SECT. IV. THE INFLORESCENCE. 141 



SUBSECTION V. 



The Thyrse. The thyrse (PL V. Fig. 5.) orDescrip- 

 bunch is an assemblage of flowers supported upon m^fic*- 

 a primary peduncle, subdivided as in the branching tons * 

 panicle ; but differing from it in having the lower 

 or partial peduncles longer, and placed in a horizon- 

 tal or expanding direction ; and the upper ones 

 shorter and erect. From this peculiarity of struc- 

 ture it assumes for the most part a sort of oval figure, 

 and may be exemplified in Tussilago Petasites or 

 common Butter-bur. It is terminal, as in Syringa 

 vulgaris ; or lateral, as in the Vine ; naked, as in 

 the preceding examples ; or interspersed with leaves, 

 as in the Privet. 



SUBSECTION VI. 



The Cluster. The cluster (PI. V. Fig. 6.) is an Descrip- 

 assemblage of flowers supported upon partial pedi- ^oVfica 

 cles that are attached to a common foot-stalk, either tlons * 

 primary or secondary, which is generally pendant. 

 It bears a considerable resemblance both to the 

 spike and panicle, though looser than the former 

 and more compact than the latter. If the pedicles 

 are immediately attached to a primary and undivid- 

 ed peduncle, as in the Currant, the cluster is said 

 to be simple ; but if they are attached to secondary 

 peduncles, as in Solatium Dulcamara, it is then said 

 to be compound. It is terminal, as in Actea 

 spicata ; or lateral, as in the Currant ; pendant, as 



