50 
 F5 
 
 UC-NRLF 
 
 B 3 fl^D D70 
 

THE LIBRARY 
 
 OF 
 
 THE UNIVERSITY 
 OF CALIFORNIA 
 
 PRESENTED BY 
 
 PROF. CHARLES A. KOFOID AND 
 MRS. PRUDENCE W. KOFOID 
 
. 
 
 o_ , 
 
 L FIRST STEPS 
 
 TO THE 
 
 BRITISH FLORA: 
 
 ARRANGED ACCORDING TO 
 
 THE NATURAL SYSTEM. 
 
 BY THE AUTHOR OF " WILD FLOWERS AND 
 THEIR TEACHINGS," &C. 
 
 "Some make acquaintanceship with plants and flowers, 
 And happy grow in telling all their names." 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 WERTHEIM AND MACINTOSH, 
 
 24, PATERNOSTER Row. 
 
FLORAL NAMES. 
 
 " What emblems shall I choose for ye, 
 
 From Flora's crown?" 
 
 The Daisy, for my Margaret fair, 
 Blue-bellbest twines in Ellen's hair, 
 Hearf s-ease for one without a care, 
 
 To ruffle his young brow. 
 
 The Rose for Fanny's smiling cheek, 
 The "Wall-flower each true friend must seek,- 
 Whilst Violet, and Lily, speak, 
 
 Of happy, " Bygone hours." 
 
 And oh ! when bloom and smiles shall fade,- 
 When Earthly hopes in dust are laid, 
 May all, in Heavenly Robes array' d, 
 
 Again bloom, and for ever ! 
 
F5 
 
 IN MANY A RAMBLE FOR 
 'WILD FLOWERS,' 
 
 THIS LITTLE VOLUME IS 
 
 M365106 
 
"And for our encouragement in this study, observe what 
 the Psalmist saith, ' The works of the Lord are great, sought 
 out of all them that have pleasure therein.' " RAY. 
 
 "We hail that joy which is felt in the pursuit of these 
 occupations, as a sacred gift, which may be compared to the 
 rain from Heaven, sent for the benefit of all ; for increasing 
 the temporal welfare both of the just, and of the unjust ; for 
 procuring blessings equally to the good and to the evil ; but 
 which the former only know how thoroughly to appreciate, 
 and to apply to the highest and best advantages." 
 
 REV. PROFESSOR HENSLOW. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 As the best authorities have been consulted for the 
 botanical information given in this little work, it is 
 hoped that, (however deficient in other respects) it 
 will be found an useful guide to the beginner in the 
 study of the Natural System of Botany. 
 
 One who had full opportunity for observing the ad- 
 vantage this study was to the mind, asserts that, 
 "Mathematics do not more effectually strengthen and 
 discipline the judgment, than does the study of Na- 
 tural History " . . . . teaching, " the art of thinking 
 clearly and accurately, with a much less degree of 
 weariness to the mind, <fec."* 
 
 * "This search into Nature produces also, a highly bene- 
 ficial influence on the understanding. Mathematics do not 
 more effectually strengthen and discipline the judgment. By 
 a continual analysis, comparison and generalization of things, 
 the study of Natural History teaches the art of thinking 
 clearly and accurately, and of reasoning with precision and 
 force, with a much less degree of weariness, than that, which 
 usually accompanies the study of simple quantities and mere 
 abstract forms." " Naturalists' Poetical Companion" by a 
 Fellow of the Linnean Society. 
 
Vi. PREFACE. 
 
 In accordance with these views, the system has been 
 more closely followed, and classification and comparison, 
 more carefully carried out, than some may deem ne- 
 cessary in these " First Steps " for the young. 
 
 A habit of close investigation and analysis, will 
 not only best open the mind for the study of Natural 
 History ; but may supply the place of Euclid with be- 
 nefit to the health, at least, of the delicate girl, and be 
 taken in turn with deeper studies, to the improvement 
 of the stronger mind also. 
 
 For th^re is yet another and higher benefit resulting 
 from this study, which is so well described by one* 
 whose writings give such frequent evidence of its happy 
 influence over his own mind, that, in conclusion, a pas- 
 sage from his works shall be given, which will best 
 commend it to all. 
 
 " Whilst we study the works of Nature, the God of 
 Nature will manifest himself to us ; since to a well- 
 tutored mind, ' The Heavens ' without a miracle, 
 ' declare his glory, and the firmament showeth his 
 handy work.' " 
 
 * Bishop Home. 
 
 IPSWICH, Nov. 1854. 
 
INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 
 
 Oh Nature's simple, unperverted child, 
 For thee I write, and crave a friend in thee ! 
 Come, hand in hand with me her ways explore, 
 
 Mark'd by the year's beginning, growth, decline : 
 What hinders, but we draw of thoughts a store, 
 
 Pleasant and good, from that abundant mine ? 
 But oft to pause, forget not ; and adore, 
 
 By nature's works reveal' d, the Cause Divine ! 
 
 BP. MANT. 
 
 AND will my dear companions to the field and wood, 
 now make some excursions with me up the Hill of 
 Botany? A somewhat difficult hill to mount, at 
 times, perhaps : but I can promise that we shall find 
 all our favorite flowers there, and, in appearance, 
 far more beautiful than we have ever seen them 
 
Vlll. INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 
 
 yet. Displaying new wonders curious forms, and 
 valuable properties, we could never have imagined 
 
 And when the path is very rugged, and we are 
 weary, we can sit down, and refresh ourselves with 
 pleasant chat, and sweet poetry about the flowers ; 
 poetry which I hope you will like to learn by heart ; 
 and then pleasant thoughts will be associated with the 
 flowers, wherever you may meet them. 
 
 Some of you were very fond (in younger days) 
 of pulling to pieces your toys, or any stray article 
 that came in your way, to see how they were made, 
 or what they contained: Flowers are scattered 
 thickly around you, pull them to pieces, and see 
 what curious and beautiful things were there hidden 
 from view ! Such wonderful little boxes, full of seeds 
 of every shape and color ! Such elegant vases and 
 cups, bowls, and salvers. Such tasty bags, baskets, 
 and purses ! And oh ! the beautiful little Cornucopias, 
 with their ripe fruit just ready to fall into your hand ! 
 Then there are elegant little chandeliers, and crosses : 
 
INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. IX. 
 
 magnificent crowns and coronets ; light and graceful 
 plumes of feathers, tufts, and crests ; needles, hooks, 
 buttons, and threads ; such fine, silvery thread, as 
 only fairies could work with. And there are fairy 
 birds to be discovered, concealed amidst the flowers, 
 and bird's feet, as red as those of the beautiful white 
 Dove ! All these things, and many more, equally 
 wonderful and curious, we shall discover, by the aid of 
 our Lens, as we travel up the " Hill of Botany." 
 And so numerous, and widely scattered are these 
 wonders, that should we make daily excursions 
 through a long period of years, something new would 
 yet arise, to call forth our admiration, and to encou- 
 rage farther research. 
 
 u "Where'er we search, the scene presents, 
 Wonders to charm th' admiring sense, 
 
 And elevate the mind : 
 Nor even blooms a single spray, 
 That quivers in departing day, 
 Or turns to meet the morning ray, 
 
 But speaks a Power Divine." S. H. 
 
X. INTBODUCTOBY ADDRESS. 
 
 And " every spray, speaks " of a Gracious, Loving 
 Heavenly Father too, who scatters, thus profusely, 
 all these treasures for our continual enjoyment ! 
 Treasures that can call forth feelings of joyful delight, 
 in days of health and happiness, and soothe and 
 cheer us in days of sickness, sorrow, and anxiety : 
 whilst studying God's beautiful works, 
 
 " Past griefs are for awhile forgot, 
 And joy smiles again." 
 
 In former rambles we provided ourselves with a 
 basket, and tin box, to hold our flowers ; we must 
 now add a pair of forceps, a lens, a penknife, and a 
 large needle ; that we may dissect our specimens, and 
 examine every part ; for the smallest parts of the 
 flower are often the most curious and beautiful when 
 examined through the lens, or microscope ; and in the 
 " Natural System of Botany," the formation of a seed, 
 or arrangement of the stamens, are very important 
 particulars. 
 
 Although this book will only help to guide you 
 
INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. XL 
 
 on part of your way, I hope it will lead you to examine 
 carefully, and to understand fully, each flower that 
 you examine by it. For then, you will soon be able 
 to turn to a work describing every British Plant, 
 for information respecting other plants. 
 
 It is to Sir William Hooker's "British Flora,"* that 
 I am most gratefully indebted for all the Botanical 
 descriptions this volume contains ; and in that work 
 you will find every plant so fully described, and 
 arranged in such beautiful order, that you can learn 
 from its pages, the name and character of every plant 
 you meet with in your rambles. 
 
 Do not shrink from a few difficulties at the com- 
 mencement of this study ; remember the time when 
 you began to learn music, how difficult that study 
 appeared ; and how many months passed before you 
 could play one sweet air perfectly ; but you persevered, 
 and how very easy does that first air now appear to 
 you. The study of plants (as well as of all God's 
 
 * The British Flora arranged according to the Natural System 
 by Sir W. Hooker and Dr. Arnott. 
 
xil. INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 
 
 beautiful works) gives pleasure and interest, each step 
 we take : from the early Spring walk, in search of the 
 " Lesser Celandine," to the close of Summer, and its 
 beautiful and delicate " Grass of Parnassus." 
 
 And you, who are fond of sitting with a Crochet- 
 book before you, puzzling out a new stitch with such 
 persevering industry ; or, who spend hours over your 
 wool-work, crossing stitches so patiently ; I would 
 entreat you to give some of those hours at least, to 
 healthful rambles up the Hill of Botany ; where you 
 are refreshed and strengthened by the pure air, and 
 invigorating breezes, whilst applying to a study, 
 which will give you far higher and more lasting 
 enjoyment, than any fancy needle-work can ever 
 yield. 
 
 " God made the flowers to beautify 
 The earth, and cheer man's careful mood, 
 And he is happiest, who hath power, 
 To gather wisdom from a flower, 
 And wake his heart in every hour, 
 
 To pleasant gratitude." WORDSWORTH. 
 
INTBODUCTOBY ADDBESS. Xlll. 
 
 To dry a specimen of each flower you study, will 
 prove an amusement of increasing interest ; and the 
 arrangement of such specimens on paper, with their 
 names, orders, and the peculiar character of the 
 plants written helow, will aflford pleasant occupation 
 for winter months ; keeping summer and its flowers, 
 still in view. And what pleasant memorials they will 
 be, years hence, of many a delightful ramble, and of 
 beautiful scenery, where those flowers were blooming 
 fresh around you. 
 
 I will give directions for drying Plants, with the 
 best method for preserving their colors, at the end 
 of this volume. If you can discover any way of fixing 
 their colors when dried, more effectually, I hope you 
 will communicate the result of your experiments : 
 for there, is the difficulty yet to be surmounted. If 
 you have any taste for drawing, what pleasure you 
 will find in drawing flowers from nature ; dissecting 
 them, and giving each part its botanical name : what 
 is thus engraven on the memory can scarcely ever be 
 forgotten. 
 
XIV. INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. 
 
 To make a collection of leaves, of different forms, 
 depriving them of their outer coat, and leaving only 
 their beautiful network of nerves and veins, To sow 
 seeds in sand, and observe the first growth of the 
 Embryo plant, To grow cuttings of plants (or even 
 of a single leaf of some plants) in a vial of water, 
 where you can observe the growth of the young 
 rootlets, To grow mustard and cress-seed in a plate, 
 and an oak-tree in a bottle! afford a variety of in- 
 teresting amusement, ever leading to the discovery of 
 something new, and yet, leaving something new to 
 be discovered : 
 
 " For every green herb, from the Lotus to the Darnel, 
 Is rich with delicate aids, to help incurious man." 
 
 But I must now explain to you, the purport of this 
 little work ; which is, to teach you, as simply as I can, 
 the classing of plants ; giving you such botanical 
 descriptions as will make you familiar with the name 
 of every part of a plant, with the character of 
 each family of plants, and with the terms used in 
 Botany. 
 
INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. XV. 
 
 And when you have examined and studied bota- 
 nically, all the plants you are acquainted with ; 
 when you are thus far advanced, what pleasure you 
 will enjoy in the discovery of a new plant ! However 
 insignificant it might appear to one who only looked 
 for beauty in a flower, it will be to you an object of 
 delightful interest ; and probably be found to possess 
 some beauty of structure, or valuable property, which 
 a closer examination alone, could enable you to discover 
 or admire. 
 
 " For wonderful indeed are all His works, 
 Pleasant to know, and worthiest to be all 
 Had in remembrance, always with delight." MILTON. 
 
 June, 1853. 
 
ERRATA. 
 
 Page 7, line 7, for " 1000," read " 2000." See note a, p. 138. 
 Page 30, for " Helebore," read "Hellebore." 
 
BERKELEY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF 
 CALIFORNIA 
 
 BIOLOGY 
 LIBRARY 
 
CL.I.DICOTYLEDONSOR EJfOCENS. 
 
 \ ' LOW I: R I r 
 
 CL2.MONOCOTyLEDONSQR ENDOCtNS 
 
 CL.3 ACOTYLEDONS OR CELLULARES 
 
 FLOWERLF -.S PLANTS 
 
EXPLANATION OF PLATE I. 
 
 A. 1. EMBRYO PLANTS, with 
 two COTYLEDONS. (C.C.) 
 Plumule, Leaves, Radicle, 
 Fibres, Testa. (Pea and 
 French Bean seeds). 
 
 2. STEM, (cut transversely). 
 Bark outside, Wood with- 
 in, Pith in centre. Me- 
 dullary Rays extend from 
 Pith to Bark. 
 
 3. LEAVES, with branched 
 nerves, and netted veins, 
 (a. Caltha, c. Petiole, b; 
 Wall-flower, d. Stem). 
 
 4. FLOWERS arranged in a 
 Quinary or Quarternary 
 manner, (or multiples of 
 those numbers), (c Ce- 
 landine, f Enchanter's 
 Nightshade, g. Mallow, 
 h. Violet, i. Pod of Ce- 
 landine, j Capsule of 
 Poppy, k. Do. of Cam- 
 pion.) 
 
 5. A CORM. (bulbous root 
 of underground Stem.) 
 (Bulbous Crowfoot.) 
 
 7. SPINES. (1. Barberry, d. 
 Stem.) 
 
 B. 1. EMBRYO PLANTS, with 
 one COTYLEDON, Leaf, 
 Radicle, rootlets, Glumes. 
 S. Caryopsis. (fruit), a. 
 Canary, b. Indian Corn. 
 
 2. STEM, (cut transversely). 
 Pith (Cellular tissue) with 
 woody fibre (Vascular tis- 
 sue) in confused bundles. 
 No distinct Bark. 
 
 3. LEAVES with parallel 
 nerves, and transverse 
 veins, (a. Water Plan- 
 tain, b. Grass, c. Solo- 
 mon's Seal). 
 
 4. FLOWERS arranged in a 
 ternary manner, (or their 
 multiples). (d. Orchis, 
 e Flowering Rush. f. 
 Follicles of do. g. Starch 
 Hyacinth Capsules. 
 
 6. BULBS, formed of Leaves 
 around Stem. Tulips, a 
 Tunicated Bulb. Lily, a 
 Scaly Bulb. 
 (Few Plants with Spines.) 
 
 C. 
 
 1. Ferns. 
 2. Horse-tail. 
 3. Club-moss. 
 4. Moss. 
 
 5. Liver-warts. 
 6. Chara. 
 7. Lichens. 
 
 C. 
 
 8. Seaweeds. 
 9. Fungals. 
 10. Do. on Leaves. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF THE THEEE CLASSES. 
 
 The Plant, upspringing from the Seed, 
 
 Expands into a perfect Flower, 
 
 The virgin daughter of the mead, 
 
 Wooed by the sun, the wind, the shower ; 
 
 In loveliness beyond compare, 
 
 It toils not, spins not, knows no care ; 
 
 Trained by the secret hand that brings, 
 
 All beauty out of waste, and rude ; 
 
 It blooms a season, dies, and flings, 
 
 Its germs abroad in solitude." J. MONTGOMERY. 
 
 WE will begin with examining seeds ; for it is from 
 the different formation of them, that all plants are 
 first classed. And we will examine real seeds and 
 plants, whenever it is possible to do so; it is so 
 much more interesting and satisfactory than turning 
 for explanation even to, 
 
 Aught that deftest pencil e'er devised, 
 Of graceful symmetry, or lovely hue ; 
 For " Who can paint like Nature ? " D. L. 
 
 This little work will merely contain such slight 
 sketches as will be sufficiently accurate to guide you 
 
4 DESCRIPTION OF 
 
 to the parts of a plant to be examined, and explain the 
 terms used in Botany. 
 
 JS"ow, take some seeds of Beans, Peas, Scarlet- 
 runners, or Acorns. Soak them in water for a night ; 
 after that, you will find the seed- cover readily slip off, 
 and the seed divide into two parts ; each part is called 
 a Cotyledon, or seed-lobe.* PI. I. A. c. c. 
 
 Take some seeds of a Lily, Indian Corn, Wheat or 
 Grain of any kind ; and soak them in water ; you will 
 find that they will not divide into two parts ; they have 
 but one Cotyledon. PL I. B. c. 
 
 The seeds of all Flowering Plants, are thus formed ; 
 with either two Cotyledons or one Cotyledon ; and are 
 divided accordingly, into two classes, named, 
 
 I. DICOTYLEDONS, (or Exogens,) with two Cotyle- 
 dons. 
 
 II. MONOCOTYLEDONS, (or Endogens,) with one 
 Cotyledon. 
 
 There are a great number of Plants, which are 
 Flowerless, bearing seeds, (called Fruit, in Botany) 
 which have no Cotyledons. They form the Third 
 Class, and are called, 
 
 * For explanations of names and terms, see the " Glossary," 
 at the end of the Vol., for much of which information I am in- 
 debted to Dr. Lindley's u Glossary of Botanical Terms." 
 
THE THREE CLASSES. 5 
 
 III. ACOTYLEDONS, (or Cryptogams).* PI. I. C. 
 
 The First Plate will give the distinguishing cha- 
 racters of these three Classes, which, with farther 
 explanation, will enable you to discover, very easily, 
 to which of the three Classes every plant belongs. 
 
 Now examine the open seed-lobes through your 
 lens ; and you will see the little Embryo Plant (as 
 every young seedling is first called) lying between, 
 and forming a part of them. You can readily dis- 
 tinguish Stem, Leaves, and Root, completely formed. 
 PI. I. A I. 
 
 You cannot distinguish the Cotyledon, or Embryo 
 Plant of the Monocotyledons well, until the seeds 
 begin to grow. Sow some of the seeds you have 
 soaked, in a pot of white sand, (from which they can 
 be separated more readily, than from earth, when you 
 wish to examine them). In a few days you will see 
 the one Cotyledon ; and from that will shoot the 
 Embryo Plant, one narrow leaf, and from its 
 sheathing Stem, another will appear : never two 
 leaves at a time, as we find in all Dicotyledons. PI. 
 I. B I. Here you see another distinguishing character 
 in the two Classes ; and we shall see this difference of 
 structure carried out in every part of the Plants. The 
 
 * Or, as often called, Cellulares. PI. I. 
 
6 DESCRIPTION OF 
 
 First Class has a more complicated, consequently, 
 a more firm, and durable structure than the second. 
 
 We will now examine the Stems, where the more 
 important difference of structure, (the woody fibre) is 
 best seen. 
 
 Cut off a branch, of any tree of our woods or 
 gardens, and you can see the structure of a Dicotyle- 
 donous Stem : we can find no trees of the second Class 
 in this country, except in hot-houses. But a piece 
 of Cane or Bamboo, (of which chairs, and walking- 
 sticks are often made,) will, even in their dry state, 
 show you the formation of a Monocotyledonous Stem 
 very weU. PL I. A 2. B. 2. 
 
 In the First Class, the PITH is in the centre, 
 WOOD around it, and BARK outside. A new layer 
 of Wood is formed on the outside of the old each year : 
 the newest Wood is white, and called Alburnum. The 
 Bark is increased by a succession of layers within the 
 old, the newest Bark being always next to the Albur- 
 num. The MEDULLABY BAYS, connect the Pith with 
 the Bark, and are called the Silver Grain, in wood. 
 
 In the Second Class, the Stem is not increased by a 
 succession of layers on the outside of the old ones ; but 
 consists of Cellular Tissue, in which the woody fibre 
 (Vascular Tissue) is inserted in confused bundles, or 
 
THE THREE CLASSES. 7 
 
 in a single ring ; the newest formation being internal. 
 A Stem of Corn or Grass, will show this structure. 
 The Stem of a Monocotyledonous Plant, has no dis- 
 tinction of Medullary Rays, or Bark: and from this 
 weaker structure, trees of their Class, live a much 
 shorter period than trees of the first Class : many of 
 which can be found more than 1000 years old ; whilst 
 the most venerable of the second Class can scarcely 
 number 300 years. 
 
 Herbaceous Plants, (those Plants which die down 
 to the ground each year,) of the First Class, are more 
 durable than those of the Second, also ; with a few 
 exceptions perhaps. 
 
 We will now compare the LEAVES : hold up some 
 to the light, and you will see their nerves and veins 
 very distinctly. If the leaves have veins which branch 
 and interlace, like net-work, they belong to Plants of 
 the First Class. But if the leaves have nerves which 
 run parallel to each other, and veins which do not 
 interlace ; we know that they must belong to Plants of 
 the Second Class. PI. I. A 3. B 3. 
 
 There are a very few exceptions to this rule, (the 
 Common Arum, is one,) therefore do not decide to 
 which class a plant belongs, by the veining of the 
 leaves alone ; but observe the growth of the Stem and 
 
8 DESCRIPTION OF 
 
 Flower as well. The leaves of the Yew-tree hare 
 but one nerve down the centre ; but we know by the 
 growth of the trunk of the tree, and its branches, that 
 it belongs to the First Class : for Monocotyledons 
 never branch. 
 
 There are a few exceptions also, to the Monocotyle- 
 dons having but one Cotyledon. There is, with some 
 plants, a second Cotyledon, but it is always alternate, 
 and never forming a pair with the first, as is the 
 character of all Dicotyledons 
 
 We shall find a difference of arrangement in the 
 Flowers of the two classes also ; but here too, a few 
 exceptions may be found. 
 
 In the First Class, the different parts of a FLOWER, 
 (Calyx, Petals, Stamens, &c.,) are divided into two, 
 four, or five pieces ; or their doubles, (four, eight, ten, 
 fifteen, twenty, &c.), scarcely ever into three, six, 
 or nine, or their doubles. And in the Second Class, 
 their parts are [divided into three, six, or nine, &c., 
 and scarcely ever in even numbers, or fives. The 
 Flowers are also without any distinct Calyx. PI. I. 
 A 4. B 4. 
 
 Many BOOTS of each Class are too similar, to the 
 unpractised eye, to Jbe any guide ; but the Bulbous 
 Root is so differently formed, that we will examine 
 
THE THREE CLASSES. 9 
 
 some carefully, and we shall soon learn which must 
 belong to the Second Class. Take the Bulb of a 
 Tulip, Lily, or (if you prefer it) an Onion ; cut it 
 down the centre, and you will see that it is formed of 
 a succession of layers, folded closely round, or in loose, 
 fleshy scales, outside. These are formed of Stem and 
 Leaves, and are true Bulbs : always belonging to the 
 Second Class. PI. I. B 6. 
 
 Some Plants of the First Class have BULBOUS 
 BOOTS, formed of Stem, so solid that you cannot 
 distinguish the layers of which it is composed. These 
 Boots are called CORMS. PI. I. A 5. 
 
 We call them Boots, but the real Boots of all Corms 
 and Bulbs, are the fibres which grow out of the lower 
 part of them. 
 
 TRUE BULBS are formed of Leaf-buds, which you 
 will find growing on the Stems of some Lilies, above 
 each Leaf. Set some of these little round buds in a 
 pot of earth, and watch their gradual growth into 
 perfectly formed Bulbs, which Bulbs will in time 
 reward you with Flowers. 
 
 You now know the most important distinctions 
 between the two First Classes. I hope you have been 
 so interested in examining and comparing, as to be 
 able to tell already, in which Class to place a 
 
10 DESCRIPTION OF THE THREE CLASSES. 
 
 Flowering Plant ? just referring to the plate perhaps 
 to refresh your memory. 
 
