Prriaynots Exocens. 
This sub-class, the third into which Dr. Lindley divides the 
great division of Exogenous plants, have uni-sexual, bi-sexual, or 
hermaphrodite flowers; stamens growing to the side of the calyx 
or corolla, a superior ovary, or nearly so; the first sub-class of 
hermaphrodite Exogens having been characterised by the stamens 
standing clear of the floral envelopes, or being, in the language 
of Jussieu, “ hypogynous.” But when there is adhesion between 
the stamens and either the calyx or corolla, it may be assumed 
that the one organ is in some way necessary to the other. For 
this reason, the “perigynous character where a real and manifest 
union of the parts, and not a slight inappreciable connection exists, 
is admitted to be a valid mark of the sub-class, whether the 
stamens grow on the petals or on the calyx, provided they grow 
_ on one of them.” 
This is essentially the old arrangement of Jussieu, but with 
this difference, that what the French botanist made a secondary 
‘distinction, in the system of Dr. Lindley and his followers becomes 
the primary characteristic ; while his great distinctions of poly- 
petalous, monopetalous, and apetalous, become secondary con- 
siderations. 
Ficos 
Are for the most part herbaceous plants or bushes, with suc- 
culent leaves, monodichlamydeous flowers, central or axile 
placentz, polypetalous corolla, if any, and an external embryo, 
curving round a mealy albumen. Carpels partially adherent with 
the calyx, in which respect they are hypogynous, but with strongly 
__ Marked perigynous stamens. The Ficoids are plants only inte- 
_ Testing to the botanist. They comprehend plants with fully- 
developed corolla, and others with a trace of it. Their characte- 
tistic marks are the perigynous stamens, curved external embryo, 
and mealy albumen, with axile placenta. The Basels are tropical, 
Some of them pot-herbs in India and China. The seed-vessels 
exhibit the remarkable phenomenon of closing when placed in 
Water and opening again when dry, which is no doubt a part of 
“heir economy. 
