118 THE FLORIST AND 
mentioned by him, and which is very remarkable, if it be real, that is, if it 
be not an error of the draughtsman. The five cells of the ovary are repre- 
sented as alternate with the sepals ; but in Sarracenia purpurea, which I 
have seen living, the cells are opposite to the sepals. The draughtsman 
employed by Mr. Torrey, is the one to whom we owe the excellent plates in 
Mr. Asa Gray's '^Genera of United States;' and in the last mentioned work, 
Mr. Sprague has properly represented the cells in Sarracenia opposite to 
the sepals (vol. 1, pi. 45), as they are in nature. Has he committed an 
error in the plate accompanying the memoir of Mr. Torrey ? Considering 
his usual accuracy, I doubt it. 
On the other hand, it is difficult to believe in contrary symmetries in 
genera so closely allied. 
I have discovered a similar fact in the family of Campanulaceoe, and it 
has enabled me to establish several genera, which are, besides, indicated by 
their external appearance. 
The thing is not then without a parallel, though it is very rare, and 
should be well examined before being admitted. I would therefore point 
out to American botanists, and particularly to Mr. Torrey, the great im- 
portance of verifying figure 1, of Mr. Sprague's plate. 
The genus Heliamphora can teach nothing regarding this symmetry, since 
in it the number of cells does not correspond to that of the other parts of 
the flower." 
I send you this extract from a letter received from a friend in Meadville, 
Pa., accompanying some very large and exceedingly fine potatoes. Should 
you think it of use, you are at liberty to publish it. 
P. 
P. S. — Would remarks on the *out-door culture of the Camellia be of 
service to you ? 
We would be very glad to hear from our correspondent on the latter 
subject. — Ed. 
Finding that I had room in the box, I have put in a sample of potatoes 
I raised this summer. Had I known they were so large, I should have sent 
them to the County Fair; everybody says I would have got the premium. 
Potatoes --this year are very small, indeed the crop is considered a failure; 
