OCTANJDEIA. 



159 



Trientalis Europea, which has seven stamens, and one pistil. Its calyx, corolla, 



Fig. 320. 

 Heptandria Monogyma. 



seed-vessel are each divided into seven parts, and well illustrate the law mentioned at 

 page 111. 



CLASS VIII. OCTANDRIA. 



The plants of this class have eight stamens, and are divided into four orders viz., 

 Monogynia, Digynia^ Trigynia, and Tetragynia. These are, however, few in number ; 

 forming only thirteen genera and forty species. The general characteristic of the class 

 is rather that of beauty than of utility ; and yet it is far from being wanting in either. 



Fig. 323. 

 Octandria Tetragynia. 



Fig. 324. 

 Octandria Monogyma. 



As instances of beauty, we may mention that in the first order there are the JEnothera 

 biennis, or Evening Primrose ; the Epilobium, or "Willow-herb ; and the gentle Erica 1 

 or Heath, than which nothing can be more lovely in their separate characters. 



Amongst the genera which may be termed useful, we instance the Acer, or Sycamore 



