where the petals cohere just at the base. Mr. Baker's second group is characterised by petals free or joined only at the very base, and is again subdivided into two, the first group with sepals united into a distinct tube, the second with sepals nearly or quite free. The former corresponds to the second division of the Genera Plantarum,' the latter to the third, with the exception that Rhodostachys, the last genus in the second division, appears in Mr. Baker's last division, where we also find Streptocalyx and Bromelia. Thus the difference between the two arrangements depends entirely on the value given to a very slight coherence of the petals or sepals, and whether plants where such obtains are mostly related to those with quite free or distinctly coherent floral leaves.

The new arrangement gives the first group an additional character in the well-marked capitular inflorescence, whereas Bromelia has a dense panicle and Streptocalyx a raceme. Moreover, Streptocalyx is thus placed nearer the closely allied Portea, from which, "it differs mainly by its ovate sepals united into a distinct cup above the ovary."

Two new genera are established, Distiacanthus and Fernseea. Distiacanthus comprises two cultivated plants introduced by Linden, allied to Karatas and Greigia. Fernseea is a new genus of one species, "differing from Bromelia by its inflorescence, bract-like stem-leaves, calyx cupular above the ovary, and long, much-contorted stigmas, named after the late Baron Wawra von Fernsee, who has collected and carefully described and figured this and many other of the most interesting Brazilian Bromeliacea." The examination of actual specimens has led to the confirmation of Regel's genus Ortgiesia, which Bentham had not seen, and Klotzsch's genus Acanthostachys, both sunk in the Genera.'

6

Wittmack's tribe Bromeliea is identical with Mr. Baker's and that of the Genera,' but the Handbook' has 19 genera, while Wittmack makes 26. The higher number is obtained by separating as genera, groups which Mr. Baker considers only of subgeneric value, viz., Nidularium (Lemaire) from Karatas, and Pothuara, Lamprococcus, and several others from Achmea.

The second tribe, Pitcairniea, contains the new monotypic genus Bakeria, "intermediate between Brocchinia and Cottendorfia." It was founded by M. André, in the Revue Horticule,' 1889 (p. 84), on a plant flowered at Le Fresne, in May, 1888, probably from Brazil. All workers at Bromeliads will appreciate the dedication. The genus Cottendorfia Schultes fil., is restored and enlarged by two new species of Baker and one of Brongniart, making six in all. On the other hand, Encholirion Mart., which in the 'Genera Plantarum' embraces Prionophyllium Koch, is now merged in Dyckia, Prionophyllium and Encholirion forming two subgenera. As stated above, Wittmack splits up the tribe into Pitcairnieæ, including Brocchinia and Pitcairnia, and Puyea, containing Puya, Eucholirion, and Hechtia.

In Tribe III., Tillandsiea, Schlumbergeria becomes a subgenus of Caraguata; in the Genera Plantarum' it is queried, with the remark, "Omnia Caraguata nisi inflorescentia laxior ramosa." It

appeared as a distinct genusin Mr. Baker's revision of 1888. Otherwise, the division with its five genera is arranged as in the Genera' Plantarum.' Wittmack's Tillandsica has eight genera, for he recognises as distinct Massangea, also a subgenus of Caraguata in the 'Hand-book, and Schlumbergeria, considering the variations in length and coherence of the perianth and staminal whorls to be of generic value. He also separates Vriesea from Tillandsia.

Having gone steadily through the book, while arranging by it the Bromeliacea in the Herbarium of the British Museum, we may perhaps be allowed to point out a few matters which suggest criticism.

The key to the Genera with which the book opens, and those to the species with which all the larger genera are supplied, are of great assistance in naming specimens, but now and again there comes a little hitch in the arrangement. For instance, in the key on p. x., the variations in relative length of sepals and petals are used as distinguishing characters between the four genera, Streptocalyx, Echmea, Billbergia and Quesnelia, and those of Achmea are said to be "usually not much longer than the sepals." But on p. 32, in the diagnosis of the genus, we read, "petals two or three times the length of the sepals"! A glance through the descriptions of the species shows that the relation between the lengths is very variable, the petals may be only "shortly protruded" in one species, and "twice as long as the sepals" in the next. Again, in the key to the Subgenera of the group Tillandsiea, Diaphoranthema heads the list of those with rosulate leaves, but the leaves, though often tightly packed on the stem, apparently never form a rosette.

