SECT. IV. THE INFLORESCENCE. 143 



SUBSECTION VIII. 



The Fascicle. The fascicle (PI. V. Fig. 8.) is Descrip- 

 an assemblage of flowers arranged precisely as in modifica- 

 the corymb, except, perhaps, somewhat more order- tl( 

 ly, and differing from it merely in having its pedun- 

 cles more crowded and condensed, so as to form a 

 sort of compact bundle. It is exemplified in Dian- 

 thus barbatus or Sweet Williams, in which the 

 peduncles are regularly decussated. But in erect- 

 ing the fascicle into a species separate from the 

 corymb, botanists seem to have instituted a distinc- 

 tion without a warrantable difference. 



SUBSECTION IX. 



The Umbel. The umbel (PL V. Fig. Q.) is a Descrip- 

 mode of flowering in which a number of flower- 

 stalks issuing from a common centre diverge like 

 the rays of an umbrella, bearing their flowers on 

 the summit and raising them about the same 

 height. The Carrot, Parsnep, and Hemlock, are 

 familiar examples, which with all other plants af- 

 fecting this mode of inflorescence are denominated 

 umbelliferous or umbellate. 



If the rays of the umbel are undivided so that Modifica- 

 each individual ray supports but a single flower, as U< 

 in the genus Hydrocotyle, the umbel is said to be 

 simple. But if the rays of the primary umbel are 

 themselves subdivided so as to form and support 



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