EUPHORBIACEiE. 71 



which then increases greatly in size and strength. The only known 

 species. 



Humulus. L. 20. 5. 



H. lupulus. L. Hop. A well-known plant as cultivated ; 

 it seems also to be a native of the country, as the sterile plant 

 has been found in various and very remote situations, and where 

 there is no probability of its having been introduced. The me- 

 dicinal properties are important. Bigelow's " Medical Botany." 

 The active substance is a peculiar principle, called lupulin. 



ORDER 88. EUPHORBIACEiE. 



Calyx lobed, inferior, generally with some appendages, and bear- 

 ing monoecious or dioecious flowers ; the fertile flowers have the 

 ovary superior ; rarely having compound leaves. 



This order includes a host of plants, nearly half of which are 

 found in the equinoctial regions of America, being trees, shrubs, 

 or herbs. They are not found in great numbers at the north ; 

 few in Canada. Most of them contain a milky juice, which is 

 generally injurious ; the common property is stimulating. Some 

 are emetic, and some so poisonous as to be dangerous as medi- 

 cines. Roots of some are healthful food. 



Only a few species are found in this State, and they are not im- 

 portant. 



Euphorbia. L. 19. 12. 



Named in honor of Euphorbus, physician to Juba of Mauritania. 



E. maculata. L. Spotted Spurge. Stem branching, and 

 spreading close to the ground, with oblong, obtuse, hairy, slightly 

 serrate leaves, and axillary, solitary flowers, small ; in light soils, 

 along roads and in fields ; blossoms in June. 



E. hypericifolia. L. Oval-leafed Spurge. Stem erect, and 

 spreading, a foot or more high, with oval-oblong, serrate, opposite 

 leaves, and terminal corymbs of flowers ; rich soils, July. 



E. polygonifolia. L. Along the seashore, procumbent, 



