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CRYPTOGAM**. 



This genus differs from the proper Ferns in bearing its 

 fruit on a jointed spike instead of on the back of the frond. 



ORDER II. EQUISETACE^E. Horsetails. 



This order contains only a single genus, viz. Equisetum, 

 (Horsetail,) of which there are numerous species, all resem- 

 bling each other in habit and appearance. Five or six of 

 these are North American plants, most of which grow in damp 

 places, about the borders of woods, and on the banks of 

 streams. 



Scouring Rush, (Equisetum hyemale,) is the R 8- 21 - 

 only useful species. The stem is without leaves, 

 erect, straight, hollow, and furrowed, the ridges 

 being cut into minute teeth. The joints of the 

 stem are furnished with short sheathes, or rings, 

 colored black and white. The fruit grows in a 

 terminal spike, or ament. This plant is in com- 

 mon use for scouring wood, and polishing met- 

 als. The outer rough bark or cuticle c.ontains 

 a quantity of silex or flint, and hence it will 

 scratch the hardest steel. The plant is about 

 two feet high, and a little larger than a pipe stem. 



ORDER III. LYCGPODINE^E. Club-Mosses. 



In this order the reproductive organs are axillary, some- 

 times apparently spiked, thecae of two kinds, the one con- 

 taining minute grains, the other larger bodies. The stems 

 are covered with many small leaves. 



These are chiefly small moss-like plants, with creeping 

 stems, and imbricated or scaly leaves. A few are without 

 stems, having awl-shaped leaves, and a solid bulb-like root, 

 called a cormus. Many of them are evergreen plants, and 

 some thrive very well as ornamental dressings for flower 

 pots. 



GENUS Lycopodium. Club-Moss. Name from the Greek, 

 lukos, a wolf, and pous, a foot, in allusion to the shape o/ 

 the root, which is said to resemble a wolfs foot. The spe- 

 cies are very neat, deep green, little evergreen plants, 

 growing plentifully in our woods. They are best known 

 under the name of ground pines, and several of them are 



What useful plant belongs to the genus Equisetaceae 1 What kind of 

 plants are the club-mosses ? 



