OF THE ORGANS. 



67 



fructification, have completed their evolution. We can de- 

 termine this point, by observing the emptying of the pollen 

 out of the opening antherae. As the direction and position 

 of the parts are different, before and after this point of time, 

 we readily perceive the meaning of the expressions ante^ and 

 post anthesin. 



VI. The Nectaries. 

 101. 



Nectaries {nectaria), are all those organs formed within, or 

 near the flower, which secrete a honeyed juice. 



This term has been employed too loosely by Linnaeus, and 

 his followers, to denote all the parts of a flower, except the 

 corolla and antherae. Hence the interior double corolla of 

 Narcissus, Sauvagesia, and such like plants, has been fre- 

 quently taken for nectaries. Also the fine transparent scales, 

 which immediately surround the sexual organs of the Grasses, 

 have been improperly called by this name, (64.) 



It is often, indeed, a matter of doubt what parts shall re- 

 ceive this name, especially when we attend to the nectaries 

 of Parnassia and Sauvagesia. These last stand around the 

 corolla, which is at least an unusual position, although not 

 properly contrary to rule, (Tab. VI. Fig. 13.) ; because in 

 Cymbidium alvifolium of Swartz, the nectary is found com- 

 pletely without the calyx, on the base of the ovarium. 



In general, we must say that that which secretes honey 

 is a nectary ; on which account neither abortive antherae, 

 nor false petals, can be designated by this name. 



Even situation determines this matter. Commonly we must 

 seek the nectaries in the bottom of the corolla, and they thus 

 stand, for the most part lower than the antherae, (331.) 

 They frequently are united with the receptacle, and often 

 with the ovarium; (Tab. III. Fig. 10. 13. 14.; Tab. IV. 

 Fig. 18.) Not unfrequently they are united with the fila- 

 ments ; but they can scarcely appear higher than the antherae. 



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