OSNOTHERA. 126 



Classification.. — The vast Order of LEGUMiNt)S^, the 



Lcgumiiioius Plants, represented by the Pea, Locust, Cassia, 

 and Mimosa, agree in having alternate, stipulate, compound 

 leaves, ovary simple, fruit a legume, and seeds without albumen. 



The Leguminous Plants number not less than 400 genera and 

 6500 species, o50 species being natives of the United States. The Order 

 is remarkable for the beauty of its flowers, the variety and value of its 

 products. Few, if any, are poisonous. 



Among its food plants, are the Beans, Peas, Lentils, and Peanuts ; 

 among its forage plants, the Clovers, Lucerns, and Carols (called 

 husks in Luke 15 : 16). 



Of gums and balsams, we have Gum Arabic, Tolu, Senegal, Kino, 

 Copaiva, Tragacanth ; of drugs and dyes, Indigo, Liquorice, Catechu, 

 Senna, Logwood, Camwood, Brazil wood, and others innumerable. 



The timber of the Locust tree. Laburnum, Dalbergia, and Itaka are 

 highly prized in shipbuilding and cabinetwork. 



Few fruits in flavor excel the Tamarind, and the powerful perfume 

 of the Tonga Bean {Dipterix odordta) is well known. 



Among its floral treasures, what element of beauty is lacking when 

 we have the Wistaria, Golden Chain, Sweet Pea, the Acacias, Poinci- 

 ana, and Clianthus ? 



Scientific Terms. — Petiolules. Stipular spines. 



XXXI. THE EVENING PRIMROSE. 



Description. — A morning walk in June, through uj")- 

 land meadows, along fence-rows, and in sunny wastes gen- 

 erally, will be rewarded by the sight of the tall Evening 

 Primrose, resplendent with its yellow flowers, which opened 

 the night before. It is a biennial herb, 3 to G feet high, 

 roughish, hairy, and leafy throughout. 



Analysis. — The !Rooi: is axial, and usually biennial, 

 like the Beet bearing only leaves during the first season, 

 and storing away in the thick tuberous axis a surplus of 

 UutritivQ matter to aid the larger growth of stem, flower and 



