CLASS HEPTANDRIA. 223 



In the first order of the sixth class are the Aloes and the Fan- 

 palm, the fronds of which are of immense ,size. 



We shall close this lecture by a few examples of the re- 

 maining orders of the class Hexandria, and a view of the 

 very small class Heptandria. 



Digynia. 



We here find but one genus, Rice (Oryza) ; this belongs 

 to the family o grasses, which are mostly found in the class 

 Triandria, but having six Stamens, this plant is separated by 

 the artificial system from those to which it is allied by natural 

 characters. No plant in the world appears of such general 

 utility as an article of food as this. It is the prevailing grain 

 of Asia, Africa, the southern parts of America, and is exported 

 into every part of Europe. 



Trigynia. 



. Here we find the genus Rumex, which contains the dock 

 and sorrel ; they have no corolla, but the six stamens and 

 three pistils are surrounded by a six leaved calyx. 



CLASS VII. HEPTANDRIA. 



Monog-ynia. 



The first order of this class contains the chick-winter-green 

 (Trientalis) ; this plant has a calyx with 7 leaves, corolla 7 

 parted. One species of it is said to defend its stamens against 

 injury from rain, by closing its petals and hanging down its 

 head in wet weather. 



The Horse-chesnut (^Escu- 

 lus), (Fig. Ill), is a native of 

 the northern part of Asia, and 

 was introduced into Europe 

 about the year 1500 ; it was not 

 probably brought to America 

 until sometime after the settle- 

 ment of this country by Euro- 

 peans. It is a small tree which 

 produces white flowers, variega- 

 ted with red, crowded together in the form of a pannicle ; the 

 whole resembling a pyramid. In appearance it is very showy, 



root of Solomon's seal stamped, while it is fresh and greene, and applied, taketh 

 'away in one night, or two at the most, any bruse, black or blew spots gotten by 

 fals,or women's wilfulness, in stumbling upon their hasty husband's fists, or 

 such like." 



Aloes and Fan-palm Order Digynia Trigynia Trientalis Horse chesnut. 



