The Natural System of Botany. 235 



• nUt nber, and generally united at the base into several bun- 

 dles. The ovary is formed of from three to six carpels, more 

 or less united, with separate styles; each cell originally con- 

 taining several ovules. In the ripe capsule, there are only 

 three cells, each having but one seed, the other ovules not hav- 

 ing been developed. This seed is large, with fleshy cotyledons, 

 which contain a large quantity of oil, and are destitute of al- 

 bumen. 



The species are celebrated . for the beauty of their foliage, 

 and the fine colors of their flowers, which vary through every 

 shade of red and white. To some remarks upon the culture 

 of these plants, and upon the manufacture of tea, we shall de- 

 vote a separate article. 



Order — Aurantiaceje. The Orange Tribe. 



This order, which contains the Orange, Lemon, Lime, Cit- 

 ]on, and Shaddock, is one of much interest. Its structure is 

 very peculiar, and it possesses several characters which are 

 singular. To man it is of great value, on account of the great 

 quantities of wholesome, agreeable, and refreshing fruit with 

 which it supplies him. These fruits are remarkable as being 

 more easily preserved and brought to colder regions, than al- 

 most any other tropical productions ; and in consequence, some 

 •>f them are so cheap and plentiful in northern countries, as to 

 place the enjoyment of them within the reach of all. To give 

 an idea of the immense quantity of these fruits which are sent 

 from their native countries, we may state, that of oranges alone, 

 it has been calculated that about two hundred and seventy- 

 two millions are annually brought to England. So great a 

 supply could not be sustained unless the Orange-tree was very 

 prolific. A single tree has been known to produce twenty 

 thousand oranges fit for exportation, exclusive of the damaged 

 fruit, and waste. It is partly due, also, to the construction of 

 the fruit. The rind being thick and spongy, resists changes 

 of temperature, and the immense number of minute receptacles 

 filled with oil, in its surface, prevent the evaporation of the 

 watery fluid within, and by their acridity, the attacks of in- 

 sects from without. Hence, oranges will keep for a long time, 

 if they are well ventilated, and free from moisture. 



