422 Transactions, —Botany. 
still in the anther cells; from 90 they had been removed, while in 6, dead 
or living insects were found glued to the stigma. Of the whole number 
examined, only a small proportion ultimately produced capsules, 
The flowers of this genus will well repay examination, 
(4.) Microtis porrifolia. 
In the flowers of this species the column is protected by a broad, flat 
hood, formed by the posterior sepal and the two lateral petals. The lateral 
sepals are completely reflexed, and lie back against the ovary. The 
labellum is large and pendulous, hanging out from the front of the flower 
like a tongue, It is rectangular in shape, rather longer than broad, with 
the margin crimped and curled, and bearing three glandular projections on 
its surface. Two of these are situated together near the base, and enclose 
& small depression or pit. This, from its position and appearance, I take 
to be a nectary, but I was unable to detect any liquid in it. The third 
gland is formed by an irregular wart-like mass of cells, and is situated near 
the apex of the labellum. I have not investigated its functions, nor do I 
know how its presence can be accounted for. The column is very short, 
and stands almost square, this appearance being caused by the wings or 
auricles which stand up on each side. Beneath these is the hooded anther, 
enclosing four pollinia, which lie very loosely in their cells. They present 
the appearance of two masses, but each is composed of a large outer and a 
smaller inner sheet, of a reniform shape, united by their threads to a short 
caudicle. In front of and somewhat below them is the viscid rostellum, 
towards the apex of which a minute white point is visible, which marks 
their point of attachment. The rostellum projects considerably outwards, 
so that the stigmatic surface is placed in a recess. The slightest touch on 
the viscid dise suffices to bring away one or both pollinia, the matter being 
excessively viseid. An insect alighting on the rostellum, and advancing its 
head to examine the glands at its base, would be certain to touch the 
rostellum and bring away the pollinia. These fall slightly by their own 
weight, so that on entering 2 second flower, they would be in such a posi- 
tion on the front of the insect’s head as to touch the stigma immediately 
underthe rostellum. In the first spike examined by me, 39 flowers were 
fully opened, and all but the top one had their pollinia removed. 
Even when not fertilized by insects however, these flowers are readily 
self-fertilized, and during the past season this appears to have been the 
case with the great majority. After a time, the pollinia appear withered 
and brown, and somewhat dragged forward from their anther cells, while 
the ovary begins to enlarge, showing that pollination has taken place. If 
such flowers are examined carefully, it will be found that the pollen grains 
have emitted a great mass of tubes, which penetrate the upper margin of 
