SYSTEM OF LiNN.EUS. 
153 
A Genus comprehends one or more species grouped together 
on account of some resemblance in situation, proportion, and 
connexion of the organs which constitute the flower. 
Any one species of a genus may be regarded as a type or 
example of the others ; we may easily refer species which we 
have not studied to their proper genus, by a knowledge of any 
one species of that genus. Some genera appear to be distinctly 
marked by nature ; the various species of the rose, form a beau- 
tiful genus which is known to all, although every one might 
not be able to describe it to others, in such a manner as to be 
understood ; it is chiefly distinguished by its urn-shaped and 
fringed calyx. 
The Generic names of plants are derived from various cir- 
cumstances ; in some cases from a peculiarity of form or color 
of the corolla or some property of the plant, and some are 
named from distinguished persons. 
Thus Iris, (flag,) is named from Iris the rain bow, on account 
of its various shades of colour. 
Digitalis, (fox-glove,) named from digitus, a finger on ac- 
count of the shape of its corolla, like the finger of a glove. 
Convallaria, (lily of the valley,) named from a Latin word contai- 
ns, signifying valley. 
Teucrium (germander,) named in honor of Teucer, a Trojan 
prince who is said to have discovered this plant. The English 
name, germander, is supposed to have originated from the word 
Scamander, the name of a river of ancient Troy. 
The name of the great Linnaeus is commemorated in a beau- 
tiful and modest flower, called the Linnaea borealis.* Specific 
names are generally adjectives ; generic names are nouns. The 
specific name sometimes indicates the number of leaves as orchis 
bifolia, (bifolia, signifies two leaves,) or the color of the corolla ; 
as viola, tri-color, (three colored violet,) or the form of the root; 
soLANu.M tuberosum ; (solanum with a tuberous root ;) specific 
names are also derived from the names of persons ; thus a spe- 
cies of Origanum is flamed tournefortii, after its discoverer 
Tournefort. 
♦This word borealis signifies northern in reference to the country which 
gave birtli to Limueus. This plant is not uncommon in New England and has 
been found on an Island in the Hudson near Troy. 
Genus — A knowledge of one species in a genus enables us to recognize 
all other species of the same genus — Derivations of generic names — specif- 
ic names adjectives — Generic names nouns — Natural methods of classificar 
tion — 
