ORCHIS. 



235 



is the lower lip, and it is at the 

 base produced backward into a slen- 

 der spur the nectary seen under 

 the ovary. The two upper petals 

 are somewhat united, covering the 

 stamens like a hood. The 3 sepals 

 are also ascending and converging 

 with them all rose-purple, form- 

 ing a vaulted upper-lip.* 



Instead of stamens and pistils, 

 there is an oval, concave mass called 

 the column a stamen and pistil 

 combined. In it are 2 anther-cells, 

 and a broad stigma-surface between 

 them. Each cell contains a club- 

 shaped mass of granular pollen, 

 erect on a stipe attached to a sticky 

 gland on the stigma. These pollen 

 masses are the pottinia, and such 

 flowers are called gynandrous. \ 



Fertilization . In the Orchis it becomes an interesting 

 question how the pollinia shut up in the 2 cells c c can be 

 brought into contact with the stigma at s ? Eepeated obser- 



5, Calopdgon pulchellus lip 

 on the upper side (1), column 

 on the lower. 



* Strictly speaking, the lower-lip ; for by the twisting of the ovary half-a-turn the 

 whole flower is inverted. In the elegant Grass Pink (Calopogori) the ovary is not 

 twisted ; and the lip proper, the lip consisting of one petal, is on the upper side of the 

 flower. 



t Every part of the Orchis seems purposely shaped to perform some special work 

 in its economy. The upper portion protects the delicate pollen-masses ; the hinder- 

 part is prolonged into a tube which does not yield nectar until it is gnawed ; and the 

 lower portion is a tempting and convenient alighting stage for insects. Even the 

 pollen-masses are specialized in a marvellous degree, and are usually associated with 

 mechanic contrivances intended for adherence to the probosces and bodies of butter- 

 flies and moths. Their perfumes are as various as their shapes, and even the honey 

 seems to have a variety of flavor which makes it more sought for by some insects 

 than by others. Had the Orchids been rational beings fully aware of the laws of 

 biology, chemistry and mechanics, they could not have adapted themselves to their 

 surroundings more perfectly. (Taylor.) 



