XII 
placed opposite the so called petals. Styles 3, opposite the so called 
petals, often 2-lobed, and unequally united, those only which are oppo¬ 
site the lateral so called petals being fertile : all, in most cases, consoli¬ 
dated so as to be undistinguishable. 
Opinions are divided as to the manner in which impregnaticn 
occurs in this order. Mr. Bauer adduces a great many facts to show 
that it does not take place, as in other plants, by actual contact between 
the pollen and the stigmatic secreting surface, but that it is effected by 
absorption of fecundating matter by the stigmatic gland from the pollen 
through the caudicula. In Tab. III. Fig. 4, Fructification, a supposed 
contrivance to effect this purpose by means of foramina in the pouches 
of the stigma is represented in Orchis mascula. Plates Y, XII, XIII, 
XIV,'of Fructification, and XVII, XVIII, XIX and XX of Genera, 
are particularly intended to illustrate the progressive developement 
of the organs of fructification, and Mr. Bauer’s opinions regarding 
fecundation. The result of which appears to amount to this; that 
in an early period of growth there is no communication between the 
pollen and stigma; that by degrees this communication is effected 
by the extension of the caudicula till it reaches the stigmatic gland, 
to which it firmly adheres ; up to this time the grains of pollen 
are closed up, and the stigmatic surface firm, smooth, dry, and of a 
waxy texture ; that after a union is effected between the caudicula of 
the pollen masses and the stigmatic glands (which precedes the expansion 
of the flower), the pollen grains lose their granular contents, while 
the stigmatic glands and surface simultaneously become covered with a 
thick mucus; that by the time the flower is expanded, the pollen 
is dry and empty of granular matter, and the stigma less mucous 
than it was; finally, that, with these changes, alterations take place 
in the surface of the stigmatic excavation, which is at first composed 
of a loose plexus of cellular tissue, and is eventually broken up into 
a stratum of slender utrieuli, each containing from 1 to 3 nuclei ; these 
utriculi are represented as being at first empty, but as presenting, after 
the supposed act of impregnation has taken place, the appearance of 
grumous matter in their interior. To all this it may be added, that care 
seems to have been taken by nature to prevent the usual contact 
