XL VIII. ROSACE^E. 



239 



A large proportion of these are natives of temperate climates north of the equator. 



Properties. A highly important order, whether we regard its delicious fruit, its medicinal products, 01 

 the beauty of its flowers. None of its species (excepting those of the Almond tribe) are unwholesome. 

 An astringent principle characterizes the family, residing chiefly in the bark and the roots. The roots 01 

 the blackberry have been used in medicine as an astringent; those of Gillenia, as an emetic; Agnmo- 

 aia, as a vermifuge. The petals of Rosa damascena, yield the well known fragrant oil, called otfar qf 

 H?e. The Almond, Peach, &c., abound in prussic acid, a deadly poison, residing chiefly in the kernels. 

 Of the Rosaces, as ornamental flowering shrubs, it is scarcely necessary to speak. 



FIG. 44. 1. Potentilla argiita, flower and leaf. 2. Vertical section of a flower with the petals remo 

 uiuwinp the perigynous disk, stamens, ovaries, &c. 3. Enlarged ovary and style. 4. Mature ov 

 j. j>ection showing the seed and funiculus. 6. Vertical section of a flower of Fragaria, showing the I 

 pyious stamens, the ovaries, &c. 7. Enlarged carpel. 8. Fruit, consisting of the enlarged receptacle 

 \v ith the achenia external. 9. Perirynous stamens of Rubus Idams. 10. Fruit, the fleshy carpels age.-e- 



ved 



vary, 

 ng the pen- 



rated. 11. Section of the fruit. 12" Flower of the apple tree 

 tlie distinct carpels in the calyx tube. 



Conspectus of the Genera. 



13. Vertical section of a rose, showing 



$Sta. 5. Sibbaldia. 24 

 ( Leaves s cauhne. ( Sta. 00. Potentilla. 



21 



