a 



Cfl. XXIII.] CLASSES AND ORDERS. 141 



CLASS XII. POLYANDRIA, more than ten stamens inserted on 



the receptacle. 



Fig. 83. 591. In this class we find the sta- 



mens separate from the calyx, and at- 

 tached to the receptacle or top of the 

 flower stem. The number of stamens 

 in this class varies from ten to some 

 hundreds. This class does not, like the 

 one we have last examined, contain 

 many delicious fruits, but abounds in 

 poisonous and active vegetables. The 

 mode of the insertion of the stamens 

 is to be regarded in considering the 



^ c? 



wholesome qualities of plants ; it is 

 asserted that no plant with the stamens 

 en the calyx is poisonous ; we know 

 that many with the stamens upon the 

 receptacle are so. 



h92. Fig. 83 represents, at a, a flower of the Clematis with 

 its many stamens -growing on the receptacle ; b shows the re- 

 ceptacle with numerous short styles attached to it, c and d re- 

 present a stamen and petal which were inserted on the receptacle 

 below the styles. On account of its many styles, the clematis is 

 placed in the 13th order. 



ORDER 1. MONOGYNIA, one pistil. 



593. We find here some flowers of a curious appearance, as 

 the Mandrake, or May-apple. This plant is common in moist, 

 shady places, where you may often see several growing toge- 

 ther ; each stem supports a large white flower and two large 

 peltate palmate leaves ; the fruit is yellow, and eaten by many 

 as a delicacy; the root is used in medicine. 



594. The Side-saddle flower (Sarracenia) is a very curious 

 and elegant plant ; it has large leaves proceeding directly from the 

 root. These leaves form a kind of cup, capable of containing a gill 

 or more of water, with which liquid they are usually filled. The 

 stem is of that kind called a scape, growing to the height of 

 one or two feet, bearing a single large purple flower. This plant 

 is found in swamps ; its common name, Side-saddle flower, is 

 given on account of the form of its leaf. It is sometimes call- 



591. What remarks are made respecting Class Polvandrial 



592. Describe Fig. 83. 



593. What is said of the Mandrake or May-apple 1 

 594 Describe the side-saddle flower 



