146 



On Flowers and hi sects. 



Fig. 46. BIRD'S-FOOT TREFOIL (Lotus corniculaius). 



V. 



i. The Leguminosae, or Pea-tribe, present a num- 

 ber of beautiful contrivances. Let us take a com- 

 mon little Bird's-foot Trefoil (fig. 46). The petals 

 are five in number ; the upper one stands upright, 

 and is known as the standard (fig. 47, std} ; the two 

 lateral ones present a slight resemblance to wings 

 (fig. 47, w), while the two lower ones are united 

 along their edges, so as to form a sort of boat, 

 whence they are known as the "keel" (figs. 48, 

 49, ). The stamens, with one exception, are united 

 at their bases, thus forming a tube (figs. 50, 51, /), 

 surrounding the pistil, which projects beyond them 



