of structure in their corolla; which, taken together at least, materially assist in determining the limits of the class. The first of these is its valvular æstivation, this, however, it has in common with several other families. The second I believe to be peculiar to the class, and hitherto unnoticed. It consists in the disposition of its fasciculi of vessels, or nerves; these, which at their origin are generally equal in number to the divisions of the corolla, instead of being placed opposite to these divisions and passing through their axes, as in other plants, alternate with them; each of the vessels at the top of the tube dividing into two equal branches running parallel to and near the margins of the corresponding laciniæ, within whose apices they unite. These, as they exist in the whole class, and are in great part of it the only vessels observable, may be called primary. In several genera, however, other vessels occur, alternating with the primary and occupying the axes of the laciniæ: in some cases these secondary vessels, being most distinctly visible in the laciniæ, and becoming gradually fainter as they descend the tube, may be regarded as recurrent; originating from the united apices of the primary branches; but [559 in other cases where they are equally distinct at the base of the tube, this supposition cannot be admitted. A monopetalous corolla not splitting at the base is necessarily connected with this structure, which seems also peculiarly well adapted to the dense inflorescence of Compositæ; the vessels of the corolla and stamina being united, and so disposed as to be least liable to suffer by pressure.
As this disposition of vessels is found in Ambrosia and Xanthium, they ought not to be separated from Compositæ as Richard[1] has proposed; and as it does not exist in Brunonia I prefer annexing that genus to Goodenoviæ, with which it agrees in the peculiar indusium of the stigma.
GOODENOVIÆ.[2] This order I have formerly separated from Campanulaceæ, considering the peculiar membranous cup surrounding the stigma, along with a certain irregu-
- ↑ Annales du mus. 8, p. 184.
- ↑ Prodr. fl. Nov. Holl. 573.
