, 3 — 4 or 5- 

 lobed, fleshy calyx ; without, or with a central corona, which 

 forms a cup. Stamens numerous, free or monadelphous. 

 Ovary with many placentge, bearing numerous ovules. Seeds 

 microscopic. 



It is now fifty years since a great sensation was caused in 

 the botanical world, by the discovery in the Island of 

 Sumatra, of one of the most remarkable productions of the 

 vegetable kingdom, now known by the name of Raffiesia 

 Arnoldi. It was found growing on a prostrate stem of a 

 species of Cissus, and from its size, fleshy consistence, and 

 offensive odour gave the idea of it being a fungus. It con- 

 sisted of 5 fleshy lobes or petals, measuring 1 yard across, 

 being of a spotted or mottled red colour, the centre forming 

 a circular cup-like dish, capable of holding twelve pints of 



