G 



INTBODUCTOBY. 



Fig. 2. 



example of the One-lobed class. Fig. 2 represents a germi- 

 nating seed of Indian Corn a is the one lobe, perforated by 

 the plumule b ; c is the root-sheath ; 

 d the radicle ; and e e e the adventi- 

 tious roots. Supposing the seedling 

 to have become a perfect and mature 

 plant, we find it possessed of six dis- 

 tinct parts root, stem, leaves, flower, 

 fruit, and seed. The office of the 

 root is to draw nourishment from the 

 ground, while the leaves answer to 

 the breathing organs of animals. The 

 principal divisions of the classes de- 

 pend upon the form and arrangement 

 of the flower, so before proceeding further we must consider 

 its parts. There are some blossoms of the Lesser Celandine 

 upon the lawn (fig. 3). Will you bring 

 me one, Edward, and I will show you 

 its formation ? 



" These greenish leaves which enfold 

 the flower when in bud are called sepals. 

 Collectively they form the calyx. The 

 bright yellow glossy leaves forming the 

 largest portion of the flower are petals 

 singly, collectively the corolla. This 

 tassel inside the flower is formed of an Fifi '' 3 * 



indefinite number of pistils and stamens, the former being 

 generally called carpels ; the latter are composed of the fila- 

 ments, and the heads or anthers, in which the pollen is con- 

 tained. The carpels, as well as the stamens, are seated on the 

 receptacle, and their summits are called stigmas. You cannot 

 very well distinguish the parts of the pistils in that one of the 

 Celandine ; but if you examine the little pillar-looking body 

 that is found in the centre of the flower of the Primrose you 

 will find it to resemble a drumstick. The round end or base 



