134 REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. CHAP. III. 



constitutes a part of the flower ; but if it is distinct 

 from the calyx, and the calyx only inserted in it 

 and finally deciduous, as in the genus Ranunculus, 

 it does not constitute a part of the flower. 



In either case it assumes some considerable 

 variety of figure. In the genus Rubus, in which 

 the receptacle of the corolla and stamens is the 

 fleshy substance lining the surface of the calyx, 

 the receptacle of the pistils is a conical prolongation 

 of the same substance, issuing from the bottom of 

 the cup and occupying the centre of the flower. In 

 Geum it is an oblong substance originating in the 

 same manner and beset with fine hairs. In Poten- 

 tilla it is a dry and juiceless knob ; and in Fragaria 

 it is a soft and pulpy substance, of a globular figure, 

 resembling a berry. In the Ranunculus the recep- 

 tacle of the whole flower is a flat and glandular- 

 looking disk ; in Clematis it is a small knob ; and 

 in Adonis it is a sort of oblong spike. 



SUBSECTION II. 



Exempli- The Common Receptacle. The common recepta- 

 comp" und c k (PL IV- Fig. 12.) is a receptacle common to 

 flowers. man y flowers, and consequently larger and more 

 conspicuous than the proper receptacle. It has ac- 

 cordingly been more attentively examined by 

 botanists and more minutely described. It is pecu- 

 liarly conspicuous in compound or syngenesious 

 flowers, as well as peculiarly important to thejr 



