-l^-i liFLOEIST'Sl |ma¥[jaiI \BOSTONi' ^^ u'^ /fS5 PREFACE. There is a numerous class in this and every community, who are unwilling to devote a long period to the study of botany, that, nevertheless, are desirous of knowing " something of the suhjectP For such is this work designed. For the more learned and scientific, works are not wanting. Books on Systematic and Physiological Botany are numerous and well written. To many such is this work necessarily in- debted. Obligations to all cannot here be particularly acknowl- edged. Nuttall, Smith, Torrey, Bigelow, Barton, Thornton, Eaton, Sumner, and numerous others, have been consulted. The outline of the Sexual Classification at the beginning is deemed sufficiently copious for an Introductory work. The nu- merous plates of interesting flowers are designed to lead the young beginner pleasantly along. In consulting them, he will become acquainted with the general features of several plants, that may serve as types both of the Natural and Artificial Classes and Orders. He will be enabled to contrast and gen- eralize. The subject will become less obstructed, and in a de- gree exemplified. The frequent Analyses of the Classes and Orders, as well as of the Genera and Species, will render fa- miliar this method of investigation. The Physiological part is deemed sufficiently extensive for the general student. The Linnean System has been followed, not because it is thought there may not have been improvements upon it, but ; that the young student should first consult it. The Synopsis compared with Nuttall's lobular View, will exhibit its dif- \/r ference from the modern methods. ,^ 'y' It has been aimed to divest the subject of those technicalities, that have too often discouraged new beginners in this pursuit. In an attempt at simplifying, perhaps the style may in some in- stances have degenerated into a censurable quaintness. It must have been felt, however, by every one who has consulted intro- ductory works on this subject, that their language has been be- clouded by an unnecessary use of the dead languages. The study has, therefore, been limited to a few. Those only have been induced to pursue it who are willing to wade through a IV PRKF/\CE. tedious vocabuhiry of Greek and 1 -atin terms. Even a tolerable classical scholar would be totally inadequate to a just under- standing of " our botanical dialect."' He could only arrive at a knowledge of it by much previous study. The works of Linnaeus, it is true, come to us in Latin. For the benefit of the thoroughly scientific, we are happy to find them so. But many have too servilely followed the original, even to copying his very language. Chemistry, Natural Philosophy, and other sciences, are taught in English. Why may not Bota- ny be also ? There has of late Ijeen manifested in this country an increasing taste for the cultivation of ornamental plants and fruits. The taste for cultivating flowers seems to per- vade all classes. It is a pure taste, and argues w'ell for the state of feeling in our community. It has been well remarked, that, " where flowers are seen in the windows and about the dwellings even of the most humble, the inmates are seldom with- out some pretensions to refinement and taste." This is a healthy and innocent amusement, and particularly fitted for the occupation of females. The subject of flowers seems to have an intimate connexion with our literature, and particularly with poetry. The most splendid and costly productions of art receive several of their choicest ornaments from floral decoration. The honeysuckle, lily, and rose, are festooned in everlasting marble upon the rich Corinthian capital, whose pohshed shafts are but imitations of trees, the interlacing branches of which gave model to the light-springing arch of the Gothic edifice, and perhaps to the aerial and peerless dome of the Grecian and Roman temple. Some of the genera, belonging to the same Natural Orders, have been brought together in the following pages. Their afl!in- ities are readily seen by comparing them. Those plants, having a common name, and yet belonging to different natural fami- lies and did'erent genera, arc occasionally presented in the same description, to obviate a confusion that is not unfrequent where different plants are known by the same name. The specific descriptions will not in all cases be found to an- swer to the plants figured. The generic ones will in most in- stances. The vocabulary is not so extensive as might be wished, though perhaps sufficiently so for the work. B. Boston, July 1833. CONTENTS. Page Preface 3 Index of particular Flowers and Interpretations ... 6 General Preamble .... 9 Introduction to the Sexual Sys- u:..; il Descriptions of particular Flow- ers [see Index of particular Flowers, page 6] . 22 to 169 Colours of Flowers and Leaves 169 Effects of Light upon Leaves and Flowers 171 Relations of Stamen and Pistil 175J Sap of Flowers 174 Effluvia of Flowers . . . 174 Calyx, or Cup 175 Honey 176 Different Kinds of Flowers . 176 Propa.gation of Plants . . . 179 Growth of Plants from Seed 181 Hot-beds 182 Cultivation of Flowers with Bulbous Roots .... 183 Roots in general . . . . 186 Sowing of Seeds .... 1^9 Propagation of particularFlowers 190 Green-House Plants . . . 191 Ornamental Plants .... 196 Aquatic Plants and Rock-Work 198 Biennial and Annual Flowers 199 Infforescence, or Modes of Flow- ering 199 Hot and Green Houses . . 203 Stem or Trunk of Plants . . 206 Page Ascent of the Sap .... 210 Ringing, Pruning, Bending, Dwarfing, etc 213 Propagation by Layers, Cut- tings, Inoculating, Budding, and Grafting .... 214 Forms of Stems and Branches 229 Epidermis 226 Cellular Integument . . . 227 Inner Bark 227 Medulla or Pith .... 229 Vegetable Fibre and Vessels 229 Leaves 232 Transplanting 241 Vegetable Secretions . . 244 Fruit and Seeds . . . . 246 Imperfect Plants, — Ferns Mos- ses, Liverworts, Sea-Weeds, Mushrooms 252 Temperature of different Lo- calities 259 Poisonous Plants 260 Plants not poisonous . . . 261 Linnsean Classification . . 262 Genera embraced in different Classes 267 Characteristics of described Genera 275 Nuttall's Tabular View . . 28o Distinguished Botanists . . 281 Dictionary of Botanipal Terms 283 Synopsis of Artificial Orders . 286 Synopsis of the Linnsean Clas- ses and Orders .... 287 II¥DEX TO PARTK ULAR FLOWERS, AND INTERPRETATIONS. ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED. riowfr«- Althtea Aloe Amaranth Amaraiuh Globe American Starwort Anemone Arum Auricula Balm Bay Broom Butter-Cup Calla Ethio]>ira Carnation Camella Japonica Canterbury Bell Cardinal Flower Catrh-Fly China Aster Chrysanthemum Cistus Columbine Convolvulus Coreopsis Cowslip Croons Daffodil Daisy Dandelion Dew-Plant Eglantine Everlasting Flower-of-an-Hour Forget-me-not Fox-Glove Geranium Althaea Agave Amaranthus Gomphrena Aster Anemone Arum Primula Melissa Laurus Genista Ranimculus Calla Dianthus Camella Campanula Lobelia Silene Aster Chrysanthemum Cistus Aquilegia Convolvulus Coreopsis Dodecantheon Crocus Narcissus Bellis Leontodon Mescmbryanthemum Rosa Gnaphalium Hibiscus Viola Digitalis Geranium Inlfrpretaiions. Page Ambition 100 Religiou3 Superstition 126 Constancy 5!L Immortality 116 Relicrious Faitli 130 Anticipation 48, 104 Ferocity and Deceit 62 Pride 98 Social Intercourse 108 Glory 40 Pensive Beauty 158 Riches 72 Magnificent Beauty 62 Pride and Beauty 58 Unpretending Excellence 146 Gratitude 92 Malevolent Aspersion 74 Dissimulation 36 Rural Happiness 154 Flattery 82 Inconstancy 30 Desertion 76 Affectionate Attachment 86 Cheerfulness 118 Winning Grace 25 Youthful Joy 142 Uncertainty 31 Fondness 152 Flora's Time-Keeper 148 Serenade 62 Soothing Affection 35 Constancy of Recollection 50 Delicate Beauty 101 Remembrance 28 Insincerity 114 Gentility 94 INDEX TO COLOURED PLOAVERS. Vll Fiowers. Geranium Geranium Geranium Geranium Gilliflower Golden Rod Harebell Hearts-Ease Hollyhock Houstonia Hyacinth Blue Hyacinth Purple Ice-Plant Jessamine, Yellow Jasmine, White Jonquil King-cup Laburnum Larkspur, Double Larkspur, Single Laurel, Mountain Laurel Rose Lily, White Water Lily, Blue Water Lily, Yellow Lily, White Lily, Scarlet Lily-of-the- Valley Lobelia Lotus Love-lies-Bleeding Magnolia Marygold, Yellow Marygold, French Meadow Saffron Mignonette Monks-Hood Morning-Glory Myrtle Narcissus Poeticus Nasturtion Night-Shade Ox-Eye Pansy Pelorgonium P. triste P. capitatum P. acerifolium Dianthus Solidago Campanula Viola Althsea Houstonia Hyacinthus Hyacinthus Mesembryanthemum Jasminum Jasminum Narcissus Ranunculus Cytisus Delphinum Delphinum Laurus Laurus Nymphasa Nuphar Lihum Lilium Li Hum Convallaria Lobelia Nymphsea Amaranthus Magnolia Calendula Tagetes Crocus Reseda Aconitura Convolvulus Myrtus Narcissus Tropeeolum Atropa Chrysanthemum Viola laterpretations. True Friendship Despondency Preference Tranquillity Aspiration Encouragement Grief Love-in-idleness Ambition Contentment Constancy Sorrow An Old Beau Elegance and Grace 94 94 94 94 166 31 92 28 88 128 42 84 64 110 Loveliness 1 1 1 Desire of Esteem 91 Wealth 72 Remembrance and Joy 158 Haughtiness 156 Fickleness 156 Ambition 41 Virtue 40 Purity and Beauty 122 Purity 144 Playful Gaiety 106 Purity 107 High-toned Sentiment 107 Delicate Simplicity 160 Malevolence 79 Estranged Love 122 Hopelessness 52 Love of Nature 41 Sacred Affection 103 Jealousy W2 Advanced Life 142 Meekness 78 Deceit 112 Worth aided by Affection 132 Love in Absence 62 Self-Love 90 Wit and Patriotism 138 Suspicion 136 Patience 83 Pleasing Remembrance 28 tin INDEX TO COLOURED FLOWERS. riowtn. Gtatri. Inwn'i'"*"'""- Page Passioii-Flower Pjissiflora Hope 26 Peeony Paeonia Anger 150 Periwinkle, Blue Vinca Early Friendship 56 White or Red Vinca Pleasing Remembrance 57 Phlox Phlox Unanimity 167 Pink, Carnation Dianthus Beauty and Pride 58 Pink, Red Double Dianthus Female Affection 167 Pink, Indian Dianthus Dignity and Kindness IM Pink, Mountain Dianthus Aspiration 167 Polyanthus Primula Pride of Wealth 24 Poppy, Red Papaver Evanescent Pleasure 38 Poppy, Scarlet Papaver Consolation 38 Pop[)y, White Papaver Forgetfulness 38 Primrose, Evening Oenothera' Inconstancy 22 Primrose, Yellow Primula Virtue in the Shade 44 Primrose, Red Primula Unpatronized Merit 43 Primrose, Purple Primula Virtuous Conduct 68 Ranunculus, Persian Ranunculus Wealth 60 Rose, Moss Rosa Superior Merit 34 Rose, Hundred-leaved Rosa Dignity of Soul 96 Rose, Provins Rosa Youthful Beauty 70 Rose, Damask Rosa Bashful Love 50 Rose, Bridal Rubns Happy Love 71 Rose,York&Lancaster Rosa War 51 Rose, Yellow Rosa Forgetfulness 35 Rose, T hornless Rosa Ingratitude 61 Saflron Carthamus Marriage 143 Sensitive Plant Mimosa Timidity 164 Snow-Drop Galanthus Friendship in Adversity 32 Sorrel Oxalis Parental Affection 140 St.-John's-Wort Hypericum Animosity 120 Sunflower, Tall Helianthus Devotedness 124 Sunflower, Dwarf Helianthus Flattery 125 Sweet Briar Rosa Simplicity 35 Sweet William Dianthus Smile of Beauty 66 Tuberose Polyanthes Pleasing Interview 24 Tulip, Sweet Tulipa Perfect Love 80 Tulip, Variegated Tulipa Worthless Beauty 54 Violet, Blue Viola Faithfulness 28 Violet, White Viola Modesty 29 Violet, Yellow Erythronium Rural Happiness 28 Virgin's Bower Clematis Filial Love 113 Wall-Flower Cheiranthus Fidelity 46 Water-Lily Nymphaea Purity 122 GENERAL PREAMBLE. 1. The plants that spring so beautifully out of the face of the earth are almost infinite in variety. In order to avoid confusion, and better to retain in the mind the names of all this multitude of plants, ibr the num- ber of their varieties amounts to many hundreds of thousands, we have re- course to, and are greatly assisted by, dividing them into classes. 2. These classes are subdivided into smaller classes or orders. These orders again are divided into genera, and these genera into species, and the species into varieties. Linnaeus, a distinguished naturalist, a native of Sweden, was the person who took upon himself the trouble most accu- rately to class all these delightful objects. His classification or division of plants has here been followed. Some other and some more modern divis- ions have however been invented. More than 50,000 different species of plants have at this time been collected, named, and described. 3. Without the aid of classification, or scientific division and arrange- ment, it would be impossible for one mind to comprehend or remember all these names. Linnseus divided them into 24 Classes. These classes he divided again into 121 Orders. These orders he again divided into 2000 Genera, and then divided these genera into 30,000 different Species. Of these species there are varieties almost innumerable. 4. By this division and method of classing, we are enabled to remember almost all the names, and many of the individual qualities and peculiarities of these beautiful objects. By attention to Order, we can examine them with much greater pleasure. While we are examining this " artificial sys- tem" of Linnseus, we cannot but feel gratified with the ingenuity of his arrangement, and may perhaps derive some assistance to our memories from it. 5. There is nothing in nature without its use, either in the animal, mineral, or vegetable kingdoms. Of Plants, some administer to the wants of man, in affording him food ; some in timber for his house ; some in clothing for him ; some in medicines to cure his diseases ; some as orna- ments to his gardens and fields, and in diffusing fragrance and beauty around his habitation. 6. Some give out, in the sunshine, vital air, called by the chemists ox- ygen gas. This he imbibes into his blood, through the medium of the lungs in breathing, and without it he could not live. Some plants are used for feeding his cattle and other domestic animals. Some afford subsistence to the silk- worm, that spins for him those elegant summer garments, so much worn and admired. In short, without vegetables there would be no animals, and man himself would only catch a glimpse of life, and then mis- erably perish with hunger. 7. Some plants rise to a great height, are of long life, have hard and woody stems and branches, and in cold climates produce buds. These are called trees, as the oak and Avillow. Some are of small size, and are called shrubs, as the lilach and thornbush. When they are still smaller than B 10 GENERAL PREAMBLE. shrubs, and have no young buds, they arc called under-sJirubs. When they grow of a soft, tender substance, with fibres relaxed, and die away in the winter, whether their roots live or not, they are called herbs. The dif- ferences however between a tree and a shrub, between a shrub and under- shrub, and between an under-shrub and an herb, are with difficulty defined, as in many cases it is doubtful and hard to determine to which of these de- scriptions plants may belong. 8. Those plants, that are strangers in the countries where they are cul- tivated, or have been brought from other places, are called exotics^ from the latin exotiats, foreign, outlandlish, or brought from a foreign land. Those plants that are the natural products of the land or country where they grow or are cultivated, are called indigenous, or domestic. 9. Such plants as are brought from hot climates require a large share of heat, and are therefore in our country mostly cultivated in the green house, hot house, and by stoves. Those brought from cold countries to warmer ones, generixlly endure the winters better in the open air, though in some cases they suffer from extreme cold, being protected from it in their native situations, by the early snows which fall and clothe the ground, to- gether with the herbage of those regions. 10. Plants grow in various places. They sometimes grow on plains, or large flat surfaces of uncultivated liuids ; sometimes on tilled lands, or lands prej)ared for tillage or sowing ; sometimes on sown land, in gardens, in trod- den places, in hedges, in meadows, in forests and woods, on sands, on hills and mountains, in marshes, on the sea-shore, and on the borders of rivulets and brooks, and around lakes and stagnant waters. In cultivating them, much attention should be j)aid to these circumstances. Pinguibus hcec ter- ris habiles, levioribus illcB, says Virgil. 11. Those plants that grow in high and mountainous districts, or coun- tries, are called aljmie plants, from the lofty mountains in Europe of this name. These plants are the same over the whole world. They are found of the same kinds on the mountainous and high lands of England, Scotland, Lapland, Siberia, and Greenland. We find them also of the same kinds _ on the mountains of the Pyrenees, Olympus, Arrarat, and in the Brazils, as ' well as on the various ranges of the Andes in both Americas. In all these situations, though growing in places so remote, they possess the same es- sential characteristics. INTRODUCTION. SEXUAL SYSTEM. 1. When we look around on the profusion of beauty, spread over our hills and through our vallies, on the multitude of plants and flowers that ' lavish nature' has so abundantly showered down upon the earth, we feel ourselves confused and lost amid so vast a multiplicity of objects. This, Linnaeus, of whom I have already had occasion to speak, felt ; and indeed every one felt, who had occasion, before his time, extensively to examine these interesting natural objects, either for instruction, amusement, or use. 2. This distinguished naturalist therefore sat himself at work to obviate this confusion, by adducing method in his researches, and bringing them into classes. He found no better m.eans of accomplishing this, than by se- lecting and grouping, or arranging together into the same class, all those plants, that had any obvious or striking resemblance to each other. 3. For Linnfeus to determine however upon some part of a plant, on which to fix, where those possessing somewhat the same nature might have a common resemblance to them all, was what truly may be supposed to have brought his ingenuity to the test. After a careful examination of the several systems of classification, invented before his day, and after mature deliberation, he at length fixed upon those parts of the Jioioers of plants called the pistils and stamens, which soon will be briefly noticed. 4. These pistils and stamens exist in the flower of every plant, or ra- ther, when united with the receptacle, constitute the essential parts of the flower. The flowers of plants are the parts that are generally esteemed the most beautiful. This part has often, by way of eminence, been styled the head and face of plants, because it is supposed to bear the same anal- ogy to the other parts, as the human head and face bear to the body. It is often elevated a little above the plant, on a slender stem or stalk, called the peduncle. This, when the flower falls off, gives support to the fruit. 5. The flowers of plants are the most beautiful parts of the vegetable creation. Here, richness of colouring, elegance of proportion, and profusion of fragrance, seem united to delight the eye, and feast the senses. Their various hues and tints far exceed in beauty those of the finest feathers, the most brilliant shells, the most precious stones, and even the most costly dia- monds. These beautiful objects have been the delight and wonder of the curious, tasteful, and learned, in all ages. They are spread before us in spring, breathing health and joy around them, and standing as pledges of the fruits of summer and autumn. When their beaiity and fragrance have departed, this pledge is redeemed by something more substantially useful to man, an abundant harvest. 6. The flower is the organ of fi-uctification in plants, or the instrument by which their fruit is produced. Other uses are, by some, attributed to it. Here, and in the leaves, according to the opinions of many, are elaborated the honey, the wax, the gums, and the odoriferous, volatile and fixed oils. Here, it is certain, that during the ' long, sunny, summer's day,' we find the gay and thoughtless butterfly, and busy, industrious bee, with other 12 INTRODUCTION. SEXUAL SYSTEM. sm.ill insects, revelling in sweets, and gathering their choice stores. Some of tha-c little creatures consume them as fast as they are gathered ; while others, more j)rovident, ' hand ignarus fuluri,' as the little bee, return laden with their choice gleanings, to their homes, and securely deposit them, for the use of the distant winter. 7. The essence of a flower consists in the anthers and stigma- When we examine a flower, as the lily for example, we find it composed of seven distinct parts. Every flower, l)owever, does not possess all these parts. — The parts of fructification of a perfect flower, are, 1, the cup or calyx; 2, the rurolld, foliation or blossom ; 3, the stamens, or threads, or chives ; 4, the pistil, or jwintel ; 5, the pericarp, or seed vessel ; 6, the seed ; 7, the receptacle, or base, on which these parts are seated. The four first-named are properly jiarts of the flower, and the three last, parts of the fruit. 8. The flowers of the field then, though so infinite in number, and seem- ingly so diversified, consist of only seven different parts. These parts will now be ex])lained. When we look into the centre of the flower of a lily, we observe a small spike or stem, springing up from the middle of the flow- er. It resembles a small, inverted pestle, in the centre of a little mortar. This is called the pistil, or pestle, from the latin word pistillum, a pestle, with which we pound in a mortar, because of its resemblance, when grow- ing up witiiin the circle of the blossom or corolla, to a small pestle. 9. The stalks, or threads, that surround the pistil, frequently in circles, are called stamens, or sometimes in the plural stamina. The meaning of stamina, in latin, is straws or chives. These are so called, because they stand up aroimd tliis pistil like little straws. On the top, or rather making the top, of the pistil, is a small round, oblong, or oval body, called the stig- ma. This is easily observed. The meaning of the word stigma, in latin, is a stamp, a marking or branding instmment. This part is called the stigma, because, when taken with the style of the pistil, or the handle of the pestle, it ha.s a resemblance to a stamp, such as letters are sealed with. The stigma was anciently used for branding criminals ; hence our Eng- lish words, stigma and stigmatize, meaning infamy, and to brand with in- famy, 10. A perfect pistil is composed of three parts, the stigma, the style or handle to the stigma, and germ^n, or lower part of the handle or style, where it swells out, and becomes larger, to make room for the small seeds that grow there. The latin word stilm means a writing-pen, or little reed, and the word germen, in the same language, means a bud, or germ ; hence our english word germinate, meaning to sprout. The pistil is then made up of the stigma, or stamp, the style, or handle of the stamp, and the ger- men, or seed-box, which is but an enlargement of the lower part of the style. 11. The stamens or stamina, that surround the pistil, in our lily, have also on their tops small round or oval bodies, which, to distinguish from this on the top of the style of the pistil, are called anthers, or sometimes in the plural anthera. The threads or handles by which these are attached, are cn\\ci\ filameiUs, from the latin word flis a thread, because they are fre- quently fine like threads. 12. The anthers on the top of these filaments, contain a yellow dust or meal, called by botanists farina, or pollen. The words farina and pollen are f)f latin origin, and mean fine meal or small dust. This farina may easily be observed, by examining a flower. When this falls, or is blown off upm Ihi- stigma or seed-vessel of the flower, it is supposed to render the plant fertile, causmg it to produce fruits or seeds. INTRODUCTION. 13 SEXUAL SYSTEM. 13. The word anther is a greek word, and means a husband. It is so called, because it throws down the meal or farina upon the seed-vessel of the flower, and thereby renders it productive. In the recapitulation of the parts we may then say, that in the centre of a perfect flower, we find the pistil, surrounded by the stamina, and outside of these, the corolla, or blossom, or flower-leaves. These often very beautifully coloured flower-leaves are called the petals. Each separate leaf is called a petal. The whole collectively the corolla. The word corolla is from the latin, and means a little crown or chaplet. These petals, when united, seem to make a little crown, or chaplet for the top or head of the plant. These seem designed for the pro- tection and nourishment of these central organs, the stamens and pistils. 14. The blossom or corolla itself is again surrounded, in complete flowers, by a little green envelope, called the calyx, or cup of the flower. This seems to be a prolongation of the external covering of the stem. It ap- pears destined to protect and beautify the petals or corolla. The pericarp, or seed-vessel, as before observed, is often nothing more than an enlargement of the bottom or lower part of the style. 15. The receptacle, or base, is that part of a flower which binds or u- nites all the other parts of it together into one harmonious whole. Or, it is that part of it, which connects the petals, the pistils, and stamens together. It is called the receptacle or reservoir, because it receives and unites all the diflferent parts of the flower. 16. Externally then, enveloping the beautifully-coloured leaves of the corolla, is the little green cup or calyx. These leaves appear as if growing out of a small green tumbler or cup. This cup is often wanting in flowers. The corolla, which is the interior covering of the flower, is more conspicuous than the calyx, more slender and delicate in its fibre, and more richly col- oured. It possesses almost every shade of colour but green. It is white in blood-root, yellow in buttercup, orange in pleurisy-root, scarlet in cardinal flowers, purple in cranes-bill, and bhce in spider-wort. 17. When we look within the corolla, or within the circlet of the petals of the lily, and of many other flowers, we observe the stamens or stamina surrounding the pistil. These stamens, or rather their anthers, are never wanting. Their number is very various in different plants. The number of them often determines to which of the Linnsean classes a plant belongs. These, together with the pistils, are essential in th6 economy of vegetation. They are both equally necessary in the completion of the perfect flower. The number of the pistils, as well as of the stamens, is exceedingly various. 18. As regards the receptacle, it is interesting only as the connecting point, in which the other parts are all united. In simple flowers, it is in- conspicuous, and cannot be seen with advantage, until the calyx, the petals, and the other organs are removed. The receptacles of compound flowers are much more interesting. If examined after the seeds have been scat- tered by the winds, the base to which they were attached becomes exposed to our view. The central portion, occupied by tubular, or hollow florets, is called the disk, while the margin or edge, where "the florets are more fre- quently strap-shaped, linguate or tongue-shaped, is called the ray. 19. The seven parts of fructification have now been enumerated and explained. They are immediately connected with, and belong to, the flow- er. According to the opinions of Linnaeus and others, the yellow dust or pollen, that is seen on these little round bodies, on the tops of the filaments, namely, on the anthers, falls off' upon the stigma or seed vessel, at the root 14 INTRODUCTION. EXPLANATION OF THE CLASSES AND ORDERS. of the style of the pistil, and caufjcs it to become fruitful. To these rovind bodies therefore they have given the name anthers or hus^bands, as before observed. The pistil they have called giine, meaning in greek a wife, be- cause it contains the seed-vessels, and matures and brings forth the seeds. 20. We thereff)re on looking into a flower, according to the preceding notions, observe what they have fancied to resemble husbands and wives. The ])istii is the wife, and the stamina or stamens of this same flower, or of difjerent flowers, are the husbands. Sometimes there are in a flower several stamens, and but one or more pistils, and sometimes several pistils with but one or more stamens. So that there may be one wife and many husbands, or one or more husbands and many wives, in the same flower. 21. Since these are the parts of the flower that Linnaeus has chosen, on which to found his method of cla.ssification and arrangement of the whole vegetable creation ; from his considering and naming these parts as hus- bands and wives, this system has been called the sexual system of lin- N^ns. Although it is an artificial system, it is a very useful one. Many attempts have been made at a natural arrangement, or natural classifica- tion of plants. The object of this arrangement would be to bring plants having a natural affinity, into the same classes and (jrders. A very hap- py attempt of this kind may be seen, by consulting the " Natural Orders of Jussieu," in the excellent work on botany, by professor Eaton. Perhaps the attending to the sexual classification of Linnaeus may be rather dull and tiresome, especially to those who have not learned something of Greek ; yet a brief sketch of it is here inserted for those, who may have the curiosity and patience to examine it. 22. Of all the plants that spring out of the ground, and clothe it with verdure and beauty, Linnaeus made 24 classes, as has already been observ- ed. The first 11 of these classes, or one half the v^^hole number of classes lacking one, he distinguished or named merely from the number of the sta- mens or husbajuls. The number of the stamens determines the number of the class. Thus, those flowers, or plants having flowers, possessing 1 sta- men, are of the first class. Those having 2 stamens are of the second class. Those having three stamens are of the third class ; and so on, tlirough the 11 first cla.sses. In determining therefore to which of the first eleven clas- ses any plant may belong (should it belong to one of these classes) we have only to coimt the stamens of its forcer. Their number will be the num- ber of the class, to which the plant belongs. 23. The Orders also of the first thirteen Classes, are determined by the number of tJie pistils of the flowers. Those flowers having 1 pistil are of the first order. Those flowers having two pistils are of the second order. Those having 3, of the third order, and so on, through the 13 First Clas- ses. Then, to determine the Class, we count the stamens, and to determine the Order, we count the pistils. The number of the stamens in the 11 first classes determines the number of the Class, and the number of the pistils in the 13 first classes determines the number of the Order. 24. It should bo remembered, that, in several of the Classes, many of the intermediate orders are wanting, as no plants have yet been discover- ed having the requisite number of pistils to fill these orders. This will be observed by inspecting the Orders in the Synopsis of the Linna^an Classes at the close of the vohimc. Thus, in Class IV. for example, having but three orders, there are plants of the Monogynia or one pistil, of the Digjoiia or two pistils, and of Tetragynia or four pistils, but no plants having three INTRODUCTION. 15 EXPLANATION OF THE CLASSES AND ORDERS. pistils, or of the order Trigynia, have yet been discovered in this Class. In all these cases we have numbered the order according to the number of pistils. In doing so, we have followed the method of professor Eaton, and some other modern botanists. Dr. Thornton, in his " Exposition of the Lin- nsean classes and orders," as likewise several others, have followed a different method. The number of the order, in their arrangement, is not as the num- ber of the pistils, but as the number of the orders in the class. Thus, in Class IV. the order Tetragynia would be third order, notwithstanding its flowers have four pistils. They have named it Order 3d, because there are but three known orders in the class, and this Tetragynia is the last of the three. The method we have pursued in numbering the order according to the number of the pistils, leaves room for the insertion of any new or inter- mediate orders that may be discovered at any future time ; whereas the oth- er arrangement, should any new order of plants chance to be discovered, (and many have been discovered since the time of Linnaeus), would require an entire new arrangement in regard to numbering the orders. 25. Before giving the names of the Classes, I must beg leave to count in Greek a little, for the benefit of those of my readers, Avho may not be able to count in Greek for themselves. If they will take the trouble to learn what follows, they will have no difficulty in understanding the Lin- ngean classes and orders. In this language, fiovog ononos, signifies one ; ^ts dis two or twice, Tp««? treis three, rtoaaqtg tessares four, Tctm pente five, «l hex six, 'fnrci hepta seven, oxtw okto eight, «»'»'«« ennea nine, Ssxa deka ten, SviaSixa doodeka twelve, tixoai eikosi twenty, nolve polus many. It has already been remarked that the word aner or anther signi- fies a man, or a husband, and that the word gune means wife ; or, in botan- ical language, that aner means the stamen, and gune the pistil of a flower. 26. These things being premised, we are now prepared to understand the signification and import of the names of the following classes and orders. We have only to join the numerals above to the words aner, meaning sta- men, and gune, meaning pistil, and we form many of the classes and or- ders. Thus, Class First is Monandria, from monos, one, and aner, stamen, because flowers of this class have but one stamen. This Class contains but two Orders. The first order of this class is Monogynia, from Tuonos, one, and gu7ie, pistil, because plants of this order have flowers with but one pis- til. The second order of this class is Digynia, from dis, two or twice, and gune, pistil, because flowers of this order have two pistils. In this manner, by prefixing the numerals to the words aner or anther, and gune, we form all the following classes and orders. Class I. MONANDRIA. Order 1, Monogynia. 2, Digynia. Class IV. TETRANDRIA. Order 1, Monogynia. 2, Digynia. 4, Tetragynia. Class II. DIANDRIA. Order 1, Monogynia. 2, Digynia. 3, Trigynia. Class V. PENTANDRIA. Order 1, Monogynia. 2, Digynia. 3, Trigynia. 4, Tetragynia. 5, Pentagynia. 6, Hexagynia. 7, Polygynia. Class III. TRIANDRIA. Order 1, Monogynia. 2, Digynia. 3, Trigynia. Class VI. HEXANDRIA. Order 1, Monogynia. 2, Digynia. 3, Trigynia. 4, Tetragynia. 6, Hexagynia. 7, Polygynia. 16 INTRODUCTION. EXPLANATION OF THE CLASSES AND ORDERS. Class VII. Class VIII. Class IX. HEPTANDIIIA. OCTANDRIA. ENNEANDRIA. Order 1, Monogynia. Order 1, Monogynia. Order 1, Monogynia. 2, Digynia. 2, Digynia. 2, Digynia. 4, Tetragynia. 3, Trigynia. 6, Hexagynia. 7, HejJtagynia. 4, Tetragynia. Class X. Class XL DECANDRIA. DODECANDRIA. Order 1, Monogynia. Order 1, Monogynia. 2, Digynia. 2, Digynia. 3, Trigynia. 3, Trigynia. 5, Pentagynia. 4, Tetragynia. 10, Decagynia. 5, Pentagynia. 12, Dodecagynia. See the Synopsis at the end of the volume. 27. Thui^, by counting the stamens and pistils, we can easily deter- mine if a plant belong to any of tlie Eleven First Classes, or Orders of the Thirteen First Cli\»«es. The remaining thirteen Classes are equally easy to understand, if it can but be borne in mind, 1st, That flowers are divided by botanists and florists into male flowers, female flowers, hermaphrodite flowers, and neuter flowers. 28. 1st. Those flowers that have the pistil, but have no stamens, (for such flowers will often be found,) are called female flowers. 2d. Those flowers that have the stamens, but have no pistil, are called male flowers. 3d. Those flowers that have neither stamens nor pistils, are called neuter flowers. 4th. Those flowers that have both stamens and pistils, are called hermaphrodite flowers, because they partake of the nature of both sexes. 29. If we examine a Sunflower or Dandelion carefully, we observe its blossom composed of several little hollow tubes, or, as botanists express it, of ' tubular florets.' Each of these rolls or tubes, when closely examined, will be found to be a complete flower, containing within its hollow often both Btaniens and pistils. Yet all these small tubular florets, when imited on their ' common receptacle,' or base, have the appearance of a single flower. Each floret or tube, although an entire flower, appears like a single petal, or flower-leaf. Flowers of this description, containing many tubular florets united, or situated on a common receptacle, are called compound Jiowers. They are composed of many simple florets. 30. When there is a single corolla, inclosing the stamens and pistils, situated upon a common receptacle, it is said to be a simple Jiower, as the Lily, Rose, &c. Although many compound flowers appear like simple flowers, when viewed at a distance, they are easily distinguished when closely examined. Simple flowers are much more numerous and common than compound flowers. 31. Hermaphrodite flowers, or such as have both stamens and pistils, are sometimes distinguished into male hermaphrodites and female herma- phrodites. Tliis distinction takes place when, altliough the part." belonging to ciich sex arc contained in the flower, one of them proves abortive or inef- fectual. If the defect be in the stamen, it is a female hermaphrodite. If in the jiistil, a male hermaphrodite. 32. Plants, a« well as flowers, have also a distinction of sex. Herma- phrodite plants are such as bear flowers upon the same root, that are all INTRODUCTION. 17 EXPLANATION OF THE CLASSES AND ORDHJrS. hermaphrodite. Androgynous plants are such as, upon the same root, bear both male and female flowers, distinct from each other. These plants are so called from the Greek word aner^ a man, and gune, a woman, or in bo- tanical language, aner, stamen, and gune, pistil, because these plants bear both staminate and pistillate flowers upon the same root. 33. Male plants are such as bear male flowers only upon the same root. Female plants are such as bear female flowers only upon the same root. Polygamous plants are such, as either on the same or on diffisrent roots bear hermaphrodite flowers, and flowers of either or both sexes. These plants seem to be in a state of polygamy. Hence the term ■polygamous, from the Greek word polus, many, and gamia, marriages. The preceding remarks being understood, we are now prepared to comprehend the definitions of the thirteen remaining classes. 34. It will be proper to remark, before explaining these classes, however, that of the eleven preceding classes already explained, all the fowers must be hermaphrodite in these classes ; that is, they must all contain both sta- mens and pistils. Should the female part be wanting, the plant would be- long to some other class, notAvithstanding the number of stamens might be such as would otherwise refer it to one of these classes. 35. The understanding and remembering of the thirteen last classes has generally been thought difRcuU. The explanations that follow are simple and easily understood, provided we understand what has been said in the preceding pages. As no flowers have yet been discovered that have eleven stamens, no class has been allotted to that number, and the eleventh class is called Dodecandria, from doodeka, twelve, and aner, stamens. Notwith- standing the term implies that these flowers have twelve stamens, the class is not confined to this number, but includes all such hermaphrodite flowers as are furnished with any number of stamens from twelve to nineteen inclusive. That is, they may have any number of stamens above twelve, and less than nineteen. 36. The 12th Class is called Tcosandria, from the Greek eikosi, twenty, and aner, stamen, because flowers of this class have twenty stamens. This title is however to be understood with considerable latitude. For, though it means that the flowers belonging to this class have twenty stamens, they may have a greater number nevertheless. They may have twenty or more. They are therefore not to be known with certainty from the next, or 13th Class, except by the stamens arising from the calyx or cup, and not from the receptacle. 