THE ANDRCECIFM. 



141 



rence, until at length the outer whorls of stamens exactly 

 resemble petals, except in having their tops developed into 

 yellow anthers, as seen at a and b in (Fig. 43;) and finally the 



Fig. 43. 



anther disappears altogether from the summit of the petal, as 

 at c, and the metamorphosis is completed. 



In this manner, what are called double flowers are produced. 

 The numerous whorls of colored petals in the rose and peony 

 result from a metamorphosis of a part, or sometimes of the 

 whole of their stamens into petals. This metamorphosis is the 

 effect of cultivation, the normal number of petals in the rose 

 being five, as is seen in the wild roses. A double flower, 

 therefore, although an object of admiration to the gardener, is 

 nevertheless justly regarded, scientifically, as a monstrosity. 



If all the stamens are converted into petals, the flower is 

 13 



