20 INTRODUCTION. 



The Inflorescence is a term used to denote the particular 

 way in which the flower-stalk is divided. The following kinds 

 are described : 



1. The Whorl or Verticil (Fig. 93.), consists of several flowers 

 which encircle the stem, in the same manner as whorled leaves 

 (Fig. 26.), whether they be furnished with stalks, or, as is more 

 commonly the case, sessile. 



2. The Spike (Pig. 94, 95.), is that kind of inflorescence in 

 which numerous flowers are ranged along a common stalk, 

 without any partial stalks, or only very short ones. The spike 

 may be lateral, axillar, or terminal, according to its position. 

 It is also described, according to its general form, as being egg- 

 shaped, cylindrical, &c. When the flowers all lean to one side, 

 it is called one-rowed or unilateral, as in Fig. 94. When they 

 are arranged along two sides, it is called distichous or two- 

 rowed. When subdivided into lesser spikes, it is said to be 

 compound. 



The Spikelet (Fig. 96.) is a term applied peculiarly to grasses 

 which have many flowers arranged on a stalk, within a kind of 

 common calyx, composed of two thin bracteas. 



3. The Cluster or Raceme (Fig. 97, 98.) consists of numerous 

 flowers, each on a stalk of its own, arranged along a common 

 stalk. The principal difference between the raceme and the 

 spike is, that in the latter the flowers are nearly or entirely 

 sessile and close, while in the former they are more or less 

 stalked and somewhat distant from each other. The cluster may 

 be one-rowed, simple, compound, erect, pendulous, &c. 



4. The Corymb (Fig. 99.) is an erect cluster, the partial 

 stalks of which are gradually longer as they stand lower on the 

 common stalk, so that the flowers are nearly level. 



5. The Bundle or Fasciculus (Fig, 100.), consists of several 

 flower-stalks of equal height, arising at the end of the stem, 

 variously inserted and subdivided, and forming a close bundle. 



6. The Head or Capitulum (Fig. 101.) bears the flowers 

 sessile in a globular or ovate form. It is merely a condensed 

 spike or raceme. 



7. The Umbel consists of a number of flower-stalks of nearly 

 equal length, rising from one common centre or point, their 

 summits forming a level or convex surface. When the stalks 

 are simple and single-flowered, it is called a Simple Umbel. 

 (Fig. 102.) When the summit of each stalk sends out a number 

 of smaller stalks, similarly arranged, it is called a Compound 

 Umbel (Fig. 89.); in which case the first stalks are collectively 





