98 
the bulb. The structure of the bulb at the end of the first, second, third, 
and subsequent years was here explained. At the base was a spongy mass 
of spiral vessels and raphides, and above were the scales, which were differ- 
entiated so as to form the flower-buds. Roots were not absolutely neces- 
sary to its development, as flowers had been made to grow downwards into 
water from an inverted bulb. The structure of the root, leaf, and flower- 
stem was then demonstrated, and the cellular tissue, spiral vessels, 
raphides, and numerous stomata pointed out, the unusual fact being noticed 
that these organs were more numerous on the upper than on the under 
surface. The flower was then spoken of, the anthers, pollen, and stigma 
being shown microscopically, the fringe of glands which secreted the fertili- 
sing matter being clearly seen on the last-named organ. The abundance of 
starch in the bulb was then noticed, the size of the granules being between 
those of maize and of rice ; also the abundance of raphides of oxalate of 
lime, in every part of the plant ; and the speaker concluded his communi- 
cation with some remarks upon the influence of light upon the inflorescence 
of the hyacinth. 
