180 PRACTICAL APPLICATION OF THE LINN^EAN SYSTEM. 



tain if it is entire or variously divided ; and if divided, the figure, number, and depth 

 of its divisions will require attention. When a tube exists, as is common in mono- 

 petalous corollas, its length, width, and general proportions must be observed, and 

 also any hairs or other organs which may defend the entrance into it. When these 

 envelopes are polypetalous, the same degree of attention must be given to each sepal 

 and petal as above directed with regard to the leaves, except that these organs are 

 usually of more delicate organization than leaves. But whether they consist of one or 

 of many pieces, it will be equally necessary to notice their texture, colour, and relative 

 length (that is, whether the corolla is longer or shorter than the calyx), and whether 

 either or both are caducous or permanent ; and, if caducous, to ascertain whether it falls 

 early, and in one or in many pieces. Should there be any appendages to these parts 

 as the corona of the Narcissus, or the nectarium of the Ranunculus they must be 

 carefully noticed and examined. It will further be proper to notice the relations which 

 these parts are said to bear to the ovary, that is, as to whether they are superior or 

 inferior ; and also their relation with the stamens, as to whether those latter organs are 

 attached to them or not. 



In these directions we have already referred, to some extent, to the stamens and 

 pistils ; but further detail is now necessary. Thus, in reference to both, the presence or 

 absence of the foot-stalk (filament and style) must be determined ; and if it be present, 

 its length, figure, and colour should be observed. In but few instances is it coloured ; 

 but in many the figure is not uniformly cylindrical, but tapering upwards, or awl- 

 shaped ; and in some instances it assumes a foliaceous character. 



The anther demands minute attention, in order to show the mode of its attachment 

 to the filament, its figure, and the number of the cells into which it is divided. The 

 pollen seldom calls for examination under the Linnaean system of classification ; but if 

 the examination be made at a period when the pollen is ripe, and lying loose upon the 

 anther and other parts of the flower, there can be no difficulty in ascertaining its colour, 

 size, and general configuration. Its minute anatomy is a subject of great difficulty, 

 and one into the consideration of which it is not needful that the inexperienced student 

 should enter. 



The style offers perhaps fewer points for observation than the anther, since its 

 structure is more simple. It will be proper first to notice its divisions, and the mode 

 in which those divisions, if any, are arranged ; and then to observe carefully its general 

 configuration, and the precise nature of the exposed free surface upon which the pollen 

 is destined to fall. Its internal anatomy, or that of its conducting tissue, is not of 

 importance to this part of our subject. The ovary must be minutely examined; and in 

 order to do that it will be needful to cut it through transversely, and then ascertain the 

 number of the cells of which it is composed, and that of the seeds lying within each 

 cell. It is not uncommon to find fewer seeds than cells, owing to abortion, and that 

 also must be ascertained. The external configuration of that organ will, of course, call 

 for attention, and also any bodies which are sometimes met with, as the disk at or near 

 to its base. 



The seed is to be observed chiefly on account of its external configuration, and its 

 number in relation to the cells in which it lies. The Linncean arrangement calls but 

 little for any account of its internal anatomy ; and, with the exception of the number 

 and general nature of its Cotyledons, and some slight reference to the albumen, it will 

 not be necessary for the student to regard it. The fruit must be noticed in a general 

 manner that is, as to \vhether it is succulent or otherwise ; and the names which have 



