CHAPTER XXII 



POLLINATION 



1. We will now inquire into the functions and 

 uses of the various parts of the flower, by the aid of 

 simple experiments that any one can do. 



If we remove from a newly opened flower the 

 calyx and corolla, taking care not to damage the ovary 

 or stamen, we shall in nearly every case, find that 

 the seeds form and ripen just as in flowers which 

 have not been mutilated. But if before the flower 

 opens, we cut out the stamens, or remove the anthers 

 whole without breaking them, we shall probably find 

 that no seeds are formed. If now after removing the 

 anthers we touch the stigma with an anther of 

 another flower of the same plant, so that some of the 

 pollen adheres to it, seed will be formed and ripen 

 just as well as if the flower had been left intact. 

 From this we may conclude, that neither sepals nor 

 petals have any direct effect on the formation of seed, 

 but that it is absolutely necessary that pollen should 

 be put on the stigma. If the experiments described 

 above be done carelessly, the anthers may easily be 

 broken and some of their pollen be left on the stigma, 



