402 COLOUR. 



petals) produces an acid which turns 

 them red. 



The leaves which compose a flower, are called PETALS. 

 Q. Why is a VIOLET BLUE ? 

 A. Because the surface of the violet 

 absorbs the red and yellow rays of the 

 sun, and reflects the blue only. 



Q. WHY do violets absorb the red and yellow 

 rays, and reflect the BLUE ? 



A. Because the petals of the violet 

 contain an alkali, which gives them a 

 purple tinge, 



Q. Why is a PRIMROSE YELLOW ? 



A. Because the surface of the prim- 

 rose absorbs the blue and red rays of 

 solar light, and reflects the yellow ones. 



All plants which have much alkali in their ash, have 

 blue or yellow flowers. 



Those which have acid in their ash, have orange, 

 pink, or red flowers. 



N. B. Anti-acids (like soda) are called ALKALIS. 



Q. Why are same things BLACK ? 



A. Because they absorb all the rays 

 of light, and reflect none. 



Q. Why are some things WHITE ? 



A. Because they absorb none of the 

 rays of light, but reflect them all. 



