PARTS OF A FLOWER. 15 



Pericarps are of different kinds ; that of the lily is called a 

 capsule (Fig. 3, A) ; it is of a dry, membraneous texture ; and, 

 when ripe, opens by the separation of pieces, called valves. In 

 the capsule (a) is seen a longitudinal opening, with fibers con- 

 necting the valves, as appears in a mature state. Fig. 3, i>, 

 represents the capsule, cut transversely, to show its three cells 

 (p) ; each cell contains two triangular seeds {c). The lily is 

 deficient in one organ, common to the greater part of flowers ; 

 this is the calyx^ or cup, which is usually green, and surrounds 

 the lower part of the corolla, as in the pink and rose. When 

 the calyx consists of several pieces, these are called sepals. 



The organs of the flower, called also organs of fructification or reproduction^ are 

 as follows : 



Calyx — the cup^ surrounding the corolla; the parts are sepals. 



Corolla — the blossom ; the parts are petals. 



Stamens — next within the corolla; the parts are the anther, pollen, and filament. 



Pistil — central organ ; the parts are the ovary, style, and stigma. 



Receptacle — which supports the other parts of the fiower. 



Besides these, there are in the mature plant, the Pericarp — containing the seed; 

 and the Seed — the rudiment of a new plant. 



Division of Plants into Classes, <^c. 



13. According to the system with which we shall commence 

 our study, all plants are divided into twenty-one classes. Each 

 class is divided into Orders, the Orders into Genera, and the 

 Genera into Species. 



a. The name of the gemcs may be compared to a family name ; that of the species, 

 to an individual or Christian name ; for example : the Rose family contains many 

 different species ; as Hosa alba, the white rose ; Hosa damascena, the damask rose, 

 <fec. The specific or individual name, in Botany, is placed after the family name, as 

 Posa alba, rose white, in the Latin language the adjective being generally placed 

 after the noun. 



LECTUEE III. 



METHOD OF ANALYZING PLANTS. ANALYSIS OF THE PINK, LILY, ROSE, 



AND POPPY. 



14. As it is not possible to explain all ncvj terms as we proceed, the student is 

 referred to the Vocabulary ; by the observation of plants, connected with defini- 

 tions, the technical terms of Botany will soon become familiar.* 



• In analyzing a natural flower it is necessarr to separate the parts ; first, if there be a calyx, remove 

 it carefully, then take off the corolla, or if it be mouopetttlous, divide it lengthwise witli a knife. A 

 microscope ia necessary, if the organs be very small. 



Ennmeration of the parts of a flower.— 13. Division of Plants Into Classes, Orders, &o — Oenora— 

 Pj)ecie3.— 14. Steps iu the Analysis of the pink. 