37. The 13th Class is called Polyandria, fiom the Greek polus, many, and aner, stamen, because plants of this class have flowers of many stam- ens. The number of their stamens is often very great. This Class how- ever comprehends all those hermaphrodite plants, whose flowers have more than twenty disunited stamens originating from the receptacle. 38. The stamens and pistils are sometimes united, or grow together in clumps, at top or at the bottom. This will soon be explained. 39. The 14th Class is called Didynamia, from the Greek dis, two, and dunamis, power or superiority, because plants of this class have flowers of four stamens, of which there are two longer than the others. In this re- spect they seem to have a superiority, two of them overtopping the other c 18 INTRODUCTION. KXPLANATION OF THE CI,AS<8ES AND ORDEHsJ. two. If is from tliis cirniiiisfance we are alile to (listingiiish tlie 14th Clasii from the 4tli Cliu-s. The 4th Cla.«.s has lour stamens that are equal in Iciijrth, wherea.s the 14th ChvJ.<, as will .soon be observed. 42. The 17th Class is called DiarJelphia, from the Greek (lis, two, and adelphos, brother or brotherhood, because the stamens of the Howers of tliis class^of plants are united at the base of their filaments into tuo brotherhoods or clumps. They have two clusters of stamens united, as explained in the preceding class. Tlie number of stamens, in flowers of this cla.ss, may be larger or smaller ; the luimber is not limited. 43. The 18th Class is called Polyadelphia, from the Ovtekpohts, many, and adetphos, brother or brotherhood, because these flowers belong to the class (if plants, where th(! stamens are united into 7»(;»zy6-e/«, or brotherhoods. The 16th Class has the stamina of its flowers united into one clump, the 17th, into two, and the 18th, info three or more clumps or brotberhoods. These circumstances sulTicientI)' characterize the 16th, 17fh, and 18fh Cla.«ses. 44. The 19th Class is called Si/ngenesia, from sun, with, and g-enesis, generation, or growth, the two ^\•ords uniti'd meaning rongeueration, or u- nifed birth, because the stamens of the flowers of this Cla.pikecl, we^sile ; stam- ina shorter tlian the corol. POIiYAT¥THrS. POLEANTHUS, POLYANTHOS, TUBEROSE, PLANTE-A-PLUSIEURS- FLEUHS, PRIMULA-POLYANTHUS, NARCISSUS, TUBE-ROSE. CLASS, Hexandria, from ORDER, Monogyiiia, from hex, six ; aner, stamen. monos, one ; guve, pistil. BecauH« these flowcis have Six StameTis, and One Pistil, and are conse- quently of the Sixth Class and First Order of Linnaeus. IfarcissMi taietta, Poljrantboj. pseudo-narcistus, nnflbdil. ^t Polyanlhts tuberosa. Tuberose. Of thl* Prtmro« pUnl there area number ofolber Spccits wilb numerous ran'ettM, many of which are found growing in our gardens in New-England. THE EMBLEM OF PRIDE. 1 know a bank whereon the wild ihyme blows, Where oxlips and the nodding Tiolet prows, Quite over-cnnopied with lush woodbine, With sweet musk-roses and with eglantine. Shaksptare. The poplar there sprouts up its Spire, And shakes its leaves in the sun fantastical. While round its slender base there rnmblei. The sweet-breathed vine, — the pink is there, There, Pnlyitntkiu in full clustcr'd pride, In splendid robes of rich unnumber'd dyes, With scorn from old acquaintance turns aside. JUattkews. Of this rich and fragrant flower, there are at least twenty or thirty cultivated varieties ; some of ihem are exceedingly beautiful. The POLYANTHUS. 25 Primrose, Oxlip, and Cowslip, all belong to the same naivral or- der. These are all of the Primrose family, so named from the Latin, primus, first, because they are very early spring flowers. The Polyanthus is found of colours and appearances extremely various. The purple and variegated Polyanthoses are among some of those most admired. The natural order, to wliich this flower belongs, is called PrecicB, from the Latin, pre, Ijefore, and cio, to excite, because of the early appearance of such flowers in Spring. A pleasing instance of the improvement, that art is ca- pable of bestowing on nature, is found in this flower. All its va- rieties are derived from one original p?^imrose stock. These flow- ers are called polyanthos, from the Greek words jwlus, many, and anthos, flower, because they bear many flowers, or blossoms. In this respect they difFer from the Primula or Primrose properly so called, because this latter plant bears but one flower on a stalk, whereas the Cowslip, Oxlip, and Polyanthus, bear many. The two first named are very ornamental to our meadows in New- England in early spring, generally having pale yellow blossoms, sometimes bright yellow. The difference of the Polyanthus, pro- duced by its cultivation, in some degree resembles that of an untu- tored mind compared with one of a person of education. The Polyanthus, in its habits, resembles very much the Cowshp and Primrose. They all come forth at a season, when scarcely any other flowers are to be foimd, and consequently have been much sought after and generally admired as ornamental flowers. When we look upon these early spring-flowers, after the cold storms of winter have passed away to their home in the north, and the sun- ny days of spring have come, " with birds in cheerful song," we feel sensations of delight, that later seasons cannot inspire us with. The Polyanthus Narcissus {N. tazetta), and the Jonquil [N. jonquilla), so called from the lialin juncus, signifying a rush, be- cause of its rush-like and narrow leaves, are both remarkably fra- grant, and bear forcing, or bringing early into flower, in water- glasses, in the ordinary temperature of a dweUing-room. Narcis- sus is the genus, of which these and the Polyanthus are species. The stamens and pistil of the Daffodil are often found trans- formed into irregular petals, and the anthers destroyed, as in many other doul)le flowers produced by cultivation. The Polyanthos, or Narcissus iazetia, has a spathe many-flowered : nectary bell-forii), plicfite, tixmcate, tlirice as short as the petals : petals alternately brondi'r : leaves flal. D PAJ«»SI0i\-lL.01VER. FLEUR-DK-LA-PASSION, (iR.ANADILL A, LA-GRENADILLA, FIORE- UELLA-PASSIONE, PASSIKLORA. CLASS, Moiiadclpliia, from wo- ORDER, Pcntandria, from uos one, aiul (idelp/ids, brother. pente, five, aiier, fclamen. Because these flowers have \\mv ^lumois growing united by tlieirfilamentis' into one Ijody, and have Fivf i^taniev.f, and consequently are of the* Sixteenth Class and Fiffh Order of Liunanip. Paisijlora lutcn. Yellow Passmn-flower. caru/ta, Blue fashion-flower. alata. Winged Fassion-flowpr. According lo some, there are thirty-seven species of the Passion-flower. The " Hortus Bfi- tHDoicus" makes sixty-three known species. THE EMBLEM OF HOPE- \nn mystic flower, witli {.'old and azure brig^bt, Who5c «lom luxuriant speaks a viic Pistil, and are conse- quently of" the Six-th Class and First Order of Linnaeus. GalanthMtnivalU, Snow-drop. Allium fra^rans, Falst Suow-drop, ■• ftncscms, False .Narcissus. •• vincale. Field Garlick. There arc but one or two species of the Gnlnnllnis found growing in thf Eastern and Middle Slates of >'urtb-Anierica. THE EMin.E.M OP FRIENnSHIP IN ADVEBaiTY. The Snowdboi' foremost, Breaks (hrouph the frozen soil. In calm disdain Of danger, robed like innocence, steps forth And dares the Ihreat'ning furies of the- north. Long ere the sap is to the bud conveyed, Midst icicles in various forms displnved. The bee had spied the cinque- rayed star which glows Within the bosom of the pale primrose. The violet peeped thruu^'h busli-leaves waving o'er her, And found the Snow-drui' h.id awoke before her; And the hlush-rose drew liacK her heail of green, Hut came not out lieraU'^e her sister-queen, The pale-checked lily, in her close pavilion, Lny still entranced ; while, scattcr'd round, a million Of little flowers on every bank looked forth. . . . Eustace. This sweet and lovely little flower pierces through the cold snows and ice of winter. It puts on its meek blossoms while yet SNOW-DROP. 33 the howling blasts are sweeping over the desolate plains. While all nature seems deformed, and is wrapped in a mantle of snow, this " child of the tempests and nursling of the storms," is seen to peep from the sunny side of hills, and to burst the frozen soil of our glades, woodlands and gardens, shedding joy and delight, as one of the earliest harbingers of spring. Its blossom is of a deli- cate white, slightly tinged with green. Some of its varieties are nearly of the purest white. In this " robe of innocence," it mod- estly seems to brave the fai||s and bid defiance to the threatening dangers of the \vintry tempests. Hemmed in with snows on every side, it calmly dares the surly frowns of winter. From the white- ness of its blossom, it has received the name of Galanthus, or Milk-flower. The term galanthos is a Greek word from gala, milk, and anthos, llower, because this flower is of the colour of milk. It has also been called by the French perce-neige, or Snow-piercer, because it bursts up with its little flower through the snow, piercing it. The term Snow-drop is evidently derived from these circumstances, together with the colour of the flower itself. The beautiful poetess, Mrs. Barbauld, has given us a very fanciful origin of this flower. She tells us, " the breath of Flora, the god- dess of flowers, Ijy some transforming power, has changed an icicle into a Snow-drop." One poet tells us, '• 'tis the wan herald of the floral year." Montgomery calls it " the morning-star of flowers, and welcome messenger of peace." Wordsworth, the " early her- ald of the infant year, the gentle monitor of coming spring." As it appears when there is nothing to cheer or enliven, and when every thing looks desolate and dreary, it truly may be said to " awaken joy in the bosom of sadness." This is particularly true in regard to those who are fond of contemplating natural objects. This flower has therefore become the emblem of " Friendship in Adver- sity." Its corolla is superior, and consists of six white petals ; the innermost are the shortest, and are supposed to be the nectary. It appears to great advantage when intermingling its blossoms with those of the Crocus, to which it is nearly related. The Narcissus, Amaryllis, Polyanthus, Leptanthus, and Galanthus, all belong to the same natural tribe of plants. The Snow-drop, or Galanthus nivalis, has leaves linear, keeled, acute, radical : scape one-flowered. I?IOSS-ROSE. COMMON RED MOSS-ROSE, ROSA MUSCOSA. CLASS, Icosandrici, from ORDER, Polygynia, from ikosi, twenty, aner, stamen. polus, many, gune, pistil. Because these flowers have Twenty or more Stamens inserted on the calyx, or corolla, and Twenty or more Pistils, and consequently are of the Twelfth Class and Third Order of Linnteus. Pnsn muscoia, Moss-Rose •• tcmptrflorens, Monlbly Roso. •• pendulina, Thornless Uosc. ficiide these, there are at least twenty or thirty Sfiecies, wiih mnny varieties of the Rote, fouud growing in the Eastern and Middle Stales. THE KMRLEM OF SUPERIOR JltlUT. The angel of the flowers one day Beneath a Rose-lrce sleeping lay ; Awaking from the light repose, The angel whisperM to the Hose — " O fondest object of my care, Still fairest found where all is fair, For the sweet shade thou'st given to me, Ask what Ihou wilt, 'lis granted thee." Then said the Ri/se with deepen'd glow, " On me another grace bestow." The spirit paused in silent thought : What grace was there that flower bad not '. Twas but a moment — oVr the rose A veil of moss the angel throws, And, robed in nature's simplest weed, Could there a flower that rose exceed .' Monthly Jnthology. The single yellow Rose from Italy is a rich treasure, for its frag- rance and its beauty. The large double Levantine yellow Rose MOSS ROSE. 35 is a richer, ]}oth for its elegance and its fragrance, lis fine odour strongly resembles that of a most delicious pine-apple, which has sometimes caused it to be named the 2J<»e rose. The Eglantine, or English Sweet-briar rose, more commonly in our country call- ed simply the Sweet-briar, is a very poetic, and much ad- mired species. It adorns and gems our hedges, road-sides, and swamps, in spring, with its beavitiful pale-red blossoms, consisting generally of fi^ petals. In this respect it agrees with all the different speci^^f Roses in their native state. The whole genus of this " queen of flowers" agree in a cup of five di- visions, a coioUa of five petals, and a turban-shaped fleshy berry, formed out of the cup, and terminated by the divisions of it. The wild Eglantine, a native of om* swamps, perfumes the breath of morning with its delicious odour, and the dewy breeze of evening comes loaded with its sweets. It cheers the sight with its gems, spangling the forest glade, and fills the air with the rich- est aroma that can charm the sense. By the poets it is often as- sociated with the Woodbine and Honeysuckle. Some of its va- rieties, however, are nearly scentless. The Musk Rose is beautiful, and the Provins Rose very deli- cate, and much admired. But the Moss Rose, with its delicate little flowers half concealed in thek modest envelope of ' nature's sim- plest weed, a fold of moss,' is exquisitely lovely. Its retiring and mod- est habit, half concealing its beauty from the vulgar gaze, has attract- ed the love and admiration of all in its behalf. When freshly gath- ered from the stem, and full of dew, it seems scarcely less rich or curious than a ' ruby gem.' It is frequently, in poesy, an asso- ciate with the Lily and Violet. These roses are of various tints : the red the most common. The ' sylvan mantle,' or simple cover- ing of moss, that envelopes this charming flower, half concealing its beauty, has rendered it the emblem of Youth, Love, and Reti- ring Beauty ; and it has also been esteemed the symbol of >S*w- pcrior Merit, perhaps for similar reasons. The Moss Rose, or Bosa Jlhrscosa, has a germ ovate : calyx, pedun- cles, petioles, and branclies hispid, glandular-viscid, (mossy-hke) ; .spines of the branches scattered, straight. CATCH-FI.Y. SILENEj CATCH-FLY, WILD PINK. CLASS, Decandria, from deka, ORDER, Trigynia, from ten, and aner, stamen. treis, three ; gxine, pistil. Because these flowers have Ten Stamens and Three Pistils, and are conse- quently of the Tenth Class and Third Order of Linnajus. Silent nocti/hra, ,. antirrhina, pennsylvonica, dichtomn. Night-flowerinff Catch-fly. Sleepy Cakii-fly. Pink Cntch-fly. Forked Catch-fly. There are Sixty-six Species of the Silene or Catch-fly, eipht or ton of which are found growiog in the Eastern and Middle States of North-Araerica. THE EMBLEM OF ALLUREMENT AND nESTRCCTlON. Unlike Silem, who declines The g^arish noontide's blazing light ; But when the evening crescent shines, Gives ifll her sweetness to the night. Smith. The fell SiLENs, and her sisters fair, Skilled in Silcne. This number is probably too large. The iSileue Pomsi/lvaiiica, or Pennsylvania Catchfly, grows na- tive about our fields in N^fcEngland, and is known by the name of Wild Pink, from its si^^Bty of appearance and habit to some of the pinks. The Sileii^^ntirrhina is often known by the name of Snap-dragon Catchfly. A fine variety of the Silene is found in Ohio, with scarlet flowers. The Campion or Lychnis and Silene have a near resemblance to each other. The viscous matter that surroimds the stalks of the flowers of a species of the Catchfly prevents various insects from plundering the honey ; and also keeps them from the pollen, which fertilizes the seeds. The Dionea Muscipula, or Venus's Fly-trap, possesses a still more won- derful means of preventing the depredations of insects. The leaves are armed with long teeth, like the antennae of insects, and lie spread upon the ground around the stem. They are so irritable, that when an insect creeps upon them, they fold up and crush or pierce it to death. It is a white flower, and grows native in the swamps of the Southern states. The Sundew is a plant with a purple, yellow, or white blossom, and very common in marshes. This is furnished with the same means of self-defence. The flow- er of the Arum Muscivorum has the odour of putrid flesh, which induces the flies to deposit their eggs within the chamber of the flower. The young, hatched from these eggs, are unable to escape from this prison, being prevented by the hairs pointing inwards ; They of course perish. This circumstance has given to this plant the name of Fly-eater. It is presumed that the air evolved by the bodies of these dead insects may subserve the purposes of vegeta- tion to these plants, by affording them nourishment. Leaves are well known to purify air impregnated with carbonic acid from whatever cause. From the circumstance of these plants alluring small insects, and retaining their little prisoners as captives, and destroying them, they have become the emblem of Art, Al- lurement, Blandishment, Dissimulation, and Destruction, The Pink Catch-fly, or Silene Pennsylvanica, is viscid -pubescent : lower leaves wedge-form ; upper leaves lanceolate : stems few-flowered at the summit : about three-petals, obtuse, slightly emarginate, sub-crenate. POPPY. PAVOT, PAPAVERO, PAPAVKR. CLASS, Polyandria, fioni ORDER, Monogj'nia, from polus, miuiy ; oner, stamen. monos, one; g'tine, pistil. Because these flowers have Tn-enty or more Stamens, and One Pistil, and coasequenlly are of the Thirteentii Class and First Order of Linnaius. Piipnvrr rhcas. Wild Poppy. somn'/enim, Opium Poppy. eraticiim, Corn Poppy. Besides theie, tlicre are several olber speries exotic, nnd perhaps one or two native, found grow- ing in llie United States. TnE E."\!IiI,i;.M OF FORGETFULNESS. When Jocund summer leads ber lau^hin^ hours, And decks tier y.one with odorific flowers, 'Tis then thy charma attract the vulgar gaze, And tempt the view witli meretricious blaze 1 Caught by thy glance, with pleasure they behold Thy glowing crinnon melting into gold. In vain to nobler minds thy lure is spread, Thy pniiitoil front, thy cup of glowing red : Beneath thy bloom .oich noxious vapours lie. That when obtained and smelt, we loathe and fly ; Thus pleasure spreads for all her silken joys, And oft, too late, tbe painted prospect cloys. Taylor. Of this oblivious and sleep-producing plant there are several varieties. They are found of every variety of colour and shade, POPPY. 39 from the purest white ahnost down to the jet black. The juice of the Papaver somniferum is the common opium. It is some- times called Opium T/icbaiami, from being originally prepared at Thebes. The ancients called it Manits Dei, the hand of Dei- t}^, because of its extensive use in allaying pain. This plant is a native of the warmer countries of Europe and Asia, where it grows abundantly. Its inspissated juice is used, in large quantities, by the luxurious Asiatics, as a temporary introduction into their fancied Elysium. Thomson, inT|is fplendid Laurel tlood, The prace and ornament of nil the wood. Her leafr arms with such extent were spread, • So near the clouds was hrr ajpirinp head, Thai hosts of birds that wiii^ the liquid air. Perched on the bouphs, found nightly lodginp there ; , And flocks of sheep beneath the shade, from far, Mipht hear the rattling' bail and wintry war ; From heaven's inclemencies here find a safa retreat, Knjoy the cool and shun the scorching heat. A hundred knights nii<;hi here at ease abide, And every knig-bt a lady by his side. The trunk itself such odours did bequeath. That a Muluccan breeze to these were commoD breath. Drr/dtn. The common Sweet-Hay, or Laurus 7iobilis, has l)eeii celebra- ted m all ages. Willi us it appears as a shrub, but hi the south- LAUREL. 41 crn parts of Europe, and in western Asia, it grows to the size of a majestic tree. Tt has large evergreen leaves, of a fine texture, with an agreeable smell, and aromatic taste. Strabo tells us, it is found growing plentifully on the banks of the Eurotus, and St. Pierre informs us tliat it is found abundantly on the borders of the river Paeneus in Thessaly. Hence probably the origin of the fable of the metamorphosis of Daphne, the daughter of that river. The Bay is of very vigorous and hardy growth. It often revives, and regains its verdure, after it has for months appeared lifeless. Hence the practice has been connnon, in many countries, to throw a sprig of Laurel upon the coffin of the dead at burial, as a s3^mbol of Im- inortality^ or as significant of the hope of resuscitation from the grave. The Sweet-scented Laurel, so much celebrated in poetry, was formerly woven into chaplets and crowns, and worn by con- querors and herocs; on their triumphant return from war. Juhus Caesar is said to have worn a crown of Bay, and from him all his successors until the time of Justinian. The poets also, and those who had distinguished themselves in music, were honoured with chaplets of Laurel leaves. The gates of the imperial palaces, and of the courts of the high priests, were wreathed with Laurel. The Greeks bestowed crowns of it upon those who were victorious in their public games. Physicians were fond of wearing it, in honour of Apollo, the god of medicine. Young Doctors wore crowns of Laurel in berry, and students were thence called hacca laureats^ or bachelors, from the Latin hacca^ a berry. It was planted be- fore the houses of the sick ; Jupiter wore a crown of it ; Clio, the muse of history, was crowned with it ; the priestess of Delphi wore it, and Apollo wore a chaplet of its leaves. This and the Misletoe are used in England for decorating churches at Christmas. It is deemed the meed of virtue and merit, the symlwl of the desert of praise and immortality, and its honours are claimed by the poet and hero, as a just inheritance. The term laurel is from the Latin laus, signifying praise or glory. The Mountain Laurel is the em- blem of Ambition, and the Rose Laurel, of which the above plate represents a variety, that of Virtue. The natural order Magno- lia embraces the two genera Liriodendron, and Magnolia. The genus Laurus belongs to another order, the order Kauri. The Big-Laurel, Magnolia, or Magnolia grandijlora, of our Southern jStates has leaves evergreen, oval, thick, leathery: petals broad-obovate, ab- ruptly narrowed into a claw. Cultivated. F HYACIIVTII. JACINTH, HAREBELL, HYACINTHUS5JACINTHE-DES-FLEURISTES. CLASS, Hexandria, from ORDER, Monogynia, from liex, six, ane)', stamen. wonos, one, gune, pistil. Because those flowers have Six Stamens, and One Pistil, and are conse- quently of the Sixth Class and First Order of Linnseus. Hyacinthtu orientalu, hotryoides, ract7nota3. Garden Hyacinth. Grape Hyacinth. Harebell Hyacinth. Musk nyacintb. Besides these, there are a few other species of this flower growing in the Eastern and Middle Stales of North-America. THE EMBLEM OF CONSTANCY. A Htacinth lifted its purple bell, From the slender leaves around if, It curvrd its cup in a flowing^ swoll, And a starry circle crowned it ; The deep-blue tinrture, that robed il, seemed The (jloomiesi garb of sorrow, As if on its eye no brightness beamed. And it never in dearer moments dreamed Of a fair and calm to-morrow. Penival. While T, with grateful heart, gather him yellow Daffodils, pinks, anemones, musk-roses. Or that red flower, whose lips ejaculate Wo ! and form them into wreaths and posies. Ovid. This channing flower is found in many varieties of red, blue, and purple. The blue varieties of the flower are campanulate, or HYACINTH. bell-form. This plant is very frequently alluded to by the poets. Clarke, in his travels in the East,tells us it is found there in the richest abundance, where it spreads its beautiful flowers lavishly in spring over all the fields. It loads the air, in these places, with its spicy odours wafted on every gale. Those who examine this flower will observe the graceful curling or folding of its petals or flower- leaves : the poets have hence spoken of 'hyacinthine locks of hair,' of youths ' whose locks divinely spread like vernal hyacinths,' and of ' hyacinths handsome, with clustering locks.' This flower by culture frequently becomes very double ; and is often seen of the size of a dollar, of a dark porcelain-blue, some- times rosy or red, and occasionally pure white. It is sometimes found variegated. The single-flowered are generally considered the handsomest. Several fine varieties of this plant are brought from Holland with other bulbous roots. They naturally flower in May, but may be made to blossom at ahnost any season of the year, by proper attention. They are handsome parlour flowers when made to bloom in glasses. The Hyacinth of the ancients is supposed to be the Martagon Lily of modern times. This, Mar- tyn tells us, is marked with many spots of a darker colour than the flower itself, which often run together, so as to form the letters ai. This is a Greek interjection, meaning wo or alas. Hence the poet tells us of ' the red flower, whose Ups ejaculate wo ! ' — of the ' languid hyacinth, who wears his bitter sorrows painted on his bosom,' and ' mournfully strives to show ar, ai, the more, amidst his sanguine wo.' The origin of this flower is thus described : Ajax Talemon, the bravest of the Greeks, except Achilles, disputed with Ulysses the claim to the arms of Achilles after his death. He found them adjudged to Ulysses, and stabbed himself with his own sword — from his blood sprang this flower. There is an- other story, that Hyacinthus was a youth, the affections of whom were sought both by Apollo and Zephyrus. That Apollo's love was not reciprocated, for which he slew Hyacinthus, and changed his blood into this flower, placing his body among the constella- tions. The term hyacinth is from the Greek ai, alas, and ardhos, flower. The purple hyacinth has therefore become the emblem of SORROW, and the red and blue of constancy. The Hyacinthus, Hemerocallis, Asphodelus, Allium, Ornithogalum, and two or three other genera, belong to the same natural order Asphodeli. The Garden Hyacinth, or Hyacinthus orientatis, has its coral funnel- form, half-six cleft, veiitricosc at the base. YELLOW PRIIflROISE. EARLY PRIMROSE, POETIC PRIMROSE, COPPER-COLOURED PRIMROSE, PRIME VERE, PRIMA VERA, PRIMULA VULGARIS. CLASS, Pentandria, from ORDER, Monogynia, from pente, five ; oner, stamen. monos, one ; gune, pistil. Becaxise these flowers have Five Stamens, and One Pistil, and are conse- quently of the Fifth Class and First Order of Linnaeus. Pri'mJa ucautis, verts, elalior, auricula, Tliere nre tu-enly species, with ninny v.irielies, of llie Primrose Primrose. Cowslip Primrose. Oxiip Primrose. Auricula Primrose. several of which are found growing in the Eastern ami Middle States of North-America. THE EMBLEM OF VIRTUE IN TIIE SHADE. Mild offspring of a d.trk and sullen sire ! Whose modest form, so delicately fine, Was nursed in whirling storms, and cradled in the winds, Thee, when young Spring first questiooM Winter's sway, And dared the sturdy blusterer to the fight, Thee on this bank he threw, to mark his Tictory. In this low vale, the promise of the year. Serene thou opcnest to the nipping gale, Unnoticed and alone thy tender elegance : So virtue blooms, brought forth amid the storms Of chill adversity ; iu some lone walk of life the rears her head, obscure and unobserved ; While every bleaching breeze, that on her blows. Chastens her spotless purity of breast, And hardens her to bear, serene, the ills of life. Kirk White. YELLOW PRIMROSE. 45 This charniing flower, so often alluded to Ijy the poet, and so much esteemed for the richness of its fragrance, is among the ear- liest of spring flowers. It is almost unequalled in fragrance. The genus is called primula^ from the Latin primus, first ; be- cause this is one of the first, or earhest flowers in spring. The term Primrose is from ^«i7/»<5, first, and I'osa, a rose, unitedly signifying the first or earliest rose. It is truly an ' offspring of a dark and sullen sue' ; for its parent seems to be winter, or at least, as the poet tells us, it seems ' nursed in whirling storms, and cra- dled by the winds.' The purple, deep blue, violet, and early yellow or poetic prim- roses, are among the varieties most admired. The Primrose has but one flower upon a stalk ; — the Oxlip and Cowslip have several. The Oxlip, Cowslip, Auricula, and Polyanthus, are all primrose flowers. The American Cowslip is very difl'erent from the flower in England known by this name. The American Cowslip is the Caltha palustris. Many of the blossoms of the primrose tribe of plants are of a pale yellow. The American Cowslip is found growing in our wet meadows, and is sometimes seen in flower be- fore the snow and ice have all dissolved. The early yellow, or poetic primrose, is a native of Europe. It generally opens in ear- ly spring, in some sunny vale, or on the sunny side of a hillock : it ' opens its tender elegance ' to the nipping gale, while every bleaching breeze' blows without. Its ' modest form and delicate blossom flourish and diffuse their sweetness in defiance of the wintry blasts, and ' on its bank ' it ' braves the rigours of depart- ing winter.' The effect of cold seems only to ' chasten its spotless purity of breast.' It often is found growing in ' woodland glades.' From its retiring habit, rich fragrance, and hardihood, it has been made the emblem of Virtue in the shade or of unpat- tronized merit. The Dodecantheon media is often known by the name of Cowslip. ThQ natural order Lysimachi^ in- cludes the Primula, Dodecantheon, Lysimachia, Samolus, Huttonia, Buchnera, and one or two other genera. The Primrose, or Primula acaulis, has leaves rugose, toothed, hirsute beneath : scape one-flowered. WAIiL.-FIiO^VER. STOCK-JULY-FLOWER, WALL-FLOWER, YELLOW STOCK, GIROFLII JAUNE, BROMPTON aUEENS, LE-BATON-d'OR, PAVIENTARIA, CHEIRANTHUS. CLASS, Tetrailyiiamia, from tcs- ORDER, Siliqiiosa, from sares, four ; and diinamis, ])ovvcr. siliqjia^ a pod. Because these flowers have Si\r S'lamciis, four of which are larger than the other two, and have long ^lender pads, containing the seed, and conse- quently are of the Fifteenth Class and Second Order of Linnseus. Cheiranthua cheiri, Wall-flower. nnnuus, Slock-july-flower. ftncstialis, Wnvod Wnll-flower. Besides these, (l)ere are one ur two other species round growing in tlic Eastern and Middle States of Norih-America. THE ]:.mi5m:m of constancy. An emblem true tliou art, or love's endnrin'r lustre piven, To cliecr llie loiifly heart 1 Of love, whose deepest, tenderest worth, Till tried, was oil nnkiiown. Which owes to sympathy its birth, And " seeketh not its own." To me it speaks of loveliness That passes not wilh youth ; Of beauty, which decay can Idess ; Of constiincy and ti-uth. Not in iirosperily's bright morn, In slrcnKs of {jolilen liflit, Are lent her splendors, to adorn And make them slill more bright ; But, in adversity's dark hour, When glory is gone by. It then exerts its f <-nlle power. The scene to beautify. Barton. WALL-FLOWER. 47 This lovely flower " lends its splendours in adversity's dark hour," and strives to beautify " with its yellow blossoms, and streaks of golden hght," dark and lonely ruins. It springs up spontaneously about the walls of dilapidated castles, churches, towers, and other ruins, " where the voice of revelry and the hum of business " hath long since ceased, and where " desolation and ruin greenly dwells." In Italy, France, Spain, and Switzerland, it is found native, growing about old buildings and ruins. It springs from the crevices of disjointed stones, ' et qua vides imi- rorum moles jircerujjtaque saxa,^ as the poet tells us. Cultiva- tion has produced many very beautiful varieties of it, both double and single. The colour, most frequently met with perhaps, is that of a rich golden hue. These beautiful blossoms differ how- ever in colour, from the pale yellow to the deep orange. None of the varieties excel the wild in fragrance. When this lovely plant is found clinging even to ruin and desolation itself, seeming desirous to hide deformity and decay, it seems a fit emblem of Constancy ; and, as the poet in the above quotation says, " it speaks of loveliness that passes not with youth ; of beauty which decay can bless ; of constancy and truth." It has sometimes been etseemed the emblem of Fidelity in Misfortune. Its blossoms are often found of a yellow-red, or iron-brown. Several varieties of this plant have been introduced into our gar- dens, where it is cultivated for its fragrance and beauty. When, in the sunny days of spring, its splendid tufts are seen rising along our garden walls, " in streaks of golden light," striving to brighten the scene, and to spread beauty and fragrance around, it may justly be said to claim our admiration. The base of each of the short stamens of this flower are sur- rounded by a honey-cup gland. This causes the honied appear- ance of the cup you observe. The term cheiranthus, is probably a Greek compound, from cheir, the hand, and anthos, a flower, because these flowers spring out from the wall, clinging to its cre- vices, hke the grasp of a hand. The genus is found mostly in Europe and Asia, but there are a few native species in America. The Cheiranthus, Lunaria, iSinapis, Thlasjn, Hesperis^ Brassica, Cardamine, and twelve or fourteen other genera, belong to the same natural order. The order Crucifer^ embraces them all. The Wall-flower, or Cheiranthus cheiri, has leaves lanceolate, acute, glabrous : branches angled : stem somewhat of a woody texture. '■'M/A /. t ANEMONE, WIND-FLOWER, l'hERBE-AU-VENTE. CLASS, Polyai)dria, from ORDER, Polygjiiia, from ■polus^ many ; aner^ stamen. pohis, many ; gune, pistil. Bccavine these flowers have Twenty or more disunited Stamens, and many P/siZ/Sjand consequently arc ol'thc \^th Class and 1th Order of Linnfeus. Anemone hotiensis, Garilen Anemnne. virginianu, Wind Flower. nemorosn, Low Ant'iiione. thnlictroidts. Hue Aneinnne. Besides these, there are three or four other species, with several varieties, found, growing iu the Eastern and Middle Slates of Norlh-Aitierica. THK EMBLEM OF ANTICIPATION, OR EXl'ECrKI) IM.EASVRE. Iteside « fadinp bank of snow, A lovely Anemone blew, Unfolding to the sun's liriglit plow Its leaves, of hei'ven'a serenest hue ; The snowy stamens gemmed them o'er. The pleasing contrast CHupht my eye, As, on the ocean's sandy shore, TIte purple shells and corals lie. 'Tis spring, I cried, pale winter 's fled. The earliest wreath of flowers is blown. The blossoms, withered long; and dead. Will soon proclaim their tyrant flown. Perchnl. -I fathered rushes, and begun To weave a g'arl.ind for you, intertwined With violets, hepaticas, primrusei. And " Bog'Jnevwne," ttiat ne'er uncloses Her lipi, until they're blown upon by the wind. DOUBLE ANEMONE. 49 Of this elegant and cuiioiis flower, there are several fine varic- ties abounding wild in New^-England. They are among the (ear- liest spring flowers. They are of various shades and colours, be- ing of a white, red, blue, or purple tinge. They are sometimes found curiously intermixed and variegated. The various kinds growing native in this country, that adorn our fields and Woods, generally blossom in the month of April. The anem,one ncm '>- rnsa, or Wood Anemone, is very abundant in spring, all about oia' woods and pastures. To a careless observer it bears some resem- blance to the blossom of the strawberry. The term, anemone, is from the Greek word ojiew.o.sy. meaning wind, because these flowers were formerly thought to open their blossoms only wlien the w^ind blew. PUny tells us, this flower is never known to open its lips except when the wind blows. This lo\'ely and delicate flower of the winds is found not only in our country, but widely diffused over every quarter of the globe. In the Anemone, as in the Ranunculus, and many other flowers, the stamina often be- come obhteratcd, or transformed into petals, constituting what are called " double flowei's," as in the one above. Some of the finest double and single varieties have been intro- duced into our gardens, where they are cultivated for their beauty. They have been much improved by cultivation. This flower is said, by the poets, to wait impatiently for the breathing of the winds, and not • unclose its lips,' or ' unfold its silken petals till blown upon.' One poet tells us, that ' in early spring, all wan and shivering in the galo, sadly, with head reclined, it waits for the gentle breathing of the zephyrs.' When they arri\ e how- ever, he adds, ' their soft voice and balmy influence call forth its tender blooms. Their pencil paints it and their breath perfumes.' From its Avaiting for the breath of spring, and living in tinticipa- tion of a more congenial season, it has been made emblematical of anticipation, or expected pleasure. The Anemones arc distinguished from the Ranunculus by the want of an empale- ment, which, in the latter, consists of five leaves. The essen- tial characteristics of this genus are marked by the honey-cup. In some species it is a naked pore, in others it is surrounded by a cy- Undrical border, and in others it is inclosed by a scale indented at the end. The Garden Anemone, or Anemone kortensis, has radical leave.? digi- tate, divisions three-cleft ; cauline ones ternate, lanceolate, connate, sub- divided : seed woolly. G DAIVIASK ROISE. DAMSON ROSE, DAMASCUS ROSE, ROSA DAMASCENA. CLASS, Icosandria, from ORDER, Polygynia, from eikosi, twenty, aner, stamen. pobis, many, gune, pistil. Because these flowers have Twenty or more Stamens inserted on the calyx, and Twenty or more Pistils, and consequently are of the Twelfth Class and Si:vlh Order of Limireus. Rott damatcena, Damson or Damask Rose. " burgundiaca, Burgondy Rose. • •• itmptrflorcns, Monthly Rose. •• cantna, Dog^-Ro**", or Canine Rose. •* rahiginosa, Sweel Uiiar. •• corymbosa. Swamp Rose. Twenty or more Sj)eci«,wilb sereral bundred indigenous and exotic varicliti of tbe eeD«» Ko9A are found growing in the Eastern and Middle Slates of North-America. THE EMKLE.M OF BASHFUL LOVE. If JOTe would give the leafy bowers A queen from all their world of flower*, Tbe Rose would be the choice of .loTe, And blush the queen of erery grove. Sweetest child of weeping morning, Gem, tbe vest of earth adorning, Eye of flowerets, glow of lawns, Bud of beauty, nursed by dawns. Snppho. A stream of tears upon her fair cheek flows. As morning dew upon the Dnmasic Rose, Or crystal glass veiling vermilion ; Or drops of milk on llie carnation. Broxpne. It has been named in another place that the varieties of the different species of the Rose are po great, thnt thtir number in some DAMASK ROSE. 51 of the English botanic gardens amounts to more Xhoxi fifteeyi hun- dred. Such a variety in a single genus is truly surprising. Con- sidering that this is deemed the queen of flowers, and one of the most fragrant as well as beautiful, we cannot but admire the be- neficence of the invisible band that has strown around us such a profusion of sweets. At the same time we are delighted with the richest of odours, the eye is regaled with the most exquisite blend- ing of colours. In the deliciously sweet Damask Rose we meet with both white and red, and often with intermediate shadings of beautiful pink verging towards purple. The Damask Rose was so named because first brought from Damascus in Western Asia. Among rosaceous plants are reckoned not only the Rose itself, but the apple, pear, quince, plum, cherry, laurel, almond, pome- granate, service, medlar, and several others. These are probably ranked among roses from the similarity of their inflorescence ; and though their flowers are less beautiful, the plants themselves are not less useful. The Burgundy Rose, from its diminutive, shrubby stem and small blossom has been esteemed the emblem of simple beauty ; the Damask Rose, from the beaut}^, fragrance, and purity of its flower, the emblem of youth ; the Daily Rose, from its short-lived flower, the emblem of frivolity and lightness ; the deep-red Rose, from its blushing colour, the emblem of bashfulness or shame ; the China Multiflora, from its exuberance of flowers, the emblem oi grace and high mental cultivation ; the common Dc^-rose, or York-and-Lancaster Rose, of war, in consequence of its histor- ical allusion : the red of this species having been adopted by the house of Lancaster, the white, by the house of York as a badge. The Thornless Rose, rosa inermis, is by some made the emblem of ingratitude, because Lemaistre tells us the thorns of other spe- cies have been produced by culture. A strange mode of reasoning this ! The White Rose, with little less reason has been made the symbol of sadness and despair, because its leaves are pale or white. The Rose was sacred to Venus, and of course to love. Fable informs us, the flower was originally white, but Venus be- ing wounded by its thorns, the blood On the white rosebud being shed. Made it forever after red. The Damask Rose, or Rosa Damascena, has a caljrx half-pinnate : germ ovate, turgid, (thickened near its top,) bristly : stem and petioles prick- ly ; leaflets ovate, pointed, downy beneath. IiOT£-LI£8-BL££DI]¥C^. PENDULOUS AMARANTH, DROOPING AMARANTHUS, LOVE-LIES- BLEEDING, DISCIPLINE-DES-RELIGIEUSES, AMARANTHUS MELANCHOLICUS. CLASS, Moncecia, from moms, ORDER, Pentandria, from one, and oikos, house. pente, five, and aTier, stamen. Because these flowers are not hermaphrodite, but androgynous ; that is those that have the stamens, have no pistils, and those tliat have pistils have no stamens, the stamiiiate flowers havingj^iv; stamens, ajid coase- queiitly are of the Ticentij-Jirst Class and Fifth Order of Linnaeus. Amaranlhus melanchoticui, Love-lies-bleeding. oUractm, Vat Amaranth. tricolor, Three-coloured Coxcomb. albas, White Coxcomb. hypochondriacxis. Spleen Amaranth, or False Princess Feather. Uesidos tbeie, there are eight or ten other species, with many varieties, of the -itnaranthuiy found growing in the Kastero and Middle States of North-America. THE E.MBLKM OF CONSTANCY. A hero's bride I this desert bower. It ill befits thy gentle breeding : And wherefore dost tbou love this flower To call — " Mr-Lovi:-i.ir.3-nLEKDist; .'" This purple flower my tears have nursed ; \ hero's blood supplied its bloon): I love it, for it was the fust That grew on (Jonnocht-Moran's tomb. Nor would I change my buried love For any heart of living mould. No, for I'm a hero's child — I'll hunt my quarry in the wild; And still my home this mansion make, Of nil unheeded and unheeding. And cherish, for my warrior's sake, The flower of " Love-lies-bleeding.