Ch. XI.] THE CALYX. 6* 



267. Glume is from the Latin word sluwa, a husk. This 

 . the calyx of the grasses, and grass-like plants. In the Oat 



Fig. 42. 



,<! Wheat it forms the chaff. In the Oat, (Fig. 42,) the 

 flume calyx is composed of two pieces or valves; in some 

 kinds of grain, of but one, in others, of more than two valve-?. 

 To the glume belongs the awn or beard. The corolla of grasse? 

 is husky, like tke calyx, and is sometimes considered as a part 

 of it. 



268. Calyptra. This term is derived from the Greek, and 

 signifies a vail. It is the cap, or hood, of pistillate mosses, re 

 sembling in form and position the extinguisher of a candle. 



269. Fo/<i, or curtain, the ring or wrapper of the Fungus, or 

 Mushroom plants. It first encloses the head of the Fungus, 

 afterwards bursts and contracts, remaining on the stems or at 

 the root. (See Fig. 23.) 



270. The calyx is of use in protecting the other parts of the 

 fiower, before tney expand, and afterwards supporting them, by 

 keeping all in their proper position. Pinks having petals with 

 long and slender feet, which would* drop or break without sup- 

 port, have a calyx. Tulips having firm petals, and each one 

 resting upon a broad strong basis, are able to support tliem- 

 wlves, and they have no calyx. ^ 



267. What is the glume 1 

 ?G8. What is the calypatral 

 269. What is the volva 1 

 St,d}. Of what use. is the caJyx7 



