370 THE BIOLOGY OF THE PLANT 



lens, microscope, razor, Avatcli-glasses, dilute iodine, and 

 acetic acid carmine will be needed in the examination. 



Method of Examination. — Study first the flower in its 

 natural surroundings, especially the plants among which 

 it grows, the time of year during which it is in blossom, 

 and the kinds of insects found to visit it, for much of the 

 significance of the structure, color, etc., of a flower is to 

 be learned only from a study of its surroundings and of 

 other parts of the plant. 



MOEPHOLOGT 



NaTied-eye Characters. 



Take a cherry branch bearing several blossoms 

 in various stages of expansion and study the fol- 

 lowing : 



a. Arrangement or anthotaxy. — On what part of the 

 stem are the blossoms borne ? What position do 

 they have with regard to one another? Is this con- 

 stant % How many do you find in a cluster ? Is 

 the number invariable ? What is their position 

 with regard to the leaves ? Make a diagram indi- 

 cating the position of the clusters on the stem ; 

 another, showing the position of the flowers in a 

 cluster. 



5. Shape. — What is the shape of a mature but un- 

 opened bud? Draw. Of an expanded flower? 

 Draw. What reasons can you give for these facts ? 



c. Size. — What is the diameter of a mature bud ? Of 



an expanded flower ? Does the flower grow as it 

 opens ? 



d. Color. — What is the color of a perfect blossom ? 



