16 INTRODUCTION. 



we have the different sets of organs entirely separate from each other. 

 From this they are said to be free. 



88. But they are often inseparably joined or consolidated to a certain 

 extent with each other, when they are said to be adnate or adherent. 

 In Fig. 29, the corolla and stamens are shown to be adnate to the calyx, 

 up to a certain point in other words they are inserted on the calyx" 

 while the pistil is free. In this the ovary is superior because it is 

 superior to the insertion of the calyx or what is the same thing, the 

 calyx is inferior. 



89. In Fig. 31 there is shown adhesion of the calyx (and, of course, 

 of the corolla and stamens also), with the lower half of the ovary; whence 

 the ovary is said to be half-superior or the calyx half-inferior. Still 

 another grade of adhesion is seen in the Apple blossom, where it extends 

 the whole length of the ovary, and the ovary is wholly inferior or the 

 calyx superior. 



90. Perfect'is a term applied to a blossom, in which both stamens and 

 pistil, i. e., both sets of essential organs, are present. When one set is 

 lacking the flower is said to be imperfect, and in this connection the fol- 

 lowing terms are used; staminate, sterile or male, when the flower has 

 stamens and no pistil; and pistilate, fertile. QY female, when it has a pistil 

 and no stamens. 



91. When the staminate and pistilate flowers grow on separate plants, 

 the species is said to be dioecious (from Greek diS and oinia, dwelling 

 separately); and when on the same plant, but in different flowers, monoe- 

 cious (from Greek, in a single dwelling). The word diclinous (from 

 Greek, to incline in two ways), is applied to the flowers of both of the 

 above classes. Sometimes both perfect and imperfect flowers are found 

 on the same plant when it is spoken of &$ polygamous. 



92. Complete is a term which designates that all of the four sets of 

 organs calyx, corolla, stamens and pistil are present. When a set is 

 lacking, the flower is said to be incomplete. 



93. Regular is a term designating that all the organs of the same kind 

 are alike in size and shape; otherwise the flower is said to be irregular, 

 as seen in the Pea, the Violet, etc. When the parts which constitute a 

 set are separate from each other they are said to be distinct; otherwise, 

 united or coherent. 



94. Symmetrical is a term which designates that there is the same 

 number of parts in each set of organs: and this suggests the considera- 

 tion of 



95. The Numerical Plan of the Flower. It is found upon 

 counting the parts of the various sets of organs in a flower, that the 

 same number is quite constant throughout, although to this rule there 

 are numerous exceptions. When there are five sepals we commonly find 

 five petals, five (or ten, i. e., two sets of five each) stamens and five ovary- 

 cells or styles. Five is here said to be its numerical plan. In other 

 flowers we would find three and then again four as the numerical plan. 



96. Aestivation is a term meaning the arrangement of the parts in 

 the flower-bud ; just as vernation has reference to the arrangement of the 

 leaves in the leaf -bud. Such terms relating to this subject as we have 

 occasion to use will be explained in the Glossary. 



