septp:mber 



35 



the stamens to rise, ripen, and discharge the pollen. 

 After this is accomplished, the pistil elongates, and, 

 spreading out its three branches, stands just where the 

 stamens stood, so that an insect coming for the abundant 

 nectar of the spur could not fail to deposit on it any 

 pollen with which he may have been decorated in visits 



Pistil 



Section of flower 



PISTIL 



Stamen 



Garden Nasturtium. Different positions assumed by stamens and pistils 

 in ripening. 



to younger flowers. Their brilliant color and strong odor 

 draw many insects to them, and the honey guides, or dark 

 lines of the corolla which lead to the spur, perhaps show 

 them the way to the treasure within. Notice that the posi- 

 tion of the flower protects it from rain and also makes of 

 the lower lip a convenient landing place for the insect. 



The flowers and leaves are sometimes used for salad, 

 tasting not unlike w^ater-cress. The fruit makes an ex- 

 cellent pickle. 



