56 RULES POR 



other plants, even of the same Genus, in the reader, 

 as well as any allusions to the rarity or frequency of 

 a plant, are manifestly faulty. 



The Root (7) often affords solid specific distinctions, 

 but is not infallible ; nor can it always, in cultivated 

 plants, or in dried specimens, be examined, or pre- 

 served. 



Stems (12) frequently afford clear and certain di- 

 stinctions, in their forms, postures, angles, wings, or 

 other particulars. 



Leaves (30) abound in the most elegant and un- 

 exceptionable characters for specific discrimination, in 

 their situation, form, division, surface, margin, veins, 

 and even pubescence. But scarcely any one mark 

 concerning them is absolute, throughout all plants 

 whatever, and experience only can teach, in every case, 

 what is most to be relied on. 



Appendages (47) are usually very serviceable in 

 specific characters, especially the Stipulas, as to their 

 presence or absence, situation, form, or even duration. 



Inflorescence (48) is declared by Linnseus to yield 

 the best of all specific differences. Phil. Bot. sect. 279. 

 The importance of the distinctions to be derived from 

 hence is so great, that some botanists, especially of 

 the French school, do not scruple to found some of 

 their Generic Characters upon it. Even Linnaeus is 

 justly charged with having had recourse to the Inflo- 

 rescence, in arranging the Genera of the Umbelliferous 

 tribe (48 : 7), though the principle is disguised under 



