SECTION II. 



PARTS OF FRUCTIFICATION. 



1. By the parts of fructification are meant, those or- 

 * gans of a plant, which are destined by nature for the re- 

 production of seed ; so that under this expression, bota- 

 nists comprehend the flower and the fruit, both of which 

 are Avell known to be temporary parts of a plant appro- 

 priated to the propagation of its species. 



THE FLOWER. 



2. The flower, like the leaf, is a temporary part of 

 the plant, issuing generally from the extremity of the 

 branches, but sometimes also from the root, stem, and 

 even leaves. It is usually distinguished by the brilliancy 

 of its colour or the sweetness of its smell. 



Although the flower is in most plants placed at the extremity of the 

 branches, it is by no means confined to that part. In the meadow- 

 saffron it rises immediately from the root; in the cowslip from the 

 stem ; and in some plants from the leaves. 



3. The parts which are considered necessary to form a 

 perfect flower, are five in number ; viz. the calyx, the co- 

 rolla, the stamen, the pistil, and the receptacle. The nec- 

 tary, seed-vessel and seed, are also described as parts of 

 the flower. 



