178 Rosacee—A melanchier. 
varieties are very hairy when young, but eventually become 
glabrous. A. spiccitus, A. Botryipiuin, A. ovdlis, &e., are 
slight varieties. In fact, we have been unable to find con- 
stant characters to separate European and American forms. 
Those adduced by Koch break down when tried with a complete 
series of specimens. 
Orprr XXXIX._SAKIFRAGEA. 
(Including Escallonidcer, Hydrangedcee, Cunoniacece, Francodcece, 
Grossulariacere, Philadélphece, &c.) 
Trees, shrubs, or herbs of variable habit. The structure of 
the flowers in this order is very similar to that of the Rosdcece, 
and in some species so close as to render it a matter of doubt 
to which order they should be referred. The tendencies in this 
group are to few stamens, united carpels with numerous seeds, 
and abundantalbumen. 73 genera, including about 540 species, 
are brought together under this order. They inhabit all 
countries. 
Trine I.—SANIFRAGE.LE. 
Herbs, often scapigerous. Leaves usually alternate. Flowers 
nearly always pentamerous. Fruit 1- to 3-celled. 
1. ASTILBE (otefa). 
Tall branching herbs with triternate leaves and membra- 
naceous stipules, having the aspect of some Spireas, and very 
near them in structure; but differing in the stamens not 
exceeding 8 or 10, and the carpels 3, and the numerous 
albuminous seeds. The few species known are from the 
Himalayas, Java, Japan, and North-eastern America. The 
name is derived from @ privative and o7/A@y, brilliancy, in 
allusion to the inconspicuous flowers of some of the species. 
1. A. barbata, syn. A. Japénica, Hoteia barbata, H. 
Japonica, Spirva barbata and S. Jupénica.—The latter is 
the name it usually bears in gardens, thoughit does not belong 
to that genus. This is a very handsome plant, and now very 
extensively cultivated. It grows about 18 inches or 2 feet 
high, with triternate or pinnate leaves on long petioles. 
Leaflets serrated, bearded with rufous bristly hairs, especially 
on the joints of the petiolules, hence the specific name. The 
