VEGETABLE PHYSIOLOGY. 37 



are progressively developed, until the flower itself bursts forth in 

 full maturity and beauty. 



In no part of the vegetable creation has so much taste and 

 variety been displayed as in the flower ; the brilliancy, shape, 

 and fragrancy of whose blossoms cannot fail to attract the atten- 

 tion of the most indifferent observer ; while the whole face of 

 nature is- adorned and enlivened by the diversity of their species, 

 and the endless variety of their tints and hues. But it is not the 

 taste displayed in the color, form and distribution of the flower, 

 (however fit objects for admiration) that confers the greatest 

 interest upon these organs of vegetables. It is their internal 

 structure and the object they have to answer, which entitle them 

 to philosophical consideration. 



The flower is composed of the calyx or cup, of the corolla or 

 blossom with its petals, of the receptacle or base, and of the 

 nectarium, as auxiliary ; and of the stamens with their anthera, 

 and the pistil with its stigma, style and ovary or germ, as primary 

 or essential organs of fructification. 



The calyx, which is to be found immediately surrounding the 

 lowest portion of the corolla or blossom, is a green membraneous 

 sac, most frequently formed in the shape of a cup, and is intended 

 to defend, support and nourish the more perfect parts within. 

 It is consequently made of stronger materials,- that it may thus 

 perform its functions uninterruptedly. 



The corolla or blossom, in which all the beauty of the flower 

 is investigated, is supposed to be an extension of the inner or 

 vascular part of the bark ; and consists either of a single piece, 

 or most frequently of many pieces that have been denominated 

 petal or petals ; and these are found to contain an infinite variety 

 of small tubes of the porous kind, intended (as it is conjectured) 

 for the absorption from the atmosphere and from the rays of 

 light, of those renovating materials which are to contribute to the 

 support and fertility of the more essential parts of the flower ; 

 while the corolla generally, defends and protects those parts 

 from external injury. The mechanism of the petals therefore is 

 of a very delicate and minute character ; and the corolla, by 



