124 OBJECT LESSONS IN BOTANY 



269. Specimens gathered for analysis slionld have flowers 

 in full bloom, full-grown leaves, and also, if possible, the 

 mature fruit. If it be an herb, it is w^ell to have the whole 

 of it, as the root and lower leaves often aiford characters by 

 which the species is known. Suppose yon now have good 

 specimens of some one unknown plant, gathered for analysis, 

 — how will you proceed with them ? 



270. We first examine the several parts of the plant, begin- 

 ning with the root and ending with the pistil or ovary, deter- 

 mining the character, of each according to the definitions 

 given in the former lessons. After this, we refer to the table 

 commencing on page 121, entitled, " Review of the Natural 

 System," and read, compare, and decide according to the 

 directions contained in Lesson XXXIII., in order to determine 

 the Natural Order to which the specimen belongs. Having 

 determined the Order, we next turn to that Order, and deter- 

 mine the Genus and Species by means of other similar tables. 



271. In examining the specimen, previous to the use of the 

 tables, the first inquiries may be somewhat as follows : 



As to the plant — whether it be an herb, shrub, or tree. 



As to the root — whether tuberous, fibrous, or fibro- tuberous. 



As to the stem — whether a scale-stem or leaf-stem ; bul- 

 bons, rhizome, or erect, &c. 



As to the leaves — whether alternate or opposite; parallel- 

 veined or net-veined ; Avhether the figure be ovate, lanceo- 

 late, oblong, &c. 



269. Wliat kinds of specimens are to be preferred for analysis ? 



270. Please state the first thing to he done with them. After you have 

 found the Order, what then ? 



271. What special care should be taken? As to character, what do we 

 inquire concerning plants? What concerning the root? the stem? the 

 leaves ? the stipules ? What concerning the flowers ? the calyx ? the corol 

 la? stamens? What concerning the pistil or fruit? 



