THE GOOSEBERRY FAMILY. 



393 



Strong-growing species, with a hard woody stem, several 

 inches in diameter, and densely covered with long black 

 spines of formidable character. 



The above are the principal divisions under which Cactae 

 are arranged ; several individual species have been charac- 

 terized as distinct genera, but they are only of botanical 

 interest. The family is well represented at Kew. 



(HOMALIACE^.) 



A family of about 30 species of trees or shrubs, having 

 alternate leaves, and Cactus-like flowers (furnished with 

 glands), in spikes, panicles, or racemes. 



They are natives of the tropical regions of both hemi- 

 spheres, and hold an intermediate position between Cactaceae 

 and Loasaceae. They have no special uses, except that the 

 roots of some are said to be astringent. 



The Gooseberry Family. 



(Grossulariaceje.) 



Shrubs, with or without spines. Leaves alternate, simple, 

 more or less angular or lobed. Flowers solitary or in spikes 

 or racemes, furnished with small bracts. Petals and stamens 

 5 each. Fruit a pulpy berry, bearing the remains of the 

 calyx on its apex, containing a few or numerous seeds. 



About one hundred species constitute this family, all 

 natives of the Northern hemisphere, being found in Europe, 

 North America, and temperate Asia. The whole are con- 

 tained in the genus Rihes. 



Gooseberry (^Eibes grossularid). This well-known fruit 

 needs no description. 



There are many varieties cultivated. In Scotland they 

 are called Grosets or Grosards, which is derived from the 

 French, meaning rough, rude, and large ; it being the 

 largest berry. 



Black Currant (Rihes nigrum)^ Eed Currant (R. ruhnim)^ 

 and White Currant, a variety of the latter. These, with the 



