68 FlfiST LESSONS WITH PLANTS 



the other end of the connective. We have, then, 

 still a fourth kind of anther -bearing, but it is 

 clearly a special case of versatile arrangement; that 

 is, it is not a general type or mode. 



SUGGESTIONS. The presence of pollen is the one infallible proof 

 of stamens. The pollen is commonly in the form of yellow grains, 

 and is easily recognized even by the naked eye. In identifying 

 stamens, note first the form and dehiscence of the anther, then the 

 position of the stamen with reference to other parts of the flower. 

 Find the stamens of the apple, rose, strawberry, carnation, lily, 

 crocus, lilac, honeysuckle, verbena, orange, fuchsia, geranium. 



XIV. THE DANDELION 



84. The first warmth of spring brought the 

 dandelions out of the banks and knolls. They 

 were the first proofs that winter was really going, 

 and we began to listen for the blackbirds and 

 swallows. We loved the bright flowers, for they 

 were so many reflections of the warming sun. 

 They soon became more familiar, and invaded the 

 yards. Then they overran the lawns, and we 

 began to despise them. We hated them because 

 we had made up our minds not to have them, not 

 because they were unlovable. In spite of every 

 effort, we could not get rid of them. Then if we 

 must have them, we decided to love them. Where 

 once were weeds are now golden coins scattered 



