W.C.2 Wheldon & Wesley, Ltd. ory Booksellers - London Natural Hist -4 Arthur St. N PHuYTOLOGIST. A BOTANICAL JOURNAL. EDITED BY ALEXANDER IRVINE, FELLOW OF THE BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. VOLUME THE THIRD. “Qs eueyadvvbn ta Epya gov, Kipie !—zavra ev codia énoingas. WAAM. py’. 24. Benedicite universa germinantia in terra Domino ; laudate et superexaliate EvM in secula— Hymn. iii Pueror. v. 76. LONDON: WILLIAM PAMPLIN, 45, FRITH STREET, SOHO SQUARE. 1858-9. en an nines tenn bce . LINCOLN’S INN FIELDS. ‘ \ PREFACE. 8 &\ 3°* Srverat of the earliest supporters of this Journal expressed a wish that the annual issues should be accompanied with the usual tables of Contents, List of Contributors, and the General Index, that the work should be completed with the first number for next January. Tn accordance with this desire, the subscribers and purchasers of the ‘ Phytologist’ will receive with the first Number for 1860, Title, Contents, Index, etc., to complete the Series for 1859. Two years’ numbers united would not make a very bulky volume. Those who prefer having a larger book than one year’s issues will form, may bind both together, and the united volume will be either, ‘ Phytologist,’ vols. iti. and iv. of the New Series, or ‘ Phytologist ’ for 1859 and 1860. The General Table of Contents, together with the Index, will show that the present year has not been unproductive of results; but the summary of these is reserved, being intended to constitute the leading or opening Article of the next year’s Series. ‘ ie L r Va Sd a 7 * CONTENTS. ah Seas Page Annual Address to the Contributors, Correspondents, and Readers . 1 Birmmgham Natural History Association, Report of . . . 278, 875 Books Received for Review . . 32, 64, 96, 128, 192, 224, 256, 288, 320, 384 Botany of Arran. Ryd - 196-198 Botany, British, Chapters one) pee 140, 164— 175, -202— 212, 362 Botanical Nowa ete. . 30, 9383-96, 128, 157-160,189-192, 221-294, 252, 284-288, 318-320, 350-352, 382 Botanical Rambles in June 1859 . . . whet eh ees 327, 359 Botanical Sketches. Channel Islands; by John Lloyd . . . . . . . . . 45-47 Cheshire . . ihe Q3S—25 0 Botanical Visit to Dunkeld Woods and gene Hill Sy ae NE OT Botanical Visit to Kinnoul, near Perth . . . Baa AN. SPRL eS, Bryology of the Oolitic Hills of Yorkshire . . . . . . . 51-54 Siaanehtclinds, Botanizing im: 2 2 ee Fe BOB Common Names of Plants . . BLS ee di is Communications received ane 39, 64, 96, 128, 160, 192, 994. 256, 288, 320, 359, 384 Worrespondence, Extracts from: -: -- - . 2 2: 104-118, 327 399 Cyisus Laburnum, var. purpurascens. 2. ew BTS Momma won @reahion ek Soe! | MOR Rie tbe il inl ye A. PeienamesrOnvetanhs Foot Sie I ROR TD gna e RGMiPeteMeMmeVEOSSCSTOR ie ehhh es kk oma 5 ea i iS NLD out em ON ie Peo cod sharma ney et rb Rie WERE Ps eh te AOS HMlora,orlreland, remarks om...) es. eo : 35a nmernChapters GR. we he a 925, 295, 369- 374 Fungus, Oak-leaf .. . . sh ae) Pham tae f Due AAT | Homeopathy, not a Modern Science Br USS ALS bate lei o) 6 J) flymenophyllum tunbridgense and H. Wilsoni. . grt RO Oe Paburnum Wlowers, peculiar growth of — 2.9.26. 2.) 184 Lastrea spinosa and L. multiflora ey ascii oh) areca ene ddan AY VS RONG EI ie Llangollen, Plants at . . i : Sie Sma Raa OF Macbeth, the Danes, Micklewort, and Gard ners? ‘Chr anicle Bem Li 2/07 15° Malta, is Climate and Plants . . SH See MEAS Lidl A Nee Monceons and Dicecious Plants, vain ce GT PED OUI ASS NO ID Miarersoultiie Belotan Blora; <*...- 22 aS mn nL ed le Observations or Notes on Convoleulus sepium . wy eel acpi tae) ESHER a ea es Early English Names of Plants wimg arm meek PROG 4 NXT i WA pa Kral Cea AE Horse Planes) GUC , LES aged => eee 22-24, 292 321- 324 "117, 151, 185; 280, 305, 378 115, 269-271 . 250 . 374 - | 288 230, 299 PES | CONTRIBUTORS, CORRESPONDENTS, AND AUTHORS WHOSE BOOKS, &., ARE REVIEWED. A., 160. A. B., 224, A. L., 64, 224, 256. Agardh, Prof., 72. Alpha, 320. Attwood, Rev. H., 128. Atwood, E. M., 224, 260, 288. Atwood, Rev. M. M., 160. Atwood, M., 256. Atwood, M. A., 320. Babington, C. C., F.R.S., 96. Baker, J. G., 128, 192, 288, 352. Barton, Gerard, 288. Barton, John, 288, 320, 352. Beisley, Harriet, 352. Beisley, Sidney, 192, 224, 384. Benevolus, 256. Bentley, Prof., Brightwell, Miss, 151. Brocas, F. Y., 32, 352. Bryant, W., 288. Carpenter, Dr. W., 118. Carrington, Dr., Cheshire, Wm., Cole, Rev. E., 96, 192, 288, 320. Crepin, M., 96. Crowe, J. W., 224. Currey, Frederick, M.A., 97. Davies, J. H., 51, 192, 352. Delta, 320. Dickinson, W., 256. Dowker, G., 160. E., 192, 256. E. A., 32. HT 32. BE. M. A., 280. F., 143, 160. F. C., 97, 98. FF. V., 256. Fairholt, F. W., 306. Fisher, H. 8., 96. Gifford, I., 192. Gissing, Wn., 224, 256. Green, E. , 256. Grove, Henry, Guise, W. V., 288, 299. H. B., 160. H. C., 128, 161, 192. Hind, Rev. W. M., 115, 128, 288, 320. Hinds, Dr., 384. Hobkirk, Charles C., 192, 314. Holmes, Dr., 96. Hooker, Sir Wm. J., 22, 292. How, Rev. W. W., 96. Howie, Charles, 212, 256, 288. Hunt, G., 96. I. B., 288. Tchester, The Right Hon. Karl of, 256. Ingle, T. W. B., 128, 192. J. P., 320. J.S. M., 96. Jenner, Rev. Henry Lascelles, 352. Jerdon, Arch., 113, 192, 224, 288, 320, 352, 369. Jordan, George, 47-50, 256. Lees, Hdwin, F.L.S., 224, 230, 288. Lindsay, 256. Lloyd, John, 14, 45, 98, 128, 160, 256, 288. Londoner, A, 352. Lynx, 128. M. H. C., 192. M. H., 160. Masters, M. T., 257. Matthews, Wm., Jun. Mill, J. 8., More, A. G., 96. Moore, T., 58. Non-Lichenologist, 224. Norman, Rev. A. M., M.A., 288, 303, 320. : Omicron, 320. Oswestry, 96. ! AL G ay an RN G08 Bae Pamplin, Wm., fy om GS ‘4, Philo-botanicus, 288. Philologus, 224. Philorchis, 224. eA L LIBRARY}: Zz \ wom fd ff a J BO! Bs om — t Fg a > ire ~ a =s 2 vill Prescott, H. P., 55. President of the Birmingham Nat. Hisb. Association, 256, 288. Q., 192. Qwuerist, 288. R. BH. C., 128. Ravenshaw, Rev. T. F., 102, 128, 192. Reader, A, of the Word, 160, 352. Robinson; J. F., 96, 99, 175, 128, 192, 193. S. B., 64, 96, 128, 160, 224, 256, 288. S. P., 288. Salwey, Rev. T., 63, 64. Scotus, 192. Seraps, 96. Sim, John, 33, 65, 96, 101,128,160,179, 181, 192, 224, 288, 304, 320, 353, 384. LISE OF CONTRIBUTORS. Sowerby, J. E., 128, 352. Stock, D., 128, 288, 320. Stocks, 8. H., 63, 160. Sutherland, W., 288. T., 64. T. F. R., 256. Theta, 320. W., 32, 64. W. P., 96, 128, 224, 288, 352, 384. W. G., 32, 320. Webb, Rev. H. W., 256, 288, 371. Webb, F. M., 224, 320. Windsor, John, 128, 288. Wollaston, Geo. B., 160. Wood, Dr., 64, 128. Zeta, 320. THE PHYTOLOGIST. 1859. Annvuat Anppress to the Contributors, Correspondents, and Readers of the Puytoogist. Tue Publisher and Editor, im the first place, tender their grate- ful thanks to the contributors, who have, during the past year, liberally filled our pages with the varied and interesting articles on Botany in general, and on British Botany in particular, now circulated and circulating among the select few who seek for in- formation on such topics. | To our Anonymous Correspondents we are under great obliga- tions; and all the recompense we can offer these is, that we are sensible of their kindness, and hereby thankfully acknowledge that their brief notes form the most interesting feature of our periodical. All the short articles, and some communications of considerable length, are from contributors who do not court pub- licity, who “do good by s¢ea/th, and blush to find it fame ;”’ who write not for praise nor reward, but out of pure good-nature, from a disinterested desire of telling others what is pleasing and instructive to themselves. These modest correspondents are known either to the Publisher or to the Editor. The Subscribers and the Readers are hereby thanked for their approbation, goodwill, and general support ; and we look forward hopefully to a time when those who are here the objects of our good wishes and seasonable gratulations will, as heretofore, con- tinue to increase and multiply till the ‘ Phytologist’ and British Botany becomes as “ familiar in the mouth as household words.” This will not be in our day: and it is rather a success to be hoped for than expected. N.S. VOL. III. B ci) ADDRESS OF THE EDITOR. [| January, Our grateful business is now to lay before our readers a state- ment of the botanical results of the past twelve months. During the preceding year two new works on our native plants have been published. British botanists may be congratulated, not only on the extent, but also on the variety and excellence of their literature. There is no room for saying more on this head ; and if there was, it is unnecessary. One of the works alluded to has been repeatedly noticed in our pages, and is in the hands of many of our readers; and a notice of the other is expected from a friendly correspondent. When it comes to hand, we shall have much pleasure in submitting it to publicity. ‘‘ Better late than never.” Both of these works profess to be plainer in style, or in some respect or other better adapted to the wants of the un- learned on scientific subjects, than the many excellent works we previously possessed. But those for whose use they were com- piled, are better judges of their merits im this respect; and to their judgment they are therefore submitted. The most important announcement to be made here is the publication of Professor Agardh’s elaborate work on systematic botany, or, a new THrory or Crassirication. This is proba- bly the most important contribution to botanical science issued since the days of Jussieu. It is not to be expected that all, or even most botanists will appreciate this work so highly as the writer of this notice is disposed to do. It is not probable that many botanists will undergo the heavy task of perusing and mastering its contents. Of those who may read it, few, it is ap- prehended, will abandon the methods with which they are con- versant, and adopt, learn, and practise, an entirely new arrange- ment. We are not so sanguine as to predict that the work will be universally received as a satisfactory solution of the vevata questio, the béte noire of botany, ‘‘ What is a Natural System ?” But the attempt to solve the question is at least laudable, and it is a step in the right direction. The readers of the ‘ Phytologist’ may look, at no distant period, for a statement of the contents of this scientific work. If we be unable to judge of its merits, we can, at least, tell our friends what it is about. It would be more satisfactory to the botanical public if the great lights of the age, the learned Pro- fessors of Botany in London, Edinburgh, and Cambridge, would condescend to enlighten us on this new system of classifying 1859. | ADDRESS OF THE EDITOR. 3 plants. Both in scope and detail, the work is so different from the usual routine of books we have to deal with, that it is with considerable misgivings that we undertake it. The subject is both difficult and laborious, and the results are by no means of a promising character. Nevertheless the work is seriously and ur- gently recommended to those who can spare time for its perusal, to those who are not afraid of innovation, to those who are un- biassed by favourite, pet schemes of their own or of their intimate friends; to all who are interested in progress, or who love truth, whether in science, politics, morals, or religion. The learned author, who knows the merits of the work, is not very sanguine about its general reception. He does not antici- pate that all botanists will embrace his views. His acquaintance with humanity might justly be reckoned very inferior to his ac- quaintance with botany, if he did indulge any such extravagant hopes. It is vain to expect unanimity about the arranging of large groups, such as classes, divisions, and orders, or even genera, when there are so many different opinions about smaller assem- blages, viz. species, races, varieties, etc. Are all botanists agreed about the limits or the definition of species? The discrepancies among botanists even on this head are notorious. Some bota- nists doubt even the existence of species. These assert that Spe- cies is an abstraction or a conventionalism ; a term expressive of an ideal entity, not the name of a real thing. If there be no unity of opinion about species, can we reason- ably look for unanimity about genera, orders, and larger groups of plants? What individual plant has ever been received, or in- deed can be received, as the type or representative of a species? The abstract idea of a species includes every individual of that spe- cies that ever existed, is now in existence, or will come into being in the ages to follow. No individual plant exactly represents in all its possible modes of being every plant of the same sort or species that has been or will be. Even if the doctrine of Linnzeus be admitted, that a single perfect plant, or a pair of imperfect or diclinous plants were originally created, this would not solve the difficulty. It may be asked, was the original plant the type of its descendants, as Adam was the representative of the human race? If the answer be affirmative, it may still be urged that there is no existing description of this original of the specific race. Which of the descendants is the typical species ? 4, ADDRESS OF THE EDITOR. [ January, The absolute or perfect idea of a species is impossible, because the totality of the individuals composing the species is not yet filled up; and therefore a true description of the species is im- possible. At the very best, there can only be given a description of the qualities of a greater or less number of individual plants. Any number of these may be defined and limited, and still the definitions of these individuals, or of the properties common to myriads of individuals, may be strictly and absolutely imapplica- ble to species. Botanists assume the existence of typical species, typical genera, and typical orders. Will any of them condescend to tell their doubtful brethren what is the type of a species? We suppose they assume that any individual of the species is an adequate representative of that species. This may readily be ad- raitted. But may it not be admitted that every species is an adequate representative of a genus, and every genus a sufficient type or representative of an order? If so, what are typical species, typical orders, types of vegetation, distribution, etc.? Are they “voces et preterea nihil,’ asthe hungry Athenian called the cooked nightingale, served up for his supper? Until systematists can define typical plants, it is to be feared that a universal system deserving the name of natural is still in nubibus, and will be re- vealed only when the sun of science has dispelled the dense fogs by which the minds of ordinary mortals are bemisted. Typical plants will appear to plain men like ideal pictures, and they will, like artistic ideality, be rather phantoms, or dreams. of the fervid imagination, nonentities, anything rather than realities. Suppose a jury of artists were empanelled to select a specimen of the human figure and face divine which should be typical of the human race; would they find a unanimous verdict? Scarcely, teste the Hottentot Venus and the Chinese exhibition in Hyde Park seven years ago. It may he asked again, is not every single individual of a spe- cies, a just representative of that species? It ought to possess the characters of the species, or it has no business among them. If it be a just representative of the species, what need is there of a typical plant to represent the species? All botanists admit this without the least demur. But some of them assume the existence of typical species, though they deny or neglect typical individuals. But if typical mdividuals are useless, as they evi- dently appear to be, what need is there for types of orders and 1859. | ADDRESS OF THE EDITOR. 5 genera? Is not every species an adequate representative of a genus, and every genus a sufficient representative of an order? The man who bravely grapples with these knotty problems and who also brings to their solution a well-trained mind accustomed to observe, to combine, and distinguish; who is endowed with a sound judgment, patient endurance, a proper estimation of the labours of his predecessors in the same field, deserves encourage- ment at least, and his labours are entitled to the respectful con- sideration and admiration of all who are able to appreciate know- ledge and ingenuity. Neglect, faint praise, sly sneers, and direct hostility, are not the way to encourage self-devoted students to labour in the too often unproductive fields of scientific investi- gation. But our readers’ patience had need to be as great as we hope their charity is, or they would not endure this dry lecture on a very barren theme; there is now something to be told which concerns ourselves, 7. e. the writer and those for whose behoof he is writing. ‘Charity begins at home ;” the adage was not for- gotten. Our sympathies are, in the first place, engrossed by those who sympathize with us, viz. our friends, families, and firesides ; but our charities are not confined to home and its con- stituents ; they embrace more remote connections, vide our notice of Professor Agardh’s learned volume; and finally, they should comprehend the entire human race; “‘ homo sum,” said the sage,— or, keeping up the metaphor, “homines sumus,”—“ humani nihil & me alienum puto:” the plural form must be abandoned. Tn the first place, it is proper to inform our patient, loving readers, as the old preface-makers very properly called those who dipped into their long learned preambles, that a recom- mendation by one of our very earliest contributors and firmest friends has been now long under consideration, viz. that the ‘ Phytologist’ should, for the sake of more easy reference, be com- pleted in a year; or that the pagination should not run on for twenty months, or two years, or any other indefinite period, as in our last and previous volumes of the New Series. He proposes that it should not extend beyond the twelve months; but should close with the closing of the year. In order to give general satis- faction, the following plan is proposed for the consideration of the purchasers of the work, viz. to provide a title, contents, and index, for the twelve numbers that will appear between January 6 ADDRESS OF THE EDITOR. [ January, and December, with distinct pagination: thus making each an- nual part complete by itself. New subscribers will not, as here- tofore, have to purchase so many back numbers, in order to complete their volumes. They may however bind up in one volume as many of these twelvemonths’ issues as they please. They will be supplied with a title, index, etc., to each yearly portion. If our subscribers offer no objection to this plan, it will be adopted, and carried out henceforth. Courteous hints have reached us that the philological matter which occasionally fills wp a small portion of our space is not precisely the matter which is expected in a journal expressly de- voted to scientific objects. This is partly true; our readers are Botanists; some of them are Philologists also. Where are our correspondents to seek for information about the names of plants and the etymology of the current nomenclature? In botanical dictionaries and catalogues? These are very useful; but they do not always afford what is wanted. Others recommend sending all such inquiries to the ‘ Notes and Queries.? Many questions discussed in the ‘ Phytologist’? would be quite as suitable to these learned pages as to ours, but this would entail upon the ques- tioners an additional charge. Besides, botanical queries are often neglected in that useful journal. There may be several readers of our publication who have not Paxton’s ‘ Botanical Dictionary’ on their shelves; and if they had, it would often fail to give what is wanted, as many new names have been introduced and have become current since it was published. The Editor of the ‘Phytologist’ hopes that no reader will hesitate to ask his help, either about the identification of species or etymological difficulties. He will do his best to help all who have exhausted their own means of determining doubtful ques- tions. He knows that every botanist is not provided with an extensive library of books for reference. Those who are well supplied with good works on nomenclature and __ descriptive botany, will not ask questions which they could themselves an- swer. We promise to economize our space as much as possible, but mean séi/d to answer all fair questions to the best of our ability. A friend has reminded us that there is no English dictionary extant which gives the right names to our common plants; or rather, there is none which gives the proper scientific term, cor- 1859. ] ADDRESS OF THE EDITOR. 