 Of the Third Class, (which consists of FLOWERLESS 
 Plants, you rememher) ; I will only give the names of 
 the principal orders (PL I. C.) with figures, that may 
 assist you to distinguish them from Flowering Plants, 
 when you meet with them. FERNS are the most 
 likely to puzzle you, when not in fruit, (which fruit, 
 unlike all Flowering Plants, grows on the hack of 
 the Leaf.) But hold some of the leaves to the 
 light, and you will see how differently they are veined : 
 being neither netted nor parallel, hut forked. These 
 minutely formed CRYPTO GAMIC (or Flowerless) Plants, 
 cannot be examined Botanically, without the aid of a 
 Microscope: and even then, it requires much study 
 to distinguish Species. We will therefore not attempt 
 to do more, at present, than look at, and admire the 
 wonderful perfection of form, even of the minutest 
 part: as perfect and interesting as are the lovely 
 Flowers : 
 
 " "Where'er I cast my wandering eyes around 
 The God I seek in eVry object's found, 
 Pursuing thee, the verdant fields I pass, 
 And read thy Name in every blade of grass. 
 Beauty complete, and Majesty Divine, 
 In all thy works, adored Creator, shine." 
 
BERKELEY 
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF 
 
 CALIFORNIA 
 
 _ 
 
 BlOLOGf 
 JJBRARY 
 
SUBCLASS I. THALAMIFLOR/E . 
 
 71.2 
 
 V>1"e- ?,V%- \f X^gsM 
 
 ^,. Mil fcf^f 
 
 - / x 1 ^ \i n A 
 
 , Brooks Lixh . 
 
EXPLANATION OF PLATE II.* 
 
 c. Crowfoot. 
 
 1. Calex. S 
 
 2. Corolla, p. petal. 
 
 3. Nectary. 
 
 6. SECTION of a CROWFOOT. 
 Showing the 4 whorls on the 
 
 Receptacle. 
 
 4. SECTION of a COLUMBINE. 
 showing tlie 4 whorls on 
 the Receptacle. 
 
 5. Pistil and Stamens of a 
 
 CRUCIFORM FLOWER. 
 "W. 2. WALLFLOWER. 7. v. 
 Pod (Siliqua). 7 p. pouch 
 (Silicula.) 
 
 7. PERICARPS. Carpel, follicle, 
 
 c. c. Capsule, berry. Sa- 
 mara. 
 
 8. PISTIL, ovary. s x . style, 
 
 stigma. 
 
 9. AWN (feathered) a. achene 
 (pericarp.) 
 
 10. IMBRICATED BUD. 
 
 1 1 . ScAPE(of Sundew)glands, 
 radical leaves. 
 
 12. RACEME. PANICLE. 
 
 13. Stems, t. with tubercles 
 p. with prickles. 
 
 14. LEAVES. (L lamina the 
 blade, p x . petiole the 
 stalk.) lyrate. ovate, re- 
 niform. peltate, ternate. 
 Palmate (5 lobed) cor- 
 date, (dendate edge.) 
 
 14 s . LEAFLETS. Stipules, ten- 
 dril. 
 
 15. ROOTS, fascicle, fusiform, 
 tuber. 
 
 ANEMONE. INVOLUCHE. 
 
 2 p. Petal of CAMPION, crown 
 
 claw. 
 2 m. MALLOW, (monodel- 
 
 phous stamens ; petal, ob- 
 
 cordate.) 
 
 2 c. CORYDALIS. spur, bracts. 
 
 3 M. Nectary of MONKSHOOD. 
 3 H. Do. of Helebore. 
 
 7 f. FOLLICLE (of COLUM- 
 BINE) dehiscent. 
 
 7 m. CAPSULE of MALLOW. 
 Involucre. 
 
 7 c. p. placenta, d. dissepi- 
 ment. 
 
 * This plate will be more fully explained, and referred to, as the 
 plants figured, are described. 
 
ON THE OEGANS OF PLANTS. 
 
 Succeeding to the vacant room, 
 
 Where nourished late, the painted bloom, 
 
 Strange forms of differing ahape and size, 
 
 The enquiring eye delight, surprise. 
 
 Whether the Capsule's jointed chest, 
 
 Its store, with order just, invest ; 
 
 Whether the Cruciate Flower, his pod, 
 
 Contrast, of figure short and broad ; 
 
 Of ' Shepherd's Purse,' the counterpart 
 
 In shape, of an inverted heart ; 
 
 Or stretch his vessel, slim and tall, 
 
 Like that which clothes the scented Wall; 
 
 In all, boon Nature seems to try, 
 
 Profuse and strange variety. 
 
 All curious to the inquiring mind, 
 
 All apt, to work the end designed ; 
 
 And still, as onward still we range, 
 
 She strikes us with perpetual change. BP. MANT. 
 
 I MUST now explain to you what are called the 
 ORGANS of PLANTS, and the various names, by 
 which they are distinguished. You will be surprised 
 to find that the formation of a single organ, the seed 
 vessel, is so varied, and yet so distinct in character ; 
 that they may be classed, under at least twenty dif- 
 
14 ON THE ORGANS OF PLANTS. 
 
 ferent names. But we will not attempt to learn all at 
 once: but keep to those most generally applied to 
 plants in the First Sub-Class : many, in the other 
 divisions are the same, but in each we shall discover 
 some new forms and character. The most important 
 Organs, are the BOOT, STEM, LEAVES, CALYX, 
 PETALS, STAMENS, PISTIL, FRUIT and SEED. 
 
 In Botany, the term Fruit, means that organ which 
 contains the seed, whether it be good for food, or 
 poisonous : whether it be dry, or soft ; small as the 
 Shepherd's Purse ; or large as a Melon. If it con- 
 tain the Seed, it is the Fruit ; often called a Seed- 
 vessel. Plate I. 4, II. 7. We have examined the 
 Embryo Plant: (composed of Radicle, Plumule and 
 Cotyledons) now sow some seed in sand and watch 
 the growth of that little plant, day by day. See how 
 the Radicle strikes down into the ground, (though the 
 seed may be set the wrong end upwards) and the 
 Plumule will lift its head above ground, for light and 
 air. With many seeds, the Cotyledons rise above 
 ground, and become green leaves ; but with many 
 Dicotyledons, they remain to give nourishment to the 
 root, and then wither away. 
 
 Whilst your Young .Plants are growing, we will 
 collect some that are complete in every part, and ex- 
 
ON THE ORGANS OF PLANTS. 15 
 
 amine all carefully. You will need all your little 
 implements, to do the work neatly and handily, so 
 have forceps, knife, needle, &c. ready. Gather some 
 Buttercups, Anemones, Poppies, Wallflowers, Mallows, 
 Pansies or Campions, and take up root and fibres : we 
 will see the formation of the whole Plant. 
 
 A EOOT, is usually, that part of the Plant which 
 fixes it to the earth, and remains underground. Some 
 Plants, send out Roots from their Stems, which re- 
 main above ground, and fix to whatever they grow 
 against. The Ivy, is one: and there are many others, 
 which strike their roots into other Plants, and feed up 
 them, to the injury of the Plants that nourish them. 
 A Boot has neither leaves nor scales upon it ; but some 
 plants have thick, underground Stems, which are often 
 called Boots; the Potato we eat is a Stem, called a 
 Tuber ; for it has buds of Leaves upon it (called eyes, 
 usually) which will grow into perfect Plants. The 
 real Roots of the Potato are the fibres, growing out 
 of the Stem. PL II. 15 t. Some Plants have under- 
 ground Stems, called Creeping -Roots, which throw 
 out Fibrous-roots at distances, like the Marsh Mari- 
 gold, etc. 
 
 A STEM is that part of the Plant which rises 
 immediately from the Root ; and which bears leaves 
 
16 ON THE ORGANS OF PLANTS. 
 
 and flowers on it. The Stem may become the Trunk 
 of a Tree, with numerous branches, as well as leaves 
 and flowers on it ; or it may be no bigger than the 
 Stem of the Anemone or Violet : if it have leaves on 
 it, it is a Stem. PI. I. d., II. A. 13. 
 
 STALKS on which Flowers only grow, are called 
 PEDUNCLES ; PI. I. 4, e. f. g. h. If the Peduncle 
 bear smaller Stalks with Flowers on them, those stalks 
 are called PEDICILS. PI. I. 4. f. PI. II. 11. 12 E. P. 
 If the Flower-stalk rise immediately from the Crown 
 of the Boot, it is called a SCAPE. The LEAF-STALK 
 is called a PETIOLE, PI. I. 3. 0., PL II. 14. p., if the 
 Petiole bear smaller Stalks with Leaves on them, those 
 Stalks are called PETIOLULES. PL II. pp. 
 
 LEAVES are formed of LAMINA, (the blade) with 
 nerves and veins. Sometimes the Petiole does not 
 terminate with a Leaf, but only the nerves (or midrib) 
 when it is called a TENDRIL. Each different form of 
 Leaf is distinguished by a different name or term, for 
 which I refer you to the Plates and Glossary. 
 
 BRACTS, are little scaly Leaves which grow on the 
 Flower-stalks of some Plants. PL II. C. b. If these 
 Bracts are arranged in a Whorl round the Stem they 
 are called INVOLUCRE ; sometimes having the appear- 
 ance of Leaves, (as in the Anemone, PL II. A. I.) 
 
ON THE ORGANS OF PLANTS. 17 
 
 but whatever grows in a Whorl nearest to the Calyx, 
 is called an Involucre. 
 
 STIPULES are little scaly appendages to the Leaf- 
 stalks, which sometimes have so much the appearance 
 of Leaves (as in the Pea) that you may mistake them 
 for leaves if you do not observe carefully that they 
 proceed from the base of a leaf or leaves. PI. II. 14. S. 
 
 FLOWERS contain the most important organs, and / 
 cannot be examined too closely ; for how wonderful 
 and beautiful is every part. Gather some of the new- 
 blown Flowers of the Plants you have collected around 
 you, and separate each part from the other carefully, 
 beginning with 
 
 The CALYX, which is the outer Whorl of a 
 Flower ; and each division of it is called a SEPAL. 
 PI. II. C 1. S. 
 
 The COROLLA, is the next Whorl within, and each 
 part of that is called a PETAL. PI. II. C. 2. p. 
 
 The NECTARY, is a little tube or pouch within the 
 Corolla, but all flowers have not this organ. PL II. 3. 
 
 The STAMENS, are the next Whorl ; the thread-like 
 part, is the FILAMENT, the thicker part at the top, is 
 the Anther, PI. II. 4. 5. 
 
 The Pistil, or Pistils, form the centre of the Flower, 
 c 
 
18 ON THE ORGANS OF PLANTS. 
 
 and are composed of two, or three parts. The lower 
 part is the OVARY ; the top part is the STIGMA ; and 
 there is often a thinner part between the two, which is 
 called the STYLE. PI. II. 4. 5. 6. and 8. 
 
 But I have not described every part of the beautiful 
 Flowers yet. Do you observe a fine powder on the 
 Anthers ? that is called POLLEN, or FARINA. When 
 the Flower first opens, the Anther has no powder on it, 
 for that is contained within : open an Anther with 
 your needle, and examine it through your lens : it is 
 like a minute Seed-vessel, with its Seed within : and 
 thus carefully protected till required to nourish the 
 young Seeds (called Ovules) in the Ovary. The 
 Stigma conveys this nourishment to the Ovules, 
 without it, they would never be perfected, conse- 
 quently no more plants could be produced. Thus, 
 you see, the smallest organs of the plant the Pistil 
 and Stamens, are the most important. How carefully 
 they are protected, by Petals and Calyx, from rain 
 and dew. When clouds gather, or the dew begins to 
 fall, the Petals fold over the centre part, and in most 
 plants, the Stalk bends down, and the Corolla hangs 
 over the Stamens and Pistils, sheltering them as 
 effectually as a small umbrella would. 
 
ON THE ORGANS OF PLANTS. 19 
 
 " Averse from evening's chilly breeze, 
 How many close their silken leaves, 
 
 To save the Embryo Flower ! 
 As if ambitious of a Name, 
 They sought to spread around, their fame, 
 And bade the Infant Buds proclaim, 
 
 The Parent's valued power." 
 
 But there are some Plants which have not Pistils 
 and Stamens in the same Flower ; the Bryony, 
 Nut, &c. How can the Pollen be conveyed to the 
 Stigma then? you will ask. Another wonderful 
 arrangement will show you how this apparent diffi- 
 culty is remedied. Bees travel from Flower to Flower 
 to collect Pollen, to make into bread, for their young 
 ones to feed upon ; and to procure Nectar, of which 
 to make their honey and wax. Now, when the Bees 
 fly to the Pistil-bearing Flowers, with the Pollen on 
 their legs, no doubt some will fall on to the Stigma ; 
 and thus, it is supplied with as much nourishment as 
 the Ovules require. And now, you see that Bees, 
 who are indebted to the ^Flowers for Nectar and 
 Pollen, are also very useful to the Flowers : and 
 we shall find throughout Nature's works, that each 
 is necessary for the support of another, in some 
 way, 
 
20 ON THE ORGANS OF PLANTS. 
 
 u Each moss, 
 
 Each shell ; each crawling insect holds a rank, 
 Important in the plan of Him who form'd 
 
 This scale of Beings, Holds a rank, which lost, 
 
 Would break the chain, and leave a gap, 
 That Nature' s-self would rue." 
 
 The FRUIT must now be examined ; it is, as you 
 have already learnt, that part of the Plant which con- 
 tains the SEED. 
 
 An OVARY (which forms the lower part of the 
 Pistil) is the Seed-bud, and contains the OVULES, 
 which are the young Seeds. PI. II. 8. o. Ovaries of 
 different Plants, are often very differently formed : 
 and have different names to distinguish them, when 
 they become ripe Fruit. An Ovary is composed of 
 one or more leaves, called CARPELS, folded together 
 by their edges, so as to form a case that will hold the 
 seeds; and so firmly and closely are these Carpels 
 united, that they never split open or apart, till the seeds 
 are quite ripe. Some Carpels remain closed until 
 the seeds begin to grow, and the Carpel withers away. 
 
 An ACHENE, is a Fruit formed of one Carpel, 
 which remains closed. PI. II. 6. c. 9. a. 
 
 A FOLLICLE is formed of one Carpel, which splits 
 open down the inner margin, when ripe. PL II. 4. 
 and 7 f. 
 
ON THE ORGANS OF PLANTS. 21 
 
 A POD is composed of two Carpels, (Carpels are 
 also called Valves). If it is long, it is called a 
 SILIQUA. If a Pod is as short as it is broad, it is 
 called a POUCH, or SILICULA. There are other Pods 
 of another form and name ; which we shall not meet 
 with in the first Sub-class, therefore, will not examine 
 at present. 
 
 These PODS (Siliqua and Silicula) have a thin 
 partition down the centre, (with but few exceptions) 
 that is called the DISSEPIMENT. PL II. 7. p 7. v. d. 
 7 c x. d. And the part to which the Seeds are at- 
 tached, is called the PLACENTA : in all Seed-vessels, the 
 part to which the Seeds or the Ovules are attached, 
 is called the Placenta some Fruits contain several. 
 1. II. 7 c x. p. 
 
 A CAPSULE is composed of more than two Carpels 
 (or Valves). PL I. A 4. j. 4 k. B. 4 g. PL II. 7. c c. 
 
 A BERRY (Bacca) is a pulpy Emit, with the seeds 
 in the pulp. PL II. 7. 6. 
 
 A SAMARA, is a Fruit with a thin, wing-like addi- 
 tion to it. PL II. 7. S. 
 
 PERICARP is the name which applies to the shell, or 
 rind of all Fruits, of every form : and OVARY is the 
 name for all Seed-buds (that is, the young Fruits) ; 
 and all Seeds in the young state are called OVULES. 
 
22 ON THE ORGANS OF PLANTS. 
 
 Some Fruits still bear the name of Carpels, when they 
 are not united into a Capsule, and yet are differerent 
 from an Achene, or Follicle. PI. II. 7 m. 7 AS. 
 
 Now take your knife, and cut across each way 
 different kinds of Seed-vessels ; examine them through 
 the Lens, and you will be able to distinguish each 
 part, and, I hope, understand how the different names 
 are to be applied. 
 
 I have now described every part of a Plant, except 
 the Spines, Prickles, Hairs, and Glands: so often 
 growing from Stems and Leaves. 
 
 SPINES are short, rigid branches, very hard and 
 sharp-pointed. They are formed from the Stem, (of 
 woody-tissue) and cannot be easily broken off. PL 1. 7. 
 
 PRICKLES, are thorns growing from the Bark, and 
 can be separated from it very easily. PL II. 13. p. 
 
 HAIRS are much finer, and named according to 
 their size and quality BRISTLES, DOWN, <fee. 
 
 GLANDS are minute vessels, which contain some 
 fluid. They often have the form of Hairs, but examine 
 them with a microscope, and you will find them to be 
 small tubes, with heads to them. The Stinging 
 Nettle (Urtica) has such Glands, which contain a 
 poisonous juice ; the effects of it, you have often 
 suffered from, I dare say. If only slightly brushed 
 
ON THE ORGANS OF PLANTS. 23 
 
 against, the head of the Gland is knocked off, and the 
 sharp point pierces through your skin, forcing the 
 poisonous juice into you at the same time : it is that 
 poison which causes so much pain. 
 
 All Glands are not poisonous ; the beautiful crimson 
 Glands of the Sundew (PL II. 11. g.) contain a clear 
 liquid which looks like Dew upon the leaves. Some 
 Glands are in the form of small tubercles, as we see in 
 PI. II. 13. t. Of what use these various juices are, to 
 the Plants, or to Insects, is not well understood ; and 
 there are a thousand mysteries in Creation, not yet 
 understood, or fully appreciated. But this is apparent 
 to all who observe them the Infinite Power and 
 Wisdom of the Hand which made them of His great 
 benevolence in scattering in our path, so much that is 
 beautiful and enjoyable, so little of what is hurtful, 
 or that will trouble us on our way. . 
 
 " Though each his Pilgrim path must tread, 
 Where thorns and briers are often spread 
 Yet many a Floweret in its bloom, 
 Flings o'er this path its rich perfume ; 
 And many a spot of brightest green, 
 To gem the wilderness is seen. 
 
 * * * * * * * * 
 And God, who bade, with Power Divine, 
 The thorn to pierce the weeds to grow, 
 He also gave the Sun to shine, 
 He also gave the Rose to blow." PRIVATE LIFE. 
 
METHOD OF CLASSING PLANTS. 
 
 Plants are divided into 3 CLASSES. "| 
 
 I. DICOTYLEDONS (Exogens) have Both have 
 
 2 Cotyledons. J> Cellular, and 
 
 II. MONOCOTYLEDONS (Endogens) j Vascular tissue, 
 have 1 Cotyledon J 
 
 (Which contain all the Flowering Plants (Phanerogamous.) 
 
 III. ACOTYLEDONS, (Cellulares), no Cotyledons. (Cellular 
 tissue only) : this Class contains all Flowerless Plants. 
 (Cryptogamia.) 
 
 The two first CLASSES are divided in 6 SUB- CLASSES. 
 
 Dicotyledons. 
 
 I. SUB-CLASS. THALAMIFLOKS;. Petals several, distinct, 
 
 and the Stamens distinct. Hypogenous. 
 
 II. CALYCIFLORJE. Corolla and Stamens upon the Calyx. 
 Perigynous. 
 
 III. COROLLIFLORJE. Corolla of one piece. Stamens free 
 from the Corolla, (hypogenous), or attached (epipetalous). 
 
 IV. MONOCLAMYDEJE. Perianth single, or -wanting no 
 Corolla or Calyx. 
 
 These (DICOTYLEDONS) contain more than 1130 plants. 
 
 Monocotyledons. 
 
 V. PETALOIDE^;. Flowers having a single perianth. 
 
 VI. GLUMACE2E. Flowers without perianth ; but enclosed 
 within chaffy scales. 
 
 MONOCOTYLEDONS contain less than 360 plants. 
 These VI. SUB-CLASSES are divided into 107 ORDERS. 
 The larger ORDERS are divided into TRIBES. 
 All ORDERS and TRIBES are divided into GENERA. 
 A GENUS contains one or more species. 
 
 Thus the whole * Flora ' is classed, and the same method 
 will be followed in this work. 
 
ON CLASSIFICATION. 
 
 " Then names are good, for how without their aid, 
 
 Is knowledge gained hy man, to man conveyed ? 
 
 But from that source shall all our pleasure flow, 
 
 Shall all our knowledge he these names to know ? 
 
 No, let us rather seek in Grove or Field, 
 
 What food for wonder, what, for use they yield ; 
 
 Some just remark from Nature's people hring, 
 
 And some new source of homage for her King." CHABBE. 
 
 WE must understand something of the method of 
 Classing Plants, before we begin to examine them, 
 though it will not be possible to explain, so as to be 
 understood, the reason why they are thus classed, till 
 we have examined many Plants with Botanical de- 
 scriptions of every part. 
 
 You know that the First Class contains those Plants 
 which are of the most perfect structure, and the most 
 complete in all their organs. Now as there are more 
 than 1130 distinct Species belonging to the First 
 Class, you will readily suppose that there must be 
 various degrees of difference amongst them, and that 
 
26 ON CLASSIFICATION. 
 
 some more nearly resemble each other, than many in 
 the same Class do. You will also see the necessity 
 for dividing the whole into many lesser Classes, 
 according to the various degrees of difference amongst 
 them : or how could we find out the name of any 
 plant we do not know, from amongst so many? I 
 have written out the method of Classing the whole 
 ' Flora ' on one page, as easiest to refer to ; it is too 
 difficult for you to study at present, perhaps, but 
 I hope before you get to the end of this volume, you 
 will like to look it over, and be able to understand it, 
 too. 
 
 You will see that each Class is divided into Sub- 
 classes ; which are again divided into many Orders : 
 where the Plants are so similar in the arrangement of 
 their more important Organs, that we may well call 
 them of one Family. But most of these Families are so 
 large, and the variety of form and character so distinct, 
 as will enable them to be again sorted into Genera : 
 where so strong a Family -likeness may be found, that 
 when you are well acquainted with one or two, you 
 can soon recognize others of the same Genus ; and, by 
 a careful examination of them with the Botanical 
 descriptions before you, be able to distinguish each 
 Species in that Genus. Thus, the whole mystery is at 
 
ON CLASSIFICATION. 27 
 
 length unravelled : but you not only know the Name, 
 and all the names of that Plant ; you have learnt 
 many interesting particulars, and discovered the 
 beautiful formation of every part: the use of the 
 Plant, and its value. 
 
 We will begin with examining Plants in the First 
 Sub-class, which are the most complete, and distinct 
 in all their parts. The Flowers are composed of four 
 whorls, (with few exceptions), that is, four parts, 
 arranged in distinct rings, one immediately beneath 
 the other, on a Receptacle at the top of the Stem or 
 Stalk. 
 
 The PISTIL, or Pistils, form the first Whorl. 
 
 The STAMENS, the second Whorl. 
 
 The COROLLA, (of distinct Petals), the third. 
 
 The CALYX, is the fourth and outer Whorl. 
 
 Gather a Crowfoot, and slip off each part of the 
 Flower carefully, and you will see how all are arranged 
 on the Receptacle. 
 
 This organization will gradually become less dis- 
 tinct and complete, as you proceed in the Orders ; so 
 gradually, that you will scarcely perceive any differ- 
 ence of value in the First Sub-class, only a difference 
 in arrangement of parts : but each Sub -class takes a 
 decided step down ; and the Fourth and last division 
 
28 ON CLASSIFICATION. 
 
 of the Dicotyledons, consists of Plants, which you 
 would scarcely look upon as bearing any Flowers at 
 all perhaps ! No gay-coloured Petals, seldom any 
 Calyx, only very small scales, called Perianth ; but 
 examine that with the Lens, and you will find that it 
 contains Pistils and .Stamens ; and all Plants which 
 possess those important Organs, are Flowering Plants. 
 Many Trees, bearing what are called Catkins, the 
 Oak, Nut, Willow, &c., and your favorite Nettle, are 
 of the Fourth Class. 
 
 Now, let us collect as many as we can of those 
 Plants named in the first Order, and examine them, as 
 we read the description of the character of the Sub- 
 class, Order, Genus, &c. 
 
L OEDEE. THE CEOWFOOT FAMILY. 
 
 " Ye Field-flowers, tlie gardens eclipse you, 'tis true, 
 Yet wildlings of Nature, I dote upon you, 
 
 For ye waft me to summers of old : 
 "When the earth teemed around me with Fairy delight 
 And when Daisies and Buttercups gladdened my sight, 
 Like treasures of silver and gold. CAMPBELL. 
 
 THE Crowfoot Family forms the first Order in the 
 First Sub-class : the distinguishing character of which 
 we will first learn. And remember that all the plants 
 contained in this Sub-class, are of the same character, 
 in these respects though differing in many other 
 parts of their arrangement ; and also remember that 
 all plants that agree with this description, are to be 
 found in the First Sub-class. 
 
 * [I. Sub-class. THALAMIFLORJE. 
 
 Petals many, distinct, and (as well as the Stamens) inserted 
 upon the Receptacle, (not upon the Calyx.) hence hypogy- 
 nous ; which signifies, beneath the Pistil. PL II. 4 and 6. 
 
