SYNOPSIS OF THE FAMILIES. 



Based on the system of Bentham and Hooker, which adhered closely to that of 

 Jussieu as modified by de Candolle. The position of the Gymnosperms has, however, 

 been altered in accordance with modern knowledge. 



Adapted to the French (and British} genera. 



Sub-Kingdom I. Phanerogamic or Flowering Plants. Plants provided 

 with stamens, and ovules which after fertilization by pollen from the stamens 

 become seeds containing an embryo. 



Phylum I. Angiospermae. Seeds enclosed in ovaries. 



Class I. Dicotyledons. When perennial the stem increases in diameter 

 annually by a layer of wood added to the outside of the old wood, and another 

 of bark added to the inside of the old bark. Leaves with usually netted veins. 

 Flowers with the organs mostly in fours or fives. Embryo almost always with 

 two cotyledons. 



DIVISION I. Polypetalas. 



Flowers usually with both calyx and corolla. Petals free. 



Sub-division I. Thalamiflora-. Stamens inserted on the receptacle (hypo- 

 gynous), free from the calyx, or on a disk that terminates the pedicel. Ovary 

 superior. (There are, however, some exceptions.) 



Ranunculace<. Flowers regular or irregular. Stamens indefinite ; 

 anthers basifixed, opening by slits. Seeds albuminous. Herbs with alternate 

 leaves (except Clematis). 



Berberidaceas. Flowers regular, 3-merous. Stamens definite, opposite 

 the petals ; anthers basifixed, opening by recurved valves. Seeds albuminous. 

 Shrubs with alternate leaves. 



Nymphaeaceae. Flowers regular. Stamens indefinite ; anthers basifixed. 

 Ovary many celled. Stigmas sessile. Seeds albuminous. Aquatic plants with 

 showy flowers. 



Papaveraceae. Flowers regular, 2-merous. Stamens indefinite ; anthers 

 basifixed. Ovules usually parietal. Style i, or stigmas sessile. Seeds albumin- 

 ous. Herbs with milky juice, alternate leaves, and usually showy flowers. 



Fumariaceae. Flowers irregular. Sepals 2. Petals 4. Stamens 6 in 2 

 bundles. Ovary i-celled ; ovules many, parietal, or i basal. Style i or o. 

 Seeds albuminous. Weak herbs with exstipulate, alternate leaves ; flowers 

 usually small. 



Cruciferas. Flowers usually regular. Sepals 4. Petals 4. Stamens 

 usually 6, 4 longer than the others. Ovary 1-2 celled, of 2 carpels ; ovules 

 parietal. Style i or o. Seeds exalbuminous. Herbs with exstipulate, alternate 

 leaves. Flowers usually small. 



10 



