SECT. r. THE FLOWER* 



doubt and discussion, without having produced any 

 rule of distinction that can be regarded as altogether 

 satisfactory or as applicable to all existing cases. 

 The truth is, that nature has not distinguished the 

 organs in question by any very obvious or decisive 

 limits. The one is, indeed, generally green and 

 the other generally coloured. But to this rule there 

 are a good many exceptions. The calyx of 

 Daphne Laureola is yellow, and the corolla green. 

 The calyx of Fuschia coccinea is of a bright scarlet, 

 the corolla indigo. The calyx and corolla of Daphne 

 Mezereum are not only both coloured, but are even 

 united at the margin so as to form but one piece* 

 What then is the essential character by which each 

 is to be discriminated, and by which we are to be 

 guided in the case of the absence of either ? 



If one envelope only is present, some have thought By Ray, 

 that it must of necessity be the calyx, because that 

 is the primary part ; and others have thought that 

 it must of necessity be the corolla, because that part 

 is the more noble. But these distinctions are 

 altogether fanciful, and without any foundation in 

 the arrangements of nature. Another rule of dis- 

 tinction suggested by Ray * was, that the corolla is 

 deciduous and the calyx permanent ; and the rule 

 is, no doubt, of pretty general application, but is 

 loaded with by far too many exceptions to be a good 

 one. In the Poppy the calyx falls before the bios- 

 som, and in the Hyacinth and Star of Bethlehem the 

 * Hist. Plant, lib. i. cbap. x. 

 H 2 



