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INTRODUCTION 



difficulties in photographing most very small objects that I now employ this method 

 only under exceptional circumstances (cf. the illustration of the positions of flowers 

 of Lycium barbarum L. in Fig. 79). 



Fig. 79. Lycium darbarum, L. (from a photograph three times the natural size), (i) Flower in the 

 6rst condition : the filaments of the dehisced stamens are upwardly directed, the style with the stigma 

 ready for pollination is bent down. (Condition for cross-pollination.) (2) Flower in the second condi- 

 tion : stamens and stigma are so close together that spontaneous self-pollination results from direct 

 contact, c, corolla; a, anther; .y, stigma. 



I have therefore returned to the habit of drawing flowers. A drawing gives 

 a better idea of what is seen than the best description. 



Like all research, the study of the ' most interesting branch of lovable science ' — 

 Flower Pollination — is full of trouble. But the labour bestowed is amply repaid by 

 the result, by deep penetration into the ' secrets of the flowers.' ' Each one of the 

 beautiful flower faces,' says Hermann Mtiller (' Alpenblumen,' p. 23), 'which we 

 were wont to marvel at with a sad feeling of resignation as so many mysteries for 

 ever veiled, now looks upon us inspiring hope, and stimulating us in friendly wise to 

 cheerful perseverance, as if it would say, — Only venture to come to me, and in true 

 love make yourself acquainted with me and all my conditions of life, as intimately as 

 you may, and I am ready to let fall the veil that hides me, and to trust myself and 

 all my secrets to you ! ' 



