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 FIG. 8. Geranium pratense (older 

 flower). Five of the stamens are flower). The stamens have retired, 

 erect. 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. 



