84 



OBJECT LESSONS IN BOTANY. 



The stamens and petals have accomplished their work, and 

 are dead. The sepals also, when colored like petals, are 

 dead. But the pistil, especially the ovary, yet remains in its 

 place, living and growing until the seeds which it contains 

 are perfect. 



162. Thus the fruit is the ovary or pistils brought to per- 

 fection. 



163. During the growth and ripening of the pistil, great 

 and manifold changes occur, so that at last the fruit is very 

 different in form, size, substance, and color. The little pistil 

 in the flower of the Cherry must undergo a great alteration 

 in becoming a plump Ox-heart ! 



Fig. 263, An umbel of Cherry blossoms, — namely, a bud, an entire flower, and a 

 BftCticn showing the one pistil and the perigynous stamens. 



Fig. 264. The drupe, cut through to show the stone and one seed. 



Fig. 265. A corymb of Strawberry, — flower and fruit. The aehenia are seen on the 

 surface of the fruit, which is only the overgrown torus. 



161. Can you tell us what parts of the flower perish ? What parts remain 

 in place and still grow ? 



162. How do you Refine the fruit ? 



163. Mention some of the changes occurring from ovary to fruit. 



