one stigma (when there are two) all
distinctly branch from one ovarian bundle. So in other cases, but I have
not completely traced (only seen) that going to the rostellum. But here
comes my only point of novelty: in all orchids as yet looked at (even
one with so simple a labellum as Gymnadenia and Malaxis) the vessels on
the two sides of the labellum are derived from the bundle which goes to
the lower sepal, as in the diagram. This leads me to conclude that the
labellum is always a compound organ. Now I want to know whether it
is conceivable that the vessels coming from one main bundle should
penetrate an organ (the labellum) which receives its vessels from
another main bundle? Does it not imply that all that part of the
labellum which is supplied by vessels coming from a lateral bundle must
be part of a primordially distinct organ, however closely the two may
have become united? It is curious in Gymnadenia to trace the middle
anterior bundle in the ovarium: when it comes to the orifice of the
nectary it turns and runs right down it, then comes up the opposite side
and runs to the apex of the labellum, whence each side of the nectary
is supplied by vessels from the bundles, coming from the lower sepals.
Hence even the thin nectary is essentially, I infer, tripartite; hence
its tendency to bifurcation at its top. This view of the labellum always
consisting of three organs (I believe four when thick, as in Mormodes,
at base) seems to me to explain its great size and tripartite form,
compared with the other petals. Certainly, if I may trust the vessels,
the simple labellum of Gymnadenia consists of three organs soldered
together. Forgive me for writing at such length; a very brief answer
will suffice. I am desperately interested in the subject: the destiny
of the whole human race is as nothing to the course of vessels of
orchids...

What plant has the most complex single stigma and pistil? The most
complex I, in my ignorance, can think of is in Iris. I want to know
whether anything beats in modification the rostellum of Catasetum.
To-morrow I mean to be at Catasetum. Hurrah! What species is it? It
is wonderfully different from that which Veitch sent me, which was C.
saccatum.

According to the vessels, an orchid flower consists of three sepals and
two petals free; and of a compound organ (its labellum), consisting
of one petal and of two (or three) modified anthers; and of a second
compound body consisting of three pisti