7 responding to the common or English name. This may be the ease. But the ‘ Phytologist’ is not exactly the medium for sup- plying the deficiencies of English dictionaries. The propriety of the specific term Spicant has been settled, and we beg to adduce this as an evidence that the etymological articles have been successful, and their utility must still remain unquestioned. For these reasons, the uncommon etymologies will, as before, receive a moderate share of consideration. Such terms as are clearly and satisfactorily explained already, will rarely be sent to the ‘ Phytologist, and if they are sent, they may be despatched in a few lines. Our readers are reminded that the ‘ Classical Journal,’ the ‘ Museum Criticum,’ and similar learned publications current in the times when we were young- sters, are now historical facts, to be numbered among things that were. The Hditor wishes one thing to be clearly understood, viz. that he is not responsible either for the facts supplied to him for circulation among his readers, nor for the style and manner in which these are communicated. He will use all due precaution against canards, notices of the discovery of mares’-nests, etc., and he will take care to let nothing be printed which can justly be considered offensive to good manners, or which might give pain or uneasiness to any other contributor. He does not volun- teer this statement of his editorial duties and liabilities because of any complaints either against himself, or which have been aimed at anyof his fellow-labourers ; but because there was a slight misunderstanding about the intent of the short article on ‘ Things not Generally Known.’ 'The printing of this article in the ‘ Phy- tologist’ was not approved of by a// our readers : in some quarters there was a misapprehension of its object. The correspondent who sent it did not quote the source whence it was taken. The Editor believed that the work from which it is an extract was so generally known, that it was superfluous to supply this omission. He thought that every one of the reading public would recognize the title as the name of a very popular work. The quotation had gone the round of the newspapers, and even appeared in some penny almanacs, and in tradesmen’s almanacs, publications in which London tradesmen advertise tea, tobacco, sugar, spirits, wine, figs, nuts, ete. As it happened, the substance of the article had the appearance of vraisemblance, and unfortunately mingled 8 ADDRESS OF THE EDITOR. [ January, the true with the false; “vera falsis confudit.” And hence it was offensive to some who did not perceive that it was only a jocular mode of warning readers not to pin their faith on every printed statement. Possibly our correspondent may have intended o perpetrate a small pleasantry, or to make an experiment on the credulity of the Editor, who is like a wily old fox, not to be caught m such a clumsily-set and ill-baited trap. But whatever may have been the object of our contributor, the article was sent to the press neither to mislead nor to mystify, but simply to warn readers not to place implicit confidence in all that appears in print, whether it may originate with the clever compiler or author of ‘Things not Generally Known, or with the cleverer author of the ‘ Vestiges of Creation.’ That it obtained universal credit with our brethren of the Fourth Estate is a fact, not a great one, but an important one. No one who knows the ‘ Phytologist’ will believe that the doctrines so eloquently expounded in the ‘ Ves- tiges of Creation,’ and which were generally known in late times by the term Vestigianism, will find much favour in our sight. They will find few advocates among our contributors. The “ Flowers of the Olden time” is another short paragraph taken from a contemporary publication, entitled ‘A History of Progress,’ and from which it does not appear that botany has made great progress. The writer of the chapter on our native and introduced plants, or the editor of the ‘ History of Progress,’ does not appear to have made much progress in his botanical studies. Surely no reader of the ‘ Phytologist’ is so green as to believe that the Honeysuckle of our woods and hedges is an in- troduced plant! It has always been esteemed, even by the most fastidious of purists, as one of the most orthodox or genuine ab- original productions of our native land. Will the historian of Progress tell us when it was introduced ? The dispute about the change of the Wild or Sea Cabbage, Brassica oleracea, ito Kail, Caulifiower, Broccoli, etc., or the escape of the cultivated plant, and its establishment on maritime cliffs, and subsequent degeneration into the Sea Cabbage, must for the present be considered as one of the things or facts not generally known, or rather a something about which there is not a unanimity of judgment among the writers of the ‘ Phytologist.’ But on this pot there is some vacillation in other quarters ; 1859. ] _ ADDRESS OF THE EDITOR. 9 and if we cannot agree about the fact, we should do as opposing religionists propose to do, viz. “agree to differ.” It must be admitted that it is an all but universally accredited fact, that all cultivated or domesticated things (plants and ani- mals) existed originally, or from the beginning, in a wild state, and that they were accidentally discovered, as “ Anah found the mules in the wilderness, when he was herding the asses of Zibeon his father,” and rendered useful by cultivation and domestica- tion. Is this one of our time-honoured, hereditary beliefs, or is it capable of proof either by historical evidence or by @ priori or @ posieriort argument? Questions about the domesticity of animals, and the origin of useful and ornamental objects of agri- culture, horticulture, and floriculture, are more easily asked than answered. An apology is owing to several correspondents for an apparent, not a real neglect of their communications on cases of poisoning. The cases to which allusion is now made, had all been circu- lated in the newspapers, weeks before they could have appeared in our pages. It was too late to publish as news what all our readers knew already from other sources of intelligence. Every one who can and does read, knows that the berries of the Deadly Nightshade are a certain and speedy poison; would that all, and | especially children, knew the plant when they saw it, and knew also its virulent qualities! The schoolmaster, as they say, does not appear to be at home on this subject. Surely the knowledge of poisonous plants cannot be said to be useless knowledge! The berries of the Woody Nightshade (Solanum Dulcamara) are sus- picious, but they are not very tempting. Are there any known cases of persons poisoned by them? Are there any reported? The prevalent opinion that the berries of the Mountain Ash are’ poisonous is not easily accounted for. In the south of England, where this tree is commonly planted—and very ornamental it is —in shrubberies and in small gardens where it does not occupy much room, the berries hang unmolested by the smock-frocks of the country and the gutter-bloods or Arabs of the town-popula- tions, till the birds have time to eat them at their leisure. The birds, in these parts, are better judges of wholesome fruit than the unfledged (wingless) bipeds. In Scotland the berries are sometimes kept till they are dry, like currants. In harvest they used to be thrown on or among the sheaves, on the cornricks, N.S, VOL. III. Cc 10 ADDRESS OF THE EDITOR. [January, and at Christmas, when the ricks were threshed out, the roddins as they are there called, were counted good fare. In Wales a kind of drink is brewed from them. Probably a brandy might be distilled from their juice. Nobody in Scotland or in Wales has the slightest doubt about the harmlessness of this fruit. On this subject a brace of articles (not of bucks) have been in hand several months, and they will appear soon. We hope that none of our obliging correspondents will believe that we are not greatly indebted to them for sending us these and similar slips and cuttings containing current news. They are useful to us in one way or another. It may be satisfactory to some of our friends to introduce a short paragraph about anonymous contributions,—articles which are not subscribed with the names of the writers. When the names are withheld, it is always done at the correspondent’s spe- cial injunction. It would be always agreeable to us to give the author’s name as a voucher; but we fully admit the right of a contributor to fix his own terms. The Editor begs to state posi- tively that there is not a single fact recorded in the ‘ Phytolo- gist’ for which he has not sufficient authority. He knows the authors or authoresses of all communications that have appeared in its pages since its change of ownership. Further, he believes that there is not one of these anonymous contributors who would have the slightest scruple about having his or her name privately or confidentially divulged, if there were good cause for such re- cognition. Of course the Editor neither would nor could take such a liberty, without the permission of the respective parties duly transmitted to him. But he knows no party to whom he would not confidently apply for this permission, if he was form- ally requested, for important purposes, to make such application. Before concluding, the Editor has something to tell the readers of the ‘ Phytologist’ in general. The number of contributors and correspondents considerably exceeds a hundred. This might be considered an ample guarantee for at least a considerable di- versity of matter. Yet some have complained that more variety might be expected,—that there is a lack of large comprehensive views of botany in general,—that our sympathies are too limited, —that we are not sufficiently catholic in our achievements and _ aims. The Editor’s opinion has always been that local botany does engross too much of our attention and space,—that there 1859. ] ADDRESS OF THE EDITOR. dah are other departments of the science deserving some notice,—as attractive to many as the lists of rare plants, or the notes about white Bluebells, blue Milkworts, etc. ete. Our readers are hereby honestly informed, that we must give them what we get from our contributors, and our contributors are, like ourselves, labouring for the sake of science, not for profit. Asa commer- cial commodity, the ‘ Phytologist’ is “ stark naught ;”’ asa means of disseminating some information and much good feeling among botanists, it is invaluable. Therefore the botanists of England, ay and of Scotland and Ireland too, cling closely to it, as toa standard, a sort of rallying-point, which fairly gives expression to all the variable and ever-varying shades of opinion on bo- tanical subjects. Some correspondents complain, on the other hand, that there is a deficiency of good articles on the localities of plants, or rather, good excursion-details, or rambles in search of rarities. These look back to the years of former times, when the ‘ Phy- tologist ’ was young, and was then generally full of “ Day’s Bota- nizings” in all parts, from the Lizard Point to Cape Wrath. The subject was fresh then; it is stale now. We do confess a want of sympathy with these regrets. ‘The obligations of the present are too pressing to admit of much sentimental indul- gence of the pleasing reminiscences “ of days long past.”” While doing our best under existing circumstances, we look hopefully to the future, and endeavour not to regret “the days of auld lang syne.” Our object is to give general satisfaction, or to please all parties ; and though not unmindful of the moral couched under the story of the Miller and his Ass, we feel obliged to our cor- respondents for the valuable hints that reach us, all sent with the laudable intent of improving the ‘ Phytologist.’ All receive patient consideration, and our hope is to make them all in some way or other conducive to the improvement of our periodical. We wish we could prevail on the botanical brotherhood of the Microscopical Society to tell us what they see when they have vegetable tissues at one end of their achromatic tubes, and a clear, steady eye at the other. The structure of all parts of a plant is instructive, from that of the pollen-granules to the more solid or denser tissues of the vegetative organs. This hint is thrown out at random, yet it may fructify and produce both edification 12 ADDRESS OF THE EDITOR. [January, and pleasure to our readers. It is seriously hoped that it will not fall like seed on the bare and barren sands of the sea-shore. Finally, the Editor has much pleasure in announcing that he is now able, through the kindness of a well-wisher to the good cause, to give some slight variety to the contents of the ‘ Phyto- logist.’ A series of articles on the history of the British plants has been offered, and are conditionally accepted. They will not be a mere chronicle of botanical events, nor sketches of men illus- trious in the science, nor a bibliographical account of botanical works, but a genuine history of the British species. It was intended to give here the headings of a few of the earlier chapters, but our usual limits are already over-passed, and the above must be deferred. Yet we cannot entirely dismiss it from this Address, because we want both the approbation and assistance of our correspondents to aid us in carrying out the proposal. They can hardly be expected to approve till they have had a sample; and they cannot give any help till they know how. It is intended to trace the relations existing between the plants recorded in Holy Scripture, and those of our country; also the relations of Druidical, classical, medieval, intermediate, and modern botany, with that of Great Britain. It will, when finished, be a complete history of our native plants in connec- tion with what was known of botany in all ages, from the earliest antiquity to the present time. The antiquities, utilities, and the distribution of native species will be the staple of these articles, while the botanists and botanical works will form an integral and important part of the series. What is wanted are contributions on the early records of plants, their common vernacular names in any of the existing languages now current in Great Britain and Ireland (no merely local names are desired) ; also the first mention of any plant or plants in any English, Welsh, or other work or herbal current in the British dominions. The geography of the British species, or their distribution in regions beyond our four seas, is another object of research. Mr. Bentham’s work will both show the way, and also afford some data which will admit of increase and classification. Valuable in- formation on the introduction of exotics or on naturalized plants will be found in our number for June, 1858, p. 449 and the fol- lowing. This article, for which we beg specially to thank the ano- nymous correspondent who furnished it, is from De Candolle’s 1859. | ADDRESS OF THE EDITOR. 13 ‘ Géographie Botanique.’ While we direct the reader’s attention to this useful réswmé, we do not advise them implicitly to adopt the results or statements of the eminent botanical geographer. They will, however, rely more on their own observations than on the theoretical deductions of the learned Professor. Investigators will see that although our Flora has received nu- merous and important additions from foreign parts, both Kuro- pean and extra-European, yet that the great majority of new plants, entered as of spontaneous British growth, since the times of Ray and his contemporaries, consists rather in the separation of supposed species, or splitting, as some irreverently name this practice of modern botanists. Probably we have received from distant lands one hundred species, now naturalized, or generally reported as of British spontaneous origin (growth): but we have now (1859) about eight hundred plants not in Ray’s ‘ Catalogus Plantarum Angliz.’ Whence have we got these? Were they all overlooked by Ray and his keen-eyed contemporaries? Sup- posing that we have given a home to a hundred aliens, whence have we obtained the remaining seven hundred new species? Probably the history of many or several of what we have flat- tered ourselves were genuine species, may be more instructive to our successors than flattering to ourselves. . Some of these new comers are probably destined to “dumb forgetfulness,” to be lost in oblivion, guza sacro vate carent. ‘They do not deserve a divine poet to celebrate their virtues and to sing the celebri- ties of their uneventful lives. But we may learn something from _ the short and simple annals of these inglorious innocents who are now and then remorselessly sacrificed to appease the lumping portion of the amiable fraternity, as they are termed derisively by their species-splitting brethren. The Editor, however, respectfully reminds the amiable corre- spondent who so liberally offers the result of his observations on this subject,—the condensed summary of what he has seen of the vegetable kingdom, in Europe, Asia, and the far west, during a quarter of a century,—that “ life is short and art is long,”’—4drevis vita, ars longa est. It is possible for an author to exhaust himself while attempting to exhaust his subject ; and it is not very improbable that the patience of the reader may be ex- hausted, before the writer has accomplished the exhaustion either of himself or of his subject. The exhaustive process, like some 14 ADDRESS OF THE EDITOR. [ January, other processes, may be carried beyond the limits of human en- durance ; it is not seldom exhaustive of the time and money, as well as the forbearance of the reader. Our correspondent’s letter, in which he proffers this kind assistance, is not forthcoming: it has been lost or mislaid, which is just the same, or our readers should have had his proposal in his own words. All that can be pru- dently told our readers at present is what we have, in substance, stated to our contributor, viz. ‘‘ Send a sample of your ware, show us what you can do in this line, and we will do as dealers in other and very different wares do, viz. judge of the stock by the sample.” This procedure is recommended to all who read this, viz. that they should suspend their judgment on this proposal till they have had an example of what we are able to supply on this new subject. Meyer, the great modern historian of Botany, several months ago completed his third volume of the history of the science, and he has only brought it down to the era of the Saracens, Charle- magne, and the establishment of the Medical School at Saler- num (Schola Salernitana). How many more volumes the work may contain, or how many years it may be ere it is completed, we suppose the learned author cannot tell. But we can tell that the publishers of London would give small encouragement to a work so indefinite in magnitude and duration. We promise thateach section or chapter of the projected history shall be a complete account of some portion of the subject. Our correspondents are specially imvited to send us their opinions, views, remarks, and suggestions on the proposal now submitted to them for their consideration and patronage; and with our humble and sincere acknowledgments of their kind and disinterested assistance, we cordially wish them and all our readers the customary congratulations of the season. Chelsea, January, 1859. Some account of Rozel, in the Island of Jersey, with remarks upon the Plants growing upon the Island, indigenous and exotic. By Joun Luoyp. At half-past eleven o’clock at night, on Monday, the 2nd of August, 1 embarked on board the steamer the ‘ Courier,’ bound 1859. ] PLANTS OF JERSEY. 