6 INTRODUCTION. 



Dandelion flower, though each of these is properly a collection 

 of very many flowers, all growing upon the same foundation or 

 receptacle ; so also when flowers are borne in bunches, as in the 

 Lilac ; or in a spike, as in the Plaintain ; or close heads, as in 

 the Scabious ; or in any other manner of inflorescence or 

 flowering, we often hear the same name given to the whole 

 bunch, rather than to one particular small part of it, as is 

 really meant by the term flower. This mode of speaking is 

 allowed for the sake of convenience, but it must not lead to 

 error. Every separate set of stamens and pointals, with what- 

 ever coverings there may be to them, constitutes a perfect 

 flower. When this is very small, and many such are collected 

 together, particularly in the compound flowers, (those which 

 resemble a Daisy,) it is called a floret. 



The CALYX, (8,) or flower cup, is mostly green, and intended 

 to defend the rest of the flower before the time of blossoming. 

 It is, therefore, always the outer covering, and when the flower 

 has but one coat ; this is called a calyx, whatever may be its 

 color, size, or shape. Thus the beautifnl cup of the Tulip is a 

 calyx, composed of six leaves, or, as they are called, sepals. 



The COROLLA, (9,) or blossom, is the colored part of a flower, 

 next within the calyx. It is well known as the most beautiful 

 portion. We recognize the corolla in the red petals or leaves 

 of the Rose, the scarlet of the Poppy, and the purple of the 

 Violet. Its use is supposed to be to defend the inner parts, 

 and to reflect upon them more fully the rays of the sun. Some 

 persons think to attract the insects also. The folding up of the 

 corolla, and of the calyx, before expansion, is called their 

 aestivation. 



The NECTARY, (10.) The true meaning of this word is a 

 place to secrete honey, but the term is given to every casual 

 appendage to the flower, which is neither calyx nor corolla, and 

 which does not appear to be necessary to the production of the 

 seed. The nectary is often very beautiful ; it is seen in the rays 



