XIV. ORDER. OATCHFLY FAMILY. 



Now, by these cooling shades, 



The beauty of these plants 



By these delightful meadows, 



These variegated flowers, 



By the soft music of the rills and birds, 



Let us sit down in joy ! MILTON. 



I pass over the two next Orders, (which contain but 

 3 plants, and little known) to one of a distinct, and 

 very different character, from those we have examined 

 yet. And of a different hue also, pink being the 

 prevailing colour of this family ; and " THE PINK " 

 is its most favoured flower. 



[XIV. ORDER. CATCHFLY FAMILY. (Caryophyttacece,) 

 which signifies, Corollas, with long claws to the petals. 

 PI. II. 2 p. cl. 



Sepals 5 or 4 persistent, distinct or united. Petals as 

 many, rarely wanting. Stamens as many as, or double the 

 number of the petals, inserted upon a fleshy, elevated disk, 

 supporting the Ovary or a ring. Anthers opening length- 

 ways. Ovary 1. Styles 2 to 5. Capsule 1-celled; (some- 

 times so at the summit, and 2 5 celled below). 2 6 valved, 

 or opening at the summit with teeth. Placenta central, and 

 free in the 1-celled capsules ; in the rest attached to the centre 



