ALFALFA AND BEES. 



83 



FIG. 4. (Original.) a, cluster of alfalfa with bee feeding. 6, bee thrusting proboscis into 

 flower: 1, vexillum ; , alae ; 3, carina ; 4, reproductive organs (gametangia) ; 5, calyx, c, alfalfa 

 bloom with vexillum torn off: 2, alee ; 5, carina ; 4, reproductive organs (gametangia) ; 5, stigma ; 

 6, anthers; 7, calyx, d: 7, filament; 2, anther; 3, style; 4, stigma. <, pistil: 1, ovary; 2, style; 

 5, sticrma ; 4, ovules. /, cross-section of pistil: 7, detached filament; 2, filament sheath : 3, ovary ; 

 4, ovule. 7, highly magnified pollen grains. 



required to keep the desired vigor within the breed. As is the case 

 with animals so it is with plants. It was previously supposed that 

 within each flower were the necessary organs and the means for assur- 

 ing the formation of the embryo within the seed. Darwin, however, 

 has clearly shown that many plants, instead of endeavoring to facili- 

 tate self-fertilization ( the forming of seed in the ovary from pollen of 

 same flower), are constructed in a manner to hinder or prevent it. 

 Among this number may be classed the plant under consideration. 

 A careful examination of the accompanying figure and explanations 

 will reveal the fact that outside agencies are required to insure fertili- 

 zation, especially cross-fertilization. The process of fertilization in a 

 typical flower is not complex. The stamens have long filaments which 

 bear the pollen-producing anthers high above the ovary ; when the 

 pollen is ripe it falls naturally upon the stigma of the ovary, and fer- 

 tilization of the seed is soon accomplished. 



