THE NATURAL SYSTEM. 115 
cies with its progeny of millions of plants; the Red Clover is 
another; the Yellow Clover another; the Buffalo Clover 
another. In like manner all the plants of the globe are 
grouped into species, and this is the first step in classification. 
248. The second step carries us to the genus, which we 
may thus define: A Genus is an assemblage of species which 
are much alike; especially in their flowers and fruit. Thus, 
Fiax is a genus made up of the several species mentioned 
above, and other similar species. C Lover is a genus com- 
posed of 150 species, some of which we have just mentioned. 
Every one notices the resemblance between White Clover, 
‘Red Clover, &c. Pive is a genus, embracing as species 
White Pine, Yellow Pine, Pitch Pine, Long leaved Pine, and 
many others. 
244. Individuals of the same species may differ somewhat 
among themselves, and these differences constitute varieties. 
Thus Apple-trees differ in their fruit, and there are hundreds 
of varieties although only one species. Roses differ in their 
form, color, and fragrance of their flowers, forming many va- 
rieties under each species. Probably no two plants of any 
species were ever exactly alike. Sameness, or monotony, is 
not a characteristic of Nature. 
LESSON XXX. 
THE NATURAL SYSTEM. 
245. In attempting to classify and arrange the genera of 
plants, according to their natural resemblances and differ- 
243. Can you now definea genus? Please illustrate your idea of a genus. 
244. What is a variety? Illustrate your meaning. 
