the Natural Order Myrsinee. 97 
I therefore propose to divide the Myrsineæ into three tribes: 1st, Ægi- 
cereæ, with an erect embryo, nearly allied to Sapotew, and particularly to 
Jacquinia ; 2nd, Ardisiew, including the bulk of true Myrsinee ; 3rd, Mesee, 
with an inferior ovarium, approaching to Primulacee, and especially to the 
tribe Samolee. 
Mr. Brown has proposed* to include in the genus Myrsine certain species 
having a divided stigma, and formerly referred to Ardisia. I agree with him 
in removing them from Ardisia; but the best character of Myrsine consisting 
in its peculiar inflorescence, and these species not possessing that character; 
I prefer establishing them as a separate genus, to which I have given the old 
name of Badula. 
I have proposed two new genera, namely, Weigeltia and Conomorpha, the 
characters of which are well marked. But my genus Choripetalum will be 
considered as a very great exception, and its principal character must still be 
thoroughly examined. It is composed of two species, which Dr. Wallich de- 
scribes as polypetalous (see Flora Indica, ii.), though the fruit is certainly that 
of the Myrsinee. Unfortunately, these species are very scarce, and in a bad 
state in herbaria; and besides, it is not easy to determine whether a corolla 
be really polypetalous or deeply divided : the best criterion, I believe, is, that 
distinct petals alone fall off separately, and so I observed them in our spe- 
cimens ; but might not broken lobes in the dry plant assume the same appear- 
ance? I hope Dr. Wallich will examine this point again in living specimeris, 
although I expect my genus will remain in any case, as the two species have 
very much the same habit, and differ in that respect from all others. 
The Myrsinee have more or less a disposition to produce a resinous sub- 
stance, which appears as dots or reservoirs in different parts of the plant, chiefly 
in the leaves, flowers and berries. It may be seen also in the hard wood of 
Myrsine and ZEgiceras. That this matter is resinous I have little doubt, as 
I hàve ascertained that it melts and burns in the flame of a candle: it is not 
soluble in water, but is so in oil or in alcohol when moderately heated, giving 
to the latter a rose colour. I observed these facts with the berries of Myrsine 
semiserrata. The dots of Myrsinee are dark or light brown, reddish, orange, 
or yellow; they vary in size, shape and position, in different species. I sup- 
* Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holl., p. 533. 
VOL. XVII. M 
