CHAPTER XX 



THE PARTS OF THE FLOWER 



263. The flower exists for the purpose of producing 

 seed. It is probable that all its varied forms and colors 

 contribute to this supreme end. These forms and colors 

 please the human fancy and make living the happier, but 

 the flower exists for the good of the plant, not for the good 

 of man. 



264. The parts of the flower are of two general kinds 

 those that act as covering and protecting organs, and those 

 that are directly concerned in the production of seeds. The 

 former parts are known as the floral envelopes; the latter as 

 the essential organs. 



265. Envelopes. The floral envelopes usually bear a 

 close resemblance to leaves. These envelopes are very com- 

 monly of two series or kinds the outer and the inner. The 

 outer series, known as the calyx, is usually smaller and green. 

 It commonly comprises the outer cover of 



the flower-bud. The calyx is the lowest 



whorl in Fig. 202. 



The inner series, 



known as the co- 

 rolla, is usually 



colored and more 



special or irregular 



in shape than the 

 calyx. It is the showy part of the flower, as a rule. The 

 corolla is the second or large whorl in Fig. 202. It is the 

 large part in Fig. 203. 



266. The calyx may be composed of several leaves. Each 



(127) 



202. Flower of a butter- 

 cup in section. 



203. Flower of buttercup. 