^'' CampbelL Lo Y i;-L 1 i:s-BLK K D 1 xc; . ").-> The beautiful line?! fioin Cauipbell give a very fanciful origiu to this flower. They are the " lameutatioii of OT/onner's child over the tomb of Coniiocht Morau."' This flower is long- and pen- dulous, witii pink seeds and purple-red flowers. There is a close family rcscniblance between the White Coxcomb, Dwarf Ama- ranth, Pol Amaranth, Spleen Amaranth, Rough Amaranth, and ' Love-lies-Bleeding. Two or three varieties grow native among the weeds in our gardens. The term amarutilli is from the Greek a, not, and niura'nto, to. fade, these unitedly meaning ' not to fade,' or imfading. bectuise llie.se flowers are said never to fade or lose tlieir colour when dead and dry. The Bloody- Amaranth, or Prince's-feather, has a charming ef- fect in oiu' gardens about sunset, alter a shov/er, or in the morning when bathed in dew. It then appears to stand sparkling in dew- drops, or rain-drops, like a cluster of rubies, or crimson coral, ' be- dropt with thousand sparkling gems,' or ' diamonds bright.' The Crested Amaranth, or Coxcomb, is a noble plant. Its flowers are found sometimes yellow, red, pink, purple, and white. They are rich and beautiful in all their varieties. The name coxcomb is probably a corruption of cock^s-comb, because the form of these flowers resembles the crest or comb of the cock. The heads are sometimes divided Uke a plume of feathers. These crests occasion- ally grow of immense magnitude. In Japan and India, they are said sometimes to be seen|of a foot in length and breadth, of scarlet and other hues, exceedingly rich. The tree, or tri-colourod Am- aranth, when in perfection. Miller informs us, is one of the hand- somest of all plants. The Gnap/talii(m, or L.ife-everlasting, In- dian Posy, Cud-weed, and Life-of-man, so conmion in our dry pastures, are handsome varieties of the Amaranth. Their flowers are often of a pearly or silvery white, but in Spain of a delicate yellow. There is a variety in England and southern Africa of a rose colour. Many of the varieties of the Gnaphalmm exhale an agreeable odour, while some of them are quite scentless, or aflbrd an unpleasant smell. The poetry quoted above, sufliciently ex- plains why this flower is esteemed the emblem of Constancy. The Love-lies-bleeding is often considered the symbol of hopeless- ness tvithout heartlessncss. Campbell, Milton, Shelly, Moore, and many other beautiful writers, frequently allude to the Ama- ranth ; and often form for us, amaranthine wreaths, chaplets, and bowsers, The Love-lies-bleeding, ov Amanmthus melanchoUcits^haa glomerules axillary, peduncled, rouiidiph : leaves ovate-lanceolate, coloured. \. TULIPE, TULIP, TULIPA, TL'LIPANA CLASS, Hexandria, iVoni ORDER, Monogynia, from hex, six, aner, stamen. munos, one, grme, pistil. Because these flowers have Si.r Stamens, and One Pistil, and are conse- quently of the Si.Tth Class and First Order of LimiBPUs. TuJipa sva-jeoUns, Sweet Tulip. getncrinno, Common Tulip. There are Five Spccies,and :n.in_v vaiielics ol'llie Tuii|), a number of which are cultirated, in our gardens in New-England. THE E.MBLE.M OF PRIDE AND WORTHLESS BE.WTY. Dright Tulips, we tin know, Ye had your coming Ibilher, Anil fading time doth show, '1 hat ye must quickly wither. Your sisterhoods may stay, And smile here for an hour, But ye must die away, KVmi as the meanest flower. Clime, virgins, then and see Your iVaillies, — and hemO'in ye, J'"or lost like these,— 't will be .\s time had never known ye. Herrick. For brilliant lints to charm the eye. What plant can with the Tulip vie f Yet no delioiiius scent it yields To cheer the garden, or the fields, Vainly in gaudy colours drest, 'Tis rather gazed on, than caressed. Anonyntous. This showy lljwcr is found growing native in several parts of the Ei\5tern continent, particularly in Persia. There arc many THE TULIP. 55 varieties of it cultivated in our gardens. Tlie}^ blossom, most of them, in May or June. Tulips are truly rich in colour, but often destitute of fragrance. Many \aluablc varieties have been introduced into our country from Holland, and other parts of Germany. The Tuhp, first from Asia, was originally introduced into Constantinople, thence it was brought to Western Europe, and at length to America, where it is now generally known and cultivated. This plant has a bulbous root, which in every respect resembles a bud, except in its being produced under ground. It includes the leaves and flower in miniature, which are to be ex- panded the coming spring. By carefully cutting through the con- centric coats of the root, longitudinally fiom the top to the l)asc, and taking them off successively, the whole flower of the next summer's tulip is beautifully seen. It is discoverable by the naked eye, with its petals, pistils, and stamens. Gardeners, in order to make a tulip striped or variegated, transplant it from a rich soil to one lighter. The powers of the plant become weakened and its colour changes, from its change of soil. A Persian poet compares the cup of this flower to a drinking goblet. Churchill the poet calls the Tulip, ' full-drest and idly glaring to the view, the fop of flowers.' Another poet, cautioning a lady against pride in dress, tells her, ' she who chooses the tu- lip's splendid dyes shall own too late, when that decays, that vain- ly proud nor greatly wise, she only caught a short-lived blaze.' This certainly will be found true by those who depend wholly on dress for charms and attractions. This flower among the Persians is considered emblematical of perfect love. When a lover presents one of these flowers to his mistress, he gives her to understand he is all on fire with her beau- ty ; by the black base of it, that his heart is burnt to a coal. The TuUp opens with the rising, and shuts with the setting sun. The essential characteristic of this genus is a corolla of six petals, bell-shaped, with no style. As these flowers ' flush the parterre with their glow,' and ' break upon the sight in the rich diversity of variegated dyes, of crimson and of gold,' yet being scentless, and nearly useless, they are strikingly emblematical of pride and worthless beauty. As the red variety of this flower is esteemed the symbol of a declaration of love, so the variegated is consider- ed that of beautiful eyes. The commonTulip, or Tulipa gesneriana, has a stem 1 -flowered, glabrous : flower various-coloured, erect : petals obtuse, glabrous : leaves lance-ovate. PERI^VIi\KI.E. MOUNTAIN AIVIITLE, E VKllORICEN iMVllTLE, VINE MYRTLE, PER- IWINKl-E, VIOLETTE-DES-SORCIEHS, I'ERVlNCLEj I'ERVENCHE, PERVINCA, VISCA. CLASS, Pentaiulriii, from ORDER, Moiiogyiiia, Irom pente, five ; aner, stamen. iiionos, oi>o ; gtiiit', pktil. Bcwinst^ these Howeis have Fire Stamena, and One Piatil, and are conse- quently of the /7/?/j Claims and Firnt Order ol' LiniiLFiis. y^'inca minor, Periwinkle. vtiijor, Gre.iler Periwinkle. There nrc seTernl vnrielics of the Periwinkle. The natural order, " Apoctnej".e," embracet the k'inca, AscUpiat, Apocyntim, Acnuin,anil several other Genera> THE EMBLEM OF SINCERE AND EARLY FRIEXOaHIP. Throiifh |iriinrose tufls, In that same bower, The Periwinkle traileil If wrcnth«, Ami 'ii« my faith, thai every flower Knjoys the iiir, thai l)ii'alhf<. U'nrdrtrorth. Wliere liloom now The Uiiip-ciip. or the riaivy .' where inclines The harebell or the rowslip .' where lnoks gny The vornnl fnrzr, wtib ijojilen l)nsket.<> hunjj ? Where captivnle!) the sky-blue Ferixrink/e Under the collage-eives .' the Vines'* matted leaves ? The Orchis race, whose varied lieauiies charm, And mark the exploring bte, or fly's at-rial form .' Ilnriils, Tlio Periw inkle, or Viiirrt, i.s a plant that may, usually, be found in almost any of our tjaidons. Though not so much, or so often cclehiaiod in jiootiy as some other flowers, it is not imdeserv- ing our utteulion, and fostering care. Its flowers arc blue, white, VERIWINKLE. 57 and sometimes red. The centres of the red and white varieties are generally yellow. It grows native in France and very abun- dantly. There, in the mystic language of nosegays and lovers, it is sent in wreaths with other flowers, as presents, between friends, as emblematical of sincere friendship. It belongs to the nat- ural order, named contorta^ from the Latin words, con, with, and torqueo, to turn, or twist, because the divisions of the corolla are turned to the same direction with the apparent motion of the sun. The several varieties of the plant are distinguished chiefly by the colour of the blossom. This plant was a great favourite among the older English poets. Chaucer and Spenser make frequent mention of its 'sky-blue flowers,' and 'traiUng vine.' When it 'cap- tivates, under the cottage-eaves,' with ' its cerulean bloom,' and is seen ' with its matted leaves,' where the ' vernal furze looks gay, with golden buskets hung,' it certainly must win our favour, and seem poetic and delightful indeed. Thetis, the daughter of Neptune, the god of the Ocean, was rep- resented, by the ancients, as a female of dark complexion, with dishevelled hair about her shoulders, wearing upon her head a coronet or crown of perkoinkie. This has been generally thought however to be that beautiful sea-shell,' rather than this plant. The Periwinkle is, liy the poets, often associated with kingcups, cow- slips, daisies, and harebells. Its little vine, when .twined with other rich flowers into a wreatli, is very pretty, and has a fine effect. The flower of the periwinkle, though most frequently blue, is not always so. It is salyer-sl^aped. The segi^nerits are connected with, the top of the tube, wjiich forms a figure of fiv-e sides. The gen- eral character of the order is a cup of one leaf. This is divided into five segments. The.floAveris sometimes of one petal, and funnel-shaped. It is furnished with a very curious nectary. The Periwinkle is an ever-green vine. It usiiaUy blossoms early in April. The Blue Periwinkle is considered the emblem of ' Early Friendship'— the Red or White, of ' Pleasing Remembrance.' The Blue Periwinkle, or Vinca minor, now naturalized among us, is said to be a native of Egypt. Its flowers are scentless, with a white centre. The Vinca rosea, or white and sometimes red Peri- winkle, flowers a greater part of the year, bearing blossoms either of a rose colour or pure white, with a rich crimson celpitre, and a yel- low eye. '.rV\l-,^:"^ii The Periwinkle, or J^inca Minor, lias a stem p'roclimbeijt : leaves lance- oval, smooth at the edges: ilowcr.^peduucled: teeth of the calyx lanceolate. CARIVATIOTV PIIVK. PINK, BARBED DIANTUUS, CARNATION PINK, PRICKERY CAR- NATION, DIANTHUS BARBATUS, DIANTHUS CARYOPHYLLUS. ( CLASS, Decandria, from deAro, ORDER, Digynia, from ten, and aner, stamen. dis, twice ; gune, pistil. Because these flowers have Ten Stamens and Two Pistils, and are conse- quently of the Tenth Class and Second Order of Linnaeus. Dianthus harbatus. Sweet W'illiam. cAinrtuu, China Pink. carynpkyllus, Carnatinn Pink. Beiidet these, there are two or three other species found growing in the Eastern and Middle States of Nortb-Aiuerica. THE KMBLEM OF PRIDE ANO BEAUTY. Fair-handed Spring Throws out the ;now-drop and the crocus first, The daisy, primrose, violet darkly blue, And polyanthus of unnunihered dyes, And yellow wall-flower, stained with iron brown, And l;ivish slock, that scents the gnrilen round. Propitious Spring comes forth, in bright array. With Venus, goddess of the vernal day : Her mild precursor, Zephyr, wafts the breeie With blooming wingS, o'er all Iho budding trees. Maternal Flora, with benignant hand. Her flowers profusely scatters o'er the lard. These deck the vallies with unnumbered hues, And far around their fragrant sweets diffuse ; The broad Carnations, gay and spotted pinks, Are (bowered profuse along the river's brinks. Gray. CARNATION PINK. 59 Of the Pink there are a great many species, with numerous varieties. We have them red, white, and beautifully variegated. Four only of the species, however, possess any great beauty as garden and pot flowers, or are generally cultivated ; but each of these have many beautiful varieties. They may be noticed un- der the following heads, 1st, the Carnation Pink, Caryophyllus, or Clove Gilhflower : 2d, tlie Delioides, Dianthus communis, or common Pink : 3d, the Chinensis, Indian or China Pink : and, 4th, the Barbatus, or barbed Dianthus, Prickery Carnation, or Sweet- William Pink. The Clove Gilhflower includes all the va- rieties of the Carnation. The calyx or flower-cup of this kind is cylindrical and monophyllous, or one-leaved, with four little scales at the base. The fine purple Double Stocks of our gardens are totally disregarded by botanists, or considered as monsters. By rich culture, the stamens of these flowers have become mostly changed into petals, forming the beautiful Carnations of our flow- er-pots and parterres. The single Stock, in its natural state, has a cup of four pieces, commonly unequal by pairs : that is, there are two opposite and equal of a similar size, and two others also opposite and equal, but larger. Within this are four flower-leaves, which spread out at the top over the cup, at its edge, into a large flat border. The petals generally grow wide of each other, and exactly opposite, forming a figure resembling that of a cross. This has given them the name of cruciforTn or cross-shaped flowers. The petals of the corolla, and the leaflets of the calyx, are situated alternately : and this position prevails in all flowers, in which there is a correspondent number of petals and leaflets. The seed-vessel of one species is unilocular, or contains its seeds in one apartment. The root has trailing shoots. The term Dianthus is from the Greek Dis, Jupiter, and anthos, flow- er, unitedly signifying, Jupiter's Flower : It was so named from its extraordinary beauty and fragrance. This flower, when in perfection, is among the most beautiful and fragrant of flowers, and may well merit the emblematic assignation given it by the poet, that of pride and beauty. Originally simply red and white, the pink has become greatly enlarged in dimensions, and varied in its colours. The Mountain Pink has been considered the emblem of aspiration, and the Indian Pink that of lasting loveliness. The Carnation Pink, or DiantJnts caryophyllus, has flowers solitary scales of the calyx sub-rhomboid, very short : petals crenate, beardless leaves linear-subulate, channelled. PERSIAI¥ RA]¥lJIVCrL'ortb-America. THE KMBLKIM OF ViKAl.TII. Bright-flowing King-cups promise future wealth — The golden King-cup shines in merry BUy. Southey. -{i! Fair is the Kinp-cup that in mendow blows, Fair is the Daisy that beside her grows Let weeds instead of luttcr-Jioivtrs appear, And raeads, instead of daisies, hemlock bear. Gay. And fairies now, no doubt unseen. In silent revels sup i With dew-drop bumpers toast their queen, Fron> cro:i'-/(oircr'» golden cUp. ■Clare. The natural Order RANUNCULACEiE embraces several different genera. The Aneinonc Nemorosa, A. Virffiulana, and other Anemones belong to this natural order, as well as the Ranuncuh, PERSIAN RANUNCULUS. CI ov Butter-Cups. The Hepatica or Liver-wort, formerly called Herb Trinity, sometimes Bog Anemone, and other Hejjatica, were formerly embraced in the natural order Ranunculaceoi^ but have of late been removed from it. The term Ranunculus, as ob- served in another place, is a diminutive of the Latin rana, signi- fying a froi^, )3ecause these plants are often found in fenny or wet places where frogs abound. Prof. Eaton makes the Ranunculus of the 13th Class, 13th Or- der. The Persian Ranunculus [R. Asiaticus) or Asiatic Ranun- culus includes many very beautiful varieties. These, with their various-coloured double flowers of purple, yellow, pink, and crim- son, are among the greatest ornaments of our gardens. They are often nearly as large as roses, and come out very early in the sea- son. They have been sometimes called English Ranunculi, pro- bably from the circumstance of having been often brought to this country from England. Asia, and particularly Persia, seems to be their native situation, as it is of many other beautiful flowers, and hence they have been called Asiaticus,- — -Asiatic and Persian Ra- nunculus. The roots of these, in a dry state, consisting of little tufts of cylindric tubers, are commonly imported from Holland, the great mart of the florist. Many of the largest of these flowers very much resemble roses in their appearance to a casual and inexpe- rienced observer. Most of the indigenous flowers of this exten- sive genus are of a bright yellow, the petals appearing internally as if varnished. Some writers include in this extensive genus ninety species. They are in flower all the summer months. The R.hispidus, R. cymhalaria, and i2.^/(/brwi5, have white flowers oftentimes, as well as yeUow, and the R. nitidus, I believe, has white only. Most of the species of this genus of plants ha,ve vexy acrid roots,producinga pungent or biting sensation when chew- ed. The common Butter- Cup of our New-England fields has been esteemed the symbol of Riches, probably in consequence of its gol- den flowers. Perhaps in consequence of the golden season, in which it makes its first appearance. If ' bright-flowing King-cups promise future wealth,' we see no reason why this rich species of Persian Ranunculus should not much more abundantly be also es- teemed the emblem of Wealth. The Crow-foot, or Buttercup Ranunculus has a five-leaved calyx : five petals with a nectiferous pore, a small scale at the base on the inside : cap- sules numerous, ovate mucronated with the stigma, one-seeded. CALLA-ETHIOPICA, WAKE-ROBIN, DllAGON-PLANT,MEADOW-PINK, RAGGED-ROniN, CUCKOO-PINK, LOKDS-AND-LADIF.S, FRIARS-COWL, WILD-WILLIAM, BLOODY-MEN's-FINGERS, HAMP, INDIAN-TURNIP, BONNET DE GRAND PRETE. CLASS, Gynanilria, from giinc, ORDER, Polyamlria, from po- pistil, ami amr, staiiUMi. Ins, many, and f/H^T, stamen. Because these Howeis have their stamens arising from Ihr pislH, and mainj^ stanu'iis, and consequently are of the 'Mh Class, and 9/// Order of LinnoBUs. Jntm drnconitum, Green-Drn<:on. triphiilltim, Wake-t-obin, or lotlian Turnip. virginicum. Poison Ariim. ntrorubciis, Drown Dragon. There are upwards of thirty s}>ecies of this plnn(,— one species without steins, with compound IcBTcs, one species without stems, w ilh si:!;ple leaves, and one species cnulesceot. Tin; EMBLESI OF FEROCITY AND DECEIT. Now peers the AncM, from its spotteil vei!, The hooded Arum, cnvlv sprouiinp up, Kre the while ihorn-liud half unfolds to view, .tnim, Ihnt in a niantlinir hood roiuenls Her sanifuiiie club, and spreads her spoiled leaf. Armed with keen tortures for the unwary loiicuc. With net-wove sash and plitieriiig por(,'et dresi, And scarlet robe, lappelled npon hir breast. Stern Am frowns, tiie measured march assumes. Trails her lonir lame, and nods her shadowy plumes, While love's soft beams illume her treacherous eyes, And beauty lightens through the ibin disguise. Smith, Darwin, Clart. The Aconituui Dracontiiun \s CiiUed Dragon Root. The Ma- cvlatum is the speeies known by the name of Cuckoo-pink, Wake- THJJ ARUM. 63 robin, and Lords-and-Ladies. This species, in Worcestcrsliiie, in England, is called Bloody-mca's fingers.' Its root is pidverizcd, when dry, and sold by the French, as a wash for the skin, under the name of Cyprus-powder. The tSavguineous, sometimes called Dumb-cane, grows in the sugar islands of the West Indies, where it is used to bring sugar to a '• good grain." The root of the Arum, when filled with its juice, is exceetlingly acrimonious or biting to the taste. It is not uniVc(|uently used by roguish boys, by way of joke, upon their companions. They persuade them to taste it, and ascertain its fineness, when they pay for their curiosity, by the pain it gives them. It is fnmd common in many of our meadows, or at least that species, c;dled the Arum dracuinculis. The Ragged-Robin, or Wild- William, is known by the ap|)cllation of Cuckoo-Piuk, probably because it blossoms about the time of the return of this bird. The term calla is from the Greek hallos, beautiful ; Calla ethiopica signi- fying "the beautiful Ethiopian," because our cidtivated garden Arum, or Calla, was originally from Africa. In the Calla we see a fine exemphfication of what are termed the spatha or spathc and spadix of flowers. The cream-coloured raonopetalous corol- la is the spathc, and the central spike, elongated receptacle, or pistil, the spadix. The emblem of deceit is strikingly exemplifi- ed in this plant. For while it ' invites us, with its beautiful robes, and glittering gorget,' as the poet tells us, it conceals, within its mantling hood, a sanguine club, and, what is worse, ' is armed with keen tortures for the unwary tongue.' It has its pistil rising from the spathe, like a club. This is singularly clothed with the ardhers. Hence the poet's allusion, ' of the mantling hood, that conceals the sanguine club,' and of the ' measured march of Ara, while she trails her long lance, and waves her shadowy plumes.' The spadix, or receptacle of this plant, is itself of a white, cream- colour, or purple. It is often blotched with scarlet or black, and sometimes curiously streaked. The Calla has its spathe usually of a cream-colour, or white. The Calla Ethiopica is a native of Southern Africa, the West Indies, and, according to Sir William Jones, of Asia. The Arum, the Calla, the Tctodes, or Skunk's- Cabbage, the Zostera, and Oro7itium,, are of the same natural order of plants. The Indian Turnip, Wild Turnip, Wake-robin, or Arum triphyllum, is .«ire Ixucnli/ fpcn'es, with numerous Tarielies, of llie Primnta or Primrose ; several of wliichare found growing in Ibe Eastern anil Middle Stales of North America. THC E!>TKI,EM OF VIRTm. In sunny April's joyous time, I spoilt the daisy's earliest prime, llobbed every Primrosk root I met, And oft-times got (he roo: lo set. And joyful home each nosegay bore, And felt as I shall feel no more. Clare. As one who marked, with depth of thought, How the bright d«y-flowcrs droop'd away, An evening primrose home I brought, Which opens at the close of day. And when Its blu«$oni was ready to burst, At the coolness of evening's hour, I heard the hum of the murmuring bee. As he wantoned from flower to flower. Anthology. PURPLE PRIMROSE. 69 The yellow and copper-colouted varieties of Primrose are much admired for their fragrance and beauty. Though more fragrant, they are perhaps less beautiful, than the purple. They are found both single and double-flowered, yielding a very delicious perfume. There is a crimson variety, with double flowers, and one or two varieties of double and single lilach, that are considered very beautiful. The purple variety is by some more admired, than any of the otiier kinds. Its colour is of a deep-blue violet, and, when in full bloom and perfection, it is exquisitely lovely. It is al- most unequalled in beauty. Like the yellow, and all the other species of Primula, or Priiiavose, it is a very early flower. The stem is wanting in the Primrose, Daisy, and several other plants. They are said to be acanlescetit. The flowers are supported by scapes, which spring immediately from the root. The peduncle springs from a stem. Wordsworth, alluding to the very early appearance of the various species of Primrose, says, " Spring may love them, Summer knows but little of them." The Prim- rose is called, " Nature's meek and modest child." If it be the meek and modest child of nature, possessed of so many endearing qualities, it is certainly entitled to its emblematic meaning of Vir- tue. When it " early paints the blushing mount, filled with morning's pearly dew," it was certainly an apt and beautiful com- parison when the poet said to his mistress : " Pity, dear, is the prim- rose, wet with morning's tear." The whole tribe of these charming flowers are very beautiful in themselves ; and, as they appear, many of them before other flowers have made their appearance, they seem still more interesting and lovely on that account. The Auricula Primrose, or Primula Auricula, has leaves serrate, fleshy, obovate : scape many-flo-vvered : calyx mealy. PROVI]¥S ROSE. BURGUNDY ROSE, PROVINCE ROSE, ROSA BURGUNDIACA, ROSA PRO VINCI ALIS. CLASS, Icosandria, from ORDER, Polygynia, from eikosi, twenty, aner, stamen. polas, many, gime, pistil. Because these flowers have Twenty or moreStamens inserted on the recepta- cle, and Ticenty or more Pistils, and consequently are of the Twelfth Class and Third Order of Linnajus. Rosa ruhiginosii. Sweet-briar Rose. " mit/ti/lorn, Japan Rose. •• spinostssima, Scotch Rose. •• burgundiiicn, Burgundy Hose. There arc about SO Species, and nioie tliaii 1100 different Tarielies, of the Rose, found f^rowing in some of the gardens in Europe. THE EMBLEM OF YOUTH, LOVE, AND BEAUTY. Ob ! trust the mind, To grief so long, so silently resigned. Let the light spirit, ne'er by sorrow taught, The pure and lofty constancy of thought, Its fleeting trials eager to forget. Rise with elnslic power o'er each regret ! I'oslpred in tears our young affections grew, And I have learned to suffer and be true. Deem not my love n frail, ephemeral flower. Nursed by soft sunshine and the balmy shower ; No, 'lis the child of tempests, and defies And meets, unchanged, the anger of the skies. Wihon. In velvet lips the bashful rose began. To show and catch the kisses of the sun; Some fniler blown, their crimson honours shed, Sweet imell the cbives that grace their head. Fawl-es. PROVINS ROSE, 71 We are told of rosy cheeks, rosy blushes, rosy Ups, rosy dawns, rosy clouds, rosy mornings, and rosy evenings. We are told of things, as red as the rose, as fresh as the rose, as fair as the rose, as sweet as the rose, and as soft as the rose's leaf. Whatever is chaste, or fair, or lovely, in poetry, is often, as chaste, fair, or lovely as the rose. Purity is also associated with the idea of this beauti- ful flower. Young, opening rose-buds are made to be emblematic of purity, youth, and dawning beauty. There would seem almost to be a spell in the very name of this fair and fragrant flower. It may truly be termed the ' Q,ueen of Flowers.' The mention of its name, like magic, seems to send the spirit, on an excursion of fancy, back or forward to the charming months of Spring. For a moment, we are surrounded with beauty and breathing pleasure. Percival, in telling us that " in certain lands they talk in flowers, and tell in a garland their loves and vows," informs us, that " the rose is the sig-n of joy and love,- — young, blushing love, in its earhest dawn." It is here also the emblem of LOVE. About 9 or 10 species of the Rose are indigenous in America- It has been a custom in some parts of France, in former years, for the youths of both sexes annually to assemble in the month of May and elect their May queeji, or queen of the day. They crowned her with a chaplet of roses and other flow^ers. This is truly a crown of innocence, suited for the brow of youthful beauty. The first of May was formerly celebrated in England, by erecting a pole, — May-pole, — and wreathing it with festoons of the freshest and fairest flowers, gathered from the neighbouring woods. This pole was permitted to remain, for the whole year, untouched, ex- cept by the seasons. The fading emblem was deemed an accep- table offering to the Goddess of flowers. It was, in this manner, consecrated to her as such. The Provins Rose receives its name from a district of this name in France. It has often been termed the Province-rose, having been supposed to be named from this part of France ; but others have spelled it Provins, from a small town bearing this name. The deep-red Rose is es- teemed the emblem of bashful shame — the Burgundy Rose that of SIMPLICITY and beauty — and the Bridal Rose that of HAPPY LOVE. The Provins Rose, or Rosa Provincialis, has germs sub-glabrose : germs and peduncles his^jid : leaflets ovate, pubescent beneath : coral small, fuU, fieshy-white, disk obscure : scattered reflexed prickles on the branches, and glandular serratures. BUTTER-CUPS. CROW-FOOT, KING-CUP, FAIR-MAI I)-OF-FRANC-E, RANUNCULUS. CLASS, Polyandria, from ORDER, Polygynia, IVom polifs, many, aner, stamen. polus, man)', giine, pistil. Because these flowers have Ticcnly or vmre Stainens^ and Twenty or more Pistils^ and consequently are of the 13//i Class and 1th Order of Linnseus. Ranunculut acns, ,, abortivus, Jlammula, recufvatus. C row-foot. Bulter-cup. Spear-wort. White Crow-foot. Besides these, thfre nre Twenty or Thirty other species, with many varieties of the Kanuncu/iu, found growing in the Eastern and Middle States of >'orlb-Araerica. 'J'HE EMBLEM OF RICHES. Bring corn-flap, tulip, and adonis-flower, Kair ox-eye, goldy-locks, and coloniliine, Pinks, goulands, Icing-cups, and sweet sops-in-wine ; Blue hair-bells, pai^les, pansies, calaminth, Flower-gentle, and the fair-haired hyacinth ; Bring rich carnations, fleur-de-lues, lilies. Bring crown-imperials. Ben Jonson. Fair the king-ciip, that in meadow blows, Fair is the daisy that beside her grows, Let weeds, instead of butter-caps, appear. And meads, instead of daisies, hemlock bear. Gay. This beautiful little flower is so well known and so generally found in every part of New-England, as scarcely to need a de- scription. There are many varieties of it. Those bearing the white and yellow flower are most common. Of these, the yellow BUTTERCUP. 73 is most generally to be met with. Blue varieties are however sometimes found. In May and June the yellow varieties are seen scattered all over our meadows and low pastures, giving them the appearance of being studded with amber. The leaves, when spread, bear a tolerable resemblance to the foot of the crow. Hence its name crows-foot. The plant is said to blossom most, when butter is made in the greatest abundance. This circumstance, together with its yellow flower, probably gave rise to the name of Butter-cup^ and Gold-cup. The generic term Ranunculus is derived from the latin word, rana, meaning a frog, because these flowers are said to grow most abundantly in low, marshy situations, that abound in frogs. Many species of the Ranunculus become much altered by culti- vation. These, as well as the Anemones and many other flowers, have their stamens obliterated by culture, or rather changed into flower-leaves or petals, making their flowers extremely double. Our rich double varieties of Garden Ranuncules are all originally from the single-flowered wild one. The Butter-cup is a species of the Ranunculus. There are three kinds of it. Of the Ranunculus^ there are fifty-nine species. _ The Ranunculus Aconitifo- lius, or Aconite-leaved Crowfoot, is a very handsome species. It grows about three or four feet high, bcaning a beautiful white flower, terminating each branch. The double-flowering kind of our gardens is known by the appellation of Fair-Maids-of- France. The white variety is native of the Alps, in Europe. The Persian Crowfoot, or Garden Ranunculus, has been much impro- ved by cultivation. Many varieties of this species bear semi-double flowers, of large size and great beauty. Twenty or thirty flowers, of beautiful colours, and many of them finely scented, often grow upon a single plant of the last-named species. The Persian Ranunculus, or Ranunculus Asiaticus, with its numerous and various-coloured double-flowering varieties, is one of the most brilliant ornaments of our gardens. The species presents varieties of brilliant-coloured flowers, nearly as large as roses. They come out at an early season in the year. The roots of the plant, in a dry state, consist of little tufts of cylindric tubers, and are common- ly imported from Holland, the great mart of the florist. The Crow-foot, Butter-cup, ov Ranunculus acris, has Imirs close-pressed: leaves three-parted, many-cleft, upper ones linear : peduncles terete : calyx spreading. > €ARDI]¥AIi-Fl<01¥£R. CARDINAL, LOBELIA, LOBELIA-CARDINALIS, INDIAN-TOBACCO, CLASS, Pentandriii, from ORDER, Monogynia, from pente, five ; aner, stamen. monos, one ; gune, pistil. Because these flowers have Five Stame7is, and One Pistil^ and are conse- quently of the Fifth, Class and First Order of Limiaeus. Lobelia cardinafit, Curdinal Flower. injlnta. Wild Tobacco. tiphilitica, Indian Tobacco. There mre Eight or Ten Species, with several varietie» of the Lohelia, found growing in the Ea:iiern and Middle States of North-America. THE EMBLEM OF MALEVOLENT ASPERSION. O'er the throng Urtica flings Her barbed shafts, and darts her poisonous stings, And fell Lobelii's suffocating' breath Loads the dark pinion of the ^ale with death. Darwin. Flowers are on the borders ; flags in blue Carpet the hollow, roses on the knoll Open their clustered crimson, Cardinals Lift, on the margin, spikes of fire. Ranunculus, whose feathered stem, and starry blooro Of glossy yellow, wafted on the flow, Float*, like a sleeping Naiad, on tbe wave- CARDINAL FLOWER. 75 This flower is found growing in most parts of New-England, on the margins of brooks and rivulets. The extraordinary red ap- pearance of it gives, at the first look of the beholder, the impression of a cone of flame. When " lifting on the shady margin of our brooks its spikes of fire," it is exceedingly handsome, and contrasts finely, with the deep verdure with which it is usually surrounded. This contrast, together with its reflection from the crystal wave, over which it often stoops, renders its appearance highly jioetic. The sev^eral species of the Lobelia are most of them poi- sonous. The species, bearing a bhieflmve?; is known by the ap- pellation of Wild Tobacco, or Indian Tobacco. It is considered extremely poisonous, though sometimes employed in medicine. This is called the Lobelia inflata. When taken in consid- erable doses, it is a powerful emetic and expectorant. The red-flowered, the Lobelia Cardinalis, is said to be mithehnintic. The Syphilitica species is emetic, cathartic, and diuretic, in its properties, but less so than the hiflata. All the species, growing in New-England, except the Cardi- nalis, bear a blue flower. The generic term Lobelia is from Lobel^ a distinguished bota- nist. The blue-flowered species is often, though improperly, term- ed the Cardinal-flower. The Lobelia syphilitica was used by the Indians of this country in the cure of syphilitic disorders. Hence its name. It was considered by them a specific, in these disorders, and an important secret. Sir William Johnson purchased this secret of them, which has since been made public. The root is the part used in medicine, and this in the form of decoction. A handful of its roots are steeped in three measures of water, and this proportion is taken morning and evening, till its emetic powers operate. If, as the poet tells us, " fell Lobelia's suffocating breath loads the dark pinion of the gale with death," it is certainly not an unfit emblem of malevolent aspersion. The Cardinal Flower, or Lobelia Cardinalis, is erect, simple, pubescent : leaves lance-ovate, acuminate, erectly-denticulate : racemes somewhat one- sided, many-flowered : stamens longer than corals. C01.1J]TIBII¥E. AQUILEGIA, GARDEN HONEVSUCKLE, WILD HONEYSUCKLE. CLASS, Polyandria, from ORDER, Pentagynia, from polite, many, aner, stamen. pente, one, gune, pistil. Because these flowei-s have many Stamens and Five Pistils, and conse- quently are of the ISth Class and Fifth Orrter of Linnaeus. Aquilegia vulgaris. Garden Columbine. canadeusit, Wild Columbine. There are only Tiro Species of Ihe Aquilcgin, yet described as jrowui^ in Kew-EngUnd. THE EMBLEM OF DESERTION. The Columbine in tawny often l«ken, Is then .iscribed to such ns are forsalien. i'rouwtf. Mrs. Piony r;ime in qnite late in a heat With the Ice-plani ncw-spnopled from forehead to feet ; Lobelia, attired like a queen in her pride. And I).->hlia«, wilh trimming;': new-furbished and dyed, And the Hliip-bells and Hare-hells, in simple array, Wilha'l their Scntrh cousins from hig^hland and brae. Ragfged Ladies and Marigolds clustered topfolher. And possip'd of Rcandal, the news, and the weather ; What dresses were worn at the wedding so fine Of (harp Mr. Thistle and Sweet CoLUMtiiitE. Mrs. SigoumeyU Party of the Flouiert. The term Aquilcgia is from the Latin aqua, water, and leg-o, to gather, because the leaves of this plant are so shaped as to retain COLUMBINE. 77 the water. The English name Columhine is from colnmba, sig- nifying a Dove, because the five cornuted nectaries of these flow- ers, taken in connexion with the other parts, are supposed very much to resemble a nest of young doves. The Columbine, or Aquilegia, belongs to the same natural family with the Delphi- nium, or Larkspur. The flowers of this last genus are so named fiom delphimu7>i, a dolphin, because they appear like a dolphin elevated on a pillar or filament. This genus, as well as the Col- umbine, possess a five-leaved peltoid calyx, and five very singular, hollow, tubular petals, or rather lepanthia, terminating below in spurs or liorns, containing honey. The flowers are red, purple, blue, or white, with several intermediate tints. Our common coral-coloured flowering species (^4. canadensis), like most of the genus, has bi-ternated or twice three-parted leaves, incisely or deeply toothed at the extremity. The scarlet flowers hang pen- dulous, with the styles and stamens exserted, and form, in rocky situations, one of the most elegant vernal ornaments of the season. The Aqiiilegia canadensis, or Wild Columbine, so common in New-England in rocky situations, has often been called, though improperly, Wild Honeysuckle. This name probably originated from the copious secretion of honey in its horn-like nectaries. Small insects are often seen plunging headlong into these reservoirs, in order to rifle them of their sweet contents. Hence we hear, in poesy, of the " diving of the busy bee in the Columbine horn," and of the " elfin crew's hunting in the horns of these flowers to rifle from them their nectarious sweets." The poet informs us " the Columhine is ascribed to such as are forsaken." It has therefore been properly deemed the emblem of DESERTION. Sohie writers make six or eight species of this genus. The indigenous or American species is very generally found from Canada, whence it lias its specific name, as far south as the Carolinas. The plant grows native also in Siberia and sev- eral other parts of Europe. The Columbine Aquilegia, Delphinium, Aconitum,Anem,one, Hej)atica, Ratnmcidus, Helleborus, Clematis, Pceonia, Adonis, Nehimbium, Caltha, Podophyllum, Coptis, Zaiithorrhiza, and several other genera belong to the same natural order of Jussieu. The Order Ranunculace^e embraces them all. The Garden Columbine, or Aquilegia vulgaris, has its nectaries like incurved horns : leafy stem, and leaves glabrous : leaves decompound. Nectaries multiplied by culture. 