160 



URTICACE^. 



[part I. 



stem is quadrangular, and its fibres are so 

 tough, that when separated from the pulp by 

 maceration, they may be spun into yarn. The 

 young shoots when boiled are very good to eat. 

 The Roman Nettle (U. pilulifera) differs from 

 the common kind in having the male flowers in 

 loose panicles, and the female ones in compact 

 pill-like heads, whence the specific name. The 

 sting of this nettle is worse than that of the 

 common kind. 



The Hop (Humulus Lupulus) is a very inter- 

 esting plant to a botanist, from the peculiarity 

 of its flowers. The male and female ones are 

 distinct, and generally on different plants. The 



Fig. 73.— Hop {Humulus Lupulus). 



male flowers are produced in loose panicles ; 

 the calyx {Jig. 73, a) consists of five sepals, in 



