THE ORIGIN OF PETALS. 



of these parts is shown in the accompanying diagrams 

 (Figs, i and 2). 



As regards function, the pistil produces the seeds 

 and grows later into the fruit. The stamens produce 

 pollen, to impregnate the pistil. The petals attract 

 the fertilising insects by their bright colour, and 

 advertise the honey, if any. The calyx covers up 

 the flower in the bud, and often serves to protect it 



FIG. i. Diagram of typical primitive monocotyledonous flower. , carpels; />, 

 inner whorl of stamens ; c. outer whorl of stamens; d, petals; e, sepals. Each 

 whorl consists of three members. 



from the attacks of useless creeping or honey-eating 

 insects. 



One more preliminary explanation is necessary 

 before we enter upon the consideration of our main 

 subject. Flowering plants, at a very early date in 

 their history, split up into two great divisions. One 

 of these, the GYMNOSPERMS, to which all the oldest 

 fossil plants belong, as well as our own modern 

 conifers and cycads, possessed and still possess 

 flowers and fruits of a very simple character. Each 



