Ch. XII] THE COROLLA. 73 
Uses of the Corolla. 
295. One important office of the corolla, is to secure the sta- 
mens and pistils from all external injury, and to favour their 
development. After the germ has become fertilized by the in- 
fluence of the pollen, the corolla fades away, and either falls off, 
orremains withered upon the stalk; the juices which nourished 
it then go to the germ, to assist in its growth, and enable it to be- 
come a perfect fruit. Another use of the corolla seems to hk: 
to furnish a resting place for insects in search of honey. 
296. The corolla is supposed by Darwin, an English botanist, 
to answer the same purpose to the stamens and pistils, as the 
lungs in the animal system; each petal being furnished with an 
artery which conveys the vegetable blood to its extremities, ex- 
posing it to the light and air. This vegetable blood, according 
to this theory, is then collected and returned in correspondent 
veins, for the sustenance of the anthers and stigmas, and for the 
purpose of secreting honey. 
297. After all our inquiries into the uses of the corolla, we 
are obliged to acknowledge that it appears not as important in 
the economy of vegetation, as many less showy organs. It 
seems chiefly designed to beautify and enliven creation by the 
variety and elegance of its forms, the brilliancy of its colouring, 
and the sweetness of its perfume. 
Nectary. 
298. In many flowers there is an organ called the nectary, 
which secretes a peculiar fluid, the honey of the plant; this 
fluid constitutes the principal food of bees, and various other 
species of insects. 
299. The nectary seems not to be confined to any particular 
part of the flower. Sometimes itis a mere cavity, as in the lily. 
295. What are some of the uses of the corolla? 
296. What was Darwin’s opinion of the use of the corolla 3 
297. For what does the corolla seem chiefly designed ? 
_ 298. What is the use of the nectary ? 
299. Is the age confined to any particular part of the flower? 
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