THE FLOWER. 85 
on without the assistance of the others, of which more than 
one are occasionally wanting, but never without the co-ope- 
_ ration of both these organs. Hence they in particular re- 
ceive the name of serual organs, and, in strict botanical 
_ language, constitute the flower ; though, in popular language, 
this term is applied only to the coloured leaf which surrounds 
them. See Fig. 13, in which the stamen and pistil are seen 
_ at the left, without any accompaniment of flower stalk or 
floral envelope. A stamen and pistil is found in the axil of 
each leaf, constituting, botanically, one flower, seen magni- 
fied at the left, in the figure nearest the left hand of the two 
small figures. 
288. They generally exist together in the same flower, 
which in this case is called hermaphrodite or perfect. When 
only one of them is present, the flower is termed wnisexual, 
as inthe Willow. The flower with the stamen is called 
the male or barren flower, because it fertilizes the pistil, and 
itself produces no seed ; the one with the pistil is called the 
Jemale or fertile flower, because it bears the fruit and seed. 
289. When male and female flowers grow on the same __ 
3 plant, it is called monecious (from the Greek words paws, one, 
| and axes, house,) as in the Oak (Quercus). When the male — 
| bea et we —) a Ad no ogee : 
and female flowers are on different plants, they are called 
