CHENOPODEiE. 97 



Calyx persistent, deeply parted, sometimes with divisions 

 united at the base ; corolla none ; stamens on the base of the 

 calyx, and against the divisions which they equal in number ; 

 ovary superior ; fruit membranous, sometimes berry-Hke ; leaves 

 alternate, sometimes opposite ; flowers small, sometimes polyga- 

 mous. 



This order contains a considerable number of plants ; some 

 highly useful. Many have been used as pot-herbs. 



Chenopodium. L. 5. 2. 



C. album. L. Pig- weed, or White Goose-Foot. A com- 

 mon weed in gardens and fields ; succulent, and formerly used as 

 a pot-herb. 



C. hybridum, L., and C. rubrum, L. Often called Goose- 

 Foot ; gardens and waste places. 



C. botrys. L. Oak of Jerusalem. A native of this country ; 

 a small, erect, branching, and leafy plant, with scattered clusters 

 of flowers on short branches, giving the whole a spike-form ap- 

 pearance ; of a strong and peculiar odor ; grows on light, sandy 

 soil ; August. Tonic and antispasmodic 



The genus numbers about 40 species, 4 or 5 only being in- 

 digenous ; the first three just mentioned, have probably been in- 

 troduced from Europe. The ashes of our species are used in the 

 manufacture of soda. 



Beta. L. 5. 2. Beet. 

 From the Celtic for red. 



B. vulgaris. L. The common Beet, white and red. These 

 plants, introduced from the south of Europe, have become neces- 

 sary as articles of food. The cultivation of the Sugar Beet is no 

 longer problematical. The introduction of an article of such 

 extensive consumption, demanding new and increasing industry and 

 capital, may form an era in the history of our agriculture and 

 prosperity. The extraction of 10 per cent, of sugar from the 

 beet, by the improved method in France, renders it certain, that 



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