162 POLYANDRIA. 



growing on the receptacle are often poisonous, while 

 those having their stamens inserted into their calyxes are 

 generally wholesome. The great number of edible fruits in 

 the last class, and the variety of noxious ones in this, con- 

 firm this observation. The number of stamens in this class 

 being indefinite, though more than twenty, will not distinguish 

 it from Icosandria. But the place of insertion will always 

 show the difference. The stamens are always distinct, that 

 is, not coherent in any part of their length, or distributed into 

 parcels. 



This class is of considerable magnitude, though not im- 

 portant like the last in embracing many esculent vegetables. 

 Some of the noblest genera of the forest, as the Magnolia 

 and some of the most beautiful aquatic plants belong here. It 

 also includes the Poppy, the curious Side-saddle flower, the 

 Peony, and the Custard Apple. 



ORDER I. MONANDRIA. Stamens many. Style I. 



GENUS Capparis. Caper-tree. Name, from the Greek 

 Kapparis, which is derived from the Arabic Kabar. This is 

 a genus of low shrubs, some of which produce berries, and 

 others pods. The common Caper, (Capparis spinosa,) is the 

 species from which the pickled Capers are obtained. The 

 flower bud is chiefly employed for this purpose, though in 

 Italy the unripe fruit is prepared instead of the bud. In the 

 isles of the Mediterranean and near Toulon, the flower buds 

 of the Caper are gathered just before they begin to expand, 

 and are thrown into vessels containing salt and vinegar. 

 When the gathering season is over, the contents of these ves- 

 sels are poured out, and the buds are assorted according to 

 their size and color, the smallest and greenest being consider- 

 ed the best. The different sorts are then put into small casks 

 with fresh vinegar, and are then ready for sale. In this 

 state they are said to remain fit for use five or six years. 

 It is said to be a common practice to put copper filings into 

 the first pickle, to save vinegar, and give the buds a green color. 



To this order belong the genera Bloodroot, (Sanguinaria,) 

 Celandine, (Chelidonium,) and the Poppy. 



GENUS Papaver. Poppy. Name, from the Celtic, papa, 



Are the stamens in this class distinct or united ! From what plant and 

 what part of the plant are the capers of commerce produced ? What 

 other plants are mentioned as belonging to this class ? 



