Asa Gray Correspondence files of the Gray Herbarium

8) Lindheimer sends a few specimens of 6 annual Plantagos 3 with narrow leaves P. pusilla and those with wider leaves all villous or pubescent: 2 apear new to me, one is like a large virginianum: I would distinguish them so: 1. Plantago virginiana: foliis ovatis s. ovato lanceolatis, spica demum interrupti elongata alabastris conicis, calycis segmentis anterioribus obtusis, perterioribus acutis, corollae caciniis lanceolatis, [farat?] antheri convolutis, conicis, seminibus oblonge-lancearibus, flavescentibus, minoribus 2. Plantago ? foliis ovatis, spica demum interrupta elongata, alabastris conicis, calycis segmentiis anterioribus acutis, posteri oribus acuminatis, corollae laciniis ovatis acutis post antherior convolutus conicis; seminibus ovato orbiculatis, rubentibus, majoribus. 3. Plantago ? foliis ovatolanceolatis, longe petiolatis, spica comparta brevi, alabastris globosis, corolla post antheris patente. — Do you know them? — Of the larger one (2) I have picked out seeds. ____________________________ I see that Fisch & Meyer have made a new genus of our Polygonella ericoides, Gonopyrum {Endlicher} suppl 2. but the {hermaphrodite} flowers & 3 inner 3 tooth stamina could not distinguish it sufficiently from Polygonella.

Single 28 [postmark] St. LOUIS MAR 6 Mo. Prof. Asa Gray Cambridge Mass.

[Asa Gray's note:] {Answered} March 22' To send to me a set of the plates for B.D.G.

St Louis March 5th 1845. Dear Doctor Here follows another big letter, and I shall still have to finish one or more before I am done; your letter of Feb. 3d has been retrieved, and also the interesting pamplets as I believe I told you. Your and Hookers Cactuses are ready to be sent as soon as the weather will permit. To day I got letters from Lindheimer from the middle of January, when he was collecting already Violae, a shrub with sponous 3 parted leaves (Berberis??), the Teucrium 150 etc, near Matagorda bay, and was preparing to leave for the Guadaloupe. I will spur him up well. — You see that I now have got Endlicher, which is a great assistance; I have written for Knuth also. — As soon as I am done with the examination of the plants, I shall distribute them into sets and send them away; it would be well soon to have the printed pamphlets. But we should have a good many more copies for our use extra, which I think will not cost much. — The tubers of Asclepius lindheimerii show buds! I shall send one to you.

— Has my Neophanes not yet been described? Perhaps from Buckley's specimens? I shall pay attention to it this summer — Spring is opening here, every thing is coming out, Elms are partly past flowering! Very truly yours G. Engelmann

Continuation of Lindheimer's Collection, 1844 I have forgotten to enumerate amongst the plants already in the sets of 1843, but again distributed (without counting or charging for them) the following, which please insert in its place 167. Eriogonum flavum? On sandy hills, in open places in woods etc near Industry fl. from May to August. — Bitter, adstringent, used medicinally decoctions (Involucre 5 toothed, not 6 toothed, as Endlicher says). 175. Tragia urens here I have made an egregious blunder, which you undoubtedly have observed long since. If belongs to a genus not to be found in Endlicher. In its proper place, in the Catalogue of plants of 1843, please it ought to be: [Asa Gray's note:] — = Nuttall's 175. Tragocorton erectus n.p. [— or ?] Tragocorton n.gen. flores monoeci vel dioeci spicati s. glomerati (spicis abbreviatis, singuli bracteati . Calyx 5- (varo 6-) partibus subaequalis, aestivatione valvata. Masc. petala 5 obovata s. oblanceolata, aestivatione cucullata, calycis laciniis alterna disco 5-glanduloso insidentia, glandulis subulatis, calycis lacniis oppositis; stamina 7-8 filamentis inferne in columnam coalitis, superne filiformibus distinctis biseriatum verticillatis, antheris bilocularibus. Fem. petala rudimentaria vel nulla; glandulae disci 5 subulatae calycis laciniis oppositae: ovarium sessile triloculare, loculis uniovulatis; stylus trifidus, laciniis bifidis; stigmata 6 reniformia dilatata, crenulata vel emarginata. Capsula pilisa tricocca, coccis 2 valibus mono spermis, semina globosa rugosa.

