223 
GRANTIA. 
General Remarks. 
I am of opinion notwithstanding the searching spirit of 
inquiry that has been directed to the Plants of lower Bengal, 
that many unknown species may still be found around 
Calcutta, of which we have an example in the present ins- 
tance, for although many species of this family were known 
to Roxburgh nearly forty years ago, yet subsequent collec- 
tions sent from India only contained one species, and that ‘vas 
obtained from the Herbarium of Buchanan. 
To those indeed who estimate the interest of a plant mere- 
ly from the size of its flower and the gorgeousuess of its 
colouring, this family is not likely to be attractive. These 
minute plants are however interesting as exhibiting indications 
of wonderful design in the adaption of the most simple struc- 
ture to the highest functions of vegetable life. 
I have dedicated the genus to my friend Mr. James 
William Grant of the Bengal civil service, * as a mark of res- 
pect for his superior mind, and in token of my admiration 
of his success as a first-rate microscopic observer. 
GRANTIA novum genus. 
Planta minima tota vix lineam longitudine excedens con- 
stans e frond. minutis. (2 of a line in greatest diameter) cellulo- 
sa : supra planiuscula et viridis. 
Subtus in radiculam longam simplicem subcylindricam pro- 
uct. 
Vasa nulla (Stomata confined to the upper surface) Repro 
duct. ex oritur fronde novella, hinc e substantia frondis pa- 
rentis exserta ; frondes frondiferz raro floriferze. 
Flos centralis e medio substantiz frondis oriens sursumper 
paginam superam frondis rima longitudinali vix irregulari pro- 
trudens. 
* Now of Elchies in Scotland. —E». 
