10 FLOWERS 
while those of Carnations and Roses are conspicuous when single. 
In Chrysanthemums, Daisies, and Sunflowers the individual 
flowers, although small, form a cluster so compact that it is often 
erroneously considered a single flower. 
As to color, which is the character most closely related to 
securing pollination by insects, flowers are exceedingly various. 
Some, especially those that depend upon the wind for pollination, 
are green like leaves. Some are white, while among others nearly 
every color imaginable can be found. It is claimed that by means 
of colors flowers solicit the visitation of insects, which are im- 
portant agents in pollination. 
The odors of flowers, usually pleasant, but sometimes repul- 
sive to us, as in case of the 
Carrion-flower and Skunk 
Cabbage, probably serve in 
attracting insects. Further- 
more, pleasant odors add 
to the value of plants for 
ornamental purposes. 
Flowers present various 
forms. When well open, 
Fic. 2. — Basswood flower with portions 50M€ are wheel-shaped, 
removed from one side so that the interior Some funnel-shaped, some 
of the flower may be seen. a, calyx com- tubular, while others de- 
posed of leaf-like portions or sepals; 0, part from these forms with 
corolla composed of leaf-like portions called various irregularities, as in 
) 
petals; s, stamens; p, pistil; r, receptacle. ¥ 
Much enlarged. ia the Sweet Pea, where the 
flower resembles a butter- 
fly in shape, or in the Orchids where parts of the flower may be 
so shaped as to resemble a slipper, as the Orchid known as the 
Lady’s-slipper illustrates. The shape of the flower in many cases 
favors the visitation of only special insects, and, therefore, is 
closely related to the problem of pollination. 
To discover the essential features of a flower, it becomes 
necessary to determine the function of the flower, and become 
acquainted with its parts and the use of each part in relation to 
the work of the flower. 
Function of the Flower. — The flower is the plant’s principal 
organ of reproduction, being devoted to the production of seed 
which is the plant’s principal device for producing new plants. 
