AS AIDS IN THE DETERMINATION OF SPECIES. 



TABLE III. 

 SPECIES AND THEIR ALLIES (According to Baron von Mueller). 



55 



1. As regards E. globulus and E. alpina, it is stated E. alpina " stands to that 

 species in nearest systematic affinity" (Decade 2), and £. we^acar/a likewise " bears in 

 some respects alliance to E. globulus" (Dec. 6). If the sections are compared there is 

 a suggestion of resemblance between these three species, but in alpina the smaller 

 vessels and more numerous cortical cavities distinguish it, while in megacarpa the 

 cortical cavities are generally smaller. In both the comparatively few crystals contrast 

 with the large number in E. globulus. 



2. Again, it is said of E. rostrata and E. teretieornis that "both might be regarded 

 as forms of one species" (Dec. 9), and of E. rostrata and E. rudis that they are " also 

 almost linked by exceptional transit-forms" (Dec. 4). It is further stated, " On the 

 whole this is one of the most easily recognised of all species ; still instances occur 

 when it merges almost into E. viminalis, and completely into E. teretieornis " 

 (Dec. 4). 



On referring to the preceding scheme of arrangement it will be seen that rostrata, 

 rudis, and teretieornis are grouped together, but viminalis does not seem to be very 

 closely allied. On comparing the sections it is found that they exhibit resemblance 

 in the following order : — Rostrata, teretieornis, rudis. 



It is likewise interesting to note that both E. rostrata and E. teretieornis have 

 their leaves sometimes devoured by the same insect (Dec. 9). 



"When rostrata and teretieornis are compared as regards the minute structure of 

 the leaf-stalk (and it may be mentioned that the characters of each were drawn out 

 quite independently), it is found that their close affinity, determined on other grounds, 

 is borne out. 



