62 OBJECT LESSONS IN BOTANY. 
pistils. A complete flower has all the organs, viz., sepals, 
petals, stamens, pistils. A naked flower lacks both the calyx 
and corolla. 
111. A symmetrical flow- 
er has each of these several 
organs in an equal number 
or, at least, the same num 
ber of pieces in each czrcle 
of organs. For example, 
the Flax flower is symmet- 
Fig. 190. A symmetrical, regular flower of rical, having sepals tive, 
Iceland Moss (Sedum acre); it hus five sepals, petals five, stamens five, 
five petals, twice five (ten) stamens, and five Nee F i 
pistils,—all separate and distinct. and pistils five. The Lily 
Fig. 191. House-leek (Sedum sempervivum), ig also symmetrical, having 
i three sepals, three petals, 
six stamens (in two equal circles), and three pistils (which 
are combined in one). ~ 
LESSON XVII. 
THE PLAN OF THE FLOWER. 
112. Ir is very instructive and delightful to study the 
symmetry of flowers in the way mentioned in the last lesson. 
We are thus led to the discovery of a truth in the science of 
botany at once beautiful and sublime,—worthy of the wis- 
dom of the Infinite Creator. That truth or prinedple is, that 
all flowers, though infinitely various in form and fashion, 
111. What a symmetrical flower? How is the Lily symmetrical ? 
112. Please state the principle learned from studying the symmetry of the 
flower. 
