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 288 OBSERVATIONS ON PLANTS

observation respecting it. For a very full and interesting history of this plant, I may refer to M. Dehle's ' Flore d'Egypte' (/;. 77, tab. 28).

Of CisTiNE.^-, three species were observed between Tripoh and Monrzuk.

The Geraniace^e of the collection consist of foiu' species of Erodium, all of Avhich were found on the same journey.

Of Malvace/E, considered as a class, there are twelve species in the herbarium. Only two of these are particu- larly deserving of notice. The first, Adansonia du/itata, found in Soudan, where the tree is called Kouka, is de- scribed by Captain Clapperton; the second, Melhania 233] Benhamii, a new and remarkable species of the genus, differing from all the others in having its bractese regularly verticillated and, at the same time, longer and much broader than the divisions of the calyx.

A single species of Vitis is in the collection, from Bornou.

Neurada prostrata, generally referred to Rosacese, was found in AYady Ghrurbi.

Tamariscine^. a species of Tamaiix, apparently not different from T. gallica, is the Attil, common in Fezzan, Vvdiere, acccording to Dr. Oudney, it is the only shady tree.

Loranthej::. A species of Loranthus, parasitical on the Acacia nilotica, was observed very commonly from Fezzan to Bornou.

Leguminos^. Of this class the herbarium contains thirty-three species, among which there are hardly more than two undescribed, and these belonging to a well- established genus.

Of the order or tribe ^Iimose/E only three species occur, namely, Acacia nilotica. Mimosa Habbas, and l}}(/a higlo- bosa, or a species very nearly related to it. Of this last- named plant, I judge merely from ripe fruits adhering to the singular club-shaped receptacle, or axis of the spike. The specimens were collected in Soudan, and belonging to a tree of considerable importance to the inhabitants of that

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