110 DIANDR1A. 



is the species best known in this country 

 there are several varieties, which differ in the size 

 and form of the leaf. The Sage is a labiate plant, having 

 but two stamens. In this respect it differs from most labiate 

 flowers, which generally have four stamens, two long and 

 two short, as will be seen when we come to the class Didy- 

 namia. 



GENUS Syringa. Lilac. Syringa is said to be derived 

 from a Turkish word signifying pipe, because the stems of 

 their finest pipes are made of the roots of one of this species. 

 Lilac is a Persian word, signifying flower. All the species 

 are deciduous shrubs, which bear beautiful, or sweet scented 

 flowers. They are readily cultivated by suckers or roots. 



GENUS Catalpa. This fine ornamental tree is a native ol 

 America and India. Catalpa is its native Indian name. Its 

 leaves are large, and its profusion of white flowers gives it 

 a striking appearance when in full bloom. In temperate cli- 

 mates, the flowers are succeeded by long pods, but in very 

 cold climates, these do not appear. 



ORDER II. DIGYNIA. Stamens 2. Styles 2. 



GENUS Anthoxanthum. Spring- Grass. The name of the 

 genus means yellow flower, the spikes being yellow. It is 

 this grass which gives the peculiar sweet and delightful 

 smell which we all so much admire in the new mown, dry- 

 ing hay. It is one of the earliest flowering grasses, grows 

 about a foot high, has short, flat leaves, and solitary terminal 

 spikes. 



ORDER III. TRIGYNIA. Stamens 2. Styles 3. 

 GENUS Piper. Pepper. Piper appears to come from pip- 

 pul, the Bengalese name for the long pepper. Of this genus 

 there are nearly sixty species. This plant is singular, as it 

 has neither calyx, nor corolla. The fruit is borne on a spa- 

 dix, which is simple, slender, and covered with flower-bear- 

 ing scales. The leaves are large, generally on short peti- 

 oles, in some of the species cordate, in others lanceolate, and 

 in others ovate. Most of the plants are perennial herbs, but 

 some of them are scandent, or climbing, as is the case with 

 the black pepper, the species that furnishes the spice in com- 



What is said of the natural affinity of the different species of sage ? 

 What does the word lilac signify ? What is the class and order of tho 

 plant which bears black pepper ? 



