THE STUDY OF FLOWERS. 



229 



examined. They are brightly coloured, scented more or 

 less, and many possess nectar. On dissecting the flower, it 

 will be seen that the stamens are united together at the 

 base, either ten together or nine together and one free. At 

 the base of the ovary enclosed by this sheath of stamens 

 will be found the nectar which the bee seeks. Pupils 

 should taste the liquid. 



The general shape of the flower and arrangement of its 

 parts should next be noted. It will be seen readily 



LATERAL 

 PETAL 



/-/POST. PETAL 



STIGMA CUP / 



SPUR OF 



ANT. PETAL 

 APPENDIX 



OF ANT. STAMEN 



SHUTTER OF STIGMA 



Fig. 96. Section of Heart's-ease flower. 



that when a comparatively heavy insect, such as a bee, 

 alights on the flower, it must rest upon the lateral petals. 

 These are thus depressed, the keel (anterior petals) which 

 encloses the stamens and style being dragged down also. 

 Stamens and stigma are released and strike the under side 

 of the bee's body, which in this way is dusted with pollen. 

 Meantime the bee is licking up the nectar. If the bee has 

 already visited a similar flower it will be already dusted 

 with pollen, so that when the stigma strikes its body it will 



