ON TECOPHILEACEJE. 9 
may exist independently of any other change, but more frequently it is 
combined with partial or complete obliteration of the stamens and pis- 
tils, and the substitution for those organs of an equivalent or an in- 
creased number of scales. For three years in succession I have noticed 
plants affected with tbis variation or deformity in the same locality, in- 
termingled with specimens of the usual appearance. 
E. Deviations affecting the structure of the florets. 
Under this head are included such changes as the substitution of 
scales for stamens, etc., as just mentioned; the curious change that 
brings about the production of leafy buds in the place of flowers, as in 
the instances of chloranthy or viviparity. These do not come within 
the scope of the present communication. 
Hence, then, —by the lengthening or shortening of the axis, the deve- 
lopment of branches from it, the various methods in which the 
spikelets, or even the flowers, may be arranged in the same species,—a 
range of variation of considerable extent is brought about, a range much 
greater in extent than that existing between many so-called species. 
ON TECOPHILEACE/E A NEW NATURAL ORDER OF 
MONOCOTYLEDONOUS PLANTS. 
By Dr. F. LEYBOLD, of Santiago de Chile. 
Herbe rhizomate bulboso-fibroso, glabræ. Caulis scapiformis, sim- 
plex vel apice subramosus, nune aphyllus, nune foliatus. Folia sæ- 
pissime omnia radicalia, simplicia, integra, alternantia, linearia, basi 
vaginantia, caulina sessilia. Flores ersisiplstoditi subirregulares, 
nunc solitarii terminales, nune laxe paniculati, bracteis foliaceis a 
ebracteatis. Perigonium corollinum semisuperum, breviter tubulosum, 
She AP laciniis biseriatis, interioribus nonnihil minoribus, 
rioribus submucronulatis, marcescens. Stamina introrsa sex, peri- 
gonii fauce inserta, inclusa, tria fertilia collateralia, quorum unum laci- 
nie exteriori, duo interioribus opposita, filamentis subulatis, antheris 
bilocularibus, dorso insertis, versatilibus, apice introrse dehiscentibus, 
foraminulo in utroque loculorum minuto, basi antice calcaratis, toti- 
dem ananthera, longiora, lanceolata, apice subulosa, laciniis duabus 
exterioribus et interiori opposita. Ovarium semi-inferum, triloculare, 
