NEW PUBLICATIONS, 99 
Some other species of the genus are briefly commented on^ from 
winch it appears that some are mouomorphic, some dimorphic, some 
trimorphic. 
Whence and wherefore tins diversity in sexual ftmction in one genus? 
Why this complexity in a single species ?* 
We can only just make mention of a few among the many inferences 
and speculations that arise from a perusal of this pnpcr. One of the 
most important subjects to be considered with reference to these re- 
searches iSj of coursCj the question of species. Sexual distinctions, such 
as those above mentionedj afford the physiological test of specific dis- 
tinctness, as well as most plants do that are universally considered as 
belonging to distinct species. Will any naturalist affirm that ^^e have 
in this trimorphic Lythriim three species and not one? 
Again, it may be asked, what relation, if any, exists between these 
variations in the reproductive organs and those which are commonly 
met with in the branching of the stem, the length of the bracts, the 
size of the petals, the arrangement of the leaves, etc. This is a point 
deserving careful observation 5 Mr. Darwin seems to think that the 
offspring of the illegitimate unions present some singular characteristics, 
but for the present he is silent as to what they may be. 
One other point in the history of this plant we must briefly notice, 
in the hope that some light may be thrown upon it by further researches 
into its structural peculiarities and habits of life ; we allude to the ca- 
pacity the plant has for living under what appear to be very different 
conditions. It is found naturally along the margins of ditches and 
wet places, and yet it thrives 'luxuriantly, and is quite as fertile in diy 
garden soil as in its native habitat. In conclusion, we must express 
our hope, that not only Mr. Darwin, but very many other trustworthy 
observers, will greatly extend this class of observations, than which 
none are more promising for the advancement of physiological and 
structural botany. 
We hare received the following boots and pamplilets for notice: — Max 
Wichura : Bastardbildung im Pflanzeureich, 4to. — S. O. Lindberg : Om Sedum 
dasyphyUum pa Gotland ; Bidrag till Moasornes Sjaonjmi ; Utereding af de 
skandinaviska Seligerice ; Torfmossornas byggnad, utbreding och systematiska 
• See as to this point Professor A. Gray's note on Dimorphism in the Geni- 
talia of Flowers, in this Jounml, Tol. I. p. 147. 
