SECT. i. THE SLOWER. HQ 



the genus Adoxa it is inferior with regard to the 

 corolla, and half inferior with regard to the calyx. 

 These distinctions were introduced by Linnaeus, 

 and are at p resent pretty generally adopted. 

 Gaertner has besides remarked * that the modifica- 

 tion of the superior ovary is by far the most com- 

 mon, as well as perhaps the most natural, being 

 seemingly the best adapted to the protection of the 

 tender germe, as for example, in the Grasses, the 

 Labiate or Verticdla e, and Leguminous plants. 

 He adds that the inferior ovary, which is exem- 

 plified in the Umbelliferous and Cucurbit aceous 

 tribes, is not very frequent, and that the interme- 

 diate ovary, which is examplified in some of the 

 Saxifrage is still less so, being doubtful whether 

 compound flowers belong to the former or the 

 latter. According to this view of the subject there 

 is sometimes considerable difficulty in ascertaining 

 to which of the three foregoing modifications the 

 flower belongs. 



But according to M. Ventenat, who has no doubt Adherent 

 examined the subject with due attention, the ovary ^. 

 is always superior ; and when it is thought to be 

 inferior or semi-inferior, it is only because the lower 

 part of the calyx is so intimately incorporated with 

 the ovary as to appear to be part of it, as in the 

 case of the Apple and Medlaiyf- the skin of which 



* De Seminibus. Introd. f Tab. du Reg. Vcget. 



