6o2 ON THE GERMINATION 



bulbs, the florets becoming generally abortive. 

 In many instances, I have observed three of these 

 bulbs only, corresponding with the three cells of the 

 capsules of this genus ; and, from their external ap- 

 pearance, supported by peduncles, I at first supposed 

 them to be the latter, containing ripe seeds ; but 

 on a closer examination, I found the receptacles 

 crowded with bulbs, and others germinating from 

 the tubera of those first evolved. 



The plant in Mr NeilPs garden retains the 

 size and original aspect of A. ccespitosa, the 

 panicle itself being above twelve inches in 

 length ; the calycine valves and peduncles of 

 the young shoots being smooth ; and the hairs, 

 so evident at the base of the floret- valves in 

 fig. 5., are wanting in this species. Nor does 

 the mountain plant, when cultivated, according 

 to Mr Don, attain one-half the size of A. caes- 

 pitosa. There can be no doubt, therefore, of two 

 distinct species of Aira being viviparous y but not- 

 withstanding the respectable authority of Dr 

 Smith, I should hesitate to consider either of them 

 but as varieties of the common plants. 



The number of shoots from one panicle is in 

 some instances incredible. They soon become 

 too great a burden for the maternal stalk, which, 

 bending under the daily increasing weight, falls 

 towards the earth and soon dies, leaving its off- 

 spring to shift for themselves. Numerous roots 

 now shoot from below, and more bulbs germi- 



