258 GLOSSARY. 



Ruby, a precious stone, a simple mineral of a carmine red color. 



Rachis, the common stalk to which florets and spikelets are at- 

 tached, and in the grasses and wheat. 



Raceme, a cluster, that variety of inflorescence in which the 

 flowers are arranged by simple pedicels on the sides of a 

 common peduncle, as the currant. 



Respiration, breathing, or the act of absorbing or inhaling, and 

 exhaling carbonic acid and oxygen. 



Rosacea, an order of plants, including the rose tribe. 



Radicle, the descending part of a germinating plant, a small 

 root. 



Rudimental, consisting of the first principles, or simple elemen- 

 tary parts. 



Reniform, kidney shaped. 



Silicate, a salt containing silica united to a base. 



Silecious, containing silex. 



STERCOLOGY, the science of manuring, enriching, or improving 

 the soil. 



Smoulder, to burn and smoke without vent. 



Sewer, a drain to convey off water underground. 



Sulphate of iron, green vitriol, copperas. 



Spurry, a plant of the genus spergula, allied to duckweed and 

 tares. 



Spiral, in the form of a screw, gyratory like the thread of a 

 screw. 



Subordinate, of minor importance, a secondary or inferior part. 



Synthesis, the act of combining, contrary to analysis. 



Spectrum, a visible image continuing after the eyes are closed: 

 the seven primary colors constitute the solar spectrum. 



Statical, in a state of rest, the branch of mechanics which 

 treats of bodies at rest. 



Sterile, barren, unproductive. 



Solvent, a substance or fluid which dissolves other substances. 



