COKOLLLFLOEiE. 



615 



478 and 479) irregular, 4 — 5-partite ; cestivation imbricate 

 {fig. 1000). Stamens 2 {fig. 999), or 4 didjTiamous {fig. 547), 



Fig. 999. 



Fig. 999. Flower of Speedwell ( Veronica) Fig. 1000. Diagram of the flower 



of Frogsmouth {Antirrhinum nw!;M8),.with one bract below. 



rarely 5 or with a rudimentary 5tli ; anthers introrse. Ovary 

 usually 2-celled {fig. 1000), its component carpels being placed 

 anterior and posterior; style 1 {fig. 999). Fruit usually capsular 

 {fig. 693), rarely baccate, generally 2-celled ; placentas axile. 

 Seeds generally numerous, albuminous ; embryo straight or slightly 

 curved. The above definition is in accordance with the views 

 of Mr. Miers, by whom the sub-order Salpiglossideee of Bentham 

 is placed in the new order Atropacese. (See Atropacece.') 



Distribution, 8fc. — The plants of this order are found in all 

 parts of the globe. Examples : — Calceolaria, Verbascum 

 Antirrhinum, Scrophularia, Mimulus, Gratiola, Limosella, Vero- 

 nica, Euphrasia, Rhinanthus, Pedicularis, Melampyrum. As 

 above defined, there are about 160 genera, and 1700 species. 



Properties and Uses. — The plants ot this order must be 

 regarded with suspicion, as some are powerful poisons. Many 

 are bitter, others are astringent, some are purgative, emetic, or 

 diuretic, and a few possess narcotic properties. A great many 

 are cultivated in our gardens, &c. on account of the beauty of 

 their flowers. Several of the Scrophulariaceae are root-parasites, 

 as Melampyrum, Rhinanthus, ^c, ; these turn black when dried. 



Verbascum — The leaves of V. Thapsus, Great Mullein, have emollient, 

 demulcent, and slightly narcotic properties. Its seeds and those of V. nigrum 

 are said to be employed by poachers to stupify fish in order that they may be 

 readily taken. 



Scrophularia nodosa. — The fresh leaves are sometimes used in the form of 

 an ointment or fomentation, as an application in skin diseases and to indolent 

 tumours, &c. The leaves and roots of this species and of 5. aquatica are 

 purgative, emetic, and are supposed to be slightly narcotic 

 JJ K 4 



