388 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



reduce the necessary changes to the least possible, as many of 

 the old names have been incorporated in the new system as 

 appeared consistent with its direct simplicity. The three reputed 

 species of Ivies, namely, Hedera helix, Linn., H. Canariensis, 

 Willd., and H. Colchica, Koch, are retained in this arrangement 

 for convenience solely. As representing groups, the members of 

 which are allied by obvious characters, the names are useful, and 

 being in common use for practical purposes, it is not desirable 

 to suppress them. But the specific distinctions they suggest are 

 no longer recognised, for the idea of a species has of late years 

 expanded, and it is now generally held by students of Hedera 

 that there is but one species of Ivy known, the European, Asiatic, 

 and African forms being but modifications of one and the same 

 species. This is not the place to discuss the proofs of unity, 

 but it may be proper to remark that in the work above alluded 

 to I have explained that the stellate hairs that have been relied 

 on for the determination of the three species have not the con- 

 stancy of character requisite for the purpose. 



The names here given are those of the garden forms. In 

 every case the name of the species may be added at discretion, 

 but to do so here would make a wearisome and useless repetition. 

 Thus, the variety " Fasciata " may be labelled Hedera helix 

 fasciata, although for the present purpose the last name is 

 sufficient. 



Varieties of Hedera helix. 



( x x x signifies " Meritorious in the first degree," x x " in the second degree.") 



Minor is a neat small form of H. helix, of frequent occur- 

 rence in woodlands. As a rockery plant it is distinguished by its 

 close growth and the grey veins on its dark three-lobed leaves. 

 Contributed by Mr. Turner as H. minor. 



Minima is the smallest form of H. helix. The form is 

 distinct in the prolongation of the front lobe, and in winter it 

 often assumes a rich brown or bronzy colour. It is a miniature 

 form of the variety here entered as Pedata. Contributed by 

 Mr. Turner as Minima. Syn. Taurica, Donarailense, Pennsyl- 

 vanica. x x. 



Gracilis has a singularly elegant appearance. It is a minor 

 helix of wiry habit with purple stems and leaf-stalks ; the leaves 

 conspicuously veined. An excellent rockery plant. Contributed 

 by Mr. Turner as Gracilis, x x . 



