4 JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



involucral bracts; and thirdly, 'the perennials, in which the outer 

 bracts of the involucre are long and more or less spreading. 

 Mr. Dewar has had a large collection constantly under his eye 

 for many years, and is going this afternoon to give us the 

 results of his observations. 



Tbe predominance of Asters, Sunflowers, and Golden-rods is 

 one of the most marked characteristics of an American as con- 

 trasted with a European landscape. Take, for instance, the 

 following extract from Whittier's admirable picture of late 

 autumn in New England : — 



O'er the bare woods, whose outstretched hands 



Plead with the leaden heavens in vain, 

 I see, beyond the valley lands, 



The sea's long level dim with rain. 

 Around me all things, stark and dumb, 

 Seem praying for the snows to come, 

 And, for the summer bloom and greenness gone, 

 With winter's sunset lights and dazzling morn atone. 



Along the river's summer walk 



The withered tufts of asters nod ; 

 And trembles on its arid stalk 



The hoar plume of the golden-rod. 

 And on a ground of sombre fir, 

 And azure-studded juniper, 

 The silver birch its buds of purple shows, 

 And scarlet berries tell where bloomed the sweet wild-rose. 



The glow of bright colour which is thrown over our gardens 

 in September and October by the Asters, Sunflowers, Solidagos r 

 and Dahlias is one of the most valuable gifts that fall within the 

 compass of horticulture for which the old world stands indebted 

 to the new. 



THE GENUS ASTEB. 



By Professor G. L. Goodale, Harvard University, U.S.A. 



The kind invitation received from the Secretary of the Society 

 to present a communication on the genus Aster came during a 

 protracted journey. Up to a late date it appeared possible for 

 the writer to be present at the meeting, and supplement these 

 notes by verbal statements and by the exhibition of illustrative 

 specimens. Official duties, however, render this impossible, and 

 the paper is sent in its present form as an indication of his great 



