NATURAL STRUCTURE OF FLOWERS. 17 



as they might lead us to make distinctions not justifiable by the 

 true principles of the science. 



As the number, figure, proportion, and situation of the parts 

 are variable, we shall consider, 1. The most natural Structure, 

 or that which most frequently occurs ; and this we shall make 

 the subject of the present chapter. 2. The Differences in 

 structure, arising from the variation of the parts in different 

 plants, which will take up a few of the succeeding chapters ; 

 and 3. The singular Structures, or such as are observed in a 

 few genera only ; for which we shall allot a chapter by itself. 



The most natural Structure of the parts, in respect to Num- 

 ber is, to have the calyx divided into as many segments as the 

 corolla;... the filaments equal in number to the segments of the 

 corolla and calyx;. ..a single anthera on each filament; ...the di- 

 visions of the pistil lum equal in number to the cells of the peri- 

 carpium, or the receptacles of the seeds ; the most common num- 

 ber five (whence the extent of trie classes Pentandria* and Synge- 

 nesiaf) ;...and the corolla and calyx also quinqufied, cut into five 

 segments. 



In respect to FrcuRE, to have the calyx less spreading than the 

 corolla;... the corolla widening gradually ;... the stamina and pi- 

 stillum upright and tapering ;...the pericarpium big with seeds, 

 swelling and extending after the rest of the parts (the calyx ex- 

 cepted) are fallen off. 



In respect to Proportion, to have the calyx less than the co- 

 rolla;. ..the pistillum of equal length with the stamina in an up- 

 right flower, but longer in an inverted one ;...if the flower slope 

 downward, the stamina and pistillum inclining towards the un- 

 der side ; but if it slope upwards, placed close under the upper 

 side. 



In respect to Situation, to have the perianthium surrounding 

 the receptacle ;... the corolla placed on the receptacle, and al- 

 ternate with the perianthium ;...the filaments placed within the 

 corolla> but corresponding with the perianthium the anthem. 



* See Pan II, Chap. VIII, 



f See PartIL Chap. XXII. 



c 



