IV ON PLANT LIFE 121 
We all, I think, shared the same feeling, and 
found that the explanation of the flower then 
given, and to which I shall refer again, in- 
vested it with fresh interest and even with 
new beauty. 
A regular flower, such, for instance, as a 
Geranium or a Pink, consists of four or more 
whorls of leaves, more or less modified: the 
lowest whorl is the Calyx, and the separate 
leaves of which it is composed, which however 
are sometimes united into a tube, are called 
sepals; (2) a second whorl, the corolla, con- 
sisting of coloured leaves called petals, which, 
however, like those of the Calyx, are often 
united into a tube; (3) of one or more sta- 
mens, consisting of a stalk or filament, and 
a head or anther, in which the pollen is pro- 
duced ; and (4) a pistil, which is situated in the 
centre of the flower, and at the base of which 
is the Ovary, containing one or more seeds. 
Almost all large flowers are brightly col- 
oured, many produce honey, and many are 
sweet-scented. 
What, then, is the use and purpose of this 
complex organisation ? 
