32 MYSTERIES OF THE FLOWERS 



far apart; then, through centuries of slow progress, 

 they gradually approached one another, and at 

 length became close neighbours, within the fragile 

 stockade of the corolla of a perfect flower. From 

 that time forth, I surmise that the flowers evolved 

 ever, more highly specialised forms, habits and 

 mechanisms, till the orchid came into being, the 

 latest and most complete expression of the floral 

 efl'orts. 



