68 REPRESENTATIVE PLANTS 



tics of the family are marked and ought to be easily dis- 

 covered. Many of the species are poisonous. 



Observe the characteristic inflorescence, also the almost 

 universal presence of divided leaves. 



Flowers. Are the umbels simple or compound? 



Observe the presence or absence of small bracts at the 

 base of the primary or secondary rays of umbel. Which 

 flowers of the umbel mature the earliest ? Study the in- 

 dividual flower and observe the insignificant calyx and the 

 small petals of the corolla. How many petals are there 

 and what peculiarity of form do they have ? 



Look at the stamens. How do they correspond in num- 

 ber with the petals ? How can the discrepancy be ex- 

 plained ? What evidence do you notice for any special 

 form of pollination ? 



If any fruits are formed, crush, and discover whether any 

 odor is apparent or not. 



Draw a diagram of the inflorescence, a single flower (in), 

 and the flower plan. 



Uses. Look up the uses of plants of this family. What 

 vegetables are found here ? What are caraway, dill, anise, 

 and coriander ? Why is a wild parsnip poisonous and the 

 garden form harmless? Why will frost kill our garden 

 carrot and yet not hurt the wild carrot (the same species)? 

 How did this plant ever become a weed, or was the vegeta- 

 ble produced from the weed form ? Which is the reasonable 

 theory ? 



Test carrots, parsnips, celery, and celeriac for food value. 



15. Shrubs and Trees of the Dogwood Family — 

 Dogwoods (Cornel Species) 



Plant habit and habitat. These are common shrubs and 

 small trees of woodland, thicket, and swamp. If you are 

 able to study them as they grow, do so and observe any 



