POLLEN OF FLOWERS. 



On examining the flowers of a species of Amaryllis with the assistance of a 

 microscope, I observed that its grains of pollen, which are elliptical, on being im- 

 mersed in water, quickly assumed a spherical shape. On watching them, whilst 

 under the microscope, until the water in which they were immersed had evaporated, 

 I distinctly saw them gradually assume their original elliptical form. The length 

 of the grains of pollen being twice their breadth, their external membranous coat- 

 ing must possess greater elasticity than could have been anticipated. I afterwards 

 applied heat to the dry pollen as it remained on the object-glass of the microscope, 

 till some of its grains contracted into irregular shapes. On being again immersed 

 in water they still possessed elasticity, generally became spherical, but some 

 bluntly elliptical. I then applied heat to them whilst immersed. This experiment 

 indicated the existence of a single orifice in each grain, and also that they con- 

 tained a portion of free air, the ratification and consequent escape of which occa- 

 sioned a minute bubble to rise on each grain of pollen. 



These facts, in themselves, are unimportant, but I have reason to believe that 

 you desire both to communicate and elicit information ; and such facts may induce 

 attention to the subject by some of your readers who are better qualified, and 

 have more leisure, than myself. It may not be amiss just to hint at the extent of 

 this field of inquiry. Gleichen, Brongniart, and others, have been travellers 

 herein ; and we are told that numerous minute spherical granules have been dis- 

 covered within each grain of pollen. The Amaryllis pollen which I examined may 

 be considered as large sized, in comparison with that of the generality of flowers ; 

 still I find that one hundred and eighty thousand of these, placed regularly in 

 rows, would cover but a square inch. How inconceivably small must be the size 

 of one individual of those minute granules, if they be numerous in such a 

 grain of pollen as I have described I The imagination endeavours, in vain, to 

 trace out the comparative dimension of its untangible materiality. I wish The 

 Naturalist all possible success, and I shall most probably trouble you with 

 other facts, as they happen to come under my observation in this world of 

 wonders ; a world, by the bye, which most of us are satisfied to travel through 

 blindfolded. 



VOL. I. 



