--Mr. W.J. Beal says ('American Naturalist'
1867) that flowers protected from insects wither and drop off, with
"most of the anthers still remaining in the pockets."
Pelargonium zonale (Geraniaceae).--Almost sterile; one plant produced
two fruits. It is probable that different varieties would differ in this
respect, as some are only feebly dichogamous.
Dianthus caryophyllus (Caryophyllaceae).--Produces very few capsules
which contain any good seeds.
Phaseolus multiflorus (Leguminosae).--Plants protected from insects
produced on two occasions about one-third and one-eighth of the full
number of seeds: see my article in 'Gardeners' Chronicle' 1857 page 225
and 1858 page 828; also 'Annals and Magazine of Natural History' 3rd
series volume 2 1858 page 462. Dr. Ogle ('Popular Science Review' 1870
page 168) found that a plant was quite sterile when covered up. The
flowers are not visited by insects in Nicaragua, and, according to Mr.
Belt, the species is there quite sterile: 'The Naturalist in Nicaragua'
page 70.
Vicia faba (Leguminosae).--Seventeen covered-up plants yielded 40 beans,
whilst seventeen plants left unprotected and growing close alongside
produced 135 beans; these latter plants were, therefore, between three
and four times more fertile than the protected plants: see 'Gardeners'
Chronicle' for fuller details, 1858 page 828.
Erythrina (sp.?) (Leguminosae).
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