39^ tlNN^AN CLASSES 



23. PoLYGAMiA. Stamens and Pistils se- 

 parate in some flowers, united in others, 

 either on the same plant, or on two or 

 three different ones. 



This Class is natural only when the se- 

 veral flowers have a different structure, as 

 those of Afriple.v ; but in this genus the 

 Pistil of the united flower scarcely pro- 

 duces seed. If, with Linnaeus, we admit 

 into Folugamia every plant on which 

 some separated barren or fertile flowers 

 may be found among the united ones, 

 while all a2:ree in o-eneral structure, the 

 Class will be overwhelmed, especially with 

 Indian trees. I have therefore proposed 

 that regard should be had to their general 

 structure, which removes all such incon- 

 venience, and renders the Class much more 

 natural. 



24. Cryptogam I A. Stamens and Pistils 

 either not well ascertained, or not to be 

 numbered with any certainty, insomuch 

 that the plants cannot be referred to any 

 of the foregoing classes. Of this Ferns, 

 Lichens, Sea-weeds and Mushrooms are 

 examples. 



