FLOWERS. 35 



The calyx is always the outermost, the 

 corolla is always the innermost whorl ; and if 

 there is but one floral envelope, that one is 

 called calyx. 



Usually the calyx is green, and the corolla 

 colored and more highly developed ; but the 

 reverse is frequently the case, as in Fuchsia, 

 llibes sanguineum, &c. 



A Flower being, then, an axis, or stem sur- 

 rounded by leaves, it is in reality a stunted 

 branch ; that is, one the growth of which is 

 checked, and its power of elongation destroyed. 



That flowers are stunted branches is proved, 

 firstly^ by all their parts, especially the most 

 external, occasionally reverting to the state of 

 ordinary leaves ; secondly^ by their parts being 

 often transformed into each other ; and, thirdly, 

 by the whorls of flower-buds being dislocated 

 and actually converted into branches when- 

 ever any thing occurs to stimulate them exces- 

 sively. 



Their most essential distinctive character 

 consists in the buds at the axils of their leaves 

 being usually dormant, while those in the axils 

 of ordinary leaves are usually active. 



But an extraordinary case is recorded by Mr. 

 Knight of potatoes growing in the angles (axils) 

 of the sepals and of the petals of the flower. 



