112 



ORDER XLIV. ROSACEA. — ORDER XLVI. MYRTACE^. 



in our district is far more abundant than either of the others, is 

 illustrated by the Sweet-Pea (Lathyrus odoratus), fig. 6, the Len- 

 til {Ervum Lens), fig. 1, 

 and the Running Bush- 

 Clover [Lespedeza procum- 

 bens), fig. 8. The sub- 

 order Cffisalpineas has the 

 corolla nearly or quite 

 regular, and the stamens 

 always distinct. The Cas- 

 sia and the Gleditschia 

 {Three-thorned Locust), are 

 good illustrations. Sub- 

 order Mimosae contains a 

 large and almost entirely 

 tropical group, with regu- 

 lar calyx and corolla, and 

 the stamens often hypogy- 

 nous and indefinite. Ex- 

 amples are the Acacia and 

 the Mimosa, or Sensitive 

 plant. 



A very largo and important 

 order, distributed throughout 

 tlie world, except in Arctic 

 countries. No family, perhaps, 

 furnishes us at once with so 

 many and so useful products, 

 and with-so large a proportion 

 of beautiful plants. Beans, Peas, 

 and Lentils, serve as (bod. The 

 Kosewood of comoicrce is 

 yielded by a species of Bra- 

 zilian Mimosa; and this, to- 

 gether with the fragrant Sandal- 

 wood of Egypt, the Laburnum and the 'White-Locust, yield beautiful or durable 

 woods, for timber and ornamental purposes. The medicinal products are also 

 particularly rich. Senna consists of tlie dried leaves of several Egyptian Cas- 

 sias ; Licorice is derived from the roots of Olyuirrhiza glabra, of Southern 



rig. T. 



Europe ; Gum-Arabic, and Gum-Senegal, are products of different African spe- 

 cies of Acacia; and Guin-Tragacanth of a. Persian species of Astragalus. The 

 Balsams Oopaiva, Tolu. and Peru, are yielded by several tropical trees belong- 

 ing here. This order also contributes largely to the materials of dyes, in the 

 Logwood, Brazilwood, and the still more valuable Indigo. 



GROUP IX. 

 Order XLIV. — Rosaceae. 



Trees, shrubs, or herbs. Leaves alternate, or radical. Stipules 

 usually present. Flowers regular, usually perfect. Sepals 6, 

 rarely less, more or less united, commonly persistent. Petals 5, 

 perigynous, sometimes wanting. Stamens numerous, rarely few, 

 inserted on the calyx, distinct. Ovaries several, or 1, often ad- 

 herent to the calyx-tube, and to each other. Styles distinct, or 

 united. Fruit a drupe, pome, achenium, or follicle. 



A very important order of plants, native principally of the Northern Tem- 

 perate Zone, distinguished especially by the great number of delicious fruits 

 they afford. The Apple, Cherry, Plum, Strawberry, and Raspberry, are among 

 the products of this order. Nor is it less rich in ornamental plants. Tlie 

 numerous species of Rose are familiar and beautiful examples. A native spe- 

 cies, Eosa lucida, is seen fig. 9. The roots and baric of the whole order are 



rig. 9. 



more or loss astringent The leaves of the Peach tribe contain hydrocyani- 

 acid in some species, in such quantities as to make them dangerous; and tlio 

 leaves of one of them, a southern species cf Wild Cherry, often destroy cattle 

 that feed on them, The root of the "Water-Avcns is astrinsent. and is some- 

 times prepared as a substitute for chocolate, and that of Gillenia (Indian 

 P/iyeic), has emetic properties, and in small doses is tonic. 



Order XLV. — Calycanthaceae. 



Shrubs, with square stems, and when old, 4 axes of growth. 

 Leaves simple, opposite, entire, destitute of stipules. Flowers 

 solitary, axillary. Sepals and petals colored, in several rows, 

 passing into each other, united below in a fleshy tube, or cup. 

 Stamens indefinite, inserted on the fleshy tube of the 

 calyx, the inner row sterile. Ovaries several, each with a 

 terminal style, all inclosed in the calyx-tube. Achenia 1- 

 seeded. 



A small order of aromatic plants, of which Calycanthus (Carolina 

 Allspice), better known as the Sweet-scented Shrub, is an example. 



Order XLYI. — Myrtaceas. 



Trees, and shrubs. Leaves opposite, punctate, entire, 

 usually with a marginal vein. Calyx-limb 4 — 5 cleft, 

 adherent below to the compound ovary. Petals 4, or 5, 

 rarely more. Stamens indefinite, with long filaments, and 

 introrso .inthcrs. Style 1. Fruit many-seeded. 



