312 Observations on the Formation of Double Flowers. 



from the circumference to the centre, and if the different 

 organs of fructification are only susceptible of being con- 

 verted into those which are next between them and the axis 

 of inflorescence, and if no retrograde action takes place, the 

 reason of the superior beauty of double flowers will be 

 obvious. In the latter case, the calyx may indeed throw off 

 its dull green colour, and assume the vivid hues of the petals, 

 as in the Paeony and Primrose, and the petals may dilate 

 themselves, and in attempting to perform the functions of 

 stamens may multiply and transform themselves in the transi- 

 tion into an hundred curious and grotesque appearances ; but 

 no diminution of beauty, or loss of brilliant colours will take 

 place. It would also, I think, be reasonable to conclude, in 

 the absence of more satisfactory evidence, that a given organ 

 would in its transformation bear a more perceptible resem- 

 blance to that from which it was changed, than to that 

 towards which its form was altering. Now it is obvious to 

 every observer, that in double flowers the metamorphosis 

 which takes place between the petals and stamens bears a 

 far greater resemblance to the former than to the latter. 



Independently however of these considerations, an atten- 

 tion to the nature of the alterations which take place in the 

 centre of double flowers appears to me to prove that it is 

 impossible that any retrograde action can influence the pre- 

 ternatural alteration of the parts of fructification. If we 

 examine the various double flowers with which our gardens 

 are enlivened, we shall find that the ovarium either continues 

 to maintain its original form, notwithstanding any changes 

 which may take place around it, or, that it is altogether 



