TO BOTANY. 16 



CHAP. X. 



OF THE MOST NATURAL STRUCTURE OF THE PARTS 

 OF FRUCTIFICATION. 



In considering the structure of the parts of Fruc- 

 tification, the principal objects to be attended to 

 are, 1. The number of each part. 2. Itsjigure. 3. 

 Its proportion ; by which is to be understood its height 

 in respect to the rest ; and 4. Its situation ; which 

 will include also its insertion and connections. As 

 to any other differences, such as a difference in the 

 size, colour, smell, or taste, it is not safe to allow 

 any weight to them, as they might lead us to make 

 distinctions, not justifiable by the true principles of 

 the science. 



As the number, figure, proportion, and situation 

 of the parts are variable, we shall consider, 1. The 

 most natural Structure, or that which most fre- 

 quently occurs ; and this we shall make the subject 

 of the present chapter. 2. The Differences in struc- 

 ture, arising from the variation of the parts in diffe- 

 rent plants ; which will take up a few of the succeed- 

 ing chapters. And, 3. The singular Structures, or 

 such as are observed in a few genera only ; for which 

 we shall allot a chapter by itself. 



The most natural Structure of the parts in respect 

 to Number, is, to have the calyx divided into as 

 many segments as the corolla ; the filaments equal 

 in number to the segments of the corolla and calyx ; 

 a single anthera on each filament; the divisions of the 

 pistillum equal in number to the cells of the pericar- 

 pium, or the receptacles of the seeds ; the most com- 

 mon number, Jive; (whence the extent of the classes 

 pentandria and syngenesia), and the corolla and calyx 

 also quinqueftd) cut into five segments. 



