MONADELPHIA. 



17J 



Water Cress, which is a species of this genus, is a very 

 popular salad. It grows in streams of water, and may be 

 found in many of our running brooks, and frequently in 

 ponds. The leaves are pinnatifid, with ovate segments, and 

 most of them surround the stalk under the water. The pods 

 are small, and stand nearly erect, on spreading foot stalks. 

 The taste is like that of Peppergrass, (Lepidium.) Near 

 Richmansworth, in Hertfordshire, says London, there is a 

 fine stream of water, on a chalky bottom, in which one culti- 

 vator grows five acres of this plant, and sends a supply to 

 London every day in the year, Sundays excepted. There 

 are also large plantations of it at Uxbridge, Gravesend, and 

 other places, for the London market. 



Fig. 185 



The figure represents the English cul- 

 tivated Water Cress, (Nasturtium offici- 

 nale.) Our Nasturtion is the Indian 

 Cress, (Tropalum majus.) 



GENUS Cochleana. Scurvy Grass. Horse Radish. 

 Name from cochlear, a spoon, because the leaves are convex, 

 like the bowl of a spoon. Horse Radish is a well known 

 condiment to roast beef, veal, and other meats, especially in 

 the early spring, when most salads are out of season. The 

 root being grated and mixed with vinegar, is much esteemed 

 by the lovers of high seasoning. 



CLASS XVI. MONADELPHIA. Orders 7. 



The name of this class is derived from the Greek Fi s 

 words monos, one, and adelphos, brother, and al- 

 ludes to the circumstance, that the filaments of the 

 flowers belonging here are united together, in some 

 part, or throughout the whole length. This is the 

 characteristic distinction of the class. The anthers 

 are separate, and the filaments may also be separate 



In what manner is the water cress cultivated, and for what purpose ? 

 How is the class Monadelphia distinguished 1 What are among the most 

 important tribes of plants belonging to this class ? On what do the orders 

 of this class depend ? 



