KARCISSUS. 263 



Perianth 6-parted, imbricated, adherent. 



Stamens G, anthers introi'se. 



Ovary 3 celled, with the styles united into one. 



Fruit a berry or a capsule. 



Seeds one-cotyledoned, albuminous. 



The Amaryllids display their chief glories in S. Africa and Bra- 

 zil. In other countries, they are thinly dispersed as natives, but well 

 represented in gardens and conservatories. 



Here belong the fair Snowdrop (Gala nthus), the graceful Snowflake 

 {Leucojum), the splendid Jacobaea (Sprekelia), Amaryllis, Pancratium, 

 Crinum, etc. 



The Tuberose {Polidnthes tuberosa, i, e., tuberous-rooted), so power- 

 fully aromatic, is a native of Ceylon. 



Hmndnthus toxicdrius and other species have poisonous bulbs, used 

 by the Hottentots for poisoning their arrows. The flowers of the 

 Daffodil are said to be poisonous. 



The American Aloe or Century Plant {Agdm Americana) is a native 

 of Mexico, well known in cultivation. It is a gigantic herb, flower- 

 ing but once, after a growth of 50 to 100 years. But then its blossoms 

 are numbered by thousands, panicled on a scape 30 feet in height.* 

 The juice of its immense leaves is mildly acid. By fermentation it is 

 perverted into a vinous beverage resembling cider, except in its nau- 

 seous smell, and is much used by the Mexicans under the name of 

 " pulque." The fibers are manufactured into thread. The juice when 

 dried or vaporized becomes a useful soap. A variety in cultivation 

 has its leaves beautifully striped. 



LXX. THE SEDGES. GALINGALE. 



Description. — The Sedges bear a general resemblance to 

 the Grasses, and are often, by the unlearned, mistaken for 

 them. Both grow in similar situations, but in low, wet 

 lands the Sedges usually prevail. They are generally known 

 by their solid (not hollow) stems and entire (not split) 



* Herbs fruiting after a long term of years only once and then dying, are said to 

 be monocurpic perennials. Such also is the Talipot Palm of Ceylon. 



