10 FLOWERS 



while those of Carnations and Roses are conspicuous when single. 

 In Chrysanthemums, Daisies, and Sunflowers the individual 

 flowers, although small, form a cluster so compact that it is often 

 erroneously considered a single flower. 



As to color, which is the character most closely related to 

 securing pollination by insects, flowers are exceedingly various. 

 Some, especially those that depend upon the wind for pollination, 

 are green like leaves. Some are white, while among others nearly 

 every color imaginable can be found. It is claimed that b}^ means 

 of colors flowers solicit the visitation of insects, which are im- 

 portant agents in pollination. 



The odors of flowers, usually pleasant, but sometimes repul- 

 sive to us, as in case of the 

 Carrion-flower and Skunk 

 Cabbage, probably serve in 

 attracting insects. Fm-ther- 

 more, pleasant odors add 

 P ---^^^^^^ )^^^^<^y''^ ^^ ^^^ value of plants for 



ornamental purposes. 



Flowers present various 

 forms. When well open, 

 Fig. 2. - Basswood flower with portions some are wheel-shaped, 

 removed from one side so that the interior some funnel-shaped, some 

 of the flower may be seen, a, calyx com- tubular, while others de- 

 posed of leaf-hke portions or sepals; o, p^rt from these forms with 

 corolla composed of leaf-like portions called ^^^-^^^ irregularities, as in 

 petals; s, stamens; p, pistil; r, receptacle. , ^ " , , 



Much enlarged. tlie Sweet Pea, where the 



flower resembles a butter- 

 fly in shape, or in the Orchids where parts of the flower may be 

 so shaped as to resemble a slipper, as the Orchid known as the 

 Lady's-slipper illustrates. The shape of the flower in many cases 

 favors the visitation of only special insects, and, therefore, is 

 closely related to the problem of pollination. 



To discover the essential features of a flower, it becomes 

 necessary to determine the function of the flower, and become 

 acquainted with its parts and the use of each part in relation to 

 the work of the flower. 



Function of the Flower. — The flower is the plant's principal 

 organ of reproduction, being devoted to the production of seed 

 which is the plant's principal device for producing new plants. 



