14 



ON FLOWERS AND INSECTS. 



[LECT. 



branches of the stigma are elongated, and twine them- 

 selves (Fig. 12) among the stamens, so that the flower 

 readily fertilizes itself. 



FIG. 9. Malva sylvcstris. 



FIG. 10. Malva rotundifolia. 



Another interesting case is afforded by the genus 



Epilobium. Epilobium angustifolium has large purplish 



flowers in conspicuous heads (Fig. 13), and is much 



frequented by insects ; while E. parviflorum (Fig. 14) 



FIG. 11. Stamens and stigmas of FIG. 12. Ditto of Malva rotundifolia. 

 is. 



has small solitary flowers and is seldom visited by 

 insects. Now in the former species their visits are 

 necessary, because the stamens ripen and shed their 

 pollen before the pistil, so that the flower is con- 



