| THE FLOWER. : 89 
(Lindley’s Synopsis of the British Flora, p. 293). When 
these scaly leaves enclose several flowers, they are with pro- 
priety called bractew. The term scales is applied to the 
minute bodies at the base of the ovary in the grasses (nectary 
of Linnzus and Smith, see “* Nectary.”) Dr. Lindley “ re- 
commends the exterior empty bracts to be termed glumes ; 
those immediately round the fertilizing organs palee; and 
the minute hypogynous ones, scales or squamule.” Accord- 
ing to the same botanist the glume is to be distinguished 
from the calyx by its leaves being alternate and not verticil- 
late. He considers all these scaly leaves as bractez. 
305. The form of bractea termed involucre, and some 
other varieties, perform the important purpose of protecting 
the young flower (or flowers) when in the bud, and also du- 
ring the ripening of the seeds. This is well seen in the 
involucre of the Composite, as that of the Dandelion, in 
which the involucre, after closely enveloping the young 
flower bud, is turned down (reflexed) to spread out the ex- 
panded flowers, and again rises when the flowers have faded, 
to envelope and protect the ripening seeds. The same func- 
tions are often performed by the calyx, undergoing the same 
changes in position. Both calyx and involucre again fall 
back to allow the dispersion of the seeds. 
* 
Iv. THE INFLORESCENCE. 
306. This term is used to express the manner in which 
the flowers are arranged on the plant. 
307. The flowers are called solitary, when they grow se- 
parately at distant points of the stem, as Fcepieen 3 be 
Toadflax (Linaria spuria). oe 
308. Opposite the leaves, when the flower is at the same ee 
height on the stem, and opposite to a leaf, as Narrow-leaved 
Water Parsnip (Sium angustifolium.) 
309. Azillary, vie ee as in the by 
eet Hele lone ee ee 