Herbae texanae perennes pilis bifidis vestitae s. glabriusculae, foliis alternis, integerrimis, exstipulatis interdum colore purpureo imbutis; pedunculis axillaribus bracteatis; floribus paucis in capitulum contractis, s plurimis elongato-spicatis; femineis ad basin spicae singulis s. paucis.

Nomen ad habitum Tragiae similem et ad affiniatem Crotonis spectans near Ditaxis Vahl and Caperonia St. Hil. but distinguished by the glandular disc, by the smaller number of stamens, the shape of the stigmata and the wrinkled seeds.

Tragocroton erectus n.sp. caulibus pluribus erectis simplicibus s. superne ramosis, pilosis; foliis ovatis sessilibus supra ad venas, infra densissinae pilosis; spicis axillaribus, longe pedunculatis, folio multo longioribus, floribus foemineis inferioribus sub binis, distantibus; masculis superioribus pluribus, approximatis; fl. masc. petalis obovatis s. oblanceolatis, acutis, calycem aequantibus, glandulis pilosis; fl. foem. glandulis subulatis, obtusis, pilosis, petalis nullis; capsulis ravatis villosis, seminibus tubrculato-rugosis.

On hard soil in dry prairies and on the banks of rivulets east and west of the Brazos; fl. from May to July. — Stem stout, 12 to 18 inches high; leaves 1 1/4 to 2 inches long, 3/4 to 1 inch wide very hairy below. Spikes about with the peduncles about 3 inches long, naked in the lower half; female flowers one or mostly 2 below, distant; male flowers about 8 or 10 above, approximate, each about with broad acute petals, 1 line long, with purple veins; seeds more than 2 lines in diameter.

Mixed with this we find some specimens of another nearly related species, which we call {Tragocroton} glabrior n sp. plerumque dioecus caulibus pluribus erectis simplicibus s. supeme ramosis; foliis erectis ovatis, sessilibus, supra glabriusculis, subtus ad venas pilosis spicis axillaribus longe pedunculatis, masculis elongatis multifloris, folium multo superantibus; femineis brevibus, pauci floris, folium vix exocedenitbus; spicis raro monaecis, infra foemineis supra elongatis masculis; fl. masc. petalis obobatis acutis, calycem aequatibus, glandulis glabris; fl. foem. glandulis

2) subulatis auctis glabris; petalis nulis; capsulis adpresse pubescentibus; seminibus levissime rugosis.

On banks of Creeks near Cat spring; fl. May to July. — Distinguished from the last species, to which it considerably resembles by being mostly dioicous; by the more, sometimes entirely, glabrous leaves which finally become together with the stem quite glabrous, by the larger flowers, the closely and thinly pubescent capsule and the less wrinkled, nearly smooth seeds. — Stems and leaves in size and shape similar to the last species; male flowers twice as large; calyx and petals about 2 lines long; seeds hardly 2 lines in diameter; male spikes and monoicous ones (which I have seen only in one specimen) 3 inches and more long, with 20 to 30 flowers; spikes of the female plant, 1 to 1 1/4 inch long, with 1 to 3 flowers; for a third species see No 306. _______________________________ 296. Polygonum eristatum n.sp. caule herbaceo, volubilis, angulato-strato; folius basi subcordata s. truncata triangularibus acuminatis, margine scabris; floribus in axillis foliorum glomemtis, s. in spiras foliaceas pauci floras dispositis; floribus 8-andris, stigmatibus 3 sessilibus; laciniis perigonii frutiferi 3 exterioribus cristato-alatis, alis crenato incisis; nucibus parvis, trigonis, nitidis.

Margin of woods and thickets near Industry; July. — Near Polygonum scandens and P. dumetorum, from which it is distinguished by the hardly cordate, but more truncate and triangular leaves; by the laciniate winglike carinae of the 3 exterior perigonial segments and by the much smaller nuts, which are just 1 line in length; those of P. scandens are 1 1/3 line and those of P. dumetorum full 2 lines long; in this last the wings are very broad, undulate and entire; in P. scandens they are somewhat crenate but frequently not all three developped, and in some flowers entirely wanting. P. convolvulus is easily distinguished from all three by the want of alae wings and by the opague nuts. — 297. Eriorheon lindheimerii n.sp. Eriorheon n gen. Involucrum multiflorum, campanulatum, 5-dentatum; flores hermaphroditis intra involucrum plurinis, pedicellati, pedicelliscum bracteolis nixtis; perigonium coloratum (album) membranaceum, profunde sexfidum; laciniis erectis exterioribus reniformibus, latissimis, interioribus lineari spathulatis; stamina subinclusa 6 exteriora cum perigonii laciniis alternantia, 3 interiora laciniis interioribus opposita; filamenta filiformia, antherne ovatae; ovarium trigonum, styli 3 filiformes cum stam petalis extermis oppositi, stigmatibus obtusis; achenium teres, rostratum, perigonii emarrido stipatum, embryo intra albumen farinaceum rectus, cotyletonibus orbicultis planis diagnoliter per albumen productis, radicula enlongata supera. [drawing captions: cot., Sect horiz.]

