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XVII. Observations on the Linnean Genus Junciis, zcith the Cha- 

 racters of those Species, zchich have been found growing xcild in 

 Great Britain. Bj James Ebenezer Bicheno, Esq., F.L.S. 



Read June IS, Nov. 6, and Dec. 3, 1816. 



Of all the objects to which the pages of the Linnean Transac- 

 tions have been devoted, none has contributed more to the pro- 

 gress of science than the monographs which have appeared of the 

 different genera of animals and plants. AVith a view, therefore, 

 of contributing a small share to the labours of the Societj', I have 

 ventured to communicate a few remarks for the purpose of elu- 

 cidating the obscure and uninviting genus Juncus : for though an 

 inaugural dissertation has been dedicated to the subject by Rost- 

 kov, intitled "■ Monographia Generis Junci, cum Tabulis binis ceneis," 

 Berolini, 1801, it is a work not to be found in any of our botanical 

 libraries; and, though containing much useful information, does 

 not supersede the necessity of a further illustration of the genus. 

 Ilis arrangement of the species is indeed altogether unnatural and 

 objectionable, as he has brought together into close connexion 

 some of those which have the most distant relation in the whole 

 genus. The French botanists have commemorated the author by 

 naming after him a new genus, naturally related to the objects of 

 his essay. 



The old herbalists seem to have had no other character for the 

 Junci than their grassy appearance, and their internal spongy 

 structure. This comprehended an heterogeneous assemblage of 



VOL. XII. 2 Q plants 



