UC-NRLF 15 3fiD V/U W WX/VW MOSSE & SON, GIFT OF . This means Salver- shaped. It has a tube, terminating in a , spreading limb, or border, which is supposed to resemble a plate or sal- ver, Fig. 20. 83. The Primrose and narrow- leaved Laurel are examples. POLYPETALOUS COROLLAS. 84. Polypetalous means many-petalled, and any flower having more than one petal, comes within this class. Fig. 21. 85. The petals of the Polypetalous Corollas usually consist of the elongated ' narrow part /, Fig. 21, called the claw, ,, a and by which it is attached to the calyx, ?J and the expanded portion, #, which is called the border. The petals of the Rose and Butter-cup are examples. 82. What is the form of a hypocrateriform corolla ? 88. What plants are examples of this corolla ? 84. When are flowers said to be polypetalous ? 85. What are the different parts of these petals called ? POLYPETALOUS COROLLAS. 31 PAPILIONACEOUS. Fig. 22. 86. The Papilionaceous or Butterfly -shaped Corolla, Fig. 22, consists of four distinct pe- tals, each of which has a dif- ferent name. 87. The upper, and largest petal is called the banner; the two side ones below this are the wings, and the lowest, which is between the last, and turned up like a boat, is the keel. This latter part contains the stamens and pistils, which are thus enclosed and defended from injury. 88. The Pea, Bean, and Senna are examples. CRUCIFORM. Fig. 23. 89. The Cruciform, or Cross-shaped Corol- la, Fig. 23, consists of four petals, the borders of which stand cross- wise with respect to each other. Plants with this Corolla are called Cruciform plants, or are said to belong to the 86. How many petals has the butterfly-shaped flower ? 87. What are the names and situations of these petals ? 88. What are examples of this kind of corolla ? 89. What is a cruciform corolla ? what plants present examples ? 32 NECTARY. Cruciform tribe. Many of them are acrid and stimulating in their qualities, as Mustard. Horse- radish, and Cress. NECTARY. 90. The Nectary, or as the name implies, the Honey-cup, is that part of the flower which contains the honey. This name is also applied to certain appendages of flowers which contain no honey. 91. Nor does the honey in every instance, reside in a separate cell, or vessel, being some- times found at the base of the petals. In gene- ral, therefore, every appendage belonging to a flower which is not included in the description of some other part, is called a Nectary, though sometimes very improperly. Fig. 24. 92. I n the Larkspur, the Nectary is formed by the , prolongation of the corolla iinto a horn or spur, as 'represented at a, Fig. 24. In the Violet this part is formed in the same man- ner. 93. The Nasturtion has 90. What is the nectary ? 91. Does the nectary always contain honey ? 92. Which part of the flower of the larkspur is the nectary ? 93. What is said of the nectaries of the naa- turtion and ladies' slipper ? STAMENS AND PISTILS. 33 a Nectary which is made by a projection of the colored calyx. In the Ladies' slipper, the Nec- tary forms the most conspicuous part of the flower. Fig. 25. 94. The Grass of Parnassus has a great number of nectaries consisting of little globular bo- dies, each attached to the end of filament, Fig. 25, and inter- spersed among the stamens. These are quite singular, there being, perhaps, no instance of any similar ap- pendage. 95. In the Butter-cup, or Crow- foot, the Nectary is a small pit, or pore, o, in the claw of the petal, Fig. 25. SITUATION OF THE STAMENS AND PISTILS. 96. The Stamens and Pistils occur under a great variety of situations with respect to each other. Their numbers are also exceedingly va- rious, the Stamens being from one, to a hundred or more in different plants, the Pistils being somewhat less numerous. On the number and 94. What are the nectaries in the grass of parnassus ? In the butter-cup where is the nectary ? 96. What is said of the situation and numbers of the stamens and pistils ? 34 STAMENS AND PISTILS. situation of these parts, depend the scientific arrangement of the Linnean System of Botany, as will be seen hereafter. In general, as we have seen, the Stamens each consist of three parts, namely, the filament, the anther, which sits on its top, and the pollen, or dust, which the anther emits when it becomes mature and bursts. Fig. 27. 97. But in many instances, the filaments are wanting, the anthers being situated imme- diately on the corolla. This . case is shown by Fig. 27, which represents a corolla laid open, the situation of the anthers being marked by the small black dots above the letter c. The Pistillum, like, the Stamen, also consists of three parts, the germen, style, and stigma, as already explained. 98. The stigma being the essential part, the style is sometimes absent. Fig. 28. 99. This is the case in the Pop- y, where the large globular part, ? ig. 28, is the germen on which sits I the stigma, g, scolloped, or radiated in a very curious and beautiful man- ner. 97. When the filament is wanting, where is the anther placed \ 98. When the style is wanting, where is the stigma situated \ 99. What example is offered ? INFLORESCENCE. 35 USE OF THE STAMENS AND PISTILS. 100. The anthers of the Stamens at a certain period peculiar to each plant, burst and shed a fine dust, called the pollen. This in the Lily and most other plants is yellow, and is often seen covering the corolla. The pollen appears to be the reproducing agent in all vegetables, since it has been found, that it is through its in- fluence on the stigma, that the seeds of plants are perfected. 101. If the anthers are destroyed before they distribute their pollen, or the stigma be mutilated or covered, so that this dust does not reach it, the seeds never become so perfect as to grow. INFLORESCENCE. 10*2. Inflorescence signifies the mode of flow- ering, and it is obvious to every one, that there is a great difference among plants in this respect. Some flowers are single, others grow in clusters, others in heads, &c. The modes in which plants put forth their flowers are distinguished by different names, which have been derived from something per- taining to the appearance, situation, or number, of their flowers. 100. Under what circumstances are the seeds of plants per- fected? 101. If the anthers are destroyed what is the conse- quence ? 102. What does the term inflorescence signify ? 30 INFLORESCENCE. 1. UMBEL. Fig. 29. 1Q3 of flowering that is pro- duced when several flow- er-stalks proceed from a common centre, in a whorl, like the braces of an umbrella inverted, and reaching nearly to the same height, Fig. 29. 104. These plants are termed Umbelliferous, that is, umbel-bearing, and form a very exten- sive and important tribe of vegetables. 105. Dill, Carrot and Fennel are examples. 2. VERTICILLATE. Fig. 30. 106. The Ver titillate or Whorled Inflorescence, is formed when the flowers, on very short foot-stalks, com- pose a ring at intervals around the stem, Fig. 30. In some species the flowers do not, however, form an entire cir- cle around the stem, but only grow on opposite sides. 107. Many of the labiate flowers are Verti- cillate, as Mint, Motherwort, and Hyssop. 103. What kind of inflorescence is the umbel ? 104. Give examples of umbelliferous plants. 105. What term is applied to plants that flower in umbels ? 106. When is the flowering said to be whorled? 107. What are examples of verticillate plants ? INFLORESCENCE. Fig. 31. 3. RACEMUS. 108. The Racemus, Cluster, or Bunch, consists of numerous scat- tered flowers, on its own proper stem, the whole proceeding from a common stalk, Fig. 31. A Cluster is sometimes compound, that is, con- sisting of several smaller clusters, each having its own stem, all of which proceed from a common stalk. 109. The Currant, Grape, and Poke weed are examples of the Ra- ceme. 4. SPIKE. 110. The Spike is composed of many flowers arranged along a common stalk and sitting close to it. It generally stands erect, or nearly so, with the flowers crowded, Fig. 32. In some instances, however, the flowers form separate groups, leaving intervals of the stalk naked. 111. Wheat, Barley, and sonle of the Grasses, are examples of the Spike. 108. What is the form of a raceme ?- 109. What are exam- ples of the raceme? 110. What composes a spike? 111. What are examples of the spike ? Fig. 32. 38 INFLORESCENCE. 5. PANICLE. tfg.33. 112. The Panicle is form- ed of a loose, irregularly divi- ded raceme, directed upwards, Fig. 33. It sometimes con- sists of several small spikes, fix- ed by separate footstalks to a common stem. When the stalks are distant from each other, it is called a lax, or dif- fuse Panicle, as in the London pride. 113. The Oat, and several of the Grasses are examples of the Panicle. 6. CORYMBUS. 114. The Corymbus is a sort of raceme, or irregular umbel, in which the lower foot stalks are long, and the upper ones short, so that the flowers at the top are nearly on a level. In general appearance it resembles the umbel, but in this, the foot stalks surround the stem at the same height, and are nearly of the same length. 115. Yarrow, and one species of the Golden rod, are examples. 112. What is the appearance of the panicle? 113. What are examples of a panicle? 114. What sort of inflores- cence is the corymbus ? 115. What are examples of the co- ryrabus ? Fig. 34. INFLORESCENCE. 39 Fig. 35. 7. CAPITUM. 116. The Capitum, or Head, consists of many flow- ers crowded together, on a common receptacle and form- ing a globular shaped whole. This mode of Inflorescence can hardly be mistaken for any other, being distinct and well marked. 117. The Teasel, Clover, and Saffron are examples. 8. SPADIX. Fig. 36. us. A Spadix differs from a spike, in the flowers of the former being crowded or packed as closely together as possible, on a spongy, or porous stem, which stern is sometimes partly enveloped in a sheath, | or spathe. The dark colored, club-shaped part of ! Fig. 36, marked a, represents the Spadix of "the Indian Turnip, partly enclosed in its sheath. 119. The Skunk Cabbage and Cat's Tail are other examples of the Spadix. 120. The different kinds of Inflorescence thus 116. What kind of inflorescence is the capitum? 117. What are examples? 118. How does the spadix differ from the spike ? 119. What are examples of the spadix? 120. What are the different kinds of inflorescence enumerated ? 40 FRUIT OR SEED. illustrated, are the Umbel, Verticillate, Race- mus, Spike, Panicle, Corymbus, Capitum, and Spadix. The necessity of this kind of knowledge will be obvious when we come to describe plants, and especially when the student goes into the field with his manual in his hand, for the pur- pose of gaming a practical knowledge of Botany. FRUIT OR SEED. In ordinary language, we make a difference between the Fruit and Seed. The language of Botany also makes a difference, but in a more restricted sense. 121. Thus, when the Seed is enclosed in a pod or envelope, the whole is called the Fruit, as in the Apple, Peach, and Walnut. When the Seed is naked, then this alone is called the Fruit, as in the Hazle-nut and Sage. 122. Strictly speaking, however, no Seed ever occurs naked, since each one, though enclosed in a shell, pod, or husk, has its own particular membrane, or skin by which it is enveloped. 123. This may be observed, when a Pea or Bean is planted, and the two halves called the cotyledons swell and burst the membrane by which each is enclosed. 121. "What difference does the language of Botany make be- tween the fruit and seed ? 1 22. Do seeds ever occur naked ? 123. What are the two halves of a bean, or pea, called ? PERICARP. 41 PERICARP. 124. The term Pericarp, comes from the Greek peri, about, and karpos, fruit, or seed. It is therefore a general term, including any seed vessel, or external covering in which the seed is enclosed, whether it be in the form of apod, bag, shell, pulp, or berry. 125. The most obvious use of the Pericarp is to protect and retain the seeds until they are ripe. 126. We may observe, also, that many seed vessels promote the dispersion of their seeds, by throwing them to some distance, when they are in a fit state to be planted, but it is believed never before. 127. The common garden flower called Touch-me-not, is a familiar example of such a provision. The Pericarp of this plant, which is composed of several valves, as it grows dry, acts as an elastic spring, and throws the seeds to some dis- tance in all directions. The Pericarps which are most common, are of the following kinds. 124. What is the derivation of the term pericarp ? What does the pericarp include ? 125. What is the most obvious use of the pericarp? 126. How do some pericarps promote the dispersion of their seeds? 127. What example is given of a pericarp which disperses its seeds ? 4* 42 PERICARP. 1. CAPSULE. Fi - 87 -_ 128. The term Capsule, signifies a little chest, or cas- ket. 129. In Botany, this term is applied to that kind of seed vessel which is hard, or of a woody texture, and which as it grows dry, di- vides into several parts, called valves, and dis- charges its seeds spontaneously. The Capsule consists of one, or of many cells. Fig. 37, represents capsules of from one to four cells. 130. The first is called a one-celled capsule, the second, two-celled, and so on according to the number of cells contained within a common envelope. 131. The Pericarps of Flax, Mullein, Thorn- apple, and Walnut, are capsules. 132. Some capsules discharge their seeds by pores, without opening their valves, as the Poppy. 2. siLiauA. 133. The Siliqua,OY Pod, is a Pe- ricarp of two valves, Fig. 38. 134. The meeting of the two valves, or the seam formed thereby, is called the suture. In some Pods the seeds are all attached to one su- ture, and in others they are arrang- ed alternately along the edges of a Fig. 38. PERICARP. 43 membranous partition, which divides the Pod into two portions, as seen in the figure. 135. The Pericarps of the Cabbage, Turnip, and Wall-flower, are examples. 3. SILICLE. Fig. 39. 136. The Silicle or Silicula, is a Jittle pod. 137. It differs from the proper ISiliqua, only in being shorter, and of a round, or oval shape. The seeds are alternately fixed to both sutures, Fig. 39. 138. The Satin-flower and Shepherd's-purse are examples. Pig. 40. 4. LEGUMEN. 139. The Legumen, or Legume, Fig. 40, has two valves united by su- tures, without a partition between them. The seeds are attached along one of the sutures or margins only. 140. This is also in common lan- guage called a pod, and is well known as the seed-vessel of Peas and Beans. 141. Hence these and others be<- longing to the same tribe are called Leguminous plants. 128. What does the term capsule signify ? 129. Wha- kind of a pericarp is the capsule? 130. When is a seed-ves sel called a one, or two-celled capsule? 131. What exam pies are given of capsules ? 44 PERICARP. 5. FOLLICLE. Fig. 41. 142. The Follicle, or Bag, is a seed-vessel composed of a single piece, or valve, Fig. 41. It is not di- vided into cells internally, but bears its seed either on a receptacle, which i is placed parallel with the suture, or they are attached to the suture ' itself. This Pericarp bursts longitu- dinally on one side, and emits its 5 seeds in the manner shown in the figure. 143. The Milkweed and Periwinkle are ex- amples. 6. DRUPA. 144. The Drupe, is the pulpy seed- vessel of stone-fruit. The Pericarp is fleshy, and without valves, Fig. 42. This encloses the nut or stone, which is generally of an oval shape, and bony consistence, and contains the proper seed. 145. The Cherry, Plum, and Peach are Drupes. 132. How do capsules discharge their seeds? 133. What is a siliqua? 134. What is the seam formed by the two valves called? 135. What are examples of the siliqua? 136. What is a silicic ? 137. How does the silicic differ from the siliqua? 138. What are examples of the silicle? 189. How are the seeds attached in the legumen ? 140. What are examples of the legumen ? 141. What is the tribe of plants bearing legumens, called ? Fig. 42. PERICARP. 45 7. BACCA. Fig. 43. 146. Bacca, a Berry, Fig. 43. The Berry is a succulent, or fleshy fruit, in which the seeds lose their ad- hesion when ripe, and become loose in the pulp. 147. The Berry becomes more juicy internally, as it advances to ma- turity, quite contrary to the nature of the capsule, though the difference between these fruits, when unripe, is not in some cases readily distinguishable. ' 148. The Currant, Gooseberry, and Whor- tleberry are examples. 8. COMPOUND BERRY. Fig. 44. 149. The Compound Berry, Fig. 44, consists of many small berries, each con- gaining a seed, united into one mass. The external surface is covered with little protuberances, each of which is called an acinus, or grain. These are consider- ed as individual parts, though closely embraced by others. 150. The Raspberry and Blackberry are good examples of the Compound Berry. 142. What sort of a pericarp is the follicle ? 143. What are examples of the follicle ? 144. What is a drupe ? 145. What are examples of a drupe ? 146. What is a bacca ? 147. How does the berry differ from the capsule ? 148. What are examples of berries ? 149. What is the compound berry ? 150. What are examples ? 46 PERICARP. 9. STRAWBERRY. Fig. 45. 151. The Strawberry is not pro- perly a berry, according to the above definition, since the seeds are not con- tained in the pulp. 152. This delicious fruit consists of a soft, red, pulpy receptacle, which bears the seeds on the outside, in the form of small yel- lowish dots. tained shape rious. 10. POMUM. 153. The Pome, or Apple, Fig. 46, is a fleshy Pericarp, without valves, and therefore in this respect resem- bling the berry and drupe. But^jt differs from both these in containing a capsule which encloses the seeds. 154. The number of seeds con- in this kind of Pericarp, as well as the and size of the fruit, are exceedingly va- 155. The Apple, Pear, and Quince, are com- mon examples of the Pome. 151. Is the strawberry a proper berry or not? 152. How does it differ from a berry ? 158. What kind of a pericarp is the pome ? 154. What is the number of seeds in the pome ? 155. What are examples of the pome \ DISSEMINATION OF SEEDS. 47 11. STROBULUS. Fig. 47. 156. The Strobulus, or Cone, Fig. 47, such as grow upon Pine trees, ought perhaps to be considered a hard- lened, or woody amentum, whjch re- 'maining on the tree, finally becomes the capsule. 157. The seeds in this tribe of plants, after being perfected, are closely sheltered by the scales, which are placed over each other, like the shingles of a house. 158. The true Cones belong to the Pine, Cy- press, and Fir tribes ; but the Alder and Birch often retain their aments, until they become so hard as to resemble cones. DISSEMINATION OF SEEDS. The Great Author of Nature has undoubted- ly performed all his works in a manner far more perfect than the mind of a finite being can possi- bly comprehend. This may be inferred not on- ly from the wisdom of the Maker, but also from the universal truth, that the more intimately we become acquainted with the minute parts, or hidden principles of nature, the greater cause do we find for admiration and wonder. Still, in no instance is it probable, that we are fully sen- 156. What is the strobulus ? 157. Where are the seeds sheltered in this tribe of plants ? 158. What are examples ? 48 DISSEMINATION OF SEEDS. sible of the mechanical perfection of any organ- ic structure, much less are we acquainted with the causes by which their functions are perform- ed. Thus we can observe in plants, the little tubes, by which the sap ascends to the branches, but our senses fail to inform us how perfectly they are adapted to this purpose, and least of all can we comprehend by what power or cause the sap circulates through these vessels. On the contrary, the indications of nature with respect to the construction of many of the external parts of plants, are such as we can un- derstand ; because, either their forms or actions point out their uses. This is the case with re- spect to the contrivances with which many plants are furnished for the purpose of dissemi- nating their seeds, and which are often highly interesting, as displaying the wisdom and design of Providence, in the inferior orders of creatioja. In several species of plants the pericarps, as they become dry, open with a jerk, and thus throw the seeds they contain, several feet, or even yards, in all directions. We have already noticed this, as belonging to the common flower called Touch-me-not. In some of the Ferns, an order of plants which bear the seeds on the backs of their leaves, or fronds, a similar provision may be observed. If a plant of this kind be examined, small spots will be seen on the backs of the leaves, either crowded together, or at a little distance apart. These contain the seeds, which are furnished with elastic springs, and which becoming dry, act DISSEMINATION OF SEEDS. 49 so as to project them to the distance of a foot or two. These seeds are exceedingly minute, but if the Fern be placed on a sheet of white paper, the effect will be seen by their distribu- tion over its surface. The little pods of the Furze, (Ulex,) with the same design, are made to burst with a slight explosion, projecting the seeds to some distance when they are fully ripe. In dry, still weather, the snapping of these pods, by which their seeds are thus distributed, may be heard to some dis- tance. Many seeds are furnished with seed-down, constituting what we may consider their wings, and by which they are suspended, like little parashutes in the air. The Dandelion, Thistle, and Colts-foot, are among the most remarkable instances of this kind ; and who, on seeing the air filled with the seeds of these species, thus taking their flight before the wind from one place to another, can, for an instant doubt, whether this downy apparatus was given them with the express design of their thus facilitating two of the great ends of nature, the distribution and perpetuity of these species. The seeds of the Maple and Ash, are fur- nished with wings, not of down, but consisting of a fine membrane, and by means of which they are transported from one place to another, at the distance of miles. Other seeds are provided with hooks, or barbs, by which they attach themselves to the 5 50 DISSEMINATION OF SEEDS. clothing of various animals, and are thus car- ried from one place or country, to another. Seeds have thus been carried from one kingdom to another in the wool of sheep. Transportation by the currents of oceans, rivers, and seas, is another means by which the seeds of plants are distributed from one conti- nent, or island, to another. Thus we find that certain fruits which are qf the utmost impor- tance to the inhabitants of tropical climates, are found on all the islands situated in certain latitudes, though at great distances from each other. In such cases there is no doubt but the seeds of these plants were transported from the continents, and from one island to the other, by the currents of the ocean. By the same means, it is known that the fruits of America and of the West Indies are cast upon the northern coasts of Scotland; the plants of Germany mi- grate to Sweden, and those of Southern Europe, to England. All these circumstances tend to show, that what is commonly called nature, everywhere exhibits care and design, and that the lowest, equally with the highest orders of creation, are constantly under the superintendence of an Omnipresent agent. THE LEAF. 51 THE LEAF. We need not describe what is meant by the Leaves of plants, since of this no child can be ignorant. 159. Every tree and shrub is furnished with Leaves, of one kind or shape, or another. 160. There are, however, some plants which are entirely without Leaves, such as the Mush- room, or Toadstool tribes, and some of the Mosses. 161. Leaves are furnished with minute ves- sels, through which the sap circulates. 162. Leaves are generally oblong, and ex- panded in their forms, and thin and delicate in texture. 163. Some are, however, thread-like, as the Pines, while others are thick and juicy, as in the House-leek tribe. SIMPLE LEAF. 164. Leaves are called simple, when only one grows on the same petiole, or foot-stalk, as the Pear, Oak, and Chestnut. 159. Are all plants furnished with leaves, or not ? 160. What plants are without leaves ? 161. Have leaves any ves- sels ? 162. What are the general forms of leaves ? 163. What exceptions to this form are mentioned ? 52 THE LEAF. The outlines, or forms, most common to simple leaves, are the following. Fig. 48. 165. Round, Fig. 48, having the longitudinal and cross diameters near- j, ly equal. It is very rare, if ever, that |) precise examples of this leaf occur in nature. Pimpernel, and Round-leaved Winter-green, are tolerable examples, though neither are exactly round. Fig. 49. 166'. Ovate, Fig. 49, egg-shaped, that is, ' having the form of an egg, divided lengthwise. The length is greater than I the breadth, and the base broader than the apex. Examples : Chequer-berry, Pear. Obovate is this form reversed. Fig. 50. 167. Roundish, Fig. 50. Nearly round, having little difference be- ^tween the diameters across any part. . : Round-leaved Winter- green, Green-briar. 168. Oval, Fig. 51, elliptical, having the length greater than the breadth, with the curvatures equal at both ends. Ex. Lespideza prostrata. 164. When are leaves called simple? 165. What is the form of a round leaf? 166. What is that of an ovate leaf? 167. Of a roundish leaf ? 168. Of an oval leaf ? 169. Of an oblong leaf * THE LEAF. 53 Fig. 52. 160. Oblong, Fig. 52, having the length several times more than the breadth, with the curvatures at both ends nearly equal Ex. Milk Weed, Solomon's Seal. Fig. 5 3. 170. Lanceolate, Fig. 53, spear or lan- cet-shaped. It is three or four times longer than it is wide, tapering towards both extremities, and ending in a sharp point. Ex. Narrow Plantain, Sweet William. Fig. 54. 1 171. Linear, Fig. 54, straight, the edges being parallel, except at the two extremi- ties. Most of the Grains and Grasses have linear Leaves. Fig. 55. 172. Subulate, Fig. 55, awl-shaped, gra- dually tapering from the base, or inser- tion of the petiole, and ending in a point. Ex. Common Sandwort. 170. What is the form of a lanceolate leaf ? 171. Of a linear leaf? 172. Of a subulate leaf? 54 THE LEAF. Fig._56. 173. Reniform, Fig. 56, kidney- shaped. It is a short, broad, round- ish Leaf, with a sinus, or hollow, on each side of the petiole, or foot-stalk. Ex. Common Asarum, Gill-go-over-the-ground. Fig. 57. _ 174. Cordiform, Fig. 57, heart- shaped, having the length greater than the breadth, with an ovate form, and hollowed at the base. Ex. Two- Solomon's Seal, Morning Glory. 175. Lunate, Fig. 58, crescent- shaped, or formed .like a half moon. It is nearly reniform, but the lobes ! are more or less pointed. Ex. Two-leaved Birthwort. leaved Fig. Fig. 59. 176. Arrow-shaped, Fig. 59, shaped like the head of an arrow. It is trian- gular, with the base divided and ending in points, the other, or upper angle, being extended and acute. Ex. Arrow-head. 177. Lyrate, Fig. 60, lyre-shaped, cut on the sides into several transverse lobes, or segments, of which those nearest the stem are the smallest. Ex. Lyre-leaved Sage. 173. What is the form of a reniform leaf ? 174. Of a cor- diform leaf ? THE LEAF. 55 Fig. 61. 178. Panduriform, Fig. 61, fiddle- shaped. . It is long, broad at the two extremities, and narrow in the middle. Ex. Virginia Bindweed. Fig. 62. Fig. 63. 179. Runcinate, Fig. 62, lion-toothed, cut into many transverse, acute seg- ments, pointing backwards. Ex. Dan- delion. 180. Hastate, Fig. 63, halbert- shaped. The shape is triangular, the base spread- ing, and ending in two opposite angles ; the form oblong, terminating in a point, with the sides a little hollowed. Ex. Bittersweet, Canary Sage. Fig. 64. 181. Sinuate, Fig. 64, cut into round- ed lobes, or wide openings, the margins bending in and out. Ex. Water Hore- hound, Red Oak. 175. What is the form of a lunate leaf ?- 176. Of an ar- row-shaped ? 177. Of a lyrate ? 178. Of a panduriform ? 179. Of a runcinate leaf ? 180. Of a hastate leaf? 181. Of a sinuate leaf ? Fig. 65. THE LEAF. 182. Pinnatifid, Fig. 65, wing- cleft. It is transversely divided into small lobes, or- oblong segments, but not reaching to the midrib. Ex. Wild Pepper-grass. 183. Laciniate, Fig. 66, jag- ged, cut into numerous, irregular portions, or lobes, which are again sub-divided. Ex. Crow Foot, Crane's Bill. 184. Palmate, Fig. 67, hand- shaped, divided nearly to the insertion of the petiole into oblong lobes of similar sizes, but leaving a space entire, like the palm of the hand. Ex. Passion Flower, Castor Oil Plant. 185. Lobed, Fig. 68, divided into segments, the margins of which are rounded. In some leaves the divisions are much deeper than in others. Ex. Liver Leaf ] Sassafras. 182. What is the form of a pinnatifid leaf ? 188. Of a laci- niate leaf ? 184. Of a palmate leaf ? 185. Of a lobed leaf? 186. Of a dentate leaf? THE LEAF. 186. Dentate, Fig. 69, toothed, beset with project- ing, horizontal, distant teeth, of the same substance as the Leaf. Ex. Blue Bottle, Enchanters Night- shade. Examples of this form are , not common, though sometimes to be found. Fig. 70. 187. Serrate, Fig. 70, saw-like, the border being cut into notches, ending in sharp points, which incline towards . the apex of the Leaf. Examples of pthis are very common, as Nettle, Rose, and Peach. Fig. 71. IL 188. Erose, Fig. 71, gnawed, having fcfl the appearance of being bitten by in- sects, though not so in reality. Ex. Fire Weed. With respect to the summits of Leaves, the fol- lowing distinctions are the most common. Fig. 72. 189. Acuminate, Fig. 72, pointed, with 1 the termination extended, and in this re- spect differing from the lanceolate Leaf. Ex. Indian Cucumber, Panic Grass. 58 THE LEAF. It differs from cuspidate in being more ex- tended, and having a sharper point. Fig. 73. 