237 — 
together at sunset, and they remain closed in cold or dull 
days. When closed they overlap each other, and the flower 
has then the appearance of being again in bud. After ferti¬ 
lisation is effected they close together and, along with the 
inner segments, enter on a process of moist decay in that 
position. 
The inner segments (figs. 6, 7, i) are remarkable in shape 
and position. They are more yellow than the outer ones, 
especially at the apices. Their normal position is erect; they 
are thus constantly connivent The apices are thickened, 
cucullate, and brought to a point which fits into a corres¬ 
ponding angle of the stigma. The portion in close proximity 
to the stigma is papillose. They can be easily pushed 
backward, and when the pressure is removed they resume 
their former erect attitude. 
The outer stamens (fig. 6, os) are erect, the filaments 
stout and concave opposite the angles of the ovary. The 
anthers are all more or less aborted, many bearing pollen 
and some not. They can be seen through the slit between 
adjacent inner segments, from which they may in excep¬ 
tional cases protrude slightly. 
The inner stamens (figs. 6 7, is) are always fully 
developed. The anther is oblong, introrse, and the point 
of attachment to the filament is delicate. The filament 
is strap-shaped throughout a great part of its length. The 
proximal portion is widened and puckered in such a way 
as to form a spring (fig. 7, sp) which tends to cause the 
distal part to move backward. The upper part is also elastic 
throughout. The back of the filament is consequently con¬ 
stantly pressing against the face of the inner segment, and 
when the latter is pushed backward the former follows it. 
By removing the segment the filament is seen to come to 
