332 Influence of the Adult Plant upon the Seedling. 
and c, since their protoxylems became continuous with that of b and 
thus contributed to the diarch plate. 
Diagram 3. Persoonia lanceolata, series L. 
The following table summarizes the relationship between the 
cotyledons, poles of the root, etc. 
No. of 
Cots. 
Analysis of Cotyledons. 
No. of 
No. of 
leaves in 
Series. 
Whole- 
Cots. 
Half- 
Cots. 
Sub- 
Cots. 
Coty. 
Buds. 
first 
foliage 
whorl. 
Root. 
A, B, C 
3 
3 
0 
0 
3 
3 
3-arch 
D, E, F 
4 
4 
0 
0 
O' 
4 
4-arch 
G, H, J 
4 
2 
2 
0 
3 
3 
3-arch 
K 
4 
3 
0 
1 
0* 
3 
3-arch 
L 
5 
1 
2 
2 
3 
3 
2-arch 
1 The cotyledonary buds were not developed in all cases. 
This general survey of the seediing structure of Persoonia 
lanceolata is sufficient to indicate the close resemblance to the 
polycotyledonous Gymnosperms; a resemblance which is found 
not only in the general morphological configuration but also 
in certain histological details and in the transition-phenomena, 
although the last, in Persoonia , are not, perhaps, quite so precise 
as in many Coniferae. 
It is, probably, quite unnecessary to state that we do not attach 
any phylogenetic significance to the similarities described; the 
resemblance remarked upon is considered as a striking instance of 
homoplasy in which the adult has influenced to a considerable 
extent the seedling. This is of some importance since it is not at 
all unlikely that details of seedling-structure which might be used 
as a proof of a phylogenetic connexion between different classes of 
plants might be due to similar phenomena. These are matters, 
however, which we hope to consider at length on a future occasion. 
In conclusion, we desire to express our warmest thanks to Mr. 
Fletcher for his kindness in sending us material. 
University College, London. 
