THE LYTHUUM TRIBE, 69 



thrums in little else ; then the seeds, the opposite 

 leaves, the stigma, and the habit, are like those of some 

 species of the Evening-Primrose Tribe, which differs, 

 however, in liavino- an inferior ovarv, and in several 

 more points ; to the Mallow Tribe the Ly thrums ap- 

 proach in their tubular calyx, crumpled petals, supe- 

 rior, many-seeded ovary, and double row of sepals ; but 

 their distinct stamens growing from the sides of the 

 calyx, not to speak of other differences, prohibit the 

 imion of Lythrums with that order. 



I will not fatigue you with further inquiries of this 

 nature, but leave you to institute what comparisons 

 you please between Lythrums and such natural groups 

 as you are acquainted with. The result will neces- 

 sarily be that they are not to be identified with any. 

 Hence, Botanists class them in a distinct set, to 

 which the names of Lythracese, Salicariese, or the 

 Lythrum Tribe, are given. The great features of the 

 assemblage depend upon the plants being, 1. polypeta- 

 lous, 2. having a furrowed or striated tubular calyx, 



3. having stamens attached to the sides of the calyx, 



4. a superior ovary, and, 5. numerous seeds without 

 albumen. 



In the gardens we have no common plants belonging 

 to this order, except species of the genus Lythrum ; but 

 among the rarer plants are some that deserve mention. 



In the first place, the Henna or Alkanna, with 

 which oriental ladies stain their nails and the tips of 

 their fingers a yellowish red colour. 



The Henna that is deeply dyed to make 

 The skin relieved appear more fairly fair, 



