slightly convex on th e u p p e r surface, o f an exactly ovate figure, widest a t th e base, where
they arc a little de cu rren t; th e ir margins always de stitute of every kind o t incision, and
se rra tnre . T l.c s iM im c e is somewhat firm ; th e cellules minute and roundish ; the color a
yellow brown, o r only green when growing in a very shaded situation.
Stipules (f. f. 3. 6) small, widely ovate, approaching to round ; th e margin mote o r less
toothed and laciniated ; tlic apes usually furnished with a long point.
Perkkcelial leuces n o n e ; a t le a s t, th e r e a r e n o n e t h a t d iffer in th e s lig h te s t d e g re e , e ith e r
in s h a p e o r d ir e c tio n , fi-om th e re s t.
aâlALE F r u c t i f i c a t i o n h i th e r to u n k n ow n .
Fem.ale Fructification origina ting from the u n d e r side of th e stem, and beneath th e stipule.
Calyx: this, in a young state (f. f. G. 7- S ), is cup-shaped, and situated upon a short curved
fo o tsta lk ; its ma rgin scaly o r slightly foliaceous; its base very thick and carnose ; within
are th e pistilla (f. 7 ) : in proportion as it advances to its full size, the thick base descends,
and a t length forms a hollow oblong pouch o r sack, nearly a line long (f. 10) ; th e
point of atta chment o f which with the stem is seen to be a t th e m a rg in ; the m outh is
' a little expanded, and th e scales there situated a re, before th e exsertion o f th e peduncle,
incurved ; this calyx is imbedded in th e e a rth among th e mosses and Junge rmanniæ to
which the p lan t may happen tn be attached ; it is smooth, or presents only short, minute,
and irreg u la r s triæ on its o u te r surfa c e ; its color is a d irty white.
Pislilla (f. f. 7. 9) seven or eight in numbe r, lanceolate; th e mouth a little expanded.
Calyptra (f. 11) n h itish , th in , membranaceous, re ticu la ted ; when i t has reached its full
size, about three-fourths o f tlie len g th o f tlie calyx, to th e inside o f which i t is closely
oppressed, if n ot attaclied ; for I cannot separate th e one from th e other without injury :
the apex is crowned with a short style.
Peduncle about an inch o r an inch and a half long, white, cylindrical, cellulose, tipped with
th e brown oblongo-ovale
Capsule, which opens into four narrow s tra it valves, divided by a number of transverse and
lo n g itu d in a l furrows, and th e intei-stices again marked by da rk lines running in similar
directions (f. 13).
Seeds and spiral jilaments (f. 14) fu h o u s ; th e former sphe ric a l; th e la tte r formed o f a
double helix, r-<ither closely twisted.
Almost all the above synonyms I have quoted in compliance with th e opinion o f preceding
Botanical authors, ra th e r th an from any conviction o f the propriety o f so d o in g : so vague and
unsatUfactory are the descriptions with n h ich they are accompanied. Two alone can be depended
upon with any degree of c e rta in ly ; the Michelian figui'e, and tiia t o f English Botcirnj. From the
circumstance of Linnæus having referred to the really excellent figure o f Micheli, the re is reasun to
believe th a t he intended the same plant ; yet, how strange i t is, th a t he should have described it in
the Species Plantarum “ fo lio lis subulatis ! ” This, wc arc informed * , tlie illustrious author had
• See Dr. Smitli in English BoUmij, p. 2513.