Ch. XVII] CLASSIFICATION. 105 
441. An Individual is an organized being, complete in its 
parts, distinct and» separate jrom all other beings. An oak, a 
rose, and a moss, are each of them individuals of the vegetable 
kingdom. 
442, A Species includes such individuals as agree in certain 
circumstances of the roots, stems, leaves, and inflorescence. 
We have no reason to suppose that any new species, either of 
animals or vegetables, have been produced since the creation. 
We sometimes see varieties in plants made by cultivation; the 
stamens and pistils, from excess of nourishment, expanding 
into petals. Varieties are also occasioned by strewing the pol- 
len from one species, upon the stigma of another; but these 
varieties do not produce perfect seed, and therefore cannot re- 
produce themselves by their seed. Colour, taste, and size, are 
not considered as marks of specific difference. _ 
443. A Genus comprehends one or more species, grouped to- 
gether 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 spe- 
cies of that genus. Some genera appear to be distinctly marked 
by nature; the various species of the rose, form a beautiful ge- 
nus which is known to all, although every one might not be 
able to describe it to others, in such a manner as to be under- 
stood; it is chiefly distinguished by its urn-shaped, fringed 
calyx. 
1, The generic names of plants are derived from various 
circumstances; in some cases from a peculiarity of form, or 
colour of the corolla or some property of the plant. Some genera 
are named from distinguished persons. Iris, (Flag,) is named 
from Iris the rain-bow, on account of its various shades of co- 
lour. Digitalis, (Fox-glove,) is named from digitus a finger, on 
account of the shape of its corolla, like the finger of a glove. 
Convallaria, (Lily of the valley,) is named from the Latin con- 
vallis, signifying valley. The name of the great Linneus is 
commemorated in a beautiful but modest and humble flower, 
called the Linnea borealis.* 
* Borealis, signifying northern, has reference to the situation of 
Sweden, the country which gave birth to Linneus. The Linnea 
porealis is not uncommon in New England, and has been found on 
an island near Troy, in the State of New-York. 
441, What is an individual? 
442, Whatisaspecies? — 
443. What is a genus? 
444, Flow are the generic names derived ? 
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