FLOWERS. 45 



centripetal, centrifugal, or mixed. This arrangement, 

 however, I ought to mention, evidently originated from 

 the wild theory of Goethe and Von Martius, to which I 

 have just objected ; but as it is here introduced, I have 

 completely stript it of all theory and only given what 

 is based on facts ; for there is a wide difference between 

 the representation of flowers being actually leaves 

 transformed into flowers by rotatory evqjution, and 

 the simple fact that the flowers of certain plants are 

 evolved in a certain order and direction. 



Centripetal Evolution. 



In the centripetal evolution, the flowers always first 

 blow in the circumference and last in the centre, the 

 flower-stalk always growing from the inner base 1 of a 

 leaf, and the stem having always a leaf-bud at the 

 summit. The flowering may therefore be prolonged 

 indefinitely, or as long as nourishment is afforded. 

 We may also consider the various forms arising from 

 the varied growth of the branches of the flower-stalk, 

 as we have seen occurring in the leaf-stalks, with regard 

 to their distribution through leaves. 



The form under this division may be that of a tuft 2 , 

 as in clover, scabious, and thrift, which rank as aggre- 

 gate 3 flowers; or as in dandelion, thistle, and daisy, 

 which rank as composite 4 flowers, the first being 

 usually more or less globular, the second more or less 



(1) In Latin, Axilla. (2) In Latin, Capitulum. 



(3) In Latin, Aggregati. (4) In Latin, Compositi. 



