120 ILLUSTRATIONS OF INDIAN BOTANY. 
volatile oil; but it cannot be relied on absolately, on account of the small scale of the analysis. 
The result, however, is sufficiently accurate to show, when taken along with the sensible quali- 
ties of the gum resin, that the Xanthochymus pictorius does not yield an exudation resembling 
in any material property the true Gamboge of the Hebradendron.” 
Remarks on Genera And Species. Dr. Lindley remarks “ that European Botanists are 
much in want of good observations upon the living plants of Guttifere, and that there is no 
order that is more in need of elucidation from some skilful Indian Botanist than this.” t 
such is a desideratum in Botany there can be no question, but [ would, with much deference, suggest 
that European Botanists,who enjoy infinitely greater advantages for entering on the task of eluci- 
dation than Indian ones, should show the way, by thoroughly investigating the characters of the 
genera and species, so far as that can be done from preserved specimens. It may appear paradox- 
ical to state that European Botanists enjoy greater advantages for this work than Indian ones, but 
it isneverthelesstrue. Indian Botanists are few, and very remote from each other, with but little 
intercourse, and generally having other duties to engage their attention,whence Botany, in place 
of a professional pursuit becomes with them a mere recreation. So situated, few enjoy the 
opportunities required for the successful elucidation of a difficult natural order, even when well 
qualified for the work ; each, only becoming acquainted with the species, within his own limited 
circle, generally too few to admit of his attempting from them any thing like a comprehensive 
examination of a complex order. He therefore, in place of attempting the nearly hopeless task 
here assigned to him, more frequently when possessed of a scientific friend in Europe, sends 
specimens there to have them examined and named, and but too frequently is disappointed in 
his expectations. Inthis way large collections of all kinds of plants, from all parts of India, 
have gradually found their way to Europe and been brought together in the large European 
collections. Let these in the first instance be well investigated by a scientific Botanist, the 
genera and species clearly defined, their present confused synonymy unravelled, and such descrip- 
tions as can be made from dried specimens drawn upand published, to put the less qualified Indian 
Botanist in possession of the information thence attainable, and then he will have a firm foundation 
on which to build his observations made on growing plants. It is true that equally perfect des- 
criptions cannot be made from dried specimens, as from growing plants, but I feel assured, 
from my own experience, that even with this most disheartening order, much more might have 
been done than has been yet effected. Having thus pointed out the disadvantages under which; 
im this country, we labour from want of materials to work upon, I trust due allowance will be 
made for such errors and defects as may appear in the following attempt at elucidation, taken nearly 
entirely from the examination of dried specimens, some of which doubtless would have been — 
avoided had my series of specimens been more complete. . 
_ I believe I may with perfect safety set out with the proposition, that the order itself as it 
now stands is very badly constructed, being composed of the most heterogeneous materials. 
ne section. Clusiee, has an ovary with many cells, with many ovules in each, a dehiscent cap- 
sular many valved fruit, and (except when the symmetry is disturbed by abortions) a quinary 
proportion of the parts of the flower—almost the very characters of Hypericinee, and conse- 
quently, much more nearly allied to Hypericinee thanto Garciniee: whence it is no wonder; 
Botanists who form such groups, should find it difficult to draw the line of distinction between 
them and their nearest allies. The Clusiee appear in short to be rather a section of Hypericinee 
than of Guttifere, and their removal would certainly render the latter group more natural. 
= The next tribe Garciniee, the true Guttifere, has binary or quaternary flowers, many celled 
ovules, and an orange-like indehiscent fruit. This tribe 
SY Olive’ 
Pa or very 7 > 
early allied to the Aurantiace 