There seems to be a curious fatality about Mandon's numbers which are quoted, the plants often varying considerably in detail from the printed description. Thus Mandon 1174 is Tillandsia biflora Ruiz & Pav., and ought therefore to have the panicle 3-4 in. long, the lower branch-bracts 1 in., and the flower-bracts in. long; but in Mandon's specimen at the British Museum these are respectively 8 in., 5-6 in., and in. Similarly, 1177, T. capillaris, has leaves nearly 2 in. instead of 1 in. In T. virescens, on the contrary, the leaves and peduncle only reach half the lower measurement given. Small discrepancies of this nature are not infrequent, and of course must be expected to a certain extent, as plants will vary, but this marked association with one particular set is curious. Pitcairnia asterotricha Pöpp. & Endl., and Puya grandiflora Hook., are regarded as synonyms of Pitcairnia ferruginea Ruiz & Pavon, but the petals of the species are described merely as yellowish white; this is true for P. grandiflora only, Popp, & Eudl. have "dilute livide purpureis," and Ruiz & Pavon "sub-purpureis."

In conclusion, we must thank Mr. Baker for so frequently quoting numbers, the full value of which is best appreciated when they are wanted; but to quote all would add considerably to the size of the book, and this might not be desirable.

A. B. RENDle.

6

Names and Synonyms of British Plants. Collating the Nomenclature of the London Catalogue,' English Botany,' Babington's Manual,' Bentham's 'Flora,' and Hooker's Student's Flora.' With an Appendix giving other Names and their Synonyms, and a List of Authorities for Plant-names. By GEOFFREY EGERTON-WARBURTON, B.A. London; Bell & Sons. 1889. 8vo, pp. xxxvi. 160. Price 2s. 6d.

Index of British Plants according to the London Catalogue' (eighth edition), including the Synonyms used by the principal authors; an alphabetical list of English Names; also references to the illustrations of Syme's English Botany,' and Bentham's British Flora. By ROBERT TURNBULL. London: Bell & Sons. 1889. 8vo, pp. [ii.] 98. Price 2s. 6d.

THESE Somewhat lengthy titles fully explain the object of these little works, which are laudably intended (to quote the latter of them) "to make the difficulties of botanical nomenclature somewhat less, whilst it may at the same time point out what perplexing confusion does exist, not only in the names given to various plants, but also in the rank they should take as species, subspecies, or varieties, a confusion which extends sometimes to the authorities given for the names,--an extreme instance of this being the name Potentilla Tormentilla,' which has a different authority assigned to it by each of the works quoted in this list."

This introductory statement, coupled with one which tells us that the place of honour [is] given to that name for a plant which is used by a majority of the five works named on the titlepage," shows at once that Mr. Egerton-Warburton is not thoroughly qualified for the work which he has undertaken. So long as the world lasts, there will be differences of opinion as to the limits of species; while, on the other hand, the right authority for a name and the proper one to be adopted are quite capable of being determined, not indeed by a plébiscite of authors, but by a strict observance of the rule of priority. This the author might have achieved, though not without the expenditure of much time and trouble but he makes no attempt to do this. He calls attention to the varying authorities given for Potentilla Tormentilla; but instead of settling once for all which should be adopted, he prints "Potentilla Tormentilla Schenk or Neck. or Nestl. or Sibth. or Scop."; and leaves us free to take our choice. Had Mr. EgertonWarburton gone into the matter, he would have been able to correct the name itself, which must stand as Potentilla silvestris Neck. (Delicia, i. 222 (1768)). The synonymy of the plant is indeed somewhat curious, for if P. Tormentilla be accepted as the name, not one of the authorities to which it is attributed above is responsible for it. Scopoli, indeed (Fl. Carn. ed. 2, i. 360), called it P. Tormentilla erecta; but the abbreviated form in common use was first employed by Stokes in his edition of Withering. The names stand thus:

*

*Not "Nestl." as given by Nyman (Consp. i. 227).

POTENTILLA SILVESTRIS Necker (Delicia i. 222), 1768.

P. Tormentilla erecta Scop. (Fl. Carn. ed. 2, 535), 1787. P. Tormentilla Stokes (With. Arr. ed. 2, ii. 535). 1787. So much care has evidently been bestowed on this little book, that it is with regret that we point out its insufficiency. No small amount of labour, for instance, must have been employed in the list of "authorities for plant-names used in any of the five works quoted, each name being followed by the place or country and date of birth, and the date of decease, when these are known." The type is excellent, and misprints, although not absent, are rare; the introduction of a period between the name and its authority,"Centaurea aspera. L.,'"-is an objectionable innovation.

