72 ON VEGETABLE PHYSIOLOGY. 



the outline of the flower becomes observable ; 

 when supported by the stalk or peduncle, all the 

 several parts are progressively developed, until 

 the flower itself bursts forth in full maturity arid 



beauty. 



In no part of the vegetable creation has so 



much taste and variety been displayed as in the 

 flower; the brilliancy, shape, and fragrancy of 

 whose blossoms cannot fail to attract the atten- 

 tion of the most indifferent observer ; while the 

 whole face of nature is adorned and en ivened 

 by the diversity of their species, and the endless 

 variety of their tints and hues. But it is not the 

 taste displayed in the color, form, and distribution 

 of the flower (however fit objects for admiration), 

 that confers the greatest interest upon these or- 

 gans of vegetables. It is their internal structure 

 and the object they have to answer, which entitle 

 them to philosophical consideration. 



The flower is composed of the calyx or cup, of 

 the corolla or blossom with its petals, of the 

 receptacle or base, and of the nectarium, as 

 auxiliary ; and of the stamens with their anthera, 

 and the pistil with its stigma style and ovary or 

 germ, as primary or essential organs of fructification. 



The calyx, which is to be found immediately 

 surrounding the lowest portion of the corolla or 

 blossom, is a green membraneous sac, most fre- 

 quently formed into the shape of a cup, and is 

 intended to defend, support, and nourish the 