15 for the port of St. Helier’s, in the island of Jersey. Upon going into the fore-cahin, I found it inconveniently crowded; many of the berths were occupied, and those which were not were all of them marked as taken, so I was obliged to put up with sitting- room. We started soon after one o’clock. The beautiful bay of Southampton Water was smooth as a mirror, and as the night was warm, many of the passengers preferred to go upon deck, and amongst them a gentleman who had secured a berth, but who had not the courtesy to relinquish it to any other individual, although there were several of the softer sex who stood much in need of that very necessary accommodation. However, as - the sea was smooth, and all the passengers seemed disposed to be upon good terms with themselves and with each other, the few hours of darkness passed rather pleasantly. After passing the five other islands, we came in sight of the western coast of Jersey, and as you approach it, it has rather a barren appearance. The land falls rather precipitously towards the sea, and the table- land beyond is scantier of wood than is the island generally. As you turn the south-west corner, and approach towards St. Helier’s, and have the Bay of St. Aubin before you, all the sterile appearance is gone. ‘The land behind the town is well furnished with trees, which, with the numerous suburban villas and their well-laid-out grounds, gives an appearance of high cultivation. The boat made the harbour, and we landed upon the quay - about twelve at noon. In walking towards the town, I observed that very beautiful plant Centranthus ruber: it grows upon walls and cliffs in various parts of the island, and is frequently met with with a white flower. As it seems here quite at home, I would suggest to our botanists whether it may not be a true native; if so, the extent of its radius may be about the county of Somerset, and that it will not survive severe winters further north in its exposed habitat. I passed on to the Esplanade and entered the town. I soon came to Charing Cross. Here were no pillars, nor statues of kings, no heroes, no fountains, no National - Gallery, no church renowned for its portico, but there was a “Golden Cross,” into which I went. Now this is a much more humble hostelry than is its far-famed namesake on this side of the water; but I procured what I wanted, and that was a hearty meal. 16 PLANTS OF JERSEY. [ January, I then went to visit the nurseries in the vicinity, and first, the very respectable establishment of Mr. Bernard Saunders, which, although in so remote a place, I found as well conducted as a first-rate London nursery. Myr. 8. has paid much attention to the indigenous botany of the island; but what 1 consider to be the thing in which he most excels, is the cultivation of Cape bulbs in open borders. He is very sanguine in his opimion that they may be grown in the same manner in England; and no doubt they may in the extreme south and west; but I fear that in the vicinity of London there would be many difficulties to surmount before they could be grown to anything lke the per- fection which they attain in the Channel Islands. Certainly much may be done, as we are very far behind in the cultivation of these beautiful plants. I next paid a visit to the nursery of M. L’Angelier, and saw the most extensive collection of Pears which I had ever seen. He professes to have, and I suppose has, upwards of a thousand varieties, all grown upon Quince stocks. I here observed Yucca aloifolia, Hedychium coronarium, and Eucomis punctata, grown as common border plants. I visited other smaller nurseries, but saw nothing in them worth recording. In returning towards the town, I observed Agave americana planted out, and growing luxuriantly in the open air. The Fuchsias are here large bushes ; their branches survive the winter, and they were a mass of scarlet bloom. The Hydrangeas are also large shrubs; their flowers are all blue, perhaps from the quantity of iron in the soil. At an early hour upon the following morning I started for Rozel, which is situated at the north-east corner of the island, and is somewhat more than five miles from St. Helier’s. In passing along St. Saviour’s road, and near to the Government House, I came to a bank on the right-hand, with Sedum rupestre growing upon it abundantly, as well as Sedum anglicum, which latter appears to be the most plentiful species upon the island; I saw also Erythrea Centaurium, Umbilicus pendulus,and the follow- ing Ferns :—Polypodium vulgare, Lastrea Filix-mas, Asplenium Lrichomanes, and A. Adiantum-nigrum. Passing through St. Saviour’s churchyard, I observed that nearly all the gravestones erected in the last century and the early part of the present one, bore French inscriptions, whilst those of more recent date had English ones. A little past the church, I came to Polystichum 1859. | OAK-LEAF FUNGUS. 17 angulare, and Scolopendrium vulgare, which appears to be the most generally distributed Fern upon the island; and near to Ronde-Porte Cottage, Lastrea dilatata, Athyrium Filix-feemina. OAK-LEAF FUNGUS; OR PROPERLY, OAK-LEAF SPANGLES. By S. B. I have again examined an oak-leaf with these objects on it, and I found that under almost all the spangles there was a small amber-coloured grub. The leaves I examined last autumn were much older, and as there were no grubs in them, I con- clude that the process of insect-transformation had taken place, and the spangles vacated by their late occupants. Mr. Jerdan’s answer to my note therefore appears to be correct. The Fungi I first observed in the vacated spangle were, I expect, perform- ing the work of decomposition, acting like “ Death’s decaying fingers.” I have lately been much interested in the examination of the leaves of the Viburnum Opulus, which I found covered with small amber-coloured spots, giving off a peculiar odour, like the smell of pigs or turmeric. JI also found the same on the leaves of other plants. This smell I had often noticed in walking by hedge- rows in the autumn, but never till now did I learn its source. The parasites of Oak and other trees, both animal and vege- table, are numerous, and a description of them would fill a vo- lume. I would however recommend your readers to carry a powerful lens, and use it in the examination of every object they meet with on the leaves of trees, with a view of ascertaining more of this minute world of creation. There is much truth mn what the author of the ‘ Journal of a Naturalist’ tells us in p. 120, ete.: “ As in the animal world, after disease or violence has extinguished life, the dispersion is accomplished by the agency principally of other animals or animated creatures, so in the vegetable world, vegetating substances usually effect the entire decomposition. Fungi in general, particularly those arranged as Spheria, Trichia, Peziza, and Boletus, appear as the principal and most numerous agents; and we find them almost univer- sally on substances in a certain state of decay or approximation N.S. VOL. 111. D 18 THIRSK NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. [ January, to it; though there are a few substances of this class which are attached to and flourish on living vegetation.’ He then refers to the agents which effect the decomposition of the leaves of the Laurel (Prunus Lauro-Cerasus), the Elm, the Sycamore, and the Beech. The first appears in the form of a small black speck, and when ripe, discharges a yellow powder from the centre. This is named by Lamarck, the two-fronted Uredo (Uredo bifrons). The dark-coloured blotches on the elm-leaf he calls “ the plague-spot of its destruction,” and this Lamarck names Spheria «xylomoides. The dark-coloured spots on the Sycamore (Acer Pseudo-Platanus) he calls Xyloma acerinum, which appear in autumn. ‘These specimens,” observes the author, “ are only individuals among hundreds, which present us with a world of beauty, va- riety, and wonder.” T would recommend this interesting work for perusal, and I wish some of our other Naturalists would publish ¢hezr journals. I hope some of your readers will favour me with the name of the spots on the leaves of the Viburnum Opulus. I enclose a leaf for your imspection. Note.—The spots on the leaves enclosed appear to discharge a yellow powder. THIRSK NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. Botanical Exchange Club. The monthly meeting of the Thirsk Natural History Society was held on the evening of Friday, the 3rd of December. Miss Warren, of Flushing, near Falmouth, and Mr. Isaac Williamson, Lower Hillgate, Stockport, were admitted as members of the Botanical Exchange Club. Mr. J. G. Baker announced the receipt of parcels from Misses Gifford and Warren, Mr. Samuel King, and the Rev. W. M. Hind; and that Mr. A. Irvine had kindly undertaken, for the convenience of the southern members of the Club, to take charge of whatever packets might be forwarded to his residence, and would send them in one cover to Thirsk, at the end of the year. He exhibited specimens and communicated notices as under :— “ North-east Yorkshire—Fumaria Vaillantii, Lois.—Found by 1859. ] THIRSK NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 19 Messrs. Brown, Davidson, and himself, at Cawton Heights, near Hovingham, in the summer of the present year. New to the county. “ Galium insubricum, Gaud.—Mr. T. I. Foggitt has communi- cated, from the vicinity of Sandhutton, near 'Vhirsk, a supply of a Galiwm differmg from the ordinary form of Mollugo by its slender stem, narrower leaves, more erect panicle, branches and pedicels as long and erect as those of erectum. It would appear to be identical with the plant of Gaudin, and not distinct from Mollugo specifically. “ Gladiolus imbricatus, L.—To the courtesy of Mr. J. T. Syme we are indebted for a specimen of this interesting novelty, collected in the June of the present year, in one of the previ- ously registered ‘stations in the vicinity of Lyndhurst, in Hamp- shire. Upon the Continent it is a plant of Russia, Austria, and Germany proper, but not of France or Switzerland. It much resembles the Gladiolus commonly cultivated in gardens (G. communis, L.), but is distinguished by its smaller size, closer flowers, and rounded seeds. “ Athyrium Filix-femina, plumosum, Moore.—The Messrs. Stansfield, of Todmorden, send from the vicinity of Whitby a very curious and interesting Fern. In the example forwarded the sori are non-indusiate, and placed upon the edge of the pin- nules, as in Davallia, so that it looks very different to the ordi- nary forms of the Lady-Fern; but in a communication with which we have been favoured from Mr. Moore, of Chelsea, he expresses an opinion that it is a variety, or rather, condition, of that species.” Mr. J. H. Davies exhibited specimens from Mr. Nowell and others, in illustration of the bryology of the coast sandhills in the neighbourhood of Southport, in Lancashire. The series in- cluded Catoscopium nigritum, Bryum uliginosum, B. calophyllum, B. Marratii, and B. warneum, Meesia uliginosa, Hypnum sale- brosum, H. elodes, and H. polygamum. Also Campylopus brevipilus, B. and 8., East Yorkshire, Skipwith Common, between York and Selby, 1858, John Nowell: the third British station. Brachythecium glaciale, Bryol. Kur., and B. micropus, Bryol. Eur., two new British species, allied to Hypnum reflexum, found by Mr. Wilson on Ben Lawers in 1855, sent by Miss Atwood. 20 REVIEWS. [ January, Rebiews. The Transactions of the Malvern Natural History Field Club. Partalik: The readers of the ‘ Phytologist,’ through the Editor, offer their thanks to the unknown correspondent who has kindly sent to us the above-named publication. The anniversary address by the President, the Rev. W. 8. Symonds, F'.G.S8., reviews the geological discoveries recently made in the district. These, as being beyond our province, require no further notice in the Journal of Botany. ‘The bo- tanical discoveries are neither few nor unimportant. New localities are recorded for EKchium vulgare, a rare plant in the Malvern district; also for Campanula latifoha, im Cowleigh Park; also Myosurus minimus, in a fallow field, at Powick, near Ham Hill Cottage; Narcissus biflorus, plentiful m a field in the parish of Bromsberry (southern end of the Malvern chain) ,—a rather wide definition of a botanical locale; “ Gagea lutea, Purlieu Lane, by the Rev. F. Dyson, and in a spot nearer Brockhill by the Rev. Dr. Craddock, Principal of Brazen-Nose College; Ornithogalum nutans, in considerable plenty at Bromsberrow; Anemone apennina, Tunnel Hill, near Upton-on-Severn, determined by Mr. Lees, and judged an escape from a garden by the same gentleman; Lathyrus pa- lustris, Lathyrus Aphaca, Pendock Keuper-quarry, western side of Longdon Marsh. Mr. Watson has unaccountably omitted it in his ‘Cybele Britannica,’ though confirmed by all the best botanists of Worcestershire as a true native of the Severn val- ley. Centaurea solstitialis, in a fallow field near Great Mal- vern ; Quercus intermedia, var. variegata, on a syenitic mound in Cowleigh Park. ‘Those interested in the subject may be glad to know that the Oak with Mistletoe upon it yet exists near the middle lodge in Hastnor Park.’ Epipogium aphyllum is expected to reward the pains of some close-searcher. It has not been observed since the period of its discovery (1854). Polypodium Dryopteris, western declivity of the Worcestershire Beacon.” The following extract will show that the Oak-gall is spread- ing. The readers of the ‘ Phytologist’ are requested to observe 1859. | REVIEWS. | 21 and report to the Editor the progress of this, which threatens serlous consequences to young plantations. In the Isle of Wight, near Ryde, the Cynips Quercus-petioli was very com- mon. Some of the specimens were very large and beautiful. When was it first detected ? * At the Tarrington meeting Mr. EH. Lees exhibited specimens of the hard gall-nuts formed on the oak by the Cynips Quercus-petioli of Linneus, which within the last three or four years have spread with such rapidity among the oak woods of this country. Till recently it had been contined almost to Devonshire and Somerset, and in 1855 Mr. Lees stated that having traced it to the banks of the Avon opposite Clifton, he had then inquired, through the ‘ Gardeners’ Chronicle,’ if it had been yet observed in the midland counties; but there was no response to that question, nor on inquiry could he hear that it was then known in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, or Herefordshire. In 1856 a single specimen was met with by Mr. H. W. Lamb, near Malvern; and Mr. Lees next found it in Nunnery Wood, near Worcester; and Mr. Roberts, in 1857, at Broadwas. It was then however quite rare, but now (1858) it has been observed in abundance at Cowleigh Park and Broadwas. It has been also gathered in Herefordshire, in a wood near Haffield, and about Ross. Mr. G. HE. Roberts has recently found it at Bellbroughton, Worcestershire, but even now it is unknown in the northern eianies of England. It was remarked that some effort should be made to keep this gall within limits, as in Somersetshire the farmers had complained that these gall-nuts had supplanted the acorns by their enormous increase in the trees, so that they were now without the usual autumnal food for their pigs; while in young plantations the leading shoot of the oak being often attacked by the Cynips, was overpowered by the weight of the galls, and destroyed. Every year seems to add to the extent of the ravages of . this insect pest. “Tt was thought that as this gall-nut of the Cynips Quercus-petioli much resembled in appearance the gall-nuts of commerce imported from the Levant, made by Cynips insectivora, that some compensation for mis- chief done might perhaps be taken out in ah made from its galls, and the experiment has been tried. But the careful researches made by our Secretary, Mr. Walter Burrow, have proved so unsatisfactory in this respect. from the weakness of the gallic acid, that after many trials he has given up the matter.” Mr. Lees reports a new Alga from a pond at Snead’s Green, Mathon, which he proposes to name “ Palmella estivalis ? Frond glutinous, thin, spreading irregularly on water or mud; 22 REVIEWS. [January, globules aggregated in a crimson gelatinous mass, soon dis- charging their granules, becoming colourless and non-per- sistent.” The other members of this family, reported by Mr. Lees as belonging to the Malvern district, are Coccochloris protuberans, Spreng., and C. muscicola, Menegh.; also Ulva crispa and U. calophylla. These singular plants are dignified with as many names or synonyms (surnames) as a Spanish grandee of the first rank. Among the Funguses, a list of some of which are given as occurring about Malvern, there is an account, with a figure, of a new form, ? species, of Mitrula, found on a decaying Bramble near Powick. Mycologists may be on the out-look for it. New Fungi and new Alge, now that we have got good microscopes cheap, may be as plentiful as brambles and damp walls and muddy ponds are on the earth, or as planets and comets undis- covered in the heavens. Species Filicum. Descriptions of all known Ferns, illustrated with plates. By Str Wn. J. Hooxer, Director of the Royal Gardens of Kew. London: William Pamplin, 45, Frith Street, Soho Square. . Parts VII. and VIII., or Vol. II., Parts III. and IV., are now before us, and the intentions of the author to publish Part IX. are announced, an announcement which will be gratifying to all who wish to see a complete work on this very extensive subject. We only wish that the work had fallen into better hands than ours. But we will do our best to present our readers with an example of this eminent author’s mode of dealing with our British species, which form a portion of the species described and illustrated in this elaborate work. First, Cryptogramma crispa, or Allosorus crispus, or Pteris crispa,—for it has rejoiced in all these names since the reviewer knew it; and the learned author proposes to make a slight emendation, only to change a final into 7, Cryptogramme for Cryptogramma ; from ypaypn, a line, not ypayma, a letter. This change will mend the grammatical form: the former is feminine, the latter neuter, and it has been usual to supply a feminine 1859. | REVIEWS. 