24 Objects for the Microscope. 



of its own crimson leaves, or the petal of a Geranium. It 

 cannot be worthily described : rest not until you have seen 

 it ; and also the 



POLLEN OF HOLLYHOCK, 



which is like it, only the golden grains are larger, and per- 

 haps more easily preserved. I usually take a portion of 

 the stamen, studded with the spiked globular grains, and 

 dry them on a scarlet petal of the flower ; but they are 

 well seen on a black ground, simply mounted, when dry, 

 between two pieces of glass. 



POLLEN OF PASSION-FLOWER. 



These are not spiked, but have three plain valves and a 

 reticulated cuticle. 



POLLEN OF CENOTHERA 



is curiously triangular, with pores at each corner, from one 

 or more of which the pollen tubes spring forth. 



Pollen is always better observed fresh from the plant. 

 The variety in shape and structure is very great ; the in- 

 terest will be unfailing in the examination of it, the deeper 

 we go into the mysteries of plant-life. 



This golden dust, which, to the unassisted eye, is all 

 alike in every flower, is fashioned with the most elaborate 

 care for its great purpose, and sculptured with that exqui- 

 site finish which all creation bears as the signature of the 

 gracious God who made all things well. 



This golden dust, contained by every flower in the few 

 or many stamens which are the caskets of its wealth, is the 

 fructifying principle which causes the seed to become 

 fruitful, and without which no reproduction of a plant 

 could continue, as it does, from age to age. 



The purpose of this book being chiefly to explain the 

 objects before us, I will not say more of the pollen-grain 

 than that it must be examined both as a transparent object, 

 with a drop of water or oil of lemon, and dry, as an opaque. 

 Particularly observe the blue pollen of Epilobium ; the red 



