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INTRODUCTION TO BOTANY.

There is a part of the flower frequently attached to the Corolla,called by Linnaeus Nectaeium (Honeycup). This is not to be seen inall; but it does not nnfrequently occur, and is of various forms in thedifferent flowers: as in Aconite, Aconitum, it is composed of small piecesunder the corolla, shaped like horns. In the Jquilegia, Columbine, itis placed below the flower and is formed like a spur. In the Narcissus,it is placed in the centre of the flower, forming a cup in the corolla,where, particularly in some species, it makes a conspicuous appearance.It is unnecessary to enumerate all the different forms this part of theflower assumes, as it will be sufficient to inform the reader that wherehe finds a part of the flower beside the seven parts of fructification,it is invariably styled a Nectary ; and in most cases little difficultywill be found in distinguishing it from the regular parts.

The next that falls under our consideration i. e. the STAMENS,are each composed of three parts, as we have before stated; the Fi-lament, Anther, and Pollen.

The Filament is in general a slender thread, which supports theanther, and fixed to some other part of the fructification; as in thefollowing —

On the Receptacle in Lilium;—on the Calyx in Pyrus, Apple-Tree;—on the Corolla in Alropa ,•—on the Style in O'clus.

It maybe observed that in monopetalous flowers the stamens aregenerally affixed to the corolla, but in the polypetalous they are forthe most pari on the receptacle. For instances of this see the structureof Convolvulus and Lily.

They also vary in length ; as in Night-blowing Cereus, very long;—in Primrose very short; — in Indian Reed entirely wanting, the anthersbeing fixed to the upper petal.—It is naked in some, in others hairy,as in Mullein and Spiderwort.

They also differ as to situation and connexion, as we have shown inthe character of some classes : as in Monadelphia they are connectedround the pistil; in Diadelphia in two sets; in Polyadelphia inseveral sets, i. e. adhering to each oilier in the bottoms, and if re-moved falling off together.

We next come to the Antiif.rs, which are commonly on the sum-mits of the filaments: these are of different forms; they burst eitherlengthways or at the top, when the pollen is immediately discharged.It is curious to observe how Nature has constructed some plants forthe purpose of discharging it with effect: as in the Lily the anthers areturned inside out, by which the pollen is regularly discharged; in othersthe filaments are so constructed as to fly open with an elastic force, anddischarge the pollen at once, as in the Stinging Nettle.

These also differ in the mode in wh'ch they are connected to the fila-ments. As in Rhododendron it is fixed on by its lower end to the pointofthe filament and is nearly erect with it. In the Passion-flower it is fixedto the filament at the middle, and turns as on a pivot, which constitutesone great beauty in that singular flower.