498 ON THE ORGANS AND MODE OF FECUNDATION 



Thirdly, I have never been able to find those perforations, 

 represented by Mr. Bauer, in the bursiculae of Orchis and 

 Ophrys, and the existence of which in these genera is es- 

 sential to his hypothesis. 



And, lastly, the appearance of the stigma in Bletia Tan- 

 695] kervillicBy after impregnation, as he believes, according to 

 my view of the subject would rather prove that it was in a 

 state capable of acting upon, but had not yet received the 

 fecundating matter from, the anthera. 



In thus venturing to differ from so accurate and expe- 

 rienced an observer as Mr. Bauer on a subject which he has 

 for many years minutely studied and so beautifully illus- 

 trated, I am well aware how great a risk I incur of being 

 myself found in error. 



I am very desirous, however, that the perusal of this 

 sketch of the various statements that have appeared on the 

 question of impregnation, with the greater part of which 

 he is at present probably unacquainted, should induce him 

 to re-examine the facts and arguments by which his own 

 opinion on this subject is supported. He will thus either 

 succeed in establishing his theory on more satisfactory 

 grounds, or, if the examination should prove unfavourable, 

 he Avill, I am persuaded, from his Avell-known candour, as 

 readily abandon it. 



The notice here given of the opinions of botanists on im- 

 pregnation in Orchideae brings the subject down to the 

 spring of the present year, when from circumstances, Avhich 

 I may hereafter have occasion to advert to, my attention 

 was directed to this family of plants, the particular study 

 of which I had for a long time discontinued. 



In reviewing notes respecting them, made many years ago, 

 I found some points merely hinted at, or imperfectly made 

 out, which seemed deserving of further examination ; and 

 in the course of these inquiries, other observations of at 

 least equal importance suggested themselves. 



observation in question, to tlirow any doubt on the correctness of Mr. Bauer's 

 figure, beino- aware that very minute granular matter, separating from the 

 gland wlien immersed in water, is actually visible with a lens of about half an 

 inch focus. I objected to it only as a satisfactory proof of the theory re- 

 ferred to. 