Herba texana annua lanuginoso-tomentosa foliis caulinis ovato-lanceolatus semi amplexicaulibus, undulatis, subtus candidis; pedunculis terminalibus elongatis di - trichtomo - ramosis; involucris corymbosis, floribus parvis albidis. Nomen plantam lanatam, Rheo affinena refert.

Eriorheon lindheimerii n sp. Sandy prairies near Industry, July to October. An erect mostly simple annual, 2 to 2 1/2 feet high; leaves half clasping ovate-lanceolate, acutish, undulate and somewhat denticulate; one floccose above, densely white tomentose beneath peduncle terminal, elongated; corymb mostly twice 3-parted, much divided, involucres campanulate

3) 5-toothed, woolly inside and outside, many flowered, flowers exsert on articulatis pedicells, inter mixed with woolly bracts; the external segments of the periogonium much like the interior ones of Rumex or Rhum, larger and reniform; the 3 interior ones linear spathulate, all woolly inside at base, glabrous, triangular, filaments glabrous, about the length of the perigon; ovary glabrous, triangular, with 3 styles; stigmata obtuse, but not capitate. Near Eriogonum but distinguished by its annual growth, by the difference of the external and internal segments of the perigonium, which are nearly equal in Eriogonum, by the obtuse not capitate stigmata; by the roundish conic not 3 angular, achenium, and the farinaceous albumen. 298. Aristolochia longiflora n.sp. radice filiformi elongata, caule humili, adscendente, ramoso, foliis longe linearibus, subsessilibus, utrinque acutissimis, glabris, floribus axillanibus, pedunculatis, basi uni bracteatis, extus pubescentibus, limbo longissimo, ligulato.

Shady grassy spots near the Millcreek. April to July. — A remarkable plant, very different from any other North American species. Root very long and simple, aromatic, stems several, branching from the base, weak, adscending, 6 inches high, branching at base; leaves 3 to 5 inches long, 1 to 3 lines long wide; flowers axillary along the stem; peduncles 3 to 6 lines long; bract linear lanceolate at the base of the pubescent ovary; perigonium 3 to 5 inches long, puberulent outside, limb ligulate cordate at base, narrowed upwards, linear, and twice as long as the tube; capsule smooth. 299. Aristolochia reticulata n.sp. hirta, radice reticu fasciculata, caule humili, erecto; foliis breviter petiolatis, ovato-cordatis, oblusis subtus prominenter venoso-reticulatis; racemis bracteatis paucifloris, subradicalibus, prostrats; floribus hirsutissimis, pedicullatis, ovario bracteatis, tubo incurvo, ad faucem constricto, limbo bilabiato. [drawing caption: flower]

In thickets and high grass near Cat spring, west of the Brazos; May & June. —

Near A.serpentina, root similar, but fibres coarser, of similar taste, also used individually as a "Snake root" (Lindheimer); Stems 6 to 8 inches high, one or a few; from the same root, hairy, leaves oval or elliptical deeply cordate at base, obtuse, of a firm texture, strongly reticulated beneath, hairy on the veins, about 2 inches long, and 1 or 1 1/4 wide; racemes in the axills of the lowestscaly leaves at the base of the stem, with from one to 4 or 5 flowers, prostrate on the ground, very hairy; flowers pedicelled, about 6 lines long, tube ventricose at bbase, narrowed and curved upwards, much constricted at the throat, expanding into an open dark purple limb, with two nearly equal lobes. 300. Euphorbia parvifolia n.sp. anua, prostrata, glabra, glauca, foliis oppositis, ovatoorbiculatis, obtusissimis, integris, basi obliqua obtusis s. subcoradtis, petiolis brevibus, stipulis connatis triangularibus integris s. margina fimbriatis s. apice bifidis; pedunculis petiolos multo superantibus in dichotomia ramorum singulis s. in ramulis foliosis alternatibus glomeratis; involucri glandulis anguste petaloideo-marginatis; seminibus e cinero-rubellis, olobato-oblongis, obtuse angulatis, laevibus.

