202 MYSTERIES OF THE FLOWERS 



sending a very short pollen-tube into the interior 

 cell-structure. The opposite extreme of a pistil 

 enormously elongated is to be seen in the case of 

 the corn represented on page 170. The corn- 

 silk is but a vast number of greatly elongated 

 styles. Each strand of silk starts from its own 

 particular ovule, reaches up to the apex of the cob 

 and emerges in the tassel. Pollen-grains falling 

 upon the terminal stigma must send their slender 

 pollen-tubes and vital cells down the whole length 

 of the slender strand of silk and reach the ovary; 

 otherwise, no kernel of corn will be formed. The 

 marvel of this performance and of its myriad repe- 

 titions needs no emphasis nor comment. 



