THE FLOWER. 



ARMS, OR APPENDAGES OF PLANTS. 



Certain species of plants are furnished with appendages 

 called arms, or props. In other species, these parts are en- 

 tirely wanting. When present, they are often useful in the 

 descriptive part of Botany, as a means of distinguishing one 

 plant from another. These appendages are called, 



1. Stipules, which are small leaves, growing at the foot- 

 stalks of the ordinary leaves. Ex. Pea, Rose, and Wild 

 Cherry. 



2. Bracts, or floral leaves. These are attached to the 

 flower-stalks, and are smaller, and of a different shape from 

 the other leaves. Ex. Lime tree, Sage. 



3. Thorn, or spine. This part originates in the wood. 

 Ex. Thorn-bush, Locust. It sometimes disappears by cul- 

 ture. 



4. Prickle, or briar. This arises from the bark of the plant, 

 and never disappears by culture. Ex. Rose, Gooseberry. 



5. Tendril. Clasper. This is the true fulcrum. Ex. 

 Gourd, Grape Vine, Pumpkin. 



6. Gland. This is a small tumor which secretes some 

 kind of fluid. It is situated on various parts of plants, Ex. 

 Leaves of the Peach, and Plum. 



7. Pubescence. This term means the clothing of plants, 

 such as hair, wool, down, &c. Ex. Mullein, Nettle, Peach. 



THE FLOWER. 



The parts which properly belong to the flower, are the 

 Calyx, Corolla, Stamens, and Pistils. The Germen belongs 

 both to the flower and fruit. 



Calyx. 



The calyx, or flower-cup, is of various shapes, and admits 

 of the following divisions, viz. 



1. Perianth. The calyx is so called when it surrounds 

 he corolla, or flower. Ex. Pink, Rose, Currant. 



2. Involucre. This calyx is placed below the flower 

 which it never surrounds. Ex. Dill, Parsnip, Fennel. 



3. Ament, or catkin. Ex. Willow, Chestnut. 



What are stipules ? What are bracts ? How does a thorn differ from 

 a prickle ? What is a tendril ? What is a gland ? What are the parts 

 properly belonging to a flower ? Does the germen belong to the flower, 

 or fi uit 1 



