ITS NOKMAL STRUCTURE. 



33 



oped branch very obvious. Nay, in some cases, the whole flower-bud, after having 

 given a slight indication of a floral character, is transformed into a leafy branch, 

 showing that all parts of the flower are foimed out of the same elements as the 

 leaves. 



h. Sometimes the flower-stalk is not eff'ectually checked in its growth by the 

 development of the flower, but is prolonged through it, and produces secondary 

 flowers in the midst of the organs of the fii'st. This is not unfrequent in the rose. 

 Several instances of these malfoi-mations are exhibited below. (Fig. 6.) 



k. This mode of studying the floral stnjctiu-c is deeply interesting and instruc- 

 tive, but our limits will not pemiit us to dwell upon it, nor is it necessary. The 

 intelligent student will be able to extend the above illustrations by an examina- 

 tion of almost any flower, with reference to its deviations from the nonnal plan. 



FIG. 6. — 1, From Lindley, — a flower of white clover, reverting to a leafy branch ; 2, here 

 drawn from a living specimen, — a tulip, 6, a leaf arising from the peduncle, takes the posi- 

 tion, form, and color (in part) of a sepal ; 3, here drawn from a living specimen, — a rose (R. 

 damascena) with the axis prolonged into secondary rose-buds. 



*** In our detailed description of the flower, we shall commence with those 

 organs which are deemed essential, their mysterious agency being indispensable to 

 the perfection of the seed. 



