20 



generic name of Hippu'ris, and the specific name 

 vulga'ris, is in the first class ; it grows in muddy 

 ponds, though not very commonly found. The 

 flowers are very small, and grow close to the stem, 

 at the bottom of the leaf; and their structure is 

 very simple ; for they have no blossom, and only 

 one stamen, one pistil, and one seed. [PLATE 2. 

 Class 1.] 



EDWARD. 



But how can it be called a flower without having 

 a blossom ? 



MOTHER. 



All the parts which are necessary to form a per- 

 fect flower are the stamens and pistils, for these 

 alone are concerned in the production of the seed. 

 You will find, hereafter, that some flowers have 

 not any calyx, and others no petals, which parts 

 you recollect, form the blossom; but you will 

 never find any without stamens or pistils. 



If we were near the sea, I could perhaps show 

 you the Jointed Glasswort, Salicor'nia herba'cea, 

 a useful plant, which is also in the class Mo- 

 nandria. It has a saltish taste, and cattle are 

 very fond of it. In some countries this plant, with 

 several others that grow near the coast, is cut 

 down towards the end of summer, when fully 

 grown ; and being first dried in the sun, they are 

 burnt for the sake of their ashes, which are used 

 in making glass and soap, and are called Kelp. 



