MONOCOTYLEDONS. 



279 



these scales are attached a stem? We know that a stem 

 bears leaves and buds. As you remove the scales, notice 

 that they become more crowded at the top, so that the scars 

 are closer together here. What do you see projecting from 

 this upper end ? Can you find any similar projections lower 

 down? In most cases you will find one between any two 

 neighbouring scars. What are these projecting bodies ? 



Pig. 101. 



Fig. 102. 



FLOWER 



Fig. 103. 



Pig. 100. 



Figs. 100-103. Crocus. 100, Entire Plant just before the Flower has opened ; 101, Conn 

 from below ; 102, Side view of Corm ; 103, Flower as seen from above. 



From these observations you should be able to infer that 

 the " bulb " is a short thick stem bearing buds, and is there- 

 fore a form of shoot. It is distinguished from most bulbs 

 (Onion, Tulip, etc.) by having a large thick stem and thin 

 dry scales instead of a very small disc-like stem and thick 

 fleshy scales ; it is therefore called a " solid bulb " or corm. 



Now pick off one of the large buds from the top of the 

 corm, and very carefully dissect it, making a sketch of the 



