THALAMIFLOR/E or 
the others, which are opposite and are inserted below 
the ovary. The pod may be a siliqua of two valves 
with a central partition or a silicula, which is much 
smaller, not much longer than broad. The anthers 
open inwards by two long clefts. There are two 
stigmas. 
Most of the order are herbaceous. Asa rule the 
plants have the rosette habit and the leaves are largely 
radical, those upon the stem being alternate, without 
any stipules. The flowers growin araceme. Asarule 
the leaves are long and linear or strap-like. 
A large number have white flowers, but some are 
yellow, and a few lilac, or pink. 
There are about 1200 species and about 180 genera. 
Usually they are found in temperate countries, but 
some 200 in higher latitudes. They are nearly 
related to the Fumitories. 
THE Lapy’s SMocK (Cardamine pratensis). 
Dear to the heart of every child or indeed every 
country-bred person, young or old, this dainty wild 
flower is next to the daisy and the dandelion one of 
England’s most cherished flowers. 
Shakespeare has immortalised it and our other 
national favourites in the lines: 
“When daisies py’d and violets blue 
And cuckoo-buds of yellow hue 
And Lady-Smocks all silver white 
Do paint the meadows with delight.” 
(Love’s Labour Lost.) 
