198 Dr. B, Seemann on the Bignoniacese. 
and derived from the only legitimate sources at command. You 
admit that the figure of C. Mauritiana shows winged seeds. C. Tel- 
Sairia, in ‘Bot. Mag.’ 2976, with a 2-valved fruit, is stated, on 
Bojer’s authority, to have ‘a spongy dissepiment bearing many 
seeds, which are surrounded by a thin and broad pellucid margin.’ 
C. floribunda, which I have seen, had an unripe flattish capsule, ve 
like that of a Tecoma*. It will be gratifying to see any fresh evi- 
dence you can offer in regard to the structure of the ovary and fruit 
of Colea. 
“T think it will be conceded by botanists that the only legitimate 
line of distinction between Crescentiaceze and Bignoniacese exists in 
the former having a 1-locular ovary with parictal placentation (as I 
have seen in Crescentia and Kigelia), and a fruit with a solid suture- 
less shell, containing fleshy wingless seeds. In Bignoniacese we have 
a 2-locular ovary with ovules widely separated on the dissepiment, 
and a 2-celled, 2-valved fruit, generally, but not always, with winged 
seeds: it would be quite legitimate with this character (as in your 
Parmentiera cerifera) that the dissepiment should be large and 
cylindrical (as occurs also in Stereospermum), and that its valves 
should be prevented from bursting by a fleshy or coriaceous epicarp ; 
for many capsules of true Bignonieze are covered by a thick coria- 
ceous envelope that keeps them from dehiscing for a long time after 
the fruit is ripe and has fallen. _ At all events, neither Parmentiera 
nor Colea can belong to Crescentiacese according to any legitimate 
line of demarcation. Crescentiaceze, after the principle I have de- 
fined, form a very distinct group; but they cease to be so under your 
division, for you there break through the rule of carpellary arrange- 
ment, which forms the basis on which the grand system of Jussieu 
is founded. The Jacarandesx accord with Crescentiacez in their 
1-celled ovary, with a parietal attachment of their ovules and seeds, 
but differ in having a dehiscent capsule with winged seeds. Schle- 
gelia, from the construction of its ovary, will probably be found to 
belong to the group where my Owxycladus must find a place; for 
there can be no doubt, from the structure of its ovary, that it isa 
truly Bignoniaceous genus. I mentioned to you, after your return 
to England, that I had seen the fruit of Fridericia, and had convinced 
myself of the error of Martius, and had consequently erased the mis- 
take from all the copies of my ‘ Observations’ and ‘ Contributions ; 
and that ought to be considered a sufficient acknowledgment : it 
is enough to answer for our own mistakes, without being saddled 
with the errors of others. These observations are offered in the 
most friendly spirit, and may perhaps induce you to reconsider the 
matter before you publish your remarks. We have both the same 
object in view, which is to elicit the truth. 
“T am, my dear Sir, very truly yours, 
“Joun Miers.” 
22 Canonbury Square, London, N. 
February 1862. 
* As Colea floribunda flowers from the old wood, of course the leaves 
or flowers cannot be attached to this fruit; and hence it must be regarded 
as doubtful, or, at all events, as inconclusive.—B. S. 
