applied to plants for which they were not originally 
intended ; and confusion of ideas has been a conse- 
quence of such missuse. 
A genus is a collection of species, which possess 
some character in common. Whenever a name 
indicative of such character can be given it must 
be, of all others, the most useful. Or, if this be not 
strictly adhered to, the name may at least be formed 
in allusion to some prominent mark or quality of 
the genus. The most eminent botanists have been 
desirous that every generic name should carry some 
positive information. The Greeks were studiously 
attentive to this point, unless the title of a divinity 
or hero claimed their notice. 
If botanical definition cannot be conveniently 
woven into appellations, generic names may be 
made either to commemorate personages who have 
been eminent for their zeal in any praise-worthy 
pursuit ; or events which are worthy of note. A 
flower, by its name, may then recall to mind a vol- 
ume of events ; and thus, in future ages, would the 
piety, industry, and magnanimous actions of the 
great, be the more frequently resuscitated for imita- 
tion ; or the deformity of vice and folly be presented 
to the mind, in circumstances otherwise forgotten. 
The Neja gracilis is a compact little undershrub 
or suffruticose plant ; that is, with woody root and 
herbaceous stems. It produces an abundance of 
flowers, spreads but little, and has a neat appear- 
ance in the borders. Cuttings of it strike root 
readily, on a little artificial heat ; and the plant will 
grow in any common soil, but it must be protected 
from sharp frosts in winter. 
• Sweet’s FI. Gar. 
