CHAPTER II. 



MISUNDERSTANDINGS. 



Probably we have acquired a more intimate and 

 genuine knowledge of the life -histories of plants, 

 within the last fifteen years than in the whole pre- 

 ceding history of botanical science. In this know- 

 ledge the information respecting the devices put 

 forth by flowers to ensure cross -fertilisation, are 

 perhaps both the most interesting and the most 

 incomplete. Incomplete, not because the species of 

 flowers which have been carefully observed have 

 disappointed us in the results, but because so many 

 additional observations are required on numerous 

 other kinds. Here lies one of the charms of modern 

 botany — the humblest observer, by confining him- 

 self to one or two species of flowers, whose devices 

 for securing insect services in procuring cross- 

 fertilisation are as yet unknown or only partially 

 known, may render loyal and genuine service to the 

 cause of science. In no department of research 

 does careful observ^ation go for more than in botany. 



