1901} BRIEFER ARTICLES 305 
As soon as the petals separate at the apex, the five styles protrude 
and are ready to receive the pollen from other flowers, and before the 
anthers in the same flower are ready to shed pollen. The numerous 
stamens stand straight, around the pistil, except while the flowers first 
open and while the pistil is receiving pollen. At this time the outer ends 
of the filaments are bent outwards and away from the pistil at an angle 
of about 45°. As the innate anthers mature, however, and are ready 
to shed pollen, the filaments gradually assume the erect position. 
The pistils of the same flower by this time have had ample opportunity 
to receive pollen from other flowers. The stamens are from one-eighth 
to one-half inch shorter than the mature pistils. Hence close pollina- 
tion is avoided by the protogynous condition of the flower, and by 
the stamens being shorter than and turned away from the stigmas. 
The form and disposition of the spurs is quite different in the two 
species. In A. Canadensis the spurs are straight, while in A. vulgares 
the outer end is curved inwards until it is again bent back on itself, 
forming an entire ring or circle. In A. Canadensis the spurs are 
longer and more slender and the tissues more tender. In both the 
nectary is located in the outer end of the spur, where it is represented 
by a hard nodule or gland. The common ruby-throated humming 
bird (Zrochilus colubris L.), the tobacco and tomato sphinx moths 
(Macrosila carolina L. and M. 5-macu/ata Harr.) are common visitors to 
A. Canadensis, but I have never seen them visit 4. vudgaris.* They take 
nectar by inserting the bill or tongue into the hollow of the spur, 
while the flower is still hanging in the inverted position. The body 
of the bird or insect is poised in the air by the rapid motion of the 
wings. This disturbs the air in the neighborhood violently, and so 
scatters the pollen widely in all directions.* In both species the 
Virginia carpenter-bee -(Xyocopa Virginica L.) and a small bee (Ody- 
nerus foraminatus Sauss.) slit the tube of the spur, and take the nectar 
direct from the gland. Later, the honey bee (Apis mellifica L.) and a 
green bee (Agapostemon radiatus Say) enter these slits and secure the 
remaining nectar, but they do not make new slits themselves.—J. 
ScHNECK, M/¢. Carmel, 11. 
* Perhaps for the reason that the curvature of the spurs of A. vu/garis renders it 
impossible for them to reach the nectar by the usual route. 
' ?The inverted position of the flowers at this time renders it impossible for the 
pollen to fall into the open mouths of the spurs, and so be lost and useless to the 
flowers for pollination. 