In clayey soil near Industry, July to Sept. — Also along the Mississippi, Arkanasas and Missouri rivers in heavy black, also in sandy soil. — The smallest of our p procumbent Euphorbiae; leaves for 1 1/2 to 2 and 3 lines long, seeds about 1/2 line long. Nearst to Elliott;s E. cordinfolia (which we have also received from Texas) but

4) much smaller in all parts, flowers more crowded; petaloid appendages small, transversely oval, and emarginate; stipules nearly entire.

Mixed with this were a few specimens of another species, which I believe is undescribed; I have found the same in Prof. {Charles Wilkins} Short's Collection sent from the Red river by Dr. {Josiah} Hale under the name E. rotundifolia, but as there is already another {Euphorbia} rotundifolia described, and as the leaves are generally more oblong than round I have changed the name and call it:

E. oblongifolia n sp. annua, caulibus prostratis, pilis crispis pubescentibus, foliis oppositis, orbiculato - s. ovato- oblongis, obtusis, versus apicem semilatis, basi obliquea truncatis, s. subcordatis, supra glabris, subtus puberulis, breviter petiolatis, stipulis subulatis pilosis; involucris pseudo-axillaribus, singulis, s. plenumque in ramulo folioso glomeratis, pilosis; glandulis obuvatis transversim ovatis; capsula acutangula, pilosa, seminibus e cinereo rubellis oblongo-linearibus, acute angulatis, profude transversium rugosis.

Clayey soil near Industry, Texas, also on Red river (Dr. Hale in HC. Short) fl. August. Near E. depressa Torr but seeds much larger, sharper angled, and deeply rugose.

Besides these and the following I know about 10 more Euphorbiae with opposite stipulate leaves in the U. States, which are partly difficult to distinguish, but their seeds furnish some very good characters. But still more difficult, if not entirely impossible it is, to identify the species, meant by the different authors. Of those described I know for certain only the common E. hypericifolia (though it may be the E. maculata of some) and E. polygonifolia (but Michaux's [S?] must be different). Of E. depressa Torrey I have an original specimen and think if must be the {Euphorbia} thymifolia of some and the maculata of other authors! With E. maculata, if a good species I am not acquainted, and should like much to have a specimen (send me a small branch with ripe capsules! in a letter); I have seen specimens from New Jersey, called so, but they are apparently P. hypericifolia with smaller more hairy leaves. — All may be divided into 2 classes 1) with smooth, reddish gray seeds and entire, glabrous leaves 2) with uneven tuberulated, rugose or foveolate reddish gray or blackish seeds, and serrated glabrous or hairy leaves. All these are annual; but there is one species (collected by Dr. Mersch towards the Rocky Mts), which I call E. deltoidea, which is apparently perennial, has smooth, entire leaves, but not smooth, but foveolate seeds, therefore differeent from all the others in many respectes. — What is E. portulacoides?

I will here give a list with short characters of all E. stipulate of {North} America known to me. Euphorbia stipulata 1. Semina foveolata, rugosa s. tuberculosa (foliis plerumque serratis) a. semina nigricuntia 1. E. hypericifolia Lin seminibus obovatis obtusius angulatis, transversim ruguloris; foliis glabriusculis, everywhere. 2. E. maculata ? sem. oblongis, acute angulatis, transversim rugulosis, foliis subtus pilosis. {New} Jersey b. semina e cinereo rubella var. foliis serratis, caulibus pubescentibus. 3. E. depressa Torr sem. transversim foveolatis; fol. oblongo-linearibus. — Every where 4. E. humistrata n sp. sem minutim tuberculatis; fol ovatis. On the Ohio & Mississippi. 5. E. oblongifolia n sp. sem transversim rugosis, fol. ovato oblongis, Louisiana, Texas. β. foliis serratis, caulibus glaberrimis. 6. E. lateralis n sp. sem. oblongis, transversim foveolatis; foliis ovato oblongis linearibus stipulis setacus-multifidis; Upper Missouri, Geyer. 7. E. angustior n.sp. sem. oblongo linearibus, transversi foveolatis; fol. oblongo-linearibus stipedis subsimplicibus, Upper Missouri, Geyer. var. foliis integris glaberrimis. 8. E. delloidea n.sp. sem. transversim foveolatis, foliis triangularibus acutis. Upper Missouri, Dr. Mersch. 2. Semina laevia (e cinerso-rubella, folia integra, glaberima) 9. E. parvifolia n sp. fol. ovato-orbiculatis, floret sem. minimis, stipulis subintegris, sub connatis, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas 10. E. cordifolia Ell fol. cordato-ovatis, fl. conspicuis, sem. majoribus, stipulis setaceo-multifidis, Louisiana, Texas. 11. E. geyeri n sp. fol. oblongis retusis, invol. petaloideis, sem. majoribus, stipul. setaces multifidi Beardstown Ill & upper Missouri, Geyer. (= E. polygoniful Torr in Fremont's report >?) 12. E. polygonifolia Lin fol. oblongo linearibus, obtusis; invol. glandulosis; sem. maximis; stipul integrisculis, Eastern coast, and coast of Lake Erie. 13. E. gracillima n sp fol. linearibus; invol. longe pedicollatis, singulis; petaloideis; sem majoribus, stipulis subintegris; Texas.

