VARIETIES. 85 



It is very well calculated to improve a young' botanist to at. 

 tempt an entire description of all the parts of a plant in technical 

 terms. By repeated attempts of this kind, the language of bota 

 ny will become familiar. 



The order to be observed in such descriptions, is that of nature, 

 as follows : beginning with the ROOT, then the TRUNKS, LEAVES, 

 APEXI)AKS, INFLORESCENCE, FRUCTIFICATION, &c. In describing 1 

 the fructification, b^gin with the external part, and proceed in- 

 ward, thus, first the calyx, then the corolla, 8cc The description 

 of each separate part should be arranged in a sepaiate paragraph. 



The Characters of the Classes are taken from the 

 stamens ; those of the Orders from the stamens and 

 pistils, principally from the pistils ; the Generic Char- 

 acters from the other of the seven parts of fructification 

 and such circumstances of the stamens and pistils as 

 are not taken for the Classes and Orders ; and the Spe- 

 cific Characters from all parts of the plant except such 

 circumstances of the flower and fruit as are taken for 

 Classes, Orders, and Genera. 



VARIETIES, (varietas) are plants changed from 

 their usual appearance by some accidental cause ; the 

 various kinds of Apples are examples of varieties. 

 See page 3. 



Observiitioii 1. As many plants of different form and appear- 

 ance as are produced from seed of the same species, are to be re- 

 garded as g*enuine varieties, and in all cases to be distinguished 

 with great care from the species. 



2. Varieties are caused by culture, climate, exposure, age, dis- 

 ease, luxuriance or poverty of nourishment, and some other 

 causes. 



3. Gardeners by various methods of culture produce innumer- 

 able varieties, especially of double flowers. 



4. Varieties in colour are very common. 



We have now explained the terms of botany, as ap- 

 plied to the external forms of plants, illustrated the 

 Classes and Orders of Lirmseus, and given a brief out- 

 line of Genera and Species ; an understanding of 

 which is all that is necessary for discriminating plants* 

 It remains to explain 

 8 



