THE CALYX. 27 



It is not essential, that every flower should have all these parts, for 

 notwithstanding many do, there are others that are wanting in one or 

 two points, and yet are competent to perform the important office of 

 re-production. Thus the tulip has no calyx ; the poppy no nectary ; 

 but still the flowers of these plants, are true in the fulfilment of their 

 generative economy. 



THE CALYX. 



4. The calyx is that part of the flower, often consisting 

 of one or more green or yellowish green leaves, placed at 

 a small distance or close to the corolla. 



It is well shown in the primrose ; for if you take the blossom of 

 that plant, and pull away all the yellow part, you will have a perfect 

 cup calyx (F. 1) of a green colour. Again, the calyx, may ue seenvery 

 distinctly in a rose not quite fully blown, the green leaves which so 

 closely invest the flower being the calyx. 



5. There are seven different kinds of calyces; viz. the 

 perianth, the fence, the catkin, the sheath, the glume, the 

 veil, and the curtain. 



6. The perianth, or flower-cup, is the most common 

 kind of calyx ; it is generally green, and situated imme- 

 diately below the flower, so as to form in appearance a 

 part of it. 



This kind is well exemplified in the five green leaves which en- 

 compass a rose, including the urn-shaped base. The primrose has 

 also a calyx, which comes under the meaning of a cup, or perianth. 



(F.I.) 



7. The/ence, or involucrum, is a species of calyx pe- 

 culiar to umbelliferous plants. It is placed below the 



