Il6 ORCHIDS. 



resemblance to a stigma, and is called the rostellum. It 

 includes or is formed of viscid matter, and in many Or- 

 chids the pollen masses are firmly attached to a portion 

 of the exterior membrane. In the act of fertilization the 

 stigma is penetrated by long tubes, which grow down 

 from the pollen grains and carry the contents down to the 

 ovary, thus impregnating the seeds. 



To fertilize the flower we must lift up the end of the 

 column and bring the pollen masses, with a pair of fine 

 pincers, on to the pistil ; as soon as the pollen comes into 

 contact with the stigma, it is drawn into it and the work 

 is done. 



Orchids vary much in the appearance of the organs of 

 fertilization, but the general process in artificial impregna- 

 tion is the same. A little practice will soon accustom 

 one to the operation. As soon as the flower is fertilized 

 it begins to fade, and the ovary begins to grow. Perhaps 

 the reason why the flowers of Orchids are so persistent 

 is that, seldom perfecting seed, the flowers endure in ex- 

 pectancy of fertilization ; when that is accomplished, the 

 end of nature, the perpetuation of the species, being at- 

 tained, the flower fades. 



The seed-pods of Orchids mature slowly, and, as far as 

 our experience has shown, are about a year in coming to 

 perfection. 



The seed is a fine, almost an impalpable, powder, and 

 thus requires great care in sowing. It does not germi- 

 nate readily, often requiring many months. The best 

 place to sow it is on a potsherd or block on which some 

 Orchid is growing, or upon a pot of rough peat. Where- 

 ever it is sown it must never be allowed to get dry. The 

 plants at first look like a green mould, but soon attain in- 



