CHRYSANTHEMUM PARTHENIUM. 



121 



the pistil has attained its full length, the two branches 

 open and curve downwards, so as to expose the 

 stigmatic surfaces (Fig. 89 st) which had previously 

 been pressed closely to one another, and thus 

 protected from the action of the pollen. From this 

 arrangement it is obvious that any insect alighting on 



FIG. 87. 



FIG. 88. 



FIG. 89 



FIG. 87. Floret of Chrysanthem MM* parthemnm, just opened. 

 FIG. 88. Ditto, somewhat more advanced. 

 FIG. 89. Ditto, with the stigmas expanded. 



the flower-head of the Chrysanthemum would dust its 

 under-side with the pollen of the younger flowers, 

 which then could not fail to be brought into contact 

 with the stigmatic surfaces of the older ones. As the 

 expansion of the flowers begins at the outside and 

 thence extends to the centre, it is plain that the pollen 



