THE STUDY OF THE SCIENCE OF BOTANY. 
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Classis VII.— Heptandria. 
Heptandria, from hepte, seven, 
and aner , a man; meaning that 
this class bears bisexual flowers, 
that are furnished with seven hus¬ 
bands or stamens. 
A very small class, of which the 
Parinarium , which is a good tropical fruit, and the horse-chestnut 
(AEsculus) are the only remarkable genera. The Astranthus is a 
curious genus of the natural order of Homalinece. Orders four, viz. 
Monogynia ; Disandra prostrata . 
Digynia; Limeum Africanum , the only one contained in this 
order. 
Tetragynia ; Saururus cernuus. 
Heptagynia ; hepta, seven, and gyne, a woman ; flowers furnished 
with seven styles ; Septas umbella. 
Classis VIII.— Octandria. 
Octandria , from octa, 
eight, and aner , a man; 
signifying that this class 
bears bisexual flowers, 
furnished with eight hus¬ 
bands, stamens, or male 
organs of generation. 
This class, which, with reference to the plants which’ compose it, is 
of much consequence to the botanist and gardener. To the former it is 
recommended by the singular melastomaceous plants which it contains, 
the curious Michauxia , and the Jeffer sonia, remarkable for its capsule, 
which opens like a snuff-box. To the gardener it possesses irresistible 
attraction, not only in the delightful Tetrathecas , Boronias , and Cor¬ 
reas of New Holland ; in the Euphoria of China, celebrated for its truly 
excellent fruits; and in the Fuchsias , CEnotheras, Comhretums , and 
Vacciniums, some of which form the pride of our hardy gardens; but 
also in the magnificent tribe of heaths, which are certainly the most 
beautiful plants in cultivation. Orders four, viz. 
Monogynia ; Bceckia virgata. 
Digynia; Galenia Africana. 
Trigynia ; Seriana sinuata. 
Tetragynia; Paris quadrifolia. 
