144 ^^^ STUDIO NEIGHBORS 



The numerous and conclusive demonstrations 

 of Darwin, however, have proved that in the com- 

 petition for existence such self-fertilized offspring 

 quickly yield before the progeny of cross -fertili- 

 zation. 



But the distinctive feature of the orchids lies in 

 the fact that this dependence on the insect is 

 wellnigh universally absolute. Here are a great 

 host of plants which are doomed to extinction if 

 for any reason their insect sponsors should per- 

 manently neglect them. The principal botanical 

 feature which differentiates the orchid from other 

 plants lies in the construction of the floral organs, 

 the pistil, stigma, and anthers here being united 

 into a distinct part known as the column. The 

 pollen is, moreover, peculiar, being collected into 

 more or less compact masses, and variously con- 

 cealed in the flower. Some of these are club- 

 shaped, with a viscid extremity, others of the con- 

 sistency of a sticking-plaster, and all are hidden 

 from external view in pouches and pockets, from 

 which they never emerge unless withdrawn on 

 the body of an insect. The various devices by 

 which this removal is insured are most astonish- 

 ing and awe-inspiring. Nor is it necessary to go 

 to the conservatory for a tropical specimen, as is 

 commonly supposed. An orchid is an orchid 



