fertile stamens ; the Pelargoniums possess only 
seven that are fertile ; and Erodium but five. 
Both Pelargonium and Erodium, be it remembered, 
have the rudiments of others to complete the num- 
ber ten. Linneus was aware of the circumstance, 
but seeing the harmony of all other parts of these 
plants, united them in one genus. Had their fer- 
tile stamens only been counted, they would, of 
course, according to his system, have fallen into 
distinct classes. 
Great Britain has three species of Erodium, of 
which cicutarium is most common. If the seeds of 
this be gathered and made moist and dry alter- 
nately, they will perform curious gyrations, or 
twistings, natural to them when fallen on the sur- 
face of the earth, — an assistance afforded them by 
the Preserver of all things, to facilitate their disper- 
sion and vegetation, by twisting into the coats of 
animals, and burying themselves in the earth. 
Erodium Reichardi was discovered in the island 
of Minorca, by a French botanist, who first intro- 
duced it to France ; and after whom its specific 
name, Reichardi, was consequently adopted. It has 
long had a place amongst alpines, and been held 
in some esteem, on account of its possessing a 
character so distinct from all others of the genus. 
In a light dry soil, and sheltered situation, it will 
bear a mild winter, but it is far better to keep it in 
a pot ; and if regular frame protection be not at 
hand, it may have a place in the window of a spare 
room during frosty weather. It should be potted 
in a mixture of peat and loam, on a good stratum 
of drainers. 