5) 301. Euphorbia gracillima n sp, annua,erecto-petula, glabra, foliis oppsitis, linearibus, integris, obtusis, mucronatis, basi subobliqua acutis, breviter petiolatis, stipulis e basi lata subulatis, distinctis subintegris; pedicellis petiolos longe superantibus, in dichotonia ramorum singulis; appendicibus involucri petaloideis plerumque 4, ovatis subacutis, in aequalibus; seminibus obovato — subglabosis, laevibus e rubello cinereis.

Sandy places, especially about fresh ant hills in prairies and open woods near Industry, also on Sandstone rocks there. Fl. June to August. Large bushes, often 6 feet in circumference and 2 or 2 1/2 feet high; smaller plants are frequently erect. A very slender plant, somewhat with the habit of a large Galium, with conspicuous white flowers and long linear distant leaves, which are 8 to 10 lines long and less than a line wide; peduncles 2 to 4 lines long. 302. Euphorbia arkansana n.sp. annua, erecta, glabra, caulibus a basi ramosis; folius sparsis, spathulato-obovatis, inferioribs petiolatis, superioribus sessilibus, basi angustatis, versus apicem serrulatis, acutiusculis; umbellis trichotomis, bis dichotomis, bracteis subcordato-ovatis, inucronatis, serratis; glandulis involucri orbiculatis, capulis vermicosis, seminbus rugoso-reticulatis.

Roadsides in prairies, from Houston to the Colorado, April to July; also near Fort Gibson in Arkansas (E.) — An annual 3 to 12 inches high, branching from the base; involucral glands orange coloured seeds, deep brown. 303. Euphorbia uloleuca n sp. annua caule erecto, infra glabro, supra piloso, ramulis villosis; foliis sessilibus, ovatis s. obovatis, cuspidatis, integris, glabris; umbellae trifidae ramis trichotomis s. dichotomis; bracteis lanceolatis, acuminatis, margine decolorato crispis; glandulis involucri villosi petaloideis orbiculatis; capsulis lanatis seminibus tuberrulato-rugosis.

In the heavy bottom lands of the Colorado river; August. — Stems 3 to 5 feet high. Near E. bicolor (No 174) but distinguished by the broader smooth leaves, by the denser umbells, much shorter bracts, which are smooth glabrous and one the white margin wavy; but principally (and this proves it to be a distinct species) by the smaller, and very rough tuberculated and rugose seeds; those of E. bicolor are larbre and the wrinkles on them are slight and indistinct. E. marginata Pursh is distinguished by the broader leaves, oval obtuse and mucronate bracts (and the seed: I have not seen seed). — Name from the white and crisp margin of the bracts.

The examination of all these Euphorbiae has let me to examine all that I could lay hold on; those with lunate or 2-horned glands of the involucrum appear to be not well known, as I find them called every where E. peplus in books & Herbaria; but the Europea peplus is something quite different

