POLLINATION 



base it contains the tiny ovules which may develop into 



seeds. There will be no fruit or seed formed if the pistil 



is destroyed. 



Function or use of pollen. The part of the stamen that 



is most important is the pollen or plant 



dust. This is a fine powder and is set 



free by the opening of the little pollen 



case, or anther, at the tip end of the 



stamen. Pollen must adhere to and 

 grow into the pistil 

 \i M and enter the ovule be- 



I fore seed contained in 



the pistil can develop. 

 <jjl You may learn the im- 



portance of the pollen 

 to the plant by carefully 

 picking off all the sta- 

 mens of a nearly open flower bud of cotton 

 or peach or other plant. Then tie a small 

 paper sack over the injured bloom to keep 

 the pollen of other flowers from being 

 brought in by wind or insects. In a few 

 days you will find that the pistil to which 

 no pollen can gain access does not grow, 

 but generally dies and falls. If it lives 

 it produces no perfect seed. At the same 

 time, other pistils, on whose stigmas you 

 have noticed tiny grains adhering, will 

 be growing (Figs. 12, 13, 14). 

 If you tie a paper bag tightly over a young corn ear 



FIG. ii. PISTIL AND 

 STAMENS (TULIP) 



FIG. 12. TOBACCO 

 FLOWER 



