228 THE BOOK OF NATURE STUDY 



borne to either side on long stalks, to the stigma, projecting in 

 the middle line in front. The whole apparatus is, however, suited 

 for cross-pollination by the help of small flies, and the way in 

 which it works can be verified by careful observation of a group 

 of the plants on a sunny day. The reduction in number of the 

 stamens to two is an indication of the precision of the method of 

 pollination. 



That fertilisation is effectively carried out is evidenced by the 

 number of ripe fruits borne by the inflorescences later in the 

 season. These are developed from the enlarged ovary, and are 

 still surrounded by the calyx. The capsule has the shape of a 

 flattened, inverted heart, and in each cavity are several seeds. 

 These are shed when the ripe fruit opens. 



END OF VOL. III. 



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