30 EYE SPY 



these insects are not so particular as to the quali- 

 ty of their tipple as bees are apt to be. But the 

 figwort has found out gradually through the ages 

 that wasps are more serviceable in the cross-fer- 

 tilization of its flowers than other insects, and it 

 has thus gradually modified its shape, odor, and 

 nectar especially to these insects. 



Let us then take a careful look at these queer 

 little homely flowers, and for the time being con- 

 sider them as mere devices — first, to insure the 

 visit of an insect, and, second, to make that in- 

 sect the bearer of the pollen from one blossom to 

 the stigma of another. Here we see a flower 

 with three distinct welcomes on three successive 

 days. 



The flower-bud usually opens in the morning, 

 and shows a face as at A, which must be fully- 

 understood by looking at the side section shown 

 at A'. 



The anthers and pollen are not yet ripe, but 

 the stigma is ready, and now guards the doorway. 

 To-morrow morning we shall see a new condition 

 of things at that doorway, as seen at B and B'. 

 The stigma has now bent down out of the way, 

 while two anthers have unfolded on their stalks- 

 and now shed their pollen at the threshold. The 

 third morning, or perhaps even sooner, the other 

 pair come forward, and we see the opening of the 

 blossom as at C. Blossoms in all these three 



