REGULAR ORDER OF PROCEDURE 87 



Coming next to the study of a single flower, it must first be examined 

 in the bud condition and its praefloration determined. In making 

 this observation, it is necessary that the parts, first of the calyx and 

 afterward of the corolla, should one by one be carefully separated with 

 needle or forceps, beginning at the apex and drawing backward and 

 downward, the hnes of separation being closely scrutinized while the 

 separation is taking place. The fully expanded flower is next examined. 

 The presence of both calyx and corolla, or of one or neither, is first in 

 order. The regularity or irregularity of the several circles can be 

 determined at a glance, as well as their numerical symmetry. The 

 same rapid glance will determine the relative sizes of the different 

 circles, the exsertion or inclusion of the essential organs, the general 

 form of the flower, and color, surface, and positions of the parts. All 

 the above observations may be regarded as superficial. It then becomes 

 necessary to examine into those details which require dissection. 



The sepals should first be turned back and examined as to their 

 cohesion at the base, when this is so slight as to be inappreciable upon 

 superficial examination. At the same time their adhesion to the inner 

 series, especially to the ovary, can usually be determined. The corolla 

 should then be carefully pulled off to ascertain whether any degree of 

 cohesion exists among its petals and also to determine the relation of the 

 stamensto it. Thestamens are next to be removed, and this is preferably 

 done by pushing against them at the base from a lateral direction with 

 a blunt instrument, so as to ascertain whether they exhibit a tendency 

 to cohere in groups. The superficial characters of the gynaecium also 

 can now be readily ascertained. The presence of a disk interposed 

 between gynaecium and calyx must then be searched for and its char- 

 acters determined, as in the case of the other circles. It has already 

 been explained that the disk may be easily overlooked through its 

 adhesion to calyx or corolla or both. Occasionally it will be overlooked 

 because it exists in the form of a granular or powdery mass. 



The general observations thus determined should next be verified 

 and more accurately made by making a vertical incision through one 

 side of the calyx and disk, if the latter be present, and carefully remov- 

 ing them. The body thus removed may then be flattened out and the 

 relations of all its parts be fully seen. If, after the initial incision has 

 been made, it be ascertained that adhesion exists between the calyx 

 and gynaecium, so that the former is not readily removed, the incision 

 must then be carried entirely through the flower and the latter separated 

 into two approximately equal portions. In either case search for 

 nectaries or other appendages must next be made. This subject has 