Euphorbiae glandulis involucri lunatis (capsulis laevibus, seminibus exsculptis, umbellis trifidis) a. Sem. facie interiore foveolato-4-punctatis, exteriore sub laevibus. 1. Euph. cuneifolia n sp. annua, sem. e cinero-fuscis; fol. cuneatis, retusis s. emarginatis sem. 6/10 lin longis; Texas ({Lindheimer}) Georgia (?) ⦿ 6. sem. facie interiore 2-sulcatis, exteriore foveloato-punctatis. 2. E. peplus L. annua, sem. cinereis, 7/10 lin longis; capsulas anulis 2-alatis, fol. peliolatis, obovatis, obtusissimis. — Europe. c. Sem. facie ext. et int. undique foveolato-punctatis. +. fol. viridibus, inferioribus petiolatis. 3. E. commutata n.sp. (E. peplus Auct. am. in parte) biennis (s. perennis?) multi cauli adscendens, fol in fer, Kentucky, Missouri. petiolatis, sup. sessilibus, spathalatis; bract. transversis, sem cinareis 9/10 lin long. 4. E. contraoversa n.sp. (l. peplus Auct. amr. in parti) annus caule basi simplice, noto fol. amnotus spathulas puberulatis: sem. ciner. 1 lin longis — Ohio ({Increase Allen} Lapham) Perhaps var. of the last.

6) 5. {Euphorbia} merschii n.sp. ++ foliis glunois, sessilibus, perennis, multicaulis, adscendens; — sem. cinereis 1 3/10 lin longis. North fork of Platte River, Dr. Mersch. 304. Pilinophytum capitatum Klotzsch, — Low prairies near the Colorado river, Sept & Octob. NB. 171. Croton lindheimerii is the second species of Pilionophytum! 305. Hendecandra tuberculata n sp. annua, dioica, undique stellatotomentosa, ramosissima, folius lineari-lanceolatis, utrinque obtusis, supra virescentibus, subtus incanis, petiolatis, exstipulatis; fl. masculis pedicellatis, in capitulos pedicellatos spicam inter ruptam formantes congestis, terminalibus, axillaribusque; calyce 5-partito, corolla nulla, disco squamis 5 sepalis oppositis instructo staminibus 11-12. fl. foemineis singulis s. ternis, terminalibus s. in dichotomia ramorum breviter pedunculatis; calyce 5-lobo, aequali, ovario disco orbiculato insidente; stylis 3 ter bifidis; stigmatibus sub 24; capsula stellato-tomentosa, tuberculosa.

Prairies in the Colorado bottom, August. — Male & female plants generally intermixed and covering large patches of ground. — An annual, about 3 feet high; leaves above and on both sides stellate pubescent but below much denser and whitish, 1 1/2 to 2 inches long, and 3 to 5 lines wide; length of petioles equal to the width of the leaf; stigmas from 20 to 24; capsules covered with tubercules, on which the stellated pubescence is more crowded, which gives them a very curious appearance. Seeds nearly orbicular, compressed, about 1 8/10 lines in diameter — Near Hendecandra multiflora Torr. in Fremont's report of 1843. pag. 92 but apparently well distinguished; of this I have also only a male specimen coll. by Dr. Mersch 1843, on the North fork of the Platte; its leaves are smooth above, and the entire pubescence is thinner; male flowers in a dense compound spike, single flowers nearly twice as large as in H. tuberculata and only with 7 to 8 stamina on an orbicular, not 5 lobed disc.

— Is Drummond's plant, coll III, 266, cited by Torrey equal to our or to the Missouri plant? — No. 172 {Croton} glandulosus is Geiseleria glandulosa Klotzsch, but the calyx of the male flowers 5 not 4 parted; with 9 to 10 not 8 stamina. Engelmannia Klotzsch has calyx of ♂ {male} fl. 3 not 5 parted; 3, not 5 petals, 3 to 6, not 5 stamina; cal. of ♀ {female} fl. 4 to 6 parted, not 5 parted, (vide Endlicher)

What new genus does Croton maritimus belong to? It is near Hendecandra, but distinguished by not being dioicous etc; it has 12 stam. no petals, ♀ {female} calyx 5 or 6 parted. 178. Iatropha stim. is Cnidoscolus Pohl (Endlicher).

306. Tragocroton humilis n sp. caulibus pluribus, adscendentibus s. prostratis, a basi ramosis, foliis ovato-lanceolatis, brevi sinu petiolatis, adpresse pilosis,un demum supra glabratis; capitolis florum axillaribus, folio multo brevioribus, paucifloris, flore foemineo ad basin unico; petalis in fl. masculo calycem paulo superantibus, lanceolatis, in fl. foemineo subulatis glandulis disci brevioribus; capsulis adpresse pilosis, seminibus tuberculoso- rugosis.