23 adjective to the neuter noun, a practice offensive to Priscian’s ghost, if that eminent grammarian concerns himself about sub- lunary matters. But we hope he is better employed than in fretting his heart about the solecisms of learned and unlearned botanists: if he does, his spirit can have no rest. The offences against grammatical purity and linguistic refinement. are not few nor slight. We must not forget the Fern, nor merge it in the name. We are informed (see Hooker, Sp. Fil. 127) “that the first who separated this Fern from the genus Péeris was Bernhardi, and he included Pt. crispa, L., in his Allosorus, with the very imperfect character ‘Sporangia cathetogyrata, sessilia, subaggregata. Hyposporangia subcommunia; margine libero, subpellucida ;’ but Adlosorus has been made a receptacle for Ferns of very varied structure.” Here follows a justification of the author’s uniting some quasi species into one, for which there is not room here. ‘‘ When an old plant (one previously known and described), is found in a very distant part of the world from its previously-known locality” [a queasy-conscienced grammarian would say, “in a part of the world very distant from its,” etc.], “ one is apt to look upon it as something new; and, as is the case with the Cedar of Lebanon and the Cedar of Himalaya, it is very difficult to remove the impression once made upon the mind, although no tangible character to dis- tinguish them can be detected.” The various forms known to the author are next enumerated and described. Here the latter is omitted. “1. C. crispa, a. forma Europea. Hab. General throughout middle and northern Europe, especially in moist districts; as far north as Lap- land, and Lake Baikal, in Siberia; south to the Pyrenees, Spain, Astu- rias, altitude from coast-line 8—9000 feet. “6. Forma Indica. I place this var. next to the European form, because in the aggregate of specimens before me, the sterile fronds are exactly as in our European plant, that is, of two kinds, the one kind with the obovate segments deeply divided, serrated, single-nerved ; the other with the pinnules elliptical, deeply serrated, and pinnatedly veined, whereas the fertile pinnules more resemble those of the following (American) form. . . . Hab. N. India, elevation 12,000 feet; Alps of Kamoun, interior of Sikkim-Himalaya, elev. 1100-1300 feet, Hooker and Thompson. ““¢e. Forma Americana. ab. N. and chiefly N. W. America, between 56° and 60° north.” 24 REVIEWS. [ January, The following quotation from the remarks on our common. Brake, Pieris aquilina, may be new to some readers. Every one is familiar with the common Brakes (Braken, Scotticé) of our hills and woods, P¢. aguilina, which I consider, in a more or less varied form, to be found almost all over the world. The figure, by ‘ nature-printing,’ as given in the ‘Ferns of Great Britain and Ireland,’ by Thos. Moore, tab. xliv., we need not say accurately represents the normal state of a moderately-sized specimen of this plant. . . . No doubt many will be surprised to be told that our common rake is the same genus and species as the famous edible species of the South Sea Islanders, but an intelligent and scientific gentleman has recently brought the properties of our P¢. aquilina to public notice, and has himself luxuriated upon this vegetable. See Dr. B. Clarke, F.L.8., on Pé. aquilina as an esculent vegetable, im Hook. Journ. of Bot. vol. ix. p. 212.” Enumeratio Plantarum Zeylanie. An Enumeration of Ceylon Plants. By G. H. K. Tuwatrss, F, L.8., Superintendent of the Royal Garden, Peradenia, Ceylon. Part I. London: William Pamplin, 45, Frith Street, Soho Square. It is now upwards of a century since the celebrated Linnzeus published his ‘ Flora Zeylanica,’ in which he compares the pro- ductions of Sweden, the land of mists, snow, hail, and terrible tempests, with those of one of the fairest of the tropical islands. The portion of the work before us contains 59 Orders, and of these only Ranunculacex, Berberidacee, Nymphzeacee, Cruci- feree, Polygalacee, Caryophyllacez, Linacez, Violaceze, Drose- _ racew, Malvaceze, Tiliacez, Elatinaceze, Hypericaceze, Geraniacee, Oxalidacee, Balsaminacez,Celastraceze, and Rhamnacez, have any representatives in Britain, or 18 Orders in the 59 already pub- lished. Of the genera, a smaller proportion is found in the Bri- tish Isles. The Cingalese genera in Part I. may be about 225 or 230; of these the following are all the British genera observed as common to both Floras, viz. Clematis, Thalictrum, Anemone, Ranunculus, Nymphza, Cardamine, Polygala, Viola, Stellaria, Cerastium, Linum, Drosera, Hypericum, Impatiens, Euonymus, Rhamuus, or 17 in 225, or 1:18:2. The only British species detected are Cardamine hirsuta, Ovalis corniculata, and Stel- 1859. ] REVIEWS. 25 laria media, which is believed to be an introduction. It deserves the name of a cosmopolite if any plant does. It is a ubiqui- tarian in the vegetable kingdom. The work is not a bare catalogue of Ceylon plants, but con- tains in addition the habitats, and sometimes the native names. The latter will be serviceable to etymological botanists, in ena- bling them to discover the etymology of some generic names. Some genera are elaborately described, and many species are ac- companied with short diagnoses. The elevation of the plants is generally inserted. Under Cardamine hirsuta, one of the few British plants in this First Part which is considered indigenous to Ceylon, the author enters a variety, C. major, “sepissime trifoliata.” Query, is this trifoliate form known to any of our readers as a native of Europe? Oxalis corniculata, and var. 8 minor, grow in Ceylon up to an elevation of 7000 feet. It has a considerable range of temperature as well as of elevation. One of the largest genera is Impatiens, which contains 2] Cingalese examples. Query, is I, Balsamina the original of our garden Balsam? As we shall have occasion to notice the remaining parts of the work, which it is to be hoped will speedily follow, then we shall take the opportunity of comparing the work of the immortal Swede with that of our learned author. ‘“ May his shadow,” in Oriental phrase, “ never be less!’ The Natural History Review, etc. London: Williams and Nor- gate. The first article in this number of the ‘ Review of Natural History,’ and the publications therewith connected, is a brief notice of the ‘ Handbook of the British Flora,’ by Mr. Bentham, a work which the reviewer calls a novelty in botanical literature, such as has not appeared in the present generation. From the sub- joined account some of our readers may infer that the reviewer’s acquaintance with botanical literature is not very extensive, nor his knowledge of its character and contents very exact. For ex- ample, p. 188, the readers of the Review are told that “‘ Hooker’s ‘British Flora’ succeeded Smith, the author adopting most of Smith’s species, but condensing the matter, changing the plan N. 8. VOL. ITI. E 26 REVIEWS. [ January, from the Linnean to the Natural arrangement, and adding se- veral illustrative plates of the more troublesome genera. The latest edition of this work, edited by Dr. Walker Arnott, though changed in some respects, retains the greater portion of the original matter, and with the preceding editions, can only be regarded (so to say) as a ‘cultivated variety’ of the original stock, the ‘ Flora Britannica.’ To the same stock may be re- ferred, perhaps, the majority of the local Floras.” We do not profess to understand the sentence we have quoted, but it would appear to convey the following meaning: if we be wrong let the reviewer correct us; our opinion is given with much deference. It might be inferred that Sir W. J. Hooker’s ‘ British Flora,’ which has some years ago reached its seventh edition, was originally compiled from Sir J. E. Smith’s, with the adoption of the Natural arrangement, as it is called, instead of the Linnean; “ condensing the matter, changing the plan from the Linnzean to the Natural arrangement,” etc.,—these are the reviewer’s words. The fact is, that at least four editions were published before the Natural arrangement, as it is called, was adopted ; and, as the reviewer says, the edition commonly at- tributed to Dr. Walker Arnott is the first in which the new ar- rangement was substantially carried out. The first edition of this popular work on our native plants was published thirty years ago; and the sixth edition, in which the change was really made, appeared in 1851. Whether it be a cultivated variety of the English Flora, or a work of independent merits, we need not say, because the question is not referred to us; but the reviewer is not quite correct in assigning the change of method to Sir W. J. Hooker. Certainly not before the fifth edition of the ‘ British Flora,’ did this eminent author make said change. It is to be hoped that the editor of the ‘ Natural History Re- view’ will not be angry with us for reminding him of what all our readers know right well! If he avers that he knows all this as well as we do, we only observe, that his mode of dealing with the subject gives no sign of such knowledge. Into the merits of Mr. Bentham’s work on our British plants we cannot enter, for a good reason; but we accept the judgment of the highest authorities, who have warmly recommended it. We beg leave further to inform our contemporary,—if he will allow humble mortals like ourselves the liberty of calling him 1859. ] REVIEWS. 27 so,—that our Roses were a score before the advent of Mr. Ben- tham’s work, and our Blackberries nearer threescore than thirty. It has often been said, and written too, that it would not be very difficult to carve another odd score or so out of the indivi- duals of the Bramble genus. They are somewhat like reviewers, a troublesome set. From an article on ‘ Omphalos,’ (the final one?) it does not ap- pear that we have made much progress in demonstrating the pre-existence of fossils, or, in other words, their indefinite anti- quity ; or how many myriads of years, or periods, or epochs, have ‘run their course since the trilobites were involved in some cata- elysm which occurred before the earth and the waters were made a suitable abode for the saurians. We learn from this number of the Review that there is a new Myrtle, raised from seeds which came from Mr. Phillips, of King George’s Sound. If this be what we ordinarily call Nootka Sound, the Myrtle may be supposed to have attained as great arange in America as in Europe. The winter temperature of King George’s Sound is considerably lower than that of the Isle of Wight. It is the only known species of the genus which will bear such a temperature as that of the Columbian regions, now more famous for gold than for Myrtles or shrubs, that will bear greater alternations of temperature than this beautiful genus can endure. Pliny informs us that it was an exotic at Rome, and that its native country is southern Europe, viz. Greece. It grew into large trees in Italy. It thrives prodigiously in the Isle of Wight. The Natural History of Pliny, translated, with notes, etc., by the late Dr. Bostock, and H. T. Ritey, Esq. London: Henry G. Bohn. . Vols. V. and VI. The lovers of the curiosities and antiquities of Natural History will thank Mr. Bohn for a very convenient and cheap edition of the above-named work. Pliny’s Natural History is the great repository of all that was generally known about the plants, animals, and minerals of his time. It is, besides this, a record of all that was believed about these objects, and this was a great deal more than was known. We 28 REVIEWS. (January, need not marvel at this. Two centuries ago naturalists. believed that geese grew on trees in the Hebridean isles of Caledonia ; and a learned Professor of the present day believes in the lying legends of Boece and Buchanan, and he has repeatedly avowed his belief in the fabulous account of an army of Danes being poisoned by the juice of a plant which hardly grows in Scotland, and quotes the relation as a proof of the extensive knowledge of plants possessed by the Scots in the mythic times of Macbeth. That Pliny should deal largely in the marvellous is no subject of wonderment, when the editor of the ‘ Gardeners’ Chronicle’ treats his readers with large refreshments of the same kind, culled from the ancient Scots chronicles. The former however either quotes his authority, or retails the wonders as on dits or man sprichts (hear-says). He does not give implicit credit to every account, like some of the learned of modern times. Pliny ap- pears, from some of his remarks, not to have had much confi- dence in the curative remedies of the professors of the healing art, and thus in a quiet way satirizes the puffing of the ancients. “Compositions,” he says, ‘‘ and mixtures of an inexplicable na- ture, forthwith have their praises sung, and the productions of Arabia and India are held in unbounded admiration in the very midst of us. For some trifling sore or other a medicament is prescribed from the shores of the Red Sea, while not a day passes but what the real remedies are to be found upon the tables of the. very poorest man among us. But if the remedies for diseases were derived from our own gardens, if the plants or shrubs were employed which grow there, there would be no art, forsooth, that would rank lower than that of medicine.” There were puffs and puffers then, who held a higher rank in the medicinal line than Cockle, Holloway, and the other paten- tees, proprietors, or vendors of medicinal nostrums of the present day. For all such, Pliny’s work is a valuable store. Endless recipes for pills, draughts, gargles, ointments, cerates and salves, liniments, detersives, astringents, anodynes, antidotes, ete. etc., may be culled from its numerous pages. One of the most common and useful properties of many plants is their remedial agency in curing the fatal or painful conse- quences of the bites or stings of serpents... Hence it is inferred that venomous reptiles abounded in the south of Europe in Pliny’s time. They are still numerous in those regions. Many of the 1859. ] REVIEWS. 29 plants had the power of driving away serpents, like the vermifuge + of the present day. Such plants were invaluable in the materi» medica of the ancient practitioner. A plant that drove away a serpent was worth more than one that cured the reptile’s bite. We do not learn merely the state of the healing art from the pages of Pliny, but also much of what is now called “‘ Fine Art.” For example, he gives the history of the plants from which co- lours, pigments, oils, gums, resins, etc., were derived ; and gives tests whereby the counterfeits might be distinguished from the genuine. Pliny’s Natural History is an ancient ‘“ Materia Medica,” or a “ Pharmacopeia,’” or a sort of “ Nosology,” or, in still plainer terms, a catalogue of diseases, hurts, accidents, etc., and of the means by which they were curable. If we were to give implicit credence to the modern panaceas which profess to cure all the ills that flesh is heir to, we should marvel at the existence of any human ailment. Pliny’s writings are valuable as proofs that in the diseases of humanity and their treatment there is nothing new. There was as much quackery among the ancients as among ourselves, and as many dupes and gulls then as now. The ancient Herbals, we mean the British, were formed on Pliny’s work, and instead of a description of objects we have a description of disorders. The indexes to the works are not in- dexes of things but of sicknesses, and the plants are classed by their curative properties. The ‘Grete Herbal’ and the excellent ‘English Herbal’ of William Turner, are compiled on this principle. Botanists are indebted to Mr. Riley for his notes on the iden- tification of the ancient plants with their representatives of the present day. If not always satisfactory, they are always learned and intelligible. - The table of contents occupies sixty pages, and there are three columns in each page ; the average number of articles in a page is about 120: consequently the total number of articles catalogued in the index is upwards of 7000. If the references average three to each article,—they are occasionally six, and in a few cases from fifteen to upwards of twenty, and in one case, under the word Pliny, probably upwards of 100,—the references must amount to at least 20,000. That every fact and every anecdote has a separate independent 30 BOTANICAL NOTES, NOTICES, AND QUERIES. ([January, entry and reference is not asserted ; but we believe that every plant is specially entered under all its names, surnames, and synonyms, whereby it was known or referred to in the days of Plmy. An index to six volumes of so multifarious a nature as these is a work of no ordinary difficulty and labour. The work, to hundreds who would consult it, would be worthless without its index. It is humbly presumed that even the learned critic of the ‘ Gar- deners’ Chronicle’ will admit that the translator has performed his work in a most satisfactory, business-like manner, and that he is honestly entitled to the thanks of all botanists. BOTANICAL NOTES, NOTICES, AND QUERIES. To the Editor of the ‘ Phytologist.’ Sir,—Will you give circulation to the following extract from the « Gardeners’ Chronicle’ of August 7th, 1858 ? “TrRIsH SHAMROCK. — Will you inform me which of the Trefoils is the true Shamrock of St. Patrick? The White Clover appears to be «the genuine Irish Shamrock, though, like the Scotch Thistle and other native emblems, the species employed in heraldry is not much more like any botanical species than the Unicorn on the Royal Arms is like any known animal, etc. A short description of its peculiarities would greatly oblige a Constant Reader.” ‘To this is appended the following editorial note :— “We believe it to be well ascertained that the Shamrock of the old Trish was not a Trefoil at all, but the Wood Sorrel, Ovalis Acetosella.”’ Can you, Mr. Editor, or can any of your correspondents or readers, tell me how this is ascertained, or on what authority the distin- guished critic and botanist makes the above assertion ? QUERIST. [We have heard that the Irish Shamrock is the Owalis Acetosella, but we do not know what ground there is for this opinion. We would recommend Querist to ask the learned editor of the ‘ Gardeners’ Chronicle.’] GENTIANA PNEUMONANTHE IN WEST SURREY. A fair correspondent has informed us that the above plant, which grew abundantly about Walton upwards of half a century ago, was recently to be found in a moory spot between Chertsey and Chobham; near the scene of the camp which was there not long ago, and adjoming a stand erected by a gentleman of the neighbourhood.—Ep. New British BLEcCHNUM. Mr. Wollaston has just informed us that a Blechnum new to Britain, if not to the northern hemisphere, has been recently discovered in Perthshire. Our kind correspondent will, he says, have much pleasure in communicating further particulars, and in showing the plant (alive), to any reader of the * Phytologist.’ 1859. | BOTANICAL NOTES, NOTICES, AND QUERIES. 31 BIDENS TRIPARTITA AND B. CERNUA. On the tendency of the two species of Bidens to keep distinct habitats within a small radius of the same district.—While collecting, this autumn, in the neighbourhood of Southgate, Middlesex, my attention was drawn to the fact that although both species of Bidens were found in considerable abundance, within a radius of two miles, I could not detect the two grow- ing in company in one instance. B. tripartita found in three localities by the side of small running streams; once in an excavated, though then not inundated, spot; and once in a stagnant pond. B. cernua I also found abundant and fine im two localities, both stagnant ponds. The seven localities, | may add, might be united by links of less than a mile in length, and with little difference in soil to cause the distinction. Last year I found B. cernua in considerable abundance at Bishopstoke, Hants, but without its ally B. ¢ripartita. Thus eight localities are recorded, seven being in close proximity, each enjoying single blessedness. May I ask, Ts this an accidental fact, or is it an unsocial disposition which is a rule with these species ? If required, I can supply seeds or specimens of both. F. Y. Brocas, Botanist. 85, S¢. Martin's Lane, London, W.C. Enormous MusHroom. A Mushroom was gathered on the 17th of last month, in the county of Gloucester, measuring very nearly 1 foot in diameter. The actual circum- ference was 2 feet 113 inches, the girth of the stem 5 inches, its thickness 1#inch. It was cooked, and made a most excellent dish for dinner. The family generally partook of it, and survive.