FRUCTIFICATION. 
Tab. V. 
The column and sexual apparatus of a species of Denpro- 
bium from Ceylon ; from a drawing by Mr. Bauer made 
in 1821. This plate illustrates the structure of the Tribe 
called Malaxide^e, and the phenomena that are atten¬ 
dant upon fecundation. 
1. A young flower-bud, which under the most favourable circumstances 
would probably have expanded within ten or twelve days ; natural 
size. 
2. A front view of the column of the same, the floral envelopes having 
been removed. At this stage the anther is very succulent and 
larger than at any other period; but there is no indication of its 
bursting; the extended marginal stigmatic gland is also very suc¬ 
culent, of a milk white colour, quite dry and waxy to the touch, as 
also is the whole surface of the stigmatic cavity. Magnified 10 
diameters. 
3. A transverse section of the lower part of the anther; magnified 10 
diameters. 
4. Pollen of the same anther, each grain 3-4-celled; at this stage the 
grains are almost colourless with very slight indications of any 
interior granular matter; magnified 400 diameters. 
5. Another flower-bud, within 7 or 8 days of its expansion ; natural size. 
6. A part of the column of the same, without the floral envelopes, but 
with its fecundating organs in full action ; magnified 10 diameters. 
The two cells of the anther are bursting at their apex; the pollen- 
masses are nearly twice as large as in the expanded flower; the 
grains of pollen are almost floating in aqueous matter, and are 
closely pressed upon the stigmatic gland ; from the latter, and from 
the whole surface of the stigmatic cavity, so abundant an exudation 
of mucous fluid is produced, that the latter bulges out and seems 
as if it would overflow the cavity, which however never happens. 
The fluid is very pellucid, but glutinous. 
