The fingerlike processes of the alæ are appressed closely to the carina, therefore the alæ are bent downward with the carina by insects. These processes grasp the staminal tube superiorly and tightly when the carina and alæ are in their natural positions, but when the carina is pressed downward by insects the fingerlike processes open slightly but not so far that they do not spring back to their original position when the pressure is removed. The staminal tube splits superiorly to admit the tenth free stamen. The filament of this superior stamen lies along the side of this staminal tube. The filaments of the nine stamens which compose the staminal tube separate in the hollow of the carina. All stamens bear fertile anthers. The pistil is in the staminal tube, the upper part of the style and stigma of which is inclosed with the anthers in the carina. The stigma is slightly above the stamens. An insect inserts its head into a sweet-clover flower between the vexillum and carina, the stigma, therefore, comes into direct contact with the head of the insect and cross-pollination is effected. At the same time the anthers brush against the insect, so that its head is dusted with pollen, to be carried to other flowers. DEVELOPMENT OF THE FLORAL ORGANS OF SWEET CLOVER. [Illustration: Fig. 2.--Lengthwise sectional view of a very young flower of _Melilotus alba_, showing the relative development of the stamens and pistil. In the upper set of stamens the divisions of the mother cells are completed, while division is just beginning in the lower set of stamens. In the ovules the outer integuments are well started on their development, _a_, Anther; _o_, ovule; _p_, pistil. × 38.]