Conclusion. 147 



strong to rupture the packets of pollen and hold 

 sufficient of it to fertilize the seed. 



But it may be asked, what need of all this machi- 

 nery ? Would not as great wisdom as well as de- 

 sign be manifested by a more simple contrivance, 

 such as is found in other flowers that fertilize them- 

 selves ? Among other answers which might be 

 given, is this : It is undoubtedly a means of prevcnt- 

 ing the formation of varieties in such plants in a 

 wild state, and thus secures distinctness of specific 

 forms. The design mai in all that relates to 



varieties will demand our attention before these lec- 

 tures are closed. \Ve have now endeavored simply 

 to show that a result is reached in a manner im- 

 plying wisdom and skill in the adaptation of means 

 to ends. 



