202 BOTANY. 



in distinction from one that is entirely free from the tube, and 

 thus is evidently within the flower. The latter is the so-called 

 " superior" ovary. The carpels are usually united into a 

 compound pistil, but may be separate, as in the stonecrop 

 (Fig. Ill, E,) or strawberry (Fig. 114, (7). 



The first order of the Catycijlorce (Umbellijlorce) has the 

 flowers small, and usually arranged in umbels, i.e. several 

 stalked flowers growing from a common point. The ovary 

 is inferior, and there is a nectar-secreting disc between the 

 styles and the stamens. Of the three families, the umbel- 

 worts or Umbelliferce is the commonest. The flowers are much 

 alike in all (Fig. 110, A, B), and nearly all have large, com- 

 pound leaves with broad, sheathing bases. The stems are 

 generally hollow. So great is the uniformity of the flowers 

 and plant, that the fruit (Fig. 110, D) is generally necessary 

 before the plant can be certainly recognized. This is two- 

 seeded in all, but differs very much in shape and in the devel- 

 opment of oil channels, which secrete the peculiar oil that gives 

 the characteristic taste to the fruits of such forms as caraway, 

 coriander, etc. Some of them, like the wild parsnip, poison 

 hemlock, etc., are violent poisons, while others like the carrot 

 are perfectly wholesome. 



The wild spikenard (Aralia) (Fig. 110, F), ginseng, and 

 the true ivy (Hedera) are examples of the Aratiacece, and the 

 various species of dogwood (Cornus) (Fig. 110, J-N) repre- 

 sent the dogwood family ( Cornece) . 



The second order (Saxifragince) contains eight families, 

 including a number of common wild and cultivated plants. 

 The true saxifrages are represented by several wild and culti- 

 vated species of Saxifraga, the little bishop's cap or mitre- 

 wort (Mitella) (Fig. Ill, D), and others. The wild hydrangea 

 (Fig. Ill, F) and the showy garden species represent the 

 family Hydrangece. In these some of the flowers are large 

 and showy, but with neither stamens nor pistils (neutral), 

 while the small, inconspicuous flowers of the central part of 



