68 



ELEMENTS OP STRUCTURAL BOTANY. 



three petal-like arches are its branches. Imraediateiy 

 beneath the tip of each arch will be found a thin lip or 

 plate, which is the stigma. 



The anthers open outioards to-dischajge the pollen, 

 and this fact, in addition to the peculiar situation of the 

 anther as regards the stigma, makes it almost impossible 

 that self-fertilization should take place in this flower. 

 As was the case -with otlier flowers already examined, 

 the Iris is honey-bearing, and, besides, exceedingly showy. 

 The nectar is situated in a cavity at the bottom of the 

 flower, and cross-fertilization is accomplished by the aid 

 of insects. It will be remembered that flowers thus 

 fertilized are said to be entoinophilous. 



89. The Crocus and Gladiolus of the gardens and the 

 Blue-eyed Grass of our low meadows may be examined 

 and compared with the Iris. They are all types of the 

 natural Order 7r«c?acea', which you will observe differs from 

 Ldliacem chiefly in having flowers with only three stamens 

 and an inferior ovary. 



lEIs; 



