I 5 6 



THE SCIENCE OF LIFE. 



linen and cambric. The seeds are mucilaginous and 

 oleaginous. 



The Water-lily family (NYMPH^CE^E) contains plants 

 with showy flowers. (Fig. 65.) Victoria regina is one of 



FIG. 65. Common Water Lily, (Nymphcea alba.) 



the largest known, the white and rosy flowers being four 

 feet in diameter, and the leaves fifteen feet across, ac- 

 cording to Schlieden. 



DROSERACE^:, .the Sundew family, is remarkable for 

 its insectivorous properties. The Droseras are furnished 

 with glandular hairs, which exhibit drops of fluid in sun- 

 shine, hence the name. 



Dioncea muscipula, Venus's Fly-trap, has the laminae of 

 the leaves in two halves, each furnished with three irri- 

 table hairs, which, on being touched, cause the folding 

 of the divisions in an upward direction. 



The Chickweed and Pink family (CARYOPHYLLACE/E) 

 contains all the Carnations, or Pinks, (Dianthus^) Chick- 

 weed, (Stellaria media,) etc. 



The Mallow family (MALVACE^) contains many whole- 

 some mucilaginous plants. The Mallow, (Malva^ the 

 Hollyhock, (Althcea rvsea,) the Abutilon, (A. esculentum^} 

 and the Cotton-plant, (Gossypium^) belong here. (Fig. 66.) 



