206 FLOWER AND FRUIT. 



is either simple, as in the primrose and bell shaped flowers, 

 in which case the corolla is said to be monopet'alous ; or 

 compound, as in the rose, in which it is polypet'alous. The 

 whole use and physiology of the corolla have not yet been 

 fully explained. The nectary contains or secretes honey ; 

 and there can be no doubt that the sole use of the honey with 

 respect to the plant is to tempt insects, who in procuring it 

 fertilize the flower, by disturbing the dust of the stamens, 

 and even carry that substance from the barren to the fertile 

 blossoms. A stamen commonly consists of two parts, the 

 Filament and Anther, the former being merely what sup- 

 ports the latter, which is the only essential part. The an- 

 ther is generally of a membranous texture, consisting of two 

 cells or cavities. It contains the Pollen, or Dust, which is 

 thrown out chiefly in warm dry weather, when the coat of 

 the anther contracts and bursts. The Pollen, though to 

 the naked eye a fme powder,, and light enough to be wafted 

 along by the air, is so curiously formed, and so various in 

 different plants, as to be an interesting and popular object 

 for the microscope. Each grain of it is a round or angular, 

 rough or smooth vesicle, which remains entire till it meets 

 with any moisture, being contrary in this respect to the na- 

 ture of the anther ; then it bursts with great force, discharg- 

 ing a most subtile vapour. 



The Pistil consists of three parts : the Germen, or rudi- 

 ment of the young fruit and seed ; the style, various in If-igth 

 and thickness, sometimes altogether wanting, and when 

 present serving merely to elevate the third part, which is 

 called the Stigma. This last is indispensable. It is very 

 generally downy, and always more or less moist. The 

 moisture is designed for the reception of the pollen, which 

 explodes on meeting with it, and hence the seeds are fertilized 

 and rendered capable of ripening, which they would not 

 otherwise be, though in many plants fully formed. 



The ways in which insects serve the purpose of perfecting 

 the seeds in plants are innumerable. These active little 

 beings are peculiarly busy about flowers in bright sunny 

 vveatherj when every blossom is expanded, the pollen in per- 

 fection, and all the powers of vegetation in their greatest 

 vigour. Then we see the rough sides and legs of the bee, 

 laden with the golden dust which it shakes off, and collects 

 anew, in its visits to the honeyed stores inviting it on every 



