ICOSANDRIA. 157 



where the Indians let them remain two or three days, till they 

 are dry." Enc. Plants, p. 414. The Cochineal insect is cul- 

 tivated in Mexico and Spain, and forms one of the most dura- 

 ble and rich of all purple dyes. 



GENUS Qaryophyllas. Clove tree. The Greeks derived the 

 name of this genus from an Arabic word which signified the 

 same plant that we call Clove tree. The name Clove signi- 

 fies nail, from the resemblance of the fruit to a nail. The 

 Clove tree, (Caryophyllus aromati- 

 cus,) which is^ the only species of 

 its genus, is a native of the East, 

 probably of Arabia, where it has 

 been known from the highest anti- 

 quity. It grows to the height of 

 twenty feet, bears a white funnel- 

 shaped flower, which produces a 

 two celled capsule containing the 

 well known hot aromatic fruit. 

 The leaves are lanceolate, and the 

 tree branched. See Fig. 179. 



GENUS Myrtus. Myrtle. From the Greek murtos, by 

 which name this plant was known. This is a well known 

 genus of evergreen shrubs, one specie.s of which was sacred 

 to Venus. It was a favorite among the ancients, and at 

 Athens was the symbol of civic authority. Several of the 

 species are remarkably beautiful, having broad, ovate, shi- 

 ning, deep green leaves, contrasted with racemes of white 

 flowers. Some of the species rise into trees 30 feet high. 



GENUS Amygdalus. Almond. Peach. This genus con- 

 tains the common Peach, (Amygdalus Persica,) the Necta- 

 rine, which is considered only a variety of the Peach ; the 

 sweet and bitter Almond, and several other species, less 

 known and esteemed. 



GENUS Prunus. Plum and Cherry. This genus includes 

 a considerable number of species, some of which differ very 

 materially from the others. Not only the Plum and Cherry, 

 with their species and numerous varieties, but also the Apri- 

 cots belong here. The common Cherry, (Prunus cerasus,) 

 which we call English Cherry, affords as many as forty 



What is the use of the cochineal insect ? What is the form and size of 

 the clove tree, and in what manner are the cloves produced ? What is 

 said of the myrtle ? What is the botanical name of our common peach ? 

 What is said of the genus Prunus ? 



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