STRUCTURE OF FLOWER OF GRASSES. 



559 



stamens, with large anthers supported on very slender filaments. 

 The number of these varies in different tribes ; but they are in 

 general three ; though sometimes six (as in Rice), and occasionally 

 only one or two, are developed. In some Grasses, the two sets 

 of organs are disposed in distinct flowers, sometimes on the same 

 plant, and sometimes in different ones. The envelopes of these 

 consist of several wrappings of little scales, which have received 

 various designations. The inner pair, which are usually very 

 small and thin, closely sheathing the ovary, are termed Scales ; 



FIG. 199. FLOWER OK RICE, ENLARGED. 

 A, showing paleae and awn ; B, ovarium of 

 stigmas, with two of the six stamens. 



FlG. 200. A CLUSTER OR PANICLE 

 OF FLOWERS OF THB RlCE PLANT, With 



its sheathing bract or glume. 



externally to these, surrounding the stamens, are two others 

 which are called Palece. These again are enclosed between 

 another pair, which are the glumes. The midrib of one palea 

 or one glume is often prolonged into a bristle-like termination. 



