Over de Bevruchting der Bloemen in het Kempisch Gedeelte van Vlaanderen

Abstract

THIS book is prefaced with a historical introduction which traces the study of the biology of flowers from the appearance of the work of Camerarius in 1691 to the present day. Not only does the author give an account of the work of the various writers, but he also devotes a good deal of space to criticising their conclusions, and comparing them with one another. Of these criticisms, it may be noticed, that he considers that too much importance has been ascribed to the colours of flowers in attracting insect-visitors, and he adduces several facts in support of his view. From these examples it appears that there are certainly some cases in which the bright colours of flowers have not got the object of attracting insects; yet surely in the vast majority of cases, whether the development of bright colours was primarily for this object or not, the showy floral leaves act as advertisements to catch the eye of wandering insects. As the author substitutes no definite theory to account for the colouration of flowers, it seems probable that the old view will hold its ground.

Over de Bevruchting der Bloemen in het Kempisch Gedeelte van Vlaanderen.

By J. Mac Leod. With 125 Figures. (Gent: Vuylsteke, 1894.)