Petioles short and smooth; leaves drooping, ovate-cordate, acute (in outline); base sub-peltate, split acutely, lobes approximated; teeth all round large, acute incised, straight-sided. Surface smooth and green on both sides; beneath nerves reticulated prominently, with bearded axil-las. Leaf very small 1 1/2 inches long, by one broad; petiole half as long as leaf. The prominent network of nerves beneath, instead of veins, as usual in other species, is peculiar. Fruit unknown".

Since Rafinesque's time this species has remained unobserved, or else confounded with V. rotundifolia by botanists. Even Dr. Engelmann seems to have had no knowledge of it.

Recently Mr. J. H. Simpson, of Manatee, Fla., an excellent amateur botanist, has re-discovered it in Manatee county, Fla. I last year received leaves of it from Lake Jessup, Fla., but took them to be of V. rotundifolia, till lately, having received fruit from Mr. Simpson; I at once saw we had an entirely distinct form, though closely allied to V. rotundifolia. The cluster is about the same size as V. rotundifolia, the berry only one-third to one-half the diameter, with skin thinner and tenderer; seeds small, one-third to one-quarter the size in bulk of V. rotundifolia. Fruit more acid with much less pulp. Wood warty and tendrils simple as in V. rotundifolia, but the cuttings, as tried by Mr. Simpson, grow very easily, while those of V. rotundifolia will scarcely grow at all. It seems to be confined to the southern portion of Florida. Mr. Simpson finds this species common in Manatee county, while the V. rotundifolia is not found. The two species seem to blend into each other coming northward from the Manatee River. This makes the number of species of American grapes, worthy of such distinction, sixteen, and puts two species into the warty wooded, simple tendriled group, instead of one as heretofore.

Just at this point let me make one point clear as to Scuppernong and Muscadine, or rotundifolia grapes, in the South. Generally it is understood that when the term, or phrase, Scuppernong grapes, is used, that it applies to all cultivated varieties of V. rotundifolia. The unguarded use of the term, as in Mr. H. W. Ravenel's "History of the Scuppernong Grape," (Gardeners' Monthly for August, 1885, p. 238), wherein he says, "All the cultivated Scuppernong vines now in existence are parts of that original vine found in N. C. !" leads to confusion unless this is to apply purely to that variety very commonly called Amber; then he is correct. Scuppernong is one of the common names for this class of grapes, along with Muscadine as another. However, it would have avoided the danger of confusion if Amber had been used, as it applies to no other of this class or species. There are other varieties of this species (V. rotundifolia) in cultivation, all or nearly all of which have been found wild in one or another of the Southern States. Pee Dee is another of same color as Amber, but later. They are not amber, but of a dull rusty yellow. Thomas, Flowers and Tenderpulp, all black, are other varieties favorably known and largely cultivated. Flowers is the best to my taste of the lot.

All varieties of this are entirely free from every form of disease affecting other species.

Denison, Texas.

[As to what is a species or what a mere variety among grapes, there will be a difference of opinion even among eminent botanists. In regard to this, it is enough to say that few persons have given such close attention to the study of the grape as Mr. Munson, and his views will therefore be received with great respect by botanists generally. - Ed. G. M].