SPERMATOPHYTES 



251 



often two regions of mesophyll (the palisade region of vertically elon- 

 gated and close-lying cells, and the spongy region of rounded and 

 loosely packed cells, leaving a labyrinth of intercellular spaces); and 

 the veins, of varying order (fig. 559, v), which traverse the mesophyll 

 and contain the vascular strands (conducting system) connecting with 



Figs. 560, 561. — 560, surface view of epidermis of leaf of lily, showing epidermal cells 

 and stomata; 561, a single stoma more highly magnified. — After Coulter. 



those of the stem and root, and also strands of mechanical or supporting 

 tissue. Such a structure provides protection (epidermal layers) for the 

 mesophyll cells, an internal atmosphere bathing the mesophyll cells 

 and communicating with the external atmosphere through the stomata, 

 a conducting system, and a mechanical framework. 



Flower 



General character. — The flower is a very characteristic structure of 

 angiosperms, but it is impossible to define it with exactness, so as to 

 apply to all angiosperms and to no other group. In passing from 

 gymnosperms to angiosperms there is a gradual transition from the 

 structure called a strobilus to that called a flower or an inflorescence. 

 The most characteristic feature of the flower of angiosp*ms is the pres- 

 ence of a perianth associated with the sporophylls. In its full expres- 



