HEXANDRIA. 157 



its peltate leaf. The various genera of Parsley and Parsnep exceed any other in. 

 number ; and nearly the whole of this large subdivision may be naturally arranged 

 together. 



In the order Trigynia are two genera with superior flowers, which are well known : 

 the Sambucus Niger, or Elder, with the inflorescence called a cyme, and the elegant 

 Viburnum or Lilac ; and also three others of less notoriety, which have inferior flowers. 

 The orders Tetragynia and Hexagynia have each one genus known well to botanists, 

 and growing on boggy ground viz., Parnassia in 

 the former, and Drosera or Sundew in the latter. 

 The Drosera is remarkable as being the only 

 English plant which exhibits sensibility to touch 

 in a marked degree. It possesses a number of 

 remarkable glands upon the surface of its leaves 

 Pe n tandria Fig<31 pentandria (page 70), which emit a tenaceous fluid by which 

 Pentagynia. Tetragynia. fli es are caught, and which are subsequently appro- 



priated as food for the plant. 



The order Pentagynia possesses three genera, two of which are of interest t>tz., the 

 Statice or Thrift, with its cheerful head of flowers, and the Linum or Flax plant. 



The last order, Polygynia, includes but one genus, and that of but little value the 

 Myosurus or Mouse-tail. 



Our readers will now perceive how remarkable is the combination of plants brought 

 together by this class of the Linnsean arrangement, and how unfitting it is that so 

 many varied alliances should be enrolled under one head. It is also well to remember 

 that three weU denned natural classes may be formed out of many of its members, the 

 one with the umbelliferous inflorescence (VmbdUfera), another with a rough hairy 

 cuticle (Boraginacea), and a third with highly poisonous properties and sombre 

 aspect (Solanacea). It is a class remarkable both for the beauty and utility of its 

 members a utility embracing both medicinal and dietetic qualities. 



CLASS VI. HEXANDRIA. 



This class is characterized by having six stamens, and is divided into four orders 

 viz., Monogynia, Vigynia, Irigynia, and Polygynia ; and contains twenty-six genera 

 and eighty-five species. 



It is remarkable as a class of flowering plants for the endogenous structu 

 members, as evinced by the straight veins of its leaves, and possesses many plants of 

 great beauty and a few of considerable utility. 



The order Monogynia comprehends nineteen genera, or two thirds of the whole 

 class; and, with the exception of the Berberis or Berbery, with its compound leaves 

 (page 101), sensitive stamens and fruit capable of being used as an excellent picJ 

 the Peplis and the Frankenia, and a few others, have a perianth (Fig. 201), as a 

 covering of the flower, and a bulb for their underground stem. As examples of th< 

 class, we may mention the Galanthus nivalis or Snowdrop, or Narcissus Ormthogalum 

 or Star of Bethlehem, Hyacinthus, Scilla or Squill, and Tulipa, aU of which contain 

 starch in their bulbs, and have beautiful flowers. The Convallaria or Solomon's Seal 

 is an elegant member of this class. The Asparagus officinalis, and Album o 

 Garlick, are edible. The Acorus Calamus or Sweet Flag, emits an aromatic o 

 from its leaves and root, and is a grass not only used medicinally, but is much 



