a28. ~ HYPOPETALEE- 
family, and is referred by some to the genus Caltha, by others 
to Aconitum ferox. A. Anthora, and A. cammarwm are also 
poisonous. The narcotic principle of A. Napellus is said by 
Mr. Brandes to be a vegetable alkali, which he has called 
aconita, The seeds of Delphinium Staphisagria also contain 
an alkaline principle called delphinia, in combination with 
malic acid. 
ORDER LXXVIII. 
MAGNOLIACEZ. 
Cuaracters.—Trees or shrubs, with alternate not dotted 
leaves, at first enveloped in 2 large deciduous leafy stipules ; 
flowers large, and with a sweet odour ; calyx caducous, of 3 to 
6 sepals; corolla of 3 to a great many petals in several rows + 
stamens numerous, with long adnate anthers inserted below 
the ovaries ; ovaries numerous and distinct, superior, each 1- 
celled, with 1 ovule or more; a short style, and a simple 
stigma; pericarps various, dehiscent capsules opening by 2 
valves or by a single slit, minute and indehiscent, or some- 
times fleshy, distinct or partially united, and set on an elon- 
gated receptacle ; seeds with a fleshy albumen, containing @ 
small embryo at its base. 
: -Exampne.—Tulip-tree Clgetideniren tulipifera.) : 
 Meprcrxat Prorerties.—The Magnoliacee are in gene- 
wal aromatic and more or less stimulant, and also bitter and 
tonic, and the flowers have a strong fragrant odour, which 
is said in some cases to produce injurious effects. The bark 
of Lyriodendron tulipifera is very bitter, and is much used in 
North America instead of Peruvian-bark, in intermittent fe- _ 
yer. Magnolia glauca (Swamp Sassafras, or Beaver-tree), is 4 
ofa similar nature, and used in North America in intermit- — 