1 ]»IIG]¥0]VETTE. dyer's-weed, frenciimain's darling, young nun, darling, MY LITTLE NUN, MY LOVE, MON AMI, HERBE d'aMOIR, RESEDA d'EGYPTE, MIGNONETA, RESEDA ODORATA. CLASS, Dodccandria, from clockka, ORDER, Tiigynia, from tres, twelve, and aner, .stainea. tliree, and ^///i^", pistil. BecauR" these flowers have from Twelve to Nineteen &'la)iie)is, and Three Pistils, and consequently are of the llth Class, and 3d Order of Linna'us. Rtteda odorcUa, Mignonette. lutcola, Dyer's Weed. Tbough this plRtit was thousrht to he iHdigonous in Africa alone, Professor Ives found the last na- med species pfrowing near New-Haven, in situations which induced him to suspect it to be in- digenous in New-England. THE E.MBLE.M OF ."MEEKNESS AND AFFECTION. Vor ihce ! in .\utumn, blows The Indinn pink, tho latest rose, Tlic MiGNo^ETir. perfumes the air, And Stocks, unfading flowers, are there. Smith. What are the casements, lined with creeping herbs, The prouder fashes, fronted with a range Of orange, myrtle, or the fragrant weed. The FitJicAmnn'i darling 7 are (hey not all proof«, That man, immiirod in cities, still retains His inborn, inextinguishable thirst of rural sceret .' Cowper. MIGNONETTE. 79 The casual observer of this lovely plant, unacquainted with its excellences, might be led to inquire, — " Why has it been so distin- guished, and acquired so many endearing and tender appellations, since it possesses little more beauty, than the common pigweed '.'" Its fragTance alone entitles it to our highest admiration. In tliis respect, it is hardly inferior to the Primrose itself. It should find a place among our pot-flowers in all our windows. ' When wet with the dews of morning, or after a shower, it fills the surrounding at- mosphere with the most delicious fragrance. It breathes the rich- est of perfumes, and pours them forth in the greatest abundance. Though almost destitute of beauty, it has gained the esteem of ail, who have ever breathed its sweets. It is a particular favourite among the Frencli. Hence its great variety of French names. It is called by them Reseda cfEgypte, or Reseda of Egypt, because it was first introduced into France from Egypt, or from the northern countries of Africa. It has since become widely disseminated over Europe, and is now found " growing wild" there, in fields and pastures. It is cultivated in our gardens and flower-pots almost solely for its fragrance, usually blossoming in June or July. Its flowers are generally white or yellow. Those of the Reseda luteola, or Dyers'-weed, are always yellow, and the Odorata both yellow and white. The former generally blossoms in August, and the latter in June. They are botli annual plants, and consequent- ly, in our chmate, must be sown every spring. The term Migtionette is from the French 7fii, my, and no)iette, 3'^oung nun. The other terms Herhe d'amour, nion ami, meaning the ' herb of love' and ' my friend,' suflficiently indicate the attachment of the French to this plant. Hence Cowper has called it the ' Frenchman's darling.'' It should not be the darling of the Frenchmen alone, but of all who are fond of the cultivation of flowers. From the plainness and rusticity of its appearance, its meek and humble garb, together with its endearing qualities, it has been made symbolical of meekness and affection. It is by some esteemed the emblem of Worth and Loveliness. A quaint old poet tells us, " the adrous pea, with its wings up lightsomely," and " balsam, with its shaft of amber," and " mignonette, are for a lady's chamber." The latter, for its almost unii vailed fragrance^ we should think pecuharly fitted for this place. The Mignonette, or Reseda odorata, has leaves entire, and three-lobed : calyx equalling the coral. S\% EET TUIilP. tulipp:, tulip, tulipa, tulipana. CLASS, Hexdiidrin, from ORDER, Monogynia, from /(t'.f, six, ancr, stamen. vioiios, one, gitne, pistil. Because these flowers liave Six Stamens, and One Pistil, and are conse- quently of the Sidl/i Class and First Order of Linnaeus. Tulipa suarco/eas, Sweet Tulip. gcsntrinna, Common Tulip. There are Five Species, and many varieties of tlie Tiilip, a number of wliich are evilliTaled, ID our gardens in New-Knglaiid. TIIK EMBLEM OF HEUFF.CP LOVE. l'.Tir-ljam!c(l .Spring Throws out the snow-drop niul ilic rrorus first, The dnisy, primrose, violet d.irkly blue, Anil pulyanthos with unnumbered dyes. Anil yellow wall-flnwer, stained with iron-brown, And lavish stork that scents the garden round. Anemone, auricula<;, enrielied with sbiuing meal, tVer all their velvet leaves, .\nd full ranuncules, of glowing red. Then rnnie* the Ti'i.ir race, whose beauty plnys her idle fieaks SWEET TULIP. 81 The Tulip is called, in the Turkish language, Lale. The Turks are particularly fond of it. Their nobility cultivate it with the greatest care. They make great sacrifices to procure un- common kinds of it of the newest and most beautiful varieties. These are presented to the Sultan, on a certain day in the year- The ceremony is exceedingly splendid, and is called Zeafit-lalesi ; that is to say, ' the festival of tulips.' When the tulips were in full bloom in their gardens, they intermixed them with small lighted lamps, and cages in which they enclosed nightingales, taught to sing. Thus they endeavoured to gratify both the senses of seeing and hearing. This they called cierag-an, i. e. the illu- mhiation. Tuhps have been in so great request at Constantinople, that several Sultans have ordered roots to be brought them from all countries, in order that they might have every possible vaiicty of these flowers. They endeavoured to produce a blue variety of tulip, by putting into the bulb the flowers or buds of the syringa ccerulea. Tiiis experiment, as may well be supposed, was unsuc- cessful. The Sweet Tulip is called Odorata^ from the fine odour which it yields. There are perhaps no flowers that assume a greater variety of colours and shades than tulips. The Sweet-scented Tulip, TuUpa gesneriana, is a native of Persia, and in its wild state bears crim- son flowers. The circinnstance of its being the custom in Persia to consider the crimson variety of this flower as emblematic of PERFECT LOVE, and its gaudy hues making it emblematic of POMP or PRIDE, as explained in a previous page, renders it unne- cessary to remark further on its emblematical meaning. The Sweet Tulip, or Tulipa siiaveolens, is small : stem one-flowered, pubescent : flower erect : petals obtuse, glabrous : leaves lance-ovate. CHRYSA]\THE]?IUIfI. ANTHEMIS GRANDIFLORA, CHINESE CHRYSANTHEMUM, EARLY CHRYSANTHEMUM. CLASS, Syngenesia, from sun, ORDER, Polygamia Superflua, from with, and genesis, generation. ])olus, many, and g"a??j /a, nuptials. Because these flowers have their anthers united at top into a cylinder, and Jiorets in the centre bisexual, and those in the circumference female, a.nA consequently are of the Nineteenth Class, and Secoiui Order of Linnaeus. Chrysanthemum Icucanthemum, Ox-'ved Daisy. coroniiiium. Garden Chrysanlhenium. .. parthenium, Fever-fmv, or Ftbrifiige, cnWnadini, Tlireecolournl Pnisy. There are Fifty or Sixty Speciei of tbis plant, with many varieties — several of tbem from Ctrina. TnK emi:i.i:m or flattery. return, Aphcus, the dread voice is oast, TImt shrunk thy streams ; return, .Sicilian Muse, And call the vales, and bid them hither cast Fair hells and florets, of a thousand hues. Ye vallies low, whoie ihe mild whispers are Of shades and wanton winds, and f;usliing brooks, On whose fresh lap, the swart sun spnrely looks, Throw hither all your quaint ennnielled eyes. Thai on the preen turf tuck the bonioil showers. And purple all the ground with vernal flowers. Milton. Sprinp, brifht rhrys»nth'mums, let your flowers be seen lo ttar the fields, and gild the shining green. AnonytnoHs. CHRYSANTHEMUM. 83 These plants are found in many varieties. The name Chrys- anthemnni is from the Greek c/witsos, meaning gold, and a7i- themoti, a flower, because many flowers of this species resemble g'old in their colour. By some, the term Chrysanthemum has been applied to all flowers of a golden colour, including all the marygolds, sunflowers, &c. Many of the Chrysanthemums of our gardens are natives of China and Japan. Excepting the pur- ple varieties, they have, many of them, been recently introduced into Europe, and this country. In 1787, the Jirst Chrysanthemum was brought from China into France. We have now more than forty different kinds, rep- resented by original drawings, recently made in this country from growing specimens. Twelve of these, and perhaps of the varieties least estimable, are of a kind bearing ivhiie flowers. The remaining varieties are pink-and-white, yellow, red, purple, and lilach, in a great variety of appearances. The florets of several kinds are quilled, expand- ed, and long, or short so as to form a globose flower. The early crimson variety of this flower is among those most admired. Whether we regard the period of its flowering, the abundance of its flowers, or their rich colour, we cannot but consider it as exceed- ingly interesting, and among the most valuable of the species. This variety, unlike the others, is not a strong and hardy one, but throws up many stems, each with many branches, and every one of the branches producing many beautiful crimso7i Jlowers. Their rich hue accords exactly with Werner's Red Lake, but may fairly be called light crimson. The blossoms are often pendent, and two or three inches in diameter. They have an odour, strong- ly resembling that of ih^ Antheinis nobilis, or Chamomile. These flowers, commingled with others, in our flower-pots and gardens, have a most splendid efllect. The common White-weed of our fields, or Ox-eye Daisy, so tioublesome to farmers, is of the genus Chrysanthem.um. It however with its Daisy-like white-rayed flowers adds great beauty to our New-England landscape in spring. The 'ChrysantheTnurriy Bcllis, Gnaphallium, Solidago, Aster, Anthemis^ Helianthus, Coreopsis, Calendula, and several other genera, belong to the same natural order. The Garden Chrysanthemum, or Chrysanthemum coronarium, has leaves bipinnatifid, acute, broader outwards : stem branching. !l DOUBIiE HYACI]¥TH. JACINT[1E, IIYACINTHUS. CLASS, HcxanJria, from ORDER, Monogynia, from hex, six, aner, stamen. wonos, one, gune, pistil. Because these flowers have Six Stamois, and One Pistil, and are conse- quently of the Sixth Class and First Order of Liimaeus. Hyacinthtu oritntalii, Garden Hyacinth. botryoides, Grape Hyacinth. muicari. Musk Hyacinth. comotut, Purple Ginpe Hyacinth raccmosus, Harebell Hyacinlli. There tre Six or Eight cultivaled »|)ccits with several varieties of the Hyacinth found growing in the Eastern and Middle States of North America. THE EMBLEM OF CONSTANCY. The HyncinM's for constancy Wi' its unchanging blue. Hums. Let his crook be with liyncinths bound, So Phillis the trophy despise ; Lei his forehead with laurel be crowned, So they shine not in Phillis's eyes. The lanpuhue that flows from the heart Is a stranger to Pariilrl's tongue. ShenstoncU Pastorals. The Hyacinth purple, while, and blue, Which flung from its I ells a sweet peal anew, Of music so delicate, soft, intense. It was felt like au odour within the sense. Shelley. This charming flower is very beautiful in all its varieties. The doiibli^owered variety is esteemed less so than the single by many. This, as likewise the Double Larkspur, is not so beautiful DOUBLE HYACINTH. 85 when double as when single. In doubling, the flower appears to have lost in some degree its beautiful and curious form, and to present to the eye a confused and unshapely mass of petals. The single varieties are endowed with the most exquisitely-formed and dehcate corolla imaginable, and pour forth the richest fragrance. Such flowers as have been doubled by cultivation are, however, generally esteemed much more beautiful than the single. This is the case wnth the Rose, the Pink, the Chrysanthemums, the Anem- ones, and almost every other kind of flowering plant. Some pre- fer the single-flowered Dahlia to the double, on account of its beautiful form. Flowers generally become doubled by cultivating them in a rich soil. Their stamens and jnstils become convert- ed into petals or flower-leaves. The anthers and stigmas, in these cases, are generally obliterated. These plants by botanists are termed 7nonsters, because they lose their sexual characteristics. The poet Homer informs us, that this flower was formed from the blood of Ajax, who killed himself in consequence of his defeat in a contest with Ulysses for the arms of Achilles. Not obtaining the armour of the dead hero, he stabbed himself, and from the blood sprang this flower. Hence Dr. Young tells us, that " from Ajax' streaming blood arose, with grief inscribed, a mournful flower." Another story of the origin of the Hyacinth is, that Zephyrus, or the south-west wind, through jealousy caused the death of a youth of this name* beloved by Apollo, or the sun, the latter of whom changed his blood into tliis flower, and placed his body among the heavenly constellations. Ovid, so famous for his metamorphoses of plants, tells us that " in the flower he weaved The sad impression of his sighs ; which bears Ai — Ai — displayed in funeral characters." The word Ai is a Greek interjection, signifying Alas ! The Martagon Lily is supposed by many to have been referred to in this passage from Ovid. Keats calls this flower " the sapphire queen of May," and Miss Landon tells us that " in the hyacinthine bells every summer odom- dwells." Many s])ecies of this beautiful and fragrant flower have curhng petals, that turn gracefully backward. Hence the expression " hyacinthine locks," often met with in poetry. The Hare-bell Hyacinth, Hyacinllms racemosus, has flowers thick, ovate, those at the top sessile : leaves lax, pendent, linear, carinate. COJVVOLVUIilJS. MORNING GLORY, BIND-WEED, MECHOACAN, IPOMEA. CLASS, Pentandria, from ORDER, Monogynia, from mo- pente, five, and aner, stamen. 7ios, one, and gune, pistil. Because these flowers have Five Stamens, and One Pistil, and are conse- quently of the Fifth Class and First Order of Linnaeus. Dwarf Morning Glory. Three-coloured Bindweed. Jalnp. Common Morning Glory. Mornin;; Glory. Jasmine Bindweed. Of thete two genera, ihere are fifteen or twenty species, both indigenous and exotic, found growing in the Eastern and Middle Slates of North-America. Convolvultu, starts, tricolor, jalnpa, Ipomtta purpurea, nil, guamoclit, THE EMBLEM OF AFFECTIONATE ATTACHMENT. Ton clambering vine, that courts our walls With gay faiiiastic flowprs, And winds in graceful wreaths along The fragrant garden bowers, Still glows with brillinnt gems, — till fall Dlights nature's sweete.«t charms, i Then leaves its grasp, — and dies With all ihal spring from Flora's arms. Though long //jomta's close embrace, With flowers and beauties bright, Hath lent yon bower its matchless grace, Her charms are sunk in night. Anon. The difTcront species of the Ijwnida have flowers yellow, red, purple, white, blue, and variegated. The genus IpomcBa was formerly united with the Convolvulus,or Climbing Morning Glory. To this it appears to have a near family alliance. The Com- CONVOLVULUS. 87 men Morning Glory (/. jiurjmrea) generally bears a" blue or pur- ple flower ; the Jasmine Bindweed, or Cypress Vine, (/. quamoc- lit) a red or white one ; the /. hona-nox^ or Bel-de-nuit of the Southern States, a white one ; and the /. coccinca, a yellow or red flower. The /. lacunnsa of the Southern States bears flowers both purple and white. The hona-nox and coccinea, as well as the quanioclit or Cypress-vine, are often cultivated for their beauty. The fine linear pirmatijid leaves of the Cypress-vine, like those of the Cupressus or Cypress properly so called, have probably given this name to the plant of our gardens. Its red and white flowers contrast finely with its beautiful gieen foliage. The natural affinity between this genus and the Convolvulus has probably been the cause of their both receiving the common name of Morning Glory. This last term undoubtedly origi- nated in the circumstance of these flowers opening only in the morning-sunshine. They are said to wither before noon. This is not, however, invariably the case, for they often expand several days in succession before they wither. They frequently open also in the evening as well as morning. This at least is the case with several of the species. The Convolvulus is so called from con, with, and volvo, to roll, because many of them climb upon their supporters by a twisting or twirling motion of their slender stems. Their bell-shaped blos- soms, before and after opening, resemble a twisted cone. The Convolvuli have two stigmas, and the Ipomcca only one. The Tri-colouied Bindweed {C. trimlor) grows prostrate, does not twine, and has a corolla or blossom of beautiful bright blue, with a white eye, or centre, edged with yellow. The Purple Bindweed has rough heart-shaped leaves, with flowers commonly of a fine purple, sometimes red, bluish, or white, with fine purple lines. The Jasmine-bind-weed, Ipomea quamocUt, called also some- times Cypress- Vine, flowers in August. Its leaves are pimiatijid linear : flowers sub-solitary ; corolla sub-tubular. This, from its beauty and dependence for support on surrounding objects, has sometimes been esteemed the symbol of ' Female Aflfection.' The Blue Convolvulus, a natural relative of the Ipomea, is con- sidered the emblem of ' Repose :'— the pink, the emblem of ' Worth sustained by tender Affection :' — and the Ipo??icea has sometimes been esteemed the symbol of ' Affectionate Attachment.' The Three-coloured Bindweed, or Convolvulus tricolor, has leaves lance- ovate, glabrous : stem declined : flowert? solitary. RO!^E-:?IAI.L.OWS. MALLOW, HOLLYIIOCKj HIBISCUS, ALTH.^A, MALVA. CLASS, Moiiadelphia, from vionos, ORDER, Polyandria, from one, (ulelphos, brother. j)oltis, many, aner, stamen. Because these Hower.-? have the filaments oftlieir stamens united at the base into one subskince or brotherliood, cuut many Stamens^ and consequently are of the 16//J- Class and 13l/i Order of tlie reformed system ot Liijnteus. Marsh Mallow. Pbenirian iMallow. Ilnllvhnck, ur Uose Mallow. Fi{j-ll()llyliock. Tree-Mallow. Vervain iMallow. These three Qenera embrace Kigbteen or Twenty Sptcics that are found growing in the Kaslern and Middle States of 2anihos. Iiiin'odil. There are Fi/icen Species of ihe Narcissus, with many vnrUties, several of which are foiiud growing in our {janlens in Jiew-Englaml. THE EMBLEM OF SEl.F-LOVi; AT.!) EGOTl.S.M. Pride of gardens, charming flowers, Fleplinc^ are your lillle hours ; Oflen does a summer day Give ye life, and lalie away : Ah 1 I'll di>iurli not your reposes, Gallant Jomjuilles, fair tuberoses. For short is yinir sweet life. The daughter of the flood has searrhed the mead For violets pale, and cropped the poppy's head. The short Nnrcissus. and fair Dnjlodil,' Pansies (o please the sight, and cnssia sweet to smell. There, round about, grew every sort of flower, To which sad lovers were transformed of yore, Foolish NarcUse, that likes the watery shoie. Gay, motley 'd pinks, and sweet Jonq'uilles she chose. The violet blue, that on the moss-bank grows, And, iweet to seme, the beauteous, flaujuing rose. Shntspeart and Spcnstr. NARCISSUS. 91 Of this rich and fragrant flower there are many varieties, that pass under different names, but all under the general name of Nar- cissus. The Daffodil and Jonquil are species of the Narcissus. These flowers are often confounded by the poets, or their names are used indiscriminately. The common Daffodil has a white flower and a yellow cup, or a yellow flower and golden cup. The poetic Narcissus is pure white. It has a delicate yellow cup, edged with purple, or crimson border round the nectary. It afibrds a most de- licious odour, especially in the morning when wet with dew. The cup, in the centre of this flower, was said to contain the tears of Narcissus, a youth, who, seeing his own image reflected in a fountain of clear water, became so enamoured of himself, that he pined, and at last, in despair, killed himself. His blood was chan- ged into this flower. The Primrose Daffodil has petals of a cream colour, with a yel- low cup rising from the centre. The Fragrant Narcissus, or Great Jonquil, is a valuable variety of this plant, and its flower yields a most exquisite odour. The Narcissus has a lily blossom, and belongs to that class of plants that diffuse sweeter perfume at evening, than during the day- time. Persia abounds in several rich varieties of the " odorous jonquil," as it does in roses, and other fragrant and beautiful flowers. The Polyanthos Narcissus, or Narcissus tazetta, is a native of Spain, France, and Italy. Its scape, or flower-stalk, from twelve to eighteen inches in height, bears very fragrant flowers, of a white, or yellow colour. These flowers are clustering, from seven to ten of them, coming out of one spaihe. The Daffodil has only one flower produced from the same spathe. The general character of these flowers consists in six petals, or flower-leaves, forming a superior corolla, and a funnel-shaped honey-cup of one leaf, containing the stamens, which are fixed toils tube. The old poet Spenser has often confounded this flower with the Asphodel, and white Water Lily. Other poets have, very erroneously, made the Daffodil and Lily the same flower. Milton, in his Lycidas, very beautifully alludes to this flower. In their ' flowery rites' on May-day, on the banks of the Severn, these flow- ers, among others, were strown upon the stream, as an offering to Flora, the Goddess of Flowers. The Poet's Narcissus, or Narcissus poeticus, has a spatlie one-flowered- nectary wheel-formed, very short, scarious, (red,) crenulate : leaves intlexed at the margin. BI.U£-B£LL.. VENUS' LOOKING-GLASS, CANTERBURY-BELL, CAMPANULA,HARE- BELL, GREAT-BELL-FLOWER, FLAX-BELL-FLOWER. CLASS, Penlaiuhia, from ORDER, Monogynia, from ■pcnte^ five, aner^ stamen. monos^ one, gune, pistil. Because these flo wens have F/ it stamens and One pistil, and are consequent- ly of the Fifth Class and First Order of Liniiaeus. Campanula grnndiflora, crinoidii, rolundijulia, speculum, vicdium. Great Bell-flower. Prickly liell-flower. Hare-bell, or Flax Bell-flower. Venus's Looking-glass. CaiiterLurv-ljells. There are Kighl or Ten Species of the genus Cami-anuh, found growing in ibe Eastern and Middle Stales of Norlb-America. THE EMBLEM OF GRATITUDE. To ine there's a tone in the Ulue-Uell-flower, With her blossoms so fresh when ihe Morm is o'er, As she thanked the sun lor his beams the while. — That flower has taught mo lo repay The friends, who have cheereil my stormy day. With a grateful brow, and a sunny smile. Jnon. The Htire-bell—fts with grief depressed, Bowing her fragrance. Giibome. The generic term Campanula is a diminutive from the Latin camparia, a bell, because these^Howers resemble little bells in their form. They all partake more or less of this shape. They belong to the fifth Linneean class, which is a very extensive one and em- BLUE-BELL. 93 braces more than one fourth of the whole vegetable kingdom, if we include the class iSi/ngeiiesia, where the Jive stamens are com- bined together. That is, more than one fourth of all vegetables possess ^'ye stamens either free or combined together. The Hare- bell [Campanula I'otimdifolia), called also sometimes the Flax- Bell-flower, is a very beautiful species of this flower. It is very- abundant in Scotland, and grows in rocky situations. It is often alluded to in poetry, and associated with other interesting flowers. Its flowers are generally blue, as are many other species of this ge- nus, being pendulous and nodding, hanging like little bells. An indigenous species of the Hare-bell, having a blue flower, is found in most parts of New-England, in rocky situations. It blossoms in June. The C. acuminata and C. crinoides, or Prickly Bell- flower, both bear blossoms that are white and those that are blue. The Blue-bell is found much more generally in Europe than in America, though there are a few species found among us. The term Blue-'bell is often applied indiscriminately to the several species of the Campanula, probably because these flowers are generally blue, and resemble a bell in their form. The Canterbury-bells {C. m^ediiim) bears its blossoms erect. The varieties of this spe- cies are extensive, and are said to be mostly indigenous to Eu- rope. Only two species are described as having yet been found in South America. These flowers are monopetalous, or having one petal, and are sometimes blue, purple, or Avhite. The flowers of the Ca?npanula parviflora, or Clasping Bell-flower, are blue and very small. The C. atnericana is two or three feet in height, bearing two or three small blue flowers, generally in the axils of the leaves. The Canterbury bell [C. medium) has generally been esteemed the emblem of gratitude. If, as the poet tells us, That flower lias taug-ht him to repay The friends who have cheered hi» stormy day, With a grateful brow and n sunny smile, it certainly has been the cause of Gratitude, and is not an unapt emblem of it also. " The Hare-bell, as with grief depressed," bow- ing its fragrance, explains why this flower should have become the symbol of grief itself. The Cam,panulaccEa have a calyx adher- ing to the germ, limb divided. Corol inserted near the top of the calyx. Stamens inserted on the calyx below the corol. Leaves alternate. The natural order Campanulac^a embraces the two natural genera Campanula and Lobelia. The Great Bell-Flower, oi- Campanula grandijiora, has leavee ter- nate, oblong, serrate : stem, one-flowered : flowers spreading. GERAI¥IU]?I. CRANES-BILL, HERB-ROBERT, STORk's-BILL, DOVe's-FOOT. CLASS, Monadclphia, from monos, ORDER, DecandriEi, from one, and (idelphia, brotherhood. ileka, ten, and (mer, stamen. Bec.au.~-o tlicse flowers have their jiUiments united in one hody^nt bottom, and Ten Stamens, and consequently are of the »S'tXee«^/j, C/«6>s, and Tenth ■Order of Linnaeus. Gtraniiim sang\iintum, viamlatum, wnshin^tontum, roberliimum, .. zonalc^ gravcolens, bloody Geranium, Crow's-foot Geranium. Wasliingion's Geranium. Herb Hobert. Horse-shoe Geranium. Sweet Rose Geranium. There arent least Forty or Fifty Specief., with numerous varieties of llie Geranium, man/ of which are found growing ia the Eastern and Middle Stales of Nortb-Araerica. THE EMBLE.M OF GENTILITY. The fig-tree and the vine, Which o'er the rocky entrance downward shoot. Were placed by Glycon. He with cowslips pale. Primrose, and purple lychnis, decked the preen Before my threshold, and my slielvinjr walls With honeysuckles covered. The sweet syringa, Yielding but in scent to the rich orange. And Gen/e/mn, wiih several varieties, described as found gronio^ in the Kasiern nnd Middle Stales of Kortb-Americn. ■|HE EMBLEM OF SOCIAL IXTERCOUR.^iE. I paused at the sight of these blessed flowers, No more could my (ears restrain, For it seemed that tbe purity and love Of ray childhood came again ; It seemed as sin and sorrow fled, From view of the flower and tree, And I thought what my blameless youth had been, The same mine age might be. M. Ileivcll. Goes decking the green earth's dewy drapery With Balm, that never ceases uttering sweets. jitton. The Balm, or Melissa, has received this appellation from the Greek mellissa. pignifyinfr a bee, because the bees are very fond of gathering honey from this species of flower. BALM. 109 The Calamentha vulgare^ or common Garden Balm, is a well known plant, that is found growing in almost every garden. Its leaves are of an agreeable fragrance, and its flowers very hand- some. Its generic name is from the Greek kallos, beautiful, and nientha, mint, meaning the Beautiful Mint. The Melissa officinalis is another species of our Garden Balm, equally well knownj and not less frequently cultivated. It is native of the southern countries of Europe. The flowers are sometimes white, or blue. The flowers of the Nepeta are red, and sometimes blue. Both species are perennial, or have roots that live during several successive seasons. The nepeta is known by the common appellation of Catnep, or Cat-mint. The officinalis blossoms in July, and the nepeta in September. The leaf and stem of the Balm are of a roughish-aromatic taste, and have an agreeable smell, resembling that of the lemon. This plant is not unfrequently made into a tea, and used as a grateful drink, in fevers. The Calamint, or Nefeta, is also taken in decoction, against weakness of the stomach, flatulence, and hysterics. The poet tells us, " the balm is seen decking the green earth with dewy drapery, and never ceases uttering sweets." It has hence been made the emblem of social intercourse, whose blessings are unceasing. The term Ajnastriimi is from apis^ a bee, because this is said to be a favourite flower with bees. They are often seen plunging their puny proboscis within the ringent florets of this fragrant plant. The flowers of the Balm and Calamint are situated in a semi-whorl, or are generally whirled half way round the stem. The Balm is said to be indigenous to Europe. Its flowers are both white and blue, and expand in June. Those of the M. nepeta, or Calamint, are blue and red, and blossom in September. The Melissa, Monarda, Metitha, Marubium, Rosmarinus, Hyssopns, and Lavandula, with several other genera, belong to the same natural Order. The Balm, or Melissa officinalis, has flowers whirled half way around, sub-sessile : bracts oblong, pedicelled : leaves ovate, acute, serrate. JA8]?1II¥£. JASAMINEj JESSAMINE, JASMIN, JESIMA JASMINUM, NYNCTAN-J THES, BIGNONIA. CLASS, Diandria, from (lis, ORDER, Monogynia, from twice, and aner, stamen. monos, one, and gune, pistil. Because these flowers have Two Stamens, and One Pistil, and are conse- quently of the Second Cla^s and JTirst Order of Linnaeus. Jasminum/ruticans, Yellow Jasmine. „ oj/icinatis. White Jasmine. There are Seventeen Speciei of the Jasmine, with numerous varieties, a few of which in our gardens in New-England. are ciiltiTated THE E-MBLEM OF ELEGANCE AND GRACE. There's a bright sunny spot, where the cinnamon trees Shed their richest perfumes to the soft-wooing breeze ; Where ihc rose is as sweet, and as briplit as the sky, As the balm of thy breath, and the glow of thine eye ; And clouds pass as soon o'er thai beaulifiil isle. As the tear on thy check, dispersed at Ihy smile. Kar, far, midst its bowers, spfiuestored and lone. Young love halli erected a Jessamine throne. And sworn with an o»th, which no mortal may say. That none but the fairest ils sceptie shall sway. Geo. W. Patten. 'Twns midnight— Ihroiio^h the lattice, wreathed With woodbine, many a perfume breathend consequciitly are of tlic Foiirteenth Class and Second Order of Linnaiis. Digitalis purpurea, Purple Foi-glove. „ inUrmedia, Fos-glove. These ore nearly all llie described Species, found growing in ibe Eastern mid Jliiklle Slates of North-America. THE EMBLEM OF INSINXERITY. To liter summer's fragrant breath, Cleninlis' fpalliery garlands dance, The hollow l''uxi winds her pale and scolloped leaves. Smith. The Foxglove is an elegant plant, commonly found growing native in England, and several olhor parts of Europe. This plant POX-GLOVE. 115 grows in dry and elevated situations. The flowers are crimson, purple, yellow, and sometimes white. The Purple Digitalis, or Digitalis purpurea, is among the most splendid flowers that grow wild in England. The stem rises from three to six feet high, and is adorned with pendulous bell-shaped flowers. These hang one above another, in a very long spike. They are of a fine purple colour, elegantly mottled withinside with spots like eyes. The segments of the calyx are of an oval-pointed shape, and the leaves large and wrinkled. It is a biemiial, or plant that vegetates for two years, and then perishes. The term Foxglove was, perhaps, derived from the shape of its flowers. They are hollow, and somewhat in shape, like the fox's foot. The word Digitalis is of Latin origin, from digitus, the finger, and signifies something that regards the fingers of the hand. The purple ^flowers, that hang from the stem, like little bells, by their peduncles, contrast very finely with the deep-green of the leaf. These, all together, give the plant a most lovely and invi- ting appearance. But, like insincerity, of which it is the emblem, they only allure, to betray:^? It is in reality a most poi- sonous plant, notwithstanding its beauty. Its properties are of the narcotic kind. When taken in any considerable quantities, it will destroy life. In large doses, it brings on giddiness, loss of sight, and loss of intellect. Nausea soon follows, faintness, and at length death. Its leaves, however, are frequently used, in small doses, as a medicine. The purple variety has generally been introduced into our gardens for the beauty of its flowers. This variety is also extensively cultivated by the Shakers, near Albany. The ancient physicians applied this plant, with others of its nat- iiral family, to wounds, externally ; and Parkinson, two centu- ries ago, used the Digitalis in the epilepsy, with great success. The Digitalis^ Hemia?ithus, Dracocephalus, Mimulus, Ge- rardia, Antirrhinum, Collinsina, Urticularia, Gratiola, and several other genera, belong to the same natural order. The Or- der ScROFULAR^A embraces them all. The Purple Foxglove, or Digitalis purpurea, has leaflets of the calyx -ovate, acute : corol obtuse ; upper lip entire : leaves lance-ovate, rugose. AITIARAIVTH. GLOBE AMARANTH, GI.ORK. RACIl KLOR.S-RUTTON, LOVE-LIES- BLEKDING, PRINCE's-FEATHER, COXCOMB. RAGGED-SAILOR, HORSETAIL, FLOWER- GENTLE, LIFE-EVERLASTING, INDIAN-POSY, SPANISH WONDER, FLOWER-DE- JEALOUSIE, AMARANTHUS. CLASS, Pentandiia, from ORDER, Monogjnia, from vio- paite, five, and (iner, stamen. nos, one, and gune, pistil. Because these flowers have Five Stamens, and One Pistil, and are conge- quently of the Pifth Class and First Order of Linnaeus. Gomphrena ghbosa. Globe Amarnnth. Polygonum oriental. Prince's Fenther. Gnaphalium margar itaceum. Life Evprlasling. There are twenty-tn'O Species of the Amnranth, with many varieties, accordini; to tba Encyclopedia. THE EMBLEM OF CON.STANCV. Hnil to thee ! hail, lliou lovely (lower. Still shed arou d thy sweet perfume, Still smile amid the wintry hour, And hoast e'en then a sprinfr-tide bloom. Thus hope, 'mid life's severest days. Still smiles, slill triumphs o'er despair ; Alike she lives in pleasure's rays, And cold nffliction's winter air. Anstor, Immortal Amaranth ! a (lower which?once In Paradise, fast by the trie of life. Began to bloom ; hut soon, for man'sofTence, To lienven removed, where first it grew, there grows And (lowers aloft, shading the fmint of life ; .■\n.l where ilif river of bliss, through midst of heaven, Rolls o'er Klysian flowers her atubcr ttream ; With these, that never fade, the spirits elect Bind their resplendent locks, inwreatbed with bearas. Milton. AMARANTH. 117 The various plants, eiiumeratcd iindef the above head, all pass under the general name of Amaranth. They are, however, of diflerent Genera. The term amaranth is from the Greek a, 7\on, or not, and marahio, to fade, meaning unfading, because the floweis never fade. They look as bright, and fair, when dead and dry, as when full of life, and growing in their greatest beauty. This all have remarked who have observed them when dry. The red or white Field Campion, or Lychnis diocece, is by some called Bachelor's-Button. A species of Gomphrena also goes by this name. The term Lychnis is from the Greek luknos, a lightjbecause this plant was anciently used for torches. ThePrince's- Feather belongs to the genus Polygomon, from jiolus, many, and ^o?ie, joints or knees, because this tribe of plants have many joints. The biting Ars-smart, or Hydropiper, called also the Poor-man's- pepper. Lake- weed, and Water-pepper, belongs to this Class. Its name is from the Greek hudoi; water, and jnpar, pepper. The Atnaranthus melancholicns, or Two-coloured Amaranth, when cultivated in the open air, bears a leaf of a dingy-purple colour on its upper surface, but, when cultivated by a stove, the ivhole pla7it is purple-coloured. The Ragged Sailor is of the genusPolyg-onum. The Tree Amaranth, or Amaranthus tricolor, is a native of Guinea, Persia, China, and Japan. Its variegated leaves form a sort of pyramid, and, when in full lustre, cause the plant to appear very beautiful. This, together with the Livid Amaranth, and some other varieties, are usually disposed in pots, with Cocks- combs, and other showy plants, for adorning court-yards, and the environs of the house. The Tree Amaranth often grows to a large size, and makes a very fine appearance. The Globe Amaranth, whose flowers resemble heads of clover of deepened hue, exists in several varieties of white, purple, speckled with gold, and variegated. From the flowers of this species re- maining unchanged, even when dead and dry, they have been made the emblem of constancy. By some the Amaranth is considered as a symbol of Immortality. In poetry, we find ' ama- ranthine bowers,'|' amaranthine wreaths,' ' and amaranthine flow- ers'. The churches in Portugal, in winter, are adorned with the Globe Amaranth. In Spain, the shepherdesses often interweave it with laurel, for crowns and chaplets. The same is done in Sumatra. Milton often alludes to these charming flowers, as also Southey, Pope, Darwin, and Covvper. The Globe Amaranth, Bachelor's-Button, or Gomphrena globosa, has a stem erect : leaves lance-ovate : heads solitary : peduncles two-leaved. 1 COREOPSIS. CORYOPSIS, TICK-SEED SUNFLOWER, NUTALL-WEED, COREOPE DE VIRGINIE. CLASS, Syngenesia, from sun, ORDER, Polygamia frustranea, with, and genesis, generation. from pohis,many,gamia,miiTna.ges. Because these flowers have their Stamens united at top hy the anthers into a C7/Iinder, and some of their Jiorels hermaphrodite and others new- ter, and consequently are of the Nineteenth Class, and Third Order of Linnaeus. Coreopsis altemifolia, „ virginiana, „ triptet-is, „ dichotoma, Meadow Coreopsis. Coreopsis. Tick-seed Sun-flower. Swamp Coreopsis. This plant has, within a few years, been introduced into our gardens from the Arkansaw Territory. Kive or six Species of this genus grow in New-England. THE EMBLEM OF CHEERFULNESS. She sat in her twilight bower, A temple formed of leaf and flower, Rose and myrtle formed the roof, To a shower of April proof. And primroses, pale gems of spring, Lay on the green turf i;listening. Close hy the violet, whose breath Is so sweet in a dewy wieath. And oh 1 that myrtle, how green it grew. With flowers as while as piarls of dew That shone betide — that uem was there. With fringt of gold and tion centre yair. COREOPSIS. 