NAMED RAn-LESlA. 383
Eupomatla} which I have placed near that natural order.
Another point to be inquired into connected with the same subject is, in what manner the impregnation of the female flower is likely to be effected by anthera} so com- pletely concealed as those of Bafflesia seem to be in all states of the flower ; for it does not appear either that they can ever become exposed by a change in the direction of the limb under which they are inserted, or even that this part of the column in any stage projects beyond the tube of the perianthium.
It is probable, therefore, that the assistance of insects is absolutely necessary ; and it is not unlikel}^ both as con- nected with that mode of impregnation and from the structure of the anthera itself, that in Bafflesia the same economy obtains as in the stamina of certain Aroidccc, in which it has been observed that a continued secretion and [~^i7 discharge of pollen takes place from the same cell ; the whole quantity produced greatly exceeding the size of the secreting organ.
The passage of the pollen to the bottom of the flower, where it is more easily accessible to insects, seems likewise to be provided for, not only by the direction of the anthera?, but also by the form of the corresponding cavities in the neck of the column, in the upper part of Avhich they are immersed.
That insects are really necessary to the impregnation of Bafflesia, is confirmed by Dr. Arnold's statement respecting the odour of the plant, by which they may be 3U})posed to be attracted, and also by the fact of the swarms actually seen hovering about and settling in the expanded flower.
The structure of Bafflesia is at present too imperfectly known to enable us to determine its place in the natural system. I shall, however, offer some observations on this question, which can hardly be dismissed without exami- nation.
As to which of the two primary divisions of phaenoga-
- riinders's Voyage^ ii,^. 597 {Ante^p. 73), tub. 2.
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