250 PROTECTION OF THE POLLEN. 



rye to suffer more from this cause than barley, because 

 in the latter the anthers are more protected by the 

 husks ; and the Juniper berries are sparingly, or not 

 at all, produced in Sweden when the flowering season 

 has been wet. The same great observer also remarks, 

 what yearly experience confirms, that Cherry-trees are 

 more certainly fruitful than Pear-trees, because in the 

 former the opening of the anthers is, in each blossom, 

 much more progressive, so that a longer period elapses 

 for the accomplishment of the fertilization of the ger- 

 men, and there is consequently less chance of its being 

 hindered by a few showers. 



To guard against the hurtful influence of nocturnal 

 dews or drenching rains, most flowers either fold their 

 petals together, or hang down their heads, when the 

 sun does not shine; by which, their internal organs 

 are sheltered. In some which always droop, as the 

 Snowdrops Galantkus and Leucqjum, EngLBot. 1. 19 

 and 621, the Fritillary, t. 62%, the Crown Imperial, 

 various species of Campanula, and others, while the 

 overshadowing corolla keeps off rain., the air has free 

 access underneath to blow the pollen to the stigma. 

 Nor is this drooping caused by the weight of the 

 flowers, for the fruit in most of them is much heavier, 

 and yet stands erect on the very same stalk. The pa- 

 pilionaceous flowers in general spread their wings in 

 fine weather, admitting the sun and air to the parts 

 within ; whereas many of them not only close their 

 petals at night, but also derive additional protection 



