70 AS CALIFORNIA FLOWERS GROW 



the anthers discharge their pollen inside their floral 

 tube. Then the pistil grows up quickly and pushes 

 this pollen outside the floret. You have seen the 

 golden dust loose on top for any one to pick up. 

 Mr. Bee in passing the outer circles gets some pol- 

 len on him and carries it to some stigma in the right 

 stage to receive it. Should the unexpected happen, 

 and no insect visit the Daisy, she would still make* 

 seed. Her inner circles will be sending out theii 

 pollen when the outer stigmas are ready to seize it, 

 and some powder must reach them. 



Before the flower head is ripe, pull out one of the 

 florets and examine its calyx. Its base is annexed 

 firmly to the bottom of the pistil. Its top is dis- 

 sected into numerous silky bristles. These are the 

 "pappus," which remain on the head when the 

 corolla fades and which float the ripe seeds into the 

 air. Probably you have blown at them to "tell your 

 fortune" by the number left on the head. 



"Pappus" is derived from the word for "Grand- 

 father," and refers to the appearance of age of the 

 white silky hairs. The name of the genus of this 

 Daisy, Erigeron, refers to this pappus. It is from 

 two Greek words, "spring" and "old man." Many 

 people with no knowledge of the Classics commonly 

 call the plant "the old man of spring," so it must be 

 a fitting title. The species, glaucus, means "covered 

 with white bloom that easily rubs off." Pass your 



