22 
THE FLORIST AND POMOLOGIST. 
[January, 
frequently many inches, and as has been shown by Dr. Martin Duncan, they are not in all cases 
continuous tubes, as has been supposed; but in Tigridia and some other monocotyledonous 
plants they are composed of several elongated cells, which are, doubtless, produced by the 
ordinary process of cell-division. The time required for the development of these tubes also 
varies in different pollens; thus sometimes they are developed almost immediately the pollen 
comes in contact with the stigma, whilst in other cases many hours are required for the pur¬ 
pose. The pollen-tubes also occupy a varying time in traversing the canal of the style, that is, 
from a few hours to some weeks. When the pollen-tubes have penetrated thestigmatic tissue, 
the secretion of the latter ceases, ani the stigma withers. The upper part of the pollen-tube 
also withers above as growth takes place below. 
“ The pollen-tubes, having reached the ovary, are distributed to the placenta or placentas, 
and then come in contact with the ovule or ovules. One (sometimes two) of these pollen-tubes 
enters into tho micropyle of each of the ovules (figs. 6-7), and thu3 reaches the nucleus and 
.embryo sac.As soon as the contact of the pollen-tube and embryo sac is effected a 
kind of osmotic action between tho contents of the two takes place, the result of which is the 
development of one, or rarely two of the germinal vesicles into embryos.” (p. 778.) 
The book is of convenient size, nicely printed, and has a full index, or rather 
two, which is a matter of regret, as the double reference occasions a loss of time 
when the need arises to consult it. 
We have now only further space to record the publication of Dr. Hogg’s 
Gardeners’ Year-Book, Almanac, and Directory for 1871, a necessary manual 
for the gardener and amateur, the leading features of which are the admirable 
lists of novelties,—Fruits, Vegetables, Plants, and Flowers. The Directory portion 
is this year devoted to an alphabetical list of Gardeners, with their addresses.— 
T. M. 
THE INTERMEDIATE STOCK. 
GOOD strain of this stock is most useful for ribbon purposes; moreover, it 
is extremely valuable for furnishing a supply of cut flowers. I sowed it in 
March in gentle heat. In May I planted out a couple of rows on a south 
border ; they commenced blooming in June, and have been throughout 
the season the admiration of all who have seen them ; indeed, up to this date 
(December 19) they are still in bloom, notwithstanding the severe weather we 
have recently experienced. For early spring purposes I sow in autumn, and 
winter the plants in a cold frame. These bloom early, and can be cleared away 
to make room for another batch. A good rich soil is requisite to ensure success. 
—John Edlington, Wrotham Park, Barnet. 
NOVELTIES, Etc., AT FLOWER SHOWS. 
HE meetings of the Eoyal Horticultural Society in November and 
December last, were both bright and pleasant gatherings, quite snug little 
exhibitions in their way, although the weather out-of-doors was gloomy 
and uninviting. The meeting of the 2nd of November brought a few 
novelties, among them a nice group of Tree Carnations in bloom, (what can be 
more acceptable in winter ?) from Messrs. E. G. Henderson and Son. To one of 
these, Vulcan, with pale bright-red flowers of full substance and good form, and 
of excellent habit, a First-Class Certificate was awarded. The same award was 
made to Messrs. W. Cutbush and Son, for Aucuba japonica aurea maculata, a 
