14 



CEREALS 



Via. 3. — Oat. A spikelet (similar to B, Fig. 2) cut lengthwise to show the 

 inner parts. Enlarged and somewhat diagrammatic. Sk, stalklet; 

 R, R', its continuation as a little rachis within the spikelet; C, C, outer 

 bracts; M, F, mature flower; Y, F, young flower not yet opened; R, F, 

 rudimentary flower or pair of bracts wnth neither stamens nor pistils 

 within; D, bract with awn (B); E, inner bract; G, lodicule; F, F', fila- 

 ments bearing ripe anthers (RA. RA') from one of which pollen (P) 

 is falling; Hg, stigma; Sy, style; Ov, oyary, containing an ovule (Ol) ; 

 YA, a young anther; YA', a similar one cut lengthwise to show the 

 pollen forming within. (Original.) 



Fig. 4. — Oat spikelet in fruit. F, the awned inner bract swollen with the 

 ripe kernel which it enwraps; A, awn; F', another ripe "oat" separated 

 from the little rachis (R) and turned to show its inner face where the 

 edges of the bract enclosing the kernel are seen not C|uite meeting 

 at the center. About twice natural size. (Original.) 



A continuation of the stalk into a flower-cluster is called its 

 rachis. 



Every one should be able to tell at sight such important 

 plants as the six principal cereals. When in flower they 

 may be distinguished by the peculiarities mentioned in the 

 following synopsis taken in connection with the figures. 



