T is now some thirty years since 

 the scientific world was startled 



by the publication of that won- 

 derful volume, " The Fertilization 

 of Orchids," by Charles Darwin ; 

 for though slightly anticipated 

 by his previous work, " Origin of 

 Species," this volume was the 

 first important presentation of 

 the theory of cross -fertilization 

 in the vegetable kingdom, and 

 is the one that is primarily associated with the 

 subject in the popular mind. The interpretation 

 and elucidation of the mysteries which had so 

 long lain hidden within those strange flowers, 

 whose eccentric forms had always excited the 

 curiosity and awe alike of the botanical frater- 

 nity and the casual observer, came almost like 

 a divine revelation to every thoughtful reader of 

 his remarkable pages. Blossoms heretofore con- 



