RECEPTACLE. 1&5 



in the Poppy. In the two last examples it is sessile, 

 the style being wanting ; but the stigma as well as the 

 germenis essential. 



5. RECEPTACLE. 



That part of the flower by which the others are con- 

 nected, and to which they are often immediately attach- 

 ed, is denominated the receptacle or base. In simple 

 flowers it is inconspicuous and cannot be seen with 

 advantage, until the calyx, the petals, and the other 

 organs are removed ; and it is interesting only as the 

 connecting point in which they are all united. 



The receptacle of the compound flowers. Fig. 100, 

 is more interesting, and in studying the plants of that 

 natural family, we shall find a knowledge of its several 

 varieties very convenient, and often indispensable ; 

 for the most satisfactory generic characters have been 

 established on the peculiarity of the common recepta- 

 cle. It may be examined after the seeds have been 

 scattered by the wind, or if the florets are for- 

 cibly removed, the base to which they were attached 

 becomes exposed to our view ; the central portion 

 which is more frequently occupied by tubular florets. 

 being called the disk, while the margin whose florets 

 are more frequently ligulate, constitutes the ray. It 

 is conical and naked as in the Dnisy ; chaffy and flat 

 as in the Sun-flower ; convex as in Tansey : cellular 

 as in the Cotton Thistle ; dotted as in the Dandelion ; 

 and villose or hairy a- in common Thistles. 



When the calyx is inserted into the receptacle be- 

 neath the Germen, as in the Parnassia, Fig. 85, it is 

 said to be inferior or dptached ; and when it is inserted 

 above the eerm-n. Fig. 66 as in the Apple and Mock- 

 Orange, it is said to be adherent or superior. 

 * 17 



