30 
FETCH. 
partly from the edge of the main axis (like the other piece 
already described), and partly in continuation of the main axis. 
This oval structure contains in the centre a small cavity 
which is triangular below, and about eight millimetres broad 
there, but becomes V-shaped above owing to the ingrowth of 
one side. The length of its side at the broadest is twelve 
millimetres. The other piece is solid, except for fortuitous 
cracks caused by drpng. The whole of the tissue in both 
pieces is that of the husk ; there is no indication of nut or shell. 
Masters regarded the presence of similar structures as due to 
“ an hypertrophied condition of the segments of the perianth, 
which have not only increased in length as the central nut has 
ripened, but have developed in their tissues that fibrous tissue 
which ordinarily is found in the pericarp only. This view of 
the structure of these nuts is borne out by the fact that under 
normal circumstances the base of the perianth contains a 
considerable amount of fibrous material. In the present case 
this has increased to such an extent that the fruit appears 
surrounded by a double husk, by an inner one as usual and 
by an outer six -parted one.” The illustration shows a fruit, 
apparently normally formed, with two of the additional 
claw -like segments. It is not stated whether a normal nut 
was found in the main fruit. 
One would scarcely say that under normal conditions the 
base of the perianth contains any considerable amount of fibrous 
material. Moreover, there is apparently no evidence whether 
the normal perianth was or was not present when the nuf: 
was growing. Unless the specimen were carefully gathered 
with part of the branch, and equally carefully preserved, 
the perianth would soon drop off. Its absence, therefore, 
from a dried specimen cannot be taken to indicate anything.* 
But whether Masters’ explanation is correct or not, it is 
clear that it does not apply to the recent Ceylon specimen, in 
which the fruit is replaced by a six-partite husk in two sections. 
It would seem probable that this latter example owes its 
origin to some abnormal division of the ovary. 
* While the above was in the Press I have received two more 
examples of this abnormality, in each of which the normal six-partite 
perianth is present. 
