The multiplication of synonyms has become a most revolting nuisance," both in Pomology and Botany. What right had Mensch to unsettle a name which had been satisfactory to Aiton, and Curtis, and Redoute, and for aught I know to De Candolle? - Pray what is gained by the change? Tritoma, at least from its etymology, is significant of three cutting edges of its leaves; while to my ear Kniphophia is suggestive of nothing but "Knife and fork," - unless it be Lager-bier, or Meerschaum. If one shall ask me for an offset or a seed by that appellation, I shall be strongly tempted to reply as Beau Brummel is said to have done to the vagrant who begged him for a penny: "Fellow, I know not the coin!" - M. A. W - Athens, Ga.y Sept. 14, 1859.

P. S, - As you requested it, I enclose another sprig of Mr. Nelson's Polygonum teretifolium. I learn that it turns out to be Polygonella ericoides, of Gray: and I am glad of it; for I like the name better, and the plant differs so widely in habit from the Polygonums which are well known. It is decidedly shrubby; the stems would stand about 2 feet high, if supported upright; but they prefer to straggle about on the ground, - or in botanical phrase, are "procumbent," while the branchlets are "assurgunt." The young wood is bright-green, and rather brittle, while the old is brown and wiry; not quite so much so as the heath, but more so than Southern wood, which at a distance it resembles.

As you see, it is still in flower, and has been so continuously since July, yielding a vast supply for bouquets. No doubt in the hands of a skilful gardener it can be grown in the greenhouse, and I think will well repay the trouble. - M. A. W.