GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION. 



209 



sexual reproduction. The above instances are obviously not all upon 

 the same plane. They illustrate, however, at different levels, the 

 same great contrast. It is necessary, however, to become more 

 precise. 



VI. The Contrast between Growth and Reproduction in 

 the Individual. — (a) The Distribution of Organs. — The general 

 position of the flower at the end of the vegetative axis is so obvious 

 a fact that its import tends to be overlooked. The end of the 

 axis is furthest from the source of nutritive supply; with exag- 



Fig. 80. -The Moon wort Fern (Boiry- 

 chinm lunar e), showing 

 the contrasted frond (a), 

 and fructification (/>). — 

 After Sachs. 



Fig. 81. — Diagram of the Tiger Lily, 

 showing bulbils (a) in 

 lower axils, and flower 

 above. 



geration, we might call it the starvation-point. There, with katabolic 

 conditions tending relatively to predominate, the reproductive organs 

 are situated. The flower occupies a katabolic position, and is often 

 the plant's dying effort. 



In the tiger-lily, growth at first tends to remain continuous, and 

 the base of the bulb bears simple vegetative buds. Further up, how- 

 ever, where nutrition reaches its maximum, the axils of the leaves 

 contain buds, which are separable though still asexual. Finally, 



