A LESSON ON BUTTERCUPS. 



211 



indefinite number of stamens and of seed vessels (carpels) . 

 The seed vessels have a short curved style (Fig. 80). 



Some notes may now be made of an interpretative cha- 

 racter. It need scarcely be said here that care must be 

 taken not to force explanations. Our conclusions must be 

 limited to those of a general character until the field of our 

 observations has been widened. It is wiser to be content 

 with detailed observation alone than to misinterpret. This 

 must be borne in mind. 



What is the significance of a root of the adventitious 

 type such as we have here ? It is advantageous both for 

 fixation and in giving a large surface for absorption. 



ANTHER SAC 



STIGMA 

 STYLE 

 OVARV 



OVULE 



RECEPTACLE 



PETAL -<^^^ NECTARY 



SEPAL 

 Fig. SO. Diagram of parts of the flower of Buttercup. 



A hollow stem is both strong and pliant, so that it sways 

 in the wind without breaking. The stem is long, since in 

 the situation where this buttercup grows there is an upward 

 competition for light amongst all the plants. In a section 

 through the stem, demonstrate the conducting channels 

 (fibro-vascular bundles) . With a good lens the two regions 

 of these bundles may be made out, viz. the woody vessels 

 towards the centre of the stem (upward conducting 

 channels, containing crude materials) and the bast towards 

 the circumference (downward conducting channels, con- 

 taining elaborated materials). 



