390 FLORA HISTORICA. 



divided, since they are separated by wavering 

 marks. The Frustranea, or Barren-rayed, appears 

 however to be a more slender plant, and has nar- 

 rower foUage, and smaller flowers than the Super- 

 Jim, or Fertile-rayed Dahlia. 



In examining the florets of the latter kind of 

 Dahlia it will be seen that the filaments of the 

 stamens are elastic, and 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, which 

 opposes their outlet at the summit, withdrawing 

 the same to its place when these have 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 de- 

 light and admiration. 