 * All the Botanical descriptions given within brackets are from the 
 " British Flora of Sir W. Hooker and Dr. Arnott. 
 
30 THE CROWFOOT FAMILY. 
 
 I. Order. CROWFOOT FAMILY. Rammculacese. 
 Calyx, mostly of 5 Sepals, frequently differing in form ; 
 Petals 5 or more often differing in form (deformed) sometimes 
 wanting. Stamens, usually numerous, rarely as few as the 
 Petals, and then, alternate with them. Ovaries, one or 
 many ; distinct or cohering. Fruit, mostly of several one- 
 seeded Achenes, or of one or more distinct or united Follicles. 
 (PI. I. 4 f. PL II. 7. f. 9. a.) ; few have a Berry. Embryo 
 straight, in the base of a horny Albumen. Herbs or Shrubs. 
 Leaves often divided ; and with more or less dilated Stalks. 
 (Petioles) half-clasping the Stem. Acrid and poisonous.] 
 
 This description of the Order, includes all Plants 
 of the garden and green-house, which are of the same 
 Family also, remember. But when we are studying 
 a Genus, we must only examine Wild Flowers : as 
 cultivation often alters the character of a Plant in 
 some respects. 
 
 The names of all the Genera in this Order, must 
 now he given ; with the number of Species in each 
 Genus, against the name. 
 
 GENERA. 
 
 1. TRAVELLER'S JOY. 1. GLOBE FLOWER. 
 
 3. MEADOW EUE. 2. HELEBORE. 
 
 4. ANEMONE. 1. COLUMBINE. 
 1. PHEASANT'S-EYE. 1. LARKSPUR. 
 1. MOUSE-TAIL. 1. MONKSHOOD. 
 
 20. CROWFOOT. 1. BANEBERRY. 
 
 1. MARSH MARIGOLD. 1. P^EONY. 
 
THE CROWFOOT FAMILY. 31 
 
 We will now examine the first Plant in the British 
 Flora. You will, I dare say, be surprised to find that 
 the very first Plant should have Flowers with only 
 three whorls ! for the Petals are wanting. But you 
 must understand, that though the only British Species 
 of Traveller's Joy is destitute of Petals, many of the 
 Foreign Species (and there are more than 80) have 
 both Petals and Calyx ; and all (or nearly) have 
 woody Stems ; and Shrubs rank before Herbs, which 
 die down to the ground, each winter. 
 
 We have a sweet Flower to begin with, its Almond 
 scent quite perfumes the air wherever it may bloom. 
 
 [Genus. TRAVELLER'S JOY. CLEMATIS. 
 
 Calyx of 4 to 6 Sepals. Petals none. Stamens and Styles 
 numerous. Achenes, of one-seed ; terminated by a long, 
 feathery Awn. Named from a Greek word, which signifies, 
 " the shoot of a Vine." 
 
 Species. TRAVELLER'S JOY. CLEMATIS VITALBA. 
 
 Stem climbing ; leaves winged ; leaflets heart-shaped ; and 
 at the end, egg-shaped ; (cardato-ovata) cut and lobed. The 
 leaf-stalk often becomes a Tendril. The Flower- stalks, rather 
 shorter than the Leaves.] 
 
 This Shrub is abundant in the middle and South of 
 England ; in hedges, on a chalky soil. The Flowers 
 .are of a greenish white, scenting the air where they 
 
32 THE CROWFOOT FAMILY. 
 
 grow, from June to August. And equally adorning 
 the hedges in Autumn, with their beautiful, long, 
 glossy-feathered Awns, terminating each seed. Its 
 pliant, weak Stems, fixed by their tendrils, to sur- 
 rounding boughs, cause it to hang in such bower -like 
 form, that it is well named the " Traveller's Joy." 
 And how delightful a resting-place may be found 
 under its shelter, from sun and shower, with its 
 sweet scent around ! 
 
 " There's something in it tells, 
 Of wanderings ended brightly ; of the close 
 
 'Mid old familiar scenes, 
 Of the tried wayfarer's amount of woes. 
 
 How often have I paused, 
 A joyous traveller in sooth, to cull 
 
 A garland, of thy Flowers, 
 
 When with faint sweets, the Sun had filled them all." 
 
 Miss TWAMLEY. 
 
 We will now take another Genus of the same 
 Order ; surpassing the first in beauty, but scentless. 
 
 [ANEMONE, OR WIND-FLOWER. Anemone. 
 Involucre of three divided leaves, (PI. II. A. I.), more or 
 less remote from the Flower. Calyx colored, of 5 to 9 Sepals, 
 folded one over the other, when in bud (imbricated in aesti- 
 vation). PI. II. 10. Corolla none. Stamens and Styles 
 numerous. Achenes pointed or Awned. Named from a 
 Greek word, signifying " the Wind," because the flowers are 
 
THE CROWFOOT FAMILY. 33 
 
 easily moved by the wind, or because they open in a season of 
 high wiuds. 
 
 WOOD ANEMORNE. Anemone Nemorosa. 
 
 Leaves, three united, (ternate) leaflets, lanceolate, lobed, 
 and cut. Involucre similar to them, on Stalks ; Stem, single- 
 Flowered ; Sepals 6, of a long-oval, (eliptical) point of the 
 Achenes not Feathery.] 
 
 You must visit the woods, where this lovely Plant 
 is blooming, to see it in all its beauty. Go, whilst the 
 Sun yet shines upon it, and the Flower is turned to 
 the Sun with expanded Sepals, like a beautiful Star. 
 Stay till the Sun declines, and the Flower droops its 
 head, displaying the beautiful purple tinge, and 
 veining of the outside of the Calyx ; the elegant and 
 graceful form of the whole plant, its finely-cut leaves, 
 often tinged with purple also, makes it one of the 
 most lovely of our Spring Flowers. Called the 
 " Queen of Wood Flowers," by a Poet, who adds : 
 
 " I love that Flower, so delicately fair, 
 
 So fondly bending on her slender stay, 
 
 As if in love with her own leaves ; and where, 
 
 In field or grove, 
 Be leaves so exquisitely wrought as they ? " 
 
 T. L. MEEITT. 
 
 In the North this Plant grows in " Moist pastures, 
 D 
 
34 THE CROWFOOT FAMILY. 
 
 and on high mountains; and seems more partial to 
 the open heath, than to the shady wood." * In the 
 South of England, it certainly prefers the woods ; how 
 this difference of habitat is to be accounted for, I know 
 not. 
 
 Genus. CROWFOOT. (Ranunculus.) This is the 
 largest Genus, in this Family ; and you will find that, 
 generally, (as in this instance) the Name of the 
 Family is the same as that of one of the Genera 
 in that division. 
 
 [Calyx of 5 Sepals, rarely 3, not prolonged at the base. 
 Petals 5, with a Nectary at the base. Achenes, without awns. 
 PL II. 4. 6. Named from * Eana,' a frog ; these plants delight- 
 ing to grow where frogs abound.] 
 
 Many of these plants are so similar, that it is only 
 by examining carefully, and comparing every part, 
 some are to be distinguished from others. Flowers 
 are never classed according to their colors, but accord- 
 ing to some difference in form, (as you have learned 
 in a former chapter). But we shall find that one or 
 two colours prevail in nearly every Genus, and often 
 through the whole Order. In this Genus the 7 first 
 Species are white ; the other 13 Species are yellow, 
 
 * " Flora of Forfarshire," by W. Gardiner. 
 
THE CROWFOOT FAMILY. 35 
 
 The first 6 Species are water-plants ; the flower about 
 the size of the buttercup. Achenes, conspicuously, 
 transversely wrinkled: the difference of character 
 being chiefly, in the different shapes of their leaves, 
 these six plants, may be considered rather as varieties 
 than species. 
 
 The seventh Species, is rare, in the North. y Many, 
 with yellow flowers, are so similar, that, no doubt, you 
 have been in the habit of calling three or four sorts 
 ' Buttercups,' thinking them to be all alike. I will 
 give the Botanical description of one of them ; and 
 then point out, in what respect the others differ. And 
 how wonderful it is, that such slight differences should 
 exist, and continue so constant to each species, that 
 they can be classed and recognized as separate species, 
 by those distinctions alone ! "Were they not thus 
 diversified, for our close observation, and, above all, 
 to show forth the infinite power and wisdom of their 
 Maker ? 
 
 [BULBOUS CROWFOOT. Banunculus bulbosus. 
 
 [Calyx hairy, reflexcd. (PL II. si.) Peduncles, furrowed, 
 Stem upright, many- flowered. Leaves cut into 3 petiolate 
 leaflets, which are 3-lohed, or divided into 3 and cut. Achenes 
 smooth, receptacle hairy. Stem I foot high, hairy. Upper 
 leaves with linear segments. Root bulbous. PI. I. A. 5. 
 
36 THE CROWFOOT FAMILY. 
 
 "THE CREEPING CROWFOOT" has " Calyx spreading," not 
 u reflexed," and the stalks are " furrowed." 
 
 " UPRIGHT CROWFOOT " has a " spreading Calyx " too, but 
 the flower-stalks are round, not furrowed. 
 
 " PALE HAIRY CROWFOOT," which does not flower till 
 June, has hairy flower- stalks, as well as other parts, and its 
 Achenes have little knobs (tubercles) on them. PL II. 13. t.] 
 
 You will now be able to distinguish these 4 species 
 easily, I hope ; and feel a new interest in gathering 
 buttercups, almost equal to the great delight they 
 afforded you in former days. 
 
 " THE BUTTERCUP," 
 Is the Emblem of Youthful glee. 
 
 " Nor all-forgotten be those humbler flowers 
 Daisies and Buttercups the child's first love ; 
 
 Which lent their magic to our guileless hours, 
 'Ere cares were known : 
 
 Ah ! joyous time ! through verdant meads to rove, 
 With wild flowers strewn," MERRITT. 
 
 I will describe one more plant in this Genus, 
 because it greets us so early in the Spring; even 
 " Coming 'ere the Spring-time : " to cheer us with its 
 bright yellow flowers, and glossy leaves ! Well has it 
 been made the emblem of " Joy to come." 
 
THE CROWFOOT FAMILY. 37 
 
 [LESSER CELANDINE. Ranunculus Fic&ria. 
 
 Leaves heart-shaped, on Stalks, angular, or scollopped. 
 Sepals 3 7 Petals 9. Achenes smooth, blunt. Root consists of 
 many long tubers, in a bunch, (facieulated.) PL II. 15. fa. 
 
 " 'Ere a leaf is on a bush, 
 In the time before the thrush 
 Has a thought about its nest ; 
 Thou wilt come with half a call, 
 Spreading out thy glossy breast, 
 Like a careless prodigal : 
 Telling tales about the Sun, 
 When we've little warmth, or none." 
 
 WORDSWORTH. 
 
 MARSH MARIGOLD. Caltha. 
 The Marsh Marigold, or King-cup ; is so similar 
 to a Buttercup, only larger ; that it would be classed 
 with the Crowfoots, but for its different Fruit ; which is 
 a Follicle. 
 
 [MARSH MARIGOLD. Caltha Palustris. 
 
 Sepals 6, like petals, (petaloid). Petals none. Follicles 
 5 to 10 compressed, spreading, with many Seeds. Stem erect, 
 rooting or creeping, Leaves heart-shaped, rounded (PI. I. 3. a.) 
 or kidney- shaped, (PI. II. 14. r.) and finely scollopped. Se- 
 pals which soon fall off (deciduous.)] 
 
 Name signifies " a Cup," which its Flowers resem- 
 ble. This plant is common in marshy places ; flower- 
 
38 THE CROWFOOT FAMILY. 
 
 ing from early Spring till Midsummer. And what 
 beautiful golden cups its Flowers are ! fit goblet for 
 any King of the Fairies to drink his nectar from ! 
 
 THE GLOBE FLOWER. Trolius Europaeus, is nearly 
 allied to the Caltha ; but has Petals, as well as Sepals. 
 It is a handsome pale yellow Flower, rare wild : but 
 often to be seen in gardens. 
 
 The next Genus contains the two HELLEBORES, 
 with their curious tubular Petals. PL II. 3 H. We 
 should call them Nectaries, did they not form the 
 next whorl to the Calyx. This delicate pale green 
 Calyx, marked with a rich dark brown ; on peduncles, 
 with bracts of the same pale tint of green : contrast 
 well with the large, very dark green leaves below. 
 They are bushy Plants, one or two feet high ; often 
 seen in Shrubberies, but rare, wild. Their scent is 
 unpleasant. 
 
 The three next Genera, are not common wild, but 
 are such old favorites of the garden, that they must 
 not be passed over unnoticed. 
 
 " And can these belong to the same order as the 
 Crowfoot?" you exclaim, as you observe the very 
 different form of the Flowers. Examine them care- 
 fully, as you read the description of the ' Order,' you 
 will see that in all important respects, they resemble 
 
THE CROWFOOT FAMILY. 39 
 
 the Flower of the Crowfoot ; and the Seed-vessel of 
 the Marsh Marigold, &c. The Seed-vessels of all this 
 Order, are either Follicles, or Achenes. 
 
 Get some COLUMBINES, with flowers quite single, 
 (not with one petal within another) and observe how 
 beautifully they are formed, " terminating below, in a 
 horn-shaped spur ; or nectary, it may be called." 
 The Columbine is named Aquilegia, on that account. 
 Aquila being Latin for Eagle, whose claws, the 
 nectaries resemble. While its name of Columbine, 
 is from Columbo, a Pigeon; whose neck and head 
 also resemble these nectaries, in color as well as in 
 form. These pretty spurred-petals, always remind me 
 of Cornucopias ; and the seed-vessel, half-open, show- 
 ing its ripe, dark seeds within, is a very good resem- 
 blance to a " horn of plenty" also. PI. II. 4. and 7 f. 
 The wild-flowers are of a dingy light purple ; on 
 which account, perhaps, the poet tells us, that : 
 
 " In the bridal wreath 
 
 The Columbine amongst, they sparingly do set." 
 
 The beautiful branching LARKSPUR, which is gene- 
 rally of a bright blue, in its wild state ; but often pink, 
 and white, in gardens, (as is the Columbine also) has 
 
40 THE CROWFOOT FAMILY. 
 
 one of its sepals spurred, (PI. II. 2. c. s.) and two of the 
 four petals have appendages included within the spur. 
 Here is a wonderful arrangement ! for what purpose 
 we know not, but probably, these appendages to the 
 petals, contain nectar, necessary for nourishing the 
 ovules ; and are therefore thus carefully protected in 
 the spur of the sepal, from the reach of any insect. 
 Its name Delphinium, is from Dolphin ; the shape of 
 the upper sepal, and also, of the Flower-bud, resem- 
 bling the head of the Dolphin. 
 
 " The MONK'S-HOOD, or " Wolf's-bane," (Aco- 
 nitum), so dreaded for its poisonous qualities ; (which 
 poison, we must remember is a valuable medicine,) 
 has a yet more curiously formed flower, than the two 
 last we have examined. Look beneath the upper 
 sepal ; (shaped like a helmet or hood) and there you 
 will find two petals, or nectaries on long stalks of 
 such elegant form as to give them the name of 
 " Venus' Doves." PI. II. 3. M. 
 
 The name Aconitum, is from Acone, in Bithynia, 
 or rather from the Greek word for ' dart,' from its 
 having been used, long ago, to poison darts with. 
 
 THE P^EONY is very rare wild, but often to be 
 met with in gardens. Open its large Follicles before 
 they are ripe ; examine them and the seeds, through 
 
THE CROWFOOT FAMILY. 41 
 
 your Lens, when the valves are tinged with crimson, 
 and the seeds are of the same color they are very 
 beautiful. 
 
 " Not to use alone, did Providence 
 
 Abound, but large example give to man, 
 Of grace, and ornament, and splendour rich, 
 Suited abundantly, to every taste." 
 
BARBERRY FAMILY. 
 
 " The Barberry 
 
 No eye can overlook, when 'mid a grove 
 Of yet unfaded trees she lifts her head, 
 Deck'd with autumnal berries, that outshine 
 Spring's richest blossoms." 
 
 WE will take but a hasty glance at the Second Order, 
 which contains but two plants. The BAKBEKRY 
 (Berberis vulgaris), and the BABHEN-WORT (Epime- 
 dium alpinum). The latter is not common, but you 
 probably know the pretty Barberry shrub, with its 
 bunches of yellow flowers, on a pendulous stalk. The 
 fruit is a beautiful oval-shaped berry, scarlet, with a 
 black eye ; of acid flavor, often preserved, and also 
 pickled. Though the flowers have an unpleasant 
 scent, bear with it, whilst you try the following 
 experiment. Take your needle, and apply the point 
 of it to that end of the stamen which is attached to the 
 receptacle, when you will see the stamens instantly 
 spring forward towards the stigma. 
 
III. ORDER. THE WATER-LILY FAMILY. 
 
 " There the bright "Water-Lilies blow, 
 
 There stems with gorgeous blossoms crown' d 
 
 'Mid shield-like leaves, that float around." BP. MANT. 
 
 THE Third Order must have our particular attention, 
 for it contains the " Queen of our Water-flowers," and 
 the largest, and most beautiful of all our wild-flowers ! 
 We must procure both flower and seed-vessel, if pos- 
 sible ; and the plant is not uncommon in " Lakes and 
 still waters." The structure of the whole plant is 
 beautiful and singular. 
 
 [III. Order. WATEE-LILY FAMILY. (Nymphacese.) 
 
 Sepals, about 5, often gradually passing into the numerous 
 petals, and these again, into stamens, which arise from a 
 fleshy disk, surrounding, more or less entirely, the many- 
 celled, and many-seeded Ovary. Stigma, target-shaped 
 (peltate) rayed. Seeds, in a gelatinous case, (aril.) Albumen 
 farinaceous, Embryo, enclosed in a membranous bag. Coty- 
 ledons leafy, (foliaceous.) Aquatic plants, with target-shaped, 
 (PI. II. 14. P.,) or heart-shaped leaves, and magnificent flowers. 
 
44 THE WATER- LILY FAMILY. 
 
 2. Genera. 
 1. WHITE WATER-LILY. 2. YELLOW WATER-LILY. 
 
 WHITE WATER-LILY. Nymphsea alba. 
 
 Petals and stamens inserted upon a fleshy disk or covering 
 to the ovary, so as to rise apparently from it. Berry, many- 
 celled, and many-seeded. Leaves, heart-shaped, entire, (of 
 one piece, without divisions). Stigma, of 16 ascending rays. 
 Named Nymphaea, from inhabiting the waters : as the Nymphs 
 or Naiads were wont to do.] 
 
 If you wish to keep any of the flowers in water, you 
 must observe that the flowers touch the water: for the 
 stalk is formed to hold air, and will not convey water 
 to the flower : but being filled with air, the stalk is 
 made so buoyant, as to support the flower above the 
 water. " But when the flower has shed its calyx and 
 petals, and the seed-vessel has ripened its seeds ; the 
 stalk cannot support its increased weight ; (deprived of 
 the aid of the sepels and petals also) nor is it needed, 
 for the seed-vessel must now deposit its seeds on the 
 soil, at the bottom of the lake. The globes then 
 decompose into a gelatinous mass, and the disengaged 
 seeds become deposited therein. If the bed of the 
 lake or river, be rich in soil, the vegetable decom- 
 position serves to enrich it still more : if pebly, the 
 gelatinous mass, forms a nucleus around the seeds, in 
 which they may quickly germinate. When this is 
 
THE WATER-LILY FAMILY. 45 
 
 done, a bulbous root, descending from each little seed, 
 fixes itself in the soil, or amongst the pebbles, and 
 forth from each, springs up a leaf-stalk, which often 
 rises to a considerable height from out the bosom of 
 deep waters. And thus, from year to year, the lakes 
 and rivers of this, and other countries, are beautifully 
 varied, with the floating globules of the Water-lily." * 
 The largest flower and leaf that have yet been 
 discovered, belong to a plant in this family the 
 "Victoria Kegia" whose blossoms are 15 inches, 
 and leaves 6 feet in diameter. And that wonder of 
 the vegetable kingdom, may be seen to great advan- 
 tage in the Kew Gardens ; where it grows in a 
 massive stone basin ; with other curious aquatic plants, 
 in smaller basins, in the same glass house. But should 
 you be so fortunate as to visit those delightful gardens 
 be prepared not to find the ' Victoria ' so large as in 
 its native waters, only quite as beautiful. 
 
 * "Flowers of the Matin and Even-song," a charming 
 little volume, by 'Mary Eoberts.' 
 
46 THE WATER-LILY FAMILY, 
 
 THE WATER-LILY. Emblem of "Purity of heart," 
 
 " The "Water-Lilies, that arc serene in the calm, clear water ; 
 are no less serene among the black and scowling waves." 
 Lights and Shadows of Scottish Life. 
 
 " Oh, beautiful thou art, 
 
 Thou sculpture-like, and stately River Queen ! 
 Crowning ijie depths, as with the light serene, 
 
 Of a pure heart. 
 
 Bright Lily of the Wave ! 
 Eising in fearless grace with every swell, 
 Thou seem'st as if a spirit meekly brave 
 
 Dwelt in thy cell. 
 
 What is like thee, fair flower, 
 The gentle and the firm ? thus bearing up 
 To the blue sky, that alabaster cup, 
 
 As to the shower ? 
 
 'Tis Faith, oh, is not Faith, 
 Like thee, sweet Lily, springing into light, 
 Still buoyantly above the billow's might, 
 
 Through the storm's breath 1 
 
 Yes ! link'd with such high thought, 
 Flowers, let thine image in my bosom lie ! 
 Till something there, of its own Purity 
 
 And Peace, be wrought." MRS. HEMANS. 
 
 The YELLOW WATER-LILY. Nuphar Lutea, is 
 frequent in lakes and ditches also : and though not so 
 large as the White Water-Lily, is a very handsome 
 Flower. The scent of the Flower, so much resembling 
 that of brandy and its curious flagon-shaped Fruit, 
 has given it the name of Brandy-bottle. 
 
 The other species of Yellow Water-Lily, is smaller, 
 and only to be found in the small, Highland Lakes. 
 
IV. ORDEK. THE POPPY FAMILY. 
 
 " Ah ! mickle is the powerful grace that lies, 
 In Herbs, Plants, Stones ; and their true qualities. 
 Within the infant rind of this small flower, 
 Poison hath residence, and med'cine power." 
 
 HEBE is a beautiful Order of Plants for examination ! 
 so large, and complete in every part of the Flowers. 
 We must examine the Seed-vessels (these Fairy-cups 
 and vases) through the Lens. 
 
 [IV. OBDEK. POPPY FAMILY. Papaveracece. 
 
 Calyx of 2 Sepals (rarely 3) which fall oif when the hud 
 opens. Corolla of 4 Petals, rarely 6. Stamens numerous. 
 Ovary one-celled. Stigma lobed or rayed. PI. I. 4 j. Fruit 
 dry, with 2 or more Placentas, usually projecting towards the 
 centre : forming complete, or incomplete divisions in the cap- 
 sule. PI. II. 7. c x p. Many-seeded. Embryo, hi the base of 
 a fleshy albumen. Herbaceous Plants, with Leaves alternate.] 
 
 All Poppies contain Opium ; a juice, which is a 
 deadly poison. It is often prepared as a medicine 
 called Laudanum ; which, taken in moderate quantity, 
 
48 THE POPPY FAMILY. 
 
 has power to ease many a severe pain. The seeds of 
 all Poppies (except one Foreign species) are mild and 
 oily. And many Plants which contain wholesome 
 properties in one part of their organization ; have 
 deadly poison in another. A poison which is probably 
 equally valuable, as a medicine, or in the manufacture 
 of some useful article, as the other production of the 
 Plant. 
 
 " In human works, though labored on with pain, 
 A thousand movements scarce one purpose gain ; 
 In God's, one single, can its end produce, 
 Yet serve to second too, some other use ! " POPE. 
 
 5. Genera. 
 
 5. RED POPPY. 1. ROMERIA. 
 
 1. WELSH POPPY. 1. CELANDINE. 
 
 2. HORNED POPPY. 
 
 [POPPY. Papava. 
 
 Sepals 2 or 3. Petals 4 6. Stigma sessile, radiated. 
 Capsules, with the seeds on placentas, projecting towards the 
 centre of the single cell, and escaping by pores, beneath the 
 rayed, sessile, stigma (pi. 1. 4 j.) Named Papava, because the 
 Opium was given in pap, (papa in Celtic) to induce sleep. 
 
 COMMON EED POPPY. Papava Ehaeas. 
 Capsule smooth, (glabrous) nearly round, (globose). Scol- 
 lops or lobes of the Stigma, over-lapping each other at the 
 
THE POPPY FAMILY. 49 
 
 margin. Filaments awl-shaped, (subulate) stem bristled. 
 Leaves once or twice divided, (pinnatifid) sessile. There are 
 two varieties. Var. A. Bristles of the flower-stalk pressed 
 upwards, close to the stalk, (appressed). Var. B. Bristles 
 of the flower- stalk, spreading.] 
 
