Fecundation in Orchidece and Asclepiadea. 699 



With reference to the support the hypothesis may derive 

 from the monstrosity described by M. His, I may add that 

 I have met with more than one case of similar conversion into 

 stamina of the inner series of the perianthium, or at least of its 

 two lateral divisions, with a manifest tendency to the same 

 change in the labellum : and in one of these cases, namely 

 Neottia picta, in addition to the conversion of the two lateral 

 divisions of the perianthium, the lateral processes of the column 

 were also completely developed. 



The next point examined was the composition of the Stigma 

 with the relation of its lobes or divisions to the other parts of 

 the flower, and especially to the supposed component parts of 

 the ovarium. On this subject very little information is to be 

 obtained from the writings of botanists, most of whom have 

 contented themselves with describing the stigma as a disk, a 

 fovea glutinosa, a secreting surface, or viscid space in front of 

 the column. The late celebrated Richard however, who adverts 

 to the occasional existence of two lateral processes of his gyni- 

 zus, may be supposed to have had more correct notions of its 

 composition : and it may also be observed, that in Curtis's plate 

 of Ophrys apifera already referred to, and still more distinctly 

 in Mr. Bauer's figure of Orchis mascula, the two lateral lobes are 

 represented as distinct, corresponding very exactly with Haller's 

 description, in 1742, of the stigma in this genus. 



The result of my examination of this point satisfied me that 

 Orchideae have in reality three stigmata, generally more or less 

 confluent, but in some cases manifestly distinct, and two of 

 which are in several instances even furnished with styles of 

 considerable length. 



These stigmata are placed opposite to the three outer divisions 

 of the perianthium, and consequently terminate the axes of the 

 supposed component parts of the ovarium, always regarded by 



me 