190. Cuspidate, Fig. 73, terminated suddenly by a bristly point. Ex. Com- mon Cassia, Rosy Tritonia. Mucro- nate is nearly a synonymous term, and applies to the spiny terminations of the Leaves of Thistles, and some species of the Aloe. Fig. 74. 191. Emarginate, Fig. 74, nicked, [having a small notch in the end. Ex. Bladder Senna. Fig. 75. 192. Obtuse, Fig. 75, blunt pointed, the j| termination being circular. Ex. Prim- rose, Ground Laurel. Examples not com mon. 193. Cirrhose, Fig. 76, tendrilled, the Leaf ending in a tendril, or clasper, by which the plant clings for its support. Ex. Superb Gloriosa. This example is very rare. 187. What is the form of a serrate leaf ? 188. Of an erose leaf ? 189. Of an acuminate leaf ? 190. Of a cuspidate leaf ? 191. Of an emarginate leaf ? 192. Of an obtuse leaf ? 193. What is a cirrhose leaf? THE LEAF. 59 With respect to the surfaces of Leaves, botanists make the following distinctions. Fig. 77. 194. Smooth, Fig. 77. A leaf is said to be smooth when it is without hairs, wrinkles, or ribs. Ex. Indian Cucumber, Water Plantain. Fig. 78. 195. Nerved, Fig. 78, ribbed, having longitudinal elevations and depressions, running from one end of the Leaf to the other. Ex. Narrow Plantain. 196. Veined, Fig. 79, having promi- nent veins, or divisions on the surface, which, as they extend from the base, grow smaller and multiply in number, running into each other. Ex. Pear, Bass-wood. 197. Rugose, Fig. 80, wrinkled, rough, _ as though the veins had contracted, $ causing the membrane to swell, and sink into little inequalities. Ex. Sage. 194. What is a smooth leaf? 195. A nerved leaf ? 196. A veined leaf ? 197. A rugose leaf? 60 THE LEAF. Fig. 81. 198. Plicate, Fig. 81, plaited, the nerves alternately rising and sinking, forming the surface into ridges and channels, as though the Leaf had been laid in plaits or folds. Ex. White Hel- lebore,Ladies' Mantle. COMPOUND LEAVES. 199. When several Leaves, or Leaflets, as they are termed, grow on a common foot-stalk, they form a compound Leaf. 200. Such Leaves do not fall off singly, but as the fall is occasioned by the separation of the common foot-stalk, all the leaflets forming the compound Leaf descend at the same time. 201. Ex. Butternut, Tree of Paradise. Compound Leaves have received different names, depending on the number attached to a common foot-stalk, or on their relative situa- tions. Fig- 82. 202. Binate, Fig 82, two-leaved, when the common petiole bears two Leaves on its summit. This example is not common. Ex. Dwarf Dogwood. 198. What is a plicate leaf? 199. When are leaves said to be compound ?- -200. In the compound leaf, do the leaflets fall from the tree singly or as a whole ? 201. Give an example of a compound leaf. 202. What is a binate leaf? THE LEAF. 61 Fig. 83. Fig. 86. 203. Ternate, Fig. 83, three- leaved, when the petiole termi- nates with three leaves. Ex. Clover, Kidney bean. 204. Biternate, Fig. 84, twice three-leaved ; when the common petiole divides into three parts, each bearing three leaflets. Ex. Fumitory, Columbine. 205. Triternate, Fig. 85, three times three-leaved. The footstalk divided into three parts, and each of these parts are again sub- divided into other three parts each of which bears three leaflets. Ex. Low Anemone, Wind flower. 206. Pedate, Fig. 86, foot- shaped, that is, like the foot of a bird. The Leaf is irregularly ternate, the lateral leaflets being sub-divided. Ex. Birds-foot Vi- olet. 203. What is a ternate leaf? 204. A biternate leaf? 205. A triternate leaf ? 206. A pedate leaf ? 207. A pinnate leaf? 208. What are examples? 6 62 THE LEAF. It is similar in form to the palmate Leaf, but is more deeply divided and not so regular. 207. When the petiole has a number of leaf- lets along its sides, it is called pinnate, or wing- ed, from the Latin pinna, a pinion or wing. 208. Ex. Rose, Ash, Senna. Fig. 87. 209. Unequally pinnate, Fig. 87, when a pinnate Leaf is terminated by an odd leaflet. This is quite common. Ex. Rose, Ash, Walnut. 210. Abruptly pinnate, Fig. 88, when the petiole of a winged Leaf ends abruptly, that, is without an odd leaflet or tendril. Examples are rare. .. Senna. 211. Alternately pinnate, Fig. 89, when the leaves alternate with each other, being placed on opposite sides of the foot-stalk. Examples not common. Wood vetch. 209. When is a leaf said to be unequally pinnate ? 210. "When abruptly pinnate? 211. When alternately pinnate? 212. When interruptedly pinnate ? 21 3. When bipinnate 8 / Fig. 90. THE LEAF. 63 212. Interruptedly pinnate, Fig. 90, when the pinnate leaflets are alter- nately large and small. Ex. Silver weed, Meadow sweet. Fig. 91. 213. Bipinnate, Fig. 91, doubly winged, when a common petiole bears pin- nate leaves on each of its sides. Ex. Mountain Spig- nell, Mimosa arborea. 214. Tripinnate, Fig. 92, triply winged, when the common petiole has bipinnate Leaves on each side. The figure shows a tripinnate Leaf ending with an odd leaf let. Ex. Angelica tree. With respect to the situation, and insertion of Leaves, not compound, and the manner in which they are connected with the stem, the fol- lowing distinctions may be made. 214. When is a leaf said to be tripinnate? 215. When radical ? 64 THE LEAF. In the descriptions of plants, these distinc- tions are very important, as the young botanist will see when he goes into the field. Fig. 93. 215. Radical, Fig. 93, root-leaves, when the leaves proceed directly from the root, generally surrounding the stem but never growing to it. Ex. Dandelion, Side- saddle flower. Fig. 94. 216. Alternate, Fig. 94. Leaves are alternate when they grow along the stem, one after another. Not opposite. Golden Rod, Large Pinweed. 217. Opposite, Fig. 95, not al- ternate, but growing one against the other on the stem. Ex. Mon- key flower, Sage. 216. When are leaves alternate ? 217. When opposite ? 218. When stellate ? 219. When peltate ? 220. When per- foliate ? 221. When amplexicaul ? 222. When vaginant ? 223. What is a connate leaf ? THE LEAF. 65 Fig. 96. Fig. 98. 218. Stellate, Fig. 96, star-like, or whorled, when the leaves grow in a circle around the stem. Ex. Trumpet weed, Bedstraw, Turk's Cap Lily. This example is not uncommon, and gives the plant a regular and beautiful appearance. 219. Peltate, Fig. 97, target-sha- ped ; where the petiole is inserted into the centre of the Leaf on the under side, like the arm of a man holding a shield. Ex. Nasturtion Peltate Geranium. 220. Perfoliate, Fig. 98, Leaf pierced : when the stem passes through the Leaf, or the Leaf sur- rounds the stem without an opening. Ex. Bellwort, Thoroughwort. 221. Amplexicaul, Fig. 99, stem clasping ; when the Leaf embraces the stem, except on the side oppo- site the apex. Ex. Several species of Solomon's seal ; also, several of the Asters. 6* G6 THE LEAF. Fig. 100. 222. Vaginant, Fig. 100, sheathed, when the base of the Leaf forms a tube which surrounds the stem. Ex, Most Grains and Grasses. Fig. 101. 223. Connate, Fig. 101, growing together so as to ap- pear perfoliate. Two amplex- icaul Leaves growing opposite, form a connate Leaf. Ex. Monkey flower. Remarks. The student will find it difficult to obtain Leaves of all the precise forms above figured and described ; though in general he will find little difficulty in referring his specimen to one or another of the figures, or to two or three combined. Thus an ovate Leaf may at the same time be pointed, so as to make it ovate- lanceolate. A heart-shaped Leaf may be ob- long, forming an oblong cordate Leaf, &c. It would be impossible to have given the ex- act form of each Leaf, without delineating those of every individual species, a work too extensive for our present object. Our design, therefore, has been to give the most common forms, or those to which the greatest number of Leaves could be referred. 224. What is the petiole ? 225. When is a petiole said to be simple ? THE LEAF. 67 THE PETIOLE. 224. The Petiole, as already stated, is the foot-stalk of the Leaf. It is that part which connects the Leaf with the tree, or when the Leaves are radical, with the root. It is com- monly a little channelled on the upper side. ' 225. The Petiole is said to be simple, when it bears only a single Leaf. Fig. 102. 226. The Sweet-scented Geranium, Fig. 102, also the Apple, Plum, and Peach, are examples. 227. The Petiole is compound when it bears several leaflets. 228. The Rose, Ash, and other compound Leaves already described, are examples. Fig. 103. 229. Winged Petiole, Fig. 103. The Petiole is said to be winged, when it is expanded into a border on each side, in the form of wings. Ex. Orange Tree. Good specimens of the winged Petiole are not common. 226. Give an example. 227. "When is it compound ? 228. Give examples. 229. What is a winged petiole ? 68 THE LEAF. Fig. 104. FROND. 230. Frons, or Frond, Fig. 104. This is the stem and Leaf in one, or in other words, the seed or fruit are produced on the Leaf itself. This tribe is called flower- less plants, because they bear no flowers, properly so called. 231. Common Polypody is an example. The figure shows the Frond of a Fern, with the fruit on its back. STIPE. Fig. 105. 232. Stipe, Fig. 105. The Stipe is the stalk, or trunk of the Mush- room tribe, being that part on which the cap, or head stands. This r term is also applied to the little pil- lar which supports the down in compound flowers, or connects the w r ing with the seed, as in the Dandelion and Salsify. 230. What is a frond ? 231. Give an example of a frond. 232. What is a stipe? THE STEM. 69 THE STEM. 233. The words Stem, Stalk, and Trunk, are sometimes each applied to signify the same part of the plant, though more commonly the latte 1 * term is applied to trees only, and the other tc the corresponding part of smaller plants. This part is so various in different vegetables as to require several divisions. TRUNK. 234. The Trunk, or Stem, properly so called, is the ascending part of trees and shrubs. This may be woody, succulent, fleshy, or medullary, that is, containing a pith, or it may be hollow, empty, simple, branched, &c. 235. Woody Stem. Trees and shrubs gene- rally have solid Stems of wood. 236. These of course are of sizes in propor- tion to the magnitude of the tree. In this re- spect, therefore, there is a vast difference, for while the American Pines are 200 feet high, the Willow Tree of Spitsbergen rises only three or four inches from the ground. 237. Pithy Stem. The pith is the well known soft, elastic, light substance, contained in the centre of many woody plants. 283. What is the difference between the stem, or stalk, and the trunk ? 234. What is the trunk, or stem, properly so called ? 235. What plants have woody stems ? 286. What is said of the different sizes of woody stems ? 287. What is a pithy stem ? 70 THE STEM. 238. The Common Elder is a good example. Many plants when young contain pith, which is replaced by wood as they grow old. The young shoots of elder always contain the largest pith, though their stems are only half the size of the parent. Hence we may either infer that the pith is converted into wood, or that the wood increases around it, and presses it into less com- pass. 239. Tubular Stem. Hollow, or tubular Stems are common. Fennel, Dill, Parsley, and Trumpet Weed, are examples. 240. Simple Stem. This Stem is entire, or unbranched, as that of the Lily and Bamboo. Fig. 106. 241. Ramose, or Branched Stem, ^Fig. 106. This merely indicates that the Stem is divided into limbs or branches. 242. Of this there are several kinds, as Brachiate, arm-like, having opposite branches, like arms, which alternately cross each other, as in the figure. 243. Dichotomous, forked, when the divisions are only in two parts. Much branched, as in the Apple and Pear. 288. What is an example of a pithy stem ? 239. What stems are tubular ? 240. What is a simple stem ? 241. What is a ramose stem ? 242. What is a brachiate stem ? 248. What is a dichotomous stem ? STEM. 71 Fig. 107. 244. Naked Stem. This is a Stem without Leaves, or thorns, Fig. 107. Ex. Jointed Saltwort, a plant which is common on our sea shores. Stem a foot high, jointed, fleshy, and of a green color. There are several species of this plant, which being burned, and the ashes lixiviated with water, and the water evaporated, there remains the soda of commerce. This plant is also used for pickles. Fig. 108. * 245. Spiral, or Twining Stem, Fig. 108. The Hop, Grape, and Bean, are examples of this kind of Stem. 246. Some plants turn to the right, and others to the left, but in this respect each species is govern- ed by invariable laws. Every Hop Vine, for instance, turns round its pole from left to right, while every Kidney Bean, as inva- riably turns from right to left. CULM. 247. The Culm, or Straw, is the stem of the Grasses, Rushes, and Canes, and other plants of these tribes. This part is of several kinds. 244. What is a naked stem ? 245. "What is a spiral stem ? 246. What is said of the direction in which stems turn ? 72 THE STEM. Fig. 109. 248. Jointed Culm, Fig. 109. This is divided into spaces by knots, or joints, as in the straw of the Oat, Wheat, and Rye. 249. The Bamboo, of the East Indies, is the tallest and largest of all Culms; being sometimes forty feet in height, and three inches in diameter. 250. Geniculated Culm. Geniculated means bent like the knee. This is peculiar to some species of Grass. Ex. Floating Fox-tail. 251. Simple Culm. This Culm is without joints or knots. It is straight and smooth. Ex Cats-tail, Common Rush. Fig. 110. SCAPE. 252. The Scape, Fig. 110 is the flower-stem. It springs from the root, elevates the flower, and bears the fruit, but not the leaves. Plants with radical leaves, are furnished with Scapes. 253. Dandelion, Daffodil, and Colts-foot, are examples. 247. What is a culm ? 248. What is a jointed culin ? THE ROOT. 73 254. These are called Stemless plants, as the proper Stem always elevates the leaves. PEDUNCLE. 255. The Peduncle, or flower-stalk, springs from the Stem or branch, and bears the flower and fruit, but not the leaves. 256. The Pedicel, or little flower-stalk, is the ultimate subdivision of the Peduncle. 257. The Common Elder, is an example. The Peduncle is the stalk which bears the clus- ter of berries, while each berry has its own pedicel. A bunch of Grapes is another ex- ample. THE ROOT. Having thus described the Flower, the Flower- Stalk, the Branches, the Leaves, and the Stem, we come now to the Root. 258. Roots, like plants, are, with respect to duration, either annual, biennial, or perennial. 249. What is the largest culm known ? 250. What is a geniculated culm ? 251. What is a simple culm ? 252. What is a scape ? 253. What plants are examples ? 254. What are these called? 255. What does the peduncle bear ? 256. What is the pedicel ? 257. Give examples of the pedicel. 258. How are roots distinguished, with respect to duration ? 7 74 THE ROOT. 259. Annual Roots produce their flowers and seeds in the course of a single season or year, after which they decay and turn to dust. 260. Potato, and Cucumber, are examples. 261. Biennial Roots produce their herbage the first year, and their flowers and seeds the second year, after which they decay. 262. Carrot y Parsnip, and Cabbage are ex- amples. 263. Perennial Roots, produce herbage, flow- ers and seeds every year, for an indefinite period of time. 264. The Oak, Chestnut, and Pear, are ex- amples. 265. Some trees continue to live, grow and bear fruit for hundreds of years ; such are the Cedar, Olive, and Oak. 266. Roots are distinguished into several kinds, depending on their shapes. Fig. 111. 267. Fusiform Root, Fig. Ill, spin- dle-shaped, being thick above, or near the surface of the earth, but gradually diminishing in size as it descends into the earth. This Root is commonly sim- ple, or undivided. 268. Parsnip, Carrot, and Radish, are examples. 259. In what time do annual roots produce their seed ? 260. What are examples ? 261. How long do biennial roots continue ? 262. Give examples. THE ROOT. 75 Fig. 112. 269. Premorse Root, Fig. 112, abrupt. Premorse means bitten. This Root terminates as though it had been bitten off under the ground. Prim- rose, and Pedate Violet are examples. These Roots do not, how- ever, ^always have this ap- pearance, it being only after the first year, that they be- come premorse, before which they are more or less fusiform. Fig. 113. Fig. 114. 270. Branched Root, Fig. 113. Divided into numerous ramifications or branches, like the limbs of a tree. This is the most common of all the forms, under which Roots are found. 271. All trees and shrubs, and most annual and biennial plants have branched Roots. 272. Fibrous Root, Fig. 114. It consists of many small fibres, sometimes so near each other as to form tufts. In poor soils the fibres are so fine as to resemble down. 273. Most of the Grasses have fibrous Roots. THE ROOT. Fig. 115. 274. Tuberous Root, Fig. 115. This consists of a num- ber of individual Roots, or tubers connected together by fibres, or strings, running from one to the other. 275. Some tuberous Roots are perennial, as the Artichoke. Others are annual, as the Po- tato. Fig. 116. 276. Granulated Root, Fig. 116. This is a variety of the tuberous Root. It consists of small tubers or knots, growing in clusters, and connected by threads. Wood Sorrel, and many of the Grasses, are examples. 277. Palmated Root,Fig. 117, hand-shaped, consisting of oblong tubes, connected where the Root and stalk join, but separate below, somewhat resembling the hand. 278. Dahlia, and Orchis, are examples. 263. What is said of the duration of perennial roots ? 264. What trees are examples ? 265. What trees continue to bear fruit for hundreds of years ? 266. By what are the dif- ferent kinds of roots distinguished ? 267. What is the form of a fusiform root ? 268. What are examples ? 269. What is a premorse root ? 270. What is a branched root ? THE ROOT. 77 BULBOUS ROOTS. Fig. 118. 279. Solid Bulb, Fig. 118. This consists of a uniform, fleshy substance, L generally of a globular form. It dif- ffers from the tuberous root, in there being only a single one attached to a plant. 280. Turnip, Crocus, and Dog's-tooth Violet, are examples. Fig. 119. 281. Tunicated Bulb, Fig. 119, coat- fed bulb. It consists of many coats, or layers, surrounding each other, and which may be separated in succes- sion. 282. The Onion is an example. Fig. 120. 283. Scaly Bulb, Fig. 120. It consists of many scales, connected at the base, and lying one over the other. These are separate pieces, and not continuous coats, as in the tunicated Root. 284. White Lily is an example. Sometimes many small bulbs are enclosed in a common tunic, as in Garlic. 271. What are examples ? 272. What is a fibrous root ? 278. Give examples. 274. What is a tuberous root ? 275. What are examples ? 276. What is a granulated root, and what are examples ? 277. What is a palmated root ? 7* THE ROOT. Fig. 121. 285. Repent Root, Fig. 121, creeping Root. This Root creeps along, either on the surface of the ground, or just under it, throwing out fibres which pierce the earth at intervals, and now and then shooting up its fruit- stalk and leaves. 286. Strawberry, and Mint, are examples. All the above described Roots are attached to the earth, and most of them are fixed under its surface. 287. There are, however, some plants whose Roots are not fixed to any solid substance, but float in the water. 288. Floating Root, Fig. ' 122. The figure repre- sents the plant called Duck meat, and of nearly its nat- ural size. The plant con- sists of little flat, green, oval scales, floating on the surface of the water of ditches and stagnant ponds. From the under sides of these, proceed the Roots, hanging like threads of several inches in length, and thus is the whole plant constituted. 278. Give examples. 279. What is a solid bulb? 280. Give examples. 281. What is a ttmicated bulb? 282. What i* an example ? 283. What is a scaly bulb ? 284. What is n example ? 285. What is a repent root ? 286. What are samples ? APPENDAGES OF PLANTS. 79 Floating Liverwort is another plant of sim- ilar habits. Its frond or leaf is nearly of an inch in diameter, and from its under surface proceeds a little tuft of Roots, the whole swim- ming on the water of ponds. APPENDAGES OF PLANTS. Besides the essential part of a perfect plant, which we have described, many species are fur- nished with arms or Appendages, which are entirely wanting in others. 289. These Appendages, or those commonly enumerated, are the following. Stipule, Bract, Thorn, Prickle, Tendril, Gland, and Hair. Fig. 123. 290. Stipules, or stipula, Fig 123, are leafy Appenda- ges to the proper leaves, or their foot-stalks. They are commonly smaller than the principal leaves, and are situ- ated at their bases in pairs. In some plants these stipules soon fall off, but in others they are permanent. 287. Are there any roots which are not fixed to the earth ? 288. What plants have floating roots? 289. What are the names of the arms or appendages of plants. 80 APPENDAGES OF PLANTS. 291. Examples are seen in the Pea, Rose, Wild Cherry, and Garden Violet. Fig. 124. 292. The stipules of the Grasses are situated within the bases of their leaves, and are generally of the shape repre- sented by Fig. 124 d. In a great pro- portion of plants, this part is entirely wanting. 293. Bracts, or Floral leaves, Fig. 125, are leafy Appendages to the flower or its foot-stalk, and are of a variety of forms and colors. 294. They are not, like the stipules, situated at the bases of the leaves, but on the peduncle "of the flowers. They are smaller than the true leaves, and at a little distance from them. 295. In the Lime tree, or Basswood, this part remains on the tree during the whole year. In the Painted Cup, the bracts form the most beautiful part of the flower. 290 What are stipules? 291. What ptents bear this ap- pendage? 292. Where are the stipules of the grasses situa- ted? 293. What are bracts ? 294. Where are the bracts situated? 295. What are examples? 296. Do thorns arise from the wood or bark ? 297. What is said of plants losing their thorns by cultivation? 298. What is ail aculeus? 299. What plants are armed with prickles ? APPENDAGES OF PLANTS. 81 Fig. 126. 296. Thorn, or Spine, Fig. 126- ^This is a well known Appendage, with which a number of species are armed. It originates in the wood of "the plant, with which it forms a part. It is sometimes found on large trees, as the Honey Locust,*\)\it is more common on shrubs, as the Thorn Bush. 297. Uncultivated Pear and Apple trees are often armed in this manner, but on being culti- vated the * thorns disappear. Hence Linnaeus denominates such plants as tamed, or deprived of their natural ferocity, by culture. Fig. 127. 298. Aculeus, or Prickle, Fig. 127. This Appendage does not arise from the wood, like the thorn, but only from the bark, and never disappears by cul- tivation. 299. The Rose, and common Briar, are examples, and if the bark of either be strip- ped off, the prickles will be found attached to it. Fig. 128. 300. Tendril, or Clasper, Fig. 128. This part is designed to sustain plants, with weak stems, by taking hold of those which are stronger. 301. Nearly all climbing vines are 300. What is the tendril? 82 APPENDAGES OF PLANTS. furnished with tendrils. They proceed either from the side of the stem, as in the Gourd, from the end of the leaf, as in the Gloriosa su- perba, or sometimes from the end of the flower- stalk. Fig. 129. 302. Gland, Fig. 129. This is a tumor, or tubercle, generally very small, which discharges an oily, or suc- ^culent fluid. It is situated on various parts of the plant, as on the back of the leaf, on the petiole, or sometimes between the notches of the Elands are elevated by little foot- stalks, as at g, in the figure, where they are represented on the petiole. 303. The Moss Rose owes its name and pe- culiarity to little Glands on the calyx and flower- stalks. leaves. Some PUBESCENCE. 304. This term includes the clothing of plants, whether it consists of hair, wool, down, bristles or stings. These slight Appendages differ much from each other, in form, softness, and color. 301. What plants are furnished with tendrils ? 302. What is a vegetable gland? 303. What example is given? 304. What is meant by pubescence ? 305. Whence do the cloth- ing of plants derive their names ? BUDS. 83 305. Their individual names are taken from that of the substance or thing they most resem- ble. 306. Thus Mullein is woolly, Colt's-foot is downy, and Nettle is prickly, &c. BUDS. 307. Buds are oval protuberances projecting from the limbs of trees, and containing the un- folded leaves and flowers. 308. Buds, also called Gems, are of three kinds, namely, Leaf Buds, Flower Buds, and Mixed Buds 309. 1. Leaf Buds, are such as contain the rudiments of the leaves only. 310. 2. Flower Buds, such as contain the embryo of the flowers only. 311. 3. Mixed Buds, such as contain the ru- diments of both leaves and flowers. 312. The Buds of trees are not formed in the spring just before they expand into leaves and flowers, but in the summer, or autumn be- . fore, being produced for the purpose of protect- ing the rudiments they contain from the cold of winter. 306. What are examples ? 307. What are buds? 308 How many kinds of buds are there ? 309. What are leaf buds? 310. What are flower buds ? 311. What are mixed buds ? 312. When are the buds of trees formed ? 84 BUDS. 313. That the Buds of trees are formed for this purpose, is proved by the circumstance that in hot climates, and in green-houses where the temperature of summer is preserved through the winter, no buds exist. 314. Trees which are natives of cold cli- mates, and which therefore need Buds, are al- ways furnished with them ; but if such trees are removed to warm climates, these parts are no longer produced. 315. Tree Buds consist of several scales placed one within the other, there being in many instances a downy, or woolly substance between them, evidently for the purpose of pro- ducing more warmth than the scales would do alone. 316. No such appendages are ever seen in annual or summer plants because they are not needed, the hand of nature being ever careful to furnish her productions with just what they require, but no more. 317. Hence the plants of the arctic region are universally furnished with Bud scales, or winter cases, while those of tropical climates are en- tirely without them. 313. What are the uses of buds? 314. How is the use of buds proved ? 315. What do buds consist of? 316. Do an- nual or summer plants have buds ? 817. What is said of arc- tic and tropical plants with respect to buds ? 318. What are the forms of buds ? BUDS. 85 318. Buds have various forms, but are most commonly oval, or roundish with a sharp point, as in the Rose, Peach, and Lilac. 319. With respect to the manner in which the leaves are folded within the Bud scales, there is a great difference in different plants. Some are doubled, others are plaited, and others folded. The following figures will show in what man- ner leaves are folded in their Buds. ' i a ,' Doubled as in the Oak, and Rose, (a.) , M 7 Double, and embracing each other as U in Valerian and Teasel, (b.) Doubled in a compound manner as in Carrot and Mimosa, (c.) d Rolled inwards, as in the Gr asses, (d) Tiled as in Lilac and Privet, (e.) 819. In what manner are buds folded within the scales? 320. What difference is there between the leaf, and flower buds ? 321. Is this difference such as to make one kind dis- tinguishable from the other ? BUDS. Reclining, as in Wolf s-bane, and Anemone, (f.) Rolled breadthwise, as in the ^ y Ferns, (g.) ^Wb / / 1 Plaited, as in the Palm tree and h Birch, (h.) Rolled outwards, as in Rosemary and Primrose, (i.) In all cases, whether the leaf be rolled, folded, or plaited, it is so arranged as to take up the least possible space. 320. There is a difference in the form of the leaf and flower Buds, by which each may be known in the early spring, or in some instances, even in the autumn. The flower Buds are short and thick set, while those enclosing leaves are more pointed and slender. '321. Hence gardeners and others by inspect- ing these parts, and comparing them, are able to judge of the prospect of a fruitful season. The flower Gems, like those of the leaves, are wrapped up in various forms, the petals, and calyx, being sometimes rolled into a spiral, some- times plaited, or doubled, &c. 822. What is said of the horse-chestnut bud ? BUDS. 8Y 322. The Gem of the Horse-chestnut, being peculiarly large, is one of the best specimens for examination. The three following figures repre- sent the different periods of its growth. But the botanical student ought to examine this, as well as other Buds for himself. Fig. 132. Figure a, shows a Horse-chestnut Bud in its entire state, covered with its winter scales, and terminating a branch. Fig. 133. The same is shown at b, cut in two, I lengthwise, and exhibiting its young leaves, just beginning to expand, but still covered bv its winter case. Fig. 134. The same is shown at c, with the young leaves partly open, the Bud scales being removed. 823. Is the pith of the new shoot a continuation of the old or not ? 324. Are buds individuals or parts of the parent tree? 88 BUDS. 323. The pith of the branch in the autumn was found to terminate completely at the base of the new Bud, as represented at b, and in the spring following, although the pith of the new shoot was found to be in contact with that of the old, yet it was evident that it was not a continuation of it, but a new production. The same fact may be observed with respect to the buds of the Cherry, Pear, Peach, and Lilac, and probably of all similar plants. 324. .Hence, Buds, though situated on the pa- rent stalk, and produced by the vital action of the plant of which they are the progeny, are still in themselves complete individuals. 