Analytical Table of Carices. 63 



cult to compare three exclusive positions ; and wherever there 

 is ambiguity, care has been taken to indicate several coincid- 

 ing distinctions. In a few instances, the table is so contrived as 

 to lead to the same final result, by directing backwards, on ac- 

 count of an apprehended ambiguity, which ever way may 

 have been chosen. 



In case neither one nor the other of any two positions arriv- 

 ed at, embraces the specimens under examination, that circum- 

 stance proves, provided the examination has been correctly 

 proceeded in, which a repetition will ascertain, that that Ca- 

 rex is not contained in the table. It must then be compared 

 with the not American species of authors, and if not found to 

 belong to one of them, can be considered a new one. It is 

 scarcely necessary to remark that the effect of the table can 

 only be to enable the examiner to be next to certain, whether' 

 the Carex in question is in the table, and by what name the 

 author designates it. The validity of the species can be as- 

 certained only by comparison with full and detailed descrip- 

 tions. On this account, references to Pursh's Flora, which 

 again refers to more detailed descriptions, are subjoined to 

 each specific name, if to be found in Pursh : if not, to the au- 

 thor that describes the species. The numbers annexed in this 

 manner, " LS. No. l.' r &c. refer to the descriptions of some 

 new species proposed by the author of this table. A little 

 practice will render the satisfactory result of the examination 

 of any Carex almost necessary. Two or three subjoined ex- 

 amples will elucidate the manner of using the present table. 

 Suppose you are examining a specimen of Carex Squarrosa, you 

 will be necessarily directed one after the other to the follow- 

 ing numbers. 



Numbers 3. 4. 5. 6. - - - - - - Carex Squarrosa. 



On examining Carex tentaculata, to the following : 

 Numbers 3.48.49. 50.53.54.56. 57. 58. 59. 60. C. tentaculata. 

 On examining a specimen of Carex acuta, to the following : 

 Numbers 3.48. 87.88.90. C. acuta, 



