18 PRODUCTIVE FARMING 



the pistil called the ovary, as shown in Fig. 8. The other 

 parts of a perfect flower are shown in that figure. 



Imperfect Flowers. — The flowers of many plants are not 

 perfect. Some of them bear the stamens only and others 

 the pistils. In the cucumber, musk-melon, and others, the 

 stamens and the pistils are in different flowers on the same 

 plant. In any case where the flowers are not perfect, the 



Fig. 7. — Strawberry blossoms. Those on the left are of varieties each ha\'ing 

 both stamens and pistils. Those on the right have only pistils. Varieties whi-ch 

 have only pistils must be grown near perfect varieties so the pollen may be carried 

 to them at the blossoming time. (Experiment Station, N. J.) 



pollen must be carried by some means to the flowers having 

 the pistils; otherwise seed could not be formed. 



How Pollen is Carried. — The pollen of corn and many 

 grasses is very light and dry and is carried by the wind. Some 

 of it falls upon the pistils and grows, thus helping to form 

 seed. The pollen of most fruits and vegetables is rather 

 sticky and heavy and is carried by insects. Bees and other 

 insects visit the blossoms in search of nectar to make honey. 

 As they go from flower to flower even among the perfect 

 blossoms, much pollen is distributed where it is needed. 

 These insects are attracted to flowers by the bright showy 

 colors of the petals of the flower, and by their fragrance. 

 Showy petals and fragrant blossoms are not found on corn, 



