96 MIRBEL'S CLASSIFICATION OP FRUITS. 
Synoposis ofMirheVs Orders and Genera of Pericarps, 
CLASS L 
Fruit naked, Gymnocaepes. 
Oedee 1. Caeceeulares, simple fruits, remaining closed. 
( 1. Cypsela, 
Genera, < 2. Cerion, 
L3. Carcerula. 
Oedee 2. Capsulaees, simple fruits, which open at maturity. 
n. Capsule, 
Genera \ ^- Legume, 
14. Pyxides. 
Oedee 3. Dieeesilia, simple fruits, which divide into many parts when ripe. 
{1, Cremocarp, 
2. Regmate, 
3. Dieresil. ■ 
Order 4. Etaieonnaie, compound fraits, proceeding from a germ to which the style 
adheres. ^ 
Gpnpra ^ ^- double Follicle, 
Genera, ^ Etairon. 
Oedee 5. Cenoeionnair, compound fruits, proceeding from a germ not bearing the 
style. 
Genera, ■{ 1. Cenobium. 
Oedee 6. Deupaces, simple and succulent fruits, contained in a nut. 
Genera, •<! 1. Drupe. 
Oedee 7. Eaccati, pimple, succulent fruits, containing many separate seeds. 
fl. Pyridion, 
Genera, < 2. Pepo, 
l3. Bacca. 
CLASS n. 
Covered fruits, Angiocaepes. 
Genera, 
1. Calybion, 
2. Strobilum, 
3. Sycone, 
4. Sorose. 
LECTURE XV. 
THE SEED SYNOPOSIS OF THE EXTERNAL ORGANS OF PLANTS. 
The seed may be considered as that link in the chain of vegetable 
existence which connects the old and new plant ; were this destroyed, 
were nature to fail in her operation of perfecting the seed, what a 
change would the earth soon exhibit ! One year would sweep away 
the whole tribe of annual plants ; beautiful flowers, medicinal herbs, 
and our most important grains for the sustenance of man and beast, 
would vanisli for ever. Another year would take from us many of 
our most useful garden vegetables, and greatly reduce the number 
of our ornamental plants. Year after year the perennials would 
vanish, until the earth would present but one vast scene of vegetable 
ruin. The ancient pines and venerable oaks, instead of the smiling 
aspect of ever-renovating nature which they now witness, would 
stand alone in solitary grandeur, the mournful remains of a once 
Repeat the Synopysis of Mirbel's classification— What is the seed? its form— What 
would be the appearance of the earth, if plants should cease to produce perfect seed 1 