119 The Coreopsis of Viiginia, now cultivated among our garden flowers, is an indigenous plant of North-America, and a very beautiful one. It is said to grow wild abundantly in several of our Western States, and particularly in the prairies, or immense natural meadows of the Arkansaw Territory. The Tickseed Sunflower, or Coreopsis tripteris, so common in our fields in New-England, is a species of this genus. The genus embraces about thirty or thirty-five species. Some of the species are cultivated in our gardens, and have yellow flowers. Many of them belong to the milder latitudes, but they are all peculiar to America. In the open swamps of New- Jersey, there is a low, narrow-leaved species with rose-coloured flowers. The most beautiful yet known is the Coreopsis tinctorial an annual or biennial plant, originally from Arkansaw Territory, but now common in our gardens. Its flow- ers come out in May, and are of a fine orange-yellow, with a brown centre, as in the above plate. This variety has recently been introduced into our gardens as an ornamental plant. It continues in flower till frost comes. The ray florets are of the richest tinge of yellow, while the centre often appears almost of a jet black. The stalk rises to the height of three or four feet, giving off its branches in various directions, each of which is crowned with a fine little flower. The petals are usually eight in number, indented at the borders. Cultivation with this flower, like many others, has produced surprising changes. Growing in fine soil, it decorates the parterre with a rich beauty, having a wreath for spring, a garland for summer and autumn, and almost for winter itself. The plant gives a reddish-yellovv', indehble stain to cotton, and this, as well as the Coreopsis senifolia, might be employed for dying. From the universality of its difiusing joy through each successive season, it has been considered the emblem of UNIFORM CHEERFULNESS. Further, we are told by the poet tlmt " the Coreopsis is cheerful as the smile that brightens on the cheek of youth, and sheds a gladness o'er the aged." It has therefore been sometimes deemed the emblem of beneficence. The Tick-seed Sunflower, or Coreopsis tripteris, is glabrous, leaves op- l)osite, petioled, lanceolate, entire, radical ones pinnate, cauline ones ternate : seeds obovate, naked at the apex. C 0^^^^:- HYPERICUIfl. saint-john's-avort, fuga demonum, scarecrow-of-bevils, ANDROSiENUM. CLASS, Polyadelphia, from poliis, ORDER, Polyandria, from pohis, many, and af/^/p/(/n,brotherhoocl. many, and aner, s^^tanem. Because these flowers have their filaments united, f^rrming three or wore bodies, and Twenty or more Stamens, and consequently are of the Eigh- teenth Class, and I3th Order of Linnaeus. Hypericum mcyroida, 11 poj'oratum, „ virginicum. St. John's Wort. Coninion Hypericum. Purple St. John's Wort. There are tcD or twelve species of the Hypericum^ with iiiinierous varieties, found growing in the Eastern anil iMidille Stales of Xorlh-Araeric«. THE EMULE.M OF .VMM031TY. nvpERicuM, all bloom, so Ibick a swarm Of flowers, like flies, clolhinp her slender rods, Tliat scarce a Uiif appears : Mezerenn too. Though leafless, well attired, and thick beset With blushing wreaths, investing every spray. Althaea, with the purple rve ; the Broom Yellow and hiigbt, as bullion unalloyed, Here blossoms in the myrtle shade. Hypericum was there, the herb of war, Pierced through with wounds, and seamed with many a scar. Darwin. HYPERICUM. 121 The Hypericum, or John's- Wort, is a coinnion plant in most places in New-England. The Hypericum perforatum is that species so common in our fields, and so troublesome to farmers. It bears a 3'ellow blossom, and rises from one to three or four feet in height. The stem gives off numerous branches, in various direc- tions, each of which are again divided into smaller ones, that are crowned with many flowrets. They are often so numerous, that the flowers seem like a swarm of yellow flies, " clothing the slender rods so thick, that scarce a leaf appears." It was formerly supposed that this plant possessed some hidden powers against evil spirits, and hence it was called Fuga Demo- nu7n, or Devil-Scarer. The Hypericum perforatum .,(dx Perforated Hypericum. appears as if pierced with numerous holes. Hence the fancy of the poet, when he tells us, " Hypericum was there, the herb of war, pierced through with wounds, and seamed with many a scar." And hence its emblematic signification of animosity. The genus Hypericum is a very extensive one. It is said to embrace more than one hundred species. These numerous spe- cies are scattered over the whole world. Though the species most generally bear a yellow flower, the Hypericum virginicum bears a purple one, and blossoms in August. Most of the other New- England species flower in June and July. They are all very hardy, and are perennial, excepting the H. canadense, which is an annual. The H prolificwm seems to be a woody plant. The Hypericum, Drosera, Dioiicea, and Ascyrum, belong to the same uatural order of plants, viz. the Order Hyperica. The Common St. John's Wort, or Hypericum perforatum, is erect, branching : stem lwo-t;dgetl : leaves oblong, obtuse, transparently -punctate : panicle terminal, brachiate, leafy : petals twice as long as the acute,, lanceolate calyx. ^ ^¥ATI^R-I.II.Y. LOTUS, NYMPII.'EA, POND HLV, WHITE WATER-LILY, SWEET LILY, WATER-ROSE, LIS DES ETANGES, NUPHAR LOLE. CLASS, Polyandria, from polua, ORDER, Monogynia, from mo- many, aiul oner, stamen. nos, one, SiwA giine, pistil. Because these (lowers have many disunited Stamens, (yriginaiing from the rfceplach', and one Pistil, and consequently are of the Tlurteenlh Class, and Pirst Order of Linnanis. Nymphaa odorata, White Water Lily. rosea, liedifli Water Lily. „ Ifnphnr Lulta, VellowPond Lilv,or Toa.l Lilv. There arc b.it one or <:™ Species of.he While Water Lily, „r Symphaa, found growing in Ncw- fcngland. There are three or four of the A^iipAar. THE E.MBLEM OF BEAUTY AND PURITY. There's a spring in the woods of my summer home And fur from the dark sea's tossing foam, * And the large Water Lii,ii:s, that o'er it shed Their pearly hues, to the soft light spread, They hnunt me ! I dream of that bright spring's flow I thirst for its rill, like a wounded roe. Mrs. Htmans. Within thy beaiileous enrols, full-lilown hell. Long since the immortals fixed their foiid abode, There, ilay's bright source, Osiris, loved to dwell While by his side enamoured Isis glowed. ' Urillinnt thyself in store of dazzling zvhitt. Thy sister plants more gaudy robes unfold, This flames in purple, — that, intensely bright Amid the illuminated waters, flames \n gold. But, far beyond the bounds of Afric's bourne Thine honours flouiished 'mid Tibetian snow's, Uooah and liramuh on thy stock repose. Maurice. There are Six Species of the Nymphaa, only two of which are indigenous to tho Fnited States. WATER-LILY. 123 The NymphcBa alha^ or White Water-Lily, is a most fragrant and beautiful flower. It has a tuberous root, creeping at the bot- tom of muddy and still ponds, and sending up frequent stems, crowned with large white flowers. The petals are from sixteen to twenty in number. The flower has sixty or seventy stamens. It opens at about seven o'clock in the morning, and closes soon after four in the afternoon. These flowers expand in July and August. They repose on the surface until they have perfected their fructification, and then the stems, assuming a spiral form, drag them to the bottom, beneath the surface of the water. These flowers are generally found in our slow rivers and still ponds, in New-England. The petals are of the most unsullied whiteness, excepting the outside ones, which are greenish. This purity and whiteness they retain, even when growing in muddy waters. Hence this flower has become the emblem of Beauty and Purity. Some species of the Lotus^ or Water I-ily, expand the flower about sunrise in the morning, while floating on the surface of the water, and close it at an early hour in the afternoon. This flower has a slender stem, frequently six feet in length, according to the depth of the water. The Nymphea, or Lotus, is found growing in almost every part of the world. There is a species of Red Lotus found in Bengal, in India. Another, of the blue variety of Lotus, very beautiful, is said to be found in Cashmere, and Per- sia,. This kind is said to be found nowhere else. The Red Lotus of Bengal are larger than our White Water-lilies. They are esteemed sacred by the Hindoos and Bramins, who feign that this flower was dyed crimson in the blood of Siva. Dr. Shaw tells us, the Lotus was a favourite vegetable symbol among the old Egyptians. Hence the allusion in the poetry. It attends the motions of the sun, said they ; lies under the water in his absence; and has its flowers of the same round figure, as that luminary. The Lotus was consecrated by the Egyptians to Isis and Osiris, or the Sun and Moon. The Persians know it by the name of Nilufer, because it grew about the Nile, in Egypt. The Lotus of Homer is supposed to have been the Sugar-Cane of modern times. That of Linnaeus is a papilinaceoiis plant. The term Lotus is from the Greek loo, ' greatly to desire,' because those were said, by the ancients, to lose all relish for every thing else, who had once tasted of the Lotus. The Pond Lily, or NymphcBa odorata, has leaves round-cordate, entire, sub-emarginate : lobes spreading asunder, acuminate, obtuse : petals equal- ling the foui-leaved calyx : i=tigma with 16 to 20 radiating erectish line?. GOLD-FLOWER, SUN-MARYGOLD, TURN-SOL, HELIANTHUS, SUN's- CHOWN, HELIOTROPE, l'hELIANTHE, FLEUR DE SOLIEL, CORONA SOLIS, CORONA DEL SOLE, GIROSOLE INDIANO. CLASS, Syngenesici, from sun, ORDER, Polygamia frustranea, from with, and genesis, generated. polus,mvLny, and g"ow7icr,marriages. Because these flowers hnre thrir Stamens jinited. at top, hi/ their anthers, into a cijlinder, and some of their florets hermaphrodite, and others 7ieu- tei', and consequently are of the 19//i Class, and 3(/ Order, of Linnaeus. Uclianthxtt annutu, Common Sunflower. iuhtrosus^ Jerus.Tleni Artichoke. atroruben$. Purple Sunflower. au^uitijoliii. Wild Sunflower. There are twelve or fifteen described species, with several varieties, of the Helianthtu, found growing in the Eastern and Middle Stales of North-America. THE EMBLE.AI OF WATCH FI'I-NE-SS, FLATTERY AM) DEVOTION. And iee, the sun himself ! On wings Of glory up the east he springs. Angel of light 1 wiio, from the lime These heavens began their niiirch sublime, Has, fiist iif nil the starry choir, Troil in his .'(laker's steps of fire I Where are the days, thou woinl'roiis sphere. When Iran, like tiie Sunflower, turned. To meet that eye, where'er it burned ? 2'. JUoojt. Great Helianthvs climbs the upland lawn, And bows in homage to the riving dawn. Imbibes with eagle eye the golden rity, And watches, as it moves, the orb of day. Darann. This spleiidiil ilowcr lui;; ret'civcd tlic name of Sunflower, proba- bly, from two or tlirec t'iflerent circumstances. First, it has been SUNFLOWEll, 125 supposed to turn towards, and face the sun, and follow him in his progressive course during the day. Hence its name Turn-Sol, from the Latin sol, the sun. The term Heliotrope is from the Greek helios, the sun, and trepo, to turn, because it turns in the direction of this luminary. Second, — its magfiificent coro/, when fully ex- panded, with its glowing centre and yellow ray-florets, bears a strong resemblance to the rising sun, when viewed at evening, or in the morning, in the direction of the light. Thirdly, its yellow colour, resembling that of the hght of the rising sun, when mostly shorn of his rays, causes it to bear a still stronger resemblance to the heavenly orb, whose name it bears, and to which it has been consecrated. Hence its name also of Goldflower, and Sun-Marygold. From the fancied resemblance of this llower to a crown, it has received the appellation of Corona soils, or Sun's Crown. The term Helianthus is from the Greek helios, sun, and anthos, flower. These plants often grow to a magnificent size. At a meeting of the Horticultural Society, in August, 1832, a Sunflower was exhib- ited, whose disk measured four feet and six inches in circumference. It is said that in Peru and Mexico, its native country, the Helian- thus aimiius often grows 20 feet in height, and bears flowers 2 feet in diameter. One or two species are indigenous to India and Egypt. The general term Sunflower has sometimes been given to all those flowers that turn towards the sun, or follow him, in his daily course. The Heliotrope is a smaller flower than the Helian- thus, and of a different genus. The Artichoke of our o-ardens is the Helianthus tuberosus. The poetic notion of the Helianthus'' turning in the direction of the sun is almost wholly without foundation. For, at any time in the day, we may observe flowers of this plant facing in all the di- rections of the cardinal points and intermediate points. Its suppo- sed devotion, however, to the source of light has rendered it the emblem of Watchfulness, Flattery, and Devotion. The Helio- trope has a very small, delicate, fragrant blossom, of a faint purple or white colour. Flatterers have often been compared to it be- cause it is said to open its flowers only to the sun, and shut them in cloudy weather. The leaves of the Annual Sunflower perspire nineteen times as much as a man, in twenty-four hours. The Common Sunflower, or Helianthus anniius, has leaves all cordate three-nerved : peduncles thickening upwards : flowers very large noddinff : six or eight feet high. 1 AlflERICAHf AI.OE. AGAVE d'aMERIQUE, ALOE, AGAVE AMERICANA. CLASS, Hexandria, from Iiex, ORDER, Monogynia, from six, aner, stamen. monos, one, gune, pistil. Beca\ise these flowers have SLr Stameiis, and One Pistil, and conse- quently are of the SLrth Class and First Order of Linnaeus. Agave americana, virginica. Mexican Aloe. Virginian Aloe. Beside these, there are several Species of the Aloe, indigenous to Egypt and the Cape of Good Hope. THE EMRLEM OF RELIGIOUS SUPERSTITION. In climes beneath the solar ray, Where beams intolerable day, And arid plains in silence spread, The pale-j;reen Aloe lifts its hoad. — The mystic branch at Moslem's door. Betokens travel lonp and sore Id Mecca's weary pilgrimage. Flora's Dictionai-y. The American Aloe has been said to blossom only once in 100 years, and then immediately to die. This tradition has often been very beautifully alluded to in poetry. The tardy-Howering species of Mexico, the Ag-ave americana, lias indeed, in cold climates, been ALOE. 127 cultivated near a century, before liowering. It arrives at this state, however, in six or seven years in its native chraate, and in the warmth of Sicily. Before this period, the plant presents nothing but a perpetually unfolding cone of long, rather narrow, but thick and fleshy leaves, pointed and beset on their margins with strong thorns. Before flowering this cone and cluster of leaves attains an enormous bulk and developement. If sufiered to flower, it sends up a central scape, from eighteen to thirty feet in height, resem- bling a huge chandelier with numerous branches clustered. These bear several thousands of elegant but not showy flowers, of a green- ish yellow colour. From these slowly drops a shower of honey. With the flowering of the plant, its energies become exhausted, and it immediately perishes, however long it may have previously existed. It sends up, however, at the same time, numerous shoots, for the purpose of a viviparous propagation. The Mexicans cultivate this plant, and call it Magui. They tap it for the juice with which it abounds. Many gallons of sap are often drawn from a single plant. It continues to exude for a considerable time from this vegetable fount. The liquor, when fermented, is distilled for drink, and is much used in that country. The tenacious and abundant fibres of the plant afford a durable flax or hemp, and are often employed as such. One species of this plant grows native in Virginia and the Southern States of North-America. The common Aloes of commerce is often known by the name of Socotrine Aloes, and is brought from the island of Socotra, in the Indian Ocean. This bitter medicinal substance is said to be ex- tracted from the leaves of tire plant. The Aloe is said to grow plentifully in Arabia Felix. The religion of Mahomet enjoins upon every Musulman to perform a pilgrimage to the temple of Mecca once in his lifetime. This flower blossoms but once, and this sometimes only after a period equal to the age of man. Hence the practice of placing a branch before the door, in conmiemoration of having performed this pil- grimage, and hence its emblematic signification of religious su- perstition. Some refer the Agave, or American Aloe, to the 7iatural order Bromeli^, the same of that of the Pine Apple. Others make it a genus of the natural order Narcissi, embracing the Galanthus, Amaryllis, Polyanthos, Narcissus, and the hke. The Agave virginica, ar American Aloe, is stemless : leaves with car- tilagenous seratures : scape very simple. '^^^' .M HOUSTO]\IA CJERIJI.EA. VENUS'S PRIDE, FORGET-ME-XOT, EYE-BRIGHT, HOUSTONIA, BLUETTS. CLASS, Tetamlria, iroju ORDER, Moiiogyiiia, from tesseres, four, aner, stamen. monos, one, gime, pistil. Because these flowers have Fottr Stamens and One Pistil, and are conse- quently of the Fourth Class and First Order of Linnaaus. Hoiutonia carulea, Venus' Pride. purpurea, Wbile Iluustonia. longi/olin. Purple Ilouslonia. These three Species are very abundant In New-Eiiglund, and are the only ones described as growing here. THE EMBLEM OF MELK AND QUIET HAPPINESS AND CONTENT. IIow often, modest flower, I mark thy tender blossoms when they spread, Aloup the- turfy slope, their starry bed, liung heavy with tbe shower. 'Tis but a f^pw brief days, I saw tbe ^reen hill in it.« I'uld of snow ; liut now thy slender stems arise and blow In April's fitful rays. Sweet llowi'r, thou tellest, how hearts As pure, and lender as thy lenf, — as low And humble as thy stem, will surely know The joy that peace imparls. Pciciral. In New-England, when the cold siornis of winter have passed away, and early spring, with its " sunshine and showers," has J HOUSTONIA CA-.RULEA. 129 returned, this lovely and; meek little flower is seen spreading over our pastures, and through the vallies. It stretches gaily along the turfy slope, forming a " starry bed" of pale blue, faint lilach, and sometimes of the purest white flowers. They are amongst the first flowers of May and June. They give great beauty to our fields and pastures, before the grass and herbage are sufficiently tall to liide them from the view. Tiiey are among the smallest flowers that are found. They grow in great profusion in almost all our uplands, of lighter soils. The flower has four little petals, forming a Maltese cross. Its little yellow anthers, also forming a cross in the centre, give it the ap- pearance of a tiny, or delicate little cup of gold, set in four beauti- ful pearls. Its generic appellation Houstonia was given in com- memoration of an eminent naturalist by the name of Houston. The other names Eye-bright, Venus's Pride, and Forget-me-not, had their orij^in undoubtedly in its curious and beautiful structure. It has sometimes, improperly, been called the ' American Daisy,' and is known occasionally, by the name of ' Bestings.' The spe- cific term C^rulea means sky-colour, or blue. It is well selected as the emblem of meek and quiet happi- ness. For it tells ' how hearts as pure and tender as its leaf, as low and humble as its stem, will surely know the joy that peace imparts.' Perhaps those persons, who have not had this charming floweret particularly pointed out to them, Avill recognize it more readily, if they are reminded that it often grows in such abun- dance in the fields, in April and May, as to give them, at a short distance, the appearance of having been visited by a slight flurry of snow. On closer inspection, however, it will Le seen that this whiteness proceeds from an innumerable multitude of little cross- shaped, blue, lilach, and sometimes white flowerets, of exquisite delicacy and beauty. P^The plant is not peculiar to New-England, but is found grow- ing in several other parts of the United States. The Houstonia, Miichella, Rubia, and Gallium, belong to the same natural order of plants, viz. the Order Rubiace^. The Venus's-Pride, or Houstonia C-vcnsis, Binriwred. Tlier« are ten or twelve $ptciet of the Convolvulus, with many var'eliej, fount! growiivt; in the Kasilern and Middle Slates of Nortb-Anierira. T«E EMBLEM OF WORTH SU.STAINED BY AFFECTION. Amonir the loose and arid sands, The bnnible arenarin creeps, Sliiwly (lie purple star expamls, Dut itoon williin its calyx sleeps. And these »m;dl b. lis, so lightly rayed With youn-r Aurora's rosv iiue. Are to ihc uiiontirle sun displayed. But shut their plaits acniiist the dew. On upland slopes the sUtpherds mark The liour, when, as the (tial true, Chiconium to the tuning lark Lifts hei' soft e.\es >erenely blue. And thou, ' WEE C BIMSO.N-TIPPED FLOWER," G.iiheresI thy fringed mantle round Thy bosom, at the closing hour When nighl-drops baihe the turfy ground. Smith. This beautiful vine t^r climber exists in several species, native in New-England. It grows wild in our fields and pastures, of- tea running upon hedges and fences. Several kinds are cul- Mou m:\-g-glory. 133 tivatecl in our gardens, and under our windows, for the beauty of their flowers, which are fotuid blue, purple, pink, wliite, and va- riegated. Sometimes they are seen wlnte, dehcately pencilled with blue or red. They are of a most delicate structure, and in shape somewhat resemble a speaking-trumpet, or fisherman's horn. The genus Convolvnlus consists mostly of plants, containing a milky juice, strongly cathartic and caustic. It is called Convolvulus, from the Ijatin Avord convolvo, to roll together, or twist up, because the plants twirl or twist around, as they climb up their supporters. The Jjilap, of medicine, is a species of the Convolvulus. It is a curious fact that the Carohna or Sweet Potato, so delicious as an esculent, belongs to the same Genus as the Jalap, so nauseous as a medicine. The Mirahilis Jalapa, Marvel-of-Peru, sometimes called also Marvel, Four-o'Clock, Noon-Sleep, and Bel de Nuit, is often known by the appellation of Low or Dwarf Morning Glory. The Convolvulus, or Morning Glory, French Bean, and many other plants having a voluble or twining stem, twist, or twirl around any thing that comes in their way, in a spiral manner ; — nor can any thing prevent them, from thus turning from right to left. No art or fopce can compel them to take a direction contrary to their natural one. Honeysuckle, on the contrary, and several other plants, turn their stems, in a different direction, from left to right, according to the apparent motion of the sun. These are equally refractory, in regard to taking a different direction. The genus Convolvulus belongs to the natural order Campa- nacxB, or Bell-flowers. The blossom.s of the Bind- weed are gener- ally white. Bell-flowers have a honey-cup in the bottom of the blossom. The border or circumference of the flower of the Morning-Glory folds upon itself when sleeping. This generally takes place in the middle of the day, it being open morning and even- ing. To the same natural order belong the Convolvuli, Ipomcea, Diapensia, Pyxidanthera, and Cuscuta. The Convolvulus is an extensive genus, and is indigenous to America, Europe, and India. As the pink variety are emblematic of worth, sustained by affection, so the blue is emblematic of repose. " Touch not this flower, 'tis sacred to repose." The Dwarf Morning-Glory, or Convolvulus stans, is erect, downy : leaves lance-oblong, accuminate, cordate, hind lobes obtuse : peduncle one~ flowered, long : bracts ovate, acute : floriforous below. CHI]\A PI]¥K. INDIAN-PINK, CHINESE-PINK, DIANTIIUS-CHINENSIS, CEILLET DE CHINA. CLASS, Decandria, from cZe/ca, ORDER, Digynia, from ten, and aner, stamen. dis, twice ; gune, pistil. Because these flowers have Ten Stamens and Two Pistils, and are conse- quently of the Tenth Class and Second Order of Linnaeus. Dianthus chinensiSj caryophillus, communis^ biiibdtiis, China Pink. Carnation. Con)n)on Pink. Sweel-Williani. Betide tliese, tliere are Two or Three other species of the Dianthus, with nuinerous va- rieties, found growing in ibe Eastern and Middle Stales of North-America. THE EMBLEM OF KINDNESS AND DIGNITY. I stopped henenlh the walls Of San-Mark's old cathedral halls, I rntered : — and beneath the roof Ten thousand wax-lights burnt on high. And incense from the censers fumed, As for some great solemnity. The white-rolled choristers were singing Their cheerful peals, the bells were ringing. Their deep-voiced music fliiat'-d round, As the f.ir arches sent forth sound, — The stately organ : — and fair bands Of young glils strewed, with lavish hands, Violets, and Pinks, the ancient floor. And saug, while scattering the sweei store. London. The generic term Dianthus, applied to this plant, as observed in another place, is from the Greek Dis, Jove, aad Anthos, flower, CHINA-PINK, 135 unitedly signifying " Jove's Flower." It was so named from its extraordinary beauty. Its specific appellations Chineiisis, Chinay and Indian Pink, was given it, because first introduced from Chi- na and India. The cultivated varieties of Pink are very nume- rous, exceeding, according to the catalogue of Mr. Prince, two hundred. The China Pink blossoms about the last of June or first of July. Its flowers appear in succession, till the middle of No- vember, or first of December, affording beauty and fragrance in abundance, even after almost all other flowers have disappear- ed. Its stalk rises twelve or fifteen inches in height, firm and upright, branching out on every side. It bears its flowers on the- top, solitary, and of all colours and variegations imaginable. This Pink, in our climate, is annual, or dies every autumn. The Genus Diaiithus includes the rich Carnation, with its spicy odour, the Sweet William, and the whole tribe of Pinks, in all their varieties. The blossoms of the Childing Sweet- William expand about eight in the morning, and close again about one in the af- ternoon. Nearly allied to the Pinks are the iScleranihus, Silene or Catchfly, Saponaria or Soapwort, often called Bouncing-Bet, the Cerastium or Mouse-ear Chick weed, and Agrostemma or Cockle so common among corn. The Silene behen is known by the name of Campion. The Sweet William has its flowers incorporated^ many of them unitedly forming a head, and the scales as long as the corolla, whereas in the Carnation they are short. The Carna- tion and Sweet-William, being perennial, are easily cultivated. The China and Single Pinks are annual, and must be sown every year. A flower-garden would hardly be deemed perfect without its pinks. The^poet says, " For us in autumn blows The Indian pink — the latest rose ;" implying that its beauty and loveliness are displayed in our behalf and for our pleasure. It has therefore been deemed a suitable symbol of benignity and kindness. -^ The China Pink, or Dianthus chinensis, has flowers solitary : scales of the calyx subulate, spreading, leafy, equaUing the tube : petals crenate : leaves lanceolate. SOLANUM, BITTF.R-SWEET, EGG-PLANT, LOVE-APPLE, TOMATOES, ATROPA-BELLADONNA, DAWLE, HORSE-NETTLE, THORN-APPLE, MAD-APPLE, GARDEN-NIGHT-SHADE, WiN TER-CHERRY, PALESTINE NIGHT-SHADE. CLASS, Pentandria, from pente^ ORDER, Monogynia, from five, and ancr, stamen. monos, one, and eune, pistil. Because these flowers have Fivr Stamens, and One Piaiil, and are conse- quently of the Fifth CL'iss aiid First Order of Linnaeus. Snlnnum nigmm, Peftdly Niglitshade. tuheroswn, Pdlnto. /i/capciiicum, LHl('in Clicrry. dtttcrimarn^ Bitler->\vet't. Thf re are jaid to t)p more than One Hundred Spfcirs of tliis (.'pruis. Six or Eipht of which are found growing in the l^asicrn and jAHddlc Stales of North-.\n)erica. THE EMBLEM OF SUriPlCKiN AND DAWK THOLGHTS. Mimn planl, dut five or six of which nre conimoDl}' fQQRit giowiu{ in the Kasl^rn and Kliddla Slates of Norlb America. Wood-Sorrel. Violet Wnod-Sorrel. Yellow Wood-Sorrel. ProruniUent WooIJE IVATER-IilliY. BLUE LOTUS, ORIENTAL LOTUS, NCI'HAR BLUEU, WATER-ROSE. BLUE CLASS, Polyandria, from polus, ORDER, Monogyniii, from mo- many, and aner^ stamen. iws, one, and giine, pistil. Because these flowers have Twenty or more Stamens, on the receptacle, and one Pistil, and consequently are of the Thirteenth Class, and First Orc/er of Linnneus. Iftiphar canilcn, Ni/mp/ian ndoiata, nine \Va(er-Lily. Pord Lilv. Kcilili>h Pond Lilv. There are but one or l-wn Species of the Wliilo Water Lily, i>r yymphtta, found growing in Jitir- England. There are three or four of the Ifuphar. THE EMBLEM OF BEAUTY AND PI RITY. Bright h,ind5 of E^'pt's fnir young pirls, To ihe lighted temple go. With thii'ie LiLiKs vvrcalhid in their gIos«y rurls. By Mills' dark slre.-im that grow, L. P.Smith. These virgin Liliks, nil Ihe nielit Bathing their benutles in the lake. That Ihey may rise more fresh and brieht. When their beloved suns awake. '/'. Moore. From heaven's dim ronravp shot a gnjden ray, Still lirighler and more bright it streamed. Then, lilie a thousand suns, re'i'lless gleamed, Whilst on Ihe plarid water lilooniing. And the sky perfuming. An opening Ldtu* rose, anti smiling spread flis blue skirts and vase of g. Though there is a near alliance between theye three gcncro, they differ in several respects. The Laburnum is tlie largest. Neither of them are natives of the United States, but both arc here sometimes cultivated for the beauty of their flowers. There are said to be Thirty Species of the genus Cytisus alone. Some make only twelve species. A kind of it is cultiva- ted as a timber tree in England. The Broom, or Genista^ is also cultivated there for its beautiful flowers. The Spartium scoparium is the Scotch Broom, and the Spartinm junceum, the Spanish Broom. The Brooms are generally evergreens ; the Laburnums, decidu- ous. Some of the Brooins are called indiscriminately, Genista, and Cytisus, though improperly. The Laburnum and some of the Brooms resemble, in appearance, a slender willow. One kind has drooping boughs, and bears a striking resemblance to the ' weeping-willow.' Pliny informs us that, in his time, " this shrub was used as food for cattle, causing cows to afford milk abundant- ly." The blossom is, generally, yellow. The Genista Canari- ensis of Linnaeus, originally brought from the Canary Islands, is sometimes called Rhodium,, from the Greek rodon, a rose, because its wood and roots afford a Rose- wood, that is said to smell like the most delicious Damask Rose. An essential oil is obtained from it and used as a perfume. These shrubs are much admired by the cottagers in Scotland. Two kinds grow in Great-Britain,— one native, and the other cul- tivated. We often find these flowers mentioned in poetry, in con- nexion with the jasmine, lilach, lily, and rose. One poet tells us, " the dark-leaved laburnums, in drooping clusters, reflect, athwart the stream, their yellow lustres." When sweeping over the roof of the low cottage, and shaking over it its "bright showers of golden bloom," this shrub appears enchantingly sweet. Though its flow- ers, when gathered, soon droop and fade, they leave a pleasant memory. They have hence been made the emblem of Grace AND REMEMBERED JoY. Others, from their drooping position, have deemed them ao emblem of Pensive Beauty. The Spanish Broom, or Sparthm junceum, has branches opposite, wand-like, bearing flowers at the end : leaves lanceolate, glabrous. LIIiY-OF-THE-VALIiEY. MAY-LILY, LILY-CONVALLEY, LILLUM CONVALLIUM, LE LIS, LYS, LIS DES VALLIS, LE MUGUET (a FOp), GIGLIO CONVALLIS, MAIANTHEMUM. CLASS, Hexandria, from Jic.r, ORDER, Monogynia, from six, and aner, stamen. monos, one, and gune, pistil. Because these flowers liave Six Stamens, and One Pistil, and are conse- quently of the 6th Class and First Order of Linnaeus. Convallaria majalit, multi/lora, an^istijolia, racemosa, bifolia, Lily of the Valley. Uinnt Solomon's Seal. Two-flowered S*)lomon Seal. Spiked Solomon Seal. Dwarf Solomon Seal. There are Twelve or Fifteen Specietof the Convallaria, with several varieties, (omdgrovring in the Eastern and Middle States of North-America. THE emble:m or simplicity and modesty. And there beside the babhllnf fount, The date its welcome sh.ndow threw, And many a child was seen to mount, And pluck the fruit that on it i:rvw. And with its broad and pendent boughs, The thickly-tufted sycamore. The imape of profound repose, Waved silently along the shore, And many roses bent their limbs to taste The wave that calmly floated by. And showed beneath, as purely glossed, A softer image of the sUy. And o'er the wilds that stretched away, To meet the sands now steeped with rain. The Lilies, in their proud array, With pictured brightness gemmed the plain. Percival. LILY OP THE VALLEY. 161 The Lily of the Valley is a small delicate plant, bearing a bell- shaped flower. Keats tells us, " No flower amid the garden fairer grows, than the sweet Lily of the lowly vale, the queen of flowers." The Genus Convallaria is divided into two parts, the first em- bracing the species having a cylindric corol, of a funnel-form, and stamens attached to the upper part of the corol. The second has corols bell or wheel-form, and stamens attached to the base of the corol. Most of the species of Convallaria are known by the appellation of Solomon's Seal. The single-flowered kind, that is known by this name, has a root which, when cut transversely, has the appearance of a signet, or seal. Hence its name of Sol- omon's seal. It is also called Sigillum ^olomonis and Lilium convalliian. The generic term Convallaria is from the Latin coji, with, or in, and vallum, a valley, because these flowers often grow in valleys and marshes. The term Maianthemum is from Maia, May, and authos, flower, meaning May-flower or May-Lily, because they are said to blossom in May. The common Lily of our fields of the genus Lilium is sometimes improperly called the Lily-of-the- Valley. The French term Muguet, Fop, is with much impropriety applied to this delicate flower. The genus is often found growing in shady places. Hence the poet tells us, " Seek the bank where flowering elders crowd, where, scattered wide, the Lily of the Vale its balmy essence breathes, where cowslips hang the dewy head, where purple violets lurk, with all the lovely children of the shade." Wordsworth says, that the " Lily of the vale is a shy plant, that loves the ground, and from the sun withholds her pensive beauty, from the breeze her sweets." Since " the Lily, in whose snow-white bells Simplicity delights and dwells," is delicate and sweet, and " screened from every ruder gale, in the lone copse or shadowy dale, it dwells the beauty of the vale," it has been made the symbol of Modesty, Sim- plicity, and Beauty. The Smilax, Asjmragus, Trillium, Gyromia, Dracana, and Convallaria, are all of the same ?iatural Order Asparagi. The Lily of the Valley, or Convallaria majalis, has a scape naked, smooth : leaveB oval-ovate. IflYRTIiE. MYRTUS, LE MYRTE, MYRTO. CLASS, Icosandria, from eikosi, ORDER, Monogynia, from twenty, and a7ier, stamen. monos, one, and gune, pistil. Because these flowers have Twenty or more Stamens inserted on the calyx, and One Pistil, and consequently are of the Twelfth Class and First Order of Linnaeus. Myrtut comtnunU, Common Myrtle. There are Thirty-tix Species, witb numerous varieties of the BIyrllt' THE EMBLEM OF HOPE AND LOVE. Is this the way To free roan't spirit from the deadening; sway Of worldly sloth ? — to leach him, while he lives. To know no bliss, but tbat which virtue gives, And when he dies, lo leave his lofty name, A light, a landraarli on the cliffs of fame ? It was not so, land of the geneious thought, And airy deed ! thy godlike sages taught, It was not thus, in bowers of wanton ease, Thy freedom nursed her sacred energies : Ob 1 not beneath the enfeebling, withering glow Of such dull luxury, did these Myrtles grow. With which she wreaihed her sacred sword to dare Immortal deeds ; but in the bracing air Of toil, of temperance, of that high, rare. Ethereal virtue which alone can breathe Life, health, and lustre into Freedom's wreath. Prophet ofKhora THE MYRTLE. 163 The generic term Myrtus, Myrtle, is from the Greek imirta signifying myrrh, because several species of the genus are sup- posed to resemble myrrh in smell. The genus is composed of small trees and shrubs. The com- mon myrtle, or Myrtus communis^ is well known, and is admired as an agreeable shrub. It is native of Asia, Africa, and Southern Europe. It was a great favourite among the ancients for its elegant flow- ers, and its evergreen sweet leaves. It was sacred to Venus, the goddess of Love, perhaps on account of its growing near the sea, out of which she is said to have risen. The Bay -berry, or Tallow- tree, so common in Newengland, as likewise the Pepper-tree of Jamaica, {Myrtus ipymenta) are both of the same genus Myrtle, The natural order Myrtus embraces the Philadelphus as well as the Myrtus. The Myrtle and Willow are particularly poetic plants. The Jewish writers often mention them. The myrtle grows very plentifully in Syria. It flourishes most near the sea. Savary tells us it is very abundant near Catania, and that " Myrtle, inter- mixed with Laurel roses,^^ abound in the vallies, and give pecu- liar beauty to the surrounding scenery. The leaf of the laurel, and flower of the myrtle, contrast with each other " very finely, and flowers of the latter emit perfumes more exquisite than the rose." They enchant every one, and the soul is filled with the softest emotions. Hence, and from its being sacred to the goddess of beauty and love, it has been made the emblem of Love. The Myrtle was anciently used in medicine. Its leaves were used in cooking, and its branches were put into wine. Wreaths and garlands and crow^ns of Myrtle are to be met with every where in poetry. There we find the myrtle " diff'using its balmy es- sence" and " od'rous sweets," with " buds of roses, and a thou- sand fragrant posies," The altar of Pan, the god of shepherds, was crowned with it, and the magistrates of Athens wore it as a symbol of author- ity. Spears were made of its wood, swords were wreathed with it, and bloodless victors were crowned with it. The first day of April, dedicated to Venus, was celebrated with flowers and myrtle wreaths. The Myrtle, or Myrtus communis has flowers solitary : involucre two- leaved : leaves ovate. SENSITIVE PLANT, HUMBLE PLANT, LIVING PLANT. VIVE, SENSITIVE HERB, MIMOSA SENSITIVA. HERBE CLASS, Polygamia, from polus, ORDER, Monceceia, from monos, many, and gamos, marriages. one, and oikos, habitation. Because these flowers are hermaphrodite, either upon the same or different plants, and also flowers of 07ie se.T,oT both sexes, jjromiscuously are found on the plants, in a kind of polygamy, and this polygamy is on one and the same plant, and consequently the jjlants are of the 23d Class and 1st Order of Linnaeus. Mimosa sensativa, Sensitive Plant. „ pudica, IVIiniosa. There art said to be Eighty-Five Species, with numerous varieties, of this curious plant already described. THE EMBLEM OF PRUDLRY, TIMIDITY, AND COURTESY. A Sensitive Plant in a g'arden grew, And the young winds fed it with silver dew, And it opened its fnn-like leaves to the light, But closed tbeiu beneath the kisses of night. Shelly. Look, with nice sense the chaste Mimosa stands. From each rudp touch withdraws her timid bands. Oft, as light clouds o'erpass the summer glade. Alarmed, she trembles at the moving shade. And feels alive, through all her tender form. The whispered murmurs of the gathering siorm ; Shuts her sweet eyelids to approaching night, And bails with freshened charms the rising light. Daitoin. Whence does it happen that the plant, which well We name the Sensiltve, should more and feel ? Whence know her leaves to answer her command. And with quick horror fly the neighbouring band .' Prior. MIMOSA. 165 The generic term Mimosa is from the Greek mimns^ a inimic or buffoon, because these plants were supposed to mimic creatures endowed with sensation. Some of the Mimosas are of the size of large trees. There are one or two, of the numerous species of this wonderful genus found in our gardens, that present a very curious phenomenon. When the leaves or branches are touched, even the most slightly, they shrink and very briskly alter their position. The branches fall, and the leaves collapse, or fold together. This is done so in- stantaneously, that the plant seems almost as if endowed with hfe and sensibility. Hence the name " Sensitive Plant." The French call such plants Herhes vives, or living plants. The Mimosa sensitiva, a native of Brazil, is a woody shrub, rising seven or eight feet in height, and bearing pale purplish flowers, on short pedu?icles or foot-stalks. The flowers generally make their appearance in three or four globular heads. The leaves of the plant, w^hen touched, move slowly. The footstalks instan- taneously fall. There is a kind of this plant, growing on the plains in the East Indies, on the mountains of Yemen, and in several other parts of Asia, of a magnificent size, called the Elcuya. It is said to be so irritable, as to " bow to all who seek its canopy, or retire for shelter to its shade." When approached by any person, its branches collapse or drop, seeming to bow to the passing trav- eller, as in respect. Hence the name Humble Plant, and its em- blematic signification Courtesy. The poetry quoted explains why it has been made the symbol of Timidity and Prudence. The flowers of the Elcuya yield a rich fragrance. This, to- gether with the pleasing shade it affords in these sultry regions, renders it a peculiar favourite. The poet tells us, " Mimosa's feathery leaves receive a shock, even if a breath of summer wind, when it has spent itself, blows on it." Naturalists, says Dr. Dar- win, have not explained the immediate cause of the collapsing of the Sensitive Plant. " Perhaps it may be owing to a numbness, or paralysis, consequent to loo violent irritation, Uke faintings of an- imals, from pain or fatigue." The most sensitive or irritable part seems to be the footstalks, between the stems and leaflets. The Sensitive Plant, or Mimosa sensitiva, is prickly : leaves pinnate ; leaflets in pairs ; inmost ones minute. I l$T0€K-GIIiIiIFIi01¥£R. GILLIFLOWER, DIANTHUS, OEILLET, GIROFLEE, JULY-FLOWER. CLASS, Decandria, from deca, ORDER, Digynia, from dis, ten, aner, stamen. twice. gu7ie, pistil. Because these flowers have Ten »S*/a7??e?rs, and Two Pistils, and conse- quently are of the 10th Class, and 2(1 Order of Linnaeus. Dianthui plumarius, „ deitoides, „ barbatU3, Phlox rubutaius, Silene pcnnsylvanica, Sinfrle Pink. Alaiden Pink. Sweel William, or Poetic Pink. Moss Pink. Pennsvlvania Pink. There are Fire or Sii 5;)cn these several parts can be pointed out only by the colour, for in niort liliaceous plants the calyx and corolla are ronnectcd. Of U)21 genera known in the time of Professor Alston, 673 had a perianth, 72 a spatha, 25 an involucre, 29 a glume, 18 an ament, 3 a clyptra, and lit) want a calyx altogether. HONEY. 