122 BOTANY FOR BEGINNERS. j Ch. XX, 



monosepalnus, or has but one leaf, it is divided into two parts, 

 which are reflexed; the corolla has two petals; the germ is 

 below the calyx. This is a very small perennial plant which 

 grows in shady places ; its blossom is white, and remarkable 

 for the symmetry of its parts, having two stamens, two petals, 

 a calyx with two divisions ; a capsule with two cells, each of 

 which contains two seeds. Its common name is Enchanter's 

 night shade ; this plant is common about the shores of the 

 Cumberland lakes in England, and the Highland s;lens of Scot- 



J / C3 ij 



land, as well as in the United States. 



517. The Olea, or olive, is said to derive its scientific name 

 from a Latin word signifying oil. This plant is an evergreen 

 tree which grows to the height of twenty or thirty feet; it is 

 common on the rocks of Palestine, and travellers say it is still 

 found upon the spot called the Mount of Olives. It is possible 

 that the very tree which once afforded shade to our Saviour 

 may be still living, since there is reason to believe that there 

 are trees now in existence, of which Pliny, who lived near the 

 time of Christ, makes mention. 



518. ORDERS. DIGYNIA; two pistils. To illustrate this or- 

 der we shall mention the Anthoxanthum, or sweet-scented 

 spring-grass; this blossoms in May, and when drying, diffuses 

 the pleasant and refreshing smell peculiar to new moAvn hay 

 This plant is not classed with the other grasses, which are most 

 'v in the third class, because it has but two stamens. 



519. ORDER 3d. TRIGYNIA, three pistils. We here find the 

 genus Piper, the name of which is derived from the Hindoo 

 word pippul. It is a climbing plant which is supported upon 

 poles ; thus the pepper plantations of the East Indies bear a re- 

 semblance to the hop fields of New England. The Piper A7- 

 grum, or black pepper, is that species which is most used in 

 commerce, and which furnishes the spice daily used upon our 

 tables. Black pepper was known in commerce in the most re- 

 mote ages. The Greeks and Romans obtained it from Asia. 

 It has been introduced into the hot region of America ; where it 

 grows as well as in its native country. 



520. Another species of pepper is the betel; the leaves of 

 this plant are used in the East Indies, to enclose slices of a 

 palm nut called the arcca nut, thus prepared for the purpose of 

 chewing; the natives of that country esteem it a great luxury 



517. Describe the Olive. 



518. What plant is described under the 2d order? 



519. What is described under the 3d order ? 



520. Of what genus is the betel nut 1 



