150 ARISAMA TRIPHYLLUM.—THREE-LEAVED INDIAN TURNIP, 
fit our species very well, for, as noted in the description we have 
adopted from Dr. Gray, the upper part of the spathe forms a 
standard or hood over the spadix to a more striking extent than 
in any other with which we are acanainted. However, as a 
plant’s name is “Eut a name” and nothing more, the rule is to 
take the orthography as we find it, unless there be some grave 
violation of botanical taste. In regard to Arum itself Linnaeus 
has been charged with violating the laws he himself had laid 
down. Rafinesque says: “ Linnaeus did very improperly, and 
against his own botanical rules, change the previous name of 
Tournefort Arzsarunz into Arum, which is a mere termination of 
many other genera;” but, as we have seen, a77s and avov are only 
Latin and Greek names for the same thing, and Linnzus was 
within his rules of cutting off all superfluities. But this reference 
to Rafinesque’s criticism shows how important botanists regard 
the rigid adherence to rules of nomenclature. 
An interesting feature in our plant is the variations in color of 
the spathe and spadix ; that is to say, of the vase-like portion of 
the inflorescence and the club-like process which occupies the 
centre. Sometimes these are wholly green, and at other times 
very highly colored; even the leaves are often spotted, and in 
these particulars it has a singular coincidence with a near rela- 
tive, the Avi maculatum of Europe, and it may perhaps on this 
account claim some attention in connection with the legendary 
and poetical allusions associated with that species; for there is a 
legend in some parts of Europe that Arun was once wholly 
green, but became spotted and colored by the accident of grow- 
ing near the foot of the cross at the crucifixion of our Saviour. 
Mrs. Hemans thus gives the story: 
«Beneath the cross it grew; 
And in the vase-like hollow of the leaf, 
Catching from that dread shower of agony 
A few mysterious drops, transmitted thus 
Unto the groves and hills, their sealing stains 
A heritage, for storm or vernal shower 
Never to blow away.” 
