40 CARYOPHYLLACE^. 



Etymology. The name is taken from Kepas, a horn; in allusion lo the 

 shape of the exserted and often curved capsules. 



Geographical Distribution. Widely diffused over the world, chiefly 

 in the colder and temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. C. vulga- 

 tum and viscosum, originally natives of the Old World, have accompanied 

 man everywhere. They are all insignificant weeds. The species illustrated 

 is one of the few that are truly indigenous in the United States proper. 



PLATE 114. Cerastium nutans, Haf.; — a small specimen, of the natu- 

 ral size. 



1 . Diagram of the flower. (The five little circles of the inner ring indicate 



the position of the styles.) 



2. An expanded flower, enlarged. 



3. A stamen, magnified, inside view. 



4. Pistil with the ovary, receptacle, &c., vertically divided ; magnified. 



5. Dehiscent capsule, with the calyx, enlarged. 



6. A seed, more magnified. 



7. Vertical section of the same, through the embryo and the albumen. 



