28 THE FLOWER. 



a. For example, the genus Tnfolium includes the species T, repens, T. pratense, 

 &c., agreeing in structure and aspect so ob\'iously, that the most hasty observer 

 would notice their relationship. Also in the genus Pinus, no one would hesitate 

 to include the Avhite pine and the pitch pine (P. strobus and P. rigida), any more 

 than he would fail to observ^e their differences. 



b. Thus, the whole vegetable kingdom is, by the most ob^dous 

 characters, distributed into species, and the species, by truly nat- 

 ural affinities, grouped into genera. These divisions constitute 

 the basis of all the systems of classification in use, whether by 

 natural or artificial methods. 



# * # To the admirer of nature, flowers are among the first subjects of atten- 

 tion, as mere objects of taste. They are conspicuous for their superior beauty, 

 even in the vegetable kingdom, where all is beautiful. Yet, as objects of science, 

 they merit a still liigher regard, whether we consider the Creative skill displayed 

 in their construction, or their important agency in the reproduction of the plant. 

 But, to the practical botanist, an intimate knowledge of their organic structm-e is 

 one of hisy?rs^ requisites, on account of the indispensable use of the floral organs 

 in classification. 



CHAPTER IV. 



THE ELOWER. 

 §1. OF ITS PARTS, AND THEIR ARRANGEMENT. 



53. A FLowEE, may consist of the following members : — 

 1. The FLORAL ENVELOPES, Called, collectively, the perianth, 

 (neQi, around, uvd^og, a flower) ; 2. The stamens ; 3. The pistils ; 

 and, 4. The receptacle, or torus. 



a. Of these, only the stamens and pistils are regarded in science as essential 

 parts. These, together -vvith the receptacle, are said to constitute a perfect floicer^ 

 even when one or all other parts are wanting ; because these two organs alone 

 are sufficient for the perfection of tlie seed. In a popular sense, however, a per- 

 fect flower must possess all the organs above mentioned. 



6. If the stamens or the pistils, either or both, be wanting, the floAver is said to 

 be imperfcrt. An imperfect flower is either stcnle, having stamens only, or fertik, 

 having i>istils only, or nmtral., having neither organs complete. 



