XXII 



SYNOPSIS OF NATURAL ORDERS. 



The distinguishing characters are selected with special reference to the 

 trees and shrubs described in this work : a few Orders not here de- 

 scribed, but containing important Indian trees or shrubs, are added in 

 brackets. 



First Class. DICOTYLEDONS. 



Pith surrounded by concentric layers of wood and bark. Wood and 

 bark separated in the growing stem by a continuous layer of soft cells 

 (cambium), which is transformed into new wood on the outside of the 

 wood-cylinder, and into new bark on the inside of the bark. Ultimate 

 venation of the leaves usually irregularly reticulate. Embryo with two 

 or more cotyledons. In germination the cotyledons are generally raised 

 above ground, the radicle lengthens, forming a tap-root, which at a later 

 period branches. 



First Sub-Class. ANGIOSPERMiE. 



The wood consists of wood-cells, vessels, and medullary rays. Parts 

 of calyx, corolla, or perianth usually in fours or fives. Ovules in a 

 closed ovary, fertilised by the pollen-tubes penetrating into the ovary 

 through the opening or loose tissue of the stigma. Embryo with two 

 cotyledons, with or without albumen. 



I. Polypetalse. Flowers with both calyx and corolla, the latter of 

 distinct petals. 



A. Thalamiflorae. Petals hypogynous. 



1. Dilleniacece, p. 1. Leaves alternate, simple, with prominent lateral nerves. 

 Sepals persistent. Stamens indefinite. Pistil usually of .several distinct car- 

 pels. Embryo minute in fleshy albumen. 



2. Magnoliacece, p. 3. Leaves alternate, simple ; stipules conspicuous, com- 

 monly convolute. Sepals and petals conform in 2-7 whorls of three, imbricate, 

 deciduous. Stamens indefinite. Numerous distinct carpels. Embryo minute 

 in a fleshy, oily, uniform albumen. 



