36 CKUCIFERZE. 



examination. They are described by Hooker and Arnott, 

 under the names of F. parviflora, Vaillantii and 

 micrantha. 



ORD. VI CETJCIFEE^. THE CRUCIFEROUS TRIBE. 

 A very large and important Order, well described by 

 the name cruciferous, or cruciform, there being inva- 

 riably 4 petals, which are placed cross-wise ; stamens 6, 



CRUCIFORM FLOWER. 



of which two opposite ones are shorter than the rest ; 

 seed-vessel either a long pod, a silique, composed of two 

 valves and a central partition, or a shorter pod, called 

 a silicle, or pouch, which is for, the most part, but not 

 always, similarly constructed. At the base of the sta- 

 mens are generally two green glands, which secrete 

 honey. Most of the plants in this Order possess, in 

 their wild state, stimulant properties and an acrid 

 flavour ; in medicine they afford a valuable remedy for 

 the scurvy. Under cultivation, many of them assume 

 a succulent habit of growth, and hold the first rank 

 among esculent vegetables. The various kinds of cab- 

 bage, kale, brocoli, turnip, radish, and cress are the 

 most remarkable examples. They contain a great deal 

 of nitrogen gas, to the presence of which is to be 



