EXAMINATION OF FLOWERS. 103 



of the petals. The other terms of the description need no 

 explanation. 



The genus Viola includes a large number of species, which 

 all agree in the above essential characters. These species 

 are distinguished from each other, chiefly by the different 

 forms of their leaves; or by some other circumstance, as for- 

 merly explained. Thus there is the Viola odora, or sweet 

 Violet, because its odor is pleasant ; the Viola dentata, or 

 toothed Violet, so called, because its leaves are dentated, or 

 toothed on the margin, &c. 



The description of the species, except where there are 

 varieties, applies directly to each individual plant, and is sup- 

 posed to be so accurate and discriminating, as to leave no 

 doubt of its identity. In the specific descriptions, nothing is 

 said concerning those parts which indicate its place in the 

 system. Thus the number of pistils and stamens, the form 

 of the corolla and calyx, the kind of pericarp, and all other 

 necessary circumstances concerning the flower and fruit are 

 implied, either by its place of arrangement, or by the terms 

 in which the genus is described. The specific description, 

 therefore, applies only to such parts of the plant as servo 

 merely to distinguish one individual belonging to the same 

 genus, from another. Without a consideration of these cir 

 cumstances, the pupil will often be surprised to find in bo 

 tanical works, that the description of a species is contained 

 in six or eight words only. Thus the species Viola pedata, 

 or bird's-foot violet, is described by Linnaeus in five words, 

 ' * stemless, leaves pedate, seven-parted" 



EXAMINATION OF FLOWERS. 



To find the name of an unknown plant, it is necessary to 

 determine its place in the Linnaean System. This often re- 

 quires a very close examination of all parts of the flower, 

 and in many instances the addition of a good lens, together 

 with the closest inspection of many specimens With all 

 these helps, the Botanist, without much practice, will some- 

 times find himself mistaken. 



Tender, caducous flowers should be examined while 



What is understood by " seeds in a capsule ?" How are the species of 

 he genus viola distinguished ? 



