FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PERFECT SEEDS. 83 



varies exceedingly in length and thickness; it is a pillar or column 

 to support the third part, or stigma (from ^Tijjxa, stigma, a mark or 

 brand), the upper part or termination of the style ; or, if that he 

 absent, the crown of the germ en. Its shape is various, either simple, 

 scarcely more than a point ; or capitate, forming a little round head ; 

 or variously lobed. Sometimes it is hollow and gaping, more espe- 

 cially when the flower is in its highest perfection ; very generally 

 downy, and always more or less moist, with a peculiar viscid fluid, 

 which in some plants is so copious as to form a large drop, though 

 never big enough to fall to the ground. The moisture is designed 

 for the reception of the pollen, which explodes on meeting with it; 

 aud hence the seeds are rendered capable of ripening, which, though 

 in many plants fully formed, they would not otherwise be. 



Pericarpium (from irepi, peri, round about ; and Kaptrog, karpos, 

 fruit). — The seed-vessel, an envelope or covering enclosing the seed; 

 it is the impregnated germen enlarging or expanded to maturity. It 

 is not essential, as in many flowers the seeds are naked, being simply 

 protected by the calyx. Such is the case with the ringent flowers of 

 the fourteenth class, Didynamia, and with many others. The use of 

 the seed-vessel is to protect the seeds till ripe, and then, in some way 

 or other, to promote their dispersion either by its elastic power, as in 

 Yellow Balsam (impatiens, noli me tangere), or serving for the food 

 of animals, in whose dung the seeds vegetate. This is said to be the 

 fact with respect to that beautiful and odoriferous tree, Myrtus 

 pimenta, or the true Allspice. The berries of this tree are devoured 

 by birds, and thus are prepared for vegetation, which takes place 

 rapidly after the seed has undergone this stimulating process. 



ARTICLE VIII. 



REMARKS ON THE TUBEROSE. 

 Polianthes is from the Greek, and signifies City-flower.— French, la tubereuse ; 

 jacinthe des hides (Indian hyacinth). — Italian, tuberoso ; tubero Indiano 

 (Indian bulb). 



The Tuberose grows naturally in India, whence it was first brought 

 to Europe in 1524. In the warmer parts of the European continent 

 it thrives as well as in its native soil. In Italy, Sicily, and Spain, 

 the roots thrive and propagate without care where they are once 

 planted. The Genoese cultivate it, and send the roots annually to 



