ABSTRACT
In Catasetum a brief inspection of the flower shows that here, as with most other orchids, some mechanical aid is requisite to remove the pollen-masses from their cells, and to carry them to the stigmatic surface. In many Orchideae, as in Listera, Spiranthes, and Orchis, the surface of the rostellum is so far sensitive, that, when touched or when exposed to the vapour of chloroform, it ruptures in certain defined lines. In Catasetum saccatum, the labellum stands at right angles to the column, or hangs a little downwards; its lateral and basal lobes are turned under the middle portion, so that an insect can stand only in front of the column. In Mormodes ignea, The anther-case is elongated and triangular, closely resembling that of Catasetum; but it does not extend up to the apex of the column. The author examines three other genera placed by Lindley in the small subfamily of Catasetidae, namely, Mormodes, Cycnoches and Cyrto-podium.
