THE FLOWER. 



Fig. 118. 



honey of plants always lodged in a distinct organ. In many 

 flowers, the nectary is not an appendage, or distinct part 

 from the corolla, the honey being found at the base of the 

 petals. In other plants there are projections, or appendages 

 growing out. of some part of the corolla, which may, or may not 

 contain the honey. In general, therefore, every appendage, 

 not included in the general description of a plant, is called a 

 nectary, though often very improperly. 

 In the Larkspur, (Delphinum,) and 

 the Violet, (Viola,) the nectary is 

 formed by the prolongation of the co- 

 rolla into a horn or spur. In Fig. 

 118, a represents this part in the 

 Larkspur. In the Nasturtion, (Tro- 

 pceolum,) the nectary is formed by the 

 prolongation of the colored calyx. In 

 the Ladies' Slipper, (Cypripedium,) 

 the nectary is the chief part of the 

 flower. 



Fig. 119. 



Fig. 120. 



In the grass of Parnassus (Parnassia,) 

 Fig. 119, the nectaries consist of little 

 globular bodies, each attached to the end 

 of a short filament, and interspersed 

 among the stamens. These are singular 

 appendages, and perhaps have not been 

 found to occur in this form in any other 

 species 



In the Crowfoot, (Ranunculus,) the nectary is 

 a small pit, or pore in the claw of the petal, 

 shown at o, Fig. 120. 



In respect to the use of the nectary, Dr. Smith says " there 

 can be no doubt that the sole use of honey, with respect to 

 the plant, is to tempt insects, who in procuring it, fertilize 

 the flower, by disturbing the dust of the stamens, and even 

 carry that substance from the barren to the fertile blossoms." 



Does honey exist in flowers without the presence of the part called the 

 nectary ? What is said of the nectary in the larkspur ? What is said of 

 the nectary in the grass of parnassus, and in the crowfoot ? 



