606 
which the common genius of our own language 
would so readily point out. Whether the single 
stroke will sufficiently teach the pronunciation of 
words of three or more syllables, a little use and 
experience will convince you. If, for instance, the 
word ftzcznus occur, will the same mark ’ indicate 
that the 2 be pronounced short, as if two consonants 
followed it? I only throw out this for your consi- 
deration. 
DeCandolle was quite mistaken about his term 
carpella: it is evidently taken from the Greek word 
kap7oc, and is a diminutive of it, and so far is of clas- 
sical analogy. But capzoc¢ is a masculine noun, and 
so must its diminutives be; and therefore the word 
should be carpelli not carpella. But why is not 
Linnzus’s word satisfactory? Thus in Rubus, he 
says, “Bacca composita acimis monospermis.” Who 
is at a loss? 
I can make neither head nor tail of Sepala. I 
should think with you that the term is not called 
for. 
As Dactylis stricta is so distinct a genus, I cer- 
tainly should prefer the older appellation of Spar- 
tina (although it does not quite suit my ear and 
taste) to the more modern one Limnetis. I call 
Limnetis no name at all; it is derived from the 
Greek word Awwn, palus—i. q. palustris. But there 
may be others found perhaps growing in marshes 
also ;—in this case, as in many of the Linnzan ge- 
nera, the term palustris does not assist us. 
I am, dear Sir James, yours, 
SAMUEL CaRLISLE. 
