182 THE MORKING GLORY. 



characterize the vast and important order of Labiate Plants, 

 or Labiate. 



Herbs aromatic. 

 Stems quadrangular. 

 Leaves opposite, exstipulate. 

 Corolla bilabiate more or less. 

 Stamens didynamous or diandrous. 

 Ovary deeply 4-parted. 

 Fruit 4 nutlets or achenia. 



The Labiate Plants include 125 genera, ^550 species. Among 

 tliem are the Mints {Mentha) — Peppermint, Spearmint, etc. ; also 

 Hoarbound and Hyssop, Balm and Lavender, Sage and Pennyroyal. 

 Tbeir richly aromatic oils are stimulant ; their extracts febrifugal, 

 None are poisonous. The Oil of Peppermint, the best known among 

 essential oils, is obtained by distillation from Mentha piperita. Oil of 

 Lavender is distilled from Lamndula vera, and Oil of Spike from 

 L. Spica. The former is used in perfumery, the latter in delicate 

 varnishes, etc. 



L. MORNING GLORY. 



*' O bells of triumph ! delicate trumpets^ thrown 

 Heavenward and earthward^ turned East^ West^ Norths Souths 

 Jn lavish beauty ! Who through you hath blown 

 The sweet cheer of the Morning ? " Celia Thaxter. 



Description. — This glorious plant is a native of Tropi- 

 cal America and now universally cultivated. It is also 

 nearly naturalized with us, growing spontaneously as a weed 

 from seeds shed in cultivated grounds. It is strictly annual. 

 In a single season it accomplishes its wonderful growth, 

 transfers its own vitality to a thousand seeds, and dies. 



The Flowers are ephemeral {epi for, liemera a day). 

 Beginning to open soon after midnight, they greet the Sun 

 at his rising, arrayed in all their glory, and before he reaches 

 the meridian, fold their robes and perish. But their work 



