If 



leaves. In evergreen plants such as firs, pines, yews, &c, in which this state 

 occurs, the leaves are small and needle-like, so as to offer no hindrance to the 

 transmission of the pollen. Anemophilous plants are usually destitute of a 

 floral envelope to their flower, or it is at least open, shallow, and inconspicu- 

 ous, a beautiful adaptation, as it would only prove an obstacle in the way of 

 the free interchange of the pollen. Another marked feature is the prominent 

 stigmas, these are almost invariably plumose or feathery, being densely 

 clothed with a fringe of hairs to readily catch and retain the floating pollen. 

 And the flowers themselves are often elevated on slender stalks, above the 

 level of the surrounding vegetation. This is very noticeable in the plantains, 

 sedges and grasses, whose extended stamens quivering in the wind, and their 

 protruded stigmas dangling in the breeze and waiting to be impregnated, 

 form an admirable illustration of this section to which also the great majority 

 of our forest trees belong. 



Nothing, perhaps, more fully or beautifully illustrates the correlation of 

 the animal or vegetable kingdoms than the adaptation of parts, and the 

 mutual benefits resulting from a free interchange of the courtesies of exis- 

 tence, than is apparent in the relations of flowers to insects. The absolute 

 dependance of our more prominent insects upon their floral food is self- 

 evident, as the devout poet has sung — 



" How doth the little busy bee 



Improve each shining hour, 

 And gathers honey all the day 



From every opening flower." 



But the beneficial effects accruing to the flower itself may not be so immed- 

 iately manifest. Yet taking for granted the utility of cross- fertilisation, no one 

 who has watched an industrious bee as it restlessly flits from flower to flower 

 rifling it of its sweets, and has noticed how the jacket of the little robber is 

 dusted with the golden pollen, and the pouches on his thighs laden with the 

 precious spoils, but will have been convinced by a moment's thought how 

 easily the fertilising element may be conveyed from one plant to another by 

 such means. The wonder is that hybrids do not more frequently occur and 

 that species remain so distinct as they are. This can be accounted for by the 

 fact that it is only within narrow limits that the potent pollen can exert its 

 influence, falling harmlessly like so much inert dust upon unsuitable stigmas. 

 It might prove tedious to discuss all the manifold blandishments, which the 

 flower employs to allure its winged visitors, and it is beyond my province to 

 attempt detailing the equally admirable adaptations of the insect guest's body 

 for the purpose in view. But a study of this subject has done a great deal 

 to clear up certain hitherto obscure and inexplicable features of floral struc- 



