434 Scientific Intelligence. 
species are thus left as provisional; but in proceeding thus, the progress of 
the science will - more regular, and the AT less dependent upon the 
caprice or the retical opinions of each auth 
This is safe si to a certain degree ude, no doubt, as respects pub- 
he cannot conne nat ocular proof with a near relative, from which it 
differs only in particulars which he sees are pao in better known 
species of the same group? We suppos But if so, little improve- 
ment for the future upon the state of cee revealed in the following 
parapraph can be expected. 
Gene the ass state of our knowledge, after having seen nearly all the 
specimens, and in some species as many as 200 representatives from 
different localities, : eee that, out of the 300 species of Cupulifer 
will be the Prodromus, opera t least are provisional aeons 
country, or a saly de de: sribed it is difficult to believe that above on 
of the actual phcns in botanical works will remain unchanged.” 
_Such being the results am ii want of ade nae Bile how 
ej ga 
aceon with that of other botaniate of daar experience, ihe 
“They are mistaken,” he pointedly asserts, “ who repeat that 
doubtful spe 
ies are in a feeble minority. This seemed to be true, so "long a8 a eke 
Sibscetistiabs forms flow in, and doubts as to specific limits augment.” k 
DeCandolle insists, indeed, i this connection, that the higher the ran: 
of the groups, the more definite their limitation, or, 1 trietly 
fewer the am ign ous or doubtful forms ; ; that genera are ie are 
3 to 
very yw ae intermediate forms to light, p siete wee bot- 
“ one syste 
tematist. ‘They are mistaken,” we think more than y 7 oie and a 
anist will say, “ who repeat that he ete part of our natura tl lin 
tr 
ibes are absolutely limited,” however we may agree iy Jess com" 
up 
this pone feity of aes groups, iaciiiee, is rather A 
On the other hand, that varieties should be less re 
ws from the very terms employed. They are ranked 
lar ae Yat ust because of their less definiteness. _ 
