333 



kindly supplied with seeds of P. Roberti (P. Raii, Bah.), by the Rev. 

 W. S. Hore, I hope next year to ascertain whether it will remain 

 permanently distinct from P. maritimura, when grown under the same 

 conditions of soil and temperature. Though P. maritimum assumes 

 very much the general appearance of P. Roberti, when grown in my 

 garden, it has now retained, through three descents, the strongly- 

 nerved ochreae which Mr. Babington deems the best character for dis- 

 tinction from his P. Raii. 



Polygonum mite has been something of a puzzle to me until this 

 present autumn ; and finding other (and better) botanists at fault in 

 distinguishing this species from its allies, I trust that some remarks on 

 its character and synonyms may not be mistimed, particularly as I 

 have just been drying a supply of P. mite for the distributing Botani- 

 cal Society. 



In the following dichotomous sort of arrangement of their charac- 

 ters, the native species of the group are contrasted against each other 

 in such a w^ay as to show both their resemblances and differences ; 

 and if printed as written, it may afford a sufficient diagnosis for each 

 of them. 



I. Fruit triangular, or compressed, with convex faces, one face 

 usually rising into a third angle at the base. Peduncles nearly or 

 quite glabrous. Ochreas fringed. 



A. Fruit shining. Spikes erect. Ochreae strigose. 



a. Styles connected half their length. Fruit large, with broadly ovate faces. 



1. Spikes oblong, dense, usually leafless, (Persicaria). 



2. Spikes filiform, interrupted and leafy below, (mite). 



b. Styles connected two-thirds of their length. Fruit small, narrowly ovate. 



3. Spikes filiform, {minus). 



B. Fruit opaque. Spikes drooping. Ochreae subglabrous. 



c. Styles distinct almost from their base. Fruit large ovate. 



4. Spikes filiform, interrupted and leafy below, {Hydropiper). 



II. Fruit compressed, with concave faces. Peduncles glandular- 

 hispid. Ochreae slightly or only partially fringed. 



C. Fruit shining. Spikes erect. Ochreae subglabrous. 



d. Styles distinct almost from their base. Fruit rather large, roundish ovate. 



5. Spikes oblong, dense. Lower ochres without fringe, (lapathifolium). 



6. " Spikes elongated slender." "Ochreae shortly fringed," {Inxum). 



