ic>4 WorsdelL — On the Comparative Anatomy of 
As regards the subterranean parts, it is at first rather 
difficult to determine what their morphological nature really 
is, whether they are roots or stems ; externally they have 
very much the appearance of underground stems or rhizomes, 
and, moreover, the anatomy of this organ in one of the species 
( C . subacaulis , Gardn.) afforded no evidence either way, as, 
owing to the parasitic habit of the plant, the typical structure 
had become considerably modified and obscured ; many of 
the apical parts also showed no evidence of any root-cap. 
It was only by the occurrence of a typical root-structure in 
the central cylinder of C. bicolor , Gardn., and by the discovery, 
in both species, of a genuine root-cap at the apex, that the 
real nature of this organ was eventually decided upon. The 
absence of any foliar appendages also confirms this decision. 
These roots anastomose together by fusion of adjacent 
parts so as to form a complex network (Fig. 2). This may be 
compared with the similar phenomenon in the root^ of Ficus 
and Clusia , and also in the lower plants, e. g. Fungi; and 
serves, perhaps, to ensure a better distribution of nutriment 
throughout the root-system. In C. sitbacaulis , Gardn., tuberous 
portions of the root occur here and there : they are always 
the centres of attachment between the parasite and the host, 
the haustoria arising here (Fig. 3). In C. bicolor , Gardn., these 
tubers are absent, or the root, at corresponding places, only 
becomes swollen to a slight extent. Where they occur the 
tubers appear to serve as stores of nutriment and as centres 
from which root-branches and stems grow out in various 
directions. 
C. bieolor, Gardn. 
This plant is parasitic on the roots of a species of Strobi- 
lanthes. Portions of the parasite are attached as tiny plants 
here and there on the finer branches of the host-roots, but they 
may also be found attached to the thicker portions. The 
long, rhizome-like branches of the root also send out haustoria 
where they happen to be in contact with a host-root. 
This plant is much more slender in all its parts than 
