Page:An introduction to physiological and systematical botany (1st edition).djvu/330

 300 flower is fallen. Instances of this are the feathery appendages to the seeds of Dandelion, ''Engl. Bot. t. 510, and Goat's-beard, t.'' 434, in which the part in question is elevated on a footstalk. In Carduus, t. 973—6, it is sessile, though still feathery; but in Cichorium, t. 539, it consists of mere chaffy teeth, more clearly evincing its affinity to a Calyx. In Scabiosa it is double. In Bidens, t. 1113, 1114, the Pappus is formed of 2, 3 or 4 rigid barbed bristles. The use of this organ is evidently to transport seeds to a distance from their native spot, either by resigning them to the power of the wind, or by attaching them to the shaggy coats of animals. In due time the feathery crown separates, and leaves the seed behind it, which happens sooner with the Thistle than most other plants. Hence the vacant down of that genus is frequently seen wafted in light masses over a whole country; which has not escaped the notice of poets.

The same term is used by the generality of botanists for the feathery crown of