325. This appears, not only from the circum- stance just stated, but also by the well known fact, that if a Bud be cut from one tree and in- serted into another, it will grow into a perfect branch, and bear fruit and flowers of the same kind, and in the same manner that it would, had it been untouched. 326. How far this maybe practised with suc- cess by budding different tribes upon each other, we do not know. It is certain, however, that in some instances plants of quite different characters will grow on each other, as in the well known case of the Quince tree upon the Thorn Bush. The Pear also grows well upon the Quince, and the Potato has been made to 325. How is it shown that buds are complete individuals ? 326. How far will different tribes of plants grow on each other ? CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS. 89 grow upon the Love-apple, (Tomato,) and the Melon on the Gourd. The latter instances, however, are only interchanges among the same tribe, and there is no doubt where such affini- ties exist, but almost every plant will grow upon the others. CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS. 327. The illustrations we have given of the different parts of the plants, and the explanations of the terms by which they are designated, are merely the preparatory steps, by which the pu- pil will be enabled to understand a systematic arrangement of the vegetable kingdom, 'and ul- timately to distinguish one species from another, with the assistance of books only. 328. The scientific arrangement with which we here propose to make the pupil acquainted, is that of Linnaeus, who was born in Sweden in the year 1707. 329. Linnaeus was the most industrious, and consequently the most learned of all naturalists. He travelled into all parts of Europe for the purpose of gathering and examining plants. 327. What are the objects of the illustrations and explana- tions already given ? 328. What is the scientific arrangement which is to follow ? 329. What account can you give of Linnceus ? 90 CLASSIFICATION He even explored inhospitable Lapland, with the same object, where he suffered every kind of fatigue, and privation, in search of new spe- cies. 330. And such was his devotion to the cause of science, that during his life he minutely and carefully examined more than eight thousand species of vegetables. He died in 1788. in his seventy-first year. 331. By the Linnaean system, the Vegetable Kingdom is divided into twenty-four CLASSES. 332. These are distinguished from each other, by the number, situation, or proportion of the stamens, so that this arrangement is founded en- tirely on the flowers of the plants. 333. It is necessary, therefore, in order to as- certain the place of any plant, and consequently its name, that its flower should in the first place be obtained. 334. The Classes are divided into ORDERS. 335. These are founded either on the number of styles or pistils the flowers contain, on the situation of the fruit, on the kind of pericarp, or on some other circumstance, which will be explained when we come to illustrate this part of the subject. 330. How many plants did he examine ? 331. Into how many Classes does the Linnaean method divide plants ? 332. How are the Classes distinguished ? 333. What part of the plant is required in order to find its place ? 334. What is the next division after the Classes ? 335. On what are the Orders founded ? OF PLANTS. 91 336. The Orders are next separated into Genera. 337. The names of these are arbitrary, that is, they are not founded on any botanical rela- tion, or peculiarity of the plant. Some of the genera are named after celebrated botanists, or other men of high literary, or scientific standing. Thus Jacksonia was named after Mr. Jackson, an English botanist ; Linnce after Linnseus ; Bromelia, after Mr. Bromel, &c. 338. The genera are next sub-divided into Species, the names of which are mostly derived from some circumstance, or peculiarity by which the plants can be distinguished from each other. Perhaps these distinctions are most frequently derived from some difference in the form of a leaf; but the length of the stalk, the place whence the species came, and a great variety of other circumstances have been the founda- tion of specific names. 339. The well known genus Geranium of which there are a great number of species, af- fords an excellent illustration of this subject. 340. As in several other genera, the species are often named after some plant, the leaf of which, the leaves of the Geranium most resem- ble. Thus we have the Oak-leaved, the Crow- 336. Into what are the Orders divided ? 337. What if said concerning the names of the genera ? 338. What are the divisions of the genera called, and whence do they derive their names ? 339. What plant is said to afford a good illus- tration of this subject ? 310. Whence do many of the gera* mums derive their names ? 92 CLASSIFICATION foot leaved, and the Aconite-leaved Geranium ; also the Heart-leaved, Jagged-leaved, &c. 341. This is a good mode of distinction be- cause it is not only perrpanent, but often so striking as not to be mistaken. Thus any one who has seen an oak leaf can select the oak- leaved Geranium from all the other species, by a mere glance of the eye. 342. Many species of plants produce va- rieties; that is, some plants from the same seed, or root, will differ from others in consequence of accidental causes. 343. These differences may depend on the mode of culture, richness of the soil, tempera- ture of the climate, and a great variety of other circumstances. Thus the Apple and Pear, though from the same seed, produce on differ- ent trees, sweet and sour, or large and small fruit. 344. These are varieties of the Apple and Pear, of which innumerable examples occur. But the species never change ; the seed, form of the leaf, number of stamens and pistils, and the divisions of the calyx, and other characters on which a species is founded, always remain- ing the same. 345. It will be remembered that the whole vegetable kingdom is divided into twenty-four 341. Why is this a good method of distinction ? 342. What are varieties in the vegetable kingdom ? 343. On what do varieties depend? 344^ Do the species of plants ever change ? 345. What are the divisions of the whole vegetable kingdom ? OF PLANTS. 93 CLASSES ; the Classes are divided into ORDERS, the Orders into Genera, the Genera into Spe- cies, and the Species into Varieties, where they exist. 346. The first eleven Classes are founded en- tirely on the number of stamens which the flow ers contain, and are distinguished by names de- rived from the Greek, which names express the number of these parts belonging to each Class. 347. The first Class is named MONANDRIA, which signifies one stamen, being compounded of the Greek words monos, one, and aner a stamen. 348. The second Class in like manner, signi- fies two stamens, and is called DIANDRIA, being compounded of dis, twice, and aner, a stamen. The third Class signifies three stamens, and so on to the tenth. 349. This part of the Classification is there- fore extremely simple, so that any child who has previously learned to distinguish the stamens, may immediately become a practical botanist ; since all that is required to refer a plant to its proper place in any of the Classes from the first to the tenth, is to count the stamens, and ob- serve whether they are all separate, and of the same length. Thus if the flower has one sta- men only, it belongs to the first Class, MONAN- 346. On what are the first eleven Classes founded ? 847. What is the name of the first Class, and whence is this name derived ? 348. What are the names of the second and third Classes, and how many stamens have each ? 349. What knowledge is required to refer plants to their places in the first ten Classes. 94 CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS. DRIA ; if two. it belongs to DIANDRIA ; if three, to TRIANDRIA ; and so on with respect to the others. The names of the other Classes will be ex- plained in connection with their illustrations. 350. The Orders of the first thirteen Classes are founded on the number of styles, or on the number of stigmas, when the styles are want- ing. 351. The names of these orders are therefore indicative of the number of pistils, or stigmas, which the flowers contain, as the names of the Classes are of the number of stamens. 352. The name of the first Order, in each of the first thirteen Classes, is Monogynia, which word is derived from the Greek monos, one, and gyne, a pistil. 353. The second Order is Digynia, and is derived from dis, twice, and gyne, a pistil. The name of this Order is the same in most of the thirteen Classes. The third is Trigynia, three pistils ; the fourth Tetragynia, four pistils, &c. 354. In practice, nothing is more simple or easily learned and understood than the first half of this system. A mere child with a few days practice, may learn to arrange his flowers ac- cording to it, with the same accuracy as the most experienced botanist. 350. On what are the Orders founded? 351. What do the names of the Orders of the first thirteen Classes indicate ? 352. What is the name of the first Order in the thirteen first Classes, and what is the origin of the fourth ? 353. What are the names of the second and third Orders ? 354. What is said of the simplicity of the first part of this science ? EXAMINATION OF THE FLOWER. 95 355. Thus, if a flower has only one stamen, and one pistil, it belongs to CLASS 1. MONAN- DRIA, and ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. 356. If it has one stamen and two pistils, it belongs to MONANDRIA, and Order Digynia. 357. If it has two stamens, it falls under CLASS 2. DIANDRIA, the Order being Monogy- nia, Digynia, or Trigynia, as it has one, two or three pistils. With respect to the Genera and Species, more practice is required, but the elementary parts of the whole science, with common appli- cation, may be understood during the leisure hours of a single summer. EXAMINATION OF THE FLOWER. Before illustrating the Classes and Orders by examples, we shall make a few observations on the examination of Flowers, with the view of assisting the pupil in referring them to their proper places in the scientific arrangement. In order to determine the name of an un- known plant, it is necessary to find its place in the Linnsean System. This to the beginner \vho has no assistant but his Manual, is often a 355. If a flower has only one pistil and one stamen, where does it belong ? 356. If it has one stamen and two pistils, where is its place ? 357. If it has two stamens, where is its place ? 96 EXAMINATION very puzzling process. Even to the experienced botanist, every unknown flower requires critical inspection, and without which he cannot deter- mine its scientific relations. A good lens is necessary for many plants, and should always be carried into the field in order to be used. Small tender plants should be ex- amined while growing, or when carried home should be immediately placed in water. 1. In the first ten classes the parts which claim the chief attention, are the stamens and pistils, and here to determine the Class and Or- der, little or nothing more is required than to count their number. If the flower has five sta- mens, all separate, it belongs to PENTANDRIA, and if only a single style, its Order is Mono- gynia. 2. In the examination of the Calyx and Co- rolla, for the purpose of determining the genus, much caution is necessary, lest the number of divisions in the first, should be mistaken for the number of sepals, and those of the second, for the number of petals. In the first place exa- mine the Corolla by pulling off each petal, or division separately. If it is found that they cohere, or grow together at the base, the Corolla is monopetalous, and the petals, instead of being distinct parts, as in a polypetalous Corolla, are merely deep divisions. The flowers of the Iris, for example, though monopetalous, might easily be mistaken for a Corolla with six petals. 3. The Corolla being examined and removed, the Calyx, if deeply divided, should be examined OF THE FLOWER. 97 in the same manner. Every Calyx, the leaves or sepals of which are joined, is monophyllous, or single-leaved, however deeply it may be divided. In the Violet, for example, the Calyx consists of five sepals, each of which may be removed separately, and without disturbing the others. In the Rose, and Apple, the Calyx is five-cleft, the divisions all being united at the base. In the Violet, therefore, the Calyx is many-sepalled ; but in the Rose and the Apple, it is one-sepalled, with five divisions. 4. In many flowers, the stigmas are so long, or deeply cleft, as easily to be mistaken for styles. It is necessary, therefore, in the exami- nation of these parts, to ascertain whether they unite below, in which case only one style is to be counted. The Iris, for example, has three petaloid stigmas, but only one style. 5. In many of the Classes, particularly in the fifth, sixth, and tenth, the genera are often distinguished by the superior or inferior situa- tion of the Calyx or Corolla, or both. Some- times also, these parts are half superior. These points are easily determined. When the Calyx, or Corolla, is situated below the germen, or in- cludes this part within its whorl, then the Ca- lyx or Corolla is inferior, as in the Lily and Pink ; the former being an example of an inferior Corolla, and the latter of an inferior Calyx and Corolla. When these parts are situated on the germen, but do not include it. then the Calyx, or Corolla 98 EXAMINATION is said to be superior, as in the Apple, Pear, and Hydrangea. When the germen is placed partly above and partly below the Calyx or Corolla, then these parts are half superior or half inferior. 6. In the examination of flowers containing many stamens, it is required to ascertain whe- ther these parts are situated on the Calyx or not. If there are many stamens, that is, more than twenty, placed on the Calyx, the plant falls into the Class ICOSANDRIA ; but if these parts are in- serted under the germen. and on that part called the receptacle, it comes within the class POLY- ANDRIA. 7. If the plant has four stamens, two of which are longer than the others, it belongs to the Class DIDYNAMIA. Plants of this description form the natural Order, called the Labiate, or lipped tribe, as Mint and Horehound. 8. If the flower has six stamens, two of which are shorter than the others, its Class is TETRADYNAMIA. Plants of this kind form the natural Order, called the Cruciform tribe, of which, Cabbage, Mustard and Horse-radish are examples. 9. It is generally easy to determine whether the filaments of the stamens are separate at the base, or not. We have seen, that in the first ten Classes, these parts are entirely distinct, throughout. If the filaments are united or co- here in any part of their length, or at their bases, then the plant falls under some Class not OF THE FLOWER. 99 yet mentioned. If the union is entire, forming only one parcel, the specimen belongs to Mo- NADELPHIA, as the Geranium and Mallows. If the filaments are united in two sets, or parcels, however unequal in number, the flower falls into the Class DIADELPHIA. The Pea is an example. In this there are nine stamens in one set, and one in the other. In some instances the filaments are united into more than two parcels, in which case the specimen is thrown into the Class POLYADEL- PHIA. 10. In the examination of the Compound Flower, or the Class SYNGENESIA, the beginner will find some difficulty in distinguishing one part from another in such a manner as to sat- isfy himself concerning the Orders. But the mode of examination is so simple as hardly to require any directions, since little is to be done more than to distinguish the stamens from the pistils, the disk from the ray, and the tubular from the ligulate florets. With respect to the genera, however, there is more difficulty, nor will any thing short of actual experience, give the botanist the knowledge which is required to make accurate distinctions in this part of the science. 11. In the Class GYNANDRIA, the flowers are so peculiar and differ so materially from all others, that after having examined a few speci- mens, the pupil will in general be able to refer the others to their proper stations without diffi- culty. 100 EXAMINATION OF THE FLOWER. Nearly all the plants of this Class belong to Order 1. The stamens, or stigmas, instead of being situated around the germen as in the other Classes, are placed on the style, or stigma itself. Nor do these parts resemble the sta- mens and pistils of other plants, but consist of solitary, fleshy, undivided processes or masses, which appear more like the nectaries of other plants than like the essential organs of repro- duction. 12. In the Class MONOGCIA, where the sta- mens and pistils reside in separate flowers, on the same plant, the difference between the sta- minate and pistillate ones is generally quite apparent. The pupil on taking notice of the flowers of the Cucumber, Squash or Melon, will, in a moment, see which are barren and which fruitful. The stamens are on long stalks near the roots, while the pistils are on the vines and appear afterwards. 13. In the Class DIGECIA the stamens and pistils reside on different plants, and there is in some cases, but little difference between the fruitful and barren aments, except the presence of the yellow dust, or pollen on the stamenifer- ous tree. But the pupil,, with the assistance of botanical descriptions, will soon be able to dis- tinguish the barren, from the pistiliferous trees, and the satisfaction of doing so will amply sat- isfy him for his trouble, since this class contains some of the noblest genera of the forest, as the Palms and Poplars. CLASSES AND OSbEIvS. 101 14. Plants belonging to POLY>G*AMJ.A nave 1 per- fect flowers, together with barren or fertile ones, or both, on the same, or on separate plants. The Maple and Ash trees are exam- ples. The flowers of this, require the same kind of examination, as those of the two former Classes. With respect to the Class CRYPTOGAMiA,'it is hardly to be expected that the young pupil can do much with it, though one of the most interesting of all the Classes. NAMES OF THE CLASSES AND ORDERS OF THE LINKEAN SYSTEM. Illustrated chiefly by examples of the most common North American Plants. The design of this table is to enable the be- ginner to ascertain where any plant contained in the list, belongs, so that having referred it to its place, he may then observe how the several parts of the flower agree with the terms of the Class and Order. Those who have learned botany without an instructor, will see the ad- vantage of this plan. By knowing at once where to refer such flowers as those of the Milkweed tribe for instance, the untaught stu- dent would be saved much trouble and perplex- 102 . CLASSES ity ( owAiig. to :tLe .peculiarity of their flowers. The same may be said with respect to the Iris, the Golden Club, and many other flowers. Be- sides this, the progress of the student may be greatly facilitated by having in his possession both the botanical and common names of such plants as are most likely to fall within his notice, during his botanical excursions. After this Synopsis of the Classes and Orders, there will follow such explanations of each Class as we think the student requires, together with descriptions of curious and interesting plants, whether native or foreign, as illustrations. CLASS L MONANDRIA. 1 Stamen. ORDERS 2. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. Example. Salicornia, (Saltwort, Glasswort) Hippuris, (Mare's Tail.) ORDER 2. DIGYNIA. Two Pistils. Ex. Callitriche, ( Water Starwort.) CLASS II. DIANDRIA. 2 Stamens. ORDERS 3. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. Ex. Veronica, (Speedwell,) Utricularia, (Bladderwort,) Collinsonia, (Horse-weed^) Lemna, (Duck meat.) ORDER 3. TRIANDRIA. Three Pistils. Ex. Piper, (Black Pepper.) AND ORDERS. 103 CLASS III. TRIANDRIA. 3 Stamens. ORDERS 3. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. Ex. Iris, (Flower-de-Luce) Scirpus, (Club rush.) ORDER 2. DIGYNIA. Two Pistils. Ex. Triticum, (Wheat,) Leersia, (Rice grass) Agrostis, (Bent grass.) ORDER 3. TRIGYNIA. Three Pistils. Ex. Lechea, (Pin weed) Mollugo, (Carpet weed) GLASS IV. TETRANDRIA. 4 Stamens. OR- DERS 3. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. Ex. Plantago, (Plantain) Cornus, (Dogwood) Mitchella, ( Chequer berry) ORDER 2. DIGYNIA. Two Pistils. Ex. Hamamelis, ( Witch Hazel) Sanguisorba, (Canada Thistle) ORDER 3. TETRAGYNIA. Four Pistils. Ex. Hex, (Holly) Potamogeton, (Pond weed) CLASS V. PENTANDRIA. 5 Stamens. OR- DERS 7. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. . Ex. Lysimachia, (Loosestrife) Datura, (Thorn apple) 104 CLASSES Verbascum, (Mullein) Viola, ( Violet,) Lobelia, (Cardinal Flower) ORDER 2. DIGYNIA. Two Pistils. Ex. Asclepias, (Milkweed) Gentiana, (Gentian) Chenopodium, (Goose-foot, Pig-weed) Daucus, (Carrot) Cicuta, (American Hemlock) Uraspermum, (Sweet Sicily) ORDER 3. TRIGYNIA. Three Pistils. Ex. Staphylea, (Bladder-tree) Rhus, (Sumac) Viburnum, (Arrow-wood) ORDER 4. TETRAGYNIA. Four Pistils. Ex. Parnassia, (Grass of Parnassus) ORDER 5. PENTAGYNIA. Five Pistils. Ex. Linum, (Flax) Statice, (Marsh Rosemary) Armeria, (Thrift) ORDER 6. HEXAGYNIA. Six Pistils. Ex. Drosera, (Sun-dew) ORDER 7. POLYGYNIA. Many Pistils. Ex. Xanthoriza, (Yellow-root) CLASS VI. HEXANDRIA. 6 Stamens. OR DERS 5. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. Ex. Lilium, (Lily) Convallaria, (Solomon's Seal) AND ORDERS. 105 Erythronium, (Dog^s Tooth Violet?) Orontium, (Golden Club.) ORDER 2. DIGYNIA. Two Pistils. Ex* Oryza, (Rice.) ORDER 3. TRIGYNIA. Three Pistils. Ex. Medeola, (Cucumber Rootj) Eumex, (Dock.) ORDER 4. TETRAGYNIA. Four Pistils. Ex. Saururus, (Lizard's Tail.) ORDER 5. POLYGYNIA. Many Pistils. Ex. Alisma, ( Water Plantain.) CLASS VII. HEPTANDRIA. 7 Stamens. OR- DERS 4. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. Ex. Trientalis, ( Chickweed- Winter greenj) JEsculus, (Horse Chestnut.) CLASS VIIL OCTANDPJA. 8 Stamens. OR- DERS 4. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. ^ One Pistil. Ex. Epilobium, (Willow-herb,) Oxy coccus, ( Cranberry.) ORDER 2. DIGYNIA. Two Pistils. Ex. Chrysosplenium, (Golden Saxifrage) ORDER 3. TRIGYNIA. Three Pistils. Ex. Polygonum, (Knot Grass) CLASS IX. ENNEANDRIA. 9 Stamens. OR- DERS 3. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. 106 CLASSES Ex. Laurus, (Sassafras, Spice-bush.) ORDER 3. TRIGYNIA. Three Pistils. Ex. Rheum, (Rhubarb.) CLASS X. DECANDRIA. 10 Stamens. DERS 5. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. Ex. Kalmia, (Laurel, Ivy?) Pyrola, ( Wintergreen) Gaultheria, (Partridge-berry.) ORDER 2. DIGYNIA. Two Pistils. Ex. Saxifraga, (Saxifrage?) Saponaria, (Soap ivort.) ORDER 3. TRIGYNIA. Three Pistils. Ex. Stellaria, (Chickweed,) Arenaria, (Sandwort.) ORDER 5. PENTAGYNIA. Five Pistils. Ex. Spergula, (Corn spurrey?) Penthorum, (Five Horns) ORDER 10. DECAGYNIA. Ten Pistils. Ex. Phytolacca, (Poke, or Scoke.) CLASS XL DODECANDRIA. 12 Stamens. DERS 5. ORDER 1. MONOGYXIA. One Pistil. Ex. Asarum, (Wild Ginger,) Portulaca, (Purslane.) ORDER 2. DIGYNIA. Two Pistils. Ex. Agrimonia, (Agrimony.) AND ORDERS. 10 7 ORDER 2. TRIGYNIA. Three Pistils. Ex. Euphorbia, (Spurge?) CLASS XII. ICOSANDRIA. Twenty or more Stamens inserted on the Calyx. ORDERS 3. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. Ex. Primus, ( Wild Cherry,) Cactus, (Prickly Pear.) ORDER 2. DIGYNIA. Two Pistils. Ex. Cratsegus, (Thorn Bush.) ORDER 3. TRIGYNIA. Three Pistils. Ex. Sorbus, (Mountain Ash.) ORDER 5. PENTAGYNIA. Five Pistils. Ex. Pyrus, (Apple, Pear.) Spiraea, (Meadow Sweet.) ORDER 6. POLYGYNIA. Many Pistils. Ex. Rosa, (Rose) Rubus, (Blackberry, Raspberry) Geurn, (Avens) CLASS XIII. POLYANDRIA. Many Stamens, ORDERS 7. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. Ex. Sarracenia, (Side SaddleFlower,) Sanguinaria, (Bloodroot) Tilia, (Basswood) Nymphsea, ( Water Lily.) ORDER 5. PENTAGYNIA. Five Pistils. Ex. Aquilegia, (Columbine) ORDER 6. POLYGYNIA. Many Pistils. 108 CLASSES Ex. Clematis, (Maiden's boiver,) Coptis, (Gold thread,) Ranunculus, ( Crowfoot.) CLASS XIV. DIDYNAMIA. Four Stamens, two of which are longer than the others. ORDERS .2. ORDER 1. GYMNOSPERMIA. Seeds naked. A. Calyxes mostly five cleft. Ex. Mentha, (Mint,) Verbena, ( Vervain,) Leonurus, (Motherwort.) B. Calyxes two-lipped. Ex. Scutellaria, (Scullcap,) Prunella, (Self-heal.) ORDER 2. ANGIOSPERMIA. Seeds in a vessel. Ex. Bartsia, (Painted Cup,) Pedicularis, (Lousewort,) Mimulus, (Monkey Floiver,) Chelone, (Snake-head.) CLASS XV. TETRADYNAMIA. Six Stamens, four long and two short. ORDERS 2. ORDER 1. SILICULOSA. Seeds in a short pod. Ex. Lepidium, (Pepper-grass,) TMaspi, (Shepherd's Purse.) ORDER 2. SILIQUOSA. Seeds in a long pod. Ex. Sinapis, (Mustard,) Raphanus, (Radish,) Dentaria, (Toothwort.) CLASS XVI. MONADELPHIA. Filaments united, at least through a part of their length, into one parcel. ORDERS 7. AND ORDERS. 109 ORDER 1. TRIANDRIA. Three Stamens. Ex. Sisyrinchium, (Blue-eyed grass.) ORDER 5. PENTANDRIA. Five Stamens. Ex. Passiflora, (Passion floiver) ORDER 10. DECANDRIA. Ten Stamens. Ex. Geranium, (Cranesbill) ORDER 11. POLYANDRIA. Many Stamens. Ex. Sida, (Indian Mallow,) Malva, (Mallow,) Hibiscus, (Hibiscus.) CLASS XVIL DIADELPHIA. Stamens united into two distinct parcels or sets. ORDERS 4. ORDER 2. HEXANDRIA. Six Stamens. Ex. Fumaria, (Fumatory) Cory dalis, ( Corydalis) ORDER 3. OCTANDRIA. Eight Stamens. Ex. Polygala, (MilJcwort, Snakeroot) ORDER 4. DECANDRIA. Ten Stamens. Ex. Crotolaria, (Rattle-pod,) Phaseolus, (Kidney bean) Trifolium, (Clover) Kobinia, (Locust tree) CLASS XVIII. POLYDELPHIA. Stamens united into more than two parcels. ORDERS 3. ORDER POLYANDRIA. Many Stamens. Ex. Hypericum, (St. -John's wort) Citrus, (Orange, Lemon) 10 110 CLASSES CLASS XIX. SYNGENESIA. Anthers united by their edges into a cylinder. Flowers compound, or collected into heads. ORDERS 5. ORDER 1. JEQUALIS. Florets of the disk and ray all fertile, being furnished with stamens and pistils. A. Florets all ligulate, or strap shaped. Ex. Leontodon, (Dandelion?) Lactuca, (Lettuce,) Hieracium, (Hawkweed) B. Florets all tubular and erect, forming nearly a level top. Ex. Eupatorium, (Boneset) Bidens, (Bur r-mary gold!) ORDER 2. SUPERFLUA. Florets of the ray obsolete ; those of the disk with pistils and stamens; all fertile. Ex. Artemisia, (Wormwood?) Gnaphalium, (Life Everlasting!) C. Florets radiate, and ligulate. Ex. Aster, (Star wort,) Solidago, (Golden rod) Senecio, (Groundsel) Anthemis, (Mayweed) ORDER 3. FRUSTRANEA. Florets of the disk with stamens and pistils, and fertile ; those of the ray with stamens only, and barren. Ex. Helianthus, (Sun-floiuer) Coreopsis, ( Tickseed-sun-flower) Rudbeckia, (Rudbeckia) ORDER 4. NECESSARIA. Florets of the disk with sta- AND ORDERS. Ill mens but no pistils, and therefore barren; those of the ray, with pistils only, and fertile. Ex. Calendula, (Marygold) Iva, (false Jesuifs Baric.) ORDER 5. SE GREG ATA. Besides the common invo- lucre, each floret has its distinct perianth. Ex. Elephantopus, (Elephant s foot,) Echinops, (Globe Thistle.) CLASS XX. GYNANDRIA. Stamens placed on the pistils or germen. ORDERS 7. ORDER 1. MONANDRIA. One Stamen. A. Anther, terminal, erect ; pollen granular, coher- ing by an elastic thread. Ex. Orchis, (Orchis,} Habernaria, (Habernaria) B. Anther parallel with the stigma j pollen powdery. Ex. Neottia, (Bird's Nest,) Spiranthes, (Ladies* Tresses) C. Anther terminal, persistent ; pollen powdery. Ex. Arethusa, (Arethusa) Pogonia, (Pogonia) Calopogon, (Calopogon) D. Anther terminal, opercular, deciduous; pollen waxy. Ex. Cymbidium, (Tuberous Cymbidium,) Malaxis, (Malaxis) ORDER 2. DIANDRIA. Two Stamens. Ex. Cypripedium, (Ladies 1 Slipper.) 112 CLASSES ORDER 3. HEXANDRIA. Six Stamens. Ex. Aristolochia, ( Virginia snake-root.) CLASS XXL MONCECIA. Stamens and pistils in different flowers, but on the same plant, so that some floioers are fruitful, while others are barren. ORDERS 8. ORDER 1. MONANDRIA. One Stamen. Ex. Zostera, (Grass-wacJc, Eel-grass]) Zannichellia, (Horned Pond-weed.) ORDER 3. TRIANDRIA. Three Stamens. Ex. Eriocaulon, (Pipewort,) Carex, (Sedge Grass,) Typha, (Water Flag,) Comptonia, (Sweet Fern,) Zea, (Indian Corn.) ORDER 4. TETRANDRIA. Four Stamens. Ex. Alnus, ( Common Alder,) Urtica, (Nettle,) Moms, (Mulberry.) ORDER 5. PEKTANDRIA. Five Stamens. Ex. Ambrosia, (Bitterweed, Roman wormwood]) Xanthiurn, (Sea Burdock.) ORDER 6. HEXANDRIA. Six Stamens. Ex. Zizania, ( Wild Rice, Water Oats.) ORDER Y. POLYANDRIA. Many Stamens. Ex. Sagittaria, (Arrow-head^) Arum, (Indian Turnip,) Castanea, (Chestnut tree,) Quercus, (Oak,) AND ORDERS. 113 Juglans, (Walnut.) ORDER 8. MONADELPHIA. Stamens united into a single body. Ex. Firms, (Pine, Spruce,) Thuya, (Hacmatac) CLASS XXIL DIGECIA. Stamens and pistils on different plants, one being barren and the other fruitful. ORDERS 8. ORDER 2. DIANDRIA. Two Stamens. Ex. Vallisneria, (Vallisneria,) Salix, (Willow.) ORDER 3. TRIANDRIA. Three Stamens. Ex. Empetrum, (Crowberry) ORDER 4. TETRANDRIA. Four Stamens. Ex. Myrica, (Bat/berry, Wax Myrtle) ORDER 5. PENTANDRIA. Five Stamens. Ex. Humulus, (Common Hop) Acnida, (Acnida) ORDER 6. HEXANDRIA. Six Stamens. %fc Smilax, (Green Briar) Dioscoria, (Dioscoria) ORDER 7. OCTANDRIA. Eight Stamens. Ex. Populus, (Poplar,) Diospyrus, (Persimmon) ORDER 8. ENNEANDRIA. Nine Stamens. Ex. Eloclea, (Elodea) ORDER 9. DECANDRIA. Ten Stamens. Ex. Gymnocladus, (Coffee-bean tree) 10* 114 CLASSES ORDER 10. POLYANDRIA. Many Stamens. Ex. Menispermum, (Moonseed) ORDER 11. MONADELPHIA. Stamens united into one body. Ex. Juniperus, (Juniper, Red Cedar) Taxus, (Dwarf Yew.) CLASS XXIII. POLYGAMIA. Perfect flowers together with barren, or fertile ones, or both, on the same, or on separate plants. ORDERS 3. ORDER 1. MONCECIA. Barren, fertile, and perfect flowers, on the same plant. Ex. Veratrum, (Hellebore). Celtis, (Nettle tree) ORDER 2. DICECIA. Barren, fertile and perfect flowers, on distinct plants. Ex. Panax, (Ginseng) Xanthoxylum, (Prickly Ash) Acer, (Maple) Fraxinus, (Ash) CLASS XXIV. CRYPTOGAMIA. Stamens and pistils concealed, imperfectly formed, or wanting. ORDERS 8. ORDER!. FILICES. Ferns. Fruit mostly placed on the back of the frond. Ex. Polypodium, (Polypody) Osmundia, (Flowering Fern) Asplenium, (Shield Fern) ORDER 2. EQUISETACEA. (Horsetail) Ex. Equiseturn, (Scouring Rush) CLASSES AND ORDERS. 