462 ABORTION OF THE 
p. 347, fig. 179), a few less common illustrations may 
be cited. In crocuses it is not a very uncommon cir- 
cumstance to find the three inner segments of the 
perianth smaller than natural, and generally unequal in 
size. This occurs without any other perceptible change 
in the flower. 
Schlechtendal’ mentions a flower of [ritillaria vm- 
perialis in which the perianthial leaves were relatively 
very small, and destitute of the usual nectary, while 
the stamens, on the other hand, were of their natural 
size and appearance. Fresenius’ records a similar 
occurrence in the same plant. 
Morren’ gives details of like appearances in Hyimeno- 
callis americana, and Delavaud'* in Tigridia pavonia. 
In certain orchids an arrested development of the 
perianth is habitual, as im Oncidiwm abortivum (fig. 
217), where, on a large branching panicle, numerous 

Fic. 217.—Flower of Oncidium abortivum, magnified. 
abortive, but few perfect, flowers are produced. Ina 
similar way the petals and labellum of Odontoglosswm 
‘Linnea,’ 1830, vol. v, p. 492. 
‘Mus. Senkenb.,’ ii, p. 45. 
‘Bull. Acad. Roy. Belg.,’ 1851, t. xviii, part i, p. 275. 
‘ Bull. Soe. Bot. France,’ vol. viii, 1861, p. 147, 
mw Ww 
