THE VARIOUS CONTRIVANCES BY WHICH ORCHIDS ARE FER. TILISED BY INSECTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2623, 22 June 1904, Page 69

THE VARIOUS CONTRIVANCES BY WHICH ORCHIDS ARE FER. TILISED BY INSECTS.

By Charles Darwix, M.A.F.R.S

Popular edition, with illustrations, 2s 6d net. London : John Murray, 1904. Dunedin : R. J. Stark and Co. The first edition of Darwin's '"Orchid" bcok appeared in 1862, the f.econd in 1877. ond sin&i then .^eveu impressions of the work have been called for by successive strata of appreciative roadeis. This is proof 23ositive of more things than one — ;,ne ut them being, however, that extended notice of such a botanical classic needs not to bo attempted at this time of day. To &ay that plant lovers, and students of natural history generally, should feel really indebted to Ala- Murray for putting within easy reach this fine edition of a justly-famous book is to say pretty well all that needs saying. Readers in plenty there are still who tire repelled by "I he Origin of Species."' but there arc few. indeed, unlikely to find themselves fascinated by these close and loving studies of "The "Various Contiivances by Which Orchids aye Fertilised by Insects." The observations pnd experiments herein recorded had origin in what might, in another man. have been but the mere passing desire to find out the means by which ih<£ process of fertilisation was brought about in so-iae Br.tish orchids growing in the vicinity of Darwin's home at Down. They culminated in a wide and sweeping, yet minutely painstaking, inquiiy into like processes in well-nigh every known genus of orchids throughout the world. Some of those described and figured are natives of New Zealand and Australia, and they are, perhaps, not the least bizarre members of a most extraoidinary group of living — one may almost say sentient — beings. Darwin himself was profoundly impressed 'by the many strange modifications brought to light as the result of his observations. He says, in his introduction : "I have thought that the facts to be given might lead some observers to look more curiously into the habit of our native species. An exammat : on of their many beautiful contrivances will exalt the whotle vegetable kingdom in most pei sons' estimation." But he expresses the fear "that the nectssary details are too minute and complex for anyone who has not a strong taste for natural history." Turning towards another aspect of the subject, he says : "This treatise affords me also an opportunity of attempting to show that the, study of organic beings may be as interesting to an observer who is fully convinced that the structure of each is due to secondary laws as to one who views every trifling detail of structure as the result of the direct interposition of the Creator."

At meetings of our local scientists, I have heard the regret littered that the structure and habits of many of our native orchids are still as little known as they were when Captain Cook first arrived off the coast. This is not very creditable to those with capacity, taste, and leisure for such alluring kind's of "Nature-study." Of late, however, there is some indication of movement in this direction, and by-and-bye our new lands may produce good observers, their attention turned to those marvels of Nature native to the soil of their birth. Botanical studies, like most othei-s, should begin with concern for things growing upon the spot whereon the student finds himself at the moment : but good books, the records of splendid pioneers, must not be neglected. While the locality should be the laboratory, the library should stand for the world. Viewing the matter after this fashion the New Zealand student, informed by careful reading of this masterly essay, might well elucidate in course of time a great deal that is at present hidden within the plant forms, orchid and other, of these antipodean lands.

The joy of discovery differs fiom all other emotion?, and, whether the point arrived at be a now continent or a hitherto unnoticed contrivance for the transference of pollen, the result is the same As showing the amount of pleasuic and delight which the labours accounted for in this volume gave to its author. I quote a passage from a letter to a friend written a? late as 1830. After 20 years, Darwin wrote: — '"They aye wonderful creatures, these orchids, and I sometimes think, with a glow of pleasure, when I remember making out some little point in the method of fertilisation." Illustrated with the original woodcuts, well printed on strong, thick paper, and firmly bound in stout, canvas-covered boards, the vo'um? as such is all that need be desired by the studious reader. — DINOKNIS.