CHAPTER VI. 



THE FLOWER. 



The organs of fmctification are absolutely neces- 

 sar}% and are always producible by garden plants 

 properly cultivated. They may be deficient in 

 leaves, or stems, or roots, because other organs may 

 supply their places; but plants are never incapable 

 of beaiing flowers and seeds, for without these they 

 can never fully attain the object of their creation — 

 the increase of their species. 



Eveiy flower is composed of one or more of the 

 following parts, viz., the calyx, which is usually 

 green and enveloping the flower whilst in the bud ; 

 the corolla or petals, leaves so beautifully coloured, 

 and so delicate in most flowers; the stamens, or 

 male portion of the flower secreting the pollen, or 

 impregnating powder; the pistils, or female portion, 

 impregnatable by the pollen, and rendeiing fertile 

 the seeds ; and lastly, the pericarp, or seed-vessel. 



It is not within the scope of this work to trace 

 these parts through their various forms, — a research 

 belonging to the botanist, — but we may profitably 

 consider Ihek structure. 



