196 STUDY OF COMMON PLANTS. 



XXX. THE VIOLET FAMILY. VIOLACEJE. 



MATERIAL REQUIRED. 



Specimens of the cultivated pansy in flower. Indigenous species of 

 violets. 



Flower. 



Our study in the present case will be restricted to the 

 flower, taking first that of the pansy. 



I. Compare several good specimens as to size and color, 

 and observe how far* they agree. 



II. Study the external features of the flower in order. 

 Note the number of parts in each whorl, and their peculiari- 

 ties of form, structure, and position. 



1. Form of the sepals. Aside from their size and 



position are they readily distinguished from foliage 

 leaves ? 



2. Peculiarities of the corolla. To which of the petals 



does the spur belong ? Cut into it and see whether 

 it contains anything likely to be of use to the 

 flower. What do you conclude as to its function ? 



3. Study the disposition of colors. Compare as many 



specimens as practicable. Where do the " guiding 

 lines " converge ? 



4. Examine the center of the flower with a lens. 



Notice the thick brush of hairs on either side. 

 The position of the essential organs, partially 

 visible farther in. 



