CALYX. 



169 



ient for the student who wishes to gain any adequate idea 

 of these organs, to dissect different flowers, and be 

 stow upon each part a separate examination. He will 

 find externally the calyx usually of a green colour, and 

 often wanting ; the Corolla, or as it is sometimes term- 

 ed, the Blossom, assuming various shades of colour, 

 exhibiting a more delicate texture than the preceding, 

 and like it sometimes wanting ; the stamens, which are 

 filiform organs arranged interior to the corolla, and are 

 never wanting ; and the pistils, arising from the centre 

 of the flower, and containing the rudiments of the 

 fruit. 



1. CALYX. 



The external covering of the flower, which often 

 serves the purpose of a temporary bud, is denominat- 

 ed the calyx. It secures the more tender organs with- 

 in it from injury, and probably like the leaves serves to 

 elaborate the sap which goes to the nourishment of the 

 flower stalk. The following are Upmost important 

 varieties of calyx. 



Monophyllous, when it is composed of a single leaf, 

 as in the English Cowslip, Fig. 22. 



Parted, when divided into segments, by incisions 

 which extend nearly to its base, as in the Lime tree. 



Cleft, when divided as in the preceding case, bui 

 with incisions less deep, as in the Cherry and Peach 

 trees. 



Toothed, when the margin of the calyx is beset with 

 teeth, as in the Soapwortand Pink. 



Polyphyllous, Fig. 76, when the calyx is composed of 



several distinct leaves or scales, as in the Magnolia. 



In all these cases, it is necessary to ascertain the nunv 

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