REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS. 



121 



duction consists in the production of two cells having dif- 

 ferent contents a sperm-cell or spermatozoid, and a germ- 

 cell or ovum. The contact of these gives rise to the direct 

 formation of an embryo, or, in other cases, to the formation 

 of an individual which produces special buds or " spores." 

 In all the higher plants there is a male element or " pollen," 

 and a female element (or ovule), both cellular, and the em- 

 bryo is produced by the coming together of these. In the 

 lower plants considerable modifications occur as to the man- 

 ner in which new individuals are produced ; but in the great 

 majority of cases elements corresponding to the pollen and 

 ovule of the higher forms are produced. It is impossible 

 here to treat of the modifications of the reproductive process 

 of plants at any length \ but we may very briefly describe 

 the method by which new individuals are produced in the 

 ordinary Flowering Plants (Angiosperms) and in Ferns. 



The male organs of Angiospermous Flowering Plants are 

 called the "stamens" (fig. 35, A), and, like the other parts 



Fig. 35- A, Flower of Tulip with the external parts removed, showing the six sta- 

 mens (s) surrounding the pistil (/). B, Single stamen enlarged, showing anthe 

 (a) and the filament or stalk (/). C, Pollen-grains enlarged, one of them dis 

 charging the fovilla. 



dis- 



of the flower-bud, are really to be regarded as modified 

 leaves. Each consists of a folded leaf or " anther " (fig. 35, 

 B), which is generally supported upon a more or less con- 