115 ORDER 3. LYCOPODINE^E. (Club Mosses.) Repro- ductive organs axillary, spiked. Thecce in grains, or masses. Ex. Lycopodium, (Club Moss.) ORDER 4. Musci. (Mosses.) Dry herbs with dis- tinct leaves, producing seed-vessels, furnished with lids, and containing sporules. The Mosses belonging to this order are chiefly found in moist places in the woods, and in sheltered situa- tions among the rocks. ORDER 5. HEPATIC^E. (Liverworts.) Herb, a frond, the capsules not generally opening with a lid, as in the Mosses. These plants are chiefly found on rocks, old walls, and the bark of trees. ORDER 6. ALG^E. (Flags.) Seeds embedded in the substance of the frond ; plants chiefly aquatic and sub-merged. Ex. Fucus nodosus, (Sea Rock Weed.) ORDER 7. LICHENS. (RocJc and Tree Mosses.) Leafless, flowerless, perennial plants, with a thal- lus and external disk containing sporules. They are found on old wood fences, rocks, and the bark of trees. Ex. Cetraria, (Iceland Moss,) Lecanora, (Cudbear.) ORDER 8. FUNGI. (Mushrooms.) Sporules or seeds arranged in tubular cells, placed in some part of the external surface, often in the lamellae, or gills. Frond none. 116 EXPLANATION OF THE CLASSES. Ex. Agaricus Campestris, (Eatable Mushroom) This order comprehends all the Mushrooms, vul- garly called Toad-stools, of which there are several thousand species and varieties. EXPLANATION OF THE CLASSES. Having thus given examples of several gene- ra belonging to each Order, thus also fully illus- trating every Class by the most familiar and common plants, we now proceed to explain each Class separately, and hope to do so, in such a manner as to be understood, even by those who begin their botany with this little vo- lume. It will be needless to repeat under the name of each Order, the number of stamens on which the Clas.s is founded. Nor will it be necessary to again show the number of Orders composing each Class, both being contained in the above Synopsis. A figure will be found in connection with the name of each Class, representing the parts of the flower on which the Class is found- ed. In the first ten Classes this illustrates the Class, and the first Order, but no more. Thus at Class first, the cut shows one stamen and one pistil, and at Class second, two stamens, and one pistil, and so of the others. The sta- mens are marked a and the pistils b. The Classes are marked by the twenty-four letters of the alphabet. CLASS I. CLASS II. 11 7 CLASS L MONANDRIA. One Stamen. A. 1. Any plant having a single stamen falls into this Class, Fig. A. a stamen, b pistil. Monandria is not a large Class, but it contains some plants of value, among which are the Ginger, Cardamom, and Turmeric. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. 2. This is the place of the plant which pro- duces the Ginger root, a spice well known to all our young friends. These roots are taken from the ground when the stalk begins to fade, and being scalded, dried and ground to powder, the ginger is fit for use. CLASS II. DIANDRIA. Two Stamens. 3. Any flower having only two stamens, belongs to this Class, Fig. B. a stamen, b pistil. This is rather a small Class, though it contains several plants of use, and some ornamental flowers. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. 4. Sage is one of the plants of this Order, of which there are 120 species. 1. How many stamens has the Class Monandria? 2. How many pistils in the Order Monogynia and what common spices belong to this Class and Order ? 3. How many stamens has Diandria ? 4. What garden aromatic belongs here ? 118 CLASS II. 5. Nyctanthes, which means the night tree, is another of this Order. It is also called the sorrowful tree, because during the day it droops its leaves and seems to wither; but after the sun goes down, it erects them again, and during the night appears fresh and flourishing. In the day time it has no fragrance, but in the night it blossoms and then sends forth the most delight- ful fragrance. It is a native of the East, but is now cultivated in England. ORDER 2. DIGYNIA. Two Pistils. This Order contains no interesting plants. ORDER 3. TRIGYNIA. Three Pistils. Fig. 137. 6. The genus Piper, (Black pep- per,) is a member of this Order. Of this genus there are about sixty spe- cies. That producing the Black pep- per of our tables, is a climbing vine, with large leaves, which are broad, ovate, and acuminate. The flower has neither Calyx, nor Corolla. The fruit is borne on a kind of spadix, suspended in the manner represented by Fig. 137. 5. What is said of the nyctanthes ? 6. What account can you give of the black pepper plant ? CLASS III. 119 CLASS III TRIANDRIA. Three Stamens. Fig. C. -^ a Fig. C, a the three stamens, b the pistil. 7. This Class is much more extensive than either of the others. 8. It contains the Grasses, the Irises, the Club-rushes, the beautiful Crocus and many other useful or interesting genera. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. 9. The genus Iris is a member of this Order. The name signifies rain-bow, in allusion to the number of colors the flower contains. The common name is Flower-de-luce. 10. The genus contains sixty species, one of which, with its fine blue flower, is the chief or- nament of our low grounds and meadows. 11. The genus is distinguished by its having a six-parted flower, every other division of which is rolled backwards, the stigmas, being petaloid, or shaped like petals. ORDER 2. DIGYNIA. Two Pistils. 12. This order includes the Sugar cane, 7. What is said of the extent of the class Triandria ? 8. What common plants does Triandria contain ? 9. What does iris signify? 10. How many species has this genus? 11. How is this genus distinguished? 12. What important plants does the Order Dyginia include ? 120 CLASS III. Wheat, Rye, Barley and Oat, and therefore embraces a group of plants more useful to man than perhaps any other Order in the whole sys- tem. - 139. is. The Sugar Cane, (Saccharum,) Figure 139, grows from eight to twelve feet high, with a jointed stem, similar to Indian corn. The flow- \ ers are in a panacle ; glumes two-valved, two- flowered, and enveloped in a woolly substance. The stem of this plant is a culm, so that in botany it is considered as one of the grasses. 14. Sugar is obtained from these culms, by grinding ^hem in a mill, submitting the broken parts to pressure, and purifying the juice, which it yields in large quantities. "15. Sugar was first used in England in about the year 1486, when it was only employed as a medicine, and offered by the wealthy at feasts. The luxury of sweetened tea and coffee was then unknown. 13. What is said of the sugar-cane ? 14. How is sugar obtained ? 16. When was sugar first used in England and for what purposes ? CLASS IV. 121 CLASS IV. TETR ANDRIA. Four Stamens. 16. Fig. D, a, the stamens, b, the pistil. The stamens are all of the same length. This class is neither so large, nor important as the last. It contains however many foreign shrubs of great beauty, and t some native plants which are common or interesting. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Style. 17. This is a large order, containing more than a 'hundred genera. Among these are the Protea, and Banksia, the first a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and the second a native of New Holland. These are both among the most magnificent and beautiful of vegetables. 18. The Skunk Cabbage, (Pothos fcetida,) which grows abundantly in our swamps, is a member of this order. The flower of this ap- pears in the early spring, and before the leaves are to be seen. This flower is a curiosity. The spadix is oval, and is contained in a spathe, which is spotted with red and yellow. The flo- rets are crowded, and each one, on close inspec- tion will be found to contain four stamens and one pistil. Some weeks after the flower, large 16. How many stamens has the class Tetrandria ? 17. What beautiful foreign plants belong to the first order ? 18. What account is given of the skunk cabbage ? 11 122 CLASS IV. radical leaves unfold themselves around it, which continue during the summer. 19. Of the genus Cornus, or Dogwood, we have about twelve species in our woods. 20. The common Dogwood, (Cornus Flori- da?) is a large shrub growing on moist ground. 21. It flowers in May, and its large white in- volucres give, it a very showy appearance, espe- cially when contrasted with other trees by which it is surrounded, which are just then unfolding their leaves. The involucre of this flower is often mistaken for petals. 22. The genus Plantago belongs here. Two species of this, the broad and narrow leaved Plantain are known to every child. The broad leaved grows on the sides of foot-paths about houses. It is strictly a domestic plant, being rarely seen at a distance from habitations. The narrow leaved called also ribwort, is found abun- dantly in rich fields. The spike is dark, with white projecting stamens. Leaves oblong lan- ceolate, with nearly parallel, and very conspicu- ous ribs. 23. The Chequer berry, (Mitchella,) is a pretty little creeping evergreen plant, which is very common in shady places among trees. The leaves are ovate, a little cordate and oppo- site. 19. How many species of the Cornus have we? 20. What kind of a tree is the common dogwood ? 21. What part of the flower of this plant is the most showy? 22. What is said of the two species of plantain ? 23. What is the appear- ance of the chequer berry ? CLASS IV. 123 24. The flowers are white with a blush of red, and have the most delightful fragrance ima- ginable. These flowers are twins, two being situated on each germen. The fruit is a little red berry, which continues all winter. 25. This plant, if taken up with a little of the earth where it grows, is easily cultivated in a flower pot, and is much more beautiful and fra- grant, than many, foreign plants on which much care is bestowed. This class and order also contains a little plant growing in England, about the shady banks of rivulets, and well known under the name of Sweet Woodruff. The old English spelling of this word was Woodderowffe, and hence the rhyme which almost every one has heard re- peated whether he can do it himself or not. It runs thus, Double U, double 0, double D, E, R, 0, double U, double F, E. It will be seen that the rhyme spells the word. The botanical name of this plant is Asperula odor at a. 24. What is there peculiar about its. flowers? 25. What is Baid of the cultivation of this plant ? J24 CLASS V. CLASS V. PENTANDRIA. Five Stamens Fig. E. 26. The name Pentandria comes from the Greek pente, five, and aner, a stamen, and therefore signifies five stamens. 27. Any plant having five stamens all separate, as in the figure, belongs here. 28. This Class is of such vast extent, as to contain about a fifth part of all the known plants, which contain visible stamens and pistils. It is, therefore, separated into several divisions. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. 29. This order comprehends so great a num- ber of plants as to require several divisions, de- pending on the kind or situation of the corolla, the number of seeds, or the kind of seed-vessel. 30. Division 1. Corolla monopetalous, seeds two or more. 31. Comfrey, Hounds-tongue, and Lung- wort are examples. 32. Division 2. Corolla monopetalous, infe- rior. Seeds in a capsule. 33. Loose-strife, (Lysimachia,) is an exam- ple. It bears a pretty yellow flower, and is 26. Whence comes the name Pentandria? 27. What bo- tanical characters must a plant have to belong to Pentandria ? 28. What is said of the extent of Class V. ? 29. On what do the divisions of order 1 depend ? 30. What are the charac- ters of division 1 ? 31. What plants are examples ? 32. What are the characters of division 2 ? 33. Give examples. CLASS V. 125 common in our low grounds. Tobacco, Morn- ing-glory, Bind-w$ed, and Mullein are other ex- amples. 34. Division 3. Corolla monopetalous, infe- rior. Seeds in a drupe or berry. 35. Examples, Potato, Night-shade, and Red- pepper. 36. Division 4. Flowers monopetalous, supe- rior. Seeds in a capsule. 37. Cardinal flower, and Bell flower, are ex- amples. 38. Division 5. Corolla many-petalled, infe- rior, Seeds in a capsule. 39. Violet, Touch-me-not, and Claytonia are examples. 40. Division 6. Flowers polypetalous, supe- rior. 41. Currants and Gooseberry, are examples. 42. We have given the most common exam- ples, that the learner might be able to compare the plants with the descriptions. Thus Morn- ing glory has five stamens and one pistil ; the corolla is inferior, that is, it surrounds the ger- men, or is situated below it ; and the seeds are in a capsule. In the Currant there are many petals, and the corolla is situated above, or on the germen, and is therefore superior. 34. What are the characters of division 3 ? 35. Give ex- amples. 86. "What are the characters of division 4? 37. Give examples. 88. What are the characters of division 6 ? 39. Give examples. 40. What are the characters of divi- sion 6 ? 41. Give examples. 42. What descriptions can you give of the morning glory and currant ? 11* 126 CLASS V. 43. The Primula, or Primrose, belongs to this place. It is called Primula, from primus, first, because it is one of the first flowers of spring. Of the Primrose there is a great number of species and still more varieties. They are gen- erally from three or four inches to a foot in heignt, and bear flowers of various colors as yellow, orange, red or purple. Fig. 142. 44. The Auricula is a spe- cies of this genus, and few flow- ers have been more celebrated than this. The colors are in- numerable, and some of the va- rieties of exquisite beauty and fragrance. It is only four or five inches high, bearing many funnel-shaped flowers on the same stalk. Leaves obovate and surrounding the scape, Fig. 142. 45. Among the foreign plants belonging in this place, the Coffee tree is undoubtedly the most important. That which bears the Coffee of commerce is called Coffee Arabica, because it originally came from Arabia to Europe. 46. This tree grows from five, to eighteen feet high, and bears in three or four years after it is planted. The leaves are opposite, oblong, and of a shining light green color. Flowers in clusters, white, and of grateful odor. The ber- 43. "What description can you give of the primrose ? 44. What is said of the auricula ? 45. What species of coffee ia that which we use ? 46. How large is the tree which bears coffee. CLASS V. 127 ries are two-seeded, the two flat surfaces being placed together in the capsule. 47. The decoction of this berry first began to be used in Europe, about the end of the 17th century, being brought there from Constantino- ple. ORDER 2. DIGYNIA. Two Pistils. 48. This order is not nearly so numerous as the first. It however contains many plants of importance either as food, medicine or ornament. 49. It includes the Umbelliferous tribe, the whole of which could only be described in an octavo volume. 50. Examples of this order which are most common, are Milk-weed, Beet, Elm tree, Car- rot, Coriander, Gentian, Goose-foot, and Water- parsnip. 51. There is a curious genus belonging here called Stapelia, so named in honor of Dr. Sta- pel of Amsterdam. The plants came originally from the deserts of Africa, but are now cultiva- ted on account of their singularity, in the botanic gardens of most countries. There is a great number of species, all of which partake of the same general characters and most of them have similar appearances. They are from three inches to a foot in height, and entirely without leaves. The stalks, or trunks are fleshy, often 47. When was coffee first used in Europe ? 48. What is said of order 2 ? 49. What common plants are examples of order 2 ? 50. What extensive tribe of plants belong to this order? 51. What is said of the little plants named stapelia? 128 CJ.ASS v. covered by projecting points, or tubercles, and terminate abruptly. From their sides there Fig. 143. springs now and then a short peduncle, bearing a large and sometimes beautiful flower. Fig. 143, represents the Sta- pelia, (Varrucosa,) and will give a general no- tion of the whole tribe. UMBELLIFEROUS TRIBE. We have already explained that the name of this tribe arises from its peculiar mode of inflor- escence. 52. The essential characters of this tribe are & calyx superior, either entire, or five-toothed; petals five ; stamens five, alternate with the pe- tals ; seed pendulous, usually adhering to the end of the pedicel ; plants herbaceous, with hol- low, furrowed stems ; flowers in umbels, color either white, pink, yellow, or blue. 53. Many of the seeds of this order are agree- able aromatics : Caraway, Fennel, Dill, Corian- der, Parsley, Celery, Carrot, Parsnip, and Water Hemlock, are all umbelliferous plants. About 900 species of this tribe are known. 52. What are the essential characters of the umbelliferous tribe ? 53. What common plants belong to this tribe ? CLASS V. 129 ORDER 3. TRIGYNIA. Three Pistils. 54. This order is small when compared with the two former. 55. It is the place of the Sumac, Elder, and Viburnum. 56. The Snow-ball shrub is a species of Vi- burnum. It is a well known perennial garden plant, producing large white flowers in the form of balls, whence its common name. This plant, by cultivation, has become a vegetable monster, the stamens and pistils having turned into petals so that it produces no seed, or fruit. 57. In our woods we have five or six species of Viburnum, several of which are worthy of the student's notice. The straight rods, with red bark, known by the name of arrow wood, are the growth of one of these shrubs. ORDER 4. TETRAGYNIA. Four Pistils. 58. The Grass of Parnassus, (Parnassia,) is the only plant worthy of notice belonging here. Its name is derived from Mount Parnassus, where it was first found. 54. What is said of the extent of order 3? 55. What common plants belong to the third order ? 56. What is said of the snow-ball, or viburnum ? 57. What is said of the vi- burnums of our woods ? 58. What plant is described under the fourth order ? 130 CLASS V. 59. The species here repre- sented, Fig. 144, is a native of this country, and is called the Carolinia Parnassus. This is about six inches high, with rad- ical leaves, which are nearly- round. The flower is white, single, and beset with a great number of little nectaries which might be mistaken for anthers. ORDER 5. PENTAGYNIA. Five Pistils. 60. Here belongs Flax, (Linum,) of which linen is made. It grows to the height of two or three feet, the stalk being a little larger than a knitting needle. At the top there is a loose corymb of blue flowers which give place, when the seed is ripe, to round capsules about the size of Small peas. These contain the seed, of which the linseed oil, used in painting houses, is made. The use of flax was known in the days of Moses. 61. Sun-dew, (Drosera,) is a pretty little plant which has a place here. The leaves are spread upon the ground, their shape round, and their edges fringed with nectaries or glands, which are always covered with drops of clear liquor, although exposed to the heat of the sun ; 69. What peculiarity does this plant present ? 60. What important plant belongs to the fifth order ? 61. What curious little plant also belongs here ? CLASS VI. 131 hence the name. In the midst of the leaves a scape rises two inches high, bearing white flowers. 62. Sea-pink, or Thrift, and Sea-lavender, also belong to this place. The former is a good example, of a scape bearing a Capitum or head of flowers. CLASS VL HEXANDRIA. Six Stamens. 63. The name of this class comes from the Greek hex, six, and aner, a stamen. The num- ber of stamens is six and all of similar length. 64. This is a very important class to the florist, and young botanist, as it contains many of the most beautiful and common garden flow- ers, several of which display their stamens and pistils in a manner so conspicuous as not to be mistaken. The Lily, Tuberose, Crown Imperial, Tulip, Hyacinth, Amaryllis, and the Snow-drop, are all among the greatest beauties of the vege- table kingdom. Here also belong several es- culent plants of great value, as Rice, Pine Ap- ple, Asparagus, and the Plantain tree, an im- portant tree in hot climates. 62. What plant is said to present a good example of a scape and capitum? 63. Whence comes the name of the sixth class ? 64. What is said of the importance of this class ? what favorite flowers and esculent plants of value belong to this class ? 132 CLASS VI. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. 65. This is the largest and much the most important order. It contains the Lily, Ama- ryllis, Bamboo, Fan Palm, Aloe, Tulip, Lily of the Valley, Star of Bethlehem, Hyacinth, Solo- mon's Seal, Crown Imperial, and many other beauties, or important plants. 66. Amaryllis is a most superb genus of the Lily tribe, containing a great number of species. The characters of the genus are, flower nod- ding, irregular funnel-shaped and gaping, or ringent, filaments decimate, or falling down, stigma three lobed. 67. The species Jacobea, called Jacob's Lily, is four or five inches high, the petals gracefully curved, of a dark red color, and velvet lustre, forming on the whole, a flower of remarkable beauty. This is an American species. Fig. 146. eg. The Aloe genus consists of a large number of odd looking, thick-leaved plants which are na- tives of hot climates. The medi- cine called aloes is the dried juice of one species. Fig. 146 repre- sents the species variegata. The leaves are radical, three-cornered, rigid and pointed, forming at the an entire mass. In the centre rises the 65. "What is said of the first order, and what plants are enumerated as belonging to it ? 66. What is said of the amaryllis ? 67. What American species of amaryllis is men- tioned ? 68. What is the general appearance of the aloe genus ? CLASS VI. 133 scape, three or four feet high, bearing many pink flowers. The whole genus came originally from Africa, but is now cultivated in hot-houses in most parts of the world. 69. The Lily genus contains some of the most beautiful flowers. Linnaeus calls them " the nobility of the vegetable kingdom." 70. The genus is distinguished as follows : calyx none, corolla inferior, six-petalled, campa- nulate ; each petal having a line from the mid- dle to the base ; valves of the capsule connected by a mesh of hairs. 71. The White Lily rises to the height of three feet, flowers in June and July ; leaves lanceolate, narrowed at the base and scattered along the stalk; corolla, campanulate and smooth inside. ORDER 2. DIGYNIA. Two Pistils. 72. This is a small order, but it contains the Rice plant, a species of great importance to the wants of man. This is an annual plant, growing from three to six feet high, with a simple, erect, round, jointed stem. The flowers are in a large terminal panicle. 73. Rice is cultivated in great abundance in most parts of India, where it is the chief article of food for the natives. In our Southern States, 69. What did Linnaeus say of the lily tribe ? 70. How is the lily genus distinguished? 71. Give a description of the white lily ? 72. What important plant does the second order contain ?' 73. In what country do the inhabitants chiefly live on rice ? 12 134 CLASS VII. especially in the Carolinas, large quantities are also raised. CLASS VIL HEPTANDBIA. Seven Stamens. 74. The name of this class comes from hepta, seven, and aner, a stamen. This is a small class, and contains few plants of impor- tance. The Horse-chestnut is among the best known. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. 75. The genus Esculus, contains several spe- cies, one of which is the well known Horse- chestnut. This tree came originally from the northern part of Asia, but is now common in most parts of the world. The calyx of this plant is one-leaved ; corolla four or five petaled inserted in the calyx ; cap- sules large, and the seeds Chestnut-like. The leaves are digitate, and seven parted. Few trees are more magnificent and beautiful than this when in flower. 74. What does the name of the seventh class signify ? 75. What ornamental plant belongs to this class ? CLASS VIII. 135 CLASS VIII. OCTANDRIA. Eight Stamens. Fig. H. a 76. The name of this class sig- nifies eight stamens. 77. This class, though not extensive, contains a number of genera of some notoriety, either as producing food or ornamental flowers. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. 78. The Nasturtion, a well known climbing plant, the fruit of which is pickled, and eaten, belongs here. In the evening, the flowers of this plant have been observed to emit spontane- ously, at intervals, sparks of light, like the faint flashes of an electrical machine. 79. The Heath, (Erica,) a most numerous genus, is a member of this order. London's Encyclopedia of Plants, contains a description of nearly 400 species of this plant. 80. A few species of Heath are natives of Europe, but all the cultivated kinds came origi- nally from the Cape of Good Hope. Not one of the Heaths has been found in America. 76. What does the name of the eighth class signify ? 77. What is said of the extent and importance of this class ? 78. What peculiarity in the nasturtion is noticed ? 79. How numerous are the species of heath? 80. Where are the heaths from ? 136 CLASS IX. 81. All th< green shrubs, from one to two feet high. Most of them are thickly branched, and closely beset with fine leaves. The flowers are very numerous, and in the majority, ei- ther red or white, but sometimes pink or purple. The sepals are four; the corolla four-cleft, bell- shaped, and hangs pendulous like that of the Whortleberry, as rep- resented by Fig. 149, which is the species physodes. These plants are great favorites as house- plants, because they are of easy culture, produce a profusion of flowers, and many of them flower in winter. CLASS IX. ENNEANDRIA. Nine Stamens. Fig. I. 82. The name of this class comes from the Greek annea, nine, and aner, a stamen. u> 83. This is the smallest class in the system, there being only a few plants which have exact- 81. What description can you give of the heaths? 82. What does Enneandria mean 2 83. What is said of the ex- tent of this class ? Fig. 151. CLASS IX. 137 ly nine stamens. Rhubarb, Cinnamon-tree, and Cashew-nut, are the most important genera of this class. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. 84. The genus Laurus contains the Cinna- mon tree, the Sassafras and the Camphor tree, all of them well known for their aromatic quali- ties. 85. The Cinnamon tree, of which Fig. 151 represents a branch, is a native of the East, growing abundantly on the is- lands of Ceylon and Sumatra. ' It commonly rises to the height of about 20 feet, and bears fruit of a blue color, about the size of filberts, and of an in- sipid taste. The flowers are small, and the leaves ovate, lanceolate, and beautifully re- ticulated. It is the inner bark of this tree which forms that well known spice called Cinnamon. 86. The Camphor tree is an evergreen, re- sembling in appearance the Cinnamon, and growing in the same countries. The wood, roots, leaves and bark of this tree, when rubbed or heated, emit a strong odor of camphor. 84. What important aromatics belong to order first of clasa IX. ? 85. Where does the cinnamon tree grow ? 86. What is the native country of the camphor tree ? 138 CLASS X. 87. The Camphor is obtained by distilling the different parts of the tree, cut small, and sus- pended in a net, over a vessel of boiling water. In the head of the still through which the steam passes, there is placed some straw, on which the camphor is deposited as it rises along with the steam. ORDER 3. TRIGYNIA. Two Pistils. 88. The only genus belonging here is Rhu- barb, one species of which is cultivated in our gardens for the purpose of making pies and tarts. The part used for this purpose is the foot-stalk of the leaf. CLASS X. DECANDRIA. Ten Stamens. Fig. K. fe 89. The name of this class comes from deka, ten, and aner, a stamen. 90. The stamens in this class are ten in num- ber, and distinct, that is, not united in any part of their length. In the class Diadelphia, the stamens are also ten in number, but are united 87. What is the mode of obtaining camphor ? 88. What ia the only plant belonging to the third order of this class ? 89. How is the name of the tenth class derived? 90. How are the flowers of this class distinguished from the class Dia- delphia ? CLASS X. 139 into two distinct sets, or parcels. By this dif- ference, the two classes are distinguished, in ad- dition to which, Diadelphous plants have a but- terfly-shaped corolla. 91. This class embraces many useful, and a considerable number of highly beautiful plants. Among the former are Logwood, Mahogany, and the bitter drug Quassia, and among the lat- ter we find the Pink, Laurel, Rosebay, Hydran- gea, and Venus' Fly-trap. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. 92. Mahogany tree. This genus is called Swe- ~tenia, in honor of Dr. Von Sweiten, a German. The tree is of the first magnitude, growing from the height of 80 to 100 feet. The leaves are pinnate, growing in four pairs as shown by Fig. 153; leaf- ets oblong, ovate and lanceolate ; flowers in a panicle ; calyx five-cleft ; petals five ; flowers red. 92. It is a native of the hottest parts of Amer- ica, and therefore was unknown before the dis- covery of Columbus. 94. Venus' Fly-trap, is a curiosity on ac- 91. What useful and ornamental plants does this class em- brace ? 