GAMOPETALiE-II 



117 



point of view is the Bearbeny, which is recoo-nized by 



the following characteristics: 



L The plant is a small shrub, with prostrate stems 

 and ego-sliaped, entire, evergreen leaves. 



2. The leaves turn red in autumn. 



3. The fruit consists of small red berries. 



The dried leaves contain 6 to 7 per cent of tannin, 

 also gallic acid, a glucoside called arhidia, as well as 

 other principles. Arbutin is very bitter, and is decom- 

 posed by acids into glucose and Jiydroq itinone. The 

 leaves of Bearberry are in demand because of their 

 astringent, tovic, and diuretic purposes. 



CHAPTER VIII 



GAMOPETAL.^— II 



Primulaceae. — The Primrose Family. The student 

 should study tlie primrose flower veiy carefully, in order 



a 



Fi- 72. 



a, Model of Ovary of Piinirose. 6, Eipe Ovary, Priniulaceic 

 Cf Position of Stamens in Priinulacea;. 



to understand the characteristics of the Prinmlace^. In 

 particular, the ripe ovary should be examined; this will 

 be seen to conform to the type shown in fig. 72, b. It 

 consists of one cavity, from the base of which arises, a 



( C OO.'i ) 



