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Linn. Trans. v. 18 p. 514. "D. Don Monograph on genus Disporum" This genus terminates the series of the Melanthaceæ, forming the transition from that family to the Smilaceæ, the chain of connexion between them being rendered complete by the intervention of a new genus, of which Streptopus lanuginorus is the type" true Streptopus ie not the new genus, belongs to the Smilaceæ & so does I presume certainly the new genus.

p. 514. "The genus Colchicum establishes an evident relationship through Sternbergia & Crocus between Melanthaceæ, Amaryllidæ & Irideæ. The present genus (Disporum) connects the family (Melanthaceae) with Smilaceæ, & Tofieldia, as clearly with Junceæ, whilst a comparison of the structure of Uvularia (one of the Melanthaceæ) & Erythronium fully make out their affinity with Liliaceæ & Tulipaceæ."

p. 515. "The class of Monocot: plants offers a beautiful confirmation of the truth of the doctrine of the continuity of the series of organic beings; & however much the universal existence of transition

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or osculant genera in this class may perplex the Botanist, who looks to the technical definition of his groups, as the highest object of science, we are not to exclude such genera from our researches, merely because their presence renders the circumscription of our pretended natural orders more difficult, for they certainly form the most interesting part of the study of natural affinities."

(Odd one grand class having more osculant genera than another.)

Parts of the chain far more broken then other parts.—