29. The scretioii of Honey is not absolutely confined to the flower. The glands on the footstalks of the Passion-flower yield it. It exudes from the flower-stalks of some liliaceous plants. There has been much diversity of opinion in regard to the use of this sweet viscid hquor. Pon- te.lra supposed it wis aljsorbed by the seeds for nourishment. Darwin supposed the ho.iey to be the food of the stamens and pistils. Dr. Smith supposes its sole use, with respect to the plant, to tempt insects who in procuring it, fertilize the flower, by distributing the dust of the .stamens among the pistils. It is often lodgitJ in spuns, horns or cells, quite out of the reach of the stamens and pistils, and barren flowers produce it as well as fertile ones. It is not therefore probably designed for the nour- ishment of those central orsrans. DIFFERENT KINDS OF FLOWERS. 30. Flowers, though various, may be distinguished in several ie.-;pects into differently formed classes, having a common resemblance. Several large and in some respects very natural divisions are sometimes made, in- to such as Liliaceous or Lily-like flowers, Cruciform or cross-shaped flowers. Papilionaceous or butterfly-shaped. Labiate or lip-shaped, Personate or mask-like, and Ringent or gaping. There is also a large family that are termed Compound flowers, in opposition to those call- ed Simple flowers, and another collection known by the name of Rosa- cious or Rose-like, because of their resemblance to the Rose. 31. The Hexandrous class embraces by far the greater part of the Liliaceous tribe. These flowers are generally destitute of a calyx or cup, that so frequently accompanies other flowers. The stems are sim- ple and unbranched, the leaves entire, never cut, or divided. The Lily, Tulip, Hyacinth, Daflbtlil, Crocus, Snow-drop, Onion, Leek, dec, are of I DIEPERENT KINDS OF FLOWERS. 177 this class. The stamens are generally sia:, though sometimes only thre&, — six petals, a triangular germ, with three cells, — many of the roots partake more or less of the nature of bulbs, either squamous or tuni- cated. This being recollected, there will be little difficulty in recogni- zing a Liliaceous flower. 32. The Cruciform or cross-shaped flowers, from the Latin crux a cross, are mostly of tlie Tetrad7jnamia or 15th class. They are read- ily known by the four petals they produce in the form of a cross, whence they have derived their name. Many of them have become very double, and arc with difficulty distinguished, as the Pink, Rose, Stock, Wallflower, &.c. \\\ which the stamens have been transformed iiito petals, or given place, as in several pinks, to almost an innumera- ble quantity of j)etals or flower-leaves. 33. The Papilionaceous flowers derive their name from the Latin Papilio, signifying a butterfly, because these flowers are supposed to re- semble butterflies. They are sometimes termed LeguminoscB because the legumen or pod is their uniform seed-vessel. The Pea, Bean, &c. are of this family. All flowers are said to be regular or irregular. These are termed irregular. Regular flowers present a symmetry and equality in all their parts, each portion forming the segment of a circle, as the Rose, Tulip, Pink, &.c. There is no distinction into upper and lower part, or into right and left, as in the irregular, of which the Pea, Bean, Locust, and other Papilionaceous flowers, pre.seni us with exam- ples. In the tribe of Leguminosce or Papilionaceous flowers, are in- cluded, besides the Beans, Peas, &c. Lentils, Lupines, Vetches, Lu- cern, Saintfoin, Indigo, Liquorice, Honey-locust, Coffee-bean, Cas- sia, and many other flowers. 34. The Labiate flowers, are so named from the Latin labium^ a lip, because their opening or expansion, or both, has been supposed to re- semble the lips of the mouth. They were called ringeiU or gaping flowers by Linnoeus, because they appeared to him like so many little projecting mouths, divided into an appropriate up{>er and lower lip. This tribe by some, has been separated into two oi-ders. 1st, The labiate^ or ringent properly so called, when the entrance into the corolla or blos- .som is always open. 2d. The personate, or masked, from the Latin persona, a mask, because the orifice of these is always closed by a prominent palate or mask. The Ground-Ivy, {Glechoma hederacea) Balm, Calaraint, &c. are specimens of perfect Labiate flowers, and to this 178 DIFFERENT KINDS OF FLOWERS. (iUTiily belong also the Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, Muit, Lavender, Horehound, Hyssop, Basil, Marjorum, Selfheal, Deadnettle, &c. To the personate, or masked division, belong the Foxglove, Toadflax, Snapdragon, Bignonia, Pen(>temon, &c. 35. To the Rosaceous flowers^ from the Latin rasa a rose, belong not only all the Roses, but the flowers ol" almost all our orchard fruit- trees. The stamens are numerous and are attached to the calyx, either immediately or with the corolla, which consists commonly of five petals, in the apple-tribe. The Apple, Pear, Q,uince, Prune or Plum, Laurel, Almond, Peach, Nectarine, Pomegranate, Service, Medlar, Raspber- ry, Dewberry, Thimbleberry, Strawberry, Potentilla or Cinquefoil, sometimes called Five-finger and Barren-StraAvberry, wild Strawber- ry, &c. all belong to the Rosaceous foxcers. They are so named from a general resemblance to the flower of the Rose. 36. Compound flowers have in part been explained in the Introduc- tion. They are in fact an aggregation, often of some hundreds of mi- nute flowers or florets, often provided with a corolla, stamens, styles, and seed of their own, all situated on a common basement or receptacle. The floscules in the centre are collectively termed the disc or disk of the flower, and those of the margin or border the ra]/. Each floscule or flo- ret will be found, if Ave examine a SunfloAver, or the head of an Oxeye Daisy or Whiteweed, to contain Avithin its little tubular or tubelike co- rolla, another yellow tube, formed of five anthers in the form of a cylin- der. At their base the filaments appear distinct, and are elastic. Through the centre of this tube of anthers, passes the style terminated by a bifid, reflected stigma. Below is attached the germ which becomes the seed. The seed in the Dandelion and many others is crowned with a downy plume for transporting the seed. 37. The Avhite rays of the border that appear like bits of tape, are also so many distinct florets or little flowers. They are not so perfect as the central or tubular ones, for they are often wanting in one of the es- sential parts of fructification, viz the stamens or pistils. These margi- nal florets are commonly toothed or indented, and cleft open nearly to their base. Outside of these, is the common or general calyx or cup. These are the general features of a Compound flower. 38. The florets of compomid flowers do not all expand at once, but begin at the margin, and open successively towards the disc, often dur- ing a period of several days. The florets of all compound flowers are PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 179 either tubular with a tooth border, or strap-shaped, appearing as if split open and spread out but retaining still the toothed extremity. 39. Some flowers are made up entirely of the semi-flosculous or strap-shaped florets, as the Dandelion, Succory or Elue-weed, Sow-this- tle, Lettuce, &c. and some are formed entirely of the tubular florets, as the Wormwood, Burdock, Artichoke, Thistles, «S!;c. The former are termed semi-Jiosculons or halved flowers, and the latter Jiosculous flow- ers. 40. Some flowers are formed of them both, and are termed radiate or rayed-Jiowers. Of this kind is the Oxeye Daisy or Whiteweed, Sunflower, Marygold, and the like. The ray florets are often of a dif- ferent colour from those of the disk as in the White-weed and Sunflow- er. These ray florets are generally provided with a style and stigma, but are destitute of anthers. In some flowers, as the Sunflower, they are destitute everi of a style, but in others as the Marygold, the flat rays afford the perfect seed, while the florets of the disk are abortive or bar- ren. The essential character of all compound flowers, is the union of the anthers into a tube. This circumstance sufficiently distinguishes this great natural tribe of flowers, that have been accordingly termed syngenesious. 41. There is a very natural assemblage of plants, termed Umbellate from the Latin umhella an umbrella, because they send off branches like the sticks or frame of an umbrella. The Carrot, Parsnip, Hemlock, Fennel, Dill, Carraway, Cheveril, Skerret, &c. are of this family. Some of them are very poisonous and some are used as articles of diet. PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 42. There are two methods of propagating plants. First, by re- productio7i : Second, by continuation. A plant is reproduced when it grows immediately from the seed. The potato is reproduced, when the seed is taken from the berry, planted, and grows. Apple-trees are repro- duced in nurseries from seeds. 43. A plant is continued, when the parts taken from its roots, stem, branches, buds, or other parts, are transferred to different places, and so cultivated as to continue to grow in several places at the same time. Thus the Uving branches or twigs of the same apple-tree, may continue to wrow from the original root, and from hundreds of other roots in dif- 180 PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. ferent countries, at the same time : and it is a fact now well established, eays Eaton, that these twigs or grafts, however recently inserted, fed the effects of age in the same degree, with the twigs remaining on the original stalk. Dr. Smith thinks this hypothesis inadmissible. 44. The operation called Grafting, consists in uniting the branches of two or more separate trees. This is performed in various ways^ A more common practice called budding or inoculating is performed by inserting a bud of one tree, accompanied by a portion of its bark, into the bark of another. The tree thus engrafted upon, is called the stock. By this means different kinds of fruit, as, apples, pears, plums, and dif- ferent flowers, each of which is only a variety accidentally raised from the seed, but no farther perpetuated in the same manner, are multiplied. The buds of the kind wanted' to be propagated, may be engrafted on so many stocks of a wild nature. It is of primary importance in these op- erations that the liber or young bark of the bud, and that of the stock should be accurately united by their edges. The air and wet must of course be excluded. 45. It is also reqm'site (or the success of this operation that the plants should be nearly akin. Varieties of the same species succeed best of all. Apples and pears, however, two different species of the same genus, may be grafted on one stock. The Fringe-tree succeeds well on the common Ash, and is thus often propagated in our gardens. There is a story of a Black Rose being produced by grafting a com- mon rose on a black-currant stock. The rose \ailgarly reported to be BO produced is the dark Double-Velvet-Rose, a variety of the Rosa, centifolia. Maltese Oranges, famed ibr their red juice, are said to be produced by budtling the Pomegranate stock with the common Or- ange. Dr. Smith thinks these reports of the Orange and Black rose, fabulous and without foundation. The Bergamot tree is the Orange engrafted upon the Pear. 46. The roots of potatoes continue in succession, in their native tor- rid regions, year after year, for a limited period, like the Malaxis, and some other of the Orchis family in our latitude. Agriculturists and gardeners aid their progress by housing the root? in winter, and setting them in the earth again in the spring season. In due time however, the effects of age become manifest to the cultivator, and he finds it necessa- ry to reproduce this useful plant from the seed. The Lombardy Poplar is becoming enfeebled by age, in oinr country so that very recent shoots PLANTS FROM SEED. 181 will hardly withstand a severe winter. The reason, says Eaton, is manifest. " There has never been a pistilate tree introiKiced from Europe : consequently this tree has never been reproduced here, from the seed. We therefore see but the feeble limbs of an exile in dotage, though yet sustained in a thousand localities." GROWTH OF PLANTS FROM SEED. 47. If a seed be immersed in warm water, for a considerable time and then subjected to a high magnifying power, the elementary form of the future plant may be seen. In some seeds, even the embryo of the fxitnre Jlower becomes manifest. Therefore it may not be absurd to say, that the germination and growth is affected by the developement of the embryo plant, contained in the seed. This developement goes on by means of successive supplies of nutriment, which are taken into the or- ganized structure adapted to their reception. 48. Hence the importance of furnishing plants with suitable nutri- ment, and of placing them in situations where tliey may imbibe it for their growth. Hence the practice of manuring, mixing soils, watering^ housing, and cultivating plants in all the various forms, and hence the origin of Green Houses, Hot Beds, and Hot Houses. 49. A certain degree of heat is essential to the germination and growth of plants. No plant can germinate, or grow, where the tem- perature is as low as 32 degrees of Fahrenheit. Accordingly Gardeners and Florists have created Green Houses, and Hot Houses, for maintain- ing a due degree of temperature in cold weather. 50. The temperature most favourable to vegetsition ranges from 60 to 80 degrees of Fahrenheit. We therefore see most vegetation in the spring and summer moQths, when the weather is warm. The pre- cise degree of heat required however varies with the nature of the plant. This circumstance accounts for the difference in the season of the year, at which different seeds begin to germinate, and different plants to grow. Too much heat, such as tliat of boiling water, which is 212 deg. Fahrenheit, prevents germination, and vegetation altogether, by depriving the germ and plant of the vital principle. Plants have a tendency to preserve a uniform temperature and to resist heat and cold. Hence fruits and leaves situated in the sun, preserve them- selves cool, while surrounding objects are heated. In the island of Lu- ^°2 HOT BEDS. con, is a rivulet springing from the earth, the temperature of whose waters is 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Yet the lltej: and Aspafathus grow upon its banks, and sweep its waters with tlieir roots. In the island of Tonna, near a volcano where the earth is heated to 200 deg. of Fahrenheit, the ground is covered with flowers. Again, in Swe- den and Lapland near the North Cape, are Pines, Firs, and Birches, and in latitude 69 near the. Frozen Ocean, the ground, in July is cov- ered with grass and flowers, though it is not thawed above four inches from the surface, bejieath which is a solid body of ice. There are at lea.st thirty species of plants in the island of Spitzbergen. Moisture and the presence of oxygen gas are also necessary to vegetation. 51. The influence of light which is so favourable to all the subse- quent stages of vegetation, is very injurious to the progress of germina- tion. Therefore Seeds are buried in the earth when they are desired to germinate. 52. From what has been remarked then, it is apparent that when seeds are placed an inch or two under the surface of the earth, in spring, and are covered loosely, they are favourably disposed for germination. For the ground is warmed, by absorbing the solar-rays, to 60 or 80 deg. the seeds are moistened by occasional showers, the earth protects them from light, and by its porosity, at the same time, give fi'ee access to the air, which contains the oxygen required. HOT BEDS. 53. Hot Beds are usually formed in March, by marking out a bed corresponding in size, with the size of the frame intended to cover it. This is often 6 feet in length, by 3 feet in breadth. It is covered with sashes of 12 panes each of 7 by 9 gla.ss. The sashes are hung with hinges, upon the back side, for the convenience of opening. These sashes incline downward.'!, from the back side about 6 inches. The box or frame should be tight on all sides. It may be about 12 inches in height in front, and 18 in the rear. 54. The bed should be covered with litter from the horse-stable, well trodden down in several layers, until it is raised to the height wished. At last, cover this bed of layers with a layer of earth, or rich mould, from 9 to 12 inches in thickness, setting on the frame, and in the course of 8 or 10 days it will be ready for planting. It is sometimes necessary to admit fresh air, where the fermentation is very powerful. 1 BULBOUS ROOTS. iS3 55. The degree ol" heat may be ascertained by plaring the hand upon the bed, or thrusting it into it. The temperature is easily lower- ed by raising the lights in the frame, until you have obtained the right degree. 56. Many tropical plants cannot endure the winter in our latitude. The Stock-Gillyflowers, Wall-flowers, Polyanthus, Scarlet Colutea, Auricula, Myrtle, and Carolina Jasmine, will require to be transplant- ed into flower-pots, and be housed. They should be kept where they can be exposed to the light, either in a warm cellar, or in a frame. CULTIVATION OF FLOWERS WITH BULBOUS ROOTS. 57. Bulbous roots should, in general, be placed in a light, rich soil, mixed with a tolerable proportion of sea-sand. The compost commonly used is one third fine sand, one sixth rich loam, one third stable manure, and one sixth leaves of trees. The two last named articles are to be well rotted, and at least two years old. The beds should be formed two feet deep, being raised four or six inches above the garden, to turn ofl[ the rain. The best time for planting bulbs is in October or November, though it will do if delayed until the first of December. 58. The distance at which Hyacinths should be placed from each other is about six inches. The bulb should be placed in fine sea-sand, and covered with it. After they are thus planted, the bed should be carefully covered with earth four inches in depth. When winter sets in, or about the middle of December, cover these beds with straw, sea-weed or leaves four or five inches deep. A part of this ought to be removed, however, about the middle of February, and the remainder during the month of March. If there be too much protection, the bulbs will be in- jured. 59. When these plants blossom, their bells may be supported by small sticks. They should be protected from heavy rains and an intense vertical sun. When the blossoms are faded and the flowering season is over, the flower-stems should be cut off". The buds should be left, un- til the leaves are nearly dry, when the bulbs are to be taken up and the leaves cut off, half an inch from the top of the bulb. They are then replaced, (sideways) with the fibres on in the earth, and again covered with it. They should there be allowed to remain and gradually dry for a month, and then be taken up, cleared from the earth and fibres, and 184 BULBOUS ROOTS. cacli bulb uTappod in a separate paper, and kept dry, or packed in dry «ind. 60. Should the flowers be desired to decorate the parlour in the winter, they ought to be planted in September. They should be placed in deep, narrow pots, six inches in diameter at the top, and about one third deeper than common flower-pote. Tlie bulb should be just covered with the kind of soil before described. The watering should be from the top, but the pots may be allowed, twice a week, to stand in sau- cers filled with soft water. They ought to have as much Kun and air as possible. They should never, liowever be allowed to feel the di- rect influence of fire. When the plants begin to blossom, the earth may be kept almost constantly saturated with moisture. The bulbs may be preserved, when they have done blossoming, as before directed. 61. The Single Hyacinth is generally preferable to the double, for early flowering. Many of them, arc two or three weeks sooner in bloom. Their flowers are more numerous and brilliant than those of the double. 62. Tulips are hardier than H}aciiiths. The}" are generally plantetl three or four inclics apart, and covered with earth two or three inches deep. 63. The Polyanthus Narciasus, is among the most delicate and ten- der of bulbs. These bulbs should be very carefully protected from the frost. They may be planted six or eiglit inches deep, and about eight inches apart from each other. They ought to be taken up soon after blossoming, otherwise they are liable to sutler during the winter. 64. The Rauuiiculus, Anemone, Oxalis, and Dogs-tooth Videt, should be planted at the depth of one incli. ^he Bulbous Iris, Cro- cus, Arum, Small Fritillaria, Tiger-flower, Gladiolus, and Snow- drop, two inches. Tulip, Double Narcissus, Jonquille, Colchjcum, and Snow-flake, three inches. Hyacintii, Amaryllis, Martagon, and otlier large Lilies, and Paeonies, four inches. The Cro^vn Imperial, and Polyauithus Narcissus, five inches. 65. In making tlie estimate of tliese depths, admeasurement sbould always be taken from the top of tlie bulb. The rows should be eight or ten inches apart, and tlie roots about six or seven distant from each oth- er, varying with the size of the flower. The bulbous roots most fre- quently selected for parlour flowers, in winter, are the Roman Narei»- BU8, Double Jonquille, Polyanthus Narcissus, Double Narcissus, Crocus, BULBOUS ROOTS. 185 and Single Hyacinths. Some of the earUest Double Hyacinths are liowever sometimes selected, although they blossom some time later than the single. 66. Hyacinths intended for winter, should be placed in glasses, about the middle of November. The glasses should be previously filled with pure water. The bottom of the bulb when placed in the glass, may just touch the water. When thus situated, they are to be placed, for the first ten days, in a dark room, to promote the shooting of the roots. They then must be exposed to the light and sun as much as possible. Although they will blossom without the influence of the sun, the colours of the flowers will be greatly inferior, should they bloom in the shade. 67. The water, when it becomes impure, should be changed. The roots should be taken from the glasses, and their fibres rinsed in clean water, and the glasses well washed inside. Great care must be taken that the water in the glasses be not allowed to freeze, as it bursts the glasses and destroys the roots. Soft, clear rain water is preferable for such roots. Other pure water will, however, answer. 68. Nosegays when they have been kept for a considerable time, may often be, in a degree, restored in this way, by a change of the wa- ter in the glasses, in which their ends are inserted. They are benefitted by this change on the same principle as bulbous roots. Flowers almost dry, may sometimes be temporarily restored, by covering them with a glass bell or cup, or substituting warm water instead of cold. 69. The only advantage gained by taking up bulbs after blooming, (TuUps excepted) is, either to divide the roots, when too numerous, or to renew a worn-out soil. Neither of these can occur oftener than once in three or four years. 70. Bulbs are subterranean organs somewhat analogous to buds. They usually have numerous fibres or radicles attached to their inferior surfaces. Though they do not in all respects seem to belong to roots, they are usually regarded, and described as such. 71. Three varieties are commonly enumerated. 1st. The scaly bulb, as that of the Lily. 2d. The tunicated or coated, as that of the Onion. 3d. The solid, as that of the Crocus or English Saffron. 72. Bulbs, like buds, enclose the embryo of the future plant, and protect it until the period of its evolution arrives. In this respect they perform the office of buds. Many of them arie .composed pf concentric AA 186 BULBOUS ROOTS. scales, nearly allied to those of the buds which secure the tender leaves and flowers of northern regions from the rigours of winter, to which they would otherwise be exposed. 73. They also bear some analogy to the tuberous root, and, whether we consider them as buds or roots, the plants to which they are attached will always be regarded with peculiar interest, as among the most splen- did ornaments of our gardens. 74. These plants are often among the earliest harbingers of spring, embracing the Snowdrop, Lily, Tulip, Hyacinth, and about 40 other beautifully flowering plants. 75. We cannot fail to observe, while examining the curioiis organi- zation of different roots, with what apparent care the plants of another year are protected, and the species secured against the various chances of destruction. ROOTS IN GENERAL. 76. Plants generally grow from the earth, and have a root that attaches them to it. The design of this is undoubtedly to fix the plant to its place, and to draw up nourishment for its support. It generally plunges into the earth, and its small fibres suck up the elements that eventually go for the growth and developement of the plant. 77. This appendage is very various in form, and has received differ- ent appellations according to its shape. When it plunges downward, ta- pering like the Carrot, Parsnip, and the like, it is said to be fimform^ or spindle-shaped, from the Latin/«s?s, a spindle. 78. Sometimes the root runs horizontally under the earth, as in the Mint, the root sending up frequent shoots or stems ; and is termed creeping {repens). Sometimes like the stem it is divided, and is termed branching. 79. The small fibres that grow from the main root are termed rad- icles, from the Latin diminutive radiada, little root. If the root con- sist of fleshy knobs, as that of the potato, artichoke, and the like, it is term- ed a tuberous root, from the Latin tuber, a knob. 80. Two or more of these tubers connected at their bases form what is termed the palmate root, from the Latin palma, the hand, because somewhat resembling the hand with the fingers extended. 81. Several roots bundled together are said to be fasciculated from 4 ROOTS IN GENERAL. 187 the Latin fascicula, a bundle of rods. Tlie two last named varieties are exmplified in the different kinds of Orchis. 82. The root is occasionally found abruptly discontinued, appearing as if broken or bitten ofl', as in the Devils-bit. Such roots are termed ab- rupt or prsemorse, from the Latin prcemurdeo, to bite off. 83. Several small knobs or grains are sometimes seen strung along the radical fibres like beads on a string, as in the roots of the Wood- Sorrel, or Oxalis. Such are said to be gratmlated, from the Latin granula, a grain. 84. If the root assume the form of a ball or bulb, as that of the Tu- lip, Hyacinth, and the like, and be composed of several concentric coats or layers, like the Onion, it is said to be tunicated, from the Latin tuni- ca^ a tunic or short coal. 85. When scaly, as in some grasses, it is termed squamous bulb, from the Latin squmnum, the scales of a fish. 86. The Epidendrum., or FloAver-of-the-Air, indigenous to the East Indies, is an extraordinary plant. It grows abundantly on the banks of the Ganges, where it is gathered by the Hindoo as an ornament to his cottage. It is said to vegetate for years, hung upon the ceiling of the Indian's dwelling, with no other nourishment than that which it de- rives from the air of the room. It communicates a delightful fra- grance. 87. The Love-Vine or Dodder, is easily recognized by the golden colour of its thread-like and leafless stems. After springing from the earth, it seizes upon the first tree or plant in its reach. Rising, it penetrates the bark with its roots. The lower part of the plant then perishes, and it continues to derive its nourishment entirely from the supporter. 88. The Misletoe of our Southern States, and of Europe, never grows upon the earth, but upon other plants, such as the Apple-tree and Oak. It sends its roots deeply into the bark and wood of those trees to Avhich it adheres, creeping extensively beneath their surface. 89. This plant abstracts the nourishment of its supporter and appropri- ates it to its own purposes. The Druids, deemed this plant sacred, es- pecially when growing upon the Oak. They entertained the supersti- tious belief, that it was the " immediate gift of Heaven, sent down to a- vert the numerous evils to which men are in this life exposed." 90. Duhamel, Decandolle and others, have made some interesting ex- 188 ROOTS IN GENERAL. periments on several of the tribe of parasitic plants. From observa- tions, they entertain the opinion that the Misletoe, and several other parasites, do not exhaust the plants on which they grow. 91. They believe them to increase the power of their supporters to elevate the sap in the same degree as they take it from them by absorp- tion, so that no has is sustained by the plants to which they attach them- selves. Some plants float in the water without any attachment of their roots, and gather their food as they swim, from the surrounding element. The Spanish Beard, TiUandsia, Beech Drops, and several kinds of Moss, groAV upon trees, and doubtless injure them by absorbing their nourishment. 92. 1 n determining the soil to which different plants are best suited, some opinion may be formed from the shape of their roots. As a gene- ral rule we may say, that : 93. Those roots which descend deeply into the earth all require a deep soil, and that the ground be deeply furrowed. 2d. Such as spread widely and creep extensively near the surface, will flourish in a light and thin soil, and do not require deep furrowing. 3d. Those that pen- etrate deeply for nourishment, being furnished with bulbs as a guard a- gainst drought, and abundant radicles for the absorption of moisture and food, will succeed on sandy plains, being suited to a dry soil. Such are secured against the vicissitudes of moisture and dryness. 94. Too little attention has generally been paid to the time and place of planting. Every seed has its proper time for germinating, as well as its proper place for growth. It should ever be remembered, that to every seed there is a requisite degree of heat, and moisture, be- yond which it will not grow or thrive. The patches of vegetation that stud the deserts of Africa, with here and there a verdant spot, could no more flourish in Greenland, than the snows of the latter could remain undissolved beneath the vertical sun of the former. 95. The degree of heat necessary to make the seed of a parsnip, turnip, or cabbage germinate, will rot that of a cucumber, melon or squash, and where the latter would grow and flourish, the seeds of many tropical plants would perish, without manifesting signs of vegeta- tion. Most vegetables thrive better to shift the ground, every year, al- ternately for diflTerent sorts. Each kind, is supposed to draw a some- what different nourishment from the soil. Some crops, however, as the Onion, do better to continue cultivating them continually on the same spot. SOWING OF SEEDS. 189 SOWING OF SEEDS. 96. The seeds of annual plants must be soAvn in a rich earth, finely pulverized. The season of sowing should be regulated by the species of plants. The borders of gardens and walks, where tliey are to be sown, should be previously well dug with a trowel or small spade. The earth, after being broken, must be made light and the surface even. The seeds ought to be covered with fresh eaith, an inch or two in depth, small seeds not so deep as this, and some few large ones a little deeper. 97. The most delicate plants are often sown in pots, as the Migno- nette, Cypress-vine, &c. Plants should not be allowed to grow too thickly, and if they are so, should be regularly thinned, to give room for their more luxuriant growth. When the ground becomes dry it may be watered with soft Avater, poured from a watering pot, finely pierced, that it fall not heavily and harden the ground, 98. Pot plants should not be exposed to the sun all day, but only till 11 or 12 o'clock in the forenoon. They may then be removed to the shade. Some persons sift the mould intended for pots, through a coarse wire sive. Many plants as the Balsams, Asters, Globe Ama- ranths, Ice-plants, Marygolds, Chrysanthemums, Coxcombs, Stocks, E- ternal-fiowers, &c. may be transplanted from beds into Flowerpots, in June or early in July. 99. Many biennnial and perennial plants diffuse a most agreeable o- dour, especially in their season of flowering. This renders them desira- ble objects for flower-gardens, and shrubberies. Their flowers com- municate to a nosegay a delicious fragrance. When placed in a vase, or jar, of water, they fill an apartment with the most exquisite per- fume. They should be placed in water immediately after they are gathered, as many of them, from their extreme delicacy soon droop,, and wither without this precaution. 100. Their seeds may generally be sown during the months of April and May, in borders of walks or in beds of rich earth, three or four feet wide. The earth should be finely pulverized, as for those of annuals, and made smooth, even, and light. They may be transplanted, if wished, for the sake of diversifying a garden. This should be done in August or September : Scoop Trowels will be found useful, in gene- ral, in shifling the locality of plants. I'X* PROPAGATION OF PLANTS. 101. Triiiisplaiitiiig sliould be done in moist or cloudy weather, and watering frequently practised until tlie j)lants have taken root. A con- siderable quantity ol' earth i.s generally taken up with the root. A piece of shell or broken earthen may be placed over the hole in the flow- eq)ot, to njake room for the water to drain ofl'. It should be borne in mind that Biennials and Perennials do not blossom the same year that they are sown. The biennials put forth their blossoms on the follow- ing year. To ensure a constant supply of the flowers of annuals and biennials, thei'efore, they nuist be sown yearly. PROPAGATION OF FLOWERS, 102. In regard to the culture of plants of every description, it may be said generally, that they should stand at such distances from each other as that the air may circulate freely about them, and that the sun may have its proper influence in bringing them to perfection. 103. In order to accomplish this, the distances to be observed in plant- ing must vary with the size of the plant. When too thickly planted, they should be properly thinned while small. Tlie earth must be kept loose about them with a prong-hoe, or other instrument. 104. Weeds of every kind ought to be removed on their first appear- ance. Ploughing, hoeing, and removing the earth should be done in dry weather. Stirring it when Avet renders it clammy and hard. 105. Plants, particularly those of the shrubby kind, that have dead and decaying branches, should be deprived of them by pruning. The suckers, that shoot up about them from time to time, should also be taken away. 106. The best soil for a garden is a deep loam, which may easily be made rich by old rotten manure. The earth must be Avell pulverized, and not too wet or too dry, varying with the nature of the plant. A level plat of ground, gradually sloping toward the south, is deemed best for a garden. 107. Though most plants may be propagated in several modes, viz. by seeds, by cuttings, by layers, by parting the roots and transplanting, by budding and grafting, some are propagated with greater facility in one of these ways and some in others. PROPAGATION OP FLOWERS. \ 191 108. Among those often ])iopagated by suckers, by shoots and slips, and dividing the routs, are enumerated by florists the Almond, Daisy, Chrysanthemum, Dahha, Eupatorium, Geranium, Glycine, Honeysuckle, Hydrangea, Iris, Lilach, Lily, Podophyllum or Lime-Plant, Phlox, Narcissus, Passion-flower, Piony, Pink, Helianthus, Polyanthus, Roses, Acacia or Robina, Rudbeckia, Lychnis, Snow-ball or Viburnum, Sow- berry or Symphoria, Spice-wood, Spider-wort or Tradescantia, Spireea, Syringa or Mock Orange, Burning Bush or Strawberry-tree (Euony- mus). Sweet Bay or Laurus nobilis. Fringe-tree or Venetian Sumach {Rhus) sometimes called the Smoke-tree, Violet, and several others. Many of these may be propagated by seed, and likewise in several other ways. 109. The following green-house plants have been recommended by some to be propagated by separating the roots, by offsets, cidtings, «Scc. though several may equally well be propagated by seed, and in other ways : Anemone, White Lily, Tuberose, Persian Iris, Verbena or Sweet Vervain, Fushia coccinea, Cobsea Scandens, Camella Japonica or Japan Rose, and Myrtle. 110. In the Lily of the Valley (Convallaria), each crown blossoms only once in three years. The plant should not be potted until it be ascertained that there be buds, for it is uncertain whether one quarter of the plants will flower. They should be placed thickly in the pots or boxes, and kept moderately moist. This potting is done from January to March, and after the flower-buds appear. After the blossoming is over, they may be planted out in borders, or plunged in the ground in pots. 111. Ranuncules may be planted in pots, eight or ten inches deep. The Scarlet Turban in November. The root is to be placed half an inch under the surface of a fresh loamy soil, and the pot plunged in the ground in a warm sunny situation, but not under glasses. They are covered with mats, if the frost be severe ; these must be frequently removed when the sun shines. They must be potted when the flowers begin to expand, three or four roots in a pot, placed under glasses, and copiously watered every day. 112. The Anemone is raised from seed with facility. It is planted in October, November, and sometimes in March. It is to be potted and managed in all respects as the Scarlet Turban Ranunculus. Double 1^ PROPAGATION OF FLOWERS. varieties are multiplied by parting the roots or tubers. These separate very naturally when old, as they become hollow. 113. Jonquils are planted from October to January, six or eight in a pot, if pots or boxes be used. If they have grown in bunches, take them up so : If they were planted in autumn, take them up singly. They fihould be plentifully watered. Many let them remain in the ground three years before taking them up, as they will then ri.sc in large bunch- es for potting, and bloom much stronger. 