, we find that the thread-like pistil has been elongated
nearly a third of an inch, its forked stigma now hanging directly at the
threshold of the flower. The object of this will be clearly demonstrated
if we closely observe this bee upon the blossoms. He has now reached the
top of the cluster among the younger blossoms. He creeps up the
outstretched platform of the flower, and has barely thrust his head
within its tube when down comes the pair of clappers on his back (C).
Presently he backs out, bearing a generous dab of yellow pollen, which
is further increased from each subsequent flower. He has now finished
this cluster, and flies to the next, alighting as usual on the lowermost
tier of bloom. In them the elongated stigma now hangs directly in his
path, and comes in contact with the pollen on his back as the insect
sips the nectar. Cross-fertilization is thus insured; and, moreover,
cross-fertilization not only from a distinct flower, but from a separate
cluster, or even a separate plant. For in these older stigmatic flowers
the anther as it comes down upon his back is seen to be withered, having
shed its pollen several days since, the supply of pollen on the bee's
body being sufficient to fertilize all the stigmas in the cluster, until
a new supply is obtained from the pollen-bearing blossoms above. And
thus he continues his rounds.

[Illustration: Fig. 4]

The sage is a representative of the large botanical order known as the
Mint family, the labiates, or gaping two-lipped flowers, the arched hood
here answering to the upper lip, the spreading base forming the lower
lip, which is usually designed as a convenient threshold for the insects
while sipping the nectar deep within the tube. This mechanism of the
sage is but one of many curious and various contrivances in the Mint
family, all designed for the same end, the intercrossing of the flowers.

While each family of plants is apt to favor some particular general
plan, the modifications in the various species seem almost without
limit.

Let us now look at the Heath family. The family of the heath, cranberry,
pyrola, Andromeda, and mountain-laurel--how do these blossoms welcome
their insect friends? This group is particularly distinguished by the
unusual exception in the form of its anthers, which open by pores at
their tips, instead of the ordinary side fissures. Two or three forms of
these anthers are shown in my row of stamens (Fig. 1).

Seen thus in their d