In hard clayey soil west of the Brazos; from March to August. — The smallest of the 3 species, known to us (for the 2 others and the generic character see No 175.) known to us, about 6 inches high; easily distinguished by the small

7) leaves (1 to 1 1/2 inches long, and nearly 1/2 inch wide), glomerule flowers and small seeds, which are hardly more than one line in diameter, and are curiously tuberculate and rugose and under a glass striate. In each little head are one female and about 4 male flowers; filaments connected into a column, upper part free, 4 or 5 form a lower, aand 2 or 3 an upper verticill. 307. Tragia brevispica n sp. multi caulis, ramosa, procumbens, adscendens, ramis apice flexuosis, s. volubilitus; foliis e basi cordata s. truncata lanceolato-linearibus, irregulariter acute dentatis, parce pilosis, petiolatis; spicis folio opposito multo breviorius; fl. foemineo ad basin unico, masculis paucis; capsulis hispidulis.

In black clayey soil in the prairies west of the Brazos; May to July. In this as in all other Tragiae the spikes terminate the branches or are opposite the leaves; sometimes they appear to come out of the stem above the insertion of the leaf, or in other words their peduncle is coalescing with the stem. — This species is nearly related to {Tragia} urticifolia, but distinguished by the pubescent procumbent stems, which often forms bushes of 2 or 3 feet diameter, and are frequently twisted and climbing at their extremities; by the smaller and much narrower leaves (3/4 to 2 inches long, and 2 to 6 lines wide) but especially by the short spikes and small flowers and fruit, which is less hispid. 308. Forestiera acuminata Poir On the banks of the Brazos near San Felipe. March. I have found the same plant on the Wabash, Illinois, Neosho and Arkansas rivers. NB. Among Lindheimer's former collections is a plant evidentlly near Forestiera but distinct: a pubescent shrub with opposite leaves, similar inforescence, but flowering in summer; in the axills of the anentaceous scales are 2 to 4 - [drawing] staminate male fl. and sometimes female and hermaphrodite fl. with them: I have examined fertile fl. without stamens and with 2 or 3 stamens; ovary 2 carpellary, with 2 styles. Do you know the plant?

Ulmus fl. the second time in Septemb; leaves small = {Ulmus} alata, but obtusove segm perigon divided to the base segments 8 linear; ovary villous; — distinguished from all other N.A. Ulmi by the narrow segments of ovary. — 309. Quercus cinerea Mich Sandy hilly soil, forming groves in the prairies west of the Brazos; grow together with {Quercus} obtusiloba: fl. in Febr. — The earliest flowering species in Texas; never a large tree, often crooked, very much branched, unsightly except in early spring, when the young silvery gray leaves with the reddish tops form a pleasing contrast with the fresh green of the prairies.

Numbers of specimens sent you, and the true numbers here in this catalogue are on the printed labels.

8. Dear Doctor Here comes the fourth big letter, and soon the fifth and last will make its appearance. I leave it with you wether you will put some about the Euphorbiae, continued in this letter is a note, or leave it out. You have again a new genus here, but one which probably is known amongst Drummond's plants, as it was found near San Felipe, Drummond's principal station. Is it described? [Asa Gray's] Yes! As soon as I am done with the plants I shall distribute them into sets, and send them on. — The pulp of Gleditchia as well as Algarobia is probably derived from the parenchyma, but in A the inner coat of the carpel forms seperate cells. — I wish for milder weather to send you the Cactus and some seeds for you and Hooker, and also some plants. I am afraid your specimen of Echinocactus gyracanthus will be destroyed

[faded postmark] Single 26 St. LOUIS MAR 21 Mo.

Prof. A. Gray Cambridge Mass

by rotting; still I will send it on, as a specimen, and also as it perhaps can be saved by cutting. After the end of this month I hope I can safely send them. Forward Hooker's part soon, if you can. I am sorry to trouble you so much, as I know that you are very busy; but Lindheimer's plants must be done and distrib uted now. — Here branches of Euphorbia parvifolia, oblongifolia and geyeri. Very truly yours, G Engelmann

