The vegetable system. 
72 
CHAP. II. 
Of the Distribution, Number, and Subdivisions -of 
the Classes. 
T he preceeding are plain, certain and obvious diftincftions j 
founded on charadters and marks, which are always to be feen 
in the Plant, when in Flower ; and which perfedtly ferve the purpofe 
of clahical divifions j without waiting for the P'ruit or Seed. 
According to thefe all Plants are arranged under forty-three 
Claflesi of each of which the preceding Plate gives an Inflance in a 
fingle objed:. 
But between this large afibrtment of Claffes, and the peculiar ar- 
rangement of Plants into Genera, there may be eftablidied a fubor- 
dinate and very ufeful diftindion. In the fame Clafs there will be many 
Genera naturally united by fome one ftriking charader ; and thel'e 
may be arranged under the name of an Order, or fubdivifion of the 
Clafs. In many of the Claffes there will be feveral fuch general agree- 
ments of Plants from certain confpicuous charaders, which will 
give a new and ufeful divifon into a firft, fecond, third Order, and 
fo on. Thefe fubordinate marks, though they be not fufficient to 
become claffical charaders, yet will perfedly anfwer this purpofe ; 
and by dividing the number of Plants in the Clafs, will make any one 
that is fought the eafier to be found. This will be explained fami- 
liarly by the arrangement of the feveral Orders of the firfh Clafs. 
CHAP. III. 
Of the First Class. 
Plants with vifible Flowers, many aflembled together in 
common Cup ; with united Chives, and tubulated 
Florets furrounded by Rays. 
B efore we enter on the fubdivifion of this Clafs, it will be 
neceffary to explain the terms which conibtute its charader. 
We 
