■282 PROCEEDINGS OF THE ACADEMY OF [1888, 



dividual in each case introduced, yet being three distinct ones from 

 seed originally, there might be a chance for cross-fertilization when 

 three kinds grew altogether, as in those under my observation. 



But I found that the bees, and other short-tongued visiting in- 

 sects, could not, in any Avay, aid in fertilizing the flower, when gath- 

 ering nectar. In these forms, the stamens and pistil are curved 

 upward, so that anthers and stigma are far above the lower lip, on 

 which the insect alights. If any insects aid in cross-fertilization, it 

 must be the ])ollen-gathering bees, and others ; but this will render 

 the speculation in connection with the development of nectar, and 

 the prolongation of the tube in favor of certain classes, of no value, 

 especially in connection with the fact noted, that the short-tongued 

 insects can get the liquid in spite of the prolonged tube. 



It is usual, when similar instances in other plants have been noted, 

 to weaken the force of the lessons they teach, by objecting, that 

 many things "may have happened." In this case, it would be 

 urged, that there might be some insects in the native country of 

 these honeysuckles, that we have not here where the plant is intro- 

 duced ; but this would not change the fact, that whatever they may 

 be, they would still be divided into long-tongued and short-tongued 

 classes ; and that some bees gather honey only, while others are de- 

 voted to collecting pollen; nor would it ignore the fact that the sta- 

 mens and style are out of the reach of the short-tongued class. It 

 "may be" also urged that after the tube had been lengthened to ex- 

 clude the short-tongued insect, the plant had subsequently, under 

 •excessive excitation from the long-tongued visitors, overdone its 

 work, and supplied more nectar than it had originally given'; and 

 then, among the " may he's " often indulged in, is that of a " con- 

 tinuation of effort after the reasons therefor have ceased to exist," 

 and the " progress of development towards a new stage of self-inter- 

 est." 



No one could rationally deny that in the functions of plants, 

 self-interest karoelv enters. Nor can it be successful! v controverted 

 that flower are often wholly dependent on insects for their fertiliza- 

 tion. Tlie })oint I have for some years contended for is, that we 

 •need not necessarily be forced to assume that every variation in a 

 plant, or every function in its life-work, is for its special interest. 

 It seems to me absolutely essential to the present order of things, 

 that variety, for mere varieties' sake, should exist quite independently 

 of any other consideration. This may involve the necessity of chang- 



