arrangement seems to indicate a higher degree of irregu- 
larity in Canneae than in Scitamineat;, which also extends 
to the other parts of their flower. The suppression of parts 
takes place in the latter in a symmetrical manner ; the two 
posterior divisions of the inner series of tlie perianthiiini, 
which are occasionally absent, corresponding with tlio 
abortion of the two anterior staSnens. In Canneae, on the 
contrary, the suppression of organs takes place with so much 
irregularity, that the relation is not always obvious, which 
th^arious parts bear to each other. The station of the 
fertile stamen in Scitamineae, and the regularity of struc- 
ture in their flowers, may therefore be considered an evi- 
dence of the more intimate relation of that order than of 
Canneae with Orchideae, and as a confirmation of the pro- 
priety of retaining Canneae as a distinct natural order, and 
not a mere section of Scitamineae, as it appears to be still 
considered by many of the most eminent continental 
Botanists. 
J. L. 
