religiosum with coloured wool, and the South American 
hirsutum with green seed, each distinct from the present, 
where the wool is white and the seed black. Yet Dr. Swartz, 
after observing the three in their cultivated state in the 
colonies of the West Indies, says, that they are with diffi- 
culty recognised from each other; and that they vary in so 
many and such material points, that he can easily believe 
them to be one species. But are not near species of most — 
phenogamous vegetables liable, from intermixed culture, 
“to run,” as the gardeners say; or, in other words, to be- 
come a mixed race? And are not close species which pro- . 
duce the staple of a long-standing and extensive commerce, 
and have been purposely brought together with the view 
of experiment’ and improvement, especially liable to inter- 
mixture of race and consequent variation? But can we 
adduce as evidence of derivation from a same primary type 
intercurrent variations of vegetables so circumstanced ? 
The plant with us is perennial, and grows. to the height 
of 7-8 feet; the stem dying down every year, after produ- 
one seed, if kept constantly in the bark-bed of the hot- 
ouse. : Beit 
The cotton or wool consists of the fleeces of the seed, 
forming a separate ball in each cell of the capsule. When, 
picked from the capsule for use, this is freed from the seed 
“ by means ofa small mill, consisting of two bright steel 
“rollers, each about an inch in diameter, set parallel within 
“the distance’ of about the 20th part of an inch. ‘These 
“rollers move different ways, and draw the cotton through, 
“them, while the seeds ‘are forced out of their respective: 
* little balls*of-down “in which they are enclosed.” It is 
of inconceivable elasticity; and a large mass, by a compres- 
sion familiar to those who pack it for carriage, may be, Te-. 
duced within a compass incredibly small. Said to be a dan- 
gerous cargo, being subject to take fire if at all damp when 
packed, and burning upon admission of air with great fury: _ 
The drawing was made from a. plant which flowered in 
Mr. John Hall’s collection at Notting Hill; whence speci. 
mens were liberally communicated to Mr, Edwards. a 7 
a The.3 balls of cotton, one in each loculament.. Wi Dissepiment placed 
at the centre of a reflected valve. {fThe back of one of the three valvese 
c A seed partly bared of its wool. d The stigmas. ¢.The anthers of the 
ret Pare aia Bebe 
Sener BOT a 
monadelphous stamens. 
o — 
ge ee rr - 
