i.] THE PARTS OF A FLOWER. 7 



Before proceeding further let me briefly mention the 

 terms used in describing the different parts of a flower. 



If we examine a common flower, such for instance as a 

 Geranium (Fig. 6), we shall find that it consists, firstly, 

 of an outer envelope or calyx, sometimes tubular, 

 sometimes consisting of separate leaves called sepals; 

 secondly, an inner envelope or corolla, which is gener- 

 ally more or less coloured, and which, like the calyx, 

 is sometimes tubular, sometimes composed of separate 



FIG. 7. -Geranium pratense (young 

 flower). Five of the stamens are 

 erect. 



FIG. 8. Geranium pratense (older 

 flower). The stamens have retired, 

 and the stigmas are expanded. 



leaves called petals; thirdly, of one or more stamens, 

 consisting of a stalk or filament, and a head or anther, 

 in which the pollen is produced ; and fourthly, a pistil, 

 which is situated in the centre of the flower, and consists 

 generally of three principal parts : one or more compart - 

 ments at the base, each containing one or more seeds ; 

 the stalk or style ; and the stigma, which in many 

 familiar instances forms a small head at the top of the 

 style or ovary, and to which the pollen must find its 

 way in order to fertilize the flower. 



