PART III. 



FRUCTIFICATION, (fructificatio.) 



THE FRUCTIFICATION consists of the FXOWEU 

 and FRUIT. 



The fructification is a temporary part of vegetables, 

 destined for the reproduction of the species, terminating 

 the old individual and begining the new. 



Observation. The fructification is an essential part of every 

 vegetable. Every species of plants produces flower and fruit. The 

 seed is the essence of the fructification, and the whole use of the 

 flower is to serve in perfecting' it. 



A plant may be propagated by roots, layers, offsets, scions and 

 buds, but the plants thus produced, are only extensions of the 

 same individual, and retain all its peculiarities.* 



Although a plant may thus be propagated to a considerable ex- 

 tent, yet it appears that if it be not renewed by seed, it will 

 sooner or later become extinct, or, as it is commonly expressed, 

 will run out ; hence we infer that propagation by seed is the oiily 

 true reproduction of plants. 



Linnseus distinguishes seven parts of fructification, 

 some of which are essential to the very nature of a 

 flower or fruit, others not so indispensably necessary, 

 and therefore not always present. 



1. CALYX, (calyx.} PI. 13, fig. 1. Flower-cup, 

 generally resembling the leaves in texture and colour, 

 and forming the outermost part of the flower. This is 

 not essential, an&is often absent. 



Observation. Commonly called the green leaves of the flower. 



II. Con XLA,(coro7<i.) Pi. 12, fig. 1. a, a. a. The more 

 delicate coloured internal leaf or leaves, likewise not 

 essential. 



Observation. 1. Commonly called the Jiotoer leaves. 



2. PETAL is the term given to each separate leaf of the corolla. 



' This is exemplified in the various kinds of apples, which are propagttted by en 

 grafting and inocculationt 



