ORGANS OF FLOWERING PLANTS 25 
unfamiliar plant) but in almost every district there 
are a few enthusiasts, who will be only too glad to 
assist, and if all else fails, the author will render what 
help he ean. 
From this point onwards it will be well to alternate 
the lessons on special topies such as germination and 
erowth, with a general study of one or more of such 
plants as may happen to be in flower. Material for 
this purpose will be found in the section dealing with 
natural orders which is placed at the end of the book. 
Familiarity with a large number of types, and the 
consideration of whole plants, alternately with the 
detailed study of special organs, gives that breadth 
which an exclusive attention to detail is not unlikely 
to destroy. 
SUMMARY. 
Vegetative Organs. The Root obtains water 
containing dissolved mineral salts from the soil. The 
Stem conducts these to the leaves and carries the 
organic materials manufactured there to the parts 
where they are required. The stem also spreads out 
the leaves to the air and sunlight. The Leaf, by means 
of its chlorophyll, uses the energy of the sunlight to 
build up organic compounds from the inorganic 
materials obtained from earth and air. 
Reproductive Organs. The Flower consists of sepals 
which protect the young flower bud, of petals which 
attract insects, of stamens which produce the pollen, 
and of ecarpels which form the pistil and contain the 
ovules. The Fruit is the developed ovary, sometimes 
with the addition of neighbouring parts. It contains 
the seeds. The Seed is a young plant with a store of 
nourishment. Cotyledons, root and shoot are all 
present. 
