CHAP. II. 
FLOWER. 
127 
believe I was the first who explained the true nature of the 
urceolus, in my translation of Richard's Analyse du Fruity 
printed in 1819. (p. 13.) . 
At the base of the ovary of Cyperaceas are often found little 
filiform appendages, called hypogynous setcB {Jiy, 68. d) by 
most botanists, and perigynium by Nees von Esenbeck. 
These are probably of the nature of the squamulae of Grasses, 
and have been named perisporum by some French writers. 
Bracts are generally distinct from each other, and imbri- 
cated or alternate. Nevertherless, there are some striking 
exceptions to this ; as remarkable instances of which may be 
cited Althaea and Lavatera among Malvaceae, all Dipsaceae, 
and some Trifolia, particularly my Tr. cyathiferum {Hooker 
Fl. Boreali-Amer.), in all which the bracts are accurately ver- 
ticillate, and their margins confluent, as in a true calyx. 
4. Of the Flower. 
69 
70 71 72 
The Flower is a terminal bud inclosing the organs of 
reproduction by seed. By the ancients the term flower was 
restricted to what is now called the corolla; but Linnaeus 
wisely extended its application to the union of all the organs 
which contribute to the process of fecundation. The flower, 
therefore, as now understood, comprehends the calyx^ the 
corolla, the stamens, and the pistil, of which the two last only 
are indispensable. The calyx and corolla may be wanting, 
and a flower will nevertheless exist ; but, if neither stamens 
