BOTANY. 287 



Having briefly explained the classes and orders, we shall pro* 

 ceed to state what are the component parts of perfect plants, 

 or such as produce flowers. The Root, which generally 

 penetrates into the earth, from which it derives its nourish- 

 ment, by absorbing moisture, &c., and by which the plant is 

 fixed, and has stability ; the Stem or trunk, which in opposi- 

 tion to the root, is ascending, and mostly supports or pro- 

 duces the leaves and flowers. The parts comprising a com- 

 plete or perfect flower, are, 1st, The Calyx or cup containing 

 the flower, this, though mostly accompanying, is not essen- 

 tially requisite to the producing perfect seed. 2nd, Corolla 

 or Flower, this is what is usually known by the term flower, 

 and is either composed of one entire, or of several parts or 

 petals, is often beautifully coloured, and possesses an exqui- 

 site fragrance ; the corolla is not essential to the formation 

 of perfect seed. 3rd, Anthers or Stamens, these are in the 

 Linnean system considered as the male parts of flowers, and 

 are necessary to the production of perfect seed. 4th, Pistil, 

 this is considered as the female part of the plant, is placed on 

 the summit of the seed vessel, and without it the flower is 

 unproductive. 5th, Perlcarpium or Seed Vessel, this is 

 mostly the base of the Pistil, though not essential to the per- 

 fecting of seed. 6th, Seed, these contain the rudiments of 

 the future plants, and are either contained in the Pericarp, or 

 lie at the bottom of the Calyx. 7th, Receptacle or base, on 

 which the parts of fructification are seated ; the first four of 

 these parts apertain properly to the flower, and the remain- 

 ing three to the fruit. 



Plants are a kind of organized bodies, endued with certain 

 perceptive properties, but destitute of the power of loco- 