92. What description can you give of the mahogany tree? 93. What is the native country of this tree? 94. Why is Venus' fly-trap a curiosity ? 140 CLASS X. count of its having leaves, which catch and re- tain flies and other insects, when they happen to walk across them. 95. This plant consists of several radical leaves, in the midst of which, there rises a single scape as shown by Fig. 154. The leaves have winged petioles, the proper leaf being nearly in the form of two ob- ?long circles with their edges joined. This is the part, which when open, as seen by the low- er leaves of the figure, forms the trap. When the line between the two halves of the leaf is irritated, or touched ever so lightly, the two oval parts instantly begin to move towards each other, and thus fold themselves together as re- presented by the three upper leaves. Thus when an insect crawls along this part of the leaf, unless it immediately escapes, it is caught and retained. ORDER 2. DIGYNIA. Two Pistils. 96. The Hydrangea, a well known and fa- vorite flower, belongs here. The species most esteemed is an under shrub, producing a profu- sion of pink flowers. This is from China. But there are several species which are natives of our southern states. 95. What description can you give of Venus' fly-trap ? 96. What favorite flowers belong to the second order ? CLASS XI. 141 97. The Pink, (Dianthus,) is also a member of this order. 98. The Carnation is the most beautiful of the species. The varieties of this, consisting of dif- ferent colorings, amount to several hundreds. This is a favorite flower all over the world. ORDER 5. DECAGYNIA. Ten Pistils. 99. The name of this order comes from deka, ten, and gyne, a pistil. 100. The Scoke or Poke, belongs here. It is the Phytolacca decandria, of botanists, and is a common plant by the sides of fences, and along road-sides in New England. It grows eight or ten feet high, has red stems, and large ovate leaves. The flowers are white racemes, which are succeeded by red flat berries, con- taining a juice that stains a deep red. CLASS XL DODECANDRIA. Twelve Sta- mens. 101. The name comes from dodeha, twelve, and aner, a stamen. 102. But it will be found that many plants, which agree with the general de- scription of this class, have from twelve to nineteen sta- 97. What is the botanical name of the pink ? 98. What ia the most beautiful of this species ? 99. What is the deriva- tion of Decagynia? 100. What is the phytolacca decandria? 101. Whence comes the name of the eleventh class? 142 CLASS XI. mens. The stamens of this class are all sepa- rate and distinct. 103. This class is of small extent and con- tains but few plants of much interest. ORDER 3. TRIGYNIA. Three Pistils. 104. This is the place of the well known odo- riferous plant called Mignonette. Its botanical name is Reseda, from the Latin resedo, to calm, or appease, because it was used as a remedy to the pain of bruises. In London, this is said to be the most fashionable of odoriferous plants, and therefore forms a very extensive article of culture among florists and market gardeners in the vicinity of that city. Fig. 156. 105. The genus Euphorbia, the common name of which is Spurge, has a place here. This is a vast tribe of plants, some of which are exceedingly odd and grotesque in their appear- ance. Some of them creep, while others stand upright, and appear like stumps, without leaves or branches, as in Fig. 156. This plant yields a milky juice which was formerly used in medicine. 106. The well known emetic Ipecac is a mem- ber of this family. It is the pulverized root of Euphorbia ipecacuanhea. 102. How many stamens may the plants of this class have ? 103. Is this class extensive or not? 104. What well known odoriferous plant belongs to third order of this class ? 106. What is said of the genus euphorbia? 106. What emetic belongs to the euphorbia family ? CLASS XII. 143 ORDER 6. DODECAGYNIA. Twelve Pistils. 107. The name of this order comes from dodeka, twelve, and gyne, pistil, and therefore signifies twelve pistils. 108. This is the place of Houseleek. Its bo- tanical name is Sempervivum, which signifies live fo?*ever, in allusion to the tenacity of life common to this genus. The whole tribe are evergreen plants of various sizes, generally only a few inches high, though some of them rise to the height of several feet. They all have thick, juicy leaves, like the common Houseleek, which almost every one has seen growing with- out roots, as when a branch is suspended by a string. CLASS XII ICOSANDRIA. Many Stamens. Fig. M. 109. The name of this class comes from eikosi, twenty, and aner, a stamen. 110. This class includes all such plants as have twenty or more distinct stamens, which are inserted into the calyx. The calyx is always mono- sepalous; that is, the sepals are united at the base. 107. What is the derivation of the name of the sixth order ? 108. What common plant belongs to this order? 109. What is the meaning of Icosandria? 110. How many stamens has this class, and to what part of the flower are they attached ? 144 CLASS XII. 111. This is not a large class, but it contains the most important and delicious of esculent fruits, the Apple, Peach, Pear, Prune, and Plumb. It also contains the Rose, than which no flower bears a higher rank in the estimation of the world. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. 112. The Prickly Pear, or Cactus tribe, also called Indian Fig, is a well marked and singu- lar genus. The only species growing wild in the Northern States, is the cactus opuntia, which is common along the Hudson River. This is the well-known prickly species often seen in gardens. 113. One species is called the Cochineal Fig, because the little insect called Cochineal, (which makes the most beautiful as well as durable of all purple dyes,) feeds upon it. 114. the famous plant, the Night-blooming Ce- reus, is also a member of this genus. This is a hot- house plant, which has a triangular, creeping stem, growing several yards in I length, and has nothing "= about it worthy of notice. 111. What important fruits does this class contain? 112. What species of cactus grows in the Northern States ? 113. Why is one species of the cactus tribe called the cochi- neal fig ? 114. What is said of the night-blooming cereus ? CLASS XII. 145 But the flower is one of the most magnificent which the vegetable world produces. Its form is shown by Fig. 158, but not its beauty or size. Its calyx, when open, is nearly a foot in diame- ter, and its sepals being of a deep yellow on the inside, resemble so many rays of a star. The petals, which are not so long as the sepals, are of a pure white, while the great number of sta- mens with which the pistils are surrounded, add greatly to the appearance of the whole. 115. This flower expands only in the evening, and, before the next morning, is so withered, as to have lost most of its beauty. Fig. 159. 116. The Clove tree is an important plant in this Order. The name clove, signifies nail, in allusion to the form of the fruit. This tree is a native of the East, and probably of Arabia, where it appears to have been known in very ancient times. It grows to the height of about twenty feet, and bears on the ends of its branches, white, fun- nel-shaped flowers, which produce two-celled capsules, containing the well-known hot spice, bearing the name of the tree. Fig. 159 repre- sents a branch in flower. 115. "When does this flower expand? 116. Give some account of the clove tree. 13 146 CLASS XII. 117. In this order belong the Peach, Plum, and Cherry. ORDER 2. DI-PENTAGYNIA. Pistils from two to five. 118. The compound name of this order means two-five pistils. 119. Any flower having twenty or more sta- mens growing in the calyx, and from two to five pistils, belongs here.' 120. The genus Pyrus, which includes the Apple and Pear, and which produces such a vast variety of different fruits, is a member of this order. The flowers have the calyx five- cleft, superior; corolla five-petalled ; stamens many ; pistils five ; some five-celled and many- seeded. 121. The pupil ought to compare these com- mon flowers with this description, and thus he will have an opportunity of observing when the stamens are attached to the calyx, when the calyx is superior, when it is five-cleft, &c. ORDER 4. POLYGYNIA. Many Pistils. 122. The name of this order comes from polys, many, and gyne, pistil, and therefore sig- nifies many pistils. 117. What common fruits belong here ? 118. What is the meaning of Di-pentagynia ? 119. What are the characters of flowers belonging to this order ? 120. What are the charac- teristics of the genus Pyrus ? 121. What is said about com- paring these common flowers with their descriptions? 122. What does Polygynia signify ? CLASS XIII. 147 123. Flowers having more than twenty sta- mens inserted into the calyx, and within them five pistils, belong here. 124. The Rose is the best known and most highly esteemed genus of this order. The va- rieties of this flower are innumerable. Even the highly valued sorts, probably amount to a thou- sand or more. A single dealer in this article, in France, advertises 900 varieties of Roses. 125. The Rose is a perennial shrub, gener- ally from one to four feet high ; a few species as- sume the elevation of small trees. Lady Banks' Rose is twenty feet high, and the Persian Rose sometimes reaches the height of thirty feet or more. CLASS XIII. POLYANDRIA. Many Stamens inserted on the receptacle. 126. The name signifies many stamens, which instead of being inserted into the calyx, as in Icosandria, grow on the receptacle, or end of the stem, and under the ger- men. 123. What are the characters of flowers belonging to Ico- sandria Polygynia ? 124. What is said of the varieties of the rose ? 125. How high do some rose-trees grow ? 126. In the class Polyandria what is the number of stamens, and where are they inserted ? 127. What two plants will show the difference between Icosandria and Polyandria ? 148 CLASS XIII. 127. The two figures illustrating the two Classes, will give some idea of the difference, but it can be much better seen by comparing the flower of the Apple with that of the Poppy. 128. It is a circumstance worth remembering, that plants with their stamens growing on the receptacle, are often poisonous, while those with their stamens inserted into the calyx are nearly always wholesome. As examples, the Apple and Peach are Icosandrous, while the Poppy and Bloodroot are Polyandrous plants. 129. Some of the noblest trees of the forest, as the Magnolia and Tulip tree, are members of this class. There also belong here many annuals of importance or beauty, among which is the Caper tree, the Poppy, from which opium is obtained, the Side-saddle flower, the Water Lily, Crow-foot, &c. (It will be unnecessary hereafter to mention the names of the orders where they occur in regular succession, and where they merely sig- nify one, two, or three pistils. If the student is ever at a loss for the names of the orders, he can instantly be informed, by turning to the table, p. 102, whare, as well as the classes, they are all arranged, named, and illustrated.) ORDER 1. 130. The Caper tree, Poppy, and Side-saddle flower, are members of this order. 128. How may we sometimes judge whether the plant be poisonous or not, by the insertion of the stamens ? 129. What noble and important plants belong to this class?- 1 30. What plants are examples of the first order ? CLASS XIII. 149 131. The latter plant is called Sarracenia, in honor of Dr. Sarrazin, of Quebec, who first sent it from America to Europe. It is known to people in the country by the name of Whip- po -will- shoe. The species are curious on ac- count of their leaves being cups which catch the rain as it falls. One species, the purple, is common in our bogs and meadows. This has a beautiful flower, and is easily cultivated. 132. This is the place of the Water Lily, one of the most fragrant and beautiful of aquatics. 133. It grows near the shores of clear ponds, and hence is often called Pond Lily. The leaves which float on the surface of the water, are large, orbicular, and cordate ; sepals four, green on the outside, and white within. The flowers expand in the morning, and close in the afternoon. They are universal favorites on ac- count of their beauty and delightful odor. ORDER 5. PENTAGYNIA. 134. This order, as already explained, has from two to five stamens. Examples of this order are Larkspur, Columbine, and Wolfs - bane. ORDER 6. POLYGYNIA. Many Pistils. 135. The Tulip tree, often called White-wood, 131. What is said of the sarracenia? 132. What is the most beautiful of aquatic plants ? 133. Describe the water lily ? 184. What plants are examples of the second order ? 1 35. What are examples of the third order, and what is said of the tulip tree and the magnolia ? 150 CLASS XIV. is among the tallest, straightest, and most beau- tiful of American forest trees. The flowers are produced at the ends of the branches, and resemble the Tulip in form and beauty. The Magnolia, a magnificent genus, the Crow-foot, or Butter-cup, the Anemone, and the Virgin's Bower, or Clematis, (the three latter very com- mon plants,) are each worthy of particular no- tice. Fig. 161. 136. The Custard Apple is found in warm climates only. The genus consists of several species of trees, some of which produce ber- ries of the size of an orange. The species represented by Fig. 161, grows in South America, and is highly es- teemed by the natives as a delicious fruit for the table. CLASS XIV. DIDYSTAMIA. Four Stamens, two long and two short. Fig. 0. i 137. The name of this class comes from dis, twice, duo, two, and nema, a filament, and is understood to mean that the flowers have four stamens, two of which are longer than the others, as shewn by Fig. O. CLASS XIV. 151 138. This class is divided into two orders, called Gymnospermia, and Angiospermia. ORDER 1. GYMNOSPERMIA. Seeds four, naked. 139. The name of this order comes from gymnos, naked, and sperma, a seed, and there- fore means that the plants of this order have naked seeds. 140. The order embraces a large number of labiate plants in common use, as aromatics or kitchen condiments. Among them are Mint, Marjoram, Thyme, Balm, Hyssop, Betony, Sum- mer Savory, Catmint, Lavender, Horehound, Motherwort and Calamint. 141. Catmint, (Nepeta,) has a Corolla with a long tube, and with the middle division of the under lip crenate, throat, having the margin re- flected ; calyx dry and striate ; stamens ap- proaching each other. 142. The name Catmint is derived from the fondness of cats for this plant, especially when it is withered. Hence it is said that these ani- mals will destroy such plants as have been re- cently transplanted, but will not touch those which are growing vigorously. 136. What is said of the custard apple ? 137. "Whence comes the name of the 14th class, and how will you know that a plant belongs here? 138. What are the names of the orders of this class? 139. How is Glymnospermia derived, and what is the meaning of this term ? 140. What well known plants does this order embrace? 141. Describe the flower of catmint ? 142. From what circumstance does cat- mint take its name ? 152 CLASS XIV. On this circumstance is founded the old say- ing with respect to Catmint. " If you set it, The cats will- eat it ; If you sow it, The cats won't know it." ORDER 2. ANGIOSPERMIA. Seeds many, en- closed. 143. The name of this order comes from ag- geion, a vessel, and sperma, seed, and signifies that the seeds of this order are in a vessel, or pericarp. The plants of this order are much less com- mon and useful than those of the last. 144. Examples are the Trumpet flower, Bignonia, a climbing plant, with pinnate leaves. It is a native of the Southern States, but is a common ornament in New England, where it is seen adhering to the sides of houses, and climbing to their roofs. The flowers are in panicles, corolla trumpet-shaped, long, and deep red. Foxglove, Figwort, Chelone, Gerardia, and Monkey flower, are also common examples. 143. What are the characters of flowers of the Angiosper- mia order ? What plants are examples of this order ? CLASS XV. XVI. 153 CLASS XV. TETRADYNAMIA. Stamens six ; four long, and two short. 145. The name of this class is from tetra, four, dys, two, and ne- ma, a filament, and in its present application, means that this class has six stamens, two of which are shorter than the others ; as shown in Fig. P. 146. This class consists chiefly of cruciform plants, or those having four petals, which stand in the form of a cross. 147. Among the most common plants of this class, are Cabbage, Mustard, Satin flower, Ra- dish, Peppergrass, and Water-cress. CLASS XVI. MONADELPHIA. 148. This name is derived from mo- 7ios, one, and adelphos, brother, and therefore strictly means one brother- hood. 149. The name alludes to the circumstance, that the filaments of the flowers belonging here, 145. What peculiarities have plants of the class Tetrady- namia ? 146. What kind of plants chiefly form this class ? 147. What are common cruciform plants ? 148. How is the name of the 16th class derived ? 149. What is the character- istic distinction of this class ? 154 CLASS XVI. are united together, either partially, or through- out their whole length. This is the character- istic distinction of the class. The anthers are separate, and the filaments may also be separate, except at their bases. 150. The orders of this class depend on the number of stamens, and not on that of the pis- tils, as in the other classes. Hence the names of the orders are those of the former classes. 151. This class contains many plants which are universally known and highly esteemed, as the Geranium and Japan Rose. It also contains two, of more importance to the world than al- most any others, namely, the Tea plant, and Cotton plant. The Tamarind, the Passion flow- er, and the Tiger flower, are also among the important, or beautiful of this class. ORDER 1. TRIANDRIA. Three Stamens. 152. The Tiger flower is so named from the spots on its petals. This beauty has a two- leaved spathe, no calyx, six petals, the two outer ones larger than the others, the filaments being united into a long tube. It is a native of Mexico. 150. On what do the orders of Monadelphia depend ? 151. What are some of the important or beautiful plants of this class ? 152. What is said of the tiger flower ? CLASS XVI. 155 ORDER 2. PENTANDRIA. Five Stamens. Fig. 165. 153. The Passion flower, Fig. 165, is so called because the anthers are fixed to their fila- ments in such a manner as to represent a cross, the emblem of Christ's passion. This is a beau- tiful genus, containing nearly fifty species, all of them natives of hot climates. Many of them are climbing vines, but some are low herbaceous plants, and others have woody stems. The figure shews the com- mon kind, the flower being blue and white ; calyx colored, and five-parted ; petals five ; leaves pal- mated, and five-parted. It is cultivated in hot- houses, and climbs ten or twelve feet high. ORDER 3. HEPTANDRIA. Seven Stamens. 154. The Stork's bill, (Pelargonium^) is so named because the beak of the fruit resembles the bill of the stork. 155. The genus now called Pelargonium, formerly made a part of the Crane's bill, (Ge- ranium,) genus, and many of the plants now popularly known as Geraniums, are really Pe- largoniums. The small genus Erodium, Heron's bill, has also been removed from among the Geraniums. 153. To what class and order does the passion flower be- long? 154. Whence does the stork's bill derive its name? 156 CLASS XVI. 156. The Erodiums have no great beauty, and hence few of them are cultivated. The Geraniums present a few beautiful species which are in request as ornamental flowers. But it is the Pelargonium genus which are in such universal demand as household plants. 157. This genus came almost entirely from Africa, especially in the vicinity of the Cape of Good Hope, where they grow wild. t ORDER 5. DECANDRIA. Ten Stamens. 158. The Spotted Cranes' bill, (Geranium maculatum,) is a pretty plant, growing abun- dantly in our woods. It has a purple flower with five petals ; calyx five-leaved ; leaves from three to five-parted, and cut lobed; they are all radical, and on long foot stalks. ORDER V. POLYANDRIA. Many Stamens. 159. This is the place of the Mallow, (Mai- va,) and the Hibiscus, both of them extensive genera of plants. One species of Mallow, called the American, is common about gardens, and is well known to children on account of its fruit. which is w r heel-shaped, and is gathered and eaten, under the name of cheeses. X60. The genus Camellia, includes the Japan Rose, and the Tea plant. 155. What are the names of the two genera which have been separated from the geraniums? 156. Which genus is most cultivated as ornamental flowers? 157. From what country have the pelargoniums been derived? 158. What species of geranium grow in our woods ? 159. What is said of the mallow and hibiscus? 160. What does the genus camellia include ? CLASS XVI. 157 161. The generic description of the Camellia genus, is as follows: calyx imbricated, many- leaved, the inner leafets largest. The Japan Rose is characterized by having its leaves ovate acuminate, acutely serrate, flowers terminal, sub-solitary. This plant came originally from the East, and is one of the most beautiful ever- green, flowering shrubs which the vegetable kingdom offers. 162. There are two plants, of different spe- cies, from which the leaves forming tea, are taken. From one comes the bohea, or black tea, and from the other the different kinds of green tea. They are both evergreen shrubs, about four or five feet high, and are natives of China. 163. Every leaf is gathered singly by hand, and the different qualities, prices and names, de- pend on the time of gathering. The first pick- ing, w r hen the leaves are small, form the kinds known by merchants under the name of Im- perial teas, the second picking, when the leaves are larger, form the different sorts of Green tea. The curled, or twisted appearance of all the finer kinds of tea, is given to each leaf by the hands of workmen, the leaves being heated for this purpose on a plate of iron. This being 161. What description is given of the camellia? 162. Does black and green tea come from the same plant or not? 163. What is said of gathering and preparing tea? 14 158 CLASS XVII. done while they are green, the form which we see is retained when the tea is dried. CLASS XVIL DIADELPHIA. Stamens uni- ted into two parcels. Fig. K. 164. The name of this class comes from dis, twice, and adelphos, a brother, and is com- monly called two brotherhoods, in allusion to the union of the stamens, or their filaments into two parcels, or sets. 165. In order to refer a plant to this class, it must be ascertained that the filaments are in two distinct sets, but it is not essential with respect to numbers how the division is made. In some examples the stamens are equally divided, while in others there is only a single one in one set, and a dozen in the other. In the Pea there are ten stamens, nine of which are in one parcel, and one in the other. The flowers of this class are nearly all papili- onaceous, or butterfly-shaped. 166. This class embraces a large number of plants of much importance to man as articles of food, as all the varieties of Beans, Peas, Len- tils, and Vetches. 164. What is the derivation of Diadelphia? 165. How are flowers of the Diadelphous Class characterized ? 166. What important vegetables belong to this class? 167. How are the orders of this class distinguished? CLASS XVII. 159 167. The orders are distinguished by the number of stamens, as in the last class. 168. A great proportion of the whole class have ten stamens, and therefore fall under the order Decandria. The two first orders contain no plants of importance or interest to the pupil. ORDER 3. DECANDRIA. Ten Stamens. All the varieties of Peas and iBeans have their station here. 169. The Pea is the most valuable of legumes, and has been in use for the table from time immemorial. It has ten stamens, one of which is separate from the others; style triangular, keeled above, and downy ; the two upper seg- ments of the calyx shorter than the rest. The common Pea has round petioles, stipules round- ed below, and crenate ; peduncles many-flow- ered. 170. (These descriptions of common plants are added for the purpose of giving the young pupil an opportunity of comparing specimens with them, and thus of obtaining a practical knowledge of their different parts.) 168. What order contains most of the plants of this Class ? 169. How is the pea distinguished? 170. What is the design of describing common plants in this book ? 160 CLASS XVII. Fig. 176. 171. The Moving-plant, (Hedysarum gyrans,) Fig. 176, is a curiosity in the re- spect from which it derives its nanle. Its leaves move backwards and forwards, without any external cause. It is a native of Bengal, but has been cultivated in all parts of the world as a vege- table w r onder. Linnaeus rais- ed some of these plants from the seeds, and says, that no sooner had they acquired their ternate leaves, than they began to be in motion, this way and that ; nor did this motion cease while they were growing. Sometimes many or most of the leaves would be moving at the same time, and then again only a leafet or two would stir, and these perhaps on different parts of the plant. 172. No external causes, as light, darkness, heat, cold, or touching, would either excite their motions or prevent them. 173. Trefoil, (Clover.) The botanical name is Trifolium, and is derived from the Latin tres, three, and folium, a leaf, because these plants have three leaves. The common Red Clover is an example. Each head is made up of many funnel-shaped corollas, within each of which 171. What is said of the moving plant? 172. Do its mo- tions depend on any external causes? 173. What is said of trefoil? CLASS XVIII. 161 will be found ten stamens, in two parcels. The minute legumes are included within the calyx belonging to each corolla. CLASS XVIIL POLYDELPHIA. Stamens united into many parcels. 174. The name is derived from polys, many, and adelphos, brother, and therefore signifies many brotherhoods. The last class is charac- terized by two brotherhoods, because the sta- mens in that, are united in two sets. In this class these parts are divided into several par- cels. 175. This is one of the smallest classes in the system, but it consists almost entirely of either ornamental or useful plants. ORDER POLYANDRIA. Many Stamens. 176. The plants best known in this class are those belonging to the Citrus, or Orange genus. 177. This genus has a calyx,, five-parted, petals five ; oblong ; anthers twenty ; the fila- ments variously divided ; berry nine-celled. 178. The species and varieties of this genus are very numerous. A splendid book, confined to the descriptions of this genus, and published at Paris, describes 169 kinds, either species or 174. What are the distinctive characters of the class Poly- delphia? 175. How extensive is this class? 176. What fa- vorite fruits belong to the order Polyandria? 177. Describe the Orange genus. 178. Are there many species and varie- ties of this genus ? 162 CLASS XIX. varieties. Of these, there are forty-two sorts of sweet Oranges; thirty-two sorts of bitter and sour Oranges ; of Bergamots, five sorts ; of Limes, eight sorts ; of Shaddocks, six sorts ; of Lumes, twelve ; Lemons, forty-six sorts ; Cit- rons, seventeen sorts. CLASS XIX. SYNGENESIA. Five Stamens. Anthers united by their edges. 179. This name is from the Greek, syn, to- gether, and genesis, origin, and signifies that the anthers grow together in a single set, or tube. 180. In addition to the number and union of the stamens, this class is characterized by the compound nature of the flowers ; that is, many small flowers, or, as they are termed, florets, are clustered together upon a common recep- tacle, forming heads, as in the Daisy, Dande- lion, and Thistle. The flowers in the Syngenesous tribe differ so much from those heretofore described, that it is necessary to explain some words used in describing them. 181. Capitum, or head, is a cluster of florets inserted on a common receptacle, as in the Dandelion and Thistle. 182. The involucrum, or calyx, in these flow- 179. "What does Syngenesia signify? 180. How is the class Syngenesis distinguished ? 181. What is a capitum ? 182. What is the calyx of a compound flower ? CLASS XIX. 163 ers, consists of the scales which cover the lower and external part of the head. In the Thistle, these scales are armed with prickles. Figju>8. 183. The Receptacle of a compound ^flower, is the dilated apex,- or upper extremity of the flower-stalk, on which the florets are situated. This is often formed like a button, but is sometimes globular, or oblong. Fig. 168, repre- sents the receptacle after most of the seeds have taken their flight, the dots showing the places of their attachment. The Daisy, and Coltsfoot, are common examples. 184. The figure shows the receptacle of the Dandelion, the calyx of which is double, the outer one being withered and reflected. 185. In these flowers, each floret consists of a tube or corolla to which the stamens are at- tached, and a germen, which when ripe, forms the seed. The corolla* is placed on the germen, and to the germen is attached the pistil, sur- rounded by the stamens. 186. The corolla is either funnel-shaped, with the upper part divided into five, or sometimes into four parts. 183. What is the receptacle of a compound flower? 184. What receptacle is shown by Fig. 168? 185. What does each floret consist of? 186. What are the forms of the corolla ? 164 CLASS XIX. Fig. 169. 187. J n this case it i s denominated a tabular corolla, or, it is split on one side, and spread open, when it is called ligulate. Fig. 169, the right-hand figure is the tabular, and the other, a ligulate corolla. 