THE SPRING FLORA 173 



What is the function of the fleshy roots of Ranunculus 

 fasdcularis in its seasonal history ? Construct figures 

 corresponding to those of the white sweet clover 

 (Fig. 65) and the dandelion (Fig. 24) in Part I of the 

 text, to express the habit and the seasonal life of 

 Ranunculus fascicularis or the other species observed. 

 Summarize these facts in your notes or in the Species 

 Record. 

 5. Analysis. Analyze one or more species of Ranunculaceae. 



FLORAL MODIFICATIONS IN RAxrx<TLACEAE: 

 COLUMBINE (AQUILEGIA) 



1. Compare the columbine (AquUegid) with typical Ranun- 



culaceae as regards habitat, habit, and reproduction, 

 noting the variations in the columbine from buttercups 

 and the marsh marigold. 



2. Reproduction. 



a. Pollination. What floral arrangements facilitate polli- 

 nation ? Are the flowers protandrous or protogy nous ? 

 Is self-pollination possible? Make a sketch to illus- 

 trate the method of pollination in Aquilegia and 

 compare it with Fig. 250. Summarize the devices 

 for securing cross-pollination which obtain in the 

 columbine. 



l>. Fruit and seed. Compare with that of the buttercup. 

 What is the method of shedding and disseminating 

 seed ? 



VIOLACEAE 



1. Habitat and habit. Study the habitat and habit of the 



Violaceae in the same manner as that outlined for 



the buttercup. What are their plant associates ? Would 



violets have as good an opportunity for flowering and 



