DICOTYLEDONEJE. 73 



is obtained from the seeds of Ricinus ; Caoutchouc 

 from Siphonia ; and many drugs are obtained from 

 the different genera. Phyllanthus and Xylophylla. 

 are found in this order ; of these the physiologist 

 will not fail to notice that the leaves act as peduncles 

 to the flowers and fruit. 



Cytinece contains only one genus, but that a very 

 remarkable one, viz. the Nepenthes or pitcher-plant. 

 The ends of the leaves are resolved into hollow ves- 

 sels containing water, and having a moveable lid, 

 intended, it would appear, for some peculiar purpose 

 of the plant, not yet clearly accounted for. The 

 circumstance of marshes being the habitat of the 

 Nepenthes^ implies that any extra store of water 

 would be superfluous ; and therefore this provision is 

 the more extraordinary. 



The next order, Asdrince, contains Aristolochia^ a 

 half-shrubby twining genus. The grotesque shape, 

 uncommon colours, and disagreeable scent of the 

 flowers, are certainly more attractive to the physi- 

 ologist than to the florist ; but as a contrast, and to 

 enhance the value of elegant and sweet-scented plants, 

 Aristolochia labiosa should have a place in every 

 stove collection. 



Passing the three orders Elceaginece, Santalacece, 

 and Osyridece, which present not any thing physi- 

 cally interesting, we come to TJiymelece^ which may 

 be noticed because of the tenacious character of the 

 ligneous fibres abounding in the stems of Dirca and 

 others ; and for the distinctness and want of cohesion 