188. The stamens are attached to the inside of the corolla, just below the mouth or limb. Their filaments are usually, but not always, dis- tinct, but their anthers adhere by their edges, and are furnished by little membranous appen- dages at the tip. 189. The style of the pistil is filiform, or thread-like, and at its summit is split into two straight, spreading parts, which are the stigmas. Or, the whole pistil consists of a single piece from the base to the summit, the summit itself being the stigma. 190. The ORDERS in this class depend on re- lations or circumstances entirely different from those on which the other classes are divided. 191. The florets of compound flowers are either, first, perfect, that is, having both stamens and pistils ; or, second, barren, having stamens, but no pistils ; third, fertile, having pistils, but no stamens ; or, fourth, neutral, having neither stamens nor pistils. On the presence or ab- sence of these parts in the florets, are founded the orders of this class. 187. When is the corolla tubular, and when ligulate? 188. Where are the stamens attached ? 189. What is the form of the stigma in these florets ? 190. On what do the orders depend ? 191. When is a floret perfect, when barren, when fertile, when neutral ? CLASS XIX. 165 ORDER 1. SYNGENESIA 192. JEquaiis, signifies equal, in reference to the presence of both stamens and pistils in the plants of this order. 193. Examples are Lettuce, Dandelion, This- tle, Burdock, and Boneset. ORDER 2. SYNGENESIA SUPERFLUA. 194. .In this order, the florets of the disk, or centre of the flower, are furnished with both stamens and pistils; those of the margin, or ray, with pistils only. The pistils of the ray would therefore seem to be superfluous, because those of the disk are perfect without them. Hence the name of the order Superjlua, that is, super- fluous. 195. Examples of this order are Wormwood, Starwort, (Aster,) Golden Rod, (Solidago,) and Dahlia. 196. The Aster is a very numerous genus, most of which are North American plants. They are from a few inches to ten feet high, and are everywhere to be seen in autumn, with flowers of various colors, as red, white, blue, and lilac. ORDER 3. SYNGENESIA FRUSTRANEA. 197. In this order, the florets of the disk have 192. Does order first contain stamens and pistils or not? 193. What plants are examples of the first order? 194. De- scribe order second? 195. What are examples of order se- cond ? 196. What is said of the aster? 166 CLASS XIX. both stamens and pistils like those of the last ; but in that, the florets of the ray have pistils only, while in this, the florets of the ray have neither stamens nor pistils; and hence the name Frustranea, which means vain, or ineffectual. 198. This order embraces many genera, which have conspicuous flowers, as the Sun- flower, the Jerusalem Artichoke, Rudbeckia, and Coreopsis. ORDER 4. SYNGENESIA NECESSARIA. 199. In this order, the florets of the disk are furnished with stamens, but have no pistils ; while those of the ray have pistils, but no sta- mens. Hence the name Necessaria, because to perfect the seeds, both stamens and pistils are necessary. 200. Examples of this order are Marygold and Cotton- rose, (Filago.) ORDER 5. SYNGENESIA SEGREGATA. 201. In this order, the florets contain both pistils and stamens ; but in addition to the com- mon calyx, each floret has a calyx or perianth of its own, which is not the case in any of the other orders. Hence the name Segregata, which means separated. 202. This is a small order, and contains few 197. Why is the third order called Frustranea ? 198. What are examples of order third ? 199. What are the characters of the flowers of the fourth order ? 200. What plants belong to the fourth order ? 201. What are the peculiarities of the fifth order? 20 2. What plants are of this order ? CLASS XX. lt> / common plants. Elephant's Foot and Globe Thistle are examples. CLASS XX. GYNANDRIA. Fig. T. 203. The name of this class is from gyne, pistils, and aner, sta- mens, and is so named in reference to these parts growing together. 204. In all the other classes, these parts are distinct ; but in this, the stamens are placed on the pistil or on the germen. This is the pecu- liarity of the class. 205. Gynandrous plants are among the most interesting productions of the vegetable king- dom, whether we consider the vivacity of their colors, the singularity of their organization, or the grotesque appearance of their roots, or the delicious perfume of their flowers. 206. These plants are widely distributed, and in temperate countries are chiefly found in meadows and pastures among grass ; but in tropical climates they often constitute the chief 203, Whence is the name of this class derived ? 204. What is the peculiarity of the class Gynandria? 205. On what accounts are the plants of this class interesting ? 206. Are Gynandrous plants widely disseminated, or not ? 168 CLASS XX. beauty of the forest, growing in the forked branches of trees, and being what botanists call parasites. ORDER 1. MONANDRIA. 207. This order is separated into several divisions, depending on the situation of the an- thers, and the form of the pollen. Monandria contains most of the plants belonging to the class. 208. DIVISION 1. Anther, terminal, erect. Pollen, in grains, adhering by an elastic ring. 209. Genus Orchis. Many species of this beautiful tribe grow in our meadows and low grounds. The fimbriated, or fringed Orchis, rises to the height of two feet ; leaves broad, lanceolate ; flowers in a spike, each with five spreading petals ; color purple. It is a beautiful plant. 210. DIVISION 2. Anther parallel with the stigma. Pollen, powdery. 211. Ladies' Tresses, (Neottia,) belongs here. One species is common in our woods, and is known by the name of Rattle-snake Plantain, probably from the singular appearance of the leaves, which lie on the ground, and are green, with white veins. The scape rises to the 207. What is said of the divisions of Monondria and the proportion of plants it contains ? 208. What are the charac- ters of division first ? 209. What is said of the genus Orchis ? 210. What are the characters of the second division ? 211. What common plant belongs here ? CLASS XX. 169 height of a foot, and produces a spike of white flowers. 212. DIVISION 3. Anther terminal, persistent Pollen, powdery. Fig. 171. 213 The Bulbous Arethusa is a na- tive of our meadows. Stem a foot high, and in small plants leafless ; in larger ones a few lanceolate leaves on its up- per part are common. Flower single, petals blue ; style large, incurved, and supporting its anther near the end. It is a beautiful little flower, and will be known by the adjoining Fig. 171. 214. DIVISION 4. Anther terminal, moveable, and deciduous. Pollen, waxy. 215. The tuberous Calopogon is found in our meadows, and rises to the height of a foot or more ; root bulbous ; stem erect, sheathed at the base, having a single grass-like leaf. Flowers purple, with five spreading petals ; inflorescence, a spike. Style concave, and supporting a single terminal anther. ORDER 2. DIANDRIA. Two Stamens. 216. The Lady's Slipper, (Cypripedium^ is a well-known beauty of our woods. The leaves are two, springing from the root ; large, oval, 212. What are the characters of the third division? 213. Describe the bulbous arethusa. 214. What are the charac- ters of division fc arth ? 215. What is said of the tuberous calopogon ? 2 1 6 Give a description of the ladies' slipper. 15 170 CLASS XXI. lanceolate ; plaited, and downy. Flower com- monly single, terminal and nodding. Petals four, spreading, the two lateral ones narrower, and somewhat twisted. Nectary a large purple, inflated bag, veined, villous, and longer than the petals. Style over the base of the nectary, supporting two lateral anthers on the inside, and ending in a broad, roundish, deflected, acute lobe, carinated on the inside. It flowers in May and June. CLASS XXL MONCECIA. Fig. U. 217. The name of this class is derived from the Greek monos, one, and oikos, house, and therefore literally means one house. 218. This name is in allusion to the circum- stance, that in this class the stamens and pistils are on the same tree ; while in the next class, Dioecia, these parts are situated on different trees. 219. In all the classes heretofore described, the stamens and pistils are in the same flower. In Monoecia these parts are in different flowers, 217. What is the derivation of Monoecia ? 218. To what circumstance does this name allude? 219. How does this class differ from all those heretofore described ? CLASS XXI. 171 though on the same plant. In the figure, a re- presents the stamens, and b, the pistils. 220. This class embraces most of the im- portant forest and timber trees in temperate cli- mates. The Oak, Birch, Pine, Beech, Walnut, and Chestnut, are members of this class. The class has eight orders, but we shall give examples only of those which contain the most common plants. 221. The flowers containing the stamens are called stameniferous, and those with pistils, pis- tiliferous flowers. 222. The orders depend on the number of stamens which the stameniferous flowers con- tain. ORDER 4. TETRANDRIA. Four Stamens. 223. This order embraces the genus Alder, several species of which are common in moist woods. Fig. 173. 224. The species Alnus seru- lata, or saw-leaved Alder, is a well-known shrub growing in moist places, as along the sides of brooks, and rising to the height of fifteen or twenty feet. This plant buds in the fall, and flowers in March. It at first produces smooth, pretty-looking aments, hanging in clusters of 220. What plants does this class embrace ? 221. By what names are the flowers containing the stamens and pistils dis- tinguished? 222. On what do the orders of this class depend? 172 CLASS XXI. three or four. These are the stameniferous buds, which, as the time of flowering approaches, grow lax, and finally emit a yellow dust, which is the pollen. The fertile or pistiliferous aments are short and rigid, forming small cones, which remain on the tree during the winter. The two kinds are represented by Fig. 173, and are readily distinguished on the tree. 226. The Beech, Mulberry, common Nettle, and Box tree, belong here. ORDER 6. HEXANDRIA. Six Stamens. Fig. 174. 226. This is the place of the Cocus, or Cocoa- nut tree, the fruit of which is a well-known delicacy from warm cli- mates. The tree grows to the height of fifty or sixty feet, and has nei- ther branch nor leaf, except at the top, as shown by Fig. 174. The leaves are pinnated, and of great length, and the leafets so large as to be employed for covering the roofs of houses. When reduced to fibres, they are also employed to make mats and carpets. 223. What common plant does the fourth order contain ? * 224. What description can you give of the common alder ? CLASS XXI. 173 227. From the top of the tree, and in the midst of the whorl of leaves, there arises a shoot, Fig. 174, which bears the flowers and fruit. The fruit is a nut whose appearance is so universally known as to need no description. It has a cavity, which, when the fruit is young, contains about a pint of clear, pleasant-tasted liquor. But as the fruit grows old, this turns milky, and is gradually absorbed by the white pulp which contains it, until, finally, none re- mains. 228. The Oak, (Quercus,) which embraces a large number of very important species, is a member of this order. In North America we have more than thirty species of this tree, form- ing, as a whole, the most useful of our forest trees, both for timber and fuel. Tfio" 1^7^* mi /~^ i / f~\ suber,) Fig. 175, is a species of the Oak, and is cultivated in Spain, Portugal, and the South of France, for its bark, of which our bottle corks are made. The^. outer bark is employed for the purpose, there being an inner bark which pro- tects the tree, and which in its turn becomes cork. The tree grows to the height of about thirty feet, and the bark is taken off 225. What other plants belong here ? 226. To what class and order does cocoa-nut belong, and what is the form of the tree, and what are its uses ? 227. What is said of the nut of this tree ? 228. What is said of the oak species ? 229. From what species of this tree is cork obtained ? 15* 174 CLASS XXII. once in about ten years. It is said, this treat- ment, so far from injuring these trees, increases their longevity. 230. The Beech tree, Walnut tree, Chestnut, Arrow-head, and Dragon-root, (Arum,) belong here. ORDER 8. MONADELPHIA. Stamens united into a single body. 231. Cucumber. The difference between the stameniferous and pistiliferous flowers, will readily be distinguished in this plant. The first are on long foot-stalks united into a cylinder, and appear before the pistils. The fertile flower is situated on the germen, and does not open until the young fruit is distinctly visible. 233. The genus Pinus, which contains a most important tribe of forest trees, belongs to this order. It embraces the different species of Pines, Firs, and Spruces, some of which are the tallest and most noble plants in the vegetable kingdom. CLASS XXIL DICECIA. This class contains thirteen orders. 234. The flowers containing the stamens are on one tree, and those containing the pistils on another. 230. "What other trees belong to this order? 231. To what class and order does the cucumber belong ? 233. Where do the pine trees belong ? 234. What are the characters of plants belonging to class Dioecia? CLASS XXII. 175 Fig. V. 235. The name of this class signifies two houses, be- ing derived from dis, twice, and oikos, a house, in refer- ence to the stamens and pistils being situated in dif- ferent plants. 236. The difference between the staminate and pistillate flowers will not at first be obvious to the learner. But by comparing the arnents from different trees, the pupil will soon be able to tell which will bear fruit, and which not. 237. In this class the orders are distinguished by the number and situation of the stamens. We shall illustrate such of the orders only, as contain common or important plants. ORDER 2. DIANDRIA. Two Stamens. 238. The Willow, (Salix,) is a very large, and widely diffused genus. The different spe- cies grow in nearly every climate on earth, be- ing found from frozen Lapland, to the tropical climates of the Levant, and the East Indies. 239. About thirty-five species of Willow are natives of North America, besides which we 235. What does the name of this class signify? 236. How will you find the difference between staminate ad pistillate trees ? 237. How are the orders of Dioecia distinguished ? 238. To what class and order does the willow belong? 239. How many species of willow have we in thir country ? 176 CLASS XXII. have several exotics of this tribe, which are nearly as widely disseminated as the natives. The Weeping Willow, (Salix Babylonica,) and the Yellow Willow are of this number. ORDER 4. TETRANDRIA. Four Stamens. 240. The Bay-berry, or Candle-berry, is a shrub, growing three or four feet high, which produces the greenish unctuous substance, known under the name of Bay-berry tallow. It is chiefly found on the sea, extending a few miles from the shore. This shrub produces abundance of hard berries, on the outside of which the tallow is contained. It is separated by throwing the berries into boiling water, when the tallow is melted, and rises to the surface. 241. The Fifth Order, PENTANDRIA, contains the Hop, the Pepperidge, or Tupelo tree, and the Prickly Ash. 242. The Seventh Order, PENTANDRIA, con- tains the Poplar genus, of which we have ten native species. The Balsam Poplar, from the buds of which the Canada Balsam is obtained, is one of these. 243. The Lombardy poplar is a native of Italy, and like all other trees of rapid growth, is in proportion short-lived. This tree, former- 240. From what kind of a plant is the bay -berry tallow obtained? 241. What plants does the fifth order contain? 242. Where does the poplar belong ? 243. What is said of the Lombardy poplar? CLASS XXII. 177 ly so fashionable as an ornament, as it remains now, shows not a single claim to the esteem in which it was formerly held, except its rapid growth. ORDER 12. MONADELPHIA. Stamens unite 1 into one body. Fig. 177. 244. Butcher's Broom, (Ruscus,) is a genus of small evergreen shrubs which are ^curious on account of their bearing their flowers and fruit on their leaves, as shown by Fig. 177. The flower, however, does not properly grow out of the leaf, but on a foot-stalk of its own which runs between the coats of the leaf, as may be seen by close ex- amination. The pistillate flowers are succeed- ed by red berries, nearly of the size of cherries. In our green-houses this plant, though it flowers, will not produce fruit unless the staminate shrub be present also. 245. The Nutmeg tree grows to the height of thirty feet, and is cultivated in the East In- dies for its fruit, which forms a spice univer- 244. What singular plant is described under the order Monadelphia? 245. What account is given of the nutmeg and mace? 246. How does Polygamia differ from the other classes ? 178 Fig. 178. CLASS XXIII. , sally known. The entire fruit is nearly the size of a Peach, and has a bitter external cov- ering. As this dries it bursts open and shows the next coat, which is the mace of com- merce, Fig. 178. Within the mace is contained the kernel, of a dark brown color, which is the well known spice in question. CLASS XXIII. POLYGAMIA. Flowers either staminate, pistillate, or perfect, upon the same, or on different plants. 246 . This class differs from the two preceding ones, in having not only v the stamens and pistils in different flowers upon the same individual, as in Monoecia, or upon sepa- rate individuals as in Dice- cia, but also, in having these two parts contained in one flower, and mixed with those which are either staminate or pistillate. ORDER 1. MONCECIA. 247. The Maples, of which there are many species in our forests, are of this order. 247. To what order do the maples belong ? CLASS XXIII. 179 248. The sap of the sugar maple, when evapo- rated by boiling, and purified, forms the well- known article, maple sugar, of which some of my young friends are very fond. ORDER 2. DICECIA. 249. The Ash, is a genus of which we have nine or ten species. The American, or White Ash, grows to the height of eighty or ninety feet, and for various useful purposes is preferred by mechanics to all other kinds of timber. 250. The Ficus, or Fig genus, embraces about fifty species, all of them natives of hot climates. 251. The flowering of these plants is quite peculiar. The green fruit is a hollow calyx, or receptacle, in which the flowers are contained. Fig. 180. 252. In the common Fig, the sta- ;mens and pistils are on different plants, and the seeds could not there- fore be perfected, were it not for the help of certain minute flies, which, in their search for honey, carry the pollen from the anthers of one flower to the stigmas of another. Fig. 180 represents the half of a Fig in its green state, showing the situation of the flowers on the inside. 253. The wonderful provision of these little insects, by whose means the fruit and seed of 248. What use is made of the sap of the sugar maple ? 249. What is said of the American white ash ? 250. How many species does the fig genus embrace ? 251. What pecu- liarity is there in the flowering of the fig tree ? 252. By what means are the seeds of the fig perfected ? 253. How do these little insects display the care and beneficence of the Creator ? 180 CLASS XXIV. the Fig is perfected, displays at once the care and beneficence of the Creator ; for, while on the one hand, it ensures the perpetuity of a fruit of great importance to man ; on the other, it allows the pleasure of existence to a tribe of insects, which appear designed expressly for this purpose. CLASS XXIV. CRYPTOGAMIA. 254. In this class, the stamens and pistils are either concealed, imperfect, on wanting. 255. Cryptogamous plants differ essentially from any of those we have heretofore described. The number or situation of the stamens or pis- tils, (which have been our guide in the arrange- ment of the other classes,) are in this either concealed, or wanting. Nor do the productions included in this class afford flowers, properly so called; and hence they are termed flowerless plants, in order to distinguish them from the other classes. Fig. X. CLASS XXIV. 181 256. This class contains a vast number of vegetable productions commonly known under the names of Mosses, Mushrooms, or Toad- stools, Ferns, Flags, and Lichens. 257. Each order is distinguished by its own peculiarities, having little, or sometimes nothing, in common with the others, except the want of flowers, by which the entire class is separated from all other vegetables. ORDER 1. FERNS. 258. In this order, the fruit, in most cases, is placed on the back of the leaf, or Frond, as the leaves of Cryptogamous plants are termed. Sometimes the fruit appears only in little patches or dots on the back of the Frond ; but sometimes the whole under surface is covered with a mass of minute seeds. 259. Many plants of this order are common in our woods and low grounds. Those best known are Polypody, Spleenwort, Brake, and Shield Fern. 260. The word Polypody, means many feet, in allusion to the great number of roots peculiar to these plants. 254. What is the grand distinction between the class Cryrj- togamia, and the other classes ? 255. What general name is given to the plants of this class to distinguish them from others ? 256. Under what names are the plants of this class known ? 257. How are the orders distinguished ? 258. Where is the fruit of the .ferns placed? 259. Give examples of the fern tribe ? 260. What does polypody mean ? 16 182 CLASS XXIV. Fig. 182. 261 Rg 182> repre _ :nts the common Poly- pody, which grows in abun- dance in our moist, rocky, uncultivated lands ; leaves or fronds deeply pinnatifid, and about a foot long, stipe smooth, and grooved on the upper side ; leafets, or seg- ments of the leaf, slightly serrate. This plant is common to Europe and North America. Adder's Tongue. The botanical name is Ophioglossum, from ophis, a serpent, and glosse, a tongue. Fig. 183. 262. Common Adder's Tongue, Fig. 183, is a pretty little plant, only three inches high, consisting of an ovate, entire frond, from the base of which rises a I stipe, which bears the fruit, in a kind of crowded spike. This plant differs from the ferns, in bearing its fruit on a spike, instead of on the backs of the fronds. ORDER 2. HORSETAILS. 263. This order includes only a single genus, the Equisetum, or Horsetail. There are many species of this genus, one of which is well known under the name of Scouring Rush, Fig. 184. 261. What plant does Fig. 182 represent ? 262. What doe- Fig. 183 represent? 263. What plants are included under Ae second order ? 264. What is said of the scouring rush ? CLASS XXIV. 183 Fig. 184. 264. The stem of this plant is without leaves, erect, straight, hol- low, and furrowed, the ridges being cut into minute teeth. The joints of the stem are furnished with short sheaths, or rings, colored black and white. The fruit grows on a termi- Inal spike or ament. This simple ' plant is in common use for scouring wood and polishing metals. The outer bark contains a quantity of flint, and hence will act upon the hardest steel. This plant is about two feet high, and about the thickness of a pipe stem. ORDER 3. CLUB-MOSSES. Fig. 185. 265. This order consists chiefly of small moss-like plants, with creeping stems, and fine leaves, like scales. Many of them are ever- greens, and seem to thrive very well under the snow. 266. The genus called Lycopodium, or Wolf's foot, has several species which are common in our woods. 267. They are very neat, deep-green little plants, well known under the name of ground pines, as Christmas decorations. 268. The flat Club Moss, Fig. 185, creeps 184 CLASS XXIV. under the leaves in the woods, now and then sending up an erect stem, which is forked, and terminated by a short yellowish spike, which bears the fruit. The leaves are two-rowed, short and acute, and are green through the year. ORDER 4. MOSSES. 269. The Mosses, properly so called, are dry herbs, furnished with distinct leaves and rising stems. They are found everywhere in damp woods, and among rocks, both exposed to the sun and in shady places. Fig. 186. 270. They may often be known by their capsules, surmounted by lids, as represented by Fig. 186. These are elevated above the leaves or green beds of Moss, by their foot-stalks, and many of them have a nodding position as shown by the figure. ORDER 5. LIVERWORTS. 271. This order differs from the Flags, which comes next, in not growing in water, and from the Mosses just described, either in not having a lid, or if this be present, in its opening at the 265. What plants come under the third order ? 266. De- scribe the lycopodium, or wolf's foot. 267. What are the mosses commonly called, and for what purpose are they used ? 268. What plant does Fig. 186 represent? 269. What plants come under the fourth order ? 270. How may these mosses be known ? 271. How do the liverworts differ from the flags and the mosses ? CLASS xiiv. 185 top, and not bursting on the side as do those of the Mosses. 272. Many of these plants are so minute as to require the aid of a magnifying glass in order to distinguish their different parts. They are found on rocks, old walls, and the bark of trees. Fig. 187. 273. The genus called Jungerman- nia t so named in honor of M. Junger- mann, a German Botanist, contains a great number of curious little plants, one of which is represented by Fig. 187. pThe right-hand figure shows the whole v plant of the natural size, that on the left .being the same, magnified. It is found on the barks of trees, and on mossy rocks. It is half an inch high. ORDER 6. FLAGS. 274. In this order the seeds are contained in the substance of the frond, or in little enclo- sures variously situated. The plants of this or- der are nearly all aquatic, and are submerged, that is, they grow under water. The Sea- weeds of the ocean, many species of which are everywhere found cast upon the shores, are of this order. 275. One of the most common plants of this 272. Where do the liverworts chiefly grow? 273. What can you say of the genus called Jungermannia ? 274. What plants come under the sixth order ? 275. What is a common plant of this order found on the sea-shore ? 186 CLASS XXIV. Fig. ^1 88. tribe, is the Knotty Fucus, Fig. 188, which grows in abundance on rocks and stones near the sea-shore. The Frond is leathery and compressed, but now and then contains a bubble of air, which being heated or pressed, bursts with a small explosion. 276. Many of the species of this order consist of floculent, or scum-like substances, which we see on the sea- shore, and in the water of stagnant ditches. Some of these appearances which are com- monly taken to be the result of fermentation, presenting to the eye nothing more than a mass of dead matter, are in reality masses of minute vegetables, beautifully formed, displaying as many wonders, and more peculiarities than the most beautiful plants of our gardens. Fig. 189. 277. No one without minute inspection, would believe that ithe floculent, stringy mass, Fig. II 89, could contain any thing like [vegetable organization, or beau- ty ; and yet on examination with 1 a lens it is found to be a regu- Harly, and beautifully construct- ed vegetable, consisting of little pieces, or grains joined together, each having its fruit contained in a proper capsule, as repre- sented by the left hand figure, which is one of 276. What is said of plants which appear like scum? CLASS XXIV. 187 the fibres magnified. The genus to which this plant belongs is called Ectocarpus. ORDER 7. ROCK AND TREE MOSSES. 278. These Mosses are the Lichens of bota- nists, and are among the lowest grades of vege- tation. 277. They are found on rocks, wooden fences, and the barks of trees. 280. To distinguish these productions from each other, and reduce them to a scientific arrangement, is a most laborious and difficult department of botany ; and yet such has been the perseverance and patience of botanists, that more than a thousand species of this order have been minutely examined by different au- thors. 281. Several species of this order answer useful purposes. Such are the Iceland Moss, (on which live the rein-deer of arctic regions,) and the Cudbear, which is employed in dying purple. Fig. 190. 282. As an example of this order, we give a figure (190) of one species of the genus Ca- licium, which term signifies a little cup, because the seed-ves- sels are in the form of minute cups, as the figure shows. The upper drawing shows this vege- 277. What is said of the plant represented by Fig. 189 ? 278. What plants come under the seventh order? 279. Where are these mosses found ? 280. What is said of the difficulty of distinguishing and classing these productions ? 188 CLASS XXIV. table of the natural size, the lower one being magnified to show more distinctly the form of the cups. 283. It grows on decayed wood and rocks, and some of the species may be seen in almost any place which will admit of their growth. ORDER 8. MUSHROOMS. 284. This order consists of vegetable produc- tions, in the form of thick, fleshy bodies, without herbage, properly so called. 285. They are known under the name of Fungi, by botanists, and Toadstools, by others. The seeds of this order are arranged in little tubes placed on the under side of the caps. Fig. 191. 286. The cap of the Mush- room is the upper and ex- panded part, which is placed on the stipe, Fig. 191. 287. The gills consist of thin, radiating ex- pansions on the under side of the cap. Among these the seeds are placed. 288. In the young state the cap is globular, 281. What useful mosses are mentioned? 282. What plant is described and figured as an example of this order ? 283. Where does the calicium grow ? 