former art, even in the most skilful hands, is scarcely adapted to high
finish or delicate touch; when executed by a mere amateur (as part of
the plates has been) it is still less calculated for such an object. It is
however hoped that the principal facta explained by the drawings have
been faithfully represented, and that the defccts of some of the plates as
works of art will not be prejudicial to them as illustrations of science.
The sketches were commenced by Mr. Bauer in 1791, and have been
continued at intervals up to the present time ; a great part, particularly
those of the European plants, was executed between 1/91 and 1/98,
and all the more important illustrations of physiological facts before
the latter period. They were made with a view to determine both
the distinctive characters of genera, and the anatomy and physiology
of the organs of fructification of the singular plants they represent.
Explaining in the clearest manner the real structure of the anthers
and pollen, with all the extraordinary apparatus that is peculiar to those
organs—shewing the exact anatomy of the stigma, the stigmatic canal,
the ovarium, the fruit and the seed—and hence elucidating the mode in
which impregnation is effected, and the relation the several parts bear to
each other—they demonstrate the existence, in the whole tribe, of a unity
of design and a simplicity of structure which may seem incomprehensible
to the observer who has only examined an Orchis and a Malaxis, but
which daily experience assures us is never departed from by Nature in
any of her works. These investigations and illustrations had been brought
to a state of great perfection by Mr. Bauer long before any clear or
rational account was published upon the subject; as will be seen by
comparing the dates of the sketches from which these plates have been
executed, with the published writings of botanists: this may to some
appear the statement of an unimportant circumstance, but the Author
confesses it seems to him an indispensible act of justice to one of the
most accurate observers and liberal-minded men that this or any age
has seen.
The plates are divided into two series; the one called " Fructification,"
illustrating points of anatomical or of physiological importance;
the other entitled " Genera," referring to the distinctions upon which
some of the more remarkable genera are founded. To what extent they
may severally go, the Author has not absolutely decided; probably not
beyond 50 or 60 altogether; but this will necessarily be determined
by circumstances.
In the final Number the general characters of the order will be
given, with references to the plates which will at that time have been
published. It is proposed upon the same occasion to explain Mr. Bauer's
views of the structure and functions of the different parts of the sexual
apparatus, and to shew upon what evidence his theory of their mode of
impregnation is founded. This most interesting subject cannot be properly
treated of sooner, because it is probable that every plate that the
Work may contain when complete will be required for the illustration
of the enquiry.
London, November, 1830.