XXL] BOTANY. 89 



Rhododendron. Similar to Heath, but the 

 carpels separate from one another and from the central 

 axis, and split longitudinally down the front (next the 

 axis). 



Iris, Crocus. Fruit inferior, of 3 carpels, forming 

 a 3-celled pod, the cells of which split longitudinally 

 down the back. Seeds many, albuminous. 



Orchis. Fruit inferior, dry, of 3 carpels, forming 

 a i -celled pod, with 3 valves, which fall away from a 

 framework. Seeds many, without albumen. 



(f ) Dehiscent fruits of several free carpels. 



Columbine, Aconite, Larkspur. Fruit su- 

 perior, of 3 or more dry pods, splitting longi- 

 tudinally down the inner face. Seeds numerous, 

 albuminous. 



129. The contrivances for the dispersion of fruits 

 and for their becoming fixed to the ground, are very 

 numerous, and afford most interesting studies. Many 

 have winged appendages belonging to the carpels 

 (maple, ash), or hooks by which they attach them- 

 selves to the fur of animals (cleavers), or wings formed 

 of accessory organs (bracts of lime), or hooks, or spines 

 (involucres of beech, chestnut, burdock). Others 

 have fine hairs (pappus), formed by the calyx, (dande- 

 lion, thistle) ; others have a sticky surface, or one that 

 gets sticky when the fruit falls on moist ground suitable 

 for its germination (groundsel); whilst still others attract 

 birds by their smell, colour, or sweetness, and are 

 hence transported by them. Lastly, a few burst open 

 with elastic force, the valves acting as pop-guns, and 

 scattering the seeds abroad (balsam). 



