ORDER MONOGYNIA. 241 



ral order called Multisiliquce, or many pods, there being many 

 pod-form capsules to each flower. 



In the same order we find the Peony (Pseonia), a showy 

 flower which, when in its native state, has a 5 leaved calyx, a 

 corolla with 5 petals, and '2 or 3 germs, each crowned by a 

 stigma ; the capsules the same in number as the germs ; each 

 contains several seeds ; this flower is particularly remarkable 

 for its change by cultivation. 



Polygynia. 



The Thirteenth Order is divided into two sections. 1st, flowers 

 with no calyx or perianth. 2d, with a perianth. In the first sec- 

 tion we find several interesting native plants. The Clematis 

 or Virgin's bower, is a beautiful climbing plant, which supports 

 itself by winding its petioles, or leaf-bearing stems, around oth- 

 er plants : the flowers are white and clustered in corymbs ; the 

 seed has a long silk-like fringe, which gives it a fine appear- 

 ance after the blossoms have faded. This plant contains many 

 species, and is cultivated both in this country and in Europe. 



At fig. 116, #, is a flower of the Clematis ; b represents its 

 receptacle with numerous styles proceeding from it, and the 

 petal and stamens separated, shewing that the former were in- 

 serted upon the receptacle. 



The ANEMONE is a beautiful native flower; by cultivation 

 its petals multiply, as in the Rose. 



The RANUNCULUS contains many species ; it belongs to the 

 same natural family as the Anemone ; but as you will find these 

 plants very common, and are now able to analyze them, we 

 will not at this time devote attention to them. 



The HELLEBORE (Helleborus) is an exotic much spoken of 

 by classical writers. Hippocrates, one of the most ancient phy- 

 sicians, remarks upon its qualities : it grew about Mount Olym- 

 pus, and was regarded as a very poisonous plant. 



The Magnolia* and Tulip tree are among the most splendid 

 trees of North America ; they are said also to be common to 

 China. The Magnolia grandiflora extends from South. Caro- 

 lina to the isthmus of Darien. In some cases these trees rise 

 to the height of 90 feet before sending off any considerable 

 branches ; the spreading top is then clothed with deep green, 

 oblong, oval leaves, like a laurel ; these are at most seasons 

 enlivened by large and fragrant white flowers. 



The class Polyandria, though not important for its fruits, con- 

 tains some valuable medicinal plants, besides opium and tea, 

 which we have noticed. 



* Named in honour of Magnol, a distinguished botanist 



Natural order Multisiliquse Peony Order Polygynia Clematis Anemone 

 Ranunculus Hellebore Magnolia. 



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