Part 3

When the pistil is ripe, the stigma is sticky and holds fast the pollen grains that touch it. The union of ovule and pollen is called fertilization, and by flying about from flower to flower the insects carry pollen from one flower to another, and thus fertilize the plants.

You will know a great deal more about this later.

So we see the pollen is made for the sake of the seeds. The honey is also made for the sake of the seeds, for it attracts the insects that are necessary to fertilize the flower. Even the flower cup has its bright and beautiful coloring to attract the attention of the insects and call them to it. The name of the flower cup is the “corolla,” and means “a little crown” or “garland.”

The corolla is not the only covering the inner parts have. Look at the end of the flower next the stem and you will see the green calyx. When the corolla falls off, the calyx stays and protects the tender ovary. The calyx has five parts, or sepals, and these fold about the ovary like a green cup and keep it safe.

When the ovules are ready for the pollen, the flower puts on its beautiful garland as a sign that the life of the plant is to be renewed.

When we look at the flowers in the fields and gardens we may know that their loveliness is also a promise for the future.

THIS IS THE FLOWER SO BRIGHT AND GAY.

Most flowers have, like the morning-glory, corolla, stamens, and nectar to assist the pistil in developing the seeds.

The sweet pea has, and somebody once told a story about it that I am going to tell you, because I think it will help you to remember the parts of the flower and their uses.

This is the flower so bright and gay.

This is the stamen that lives in the flower so bright and gay. [Illustration: [Stamen]]

This is the pollen that lies in the anther that grows on the stamen that lives in the flower so bright and gay. [Illustration: [Pollen]]

This is the bee that gathers the pollen that lies in the anther that grows on the stamen that lives in the flower so bright and gay. [Illustration: ]

BECAUSE

the ovule hid in the ovary, the ovary stood under the style, the style led from the stigma, the stigma brushed the bee, the bee gathered the pollen, the pollen lay in the anther, the anther grew on the stamen, and the stamen lived in the flower so bright and gay!

THE CALYX.

The calyx is green.

The calyx is strong.

The calyx protects the ovary.

It has five sepals—five green sepals.

They overlap like the tiles on a roof and thus protect the ovary from rain. They also protect it from insects that otherwise might destroy it.

The calyx covers the base of the corolla and forms a green urn, a little vase, in which to hold it secure from harm.

It is not bright and delicate like the corolla, but what would the flower do without it?

BLOSSOM DEAR.

Blossom dear, what is the power Draws the shining wings to thee? Nestled in thy dainty bower I can always find a bee.

Little friend, my bees find honey Hidden deep as deep can be. Without fear and without money Come they for these sweets to me.

Flower, flower, give me honey, Give me honey from thy store. I will pay with love and money; Stores of money, and love much more.

Dear, I cannot give you honey. Shall I truly tell you why? Bees pay better worth than money As they have wings, but you can’t fly!