SHOOTS 



77 



have been given to every kind of variation, so that their 

 study is often not much more than learning the definitions 

 of names. However, if we seek to discover the life-rela- 

 tions of flowers we find that they may be stated very simply. 

 55. Life-relations. — The flower is to produce seed. It 

 must not only put itself into proper relation to do this, but 



Fig. 69. The rootetock of a rush (Juncus\ showing how it advances beneath the 

 ground and sends above the surface a succession of branches. The breaking up 

 of such a rootstock only results in so many separate individuals.— After Cowles. 



there must also be some arrangement for putting the seeds 

 into proper conditions for developing new plants. In the 

 production of seed it is necessary for tlie flower to secure a 

 transfer of certain yellowish, powdery bodies which it pro- 

 duces, known as pollen or pollen-grains, to the organ in 

 which the seeds are produced, known as the pistil. This 

 transfer is called pollination. One of the important things, 

 therefore, in connection with tlie flower, is for it to put 



