From the number of different new and old known species, of this genus,
which we have been enabled to examine this spring; and of which drawings
have been made, (a figure from one of them being intended to be given in
each successive No. till they are finished;) we are more fully
confirmed, in what was asserted in a former part of the work, that V.
Arctostaphyllus, with the greater part of those plants, now known as
Vacciniums, should be placed in Decandria. It is true, a certain
latitude has been given by Linnæus, in an observation on the genus, by
allowing, that a fourth in addition to the usual number is frequently
found, in the different parts of the flower. But when so essential a
part of the fructification is, with a very few exceptions, constant
through a numerous genus, we cannot but think, in a system, founded
chiefly on that basis, that in such case, the mere character of the
fruit should give way to first principles; and that those with ten
chives should be placed to Andromeda. Or, if the distinction of a dry,
from a moist capsule, should be thought of sufficient weight, on which
to form a new genus, those species, with ten chives, and berries, might
be so arranged. Indeed, the difference in the general habit, of those
with ten, from those with eight chives, would well warrant such an
alteration. But such a change we have declined making, upon the grounds
we have, and are determined to pursue; not to alter any established
name, if even a little erroneous; but only to point out the error, or
the apparent necessary alteration.
This species of Whortle-berry was first introduced, (according to the
Kew Catalogue,) in 1770, by Mr. William Young, from N. America; and is
consequently hardy enough to bear the severity of our common winters. It
should be planted in sandy peat earth, on a dry, sheltered border. It is
propagated by layers, which should be put down in spring, and taken off
the succeeding summer. The leaves of this species are deciduous, when
planted in the open ground; but, if kept in the greenhouse, where it
will be found very ornamental, it becomes an evergreen. Our figure was
made at the nursery, Hammersmith, in May this year.
[Illustration]
PLATE XCVIII.
PULTENÆA DAPHNOIDES.
_Daphne-like Pultenæa._
CLASS X. ORDER I.
_DECANDRIA MONOGYNIA._ Ten Chives. One Pointal.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
CALYX. Perianthium monophyllum, campanulatum, utrinque
appendiculatum; ore quinquedentato, acuto.
COROLLA papilionacea, pentapetala.
_Vexillum_ sub-cordatum, erectum.
_Alæ_ oblongæ, vexillo breviores.
_Carina_ dipetala, petalis alis conformibus.
STAMINA. Filamenta decem, distincta, assurgentia, longitudine
carinæ. Antheræ simplices, minimæ.
PISTILLUM. Germen ovato-oblongum. Stylus subulatus, magnitudine et
situ staminum. Stigma acutum, recurvatum.
PERICARPIUM. Legumen subrotundum, apice mucronatum, uniloculare,
bivalve.
SEMINA duo, sub-rotunda.
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