150 ARIS^MA TRIPHYLLUM. THREE-LEAVED INDIAN TURNIP. 



fit our species very well, for, as noted in the description we have 

 adopted from Dr. Gray, the upper part of the spathe forms a 

 standard or hood over the spadix to a more striking extent than 

 in any other with which we are acquainted. However, as a 

 plant's name is "but a name" and nothing more, the rule is to 

 take the orthography as we find it, unless there be some grave 

 violation of botanical taste. In regard to Arum itself Linnaeus 

 has been charged with violating the laws he himself had laid 

 down. Rafinesque says: "Linnaeus did very improperly, and 

 against his own botanical rules, change the previous name of 

 Tournefort Ajisarttin into Ai^inn, which is a mere termination of 

 many other genera;" but, as we have seen, aris and aj^on are only 

 Latin and Greek names for the same thing, and Linnaeus was 

 within his rules of cutting off all superfluities. But this reference 

 to Rafinesque's criticism shows how important botanists regard 

 the rigid adherence to rules of nomenclature. 



An interesting feature in our plant is the variations in color of 

 the spathe and spadix ; that is to say, of the vase-like portion of 

 the inflorescence and the club-like process which occupies the 

 centre. Sometimes these are wholly green, and at other times 

 very highly colored ; even the leaves are often spotted, and in 

 these particulars it has a singular coincidence with a near rela- 

 tive, the Aj'Uju maculatum of Europe, and it may perhaps on this 

 account claim some attention in connection with the legendary 

 and poetical allusions associated with that species ; for there is a 

 leo-end in some parts of Europe that Ar2im was once wholly 

 green, but became spotted and colored by the accident of grow- 

 ing near the foot of the cross at the crucifixion of our Saviour. 

 Mrs. Hemans thus gives the story : 



" Beneath the cross it grew ; 

 And in the vase-like hollow of the leaf, 

 Catching from that dread shower of agony 

 A few mysterious drops, transmitted thus 

 Unto the groves and hills, their sealing stains 

 A heritage, for storm or vernal shower 

 Never to blow away." 



