PERFECT FLOWERS 41 



of the work of fertilisation. As in the tuHp, the 

 anthers open outward, the outermost ring being 

 the first to ripen; thus the stigmas are somewhat 

 protected and cross-fertihsation is sHghtly favoured. 



Field Mustard — Brassica arvensis 

 May-Sept. 



When this common yellow flower unfolds, the 

 anthers turn away from the stigma, and the bee 

 thrusts his head between them and the petals in 

 search of the nectar secreted by glands at the bases 

 of the stamens. As the flower grows older and 

 withers the anthers turn their pollen-covered side 

 upward, and finally their tips curve toward the 

 stigma, so as to effect fertilisation if that has not 

 already been accomplished with pollen from else- 

 where. 



It is visited by bees, bee-flies and beetles. 



Common Elder — Samhucus canadensis 

 June-July 



These little flowers, individually so 

 inconspicuous, become showy in their 

 close, flat groups. The whole corymb 

 forms a landing stage for insects, who 

 crawl over it from floret to floret. 

 The stamens spread far away from the elder 