114. The Martagon or Turk's-Cap, and White Lilies, are all propa- gated by dividing ofl'scts trom old roots, and planting them in borders. The best time for potting is in January or February. They mu-st be plentifully supplied with water, and kept in a warm sunny situation. After the flowering is over, they may be planted in the borders again, each root separately. They will bear forcing tolerably well. 115. The Provence and Moss Roses all do well for forcuig, in pots. They will flower in rooms and hot-houses, and should be potted in au- tumn when the leaves are off". They should not be forced till the second year. The roses are increased by layers and suckers from the old roots. They may be placed in a room in December or January, and plentifully watered. The Green Fly, that so often infests the young shoots and flower-buds of Roses, may be destroyed by fumigating the plants with tobacco smoke for two or three hours. Other plants infested with insects tnay be served in this way. After this fumigation, plants are to be copi- ously watered, from the nose of a watering-pot, over their whole surface, to cleanse them of the smoke. The China or Monthly Roses are in flower a great part of the winter. They may be propagated by cuttings, and covered with a glass. This should be done in autumn. 116. The Double and Single Tuberose are planted in pots in April «jid May, one in each pot. They thrive well in hot-beds. They must be kept moderately moist, especially after the foliage on the top is grown two or three inches in length, air is to be frequently admitted. Those grown in hot-beds or hot-houses may be removed to any warm sunny apartment, when the flower-stems are five or six inche.s in length. They are propagated by offsets, taken after the plants are done flowering, and the green dried. 117. The Persian Iris will flower in glasses or small pots of sand. These plants are propagated by dividing the oflfsets from old xoots, and 1 PROPAGATION OP FLOWERS. 193 managed exactly, in culture, as the Hyacinths. It is common to put 3 early plants in each pot or box. 118. The Mignonette is sown at almost any time in the year. It should be often watered, and may be successfully transplanted into pots, previous to flower, and placed in a sunny window during cold weather. 119. The Verbena, or Vervain, generally loses its foUage in Decem- ber. It should not be thrown away as dead at this season, for if it be cut back rather short and shifted into a larger pot, as soon as the leaves fall, it will soon break again, and form a fine green plant, retaining its leaves for a considerable time. It is propagated by slips and cuttings from the young wood in summer. They will strike root in about tliree weeks, when they may be potted singly. 120. The Fashia coccinea is propagated by cuttings, that are planted in the summer. If by the seeds, it may be sown in April or May, and the plants will then flower in autumn. When potted, the pots should be large, and be placed in a shady situation. The earth must be kept moist. 121. The Cobcea Scaiidens, a fine creeper, is planted in April or May, and plentifully watered. It is easily propagated by seeds or by cuttings, that may be planted in pots, during the summer. Glasses are to be placed over them, the pots to be plunged, and the shoots copiously watered. The plant may be forced in a hot-house or hot-bed, so as to bloom much sooner. 122. The Camella Japonica is propagated by seed, layers, cuttings, and inarching. When from seed from China, they may be sown in the spring. The pots require to be large, as the plant is large. The planta require the protection of a green-house or hot-house. It is customary to wash them once a month with clean water from a watering-pot, and to wipe their leaves with a sponge. The pots must be plunged. Inarching is generally performed in April. 123. The Myrtles most commonly cultivated are the Venus, Roman, Box-leaved, Italian, Nutmeg, Orange-leaved, Gold-striped, Silver-striped, Broad-leaved Dutch, Thyme or Rosemary-leaved, and Double-Flower- ing. Several of them are very hardy, but sometimes killed to the ground by the frost. To keep them dwarf and bushy, the tops of the young leading shoots are to be pinched off as they advance. The myrtles are propagated by cuttings of the younger shoots in summer. They are to be treated as the Vervain or Verbena. 194 GREEN-HOUSE PLANTS?. GREEN-HOUSE PLANTS. 124. Grecn-housG plants nnist be properly furnished with water, poured from watering--pots upon thdr tops. They should not be allowed to remain long m the water-pans under the pots, especially in the winter- They must be cleansed of their dead leaves, and have a good share of fresh air in fine warm weather. 125. It is customary to open the top windows where no plants are located. If they be exposed to the draft, they will receive injury. It is recommended to shift Green-Houae Plants every year, in April or May, into other pots, and renew the soil. A compost, such as has been recom- mended for bulbous roots, will be found to do well for many of these plants. 126. The Carnation is so tender, as to require cover in our climate in winter. The plant may be put into large pots, and kept in a green- house or warm room. They should be placed where they may have air and light during winter. 127. The Indian Chrysanthemums may stand in open ground till August or September, after which they must be placed in pots and housed. If covered with glasses, they will flower in the garden. After flowering, the roots may be placed in a cellar or the open ground. 128. The Convolvulus Major, or Moming-Glory, and Convolvulus Minor, or Beauty-of-the-Night, so called because opening its blossoms at evening, are propagated by seed, that must be sown in early spring. 129. The Dahlia, a native of Mexico, sometimes called Georgiana, from GeoTgi, a Russian traveller, has tuberous roots, resembling a sweet potato. It was named after Andrew Dahl, a Swedish botanist. It was introduced into Britain in 1804, by Lady Holland, who sent the seed» from Madrid. It was little cultivated in England till 1814, and has re- cently received attention in this country. 130. The seeds of the Dahlia may be sown in pots in March, and the pots placed in a hot-bed or green-house. In May, they may be taken out and placed in borders, and, as they advance in height, be supported by sticks. 131. The roots may be taken irp in October or November, and fwe- eervcd in boxes filled with dry sand, during the winter. In April, when they begin to sprout, the roots may be divided, and placed where they GREEN-HOUSE PLANTS. 195 are designed to &itand. Those only that have the bud should be planted. 132. The Lonicera, or Climbing Honey-Suckle, is propagated by seed, cuttings, or layers. It climbs upon houses, over hedges, and forms arbours and bovvers. It flowers in clusters. Three varieties are com- mon. The Italian, L. Italiana, flowering early in the season, — the Variegated, Lonicera cajyrifolia, which blossoms monthly, — and the Scarlet Trumpet, Caprifolium sempervirens, that bears fine scarlet flow- ers which also appear every month. 133. The White and Purple Lilachs, Syringa vulgaris, may be budded or grafted into each other. When thus managed, bearing both white and purple flowers, the plant appears very finely. These, as like- wise the Persian Lilach {Syrbiga persica), are propagated by suckers. 134. All the Lilies are bulbous-rooted, and are propagated by off- sets. The Lilium candidum^ or White Lily, often grows four or five feet high, having large, white, fragrant flowers. The Tiger Lily, L. tigridum., frequently grows to the height of 6 feet, producing many flow- ers, spotted like a tiger. The Martagon Lily has flowers much like this, except that they are smaller and more delicate. The Asphodel, Lilium htteum, grows a foot or two high, and bears beautiful yellow Jlowers. These, and the other Lilies, as likewise the Convallaria, or Lily of the Valley, are propagated by seeds as well as by ofisets. 135. The Sweet Pea, Lathyrus odoratus, is an annual, and should be planted in early spring. The Everlasting Pea, Lathyrus lati/oliuSf a species of this genus, is sometimes cultivated as ornamental. 136. Though Roses may be propagated by cuttings, many of them are almost equally well raised from seed. As several of these afford suckers, that come out near the old stems in summer, they are often mul- tiplied by suckers. The suckers, when planted, must be cut down with- in four or five inches of the ground. The time for planting is either in October and November, or April. 137. The soil is to be frequently stirred, and the plants kept cut down to a certain height, according to their natural size. When they get long stems and branches, they produce few flowers, and these often small. 138. The Yellow Rose will best flourish in an airy situation and gravelly soil. Every autumn onehalf of the old wood may be cut down within four or five inches of the ground. By this means, a succession of 196 ORNAMENTAL PLANTS. thrifty blossoming shoots will be kept up. China Roses require the pro- tection of a green-house. 139. The Tulip is found in a great variety of colours. Mr. Prince is said to have more than Six Hundred Varieties, cultivated at his Lin- nean Gardens on Long-Island. In Holland, about the middle of the seventeenth century, a very great passion prevailed for these flowers. One named the Viceroy was said to have been sold at that time for ten thousand dollars. 140. This rage in Holland for flowers also extended to the Hyacinth. In 1771,. four thousand dollars are said to have been refused for a single bulb of the Hyacinth. ORNAMENTAL PLANTS. 141. A due proportion of ornamental plants is considered an indis- pensable requisite to every handsome garden. Its avenues and borders would be deemed imperfect without them. In regard to their disposition in borders and avenues, it has been customary to range them in 4 ranks, according to their respective heights. 142. They are to be disposed on both sides of walks and avenues. Th& first range, nearest the avenue or walk, embraces plants of the low- est kinds, as Roses, Pinks, the smallest shrubs and herbaceous flowering plants. 143. The second range consists of larger plants and shrubs, from six to ten feet in height. The third consists of small-sized trees that never attain a very great height. The fourth and outer rank includes those trees only that attain the greatest elevation. By tliis arrangement, av- enues and borders are rendered at once impressive and delightful. 144. The avenue or border thus lined, in order to produce its full ef- fect, should be broad and extended, and the respective ranks or ranges at proportionate distances asunder. 145. The shrubs recommended for the inner nuik do not generally exceed from tico io five feet in height. Among others are often planted China and other Roses, the Snowberry (SympJioria), Scotch Broom (Spartium), St. John's Wort (Hypericum), Pseonia, Mezereon (Daph- ne), Japan Globe-flower (Corchorus Japonicus), CameUa, or Japan Rose, Arcadian or Yellow Honeysuckle (Diervilla), and the Dwarf Double-Flowering Almond. BORDER PLANTS. 197 146. The second Range, consisting of shrubs of from six to ten or t-welve feet in height, embraces the Acacia, Robinia, the Ahhsea, Hibis- cus, White or Pink Honeysuckle, Azalea, Calycanthus, Alspice, Weep- ing Cherry, Colutea, Currant, Ribes, Leather-wood, Dirca, Bloody Dog-wood, Cornus, English Honeysuckle, Lonicera, Dwarf-flower, Horse Chestnut, JEsculus, Silver-bell or Snow-drop Tree, Halesia, Hawthorn, Cretcpgus, Lilach, Syringa, Indigo Shrub, Amorpha, Magnolia Glauca, Mountain Laurel, Kalmia, Mountain Rose, Rubus, Pomegranate, Prim or Privet Ligustrum, Q,uince, Cydonia, Rose Bay, Rhododendron, Pontic Rose Bay, Guelder Rose or Snow-ball, Vibur- num, different species of Spircea, Syringa, Philadelphus, Sophora japon- ica, and several others. 147. The third Range among others often includes the Venetian Sumach, Rhus, Willows, Salia;, Swedish Juniper, Juniperus, Chinese Mulberry, Morus, Mountain Snow-drop, Chionanthus, Magnolia, La- burnum, Cytissus, Ash, Fraxinus, Mountain Ash, Sorbus, Red Cedar, Juniperus, Franklinia, Gordonia, Hercules Club, Angelica, Judas-tree, Cercis, Siberian-Crab, Double Flowering Almond, Amygdalus, and Purple-Flowering Acacia, Robinia. 148. The fourth, outer, or last Range, embraces trees of the loftiest kinds. Among others are often included the Silver-leaved Poplar, Po- pulus, Catalpas, Bignonia, Alianthus, Beech, Fagus, Button-Wood or Plane, Plantanus, Horse-chestnut, jEsculus, Cypress, Cupressus, Elm, Ulmus^ Lime or Linden, Tillia, Hemlock, Pinus, Larch, Hacmateck, Locust, Robinia, Honey Locust, Gladitschia, Scarlet Maple, Acer, Sugar Maple, White or Silver Pines, Pinus, Norway and Black Spruce, Sycamore, Tulip-Tree, Liriodendron, and Weeping Willow, Salix. 149. Those flowers that are cultivated in beds by themselves, and in pots, as ornamental, are distinguished by the name of Florists^ Flowers. The Crocus, Polyanthus Narcissus, Hyacinth, Auricula, Polyanthos, Carnation Pink, Dahlia, Iris, Anemone, Tulip, Ranunculus, and the like, are of this description. 150. The shrubbery of a border or avenue is often mixed with tall- growing, showy, herbaceous, flowering plants, for the puipose of effect. Among others, recommended for this purpose, are the Lily of the Valley, Convallaria, Wood Anemone, Anemone nemorosa. Hollyhock, AltfuBa, Goats-beard Spinea, Spiraa, Fox Glove, Digitalis, Monks'-Hood, Aconitum, Larkspur, Delphinium, Columbine, Aquilegia, Willow Herb, 198 BORDER PLANTS. EpUobium, Double Fever-few, Pyrethrum., Tall Asters, Golden Rods, SoUdago, Sunflowers, Ilelianthtis, Riidbeckia, Tiger Lily, Lilium, Sweet Woodruff, Asperula, and Yucca jilamp.ntosa. 151. The borders for perennial flowers are often made from three to six feet wide, and the soil suitably prepared for the reception of the plant. Among other plants often vised in bordens are the Coreopsis, Phlox, Willow Herb, Epilobiuvi, Speedwell, Veronica, Wolfs-bane, Aconitum, Rudbeckia, Liatris, Acanthus, Spirsea, Dropwort, Bell-Flow- ers, Campanula, Sage, Salvia, Scarlet Lychnis, Lychnis, Hyssop- leaved Dragon's Head, Drococephahcm, Silver Rod or Asphodel, Aspho- delus, Verbascum, Lathyrum, Centaurea, and Double Sibt^rian Larkspur, Delphinium. 152. The front of borders are of\en decorated with the Gentians, Gentiana, Pasque Flowers, Anemone pulsalilla, Star Anemone, Anem- one hortensis. Purple Jacobea, Senecio, Phlox, Lychnidea, Siberian Fu- mitorj', Fumaria, Cranes-Bill Geranium, Chili Monkey Flower, Mimu- lus, Evening Primrose, (Enothera, Marsh Mary gold. Calf ha, Feather Grass, Stipa, Canadian and Sweet or March Violet, Viola. 153. Among ornamental plants of a middling size are the Rose Campion, Agrostemma, Perennial Flax, Linum, Adonis, Sweet Maud- lin, Sneeze-wort, Achillea, Rampion, Phyteuma, Sweet William, Dian- thus, Fraxinella, Dictamiins, Cardinal Flower, Lobelia, Catananche,Ca- nadian Columbine, Aquilegia, Garden Wall-Flower, ClieirantJius, Scar- let Chelone, German Goldilocks, Chrysocoma, Tritoma, Monarda, Pe- renneal Lupin, Lupinus, Perennial or Oriental Poppies, Red Valerian, Valeriana, Pseonia, Smooth-leaved Bell Flower, Campanula, Italian and Alpme Asters, Ragged Robin, Lychnis, Bachelor's Button, White- flowered Crowfoot, Ranunculus, Garden Rocket, Hesperis, Spider Wort, Tradescantia, Asiatic Globe Flower, Trollius, American Cowslip, Dodecanilieon, Chinese Chrysanthemums, and Day Lily, Hemero- callis. AaUATlC PLANTS AND ROCK "WORK. 154. In a complete flower garden, in addition to the Green-House and Hot-House, there is often a small Pond, for the cultivation of Marsh and Aquatic Plant.?, and a little elevation or hillock of stones BIENNIAL FLOWERS, &,C. 199 and earth, thrown together for the accommodation oi" .siicli plantK as re- quire a stony and rocky locality. 155. Plants and flowers best suited for the Rock Work, as the latter is often termed by gardeners, are the various kinds of Lichens, Cotyledon, Cob-web House-Leek, Sempervivum, Stone Crop, Sedum, Soa})wort, Saponaria, Primula nivalis and Marginata, Alpine Lychnis, Verbascum, Saxifrage, Soldanella Alpina, Gentian, Gentiana, Cyclamen, Erigeron Alpinum, Cerastium, Madwort, Alyssum, Erinus Alpinus, Red Valeri- an, Valeriana, Dianthus deltoides, Prickly Pear, Cactus oppuniia, and many of the Alpine plants, or such as grow naturally in lofty and rocky situations. 156. The AauATic Plants most used for the aquarium, as the pond is sometimes termed by gardeners, are the White and Yellow Water Lily, NympJuea alba and A^./zttea, the Chinese Lily or Nymphcea nelum- bium, Flowering Rush, Botomus umbellatus, Water Violet, Huttonia paliistris, Cats-Tail, Typha latifolia. Yellow and Fringed Bog-Bean, Menyanthes nymplwides. Marsh Calla, Calla palustris, and many others of our native tribe o? aquaticks, that are of great beauty. BIENNIAL AND ANNUAL FLOWERS. 157. Among biennials of the ornamental kind are the (Enothera or Evening Primrose, Verbascum or Moth-Mullein, Gloiicium luteum or Yellow Horned Poppy, Hedysarum coronarium or French Honeysuckle, Honesty or Satin Flower, Lunaria, and several others. 158. The annuals, that are often cultivated as such, are the Ice- Plants, Mimosa, Egg-Plant, Amaranthus, Chrysanthemum, Ipomsea or Cypress Vine, Cock's-comb, Celosia, Globe Amaranth, Gomphrcena, Mignonette, Pinks, Tunbergia, Coreopsis, Clarkea, Candy Tuft, Iberis, Catch-fly, Silene, Venus' Looking Glass, Campanula, Convolvulus, African Marygold, Love in a Mist, Nigella, Scabious, Balsam, Sweet Pea, Lathyrus, Eternal Flower, Xeranthemum, Poppy, and Purple- eyed Crepius. INFLORESCENCE, OR MODE OF FLOWERING. 159. Flowers are sometimes solitary, sometimes in pairs, and some- times in large collections or aggregations, forming a very striking fea- ture in the appearance and habit of the plant. This is particularly in- 200 INFLORESCENCE. tercsting to bot;inists, as forniing the most invariable and most elegant of all specific fli.stinction.«. 160. The flower is generally a little elevated upon a small stalk of its own, that it may be more advantfigeousiy exported to the action of light and air, Tiiiti is lateral when springing from the side of the stem, terminal from the svunmit, aaillnry from the axil, between the stem and leaf or branch. It is onc-Jlowered. in the Tulip, two-Jloxcered in the Linnnea, and mamj-Jlowered in the Cowslip and Liiach. In the latter it is branched. This arrangement of flowers on their respective plants is termed the Injlorcscencc. 161. When the flowcr-stalk springs from the stem or its branches, it is termed a 'peduncle. If it arise immediately from the earth, or rather the root, as in the Dandelion, it is called a scape. In the Dandelion it is hollow or tubtdar, in the Hyacinth naked, in the Colts-foot scaly, in the Sweet-flag leafy. 162. The positions that flowers assume on their footstalks, and in relation to plants on which they grow, have received different appella- tions, such as the Cyme, the Curymb, the Fascicle, the Spike, tlie Ba- <:eme. Head, Whorl, Panicle, Thyrse, Spadio", Ament or Catkin, and the like. 163. When a number of flower-stalks issue fiom a common centre and diverge like rays, bearing flowers on their summits, they are collec- tively termed an Umbel, from the Latin umbella, an umbrella. If the rays be undivided, as in the Silk-weed, it is termed a simple Umbel ; if subdivided, compound one. 164. If flower-stalks issue from a common centre, and rise to the same height with irregular intermediate subdivisions, supporting flowers on their summits, they are collectively called a Cyme. Examples are furnished us in the Elder and Sumach. 165. If rising from a common stem, the rays become proportionately shorter as they originate nearer its extremity, so that the blossoms are disposed on a level with each other, they form what is termed the Corymb, from the Latin corymhus, tlic head of a thistle. In the last ■named mode, the rays proceed from different points : in the former, from the same point. The Apple and Pear furnish examples of the corymb and umbel, the former of the umbel and the latter of tlie corymb. 166. If an assemblage of flowers be more densely disposed than in the corymb^ but otherwise similarly arranged, they form the Fascicle^ aa INFLORESCENCE. 201 m the Sweet William. Thi.s mode of disposition in the flowers of the Sweet William has by some been termed corymbose. 167. A Spike is an assemblage of flowers arising from a common stem. It generally grows erect. Its flowers are sessile in the Herds- Grass, and stand on short stalks in the common Lavender. 168. This mode of expression is generally more progressive than that -of the Raceme. A long period often elaj^scs between the fading of the lowest flowers and the appearing of the upper ones. The flowers are x;ommonly crowded closely together. If otherwise, they sometimes form separate groups, sometimes whirls, when the spike is called an interrup- ted or whirled Spike. The spilce may be simple, as in Agrimony, or roDipoimd, as in Lavender. 169. The term spikelet is aj)plied to Grasses, when there are many florets in one calyx. The filiform receptacle, to which these florets are attached, is tei-med the Rachis. 170. When flowers are assembled on the extremity of the stalk in a globulai-, oval, or cylindrical form, the aggregation is termed a Head, as in the Clover or Trefoil. If they surround the stalk or branch in the form of a ring, they form tlio Whnrl, as in the Mints and Labiate flowers, 171. The Raceme differs from the Spike only in tlie length of its individual flower-stalks. The Currant affords ti fine example of the former. If flowers be variously arranged on their stalk, which is repeat- edly subdivided, their inflorescence constitutes the Panicle, as in the Oat. In the Grasses, the branches of the Panicle are someAviial verti- r ill ate. 172. The flowers in the Thyrse are arranged lilce lliose in the Pani- cle, except the branches of the peduncle being slioil, and the flowers more compact, as in the Syringa, or Lilach. 173. In the Catkin^ as in the Spike, the flowei-s are arranged along a common filiform receptacle, as in the Wahmt and Birch. The flowers stand on cha.fy .scales, which are sometimes decidimis, as in the Birch, sometimes persistent, as in the Pine. In the latter, tiicy form what is termed the Cone, in the former the Anient. 174. American forest trees present numerous exampfes of this mode of inflorescence. The Catkin is most common among forest-trees, and the Spike among herbaceous plants. In the Hop its ibrra is oval, in the Birch cylindrical, and in the Plane-tree globular. 2(J2 inflorescence:. 175. The Spa(U:v is a columnar receptacle usually rising from a .sheath, ami supporting a number of sessile flowers. In the Arum, the- flowers are attached only to its base. In Pothos or Skunk's Cabbage, tiiey crown the summit of the column. In each of these, the Spadix^ rises from the boyom of a single spatha. In the Indian-Corn, it is en- closed by Wavcc!, called husks, and in Sweet Flag, Acorus, naked. It is branched in the Palms. 176. The peculiar calyx of Grasses is termed the Glume, and the pieces of which it is composed are called valves. In some instances, the calyx is a mere scale. If several scaJes be attached to a conmion filiform^ receptacle, they form the Catkin. 177. The calyx, that surrounds the corolla of flowers, is double iji the- Sunflower, ajUndrical in the Garden Pink,^ prismatic in the Monkey- Flower, urlceolate in the Rose, ventricose in the Catch-fly, turbinate in the Syringa, imbricate in the Aster, scarious in Gnaphallum,. hooked La Burdock, and spinous in the Thistle. It is persistent, decidicous, and caducous in different flowers. 178. The Spathe is a floral leaf, issuing from the scape, enveloping one or more flowers, by the convolution of its edges. In the Narcissus, it encloses a solitary flower ; in the Jonquil, several ; and in the Arum,: it contains an assemblage of sessile florets, surrounding the base of the Spadi.v. The husks of Indian-Corn are a kind of Spathe.^ 179. The Bract is that leaf-like appendage to the peduncle, that of- ten closely envelopes the flower, and assumes somewhat the appearance oC a calyx. It is variously coloured, as green, yellow, purple, scarlet,. &c. In spring, it is often mistaken for the blossom itself. 180. If the petals of the corolla be inserted into the receptacle under the germen, as in Digitalis, they are said to be hypogynous, if inserted upon the germen, as in the Trumpet Honeysuckle, epigynous. 181. The filaments, that sustain the anther in flowers, are usually smooth, sometimes downy. They are sometimes so expanded, as to resemble petals, and have occasionally been mistaken for them in the Clematis. When embraced within the corolla, they are said to be inserted ; when passing beyond it, exserted ; when converging towards its inferior part, declinate. 182. The anther is usually of a membraneous texture, furnished with two cells that open laterally, as in the Lily. In the Heath they some- HOT AND GREEN HOUSES. 203 times open at the top. The number of anthera is usually one to each filament, sometimes two, three, four, Jive, &c. 183. The dust of the anthers, so light as to be wafted on the air in 'dry weather, in wet weather bursts with great force, emitting a most •subtle vapour. This fine meal, or pollen, is collected by the busy, flying bee, during his excursions in the sunny days of spring, and, by some secret process, formed into that singular species of vegetable oil, termed bees-wax, rendered concrete by a peculiar acid in the insect. 184. There has been fancied a close resemblance between flowers and the butterfly and bee, those flower-loving creatures that sport among them, and feed upon their nectar, during their brief but apparently joyous existence. 185. We use the words of Rousseau, when, in speaking of flowers, he says : — " These seem destined by nature to unite the vegetable and animal kingdoms, and to make them circulate from one to the other. A flower and an insect have a great resemblance to each other. The painted butterfly, that wantons from flower to flower and dehghts in the summer sunshine, seems not less joyous nor greatly unlike the gay and gaudy blossom that dances in the breezes of spring. Insects are nourish- ed by honey, and may not flowers require it also for perfecting the fructification ? They adhere to the young fruit, seemingly for the pur- pose of nourishment." HOT AND GREEN HOUSES. 186. The Hot-House is a building for the production of plants, either exotic or indigenous, that will not grow in the open air of the country where they are cultivated. It is designed to force, or excite into a state of vegetation, indigenous and acclimated plants, and to accelerate their maturation at an extraordinary season, and to protect exotics. 187. The heat required by Hot-House plants, m addition to that afforded by the sun, is commonly produced by the ignition of carbona- ceous substances. The air of the building is heated to the required tem- perature either directly by leaving the hot embers of wood in a furnace or stove, placed within the building ; or indirecthj, by the passage of smoke, heated air, or steam, through flues and tubes. 188. Masses of brick-work, sand, gravel, rubbish, earth, tan, and even water, are sometimes heated. These afterwards slowly communicate 204 GKEEN HOUSES. their acquired heat to tlie atmosphere of the house. The temperature i* also sometimes raised to a requisite degree by the fermentation of vegeta- ble substances, as dung, tun, leaves, weeds, and the like, applied beneath or around the whole or a part of the building, or placed within it, as in hot-beds. Steam is said to be tiie most convenient vehicle of heat, or caloric, that human ingenuity has yet discovered and employed. It is recommended for heating Hot-Houses, and indeed all places where large bodies of air are to be heated. 189. The Gheen-House is a building designed to protect, during winter, such exotic plants, shrubs, and trees, as will bear being exposed to the open air during summer, but are too tender for such exposure in the cold of winter, yet, being housed, require not generally the heat of a stove. 190. Mr. Watkins recommends the following plan for the construc- tion of one. The building is to be sunk in the earth from two to four feet, in proportion to its size, and according to the nature of the soil where it is located. Clayey soil retains moisture and produces damp, and con- sequently will not culmit of its being sunk so deep. 191. The height of the building should not exceed twelve feet from the exterior ground. Its width should not be more than sixteen or eigh- teen feet, as the sun's rays at a larger distance from the glass are very feeble. A south front is well known to be the best. Advantage is also to be taken by glazing as much of the eastern end of the building as possible, for the benefit of the morning sun. 192. The front may be made to decline northward from a perpen- dicular with the horizon, so that the angle made thereby with the horizon will bring the rays of the sun in winter at noon, to strike the glass at right angles. The roof should descend the opposite side without a break. 193. By this position, the rajs of the sun are thrown upon every part of the whole inside, and the whole becomes heated by them. When the sun produces most heat during mid-day, there is no reflection of its rays, and at other part.^ of the day, the reflecting angle being obtuse, does not powerfully cast them ofl", so that more rajs are thus introduced into the building, than there would be in any other position. 194. The insidf nftlif- ntt'lcis ot'thr runt' .>l';i i incn-HousP are to be liii'-i wit 1 1 boards, uiul tin^ .sp«u>' bflwt-t'ii iIihi :iii«I ilrf it»uf rilled witli b iiiixture ot' straw, sand, and i'lu\. made inu> it luoii'U. tii>urdis should be GREEN-HOUSES. 205 used in pret'erence to shingles, as there will be fewer breaks^ in the roof, and consequently less space for the admission of cold air. 195. Other parts of the building may be made of stone or brick work, or there may be a tramed building filled in with bricks. There ought to be no flooring of any kind upon the ground. Shutters on the outi?ide are .sufficient^ and it is most convenient to have them hung upon hinges. They are less troublesome in opening, than the common sliding ones. They should be matle to ibid into the spaces between the windowe- 196. The bottom of the building is to be covered with bark trom a tan-vat to the depth of about a foot, according as the building is sunk more or less in the earth. The plants may then be introduced for pro- tection and culture. 197. The advantages gained by thus constructing a building for this- purpose, are, 1st. The lessening the expense of building. 2d. Gaining sufficient heat from the sun to warm the house, and thereby saving the- expense of fire and the trouble of warming it by the stove. 3d. Avoid- ing injury, often received by plants from too much heat, when such rooms are warmed by stoves and furnaces. 4th. Obviating the disadvantages - that plants often experience from the escape of smoke through flues and. pipes, when stoves are used for the purpose of warming. 198. Many persons make arrangements, when constructing a Qreen- House, for the introduction of a stove. They thereby gain the advanta- ges both of a Green-House and Hot-House in the same building. Be- sides, in case of a long succession of cold, cloudy days, Avhen the sun is obscured, the temperature of the building may be so reduced, as to be below that degree necessary for the preservation of the life of these plants. - Under such circumstances, (which will, however, .seldom occur,) a stove- is necessary even for the Green-House. One clear sunny day, however, . will generally warm the house sufficiently to admit of its being closed for ■ several successive days. 199. Plants in Green-Houses of the construction described require less water than in a hot-house, and do not suffer so much for want of a pure • atmos])heric air. Heat, generated by the fermentation of vegetable sub- • stances and bark, free access to the plants of the electric fluid of the- earth, together with such a supply ofatmospheric air as will find admis- sion from time to time, all .-oiispirp to supply the quantity exliausfed by the daily rarefartion ol' ilu siiiiV lieat, and to render plants healthy and line. Thus reared, they uie futiiid remarkably thrifty in spring. Tiop- 206 GREEN-HOUSES. ical fruits may be ripened in sucli places during the winter, and even young fruit formed on the trees. 200. Tlicre is seldom occiision that a building tlius constructed should be heated by fire. Plants placed in it generally require no other care than now and then a little watering, and thai the windows be shut as -soon as the sun has left them, to retain the warmth. 201. It is recommended, in the management of plants in the Green- House, to open the mould in whicii they are set occasionally. A little fresh earth may be scattered on the pots, and over this placed a small quantity of manure. The plants must be watered when their leaves be- gin to curl or wither, and the decayed ones plucked off. This operation should not, however, be very frequently repeated, as it will injure the plant. 202. Green-House plants should be kept out as long as possible in autumn, to render them hardy, great care being taken, however, that they be not exposed to injury from frost. If the windows and doors of a Green-House be kept open day and night as long as there is safety from the frost, the plants will be nearly as well off as in the open air, and little danger encountered by them. Precipitation in housing should on the one hand be avoided, and danger from the cold and frost on the other guarded against. 203. Some have prepared a very useful kind of Green-House, by excavating tlie earth on tlie southern side of a barn, sinking it partly un- der the floor of the hay apartment, to a proper depth. Glazing is then resorted to as before described. The hay above prevents the entrance of the cold. Care is to be taken that the room be not sunk so deep, or so far back under the barn, as to exclude the direct rays of the sun in the middle of the day. By placing a suitable compost at the bottom, and having tight walls and sufficient glazing, a Green-House may be con- structed in this Avay that seldom if ever will require the heat of a stove. STEM OR TRUNK OF PLANTS. 204. The part of the plant that rises upward, sustaining the leave?, flowers, and fruit, is termed the universal stalk, or stem. Contrary to the root, that plunges downward into the earth, this rises upward. 205. In the Lily, it is simple and undivided. In most plants, it is STRUCTURE OF THE TRUNK. 207 branched. The arrangement, that branches assume, gives?, in a consid- erable degree, to plants their peculiar form. This variety is the basi:> of botanical distinction. 206. If the stem be simple and hollow, rising like that of the grasses and having knots and joints, it is called a Culm. If simple and hollow^ without leaves or branches, as that of a Dandelion flower, it is teimed a Scape, from the Latin scapics, the shank of a candlestick. 207. When it is topped at the summit with a leaf, as in the Ferns, it is termed a Stipe, from the Latin stipus, a stake. If it be soft, like that of most weeds it is termed herbaceous, hke herbs; and, if hard and woody, it is called arboreous, from the Latin arbor, a tree. The former^ in our latitude, are generally annuals, and the latter perennials. 208. The slem is sometimes of an almost uniformly solid substance^ like the trmiks of trees, and sometimes hollow, as in many of the Reeds and herbaceous plants. 209. In woody plants, it consists of several distinct parts, that are known by different names. In many trees, we find, 1. Externally, the epidermis, or cuticle, sometimes termed scarf skin. It is the external covering of the plant, and somewhat analagous to the skin in animals. The term epidermis is from the Greek epi, upon, dermon, the back, be- cause covering the plant, as the skin covers the back of animals. 210. It varies in thickness, but is generally an exquisitely delicate film or membrane, in which, as far as we can judge, the vital principle seems to be extinct. It forms, both in the animal and vegetable, a fine but essential barrier between life and death. 211. In the Birch and Currant, it often becomes disengaged, to give place to new layers. It is less prone to decomposition than other parts. In most old trees, its texture is continually scaling off externally, and the stem supplied with new layers from within. When spread over the del- icate parts of the flower, its texture must be almost inconceivably fine. On the Plane-tree or Button-wood, on the contrary, it is coarse. 212. It is supposed to admit of the passage of fluids, from within as well as from Avithout. In many grasses, and in the Rattans, it contains a flinty substance. In succulent plants, inhabiting sandy and dry coun- tries, it prevents transpiration, that might be so great as to destroy them, 213. Beneath the epidermis, or cuticle as it is commonly called, and next in order below it we find what has been termed the Cellular Meg- 2()S STllUC'lt'HE OF THK TRUNK. ument. This i.s nothing more than a durk-green, .semi-organized pulp, on which the rutide repo.ses. 214. It appear:^ like a ihstiiict or .separate epidcrmi-s in an incipient state, rather than a trut^ and jjroper pulp. Tin's tifsiie i.s sometimes con- sidered under two division.--, e.xterior and interior, tlic latter l>eing less coloured, and composed ol" regular hexagonal cells. The exterior layer i.s the .«eat of the colour of hranches and leaves. This part may be seen very perfect in the branch of a Horse Chestnut. 215. Immediately under or rather imbedded in tiie Cellular Integu- ment, we next find wliat has been termed the Vnsadar Layer. It con- sists ol' distinct bundles of entire vessels, each of Avhirh is so arranged as to present, in the transverse section of the stem, a semi-lunar aspect. These vessels are supposed to convey downward the proper juice (sitcats proprins) of the plant. 216. Immediately under the Va.=cular Bundles, we find another layer, constituting the internal boundary of the bark. This is termed the Liber, from the Latin liber, a book, because anciently used as a writing material. 217. Dr. Smith makes but l/irce divisions of the bark, 1st. The Epi- dermis, or Cuticle, externally. 2d. The Cellular Integument immedi- ately under it, consisting of tlie sviccident or pulpy .«ubstance that atlbrds the green colouring of the leaves and baric, termed Cellular becau.se con- tained in hexagonal cells ; and 3d. The Liber, or white bark next the wood. 218. In the Daphne Lagetlo, or Lace-tree, this atlbrds a very beauti- ful vegetable gauze or lace, that is sometimes employed a.s an article of dress. 219. Underneath the Liber or Bark we find next in order the white, soft wood, termed Alburnum^ from the Latin albns, white, because of its colour. It consists of numerous concentric layers, that are very distinct. 220. If we cut across the trvmk of a tree, we find the internal layers of a firmer texture, harder, and often of a different colour from those of the external, or Alb^irnum. This internal hard wood is termed the Lignum, or true wood. EncIo.sed in or near tlie centre of this, we find in many trees the medullary substance termed the Pith. 221. In recapitulating the respective parts of the trunk or stem of a woody plant, we may then say, that externally is, 1st. The Epidermis, or Cuticle ; 2d. The Cellidar Integument ; 3d. The Liber j 4th. The i STRUCTURE OP THE TRUNK. 209 Alburnum^ or white wood ; 5tla. The Hard-wood, or Lignum ; and 6th. The Medulla^ or Pith. 222. If the trunk or stesn run directly upward, it is termed straight ; if nearly so, erect ; if bent considerably from a perpendicular, oblique. If first bent, it afterwards assumes an upright direction, it is said to be an ascending stem. If it have joints, and is bent so as to form angles at t liese joints, it is termed genicidate. When growing in a zig-zag direc- tion, it is called fle.vuose. 223. Some plants descend, and bend, forming an arch, and then gradually turn upward. These are said to be declined. If they fall on the ground through weakness, they are termed procumbent. If they run along the ground horizontally, they are termed prostrate, and repent when they creep along, giving off roots like the ivy. Such stems upon the ground are called runners. 224. When a stem attaches itself to foreign bodies, and climbs upon them, it is said to be a climbing plant. If it effect this by twisting about them, like the Hop, it is called a twining stem. 225. Tlie trunks of trees often attain to an immense magnitude. A Chestnut-tree grew at Tamworth, England, which was fifty-two feet in circumference. It was planted in the year 800, and in the reign of Stephen, in 1135, was made a boundary, and called the Great Chestnut- tree. In 1759, it bore nuts which produced young trees. Trees of this species are frequently foimd in Ohio of more than thirty feet in circum- ference. 