64 BOTANY FOR BEGINNERS, [Ch. XI. 
ture ; a bouquet, or even the simplest blossom, presented by a 
friend, interests the heart. How many pleasant thoughts are 
awakened by the fresh and perfumed incense which is offered 
by flowers! their odour has been poetically termed the language 
by which they hold communion with our minds. 
254, Although every part of a plant offers an interesting sub- 
ject for study, the beauty of the blossom seems by association to 
heighten the pleasure of scientific research. Flowers are indeed 
lovely, but like youthful beauty, they are fading and transient ; 
they are, however, destined for a higher object than a short-lived 
admiration ; for to them is assigned the important office of pro- 
ducing and nourishing the fruit. May those also who study 
this book, so improve the bloom of life, that when youth and 
beauty shall have faded away, their minds may exhibit thas 
fruit, which it is the important business of the season of youil 
to purture and mature. 
255. ‘The parts of the flower, or the organs of fructification 
are the following: 
Calyx, Pericarp, 
Corolla, Seed, 
Stamen, Receptacle, 
Pistil, 
Calyx. 
256. The Calyx is frequently wanting, as in the Tulip. The 
Corolla is also wanting in many plants, as in most of t. 
trees, which to a careless observer, may seem to produce no 
flower, but the presence of a stamen and pistil, is in botany 
considered as constituting a perfect flower. These two organs 
are essential to the perfection of the fruit. A 
257. When a flower is destitute, either of stamens or pistils, 
it is termed imperfect. A flower is said to be incomplete when 
any of the seven organs of fructification are wanting. : 
258. The word Calyx is derived from the Greek, and literally 
signifies a cup ; it is the cover of the corolla, and usually green; 
when not green, it is said to be coloured. 
254. Is there any other office assigned to flowers than those of 
pleasing the senses ? 
255. Repeat the names of the parts of the flower. 
256. What parts of the flower may be wanting,—and what parts 
are essential ? ' ; 
257. What is the difference between an imperfect and an incom- 
plete flower ? 
258. What does the word calvx signify,—and what is the usual 
colour of the calyx? 
