130 UMBELLIFEE2E. 



The order is very extensive, numbering 1500 species. The 

 only reliable mark of distinction is the seed, and we shall 

 examine them with reference to this, also describing them as 

 their appearance strikes the more superficial observer. This 

 order has members possessing the most varied qualities. Some 

 are rank poison, some merely unwholesome, some aromatic, 

 some edible. As a general rule, those growing "high and dry" 

 are wholesome, while those frequenting water are more or less 

 poisonous. 



Assafoetida is a plant of this tribe, indigenous in Persia. 

 Gum galbanum is extracted from another. Our wild Hemlock 

 is much used in medicine ; as are also Coriander, Dill, and Anise. 

 Carrots, Parsnips, and Earthnuts have edible roots ; Celery, 

 when cultivated, has wholesome stems ; Parsley and Fennel are 

 esteemed for their leaves, and Samphire makes a good pickle. 



The Coriander has a round fruit dividing into two hemi- 

 spheres ; the lower leaves are pinnate ; the upper, thrice ternate 

 and thread- shaped. It frequents fields and dunghills, and is 

 not truly wild. The seed is aromatic, and used in making 

 comfits. The manna of the Israelites was likened to it " the 

 manna was as Coriander seed." (Numbers xi. 7.) 



Galbanum, an ingredient in the incense of the sanctuary, 

 was obtained from the Galbanum omcinale, an umbelliferous 

 plant of Syria. 



The Shepherd's Needle (Scandix pecten-Veneris, Plate IX., 

 Jig. 6), is familiar to us all with its tall beaked fruit, like a 

 bunch of large needles. The umbels are simple and inconspi- 

 cuous ; flowers white, and leaves very narrow and repeatedly 

 pinnate. We have all specimens of this. 



The Beaked Parsley (Anthriscus vulgaris), has a very short 

 beak, and its fruit is rough with bristles. It has no calyx, the 

 stem is swelled under each joint, and the doubly pinnate leaves 

 are of a bright green. It frequents waste places. 



The Wild Chervil (Chserophyllum sylvestre), is a plant easy 

 to distinguish ; its full green leaves are very large, composed 



