544 



BOTANY. 



of the cortical part of the stem). The mummy cloth of ancient Egypt 

 is composed of flax fibres, and in the remains of the "lake dwellings" 

 in Switzerland, fragments of linen cloth have been found. The plant 

 appears to be indigenous in the south of Europe, as well as in the 

 regions eastward in Asia ; it is now cultivated throughout the North 

 and South Temperate Zones. The seeds are rich in oil, which is 

 extracted by pressure, producing the Linseed-oil of commerce ; the 



FIGS. 508-10. ILLUSTRATIONS or LINUM USITATISSIMUM. 



FIG 509. 



FIG. 508. 



Fig. 508. Inflorescence- 

 Fig. 510. Diagram of flower. 



FIG. 510. 

 Fig. 509. Section of flower. Magnified. 



compressed refuse is called oil-cake, and is much used as food for 

 cattle. (Figs. 508-10.) 



Erythroxylon Coca, a South American shrub, is cultivated in 

 Bolivia and New Granada for its stimulating leaves, which are chewed 

 like tobacco. 



599. Cohort XXXI. Malvales. Flowers usually actino- 

 morphic ; stamens indefinite, generally monadelphous ; ovary 