 This brilliant flower, which blossoms from June to 
 October, is not the only Poppy which makes our corn- 
 fields so gay though it is so similar to the other two, 
 that you will scarcely distinguish the difference unless 
 pointed out. Examine the Capsules. 
 
 " BOUND ROUGH-HEADED Poppy." (P. hybridum) 
 has a very hairy capsule, with spreading bristles. 
 
 " LONG, SMOOTH-HEADED POPPY." (P. dubium) 
 has a smooth and oblong capsule. 
 
 There is another, smaller red Poppy, which, (as the 
 other species often grow very small on poor soil) I will 
 give the description of also. 
 
 " LONG, PRICEXY-HEADED POPPY." (P. Arge- 
 mone). Capsule, larger at the upper part, (clavate), 
 hairy, with erect bristles. 
 
 These largest, and gayest of our field-flowers, are 
 the only red flowers we have in this country, except 
 the bright Pheasant's-Eye, which you may know as a 
 garden flower, and the Scarlet Pimpernel. Eed, 
 being the color which most prevails in warmer 
 
50 THE POPPY FAMILY. 
 
 climates. And as our red flowers are generally to 
 be found in corn-fields, (the Pheasant's-eye, only 
 there) they were probably first introduced into this 
 country, from the same fields abroad, that the corn- 
 seed was procured from. The scent of the Poppy 
 partakes of its poisonous qualities, and Poppies are 
 called ' headaches/ in some parts of England, on that 
 account. How beautifully the petals are crumpled, 
 and puckered in the bud ! The way in which the 
 petals or sepals of a flower are folded, is often a 
 characteristic of the Genus. This would be described 
 as ' ' crumpled in aestivation," 
 
 THE WHITE POPPY, (P. Somniferum) is the species 
 cultivated for the sake of its opium, which is collected 
 from the unripe capsule. It is only found wild where 
 it was formerly cultivated. 
 
 " From the Poppy, I have ta'en 
 Mortal balm, and mortal bane, 
 Juice, that creeping through the heart, 
 Deadens every sense of smart ; 
 Doomed to heal, or doomed to kill, 
 Fraught with good, or fraught with ill. 
 
 MRS. R. ROBINSON. 
 
 THE WELSH POPPY. Meconopsis Cambrica is 
 separated from the other Poppies, from its capsule 
 
THE POPPY FAMILY. 51 
 
 having a style to its Stigma, and thread-like placentas. 
 Its name signifies " resemblance to a Poppy." It is 
 rare wild, but common in gardens ; and very pretty. 
 Of a pure yellow sometimes tinged with red on the 
 edge of the petals ; but all change to an orange-color 
 if dried. 
 
 The HORNED POPPY (Glaucium) is separated into 
 another Genus, on account of its different seed-vessel, 
 also. We will give its botanical description, for it is 
 the great ornament of our sandy sea-shores, where we 
 may hope to find it, e'er very long. 
 
 [HORNED POPPY. Glaucium. 
 
 Sepals 2, Petals 4, Stigma, 2-lobed, sessile. Pod, long and 
 narrow, (linear) the two placentas at length connected by 
 a spongy discepiment, hence, 2-celled, 2-valved ; seeds dotted 
 without a crest. Named from the seagreen hue (glaucous) of 
 its leaves and stem. 
 
 YELLOW HORNED POPPY. Glaucium Luteum. 
 
 Pod, minutely tuberculated (worty pi. II. 13. t). Stem- 
 leaves (cauline leaves) embracing the Stem, (amplexicaule) 
 Stem smooth, 1 to 2 feet high, much branched. Leaves 
 rough ; flowers large, handsome. Succeeded by a pod from 
 6 to 10 inches long.] 
 
 " There, bright as gems of fairy lore, 
 
 Or Eastern poet's dream, 
 The Horned Poppies gild the shore, 
 
 "With sunny gleam. 
 
52 THE POPPY FAMILY. 
 
 The threatening clouds and tempests dark, 
 
 No terrors have for them, 
 When billows whelm the gallant bark, 
 
 From stern to stem." 
 
 The other species of Horned Poppy is red, and very 
 rare, " said to have been fdund in Norfolk." 
 
 We will examine one more plant in this order, 
 because its general appearance is so different from the 
 Poppies, that when you meet with it, you will pass it 
 by, as belonging to another order, probably. Its 
 English name, would lead you to place it amongst 
 the Crowfoots ; but look at its seed-vessel, it cannot 
 belong to that family. 
 
 [CELANDINE. Chelidonium. 
 
 Sepals 2, Petals 4, Stigma 2-lobed, Pod above the Calyx 
 (superior) long and narrow, (linear) 1-celled, 2-valve . 
 Valves, separating from the base upwards. Seeds crusted. 
 Name signifies a Swallow : probably from the plant flowering 
 about the time of the arrival of those birds. 
 
 Common Celandine. Chelidonium Majus. 
 
 Stem, about 2 feet high, slightly hairy, brittle, full of a 
 yellow, foetid juice. Leaves pinnate, with about 5 decurrent 
 leaflets ; which are broadly egg-shaped, lobed and scollopped, 
 sometimes jagged. Flowers in long-stalked umbels, (see Glos.) 
 yellow, rather small. Pod long, somewhat turgid. PI. I. 
 4. e. i.] 
 
THE POPPY FAMILY. 53 
 
 The leaves of this plant are its great beauty ; 
 " large, elegantly-shaped, and of a transparency 
 which shows the delicacy of their texture, as the 
 yellow light shines through them." And their bril- 
 liant tint of green, can scarcely be surpassed by any 
 plant. The Celandine is common in waste places, 
 near towns. Hold it carefully, when you gather it, 
 for it is full of a poisonous yellow juice. You observe 
 that its name is the same as a species of Crowfoot (the 
 Lesser Celandine), and there are many plants which 
 bear the same English name, but which are so different 
 in some part of their organization, as to stand wide 
 apart in Botany. If the first Latin (or Botanic name) 
 be the same, you may then know, that the plants are 
 undoubtedly of the same Genus. 
 
THE FUMITORY FAMILY. 
 
 11 No plot so narrow be, but Nature there, 
 No waste so vacant but may well employ. 
 Each faculty of sense, and keep the heart 
 Awake to love and beauty." COLERIDGE. 
 
 This order contains but two Genera; and the 
 Flowers are so different in form, from any others in 
 this Sub-class, and so similar to many in the next 
 Division, that it is only by careful examination we 
 discover that " the Petals and Stamens are inserted 
 upon the Receptacle" (Hypoginous) and not upon 
 the Calyx) therefore they must be placed in this 
 Division : but must stand in an Order by themselves. 
 
 Two of the FUMITORIES (Fumaria) are so common 
 in Cornfields, Gardens and waste places ; that a short 
 description will enable you to recognize them. The 
 Flowers are very like those of the Purple Clover; but, 
 arranged singly, on Pedicils, in a Raceme, PI. II. 11. 
 The Stalks, and finely-cut leaves, are of a very blue 
 green, and brittle. 
 
 The YELLOW CORYDALIS, is oftener seen in gar- 
 dens, than wild: and as in its wild state it is only 
 
THE FUMITORY FAMILY. 55 
 
 found on old walls, was probably first introduced into 
 our gardens, from some other country. The Flower 
 is larger than the Fumitory (PI. II. 2. c.) And it is 
 altogether, a most ornamental Plant for Walls or 
 rockwork ; growing in elegant tufts ; with numerous 
 bright yellow Flowers in Racemes, and beneath them, 
 beautiful, bright green Leaves, much cut and di- 
 vided. The Stems are very brittle, and the Pods 
 open, and show their glossy seeds, as black as ebony, 
 as soon as ripe. 
 
 To THE YELLOW CARYDALIS. 
 
 " I've seen thy sun-gilt Flow'rets smile, 
 
 Upon the crumbling Tower, 
 As if designed to reconcile, 
 The past and present hour. 
 
 Euin, thou teachest us, is more, 
 
 Than greatness past away, 
 Time's shadowy pinion hovering o'er 
 
 And carrying decay. 
 
 Heaven, as it paints thy cheering hues, 
 
 Approves of that decay, 
 And bids us fix our eyes on views, 
 
 Which cannot pass away. MS. T. T. 
 
VI. ORDER. CRUCIFORM FAMILY. 
 
 " There spring the living herbs, profusely wild, 
 O'er all the deep green earth, beyond the power, 
 Of botanists, to number up their tribes." THOMPSON. 
 
 Though Botanists cannot yet "number up the 
 tribes" of plants, spread over the wide world: you will 
 see, as you proceed, how beautifully every plant of 
 our own Island, is distinguished and classed, so as to 
 make it an easy task to us to " number up their 
 Tribes." And you will also see, what careful, and 
 close examination are necessary, for classing plants 
 correctly, where many are so very similar as they are, 
 in this Order: and how impossible it would be to 
 find out the name of any species, if they were not 
 thus divided and subdivided. Though not nearly so 
 attractive in appearance, and poetical associations, 
 (with the exception of the much -prized Wallflower) 
 as the Orders we have already examined; we shall 
 find it highly interesting. Gather some Wall-flowers, 
 Stocks, Cabbage, or Cuckoo flowers (PI. II. 2 W. 5. 
 and 7. p. &c.) ; and examine them as we read the 
 character of the Order. Its name, " Cruciform" 
 
THE CRUCIFORM FAMILY. 57 
 
 (in the form of a cross,) is from the flowers being 
 formed invariably of 4 distinct petals, which there- 
 fore divide in the form of a cross. And all flowers 
 thus formed, (with the exception of the Celandine, 
 and perhaps one or two more) have 6 stamens and 
 belong to the Cruciform Family. It is very easy to 
 distinguish plants of this Order, but not so easy to 
 distinguish Species; as we shall find. 
 
 [VI. Order. CRUCIFOEM FAMILY. (Cruciferse.) 
 
 Calyx of 4 Sepals. Petals 4. Stamens 6 (usually) 2 shorter 
 than the other 4. (tetradynamous, ) 2, of the Stamens/ solitary > 
 alternate with the petals ; 4, opposite to them, in two pairs. 
 Ovary, and style, 1. Hypogenous glands, at the base of the 
 solitary Stamens. Seed-vessel, usually, a pod or pouch. 
 2-celled (rarely one) 2 valved, the valves opposite the shorter 
 Stamens (PI. II. 5.) sometimes valveless. Seeds on marginal 
 placentas between the longer Stamens; without albumens. 
 Radicle curved.] 
 
 Small as the seeds of most of the species are, the 
 difference in position is so marked, that they are 
 divided into 3 Sub-Orders, from this wonderful ar- 
 rangement, only. Thus 
 
 I. SUB-ORDER. Cotyledons flat (plane) parallel to 
 the Dissepiment, and with their edges, applied to the 
 Radicle, (accumbent . o=.) 
 
 II. SUB -ORDER. Cotyledons plane, with their backs 
 turned to the Radicle, (incumbent o||.) 
 
58 THE CRUCIFORM FAMILY. 
 
 III. SUB-ORDER. Cotyledons folded, and embrac- 
 ing the Radicle. (Conduplicate. o > :> .) 
 
 These Sub-Orders, are divided into Tribes; here, 
 the Fruit, is the distinguishing character. It is 
 either a long Pod ; or a short Pod, called a Pouch. 
 To distinguish them from other Pods, of a different 
 character; another name is given to these. The 
 long Pod, is called a Siliqua: and the Pouch, is a 
 Silicular, (or Siliquosae & Siliculosse.) 
 
 Now though there is much in the above descrip- 
 tions, that we cannot study, at present : or that is too 
 minute to be distinguished, without the aid of a 
 microscope : yet it will assist us to understand ; and to 
 appreciate more highly ; the whole arrangement ; and 
 to see how wonderfully, and perfectly all God's works 
 are formed for each to take its right position, in the 
 Order of Creation : and we are rewarded too, in every 
 research ; with some new and curious difference ; 
 and may rejoice in the prospect of fresh discoveries to 
 be made, in never-ending succession. 
 
 All the Cruciform Plants are herbs ; and amongst 
 them are some of our most valuable vegetables. But 
 we will begin with the first division ; and examine our 
 "true Friend" the Wallflower. 
 
THE CRUCIFORM FAMILY. 59 
 
 [I. SUB-ORDER. (Pleurorhigae.) Cotyledons accumbent o=. 
 
 1 TRIBE. (ARABIDEJE.) Pod Siliqua, valves flat, con- 
 cave or slightly keeled. Dissepiment narrow in the broadest 
 diameter. 
 
 Observe that in every Sub- Order, the Tribes with 
 long Pods, are classed before the Tribes, with Pouches, 
 and that those Species which have Pods without valves, 
 (of which tnere are very few) are placed last in. the 
 Order. 
 
 XVII. GENERA in the first Sub- Order. 
 SILIQUA. SILICULA. 
 
 2, Stock. 2. Horse Eadish. 
 
 1. Wall-flower. 2. Scurvy-grass. 
 
 2. Winter-Cress. 1. Koniga 
 
 1. Tower Mustard. 5. Whitlow-grass. 
 
 5. Eock-Cress. 3. Penny-Cress. 
 
 1. Coral-root. 1. Hutchinsia. 
 
 4. Bitter- Cress. 1. Teesdalia. 
 
 3. Water-Cress. 1. Candy-Tuft. 
 
 1. Sea Eocket. 
 
 [The WALL-FLOWER. Chiranthus Chiri. 
 Pod compressed or two-edged, calyx erect, two opposite 
 sepals bagging (saccate) at the lower part. Stigma placed on 
 a style, two-lobed, (pi. II. 5.) Hypogenous glands, none, be- 
 tween the longer stamens. Leaves, lance-shaped (pi. I. 3, 6,) 
 pointed,) with twice divided hairs, close to the leaf, (appressed,) 
 lobes of the stigma spreading, (patent) stem shrubby at the 
 
60 THE CRUCIFORM FAMILY. 
 
 base. Named from the Greek, which signifies "the hand," 
 and " a flower," because from its fragrance one delights to carry 
 it in the hand.] 
 
 These flowers are never found wild, but on old 
 walls, but 
 
 " Call it not wasted, the scent they lend, 
 
 To the breeze, when no step is nigh ; 
 Oh thus, for ever, the earth should send, 
 Her grateful breath on high." 
 
 As the Wall-flower is plentiful, in a wild state, in 
 the South of Europe, we may suppose that it was in- 
 troduced into this country from there ; and one of the 
 first plants cultivated in our gardens ; as it is found 
 on the ruins of our oldest buildings. Turner, (one of 
 the earliest writers on flowers) calls it " Wall-gelever," 
 (probably a corruption of Giroflee, its French name,) 
 or " hartis-ease." But we may gratefully look upon 
 it, as one of our own dear flowers, when it has clung 
 so faithfully to the walls which first sheltered it ; 
 through all changes, and disasters, even to their days 
 of desolation and decay. One beautiful ruin, richly 
 decorated with glossy green ivy, and this sweet flower ; 
 recurs to my mind, as it appeared on a lovely May 
 day, the brilliant sun giving to the flowers, a yet 
 
THE CHUCrFOBM FAMILY. 61 
 
 more golden hue. All the scenery around, the bright 
 blue sky above, and the sparkling sea in the dis- 
 tance, were in perfect harmony with the magnificent 
 ruin ; and all was enjoyed in the company of dear, 
 kind friends, one of whom, ever indulgent to my re- 
 quest for a poetical remembrance of a scene or flower, 
 soon placed before me the following lines : 
 
 Lines on the Watt-flower growing on the Ruins of Pevensey 
 Castle, May 13th, I860. Where King William the Con- 
 queror landed, 1066. 
 
 Hail thou ! that shed'st the smile of May, 
 
 On ruins hoary, 
 And crownest desolate decay, 
 
 With golden glory ! 
 
 Where haughty banners hung of old, 
 
 The foeman braving, 
 Thy blazon bright, is o'er the hold, 
 
 Triumphant waving. 
 
 Where culverin, or quarrel frowned, 
 
 Death, vengeance dealing ; 
 Thou cllm'st, and strait we feel around, 
 
 Soft fragrance stealing. 
 
 So World, above thy Babel wide, 
 
 The Cross shall flourish, 
 E'en so, the ashes of thy pride, 
 
 God's plant shall nourish. ANNA J. VIDAL. 
 
02 THE CRUCIFORM FAMILY. 
 
 BITTER-CRESS. (Cardamine.) 
 
 We will examine another of the largest and pret- 
 tiest flowers in this tribe, and which is so common, 
 that you will have little difficulty in procuring it. But 
 there are three species, so much alike, to an unprac- 
 tised eye, that I must describe the difference of each, 
 from the other. 
 
 " THE LARGE FLOWERED BlTTER-CRESS," has white 
 
 flowers with purple anthers. 
 
 "THE HAIRY BITTER-CRESS" is smaller; has pale 
 lilac flowers, and blunt stigma, with very short style. 
 
 " THE COMMON BITTER- CRESS," has a round stigma, 
 straight style blush-colored flowers ; and grows one 
 or two feet high. 
 
 [BITTER- CRESS. Cardamine. 
 
 Pod Linear, the valves flat, generally separating elastically, 
 (PI. II. 7 Y.) nerveless. Seed-stalks slender. Name signifies, 
 " the heart, and to fortify," from its supposed strengthening 
 qualities. 
 
 COMMON BITTER-CRESS, OR CUCKOO-FLOWER. (Cardamine 
 Pratensis.) 
 
 Leaves pinnate, radical leaflets, roundish, toothed; stem- 
 leaves (cauline-leaves,) lanceolate, nearly entire (in one, un- 
 divided piece,) style straight, stigma round, (capitate.) ] 
 
THE CRUCIFORM FAMILY. 63 
 
 This plant is plentiful in early spring, as is also the 
 "Hairy Bitter-cress" which it so much resembles. 
 It is to he found in moist meadows ; has flowers rather 
 larger than the Wall-flower of a blush-color, and 
 delicately veined with lilac. It is sometimes found 
 double; when its leaflets occasionally produce new 
 plants ; striking roots into the ground, whilst still 
 attached to the parent plant. 
 
 WATER- CRESSES. (Nesturtium officinalis,) is a 
 plant of the same tribe : and considered so wholsome a 
 vegetable, that it is cultivated in numerous streams, in 
 many counties around London, for the London market 
 alone. The flower of the garden, usually called Nas- 
 turtium, (but properly, a Trvpiolum,) was so named 
 from the leaves and stalks having a flavor not unlike 
 that of water-cresses. 
 
 We will now examine a dear little plant in the 
 second tribe ; with a short pod or pouch, (silicula.) 
 Bring the whole plant : root and ripe seeds, will not 
 make it too heavy to carry the largest plants being 
 only four inches high ; whilst the smallest, do not 
 exceed an inch in height, when full grown! But 
 though so small, we can see its distinguishing dif- 
 
64 THE CRUCIFORM FAMILY. 
 
 ferences, very well, after having learnt the character 
 of the order, from larger flowers. 
 
 [II. TRIBE. (Alyssineae.) Pouch, with the dissepiment in 
 the broadest diameter (PI. II. 7 p.) valves flat or concave. 
 
 WHITLOW GKASS. Draba. 
 
 Pouch entire, oval or oblong ; valves flat, or slightly con- 
 vex. One-nerved at the base, nerved or veiny upwards. Cells 
 many seeded, seeds, not margined. Filaments simple. Name 
 signifies acrid,' as are the leaves of many of the tribe. 
 
 COMMON WHITLOW GRASS Draba Verna. 
 Flowers-stalks (Scapes,) without hairs ; leaves lance-shaped, 
 somewhat toothed hairy. Petals white, deeply cloven. There 
 is a variety with a swollen pouch.] 
 
 This little plant, may be found in flower, as early 
 as March ; on walls, rocks, and dry hanks. It ever 
 prefers the highest ground ; and may he seen in a 
 church-yard, growing on the top of many a grave, but 
 not on the ground below, though its seeds must be 
 thickly scattered there, each year. It is as constant 
 to the remains of the departed, as the Wall-flower is 
 to its mouldering wall. 
 
 " And thou a resting place, hast found, 
 
 Which none disputes with thee, 
 The silent church-yard's lonely bound, 
 Where sweetly on the hallow'd ground, 
 Thou growest wildly free. 
 
THE CRUCIFORM FAMILY. 65 
 
 Aye, mantling o'er each nameless mound, 
 Thy small green foliage clothes the ground, 
 
 And thy white blossoms wave ; 
 Wet, with the late descending shower, 
 Beneath the yew's funereal bower 
 And mourners, at the evening hour, 
 Behold and bless the gentle flower, 
 
 That decks the lov'd one's grave." 
 
 A. STRICKLAND, (adapted.) 
 
 III. TRIBE. (Thlaspidese.) Pouch compressed with the 
 dissepiment very narrow, in the narrowest diameter : valves 
 keeled or winged. 
 
 CANDY- TUFT (Iberis amara) is the only plant in 
 this tribe, familiar to you probably ; and that, is sup- 
 posed to have been introduced into our corn-fields with 
 corn seed. Its name is from Iberia, (Spain,) where 
 many of the genus grow. The Petals being of unequal 
 size, and the flowers, collected in such close heads, 
 give it a different appearance from most cruciform 
 flowers but if you examine the flower you will see 
 that it has four separate Petals, six Stamens, and its 
 Fruit is a Pouch ; therefore it belongs to this family. 
 Its name Amara, signifies that it is very bitter. 
 F 
 
THE CRUCIFORM FAMILY. 
 
 II. SUB-OBDEB (ISTotorrhizeje) Cotyledons in- 
 cumbent (O . j|.) 
 10 GENERA. 
 
 SlLIQUA. SlLICULA. 
 
 1 Dame's Violet. 1 Gold of Pleasure. 
 
 4 Hedge Mustard. 1 Awl wort. 
 
 1 Garlic Mustard. 1 Shepherd's Purse. 
 
 2 Treacle Mustard. 2 Wort-cress. 
 
 5 Pepper-wort. 
 1 Dyer's Woad. 
 
 SHEPHEBD'S PUBSE. 
 
 We will examine one well known plant in this 
 division, a greater favourite with the birds than with 
 us, perhaps. But do not we like the " Shepherd's 
 Purse," as the food of the small birds, we like so 
 much and because it is scattered so freely for their 
 use ? A traveller* in Tibet, found it growing wild in 
 one spot there, though its true station is far, far north 
 of that warm country. 
 
 [VII. TRIBE (Lepidinese) Pouch, with the valves keeled 
 or convex : or fruit short and indehiscent, two-celled ; dis- 
 sepiment very narrow. 
 
 SHEPHERD'S PURSE. Capsella Bursa Pastoris. 
 Pouch, with the sides compressed, heart-shaped reversed 
 (05-cordato.) PI. II., 7. o. wedge-shaped or oval. The valves 
 
 * Dr. Hooker. 
 
THE CRUCIFORM FAMILY. 67 
 
 boat-shaped, without wings ; cells, many-seeded. Plant downy 
 or hairy. Stem leaves (cauline leaves) sessile, lance-shaped ; 
 with an arrow-head, (lanceolate-sagitate) very variable in 
 height, from three inches to one or two feet ! Name, the 
 diminutive of Capsula a Capsule or "little box."} 
 
 " How many plants, we call them weeds, 
 
 Against our wishes grow, 
 And scatter wide their various seeds, 
 With all the winds that blow. 
 
 Man grumbles, when he sees them rise, 
 
 To spoil his husbandry ; 
 Kind Providence this way supplies, 
 
 His lesser family. 
 
 Scattered and small they 'scape our eye, 
 
 But are not wasted there ; 
 Safe, they in cleft and furrows lie 
 
 The little birds know where." WORDSWORTH. 
 
 Some of the Siliquosae of this Sub-order, are com- 
 mon in our hedges , Hedge Mustard, (Sisymbrium 
 officinale) an upright plant, one or two feet high, with 
 very small yellow flowers, and deep-cut leaves. Thale- 
 cress (S. thalianum,) though common, is not so often 
 seen. It is a small, slender plant, from six to ten 
 inches high, with small white flowers, and grows on 
 walls, dry banks, &c. Garlic mustard (Aliaris offi- 
 cinalis,) is as common as the hedge mustard, and more 
 conspicuous : has larger flowers, (white,) large, glossy 
 
68 THE CBTJCIFORM FAMILY. 
 
 heart-shaped leaves, and often grows to the height 
 of two or three feet. Some think it an agreeable 
 vegetable, having a flavor of Garlic, which has pro- 
 bably given it the name of " Sauce alone." I will 
 not describe species which are not common, but pro- 
 ceed to 
 
 III. SUB-OKDER. 
 
 And this division contains nearly all the most valua- 
 ble and useful of the cruciform plants. The Cabbage 
 is one, and how valuable a vegetable it is to the poor 
 man ; for it will take root readily and flourish, on any 
 waste ground ; near the sea, and on the banks of salt 
 rivers, where other vegetables will not grow. 
 
