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MARRIAGE CUSTOMS OF PLANTS 
provided with long stamens and a short pistil. 
The other has the reverse combination of short 
stamens and along pistil. In both cases, the nec- 
tar is in a pit at the bottom of the flower. As 
long as an insect visits short-stamened flowers, 
he collects pollen on the upper part of his pro- 
boscis. Happening to enter a short-pistiled 
flower, this portion of his drinking tube is now 
opposite the female organ and fertilizes it. In 
the same way, the insect’s feet gather pollen 
from the long-stamened flowers and deposit it 
in the long-pistiled variety. By such involved 
methods does this particular flower make sure 
of fertilization. 
Sage flowers have only two stamens but they 
do the work of forty. Using their power of 
movement, they bend forward and deliberately 
embrace a bee as soon as he enters their chamber. 
They do not release him until he is covered with 
their yellow pollen. 
The English Figwort has adopted repulsive 
methods of entertainment. It has contrived to 
make itself look like and give forth the odour of 
_ decaying meat, because it knows that it will 
thereby attract certain Wasps. The South Afri- 
[87] 
