iv ON PLANT LIFE 121 



We all, I think, shared the same feeling, and 

 found that the explanation of the flower then 

 given, and to which I shall refer again, in- 

 vested it with fresh interest and even with 

 new beauty. 



A regular flower, such, for instance, as a 

 Geranium or a Pink, consists of four or more 

 whorls of leaves, more or less modified : the 

 lowest whorl is the Calyx, and the separate 

 leaves of which it is composed, which however 

 are sometimes united into a tube, are called 

 sepals ; (2) a second whorl, the corolla, con- 

 sisting of coloured leaves called petals, which, 

 however, like those of the Calyx, are often 

 united into a tube ; (3) of one or more sta- 

 mens, consisting of a stalk or filament, and 

 a head or anther, in which the pollen is pro- 

 duced ; and (4) a pistil, which is situated in the 

 centre of the flower, and at the base of which 

 is the Ovary, containing one or more seeds. 



Almost all large flowers are brightly col- 

 oured, many produce honey, and many are 

 sweet-scented. 



What, then, is the use and purpose of this 

 complex organisation ? 