226. Trees of the Pine genu.^ are found on the Western coast of North-America, whose magnitude and height arc truly astonishing. Some of them are 250 or 300 feet in height. 227. The Banyan-tree often attains to an immense magnitude. Ives tells us, that in his voyage to India he saw a Banyan, near Trevan de Parum, " sufficiently large to shelter ten thousand men." Dr. Fryer alludes to some so large as to shade " thirty thousand horse and men'^ singly. 228. On an island in the Narbudda, a few miles from Barroach, grows one said to be more remarkable than any other in India. All travellers speak of it as " the wonder of the vegetable world." It is " two thousand feet in circumierence, and sufficiently large for armies to encamp under its branches." DD 210 ASCENT OF THE SAP. 229. The stem of the Grape often extends to a great length. Vines are described of between 2,000 and 3,000 feet long, bearing 2,000 bunch- es of grapes, averaging more than 30 grapes to tlie bunch. Many of these vegetable prodigies are found in the rich valley of the Mif^sissippi, particularly on the banks of the Ohio and Missouri. ASCENT OF THE SAP. 230. The sap, which is the nouri.shment of plants, is taken up from the earth by the radical fibres, and conveyed through the vessels of the alburnum to the leaves and flowers. It is there elaborated by the ac- tion of light, air, and moisture, into various substances. That, conveyed to the leaves, undergoing the changes wrought by various agents, returns towards the root, not through the same channel that it came, but through an appropriate set of vessels in the bark. 231. In its course downward, according to the opinion of many, it becomes exhausted in forming a new circle or layer of wood, and also one of bark. The number of these, it is believed, indicates, in most in- stances, the age of the tree, a new circle bemg formed every year. 232. Mr. Knight, and after him Dr. Smith, think that the sap under- goes a change in the roots previous to its entering the leaves, analogous to digestion in animals. The stem is by them deemed by no means an essential part, for there are many plants whose leaves and flowers grow directly from the root. 233. A part of the sap is conveyed into the flowers Eind fruit, where various fme and essential secretions are made from it, but by far the greatest portion of it is carried into the leaves. Of the great importance and utility of these to the plant itself, Mr. Knight's experiments have given us a very adequate and satisfactory notion. 234. In the leaves it is exposed to the action of light, air, and mois- ture, three very powerful agents. By them it is enabled to form various secretions. Here much superfluous matter passes off" by perspiration. 235. These peculiar secretions not only give peculiar flavours and quahties to the leaf itsell', but return by another set of vessels, as Mr. Knight has demonstrated, into the new layer of bark, wliich they nourish, and enable in turn to secrete matter for a new layer of dUmrnum the ensuing year. ASCENT OF THE SAP. 211 236. Dr. Smith thinks the peculiar secretions oi' plants, as the Gums, Resins, and the like, are principally secreted in the bark in an appropri- ate set of vessels. Among the most important substances, that are des- cribed as vegetable secretions, are Starch, Gluten, Gum, Sugar, Acids^ Tannin, Extracts of Blue, Red, Green, Yellov), Brown, Volatile and Fixed Oils, the Bitter Pi'inciple, the Narcotic Principle, Gum Elastic, Camphor, and the like. 237. From what has been said, we may readily perceive why the part of a branch above a leaf or leaf-bud dies when cut, as each portion receives nourishment from the leaf above it. 238. The vascular system of plants, then, it api>ears, is strictly an- nual. This is of course the case with herbaceous plants. It is true also in regard to trees. 239. The layer of alburnum, on the one hand, is added to the wood, and the liber, or inner layer of the bark, is on the other annexed to the layers formed during the preceding seasons. Neither have any share in the process of vegetation for the year ensuing. 240. Plants are said to possess the power of conveying their appro- priate fluids equally well in either direction. It is indifferent, if this be true, whether a cutting of any kind be planted with its upper or lower end in the ground. Mr. Knight informs us, however, that cuttings so inverted retain so much of their original nature, in regard to their sap- vessels, as to deposit new wood above the leaf-buds, instead of below them. It is said by some writers, that inverted cuttings seldom succeed or grow at all. 241. Dr. Hope, of Edinburgh, in 1781 made an experiment upon three Willows standing hi a row, by engrafting them all together. He then cut off the communication between the central one and the earth, so that it became suspended in the air, and was nourished merely through its lateral branches. Dr. Hales informs us of a similar experiment, suc- cessfully performed. The central tree, suspended between the two others, exhibited no different appearance, excepting that it came into leaf sev- eral days later in spring. 242. The question may be asked, how the sap is known to ascend through the Alburnum of the trunk and branches, and whence its origin. During the season of its ascent, its motion is upward, and that incessantly. Its amount often exceeds in Aveight the substance of the, 212 ASCENT OF THE SAP. whole tree through which it ascends. It evidently rises from Ihe earth, for no other source could furnish such vast supplies. 243. A tree may be divested of its bark, and yet yield sap, and pro- duce its usual supply of leaves and more than its usual quantity of fruit. It does not therefore rise through the hark. 244. Mr. Knight removed the pith from a young plant, and it con- tinued to grow Avitli its former luxuriance, and in due time produced fruits. The sap, it would appear then, rises not through the pith. 245. It does not pays through the central portion of the woody stem, for the vessels of the lignum are often nearly obliterated, and, even dur- ing the bleeding season, do not afford the fluid. It only remains then that the ascent of sap must be through the alburnum, or external soft white wood of the trunk, in woody plants. It ascends through parts analogous in herbaceous plants. 246. It has been observed, that the sap ascends with very great force through the trunks of several plants. It is said that the power, with which it is elevated through a Grape-vine, is so great, as to equal a force sufficient to raise a column of water 40 feet. 247. Passing from the root, through the trunk and its branches, it arrives at the leaves and flowers. It here is exposed to the action of light and air, the superfluous and watery parts passing off through the pores of the leaves, which at the same time give off, as is supposed by many, oxygen gas, and inhale or absorb carbonic acid gas. This is thought to be particularly the case during the presence of sunshine and light. 248. After undergoing the changes ^vrought in the leaves, it returns through an appropriate set of vessels to the bark, probably there to un- dergo further changes, where it is converted into a new circle or layer of wood, and into various vegetable secretions. 249. As the number of concentric circles are supposed to indicate the age of the tree, one forming every year, and during the spring and sum- mer in our northern latitudes, recourse has been had to these for deter- mining the age of those tumuli or immense mounds, so common in our western states and territories. If these can lead us to any definite con- clusion in regard to their age, they prove them to be of very high an- tiquity. 250. The wood of plants is very various in regard to density and firmness. In the Oak and Lignum-Vitae or Guaiacum tree it is exceed- PRUNING, RINGING, &C. 213 ingly compact and hard ; in the Pine and Cotton Wood, soft and yield- ing. This difference ia probably owing to difference in density and closeness of fibre. 251. The central layers of the Lignum-Vitse are black, those of the Oak and Laburnum brown, of the Mahogany and Log-wood, red. The outer layers of unripe wood, or alburnum, are much sooner ripened into perfect wood in vigorous trees, than in others that are not so. This change is often effected earlier on one side of the same tree than on the other, because its growth is more vigorous. The ajburnum, when dives- ted of its bark, acquires density and hardness in a single summer. 252. It is termed the sap by the Machinist, because often filled with this fluid, and is rejected by him where durability and strength are re- quired. The trees of hot climates have but indistinctly-marked circles, because their growth is less interrupted by change of temperature and seasons. Th^ alburnum was regarded by the ancients as analogous to the fat in animals, and was supposed to be destined, like it, for the nourishment of the plant during winter. RINGING, PRUNING, etc. 253. Some improvement in the cultivation of fruits has resulted from Ringing. The operation is performed by taking a narrow circle of bark from the body of the tree. Girdling is also practised in the new settlements- of the United States for the purpose of clearing the land of forest-trees.. It consists in taking a circle of the alburmim with the bark. A check is thus put to the ascent and descent of the sap. If a circle of the bark and alburnum be removed, the tree dies sooner or later. It sometimes leaves out on the ensuing summer, however, in consequence of a sort of vicarious influence exerted by the cellular substance of the trunk, but soon perishes. 254. If a ring of the bark only be removed, leaving the alburnum, untouched, the sap may continue to ascend, but is obstructed in its de- scent. This operation may be safely performed on a tree if the ring ta- ken be sufficiently narrow, that the space may be filled with new bark from above during the same season. In some cases, according to Du Hamel, the whole trunk may be stripped with impunity, and even with advantage if the tree readily form new bark. It is often necessary to cover the trunk artificially, however, while the new bark 214 GIRDLING AND PRUNING. is forming. Trees will often live 15 or 20 years after being thus de- prived of their bark. 255. The productiveness of plants may often be much increased by thus intersecting the bark. It is explained on the principle, that the sap, ascending as freely as before to the branches and leaves, is there detained, being prevented from descending by the removal of the bark, and consequently accumulating, a larger supply is afforded for the nour- ishment and perfection of the fruit. The operation is often practised by gardeners. They thereby obtain larger and earlier fruits than they otherwise would do, as likewise of a richer quality. Grapes are often much improved in this way, and where the circle is so narrow as to close up during the same season, the vines are not much injured by the operation. 256. This at least is the opinion of many. Some, however, be- lieve the practice of ringing very injurious to plants. They deny that the trunk may be stripped with impunity, however readily the tree may form new bark. 257. Mr. Knight informs us that, having been requested by one of his customers to endeavour to preserve a favourite mulberry-tree, which for many years had flourished on her lawn, but which with the excep- tion of one very large branch, was either dead or decaying, he waited till the sap had ascended, and then barked the branch completely round near its junction with the trunk of the tree. Having filled three sacks with mould he tied them roimd that part of the branch which had been barked, and by means of one or two old watering pots, which Avere kept filled with water, and placed over the sacks, from which the water gradually distilled, the mould in the sacks was sufficiently moistened for his purpose. Towards the end of the year he examined the sacks, and found them filled with numerous small fibrous roots, which tlie sap hav- ing no longer the bark for its conductor into the main roots of the tree, had thus expended itself in throwing out. A hole having been prepar- ed, the branch was sawn off below the sacks, and planted with tliem, the branch being propped securely. The next summer it flourished and bore fruit, and is still in a thriving condition. 258. Trees often acquire so much top as not to bear fruit plentifully unless pruned. By taking aAvay a part of the branches an additional supply of sustenance is afforded to those that remain. The conse- quence is often, an additional quantity of fnait. Pruning is very PRUNING, RINGING. 215 necessary in the cultivation of the vine, as well as in various kinds of fmit trees. Care should be taken that plants be not deprived of too large a portion of their branches and leaves, lest the root should suffer for want of nourishment. Pruning should be performed by separating with a sharp instrument, those branches that appear the least flourisliiug, as likewise those that are dead and dry. Atler this operation has been care- fully performed, the wound that the tree liai? received by dissevering the branch, should be covered over with some mixture to prevent the access of the atmosphere to the wounded part. The following paste has been recommended for covering the wounds of trees, and for the place where grafts are inserted. It consists of a mixture of clay and cow manure, diluted with water, of the consistency of paste, or common plaster. Af- ter the deca3''ed wood is removed entirely and the edges of the bark and sound wood is made smooth by a sharp instrument, this composition is applied with a brush, until it forms a coat of from one eighth to a quar- ter of an inch in thickness. This adheres firmly without cracking until the wound heals. Some recommend a compost of fresh manure, ashes and slaked lime, mixed in various portions. 259. The design in pruning is not only to deprive plants of their use- less branches and buds, but to lay open and expose every part to the air and light. By thus being exposed, they are enabled to mature and ripen their fruits. 260. If the branches of a young tree, issuing at and above the requi- site height, be made, by pruning, to diverge from the trunk in every di- rection above the horizontal, and the interior of these be carefully kept from any interference with each other for a few years, little pruning will afterwards be necessary. 261. Various complicated systems of pruning the Apple, Pear, Plum, and the like, have been described by different writers. It is sufficient in pruning the Apple and other standard trees, that the points of the exter- nal branches should be rendered thin and pervious to the light, so that the internal parts be not wholly shaded. The light should penetrate deeply among the branches, but not entirely through to those on the op- posite side of the tree. 262. Trees, judiciously managed in this way, will bear fruit on their inner as well as outer branches. They will sustain a larger amount of it without the danger of breaking. The weight upon a branch is in the 216 PRUNING. RINGING. compound ratio of its quantity anrl its horizontal distance from the point of Rviispension. 263. When the growth of any plant is weak and reclining, the prin- cipal stem may be trained to a considerable height, before it is allowed to produce shoots Ibr permanent branches. The horizontal and pendent ones, under these circnmstances, should be dissevered. The principal or leading stem should be encouraged, to prevent a division into two boughs. Thus forked, it is apt to split asunder when under the weight of the fruit. 264. Mr. Knight thinks, large branches should seldom if ever be re- moved wliile young trees are in a nursery. The Ibrm preferred by the French for a tree is a pyramidial or sub-cylindrical one. This, and the conical^ are those most esteemed by the Dutch. 265. The best season for pruning is immediately preceding or during the rising of the sap. Branches, taken away, ought to be cut close and even, leaving no stumps of limbs. If pruning be done early, while the branches are small, there will seldom be occasion for amputating larger limbs at a more advanced period. 266. Whatever operates in repressing the too vigorous growth of a plant, by obstructing the free circulation of its sap and causing it to accu- mulate, has a tendency to render it fruitful. To efl'ect this, different expedients are resorted to, such as, 1. Ligatures, and ringing^ sometimes termed decortication and circumcision. 2. Different modes oi pruning. 3. Transplanting, and confining the roots to a limited space. 4. Engrafting on stocks of a very .slow growth. 5. Bending the branches, and sometimes by all these various modes united 267. The alburnum, situated above a decorticated space considera- bly exceeds in specific gravity that formed below it. The same effect of accumulation is observed in the fruit, both in regard to its maturation and quality. When a branch is small, or the space, from which the bark is taken, is considerable, a morbid maturity is induced, and the fruit becomes worthless. The part below the decorticated space is likewise very scan- tily supplied with nutriment, and almost ceases to grow. It sometimes perishes for want of suitable nourishment. 268. Decortication, or Girdling, is somefimes performed to cause trees to produce blossoms, or as a means of making them set more freely. The ring of bark, in these cases, must be taken off in early summer, pre- ceding the seasons at which blossoms are required. If for the purpose of RINGING, BARKING. 217 fruit, on the contrary, the operation should be delayed until the bark will readily part Ironi the alburnum. The breadth of the decorticated space must correspond Avith the size of the branch. 269. Girdling, or Ringing, when practised on small trees, proves al- most invariably injurious. A better practice is, to apply a tight ligature, on the preceding summer, about the branch, which answers in a great measure, the purpose of ringing. 270. We may say, in general terms, that the operation of Ringing^ or Girdling, consists in making two annular incisions quite round the limb through the bark, at the distance of about three-eighths of an inch asunder, more or less, according to the size and thriftiness of the tree, making a perpendicular slit, and removing the ring of bark to the wood. When done for the increase of blossom bitch, it should be done in June or July. When for increase and maturity of fruit, it is common to per- form this operation at the time the tree is coming into leaf, in the spring. 271. The practice of Barking iVuit trees was brought into notice in Britain, by Mr. Lyon of Edinburgh, about fifteen years since. This ope- ration, is now frequently performed in England upon Apple and Pear- trees, and upon Vines under glass. It is also common in the Netherlands to perform this operation upon various fruit-trees, as likewise upon many of the ornamental flowering shrubs and trees. 272. It consists in cutting otfwith a common hooked pruning-knife all the outer bark, quite down to the liber. This is recommended to be per- formed in February at the Avinter pruning. It is not common to practise it except upon old trees of eight or ten years of age. If the experiment be made upon young ones, the bark must not be taken so deeply. Mr. Loudon and others assert this to be a never-failing method of greatly im- proving, when properly performed, the quality and size of the fruit of tlie Apple and Pear, and likewise of the Vine. 273. Bending the Limbs of trees has been resorted to also for the purpose of rendering them productive of fruit. This may be performed on every species of tree without disadvantage. The operation consists in bending each limb or twig to a position below the horizontal one, while it is yet in a growing state. Thi« is generally done about the last of June or first of July, varying somewhat with the species and nature of the tree. By the operation a momentary stop is put to its growth. The sap be- comes concentrated, and forms fruit-buds for the production of numerous EE 218 BENDING. DWARFTNG. blossoms on the spring of the following year. If shoots burst forth from other parts of the tree, in consequence of the stoppage and accumulation of sap, these may be nipped off, all excepting a few eyes that may be allowed to remain. The Chinese have long underslood and practised this method of rendering fi-uit-trees productive. When judiciously per- formed, its effects are very extraordinary upon trees in causing them to yield abundantly both fruits and flowers. 274. Dwarfing, as it is termed by gardeners, consists in inoculating fruit trees of one kind upon stocks of the same or of different kinds of comparatively slow growth. The circulation of the sap is in consequence retarded, and the effect upon the plant somewhat analogous to that pro- duced by Girdling. 275. The Apple is often dwarfed., by being inoculated upon the Paradise stock — the Peach, by being inserted upon a slow-growing Plum — the Pear upon the Q.uince-bush, and the like. The Chinese extend the practice of dwarfing to flowering and other ornamental trees of va- rious kinds. Oranges, Peaches, Plums, and Grapes, are managed in this way among them. They form their Dwarfs on the most fruitful limbs of bearing trees, as well as upon the stunted and slow-growing ones. French and English gardeners practise dwarfing, deeming it admirably adapted to large fruits, especially Pears for summer use, which they de- clare to be better in q\iality, earlier, and more abundant, than they other- wise would be. 276. As the leaves are thought to be exclusively the laboratory, in which the sap is prepared that goes to form the fruit, no change in qual- ity is effected by a change of locality, or the engrafting of a scion of one variety, species, or even genus upon the stock of another. Hence the Pear engrafted upon the Q,uince partakes in no degree of the quality of the latter. 276. The following operation is commonly performed in Spring, when trees are in full blossom. The branches selected are those found most loaded with flowers. The bark is to be removed quite round the branch, to the breadth of about half its diameter. The incision is cover- ed with a large ball of composition similar to that of the grafting clay. For large trees, as the Elm, a covering of coarse cloth or straAv is often used. In eight or ten weeks, when the roots are formed and sufficiently developed to preserve the vital energy of the plant, the branch may be PROPAGATION BY LAYERS. 319 separated. Any exuberance of gi-owth is repressed by clipping the bran- ches and leaves. 277. Whether trees be lor ornament or fruit, if they ure to be potted, their branches must be bent and contorted by wires and other mechanical means, to accomplish the desired object. 278. Training is practised in many pails of France, the object of which is, to induce plants and trees to assume particular forms in their growth. The pyramidal form is most esteemed for fruit-trees, such as the Apple, Pear, Peach, Plum, Cherry, Apricot, Vine, &c. This mode of training is called en quenouille by the French, in allusion to a resem- blance in form, of trees thus managed, to the ancient distaff. 279. Some trees do not readily incline to throw out lateral or side branches. They are induced to do so by pinching or clipping off their tops, as soon as they have attained sufficient height for the first tier of branches. The main stem is again pinched off for the formation of a second tier, and so on successively at different periods of growth, till the tree has attained the requisite height. The beautiful pyramidal form so much desired is thus attained, and thereby the tree better fitted for the production of blossoms and fruit. 280. If the lateral branches incline to grow too fast, they must also be clipped, to preserve the proportion and beauty of the tree. The ope- ration of clipping requires much care and experience in order that it may be properly performed. This produces a temporary suspen- sion of the growth of the tree. If the clipping be too near the top, only one vertical shoot will be produced — if a little lower, two branches will put forth — but if it be shortened still lower, three or four lateral shoots will put out just below, and a top or vertical one also. PROPAGATION BY LAYERS. 281. Plants are sometimes propagated by toners and aiWzVzg-s. The Roses, and many other flowering shrubs are extensively dift'used in this way. Layers are branches left on the parent stock, and bent down and fastened several inches, as the case may require, below the surface of the earth, leaving the extreme point out of ground. 282. A flat stone is sometimes placed on the earth, immediately above the layer, to keep the earth cool, and retain the moisture. The branch or shoot, thus bent, sends off numerous small roots at the part 220 PROPAGATION BY CUTTINGS. covered by the earth. When these have become svifficiently numerous to supply the ncw-lbrmeil plant with nouiishraent, the branch is severed from itis parent stock. It afterwards may be transplanted^ if desired. The suckers or limbs of trees are thus managed, for the purpose of multi- plying individuals of valuable and scarce varieties. 283. Some particular kinds of trees and shnibs are with extreme dif- ficulty propagated in this way. Such must be Tongued, as the garden- ers term it. This operation consists in cutting the layer half off beneath the surface and below an eye or bud, and splitting it up an inch or more. The cleft is generally kept open by a small wedge. The operation should be performed in spring, and the branch be separated from the parent stock on the autumn or spring following. 284. In the cultivation of herbaceous plants and shrubs in pots, the pots should be frequently turned round to prevent the plants from grow- ing crooked. They will invariably incline towards the sun or light, and decline from their erect position, if this precaution be not taken. The mould on the top should become dry before they are furnished with an additional supply of Avater. If ])lants are to be kept in pots year after year, the balls of earth should be taken out in October, and the sides and bottom shaved off ^vith a sharp knife to the depth of an inch, more or less, varying with the size. They are then replaced, and the pot filled with a fresh compost of very rich earth. 285. Many shrubs and trees may be raised from Cuttings. These are pieces cut from trees, shrabs, or plants of the last growth. They should generally retain a small piece of the growth immediately prece- ding the last, of the ripened wood. They are taken generally from eight to twelve inches in length — sometimes longer and sometimes shorter, ac- cording to circumstances and the size of the plant. They are commonly taken when the sap is active, and with six or eight buds or joints. They are cut transversely and smoothly with a sharp knife or other instniment, near a joint or bud of the previous growth, or between the two last growths. The cuttings should be placed in rich, moist earth, in a shady situation, and the ground about them be kept moist by frequent watering. Old hay, or something of a like nature, is often placed over the surface to retain the moisture, especially if the weather be dry. Cuttings, taken from herbaceous plants, should be taken from such parts as do not mani- fest a tendency to flower. ■286. If the cutting be planted in a flower-pot, the pot may advanta- INOCULATING AND BUDDING. 221 geously be placed in the earth, in a shady situation, and covered with an invert:ed glass, for a short time, to preserve a moist atmosphere about it. If it send out roots^ branches will also soon aj^pear, otherwise the cutting quickly dies. Two-thirds of the length of the c?fH/??g- is generally buried beneath the earth. In some plants, if the bottom of the cutting be not squared and pressed to the bottom of the pot, it will not take root. Such plants as require artificial heat in the soil and a confined atmosphere, will receive much advantage by being covered with a bell-glass. This moderates transpiration, and raises the temperature, in some degree within. 287. Plants are sometimes propagated by transferring the bud or germ of one plant to the stock or branch of a kindred kind. Desirable and scarce varieties are thereby multiplied. The operation is principal- ly practised upon small trees, and only while the sap flows freely. Au- gust and September is thought to be the most proper season for budding. 288. The buds or germs are taken from the ripest twigs of the year's growth, separating the leaves from the footstalk. A perpendicular in- cision is made into the smooth bark of the tree or shrub to be engrafted upon, an inch or an inch and a half in length, quite through the bark. At the the top of this a cross-slit is made of a similar length, or nearly, forming a cross. This also should be made quite through to the wood, a little slanting downwards. Raise the bark carefully on both sides with the handle of the knife, taking precaution not to injure the sap-wood or structure containing the cambium, or green sap. The bud is then to be taken from the twig by a small sharp knife. The knife is to be entered half or three quarters of an inch below the eye or bud and quite through the bark, separating the bark to the same distance above the bud. A very thin slip of wood is also taken of about one-third the length of the bud. The bud is then immediately inserted in the stock at the bottom of the slit, and between the bai'k and the wood. The top of the bud being squared even with the cross-cut, every part except the eye is firmly bound and covered with strong wet bass matting. 289. Some prefer making the cross-cut at the bottom instead of the top of the perpendicular slit, and to insert the bud upwards instead of down- wards. Either mode generally proves successful. The string is to be taken off in about ten or fifteen days, otherwise it will press upon the bark. After the bud has united with its new stock and become a con- stituent member of the plant, the stock ingrafted upon may be cut off 222 GRAFTING, about a quarter of an inch above the bud. This should be done in spring before the sap begins? lo rise, leaving the stock sloping down on the oppo- site side. 290. Budding i.s sometimes performed by cutting iVom a small stock, a thin narrow scollop of wood of about an inch in length, and taking from a twig a piece, ol' like form and size. The latter is then instantly ap- plied and fitted perfectly at top and bottom, on one, and, if po&sible, both of its sides, and firmly bound with wet bass matting. This is done in spring. In case of failure, it may be repeated in July or August. Roses are often propagated by budding in this way. This mode is prac- tised among the French. It is termed Scollop Budding. Thouin has described more than twenty diderent modes of budding plants. 291. Jioses, budded in this way in June, often grow and blossom the same year. The young and unripe wood is prepared by separating the leaves, leaving only their footstalks. In ten or fifteen days, the buds are sufficiently developed for insertion. The stock is cut off, six or eight in- ches above the insertion of the bud, at the time of inoculation. Strings of bass matting, previously dipped in a solution of alum and white soap, and dried, are used tor bandage. GRAFTING. 292. There are various modes of grafting, such as Whip or Splice ■Grafting, Cleft Grafting, Saddle Grafting, Root Grafting, Side Grafting, Grafting by Approach, and the like. More than forty diflcrent modes are described. 293. Whip or Splice Grafting is principally practised on small stocks of nearly equal size with the scion. The Scion, which consists of the young twig of the former years' growth, is cut of a length of three or four inches. This, as likewise the stock, is cut obliquely or sloping for nn inch or more, and tongued. The tonguing is performed by cutting a slit in the middle of the slope of the stock downwards, and a correspond- ing slit in the scion upwards. Both are then accurately joined, that one or both of the sides may coincide. The parts are afterwards securely bound Avith a matting string, covered as before described. Grafting clay is sometimes used for a covering. When the stock and scion are united, the string is removed. 294. Cleft Grafting is performed upon larger stocks, of one or two % GRAFTING. 223 inches in diameter. The head of the stock is saAved oil' at a part iVee from Itnots, and the top pared smootli with a sharp instrument. It is then split down with a thin linifc tlirougli the centje, to the deplli of two or three inclies, and a wedge put in to ieo?i% Emarginiite. Having a notch in the end. Entire. _ Even and whole at the edge. Erpct. 'Upright. Perpendindar. Egret. The downy or fedlhcrij crown of some seeds- Fitscicled. Collected into bundle.-^. Fnsligiatc. Flat-topped. Like a house roof. Follicle. A seed-vessel opening at an€ side. Fle.THose. Zig-zag. Serpentine. Filiform. Thread-like. Very slender. Glomeruie. A small roundish head of flowers. Glabrous. Having a smooth or slippery surface. Glaucous. Pale-bluish green or sea-green. Germ. The lower part of the pistil that eventually l>econies the fhait. Gibbous. Swelled out on one side. Glandular. Having glands. Hispid. Covered with stiff hairs or bristles. Hirsute. Rough with hairs. Horn. A spur, as in Columbine. Hooded. Rolled or folded inward Ifke a cowl, as in Arum Triphyllum. Imbricate. Tiled. Like shingles on a roof Involucre. The general calyx of Umbelliferous plants at some distance from the flowers. Injie.red. Leaves bending inward toward the stem. Incrassate. Increasing in thickness upward as the footstalk approach- es the floAver. Incurved. Bent inwards. Inferior. Lowermost. Calyx and corolla below the germ, when ap- plied to flowers. Inflated. Apparently blown up Ifke a bladder. Keel. The under petal of a papilionaceous flower. Keeled. Shaped like the ked (£ a vessel. Lanceolate. Spear or lance-shaped. Narrow and tapering toward* both extremities, as in leaves of Persian Lilach. Lyrate. Shaped like a lyre or harp. Lobe. A large division of a leaf or petal. Lip. The upper or under side of a labiate corolla. LinNir. Like a line. Long and narrow with parallel sides. Lamina. The border or flat end of a petal, in distinction from the^faip. Also a thin membrane or plate of any kind. Lamellated. In thin plates. Liliaceous. Resembling the Lily. Mucronate. Dagger-like. A leaf, terminating in a sharp point. Membranous. Very thin and delicate. Muricate. Covered with sharp spines. Nectary. The part of the corolla containing the honey. Also sometimes the internal, supernumerary part of the c^Iyx or corolla. Nectariferous. Bearing honey. Nerves. Parallel veins. Orate. Egg-shaped. Oval, with the lower end the largest, as m the leaf of the Pear. Ob-ovate. The ob prefixed to another term denotes the inversion of the usual position, as 0b-ovat6, invertBly ovate, and the Uk«. I DICTIONARY. 285 Obtuse. Blunt. Rounded, iwt acute. Orbicular. Circular. Like an orb. Obsolete. Indistinct. Scarcely discernible. Palmate. Hand-shaped. Leaf, shaped like an open hand. Plicate. Folded like a fan. Punctate. Appearing as if pricked full of small holes or dots. Pinnatifid. Cut in a pinnate form. Pinnate. Winged-leaf. A kind of compound leaf where the leaflets are fixed on a common stalk, opposite each other. Pedicel. The ultimate branch o^ 3. peduncle. Pubescent. Hairy or downy. Papillose. Covered with fleshy excrescences, like nipples. Panicle. A loose spike. A loose, irregular bunch of flowers, with sub- divided branches. Petal. A single flower-leaf. Pod. A dry seed-vessel. Radical. Growing directly yVom the root. Rugose. Wrinkled, like Sage-leaves. Rhomboid. Having four sides with unequal angles, like the rhombus. Retuse. Having a superficial or slight notch in the end. Reflexed. Bent backwards toward the trunk. Raceme. A cluster, like a buncli of Grapes or Currants or Barberries. Applied to flowers also. Reniform.. Shaped like a kidney. Kidney^orm, Receptacle. The basis on which the parts of fructification are cojinectgd. Sessile. Seated immediately on the stem without a footstalk. Scabrous. Rough. Rugged. Scape. A stalk springing from the root and sustaining the flower, but no leaves. Subrdate. Awl-shaped. Sharp-pointed. Serrate. Toothed like a saw, as in the leaf of the Rose and Strawberry. Sub-crenate. The particle sub prefixed to a term implies that the qual- ities are diminished, or belong to it in an inferior degree. Truncate. Terminating squarely, as if cut off. Tomentose. Downy, Cottony. Terminal. Situated at the extreme, or end. Terete. Round. Cylindrical. Turbinate. Top-shaped. Pear-shaped. Ternaie. In threes, as leaves of Red Clover, and the like. Throat. Passage into the tube of a corolla. Turgid. Swoln. Puffed out. Umbel. Flower-stalks, diverging from a centre, like rays in an umbrella, as in Parsnip and the like. Umbelliferous. Bearing umbels. ^ Urceolate. Pitcher-shaped. Ventricose. A spike, narrowing at each extremity and bellying out in the middle. Villose. Covered with soft hairs. Viscid. Clammy. Glutinous. Moist. . Whirled. Turned around the stem. Woolly. Covered with a soft coat like wool. ::§§ : P^Ch 1 o o o I &H d !1k Ph O^fU H F=< 15 U S w S p^ ^ on w «i3 o tf p^ ^ O 02 Q o o u < « a, 1 1^ 1 . Q , QP . O ffi i 6 ; • • ■ g : ; :k Ck t +.3 -t-J +-.-*-> ^ a> a; a; 0) q3 X I X X >'! c" « OJ oj 3 I h^ • ' ' 1 1 I I . ^ I '■■: H^ \i^ 3 I s c c c I ,;:r . ' ^ o o , ~ SYNOPSIS ALL THE CLASSES AND ORDERS OF THE LINN^AN SYSTEM, Scientifically arranged. Class I. ^ Order Order MONANDRIA. 5. " Hexagynia 6. Order Order' 6. Polygyria 13. 1. Monogynia 1. 2. Digynia 2. Class VII. HEPTANDRIA. Class II. 1. Monogynia 1. DIANDRIA. 2. Digynia 2. 1. Monogynia 1. 3. Tetragynia 4, 2. Digynia 2. 4. Heptagynia 7. 3. Trigynia Class III. 3. Class VIII. OCTANDRIA. TRIANDRIA. I. Monogynia 1. 1. Monogynia 1. 2. Digynia 2. 2. Digynia 2. 3. Trigynia 3. 3. Trigynia Class IV. TETRANDRIA. 3. 4. Tetragynia Class IX. ENNEANDRIA. 4. 1. Monogynia I. i 1. Monogynia 1. 2. Digynia 2. 1 2. Trigynia 3. 3. Tetragynia. Class V. PENTANDRIA. 4. 3. Hexagynia Class X. DECANDRIA. 6. 1. Monogynia I. 1. Monogynia 1. 2. Digynia 2. 2. Digynia 2. 3. Trigynia 3. 3. Trigj'nia 3. 4. Tetragynia 4. 4. Pentagynia 5. 5. Pentagynia 5. 5. Decagynia 10. 6. Hexagynia 6. 7. Polygynia 13. Class XI. DODECANDRIA. Class VI. 1. Monogynia 1. HEXANDRIA. 2. Digynia 2. 1. Monogynia 1. 3. T ligynia 3. 2. Digynia 2. 4. Tetragynia 4. 3. Trigynia 3. 5. Pentagynia 5. 4. Tetragynia 4. 6. Dodecagynia 12. • The figures on the left denote the dumber of the Ordert, according to Smith, Thorn'on, and several others. Those on uie right designate the numb&r according to Eaton and the more modem method of mtinmbe^iug (hem. 288 SYNOPSIS OF LINN.EAN CLASSES. Class XII. ICOSANDRIA. Order Order 1. Monogynia 1. 2. PeiiUigyiiia 5. 3. Polygynia 13. Class XIX. SYNGENESIA. Order Otdtt 1. Polygamia aequalis 1. 2. Polygamia superflua 2. 3. Polygamia frustranea 3. 4. Polygamia iiecessaria 4. Class XIII. 5. Polygamia segregata 5 POLYANDRIA. 1. Monogynia 1. Class XX. 2. Digynia 2. GYNANDRIA. 3. Trigynia 3. 1. Monandria 1 4. Tetragynia 4. 2. Diandria 2. 5. Pentagynia 5. 3. Triandria 3. 6. Hexagynia 6. 4. Tctrandria 4. 7. Polygynia 13. 5. Pentandria 5. 6. Hexandria 6. Class XIV. 7. Octandria 8. DIDYNAMIA. Class XXI. 1. Gymnosperniia 1. M N CE C I A. 2. Angiospermia 2. 1. ISIonaiidria 1. 2. Diandria 2. Class XV. 3. Triandria 3. TETRADYNAMIA 4. Tetrandria 4. 1. Siliculosa 1. 5. Pentandria 5. 2. Siliquosa 2. 6. Hexandria 6. 7. Polyandria 13. Class XVI. 8. Monadelphia 16. MONADELPHIA. 1. Triandria 3. Class XXII. 2. Pentandria 5. DIOECIA. 3. Heptandria 7. 1. Monandria 1. 4. Octandria 8. 2. Dm.ndria 2. 5. Decandria 10. 3. Triandria 3. 6. Endecandria 11. 4. Tctrandria 4. 7. Dodecandria 12. 5. Pentandria 5. 8. Polyandria 13. 6. Hexandria 6. 7. Polyandria 13. Class XVII. 8. Monadelphia 16. DIADELPHIA. I. Pentandria 5. Class XXIII. 2. Hexandria 6. POLYGAMIA. 3/ Octandria 8. 1. Monoecia 1. 4. Decandria 10. 2. DicKcia 2. 3. TricBcia 3. Class XVIII. Class XXIV. POLYADELPHIA. CRYPT OGAMIA. 1. Dodecandria 11. 1. Filices 1. 2. Icosandria 12. 2. Musci 2. 3. Polyandria 13. 3. Algse 3. 4. Fungi 4. THE I :nd. 3^77 ./J