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Merrion. This is just a parallel case to that of the variable helix of the woods of 

 Conway, and it probably affords less evidence of the distribution of the Asturian 

 flora than of the influence of temperature and humidity to modify the characters 

 of a plant to such an extent that the helix of a warm country shall, after long 

 enjoyment of conditions especially favourable to development, prove so far unlike 

 the helix of a cold country as to afford some warrant for regarding it as a separate 

 species. In the case of H. colchica there is no such difficulty. The two-lobed 

 scales, divided into seven to ten segments, are so different to the stellate hairs of 

 H. helix and H. canariensis as to justify a specific distinction; and then how 

 greatly does the plant differ in morphology and constitution ; so that, although it 

 is a veritable ivy to the unscientific observer, it is to careful and careless observers 

 alike a very different plant to any variety of helix or canariensis. There are pro- 

 bably only two species of ivies known ; but it may be convenient for the present 

 to group the several varieties around three conspicuous centres, and, for all useful 

 purposes, three species may be recognised, and Dr. Seemann's diagnosis for the 

 present should, we think, be allowed to stand. 



To account for the multitude of varieties is perhaps less difficult than to 

 determine the species. The ivies fruit freely under certain conditions, and, when 

 varieties far separated in size and shape of leaves come into proximity, crosses 

 result, and what follows may be judged by what we see. There can be no doubt 

 that the most distinct and permanent varieties are of seminal origin, but a few may 

 be such as gardeners term " sports," that is to say, propagated from adventitious 

 shoots that have presented abnormal characters, such as variegated leaves or a 

 peculiar conformation of lobes, and by careful cultivation the distinguishing 

 characters have been preserved. Having grown thousands of ivy plants obtained 

 from woods, rocks, ruins, &c.. we can safely aver that such as present a variety 

 of characters usually revert after a year or two to a distinctive type, while those 

 that present one distinctly-marked character with some degree of uniformity 

 usually continue in it and become distinct and interesting garden varieties. It is 

 one of the most attractive facts of this most fascinating pursuit that a various 

 leaved ivy we may meet with in the woods and they are far more abundant 

 than botanists and plant collectors appear to have any idea of at present does not 

 long continue various leaved under cultivation, but soon settles down into some 

 decided character ; whereas if we obtain a plant or a part of a plant on which the 

 leaves are somewhat uniform in size and shape, we may reckon on establishing it 

 as a variety, and it may prove to be worthy of a distinctive name. A plant so 

 variable within the contracted limits and comparatively narrow range of climatal 



