134 BOTANICAL GAZETTE. 



Sedum ternatum, but yet not traceable to any known genus of United 

 States plants. Not until its filiform spikes of minute flowers are 

 found, can we even guess at its identity. Then we exclaim exult- 

 antly, Peperomia! Upon tasting it the warm, aromatic flavor of the 

 favorite condiment is at once perceived. It is a congener of the 

 Black Pepper, a most interesting addition to our flora and will be a 

 companion for the hitherto isolated Saururus. As we reach the bor- 

 der-land of shadow and sunshine we meet a number of plants of quite 

 a diff"erent character, plants which beside the stately and elegant 

 species just visited, might be called plebeian, or in common parlance, 

 weedy. Here is the Black Nightshade comparing notes with its 

 cousins, Capsicum and Physalis. Here too are some gigantic Phyto- 

 laccas, likewise with a comj)any of relatives, Rivinaj Boerhaavia and 

 Petiveria. The Poke -weed calls for no description. No verse was 

 ever dedicated to it, though many verses have been written with its 

 juice. Looking at it from a poetical point of view, we would call it 

 a plant of a peculiarly modest and retiring disposition, blushing to 

 its very roots at the thought of its bare, awkward shape, and droop- 

 ing its flowers as though it would be where the Arbutus traileth. 

 Dealing with it practically, we apply axe and grubbing hoe to every 

 plant we find, for here in Florida it becomes a small tree and an un- 

 sightly object. The Rivina is a straggling, half-shrubby plant, with 

 cinereous foliage and racemes of small, delicate, pink flowers and 

 scarlet berries. The Petiveria much resembles PoZi/^onwm Virginia- 

 num in general appearance and has the odor of Garlic. We have 

 now reached a large clearing, which, since denuded of trees, has be- 

 come a natural garden, filled with a great variety of luxuriant and 

 beautiful plants. The most conspicuous of these is the Verbesina 

 sinuata, a large and showy Composite which contrasts well with the 

 more delicate herbage. Morning-glories of various colors grow here 

 in astonishing profusion, and when seen in the early morning their 

 beauty is indescribable. . There are three species, Ipomoea commutata 

 with delicate leaves and purplish flowers, I. Michauxii with coarse 

 foliage and white flowers and /. hedersefolia with flowers of azure blue. 

 There are large beds of 3Ientzelia, brilliant with golden flowers, spread- 

 ing mats of Commelyna communis with delicate blue flowers, and here 

 and there covering a shelly mound we find the delicate Melothria 

 peiidula or "-Kabbit Cucumber" with curious green fruit hanging 

 from hair-like peduncles. Every stum]3 is hidden under vines of 

 Cocculus, Bignonia, Gonolobus and Smilax. Lending grace to the 

 scene are a variety of beautiful grasses, the gracefully drooping 



