Note 1 — Chapter XXX · THE BLOSSOM
Florence Constable Bicknell translation
“Let us examine together a lily, which by its size lends itself readily to study. It has no calyx,1 but it does have a superb corolla formed of six petals gracefully curved inward at the edges, and whiter than ivory. I take away these six petals. What is left now is the essential part; that is to say, the thing without which the flower could not perform its function, could not, in short, bear fruit or seed. Let us carefully consider this remaining part. You will find it well worth the trouble.