28 ILLUSTRATIONS OF INDIAN BOTANY. 
The calyx in this order consists of only two sepals, and these so caducous, that for the most 
part, they drop nearly as soon as expanded. ‘he carolla is composed of 4 petals, or of twice 
or three times that number, but always of some multiple of four; the stamens in like manner, 
though generally numerous, are always some multiple of four, rarely only eight, forming four 
undles, one inserted at the base of each petal; the anthers are two-celled, erect, opening within, 
Ovary solitary, stigmas sessile, or with a short style, two, or many, and in the latter case, stel- 
late on the flat apex of the ovarium. Fruit one-celled, with parietal placente, equalling the 
number of the stigmas : albumen between fleshy and oily, at the base of which, is a minute 
straight embryo, with plano convex cotyledons. 
Arrinitics, The nearest affinity of this ‘order is with Ranunculaceae, from which, in 
me extreme cases, it is scarcely to be distinguished except by the difference of the juices, 
which in this is milky, yellow, or white, and narcotic, in that aqueous and acrid. 
Essentrat Cuaracter. Polypetalous, polyandrous, anthers inate : ovary wholly superior ; 
carpels combined into a solid fruit, with more placentas than one. Juice milky, leaves alternate 
exstipulate. 
Grocrapuicat Distripution. This, as already remarked is so completely an extra-tro- 
pical order that, with the exception of Argemone Mexicana a naturalized plant, not one is 
found on the plains of India. Europe is their principal seat, being there found in all directions, 
and containing nearly two-thirds of the whole order. 
Prorertizs and Uses. The narcotic is the predominating principle of this order. The 
seeds however of Argemone Mexicana are said to possess emetic properties, and are used in. 
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ery extensively cultivated in 
Fe of Ba res, , that nearly three millions of 
pounds of Opium are annually raised in these districts, producing a return to the country of 
above two and a half millions sterling. This kind of caltivation wo 
re so, now, that the China market is shut against its intro- 
ict ruin and destruction on thousands of persons engaged 
h coveted drug, of which there is now, a surplus in hand 
the question of its effects on the human constitution, 
this as in many other disputed points, the truth seems 
sas aid, that the one is nearly as bad as the other, though 
much more common among us, and its effects better understood, is less 
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