NEWS OF SPRING 



such a way that, when the insect laden with the pollen-masses 

 enters it, those masses just reach the level of the stigma to be 

 fertilized. 



Let us add that it is important to the success of the ex- 

 periment to select a flower that is quite ripe. We do not 

 know when the flower is ripe; but the insect and the flower 

 know, for the flower does not invite its indispensable guests, 

 by offering them a drop of nectar, until the moment when all 

 its apparatus is in working order. 



i8 



This is the basis of the system of fertilization adopted 

 by the Orchid of our climes. But each species, every family 

 modifies and improves the details in accordance with its par- 

 ticular experience, psychology and convenience. The Orchis 

 or Anacamptis pyramidalis, for instance, which is one of the 

 most intelligent, has added to its lower lip or labellum two 

 little ridges which guide the proboscis of the insect to the 

 nectar and compel her to accomplish exactly what is expected 

 of her. Darwin very justly compares this ingenious acces- 

 sory with the little instrument for guiding a thread into the 

 fine eye of a needle. Here is another interesting improve- 



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