 [III. SUB-ORDER. (Orthoploceae) Cotyledons condupli- 
 
 cate. (o ;>.:>.) 
 
 6 GENERA. 
 
 SlLIQTJA. SlLlCTJLA. 
 
 6 Cabbage, Turnip, &c. 1 Cress Rocket. 
 
 4 Mustard. 1 Kale. "I Pods without 
 
 2 Rocket. 2 Radish. j Valves. 
 
 IX Tribe. (Brassiceee.) Pod Siliqua. Dissepiment narrow. 
 
 CABBAGE. TURNIP. RAPE. Brassica. 
 
 Pod two-valved, (with a sterile beak or with a one-seeded, 
 or several-seeded beak.) Seeds in a single row. Calyx erect. 
 Name derived from the Celtic, bresic (modern Gaelic prais- 
 each,) a kind of Cabbage, or rather pottage made of it. 
 
THE CRUCIFORM FAMILY. 69 
 
 SEA CABBAGE. Brassica Oleracea. 
 
 Root, stem-like (Caulescent,) Cylindrical, fleshy. All the 
 leaves smooth, of a blue-green (glaucous,) waved and lohed. 
 Upper ones oblong, sessile. Leaves thick, fleshy, (subcarnose,) 
 the upper ones undivided but toothed. Varying in height from 
 one to two feet. Flowers rather large, pale yellow. It grows 
 on Cliffs, by the sea, (in Devon, Cornwall, Dover, Yorkshire, 
 Wales,) and is the origin of our garden Cabbage. 
 
 TURNIP. Brassica Rapa. 
 
 Root round, (orbicular) or oblong ; fleshy : radical leaves, 
 lyre-shaped, (lyrate, pi. II. 14 L.) rough. 
 
 Lower stem-leaves, cut irregularly (incised), upper ones 
 heart-shaped, approaching to oval (cordato-ovate) tapering to 
 a point : clasping the stem, upper leaves, nearly smooth, all, 
 more or less toothed. Varying exceedingly, in height, accord- 
 ing to soil. Flowers yellow, common in borders of fields : 
 road sides, &c.] 
 
 THE COLE, on KAPE-SEED, and the NAVEW or 
 SWEDISH TURNIP are very similar plants to the Tur- 
 nip ; so similar, that they may be called varieties 
 only ; and not species. Their leaves are smooth, and 
 of a blue-green, and the Rape has a slender root. Its 
 seed is very valuable for its oil. The seeds, after 
 pressure, are made into cakes, and used for feeding 
 Cattle ; and as manure. 
 
 MUSTARD (Sinapis Nigra,) is another of the 
 
70 THE CRUCIFORM FAMILY. 
 
 useful plants in this Tribe : being tbe mustard used at 
 our tables. It is, in appearance very like the Tur- 
 nips ; but is placed in a separate Genus : from having 
 a spreading calyx (patent) instead of erect; and 
 smooth, quadrangular pods ; with narrow upper leaves, 
 by which differences you can distinguish it perhaps ; 
 but these yellow-flowered Mustards and Turnips are 
 so similar that it is rather difficult to identify them 
 sometimes. 
 
 Another MUSTARD; CHARLOCK, (S. arvensis) is a 
 troublesome weed to the farmer; but doubtless, many 
 a bird and insect, find it a valuable food and shelter. 
 Its flowers are yellow, leaves large, bristly and dark, 
 stem 1 to 2 feet high, rough, pod smooth, with many 
 angles, turged and knotty, longer than the slightly 
 compressed Beak. 
 
 The WALL-ROCKET. (Diplotaxis tenuifolia,) has 
 pale yellow flowers, as large as the Wall -flower; with 
 long, narrow leaves. Not a common plant but 
 adorning many a ruin ; and nowhere can it be looked 
 upon with greater interest than on the venerable ruins 
 of St. Alban's Abbey, where 
 
 " Still she seeks, with kind, unceasing aid, ' 
 
 To hide the fearful wreck which ruthless time has made." 
 
THE CBUCIFORM FAMILY. 71 
 
 XI. TKIBE, contains two valuable esculents. 
 The Sea Kale, (Crambe Maritima) is one. It grows 
 in sandy, stony soils, on the sea coast ; its flowers are 
 white; leaves, roundish, wavy, toothed, and (as well as 
 the stem) smooth. 
 
 The Radish, which is the last Genus of this large 
 family we will examine botanically: we shall now 
 find " pods without valves." 
 
 [XI. TRIBE (Raphanese) Fruit, with the pod, or lower 
 part, abortive, and stalklike, consisting of a beak without 
 valves, divided transversely into one-seeded cells, sometimes 
 separating. 
 
 RADISH. (Raphanus.) 
 
 Fruit without valves, or a dissepiment, with a long style, 
 several-seeded. Calyx erect. 
 
 Name, from the Greek "quickly" and "to appear," from 
 its rapid growth. 
 
 WILD RADISH, or JOINTED CHARLOCK, (Raphanus Rha- 
 phanistrum.) Leaves simple, lyrate, fruit jointed, styles 
 two or three times longer than the last joint. Leaves stalked 
 and rough. Flowers yellow, (rarely reddish) veined.] 
 
 It is probably a plant introduced into this country 
 by the Romans and its name of Radish, is from 
 the Latin name for root, " radix." As it is only 
 found wild, in cornfields, it was, most likely, intro- 
 duced into this country, at some period. It is not 
 
72 THE CRUCIFORM FAMILY. 
 
 uncommon, so I hope you will be able to examine its 
 curiously -jointed and beaked pod. Compare the pods 
 of the plants in this Family (in the order we have 
 examined them) and observe how gradually they have 
 become less complete in all their parts. 
 
 The Wall-flower pod, with distinct valves, and 
 dissepiment; down to the Radish: which has neither 
 valves nor dissepiment. But all the flowers are so 
 truly cruciform, that they can well be thus linked 
 together; and each is so complete in itself ever true 
 to its own character, that it can ever form the " same 
 link in the chain.'* 
 
MIGNONNETTE FAMILY. 
 
 The VII Order, contains but one Genus, and 
 3 Species; one of which is so similar to a species so 
 generally cultivated so universal a favourite in gar- 
 den and pot, that few will see the wild mignonnette 
 without readily guessing its name. Beseda Lutea, 
 is its botanical name : it is only to be met with on 
 chalky hills, and waste places. 
 
 The common DYER'S ROCKET (K. Luteola) requires 
 the same soil, and is very similar in appearance but 
 not sweet-scented; nor are the flowers so yellow as 
 the first species, but it is the favourite flower with 
 bees, as it has a large nectary, green on the upper 
 side of the flower. It yields an " useful yellow dye 
 for woollen stuffs." 
 
ROCK ROSE FAMILY. 
 
 The VIII Order, contains but one Genus, (5 Spe- 
 cies) which bears so strong a resemblance to the 
 Poppy Family, that I will point out the difference. 
 It has a permanent Calyx of 5 Sepals, twisted before 
 opening: and the seed-vessel has several Placentas. 
 
 The common Rock Rose (Heleanthemum Vulgare) 
 is a lovely little yellow flower, with crumpled petals, 
 and numerous stamens : with stems spreading on the 
 ground, and numerous, narrow leaves, arranged on 
 each side of them. If you press the stamena between 
 your finger and thumb, they instantly expand. 
 
IX ORDER. VIOLET FAMILY. 
 
 ' Here are ' Jewels of Earth' from the wild- wooded glade ; 
 Oh ! who doth not love them, dear gems of the shade 
 They are fair as the pearl, as the amethyst bright ; 
 How rich is their darkness ! how pure is their light ! 
 
 The breeze swept this morn by their shaded retreat ; 
 And loaded his wings with their delicate sweet; 
 He told, as he past me, with ecstasy swelling, 
 Of the spoil he had found in the Violet's dwelling." 
 
 "Le Bouquet des Souvenirs." J&. H. 
 
 The IX. Order contains but one genus also, but it 
 is so interesting and beautiful a family, that we must 
 examine it Botanically : and you will discover more 
 wonderful formation and beauty, in the arrangement 
 of the flowers, of two of our greatest favourites, than 
 you have yet observed, though you have admired them 
 so often. 
 
 [IX. OKDEH. VIOLET FAMILT. (Violaceae.) 
 
 Sepals 5, Petals 5, unequal (PI. I. 4 h.) and the lower one 
 spurred at the base, or sometimes equal. Stamens 5, Anthers 
 generally with an appendage at their extremity : two of them 
 usually, with an appendage at their base. Ovary one-celled, 
 
76 VIOLET FAMILY. 
 
 with 3 walled placentas, (parietal) bearing several seeds. Style 
 1, Capsule one-celled, 3 valved, bearing the seeds along the 
 middle of each valve, (PI. II. 7 p.) Embryo straight about as 
 long as the copious, fleshy albumen. Herbs or shrubs, with 
 stipuled leaves, and powerful emetic roots.] 
 
 8. VIOLET OR PANSY. (Viola.) 
 
 Calyx of 5 sepals, extended at the base, Petals 5, unequal, 
 the under one spurred behind. Name of Celtic origin, in 
 modern Gaelic, ' fail,' signifies ' a smell,' and failchuach, ' a 
 violet.' 
 
 SWEET VIOLET. Viola odorata. 
 
 Leaves heart-shaped, scolloped, and as well as their stalks, 
 downy, or nearly smooth. Sepals pointed. The side petals 
 usually, with a hairy line, Anther-spurs, lance-shaped, blunt, 
 and curving downwards, (decurved.) Stigma, hooked (unci- 
 nate) convex above. Scions creeping, leaves and flowers 
 grow from the crown of the root. Bracts, usually above the 
 middle of the peduncle. Hairs on the leaf-stalks, short and 
 turning down, rarely long and spreading.] 
 
 As in the hairy Violet, which may be distinguished 
 from the sweet Violet, by every part (but the petals) 
 being rough with hairs : and having no scions. The 
 hue of Violets is sometimes lilac, or plum-colored, and 
 oftener white, which some authors are of opinion, may 
 be owing to the soil being chalky. The following re- 
 
VIOLET FAMILY. 77 
 
 marks, are by the author of " Flora Historica," and 
 so well point out the curious beauties of the flower, 
 that they must be given in his own words : few will 
 think the description too long. " The spur of the 
 petals contains the nectar ; and if it is carefully split 
 open with a pointed knife, it will be seen that the two 
 lower anthers have a tongue, or tube attached to them, 
 which descends into the spur evidently to draw up the 
 nectareous juice. As the Violet blossoms, in a season 
 when there are but few plants in flower, nature seems 
 to have taken a double precaution to secure the en- 
 trance against intrusion. The two side petals are 
 furnished with a kind of beard, which keeps out the 
 smallest insect, at the same time it admits air which 
 appears to be necessary in the formation of the nectar. 
 The stigma of the sweet Violet, when attached to the 
 seed-vessel, is not unlike the Ostrich, in shape, but 
 when the Corolla and Calyx are carefully removed, 
 (leaving only the pails of fructification attached to the 
 receptacle) a most beautiful miniature bird is repre- 
 sented ! The stigma forms the head and beak, the 
 anthers make a golden breast, whilst their tongues 
 appear like a pair of green wings." And now, does not 
 the sweet Violet appear, a still more beautiful and in- 
 teresting flower than you thought it before you exa- 
 mined it thus carefully ? 
 
78 VIOLET FAMILY. 
 
 " Violets, sweet tenants of the shade, 
 In purple's richest pride array 'd, 
 
 Your errand here fulfil : 
 Go, bid the artist's simple stain 
 Your lustre imitate, in vain, 
 
 And match your Maker's skill." CLARE. 
 
 We shall find that the pretty Heartsease resembles 
 the Violet in many of these curious particulars ; and 
 some authors say that it has a portion of its sweet 
 scent too. If you wish to find the flowers in their 
 greatest beauty, when the upper petals are purple, or 
 partially so, search the corn-fields for them, as early 
 as April or the beginning of May. For very soon 
 after the plants begin to flower, they only bear yelloiu 
 flowers, and these become smaller and paler, as the 
 summer advances, till at length, the petals are shorter 
 than the Calyx, and not spreading, as in the early 
 season. The Heartsease in its early bloom, is one of the 
 prettiest flowers of rich tints and texture that we have. 
 
 " Can all your tapestries or your pictures show, 
 More beauties than in herbs and flowers grow." 
 
 " The most brilliant purples of the artist, appear dull 
 when compared to that of the Pansy. Our richest 
 satins and velvets are coarse and unsightly by a com- 
 
VIOLET FAMILY. 79 
 
 parison of texture ; and as to delicacy of shading, it 
 is scarcely surpassed by the bow of the Iris itself." 
 FLORA HISTOBICA. 
 
 [PANSY- VIOLET OR HEARTSEASE. (Viola tricolor. ) 
 
 Root annual or fusiform (pi. II. 15 fu) Stem angled, branched, 
 Leaves oblong, deeply scolloped, (crenate.) Stipules lyrate, pin- 
 natifid. Spur of the Corolla about as long as the produced 
 base of the Calyx. Stigma large, capitate, obliquely perfo- 
 rated.] 
 
 TO THE PANSY. 
 
 " And thou so rich in gentle names appealing, 
 
 To hearts that own our nature's common lot, 
 Thou styled by sportive Fancy's better feeling 
 
 "A thought," "the Heartsease," or "Forget me not." 
 Who deck'st alike, the peasant's garden plot, 
 
 And castle's proud parterre ; with humble joy 
 Proclaim afresh, by castle and by cot, 
 
 Hopes, which ought not, like things of time to cloy, 
 And feelings, Time itself shall deepen, not destroy !" 
 
 BERNARD BARTON. 
 
SUN-DEW FAMILY. 
 
 " Botany 
 
 To Nature's ever varying face 
 
 It gives, each day, a novel grace, 
 
 New wonders! and unfolds a store, 
 
 Of knowledge not perceived before. 
 
 To many a healthful walk abroad, 
 
 It tempts ; and many a weary road, 
 
 Enlivens ; cheering us along, 
 
 As blythly as the pilgrim's song! 
 
 Reveals a garden in the waste 
 
 And shows a feast before us placed." BP. MANX. 
 
 The 10th Order contains but 4 plants, not com- 
 mon, but so peculiarly formed, and beautiful; and so 
 well known by name ; that I will give you a descrip- 
 tion, which will enable you to recognize them, and 
 lead you to examine them with an eye prepared to 
 discover all that is curious, and interesting in their 
 formation. 
 
 THE KOUND-LEAVED SUNDEW. 
 
 " By the lone fountain's sacred bed, 
 Where human footsteps rarely tread, 
 
THE SUN-DEW FAMILY. 81 
 
 'Mid the wild moor or silent glen, 
 The Sundew blooms, unseen by men, 
 Spreads there her leaf of rosy hue, 
 Glitt'ring as if with morning dew." 
 
 The leaves of the plant (Drosera Kotundifolia) are 
 its chief beauty; and yet, the slender red scape, 
 (4 or five inches in height,) rising from the centre of 
 the leaves, with many delicate small white flowers 
 growing down one side of it, adds greatly to the 
 beauty of its whole appearance. The leaves (pi. II. 
 14. g) are nearly round, of a delicate green, covered 
 with bright crimson hair-like glands. These glands 
 emit a clear, sticky fluid, which appears like drops of 
 dew upon the plant: sparkling in the sun, and in- 
 creased by the heat, instead of evaporating, as dew 
 ever does. " It appears to be useful to the plant, by 
 entangling any small insect on the leaf, either acci- 
 dentally, or perhaps, mistaking the glittering drops, 
 for some delicious food. Once caught, its destruction 
 is inevitable; of what use the dead fly is to the 
 plant, is not known." Perhaps these glittering " Fly- 
 traps" (as these plants are likewise called), are to 
 teach us this lesson, that what appears " delicious," 
 and beautiful to the sight, may prove to be poisor, 
 or do us some deadly harm ! 
 
 Flora Historica. 
 
 G 
 
82 THE SUN-DEW FAMILY. 
 
 But oh ! approach it not, poor thoughtless fly, 
 Touch but that sparkling trap, and thou must die ! 
 
 THE GRASS OF PABNASSUS. 
 
 . ..." A little flower, milk white, 
 Which sportive fancy often fondly thinks, 
 May once have sprung beneath the Muse's feet, 
 And heard Apollo's Lyre." 
 
 THE GRASS OF PABNASSUS (Parnassia palustris,) 
 bears no resemblance to grass, but lias a delicate white 
 flower, veined with green, about the size of a butter- 
 cup. It has 5 petals, and 5 stamens, with 5 beautiful 
 nectaries, alternate. These nectaries are fringed 
 with white silken hairs, each tipped with a tiny golden 
 ball. These balls are glands, filled with a clear fluid : 
 examine the flower with your lens for every part is 
 very beautiful. The stems are 6 or 10 inches high 
 with heart-shaped leaves, on long footstalks, one 
 (which may be called a bractea) clasps the stem. 
 This plant only grows in bogs and wet places ; and is 
 more frequent in the north. Its name tells us that it 
 sometimes takes an elevated station ; but the plant is 
 by no means peculiar to "Mount Parnassus." The 
 stamens rising forward, to shed their pollen on the 
 stigma, is thus described by Bishop Mant : 
 
THE MILKWOBd FAMILY. 
 
 Parnassian grass, with chaliced bloom. 
 
 And globes nectarious, like the Earl's 
 
 Rich coronet, beset with pearls ; 
 
 "Whose stamens form'd with wondrous power, 
 
 To fructify the expanded flower, 
 
 Each after each, their anthers bend, 
 
 And on the germen's open head, 
 
 The fertilizing pollen shed, 
 
 And thence withdrawing backward trace, 
 
 Their passage to their former place." 
 
 MILKWORT. 
 
 The XI Order contains but one plant ; the pretty 
 MILKWORT (Polygala Vulgaris) stands alone. It 
 resembles the Fumatory Family, in some respects 
 but its seed-vessel separates it from that, and from 
 the Butterfly family also. The flowers are blue (but 
 as often white, and lilac, on a chalky soil) stems 
 branched, half reclining; from 4 to 8 inches high, 
 with small oval leaves down each side of them. 
 The flowers, (which grow down the stem, about half 
 way) have a coloured calyx of 5 sepals, the two inner, 
 wing-shaped. Petals, from three to five, combined 
 by their claws, with the filaments, which are in two 
 bundles, the lower petal is keeled, and beautifully 
 crested. 
 
84 THE MILKWOET FAMILY. 
 
 This plant ever brings to mind, one lovely summer's 
 day, in early childhood, when in one of our distant 
 rambles we first discovered, a beautiful patch of the 
 Milkwort ; and in all its colours. The joy of such a 
 discovery, has since been recorded in verse, by the 
 dear companion of many an early ramble. May such 
 enjoyment, in the discovery of a new flower, be in 
 store for you. 
 
 To THE MILKWOET. 
 
 Oh ! full of childhood's memories, 
 
 Sacred and sweet, 
 Year after year, with eager eyes, 
 
 Thee still I greet ! 
 I love thee, for thou hast the power, 
 To bring me back that joyous hour, 
 "When first I mark'd thy simple flower 
 
 Bloom at my feet, 
 
 And thou couldst thrill my heart with unknown pleasure 
 Another flower a new one? oh! what treasure. 
 I know not when, I know not where 
 
 The prize I found ; 
 But well I can recall the air 
 
 That breathed around. 
 The breezy down, the fragrant thyme, 
 The clear, soft sky of summer's prime ; 
 Thou bring' st them back like some faint chime 
 
 Of far off sound ! 
 
 On the still ear through din and tumult stealing, 
 And to the listening heart sweet melodies revealing. 
 
 ANNA J. TIDAL, 
 
XIV. ORDER. OATCHFLY FAMILY. 
 
 Now, by these cooling shades, 
 
 The beauty of these plants 
 
 By these delightful meadows, 
 
 These variegated flowers, 
 
 By the soft music of the rills and birds, 
 
 Let us sit down in joy ! MILTON. 
 
 I pass over the two next Orders, (which contain but 
 3 plants, and little known) to one of a distinct, and 
 very different character, from those we have examined 
 yet. And of a different hue also, pink being the 
 prevailing colour of this family ; and " THE PINK " 
 is its most favoured flower. 
 
 [XIV. ORDER. CATCHFLY FAMILY. (Caryophyttacece,) 
 which signifies, Corollas, with long claws to the petals. 
 PI. II. 2 p. cl. 
 
 Sepals 5 or 4 persistent, distinct or united. Petals as 
 many, rarely wanting. Stamens as many as, or double the 
 number of the petals, inserted upon a fleshy, elevated disk, 
 supporting the Ovary or a ring. Anthers opening length- 
 ways. Ovary 1. Styles 2 to 5. Capsule 1-celled; (some- 
 times so at the summit, and 2 5 celled below). 2 6 valved, 
 or opening at the summit with teeth. Placenta central, and 
 free in the 1-celled capsules ; in the rest attached to the centre 
 
86 CATCHFLY FAMILY. 
 
 (axile). Seeds generally numerous. Herbs more or less 
 swollen at the joints of the stem ; with opposite leaves, with- 
 out stipules. 
 
 I. SUB-ORDER, (Sileneje). Sepals united. (MonophyUus 
 Calyx). Petals and Stamens hypogynous, inserted on the 
 summit of a stalk to the Ovary. 
 
 5. GENERA. 
 
 5. PINK. 10. CATCHFLY. 1. COCKLE. 
 
 1. SOAPWORT. 5. CAMPION. 
 
 PINK. Dianthus. 
 
 Calyx tubular, (pi. II. 1 1) 5 toothed, with about four opposite 
 scales or bracteoles, at the base, which overlap (imbricated). 
 Petals 5 clawed. Stamens 10. Styles 2. Capsules cylindrical. 
 1 -celled. Seeds peltate. Name signifies 'Jupiter,' and 'a 
 flower,' dedicated, as it were, to Deity itself, to express the 
 high value set upon this charming genus of flowers.] 
 
 None of the wild Pinks are common ; but the single 
 Pinks of the garden are so true to the character, that 
 when you do meet with any of the wild species, you 
 will readily recognize them, after you have examined 
 some of the garden Pinks. I will give you the de- 
 scription of the most beautiful of the Genus, the 
 Clove Pink or Carnation which is the origin of all the 
 beautiful double Carnations and Pinks of our gardens. 
 
CATCHFLY FAMILY. 87 
 
 [CLOVE PINK, Dianthus Caryophillus. 
 
 Stem branched, flowers mostly solitary. Scales of the 
 Calyx egg-shaped, broadest end at the top (oi-ovate), rather 
 bluntly pointed, (sub-mucronate), much shorter than the tube. 
 Petals broad, with angular notches, (dentato-crenate), leaves 
 long and narrow; awl-shaped, grooved, of a blue-green, 
 smooth on the margin.] 
 
 This is the " curious choice Clove, Gilliflower ; " as 
 many of the poets of early days styled it. The name 
 is a corruption of Jwfo/-flower, from that month being 
 the time for its flowering. Spencer, the poet, calls 
 them Coronations, from which the name t Carnation,' 
 has arisen, no doubt. As it is never found but on old 
 walls, we may suppose that, like the Wall-flower, it 
 was first introduced into our gardens, from other 
 countries. But many authors are of opinion that it 
 originally grew wild on our rocks and cliffs ; as another 
 species, the CHEDDAR PINK, (Dianthus ccesius), with 
 pale lilac flowers, of the same size ; grows wild on the 
 limestone rocks of Cheddar. The flower of the 
 Carnation is as large as the Indian Pink of the 
 garden ; varying in color, from the palest pink (finely 
 dotted) to a rich crimson ; and very beautiful they 
 
CATCHFLY FAMILY. 
 
 appear on the old walls, when the plants are in full 
 blossom. 
 
 " Let your admired Carnation own, 
 
 Not all was meant for raiment or for food, 
 Not all, for useful need alone ; 
 There, while the seeds of future blossoms dwell, 
 'Tis color' d for the sight, perfum'd to please the smell." 
 
 SHENSTONE. 
 
 We will examine one Species in this large Genus, 
 and all are so similar in their appearance, that you 
 will readily distinguish them ; observing that they 
 differ from the next Genus (which most nearly resem- 
 bles them) in the number of styles, and cells of the 
 capsules. 
 
 [CATCHFLY. (Silne). 
 
 Calyx of one piece, (monophyllus), tubular, often swelling 
 unequally on one side, (ventricose). 5-toothed. Petals 
 5-clawed, mostly crowned at the mouth ; and the limb 
 generally notched or bifid. Stamens 10, alternate ones, 
 opposite to the petals, and adhering to the claws. Styles 3, 
 Capsules 3-celled, to the middle, or only at the base, (rarely 
 1-celled), 6-toothed, many-seeded. Name supposed to arise 
 from the word ' saliva,' in allusion to the sticky moisture on 
 the stalks of many species ; whence too, the English name of 
 Catchfly. 
 