St Louis March 29th 1845

My dear Doctor

Here I sent you the best part of my annotations to Lindheimer's plants, and my labour is done so far; I shall now distribute the plants in sets and send them off; those for the North and east and for England I will send to New York, subject to your orders; however I will apprize you of all that, when they are actually ready to be sent. — Spring is now so far advanced that I believe I run no more risk today in sending the Cactus etc and I will pack and ship them today or to morrow; your specimen of Echinocactus gyracanthus is far gone, but I still send it; perhaps you may save it, but cutting it out, and grafting the healthy part on an other Cactus; but if not, you want it at least, to see and examine the plants. — The largest specimen I keep here; it is so far in a good condition. — Echinocactus setipinus is very much shrivelled, and can perhaps not be saved, but I send it on the same account. — You get also a few more seeds, which I have partly picked from among the plants; also a tuber of {Asclepias lindheimeri}. In your box will be included one for Hooker, with cactus, bulbs and seeds; charge him with his part of the expenses and forward it, if possible with the steamer of May 1st perhaps it would be well for you to open and examine his box. — I shall also put in your box some plants, but whether they will do well with the Cactus, I doubt; however as they are partly of importance for Lindheimer's Catalogue, I send them now. — A Vesicaria No 217 I included in this letter, and send better specimens in the box. — I give you now a good deal of trouble again but hope, that after the end of this month you shall have a little more leisure to finish this; — have it printed as soon as possible! — I expect, not to trouble you for a long time to come; but before next winter; in the mean time I long to examine plants again in their native places — and hope to be able to make some more

distant excursion this season. — When do you expect to continue the flora? — Any thing of the 9th vol of Decandolle?

Very truly yours George Engelmann

P.S. Wiley & Putnam write me, that they have sent no sets of Geyer's plants to England, having received no orders from there. — Still it would be well to do it; perhaps 4 will be proper. — When you write to them, please mention it; as Hooker has asked for them, and in London I have wrote him, that they would be sent to W. & P. in London.

Single 26 [faded post mark] St. LOUIS MAR 30 Mo.

Prof. Asa Gray Cambridge Mass

St Louis May 13th 1845 My dear Doctor,

After having inundated you with long and frequent letters, I intended to give you a respite of some months, and if possible, wait for the new postoffice law, but I have to write you again!

About 3 or 4 weeks ago I have sent you a box containing Cactus s and seeds for yourself and another smaller box with the similar contents for Sir {William} Hooker. I hope they are all safe in your hands, and you have sent of the latter. — I find that the Cactus grows easily; all mine are doing well; to make an experiment I took the other day a joint of the Opuntia fragilis? for the Herbarium and put it in the ground, and already it is growing! But let me report regularly: 1. Opuntia frutescens (or fragilis?) has nearly terete joints (angular only in shriveled or dry specimens; leaves on the young shoots terete, mucronate, 2 to 2 1/2 lines long, at first with loose woolly hairs afterwards with spines in the axills. 2. Opuntia vulgaris ? is an erect plant, grows several feet high; joints obovate, at base cuneate; leaves terete, subulate, mucronate, about 6 lines long; in the axills at first a brownish wool, then small prickles, and sometimes long spines; — I recollect to have seen an erect Opuntia near Natchitochez {Natchitoches}; the same? How it differs from our Missouri plant, I do not know well yet; ours is prostrate, the joints orbicular obovate, leaves about the same, but more spiny; specimen from Wisconsin, which are growing in a garden here are entirely similar but less spiny. — It appears to differ from the Texas plant only in the prostrate growth and the more orbicular joints. — Fruit dark brown red and edible. — {Opuntia} missouriensis I do not know; is it also prostrate? 3. {Opuntia} missouriensis ? probably rather O. vulgaris, but very spiny; I have a dry specimen; and can not say any thing more about it. 4. Mammillaria similis I have to endorse every thing said before by me; but except that the leaves do sometimes appear slightly sulcate; it is growing finely; cespitose; leaves (or tubercules spiny, young ones also with a white wool, spines pubescent! axilla smooth. 5. Mammillaria sulcata perhaps M. vivipara! but as I have never seen this plant nor a complete description I can not say any thing about it. — Leaves sulcate, young ones also woolly, but older ones only spiny, spines radiating and only in the fructiferous branches or truncs a curved central spine appears! Perhaps only flowering once! It appears as if those parts of a caespes, that have flowered, do not continue to vegetate, but the younger ones are doing well! Many of the leaves are bringing forth new sprouts at the furrow, below the top. 6. Echinocactus setipinus only one specimen is growing, and will probably bloom; all others and so probably all that I have sent away were too much dried up. It is no doubt an Echinocactus; the young bundles of spines come from a yellowish spot which is surrounded covered with a very short wool, which disappears afterwards. 7. Echinocactus ? gyracanthus; My specimen is growing beautifully, and will get at least 5 or six flowers. Is it perhaps a Melcocactus ? There is certainly no spadix, but the top of the plant, which is rather depressed is very woolly, and out of this wool in the axills of the young branches of spines of this years growth not from the clusters themselves! which I suspect is never the case; the flowers come