344 UMBELLIFER2E. [CLASS v. ORDER . 



sorbs their fluids impregnated with different qualities, and applies 

 them to their own support ; for we have remarked it attached to the box, 

 hop, nettle, clover, and various grasses, at the same time; also on 

 broom, heath, cistus, galiums, and sedums. the fluids of which are 

 absorbed into one plant, and converted in the system of their cells and 

 vessels into a nutriment, on which it flourishes and attains perfection ! 



NAT. ORD. UMBELLIFERJ1. 



The natural order Umbelliferae is an extensive and important group 

 of herbaceous plants, for the most part, readily distinguished by the 

 umbellate form of their inflorescence; but the student, to obtain a 

 knowledge of their distribution into tribes and genera, and the distinguish- 

 ing of the species, must be well acquainted with the different parts of 

 the plant, especially the parts of the flower and fruit; and in the hope 

 of rendering this more easy of attainment, the following remarks are 

 made: 



The roots are variable, frequently fusiform, and often cultivated for 

 culinary purposes, as the Carrot, ( Daucus Carota) ; Parsnip, 

 (Pastinica Saliva), &c. 



The stem is round, angled or furrowed, simple or branched, hollow, 

 or sometimes full of pith, but generally with a thin lining of pithy 

 matter, divided at intervals with a partition of the same substance, 

 forming a knot or joint where the branches and leaves are given off. 

 The cortical or external part of the stem is furnished with recep- 

 tacles of secretion, frequently abounding with aromatic juices, 

 holding in solution gum or resinous matter, which on exposure to 

 the air concretes into solid masses, and possesses various medi- 

 cinal properties, as assafcetida, from the stem of the (Fercela 

 assafeetida ) , &c. 



The leaves are alternate, rarely opposite, sheathing at the base, which 

 is sometimes very much dilated, as in Angelica sylvestris, com- 

 pound, more or less divided, sometimes simple. 



The inflorescence is an umbel, either simple or more generally com- 

 pound. An umbel is formed when a number of pedicles proceed 

 from the same point, and are of equal lengths; and if each pedicle 

 bears a single flower, it is called a simple umbel, as in Eringium ; 

 but if these pedicles divide at the top and bear other umbels, it is 

 called a compound umbel; and in this case the peduncles, which 

 support the partial umbels, are called radii, and form the umbella 

 universalis, or general umbel : while the secondary umbels, or 

 umbellules, which they bear, are called umbella partialis, or 

 partial umbel. The umbels are mostly furnished with bractea, 

 in whorls around their base, and are called when they .surround 