—From the ‘Hriend,’ for August, 58. Nil maxime admirandum ; larger Mushrooms have been seen, perhaps recorded also, VARIETY OF CONVOLVULUS SEPIUM. A correspondent has several times reminded us of a variety of the above ‘ plant undescribed. He reports that it differs from the common form both in the colour of the flowers and in the shape of the leaves. ‘The flowers are pink, with white stripes. But our friend 8. B. will probably oblige us with a detailed account of it, and also of the locality, number of plants, ete. A notice of this variety from any contributor will be welcome,—Ep. THORNS AND THISTLES. Although I appreciate Mr. Hind’s observations given in the ‘ Phytologist’ of July last, I cannot help retaining my opinion that the plant referred to in the Parable of the Sower would be more properly rendered Thistles, not Thorns (Prunus spinosa) ; and I would ask Mr. Hind to inform us how Thorns (such as Prunus spinosa) could spring up in one season so as to choke the good seed. A plant of annual growth, such as the Thistle, most abundant in Palestine, would be more likely to choke the seed, as growing up with it. The Thorn and Thistle are distinguished in other parts of Scripture, as in Hosea x. 8, where we find, ‘‘ The Thorn and the Thistle shall come up on their altars.” Dr. Kitto, in a note on this passage, says, 32 BOTANICAL NOTES, NOTICES, AND QUERIES. [January. 29 ** This is another of the different words rendered Thorn in our version. The original is Kotz, which may very possibly denote the Ononis spinosa, or Restharrow, a papilionaceous shrub of a thorny nature, and which, like the Dardar, or Thistle, is in some places a great foe to the farmer. 58. B. To the Editor of the ‘ Phytologist.’ Sir,—In the ‘ Gardeners’ Chronicle,’ August 7, 1858, p. 607, there is an extract from the ‘ Buik of the Chronicles of Scotland,’ a metrical trans- lation from Boece’s Latin and Bellenden’s prose History of Scotland. The extract commences thus :— ** A herb in Scotland groweth here at hame, Which called is the Mucklewort by name,” ete. The poisoning of Sweno’s army and the slaughter of the sleepy host, etc., by Macbeth, are related in about a hundred lines similar to the above. The editor of the ‘ Gardeners’ Chronicle’ gives implicit credence to this strange relation, and treats it as authenticating an important scientific fact, and as illustrative of the properties of plants or of some plants being known at that early period. If you will give insertion to a short paper on the subject, I will undertake to show your readers that there is no ground whatever for this belief; that it rests on no better evidence than another Scottish fabulous account, credited by Gerarde, viz. that geese grow on trees in the Hebrides. ANTIQUUS. Sir,—I enclose a copy of a letter received from the Postmaster-General, respecting the transmission of botanical specimens through the post, which I think may be interesting to some of your readers. H. A. (Copy.) ‘In reply to your letter of the 14th instant, I beg leave to inform you that dooks, having specimens of dried plants attached to their leaves, may be forwarded under the regulations of the Book Post, but that botanical specimens may not be sent loose through the post. “Tam, etc., * (Signed) F. Hit. “ General Post-Office, September 21, 1858.” Communications have been recewed from Charles Howie; A.; W. P.; F. Y: Brocas; Querist; E.I.; Geo. B. Wollaston; W. Hobkirk; 8. B.; W.; J. Stocks; EH. A.; Antiquus; J. G. Baker. BOOKS RECEIVED FOR REVIEW. The Friend. The Critic. ERRATA. In p. 510, last line, for G. S. M. read J. S. M. In p. 83, for Lastrea Lonchitis read Polystichum Lonchitis. In p. 344, line 17 from bottom, for Stellaria hypnoides read Saxifraga hypnoides. In p. 454, line 8, for Cheiranthes read Chetranthus. Linaria micrantha is en- tered twice. : In p. 597, line 7 from top, for Orchis read Ophrys. The article on Huddersfield Plants is by Mr. Stocks, not Mr. Hobkirk. [ February, 1859.] 33 PLANTS OF PERTH. Alphabetical List of Flowering Plants and Ferns found in the vicinity of Perth. By Joun Sim. Those plants whose occurrence is common and universal are not recorded. This list is intended as supplementary to Dr. Lindsay’s paper on the Perth Flora (see ‘ Phytologist,’ p. 284, vol. ii. N. s.), con- sequently the plants enumerated by the Doctor, whose localities are definitely stated, are likewise omitted. K. signifies Kinnoul parish; M., Methven ditto; P., Perth; R., Redgorton; and S., Scone. In a few instances I gathered plants above four miles from Perth, as at Dunkeld and Blairgowrie, but few of my botanical researches exceeded that distance. In order to facilitate refer- ence, I give the list alphabetically, without any regard to natural or artificial arrangement. As I am very imperfectly acquainted with the Cryptogamic division of the Vegetable Kingdom, I en- tirely confine myself to the Flowering Plants and Ferns. A paper on the Lichens of this district, by Dr. Lindsay, of Perth, ap- peared in the ‘ Phytologist,’ November, 1857. In the same paper he noticed the climate, etc., to which I refer the reader. Atgopodium Podagraria. Abundant under hedges, etc. AAthusa Cynapium. Frequent among cultivated ground, ete. Agraphis nutans. Among brambles and hawthorn-bushes, near Kinfauns toll-bar, K. Aremonia agrimonioides. Wood of Scone; not plentiful. Agrimonia odorata. Sparingly, in Den of Quarry Mill, 8.; very robust, four feet in height. ~ Aira flexuosa. Frequent in dry, barren soil. Ajuga reptans. Pleutiful in Kinnoul Wood, K. Alchemilla alpina. At the confluence of the Almond and Tay, P.; very sparingly. Alchemilla arvensis. Frequent, Craigie, P. Alchemilla vulgaris. Frequent in many places. Alisma Plantago. In muddy pools, margin of the Tay; plenti- fal) oR. Allium oleraceum. Banks of Tay, K.; sparingly, in two lo- calities. N. 8. VOL. II. F 34 PLANTS OF PERTH. [ February, Allium Scorodoprasum. Near margin of Tay. Kinfauns toll- bar; plentiful. K. Anagallis arvensis. Rare, near Glencarse. Anemone nemorosa. North Inch, and banks of Almond, near Perth; frequent. Antennaria dioica. Craigie, P. Anthriscus sylvestris. Most abundant, in hedges. Antirrhinum majus. Naturalized on walls. Arctium commune. Witchill, K.; not common. Arenaria trinervis. Among bushes, near Kinfauns toll-bar ; rare. K. Artemisia vulgaris. Borders of fields; not common. Armeria maritima, Near “Auld Brig” of Almond; sparingly. Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum. Den of Bethaick, Carse of Gowrie, Craigie, near Perth, and rocks, Kinnoul Hill. Asplenium Ruta-muraria. Plentiful on walls of Mr. Turnbull’s nursery, K. Abundant on walls near Glencarse, six miles east of Perth. Asplenium Trichomanzs. Den of Bethaick; abundant. * Asnlenium septentrionale. Steuton Rocks, near Dunkeld. Astragalus Glycyphyllus. Banks of Almond, R.; frequent. Astragalus hypoglottis. Banks of Almond, at confluence with Tay; sparingly, and some years not found. Athyrium Filix-femina, var. molle. Craigie Wood, P. Avena caryophyllea. Dry, barren soil; frequent. * Avena flavescens. Near Scone Palace; rare. Avena precox. Occasionally in dry, gravelly soil. Avena pubescens. Borders of fields; rare. Barbarea vulgaris. Frequent. Blechnum Spicant. Woods of Scone and Kinnoul; frequent. *Botrychium Lunaria. Found some time since on Moorward, Wood of Scone, but not observed latterly. Braciypodium sylvaticum. Wood of Kinnoul; most abundant. K. Calamintha Clinopodium. Den of Quarry Mill, 8.; plentiful. Dundee roadside, K. Campanula glomerata. In a clump of wood at the confluence of Almond and Tay ; sparingly. Campanula latifolia. Hedges, Barnhill, P., and banks of Almond, R.; im the latter place luxuriant. Cardamine amara. Marsh near Friartown, banks of Tay, P.; plentiful. 1859. | PLANTS OF PERTH. 35 Carduus heterophyllus. Moorward, S., and near Friartown, P. Carduus pratensis. Den Quarry Mill, and other places. Carduus tenuifolius. Hill of Kinnoul; rare. Carex binervis. Birnam Hill, Dunkeld. Carex curta. Bog, Methven parish. Carex flava. Frequent. Carex lurta. Craigie, banks of Tay, Quarry Mill Den; not very common. Carex limosa. Bog, Methven parish; not abundant. Carex muricata. Near Perth; in one locality plentiful. Carex Gideri. Near Friartown toll, in a quarry. Carex ovalis. Craigie Moor, in one locality. P. Carez pilulifera. Birnam Hill, Dunkeld. Carex pulicaris. Birnam Hill, Dunkeld. Carex vesicaria. Methven Bog. Carex riparia. Marsh near Friartown, P. Centaurea scabiosa. Kinnoul Hill roadside, two miles east of Perth; plentiful. Chelidonium majus. Near Kinfauns toll-bar; not in great quan- tnbyee KK Chenopodium Bonus-Henricus. Kinnoul Hill and Birnam; not common. Chrysanthemum segetum. Occasionally in cornfields, but far from being common. Cicuta virosa. Methven Bog; plentiful. M. Circea alpina. Dunkeld Woods, banks of Almond, R., and banks of the Ericht, Blairgowrie. Clayionia alsinoides. Wood of Scone; in one locality plentiful. Conium maculatum. Wood of Kinnoul, seven feet in height; sparingly. Convolvulus arvensis. Frequent about borders of fields. Corydalis claviculata. Woods, Dunkeld; plentiful. Corydalis lutea. On a wall near Old Scone toll. Crepis paludosa. Banks of Tay; not frequent. Cheiranthus Cheiri. Precipitous cliffs, Kinnoul Hill; plentiful. Cynoglossum officinale. Hill of Kinnoul, and near Glencarse ; not in abundance. Cynoglossum sylvaticum. Near Kinfauns toll; plentiful in a thicket. K. Cystopteris fragilis: Den of Bethaick; plentiful. 36 PLANTS OF PERTH. [ February, Dactylis glomerata. Frequent in many localities. * Dianthus deltoides. Glen Farg, Ochil Hills. Digitalis purpurea. Very rare about Perth, but plentiful near Almond Bank, four miles west. Abundant in Dunkeld Woods. Dipsacus sylvestris. Plentiful near the foot of the precipitous cliffs of Kinnoul Hill, facing the Tay. Doronicum Pardalianches. In a woody islet of the Tay, two miles north from Perth; in small quantity, but there un- doubtedly indigenous, being far removed from any human habitation, and elevated above the highest flood-mark of the river. Doronicum plantagineum. Occasionally found near Barnhill, but in all probability an outcast from a garden. Draba verna. Rocks on the very summit of Kinnoul Hill, and tops of walls west side of North Inch. Drosera rotundifolia. Methven Bog; plentiful. Echium vulgare. Top of the cliffs, Kinnoul Hill; frequent. Epilobium angustifolium. Top of sandstone cliffs, left bank of Almond, four miles west from Perth, R. Banks of the Tay, Friartown, P. Epilobium hirsutum. Quarry Mill Den, S.; plentiful, seven feet in height. Epilobium palustre. Same station as E. hirsutum, but sparingly. Epilobium parviflorum. Ina ditch near New Bridge of Almond, P.; sparingly. Epilobium tetragonum. Damp and shady places; frequent. K. and P, Erica Tetrahx. Moorward, 8., and Methven Bog, M.; plentiful. Eriophorum polystachion and Eriophorum vaginatum. Methven Bog; not abundant. Erodium cicutarium. Hedge, top of North Inch, and roadside, three miles west of Perth; sparingly. Erythrea Centaurium. Quarry Mill Den, S.; luxuriant and plen- tiful. Euphorbia Cyparissias. Found by me this summer on a heap of rubbish, Witchill, K.; seen nowhere else. Euphrasia officinalis. Waste ground near junction of Almond with Tay, and a few other places ; not common. Festuca arundinacea. Borders of fields, banks of Tay, but spa- ringly. 1859. | PLANTS OF PERTH. 37 Festuca rubra. Passim. Filago germanica. Waste ground, Kinnoul Hill; most luxuriant and frequent. Crieff roadside, three miles west of Perth ; sparingly. Filago minima. Craigie Moor; sparingly. P. Fragaria vesca. Woods of Kinnoul and Scone; abundant. Fumaria capreolata. Ina hedge near Kinfauns toll; rare. Galeopsis Tetrahit and versicolor. Plentiful in cornfields. Galium boreale. Plentiful and luxuriant, banks of Tay, by North Inch. Galium cruciatum. Frequent around Perth. Galium uliginosum. Marshes, banks of Tay; frequent. Geranium pheum. Wood of Scone; rare. Near Barnhill, but undoubtedly an outcast from a garden. Geranium pratense. Right bank of Tay, top of North Inch. Near Friartown, and banks of Almond, above ‘Auld Brig.” Geranium pyrenaicum. Near Barnhill, K.; plentiful. Geranium sanguineum. Same locality as Doronicum Pardali- anches. Most luxuriant stems, six feet in length.—A stunted variety occurs on the rocks on Kinnoul Hill. Geranium sylvaticum. Same locality as G. sanguineum (islet in Tay), but more plentiful. Woods of Dunkeld; abundant. Geum intermedium. In the wood of Quarry Mill Den, along with G. rivale, but not G. urbanum; frequent. Geum rivale. Luxuriant and abundant in woods, particularly that of Quarry Mill Den, S. Glechoma hederacea. Rather local, and not plentiful anywhere that I have seen in this district. Glyceria aquatica. Near Friartown; abundant. P. *Gnaphalium sylvaticum. Hill of Kinnoul. Helianthemum vulgare. Craigie Moor and Cherrybank, P. Kin- noul Hill, K. Plentiful im all these localities. Helleborus feetidus. Quarry Mill Den Wood; not plentiful, but undoubtedly wild, though often branded with an asterisk in our British Floras. Heleocharis (or more commonly spelt Eleocharis) palustris. Abundant. Banks of Tay, and elsewhere. *Heleocharis cespitosus. Moor of Durdie, four miles east from Perth. Hesperis matronalis. In the deep, rocky ravines of Kinnoul 38 PLANTS OF PERTH. [ February, Hill, most luxuriant and abundant, four or five feet in height ; truly wild. (Another disputed native.) Hieracium prenanthoides. In one locality near top of North Inch; sparingly, but luxuriant. Holcus mollis. Far less common than H. lanatus, Kinnoul Hill, borders of fields. Hydrocotyle vulgaris. Methven Bog; plentiful. Hypericum hirsutum. Very common. in this locality; most abundant and luxuriant in Quarry Mill Den, S. Hypericum humifusum. Quarry Mill Den, and banks of the Ericht, near Blairgowrie; in both localities sparingly. Hypericum perforatum. Frequent about hedges. Hypericum quadrangulum. Occasionally in damp and wet places, but not common. Hypocheris radicata. Passim. Juncus glaucus. Frequent in wet, clayey ground, banks of Tay, near Kinfauns. Keleria cristata. Craigie and Witchill; abundant. Knautia arvensis. Common. Lactuca virosa. Kinnoul Wood; frequent and luxuriant, five feet in height. Lamium album. Very common, K.; frequent elsewhere. Lamium amplexicaule. Frequent about Witchill, K. Lastrea dilatata. Frequent. Very luxuriant in Scone Wood; frond four feet in length. Lastrea Oreopteris. Wood of Scone ; plentiful and luxuriant. Lepidium Smithii. Banks of Almond, near the “ New Brig,” and rocks near Barm Hill; in neither place plentiful. Lepigonum rubrum. Perth Military Drill Ground; abundant. Linum catharticum. Near “ Auld Brig” of Almond; rare. Linaria repens. On a wall near left bank of Tay, K.; plentiful. Linaria vulgaris. Occasionally in hedges, K. and 8S. Listera cordata. Wood of Scone. Lastera ovata. Abundant and luxuriant in wood, Den of Quarry Mill. Lithospermum arvense. Very rare; occasionally a stray plant to be found. Lonicera Periclymenum. Plentiful above “ Auld Brig” of Al- mond. Lonicera Xylosteum. Methven Woods. 1859. ] PLANTS OF PERTH. 39 Luzula pilosa. Moorward, Scone Wood; rare. Luzula sylvatica. Woods and banks of Tay; frequent. P. and K. Lychnis diurna, Near confluence of Tay and Almond; plen- tiful. Lychnis vespertina. Abundant everywhere about Perth. Lycopodium clavatum. Summit of Birnam Hill. Lysimachia nemorum. Woody banks of Ericht, near Blairgowrie. Methven Woods. Lysimachia Nummularia. Left bank of Tay, K.; sparingly, in one locality. Malva moschata. Frequent, K. and P.—A white variety is equally common in K. parish, and found near Forgan- denny, five miles south-west from Perth. Both the white and red varieties have a musky scent, and there is a slight difference in the form of the leaves and carpophore, but this difference is easier seen than described, and whether sufficient to constitute a species or not I am unable to de- termine; this I know, the milkwhite colour of the flower, and the other differences, are permanent and unchangeable. Matva rotundifolia. Roadside from Perth to Bridge of Almond. I saw one plant only. P. Malva sylvestris. Sparingly, in the Carse of Gowrie, four miles below Perth. Melampyrum sylvaticum. Woods, Dunkeld; plentiful. Melica uniflora. Birnam, and rocky banks of Ericht, near Blair- gowrie. | Mentha sylvestris. Very rare. I only observed it under a hedge on Kinnoul Hill. Menyanthes trifolicta. Methven Bog; plentiful. Mercurialis annuus (perennis 2). Kinnoul Hill Wood ; extremely abundant. Banks of the Almond, and other places ; plentiful. Mimulus luteus. Banks of the Tay, from Perth downwards ; most abundant. Also in a ditch near Old Scone ; sparingly. Molinia cerulea. Weathy ground at margin of Methven Bog. Moneses grandiflora. Wood of Scone, three miles north-east from Perth.—This beautiful and orangeflower-scented gem is found under the trees, among mosses and grass, sparingly distributed over an area of about two acres. I understand it is more plentiful than I thought. But botanists whose 40 PLANTS OF PERTH. [ February, creed is extirpation, should, in gathering this sweet plant, be content with the stem and its appendages, and leave the root to perpetuate the species. Moniia foniana. Stream west side of North Inch; plentiful. Myosotis collina. Frequent in cultivated fields. Myosotis palustris. Frequent in watery places and borders of streams. Myposotis versicolor. Craigie Moor, and elsewhere, on dry ground. Myriophyllum spicatum. Bottom of the Tay ; abundant. Myrrhis odorata. Borders of fields, along the banks of the Tay, and other places ; frequent. Undoubtedly indigenous.—This is another of those plants which in Hooker and Arnott’s ‘British Flora’ bears the brand of an alien and stranger, but in my opinion unjustly. In every instance in which I have detected it here, it was far removed from human habi- tations. Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus. Woods near banks of Tay; fre- quent. Undoubtedly an escape from gardens. Narthecium ossifragun. Methven Bog, four miles west from Perth; plentiful. Nasturtium amphibium. Frequent on the margin of the Tay, about Perth. Nitella flevilis. Basin of Tay, North Inch, P.; plentiful. Cinanthe crocata. Plentiful, banks of Tay, below Perth. (Enothera biennis. Occasionally in fields and among rubbish, but undoubtedly an escape from cultivation. Ononis arvensis. Top of North Inch; plentiful. Orchis latifolia. In several places; not common. Orchis maculata. In several places; frequent. Orchis mascula. Hill of Kinnoul, in the wood; abundant. Origanum vulgare. Wood of Kinnoul, among the rocks; plentiful. Oxalis Acetosella. Near Dunkeld. Rare about Perth. Oxalis corniculata. Witchill, Kinnoul, on rubbish ; rare. Papaver Argemone. Borders of fields ; rather local. - * Paris quadrifolia. Methven Woods, near the banks of the Al- mond, five miles west from Perth; plentiful. Parnassia palustris. Wood of Scone, in a small peaty marsh ; very sparingly. This plant is very rare. Petasites vulgaris. Left bank of Tay, K.; sparingly. A white- flowered variety. 1859. ] PLANTS OF PERTH. 41 Pedicularis palustris and Pedicularis sylvatica. Methven Bog ; plentiful. Phalaris arundinacea. Banks of the Tay ; frequent. P. and K. Phleum pratense and var. bulbosum. Frequent about Perth. Phragmites communis. Abundant in the Carse of Gowrie. Pimpinella Saxifraga. Banks of the Almond, and at Craigie ; but in both localities sparingly. *Pinguicula vulgaris. In marshy ground, 8.; not frequent. Poa compressa. Rare, on gravelly soil. Poa nemoralis. Witchill, K.; very sparingly. Polygala vulgaris. WHeathy ground: Kinnoul Hill and Craigie Moor. Polygonum Bistorta. Near Friartown; not plentiful. Polygonum amphibium. Frequent in watery places and damp ground. Polygonum viviparum. Near Cherrybank hamlet, P. Plentiful in cultivated ground near Forgandenny. Polypodium vulgare. Craigie Wood, and other places ; frequent. Polypodium Dryopteris. Wood of Scone ; frequent. Polypodium Phegopteris. Wood on Birnam Hill, Dunkeld. Polystichum aculeatum. Den of Bethaick; abundant and luxu- riant. Potamogeton natans. In a streamlet three miles west from Perth ; plentiful. Potamogeton perfoliatus. Bottom of Tay; plentiful. Potentilla argentea. Witchill, K.; plentiful. . Potentilla Fragaria. Dry banks, Den of Quarry Mill. 8. Potentilla recta. Witchill, near and around an old quarry ; plentiful.