ECONOMIC VALUE OF FLOWERS 
217 
grow, from Nature’s standpoint, for they do not have a 
chance to develop seeds. 
Cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, the buds of which are 
used as food, are the most familiar examples of the use of 
flowers for this purpose. 
A few have been used for medicine, though not so much 
now as formerly. Among them may be mentioned dande¬ 
lion, the elder, the mullein, and camomile. 
Saffron, a yellow coloring matter, is obtained from the 
stigmas of the saffron crocus. 
SUGGESTIONS FOR HOME WORK 
As soon as flowers appear observe them closely and note which have 
many insect visitors and which have few or none. Fill out a report as 
suggested below and add any points which interest you besides those 
mentioned. 
Color Conspicuous 
Color Not Conspicuous 
Odor Strong 
Odor Not Strong 
Nectar Abundant 
Nectar Not Abundant 
Insects Many 
Insects Few 
Etc. 
Sweet Pea . 
Dandelion . 
Hepatica . 
Buttercup . 
Examine florists’ and gardeners’ catalogues, and note the plants the 
flowers of which are used as food and for ornament. Read about the 
use of hops and the process of raising and harvesting them. 
SUMMARY 
The flower is the part of the plant that produces fruit 
containing seeds for a new generation of plants. The 
essential parts of a flower are the stamens and the pistil, 
