SECRETARY'S REPORT. 



63 



At a particular stage of the growth of the plant the anthers 

 of the tassel above, bursting, scatter their pollen in clouds, as 

 may be seen by shaking the stalk at the proper time, and this 

 being heavier than the air falls down on the open ends of the 



Fia. 2. 



ma. 6. 



stigmas or silks below, and fertilizes the new germ. Then and 

 not till then, the new seed begins to enlarge, and becomes, what 

 it could not be without this particle of pollen, capable of sprout- 