—This plant, which has been the subject of so much discussion in the ‘ Phytologist,’ has never, as far as I am aware, been observed in Scotland until I observed it in this locality. A neighbouring surgeon had seen it before me, but he only considered it a larger form of P. argeniea, which gréws in the same locality. The difference of the two plants is evident to the most cursory observer. See my remarks on P. recta, in this month’s ‘ Phytologist’? (Novem- ber, 1858). Poterium Sanguisorba. Rocks, Witchill, K.; plentiful. Primula veris. Wood of Scone ; not common. Primula vulgaris. Frequent in many places, under hedges, etc. N.S. VOL. IIT. G Aid PLANTS OF PERTH. [ February, Prunella vulgaris. Common in uncultivated land, ete. Pyrethrum Parthenium. Plentiful in the parishes of Kinnoul and Scone. Undoubtedly truly wild—This is another dis- puted native. Pyrola minor. Scone Woods. Wood, Quarry Mill Den, and plantation two miles west from Perth. Pyrola media. Not so common as the last, and as I cannot well discriminate between the two, there may be but one species. * Pyrola secunda. Wood of Scone. Ranunculus fluitans. Tay, and other streams; plentiful. Ranunculus auricomus. North Inch.—A stunted form. Ranunculus bulbosus. Covers the whole of the North Inch. Raphanus Raphanistrum. Very rare; one plant, Tay banks, K. Reseda Luteola.. Kinnoul, Craigie, and other places; frequent. Rhynchospora alba. Methven Bog; scarce. Ribes Grossularia. Thickets, banks of Almond, four miles west of Perth. Rubus discolor. In hedges, everywhere. Rubus ideus. Frequent, but not one plant for a hundred of R. discolor. Rumex alpinus. One plant, bank of Tay; an outcast from a garden. Rumex aquaticus. Frequently, in watery places. Sanguisorba officinalis. Near Tay, below Kinfauns toll; sparingly. Saxifraga aizoides. By the margins of streamlets, on Birnam Hill; plentiful. Saxifraga granulata. North Inch and Quarry Mill Den; abun- dant. Scheuchzeria palustris, Methven Bog; plentiful. Scirpus sylvaticus. Margin of Tay, im several places near Perth ; plentiful. * Scirpus cespitosus. Moor of Durdie, four miles east of Perth. Scleranthus annuus. Frequent on dry barren ground. Scrophularia nodosa. Common by hedges and ditches, especially in wet ground. * Scrophularia vernalis. Near Scone Palace; very rare. Sedum album. Rocks near Barnhill; .plentiful. K. Sedum dasyphyllum. Craigie Moor, on rocky soil; plentiful.— Undoubtedly indigenous, though often (indeed generally) considered otherwise. 1859.] PLANTS OF PERTH. Ad Sedum Telephium. Very common about Perth. Senecio sylvaticus. Rare; occasionally in:dry ground. Sherardia arvensis. Frequent in cultivated fields. Silene inflata. Not common in the immediate vicinity of Perth, but abundant in Fifeshire. Silene maritima. Frequent near top of North Inch, among gravel and stones, within floodmark of the Tay. Sisymbrium Alliaria. Frequent in hedges. Sisymbrium officinale. Frequent by waysides, etc. Solidago Virgaurea. Woody banks of Tay, near junction of the Almond ; plentiful. Sparganium ramosum. Rare. In a ditch near Glencarse. Stellaria Holostea. Roadside, in a thicket near Kinfauns toll- bar, plentiful ; and in other places. Stellaria glauca. Damp meadow-ground; rare. Stellaria uliginosa. Damp meadow-ground ; rare. Stellaria nemorum. Woody banks of Tay, above North Inch. * Stratiotes aloides. One of the bogs in Methven parish ; brought to me in a recent state from thence, by a Scone gardener. Symphytum tuberosum. By hedges; frequent. K. Tanacetum vulgare. Widely and plentifully distributed. Teucrium Scorodonia. Wood of Kinnoul Hill; abundant. Thalictrum minus. Near top of North Inch, in barren ground, amongst bushes of Ulex europeus, and islet at confluence of Almond and Tay; sparsely. Torilis Anthriscus. Hedges; frequent. Tragopogon pratensis (minor, Fries). Abundant in the borders of fields, banks of the Tay, above the North Inch; frequent elsewhere. Trientalis europea. Wood of Scone; plentiful. Trifolium arvense. Frequent in dry ground. Trifolium filiforme. Frequent in dry ground. Trifolium pratense. Not common. Trifolium procumbens. Witchill; plentiful. K. Trifolium striatum. Witchill; frequent. K. Trollius europeus. Bank of Almond and Tay. Tussilago Farfara. Not very frequent. Valeriana officinalis. Frequent on the banks of the Tay. *Valeriana pyrenaica. Wood at junction of Almond and Tay. Valerianella dentata. Witchill; plentiful. HAN PLANTS OF PERTH. [ February, Verbascum Thapsus. Banks of Almond; rare. Veronica Anagallis. Mill-dam, Quarry Mill Den, and in a ditch near “ Auld Brig” of Almond; rare. Veronica Beccabunga. Frequent in the margins of streams, etc. Veronica hederefolia. Frequent in cultivated ground. Vicia Cracca. Common in hedges. Vicia tetrasperma. Frequent in cornfields, ete. *Vicia sylvatica. Wood near confluence of Almond and Tay. Viola canina. Coramon. Viola hirta. Under a hedge, banks of Tay, two miles north from Perth ; plentiful. Also wood on Kinnoul Hill; frequent. Viola palustris. Top of North Inch; plentiful. Viola tricolor. Kverywhere in cornfields. In the preceding list, those few plants with an asterisk pre- fixed were not seen by me in their several localities, but I ob- tained specimens of them all in recent state ; and the individuals, though not botanists, who kindly supplied me, were men on whose veracity I can depend. It will be seen from this list, that several plants, such as Alchemilla alpina, etc., occur in the vicinity of Perth, particularly on the banks of the Tay and Al- mond, that are seldom found except in subalpine regions. This may in part be accounted for by the river-floods of the Almond and Tay, particularly the latter. The absence of plants common to other counties is no less remarkable. Parnassia palustris, with the exception of one or two dwarf plants in a peaty marsh in Scone Wood, I have in this district seen nowhere else ; in Aberdeenshire, the peaty bogs in August are often almost white with its blossoms. In conclusion, should any readers of the ‘ Phytologist’ see any plants in this list he would wish, let him just write to me, and if I have not duplicates by me I shall do my endeavour, D.v., to get them next summer. If the parties applying can give me no plants in exchange, they will have to defray the expense of transmission. Applicants for any plants will do well to send in their applications before next May at furthest, in order that I may be enabled to meet their several demands. I have no doubt but applicants for Moneses will be legion, there- fore, botanical friends, apply in time. JoHN SIM. Commercial Street, Bridge End, Perth. 1859. ] BOTANICAL SKETCHES. ‘45 BOTANICAL SKETCHES. CHANNEL Istanps. By Joun Luoyp. Wednesday, the 4th of August, being a splendid morning, and having business to transact near to St. Peter’s, I left St. Helier’s at an early hour, intending to botanize a little upon my way there and back again. In leaving the town behind me, and taking the road toward St. Aubin, I came to an eminence on my right-hand. I ascended to the top of the hill and enjoyed a beautiful view of the bay, the town of St. Helier’s, the distant town of St. Aubin’s, and the adjacent country. It being an early hour, but few were astir. I saw a man, who appeared like a tradesman of the town, taking an early walk before the hours of business. I made to- wards him, with the intention of getting some information from him. After the usual salutation, I mquired the name of the hill upon which we were, and was informed that it bore the name of Gallows Hill. The appellation suggested to me the fact that I had not observed a prison in the neighbourhood of St. Helier’s, and upon my remarking so to my new companion, he told me that they had such an edifice (he called it a jug) ; and he added that they sometimes put Englishmen into it who did not conduct themselves with propriety. I was more amused with his wit than offended with his rudeness, and when he found that I did not take any offence at his remark, he altered his behaviour, and soon became very communicative. I had before observed that the natives of the island appeared rather unwilling to converse with me, and I afterwards learned that they are very shy of the English : they have probably their reasons for bemg so. Several of the visitors of the island appeared to belong to the lower order of the middle ranks, with a portion of the better order of the working classes, and being gentlemen for the nonce, they perhaps arrogate to themselves more consequence than they are properly entitled to. To such I would say, put a charitable con- struction upon everything that you see; make no invidious com- parisons between the States and England; and by no means pass any impertinent jest upon any Cesarian damsel, for be her sta- tion ever so humble, they may feel assured that such conduct toward her will be deemed highly offensive, and that it will not be tolerated. If any one should require information from one, and will take the trouble to preface his question with a “ Will you 46 BOTANICAL SKETCHES. [ February, be kind enough to inform me?” she will not only answer him readily, but will show a willingness to give every information in her power. By the help of such trifling civilities, any one who has the least tact, may get on very well with the men and maidens, but he will have a more difficult task with the matrons ; many of them in the remoter parts of the island, when spoken to, will shake their heads, and pretend ignorance of the English language, or if a tourist goes to a house, there are few who will answer his knock at the door. So much for the manners of the natives of the Channel Is- lands, for the same remarks are equally applicable to Guernsey as to Jersey. I will now let the readers of the ‘ Phytologist’ know what plants I found. In waste ground between the town and the hill, I observed. Matricaria Chamomilla and Malva sylvestris, with a very pro- cumbent habit, and with a dark patch at the base of the leaf, which covered about one-third of the surface. All the plants which I saw were alike. On the hill Hrodium cicutarium, with a white flower; Dianthus prolifer, Echium violaceum, Scilla au- tumnalis, Hieracium peleterianum, and a very dwarf variety of Plantago lanceolata. There was also a great quantity of Trifo- lium arvense, certainly not a rare plant, but a very pretty one. I descended, and took a course between the bay and the road, and observed Plantago maritima, Eryngium maritimum, Mat- thiola sinuata, Coronopus didyma, Artemisia Absinthium, A. vul- gare, Lamium incisum, Erodium moschatum, and Armeria mari- tima. I next reached St. Aubin’s, where I breakfasted, and turning to the right-hand and then to the left, soon reached the open country, where I observed Krucastrum incanum, Erigeron acre, Armeria plantaginea, and Eryngium campestre. I took a round towards the Barracks, and afterwards went to St. Peter’s, and returned towards St. Aubin’s by another route, and found upon some marshy ground Ranunculus ophioglossifolius, R. Lingua, R. Flammula, Wahlenbergia hederacea, and Bartsia viscosa; after which I examined two small valleys, but found nothing worth relating. The Ferns were of the most common kinds, and the same kinds which I had seen the day previous. It may be remarked that the indigenous herbaceous plants of the island are more numerous than in England, considering the small area over which they are distributed, and that they are 1859. ] MURAL PLANTS. 47 sufficiently distinct to show a British botanist that he is not botanizing at home. In arborescent botany it is quite the re- verse; the high state of cultivation to which the island has at- tained, has no doubt extinguished many species which formerly existed upon it. I did not observe a single plant of any arbores- cent species of Willow, although Sala fragilis, and the mild and graceful S. alba, are recorded as growing there. The most com- mon timber-trees growing in the hedgerows are Ulmus suberosa and U. montana, the latter not near so common as the former ; no U. campestres but what were in situations where they had evidently been planted. In exotics, the Fuchsias grow to large bushes, and are for the most part true species. The Hydrangea grows to a large size, and has the calyx blue, probably from the quantity of iron in the soil. Camellias thrive well as a common evergreen, but I did not see so many of those two old favourites, the Orange and the Myrtle, as, from the mildness of the climate, I might have expected. Coniferous trees (if I may judge by what came under my observation) will not grow for any great length of time; they grow rapidly when young, but when they get to a respectable size, they become stunted in their growth, get unsightly, and prematurely decay. MURAL PLANTS. By Grorce Jorpan. Some observations on some of our mural plants may not be uninteresting to the readers of that useful periodical the ‘ Phy- tologist.’ Mural plants were undoubtedly originally rock-plants, for they grew there long before any walls existed; but as walls are com- posed of similar materials, lime and sand, they become a suitable location for many plants, which flourish there equally well as they do in their natural habitats, from whence they migrated to decorate our walls and the roofs of our dwellings. Amongst those emigrants, some flourish, others languish in unmitigated misery to the end of their existence; and as it is with the hu- man race under adverse circumstances, cling to life with the utmost tenacity. But I restrict my observations entirely to 48 MURAL PLANTS. [ February, plants, mostly such as grow on walls and roofs. The following plants may be found frequently growing there; many of our forest trees and shrubs have the temerity to come to reside on the walls in abject misery for life, such as Acer Pseudo-Pla- tanus, Fraxinus excelsior, Pinus sylvestris, Betula alba, Taxus baccata, Sambucus nigra, Salix caprea, Rubus ideus, Solanum Dulcamara. Salix caprea is now growing on a brick wall, about ten feet in height, and has been growing there nearly fifty years, a small, miserable, stunted bush. There has been no visible differ- ence in its appearance for about thirty years; yet it bears fruit, which falls to the earth, and there vegetates plentifully. And on the same wall, a small plant of Rubus ideus grew for about forty years, at last died; and a plant of Solanum Dulcamara, which is still in a flourishing state, I have observed growing on a brick wall, about twenty years, a plant which rather prefers shade and moisture. Nature, ever procreative, dislikes a void ; she scatters abroad, by various agencies, her redundancy of seeds, by birds, by winds, by frost, another powerful agent, which lends its assistance to open clefts and crevices in our walls to raise our mural Flora. A mural Flora would be a desideratum for our citizens, who have but little opportunity of enjoying the estival beauty of the country. The walls may be so constructed as to favour the growth of many of our native plants, and some exotics also. Al- though they may be a little begrimed by the fuliginous atmo- sphere of such places, yet it would afford much gratification and amusement. Some such plants may be chosen as_ suitable. Verbascum Thapsus and Verbascum Lychnitis,—splendid floral minarets, amply bestudded with gold and silver gems, splendid objects when majestically seated on their mural throne, where they often grow to the height of three or four feet, with scarcely any visible support, except a few very small roots wedged closely in the crevices between the bricks, yet brave the storm and seem not to suffer from weather vicissitudes. Another constant deni- zen of the wall is Antirrhinum niajus. These make a splendid appearance when marshalled on the ramparts, bedizened in their flaming helmets. Antirrhinum Cymbalaria spreads its reticulated — drapery, bestudded with little purple gems, and everywhere adorns the wall. None have a greater claim to our regard than our cheering Cheiranthus Cheiri, so abundant on our walls, arrayed 1859, ] MURAL PLANTS. 49 in its yellow vest, diffuses its sweetness all around. Not so agreeable its sulphur-scented relative Sinapis tenuifolia, an un- frequent companion on the wall. This plant grows very readily from slips in any garden-soil, but does not mature its seed there as it does on the wall. Geranium lucidum, Corydalis lutea, C. claviculata, Draba verna, Parietaria officinalis, and the ferrugi- nous Saxifraga tridactylites, Arenaria serpyllifolia, Cerastium viscosum, C. semidecandrum, all denizens of the wall. Lactuca muralis leaves its woodland shades, to perch upon the wall. For a mural Flora none excel the Seduwms ; enduring, hardy plants, particularly Sedum acre, come from the hills to spread on our walls and roofs its cloth of gold. Sedum reflerum and C. album are welcome guests, their corymbs studded with silver and gold ; and Sedum dasyphyllum, a little chubby favourite, delights to sit upon the wall. Sempervivum tectorum, rising im columnar ele- gance from amongst its infant progeny, crowned with a diadem of floral gems, subsisting on ethereal food, is a rich addition to our mural Flora. Some of the cryptogamic tribes migrate to our walls and buildings, especially Ruta-muraria, properly named, which abun- dantly fringes the upper parts of our garden-walls. Grammitis Ceterach cannot colonize so successfully. Polypodium vulgare abounds, and occasionally Aspidium Filiv-mas and Adiantum- nigrum appear on walls. Plants even will get into difficulties, as _ well as men. I once observed a plant of Scolopendrium vulgare springing from a small fissure in an over-burnt brick in a wall. It lived there about six years; it produced a very small frond annually, not half an inch long; at last, tired of its incarceration, it died. Procreative nature spreads abroad her redundancy of seed, and where it falls it will vegetate, however inimical the situation may be to its prosperity. Hieracium sylvaticum is often to be found on walls. To this plant the term murorwm would be more suitably applied than to the plant now called Mieracium murorum, which I never saw growing on either walls or rocks. They both are found growing together plentifully in our native woods, different in habit and structure; but a novice in botany, by a little attention, may easily discriminate the difference in the two plants. Very pro- bably those two plants were once considered identical, at a time when less acumen was observed in botanical science. The at- N. 8. VOL. III. H 50 THYMUS SERPYLLUM AND T. CHAMEDRYS. ([January, tenuated state of H. sylvaticum on the rock or wall may deceive a cursory observer. It would be a most desirable acquisition to our botany, if some of our many eminent botanists would undertake the task to give us a significant vocabulary of English names to our na- tive plants. Their labours would be hailed with gratitude by all lovers of the science of botany. LATHRAA SQUAMARIA. Observations on the Economy of Lathrea Squamaria. By Grorce Jorpan. For several years I have observed the curious habits of this parasite, which annually springs up from the roots of a Filbert- tree growing in my garden. For some time before the plants make their appearance, I have observed the earth over where they spring to become very moist, and only in that spot. The cause I found to proceed from the plants drawing the sap from the roots of their foster-parent to facilitate their egression through the superincumbent earth. How wise and necessary was such a provision to bring those modest nymphs, fully be- dizened, and uninjured, into their sylvan bower! And be it observed, moreover, how they bend themselves, in their progress through the soil, over their tender raceme of gems, to bring them safely into Flora’s domain, whilst other tribes must wait awhile before they can be sufficiently arrayed to join in Flora’s levee. How,—as in all other instances,—how beautifully exem- plified is the consummate wisdom and provident care of the Majesty of the universe, for the well-being of all creation ! THYMUS SERPYLLUM AND T, CHAMADRYS. By Grorct JorDAN. Many years ago I discovered that there were two very dis- tinct species of British Thymes, which I proved by cultivation and observing their habits, and physiological constituents also ; yet there are some who doubt their specific claims. I have sent 1859. ] BRYOLOGY OF THE YORKSHIRE OOLITE. 