STRUCTURE OF THE STYLE AND STIGMA. 271 
number of variously formed very loosely aggregated cells (fig. 
596, p). The walls of the canal also, in all cases, are formed of 
a loose papillose parenchyma. This canal may be considered as 
a prolongation of the cavity of the ovary, in an upward direc- 
tion, consequently the loose tissue by which it is surrounded is 
to be regarded as corresponding to the epidermis of the upper 
surface of the lamina of the leaf, merely modified to adapt it- 
self to the peculiar conditions under which it is placed. At the 
period of fertilisation, these cells, as well as those of the stigma, 
and canal of the style generally, secrete a peculiar viscid sac- 
charine fluid, which is sometimes called the stigmatic flwid (see 
Nectariferous Glands, page 71). Hence at this period the centre 
of the style is filled with very loose humid tissue, to which the 
Fic. 595. Fia. 596. 
Fig. 595. Vertical section of the flower of Epipactis latifolia. a. One of the 
divisions of the perianth. c.Stamen. e. Ovules. 2. Stigma. can. Canal 
- leading from the stigma to the interior of theovary. From Schleiden.— 
Fig. 596. Transverse section of the style of the Crown Imperial (Fritillaria 
imperialis). p. Canal in its centre lined by projecting papille. v, v, v. 
Vascular bundles corresponding to the three styles of which this com- 
pound style is composed. From Jussieu. 
name of conducting tissue has been given, because from its loose 
nature and nourishing properties it serves to conduct (as it were) 
the pollen-tubes (page 264) down the style (fig. 577, tp) to the 
placenta and ovules, as will be explained hereafter in Physio- 
logical Botany. 
The Stigna.—The tissue of the stigma is analogous to that 
found in the interior of the style, and just described under the 
name of conducting tissue ; in fact, it seems to be nothing more 
than an expansion of this tissue externally. It may be either 
on one side of the style (figs. 600 and 602), or at its apex (jig. 
597, 8), or on both sides (fig. 598, ss), the position depending 
upon the point or points where the conducting tissue or canal ter- 
minates. Its tissue is usually elongated into papille (fig. 597, s), 
hair-like (fig. 599, s), or feathery processes (fig. 601). It is 
never covered by epidermis. By means of the corresponding 
conducting tissue of the style it is in direct continuity with the 
placenta. At the period of fertilisation, as just noticed, it be- 
comes moistened by a viscid fluid which renders the surface 
