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the natural relations of the families in the Monocotyledons, the families must 
be observed according to the dynamic view and should be grouped according 
to every possible method. ENGLER’s system of the Monocotyledons shows but 
partial relations of consecutive families. He gives as groups showing incon- 
stancy of floral elements the Pandanales, Helobiw and Glumiflore. As far as I 
can judge, the Pandanales and Helobix have indefinite numbers in floral elements, 
but the Glumiflorses have numbers various but constant to each of the genera 
of the series. The serial arrangement shown in his system, (e.g. the Pandanales, 
Helobie and then Glumiflores), shows but partial relations in several different 
respects ; it does not present to view the real relations in all directions. The 
first series is not only related to the next two, but also to many other series. 
Further he says” :— 
Dass unter diesen die Pandanales wegen vorherrschender Nacktbliitigkeit und 
wegen groBer Unbestimmtheit in der Zahl der bisweilen auch noch spiralig angeord- 
neten Staubblitter die niederste Stufe einnehmen, ist sicher. Ob nun die Glumiflore 
oder die Helobiae folgen sollen, ist schwer zu entscheiden. 
It is true, indeed, that the Pandanales seem to have such a definite position, 
when regard is paid to their naked flowers. But in other respect, the series 
is somewhat connected with the Principes”, as can be seen in the analogy 
between the Pandanaces and the Palme (Phytelephas and Nipa). It bears 
also some resemblance to the Araces” of the Spathifloree. Moreover, it is more 
or less allied to the Synanthz, when the Cyclanthaces” in their floral structure 
approach Freycinetia of the Pandanacez (1-3, p. 98). The real relations of 
the Pandanales should, therefore, be observed according to the dynamic view. 
In the above quotations, he refers to the difficulty of determining which of 
the Glumiflores and Helobie should take precedence. But, in my opinion, 
such a question is without significance. One series will precede another in one 
respect, but will follow it in another respect. Thus only can we understand 
their natural relations as manifested in all views. 
As to the Helobie”, he says as follows :— 
1) Evouzr, A. — Erliuterungen, 1. c. p. 360. 
2) Nat. Pfl-fam. IL.—1, p. 190, and IL—3, p. 25. 
3) Nat. Pfl.-fam. IL—3, p. 98. 4) Nat. Pil-fam. IL—3, p. 98. 
5) Enozzr, A. — Erliuterungen, 1. c. p. 360. 
