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stamens, coupled with the presence of the oil-cells in the place just mentioned, 
are to be credited with superior value in classification, then the Winteranaces 
should be placed next to the Myristicacese (Ranales). But in other respects, 
it is altogether related to the Violacess and Flacourtiacess (Parietales). 
Passifloraces” (Parietales): This group is closely allied to the Malesher- 
biacew (Par.) and Turneracew (Par.) in its general aspects. But, on the 
other hand, if the receptacle and its effiguration, and the often stalked ovary 
are especially taken into consideration, then it is comparable rather to the 
Thymeleacese (Myrtiflore). Also in a certain respect it comes near to the 
Cucurbitacer. 
Achariace” (Parietales): If the superior ovaries, parietal placentas, and 
the presence of albumen are credited with superior value in classification, then 
it should be placed quite close to the Passifloraces. But, if the gamophyllous 
corolla preponderate, when weighed against the above mentidned characteristics, 
then the Achariaceze would come next to the Cucurbitacese. 
Oleaceze (Ebenales): This group is closely allied to the Loganiaces 
and to the Rubiacez ; but on the other hand, it is in no less degree comparable 
to the Celastracese and Salvadoracew (both of the Sapindales). 
As can be clearly seen in the above examples, a family is placed in one 
position by authors with one view, while it is taken to another by those with 
another view. The present systematic problem in current opinion is to decide 
whether it is better or more natural to place it near this or near that; or 
which characteristics preponderate over others. But in my opinion, the problem 
is seen to be quite wide of the mark, so soon as the real state of things is 
considered. The families just considered are such groups, as the symbolized 
species above referred to, whose natural relations are only conceivable according 
to the dynamic view. A family comes close to this in one view, but in the 
other, it goes to that, just as a child playing with its mates. The child 
changes its company at random, but the plant shifts its place according to 
the law of natural relations. 
A natural system denoting the natural relations of families should, 
1) Nat. PA.-fam. IIL.—6, «, p. 78. 2) Nat. Pfl-fam. Nachtr. I. p. 257. 
3) Nat. I'fl.-fam. IV.—2, p. 4. 
