210 



A LESSON ON BUTTERCUPS. 



The flowei stalk (peduncle) is mostly longer in those 

 flowers arising from the lower portion of the stem than in 

 those arising higher up. Its surface is brownish green and 

 slightly hairy. In section it is solid. The flower is valvate 



Fig. 79. Meadow Buttercup. Sheathing leaf from base of stem to the left. 

 Upper part of stem to the right. 



in the bud. There are five free, whitish green sepals, mem- 

 branous at their edges. The five petals are free, yellow, 

 and sometimes notched at the margin. They have a 

 nectary with overlapping scale at their base. There is an 



