CHAP. I.] CARYOPHYLLACE^. 291 



of the calyx is admirably contrived to support 

 the long claws of the petals, and to keep them 

 in their proper places ; particularly when the 

 flowers are double, as the weight of the petals 

 in that case frequently bursts the tube of the 

 calyx. Every one fond of pinks and carnations 

 must have observed the miserable appearance 

 of the flower when thus deprived of its natural 

 support ; and to prevent the premature destruc- 

 tion of prize-flowers by this misfortune, pro- 

 fessed florists sometimes slip a curiously-cut 

 piece of card-board over the bud, which remains 

 on after the expansion of the flower, and pre- 

 vents the petals from falling out of place. Some 

 florists tie the calyx round with thread, instead 

 of using a pasteboard ring, which answers the 

 same purpose. At the base of the calyx are 

 two, four, or six leafy appendages (^), resem- 

 bling bracts, which are called the calycine 

 scales. These imbricated scales are, however, 

 only found in the genus Dianthus. There are 

 ten stamens (d) unequal in height, but none of 

 them longer than the ovary round which they 

 are placed. The ovary and the stamens are 

 concealed in the cup of the flower, but the 

 former is furnished with two styles, terminating 

 in two long stigmas (e), which project beyond 

 the flower, and which, when magnified, appear 

 delicately fringed. 



u 2 



