2 go 
Notes. 
sclerenchyma. Moreover, the apex of the woody capsule is and 
remains completely closed : how then can the dissemination of 
the ripe seeds be effected ? I hope that Mr. Hemsley — to whom 
I have since sent a photograph of Wawra’s plant and a ripe capsule- 
will be able to confirm my description of the capsule in every detail. 
The first objection demanded careful reconsideration of the question 
whether or not the plant were really identical with Hooker and Arnott’s 
species : for, in view of the inadequate descriptions of the authors, 
there was a possibility that I might have been misled in spite of con- 
scientious investigation. I addressed myself to Mr. Hemsley for 
further information, and he was so good as to send me a capsule 
of the original species. This material made the matter quite clear 
to me. It was apparent to me in a moment that Mr. Hemsley had 
before him only quite young unripe fruits of the original species. 
Capsules in this stage of development are present also in the upper 
part of the inflorescence of Wawra’s plant, and I have also seen them 
on a plant collected by Hillebrand. This is the cause of the error 
into which Mr. Hemsley, like Hillebrand, has fallen. Mr. Hemsley, 
since seeing the photograph which I sent him, has written to me 
saying that Wawra’s plant is undoubtedly identical with Lobelia 
macrostachys , Hook, et Arn. 
I conclude, therefore, that there can no longer be any doubt that 
(i) the creation of the genus Trematocarpus was fully justified; and 
that (2) Trematocarpus refers to Lobelia macrostachys , Hook, et Arn. 
In conclusion, I would merely point out that Trematocarpus is not 
at all closely allied to the genus Lobelia , and that I propose to state 
the reasons for this assertion in a paper which will appear shortly.’ 
Vienna, Jan. 18, 1893. DR. A. ZAHLBRUCKNER. 
In reply, I have only time at present to state that I have again super- 
ficially examined the Kew specimens of Lobelia macrostachys , but I am 
still of opinion that the orifices in the ripe capsule are not pores of dehis- 
cence in the ordinary acceptation of the term, because they either appear 
irregularly on any part of the capsule and vary in number from one to 
several, or, what is more frequent, there may be none at all. How- 
ever, my colleague, Dr. Stapf, has undertaken to investigate the 
anatomy of the capsule : the conclusions at which he may arrive 
will be published in the next number of the ‘ Annals of Botany.’ 
Kew. W. BOTTING HEMSLEY. 
