HERB AGE- VEGETABLES 



65 



Fig. 62, II. — Asparagus. .4, upper part of a flowering branch. X J. 

 B, flower, enlarged. C, perianth and stamens of the same spread out. 

 D, stamen, outer view. E, pistil. F, cross section of ovary. G, flower 

 cut in half vertically. H, Diagram showing the arrangement of the 

 parts of the flower. J, fruit, natural size, iv, seed, enlarged, and in 

 vertical section. (LeMaout and Decaisne.) 



The relatively large proportion of mineral matter in the 

 dry substance, ?'. c, the entire substance free from water, 

 of succulent vegetables and fruits deserves particular notice, 

 for there is good reason to believe that certain salts here in- 

 cluded impart to the fresh juice of these plants a peculiar 

 value quite independent of their worth as nutriment. It has 

 been observed that when, as on long voyages, men are de- 

 prived of food containing such vegetable juices, a serious and 

 often fatal disease, kno■\^^l as scurvy, is likely to attack them. 

 Sea captains and military commanders are now required by 

 law to supply this need in the rations of their men (hme- 

 juice is very largely used for the purpose), and scurvy is no 



