STRUCTURE OF FLOWERS. G3 



rupture : this opening is particularly caused by the 

 application of water, which is sometimes absorbed by 

 them ; and the diluted fovilla appears to come out in an 

 insensible manner. It is generally thought that the 

 grains, falling on the stigma, which is almost always 

 viscid and humid at the period of fecundation, then 

 open and deposit the fovilla; this appears to be absorbed 

 by the stigma, and, reaching the ovules, excites the 

 young embryo and conveys to it the vital movement. 

 Others think that the granules penetrate into the ovules 

 and there form the embryo. But in a subject so delicate, 

 it is difficult to form a decided opinion : I shall only 

 observe, that the constant presence of animalcule in the 

 fecundating liquor of animals, and of granules in that of 

 plants, is not sufficient to destroy the opinion of the 

 pre-existence of germs in the ovules ; and we might 

 believe, with some likelihood, that the animalcule and 

 granules are the exciting agents of a germ pre-existing 

 in the ovule. This question, more physiological than 

 anatomical, would be out of place here ; and I hasten 

 now to resume the description of the male organs of 

 plants. 



The stamens may be coherent or united together in 

 three different manners ; viz. by the filaments, by the 

 anthers, or by both organs at the same time. 



When the cohesion takes place by the filaments, it is 

 usual to say that the filaments are Monodelpiious 

 when all are united together; Diadelpiious, when they 

 form two parcels; Polyadelphous, when there are 

 several ; but these terms fall far short of giving a com- 

 plete idea of the variety of the real cases. 



The cohesion of the filaments together is so much the 

 more easy, as they are naturally of a more spreading 

 form, or nearer one another in their primitive position : 

 it may take place in every degree, as in the petals ; 