CATCHFLY FAMILY. 89 
 
 BLADDER CATCHFLY. (Silne inflata.) 
 
 Flowers numerous, panicled, (pi. II. 12. P.) Petals deeply 
 cut in the middle, (cloven) with narrow claws, scarcely 
 crowned. Calyx inflated, reticulated, stem ereet, leaves 
 lance-shaped, the lower part much broader (ovato-lanceolate). 
 Stem and leaves smooth or downy petals pure white. Stem 
 1 or 2 feet high.] 
 
 This Catchfly is very common in corn-fields, by 
 roadsides, and waste-places : the Petals are white, 
 small, compared with the Calyx, which is a miniature 
 balloon, and so completely air-tight, before the flower 
 appears, that if you press it suddenly against the back 
 of your hand, it will burst with a report as loud as 
 that of a small pea-pod. 
 
 The ' SEA CAMPION,' (OB CATCHFLY), is a much 
 handsomer flower, milk-white, with smaller stems and 
 leaves. 
 
 THE NIGHT FLOWERING CATCHFLY (S. Noctiflora) 
 is sweet-scented, with pale reddish, almost white flowers. 
 It is to be found in corn-fields, in a gravelly or sandy 
 soil. These are flowers 
 
 " That keep 
 
 Their odour to themselves all day, 
 But when the Sunlight dies away, 
 Let the delicious secret out, 
 To every breeze that blows about." T. MOORE. 
 
CATCHFLY FAMILY. 
 
 We now come to a Genus, very nearly allied. I 
 will give you the Botanical description, and then, you 
 will never be puzzled with them ; though some have 
 named Catchflies Campions. Like the Catchflies, 
 nearly all the flowers are white. 
 
 [CAMPIOX-LYCHNIS. Lychnis. 
 
 Calyx Monophyllous, tubular, 5-toothed. Petals 5-clawed, 
 crowned at the mouth, mostly divided at the border. Stamens 
 10. Styles usually 5. Capsules opening by 5 or 10 teeth, 
 (PI. I. 4 k.) Named from the Greek, which signifies ' a Lamp/ 
 the thick, cottony substance on the leaves of some foreign 
 species, having been used as wicks to Lamps. 
 
 WHITE CAMPION. Lychnis vespertina. 
 
 Flowers, often with only stamens, or only pistils, (sub- 
 dioecious.) Calyx of the pistil-bearing (pistilliferous) flowers, 
 with long, narrow teeth ; Capsule conical, with teeth erect. 
 Ovary 1-celled. Calyx of the anther-bearing flowers, nearly 
 cylindrical: of the pistil-bearing flowers, egg-shaped. Stem 
 1 2 feet high. Flowers pure white, on stalks unequally 
 placed, (panicled) downy ; slightly sticky about the joints. 
 Leaves egg-shaped or broadly lanceolate. Sweet-scented in 
 the evening. Common in fields and hedges from June to the 
 end of August. PI. II. 8. o.] 
 
 THE BED CAMPION (L. diurna) is very similar, 
 with deep, Rose-color Petals. 
 
CATCHFLY FAMILY. 91 
 
 The prettiest flower in this Genus, and the pride of 
 the meadow, in its richest season of gay blooms, is, 
 the " MEADOW PINK," (Lychnis Flos-cuculi) with its 
 rose-colored Petals, deeply fringed, hanging gracefully 
 over its delicate Calyx, and Stalk, which are shaded 
 with red. The Stem is 1 2 feet high, and sticky 
 above. If you wish to procure specimens, search for 
 it (in watery meadows) as soon as it begins to flower ; 
 one day's delay may be too late ; for it blossoms just 
 as the grass is ready for the scythe ; and what looks 
 so fresh and gay to-day, is, to-morrow " cut down, 
 dried up, and withered away." 
 
 " Farewell, the meadows, where such various showers, 
 Of beauty lurk'd amongst the fragrant hay ; 
 Where Orchis bloom' d with freak' d and spotted flowers ! 
 And Lychnis blooming like the new-born day." 
 
 MRS. C. SMITH. 
 
 The beautiful CORNCOCKLE, (whose name Agros- 
 temina Githago signifies " Crown of the field,") has 
 large flowers, of a rich lilac ; and stands two feet high, 
 with woolly, leathery leaves and stalk, difficult to break 
 except at the joints. The Plant is so different from 
 any other, and so true to the character of this Order, 
 that you will readily know its name when you find it. 
 
92 CATCHFLY FAMILY. 
 
 II. SUB-ORDER. (Alsincee.) 
 
 Sepals distinct, or nearly so. Petals and Stamens, 
 inserted on an hypogynous, or perigynous (on the 
 Calyx) ring. Capsule sessile, 1 -celled. 
 
 10. GENERA. 
 
 7. Pearlwort. 1. Mouse-ear Chickweed (water.) 
 
 1. Buffonia. 6. Stitchwort. 
 
 1. Cyphel. 1. Jagged Chickweed. 
 
 1. Sea-purslane. 1. Mcenchia. 
 9. Sandwort. 8. Mouse-ear Chickweed. 
 
 The PEARL-WORTS (Sagina) are to be readily 
 distinguished as belonging to this Order, but too 
 small to examine, to discover their species. Their 
 small white buds, in the Calyx, are like Pearls 
 amongst Emeralds : and have doubtless given the 
 plant the name it bears. One small species (S. pro- 
 cumbens) often disfigures our garden walks : not but 
 that the plant is beautiful in itself, but the walk 
 should not be thus decorated ; and therefore is dis- 
 figured by it. Even as the most beautiful gems, and 
 rich attire, are a disfigurement to those to whom they 
 are unsuitable. 
 
CATCHFLY FAMILY. 93 
 
 The SANDWORTS (Arenaria) are small plants also, 
 with white or lilac flowers. One with white flowers, 
 called the 3-nerved Sandwort (A. trinervis) is frequent 
 in moist, shady hedges : 6 or 8 inches high, with egg- 
 shaped, and pointed leaves, and three conspicuous 
 veins in each. Another Sandwort with Thyme-shaded 
 leaves, is common on walls. You will be puzzled to 
 distinguish them from the Pearlworts. The Sandworts 
 have 3 4 Styles ; and 3 5 Valves in the Capsules. 
 The Pearlworts have 4 5 Styles ; and 4 5 Valves 
 in the Capsules. The Petals of the Sandworts are 
 more conspicuous, and more deeply divided down the 
 middle, than the Pearlworts. 
 
 We will now examine one of the Stitchworts, whose 
 pure, white, star-like blossoms are well known to us, 
 as a favorite hedge-flower. 
 
 [STITCH-WORT. Stellaria. 
 
 Sepals 5. Petals 5, deeply cloven. Stamens 10. Styles 3. 
 Capsules opening with 6 valves. Many seeded. Named from 
 Stella, a Star, because the Corolla spreads in a star-shaped 
 manner. 
 
 GREATER STITCKWORT. (Stellaria holostea.) 
 
 Stem nearly erect, with 4 rough, sharp angles, leaves lance- 
 olate, very pointed, sessile. Petals cloven to the middle, twice 
 as long as the nerveless Calyx. 
 
94 CATCHFLY FAMILY. 
 
 This plant is from 1 to 1| feet high, rather rigid, and brittle. 
 The flowers are the largest in this genus, on stalks, few in a 
 panicle, with leafy bracteas.] 
 
 Common, but ever welcome in our hedges. Its 
 beauties are best pointed out in the following lines. 
 
 " Fair Star of the Spring, thou art blooming as brightly, 
 Beneath the low hedge, by the dusty way-side, 
 
 .As if the soft breezes were waving thee lightly, 
 In green, dewy glades, where the Violets hide. 
 
 'Mid the loud din of traffic so tranquilly smiling, 
 Neglected, and scorned, yet all beautiful still, 
 
 Not a stain, not a spot, thy white vesture defiling, 
 Thou art pure as the storm-drifted snow of the hill. 
 
 Some spell in thy bosom, must surely be hiding, 
 To keep thee untouched from pollution around ; 
 
 Some spell, in thine innermost depth close abiding, 
 
 By the rude world without thee, just felt and not found. 
 
 Blest they, who tho' life's crowded paths be their dwelling, 
 Like thee, the fell contact unstained can endure, 
 
 And tho' the dark dust- clouds around them are swelling, 
 Still keep their white raiment unsullied and pure. 
 
 And they have a spell, which man's eye passes over, 
 So deeply, it dwells the dark spirit within, 
 
 A spell, the world's wisdom can never dissever, 
 Which keeps them at peace, 'mid its angriest din. 
 
CATCHFLY FAMILY. 95 
 
 ' Tis a spell, whose high magic all nature confesses, 
 "With wonder or envy, but none may define, 
 
 Save he, who the talisman's treasure possesses, 
 Oh Christian, this hallow* d enchantment is thine." 
 
 (MS.) ANNA J. VIDAL. 
 
 I must now give a description of the smallest plant 
 in this genus ; and, as written by one, who in all her 
 delightful works on Natural History, discovers so much 
 beauty even in the structure of the minutest objects, 
 and ever leads us to turn, with a grateful heart to join 
 in singing the praises of their Creator. 
 
 CHICKWEED. " Stellaria media." 
 
 " Each of its polished stems upholds a bud in diffe- 
 rent stages of verdure, or of decay. In some, the 
 starry, white Corollas, are fully exposed to the sun : 
 in others, which also stand upright, the white Petals 
 have fallen off, and the four-sided, and light green 
 capsules, appear conspicuous ; in others again, the 
 stalk assumes a curved form, and the capsule bends 
 towards the earth. Look at it when thus reversed, 
 what a curious shape ! what a wonderful arrange- 
 ment ! Growing frequently on places exposed to 
 fierce winds, and heavy showers, a peculiar provision 
 is required for the protection of the seed. Observe 
 
96 CATCHFLY FAMILY 
 
 therefore, a small penthouse formed by the Calyx, for 
 the Calyx in this plant is permanent : it may not 
 wither, and fall off, like that of the Poppy, which does 
 not require its assistance. Thus protected, the seed- 
 vessel continues reversed during a few days ; at the 
 end of which time, the stem straightens, and uplifts 
 the seed-vessel to the influence of the sun. Here 
 then another process is discoverable: the Capsule 
 splits into six small divisions at the top ; through 
 which both air and light are freely admitted to the 
 enclosed seeds. When their active ministry is finished, 
 and the seeds are fully ripe, the stem bends again, and 
 empties, as from an urn, the innumerable seeds upon 
 the earth. Thus, does every stem change its position, 
 at least four times, to suit the different stages of 
 growth or of decay. 
 
 This little plant, is another of Flora's Watches. 
 And here also, the spiral wires come into aid. By 
 means of them, the starry, white corolla opens early in 
 the morning, and closes about four in the afternoon. 
 These spiral fibres, are extremely susceptible of any 
 atmospheric changes also, the flowers shut up closely 
 before a coming storm. . . . What sees the stranger 
 in passing by this little plant ? A small and insigni- 
 ficant looking weed, covering the top of an old wall, 
 
CATCHFLY FAMILY. 97 
 
 or springing from interstices where the mortar has 
 fallen out between the stones. What sees the Bota- 
 nist in the simple weed ? An object of great interest ; 
 formed especially for the place it is designed to fill : 
 a memento of the care of its Creator, and not of 
 the plant only, but of numerous winged creatures 
 that depend upon the ripening of its seeds for their 
 support." 
 
 " Look on that Chick-weed, mourner, and list the grateful strain, 
 Of her, who sings to praise Him, 'mid driving wind and rain. 
 That warbling creature hath not, nor fields, nor hoarded corn, 
 And yet, she sweetly singeth, the leafy boughs among. 
 Her soft clear voice is telling, from out the lovely tree, 
 That He who feeds the lone one, doth surely care for thee. 
 Her plumes are rudely ruffled, the day is nearly gone, 
 But she heeds not, she fears not, and still she singeth on. 
 Oh ! weep not thus, poor mourner, the storm shall pass away ; 
 For me, sweet Spring is coming, for thee, a brighter day." 
 " Flowers of the Matin and Even-song." 
 by MAHY EGBERTS. 
 
 " The MOUSE-BAB, CHICKWEEDS " (Cerastium) 
 have small white flowers also, and of just the same 
 form as the Stitchworts. The difference is, that the 
 Mouse-ear Chickweeds have 5 Styles, and the Capsules 
 open with 10 equal teeth. The leaves are thicker and 
 coarser-looking. Three or four species are common 
 H 
 
98 CATCKFLY FAMILY. 
 
 in corn-fields, by road-sides, and on wall-tops. We 
 will not puzzle ourselves by trying to separate the 
 species at present : but now conclude this interesting- 
 Order of Pink or White Flowers, so easily distin- 
 guished (as a family) by their opposite, undivided 
 leaves, on jointed stems, without stipules. 
 
 " Farewell the meadows, where such various showers, 
 Of beauty lurk'd amongst the fragrant hay, 
 "Where Campion bloom' d with purest milk-white flowers, 
 And Meadow-pink still blushing like the new-born day." 
 
FLAX FAMILY. 
 
 " Oh ! the little Flax-flower, 
 
 It groweth on the hill, 
 And be the breeze awake or 'sleep, 
 
 It never standeth. still. 
 
 It groweth, and it groweth fast, 
 
 One day, it is a seed, 
 And then, a little grassy blade, 
 
 Scarce bigger than a weed. 
 
 But then, comes out the Flax-flower, 
 
 As blue as is the sky, 
 And 'tis a dainty little thing, 
 
 We say, as we pass by. 
 
 Ah ! 'tis a goodly little thing, 
 
 It groweth for the poor, 
 And many a peasant blesses it, 
 
 Beside his cottage door." MARY Ho WITT. 
 
 THE XV. ORDER (LINAGES) contains only, the 
 beautiful Flax-plants, (4: Linum.) and the FLAX- 
 SEED, (Radiola), none of which are common, except 
 the small White Flax, If you do not know the Blue 
 Flax (of which linen is made) sow some linseed in 
 your garden, and as you watch its growth, think of the 
 
100 FLAX FAMILY. 
 
 immense value of both plant and seed to us ! The 
 woody-fibre of its stem, is spun into thread, of which 
 linen, damask, cambric, lace, <fec. are made in endless 
 quantity and variety of quality. The seed produces a 
 valuable oil, and being mucilaginous, is much used for 
 fomentations, &c., for the sick and suffering. Who 
 can look on this slender little plant, but with grateful 
 admiration ! 
 
 There are two other species with blue flowers, very 
 similar : as they are not common, I will advise you to 
 learn the character of the useful one, by growing the 
 Linseed (as its seed is called) in your garden, or a pot. 
 
 The WHITE FLAX (L. Catharticum) which is to be 
 found on heaths, and in meadows, is from 2 6 inches 
 Tiigh only : with opposite oblong leaves on forked stems ; 
 flowers of 4 or 5 petals, drooping gracefully, before 
 opening. 
 
XVI. OKDER. THE MALLOW FAMILY. 
 
 " There is a lesson in each flower, 
 
 A story, in each stream and bower, 
 
 On ev'ry herb on which you tread, 
 
 Are written words, which rightly read, 
 
 Will lead you from earth's fragrant sod, 
 
 To Hope, to Holiness, and God." CUNNINGHAM. 
 
 HERE is another well-distinguished Order, and a 
 pleasant task it will be to examine its large, and 
 beautiful flowers, and curious button-shaped seeds. 
 (PI. II. 7. m.) 
 
 " Picking from Mallows, sport to please, 
 The crumpled seed, we call a cheese" 
 
 [THE MALLOW FAMILY. (Malvaceae.) 
 
 Calyx, 5 cleft, united by their margins only, before the 
 flowers open, (valvate in aestivation). Corolla, of 5 Petals, 
 
102 THE MALLOW FAMILY. 
 
 regular, twisted when in bud. Stamens indefinite; united. 
 (Monodelphous. pi. I. and II. 2 m.) often united with the 
 Petals at their bases. Anthers kidney-shaped, 1-celled. 
 Ovary 1. Styles single, or several combined. Stigmas 
 several. Fruit, a Capsule, with many cells and valves, or 
 composed of many carpels, collected into a compact body, 
 or placed in a whorl, round the base of the style. Embryo 
 curved ; with twisted, and double Cotyledons. Herbs, or 
 Shrubs, or Trees. Leaves alternate, with 'stipules. Flowers 
 on stalks, several together on the stem, at distances. They 
 abound in mucilage, especially the seeds. The stems and 
 root form an excellent fibre. 
 
 Though there are but few British Species of this Family ; 
 there are numerous exotics which belong to it. One, of the 
 trees, as useful to us as the Flax, is, "The Cotton Tree," 
 whose fine white fibre, contained in the seed-vessel, is spun 
 into such an innumerable variety of cotton goods. That fine 
 white fibre is of the cellular tissue of the plant ; we can now 
 understand why cotton goods are not so durable as linen, 
 which is made of the woody fibre (vascular tissue) of the 
 plant.] 
 
 3 GENERA. 
 1. Tree Mallow. 4. Mallow. 3. Marsh Mallow. 
 
 [MALLOW. (Malva.) 
 
 Calyx, with a 3-leaved Involucre, (PI. II. m I.) Carpels 
 numerous, circularly arranged, 1 -seeded. Name altered from 
 a Greek word signifying " soft," in allusion to the emollient 
 nature of the species. 
 
THE MALLOW FAMILY. 103 
 
 COMMON MALLOW. Malva Sylvestris. 
 
 Stem erect, herbaceous, leaves with 5 to 7 rather acute, 
 deep lobes; peduncles, and petioles hairy, fruit smooth, 
 wrinkled, like net- work (reticulately wrinkled). Stem, 
 from 2 to 3 feet high. Petals heart- shaped, reversed, 
 (obcordato) large, and of a deep lilac, with darker veins 
 Flowers 3 or 4 together, on the stem, at distances, with 
 the leaves, (not only terminal.) Whole plant, especially, 
 the fruit, slimy (mucilaginous) and emollient.] 
 
 This plant is so common and conspicuous, that 
 doubtless you know it ; and perhaps call its fruit 
 cheeses ; for that is the name it often bears. The 
 MUSK MALLOW (Malva Moschata) is not so common, 
 but a more elegant plant ; with rose-color petals, and 
 finely cut leaves, which have a faint, musky smell in 
 the evening. There is one other common species: 
 The BOUND -LEAVED MALLOW, with small pale lilac 
 blossoms, but the plant and leaves are large and tough, 
 like the Common Mallow. The Mu&k Mallow is tbe 
 ' Emblem of Meekness.' 
 
 " Yet only in the shade of night, 
 
 It sends its fragrance forth, 
 As though it deemed, no earthly light 
 
 Were conscious of its worth : 
 So it bends its head low as it wafts it away, 
 Ere the star of the morn tells the breaking of day. 
 
104 .THE MALLOW FAMILY. 
 
 There's nought beneath the -vault of heaven, 
 
 That we may useless deem ; 
 E'en to this plant a moral's given, 
 
 Though simple it may seem. 
 
 * Emblem of Meekness,' oh ! who doth not hallow, 
 The bright green leaf of the Musk-scented Mallow ! " 
 E. L, Le Bouquet des Souvenirs. 
 
 THE TREE-MALLOW (Lavatera Arborea) is a hand- 
 some plant, from 3 to 5 feet high, with purple-rose- 
 coloured flowers, shining, and darker at the base of the 
 petals. Leaves downy and plaited. This plant is only 
 to be found on insulated, maritime rocks, in the south 
 and west of England. 
 
 The COMMON MARSH MALLOW is remarkable for 
 the thick, exquisitely soft, and starry down, of the 
 leaves and stem. It grows on Marshes near the Sea, 
 to the height of 2 or 3 feet. The flowers are large, 
 of a pale pink lilac. It affords a valuable tea for 
 coughs, and is often made into lozenges. 
 
 The HAIRY MARSH MALLOW, is very rare. 
 
THE LIME FAMILY. 
 
 There's perfume on every wind, 
 Music in every tree 
 Dews for the moisture-loving flower, 
 
 Sweets for the sucking bee." N. P. WILLIS. 
 
 THE XVII. Order, contains but three plants the 
 magnificent and far-famed Lime-trees ! One of the 
 first trees to rejoice us in Spring, with its light green 
 foliage ; and to regale us in July with its numerous 
 sweet-scented blossoms, is the LINDEN-TREE (Tilia 
 Europoea). The scent is ever accompanied with the 
 sound of the hum of bees, which fly to it in great 
 numbers, preferring the nectar of the Lime, to that of 
 almost any plant ; and honey made of it is much 
 esteemed. The flowers have no nectaries, but are 
 most carefully protected from rain or sun, by the 
 broad, and somewhat dome-shaped leaves, beneath 
 which the flowers are suspended. Their colour is of a 
 greenish-yellow. Calyx and Petals 5, on stalks, 
 springing from a large, lance-shaped bractese, which 
 falls off with the fruit and stalks. And as they fall 
 
106 THE LIME FAMILY. 
 
 but slowly, with the large bracteae attached, the weight 
 of the fruit keeps it in a position above, which causes 
 it to spin in the air, like a shuttlecock, as it falls. 
 The name Tilia, is of obscure origin, perhaps from 
 the Celtic ; in modern Gaelic, the Lime is called Teile. 
 But its Swedish name of Lind, agrees with our name 
 of Linden or Lime-tree. There is one circumstance 
 connected with the Lime-tree, which should alone 
 render it a tree of peculiar interest to a Botanist. 
 Linnaeus, the great Swedish Botanist", is said to have 
 derived his own name, from its Swedish name of Lind. 
 The Bast matting, so useful to the gardener, is 
 the inner bark of the Lime-tree ; being exceedingly 
 strong. 
 
XVIII. OKDEE. ST. JOHN'S WOKT FAMILY. 
 
 " Hypericum was there, the herb of war, 
 Pierced through with wounds, and mark'd 
 With many a scar." 
 
 THIS well-distinguished Family of Yellow Flowers, 
 with numerous stamens, (and in three distinct parcels,) 
 well deserves to be carefully studied; and we shall 
 meet with many species very frequently, either in 
 hedge, wood, or shrubbery. 
 
 [XVIII. ORDER. ST. JOHN'S WORT FAMILY. 
 
 (Hypericaceae.) 
 
 Sepals 4 5, distinct or attached, lasting, frequently with 
 glandular dots. Petals 4 5, with a twisted sestivation, and 
 often with black dots. Stamens numerous, (15 or more) in 
 three parcels, (polyadelphous) rarely in one parcel, or quite 
 distinct. Anthers small, suspended (versatile). Ovary single. 
 Styles, 3 5, rarely combined. Stigma simple. Fruit, a 
 capsule of several valves, rarely a berry (bacca) several 
 celled, (or imperfectly from the valves being curved inwards) . 
 
108 ST. JOHN'S WORT FAMILY. 
 
 Seeds minute, numerous : on a receptacle in the centre (axis) 
 or on the incurved margins of the valves. Generally opposite 
 leaves, marked with pellucid dots, and having yellow flowers. 
 Aromatic and resinous. 
 
 I. GENUS. 12. ST. JOHN'S WORT. (Hypericum) 
 
 Calyx divided into 5, or of 5 sepals. Petals 5. Filaments 
 united at the base, into 3 or 5 sets, or sometimes almost dis- 
 tinct ; capsules many-seeded. 
 
 PERFORATED ST. JOHN'S WORT. (H. perforatum.) 
 
 Stem two-edged. Leaves oblong, obtuse, with pellucid 
 dots. Sepals erect, lanceolate, acute, or toothed, leaves some- 
 times broadly oblong, or narrow. There are minute black 
 dots on the Calyx, Corolla, and often on the leaves, which 
 distinguish it from the next species.] 
 
 " IMPEBFOBATE ST. JOHN'S WORT," (H. dubium), 
 whose other distinguishing mark is that " the leaves 
 are reticulated beneath, with pellucid veins, and 
 sepals reflexed." Both species have branched stems, 
 1 2 feet high, and numerous yellow flowers in heads, 
 (corymb). 
 
 " Hypericum, all bloom, so thick a swarm, 
 Of flowers like flies, clothing its slender rods, 
 That scarce a leaf appears." 
 
109 
 
 And blooming all the summer long ; abundant in 
 hedges, thickets, and woods. The following species 
 are not uncommon, but bloom later. 
 
 1 The SQUARE -STALKED ST. JOHN'S WORT, (H. 
 quadrdngulum), with square stalks, pale flowers, and 
 with small black dots.' 
 
 The HAIBY ST. JOHN'S WORT, (H. hirsutum,) has 
 a round, and hairy stalk, with glandular serratures to 
 
 TRAILING ST. JOHN'S WORT. Stems 6 8 inches 
 long, on the ground. Corolla with black dots. 
 
