274 , _ Scientific Intelligence. 
Some of the lobes or leaflets of these compound leaves bear anthers, while 
others are destitute of anthers, and constitute the barren stamens or stam- 
i me light is thrown on the uses of these barren stamens by an 
examination of the plant now under consideration. In the fully expan- 
ded flower, the inner surface of the upper angle or point of each petal is 
about on a level with the stigma and with the tip of the barren stamen, 
the outer flat surface of which latter, as well as the adjacent portion of 
the petal, are often dusted over with pollen, the true stamens neverthe- 
less being at a considerable distance beneath these organs. In less fully 
developed flowers the barren stamens may be seen curving downwards 
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enced by it. The presence of pollen on the upper and inner corner 0 
and they show how an organ spoken of sometimes somewhat contempt- 
usly, as barren, rudimentary, imperfect, or the like, may yet play an 
important part, both in the architectural plan of the flower, and in its 
life-history.” 
We venture to suggest that, although this curious arrangement may 
serve to ensure a certain amount of self-fertilization, yet it must likewise 
studied in relation to the action of insects which probably visit these 
flowers, and, we fancy, may have something to do either in the deposi- 
the com 
leaf. In another class of cases, anteposed parts are likened to intrafolia- 
i Bie G8 
eeous stipules, 
