118 TETRANDIA. 



considered a remedy for cuts and wounds. Its spikes, grow- 

 ing on tough little rods, are probably well remembered by 

 most country children. 



The narrow leaved, (Plantago lanceolata,) called also rib- 

 wort, is found abundantly in the fields. Its stalks are fur- 

 rowed, and its leaves long and deeply ribbed. Spike dark 

 colored, with white projecting stamens. 



ORDER II. DIGYNIA. Stamens 4. Styles 2. 



This order contains but few genera, and these are mostly 

 without much interest. 



GENUS Hamamelis. Witch Hazel. This is a shrub, or 

 bush, growing about the sides of fields, or borders of woods. 

 The flowers are yellow, and in axillary bunches, or termin- 

 al. The singularity, or witchery of this species, consists in 

 its putting forth its blossoms at the same time that its leaves 

 are falling, and when the germens of all its neighbors have 

 turned into pericarps. Loudon says, in New-England this 

 tree has ripe fruit and fresh blossoms at the same time. It 

 flowers in November and December, the fruit being produced 

 the next year. 



ORDER III. TETRAGYNIA. Stamens 4. Styles 4. 



This order is much more extensive than the last. It con- 

 tains one important genus, the Holly, and one that is curious, 

 but common, the Pond Weed. 



GENUS Ilex. Holly. Origin of the name unknown. 

 There are many species of this genus, but the common Holly, 

 (Ilex aquifolium,) is the most important. This is an ever- 

 green shrub, or low tree, which displays almost any shape, or 

 character, according to its situation, age or training. The 

 leaves are ovate, acute, spiny, and waved. The flowers are 

 axillary, and in whorls, or short umbels. It is extensively 

 employed in some countries for hedges, or fences. " The 

 common prickly Holly," says Loudon, " makes the best of all 

 hedges, whether we regard its qualities for defence, shelter, 

 duration, or beauty." The plants are raised from the seeds, 

 which in general do not vegetate until the second year after 

 their planting. The young shoots are then transplanted in 

 rows, and as they grow, are trimmed, or shorn, according to 

 the taste of the owner. 



What singularity is there in the time of flowering of the witch hazel ? 

 n what respect is the ilex an important species ? 



