712 General Notes. [July, 
pistil. The standard projects forward approximately parallel with 
the other petals, diverging from them at a small angle (Fig. 1). 
The standard now begins to bend upwards and the wings and 
2). The flower is now in a 
state of tension, and may be 
likened to a spring trap ready 
set for action. 
A little examination will 
show that many of the flow- 
ers have changed the relation 
of their parts, the tension be- 
ing in a great measure relieved 
(Fig. 3). A closer inspection 
shows that when the flower is 
in a state of tension, the sta- 
‘mens and pistil are forcibly 
drawn downward, as one 
Fic. 1.—Flower when first opened; and (Fig. 3), the stamens and pis 
before the petals begin to reflex. Fic. 2. 
the petals reflexed; the flexed keel and occupy their 
e 
of the base of the standard (cut away If we now take a flower in 
its state of tension and look 
would be freed with a violent jerk. The experiment was repeated 
~ — again and again, invariably with the same result. I was not for- 
a Eor ronek to observe i 
A 
