MORPHOLOGICAL PECULIARITIES OP LINARIA SPURIA. 53 
Wheii tlie number of spurs increased to three, the form of 
the lips remained much the same as in the last case, except 
that the lower lip, instead of being horizontal and almost 
plane, became erecto -patent and slightly concave, thus occa- 
sioning a widening of the palate. 
When the spurs became four in number, the corolla 
in some instances presented an appearance differing but 
slightly from that with three ; while in others it closely 
resembled that with five spurs, as shown at B in the drawing 
given above. 
It is worthy of notice, that when the spurs grew down- 
wards, and in the same plane, or rather curve, as they 
frequently did when limited to four, there was little approach 
to regularity in the form of the corolla, as may be seen at A. 
It was only when they became curved upwards, or erecto- 
patent, and disposed at equal intervals round the tube, as in 
figure B, that the salver- shape was assumed. 
These successive and well-defined morphological changes, 
observed in a great number of specimens, seemed highly 
curious and suggestive, in connection with the study of 
vegetable physiology. 
The comparative rarity of L. simria under circumstances 
favourable to the development of these singular forms, may 
account for their not having been (so far as I am aware) 
hitherto noticed. 
As L. communis has been frequently known to produce a 
monstrosity with five spurs, and imperfect stamens (the 
Peloria var. in Eng. Bot.), I examined minutely the stamens 
of the abnormal corolla of L. spuria, and generally found 
them as perfect as those in flowers of the usual form. In 
one instance, when the corolla dropped from the ripening 
capsule, the seed did not appear in any respect different from 
that contained in the other capsules of the same plant. These 
seeds have been carefully preserved, but, it is to be feared, 
not in a state sufficiently matured to afford any decisive proof 
of organic imperfection, should they fail to germinate. 
Perhaps some of my readers may be able to supply addi- 
tional and valuable observations, which may serve to elucidate 
this interesting phenomenon. 
EXPLANATION OF PLATE III. 
A. — Corolla Avith four spurs growing downwards, and in tLe same cuiu^e. 
B. — Same, with the spurs curAung upAA^ards, and placed at equal interAnils 
round the base of the tube. 
c. c. c. — Corollas Avith five spurs and salver-shaped limb. 
D. — Limb of Corolla Avith six lobes. 
