MUTANTS AND HYBRIDS OF THE OENOTHERAS. 7 



species. The main line of descent has endured practically unchanged 

 for a period of 116 years in European gardens, and was first observed 

 to exhibit mutations resulting in the production of new elementary 

 species as early as 1887, although but little doubt exists that this was 

 by no means the beginning of its period of mutability. 



REDISCOVERY OF O. GRANDIFLORA (AiT.) VAIL IN AMERICA. 



During the course of the investigation of the records it became 

 evident that one or more large-flowered evening-primroses not recog- 

 nized in local floras had been found in southern United States at 

 various times,. One of the most interesting of these discoveries was 

 that of Bartram referring to a locality on the east bank of the Alabama 

 River above Mobile and between that place and the junction of the 

 Alabama and Tombigbee rivers. He says : 



Early one morning, passing along by some old uncultivated fields, a few miles 

 above Taensa, I was struck with surprise at the appearance of a blooming plant, 

 gilded with the richest golden yellow; stepping on shore, I discovered it to ibe a 

 new species of the Oenothera (Oenothera grandiflora, caule erecto, ramoso, 

 piloso, 7, 8 pedalis, foliis semi-amplexi-caulibus, Janceolatis, serratodentatis, flori- 

 bus magnis, fulgidis, sessilibus, capsulis cylindricis, 4 angulis,) perhaps the 

 most pompous and brilliant (herbaceous plant yet known to exist. It is an annual 

 or biennial, rising erect seven or eight feet, branching on all sides from near the 

 earth upwards, the .lower branches extensive, and the succeeding gradually shorter 

 to the top of the plant, 'forming a pyramid in figure ; the leaves are of a broad 

 lanceolate shape, dentated or deeply serrated, terminating with a slender point, 

 and of a deep full green color; the large slender flowers that so ornament this 

 plant, are of a splendid perfect yellow color ; but when they contract again before 

 they drop off, the underside of the petails next the calyx becomes of a reddish 

 flesh-color, inclining to vermilion ; the flowers begin to open in the evening, are 

 fully expanded during the night, and are in their beauty next morning, but close 

 and wither before noon. There is a daily profuse succession for many weeks, 

 and one single plant at the same instant presents to view many hundred flowers. 

 I have measured these flowers above five inches in diameter; they 'have an agree- 

 able scent. 



After leaving these splendid fields of the golden Oenothera, I passed by old 

 deserted plantations and high forests, etc. 



Bartram's expedition was undertaken "At the request of Dr. 

 Fothergill, of London, to search the Floridas and the western parts 

 of Carolina and Georgia, for the discovery of rare and useful products 

 of nature, chiefly in the vegetable kingdom. In April, 1773, I 

 embarked for Charleston, South Carolina, on board the brigantine, 

 Charleston Packet, Captain Wright," etc. (Bartram, 1793, pp. 404-405.) 



Seeds of the above plant were evidently sent to Fothergill, and 

 the following is the original description of the plant by Alton, made 

 from specimens grown at Kew. He says "grandiflora 2. Oe. foliis 

 ovato-lanceolatis, staminibus declinatis, caule fruticoso, L ' Herit. 



