MOBPHOLOGY OP EEPEODUCTIVE OBGANS 197 



the species of Saxifrage (fig. 428), in which case it is sorae- 

 times termed half-adherent or half-inferior ; and the calyx is 

 then said to be half-superior ; the latter terms are, however, 

 but rarely used, the ovary being commonly described as inferior, 

 whether its adhesion to the calyx be complete, or only partially 

 so, and vice versa. 



There is some doubt in many oases as to the true nature of the 

 external tubular portion. It may be regarded in some as part 

 of the calyx ; but in others, as in the Gooseberry, it is probably a 

 hollowed receptacle, or thalamus, the true calyx springing from 

 the top of the cup-shaped body, and the ovary being placed upon 

 and adhering to the side of the latter. This relationship is seen 



Fig. 427. 



Fig. 428. 



Fig. 429. 



Fig. 427. Vista of Mctailinus FriucinMu. The ovary is supported ou a gyuo- 



phore, (J, and is superior. Ficj. 428. Vertical section of the flower 



of a Saiifrage, showing the ovary partially adherent to the calyx. 



Fig. 429. Compound irregular mature ovary of Antin-hinum. 



more clearly in such apparently inferior ovaries as those of 

 the Rose (fig. 285), where the thalamus, r, r, is certainly con- 

 cave, and bears a number of carpels, o, o, on its inner walls. 

 A longitudinal section will at once show the difference ; in 

 the Eose we find a single cavity open at its summit, and its 

 walls covered with distinct carpels. The ovaries of the Eose 

 are therefore superior or free. 



The ovary varies much in form and in the character of its 

 surface : when simple it is generally more or less irregular in 

 form ; but when compound, it is commonly regular. Exceptions 

 to the regularity of compound ovaries may be seen in Antir- 

 rhinum (fig. 429), and in other instances. In form, the com- 

 pound ovary is generally more or less spheroidal, or ovoid. The 



