ORDER PENTANDRIA. 263 



character of its flowers. The study of this genus alone, might 

 occupy years ; a treatise upon it, called Cartography,* has 

 been lately published by an American botanist. *f 



The Indian corn (ZEA mays), is found in tfiis order. The 

 top or pannicle, consists of staminate flowers only, a'nd of 

 course never produces corn; the pistillate flowers grow in 

 a spike, enclosed in a husk ; each pistil produces a seed 

 called corn ; the pistils are very long, forming what is called 

 silk. 



Tetrandria. 



The 4th order contains the Mulberry-tree (MoRus), of the 

 same natural order as the nettle, having leaves rough, and 

 flowers destitute of beauty. 



Pentandria. 



The 5th order contains the genus AMARANTHUS, in which is 

 a very common weed, seeming to have some analogy to the 

 pig- weed, not only in natural properties, but in being dignified 

 with a name which forms' a striking contrast with its mean ap- 

 pearance. 



This genus, however, contains some elegant, foreign species, ; 

 one of which, AMARANTHUS melancholicus, has received the 

 whimsical name of Love-lies-bleeding; probably from the 

 circumstance of its long, spiral, red flower-stalks, bending over, 

 often reclining upon the ground. Another species called 

 Prince's feather, is always erect. The Cock's-comb is a well 

 known plant of this genus. 



The Amaranth, whether from its being a good word to fall 

 in with poetical measure, or from some fancied intrinsic beauty, 

 has ever been a favourite with poets. Milton says of the 

 angels, assembled before 'the Almighty; 



" To the ground, 



With solemn admiration, down they cast 



Their crowns, inwove with Amaranth and gold ; 



Immortal Amaranth, a flower which once 



In Paradise, fast by the tree of life, 



Began to bloom, but soon for man's offence, 



To Heaven removed. 



With flow'rs that never fade, the spirits elect 



Bind their resplendent locks, enwreathed with beams." 



In Portugal and other warm countries, the Globe Amaranth 

 is said to be used for adorning the churches in the winter. 



*From Carex, caricis. t Professor Dewey. 



Indian corn Mulberry Amaranthus Different species of the Amaranthus. 



