originally discovered by Mr. Menzies, from whose speci- 

 mens Smith described it in Rees's Cyclopa'dla. S. discolor 

 of Pursh is no doubt the same species, and will therefore 

 have to be expunged. We adopt Smith's name, although 

 the most recent, because there appears to be no meaning 

 in Pursh's. 



In this country it has as yet been known so short a 

 time in a living state, that it is not possible to state what 

 statuxe it will acquire ; it is, however, probable that it 

 will never exceed 9 or 10 feet in height, if it should become 

 so large. It flowers in June and July, when its large loose 

 panicles render it a handsome object. 



Quite hardy, and easily increased by cuttings or by 

 layers. 



This is one of a set of plants, which, if they be con- 

 sidered the type of the genus Spiraea, are distinguished 

 by their oligospermous distinct carpella and exstipulate 

 leaves ; they are nevertheless retained by the most recent 

 Botanists that have examined them, in the same group as 

 Spireea Aruncus, opulifolia, and sorbifolia, — in all which 

 the habit, fruit, and foliage, are decidedly different. We 

 confess it appears to us, that there is little consistency in 

 this, while such genera as Sieversia and Geum, Potentilla 

 and Fragaria, are separated. Surely it would be more 

 conformable to the modern principles of constructing genera, 

 principles that have been well illustrated by M. Decan- 

 doUe's recent work upon Umbelliferse, to consider the old 

 Spiraea made up of several distinct genera; among which 

 Seringe's section Sorbaria, or our Schizonotus, which is to 

 Rosaceae nearly what Nigella is to Ranunculaceae, should 

 be among the first to be recognised. 



J. L. 



