2 Sargant . — Theory of the Origin of Monocotyledons 
early observations- the comparison of a seedling Anthurium 
with seedlings of Arum and LUium — had suggested that this 
symmetry might furnish a new systematic character of some 
importance. The systematic value of any unproven character 
can be determined only by the careful comparative study 
of allied forms, and I therefore determined to confine my 
observations to a single family, and to work that out as fully 
as possible. With this object I began a careful study of 
seedlings belonging to the order Liliaceae. 
The collection of material with all the help which Kew 
could give, and aided by the kindness of botanists in many 
countries, has been a laborious task. Seedlings have been 
raised from seed collected in my own garden, where I have 
cultivated a large collection of Liliaceous plants. I have 
also received seed from many sources, and I wish here to 
thank the Director of Kew Gardens and his Staff for their 
kindness in furnishing me with seedlings and seeds, and in 
naming the specimens which I have myself cultivated. My 
thanks are also due to those botanists who have sent me 
seeds, and in particular to Mr. Thomas Hanbury, of La 
Mortola, Professor S. Ikeno, of Tokyo, Mr. W. R. Guilfoyle, 
of Melbourne, Dr. J. H. Wilson, of St. Andrews, Mr. J. H. 
Maiden, of Sydney, Dr. K, Reiche, in Chili, Professor D. H. 
Campbell, and my neighbour, Mr. A. J. Crosfield. I have 
succeeded in preserving seedlings belonging to 125 species 
from sixty genera within the Liliaceae, and over sixty species 
of other Monocotyledons. The collection of Liliaceous seed- 
lings is fairly representative of northern genera : it is weak in 
species from the southern hemisphere, and I am particularly 
in want of more forms endemic to Australia and Chili. 
The examination of this material is very far from complete. 
I have thoroughly worked out and made notes on some sixty 
species from the Liliaceae, and I have sections from about 
twenty-five species belonging to other monocotyledonous 
families. During a great part of the time employed in 
preparing sections and indexing them, as well as in drawing 
and registering the material, I have been admirably assisted 
