62 AUSTRALIAN BOTANY. 



estimated the number at 100,000 flowering plants, and 

 25,000 cryptogams. In round numbers, the known plants 

 of the world amount to 90,000 dicotyledons, 20,000 mono- 

 cotyledons, and 40,000 acotyledons ; total, 150,000: out 

 of which the number of plants actually in cultivation may 

 be set down as 40,000 species, not counting races or varieties. 



THE LINN^EAN SYSTEM. 



This system is based on the organs of fertilization — the 

 stamens and pistils — of plants. 



There are twenty - four classes, the following being 

 representatives of those classes : — 



Class I. Monandria (one stamen). — Starwort, Canna 

 (Indian shot), Centranthus (valerian). 



Class II. Diandria (two stamens). — Olea (olive), Ligustrum 

 (privet), Veronica (speedwell). 



Class III. Triandria (three stamens). — Wheat, Gladiolus 

 (corn flag), Iris, couch and most grasses. 



Class IV. Tetrandria (four stamens). — Holly, Persoonia 

 (geebong), Grevillea, Telopia (native tulip or waratah), 

 Banksia (native honeysuckle), Plantago (rib grass). 



Class V. Pentandria (five stamens). — Drosera (sundew), 

 Daucus (carrot), Solanum (potato), Viburnum (laurustinus), 

 Nicotian a (tobacco). 



Class VI. Hexandria (six stamens). — Daffodil, lily, 

 Amaryllis, Doryanthes, Aloe. 



Class VII. Heptandria (seven stamens). — iEsculus 

 (horse-chestnut), Calla (.Ethiopian lily). 



Class VIII. Oetandria (eight stamens). — True Fuchsia, 

 Tropaeolum (nasturtium), Boronia (native rose). 



