673 



Haitdbook of Nature-Study 



Tlie staminate blossom of the pumpkin, showing the anther knob at the center. A bud of 

 the staminate flower; and a closed blossom at the right. 



Photo by Verne Morton, 



base and a slender stem, which upholds a curiously folded, elongate knob, 

 that looks like some ancient or primitive jewel wrought in gold. The 

 corrugations on its surface are the anther-cells, which are curiously joined 

 and curved around a central oblong support; by cutting one across, we 

 can see plainly the central core, bordered by cells filled with pollen. But 

 where is the nectar well in the smooth cup of this flower? Some have 



I, Base of pistillate blossom; o, ovary which develops into the 

 pumpkin; n, nectar cup; St., stigmas. 2, Base of a 

 staminate blossom; n, opening into the nectar cup; an, 

 anthers joined, forming a knob. 3 , Pumpkin tendril. 



