PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS. 



t LOWERS, although apparently so diversified, consist but of Jive Parts : 



1. 1 ne rl ST I LLU M, in tile Centre, 1 Both projecting bodies, being extensions according to Linnaeus, 



II. The Stamen, exterior to this/ J the first of the v ith > and the other of the wood - 



The Pistillum is discriminated by a swollen base, which is the seed-vessel, or Germen, 

 which being opened discloses the seeds. The Stamen is discriminated by having a part 

 which forms the pollen, or coloured farina, called an Anther by botanists. 



A perfect Pistillum is composed of three Parts/ 



1. The Stigma, at top, rarely absent, though sometimes obscure/ 



2. The Style, elevating the Stigma, not absolutely essential/ 



3. The Germen, or seed-vessel, always present/ 



A perfect Stamen is composed of two Parts : 



1. The Anther, at top, containing the fertilizing pollen, always present. 



2. The Filament, elevating the anther, not so essential, being absent in some flowers/ 



For the protection and nourishment of the Sexual Organs of vegetables, (viz. the Pistilla 

 and Stamina) Nature has furnished two other Parts. 



111. 1 lie L/OROLLA, interior, J Both expanded bodies, being expansions, according to Linnaeus, 



YY The Calyx exterior/ f tne ** rst °^ tne ^ ar ^» anu " lnc latter of the rind. 



These are discriminated not only by their respective situations, but by the greater delicacy of 

 the Corolla compared with the Calyx, which last is usually green. These parts are not 

 absolutely essential, some Flowers being destitute of one, 1 or both of them. 



As an appendage to the Corolla/ there is found in some plants, 



V. The Nectarium, for the secreting, and containing of honey. 



Vegetable Inpregnation is thus performed. The farina secreted by the anthers of 

 flowers, passes on the stigma of the pistillum, and is there absorbed, and carried to the seeds, 

 which it renders fertile, as is confirmed by numerous observations and experiments. 



a The Pistillum is very conspicuous in the White Lily, and in the Night-blowing Cereus, as also in the American Aloe. 

 b The six Stamina are seen extremely well in the White Lily and Aloe, as arc also the five stamina in the Blue Passion-flower. 

 e The Wliite Lily furnishes an example of a. perfect Pistillum, as also the Night-blowing Cereus. 



* As in the Meadia. It is extremely distinct in the Tulip, Lily, and Passion-flower. 



e Vide the plate of Tulips, where you will find a Pistillum in the centre without the Style, also the Poppy, whose Stigma is like 

 a Parapluis. The Style is very conspicuous in the Lily, Cereus, and Passion-flower. 



f For This Part vide the Aloe, Cereus, Lily, and Passion-flower. 



g Vide the plate of the Canna. The Filament is very observable in the Lily, Aloe, Cereus, &c. as well as the Anther, with its Pollen- 



h These Two Parts are finely displayed in the Blue Passion-flower, the Calyx of that climbing plant having a hook at the 

 extremity of the back of the five leaves, constituting the Calyx.— Vide also the Meadia, Cereus, &c. 



■ The lilaceous tribe have no Calyx: see the Superb Lily; vide also the Begonia. 



* The radiance, or glory, of the Blue Passion-flower is a fine example of the Nectarium ; vide also the cup of the Renealmia 

 and Limodonun. 



