767


nads,  in  the  monopetalous  tubular  corolla,  definite  stamens,  inferior  ovary,  and  opposite
leaves,  an  affinity  which  is  confirmed
by  the  corolla  of  the  latter  being  occa-
sionally regular  or  irregular.  In  fact
the  i-esemblauce  between  them  in
habit,  structui'e,  inflorescence,  and
sensible  properties  is  so  great  that
there  seems  to  be  no  certain  character
to  distinguish  them  except  the  stipules
of  Cinchonads  ;  for  the  character  de-
rived from  the  presence  of  one  o\-ule
only  m  one  cell,  and  of  many  ovules  in
two  other  cells,  although  very  striking  3
in  Linnaea  and  Abelia,  disappears  in
others,  especially  in  Ley cesteria,  whose
ovary  has  5  polysperraous  cells  ;  and
yet  that  genus  caimot  be  possibly  se-
parated from  Caprifoils.  Their  epi-
gynous  structure  di^'ides  them  from  4
Dogbanes,  which  have  much  resem-
blance in  habit :  Loranths,  once  mixed
with  them,  have  no  petals.  But  if  we
consider  the  Sub-order  called  Sambu-
cese,  our  "vdew  of  the  affinities  of  the
Order  takes  a  different  turn,  and  we


Fig.  DVIII.
find  an  approach  to  Saxifragals  :  this  is  established  through  the  intervention  of  Hydran-
gea, which  is  undistinguishable  in  habit  from  Viburnum,  with  which  it  accords  in  inflo-
rescence and  in  the  constant  disposition  of  its  flowers  to  become  radiant,  but  from  which
it  differs  in  being  polypetalous  and  polyspennous,  and  only  half  epigj-nous.  Besides
these  points  of  resemblance,  Caprifoils  probably  tend  towards  Umbellifers  through
Sambuceae.
Natives  of  the  northern  parts  of  Europe,  Asia,  and  America,  passing  downwards
within  the  Umits  of  the  tropics  ;  found  very  sparingly  in  northern  Africa,  and  little
kno\\'n  in  the  southern  hemisphere.
