34 



NATURE STUDY 



This illustrates most beautifully the probably common 

 origin of the floral parts, and suggests the following 

 questions : Why are the calyx leaves usually green ? 

 Why are the petals oftenest brilliant in color ? How 

 was the bag or anther of the stamen originally formed ? 

 Why does the pistil leaf of most flowers swell at the 



base ? Obviously, the ad- 

 vantage of the first is its 

 inconspicuousness which 

 makes it a better cover 

 or protection, whereas the 

 second, for a contrary 

 reason, is conspicuous, 

 helping to 'attract to the 

 flower animals which will 

 transfer the contents of 

 the stamen box (pollen) to 

 the contents of the seed 

 box (ovary) of another 

 flower. 



The Garden Nastur- 

 tium {Tropoeolum) flowers 

 abundantly. It is better 

 for the plants, moreover, 

 to remove the flowers, since by so doing the formation 

 of seed is prevented and, in consequence, new flowers are 

 put forth. 



The calyx is made up of five parts, united into one, while 

 the five petals are separate. There are eight stamens, 

 which in the bud are bent down. Each one as it ripens 

 rises separately, until it stands directly in the passage- 

 way to the spur. This will be found, on biting it off, to 

 be full of honey. It takes about three days for all of 



Garden Nasturtium. 