284. What are the mush- rooms ? 285. By what names are the mushrooms known ? , 286. What part of a mushroom is the cap ? 287. What are the gills ? 288. How does the cap differ in the young and old mushrooms ? CLASS XXIV. 189 and there is a thin membrane, or fringe, by which its margin is connected with the stipe, or stem, as shown by the left-hand figure. This is called the curtain ; and as the cap grows larger, this bursts, or parts in the direction of the circumference of the cap, so as to expose the gills. As the plant grows old, this part be- comes dry, and forms a ring around the stipe, as shown in the right-hand figure. Growth of Mushrooms. It is well known, that Mushrooms spring up almost everywhere, especially among decayed substances, and during the hottest season of the year. Moisture appears also to be necessary to their growth ; and hence we see thousands during the warm season, after a shower, where none existed the day before. From these cir- cumstances, persons who have not examined this subject, suppose that Toadstools grow with- out seeds, not being able to account for the presence of the seeds in such and such places and if present, not seeing why they should not have grown before. Now all this is readily accounted for, there being in truth no more reason to believe that Mushrooms grow without seeds, than there is to suppose that an Oak springs up without the planting of an acorn. The seeds of Mush- rooms are so exceedingly small as not to be distinguished by the naked eye, or without the help of a magnifying glass. When the species commonly known under the name of Puff-ball 190 CLASS XXIV. is disturbed, there rises from it a fine dust re- sembling smoke, which are its seeds ; and it will be seen, that a slight wind will carry such light bodies to great distances ; and their number is such, that a single plant would afford a quantity sufficient to cover a considerable space, and not leave a single inch without more or less seeds. Under such circumstances, it will be obvious also, that these seeds might gain admittance into concealed and covered places, as under old buildings, and into cellars, and indeed that they might be floated into almost any place where the atmosphere has admission. With respect to their growth, it is well ascer- tained that no seeds will vegetate without the combined influence of heat and moisture, and that few will grow without the addition of light and air also. Rye, wheat, and other seeds, may be kept for an indefinite length of time in a dry place, and, even if exposed to heat and moisture, they will not grow if light and air be entirely excluded. Thus seeds covered at considerable depths in the ground, will remain dormant for years, and for aught we know, for centuries, and still retain their vitality, that is, they will grow, if placed in proper situations. This is proved by the fact that earth, deposited by the flowing of rivers, and which has lain for centuries ever so deep under the surface, will, if exposed to a proper situation, produce some kind of plants from the seeds it contained. From all this we learn that seeds will grow only when circumstances favor their vegetation. CLASS XXIV. 191 Now in applying these facts and conditions to the growth of Mushrooms, we have only to consider that their seeds are almost every- where, and that they spring up whenever the circumstances of heat and* moisture are such as they require for their vegetation. This appears to be the whole secret with respect to the growth of this kind of vegetation. Number of Mushroom species. 289. Concerning the whole number of spe- cies belonging to this order, not even a con- jecture can be offered. The number described by Sprengel, who has spent much time, and written largely on the subject, is 2800. Be- sides these, other authors have described at least half as many more ; so that the number of species arranged in botanical works amount to at least between 4000 and 5000. The Swedish botanist, Friers, discovered no less than 2000 species of this order, within the compass of a square furlong, in his own country. In North America, Professor Torrey thinks there are at least 3000 species of Fungi; and for aught that is actually known, they may amount to twice this number. And yet nearly all that have been described, belong to the northern and tem- perate regions, the tropical species being almost entirely unknown to authors. From all this there is reason to believe that the number of 289. What is said of the number of species belonging to the mushroom tribe? 192 PRACTICAL species of this order which the earth produces, is almost innumerable. Several species of this tribe are used for food in various parts of the world, but by far the greater number are poisonous ; and some are such active poisons, as to destroy life in a short time when eaten. None are poisonous when merely handled. PRACTICAL BOTANY. Practical Botany is the application of the foregoing explanations to the different parts of plants, for the purpose of determining their Classes, Orders, Genera, and Species, and con- sequently their names. Directions have already been given in what manner the learner is to proceed for this purpose ; and we here give descriptions, chiefly of the most common plants, that the pupil may have an opportunity of exer- cising the knowledge he has obtained, by deter- mining their species and names. Such classes and orders will be omitted as do not contain the most common plants. CLASS II. DIANDRIA. Two Stamens. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. Flowers inferior, monopetalous, irregular ; fruit in capsules. Genus VERONICA. Calyx four-parted ; corolla What is practical botany ? BOTANY. 193 four-cleft; rotate, the lower division narrow; capsule superior, two-celled obcordate. Species scutellata. Marsh Speedwell. Ra- cemes lateral, alternate; partial flower-stalks divaricated ; leaves linear, slightly indented. Found in moist places along the sides of brooks, and growing from a few inches to a foot or more high ; stem weak ; leaves opposite, linear-lanceolate, and slightly toothed ; flowers small, of a pale flesh-color, with purplish stripes. Perennial, and flowers all summer. Flowers inferior, monopetalous, irregular ; seeds naked. Genus COLLINSONIA. Corolla somewhat rin- gent ; lower lip many-cleft, capillary ; one- seeded. Species Canadensis. Horseweed. Leaves heart-ovate; stem smooth; teeth of the calyx subulate, shorter than the corolla. The plant is three or four feet high ; stem furrowed, and slightly pubescent ; leaves oppo- site, very large, serrate and acuminate, the lower ones on long petioles, the upper pair ses- sile. Panicle terminal, with opposite branches. Flowers dull yellow ; stamens distant, and fila- ments long ; stigma bifid. It grows in rnoist woods, and flowers in July and August. When handled, it has a fetid smell. 194 PRACTICAL CLASS III. TRIANDRIA. Three Stamens, ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. Flowers superior. Genus IRIS. Corolla six-parted, the divisions alternately reflected ; stigma petaloid. Species versicolor. Blue Flag. Flower-de- luce. Leaves ensiform ; stem acute on the side ; capsules oblong, three-sided, with obtuse angles. The blue flowers of this plant are very con- spicuous in our meadows and low grounds, in June. Stem from one to three feet high, round on one side, with an edge on the other; branched at the top, and bearing from two to six flowers ; peduncles flattened on the inside. Germ three- cornered. Outer petals reflected, and beard- less, the border purple, and the claw variegated with various colors. Inner petals erect, spatu- late, or lanceolate, and paler than the outer. Style short and concealed ; stigmas three, peta- loid, resting on the outer petals, and more or less reflected. Stamens concealed under the stigmas. Seeds numerous. Perennial. The root is poisonous. CLASS IV. TETRANDKIA. Four Stamens. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. Genus HOUSTONIA. Corolla monopetalous ; calyx four-toothed; capsule two-celled, two- valved. BOTANY. 195 Species ccerulea. Bluish Houstonia. Root- leaves ovate ; stem compound ; first peduncles two-flowered. This pretty little plant is often seen in patches quite covering the ground. It begins to flower in May, and continues all summer. Flowers pale blue, and smaller than violets ; stem slen- der, repeatedly forked, and three or four inches high. Corolla with a slender tube, with four ovate acute, spreading segments. Anthers in- serted at the mouth of the tube. Stigma bifid. Perennial. Genus CORNUS. Calyx four-toothed ; corolla four-petalled, superior ; drupe with a two-celled nut. Species Florida. Dogwood tree. Aboraceous, flowers in heads, surrounded by an involucre of obovate leaves, with recurved points. This is a very conspicuous tree, which flowers in May and June, while other forest trees are just putting forth their leaves. It has a profu- sion of white flowers, forming a striking con- trast with its companions at that season of the year. The beauty of these flowers, and the show the tree makes, are entirely owing to the large white involucre with which the proper flowers are surrounded. Flower small; calyx superior, a little bell-shaped, and ending in four spreading teeth ; corolla of four obtuse, reflect- ed, yellowish petals. Stamens four, erect, with oblong anthers, in the middle of which the fila- ment is inserted. Style erect, shorter than the 196 PRACTICAL stamens; stigma obtuse. This tree grows to the height of twenty or thirty feet. CLASS V. PENTANDRIA. Five Stamens.. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. Genus VIOLA. Calyx five-leaved; corolla five-petalled, irregular, spurred ; anthers coher- ing ; capsule one-celled, three- valved. Species cucullata. Common Blue Violet. Stemless ; leaves heart-shaped, rolled at the base and serrate ; petioles not margined ; petals bent obliquely, the lateral ones bearded ; all whitish at the base. This is the common blue Violet, so abundant in our wet meadows and low grounds. Leaves cordate and serrate, or crenate ; petioles longer than the leaves ; scape four-angled ; flowers large, bluish purple ; the lateral petals bearded. From two to eight inches high. Flowers in May. ORDER 2. DIGYNIA. Two Pistils. Genus ASCLEPIAS. Corollas monopetalous, reflected ; nectaries five, ovate, concave, with a little horn projecting from each; follicles two. Species Syriaca. Common Silk-w r eed, or Milk- weed. Stem simple ; leaves lance-oblong, gradually acute, or acuminate, downy under- neath ; umbels nodding ; follicles pointed. Stern three or five feet high, and undivided ; leaves large, petiolate and oblong ; umbels com- BOTANY. 197 posed of many flowers, nodding. Calyx with lanceolate segments ; corolla greenish and re- flected. The nectaries form the chief part of the flower. These are reddish, truncated ob- liquely inwards, and divided into two parts, ending in two horns which are a little curved. The anthers are in a cylindrical mass. Folli- cles, or pods, oblong acute, and containing large quantities of silky down. When young, the shoots of this plant are sometimes eaten instead of Asparagus. Found in moist places, and flow- ers in July. Perennial. ORDER 3. TRIGYNIA. Three Pistils. Genus SAMBUCUS. Calyx five-parted ; supe- rior ; corolla five-cleft ; berry three-seeded. Species Canadensis. Common Elder. Cymes five-parted ; leaves compound, in about four pairs ; leafets oblong-oval, and acuminate ; stem shrubby, and containing a large pith. This is the common Elder, which grows by the sides of roads, and shows a profusion of yellowish- white, sweet-scented flowers. ORDER 5. PENTAGYNIA. Five Pistils. Genus DROSERA. Calyx five-parted ; corolla five-petalled, inferior ; capsule one-celled, three or four valved, opening at top ; seeds many. Species rotundifolia. Round leaved, sun- dew ; leaves, radical, roundish, hairy ; scape bearing a simple raceme. This is a singular, but pretty little plant, well 17* 198 PRACTICAL known by the name of Sun-dew. It is so called because the leaves are always covered with a kind of jelly, which the sun never dries. Leaves small, nearly round, radical, and lying flat on the ground. Scape three or four inches high, bearing a little raceme of white flowers. It frows in moist places, and flowers in July, erennial. CLASS VI. HEXAOT)RIA. Six Stamens. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. Genus LILIUM. Calyx none; corolla inferior; six-petalled, the petals with a longitudinal groove from the middle to the base. Species Canadensis. Common Yellow Lily. Leaves in remote whorls ; flowers terminal, nod- ding; petals spreading or reflected. In the first part of summer, this is one of the beauties of our meadows. It grows higher than the grass, and therefore makes itself conspicuous at a considerable distance. Stem round, green, and from two to four feet high ; leaves lanceolate, in whorls of about six ; flowers, one, two, or three ; bell-shaped, and pendulous, yellow, with black spots on the inside. Flowers in June and July. Perennial. ORDER 3. TRIGYNIA. Three Pistils. Genus MEDEOLA. Calyx none ; corolla infe- rior ; six-parted, revolute ; berry three-celled. Species Virginica. Cucumber root. Leaves in whorls terminating with three ; stem erect, BOTANY. 199 smooth, and covered with cotton like down. Leaves in two whorls, the lower consisting of six or eight, the upper, which grow on the tip of the stem, of three ; form, lance oval, smooth, and entire. Flowers terminal and bent down between the leaves ; petals six, greenish white, and revolute ; stamens erect and slender. This plant is strikingly, and beautifully regular in the forms of all its parts. Root white with a flavor like the cucumber. Grows in woods. Flow- ers in July. CLASS VIII.-- OCTANDRIA. Eight Stamens. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. Genus RHEXIA. Calyx four cleft, inferior; corolla four petalled ; anthers curved ; capsule four celled, and contained in the calyx. Species Virginica. Virginian Rhexia. Stem with four winged angles ; leaves sessile, oval lanceolate, serrate, ciliate ; calyx with glandular hairs. Calyx hairy with four acute segments ; petals four, purple ; anthers curved, long, yellow, and making a fine contrast with the petals ; stem square with winged edges ; leaves opposite, oval, deeply three nerved, with hairs on both sides ; peduncles axilary and terminal. Stem eight, or twelve inches high. Grows in low grounds, and has rather a striking appearance among the grass. Flowers in July. Peren- nial. 200 PRACTICAL ORDER 3. TRIGYNIA. Three Pistils. Genus POLYGONUM. Calyx five parted, in- ferior, resembling a corolla ; corolla none ; seed one, angular, enclosed in the calyx ; stamens from three to fourteen ; number of pistils irregu- lar. Species orientale. Prince's Feather. Sta- mens seven ; styles two, leaves ovate ; stipules rough haired. The red feather-like panicles of this plant are often seen in gardens, and by the sides of fen- ces, rising above most other annuals. Stem round, smooth, green, and divided into portions by joints, or knots. The stipules, are somewhat hypocrateriform ; leaves large, ovate, and pe- tiolate. This exotic came originally from Mount Ar- rarat, but is now naturalized in this country. Knot grass, Buck- wheat, and Water-pepper are species of this genus. CLASS IX. ENNEANDRIA. Nine Stamens. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. Genus LAURUS. Calyx none ; corolla six parted, resembling a calyx ; nectary composed of three glands surrounding the germ, each end- ing in two bristles ; inner filaments with two glands each ; drupe one seeded. Species sassafras. Sassafras Tree. Leaves either entire, or three lobed, on the same tree. The root of this tree is a well known, and BOTANY. 201 among children, a favorite aromatic. Flowers greenish yellow, appearing in May and June ; they are often imperfect, the pistils being want- ing ; in which case the stamens are long and the flowers are more umbelled than the perfect ones. Leaves both oval, and three lobed, the former first appearing. Fruit an oval nut cov- ered with skin, and seated in the cavity of a fleshy receptacle. This part, as well as the young twigs, contains a large quantity of mu- cilage. CLASS X.DECANDBIA. Ten Stamens. OEDEB 1. MONOGTNIA. One Pistil. Genus KALMIA. Calyx five parted ; corolla hypocrateriform, with ten prominences under- neath ; border five horned ; capsule five celled. Species latifolia. Mountain Laurel, Ivy. Leaves scattered, petioled, oval, smooth, and shining ; corymbs terminal, viscid and pubes- cent. This evergreen shrub bears a profusion of pale red, and white flowers, and is a well known ornament of our woods, both in high and low places. Calyx small, five parted, with oval sharp pointed segments ; corolla monope- talous, salver shaped, with a cylindrical tube. On the inside are ten pits or depressions, with corresponding protuberances on the outside. In these pits the anthers are confined, when the corolla expands, the filaments forming rays from the centre where they are attached. On de- 202 PRACTICAL taching the anther from its pit, the filament acts as a spring, throwing the pollen in the form of a little cloud of dust into the air. This shrub grows to the height of from four to fifteen, or twenty feet, and flowers in June. Genus PYROLA. Calyx five leaved, petals five, stigma three parted ; capsule three celled, three valved. Species rolundifolia. Round leaved Winter- green. Leaves roundish ; calyx reflected ; flow- ers in racemes ; styles declined. The leaves of this little plant may be seen in the woods, spread upon the ground and remain- ing green throughoutJ^he year. Form, round- ish ovate ; the largesi being about the size of a dollar ; all radical. Scape angular, and six or eight inches high. Flowers in large racemes, white, and very fragrant ; calyx leaves ovate, with the points reflected ; stamens tending up- wards and styles downwards. Common in woods. Flowers in June. ORDER 2. DIGYNIA. Two Pistils. Genus DIANTHUS. Calyx tubular, with scales at the base ; petals five, with claws ; capsule cylindrical, superior, one celled. Species barbatus. Sweet William. Flow- ers fascicled ; scales, ovate subulate, as long as the tube ; leaves lanceolate ; calyx, with long soft hairs, bracts lanceolate and acute. Grows eighteen inches high, and flowers in June and July. This flower came originally from Ger- many, but at the present time few gardens are without it. BOTANY. 203 CLASS XL DODECANDRIA. Twelve Sta- mens. Genus As ARUM. Wild Ginger.. Leaves two, reniform; calyx woolly, cleft to the base, the segments spreading. Species Canadense. Leaves two, radical, and reniform ; calyx woolly, three or four cleft, the segments turned back ; capsule coriaceous, crowned with the calyx. A singular plant, found in particular places in our woods, but not everywhere. Leaves reniform, two in number, radical, and on peti- oles less than a foot high. Flowers solitary, growing close to the ground ; calyx hairy, or woolly, consisting of three sepals, of a dull pur- ple color, with their points turned back; fila- ments reaching above the anthers, germ infe- rior. Grows in dry woods and flowers from May to July. Perennial. CLASS XIL ICOSANDRIA. Stamens twenty or more ; fixed to the calyx. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. Genus PRUNUS. Calyx inferior, five cleft ; corolla five-petalled ; drupe a nearly smooth stone Species Virginiana. Wild Cherry. Ra- cemes elongated, erect ; leaves, oval oblong, acu- minate, unequally serrate, smooth on both sides ; petioles with about four glands. 204 PRACTICAL This well known tree bears a profusion of white, fragrant flowers', and in thick forests rises to a great height, but when standing alone it has many branches, and attains no considera- ble elevation. Calyx five-cleft ; corolla consist- ing of five small white petals ; leaves alternate or scattered. The wood is red, and is much used by cabinet makers. ORDER 4. PENTAGYNIA. Five Pistils. Genus PYRUS. Calyx superior, five-cleft ; co- rolla five-petalled ; pome five-celled ; cells two- seeded. Species mains. Apple Tree. Flowers in sessile umbels ; leaves ovate, oblong, acuminate, serrate; claws of the petals shorter than the ca- lyx ; styles smooth ; petals five, variously colored from red, passing into white ; the calyx remains after the apple is ripe. The varieties of this* species are innumerable, running through all the grades from the acrid Crab apple, to the lus- cious Pepin. ORDER 5. POLYGYNIA. Many Pistils. Genus ROSA. Calyx urn-shaped, fleshy, con- tracted at the orifice, five-cleft ; corolla five-pe- talled ; seeds numerous, bristly, fixed to the in- side of the calyx. Species Caroliniana. Swamp Rose. Germs globular, hispid ; peduncles a little hairy ; stem with stipular prickles ; petioles prickly. This is the wild rose, growing in swamps and woods, and rising to the height of six or eight BOTANY. 205 feet. Corolla five-petalled, and pale red. Leaves pinnate, with five or seven oval leafets. Fruit a red oblong, or spherical capsule, full of yellow seeds. Flowers in June and July. The cultivated Roses have the same generic characters as the above, but many of them have become double by cultivation, and although the species are not thus changed, the varieties, with respect both to the number and color of the petals, have become almost innumerable. CLASS XIIL POLYANDEIA. Many Stamens. ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA. One Pistil. Genus TILIA. Calyx five-parted ; petals five ; capsule superior, coriaceous, five-celled, five- valved, opening at the base. Species Americana. Lime tree, Bass wood. Leaves broad cordate with one lobe truncated, acuminate, sharply serrate and smooth ; petals truncated at top ; nut ovate. The Bass wood is a common ornamental tree in New England. Leaves large, roundish, heart- shaped at base, with one side shorter than the other. The footstalk of the flower proceeds from the middle of an oblong, pale bracte, which remains on the tree during the winter. Flow- ers greenish white, with a sweetish, fulsome odor. Flowers in July. Genus NYMPH^A. Calyx four or five leaved ; corolla many-petalled, petals and stamens in- 206 PRACTICAL serted on the germen ; stigma sessile, marked with radiating lines ; capsule many-seeded. Species ordorata. Sweet scented Pond Lily. Calyx four-leaved ; leaves cordate entire, lobes obtuse, divaricate, with prominent veins be- neath. This beautiful aquatic is common in clear ponds, sometimes growing where the water is fifteen or twenty feet deep. Calyx four-leaved, lanceolate, green without, and white within ; petals numerous, lanceolate, smooth, and of a delicate white ; stamens numerous, yellow, in several rows inserted on the germen ; anthers in two longitudinal cells growing to the filaments, and opening inwardly ; stigma a solid moist pro- tuberance, surrounded by from twelve to twen- ty-four rays. Fruit, a large, many-celled berry, with numerous seeds, which ripen under water. The vegetable kingdom presents but few flow- ers whose fragrance is so universally admired as that of the Water Lily. ORDER 6. POLYGYNIA. Many Pistils. Genus RANUNCULUS. Calyx five-leaved ; pe- tals from five to eight, with a nectariferous pore at the base of each; seeds naked. Species bulbosus. Buttercup. Calyx reflex- ed ; flower-stalks furrowed ; radical leaves ter- nate ; leafets petiolate, three-cleft, incisely den- tate ; stem erect ; many-flowered. The bright, varnished, yellow flowers of this plant, are very conspicuous among the grass of meadows and along road sides. Calyx of five BOTANY. 207 leaves ; corolla of six or eight wedge-shaped, roundish petals, with a little nectary near the base ; leaves hairy, with from three to five prin cipal divisions, variously gashed or subdivided. Stern erect, and sulcated, bearing many flowers. Flowers in May, and continues all summer. Perennial. CLASS XIV. DIDYNAMIA. Four stamens, two long and two short. ORDER 1. GYMNOSPERMIA. Seeds naked. Genus GLECHOMA. Upper lip of the corolla bifid, anthers approaching each other and form- ing a cross. Species hederacea. Ground Ivy, Gill. Leaves reniform, crenate ; stem square. A well known creeping plant along garden fences and other shady places. Calyx striated, and divided into five unequal, pointed segments ; corolla blue, the upper lip straight, the lower expanded, and three-lobed ; flowers in whorls ; leaves opposite, petioled, renifbrm, and very exactly crenate ; taste strong and peculiar. Flowers in May and June. Perennial. Genus NEPETA. Corolla with the lower lip crenate ; the orifice a reflected margin ; stamens approximate. Species catania. Catmint or Catnep. Flow- ers spiked ; the whorls slightly pedunculated ; leaves petiolate, cordate, dentate, serrate. It is hardly necessary to say that Catnep grows almost everywhere about fences and 208 PRACTICAL buildings. Calyx ribbed ; corolla tubular, upper lip straight, lower lip with the middle lobe spread- ing crenate, and beautifully dotted. Stem two or three feet high, square, leaves long heart- shaped. Perennial. ORDER 2. ANGIOSPERMIA. Seeds in a vessel. Genus GERARDIA. Calyx five-leaved ; corol- la somewhat salver-shaped, two-lipped ; the lower lip three-lobed, middle one parted ; cap- sule two-celled, bursting at base. Species flava. Yellow Gerardia. Stem nearly simple ; pubescent ; leaves nearly sessile, lanceolate, very entire, or dentate ; the inferior ones incised ; flowers sub-sessile. The large yellow flowers of this plant give it a showy and rather striking appearance among bushes and trees where it is usually found. Leaves opposite, the lower ones largely dentate, or sub-pinnatifid, the upper ones entire, or some- times serrate ; flowers opposite, trumpet-shaped, and more or less spiked ; peduncles downy ; style slender and longer than the stamens. These beautiful flowers, as well as the whole plant, grow black in drying. From two to three feet high. Perennial. Genus CHELONE. Snake Head. Calyx five- leaved ; corolla inflated, the lips closed, one fila- ment sterile, shorter than the rest ; anthers wool- ly; capsules two-celled, two-valved. Species glabra. Leaves opposite, lanceolate, oblong, acuminate, serrate ; flowers in dense spikes, white with a blush of rose color. BOTANY. 209 Found in wet places, rising two or three feet high, the flower somewhat like a snake's mouth. Calyx nearly sessile, with five short, roundish segments ; corolla large, inflated, contracted at the mouth ; lower lip in three segments, with two woolly stripes within ; style long and slen- der, and curved downwards. Flowers in Au- gust. Perennial. CLASS XV. TETRADYNAMIA. Six stamens, four long and tivo short. ORDER 2. SILIQUOSA. Seeds in a Silique. Genus SINABIS. Calyx spreading ; silique cy- lindrical, with the partition longer than the valves. Species nigra. Common Mustard. Pods smooth, four-cornered, pressed close to the stem ; upper leaves linear lanceolate, entire and smooth. Calyx and corolla yellow ; pods erect, and close to the stalk, square, and ending in a short beak ; leaves various, the lower ones rough, and lobed, the upper ones entire and smooth ; stem round, striated and branched. Common about the borders of fields and gardens, flowering in June and July. CLASS XVI. M01STADELPHIA. Stamens united by their filaments into one parcel. ORDER 5. DECANDRIA. Ten Stamens. Genus GERANIUM. Calyx five-leaved ; pe- 210 PRACTICAL tals five, regular ; glands five, honey-bearing, united to the base of the longer filaments, fruit- beaked, separating into five one-seeded cap- sules. Species maculatum. Cranesbill. Spotted Geranium. Peduncles two-flowered, stem fork- ed, erect; leaves five-parted, and subdivided, the upper ones sessile. This species is common in our woods, prefer- ing a moist vegetable soil. Leaves large, spreading, and deeply divided into five or seven lobes, which are again cut, or toothed ; lower ones on long petioles, the upper ones nearly ses- sile. Peduncles long and slender, one, two, or three flowers. Calyx five-leaved ; petals five, large, purplish blue, and showy. Fruit ending in a long beak, containing five awns, or cocci, which spring out from the lower part and scat- ter the seeds. Root astringent, and is employed for medicinal purposes. It grows from one to two feet high, and is more worthy of cultiva- tion for parlors, than many Geraniums which have been imported from the Cape of Good Hope. ORDER 8. POLYANDRIA. Many Stamens. Genus MALVA. Calyx double, the outermost two or three-leaved ; capsules numerous, one seeded, disposed in a flat ring. Species rotundifolia. Round-leaved Mal- low. Stem somewhat prostrate ; leaves round- ish, cordate, obtusely five-lobed ; fruit-bear- BOTANY. 