species of Astragalus. There is an evident pleasure 
arising from these combinations, provided such 
assorting be not too extensively indulged. Plants 
of the same class harmonize in little coteries, as well 
as human beings. When congenial spirits meet, 
and promote reciprocal enjoyment, it is very natu- 
ral that the witnesses of these gratifications should 
partake in the pleasurable feelings. We well re- 
member the remark of a very amiable lady, on 
taking us through a beautiful flower garden, to a 
secluded nook of alpine primulas, — “ There, Sir, 
partake with me in the pleasure I have in seeing 
how much these beautiful little creatures flourish, 
and enjoy the society of each other.” These little 
assemblages are very pleasing, when made subser- 
vient to more general principles of distribution. 
Hedysarum was formerly a very extensive genus, 
comprising upwards of a hundred species, but it 
is now greatly reduced by distribution into other 
genera. The Hedysarum gyrans, known as the 
moving plant, must now be sought for as Desmo- 
dium gyrans. The singular property of this moving 
plant is known to many persons, although, as it 
requires the stove, in cultivation, but few can call 
it their own. Its leaves are produced in threes, and 
the side ones, which are smallest, have a singular 
spontaneous motion, chiefly up and down, but with- 
out regularity, or the least dependance, as regards 
their movement, of one leaf on another. 
The Hedysarum obscurum, of which a white va- 
riety is mentioned, will grow freely in any common 
soil, particularly in a sandy loam, which admits the 
free course of its creeping roots. 
Hort. Kew. 2, v. 4, 346. 
