38 



Pot a m ogeton diversifoliu m . 



compressed spikes, differing in this structure remarkably from all 

 other American species of the genus, which bear their flowers in long 

 terminal spikes. Inhabits stagnant pools with boggy bottoms, in Jer- 

 sey near Woodbury, flowering in July and August. 



The generic appellation Potamogeton, (signifying Pond weed.) is 

 the nimwfim, of the ancient Greeks, so called from r.r**.,, a river, and 

 y*i7*>, a neighbour or o%, because all the species of the genus inhabit 

 pools and ponds. The present little plant I detected in July, 1814. The 

 small nutant leaves, about six or eight in number, have a convex and 

 very shining appearance, resembling, as they arc spread on the water, 

 the little aromatic water beetle, which is often seen on the smfacc of 

 stagnant pools. The submersed leaves and stem arc so very delicate 

 as to be imperceptible, except in very clear water. This species is 

 allied to P. hybridum of Michaux, but is very distinct. It is not un- 

 likely that it is the P. setaceum* of Pursh. I had published it prior 

 to the publication of his work under the above specific name, therefore 

 have not thought proper to change it. 



The table represents the plant of the natural size. 



* P. setaceum. Upper leaves opposite, lanceolate, 5-nerved, short, petiolate, lower 

 cmes alternate, filiform, spikes dense, alternate, shorter than the leaf, Pursh, On 

 small lakes and rivers, on the pine barrens of Jersey, If. July, August, V. S. The 

 upper leaves are scarcely half an inch long, the whole plant very slender. Pursh. 

 Fl. Am. Sep. vol. i. p. 120. 