51 specimens of each to several distinguished botanists, whereby I find that some have considered them distinct species, by giving to one the appellation of T. Chamedrys; the other re- tains its original significant name of TJ. Serpyllum, from its creeping propensity, rooting and densely covering the ground, often, where it can, to the extent of twenty square feet. One of those Thyme-beds, when in bloom, is a beautiful object. This comes into flower in June, about a month sooner than the other species, and does not remain in flower nearly so long as the other species. It prefers a dry sandy soil, ditch-banks, and rocks; its smell a little aromatic, and has little taste. Thymus Chame- drys comes into flower in July, and continues in flower often -until late in November. It grows more upright, and in tufts ; a larger plant, a powerful scent, and pungent taste; not so choice in location as T, Serpyllum ; it may be found growing most luxuriantly on ant-hills, in old sheep-pastures, in heavy soils, and in northern aspects also, where the other is not found. If the constituents of these plants were analytically obtained, it would most certainly establish their specific claims. BRYOLOGY OF THE YORKSHIRE OOLITE. On the Bryology of the Oolitic Hills of Yorkshire. A Paper read before Section D, at the meeting of the British Associa- tion at Leeds, September 23, 1858. By J. HW. Davizs. The subject of the influence exercised by the geological for- mations on the distribution of Mosses, is one which, in con- sequence of the available data being but meagre and unreliable, it would at present be impossible to treat otherwise than vaguely, * and the conclusions to be deduced must necessarily be of a crude and unsatisfactory character. It will be found, however, that the mechanical (not the che- mical) constitution of the rocks, their comparative dryness or humidity, or—to adopt the terminology of a paper by Mr. Baker, on the subject as relating to the distribution of the higher orders of plants, read before this Section of your Association, at Glas- gow, in 1855—their “dysgeogenous” or “ eugeogenous” qua- lities, very perceptibly influence the dispersion of species. 52 BRYOLOGY OF THE YORKSHIRE oOoLiTe. [February, The district which comes within the compass of our remarks is all comprised within the limits of the North Riding. It is estimated that in North Yorkshire the Upper Oolitic strata cover an area of about 200 square miles, and the Lower Oolitic and Lias of about 650, this of course including the Liasic for- mations of the vales of Mowbray and Cleveland. The Oolitic moorlands, of the muscology of which only we purpose treating, extend north to the sea, beginning to margin the coast about Saltburn, from whence to Filey they form irregular cliffs, vary- ing considerably in elevation, but generally about 120 or 130 feet ; the highest point which they attain being at Boulby, which is nearly 680 feet above the sea-level. Inland, they sink into the vale of Cleveland, and extend west as far as the vale of Mowbray, and to the vale of Pickering on the south, their western boundary being marked by a series of abrupt descents, forming rugged and irregular scars. Two distinct ranges of hills may be traced, differing from one another alike in physical configuration and lithology: the first and most northern, those of the Lower Oolite, which reach from Osmotherly Bank to the peak culminating in Burton Head, a series of undulated moorlands made up mostly of sand- stone; the second and most southern, a series of tabular cal- careous plateaux, extending and sinking in level gradually from Hambleton End, eastward to the Castle Hill at Scar- borough. The Lower Oolite range of moors is watered for the most part by the Esk, and those of the Upper Oolite by the Derwent, the tributaries of which drain innumerable picturesque dales and gills, often with precipitous, rocky, and more or less wooded banks. The principal dales drained by the Esk are Kildale, Baysdale, Danbydale, Glazedale and Goathlandale, and the highest point attained by the Lower Oolite is 1485 feet at Burton Head. The dales of the Derwent are Bilsdale, Brans- dale, Farndale, Rosedale and Newtondale, which at their sources are in a great measure composed of Lower, and the lower parts, of Upper Oolite. 13800 feet, at Hambleton End, is the highest point which the Upper Oolite reaches. The same peculiarity of two distinct ranges extends into a subordinate set of hills, known as the Howardian range, but the distinction of the muscology of the two is here marked m 1859.] BRYOLOGY OF THE YORKSHIRE OOLITE. 53 a less decisive manner, owing to the Lower Oolite formation being more calcareous than is the case further north. The total number of species which the district produces may be reckoned at upwards of 240, but to enter into a detailed ac- count of the whole of these would be to extend this paper to a much greater length than we intended. By way of illustrating the influence of climate upon the dis- tribution, we will select out those species which find their head- quarters in elevated situations. They amount to nearly 70 in number, and occur principally about the culminating summits of the Lower Oolite that le on the south of the vale of Cleveland, viz. Burton Head, Wainstones and Cranimoor. Some of the more alpine species reach various points in the dales which ra- diate from these, but none but the most widely disseminated reach the dales that separate the calcareous plateaux of the southern range of which I have spoken. None of them are found in the great central valley, and their dispersion is analo- gous to that of those flowering plants which Mr. H. C. Watson, in the ‘ Cybele Britannica,’ has placed under his Highland and Scottish types of distribution :— Andrezea Rothii. Gymnostomum rupestre. Gymnost. curvirostrum. Gymnost. microstomum. Weissia cirrhata. Brachyodus trichodes. Seligeria pusilla. Seligeria recurvata. Anodus donianus. Blindia acuta. Cynodontium Bruntoni. Dicranum squarrosum. Dicranum fuscescens. Distichium capillaceum. Didymodon flexifolius. Trichostomum flexicaule. Trichostomum tortile. Tortula tortuosa. Encalypta streptocarpa. Hedwigia ciliata. Grimmia trichophylla. Racomit. heterostichum. Racomitrium aciculare. Orthot. Drummondii. Orthot. Hutchinsie. Zygodon Mougeotii. Tetraphis pellucida. Tetrodont. brownianum. Diphyscium foliosum. Pogonatum alpinum. Polytrichum gracile. Bryum crudum. Bryum roseum. Bryum Zieru. Mnium cuspidatum. Mnium orthorhynchum. Mnium serratum. Mnium stellare. Mnium subglobosum. Paludella squarrosa. Entosthodon Templetoni. Bartramia calcarea. Bartramia halleriana. Bartramia CHderi. Bartramia ithyphylla. Splachnum ampullaceumi. Tetraplodon mnioides. Discelium nudum. Fissidens osmundoides. Schistostega osmundacea. Anictangium compactum, Antitrichia curtipendula. Cylindrothec. Montagnei, Hypnum crassinervium. Hypnum pumilum. Hypnum Crista-Castrensis. Hypnum tenellum. Hypnum heteropterum. Hypnum flagellare. Hypnum brevirostre. Hypnum delicatulum. Hypnum depressum. Hypnum elegans. Neckera crispa. Neckera pumila. Hookeria lucens. Fontinalis squamosa. 54 THIRSK NATURAL HISTORY society. [February, By way of illustrating the more direct influence which the _ constitution of the rocks exercises, I will give another list of species that are almost exclusively restricted to the calcareous moorlands :— . Seligeria pusilla. Tortula tortuosa. Hypnum lutescens. Trichostomum flexicaule. Encalypta streptocarpa. © Hypnum chrysophyllum. Tortula rigida. Bartramia deri. Hypnum tenellum. Tortula ambigua. Anomodon viticulosus. Hypnum delicatulum. Tortula aloides. Cylindrothec. Montagnei. Neckera crispa. The great bulk of species not included in either of these lists is pretty generally diffused throughout the entire district. Thirsk, North Yorkshire. THIRSK NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. Botanical Exchange Club. The monthly meeting of the Thirsk Natural History Society was held on the evening of Wednesday, the 5th of January. The Rev. A. M. Norman, of Sedgefield, South Durham, was elected a member cf the Botanical Exchange Club. Mr. J. G. Baker announced the receipt of parcels from Messrs. Barton, Brown, Hardy, Hunt, Ingle,’ Payne, Purchas, Richard- son, and Windsor, and communicated the following notices, ex- hibiting specimens of the species to which he made reference :— “ Galium debile, Desv. Obs. Pl. Ang. p. 184; G. constrictum, Chauv. Fl. Agen. p. 67.—I have known for some time as an in- habitant of the Thirsk neighbourhood, and passed over as wligi- nosum, a Galium which appears, upon closer examination and. more rigid comparison with specimens, to be identical with G. debile of Desvaux, a plant which has been known for the last forty years in some of the western departments of France. In its subprocumbent, interlaced habit of growth, it closely resem- bles the true uliginosum, but the stem is stronger and smoother than in that species, the flowers fewer, the pedicels shorter, and the lower branches of the panicle much more elongated. Both by Grenier and Lloyd it is compared with Asperula cynanchica as regards general appearance, but of course it is larger in size. In uliginoswm the leaves are flat in surface and linear-lanceolate in shape, whilst in dedile they are truly linear, and in the mature 1859. ] REVIEWS. 55 plant considerably recurved at the edges, which makes them look even narrower in comparison than they are in reality. In drying, uliginosum preserves its colour, whilst dedile, like palustre and saxatile, inevitably turns black. Lloyd marks it as ‘assez com- mune’ in La Vendée, and ‘peu commune’ in the Loire-Inférieure. In all probability, when the attention of collectors is directed to- wards it, the plant will be found in other localities in different parts of Britain. “ Hypocheris maculata.— Dr. Windsor sends an example of this from Humphry Head, near Cartmell, a promontory on the coast of the lake portion of Lancashire. Carnarvonshire stands in the ‘Cybele’ as the north limit of the species. “Hieracium gothicum, Mid-west Yorkshire.-—Mr. Hardy sends an example of this from Wensleydale. “ Species introduced into West Yorkshire with foreign wool.— In addition to the species of which specimens from Mr. Hobkirk were exhibited at our November meeting, Mr. Ingle also sends Amaranthus retroflecus and Setaria verticillata, both from the vicinity of Huddersfield. The name of the village near which some of these introductions have been found is Whitley, not Whitby, as printed in the December number of the ‘ Phytolo- gist. ” Mr. J. H. Davies exhibited fine fruiting specimens of Hypnum speciosum in a fresh state, from stumps by the railway-side, near Thirsk station, a second Yorkshire locality. He this evening took his leave of the resident members, prior to a change of his place of abode. He intends still to continue the curatorship of the Muscological department of the Exchange Club, and. his ad- dress, until further notice, will be Glenmore Green, near Lis- burn, county Antrim. iacbiews. Tobacco and its Adulterations ; with illustrations drawn and etched. By Hunry P. Prescott. London: John Van Voorst, Paternoster Row. Not very many months ago the press groaned, or teemed, as some say, with treatises on the ill effects of smoking. The 56 REVIEWS. [ February, argument, if estimated by the number and weight of the para- graphs, pamphlets, and other publications, written with the good intention of keeping this practice within due bounds, was unfa- vourable to the smokers. The incorrigibles, of course, were un- convinced; smoking seems to be on the increase. ‘The tobacco- nists, in order to meet the growing demand for the fragrant weed, and to commemorate their deliverance from a dispute that threatened the ruin of their trade, caused a large pipe to be manufactured, with a bowl quite as large as a common coffee-cup and nearly of the same shape, with a short tube; and this new contrivance for consuming tobacco by the ounce was named—it may be surmised, in derision—“ the Controversy Pipe.” The cry against tobacco reminds us of the greater cry which has been raised and sustained for many years, against beer, wine, and spirits, and in recommendation of teetotalism, total- abstinence or temperance principles. Tobacco, lke everything else, is good if used in moderation. The best gifts of Providence may be abused. It is the abuse of the article that is injurious, That it has some effect on the digestive organ is generally ad- mitted; or it renders its power less active. It allays the craving for food. Some call it a sedative, others an excitative ; all will agree that it is a pickpurse, not in a small way, with young fashionables or Oxford students, if we may judge by their tobac- conists’ bills which are occasionally published for the edification of the class Paterfamilias,—it should be plural,—who pay the bills of some of the ingenious high-born youth of the nation. Per- haps its most important use is that of being a fiscal commodity, or it is produced, imported, manufactured, sold, and smoked in cigars, or in controversy pipes, or in meerschaums, or in Turkey or china pipes, or in meerschaum-washed pipes, or in common clays, from the vulgar cutty of the Scot, the dudeen of the Irish, through all the varieties of three and four a penny, up to the aldermanic or churchwarden’s pipe, a name invented or applied when churchwardens were of more consequence than they are now; it is used for the nostrils, applied with fingers and with spoon, and it is eaten,—for the sake of revenue. In this we have a common interest. ‘The revenue is the great fund from which all our official dignitaries, from our Queen down to the police-officer, are paid; from this source our gallant army and 1859. | REVIEWS. 57 brave navy are supported; hence all our pensions. It is in this light that Tobacco is viewed by our author. His object, as he tells us in his preface, is to assist “ officers of the Government, and others interested in the subject, to a knowledge of the characters of unmanufactured and manufactured Tobacco, and to enable them to detect its impurities”’? The adulterations discovered from time to time are enumerated, viz. leaves of Rhu- barb, Dock, Burdock, Coltsfoot, Beech, Plantain, Oak, and Elm ; also Chicory-leaves steeped in tar-oil, together with starches from many vegetable substances; also peat-earth, sawdust, bran, malt-rootlets, etc. The work contains the following subjects, briefly and well handled, and clearly illustrated by good figures, viz. vegetable organography, and especially the form and venation of leaves ; the internal anatomy of the leaf, the cells, vessels, and deposits ; the structure of roots, stems, also of various sorts of woods, ete. The next subject is the Tobacco-plant, and such as are or have been used to adulterate the article, viz. Thorn-apple, Deadly Nightshade, Potato, Burdock, Dandelion, Sunflower, Comfrey, Hellebore, Plantain, etc. An account of starches, of the micro- scope, and the history, use, cultivation, and manufacture of To- bacco, fill up the book. The work is illustrated by forty plates. The plants whose leaves are or have been used in the adultera- tion of Tobacco, are Rhubarb, Dock, Foxglove, Plantain; Chi- cory-leaves steeped in tar-oil have been used as fillers for the adulteration of cigars; Coltsfoot and Burdock. But in addition to these expressly stated to have been used for the above purpose, it is inferred, from p. 85, that the following have been found among Tobacco, viz. Elecampane, Thorn-apple, Mullein, and Comfrey. It is to be wished that, when the work is reprinted for a second edition, Mr. Prescott would tell us what Tobaccos are adulterated with these various substances. In what Tobac- cos—the Dutch, the German, the Turkish, or the American, for example—does he find the Thorn-apple? In what samples is the Foxglove seen? Where is the Tobacco grown which is mixed with Mullein, Elecampane, ete.? Note.—Mr. Prescott calls Foxglove a perennial: it is a biennial. Also he says that Green Hellebore is an annual: this is probably a misprint for perennial. Some antiquarians of our acquaintance will demur to the N.S. VOL. III. I 58 REVIEWS. [ February, belief of the threadbare story of Raleigh’s newly appointed ser- vant’s throwing the contents of the beer-jack in his master’s face, to quench, as was feared, the internal combustion. If not To- bacco, certainly some herbs were smoked in England centuries before the epoch of America’s discovery, and longer still ere the weed’s introduction into England. Pipes for smoking some- thing have been discovered with Roman remains. And there are, in the cabinets of the curious, relics of smoking-apparatus probably used by the ancient Britons. In Eastern lands the custom is of unknown antiquity; so it is in the West. The aborigines of America smoked before they were visited by Co- lumbus and the early discoverers of the western hemisphere. England has seen many changes since the British Solomon, who then swayed her destinies, published his famous ‘ Counterblast against Tobacco.’ There is a current story of this king, illus- trative of his dislike to other things not so objectionable per se as Tobacco. He said that if he was to invite his Satanic Ma- jesty to dinner, that he would regale him with pork—which most Christians call good eating—for the first course, a poll of ling and mustard for the second, and to finish with a pipe of Tobacco for digestion. A famous poet of that age, Sylvester, wrote a poem on the subject, which he entitles ‘Tobacco battered and the Pipes shattered (about their ears who do idly idolize so base and barbarous a weed, or at least-wise overlove so loathsome a vanity) by a volley of Holy Shot from Mount Helicon.” His verses shall not be quoted here; but it may be believed that even in our liberal and independent times, royal and even noble authors would not lack imitators. Index Filicum. Part V. By Tuomas Moors, Author of the ‘ Handbook of British Ferns, the ‘ Ferns of Great Britain and Ireland, Nature-printed, etc., Curator of the Chelsea Botanic Garden. The author informs his readers that the publication of this part has been delayed “chiefly by the author’s illness” (from which, we are happy to inform our readers, he is now completely recovered), and that the sixth part is now in hand, and it is hoped will soon follow. 1859.] BOTANICAL NOTES, NOTICES, AND QUERIES. 