440 VITACE^. [Hypogynous Exogens. 



Adi'ieu de Jussieu has, however, in his Dissertation upon Mehads, satisfactorily shown 

 (p. 33) that the genus ought not to be divided from Vineworts. The tumid joints, which 

 separate from each other by an articulation, along with the many other points of 

 agi-eement in theb fructification, approximate the Order to Cranesbills ; the habit and 

 inflorescence to Caprifoils, through Hedera. The tendrils of the Order are the 

 branches of inflorescence, the flowers of which are abortive. A smgular variety of 

 Vitis vinifera, with capsular fruit and loculicidal dehiscence, is described in the LinncBa, 

 5. 493. One of the most curious of all plants is Pterisauthes, which bears innumerable 

 flowers on a thm flattened wing-like receptacle. It is well figm-ed and described ui the 

 Linncea, vol. IdU. t. y'nl 



The species are inhabitants of woods in the milder and hotter parts of both 

 hemispheres, especially in the East Indies. None are wild m Eui'ope. As to the 

 Grape Vine, which follows the steps of civihsed man everywhei-e, it is considered cei-tain 

 that its native counti-y is the shores of the Caspian, in lat. 37", where it is called 

 Dewaz. But it is worth inquu-y whether the Vitis indica is not also a wild form of the 

 same plant. For much information regarding these matters, see Royle, in the place 

 above quoted. 



Acid leaves, and a fruit hke that of the common Grape, are the usual characters of 

 this Order. The sap or tears of the Vine are a popular remedy m France for chronic 

 ophthalmia, but they are of little value. The leaves, on acco\mt of their astrmgency, 

 are sometimes used in diarrhoea. But the dried fruit, called Raisins and Currants 

 (Corinths), and ^^ine, are the really important products of the Grape ; products which 

 are, however, yielded by no other of the Order, if we except the Fox-grapes of North 

 America, which scarcely deserve to be excepted. The acid of Grapes is chiefly the 

 tartaric ; malic acid, however, exists in them. The sugar contained in Grapes differs 

 slightly from common sugar in composition, containing a smaller quantity of carbon. 

 The leaves of Cissus cordata and C. setosa are described as being acrid, and useful in 

 bringing mdolent tumours to suppm-ation. The berries of the latter are also acrid, as 

 indeed are those of some other species. Both leaves and fruit of Cissus tinctoria 

 abound in a green colouring matter, which soon becomes blue, and is highly esteemed 

 by the Coroados and other Brazihan Indians as a dye for cotton fabrics. — Martins. 



Numbers. Gen. 7. Sp. 260. 



A raliacece. 

 Position. — BerberidaceEe. — Vitace-e. — Pittosporacete. 

 Rhamnaccce. 



