ON FRUIT. 



ligulate : these are denominated Radiate. The dahlia, 

 the aster (including the China Aster,) the camomile, the 

 daisy, and many other plants, are comprehended in this 

 division. The central florets generally yield seed, while 

 the laternal ones are barren. These varieties of struc- 

 ture, combined with those which exist in the receptacle, 

 the involucrum, and the pappus, have enabled botanists 

 to separate and divide into classes the numerous com- 

 pound plants which are spread over the face of the globe. 

 There is also a fourth state of compound flowers, in which 

 the corolla is divided into two lips ; they are called La- 

 biate florets. But I shall not enter into any details on 

 this class, as it is found only in America, and is very rare 

 in the botanical gardens of Europe. 



Emily. I am glad that you spare my memory ; for I 

 fear I shall have some trouble to recollect all you have 

 taught me concerning those which grow in Europe. 



Mrs. B. I assure you that I have endeavored to make 

 the subject as easy as I possibly could, and have omitted 

 many difficult parts ; but in this case, as in every branch 

 of botany, you will understand clearly, only by seeing 

 with your own eyes. Analyse the compound flowers you 

 meet with ; and when you have examined a few, you will 

 comprehend them better than all my explanations will 

 enable you to do. I do not pretend to make you adepts 

 in botany ; I merely wish to direct your attention to the 

 observation of the works of Nature : they will speak for 

 themselves, and in a language far more eloquent than I 

 possess. 



CONVERSATION XIX. 



ON FRUIT. 



Mrs. B. It is now time for us to take leave of flow- 

 ers, and turn our attention to the fruits which they pro- 

 duce ; in which state the seed may be considered as en- 

 tering into a second stage of existence. 



1220. And of the third, and what ones are comprehended in this 

 division 1 1221. What is a fourth state of compound flowers'? 

 1222. How may one be enabled well to understand this subjectl 1223, 

 When does the seed enter its second stage of existence! 



