Ch. XI.] THE CALYX. 67 



267. Glume is from the Latin word gluma, a husk. This 

 .8 the calyx of the grasses, and grass-like plants. In the Oat 



Fig. 42. 



and Wheat it forms the chaff. In the Oat, (Fig. 42,) the 

 glume calyx is composed of two pieces or valves ; in some 

 kinds of grain, of but one, in others, of more than two valves. 

 To the glume belongs the awn or beard. The corolla of grasses 

 is husky, like the calyx, and is sometimes considered as a part 

 of it. 



268. Calyptra. This term is derived from the Greek, and 

 signifies a vail. It is the cap, or hood, of pistillate mosses, re 

 sembling in form and position the extinguisher of a candle. 



269. Volvo, or curtain, the ring or wrapper of the Fungus, or 

 Mushroom plants. It first encloses the head of the Fungus, 

 afterwards bursts and contracts, remaining on the stems or at 

 the root. (See Fig. 23.) 



270. The calyx is of use in protecting the other parts of the 

 flower, before they expand, and afterwards supporting them, by 

 keeping all in their proper position. Pinks having petals with 

 long and slender feet, which would drop or break without sup- 

 port 3 , have a calyx. Tulips having firm petals, and each one 

 resting upon a broad strong basis, are able to support them- 

 selves, and they have no calyx. 



2G7. What is the glume 1 

 208. What is the calypatra 1 

 269. What is the volva? 

 c 70. Of what use is the calyx 1 



