Polygala polygama and P. paucifiora. 133 
from one end to the other ; a similar passage was observed by 
Michalet in Viola alba.”’ 
The surface of the ovary bears scattered, club-shaped, 
glandular hairs, as seen in the figure. Their function is uncer- 
tain, but it may be noted in advance that they are much more 
numerous on the ovaries of the subterranean flower. Stomata 
are sparingly present on the ovary. 
Gynecitum.—B. In the aérial cleistogamic flower the pistil 
presents a structure which is in a striking manner intermediate 
between the chasmogamic and subterranean cleistogamic 
flowers (Plate XVII, Fig. 2). The ovary is smaller than in the 
former, the style very much shorter, and the hairy tuft greatly 
reduced, though it still forms a considerable outgrowth. The 
glandular hairs on the surface of the ovary are rather more 
abundant than in the preceding type of flower, although, as 
will be seen later, by no means so profuse as in the under- 
ground ones. 
Gynecium.—C. In the subterranean cleistogamic flower 
the ovary is still smaller than in the last, the knob of the 
stigma is much reduced in size, the tuft of hairs has almost 
disappeared, and the styie is reduced to the vanishing point 
(Fig. 3). 
The distal surface of the ovary is thickly covered with the 
peculiar club-shaped glandular hairs already mentioned as 
being present in the other types of flower. The contrast in 
this respect with the ovary of the evident flowers is especially 
striking. The glands are much more numerous, the cavity of 
each is filled more richly with contents, and together they 
form almost a complete coating. These glands are occa- 
sionally found on the sepals. Nothing can be said positively 
as to the function of these, but considering their rich develop- 
ment, it must be that here we are dealing with advancing 
specialization rather than degeneration. Two uses seem pos- 
sible. They may serve in some way as absorptive organs. 
