264 



THE TLOWER. 



S84), or the Buckthorn, &e. But more probable explanations for 

 some such cases have already been given (459, 460). It can no 

 longer be deemed sufficient to assume the obliteration of a normal 

 floral circle, and the production of a second one, when no traces of 

 the former can be detected and no clear analogy shown with some 

 strictly parallel instance. Yet we may confidently apply this view 

 when we do find traces of obliterated organs, as in the Geranium 

 family, for example. The pentamerous flower of Geranium exhibits 

 ten stamens, plainly occupjdng two rows, the five of the exterior 

 circle shorter than the others. One set of these stamens alternates 

 with the petals, the otlier is opposed to them. But on close exami- 

 nation, we perceive that it is tlie innei- circle of stamens that alter- 

 nates with tlie petals ; those of the outer circle stand directly before 

 them. This is a not uncommon case where there are just twice as 

 many stamens as there are petals or sepals. In this instance the 

 explanation of the anomaly is furnished by 

 the five little bodies, called by the vague and 

 convenient name of glands, which stand on 

 the receptacle between the petals and the sta- 

 mens, and regularly altoi-nate witli the former. 

 They accordingly occupy the exact position 

 of the original stamineal circle : wherefore, as 

 situation is tlie best indication of the nature of 

 organs, we may regard them as the abortive I'udiments of the five 

 proper stamens, here obliterated. In the annexed diagram (Fig. 421) 

 these ai'e accordingly laid down in the third circle, as fixa small oval 

 spots, slightly shaded. The actual stamens consequently belong to 

 two augmented circles, those of the exterior and shorter set of which 

 (represented by the lai-ger, unshaded figures), normally alternating 

 with the glands, are of course opposed to the petals, and those of the 

 inner and larger .set, normally alternating with the preceding, neces- 

 sarily alternate with the petals. This A-iew is further elucidated by 

 the closely allied genus Erodium, wliere all the parts are just the 

 same, except that the five exterior actual stamens are shorter still, 

 and are destitute of anthers ; that is, tlie disposition to suppression, 

 which has caused the obliteration of the primary circle of stamens 

 and somewhat reduced the second in Geranium, has in Erodium 



riG. 421. Diagram (cross-section) of the flower of Geranium maculatum, exhibiting the 

 relative position of parts, especially the glands alternate with the petals, and the two rows of 

 stamens within them. 



