56 FRUCTIFICATION. 



Functions of the Stamens and Pistils* 



These parts contribute to the perfecting of the seed 

 in the following manner. 



After the flower is expanded the anther hursts in 

 dry weather and discharges the pollen, the particles of 

 which, come in contact with the stigma, and meeting 

 with the viscid moisture with which this part is cover- 

 ed, explode and discharge their Contents, which are said 

 to be a subtle vapour. 



It is probable that the contents of the pollen are ab- 

 sorbed by the stigma and transmitted to the rudiments 

 of the seeds in the germen. 



This contact of the pollen with the stigma seems to 

 be the great object of the flower, by which it renders 

 the seed perfect and capable of vegetating ; and no 

 seed is perfect or will grow, unless it has taken place. 



The stamens and pistils, or more particularly, the 

 anther, stigma and geriften, are indispensable to the per- 

 formance of this important function.* All other parts 

 may be, and occasionally are, wanting. 



Observation. The corolla first attracted the attention of botan- 

 ists, and is considered by the vulgar the most important part, but 

 the stamens and pistils are essentially the flower, and constitute 

 one in effect without any other part. They are presumed to be es- 

 sential to all plants. 



Linnesus clearly established these doctrines, and for- 

 tunately fixed upon the stamens and pistils, organs 

 necessarily universally present, as the foundation of 

 his first divisions of the vegetable kingdom, the classes 

 and orders. 



Situation of the Stamens and Pistils. 

 he stamens and pistils are situated together in the 

 same flower, as in the Lily and most plants ; or in sep- 

 arate flowers on the same plant, as Indian Corn, Zea 



* Mare's tail, Hippuris 9 an exotic plant, has a flower of the most simple structure, 

 having only one stamen and one pistil, without any calyx or corolla. 



