CHAPTER II 

 FLOWERS. SEED PRODUCTION 



The soil receives in its bosom the seed scattered broadcast upon it, softened 

 and broken up; she first keeps it concealed therein; next, when it has been 

 warmed by the heat and by close pressure, she splits it open and draws from 

 it the greenery of the blade. CICERO. 



NEARLY all plants used by man for farm and garden crops 

 produce flowers and seeds. The sole purpose of the flowers of 

 plants is to produce seeds. 



The Flower. A perfect flower contains the essential organs 

 necessary for the production of seeds. These are the stamens, 



FIG. 6. The poppy flower shows a large pistil in the center to bear the seeds; around this 

 are the numerous stamens surrounded by the bright petals. (U. S. D. A.) 



bearing pollen, and one or more pistils bearing ovules which may 

 develop into seeds (Fig. 6). Other organs are sometimes present 

 in the flower. These consist of petals and sepals sometimes called 

 the floral envelope. The purpose of the floral envelope may be 

 to protect the flower from cold in the early stages of its opening, 



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