THE BEHAVIOUR OF FLOWERS 157 
are two kinds. Next to the petals are a goodly num- 
ber of small stalked bodies called stamens. If the little 
cases on the ends of the stalks have not already opened, 
prick one open with a pin. The cases crack open of 
themselves, and a yellow dust-like powder comes out, 
This is pollen, each tiny dust-like particle being a pollen 
grain. ‘The cases on the ends of the stalks are pollen 
cases. Right in the centre of the flower are a number 
of stouter bodies which have tapering points. These 
are called pistils. 
What the parts of the flower do. If you look at the 
young flower bud, you will see that the parts are all 
wrapped up snugly and covered over by the sepals. 
The work of the sepals here is to protect the other 
parts of the flower while they are young. The petals 
are bright coloured, large, and showy. ber are the 
parts of the flower which attract us. 
They attract bees and other insects. Did 
you ever see the bees visiting the flowers, 

° Fig. 193. Fruit, or 
going from one blossom to another? They  achene, of butter- 
reach down and lap up the bit of honey ~~ 
that is in a claw-like pocket at the bottom of each 
petal. In doing this their legs drag on the pollen cases. 
The bees scatter the pollen grains all around as they 
visit one flower after another. As they crawl over the 
flowers some of the pollen clinging to the hairs on 
their legs is left on the pointed ends of the pistils. 

