126 POPULAR FIELD BOTANY. 
TETRANDRIA. MOoONOGYNIA. 
CoROLLIFLOR&. GALIACEA. 
GALIUM. (Brp-srraw.) 
Generic Character. Corolla flat, of one petal, divided into 
four. Fruit a dry, round seed-vessel; in some species so rough 
that it adheres to whatever touches it, in others smooth. 
This genus is said to derive its curious name of Bed-straw 
from the circumstance of floors formerly being strewn with 
flowers and sweet-smelling herbs, and this plant particularly, 
before the introduction of carpets. 
Gatium cructatuM. (Plate VII. Fig. 28.) Cross-leaved 
Bed-straw. This species is the first of the genus to make 
its appearance, and is at the same time one of the prettiest. 
Its flowers are yellow, and as, with the exception of one 
of the species, all have white blossoms, it will easily be 
distinguished. 'They possess a peculiar characteristic, that 
of having the leaves small and in whorls; that is, in a ring 
round the stalk and at regular distances. This species has 
four in a whorl, and the minute yellow flowers clustered 
upon them. ‘The stalks are long and straggling. The plant 
abounds in hedges and on banks, resting against the bushes 
and its stronger neighbours. It is very common, and is sure 
