The Monkey Flower 



through, a jungle. But it has no terrors for a big 

 bee, and, in fact, is probably only regarded as 

 giving a good foothold. So the bee alights on the 

 appointed spot so carefully indicated on the plat- 

 form and seeks the entrance. Its head touches the 

 waiting stigma, now widely open. Probably there 

 is pollen dust on the bee, and a grain or two 

 is deposited on the downy surface. The stigma 

 closes over and secures it. Fertilisation necessarily 

 follows, and the stigma mouth never opens again, 

 or, even if it begin to open after pollen has been 

 placed on it, it will close immediately the influence 

 of the pollen is felt — ^i.e. directly the pollen grain 

 tube has begun its passage downwards. If, on the 

 other hand, it was the first visit the bee paid that 

 day and no pollen was brought to it, though it 

 closes, it will re-open quickly on the chance of being 

 more successful when the next visitor arrives. 

 That is the role Lord Avebury assigns to it. Another 

 botanist, Delpino, suggests that this large-lobed 



stigma, though splendid for receiving pollen, might 

 67 129 



