62 Rhodora [Makih 



seem to be no reason for inverting the sequence and placing the 

 dehor icac before, /'. e. below the Compositae proper. It is one of the 

 cardinal principles of the modern and very philosophic German sys- 

 tem of plant arrangement, that the complex shall come after the 

 simple, as having in all probability developed subsequently. Now, it 

 cannot be doubted that a highly zygomorphic corolla such as is found 

 in the Cichorieae, is a more complicated structure in the sense of 

 being a wider departure from primitive simplicity, than is the regular 

 corolla of the Eupatorieae, etc. It is easy to believe that the 

 asymmetrical corolla of the Cichorieae has arisen from the more 

 common regular form by a gradual one-sided splitting, but it is quite 

 difficult to conceive that the highly zygomorphic corolla was the 

 primitive form. It should be remembered also that the Cichorieae, 

 provided as they are with an elaborate latex system, have a more 

 complex anatomy than the other Compositae, which is an added 

 reason for considering them of later development. 



The nomenclature and delimitation of groups is in conformity with 

 the practice of the school of botany which has been called the 

 " iNTeo- American." This will naturally be a matter of regret to many 

 of Dr. Porter's friends, who perceive that even after ten years' trial 

 by some American botanists the Rochester nomenclature is no nearer 

 acceptance by the great European systematists. One of the alleged 

 merits of the reform system applied in Dr. Porter's flora is. we 

 believe, its consistency, yet in turning the pages one is struck with 

 obvious incongruities. For instance, many well established names 

 have been discarded on account of the so-called doctrine of homo- 

 nyms, yet CoriiHS candidissima, Marsh. (1785) is maintained quite 

 without regard to the earlier C. candidissima, Mill. (1769). Krysi- 

 mum is kejDt up as a good genus resting upon the last of its four 

 Linnaean species, yet Stellaria, which if similarly treated would have 

 to rest upon S. cerastioides and to stand for what is now called Cer- 

 astium, is wholly suppressed and the genus Cerastium although of 

 later publication is allowed to stand. Agrimonia striata, a name 

 which Michaux gave to a Canadian plant, is arbitrarily transferred 

 to a species ranging from Connecticut southward. It is needless to 

 multiply such examples. Those here mentioned are selected because 

 they have all been previously and quite without effect called to the 

 attention of the reform school. A small slip in authority, originating 

 doubtless in a typographical error, but handed on from publication 



