INDETERMINATE INFLORESCENCE. 



79 



or cutkitij as in the Willow, Ilazlc, &c. (fij;. 84.) When a 

 fleshv axis is densely covered with flowers enclosed in a 

 spathe, it is called a sjtndix, as in tlie Anmi. (fiji. Si').) 



If the secoiularv axes are e(iiially developed around the 

 primary, as in the Currant and Hyacinth, we have the raceme, 

 (rt«T. 87.) The raceme diflering in no respect from the spike, 

 but in having pedicilatc flo\Ners. 



If the secondary axes develop tertiary ones a jnmiclc is 

 Ibrmed, (tig. 88,) as in the Poa. The term deliqucsccjit 



^jTP 





V7 



'-^ 



panicle is applied lo that variety of the panicle, when 

 the rachis is lost in its irregular divisions and does not con- 

 tinue direct through the inflorescence. The ramification 

 of the axes may proceed further, forming compound panicles. 

 A verv dense panicle, with the lower branches shorter than 

 the middle ones, is called a thyrsus, n.s\n the Lilac. 



89. The preceding arrangement is that given by the writer 

 of the treatise on Botany, in the Library of Useful knowl- 

 edge, and it seems to oftcr a much more simple exhibition of 

 the various forms of inflorescence than has fallen under our 

 observation. It founds it on hypotheses which are simple and 

 always applicable ; so that by a few moments labor the stu- 

 dent may gain principles which he can readily np|)ly in ar- 

 ranging the various tbrms of infloresence with which he mav 

 meet. 



An entirely new theory has been proposed by the conti- 

 nental Botanists of Europe, but it is much too diflicult to be 

 comprehended by beginners in Botany or to be applied to any 

 practical purposes, in any state, in which we have seen it, 

 and our limits forbid our giving even an outline of it. 



