26 INTRODUCTION. 



Erect (Fig. 133.), when it stands with its base straight on 

 the point of the filament. 



Incumbent (Fig. 134.), lying across the top of the filament. 



Lateral (Fig. 135.), attached by its side. 



Sessile, destitute of filament. 



3. The Pollen is contained in the anther. At a certain stage 

 of vegetation, the anther bursts, and the pollen is scattered 

 around. Some of the grains adhere to the stigma or summit of 

 the pistil, in consequence of which the young seeds begin to 

 enlarge, and are rendered capable of giving rise to new plants. 

 This action of the pollen is termed Fecundation or Impregnation. 

 Without it the seeds would either not enlarge, or when full- 

 grown would be incapable of germinating. 



V. Of the Pistils. 



The Pistil (Fig. 136.) is also an essential part of the flower, 

 occupying its centre. It consists of three parts, the germen, 

 the style, and the stigma. 



1. The Germen or Ovary (Fig. 136, a.) is the undermost 

 part of the pistil, and is the rudiment of the fruit. The number 

 of germens varies, like that of the stamens. It is also of various 

 forms: egg-shaped, globular, elliptical, &,c. It may also 

 be 



Superior, when situated above the corolla or calyx. 



Inferior, when situated below these parts, or rather when 

 these parts adhere to its sides, so as to be incorporated with it, 

 and not to separate until they have reached its summit. 



Sessile, when destitute of a stalk ; or Stalked, when sup- 

 ported upon one. 



2. The Style (Fig. 136, b.\ is a small stalk, seated upon the 

 germen, and terminated by the stigma. It may be hair-like, 

 thread-shaped, awl-shaped, &c. 



Terminal, when it stands on the top of the germen. 

 Lateral, when attached to the side. 

 Erect, standing straight ; spreading, recurved, &c. 

 Persistent, remaining after the fruit is matured. 



3. The Stigma (Fig. 136, c.), is the top of the style, which 

 is generally enlarged. It varies greatly in form, and is vari- 

 ously lobed or divided. It is frequently downy, and always 

 more or less moist. The pollen falling upon the stigma, in- 

 fluences the seeds contained in the germen, so that they become 

 capable of attaining maturity. 



