smaller flowers. The specific epithet of Datura reburra 
refers to the bristling hairs of the capsule. 
The question arises, in connection with this new spe- 
cies, as to the validity of the sections Stramonium Bernh. 
and Dutra Bernh. The Stramonium-section has been dis- 
tinguished by erect and regularly dehiscing capsules; the 
Dutra-section by nodding and irregularly dehiscing cap- 
sules. Both Datura reburra and D. discolor are charac- 
terized by having nodding capsules that dehisce regularly 
by four valves. Thus, they provide intermediates between 
the two sections in question. 
Prior to my discovery of Datura reburra, Fosberg had 
called my attention to the vague distinction between 
these two sections, pointing out the nonconformity of D. 
discolor to either one. This additional species would tend 
to support the belief that these two sections are untenable, 
unless we propose a new section for every second or third 
species. Such a procedure would be definitely absurd. 
In light of the genetic and cytological work on Datura 
already completed by the late Dr. Blakeslee and by his 
co-workers, a more thoroughgoing study of these new 
species should prove to be profitable. Experimental ap- 
proaches further our knowledge of plants and their rela- 
tionships to a great degree. Nevertheless, much can also 
be learned from a study of herbarium material. In fact, 
such a study should logically precede experimental lines 
of research. 
Datura vulcanicola Barclay sp. nov. 
Planta fruticosa, usque ad 8 m. alta; foliis ovatis vel 
ovato-ellipticis, apice acutis, basi in petiolum decurrenti- 
bus, utrinque puberulescentibus, margine integra vel 
irregulariter sinuato-dentata; floribus solitariis, plus- 
minusve horizontaliter cernuis vel nutantibus arcuatis; 
calyce glabro, paulo inflato, cylindrico, 4.5—8 cm. longo, 
[ 260 ] 
