If you look at the lower side of the outer row of flower leaves, you will see that they are streaked with green; and that when the flower is still in bud, only the green, thick parts of these leaves are exposed to the wind and cold, while the more delicate parts of the blossom are hidden almost as snugly as though they were covered by the leaves of a green cup or calyx. [Illustration: FIG. 165] These lilies are pleasant flowers to study. Their different parts are so large and simple that you have no doubt as to what they are meant for. The bees could hardly overlook their great, showy handkerchiefs; and the heaping dust boxes must powder the visiting bees so freely with golden or brownish dust, that plenty of this is sure to be carried to the pistil of a neighboring blossom; and the flat tip of this pistil is so large and so sticky, that, once the dust is brushed upon it, it is sure to stay there until its wonderful work is accomplished. The gay tulip (Fig. 165) is a cousin to the lily. It is built on almost the same plan. There is no green cup in the tulip; but every tulip has 1. Flower leaves. 2. Stamens. 3. Pistil. The tip of the tulip’s pistil is divided into three parts. [Illustration: Decoration] ABOUT STAMENS Let us take a good look at the stamens of the Easter lily. There are six of these. Each dust box is fastened to the tip of a tall stalk. Fig. 166 shows you a single stamen from the Easter lily. It is drawn somewhat larger than life. Its box has opened, and is letting out some grains of dust. [Illustration: FIG. 166] There are many different kinds of stamens. I will show you some pictures that will give you an idea of their great variety. Here is one taken from the flower of the shin leaf (Fig. 167). The dust makes its escape through two little openings at the very top of the box. [Illustration: FIG. 167] That shown in Fig. 168 is from the barberry. The sides of the box open like a door which is hinged on top. This arrangement lets out a quantity of dust. Here is a collection of stamens of different sorts. Fig. 169 has two boxes at the top of its stalk, and so has Fig. 171. Fig. 172 has a crosspiece, with a good-sized box at one end, and only the little beginnings of a box at the other. Fig. 170 has a similar crosspiece, with a box at one end only. [Illustration: FIG. 168] [Illustration: FIG. 169] You see that flower faces show quite as much variety as do the faces of the people you know. You must not expect to find stamens all alike, any more than you would expect all the boys and girls you know to have noses of the same shape, or hair of the same color. [Illustration: FIG. 170] [Illustration: FIG. 171] [Illustration: FIG. 172] This picture (Fig. 173) shows you all the stamens of the pea blossom. Do you notice that quite a number of these (nine, in fact) grow together close about the pistil, while the tenth one stands alone? That is a strange custom always observed by the stamens of the pea.