Alfalfa in Kansas. 



203 



early in the development of the flower. A careful examination of a large 

 number of alfalfa flowers shows that the pollen is shed long before the 

 bud is opened, and the chances of the flower pollinating itself, even before 

 the 'flower opens, are very great. 



From these results it appears that alfalfa is easily self -pollinated. In 

 order to cross a plant it is necessary to remove the stamens from the 

 flower before they have had time to* shed their pollen and pollinate the 

 stigma of the pistil of the same flower. In the case of the alfalfa flower, 

 its very small size, especially in the straight-bud stage, makes almost 

 an impossibility the removal of the ring of stamens before they have 

 begun to shed their pollen. To get rid of the pollen before the flower is 

 ready to be tripped seems almost impracticable in the case of alfalfa, 

 and yet pollen is already scattered upon the stigma of the flower long 



FIG. 181. Young alfalfa flower. The standard petal has risen nearly to its full height 

 and is now beginning to spread. The wing petals are now distinctly seen protruding, 

 folded over the keel, which is not yet visible. 



Fia. 182. Alfalfa flower fully open and ready for tripping. Wing petals separating and 

 showing the keel within. Standard fully risen and spread. 



