124 OBJECT LESSONS IN BOTANY 
269. Specimens gathered for analysis should have flowers 
in full bloom, full-grown leaves, and also, if possible, the 
mature fruit. If it be an herb, it is well to have the whole 
of it, as the root and lower leaves often afford characters by 
which the species is known. Suppose you now have good 
specimens of some one unknown plant, gathered for analysis, 
—how will you proceed with them ? 
270. We first examine the several parts of the plant, begin- 
ning with the root and ending with the pistil or ovary, deter- 
mining the character of each according to the definitions 
given in the former lessons. After this, we refer to the table 
commencing on page 121, entitled, ‘“ Review of the Natural 
System,” and read, compare, and decide according to the 
directions contained in Lesson XX XIIL., in order to determine 
the Natural Order to which the specimen belongs. Having 
determined the Order, we next turn to that Order, and deter- 
mine the Genus and Species by means of other similar tables. 
271. In examining the specimen, previous to the use of the 
tables, the first inquiries may be somewhat as follows: 
As to the plant—whether it be an herb, shrub, or tree. 
As to the root—whether tuberous, fibrous, or fibro-tuberous. 
As to the stem-—whether a scale-stem or leaf-stem; bul- 
bous, rhizome, or erect, &c. 
As to the leaves—whether alternate or opposite; parallel- 
veined or net-veined; whether the figure be ovate, lanceo- 
late, oblong, &e. 
269. What kinds of specimens are to be preferred for analysis? 
270. Please state the first thing to be done with them. After you have 
found the Order, what then? 
* 271. What special care should be taken? As to character, what do we 
inquire concerning plants? What concerning the root? the stem? the 
leaves? the stipules? What concerning the flowers? the calyx? the corol 
la? stamens? What concerning the pistil or fruit? 