 THE LARGE -FLOWERED St. John's Wort, is not 
 common wild, but often to be found in shrubberies, 
 and easily to be distinguished as a Hypericum. 
 
 THE TUTSAN, (H. Androssemum), is admitted as a 
 Hypericum now, although its fruit is a berry (bacca). 
 This is a handsome, shrubby plant, often cultivated 
 also. Its leaves are large, in pairs, and of a brilliant 
 green, often shaded with red. The berries are first 
 red, then black. It grows in damp, shady woods ; 
 not common. The most beautiful of the order, is the 
 Small UPRIGHT ST. JOHN'S WORT, (H. pulchrum). 
 We will read its full description : " Sepals, broadly 
 ovate, obtuse, with black, glandular serratures. Stem 
 erect, smooth ; leaves heart-shaped, clasping the stem, 
 
110 
 
 smooth, and 1 2 feet high. Its bright yellow flowers 
 (in loose panicles) tinged with red, hefore opening, with 
 red Anthers, and frequently red stems, and leaves partly 
 so ; make it a very ornamental plant ; and though 
 its favorite station, may probably be in the midst of 
 pricking Furze or brambles, (on heaths, or in hedges) 
 you will be willing to risk many scratches to procure 
 some. The flowers only open when the sun shines on 
 them ; but they will bloom in water, if placed in the 
 sun, fresh buds opening daily, for many days after- 
 wards. Its name, of St. John's Wort, is given because 
 it is in full flower at the time of the feast of St. John, 
 Midsummer. 
 
 " If thou wilt seek the air that breathes, 
 
 Upon the open upland heaths, 
 
 The small St. John's Wort's bud and bloom, 
 
 Though gifted not with sweet perfume, 
 
 Will glad thy eye with many a gem, 
 
 That decks its little upright stem. 
 
 Its polished, heart-shaped leaves, with grace 
 
 Fondly, the upright stem embrace ; 
 
 So may thy heart with fondness cling, 
 
 To uprightness, in everything. 
 
 Its crimsoned buds, its golden flowers, 
 
 Mock the most skilful artist's powers : 
 
 No eastern prince did e'er possess 
 
 Such beauty in his costliest dress. 
 
ST. JOHN'S WORT FAMILY. ill 
 
 Though art with nature may contest, 
 
 Yet is the hand of God confest, 
 
 In humblest bloom that paints the heath, 
 
 Or lurks the woodland shades beneath. 
 
 If Beauty, then, can charm thy heart, 
 
 And high, and holy thoughts impart, 
 
 'Tis not in vain that heath and bower, 
 
 Display the small St. John's Wort Flower." 
 
 W. GABDINEB, 
 
 Author of" Tte Flora of Forfarthire ;" " Twenty 
 Lessens on Mosses," fye. 
 
MAPLE FAMILY. 
 
 Two well-known trees, form the XIX. Order. The 
 Sycamore (Acer Pseudo-platanus), and Maple (A. 
 Campestre) ; and these, and the Lime, are the only 
 trees in this Sub-class: nearly all our trees bear 
 Catkins of very incomplete flowers, and belong to the 
 4th Sub-class. The MAPLE and SYCAMORE have 
 greenish-yellow flowers, Calyx divided into 4 5 or 9. 
 Petals the same. The flowers hang in bunches be- 
 neath the large leaves of the Sycamore ; and the fruits 
 of both, have wings to them (a double samara, pi. II. 
 7 S) which greatly aid in dispersing them, as a high 
 wind will carry these winged seeds to a considerable 
 distance. The wood of the Sycamore is very white 
 and hard ; and is much used for bowls and trenchers, 
 as it was formerly used for spears and spikes. The 
 Maple is often beautifully veined, when it is much 
 prized for ornamental wood-work. 
 
XX. OEDEE. CEANE'S-BILL FAMILY. 
 
 " There is a spell in every flower, 
 A sweetness in each spray, 
 
 And every simple bird has power 
 To please me with its lay. 
 
 Oh ! there is joy and happiness 
 
 In everything I see, 
 "Which hids my soul rise up and bless, 
 
 The God that blesses me." ANON. 
 
 This is a very pretty, and well-distinguished Order ; 
 (by the form of the seed-vessel, and united filaments.) 
 The flowers are of every shade of Lilac, to crimson ; 
 and so near to blue, as to give the largest species the 
 name of BLUE MEADOW CRANE'S-BILL. This is 
 common in gardens, with a white variety also: and 
 these will be the best for you to examine, whilst read- 
 ing the description of the Order. 
 
 CRANE'S-BILL FAMILY. (Geraniaceae). 
 Sepals 5, with an imbricated bud, (PL II. 10.) Pe- 
 tals 5, with a claw. Stamens generally united 
 
 i 
 
114 CRANE'S-BILL FAMILY. 
 
 (monodelphous) and twice as many as there are petals. 
 Ovary 5-lobed, terminated by a long, thick beak, and 
 5 stigmas. Carpels 5, 1 -celled, separating, when ripe, 
 from the base of the beak, together with their long, 
 elastic awn, (the style, pi. II. 7 A. s). Seed solitary, 
 without albumen. Embryo curved. Cotyledons folded 
 one in the other, (convolute) and plaited. Herbs or 
 shrubs, with leaves opposite, at the joints, or alternate, 
 and then opposite the flower-stalks. No tendrils. 
 
 2 GENERA. 
 13. Crane's-bill. 3. Stork's-bill. 
 
 CRANE'S-BILL. Geranium. 
 
 Petals regular. Stamens 10, slightly monodelphous, 
 5 outer ones opposite the petals, the other 5 alternating : 
 larger, with a gland at their base. Capsules each with 
 a long, smooth awn. Name signifies " a Crane :" the 
 fruit resembling the beak of that bird. 
 
 [HERB-ROBERT. G. Robertianum. 
 
 Peduncles 2 -flowered. 
 
 Leaves 2, with 3 or 5 deep, lanceolate divisions, (segments) 
 cut deeply and pointed. Calyx angular, hairy ; claw of the 
 petals smooth. Capsules wrinkled across. Seeds without 
 dots. Stems red, spreading, brittle.] 
 
CRANE'S-BILL FAMILY. 115 
 
 Flowers crimson, sometimes white, which, with the 
 red stamens, are very pretty and delicate in appear- 
 ance. This plant is a great ornament to our hedges 
 in early summer, with its numerous flowers, first 
 crimson, then soon fading to a pink-lilac. In early 
 spring and autumn, its bright red leaves or partially 
 red, shaded to green attract our admiration also. 
 
 The DOVE'S-FOOT CRANE'S-BILL (G. Molle) is 
 common : small pink-lilac flowers, and very downy 
 leaves. Search for the plant in arable fields, in early 
 April, when it has sent forth its first stalks and leaves, 
 and you will see the stems, of a rosy-pink,, spread on 
 the ground, in the form and color of a Dove's-foot. 
 
 THE MOUNTAIN (G. Pyrenaicum) is not common, but 
 frequent. A larger plant than the Dove's-foot, with 
 lilac flowers. 
 
 THE JAGGED-LEAVED C. (G. dissectum) is common. 
 Small flowers, and larger leaves than the above, and 
 very much divided and notched. 
 
 THE LONG-STALKED CRANE'S-BILL (G. Columbi- 
 num) is a very elegant plant, with larger lilac flowers 
 than the two common species on slender stems, (often 
 red) in pairs. Its leaves are divided into 5, and 
 deeply cut : and the carpels, when ripe, start from the 
 centre, being still united by their awns at the top : 
 forming a beautiful fairy chandelier. 
 
116 THE CBANE'S-BILL FAMILY. 
 
 The STOBK'S-BILLS (Erodium) are not common 
 the smallest (hemlock S.) is the most frequent. The 
 distinguishing character between these and the 
 Crane's bill, is in the seed-vessels, which have long 
 spiral awns, bearded on the inside. Its name is from 
 the fruit resembling the head of the Heron. 
 
 I must conclude with some very pretty lines by 
 Wordsworth, on our favourite flower Herb Eobert : 
 sometimes called 
 
 Poor Kobin. 
 
 Poor Eobin is yet flowerless, but how gay, 
 With his red stalks, upon this sunny day ! 
 And as his tufts of leaves he spreads, content 
 "With a hard bed, and scanty nourishment, 
 Mixt with the green, some shine, not lacking power, 
 To rival summer's brightest scarlet flower. 
 And flowers they well might seem to passers by, 
 If look'd on only with a careless eye ; 
 Flowers or a richer produce (and it suit, 
 The season) sprinklings of ripe Strawberry fruit. 
 * * * # 
 
 Or does it suit our humour to commend 
 Poor Eobin, as a sure and crafty friend, 
 Whose practice teaches, spite of names, to show 
 Bright colours, whether they deceive or no ? 
 Nay, we would simply praise the free good will, 
 "With which, though slighted, he on naked hill 
 Or in warm valley seeks his part to fill ; 
 
THE CRANE'S-BILL FAMILY. 117 
 
 Cheerful alike, if bare of flowers, as now, 
 
 Or when his tiny gems shall deck his brow ; 
 
 Yet more, we wish that men by men despised, 
 
 And such as lift their foreheads overprized, 
 
 Should sometimes think, whene'er they chance to spy 
 
 This child of Nature's own humility, 
 
 What recompense is kept in store or left 
 
 For all that seem neglected or bereft ; 
 
 "With what nice care equivalents are given, 
 
 How just how beautiful the Hand of Heaven. 
 
BALSAM FAMILY. 
 
 He who through Nature's various walks surveys, 
 The good and fair, her faultless line pourtrays, 
 May range, at will, bright fancy's golden clime, 
 Or musing, mount where science sits sublime, 
 Or wake the spirit of departed time. 
 
 PLEASURE OF MEMORY. 
 
 The only plant in the XXI Order, is the BALSAM, 
 or TOUCH-ME-NOT (Impatiens Noli-me-tangere). This 
 name is given to it, on account of the curious pro- 
 perty of the seed-vessel. It has 5 elastic valves, 
 which, if you touch them, burst open, and scatter 
 their seeds, to a great distance. The valves then 
 become twisted like corkscrews. The plant is 1 foot 
 high succulent, brittle : the flower, bright yellow, 
 spotted with crimson : in form like the single Balsam 
 so often grown in pots. It grows in moist shady 
 woods, in a few counties, but is oftener to be seen in 
 shrubberies, in flower from July to September. 
 
WOOD-SORREL FAMILY. 
 
 The Woodland's Sorrel's petals pale, 
 Vein'd with fine purple streaks we found, 
 Hid in the thicket's mantled ground, 
 And pluck' d admiring. BP. MANT. 
 
 The XXII Order contains but the two WOOD- 
 SOKRELS, (Oxalis) one of which is so plentiful, (and 
 so. beautiful) in many a wood, and shady hedge, that 
 you may probably be well acquainted with it already. 
 But perhaps, the Botanist can bring to view, some 
 curious and interesting peculiarities, we, as yet, know 
 nothing of. Its seed-vessel, like the Balsam, has an 
 " elastic, fleshy outer integument, which, on bursting 
 open, projects the seed to a distance." If you but 
 press the seed-vessel with your finger and thumb, it 
 will send its seeds into your face with sufficient force 
 to hurt an eye ; but who will not like to try the ex- 
 periment ? This most delicately beautiful of all our 
 wood flowers (only less conspicuous in size than the 
 Anemone) generally covers a large space, wherever 
 it has once taken root; and this property in the 
 
120 WOOD- SORREL FAMILY. 
 
 seed-vessel, is the cause of its distant range, no 
 doubt. It has 5 petals, 5 sepals, 10 stamens, the 
 5 inner ones, larger than the others, anthers distinct 
 and 2 celled. The flowers are of a delicate shade of 
 lilac with purple veins, and hang their heads pen- 
 sively, except for one half hour each morning when 
 they raise them to the sun. This peculiarity has 
 given them the name of "Allelujah," in Italy. 
 Their stalks are brittle, shaded with pink, and the 
 root, (a tuber,) is coral-like in form, and of a clear 
 red. The leaves are of a brilliant green when 
 young on red stalks : spreading in the day-time (if 
 sunny) but folded closely to the stalk, in the early 
 evening hours, or in rainy weather. " They are in 
 form like the Shamrock, and are supposed to be 
 the original shamroy of Ireland, though that name 
 has been long applied to the less beautiful leaf of the 
 white or DUTCH CLOVER." (Trifolium repens). Its 
 name ' Oxalis,' signifies sharp or acid, and it contains 
 a deadly poison called Oxalic Acid ; and yet, so useful 
 is this acid, in many chemical preparations, that we 
 should not wish the little plant to be without it. The 
 leaves have an agreeable acid, and are sometimes 
 put into salads. 
 
WOOD-SORREL FAMILY. 
 
 121 
 
 The XXIII and last Order in this sub-class con- 
 tains but the BLADDER-NUT (Staphylese) which " has 
 no right to be included in the British Flora, as it 
 is only to be found in some thickets and hedges, 
 where it was probably planted." * It is a native of 
 Eastern Europe. 
 
 Here our first summer of Botanical Eambles must 
 end for a while: and it is better that you should 
 become thoroughly acquainted with the plants in this 
 division, before you study the next. I hope you are, 
 by this time, so far interested in the study, as to be 
 eager to make fresh excursions, as soon as " Spring 
 flowers bloom again." And should health be per- 
 mitted us, we will proceed with our botanical exami- 
 nations together. 
 
 I regret that, constant weary headaches have pre- 
 vented my pen from treating the subject as it 
 deserves : but if it prove to be the means of leading 
 your "first steps" into the right path for better 
 improvement, it has fulfilled its mission ; and I shall 
 ever rejoice in having made the attempt. And may 
 you, my dear young friends, ever rejoice in a study 
 capable of affording not only so much pleasure in 
 
 * < British Flora.' 
 
122 WOOD-SORREL FAMILY. 
 
 itself; but also of giving far higher gratification to 
 the mind in association with thoughts of that Land 
 of Peace and Joy, where Flowers first bloomed; 
 and of their Creator's love in scattering them thus 
 freely over our Land of care and trial. 
 
 Then, let us ever remember, whilst enjoying these 
 beautiful works, to bless their Creator, and his dear 
 Son who, when on earth, bade us " Consider the Lilies 
 
 of the Field!" 
 
 September Utk, 1853. 
 
 " Your voiceless lips, oh Flowers ! are living preachers, 
 
 Each cup a pulpit, every leaf a book, 
 Supplying to my fancy numerous teachers, 
 From loneliest nook. 
 
 " Thou, Solomon! wert not, in all thy glory, 
 
 Array' d," the lilies cry, " in robes like ours ; 
 How vain your grandeur ! oh, how transitory 
 
 Are human flowers." 
 * * * * * 
 
 Not useless are ye flowers, though made for pleasure, 
 
 Blooming o'er field and wave by day and night, 
 From every source your sanction bids me treasure, 
 Harmless delight. 
 
 Posthumous glories ! angel-like collection ! 
 
 Upraised from seed or bulb, interred in earth, 
 Ye are to me a type of resurrection, 
 
 And second birth. 
 
WOOD-SORREL FAMILY. 123 
 
 Were I, Oh God, in churchless lands remaining, 
 Far from all voice of teachers and divines, 
 
 My soul would find in flowers of thy ordaining, 
 Priests, sermons, shrines. 
 
 HORACE SMITH. 
 
 END OF PART FIRST. 
 
DIRECTIONS FOE DEYING PLANTS TO 
 PKESEBVE THEIE COLOES. 
 
 THE materials required for drying plants, are com- 
 mon cartridge paper (such as grocers use,) thick, white 
 blotting-paper, common cotton wadding, and millboard : 
 all cut of the same size. 
 
 The plants should be gathered in dry weather, and 
 soon after the flowers open when their colors are 
 brightest. 
 
 Succulent plants, (such as Daffodil, Orchis, Stone- 
 crop,) should be put into scalding water for a minute 
 or two; leaving the flowers above water ; then, laid 
 on a cloth to dry. 
 
 Arrange the specimens and papers in the following 
 order. Mill-board, cartridge paper, wadding, (split 
 open, and the glazed side placed next to the cartridge 
 paper.) Blotting paper, the specimens ; blotting paper, 
 wadding ; cartridge paper, mill-board, &c., as before. 
 
 When the specimens are thus arranged, heavy 
 weights should be put on them : about 301bs. the first 
 
DIRECTIONS, ETC. 125 
 
 day, GOlbs. afterwards. A screw press is more con- 
 venient. As the moisture of plants should be carried 
 off as quickly as possible (in order to preserve their 
 colors,) remove them from under pressure, in a day or 
 two ; carefully take away all the papers, &c., except 
 the blotting-papers between which the specimens are 
 placed : put these in a warm air to dry, whilst the re- 
 moved papers, &c. are dryed in the sun, or by the fire. 
 When dry and warm, place them in the same order as 
 before put all under heavier pressure for a few days, 
 when (if not succulent) they will be dry. 
 
 Flowers of different colors, require different treat- 
 ment, to preserve their colors. 
 
 Blue flowers, must be dried with heat ; either under 
 a case of hot sand, before a fire ; with a hot iron ; or 
 in a cool oven. 
 
 Ked flowers are injured by heat : they require to be 
 washed with muriatic acid, diluted in spirits of wine, 
 to fix their color. One part of acid, to three parts of 
 spirit, is about the proportion. The best brush to ap- 
 ply this mixture with, is the head of a thistle when in 
 seed, as the acid destroys a hair-pencil, and injures 
 whatever it touches, (except glass or china,) therefore 
 should be used with great care. 
 
 Many Yellow flowers turn green ; even after they 
 
126 DIRECTIONS, ETC. 
 
 have remained yellow some weeks ; if not dried re- 
 peatedly before the fire, and again after they are 
 mounted on paper, and kept in a dry place. 
 
 Purple flowers require as much care, or they soou 
 turn a light brown. 
 
 White flowers will turn brown, if handled or bruised 
 before they are dried. 
 
 Daisies, Pansies and some other flowers, must not 
 be removed from under pressure for two or three days, 
 or the petals will curl up. 
 
 The best cement for fixing the specimens on to the 
 paper or card-board, is gum-paste.* It is composed of 
 thick gum-water, and flour mixed in warm water, add 
 the two together, warm, and of a consistency that will 
 run off the hair-pencil. 
 
 As all dried plants (ferns excepted) are liable to be 
 infested by minute insects, a small quantity of the poison 
 corrosive sublimate should be added to the paste, which 
 it will also preserve from mould. 
 
 * Some prefer Gum Tragocanth. 
 
A GLOSSAEY OF BOTANICAL TEEMS. 1 
 
 ACAULIS. A plant with a very short stem. 
 
 ACCUMBENT. Lying against anything : in distinction to in- 
 cumbent, lying upon. 
 
 ADNATE. Grown to anything by the whole surface ; when an 
 Ovary is united to the side of a Calyx, it is adnate. 
 
 ACHENE. Fruit, formed of one Carpel, closed. PI. II. 6. 9 a. 
 
 ACUTE. Sharp-pointed. 
 
 ^EQUALIS. Equal, or similar in size : uniform. 
 
 ESTIVATION. The manner in which the parts of a flower are 
 folded up before they expand. 
 
 AGGREGATE. Several things collected together into one body ; 
 as the seeds in the fruit of a Strawberry. 
 
 ALATUS. A thin wing or expansion to stem or seed, &c. PI. 
 II. 7. S. 
 
 ALBUMEN. That portion of some seeds, which lies between 
 the Embryo, and the Testa. 
 
 ALBURNUM. The white wood of a tree. PL I. 
 
 ALTERNATE. Placed on opposite sides, of a stem, or axis ; on 
 a different line ; or, where Stamens are between the Pe- 
 tals, in turn. 
 
 AMPLEXICAUL. Clasping : when a Leaf clasps a Stem at its 
 base. 
 
 ANALOGY. Eesembling a thing in many points, but differing 
 in more important. 
 
 * Taken chiefly from Dr.Lindley's "Glossary of Botanical Terms, with 
 wood-cuts." 
 
128 A GLOSSARY OF 
 
 ANNUAL. Flowering and fruiting in the same year in which 
 
 it is raised from seed. 
 ANTHER. The case which contains the Pollen (or farina) of a 
 
 plant. 
 APETALOUS. Having no Petals; also applied to plants having 
 
 no Corolla or Calyx. 
 
 APPENDAGES. A name applied to any parts, which grow on 
 another part. Hairs and Prickles are appendages to the 
 stem, &c. 
 APPRESSED. Hairs, &c. pressed upwards against the Stem, or 
 
 part they grow on. 
 AQUATICUS. Living in water. 
 AQUATILIS. Living under water. 
 ARBOR. A Tree, having a distinct trunk from which the main 
 
 branches, grow. 
 
 ARBUSTUM. A Shrub, having no distinct trunk, but only a 
 collection of woody stems, which do not die down in 
 winter. 
 ARIL. A gelatinous body, which rises from the placenta, and 
 
 encompasses the seeds. 
 ARTICULATED. Jointed. 
 ARVENSIS. Living in open fields. 
 AWN. The beard of Corn, or any such slender process from 
 
 the seed. PI. II. 7 A. S. Awn formed of the Style. 
 Axis. Any centre, round which leaves, and other organs are 
 
 arranged. 
 AXIL. The angle formed between the axis and any organ that 
 
 grows from it. 
 
 AXILLARY. Growing in the axil of any parts. 
 BACCA. Berry. A succulent seed-vessel filled with pulp, in 
 
 which the seed nestles ; as in a currant. 
 BACCA CORTICOLA. A Berry having a rind, as in an Orange. 
 BARBS. Hooked hairs, &c. 
 
BOTANICAL TERMS. 129 
 
 BARK. The outer rind of a tree, beyond the wood. The only 
 
 true Bark is that of Exogens. PI. I. A 2. 
 BEAK. The long sharp point or angle of a leaf, or other 
 
 organ. 
 
 Bi. -Twice, bi-pinnate. PL II. 14 6. p. 
 BIEXXIAL Seeds which do not flower till the second year (of 
 
 their growth) and then die. 
 BIFIDUS. Split half-way into two parts. 
 BLADE. The Lamina, or expanded part of a leaf. 
 BRACTS. Bracteae. The leaves placed immediately below the 
 
 Calyx, if different in form from the other leaves ; and if 
 
 not in a ring, (whorl, see Involucre). 
 BRISTLES. Stiff, sharp hairs. 
 BUD. The young folded-up branch or flower. 
 BULB. A leaf- bud of a Monocotyledonous plant, the scales of 
 
 which are fleshy, and which throw out roots, and become 
 
 a plant. 
 
 BULB, SOLID. A Corm ; which see. 
 BULB, TUNICATED. The outer scales are thin and membranous, 
 
 and folded round the stem. PI. I. B. 5. 
 CADUCOUS. Dropping off. 
 
 CALYX. The most external of the Floral whorls : called su- 
 perior, when it is not separable from the Ovary : inferior 
 
 when it is separate from that part. (PI. II. all, inferior). 
 CAMPESTRIS. Growing in open fields or plains. 
 CAPSULE. Any dry seed-vessel opening when ripe. Usually 
 
 the name given to dry seed-vessels, formed of more than 
 
 two Carpels. PI. I. A 4. j. k. 
 CARPEL. One of the rolled-up leaves of which the Pistil is 
 
 composed : whether combined, or distinct. Also applied 
 
 to some fruits. PI. II. 7. cc., m. c. A S. c. 
 COROLLIFLORJE. Name of the III. Sub-class. (See Method 
 
 of Classing Plants.) 
 
130 A GLOSSABY OF 
 
 CORIOPSIS. A fruit, whose Pericarp is membranous, and 
 united to the seed ; as com, grass-seed, &c. 
 
 CATKIN, or AMENTUM. A spike of drooping, apetalous flowers, 
 like the Nut, Oak, Poplar. 
 
 0f ' r ""t to the stem. 
 
 \ 
 
 CELLS. Cavities in the interior of a plant. The Cells of 
 
 tissue, (Cellular tissue), are those which form the interior 
 
 of the elementary vesicles. Air-cells are spaces formed 
 
 by a peculiar building up of tissue. 
 
 CLAVATUS. Club-shaped. Gradually thickening upwards. 
 CLAW. The long, narrow base of the petals of some flowers. 
 
 PI. II. 2. p. cl. 
 
 CLOVEN. Divided partly down the middle. PI. II. 2 p. c. 
 CONDUPLICATE. "When the sides of an organ are applied to 
 
 each other by their faces. 
 
