COMPOSITE. 28l 



Exercise 8 1 . 



444. The aster (Aster novae-angliae). — (Some other species may be selected 

 if it is more convenient. ) See Exercise 82. 



The entire plant. — Describe the entire plant; the character of the stem; 

 the position of the leaves ; their form on different portions of the stem ; their 

 attachment to the stem. Compare the ' ' radicle ' ' leaves with the stem leaves. 



The inflorescence. — Describe the inflorescence, and the position of the 

 flower heads. 



A single head of flowers.— Describe the involucre. What different kinds 

 of flowers are present ? What is the position of each kind on the head ? De- 

 termine the approximate number of each kind of flowers in a head. 



The ligulate flowers. — Remove one from the head and sketch it, showing 

 the different parts. How many petals are indicated in the strap ? How 

 many petals are in the tubular portion of the ligulate flower? Is this a true 

 ligula ? Why ? Is the calyx present, and what represents it ? Split open 

 the corolla tube, and determine whether or not the stamens are present. Is 

 the pistil present in the ligulate flower ? 



The tabular flowers — Describe the corolla. How many petals are indi- 

 cated in the corolla tube ? What is such a corolla called ? 



The stamens. — Split open the corolla tube down one side, and sketch to 

 show the position of the stamens, and their relation to each other. Split open 

 the anther column, spread it out, and sketch to show the relation of the 

 stamens to each other, and the pistil within. 



Material. — Entire plants in flower ; also some of the mature fruit heads. 



Exercise 82. 



445. The goldenrod (solidago). — (As an alternate if desired, for Exer- 

 cise 81.) 



If it is desired to study the goldenrod instead of the aster, it will be well 

 to make a comparison with the aster, and the account of the aster here given 

 will serve as a guide for the study of the goldenrod. The daisy is also a 

 good one to compare with the aster, and the outline for the study of the aster 

 here given will answer for the basis of such a study. 



Exercise 83. 



446. The dandelion (Taraxacum dens leonis). 



The entire plant — Note the very short stem (the plant is sometimes said to 

 be acaulescent, but it has a short stem). Note the thick root ; the position of 

 the leaves (often called radicle leaves because of their position on the short 

 stem so near the roots) . Sketch a leaf to show its form, 



