BEPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF PLANTS. 317 



the corolla is divided into separate leaves, these are 

 termed petals. The Fuchsia has four petals, which are 

 attached to the calyx-tube. 



The Stamens, s, in Figs. 60 and 61, are generally 

 slender, thread-like organs, terminated by an oblong 

 sack, the anther, which, when the flower attains its full 

 growth, discharges a fine yellow or brown dust, the so- 

 called pollen. 



The anthers, as well as the grains of pollen, vary in form with nearly 

 every kind of plant. The yellow pollen of Pine and Spruce is not in- 

 frequently transported by the wind to a great distance, and when 

 brought clown by rain in considerable quantities, has been mistaken 

 for sulphur. 



The Pistil, p, in Figs. 60 and 61, or pistils, occupy 

 the center of the perfect flower. They are exceedingly 

 various in form, but always have at their base the seed- 

 vessels, or ovaries, ov, in which are found the ovules or 

 rudimentary seeds. The summit of the pistil is desti- 

 tute of the epidermis which covers all other parts of the 

 plant, and is termed the stigma, st. 



As has been remarked, the floral organs may be consid- 

 ered to be modified leaves ; or rather, all the appendages 

 of the stem the leaves and the parts of the flower to- 

 gether are different developments of one fundamental 

 structure. 



The justness of this idea is sustained by the transform- 

 ations which are often observed. 



The Rose in its natural state has a corolla consisting 

 of five petals, but has a multitude of stamens and pistils. 

 In a rich soil, or as the effect of those agencies which are 

 united in " cultivation," nearly all the stamens lose their 

 reproductive function and proper structure, and revert 

 to petals ; the flower becoming "double." The tulip, 

 poppy, and numerous garden-flowers, illustrate this in- 

 teresting metamorphosis, and in these flowers we may 

 often see the various stages intermediate between the 

 perfect petal and the unaltered stamen. 



