1896 | BOTANICAL PAPERS AT BUFFALO 231 
In the system of Engler and Prantl one might look for such 
a disposition of the families of the two subclasses as to indicate 
a common point of origin, but in this we are disappointed 
When we compare the structure of the families placed at the 
beginning of the monocotyledons, Typhacez, Pandanacee, Spar- 
ganiacee, Potamogetonacee, Naiadacee, Aponogetonacee, 
Alismacee, etc., with those occupying a similar place in the 
dicotyledons, Saururacee, Piperacez, Chloranthacee, Lacistem- 
acex, Juglandacee, Myricacee, Leitneriacez, Salicacee, etc., it 
is at once evident that here there is a great gulf between the 
two subclasses. It is becoming more and more evident that this 
system which promised so much is little better as an expression 
of genetic relationship than the system of Bentham and Hooker, 
which it is now displacing. Its so-called lower families are for 
= most part composed of plants not with a simple, that is, a 
primitive structure, but a simplified structure. As a rational 
ot designed to express our ideas of genetic relationship, it 
Is sadly disappointing. 
It is evident that we must cease to confuse the simplified 
eee Primitively simple structures, and that in the latter 
alone can we find the point of divergence of the plants of the 
‘wo subclasses under consideration. It is only when we do this 
ome be ee able to construct a system which shall suggest to ae 
sim j — of the problem. Our system must begin with 
Se ele not compound pistils; with really simple and not 
es oe It matters little whether the flowers are per- 
even ee ; Whether they have many or few flower-leaves or 
and that ee all. We have learned that these are minor mIBEEES 
Ys uae Change very eeauny even within narrow limits. 
the apocar ce with these principles we may readily sas upon 
carpe) as us monocotyledons (Bentham and Hooker’s ee 
Subclass. i. of the primitive members of this 
the thielainifieis 5 Mucture will readily suggest the Ranales among 
Temarkable ae) dons, and a closer examination shows a 
but also in se mrity. oF structure, in not only the reproductive 
€ vegetative organs of the plants of these two 
