FLOWERS 



183 



From an old flower remove the pistil. Carefully 

 cut the lower part (ovary) crosswise. What is seen 

 within ? How many chambers (locules) ? What is con- 

 tained in the ovary? Note the partitions (dissepiments) 

 which separate the carpels and the place where the immature 

 seeds (ovules) are attached. This point of attachment is 

 called the placenta, and it is through this that sap from 

 the parent plant is conducted to nourish the ovules. 



These young seeds or ovules will ripen and mature into 

 young plants. 



The pistil is the female part of the plant. From it come 

 the young seeds. The ovary protects the immature seeds 

 until ripe and ready to be cast. 



Conclusion. What parts of the 

 plant are fitted for producing new 

 plants ? 





FIG. 76. Walnut flowers. 



FIG. 77. Willow flowers. 



Note. Stamens are the male part of a plant. They produce 

 a powdery substance called pollen, which is necessary to the develop- 

 ment of a seed. The pistils are the female part of a plant. They 

 produce the ovules. The ovules never mature unless they receive 

 the contents of the pollen grains from the stamens. Thus each little 

 seed is the result of the combination of pollen with an ovule. The 



