SECTION 8.] MODIFICATIONS OF THE TYPE. 



87 



symmetrical beyond calyx, corolla, and perhaps stamens ; and probably no 

 irregular blossoms are quite symmetrical. 



253. Irregular and Unsymmetrical Flowers may therefore be illus- 



2-11 



trated together, beginning with cases 

 which are comparatively free from other 

 complications. The blossom of Mustard, 

 and of all the very natural family which 

 it represents (Fig. 235, 236), is regular 

 but unsymmetrical in the stamens. There 

 are four equal sepals, four equal petals ; 

 but six stamens, and only two members 

 in the pistil, which for the present may 



FIG. 239. Flower of a Larkspur. 240. Its calyx and corolla displayed ; the five 

 i/arger parts are the sepals; the four smaller, of two shapes, are the petals; the 

 place of the fifth petal is vacant. 241. Diagram of the same ; the place for the 

 missing petal marked by a dotted line. 



FIG. 242. Flower of a Monkshood. 243. Its parts displayed; five sepals, the up- 

 per forming the hood; the two lateral alike, broad and flat; the two lower small. 

 The two pieces under the hood represent the corolla, reduced to two odd-shaped 

 petals; in centre the numerous stamens and three pistils. 244. Diagram of the 

 calyx and corolla ; the three dotted lines in the place of missing petals. 



