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 526 ON THE ORGANS AND MODE OF FECUNDATION

the base of the stigma, to which it was before muted. Having eflPected this separation, it was found to proceed along the surface of the base of the stigma in a line exactly opposite to the glands seated on the apex of the same bevelled angle. The cord having passed along the surface of the attenuated base of the stigma until it arrives at its articulation with the two styles, then inclines towards the inner side of the apex of the style nearest to it, and actually introduces itself, wholly or in part, into the hollow of the apex, which in this stage is in some degree exposed.^ But as the partial separation of the styles from the stigma, then taking place, is not always sufficient for the free ad- mission of the whole cord, a few of the tubes not unfre- quently become bent, in some cases even zigzag, doubtless 726] in consequence of the obstacles opposed to them ; and such tubes very seldom enter the style, but along ^vit\\ others hang down externally below the joint. This introduction of part of the tubes into the apex of the style is soon fol- lowed by a manifest enlargement of the ovarium, and of the style itself, which, in Asclejnas ^mrjmrascens, then exhibits a discoloured blackish line, visible even on the surface of its inner side. On opening the cavity or body of the style in this stage, a fasciculus of tubes was constantly seen passing down the centre, wdiich was originally pulpy, and the walls of the cavity formed by the passage of these tubes were always found indurated and blackened, having every appearance of being absolutely killed.

I have never been able hitherto to follow these tubes further than the commencement of the placenta, where they really appear to terminate.^ I have not at least yet suc- ceeded in tracing any of them either on the surface or in the substance of the placenta, though with this object I have examined it not only in its first degree of enlargement, but also in some of its more advanced stages.

The same series of appearances, with very slight modifi- cations only, were observed in all the species of Asclepias (not indeed more than seven in number) which I had

1 Tab. 34, figs. 7—9; and tab. 35, figs. 4, and 10.

2 Tab. 3J., figs. 10 and 11 ; and tab. 35, figs. 5 and 6.

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