Amphicaipccd motioica. 329 



very young flowers have been studied, for it is only when 

 in that condition that the facts which follow may be dis- 

 covered. These flowers are apetalous. 



The stamens are distinct, the number varying from six 

 to two. From two to four bear fertile anthers, all others 

 are rudimentary. The filament is short, the anther flat- 

 tened, and fairly well-filled with pale yellow pollen. Often 

 a stamen is seen, bearing but one productive anther lobe. 

 In Plate XXIX., Fig. 4, is represented a series, show- 

 ing the variations in the character of the stamens. The 

 first is but a filament, in the second the microsporangia 

 are clearly defined, but no microspores are developed. In 

 the third, only one anther-lobe is perfect, while in the 

 fourth, the normal condition is seen. 



Transverse sections made through the same flower-bud 

 at different levels are very instructive. That seen in Plate 

 XXVIII., Fig. 3, is taken from a tip which had not yet suc- 

 ceeded in concealing itself in a dark place. The ten fila- 

 ments are seen in section, but the ovary has not been 

 reached in cutting. 



Examination of other sections show that the number of 

 filaments becomes gradually less. No one of the other 

 sections belonging to this series showed more than three 

 perfect anthers. 



There is one carpel ; the ovary is nearly oblong and ses- 

 sile, possessing long hairs upon the sutures ; it is also 

 finely pubescent, though this condition is much better seen 

 after it emerges from the calyx. It is usually one-, but 

 often two-ovuled. The style is short, curved, but extends 

 outward and very slightly downward ; the stigma is not 

 capitate. 



The relation of pistil and stamens is indicated in Plate 

 XXIX., Fig. 3. 



When fertilization takes place the flowers are about a 

 millimeter in length, or even less. Considerable care is 

 required to obtain just the right stage in which the pollen 

 tubes may be observed passing from the fertile stamens 



