329 ; 
-—then, with all the diversity in the vegetable kingdom there actually 
is, there could be no natural foundation for their classification. The 
multitude of species would render it necessary to classify them, but 
the classification would be wholly artificial and arbitrary. ‘The actual 
constitution of the vegetable kingdom, however, as appears from 
observation, is that some species resemble each other very closely 
indeed, others differ as widely as possible, and between these the 
most numerous andsthe most various grades of resemblance or differ- 
ence are presented, but always with a manifest tendency to compose 
groups or associations of resembling species,—groups the more numer- 
ous and apparently the less definite in proportion to the number and 
the nearness of points of resemblance. These various associations 
the naturalist endeavors to express, as far as is necessary or practi- 
cable, by a series of generalizations, the lower or particular included 
in the higher or more comprehensive.” pp. 322-323. 
§ 337. Polemonium czruleum, L.—A new locality is worth 
recording of this species, for which the recently published volume of 
the synoptical Flora of N. A. states but four localities east of the 
Rocky Mountains. I have met with it in three spots on the elevated 
(2600-2700 ft.), open glades around Oakland, Garrett Co., Md. 
Growing in deep beds of Sphagnum cymbifolium and 5S. acutifolium, 
the stout, branching rhizomes develop numerous villous roots, and 
large (12- 17 inches) leaves. The stems, single or in pairs, attain 
sometimes the height of 44 inches, overtopping the surrounding sed- 
ges (Eriophorum Virginicum, Rhynchospora alba, Carex stricta, &c.) 
Leaves diminishing to pinnate and simple bracts, leaflets, 7-21, ovate, 
lanceolate; inflorescence a narrow cymose panicle, composed of co- 
rymbose clusters terminating the main stem and the short erect 
branches (not a thyrsus in the strict sense of that term, as defined by 
recent writers, the order of development being centrifugal i in respect 
to the primary branches as well as the ultimate clusters) ; flowers 
erect, calyx-segments longer than tube of corolla, with spreading tips; 
seeds 5-21, unequally divided among the cells, usually 4-6 in each, 
one or two often widely wing-angled and abortive; flowering from 
last week in June to August. 
Our other species, Polemonium replans, L.., is also found around 
Oakland, but in drier and more shaded places on the mountain-sides, 
and Aoweers about a month earlier. 
Joun DONNELL SMITH. 
§ 338. An Orchid new to America.—Zpipactis Helleborine, var. 
viridans, Irm. (£. virtdiflora, Reichenb.) as determined by Dr. Gray, 
was found in the vicinity of Syracuse by Mrs. M. P. Church of the 
Syracuse Botanical Club, on the 6th of August, during the weekly ex- 
pedition of the Club to the woods. Mrs. M. O. Rust has kindly sent us 
specimens. The stem is leafy but no root leaves were found. The roots 
were fleshy and fascicled. Mrs. Rust writes: “I should judge that 
there could be no doubt as to the plant’s being indigenous. Its home 
is right in the woods, the nearest habitation being a small farm-house. 
lt does not grow over any great territory; I should think not more 
