THALAMIFLORiE 165 



are level with them, but distant at first from the 

 latter, so that self-pollination does not happen if 

 an insect visits the flower and inserts its proboscis 

 between stigma and stamens, as this leads to cross- 

 pollination. If it, however, inserts its proboscis 

 outside the anthers they are pressed against the 

 stigma, and self-pollination ensues. This occurs 

 also in the absence of insects, and seems to be 

 effective. Bees, Humble-bees, the Silver Y Moth 

 visit it. Many of the other species of Flax are 

 heterostylic or dimorphic, with long- and short- 

 styled flowers. 



When ripe, the capsule opens and the seeds fall 

 out. The seed-coat is mucilaginous, and this aflixes 

 the seeds to the ground. 



Flax is derived from the fibre, and obtained by 

 rotting or retting the soft tissues in water. The 

 seeds or linseed yield an oil by pressure, and cake, 

 which is the refuse, is used as a cattle food. The 

 fibre is derived from the inner bark, called the 

 pericycle, bast, or phloem, consisting of long cylin- 

 drical tubes pointed each end, 20-40 mm. long, with 

 a flexible wall, which imparts to it an elasticity. 

 Cordage is made from it, and the fibres are as strong 

 as iron. The seeds are purgative. The tow was 

 used for wicks in lamps. The oil is drying oil, 

 and used in oil-painting. 



Limim is from the Greek linon. Flax is from the 

 German flachs, the Latin is filare, to spin, and fihini, 

 a thread. 



