1897 | CURRENT LITERATURE 471 
their morphology and the behavior of their <9 contents during the period of 
greatest activity. 
rom the simple external nectary of 7ofe/dia palustris, in which the secre- 
tion is effected by the epidermal cells of the entire outer wall of the ovary, 
appearing first as a subcuticular accumulation, and the slightly more special- 
ized nectary of 7. calyculata, where the similarly subcuticular secretion is 
limited to the epidermal cells of the septal grooves, a gradually increasing 
complexity is traced to the Bromeliacee, which have complex branched 
glands deeply seated in the tissues of the ovary —though they really repre- 
sent gaps between the partially fused carpeis, so that they are likewise lined 
by epidermal cells, which, however, have a well-developed subjacent secret- 
ing parenchyma—and the conclusion is reached that the simplest glands 
belong to genera or species which stand lowest in the systematic classifica- 
tion. 
The results of the morphological study are summarized in the tabulation 
of septal nectaries under the following seven groups, in which the increasing 
size and complexity of the glands is accompanied by a corresponding develop- 
ment of the vascular system of the ovarian walls: 
A. Ovary supertor. 
I. Simple external nectaries (Tofieldia). 
u ectaries, in which each outer nectariferous groove passes at top into a 
septal ai which is commonly more active (Scilla, Yucca). 
3. Inner nectaries, having the general structure of the preceding, but the inner clefts 
only active (Asparagus, Allium). 
B. Ovary partly inferior. 
4 Mostly double nectaries, with the inner cleft increased in surface by being folded, 
and the upper part sometimes reduced to a mere duct (Phormium, Hemerocallis). 
C. Ovary inferior. 
Double nectaries, the inner clefts more or less complicated (Beschorneria, Crocus). 
Inner nectaries, opening at top of the ovary (Agave), or in ducts near its middle 
‘Bilbergia). 
an 
D. Cilast's aadeace te seisrthe bbdordan: 
ra Scag Asse xpi three outer and three iomirapanmy and three inner 
ts pertaining to the sutures of the sever Se 
Be the stylar canal they run, above (Pitcairnia, Dyckia, Vriesea). 
The general conclusion is reached that the cell contents of the secreting 
tissues are actively concerned in (1) the storage of carbohydrates and albu- 
_ minoids which are subsequently used in the formation of nectar; (2) supply- 
_ ing the necessary water; (3) converting the accumulated materials into nec- 
tar; (4) the spontaneous passage of the nectar outwards. 
ie tule, to which Lorgporpenebssa! offers” exceptions, the aie of the 
1 k r = ERS cose uss those of the 
‘Secreting | SU ne disorg 
