62 DICOTYLEDONE^E. 



paratively few; but of the latter they are almost 

 innumerable. 



There is no natural mark by which shrubs are 

 distinguished from trees. A large shrub may be 

 called a small tree without impropriety; and vice 

 versa. The more humble stature, a weaker and more 

 ramified growth, and a tendency to throw up a mul- 

 tiplicity of stems, are the most striking characteristics 

 of a shrub. 



The peculiarities which distinguish the kinds of 

 trees, shrubs, and herbs from each other, consist in 

 their manner of reproduction, constitutional character, 

 special habit, and in their duration. 



Reproduction. Every plant is constituted to per- 

 petuate itself by seed or by offsets in its native cli- 

 mate ; and if diseceous the male and female plants 

 be near together. Some plants reproduce themselves 

 by seed only ; others by seeds and also by viviparous 

 progeny from their roots or stems. Some extend 

 themselves by emitting roots from the branches, which 

 entering the soil produce new stems ; or by reclining 

 on the ground strike new roots, whence proceed a 

 new growth of stems and branches. Some others 

 have stems resembling leaves, which being shed on 

 the ground, become new plants. 



Constitutional character. Consists in the peculiar 

 arrangement of the cellular element, the construc- 

 tion of the vascular arid vital apparatus, in the dura- 

 bility of these components, the consistence and 

 quality of the sap, the power of resisting the effects 



