82 THE SECOND BOOK OF BOTANY. 



FIG. 142. 

 Anther. 



Connective. 



Abortive Anther '^_^ 



Filament 



Dimidiate. 



APPENDKKJLAR. When the connective, extending 

 above or below the anther, takes the form of a feather, 

 or a lengthened point, or a fleshy mass, or spur-like 

 appendages, or stipules (Figs. 137, 138, and 140). 



When one lobe of an anther is abortive, or sup- 

 pressed, the anther is said to be dimidiate. Fig. 142 

 represents a dimidiate anther and a connective de- 

 veloped into arms, so that the lobes are entirely dis- 

 connected. 



Observe the abortive anther-lobe of Fig. 142. 

 The entire stamen, as well as each of its parts, is 

 liable to suppression, abortion, or imperfect develop- 

 ment. The symmetry of flowers is often 'destroyed 

 in this way. In some plants the non-development 

 of organs that exist in the rudimentary state is a 

 constant character, and should be regarded in de- 

 scribing them. 



Observe the figures on the chart which illustrate 

 these forms of connective. Look over the flowers of 

 your collections, and in future describe the form of 

 connective when you can distinguish it. 



