THE STRUCTURE OF THE FLOWER 



5 



of union of the carpels is different. In fig. 5 a few types 

 of pihtils are 'given, and tliey should be carefully studied, 

 for the classification of the higher plants depends largely 

 on differences in the number and mode of union of the 

 carpels. 



The Snowdrop Avill supply us with our third example. 

 Examining as before, we find it to be constructed as 

 folio 



ws; 



1. Calyx. Three white sepals, 



2. Corolla, Three white peUds. 



3. Six stamens. 



4. Pistil. Three carpels.. 



As is shown in fio-. 6, 

 the ovary in this flower is 

 situated below^ the other 

 parts of the flower. In 

 this case the ovary is said 

 to be inferior] in the 

 flowers examined above, 

 ovary is said to b( 



the 



"i 



superior: it is enveloped 

 by, not situated under- 

 neath, the calyx and 

 corolla. 



The reasons for the 

 statement that the pistil 

 is composed of three car- 

 pels should be carefully 

 examined by the student. 

 Tlie first reason is fur- 

 nished by the ovary, 

 'vvhicli, if cut open, shows 

 three cavities (fig, 6, a); 

 the second by the stigma, 



(C935) 



OwtZe 



Fig. C.-TIie Snowdrop 

 a, Section of ovary. 



2 



