84 



OBJECT LESSONS IN BOTANY. 



Tlie stamens and petals have accbmplished their work, and 

 are dead. The sepals also, when colored like petals, are 

 dead. But the pistil, especially the ovary, yet remains in its 

 place, living and growing until the seeds which it contains 

 are perfect. 



162. Thus the fruit is the ovary or pistils brought to per- 

 fection. 



163. During the growth and ripening of the pistil, great 

 and manifold changes occur, so that at last the fruit is very 

 different in form, size, substance, and color. The little pistil 

 in the flower of the Cherry must undergo a great alteration 

 in becoming a plump Ox-heart ! 



263 • . / 265 



Fig. 268. An umbel of Cheny blossoms,— namely, a bud, an entire flower, and a 



section showing the one pistil and the perigynoua stamens. 

 Fig. 264. The drupe, cut through'to show the stone and one seed. 

 Fig. 265. A corymb of Strawberry, — flower and fruit. The acheuia are seen on the 



surface of the fruit, which is only the overgrown torus. 



161. Can you tell us ■what parts of the flower perish ? -What parts remam 

 in place and stiU grow? 



162. How do you define the fruit? 



163. Mention some of the changes occurring from ovary to fruit. 



