1083. Stipulï¾µ and bracteï¾µ are not uncommonly found transformed into leaves, in the rose family more especially ; hence these organs are considered as rudimentary leaves. Instances in which the calyx and even the corolla have been transformed into leaves, as in the daisy, the tulip, the rose, &c., are familiar to every gardener; and hence it is concluded that these organs also are but modified leaves. In double flowers, every one is knows that the stamens are changed into petals ; but petals having been proved to be leaves, it follows also that stamens are leaves, which is occasionally seen to be the case in monstrous flowers. From these, and similar facts and arguments, Dr. Lindley concludes, that 'there can be no difficulty in admitting the following propositions as the basis of morphology.' Every flower with its pedicule and bracteole, being the developement of a flower bud, and flower buds being altogether analogous to leaf buds, it follows as a corollary, that every flower, with its pedicule and bracteole, is a metamorphosed branch. The flowers being abortive branches, whatever the laws are of the arrangement of branches with respect to each other, the same will be the laws of the arrangement of flowers with respect to each other. In consequence of a flower and its peduncle being a branch in a particular state, the rudimentary or metamorphosed leaves which constitute bracteï¾µ, floral envelopes, and sexes, are subject to exactly the same laws of arrangement as regularly formed leaves. (Outlines of the first Principles of Botany, 2d edit.)
