DAHLIA. 361 



Dahlia, it will be seen that the filaments of the 

 stamens are elastic, which, by extension, admit of 

 the anther being protruded above the floret by 

 the impulse of the stigmas from within ; as, charged 

 with pollen, they advance to their station through 

 its five-valved membrane, w^hich opposes their 

 outlet at the summit, withdrawing the same to its 

 place when these hare passed. Thus, in flowers of 

 the same class and order, we find novelty in the 

 action of their minute parts that cannot fail to 

 inspire the inspector with delight and admiration. 



VOL. II. 



