3. SPIKE, (spica.) Pl. 10, fig. 9. Bears numerous flowers, ranged along a common stalk, without any partial stalks. Ex. An ear of Wheat; Greater Plan

tain, Plantago major..

Observation. 1. A mode of flowering in which the flowers are ranged alternately upon both sides of a simple flower-stalkMilne.

2. Some latitude is allowed to this difinition, and the term spike is in many instances applied to flowers, which are not entirely without partial peduncles.-Smith.

3. The common stalk of a SPIKE is termed RACHIS, from its resemblance to the back-bone of an animal.

Compound spike, (spica composita.) In a compound spike the peduncle is divided.

Spikelet, (spicula) is a term applied exclusively to the grasses that have many florets in one calyx, such florets being ranged on a little stalk constituting the spikelet, which little stalk is a part of the flower itself and not of the infloresence.-Smith.

Observation. These little groups of florets in one calyx, are termed spikelets whether they are so disposed as to constitue a spike or a panicle.

Interrupted spike, (spica interrupta.) In an interrupted or whorled spike, the flowers are in separate groups. Ex. Mentha spicata.

One-rowed, (secunda) a spike whose flowers lean all to one side.

Two-rowed, (disticha) when the flowers look to both sides or stand two ways.

Spiral, (spiralis) twisted like a screw. Ex. Ladies' traces, Neottia cernua.

Observation, A spike generally grows erect.

Its mode of expansion, is much more progressive than that of the raceme, so that a long period elapses between the fading of the lowest flowers and the opening of the upper ones.

4. CORYMB, (corymbus.) Pl. 11, fig. 1. A mode of flowering, in which the lesser or partial flower

stalks are produced along the common stalk, are of unequal length, the lower ones being longest, and all rise nearly to the same height, so as to form a flat and even surface at top. Ex. Spirea opulifolia, and Yar

row, Achillea millefolium.

Observation. A spike, whose partial stalks are gradually longer as they stand lower, so that the flowers are nearly on a level.Smith.

Compound, (compositus) when the partial stalks are divided.

5. FASCICLE, (fasciculus.) Pl. 11, fig. 2. A little bundle; flowers on little stalks, variously inserted and subdivided, collected into a close bundle, level at top. Ex. Sweet William, Dianthus barbatus, and Dianthus Armeria.

6. HEAD, (capitulum) bears the flowers sessile in a globular form. Ex. Globe Amarathus, Gomphrena globosa. High Balm, Monarda didyma, and M. Kalmiana.

Observation. In the capitulum, the flowers of the summit usu. ally expand first.

7. UMBEL, (umbella.) Pl. 11, fig. 3. A mode of flowering in which the several flower-stalks or rays, proceed from one common centre, like the braces of an umbrella.

Observation. The flower-stalks are of such lengths as to elevate the flowers either to a concave, a level, a convex, or even a globose surface.

Simple umbel, (umbella simplex) when each flower-stalk terminates immediately in a flower. Ex. Silkweed, Asclepias Syriaca, and Ginseng, Parnax quinquefolium.

Compound, (composita.) Pl. 11, fig. 3. When each of the flower-stalks, instead of terminating in a flower, bears another umbel, (umbellula, little umbel.

Observation. 1. In a compound umbel, the greater umbel, constituted of the larger set of rays, is termed UNIVERSAL OF GENERAL

umbel; and the lesser umbels, which are borne by the rays of the greater, are termed PARTIAL umbels.

2. The very extensive natural order of plants called umbelliferous, have generally compound umbels. Ex. Carrot, Parsnip, Parsley, Hemlock, &c.

Radiate, (radiata) when the outer petals of the external flowers are larger and longer than the rest. Floscular, (flosculosa) when the flowers are all

alike in size.

8. CYME, (cyma.) Pl. 11, fig. 4. A mode of flowering, which has the general appearance of an umbel, and agrees with it so far, that its common stalks all proceed from one centre, but differs from it in having the partial stalks variously subdivided. Ex. Elder, Sambucus niger, and Snowball, Viburnum.

9. PANICLE, (panicula.) Pl. 11, fig. 5. Bears the flowers dispersed upon foot-stalks variously subdivided.

Observation. It is a sort of branching diffused spike composed of a number of small spikes which are attached along a common footstalk.-Milne.

Lax, (diffusa) when the stalks are distant. Ex. London pride, Saxifraga umbrosa, and Common Oat. Divaricate, (divaricata.) Spreading; when the partial stalks form an obtuse angle with the common peduncle. Ex. Briza, and Red Top, Agrostis vulgaris.

Dense, (coarctata) when the foot-stalks approach. Ex. Phleum paniculatum.

One-sided, (secunda) leaning one way. Ex. Orchard grass, Dactylis glomerata.

10. THYRSE, (thyrsus.) Pl. 11, fig. 6. A panicle contracted into an ovate figure. Ex. Lilac, Syringa vulgaris.

Observation. 1. In the thyrsus the inferior peducles extend horizontally, whilst the upper ones are nearly upright.

2. Linnæus remarks that the most elegant specific characters are taken from the inflorescence. Ex. The Apple and Pear, two spe cies of the same genus, Pyrus, are distinguished thus: The Apple bears an umbel, the Pear a corymb.

Reference.

The insertion of simple flower-stalks, whether solitary, clustered, radical, cauline, axillary, lateral or terminal, is defined under PEDUNCLE, page 16.

PART III.

FRUCTIFICATION, (fructificatio.)

THE FRUCTIFICATION consists of the FLOWER and FRUIT.

The fructification is a temporary part of vegetables, destined for the reproduction of the species, terminating the old individual and begining the new.

Observation. The fructification is an essential part of every vegetable. Every species of plants produces flower and fruit. The seed is the essence of the fructification, and the whole use of the flower is to serve in perfecting it.

A plant may be propagated by roots, layers, offsets, scions and buds, but the plants thus produced, are only extensions of the same individual, and retain all its peculiarities.*

Although a plant may thus be propagated to a considerable extent, yet it appears that if it be not renewed by seed, it will sooner or later become extinct, or, as it is commonly expressed, will run out; hence we infer that propagation by seed is the only true reproduction of plants.

Linnæus distinguishes seven parts of fructification, some of which are essential to the very nature of a flower or fruit, others not so indispensably necessary, and therefore not always present.

I. CALYX, (calyx.) Pl. 13, fig. 1. Flower-cup, generally resembling the leaves in texture and colour, and forming the outermost part of the flower. This is not essential, and is often absent.

Observation. Commonly called the green leaves of the flower. II. COR LLA, (coro'la.) Pl. 12, fig. 1. a. a. a. The more delicate coloured internal leaf or leaves, likewise not essential.

Observation. 1. Commonly called the flower leaves.

2. PETAL is the term given to each separate leaf of the corolla.

*This is exemplified in the various kinds of apples, which are propagated by engrafting and inocculation,