54 



ELEMENTS OF STRUCTl'UAI, BOTANY, 



CHAPTER X. 



EXAMINATION OF PLANTS WITH IHCECIOUS YLO\\ 

 WILLOW MAPLE. 



74. Willow- The flowers of most kinds of Willow 

 appear in spring or early summer 

 before the leaves. They grow from 

 the axils in long, close clusters called 

 catkins or amcnts. Collect a few of 

 these from t/t3 saute tree or sliruli. 

 Fig. 68. You will find them to be exactly 



alike. If the first one you examine is covered with yellow 

 stamens (Fig. 68), all the rest will likewise consist of 

 stamens, and you will search 

 in vain for any appearance 

 of a pistil. If, on the other 

 hand, one of your catkins is 

 evidently destitute of sta- 

 mens, and consists of oblong 

 pistils (Fig. 69), then all the 

 others will in like manner Fig. 69. 



be found to be without stamens. Unlike our Cucumber 

 plant, the staniinate and pistillate flowers of the 

 Willow are borne on different plants. These 

 flowers are therefore said to be dioecious. As a 

 general thing, staminutc and pistillate catkins 

 will be found upon trees not far apart. Procure 

 one of each kind, and examine first the stami- 

 nato one. You will probably find the stamens 

 FI-. 70. in pairs. Follow any pair of filaments down to 



Kiu. (is. -.Slaminate catkin of Willow. Fitf. 69. -Fertile catkin. 



Fi;r 70. Single staminatc flower. 



