1879] TRANSACTIONS. II 



insect unconsciously carries the package of pollen off to 

 another flower, and here it is brought in contact with the 

 stigma of that flower. These are among the most strik- 

 ing cases of complicated mechanism by which an end is 

 reached. 



The object at present is merely to call attention to the inter- 

 esting field opened before every observer of flowers. The 

 transfer, in many cases, must be made by insect aid ; but how 

 can insects be made to work for something which does not con- 

 cern them.-* There are a few insects which are pollen-eaters. 

 Such, coming to flowers for the pollen they get, might scatter 

 more or less pollen around, and transfer some of it from one 

 blossom to another .'' but there are more which are fond of the 

 nectar of flowers. The nectar is for insects. It occurs in very 

 diverse places in different blossoms, but it is almost always 

 extensively and attractively advertised. Bright colors, with 

 striking contrasts (the "nectar spot"), or with lines of contrast- 

 ing color converging towards the cup of nectar (the " nectar 

 guides "), show the insect visitors where their food can be 

 found. A little attention will make clear the meaning of many 

 of the colors which otherwise might be passed by without 

 thought." 



Odors in flowers are, in general, indicative of the presence of 

 nectar. The crossing between varieties of the same species of 

 plant produces seeds which, in general, yield stronger plants 

 than those which result from the action of the pollen of a flower 

 upon the ovules of the same flower, or even upon the ovules of 

 another flower on the same plant. The crossing between well 

 marked varieties has given rise to some of the most desirable 

 garden plants now cultivated, and plants from such crossing 

 have been incorrectly called Hybrids. This term should be 

 restricted to the crossing of different species ; by hybridi- 

 nation in fertile cases, very extraordinary results have been 

 reached. 



(The method of crossing, and the results, were very fully explained, and 

 rules were laid down for the guidance of intelligent students. Such rules are 

 based, for the most part, upon the studies of German investigators.) 



When a good variety has been obtained by chance, as we call 

 it, or from successful crossing, it must be perpetuated by some 

 form of colonization, or bud-separation. 



