30 AGRICULTURE. 



that these are the four parts named. In studying or describing 

 any plant, therefore, we find out the nature or make-up of its 

 root, stem, leaves and blossom. In regard to the root, for 

 instance, we observe whether it is tap-rooted or fibrous. We 

 note the color and form of the stem. We observe the shape 

 of the leaves and their arrangement on the branches. In the 

 blossom we note the form, number and arrangement of the sepals 

 or parts of the calyx, and of the petals or parts of the corolla; also 

 the number, form and arrangement of the stamens and pistils. 



If we carefully observe a buttercup and a marsh-marigold we 

 find that in the main they closely resemble each other, yet 

 there are differences in their form and they grow in different 

 locations. Meadow rue, columbine, anemone and hepatica 

 also have a strong family resemblance to these two plants. 

 These are all classed together in one great order or family 

 known as the Ranunculacea or crowfoot family. 



The wild mustard of our grain fields and the weeds shep- 

 herd's purse and pennycress are classed in another order or 

 family known as the Cruciferiz, so called because of the 

 arrangement of the four petals forming a cross-like corolla. 



The blossoms of the field pea, sweet pea, bean, clover and 

 locust tree are much alike. These are all classed in one family 

 the Leguminosce or legume family. 



Compare the blossoms and leaves of the apple, pear, plum, 

 cherry, strawberry and hawthorn with the wild or single rose. 

 They all belong to one family the Rosacecz or rose family. 



The carrot and the parsnip form a cluster of flowers in form 

 called an umbel, hence these belong to the family Umbelliferce. 



In many common plants we have the flowers in a dense or 

 thick head like the blossom of a field daisy or of a sunflower. 

 The thistles, burdocks, everlasting, golden rod, aster, yarrow, 

 dandelion and lettuce are other members of the same family 

 the composite family, or Composites. 



