3D4 LINNJEAN CLxVSSES- 



of the Stamens taken into consideration. They grow 

 out of the sides of the Calyx, often from a sort of 

 ring, as in the Strawberry. This is truly a natural 

 Class, as are several of the following ones ; so that 

 in these instances the Linneean method of arrange- 

 ment performs more than it promises. The character 

 of this Class is the more important, as such a mode of 

 insertion indicates the pulpy fruits which accompany 

 it to be infalliby wholesome, and this holds good, not 

 only when the stamens are numerous, but in all other 

 cases. Thus Ribes, the Currant and Goosberry ge- 

 nus, whose 5 stamens grow out of the calyx, stand in 

 the fifth class, a wholesome fruit, among many poison- 

 ous berries. No traveller in the most unknown 

 wilderness need scruple to eat any fruit whose stamens 

 are thus situated ; while on the other hand he will do 

 well to be cautious of feeding on any other parts of 

 the plant. 



13. PoLYANDRiA. Stamcus numerous, commonly 

 more so than in the last Class, and inserted into the 

 Receptacle, or b^se of the flower, as in the Poppy, 

 Anemone, &:c. The plants of this fine and nume- 

 rous Class are very distinct in nature, as well as char- 

 acter, from those of the Icosandria, 



14. Did YN AMI A. Stamens 2 long and 2 short. Here 

 proportion comes to our assistance. This is a natural 

 Class, and contains most of the labiate, ringent or 

 personate flowers as the Dead-nettle, Snap-dragon, 

 Fox-glove, &c. 



