16 
ANALYSIS OF THE PINK. 
Tl.e first step in analyzing a flower, 
nocording to the Linniean System, is to 
find the class. We will, as we are now 
beginning tlie analysis of plants, suppose 
this flower to belong to one of the j^rs^ 
ten classes; we have to ascertain the 
number of stamens, as by this circum- 
stance these ten classes are arranged. 
Because there are ten stamens (Fig. 4, 
■z), this flower is in the tenth class, the 
lame of which is, Decandria. The sec- 
ond step is to find the order. In the 
first twelve classes, the orders depend 
on the number of pistils ; here are fxoo 
(Fig. 4, b), and the flower belongs to 
the second order ; — the name of which 
is Digynia. Sometimes tliere may be Fig. 4. 
but one ovary, and more than one style 
or sessile stigma. The number of styles, or sessile stigmas, determines the orders, 
if the plant belong to one of the first twelve classes. In the pink, we have two 
sessile stigmas, for though they resemble styles, they are found, throughout their 
extent, to contain pollen ; the style is therefore considered as wanting. The third 
step is to ascertain the genus. Let the student turn to the description of the 
'Genera of Plants" (page 854, Appendix), find Class 10th, Order 2d, and compare 
the plant with each germs until the true one be found. 
'Hydrangea. — Calyx 5-toothed, superior f 
— this calyx is 5-toothed (see Fig. 5, a), but 
it is not superior, that is, it is not above the 
germ. 'Saxifraga. — Calyx 5-parted, half 
superior' — but this calyx is not half supe- 
rior, or partly above the germ. ' Sapona- 
RIA. — Calyx inferior, l-leafed, tubular, 5- 
toothed^ — so far the description agrees with 
the Pink ; next, ' calyx without scales.'' In 
this particular, this flower, the calyx of 
which has scales (Fig. 5, 6), does not corre- 
Bpond with the description. 'Dianthus. — 
Calyx inferior, cylindrical, l-leafcd, with 4 
or 8 scales at the base ; petals 5 (Fig. 4, a), 
with claws (long and slender at the base) ; — 
capsule cylindrical, \-celled, dehiscent^ Fig. 
5, at c, represents the ripe capsule of the 
pink opening at the top by the parting of its 
valves ; — at d, it appears cut transversely, 
showing that it has but one cell, and many 
eeeds. This flower agreeing with every 
particular in the description of the last- 
mentioned genus, you may be certain that 
Dianthus is the generic or family name. 
But there are several species in this genus ; 
we wish to know to which the Pink belongs ; Fig. 5. 
and this process constitutes a fourth step in 
our analysis. We turn to the Jbescription of Species of Plants* (Appendix, page 404,) 
and look for Dianthus ; we compare the description of each species with our flower, 
having the leaves and stem before us (Fig 5, A, B) ; ^ Arnieria,fioioers aggregate' 
(in a thick cluster) ; this does not agree; we must look further. ^ Barbatus, fiowen 
fascicled' (crowded together), but this flower grows singly on each stalk. ' Cary- 
vphydm^fiomers solitary^ scales of the calyx sub-rhotnboid, very short, vetals crenale^ 
• Desciiptiou of Speoies, page 404. 
