A FEW IMPORTANT PLANT FAMILIES 83 
9. Fruits. — (a) Study the structure of the apple blossom and watch 
the subsequent development of the fruit. Notice that the enlarged 
ovary with the seeds becomes the core of the apple and fills a small 
space at the center. The remainder of the apple is developed from that 
part of the flower which we described as the “cup.” (See page 78.) 
(b) The growth of the fruit: it will help you to understand the 
development of the apple if you study the growth of the wild rose hip, 
which is simpler. fl 
(c) A similar study of the strawberry and raspberry will show that 
each follows a different mode of development, the fleshy portion that we 
eat coming from a different part of the flower. 
9. The Carrot family. — (a) Plant a few carrots and parsnips in 
the spring (the roots) and let them blossom. Observe the structure 
of the flower as carefully as possible. Make drawings to show the form 
of the cluster. Notice how two seeds come from each flower. They 
stick together and look like a single seed until ripe. 
(b) At the water’s edge in sloughs and roadside ditches you can 
probably find the water parsnip and water hemlock. Where one grows 
the other also is apt to grow. You should know them, because they are 
among the very few poisonous plants of the Northwest. They cause 
much trouble among cattle, especially when present in hay. 
(c) Observe carefully all the plants you meet having this type of 
flower cluster until you can recognize at sight any member of the family. 
As far as possible you should also learn the specific name of each, but 
that is generally quite difficult unless you. have assistance. 
to. The Mustard family.— (a) Examine a wild mustard flower 
and note the structure as described elsewhere (see page 80). 
(6) Examine a well-grown mustard pod, and note all the features 
mentioned in the description. Note how it splits open when ripe. 
Compare this type of pod with the pea or bean pod. 
(c) Examine the pods of all the members of the family you can find. 
Note that, though the form and size vary greatly, the general structure 
is the same —all are divided lengthwise by a thin partition, making 
two cells for seeds. When ripe they split open to discharge the seeds in 
the same manner. 
11. Pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, etc. — Study any or all of these 
vegetables when in bloom, and learn to distinguish the male from the 
female flowers. The latter may easily be recognized by the young fruit 
