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CHAPTER XX. 



of the peculiar functions op tmk stamens and pis- 

 tils, with the experiments and observations of 

 linnjgus and others on that subject. 



The real use of the Stamens of Plants was long a 

 bubject of dispute among philosophers, till LinnEeus, ac- 

 cording to tlie general opinion at present, explained it 

 beyond a possibility of doubt. Still there are not want- 

 ing persons who from time to time start objections, 

 prompted either by a philosophical pursuit of truth, or 

 an ambitious desire of distinguishing themselves in con- 

 troverting so celebrated a doctrine, as some have writ- 

 ten against the circulation of the animal blood. I pro- 

 pose to trace the history of this doctrine, and especially 

 to review the facts and experiments upon which Linnaeus 

 founded his opinion, as well as the objections it has had 

 to encounter. It would be endless, and altogether su- 

 perfluous, to bring forward new facts in its support, nor 

 shall I do so, except where new arguments may render 

 such a measure necessary. 



The Stamens and Pistils of flowers have, from the 

 most remote antiquity, been considered as of great im- 

 portance in perfecting the fruit. The Date Palm, from 

 time immemorial a primary object of cultivation in the 

 more temperate climates of the globe, bears barren and 

 fertile flowers on separate trees. The ancient Greeks 

 soon discovered that in order to have abundant and 

 well-flavoured fruit, it was expedient to plant both 