 COMPRESSED. Flattened ; as are most pods, &c. 
 CONVOLUTE. When one part is wholly rolled up in another : 
 
 as in the Petals of the "Wallflower bud. 
 CORDATE. Heart-shaped. PI. II. 14. c. 
 CORM. A fleshy, under-ground Stem : like a bulb, but not 
 
 scaly, &c. 
 COROLLA. That part of a flower which intervenes between 
 
 the Calyx and Stamens. 
 CORONA. A Coronet. Any appendage which intervenes be- 
 
 tween the Corolla and Stamens : as the cup of the Daflb- 
 
 dil. PI. II. 2 p. c. 
 CORYMB. A raceme (of flowers) whose pedicils are gradually 
 
 shorter, as they approach the summit. 
 CRESTED. Having an elevated, irregular or notched ridge : 
 
 as the crest of a helmet. 
 CRUCIATE. Cruciform, having the form of a cross with equal 
 
 arms : as the Flowers with four distinct Petals. Cruci- 
 
 form family. PL II. 2 "W. 
 
BOTANICAL TERMS. 131 
 
 CRYPTOGAMS. ) Plants without flowers. 
 
 CRUPTOGAMIA. $ Class-name of do. 
 
 CYLINDRICAL. Like a Cylinder ; a long, round tube. 
 
 DECIDUOUS. Finally, falling off, like Sepals of Poppy, &c. 
 
 DECUMBENT. Reclining upon the ground, and rising again 
 from it (Stems, &c.) 
 
 DECURRENT. Prolonged below the point of insertion; and 
 extending downwards (leaves against a Stem.) 
 
 DECURVED. Curving downwards. 
 
 DEFLEXED. Bent downwards. 
 
 DEFORMED. An alteration in the usual form, of an organ. 
 
 DEHISCENS. The act of splitting into regular parts. PL II. 
 7 f. 7. c c. 
 
 DENTATO. Having sharp teeth, with concave edges. 
 
 DEPENDENT. Hanging down. 
 
 DEPRESSED. Broad and dwarf. 
 
 Di. Two. 
 
 DICHOTAMUS (Forked.) Flowers, or Branches, in pairs. 
 
 DIDYNAMOUS. Having two Stamens longer than the two 
 others. Thyme, Sage, &c. 
 
 DKECIA. "WTien plants, of the same species, have Pistils without 
 Stamens, in the flowers of one plant; and Stamens with- 
 out Pistils in the flowers of another plant; as the 
 Willows, &c. 
 
 DISK. An organ intervening between the Stamens and 
 Ovary. 
 
 DISSECTED. Cut into many deep lobes. 
 
 DISSEPIMENTS. The partitions in a fruit; caused by the ad- 
 hesion of the sides of two Carpels. PI. II. 7. c. d. (Poppy.) 
 
 DRUPE. A fleshy, succulent fruit, enclosing a hard shell, 
 with a kernel ; as the Plumb, Cherry, &c. 
 
 DUPLICATE. A pair. 
 
132 A GLOSSARY OF 
 
 ELLIPTICAL. A flat body, which is oval, and acute at each 
 
 end. 
 ENTIRE. Having no kind of marginal division. PL II. 14. o. 
 
 14. L. 14 r. 
 
 EPIDERMIS. The true skin of a plant, below the cuticle. 
 EPIPETALOUS. Growing on Petals : as some Stamens do. 
 Ex. Outward; external. 
 EXOGENOUS. Growing by addition to the outer parts of ^i 
 
 Stem. 
 
 EXERTED. Projecting beyond the orifice of an organ. 
 FARINACEOUS. Having the texture of flour; as the albumen 
 
 of Wheat. 
 FEATHERY. Consisting of long hairs, which are themselves 
 
 hairy. 
 FASCICULATED. When several similar things proceed from a 
 
 common point ; as the leaves of the Larch, or tubers of 
 
 the Lesser Celandine. PI. II. 15. fa. 
 FILIFORM. Thread-like; slender. 
 FLORETS. When many small Flowers are collected in clusters 
 
 or heads ; each flower is called a floret : the centre of a 
 
 Daisy, &c. 
 
 FREE. Not adhering to any other part not adnate. 
 FIMBRIATED. Fringed, having the border edged by long, 
 
 slender processes. 
 FRUCTIFICATION. The parts of a Flower that produce the 
 
 Fruit. 
 FURROWED. Marked by longitudinal Channels ; as the Stem 
 
 of Parsnip, &c. 
 
 FUCIFORM. Thick, tapering to each end; as PI. II. 14 fu. 
 GERMEN. The Ovary. 
 GIBBOUS. More convex or tumid in one place than another. 
 
 Crescent-shaped.- 
 GLABROUS. Smooth, having no hairs. 
 
BOTANICAL TERMS. 133 
 
 GLANDULAR. Covered with hairs bearing glands upon their 
 tips. PI. II. 11. g. 
 
 GLANDS. Wart-like swellings : glands are very various in form. 
 
 GLAUCOUS. Covered with a fine bloom ; like the Plum, Car- 
 nation-leaves, &c. : a very blue- green. 
 
 GLOBOSE. Forming nearly a true sphere or globe. 
 
 GLOSOLOGY. That part of Botany which teaches the tech- 
 nical terms. 
 
 GLUME, or GLUMA. The exterior series of scales which form 
 the Flower of a Grass or Grain. 
 
 HABITAT. The situation in which a plant grows, in its 
 wild state. 
 
 HASTATE. Halbert-headed. Enlarged at the base into two 
 diverging lobes. 
 
 HERBACEOUS. Plants, which die down to the ground, in 
 winter. Not woody. 
 
 HILUM. The scar produced on a Seed, by its separation from 
 the Placenta. 
 
 HIRSUTA. Hairy. 
 
 HISPID. Covered with long, stiff hairs. 
 
 IMBRICATUS. Petals, which overlap each other, like tiles. 
 
 INCISO. Having deep cut edges. 
 
 INCUMBENT. Said of an embryo, when its radicle is folded 
 down upon the back of the Cotyledons. 
 
 INDEHISCENT. Not splitting open when ripe, (a seed-ves- 
 sel, &c.) 
 
 INFERIOR. Growing below some other organ. An inferior 
 Calyx, grows below the Ovary. 
 
 INVOLUCRE. A ring, or whorl of Bracts, surrounding one or 
 several Flowers. 
 
 INVOLUTE. When edges are rolled inwards, on each side. 
 
 KEEL. With a sharp, projecting ridge ; as the keel of a boat. 
 Glumes of Grasses, &c. 
 
134 A GLOSSARY OF 
 
 KIDNEY-SHAPED. Crescent-shaped, reniform with the ends 
 
 rounded. PI. II. 4. r. 
 LABIATE. A term applied to a Monopetalous Calyx or Corolla, 
 
 which is separated into two unequal divisions : as Thyme, 
 
 White Nettle, &c. 
 
 LANCEOLATE. Lance-shaped. PI. I. 3. b. 
 LIMB. The flat, expanded part of a Petal. 
 LINEAR. Narrow, short ; as the leaf of a Yew-tree. 
 LOBED." Scolloped round the edges : largely. PI. II. 14. b. 
 LYRATE. Lyre-shaped. The upper lobes much larger than 
 
 the lower. PL II. 14. 1. 
 MEDULLARY- RAYS. The cellular plates which connect the 
 
 Pith of Exogens with the Bark : called the " silver 
 
 grain." 
 
 MEMBRANOUS. Thin, and semi-transparent. 
 MONO. In Greek, means one. 
 MONADELPHOUS. Having all the Stamens united by their 
 
 filaments, into a tube. 
 MONJECIOUS. Plants which have Flowers without Stamens ; 
 
 and other Flowers without Pistils. Nut, &c. 
 NECTAR. The honey of a Flower, which is nourishment for 
 
 the Stamens and Pistils. 
 OB. Added to a word to signify inversion. Ofcordate. 
 
 PL II. 2. m., heart-shaped, the narrow part down- 
 wards. 
 
 ORBICULAR. Perfectly circular. PL II. 14. o. 
 PALMATE. Having 5 lobes : the midribs of which meet in 
 
 a common point. PL II. 14. 5. 1. 
 PANICLE. A branched raceme. PL II. 12. P. 
 PARIETAL. Growing to the walls of an Ovary. 
 PARASITE. A plant which grows on a different plant. 
 PATENS. Spreading wide open. 
 
BOTANICAL TERMS. 135 
 
 PEDATE. The same as Palmate, except that the two lateral 
 lobes, are themselves divided into smaller segments. 
 
 PEDICIL. The Stalk of a Flower, which grows on a Flower- 
 stalk. PI. II. 12, R. The Stalk of each Flower. 
 
 PEDUNCLE. The Stalk of a Flower: or of many Flowers on 
 Pedieils. 
 
 PELTATE. Fixed to the Stalk by the centre, or by some point 
 within the margin. PI. II. 14. p. 
 
 PERIANTH. When Calyx and Corolla are BO much alike, 
 that they cannot be readily distinguished : as in Blue- 
 bell, Lily, &c. 
 
 PERICARP. The shell or rind of all Fruits. 
 
 PERSISTENT. Not falling off: as in Evergreens. 
 
 PETALOIDES. A Calyx whose Sepals have the appearance of 
 Petals. PI. II. A. 
 
 PETIOLE. The stalk of a leaf. PI. II. 14. p x. 
 
 PETIOLULES. The stalks of leaflets which form a compound 
 leaf. PI. II. 14. p p. 
 
 PINNATE. When simple leaflets are arranged on each side a 
 common petiole. 
 
 PINNATIFID. A leaf, &c. almost divided to the centre, into 
 lateral segments. 
 
 PLACENTA. The place or part on which ovules first grow. 
 PI. II. 7. p. 
 
 PLANE. Flat : perfectly level. 
 
 PLUMULE. The first leaf-bud of a seed : placed between two 
 Cotyledons, or on one side of a solitary Cotyledon. PI. I. 
 A. B. 
 
 POLY. Numerous. 
 
 POLTADELPHUS. Having many parcels of Stamens. 
 
 PORES. Apertures in the covering of anything. 
 
 PROCUMBENT. Lying flat on the ground. 
 
 PSEUDO. Spurious. 
 
136 A GLOSSARY OF 
 
 QUADRIFOLI ATE. When the petiole bears four leaflets from 
 
 the same point. A " four-leaved Shamrock." 
 RACEME. A flower-stalk on which the flowers are arranged 
 
 on pedicils at distances. PL II. 14 R. 
 RADICAL. Arising from the root, or from its crown. Radical 
 
 Leaves. PI. II. 11 r. 
 RADICLE. The first root of a plant. 
 RECEPTACLE. A part which receives or bears other parts. 
 
 PL II. 4 R. 6. R. 
 REFLEXED. Curved backwards, excessively. Pl.II.C. Sepals 
 
 of Crowfoot. 
 
 RETICULATED. Like Net-work. 
 SACCATE. Bag-shaped. 
 SAGITATE. Enlarged at the base into two acute lobes, like an 
 
 arrow. PL I. 3 a. 
 SCABROUS. Rough to the touch. 
 SCALES. Small, close pressed, rudimentary leaves. 
 SCAPE. A peduncle which rises from the root. PL II. 11. 
 SECUND. Having all the flowers or leaves, turned towards 
 
 the same side. PL II. 11. 
 SERRATED. Notched like a saw. 
 SIMPLE. Of one part. Not compound. 
 SPATHE. A large Bract rolled over an infloresceng when 
 
 young. Daffodil, &c. 
 SPONGIOLE. The young extremity of a root, -which draws 
 
 nourishment from the earth. 
 
 SUB. "Usually signifies, somewhat, or nearly, jr <A/n*v/f* 
 SUCCULENT. Very cellular and juicy. 
 SUPERIOR. Growing above any organ or part. Calyx above 
 
 Ovary. 
 
 SYLVESTRIS. Growing in woods. 
 SYN. Union, adhesion, growing together. 
 SYNGENESIOUS. Having the anthers united at their edges, so 
 
 as to form a tube. 
 
BOTANICAL TERMS. 137 
 
 SYNONYMES. Names, which have the same meaning, or mean 
 
 the same Plant. 
 
 TERN ATE. Three in one parcel, or on one axis, PL II. 14 t. 
 TENDRIL. A twisting, threadlike process, from a stem, or 
 
 the end of a petiole ; by which some plants cling to others 
 
 for support : the nerves of a leaf without the Lamina. 
 
 PI. II. 18 t. 
 
 TESTA. The skin of a seed. 
 TETRA. Four. 
 TETRAD YNAMOUS. Having 6 petals of which 4 are shorter, 
 
 and stand in pairs. 
 TISSUE. The material out of which the elementary organs of 
 
 plants are constructed. 
 UMBEL. Where many flowers on stalks radiate from the 
 
 same point : like the Parsleys, Carrots, &c. 
 UNCINATE. Hooked. 
 Valvate. United by their margins, like the valves of a 
 
 Capsule. 
 VALVES. The doors of a part which opens; as of anthers 
 
 and seed-vessels : each part is called a valve. 
 VERNATION. The manner in which leaves are arranged in 
 
 the leaf bud. 
 VERTICILATE. When several pieces (leaves, sepals or petals) 
 
 form a ring or whorl round a stem, 
 VENATION. The arrangement of veins in a leaf. 
 VERSATILE Swinging freely, as the anthers of grasses. 
 WHORL. A ring of organs, on the same plane. 
 Winged. Furnished with any kind of membranous or thin 
 
 expansion. PI. II. 7 S. 
 
NOTES. 
 
 NOTE #. Travellers, who have visited Mount Lebanon, 
 state that, Cedar-trees are still growing there, which some 
 suppose to be coeval with those used in building the Temple of 
 Solomon. -And there are some trees of the Adonza degitata, 
 growing in Senegal, whose ages are estimated at 5000 years. 
 The trunks of these trees measure more than 30 feet in dia- 
 meter! Some Oak-trees in this country are from 800 to 1000 
 years old. And some Yew-trees can, on good authority, be 
 dated 2000 years old ! Though the Patrus and most trees of 
 the class of Monocotyledons, do not live to so great an age, 
 there are a few exceptions to be found amongst them. The 
 "Dragon's Blood" is one. 
 
 NOTE b. To those who consider the study of Botany too 
 difficult for Children; the following extracts from "A Tillage 
 Flower Show " are given, as the best proof that all the 
 more difficult steps may be surmounted, even by village chil- 
 dren, during their play hours. 
 
 " As the seasons come round the children of H go into 
 
 the fields to gather "Wild Flowers, and a faithful record is kept 
 and printed of the Parish Flora. Hard Names, such as 
 Monocotyledonous, and Inflorescens, are as familiar to them as 
 household words. They are engrafted on the memory by their 
 continual, practical illustration. The spelling-book gives them 
 names equally hard and important, such as, ple-ni-po-ten-tia-ry, 
 and ag-gran-dize-ment, but as these things are unfamiliar and 
 have no practical illustration amongst them, they are forgotten 
 almost as soon as learnt." 
 
NOTES. 139 
 
 " One little girl added twelve new species to the flora of 
 
 H during the past year ; detected separately in the field, 
 
 as not being in the printed Catalogue, and not hitherto known 
 
 to the University Professor of B , as being inhabitants of 
 
 his parish. Plants from the West of England, not before seen 
 by the little botanists, were then shown to them ; and the 
 class, family, and genus were told without hesitation ; and 
 when asked, to what plant known to them, they were related, 
 'the allied, local species was named, though differing in gen- 
 eral aspect. The plant was determined alone, by its scientific 
 
 characters such words as tetradynamous, hypogynous, 
 
 polipetalous, syngenesious and the like learnt out of a printed 
 formula, had (owing to the assistance of the wild flowers,) 
 proved to them much easier than the multiplication table." 
 Literary Gazette, July 9th, 1853. 
 
English Names of all the Flowers in the first Sub-class, 
 that are described* 
 
 Anemone . 
 Awlwort . 
 
 Balsam 
 Bane-berry 
 Barberry . 
 Barrenwort 
 Bitter-cress 
 Bladder-nut 
 Buffonia . 
 Buttercup . 
 
 Cabbage . 
 Campion . 
 Candy -tuft 
 Carnation . 
 Catchfly . 
 Celandine . 
 
 Lesser 
 
 Cheddar Pink . 
 Charlock . 
 Chickweed 
 Clove Pink 
 Cockle 
 Columbine 
 Coral-root 
 Corydalis . . . 
 Cranesbill . 
 Cress-rocket 
 Crowfoot . 
 Cyphel . 
 
 32 Dame's Violet . 
 
 66 
 
 66 
 
 Dyer's Rocket . 
 
 43 
 
 118 
 
 Dyer's Woad . 
 
 66 
 
 30 
 
 Flax. 
 
 99 
 
 42 
 
 Flax-seed . 
 
 99 
 
 42 
 
 Fly-trap . 
 
 80 
 
 62 
 
 Fumitory . 
 
 54 
 
 121 
 
 
 
 92 
 
 Garlic-Mustard . 
 
 67 
 
 36 
 
 Globe-flower 
 
 38 
 
 
 Gold- of- pleasure 
 
 66 
 
 68 
 
 Grass of Parnassus 
 
 82 
 
 90 
 
 
 
 65 
 
 Heart' s-ease 
 
 79 
 
 86 
 
 Hedge-Mustard . 
 
 67 
 
 88 
 
 Hellebore 
 
 38 
 
 52 
 
 Herb-Robert . 
 
 114 
 
 37 
 87 
 
 Horned-Poppy . 
 Horse-Radish . 
 
 51 
 59 
 
 70 
 
 Hutchinsia 
 
 59 
 
 95 
 
 
 
 87 
 
 Jagged-Chickweed 
 
 92 
 
 91 
 
 
 
 39 
 
 Kale .... 
 
 68 
 
 59 
 
 King-cup . 
 
 37 
 
 55 
 
 Koniga 
 
 59 
 
 144 
 
 
 
 68 
 
 Larkspur . 
 
 39 
 
 34 
 
 Lime-tree . 
 
 105 
 
 92 
 
 Linden 
 
 106 
 
INDEX. 
 
 141 
 
 Mallow 
 
 103 
 
 Sea-Rocket 
 
 59 
 
 Marsh Mallow . 
 
 104 
 
 Shepherd's Purse 
 
 66 
 
 Musk 
 
 103 
 
 Soapwort 
 
 86 
 
 Maple 
 
 112 
 
 Stock 
 
 59 
 
 Marigold (Marsh) 
 
 37 
 
 St. John's-wort . 
 
 107 
 
 Meadow Pink . 
 
 91 
 
 Stork's-bill 
 
 116 
 
 Meadow Rue 
 
 30 
 
 Stitchwort 
 
 92 
 
 Milk wort . 
 
 83 
 
 Sundew 
 
 80 
 
 Mignonnette 
 
 73 
 
 Sycamore . 
 
 112 
 
 Moenchia . . 
 
 92 
 
 
 
 Monkshood 
 
 40 
 
 Teesdalia . 
 
 59 
 
 Mouse-ear Chickweed 
 
 
 Thale-cress 
 
 67 
 
 Mouse-tail 
 
 30 
 
 Tower-Mustard . 
 
 59 
 
 Mustard 
 
 69 
 
 Traveller's Joy . 
 
 30 
 
 
 
 Treacle-Mustard 
 
 66 
 
 Navew 
 
 69 
 
 Tree-Mallow . 
 
 104 
 
 Pa3ony 
 
 40 
 
 Turnip 
 Tutsan 
 
 69 
 109 
 
 Pansy 
 
 78 
 
 
 
 Pearlwort . 
 
 92 
 
 Violet 
 
 76 
 
 Penny-cress 
 Pepper-wort 
 Pheasant's- eye . 
 
 Pint 
 
 59 
 69 
 30 
 
 Rfi 
 
 Wall-flower 
 Wall Rocket . 
 Water- cress 
 
 59 
 70 
 63 
 
 JT 1LLK . , r 
 
 Poppy 
 
 OD 
 
 47 
 
 Water-Lay 
 Welsh-Poppy . 
 
 43 
 50 
 
 Radish 
 
 71 
 
 White Poppy . 
 
 50 
 
 Rape 
 
 69 
 
 Whitlow-grass . 
 
 64 
 
 Roemeria . 
 
 48 
 
 Wind Flower . 
 
 32 
 
 Rock-cress 
 
 59 
 
 Winter-cress 
 
 59 
 
 Rocket 
 
 68 
 
 Woad (dyer's) . 
 
 66 
 
 Rock-rose 
 
 74 
 
 Wood Anemone 
 
 32 
 
 
 
 Wort -cress 
 
 66 
 
 Sand-wort 
 Sauce-alone 
 
 93 
 68 
 
 Wolf's-bane 
 
 40 
 
 Scurvy-grass 
 
 59 
 
 Yellow Water-Lily . 
 
 46 
 
 Sea-Purslane 
 
 92 
 
 
 
NAMES OF ALL THE GENERA CONTAINED IN 
 THE FIEST SUB-CLASS, THALIMIFLOR^. 
 
 Genera. 
 
 Clematis. 
 
 Thalictrum. 
 
 Anemone. 
 
 Adonis. 
 
 Myosurus. 
 
 Ranunculus. 
 
 Caltha. 
 
 Trollius. 
 
 Heleboms. 
 
 Aquilegia. 
 
 Delphinium. 
 
 Aconitum. 
 
 Actsea. 
 
 Paeonia. 
 
 Berberis. 
 Epimedium. 
 
 Nymphsea. 
 Nuphar. 
 
 Paparer. 
 
 Glaucium. 
 Raemeria. 
 Chelidonium. 
 
 Fumaria. 
 Corydalis. 
 
 Order. 
 
 Page. 
 
 I. Ranunculacese 
 
 II. Berberidaceae 
 
 III. Nymphseaceae 
 
 IV. Papaveraceae 
 
 V. Fumariacese 
 
 42 
 43 
 
 47 
 
INDEX. 
 
 143 
 
 Matthiola. 
 
 VI. Cruciferse . 
 
 Cheiranthus. 
 
 1. Sub-Order .... 
 
 Barbarea. 
 
 i. Tribe . 
 
 Turritis. 
 
 
 Arabia. 
 
 
 Dentaria. 
 
 
 Cardamine. 
 
 
 Nasturtium. 
 
 
 Armoracia. 
 
 
 Cochlearia. 
 
 
 Koniga. 
 
 
 Draba. 
 
 n. Tribe. . . 
 
 Thlaspi. 
 Hutchinsia. 
 
 
 Teesdalia. 
 
 
 Iberis. 
 
 in. Tribe 
 
 Cakile. 
 
 iv. Tribe .... 
 
 Hesperis. 
 
 2. Sub- Order . 
 
 Sisymbrium. 
 
 v. Tribe .....'.' 
 
 Alliaria. 
 
 
 Erysimum. 
 
 
 Camelina. 
 
 vi. Tribe ...... 
 
 Subularia. 
 
 
 Capsella. 
 
 vii. Tribe 
 
 Lepidium. 
 
 
 Senebiera. 
 
 
 Isatis. 
 
 vni. Tribe 
 
 Brassica. 
 
 3. Sub-Order . 
 
 Sinapis. 
 
 ix. Tribe 
 
 Diplotaxis. 
 
 
 Vellea3. 
 
 x. Tribe 
 
 Crambe. 
 
 
 Raphanus. 
 
 xi. Tribe .... 
 
 56 
 59 
 
 VII. Resedaceae 
 Heleanthemum. VIII. CistaceEe 
 Viola. IX. Violacese . 
 
 DroseresD. X. Droseracese . 
 
 1. Sub-Order . 
 Paruassia. 2. Sub-Order 
 
 64 
 
 65 
 66 
 
 66 
 68 
 
 71 
 
 73 
 74 
 75 
 
 80 
 
 82 
 
144 
 
 INDEX, 
 
 Polygala. XI. Polygalaceae 
 
 83 
 
 Frankenia. XII. Frankeniacese . 
 
 85 
 
 Elatine. XIII. Elatinaceae 
 
 85 
 
 Dianthus. XIV. Caryophyllaceae 
 
 85 
 
 Saponaria. 1. Sub-Order .... 
 
 86 
 
 Silena. 
 
 
 Lychnis. 
 
 
 Agrostemma. 
 Sagina. 2. Sub- Order .... 
 
 92 
 
 Buffonia. 
 
 
 Cherleria. 
 
 
 Honckenya. 
 
 
 Ar en aria. 
 
 
 Malachium. 
 
 
 Stellaria. 
 
 
 Holosteum. 
 
 
 Moeiichia. 
 
 
 Cerastium. 
 
 
 Linum. XV. Linaceae 
 
 9& 
 
 Radiola. 
 
 
 Lavatera. XVI. Malvaceae .... 
 
 101 
 
 Malva. 
 
 
 Althaea. 
 
 
 Tilia. XVII. Tiliacese .... 
 
 105 
 
 Hypericum. XVIII. Hypericaceas . 
 
 . 107 
 
 Acer. XIX. Aceracese 
 
 . 112 
 
 Geranium. XX. Geraniacese 
 
 113 
 
 Erodium. 
 
 
 Impatiens. XXI. Balsaminacese 
 
 118 
 
 Oxalis. XXII. Oxalidacese .... 
 
 119 
 
 Staphylea. XXIII. Staphyleaceae . 
 
 . 121 
 
U.C. BERKELEY LIBRARIES