234 BOTAJVICAL DESCRIPTION OF 



seed is composed of several parts ; — first, the heart, 

 or principle of life, contained within the lobes ; this 

 also consists of two parts, the plume which ascends, 

 and becomes the future stem ; and the beak which 

 descends, and becomes the root. Second, the lobes ^ 

 which supply the heart with nourishment, till it is 

 capable of deriving it from the earth. Third, the 

 eye or external mark where the seed was fastened 

 within the seed-vessel. Fourth, the seed-coat, or 

 proper cover to the seed. The seed itself is sometimes 

 crowned with the cup of the flower, and sometimes 

 winged with a feather or thin membrane, which 

 assists the wind to waft or disperse it to a distance. 



The base, or receptacle, is that part by which the 

 whole fructification is supported ; it is very remarkable 

 in the Artichoke, consisting of that part which is 

 eaten. 



The nectary, or honey cup, is an appendage with 

 which some flowers are furnished, containing a small 

 quantity of sweet juice, from which the bees collect 

 their rich treasures. It is very conspicuous in some 

 flowers, as the Nasturtium, Crown Imperial, but less 

 visible in others, and in some appears to be entirely 

 wanting. In the Dove-footed Cranesbill, there are 

 five yellowish glands, which serve as a nectary. The 

 use of this organ is supposed to be that of a reservoir 

 for the nourishment of the tender seed-bud. 



As the flowers mentioned in this little work are 



