Vifi FAjVIIIJS GARDEX FLOirERS. 



variatiuns are played hy Nature <in the ever-ruling simple 

 tune. But in the study of an orchid, the iive series of 

 three each must he sought, and if not found, must be in 

 some way accounted for. Here is the true architectural 

 theory — three sepals, three petals, three stamens, three 

 pistils, and three carpels. In the orchid before us the toj)- 

 most piece, or banner, is a sepal ; and the question arises. 

 Where are the other two ? They are united, and partly 

 hidden behind the poucli, or labellum : that is to say, as 

 one sepal forms a banner above, the other two conjoined 

 form an apron beneath the centre piece, or slii)per. The 

 two side pieces are petals, and the slipper, or pouch, or 

 labellum, is also a petal. Amongst all the orchids, the 

 eyprijjediums stand alone in respect of their production 

 of three stamens ; but here is another difficulty, for the 

 casual eye can find but two, which are placed right and 

 left of the column. Where is the third ? It is sterile, 

 and placed between the other t\\'o. The three stigmas 

 are confluent, and appear as one below the anther, being 

 called the stigma in descriptions, because of its evident 

 existence. As for the three carpels of which the ovary 

 consists, these will appear only as the result of fertilisation, 

 and at a later stage in the history of the flower. 



The singular structure of the orchids inspired the elder 

 Darwin with a song, and the younger Darwin — Charles 

 — with a passion for a special study, the outcome of which 

 was a remarkable book on orchids generally. As regards 

 the uses of the slipper, Mr. Darwin's work is rich in pro- 

 posals tor llie careful observer. He says : " C\pripediums 

 differ from all other orchids. An enormous amount of 

 extinction nuist have swept away a multitude of inter- 

 mediate forms, and left this single genus, now widely dis- 



