Tubers in Nymphaea Lotus , var. monstrosa. 1 1 5 
retention of the peduncle is of evident advantage, as is that of 
the sepals. The receptacle, swollen under normal circum- 
stances, is also retained, and stimulated to more active growth ; 
and it is very probably assisted in this growth by the leaves 
and roots temporarily developed upon it. The formation of 
the tuber is, however, probably dependent on the tuberous 
habit of the species, just as the axillary bulbils in the in- 
florescences of Allium , and the small green tubers in the axils 
of the sepals of the potato, are related to the presence of these 
modifications in the branches of these plants. 
Looking at the deformity then as a method of reproduction, 
the plant may be compared, on the one hand, with those which 
ensure the perpetuation of the species by the formation of few 
seeds suitably placed in the soil ; thereby sacrificing the 
advantages of wide dispersal. On the other hand, it may be 
compared with those that appear voluntarily to forego the 
advantages of cross-fertilization. 
Under the first heading may be placed Voandzeia subter- 
ranean Ar acids hypogaea, and others which bury the fertilized 
ovary under the ground. The second category includes those 
plants which ensure self-fertilization by the unopened condition 
of their flowers, which, in Euryale^ frequently never reach the 
surface of the water 1 , and a host of cleistogamous plants, 
where the expensive, showy organs, which usually attract 
insects, are, to a great extent, dispensed with, and a few fertile 
seeds are developed close to the soil. 
1 Caspary in Engler and Prantl, Nymphaeaeeae, p. 3. 
