HE family of plants to be next 
considered, and to which we 
have attached the names of 
two well-known cultivated 
species, 1s a very extensive one, 
but also one whose members agree very closely in the 
appearance as wellas in the structure of their flowers. 
Some groups already described have their flowers so 
specialised and adapted for fertilisation by a few 
particular insects that we may regard them as 
aristocratic and exclusive in their relations with the 
insect world; but the present family is thoroughly 
democratic—its flowers are formed and massed on 
popular lines. All insects, whether large or small, 
long-tongued or short-tongued, are made welcome. 
There is no need for special weight to depress certain 
petals, no need for strength to push open spring 
doors, no need for tongues constructed like elephants’ 
trunks to reach down long and slender tubes, and 
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