METHODS OF POLLINATION 197 



produced by artificial pollination with pollen from the caprifig. 

 Attempts were then made to introduce the fig-fertilizing insect. 

 In 1898 to 1900 this was successful and Smyrna figs were pro- 

 duced through the agency of this insect which were equal in 

 quality to the imported figs.* Their culture, therefore, promises 

 to become a valuable industry in California and some of the 

 South western States if proper attention is given to it. The 

 process of hanging the branches of fruit of the caprifig in the 

 Smyrna fig trees is called caprification. 



312. The fruit of the fig is peculiar. It is the enlarged 

 fleshy, somewhat pear-shaped receptacle, the end of a shoot, 

 which is hollow, and the numerous flowers are borne over the 

 surface of this hollow. The "seeds" are small, hard nutlets, 

 and each one is in reality a small fruit, the seed being united with 

 the wall of the ovary. It is said that the "seed" gives the flavor 

 to the Smyrna fig. 



313. Characteristics of insect-pollinated flowers, i. 

 Character of the pollen. The pollen is more or less sticky so that 

 it is held together in loose masses, or compact masses, j- and is 

 thus easily carried by insects. Sometimes it is held together by 

 cobwebby fibers (evening primrose). If the pollen were dry and 

 dusty as in wind pollinated flowers (paragraphs 294, 300), it 

 would not adhere well to the insects. 



2. Characters of the flower which attract insects. (i) The 

 pollen is used for food by some insects, or the insects feed on 

 parts of the fruit (as in the yucca and fig). (2) Nectar glands 

 in most flowers, which produce nectar, a sweet substance sought 

 by insects. (3) Bright and showy petals, sepals or bracts which 

 attract insects. (4) "Honey guides," bright-colored lines or 

 spots on some of the petals which lead toward the nectar glands. 

 (5) Landing places, certain petals, the position of which affords 

 a resting place for the insect. (6) Irritability of certain flower 



* L. O. Howard, Smyrna Fig Culture in the United States, Year Book of 

 the United States Department of Agriculture, 79-106, pis. 1-8, and text 

 figs. 1900. 



fPollinium, in the orchids, milkweeds, etc. 



