206 THE FLOWER. 



The flower consists of several parts. 



The calyx, or flower-cup, forms the external integu- 

 ment which shelters and protects the bud before it ex- 

 pands : it consists of several parts, called sepales, resem- 

 bling small leaves, both in form and color ; and probably 

 performs similar functions, being furnished with stomas. 

 These sepals are, in general, more or less soldered to- 

 gether, sometimes so completely as to form a cup appa- 

 rently of one piece : hence the calyx has acquired the 

 name of flower-cup. 



Caroline. I see that you persevere in deriving every 

 organ of a plant from the budding of leaves. 



Mrs. B. When you are a little more acquainted with 

 plants, I think that you will concur with me in this opinion. 



Above the calyx rises the corolla, which is the colored 

 part of the flower. It is composed of several petals, either 

 distinct and separate, or cohering so as to form a corolla 

 of one single piece : in the latter case the flower is called 

 monopetalous, though the petals are never originally sim- 

 ple, as this name would seem to imply, but, like the ca- 

 lyx, derive their origin from a circle or whorl of leaves. 

 When the petals first burst from the calyx, and expand in 

 all their beauty, they still serve to protect the central 

 parts of the flower : they are at first curved inwards, 

 forming a concavity around the delicate organs which oc- 

 cupy the centre, which not only shelters them from ex- 

 ternal injury, but reflects the sun's rays upon them like a 

 concave mirror, thus rearing them as it were in a hot- 

 house. When they are full grown, the artificial heat be- 

 ing no longer necessary, and the admission of light and 

 air not only safe but advantageous, the petals expand, 

 leaving the internal organs exposed to the free agency of 

 these elements. 



At the base of the petals is generally situated the nec- 

 tary, so called from its secreting a sweet fluid, which has 

 been dignified by the name of nectar. This is the store 

 whence the bee derives honey : it affords also abundant 

 provision for the less provident insect tribe, who, rioting 

 in these sweets during a summer, scarcely outlive the fall 

 of the blossom. These thoughtless beings, however un- 



1129. How is the calyx described'? 1130. Why is it called the 

 flower cup? 1131. What is the corolla 1 ? 1132. Of what is it 

 composed! 1133 What are its uses'? 1134. What is said of the 

 nectary 1 



