1847.] Fruits; 3 



As we are writing for general readers, it will not be inappro- 

 priate to direct our attention to those parts which otten enter into 

 the constitution of the fruit, before we proceed to more particular 

 considerations of its constitution. The organs of reproduction, as 

 they are usually called, are four, and may all be seen in an apple 

 or potato flower. Each of these organs is composed usually of 

 several leaves in a whorl. The outer whorl is the calyx, each 

 leaf of which is called a sepal; the next whorl is the corolla, and 

 each leaf is called a petal; then interioraly come the stamens, 

 and in the centre appears the seed vessel, which is composed of 

 leaves, each of which is called a carpel. 



All of these organs have their origin at the summit of the flower 

 bearing branch, although they do not always appear to have their 

 origin at this point. This arises from various degrees of union 

 between the different parts. Sometimes the pistils and stamens 

 contract a union, and the stamens appear to come from the top of the 

 ovary, and are epigynoiis, or from the top of the pisiil, gynandrous. 

 At others they contract a union with the corolla or calyx, when 

 in the latter case they are said to be perigynous. Sometimes all 

 the organs are united as far as the top of the ovary, when the 

 ovary is said to be inferior, and the calyx superior, as in the ap- 

 ple, haw, &c. When the organs appear in their true position, 

 they all are said to be inferior, or hypogynous, except the seed 

 vessel, which is said to be superior, as in the grape, cherry, 

 peach, &c. 



It is plain from the preceding remarks that in regarding fruits 

 in respect to their constitution, we may divide them into two 

 classes, viz., those that consist of the seed vessel proper, uncom- 

 bined with any other organs, and those that are made up of all 

 the organs of reproduction soldered together. This division cor- 

 responds to the division made by botanists into superior and infe- 

 rior fruits, called superior because not contracting any cohesion 

 with the adjacent organs, it seems to be above them, and inferior 

 because contracting an adhesion with the surrounding organs; the 

 organs seem to come from the top of the fruit, or the fruit seems 

 to be below all the remaining parts. 



This is an important practical distinction, as it is plain that 

 those fruits that have not only their appropriate vessels for their 

 nourishment, but all the vessels that supply the different organs 

 of the flower, will stand much less in need of careful attention for 

 their safety and ultimate perfection, than those that are wholly 

 dependent on their own vessels for accomplishing the same end. 



While the apple, pear, and quince, which are inferior fruits, 

 usually need no attention in regard to their crop of fruit, the peach, 

 plum, grape, &c., which are superior fruits, need special care that 

 all causes that tend to produce the premature falling of the fruit 



