Lily-kin and Rose-kin 117 



Each represents one of the two great classes, 

 into which most flowering plants are divided. The 

 lily's tribe is described by the ponderous term 

 " Monocotyledons," and includes palms, rushes, 

 sedges, grasses, the Calla-lily and her kin, the 

 queenly orchids, and many simple flowers, better 

 known and better loved than either. 



The rose is a "Dicotyledon," and member of a 

 series whose names are legion. 



The differences between these two great classes 

 of plants, of which lily and rose are types, begin 

 while they yet lie dormant in the seed and may 

 be clearly seen at every point in their subsequent 

 development. 



Every seed, of whatever variety, contains a little 

 plant, completely formed and snugly folded into 

 the smallest possible compass. Packed around this 

 little plant, or incorporated into its substance, 

 there is (in most cases) a store of starchy food 

 which will nourish it till it grows large and strong 

 enough to shift for itself. And wrapped about the 

 outside of the seed there are generally two coats, 

 the inner very thin and fine, and the outer com- 

 paratively firm and tough. 



The peculiarities which distinguish the seeds of 

 the Monocotyledons may be readily seen in a 



