THE SPRING FLORA 187 



the discussion of the stem structure of mono- 

 cotyledons in Part I of the text. 

 3. Reproduction. 



a. The flower. Study the structure and floral plan of 



flowers of one or more monocotyledons. 



(1) In what respects are these flowers like the flowers 



of dicotyledons already studied ? In what respects, 

 if any, are they different? Have the flowers of 

 monocotyledons and 'dicotyledons the same num- 

 ber of floral members in a cycle ? See your speci- 

 mens and illustrated manuals. 



(2) Essential organs of the flower. Compare the stamens 



with those of dicotyledons. Study the pistil of the 

 tulip or of a similar monocotyledon. Cut transverse 

 sections and observe the relation of megasporo- 

 phylls or carpels which enter into the formation 

 of a pistil in monocotyledons. Is the placenta 

 central or parietal ? Note the form and attach- 

 ments of the ovules. Draw the section of the 

 pistil and ovules greatly enlarged. Label. 



(3) Ground plan. Construct a ground plan of a flower 



of a monocotyledon and compare it with the 

 similar plan made of the flower of a dicotyledon. 

 In what fundamental respect are the two different ? 

 In what respects are they alike ? 



b. Seeds and embryo. If available, study the seeds and 



embryos of typical monocotyledons, including a 

 cereal, such as corn or wheat. In what respects 

 do the seeds and embryos of typical monocoty- 

 ledons differ from those of dicotyledons ? Con- 

 struct a drawing of a seed of a monocotyledon to 

 show the relations of the embryo, endosperm, and 

 seed coats. 



