180 VANDE^. Chap. VII. 



other hand, the pedicels are fastened down in a curved 

 position ; and when freed by the rupture of the attached 

 edges of the disc, they straighten themselves with such 

 force, that not only do they drag the balls of pollen 

 together with the anther-cells from their places of 

 attachment, but the whole poUinium is jerked forward, 

 over and beyond the tips of the so-called antennae, to 

 the distance sometimes of two or three feet. Thus, 

 as throughout nature, pre-existing structures and capa- 

 cities are utilised for new purposes. 



Cataseium saccatv/m* — I will first describe the male 

 forms, belonging to five species, which are included 

 under the generic name of Catasetum. The general 

 appearance of the present species is represented in the 

 following woodcut, fig. 28. A side view of the flower, 

 with all the petals and sepals excepting the labellum 

 cut off, is shown by B ; and A gives a front view of 

 the column. The upper sepal and two upper petals 

 surround and protect the column ; the two lower sepals 

 project out at right angles. The flower stands more 

 or less inclined to either side, but with the labellum 

 downwards, as represented in the drawing. The dull 

 coppery and orange-spotted tints, — the yawning cavity 

 in the great fringed labellum, — the one antenna 

 projecting with the other hanging down — give to 

 these flowers a strange, lurid, and almost reptilian 

 appearance. 



In front of the column, in the middle, the deep 

 stigmatic chamber (fig. 28, A, s), may be seen ; but this 

 is best shown in the section (fig. 29, C, s), in which all 



* I am much indebted to Mr. magnificent collection of Orchids, 



James Veitch of Chelsea for the generously sent me two fine spikes, 



first specimen which I saw of and has aided me in the kindest 



this Orchid ; subsequently Mr, manner with other specimens. 

 S. Kucker, so well known for his 



