I'll. XVII. I CLASSIFICATION. 105 



441. An Individual is an organized being, complete in its 

 parts, distinct and separate Jrom all other beings. An oak, a 

 rose, and a moss, are each of them individuals of the vegetable 

 kingdom. 



442. A Species includes such individuals as agree in certain 

 circumstances of the roots, stems, leaves, and inflorescence. 

 We have jio reason to suppose that any new species, either of 

 animals or vegetables, have been produced since the creation. 

 We sometimes see varieties in plants made by cultivation ; the 

 stamens and pistils, from excess of nourishment, expanding 

 into petals. Varieties are also occasioned by strewing the pol- 

 len from one species, upon the stigma of another ; but these 

 varieties do not produce perfect seed, and therefore cannot re- 

 produce themselves by their seed. Colour, taste, and size, are 

 not considered as marks of specific difference. 



443. A Genus comprehends one or more species, grouped to- 

 gether on account of some resemblance in situation, proportion, 

 and connexion of the organs which constitute the flower. Any 

 one species of a genus may be regarded as a type or example of 

 the others ; we may easily refer species which we have not 

 studied to their proper genus, by a knowledge of any one spe- 

 cies of that genus. Some genera appear to be distinctly marked 

 by nature ; the various species of the rose, form a beautiful ge- 

 nus Avhich is known to all, although every one might not be 

 able to describe it to others, in such a manner as to be under- 

 stood ; it is chiefly distinguished by its urn-shaped, fringed 

 calyx. 



444. The generic names of plants are derived from various 

 circumstances; in some cases from a peculiarity of form, or 

 colour of the corolla or some pioperty of the plant. Some genera 

 are named from distinguished persons. Iris, (Flag.) is named 

 from Iris the rain-bo\v on account of its various shades of co- 

 lour. Digitalis, (Fox-glove,) is named fromdigitus a finger, on 

 account of the shape of its corolla, like the finger of a glove. 

 Convallaria, (Lily of the valley,) is named from the Latin con- 

 callis, signifying valley. The name of the great Linnaeus is 

 commemorated in a beautiful but modest and humble flower, 

 called the Linn&a borealis.* 



* Borealis, signifying northern, has reference' to the sitnatijn ol 

 Sweden, the country Avhicli gave birth to Linnseus. The Lmnaea 

 oorealis is not uncommon in New England, and has been 'oimd on 

 va island near Troy, in the State of New-York. 



441. What is an individual 7 



442. What is a species! 



443. What is a genu.s ? 



444. How are the generic names derivpri? 



