64 



OBJECT LESSONS IN BOTANY. 



multiplied, its new number is only a repetition of the radical 

 number. 



115. Also, when any organ is diminished in number, we 

 find generally that the deficiency is only apparent, and does 

 not interfere with the law of the radical number. Thus in 

 Philadelphus, the one pistil proves to be four growing to- 

 gether. In the Lady's-slipper, the radical number is three, 

 and the sepals are three, although the two lower ones are 

 united almost to the tip into what seems but one. Thus the 

 true number is often curiously disguised hy cohesions. 



195 s 196 197 



Fig. 195. Flower of Aconitum Napellus displayed ; s, s, s, «, «, tho five sepals, the 



upper one hooded ; p, p^ p, the five petals, of which the two upper are nectaries 



covered by the hood, and the three lower very minute. 

 Fiff. 196. Flower of Catalpa,— two-lipped, five-lobed. 

 Fig. 197. Corolla laid open, showing the perfect stamens and rudimentary. 



116. Again, the five petals of Monk's-hood (Fig. 195) are 

 apparently but two, while three of them are so very small as 

 to be overlooked. In the Mint tribe, as Peppermint, Cat- 



115. How docs coliesion interfere with the radical number in Philadelphus 

 How in the sepals of the Moccasin flower ? 



110. How does suppression interfere in Monk's-hood? In the Mint tribe 

 Catalpa ? Mustard ? What tendency do you see in all these cases ? 



