THE SPURGE FAMILY. 187 



Without attempting at the outset a critical theoretical 

 study, we shall simply undertake to observe the floral 

 organs as they are, and give to them their commonly 

 accepted names. Book descriptions and figures are best 

 left alone until the plant has been studied at first hand. 



I. Observe first the general arrangement of the inflores- 

 cences. They are borne on long slender stalks that arise 

 close together near the apex of the stem, and present 

 collectively the general appearance of an umbel. Is it 

 strictly an umbel ? 



II. The slender stalks each bear near their extremity a 

 pair of heart-shaped, yellowish, floral leaves. Notice care- 

 fully what there is above the floral leaves. Compare a 

 number of specimens of different ages. Do you find still 

 other floral leaves? If so, do they resemble the first pair 

 in shape and color ? Floral leaves of the second and third 

 order are of common occurrence. Do you find any of a 

 higher order? 



III. Having found all the floral leaves, we come to the 

 inflorescence proper. It greatly resembles a small flower, 

 and was described as such by some of the older botanists. 

 The cup-shaped structure that looks like a calyx is really 

 an involucre. Notice the four "crescent-shaped glands" 

 and their position on the involucre. 



IV. Remove enough of the involucre to expose the 

 small flowers within. Do this with several specimens of 

 different ages. With a lens, examine the minute staminate 

 flowers. Note their position and number, the form of the 

 anther, and the point where the short filament is con- 

 nected with the long pedicel. (Each staminate flower 

 consists of a single stamen, mounted on a distinct 

 pedicel.) 



