THE ORCHIDACE^E. 177 



of six parts in two circles of similar color and form. 

 Stamens six, inserted on the leaves of the perianth ; 

 anthers introrse. Ovary free, three-celled, with nu- 

 merous ovules on axile placentas ; the styles united 

 into one. 



What number have you found prevailing in the 

 lilies you have examined? What number occurred 

 oftenest in describing the Composite? The Labi- 

 atse? The Umbelliferse ? The Cruciferse? Point 

 out the affinities of the lady's-slipper and the lily. 



Compare flower-de-luce, or blue-flag, with the fol- 

 lowing description : 



Herbs with parallel-veined, equitant, two-ranked 

 leaves and perfect flowers. Tube of the perianth co- 

 herent with the three-celled ovary; limb petal -like 

 and six-parted ; convolute in the bud in two sets. 

 Stamens three, monadelphous or distinct, with ex- 

 trorse anthers. Pod three-celled, locolucidal, many- 

 seeded. 



What affinities can you point out between the 

 flower-de-luce and lily? between the lady's-slipper 

 and flower-de-luce ? In what respect are these three 

 plants alike ? 



The nature of orchids will be further explained 

 in Course Second. 



On Chart Y. several orders of parallel-leaved 

 plants are given, and their characters are so magni- 

 fied that they may be easily seen and compared. 