It is remarkable that, so shortly after the production of Mr. Warburton's book, another volume of the same kind should be issued by the same publishers. There must certainly be a belief in the minds of some that compilations of this sort are useful, whereas nothing can be further from the fact. Mr. Turnbull adds certain items of useless knowledge, such as the position of each genus in the Linnean classification, and what he calls "English names," of which "Small-flowered Pale Smooth-leaved Willowherb" and "Michelian Cat's-tail-grass" may be taken as specimens. This author also "ventures to hope that [his attempt] may in some degree lessen the perplexities of nomenclature to the botanist," being evidently entirely unaware wherein these "perplexities" consist.

As concordances of the nomenclature employed in the books cited, these volumes may be of service to those, if there be any, who need such works. But their number can hardly be large enough to compensate the authors for the labour and expense which must have attended their production: and it is impossible not to regret that these should not have been devoted to some useful purpose.

The Forest Flora of New Zealand. By T. KIRK, F.L.S., late Chief Conservator of State Forests to the Government of New

Zealand. Wellington: Didsbury. 1889. Folio, pp. xv.,

345. tt. 142.

THIS Government publication constitutes a valuable addition to our knowledge of the New Zealand Flora. Mr. Thomas Kirk, in his official capacity as Conservator of New Zealand Forests-a post which we regret to see he no longer holds-has had exceptional opportunities for producing such a work, to which he brought capabilities of a high order. His long residence in New Zealand has enabled him to study the life-history of the trees and other plants which he describes; and the value of the present volume is largely due to the numerous plates showing, in many instances, various stages of growth, which have been executed by various artists under Mr. Kirk's superintendence.

The plan of the work is thus stated in the preface::-"The first portion of the text contains historical information and other particulars of general interest connected with the plant, an account of

its dimensions, habit of growth, &c., and a more or less detailed statement of the structure of the flower and fruit, devoid of technicalities. This is followed by a concise account of its properties and uses, and, in the case of the more important kinds, the mode of working the forest, conversion, commercial value, &c. A brief statement is given of the distribution of the genus, and a more detailed account of the distribution of the species. The article is completed by a botanical description of the species and an explanation of the plate. In most cases enlarged representations of the parts of the flower and fruit are given to facilitate identification."

It seems a little unfortunate that some systematic disposition of the species should not have been attempted, but a synopsis of the characters of the orders and genera is given in the appendix, thus modifying the inconvenience of the want of arrangement.

The genera principally dealt with are Coprosma, Dacrydium, Fagus, Metrosideros, Myrtus, Olea, Olearia, Phyllocladus, and Podocarpus; the order Conifera has received special attention, drawings of a few small species having been included "on account of their interesting character, although they possess but little economic value." Mr. Kirk, indeed, appears throughout to have been mindful of the double purpose of his work, and the botanical and technological portion are treated with equal care.

Manual of Orchidaceous Plants.

Part. V. MASDEVALLIA. Chelsea: 8vo, pp. 82. Price 7s. 6d.

James Veitch & Sons. THIS fifth part of the Manual of Orchidaceous Plants' treats on Masdevallia and the allied genera, Pleurothallis, Cryptophoranthus, Restrepia, Arpophyllum, and Platyclinis. The five latter genera are of little horticultural importance, and have therefore been only shortly described. The genus Cryptophoranthus was founded in 1881 by Rodriguez. None of his species, however, are included under this name in this part, but two well-known plants have been removed to it, viz., Pleurothallis atropurpurea (syn. Masdevallia fenestrata) and Masdevallia Dayana, which are popularly known as "Window-Orchids," on account of the openings on each side caused by the sepals being united at their tips. The plants known in gardens as Dendrochili have also been placed in their proper position under the Benthamian genus Platyclinis, true species of Dendrochilum not being at present in cultivation.

The chief value of this part is to be found in the synopsis of the genus Masdevallia. Sixty good species are here described; more than twice that number are known to science, but many of them are of botanical interest only. An attempt has been made at classification, the species being divided to form sections, three of which are Reichenbachian, viz.:-(1) Eumasdevallia, (2) Saccolabiatæ, and (3) Triaristella. The fourth section has no name, but is typified by M. swertiæfolia and M. gibberosa. These sixty-six species include several plants hitherto regarded as species, but which are now classed either as synonyms or varieties. The Chimæroid section has been well treated, but we cannot altogether accept M. acrochordonia as a synonym of M. Ephippium. It is in the same