XVI. EXPERIMENTS WITH FLOWERS 



186. FUNCTION OF THE PERIANTH 



Object To find out the function of the perianth of a 

 fiower- 



Method. From any large flower bud, carefully remove 

 the calyx and corolla, thus exposing the essential organs to 

 view. Do the same with a flower just opening. Mark both 

 with a tag or bit of colored cord. From time to time ob- 

 serve the flowers. 



When fruit matures, note which if either produces the 

 most seed. Also which produces the best quality of seeds, 

 a mutilated flower or one which has been left intact. 



Note. Tulips and other large flowers are best for such experi- 

 ments. 



Suggestion. Find out whether the position of a flower 

 has any relation to seed production. Do this by selecting 

 some large irregular flower, as a nasturtium (tropseolum), 

 and carefully twist the stalk halfway round so as to bring 

 the upper petals below and the under petals above. A 

 pansy or papilionaceous flower is good for such experi- 

 ments. 



Note (1) whether such flowers have the power to right 

 themselves, (2) whether insects visit them as readily as 

 those which have not been inverted, and (3) whether they 

 develop their seeds as well. Why or why not? 



220 



