His objections in all cases amount to the fact, that the stellulae or buds containing the anthers are capable of growth.  So is the prolongation of an axis of Ananassa.

A Gemma has a general character in its formation as well as an anther, or as pollen; one is a congeries of cellular tissue, with or without vessels, the other a sac consisting of a single cell containing active molecular matter.  As an anther producing a single grain of pollen is not inconsistent with our notions of structure, so neither is an anther consisting of a single grain of pollen.

Will any one show me an instance of a proved gemma taking upon itself the form of one of these anthers?  Will any show an instance of a sac containing fluid matter capable of growth after dehiscence.  The real gemmae of the Hepaticae puts the question of gemmae out of doubt.  Is there any plant existing with two sorts of gemmae, so differently constituted?  Many phaenogams have gemma in addition to sexes, so have Hepaticae.  Which is the most probable?  That they should have no sexes, reproductive organs, and two sorts of gemmae, or sexes, reproductive organs, or gemmae of one evident kind?

I cannot adopt the belief of any one having seen the germination of the powder in the axillary bodies, that is, if applicable to the organs I take for anthers.

(Memorandum.—­To draw up a parallel between the two sets of organs, and the steps followed in the development of each.)

CHAPTER XX.

From Pushut to Kettore and Barowl in Kaffiristan, and return to Pushut and Cabul.

February 20th.—­Fumaria found.

23rd.—­Cloudy, threatening rain.  Swallows coming in, also Fringillaria, with blackish cheek-streaks, also Pyrgita alia, starlings uncommon up to this day about the site of the camp, where there is much straw, and camels are lying.  Flocks of rooks, genuine rooks, flocks of daws, minas, pigeons, and many carrion crows have been daily resorting to camp, all very wild from being constantly fired at, as in this country every man almost has a matchlock.  No Gypaetos seen for several days.

26th.—­Fine weather after two days uncertain, in which the large-headed lark has just come in abundance, this and the English one frequent fields; the crystal one is found almost exclusively on certain stony cultivated places:  swallows have likewise arrived with many wild fowl.  Four raptorial birds are now seen about this, or rather three, for Gypaetos has gone, viz. the common kite, or one which looks much like it, a beautiful white slaty-blue and black harrier, at least it comes about constantly, and looks much like an Indian species, and much like one I shot high up in Bootan, together with a large blackish and white one, with a distinct collar.  The fishing hawk, I saw it yesterday catch a large fish, making a strong rapid plunge boldly into the water, and emerging again from it without much difficulty; its habits except while fishing, are very sedentary, and it seems to prefer one spot, viz. the top of some particular tree, near perhaps its favourite feeding place.