294 
AMARYLLTDACE/E. 
characterises one variety, and style as long or longer than the 
cup another variety, of even the same species of Tros, and I 
find his specific distinctions equally inconsistent. I need 
have no hesitation in pronouncing that such characters can- 
not be adopted. The exact proportion borne by either the 
tube or the cup to the limb is by the analogy of other genera 
in this order to be considered as nothing but a specific fea- 
ture ; the relative length of the filaments and style to the 
limb is scarcely to be relied on as such ; the form of the 
margin of the cup is utterly insignificant ; and the genera 
Calostemma and Eurycles shew that even its absolute inci- 
sion is not to be depended upon, unless coupled with some 
decisive feature to which it may be subsidiary ; the form of 
the tube is variable in many genera of plants, which may be 
well exemplified by Petunia nyctanigeniflora, in which it is 
nearly cylindrical, and phoenicea, in which it is ventricosely 
campanulate, yet the hybrid or mixed produce of the former 
plant, impregnated by the second, ripens seed with me more 
freely than either of the parents. Vallota and Cyrtanthus 
shew that a longer or shorter adhesion of filaments, which 
are adnate and not actually inserted, is a variation that 
occurs even in the same umbel in this order ; a little greater 
or less comparative length of the style occurs sometimes in 
the same umbel of the Narcissiform plants, and the length of 
the filaments is exceedingly variable in many species of 
Amaryllideee. 
An equal or unequal adherence of the sepaline and peta- 
line filaments, a decided difference in the form and attach- 
ment of the anthers, a decided upward flexion compared with 
a decided rectitude or connivance of the stamina, may, as far 
as my observation extends, be generally relied upon as signs 
of a generic diversity. Applying these principles I cannot 
hesitate in pronouncing Corbularia, the hoop petticoat, and 
Ajax, the daffodil, to be quite distinct from Narcissus, and 
the rest of the Narcissean fraternity. I find a further dif- 
ference of structure in the stamens distinguishing Queltia, 
Narcissus, and Hermione, which however approximate more 
nearly to each other. 
The next point of importance is to inspect the fruit, and 
see whether any diversity thereof corresponds with the diver- 
sity of the stamens. I find the capsule of Ajax turbinate 
and not erect, sloping from the peduncle if the scape con- 
tinues erect, straight if it falls to the ground, preserving an 
