  For a higher order linear ordinary differential operator P, its Stokes curve
bifurcates in general when it hits another turning point of P. This phenomenon
is most neatly understandable by taking into account Stokes curves emanating
from virtual turning points, together with those from ordinary turning points.
This understanding of the bifurcation of a Stokes curve plays an important role
in resolving a paradox recently found in the Noumi-Yamada system, a system of
linear differential equations associated with the fourth Painleve equation.
