174 
NATURAL FAMILIES. 
this kind, a pea for example, you should first observe the calyx; this 
is monophyllous, that is consisting of one entire leaf, ending in five 
distinct leafy points : the two upper ones wider than the three un- 
der ones. The calyx bends towards the lower part, as also does 
the peduncle, or little stalk which supports it. The peduncle is 
very small and flexible ; so that the flower readily avoids a cur- 
rent of air, and turns its back to the wind and rain. 
In examining the corolla you will see that it is polypetalons. 
The first piece is a large petal- covering the others, and occupy- 
ing the upper part of the corolla ; it is called the standard or 
banner. This petal is evidently designed, to protect the stamens 
and other parts of the flower, from the injuries of the weather. 
Upon taking off the banner you will find that it is inserted by a 
little process, or projecting part into the side pieces, so that it 
cannot be easily separated by winds. The banner being taken 
off, the two side pieces to which it adhered are exposed to view; 
these are called the wings ; they are strongly inserted into the 
remaning part of the corolla, and their use appears to be, that of# 
protecting the sides of the flower. Upon taking off the wings, 
you will discover the last piece of the corolla, called on account of 
its form, the keel or boat. This covers and protects the stamens 
and pistils. Upon drawing the keel downwards, you will find 
ten stamens, and double the number of petals ; these stamens, 
are joined together by the sides of theii filaments, appearing like 
a cylinder surrounding the pistil. One of the stamens, howev 
er, does not adhere to the rest ; but as the flower fades and the 
fruit increases, separates and leaves an opening at the upper side, 
through which the germ can extend itself by gradually opening 
the cylinder. In the early stage of the flower, this stamen will 
seem not to be separated ; but by carefully moving it with a pin 
or needle, its filament will be found unconnected with the other 
nine. 
Most of the papilionaceous plants belong to the class Diadel- 
phia, order Decandria. The name of the class Dis, two, and 
Adelphia, brotherhood, signifies that the stamens are in two sets 
or brotherhoods ; that is, nine in one set and one in the other. 
The name Decandria signifies ten stamens. 
But if the flower, although papilionaceous, should have ten 
stamens, all in one set, it is then placed in the class Decandria. 
According to this arrangement, a very striking natural family 
of plants is widely separated, a part being taken from the 14th 
class and carried to the 10th. 
The germ of the papilionaceous plant extends itself into that 
Parts of palilionaceous flower — Banner — Wings — Keel. 
