62 BOTANY FOR YOUNG PEOPLE. 



L. I should think then it would have been 

 much better named by a word compounded of 

 calyx and andria, as that would tell its real 

 meaning. 



E. Such a word has actually been suggested, 

 and in more than one instance employed by emi- 

 nent botanists. In this class the tube Cactus 

 is generally first mentioned ; they are noted for 

 their misshapen trunks, want of leaves, and gor- 

 geous flowers, which shine more brilliantly by 

 the unexpectedness as it were, of the display in 

 contrast, to the stems from which they spring. 

 The Prickly Pear, which is found on the Hud- 

 son, is one of the species, and the Night Bloom- 

 ing Cereus another. Do you know any thing 

 about the last flower? 



L. Yes, I waited up one night to see it open, 

 which it did about nine o'clock in the evening, 

 the flowers were some feet around, of a white 

 color, with a yellow calyx. Some that were 

 with me compared the odor to Vanilla. Before 

 morning they closed and never opened again. 



E. In this class are found Plums, Cherries, 

 Peas, Apples, Raspberries, Blackberries, and 

 Strawberries. Almonds, and Peaches, and 

 Pomegranates. The Meadow Sweet Spirea- 



