178 REPRODUCTIVE APPENDAGES. CHAP, IV* 



of Helleborus, in which however it is known not to 

 be a calyx from the protracted period of its duration, 

 which is equal to that of the other leaves of the 

 plant; whereas the calyx either fades with the 

 flower, or at latest when the fruit has reached ma- 

 turity. If this observation is extended to other cases 

 of doubt, it will generally lead the inquirer to a cor- 

 rect decision. 



But though the bracte is situated for the most, 

 part on the stem or peduncle, yet there are cases in 

 which it is situated also on the calyx, as in several 

 species of Mmsanda ;* and even on the fruit 

 itself, as in Mespilus germanica, in which there is 

 often to be found, besides the floral leaf of the 

 peduncle, an additional floral leaf issuing out of 

 the very body of the fruit, but generally towards 

 the base. 



Figure. The figure of the bracte is sometimes that of a 

 calyx, as in Royena villosa ; or scale, as in Loni- 

 cera nigra ; or thorn, as in Atractylis cancellata ; 

 or bottle, as in Asclum coccineum. But its general 

 form and aspect is that of a leaf, though not always 



Colour, similar to the leaf of the plant. The colour is 

 generally green, as in Hypoxis erecta; but it is 

 also often tinged with a variety of different shades. 

 In Tilia europaa, which affords at the same time oue 

 of the most singular and striking example of the 

 bracte (PL VI. Fig. 1O.)> it is of a pale yellow ; in 

 Salvia Horminum it is of a beautiful purple ; and in 

 Smith's Introduction, p. 222. 



