396 ACCOUNT OP A NEW GENUS OF PLANTS,
possible that in the female the production of seeds may extend to an equal depth ; the ovarium would then become essentially inferior, as far at least as regards the question of the affinity of the plant. This point would be determined by a description of the unimpregnated ovarium, a knowledge of whose structure is also wanting to enable us to under- stand the nature of the ripe fruit, and especially the origin and direction of the fissures, on the surfaces of which the seeds are produced.
It is desirable likewise to have a more particular de- scription of the Stigma, to which Mr. Jack seems to refer both the corniculate processes of the disk, and the undivided limb of the column. These parts in the male flower have no evident papulose or secreting surface ; for the hispid tips of the processes can hardly be regarded as such. But it is not likely that in the female flower they are equally desti- tute of this, which is the ordinary surface of a stigma ; and it appears to me more probable that such a surface should be confined to a definite portion, probably the tips, of the corniculate processes, than that it should extend over every part of the apex of the column.
Whatever may be the fact, my conjecture respecting these processes being possibly imperfect stamina is com- pletely set aside ; though it is still difficult to connect their number and arrangement Avith the supposed structure of ovarium.
232] Until these points are ascertained, and the seeds have been examined, the question of the affinities of the genus will probably remain undetermined. In the mean time it may be remarked, that as far as the structure of the fruit of Rafflesia is yet understood, it may be considered as in some degree confirming the proposed association of the genus with Asarince \ especially with Cytinus, in which the ovarium is unilocular, with numerous parietal placenta3 extending nearly to the centre of the cavity, and having their surfaces covered with minute ovula.
From the appearance of the ripe fruit of Ajjliyteia, a similar structure may be supposed to exist also in that genuS; of which, however, the unimpregnated ovarium has
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