211 ing stalk bent downwards ; corolla twice the length of the calyx. This is a well known little plant, growing about the sides of gardens, and along foot paths. Stem lying on the ground ; leaves roundish, and nearly reniform, crenate, and imperfectly five- lobed ; petioles long and hairy ; stipules lan- ceolate ; flower-stalks axillary ; outer leaves of calyx linear, inner ones ovate ; petals purplish pink, emarginate ; fruit flat, and eaten by chil- dren under the name of cheeses. Flowers all summer. CLASS XVIL DIADELPHIA. Stamens united into two parcels. ORDER 4. DECANDRIA. Ten Stamens. Genus LUPINUS. Stamens all united ; calyx two-lipped ; anthers alternately oblong and roundish ; legume coriaceous, swelling over the seeds. Species perennis. Common, or Blue Lu- pine. Calyx without appendages ; upper lip emarginate, the lower one entire ; leaves digi- tate, with eight, or nine leafets, obcuneiform. This is a common garden flower, but is found growing wild in various sandy places. Its deep blue flowers, and its regularly formed digitate leaves, give it a handsome appearance. Ban- ner emarginate, lid entire, and terminating in a kind of beak, when the flowers .first open. 212 PRACTICAL Leaves like rays attached to the end of the pe- tiole ; flowers in a spike. Perennial. Genus TRIFOLIUM. Legume hardly longer than the calyx, falling off entire ; flowers gener- ally in heads. Species pratense. Red Clover. Heads, or spikes dense ; stems more or less ascending ; co- rollas unequal ; four of the calyx teeth equal ; stipules awned. Stem weak and often trailing on the ground ; leaves three, oval, with a white spot somewhat heart-shaped on the upper side ; stipules broad, membranous, ribbed, ending in a point or awn ; flowers red, in ovate heads, with a sweetish odor ; calyx in five segments, the lower one long- est. This is a well known and highly valued hay-grass. Genus ROBINIA. Calyx four-cleft, the upper segment two-parted ; banner roundish ; legume compressed, elongated. Species, pseudocacia. Locust tree. Leaves pinnate with an odd leafet ; stipules prickly ; racemes pendulous ; calyx teeth unarmed ; le- gumes smooth. The wood of this species is yellowish and coarse grained, but is highly valued by ship builders on account of its hardness and dura- bility. It is a tree of middling size. Leaves compound, pinnate ; leafets oblong oval on short petioles, and minutely mucronate ; flowers in long pendulous racemes ; calyx inflat- ed, green and purple, four cleft. Corolla white ; , BOTANY. 213 sides of the banner reflexed ; legume broad and flat, with a few kidney-shaped seeds. Flow- ers in June. CLASS XIX.SYNGENESIA. Anthers united into a cylinder ; flowers compound. ORDER 1. ^EQUALIS. All the florets with stamens and pistils, and all fertile. Genus LEONTODON. Receptacle naked ; ca- lyx imbricate, with flaccid, lax scales; pappus simple, stipulate. Species taraxacum. Dandelion. Outer scales of the calyx reflexed ; leaves runcinate, toothed, smooth. No one is so ignorant of plants as not to know the Dandelion. It springs up almost every- where and flowers all summer. Leaves radical, and lion-toothed ; scapes simple, smooth and hollow, each bearing a single bright yellow flow- er ; florets ligulate, or ribbon shaped, and all fertile ; .outer calyx leaves bent downwards ; down of the seeds on little footstalks. Genus EUPATORIUM. Receptacle naked ; down simple ; calyx imbricate ; style longer than the corolla, cloven half way. Species perfoliatum. Bone-set. Thorough- wort. Stem erect, round, hairy, branched at top, and passing through the leaves. Leaves perforated by the stem, acuminate, serrate, wrinkled, paler underneath, and hairy ; florets tubular, with five spreading segments ; calyx 214 PRACTICAL cylindrical, imbricate, the scales lanceolate and acute ; each calyx containing about a dozen flo- rets, stamens five, consisting of soft filaments with blackish anthers united into a tube ; style filiform, the upper end divided into two branch- es, which project above the flower. Common in low grounds ; flowering in August. ORDER 2. SUPERFLUA. Florets of the disk with stamens and pistils ; those of the ray with pistils only ; all fertile. Genus CHRYSANTHEMUM. Receptacle naked ; down none ; calyx hemispherical, imbricate, with the scales dilated, and membranous at the margin. Species leucanthemum. White Daisy, White weed. Leaves clasping, oblong, blunt, cut, pin- natifid at base ; radical leaves on foot-stalks, obovate. Stem one, or two feet high, round furrowed, and bearing a single flower, standing on its tip ; lower leaves on foot-stalks inversely ovate, ser- rate and variously cut ; calyx closely imbricated ; flower large and nearly flat ; djgk yellow, and ray white, consisting of many strap-shaped pe- tals ending in three teeth. This plant, which appears to be an exotic, is by farmers consider- ed a nuisance, as it makes but poor hay, and often intrudes itself into meadows, to the exclu- sion of valuable grasses. Genus SENECIO. Receptacle naked ; down simple ; calyx invested with scales, many-leaved, equal ; the scales dead at their tips. BOTANY. 215 Species aureus. Golden Senecio. Flowers radiate ; radical leaves crenate, heart-shaped, petioled ; upper ones pinnatifid, lyrate ; pedun- cles thickened upwards ; flowers in a lax co- rymb. Stem upright, simple, smooth, from one to three feet high. Root leaves large, cordate crenate and smooth ; middle leaves, lyrate, the upper ones pinnatifid; corymb terminal, the flower stalks growing larger towards the top ; calyx smooth, sometimes striped. Flowers deep yellow, and enduring. This is a beautiful peren- nial, and is worthy of a place in gardens as a border flower. CLASS XX. GYNANDRIA. Stamens situated on the pistil. ORDER 2. DIANDRIA. Two Stamens. Genus CYPRIPEDIUM. Corolla four petalled, spreading ; lip inflated, hollow ; capsule three valved, one celled ; many seeded. Species acaule. Ladies' Slipper. Scape leaf- less, one flowered ; root leaves two, oblong, ob- tuse ; lobe of the style round-rhomboidal, acu- minate, deflexed ; petals lanceolate ; lip longer than the petals, cleft before. This flower has a singular and very striking appearance, especially when contrasted with the dry leaves and brush of the woods where it is found. Leaves two, large, radical, oval- lanceolate, plaited and hairy. Scape a foot high, on the tip of which is suspended, generally, 216 PRACTICAL a single large purple flower ; petals four, long spreading, greenish purple, and slightly twisted ; nectary, an inflated, purple bag, veined, and longer than the petals ; this forms the principal part of the flowers ; style situated over the base of the nectary to which are attached two lateral anthers. Flowers in May and June. Perennial. CLASS XXL MONGECIA. Staminate and pistil- ate, or barren and fertile flowers, on the same plant. ORDER 3. TRIANDRIA. Three Stamens. Genus TYPHA. Ament of barren flowers, cy- lindrical, hairy ; anthers about three on each filament. Ament of fertile flowers cylindrical ; seed one, on a feathery pedicel. Species latifolia. Water Flag, Cat's Tail. Leaves somewhat ensiform ; barren and fertile spikes approximated. This flag rises to the height of from four to ten feet, and is common in the shallow water of ponds and rivers, or along their margins. Leaves several feet long, linear sword shaped, and when dry. appear full of little cells. Stem straight, round, and gradually tapering to the ament, which is a compact cylinder containing the fer- tile flowers. Above this is a smaller cylinder or spike, of staminate flowers. The leaves of this plant are useful in making chair seats, and in corking the seams of casks. BOTANY. 21'7 ORDER 5. PENTANDRIA. Five Stamens. Genus AMBROSIA. Barren flowers, calyx common, one-ieaved ; florets funnel form, three or five-cleft ; receptacle naked. Fertile flowers, calyx one-leaved, one-flowered ; corolla none ; nut-toothed, one-seeded. Species elatior. Roman Worm-wood. Bit- ter weed. This is a troublesome weed, which every body knows by sight, though, only a few may know its proper name. It grows in fields after the crops of wheat, rye or oats, have been removed, often covering whole acres to the great annoyance of the farmer. It is also abundant about houses and gardens. The barren flowers are terminal, and hang in a crowded spike, the pollen giving them a yellowish mealy appear- ance. Fertile flowers situated close to the stalk, and in the axis of the leaves ; lower leaves twice pinnatifid, the upper ones pinnatifid ; stem erect, branched, and from one to four feet high. There is another species of this genus called Giant Ambrosia, (Ambrosia trifida,) which grows in great abundance along the uncultivat- ed banks of Connecticut river. This often rises to the height of ten or twelve feet, and forms aX most impenetrable thickets. Leaves three-M- ed ; stalk round, striated, and often an i a half in diameter at the base. 19 218 PRACTICAL ORDER 8. POLYANDRIA. Eight, or more Sta- rnens. Genus CALLA. Spathe ovate ; spadix cover- ed with flowers ; corolla none ; berry many- seeded. Species palustris. Northern Calla. Water Arum. Leaves heart-shaped ; spathe ovate ; spadix covered with per^ct flowers. This plant grows in bunches along the bor- ders of brooks and ponds, sometimes standing in the water. Leaves heart-arrow shaped, on long petioles, smooth, entire, and handsome. Scape a foot or two high ; spathe oblong, spread- ing, green outside, and white within, ending in a cylindrical, curved point. Spadix, cylindrical, oblong, covered with minute yellowish white flowers. This plant resembles the Calla Ethio- pica in appearance. Genus CASTANEA. Barren flowers. Ament naked ; calyx none ; stamens from eight to twelve. Fertile flowers ; calyx, from four to six toothed, hairy ; corolla none ; germs two ; jauits two, contained in a coriaceous, four-cleft, prickly calyx. jg>pecie.s Americana. Chestnut tree. Leaves ob.^ftg lanceolate, acuminate, mucronate, ser- 5 fii&fc&d underneath. Ah x @&Jf y^ un g friends know the fruit of the Chestn ^ tG and probably most of them the tree itse/^ Leaves six or eight inches long, lan- ceolate s W&te., with pointed teeth. Ament \ ,n the form 0f strings hanging near the ends oi BOTANY. 219 the branches and as long as the leaves, color yellowish. These contain the stamens, and pro- ceed from a kind of calyx, containing the pistils which enlarges and becomes the spined capsule, or Chestnut burr. This is one of our largest forest trees. Flowers in June. Genus PLATANUS. Aments globular. Bar- ren flowers ; corolla hardly visible ; anthers growing around the filament. Fertile flowers ; corolla many parted ; stigma recurved ; seeds roundish, with a capillary down at the base. Species occidentals . Button-wood. Syca- more. Leaves lobed-angular ; branches whitish. This is one of the largest American trees. Leaves with , five angles, obscurely lobed, and downy underneath, along the veins, when young. Flowers in globular aments, or balls, succeeded by seeds, crowding each other. The receptacle on which they are placed is a hard ball, covered with a curious, and beautiful net work, which may easily be taken off. The balls are suspended all winter, by their strong elastic peduncles. This tree every year throws* off a part of its outer bark, and thus appears clean and smooth. CLASS XXIL DICECIA. Barren and fertile flowers on different plants. ORDER 2. DIANDRIA. Two Stamens. Genus SALIX. Calyx, scale of an ament ; co- rolla none ; stamens, in the barren flowers, 220 PRACTICAL BOTANY. from one to five, with a nectariferous gland at the base. Stigmas, in the fertile flowers, two ; capsule one-celled, two-valved ; seeds downy. Species eriocephala. Swamp Willow. Di- androus ; twigs downy ; leaves oblong-oval, somewhat retuse at base, serrulate ; aments ob- long, exceedingly villous. This is a small tree which grows in wet places, and is known in some parts of the country un- der the name of pussy-willow, probably from the fur-like appearance of the aments, which appear in the early spring. The scales of both the barren and fertile aments, are covered with long, smooth silken hairs, thickly set, so as to give them the appearance of wool, or fur. In the barren aments, each scale has two long yel- low anthers ; hence the flowers are diandrous or two-stamened. The fertile aments are the longest, and each scale produces an oblong, ta- pering, downy germ. The leaves are oval, ob- long, and nearly entire. They do not appear until several weeks after the aments. Some- times the two trees bearing the different aments, are near each other, and sometimes not. GLOSSARY OF TERMS USED IN BOTANY. A, in composition, signifies wanting, or without, as acaulis, without a stem. Abortive. Producing no fruit. Ex. Snowball. Abrupt. Terminating suddenly, as if cut off, as in the root of Bloodroot. Abruptly -pinnate. Wanting the odd terminal leaf. Ex. Cassia Mary land ica, (Senna.) Acerose. Stiff and slender with a sharp point. Ex. Leaves of the pine. * Achlamydeous. Flowers without calyx or corolla. Ex. Wil- low, Birch. Acicular. Needle-shaped. Acinaciform. Scimetar-shaped. Linear, sharp edged and crooked. Acinus. One of the protuberances in a compound berry. Ex. Rubus vilosus, (Blackberry.) Acotyledonous. Having no cotyledons or seed-lobes. Ex. Mushrooms. Aculeate. Prickly. Ex. Rose bush. Aculeus. A prickle growing to the bark, but not to the wood. Ex. Rose bush, Fig. 127. Acuminate. Ending in an extended sharp point. Ex. Urtica dioica, (Common Nettle,) Fig. 72. Acute. Ending in a sharp point, but less extended than acu- minate. Ex. Leaves of Asclepias, (Milk-weed.) Adelphous. Brotherhood. Applied to plants whose stamens are united by their filaments. Ex. Pea, Mallows. Adnatc. Adhering to a thing. Anthers are called adnate, when they adhere to the filaments by their whole length, 19* ( 221 ) 222 GLOSSARY OF Adult. Full grown. An adult plant is one that has obtain* ed its full size. ^Estivation. Pnefloration. The manner in which the floral envelopes are arranged before they expand. Agglomerated. Collected into a head. Crowded together. Ex. Cauliflower. Aggregated. Collected together, as when many flowers grow on the same receptacle, not compound. Ex. Armeria. (Thrift:) Alated. Winged. Ex. Seeds of the Maple. Albumen. The tough substance surrounding the embryo of certain seeds. Ex. Reseda, (Mignonette.} Albuminous. Partaking of the nature of albumen. Algce. An order of Cryptogamous plants, including the Sea- weeds. Alternate. Placed one after the other. The leaves of the Asters are alternate. Alveolate. Like a honey-comb. Applied to the involucre of certain plants. Ex. Borkhausia. Ament. A catkin. A certain mode of inflorescence. Ex. Chestnut, Birch. Amplexicaul. Clasping the stem. The leaf joins the stalk without a petiole. Ex. Aster amplexicaulis. Ancipital. Two-edged. Androgynous. Producing both barren and fertile flowers on the same plant. Ex. Indian corn. Angulo-dentate. Angularly toothed. Ex. Lapsania, (Nip- plewort.} Annual. Living but one year, in which time it produces flower and seed. Ex. Cucumber. Anther. That part of the stamen which contains the pollen very apparent in the lilies, Fig. 7. Annulations. Rings or circles. Anterior. Growing before, or in front, as the anterior seg- ments of a leaf. Antiseptic. Efficacious against putrefaction. Ex. Artemi- sia, (Wormwood.) Apetalous. Without petals. Ex. Saururus. Apex. The extremity or summit generally terminating in a point. Aphyllous. Without leaves. Ex. Saltwort. Appressed. Pressed close upon something else. When hnirs lie close to the surface of a leaf they are said to be appressed. BOTANICAL TERMS. 223 Apterous. Without wings or membranous margins. Ex. The radical flowers of Poly gala Rubella. Arachnoid, Resembling a spider's web. Aquatic. Growing in the water. Ex. Pond Lily. Arborescent. Tree-like Approaching in size to that of a tree. Ex. Cornus Florida, (Dogwood) Arillus. An appendage adhering to the hilum of certain seeds. Aristate. Bearded. Ex. Barley. Armed. Furnished with thorns or prickles. Ex. Thorn- bush, Green Briar. Aroma. The aromatic or spicy quality of plants. Ex. Mint, Sassafras. Articulated. Jointed. The place where one part is joined to another. Many of the grasses have articulated culms. Arundinaceous. From arundo, a reed. Resembling reeds, or large grasses. Ascending. Rising somewhat obliquely from the ground. Attenuated. Diminishing. Growing thin, or slender. Auriculate. Furnished with appendages or projections re- sembling ears. Ex. Jasminum ariculatum. Awn. The rough beard, or bristle in the flowers of the grasses. Awned. Having awns. Axis. Centre of vegetation, as the pith of vascular plants. The Cryptogamia and Endogenous plants have many of them no a^xis. Banner. The upper and largest petal in papilionaceous flowers. Ex. Pea, Bean. Barren. Producing no fruit. Containing stamens, without pistils. Bell-shaped. Campanulate. A short tube, rounded at the base, and wide at the brim. Ex. Bell-flower. Berry. A succulent fruit with the seed imbedded in the sub- stance. Ex. Phytolacca decandria, (Poke,) Orange. Bicuspidate. Ending in two points. Biennial. Living two years, during the second of which the flower and seeds are produced. Ex. Beet, Turnip. Bifid. Two-cleft; nearly divided into two parts. Biocular. Having two cells, Fig. 37. Bipinnate. Doubly winged. When both the leaf and its subdivisions are winged. Ex. Honey Locust, Fig. 91. 224 GLOSSARY OF Biternate. Twice ternate. The petiole bearing three ternate leaves. Ex. Fumaria lutea, (Fumitory,) Fig. 84. Bivalve. Two-valved. Ex. Pea-pod. Border. The edge or spreading part of the corolla. Brachiate. Branches opposite, like the arms, each pair cross- ing those below, or alternately crossing each other, Fig. 106. Bract. Floral leaf. This is placed near the flower, and differs from the other leaves. Ex. Bartsia coccinea, (Painted Cup) Bristle. Rigid hairs. Not prickly. Bulbous. Having bulbs, or globular protuberances, as the Tulip root, Fig. 118. Bulbs, tinder ground buds, or roots consisting of scales lying one over the other. Ex. Onion. Some of the Lily tribe bear bulbs in the axils of their leaves. Ex. Lilium bulbosum. Caducous. Falling off early ; sooner than deciduous. Ex. Calyx of the poppy. Ccespitose. Grass-like, forming little tufts. Ex. Pink, Thrift. Calcarate. Spurred, or spur-shaped. Ex. Larkspur. Calyciform. Shaped like a calyx. Calyculated. Furnished with an additional outer calyx. Ex. Hibiscus. Calyptra. Literally an extinguisher. The cap which tips the theca of a moss. Calyptrate. Having a covering resembling an extinguisher. Calyx. The outer and lower portions of a flower, commonly of a green color. Ex. Pink, Fig. 1. Campanulate. Shaped like a bell, Fig. 16. Canescent. Whitish. Hoary. Canaliculate. Having channels or furrows. Capillary. Very slender, resembling hair. Capitate. Growing in small heads, Ex. Trefoil, (Clover) Fig. 35. Capituli. Little heads. Ex. Reseda, (Mignonette) Carina. A keel like that of a boat ; also the two lower petals of papilionaceous flowers. Ex. Pea, Bean. Carinate. Keel-shaped. Ex. Urticularia minor, (Bladder- wort) Carious. Decaved. BOTANICAL TERMS. 225 Carminitive. Stomachic substances, which relieve pain. Ex. Peppermint, Caraway. Carnose. Fleshy in substance. Carpella. The small parts of which compound fruits are formed. Ex. Actinocarpus. Carpologij. The science which treats of the structure of fruits and seeds. Catkin. See Ament. Caudate. Tailed, having a tail-like appendage. Caude'x. The upper part of the root whence the stalk springs. Caulescent. Having a true stem which bears leaves. Ex. Hibiscus. Cauline. Growing on a stem. Cell. A cavity or compartment, generally applied to a cap- sule or seed-vessel, Fig. 37. Cellulares. The second division of Lindley's system of plants, having cells but not spiral vessels. Ex. Mushrooms. Cellular. Made up of little cells. Ex. Stem of the Eriocaulon. Cephalic. Good for the head. Cernuous. Nodding or drooping. Ex. Geum rivale, ( Water avens.) Chalaza. A spot on the seed, indicating the spot where the vessels of the raphe terminated. Chaffy. Made of membranes like chaff. Ex. Gnaphalium, (Life Everlasting?) Cilicle. Fringed with hairs, like the eye-lashes. Ex. Lope- zia cordata. Cinerous. Ash-colored ; grey. Ex. Grevillia cinerea. Cirrhose. Tendrilled, having claspers. Ex. Gourd, Gloriosa. Clasping. Partly surrounding the stalks, as the leaves of Garden Lettuce. Clavate. Club-shaped. Largest at the top. Ex. Pedicels of Actea rubra. Claw. The narrow part of the petal, where it is attached. Ex. Pink, Fig. 21. Cleft. Divided less than half way. Mostly applied to the calyx. Coadnate. Uniting, or adhering at the base. Colored. Some color different from green, the usual color of plants. Compound. Used in botany to express the union of several things in one: thus a compound flower consists of many small florets, or simple flowers; a compound umbel is made up of several smaller umbels, &c, 226 GLOSSARY OF Compressed. Pressed together; flattened. Cone. The fruit of the Pine tribe, Fig. 49. Conglomerate. Crowded together in a spherical form. Connate. Joined together at the base. Ex. Triosteum per- foliatum, Fig. 101. Connivent. Converging, or approaching each other. Ex. Datura ferox. Contorted. Twisted. Bent from the ordinary position. Corculum. The germ or embryo of the future plant, con- tained in the seed commonly between the cotyledons. Ex. Garden Bean. Cordate. Heart-shaped. Ex. Leaves of the Aster macro- phyllus, Fig. 5'7. Coriaceous. Resembling leather. Thick and tough. Ex. Leaves of the Chionanthes Virginica, (Virginian Fringe-Tree.) Corneous. Horny. Having the consistence of horn. Corniculate. Horn-shaped. Corolla. The delicate colored part of the flower, on which its beauty generally depends. It \& the second covering of the bud within the calyx. See p. 18, Fig. 2. Cortical. Belonging to the bark. Corymb. A raceme or panicle, in which the stalks of the lower flowers, being longest, the whole is nearly flat on the top. Ex. Achillea, (Yarrow,) Fig. 40. Corymbose. Formed after the manner of a corymb. Costce. Literally ribs ; applied by botanists, sometimes to the midrib of the leaf, and sometimes to any projecting round elevations, having the same direction as the axis of the fruit. Costate. Ribbed. Cotyledons. Seed-leaves or seed-lobes. The fleshy parts of seeds, well known in the Bean, as the two halves which are separated in the act of sprouting, and rise above the ground. Crenate. Notched, or scalloped, the divisions being rounded. Ex. Glechoma herderacea, (Gill) Crenulate. Full of notches. Crest. Applied to some elevated appendage terminating a particular organ : a stamen is crested when the filament projects beyond the anther. Cruciform. Having four petals placed like a cross. A flower is cruciform, or cruciate, when four equal petals are placed opposite to each other at right angles. Ex. Cab- bage, Fig. 23. BOTANICAL TERMS. 227 Crystalline. Resembling crystals. Ex. Mesembryanthemum lanceolata. Cryptogamous. Belonging to the Cryptogamia, the last of the Linnaean classes, and in which neither stamens nor pistils are visible. Ex. Fern, (Polypod.) Fig. 104. Cucullate. Hooded, or cowled. Ex. Spathe of the Arum triphyllum, (Indian Turnip?) Cucurbitaceous. Gourd, or melon-like. Culm. The stem of Grasses, and similar plants. Ex. Wheat, Fig. 109. Culmiferous. Producing culms. Cultrate. Shaped like a pruning-knife. Cunate. Wedge-shaped. Cuspidate. Having a sharp straight point, Fig. 73. Cuticle. The outer skin or epidermis. Cut-toothed. Cut and toothed at the same time. Cyathiform. Cup-shaped. Formed like a wine-glass. Ex. Narcissus pulchellus. Cylindrical. Cylinder-shaped ; round but not tapering. Ex. Salicornia radicans. Cyme. A mode of inflorescence in which the flower-stalks rise from the same point, but are afterwards variously subdivided. Ex. Scirpus lacustris. Decagynous. Having ten styles. Ex. Phytolacca decandria, (Poke.) Decandrous. . Having ten stamens. Ex. Plants of the 10th Class, as Kalmia, Pyrolla. Deciduous. Falling off. It means later than Caducous. All plants which shed their leaves at autumn are called de- ciduous, and are thus distinguished from evergreens. Declinate. Tending downwards. Ex. Stamens of the Rho- dodendron maximum. Decompound. Twice compound. A leaf is decompound when it is twice pinnated. Ex. Cassia, Mimosa. Decorticated. Disbarked. When the bark is wanting. Decumbent. Lying down, or leaning on the ground. Ex. Lespedeza prostrata. Decurrent. When the edge of the leaf runs down the stem. Ex. Many of the Thistles. Decursive. Having a tendency to run down. Decussating. Crossing each other in pairs. Ex. Bidens cry- santhemoides. Deflected. Bent to one side. 228 GLOSSARY OF Dehiscent. Gaping or opening. Applied to the opening of capsules, or the mode in which they discharge their seeds. Ex. Columbine. The capsule of the Poppy is indehis- cent, discharging its seeds by orifices. Deltoid, or Delta-leaved. Shaped like the Greek Delta /\ Ex. Prenanthes alba. Dentate. Toothed, having the margin divided into incisions resembling teeth. Ex. Veronica acuta, Fig. 46. Dentate-sinuate. Toothed and scalloped. Ex. Gerardia flava. Denticulate. Minutely toothed. Dentures. Teeth. The sharp points which separate the notches of leaves. Depressed. Pressed in at top, or flattened. Ex. Capsule of the Poppy. Diadelphous. Having the stamens united into two parcels. Ex. Pea, Bean, see p. 158. Diandrous. Having two stamens. Ex. Collinsonia. Dichotomous. Forked. A stem that ramifies in pairs. Dicoccous. Having two cocci, grains, or seeds. Dicotyledonous. Having two cotyledons. Ex. Bean. Didynamous. Belonging to the class Didynamia; charac- terized by two long and two short stamens and a ringent corolla. Ex. Hyssop, Mint. Digitate. Finger-shaped. When the leaf is composed of five parts all distinct and uniting on the same petiole. Ex. Panax quinquefolium. Digynons. Having two styles. Ex. Gerardia. Dicecious. Having barren flowers on one plant and fertile ones on another. Ex. Willow. Discoid. Applied to compound flowers, when there is no ray, the centre being filled with florets. Resembling a disk. Dissepiment. The partitions by which a capsule is divided. Distichous. Growing in two opposite rows or ranks. Ex. Leaves of the Lily and Iris. Divaricate. Growing in a straggling manner. Ex. Veronica pinnatta. Also, diverging so as to turn backwards. Dodecandrous. Having twelve stamens. Ex. Agrimony. Divergent. Spreadingiwidely from a centre. Dolabriform. Axe or hatchet-shaped. Dorsal. Growing on the back. Drupe. A succulent fruit, or rind, containing a bony nut or stone in the centre. Ex. Cherry, Fig. 42. BOTANICAL TERMS. 229 Drupaceous. Resembling or bearing drupes. Echinate. Beset with prickles. Hedge-hog like. Ex. Ana- omum subulatura. Elliptic. Oval ; as the leaves of Magnolia glouca. Elongated. Exceeding a common or average length. Emarginate. Having a notch in the end. Ex. Canna coc- cinea. Embryo. The same as corculum. Enneandrous. With nine stamens. Ensiform. Sword-shaped; two-edged; as the leaves of Iria versicolor. Entire. Even and whole at the edge ; as the leaves of Rhus vernix. Equitant. Edges of the leaves alternately lapping over each other. Ex. Iris. Ephemeral. Lasting but a day. Epidermis. See Cuticle. Epigynous. Above the germen. Eroded. Appearing as if gnawed at the edge. Esculent. Eatable. Evergreen. Remaining fresh through the winter. Not deci- duous. Ex. Kalmia. Exserted. Projecting or extending out of the flower or sheath. Endogenous. Increasing on the inside. Ex. Cane. Exogenous. Increasing on the outside. Ex. Oak. Falcate. Sickle-shaped. Linear and crooked. Farina. The pollen. Also meal or flower. Farinaceous. Mealy. Fascicle. A bundle. Ex. Sweet William. Fascicled, or fasciculate. Collected in bundles. Fastigiate. Flat topped. Ex. Aster umbellata. Favose. Resembling a honey-comb. Ft rns. An order of Cryptogamous plants bearing the fructi- fication commonly on the back of the leaf, or in spikes, made up of minute capsules opening transversely. Ex. Polypody, (Polypod.) Fertile. Containing perfect pistils and yielding fruit. Filiform. Thread-like or very slender. Fimbriate. Finely divided at the edge like fringe. Ex. Orchis fimbriata. 20 230 GLOSSARY OF Fistulous. Hollow or tubular. Ex. Eupatorium verticilla- turn. Flabelliform. Spreading like a fan. FlagelUform. Like a whip-lash, Flexuous. Serpentine or zigzag. Floral-leaf. See Bracte. Floral envelopes. The calyx, bractae, and corolla, which en- velope the inner parts of the flower. Foot-stalk. The stalk of either flower or leaf. Ex. Aster. Floret. A little flower. One in an aggregate or compound flower. Floscular. A floret in a compound flower which is tubular, not ligulate. Follicle. A seed-vessel which opens lengthwise, or on One side only; as mApocynum androscemi folium. Fig. 41. Frond. The leaf of a cryptogamous plant. Ex. Fern. Fructification. The flower and fruit with their parts. Frutescent. Becoming shrubby. Fruticose. Shrubby. Fugaceous. Lasting only for a short time. Fungi. The order of a cryptogamous plant to which the Mushrooms belong. Fungous. Growing rapidly and preternaturally, with a soft texture like the fungi. Ex. Mushrooms, (Toad-stools^) Funnel-shaped. Tubular at bottom and gradually expanding at top; as the flowers of Datura stramonium. Fulvous. Yellow; fox-colored. Furfuraceous. Resembling bran. Fusiform. Spindle-shaped. When a root is large at top and tapers downwards as in the Carrot and Radish. Galls. Excrescences caused by the bite of an insect. Ex. Oak galls. Gemmaceous. Belonging to a bud. Made of the scales of a bud. Generic. Belonging to a genus. Geniculate. Bent like a knee. Genus. A family of plants agreeing in their flower and fruit. Germ. The lower part of the pistil, which afterwards be- comes the fruit. Germination. The sprouting of a seed. Gibbous. Swelled out, commonly on one side. Glabrous. Smooth as it regards hairiness or pubescence. Ex. Kalmia, BOTANICAL TERMS. 231 Gland. A small roundish appendage, apparently performing some function of secretion or excretion. Ex. Moss Rose. Glandular pubescence. Hairs tipped with little heads or glands. Glaucous. Sea-green. Pale bluish green. Glume. The scales, valves, or chaff, which make the calyx and corolla of grasses. Ex. The Oat. Fig. 12. Glutinous. Adhesive, viscid, covered with an adhesive fluid. Ex. Salvia Glutinosa. Gramina. Grasses and grass-like plants. Ex. Wheat. Gramineous. Resembling grasses. Granular. Formed of grains, or covered with grains. Gymnospcrmoux. Having naked seeds. Ex. Mint. Gynandrous. Having the stamens growing on the pistils, Ex. Ladies' slipper. Gyrose. Turning round like a crook. Habit. The general external appearance of a plant by which it is known at sight. Halberd-shaped. -See Hastate. Hastate. Shaped like a halberd. It differs from arrow-shaped in having the barbs or lateral portions more distinct and divergent. Ex. Prenanthes alba. Head. A dense round collection of flowers, which are nearly sessile. Ex. Clover. Helmet. The concave upper lip of a labiate flower. Ifeptandrous. Having seven stamens. Ex. Trientalis. Herb. All that portion of a plant which is not included in the root, or fructification ; as the stem, leaves,