122 BOTANY FOR BEGINNERS. [Ch. XX. 
monosepalous, or has but one leaf, it is divided into two parts, 
which are reflexed ; the corolla has two petals; the germ is 
below the calyx. This is a very small perennial plant which 
rows in shady places; its blossom is white, and remarkable 
or the symmetry of its parts, having two stamens, two petals, 
a calyx with two divisions; a capsule with two cells, each of 
which contains two seeds. Its common name is Enchanter’s 
night shade; this plant is common about the shores of the 
Cumberland lakes in England, and the Highland glens of Scot- 
land, as well as in the United States. 
517. The Olea, or olive, is said to derive its scientific name 
from a Latin word signifying oil. This plant is an evergreen 
tree which grows to the height of twenty or thirty feet; it is 
common on the rocks of Palestine, and travellers say it is still 
found upon the spot called the Mount of Olives. It is possible 
that the very tree which once afforded shade to our Saviour 
may be still living, since there is reason to believe that there 
are trees now in existence, of which Pliny, who lived near the 
time of Christ, makes mention. 
518. Orper 2. Dieyntia; two pistils. To illustrate this or- 
der we shall mention the Anthoxanthum, or sweet-scented 
spring-grass; this blossoms in May, and when drying, diffuses 
the pleasant and refreshing smell peculiar to new mown hay. 
This plant is not classed with the other grasses, which are most- 
'v in the third class, because it has but two stamens. 
519. Orper 3d. Tricynia, three pistils. We here find the 
genus Piper, the name of which is derived from the Hindoo 
word pippul. It is a climbing plant which is supported upon 
poles; thus the pepper plantations of the East Indies bear a re- 
semblance to the hop fields of New England. The Piper Ni- 
grum, or black pepper, is that species which is most used in | 
commerce, and which furnishes the spice daily used upon our 
tables. Black pepper was known in commerce in the most re- 
mote ages. The Greeks and Romans obtained it from Asia. 
It has been introduced into the hot region of America; where it 
grows as well as in its native country. 
520. Another species of pepper is the betel; the leaves of 
this plant are used in the East Indies, to enclose slices of a 
palm nut called the areca nut, thus prepared for the purpose of 
chewing; the natives of that country esteem it a great luxury, 
517. Describe the Olive. 
518. What plant is described under the 2d order? 
519. What is described under the 3d order? 
520. Of what genus is the betel nut? 