59 The part now before us contains twelve pages of descriptive matter. The suborders described are Salvinee, etc., and the genera Salvinia, Azolla, Pilularia, and Marsilea. The ana- lytical table of genera follows, and is continued to Gymno- gramma. The genera and species are continued from Anetium to Asplenium inclusive. Aspidium alatum, a native of the Ori- ental Archipelago, enjoys just threescore and ten aliases. A great number of names is characteristic of two classes (humant generis) of personages, and humbler mortals, of Bow Street and Old Bailey fame. A Spanish grandee has fewer names than the least-famed of these fortunate Ferns, which have had hundreds of pens employed in their praise or in chronicling the peaceful annals of their uneventful existences. Will the number of readers of the names of these fortunate Aspidia be as great as the number of those who have written about them? We do not know. But we need not greatly wonder at strictures not rare in the current literature, and especially in the writings of Mr. Punch, whose remarks are not uniformly laudatory of contemporary science. The patience and perseverance of scientific writers is most commendable. It is to be hoped that the reading public has a larger share of these amiable qualities than the writer of this notice can honestly lay claim to. BOTANICAL NOTES, NOTICES, AND QUERIES. MustTARD. If you have not exhausted this subject, will you allow me to refer your querists to a little work called ‘A Scripture Herbal,’ in which the writer, W. Westmacott, Med. Prof., says:—‘ Mustard, quasi mustum ardens, being used to hasten the fermentation and depuration of new wine or must. In Latin, Sinapi or Sinapis. Uurting-mustard, by its volatile acrimony, hurting the nose and eyes.” In Camden’s ‘ Britannia,’ vol. i. p. 273, he says, speaking of Tewkes- bury, that it is a large and fair town, having three bridges leading to it over three rivers, famous for the making of woollen cloth and smart biting mustard, etc. Some of your correspondents who live in Gloucester- shire can inform us whether mustard is cultivated there, and if it is still manufactured at Tewkesbury. I find also that Mustard was by old writers called Genuy, or Senme ; and Minsheu, in his ‘Guide into the Tongues,’ has Senuie-seed, whereof mustard is made. This word is from the Gallic ‘Seneue’ (Senf), but I know not the particular meaning of this word. Does it express the property 60 BOTANICAL NOTES, NOTICES, AND QuERIES. [ February, of the plant or its nature, etc.? In Cogan’s ‘Haven of Health’ (1612), he says:—‘*The best Mustard that I know in all England, is made at Tewkesbury, in Gloucestershire, and at Wakefield, in Yorkshire.” 5S. B. To the Editor of the ‘ Phytologist.’ Sir,—Happening to observe an inquiry in one of the later numbers of your magazine, as to whether Ferns are liable to be attacked by insects, etc., I beg to tell you that in the course of this summer I have had two plants of Gymnogramma leptophylla completely destroyed by the Green or Rose Aphides. A plant of Nothochlena nivea and N. lenera were much disfigured by the same pests. I also lost a plant of Botrychium Lunaria, which was just appearing aboveground, and several young fronds of Daria Odontites, A. diversifolium, and A. vivipara, as well as of other Ferns, by the attacks of mice, in the early part of the spring. I at first was utterly incredulous as to the cause of this disfigurement of some of my best specimens, but having watched, I deteeted the in- truders in manifesto facinore, and have no doubt but that the succulent stems attracted them, in the absence of other food. I remain, Sir, yours truly, W. B. F. P.S. I have just ascertained a fact, new to me at least, respecting a use of our Péeris aquilina, viz. that the ashes of it are largely used, in conjunction with bone-dust and ashes, for the purpose of filling crucibles in which the cupellation of lead is carried on, 7.e. the separation of lead from the silver which is nearly always found in it. Berries OF THE Mountain-Asu. Many communications have been sent to the ‘ Phytologist’ on this subject. Two appeared in our number for October, 1858, pp. 599 and 600. The following is a newspaper account of this occurrence :— “A CHILD PotsoneD BY THE Berrizs or THE Mountatn-AsH.— On Monday afternoon an inquest was held at the Travellers’ Inn, Armley, by Mr. Blackburn, borough coroner, upon the body of Joseph Murgatroyd, a child five years old, whose father is a clothier at Armley. The deceased had been ailing for the last fortnight, but on Friday after- noon he commenced vomiting dark matter, and “continued to do so for some time. On the following morning, Mr. Alfred Rickards, surgeon, was called in, and prescribed for the child, whom he supposed to be suffering from pleurisy and disease of the kidneys. The deceased, how- ever, continued to suffer, and died at half-past eleven o’clock im the evening. On a post-mortem examination being made, the remains of Mountain-Ash berries were discovered in the stomach of the deceased, who had no doubt eaten them when in the field. Mr. Rickards was clearly of opinion that the deceased had been poisoned by these Mountain- Ash berries, and the jury returned a verdict accordingly.” Our readers will see from what paper our second account is derived :— ‘**PoIsONING BY RED Berrins.—(To the Editor of the ‘ Manchester Guardian.”)—Sir,—I observe a paragraph in your paper stating that a child has been poisoned, near Leeds, by eating the berries of the Mountain-Ash. Without wishing to lessen the wholesome terror of red 1859. | BOTANICAL NOTES, NOTICES, AND QUERIES. 61 berries which it is so desirable to impress on the infant mind, I think there must be some mistake in this matter, as I believe the berries of the Mountain-Ash (Pyrus Aucuparia) are not poisonous. In ‘ Buxton’s Botanical Guide to the Plants about Manchester,’ it is stated that these berries, dried and reduced to powder, make wholesome bread. In the same work, p. 34, occurs the following quotation from Withering :—‘ It is well worth observing how truly the insertion of the stamens into the calyx, as in the class Zcosandria, indicates a wholesome fruit. With this simple guide a traveller in the most unknown wilderness might eat in safety.’ The Mountain-Ash belongs to the Linnzean class Lcosandria and the Natural Order Rosacee, and is, of course, one of the plants indicated im the above quotation. If therefore the botanists are right, it cannot be poisonous. As the berries in question were discovered on a post- mortem examination, it is possible they may have been some other than Mountain-Ash; perhaps those of the Woody Nightshade. It might be difficult to identify them positively under the circumstances, and they may have been too hastily assumed to be Mountain-Ash. “Believing it to be desirable that correct information on this subject should prevail, I hope you will insert this, and it may perhaps elicit from some of your botanical readers an authoritative explanation of the point. I am desirous that the fair fame of the Rose tribe should be cleared from the imputation of having a noxious member among them. I am, yours respectfully, Rosa. “We have always understood that the berries of the Mountain-Ash were perfectly harmless, and agree in opinion with our fair correspondent, that what had been eaten were the red berries a the Woody Nightshade. .—Ld. Guard.|” As several correspondents have appealed to the Editor, he feels in duty bound to give his opinion. As an appeal has been made to botanists, it may be observed, in the first place, that the poisonous nature of this fruit is entirely unknown to them. Primd facie, they would say, it is perfectly . Innocuous, because it belongs to a family—Pomacee—which contains no plants bearing poisonous berries or fruits. Ray, the father of English botanists, gives the following account of the fruit of the Mountain-Ash (Synopsis Stirpium Brit. p. 453, ed. 1724) :-— ** Aucupariz baccee succum exhibent acidum hydragogon egregium, itemque scorbutico aptum; Wallis in frequenti usu, quibus vice dictz purgantis exhibetur. “ Sativee fructus, immaturi preesertim, adstringunt et fluxus quoscunque sistunt. (Vid. Hist. Nost. ii. 1456.)” Sir J. E. Smith describes the fruit as follows :—‘*. .. The fruit soaked in water, to extract some of its bitterness, makes a kind of jelly, which is tolerably flavoured. A spirit is also reported by Lightfoot to be distilled from these berries. Birds of the thrush kind devour them with avidity, and our Mountain-Ash trees, planted for ornament in most parts of England, are thus unfortunately stripped, early in autumn, of their produce.” Again, in the second place, no chemical analysis has hitherto been published to warrant the inference that these berries are poisonous. The 62 BOTANICAL NOTES, NOTICES, AND QuERIES. _[ February, case of the child Joseph Murgatroyd is not satisfactory nor decisive of this point unsupported by the authority of all botanists who have noticed in their works the properties of the fruit of this tree: because the child had been ailing a fortnight before his death, and the surgeon had treated. him as a patient suffering from pleurisy and renal disorder. To infer that he was poisoned by eating of this fruit, because the remains of some of it, or of something like it, were found in the stomach, would be similar to the inference that a patient, who died after breakfast or after any other meal, was poisoned because some toasted bread, or the remains of food recently taken, had been discovered in the stomach. We know, from experience, that the skins of these berries are not readily dissolved in the digestive juices. Besides, we can with confidence assert, on the crede- experto principle, that they are quite harmless. To our knowledge they have been eaten by hundreds, aw naturel, and without the slightest ill consequences. If these are suspicious, so are apples, pears, medlars, and most fruits which are both pleasant to the taste and not hurtful to the system. One may be hurt by over-eating. The stomach is too often compelled to labour too much because the eaters have what is called “a sweet tooth.” Sometimes it obstinately refuses to be the drudge of the palate, and its too heavy load must be moved by means of. emetic tartar, or ipecacuanha, or colocynth, or bitter aloes, or some other drastic. But surfeiting is not poisoning.—Ep. Note To Mr. Si1m’s PAPER ON THE AREMONIA AND POTENTILLA. . . . “Respecting the Potentilla, the locality of which I have just visited, I am more than ever inclined to think it is no outcast from any nursery. Its very position militates strongly against such a supposition.« But while I doubt the probability, I admit the possibility. Though it is in the vicinity of a quarry into which rubbish from a nursery is occasjonally deposited, yet the majority of the plants are found on elevated ground to the north and north-west of the quarry, where it is very unlikely that its seeds could have been wafted by the wind.” EDELWEIS. Edelweis—Gnaphalium Leontopodium—a flower met with only on some of the highest mountains in certain parts of Tyrol and Bavaria. It is to be found in Berchtesgaden, and on the Scharfreuter in the Hinter Riss. It is much valued for the snowy purity of its colour, as well as on account of the difficulty of getting it. The very name, “ Noble Purity,” (ede, noble; weiss, white,) has a charm about it. Strangely enough, it always grows on a spot to be reached only with the utmost peril. You will see a tuft of its beautifully white flowers overhanging a precipice, or waving on a perpendicular wall of rock, to be approached but by a ledge, where perhaps a chamois could hardly stand. But it is this very difficulty of acquisition which gives the flower so peculiar a valué, and impels many a youth to brave the danger, that he may get a posy of Hdelweis for the hat or the bosom of the girl he loves; and often has such a one fallen over the rocks just as he had reached it, and been found dead, in his hand the flower of such fatal beauty, which he still held firmly grasped.—C. Boner. 1859. | BOTANICAL NOTES, NOTICES, AND QUERIES. 63 CHANNEL-ISLAND PLANTS, ADDITIONS TO. By the Rev. T. Salwey. Sir,—Your correspondent Mr. Henslow does not appear to have met: with the A/inm triquetrum in Guernsey, which is a plant perhaps of more decided southern habit than those which he has named. It was probably overlooked by him, as well as by Mr. Babington previously, by not being in blossom when they were there. I discovered it in many parts of the island of Guernsey in 1847, and sent it to my friend Mr. Borrer ; and it was subsequently sent to Mr. Salter, to be figured for the ‘ English Botany’ supplement, and would have appeared, but that the work at that time ceased to be published. I had previously met with this plant in Madeira. Besides the above plant, I also found in the island, in 1847, not included in Mr. Babington’s work,—Carex pendula: bay under the Artillery Bar- racks. Hrigeron acris: fields to the east of Portinfer. Cnothera biennis : the Vale. Hypericum linarifolium: on all the slopes of the south coast. Triticum glaucum: Vagon Bay. T. repens, B, dumetorum: ditto. Luzula Forsteri : lane leading from the King’s Road to Haviland Hall. Barbarea precox: I have no record of the habitat of this. Some of the above I observe Mr. Henslow has also met with. Shanklin, I. W., December 1858. HUDDERSFIELD Puants. By S. H. Stocks. It is hoped that the readers will correct the following mistakes in an account of exotic plants found near Huddersfield, p. 643, vol. ii. N.s. First, the paper is by 8. H. Stocks, wot C. Hobkirk. Also, the writer has the following additional duplicates :—Digitaria sanguinalis, Setaria verticillata, Chloris compressa, Lappago racemosa, Senecio erucifolius, Lrodiuim moschatum, and Erodium malacoides. In the Order Graminee, for Chloris compressa read Polypogon monspeliensis ; and in the Order Lythracee, for Polypodium read Polypogon. The additions to those mentioned above are Phalaris paradoxa, Polypogon monspeliensis, Sagittaria sagittefolia, Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus, Solanum nigrum, Vinca minor, Medicago denti- culata, and Saponaria officinalis. I have also a few spare specimens of Polypodium calcareum, Ranunculus sceleratus, Ribes Grossularia, Petasites albus, Taxus baccata, Potentilla Comarum, Nartheciwn ossifragum, Corydalis lutea, and Linaria repens. LOCALITIES FOR CLAYTONIA ALSINOIDES. (From Baxter’s ‘British Plants,’ vol. iv. p. 253.) In moist, shady woods, very rare, Derbyshire. ‘In an elevated part of a large plantation bordering Chatsworth Park; unquestionably wild. Of this I feel quite satisfied, as its situation is such as not to offer any probability of either seeds or plants being conveyed there by any other means than by nature.” —Str Joseph Paxton, Sept. 8, 1837. Matva moscuata, L., from Perth, var. alia.—The caulinary leaves of this variety are not divided to the base into linear segments, but are lobed or divided halfway or two-thirds. They are rounded, the lobes are rounded, and they are dentate, with rounded teeth. The whole plant is hairier than the typical plant is. The central cone of the fruit is larger, and the flowers are white. 64 BOTANICAL NOTES, NOTICES, AND QUERIES. [ February. LIsTERA CORDATA IN Nortu WALES. When we were in Merionethshire last September, I was much pleased to meet with plenty of this rare little Orchis ; it grows in those wet moors, among Sphagnums and such bog-plants, near the village, or rather hamlet, of Laithewm, about six miles north-north-west of Bala, and five or six miles west of Llandderfel, a rather out-of-the-way wild track. If you draw a line from Cerrig-y-Druidion to Bala, it will intersect some of the best, and at the same time, least trodden botanical ground in North Wales : the western side of that line, 7. e. towards Carnedd-y-Filiast, may with safety be recommended. I am indebted to the ingenious Mr. John Jones (parish-clerk of Llandderfel) for having pointed out to me the Lizstera cor- data in this locality. Wiz Be LYTHRUM HYSSOPIFOLIUM. Sir,—In looking over my plants gathered during the last summer, I find Lythrum hyssopifolium, which was gathered in a stagnant state, along with its allied species,’ Z. Salicaria, near Northallerton, Yorkshire. It was the only specimen I could find which I preserve in my herbarium. If you think it would interest any of the readers of the ‘ Phytologist’ to know this station for so rare a Yorkshire plant, I shall be glad to see it inserted. Northallerton, December 13. Wi. Mar to Linnamus’s Lartanp Tour. Pray inform me, which is the best map of that part of Sweden and of Lapland which is described in Linnzeus’s Journal of his Lapland Tour? {It is some years ago that I first read that most interesting and simple narrative, and on taking it up again the other day, I sadly felt the want of some map whereon I might, as it were, track out the footsteps of the good man. A. ERYTHR#A LINARI#FOLIA (see ‘ Phytologist,’ vol. ii. p. 649). There is no doubt about the orthography of the above-named species. The specific name is from Linaria, because it has leaves like Toad-flax, or somewhat like flax-leaves (a linaria-like leaf), linariafolia. PIMPERNEL, OR SHEPHERD’s WEATHER-GLASS (Anagallis arvensis). Lord Bacon calls this flower Wincopipe. Is it known by this name now in Hertfordshire or elsewhere ? Sib Communications have been received from S. B.; A. G. More, F.L.S.; A.; A. W.; W. B.; A. I.; 8S. H. Stocks; Rev. T. Salwey; P.; T.; W. B. F.; George Jordan; John Sim; John Lloyd; Charles Howie; J. G. Baker; J. H. Davies; Dr. Wood; John Windsor, F.L.S. BOOKS RECEIVED FOR REVIEW. The Critic. The Friend. [ March, 1859. ] 65 ST. LUCIA AND BARBADOS. Remarks on the Climate and Vegetation of St. Lucia and Bar- bados, West Indies. By Joun Si. The island of St. Lucia is situated between sixty and sixty-one degrees of west longitude from Greenwich, and thirteen and four- teen degrees of north latitude, and is nearly eighty miles west- north-west of Barbados. It is twenty-two miles in length, and. nearly the same in breadth, and is mountainous and densely wooded throughout its whole extent. The climate is extremely moist and warm; rain, more or less, in the shape of heavy and rapid showers, falls almost every day of the year; they are how- ever generally of short duration, seldom lasting more than ten or fifteen minutes ; yet instances occur of their being considerably protracted beyond these periods. These showers more resemble waterspouts than the rains current in the British Isles. The temperature during the entire year is very uniform, seldom differing more than two or three degrees ; the maximum range of the thermometer in the shade, and freely exposed to the trade- wind, rarely attains 90° during the day, and its minimum in the night not much below 80°, except the elevation above the sea- level be considerable. I occupied a station 700 feet above the ocean, and only in one instance observed it so low as 74°. From careful observation, I found the mean temperature of 1841 at that elevation to be nearly 81° of Fahrenheit. The months of August, September, and October are by the natives denominated Hurricane Months, because the period of these fearful visitations is mostly limited to these three, although they sometimes occur rather later, as the most dreadful tornado ever witnessed in St. Lucia took place in October, towards the end of last century. One of these tempests I observed myself, but should never wish to witness it again. I can conceive of nothing more-terrible in nature, an earthquake, when violent, excepted. These hurricanes are truly awful. During their prevalence the stoutest heart must quail. Houses are blown down, trees torn from their roots, sugar-plantations inundated and destroyed, and the fair face of nature, adorned with fruits and flowers, is, in the course of an hour or less, one universal scene of devastation and ruin. So great is the roar of the tempest, that the peals of the thunder are N. S. VOL. III. K 66 CLIMATE AND VEGETATION OF [ March, inaudible by the still louder roar of the aerial current, while the frequent and momentary glare of the vivid lightning only adds strength to the horrid catastrophe by unveiling the work of de- | struction and havoe going on around. ‘This is no overdrawn picture; it is plain matter-of-fact, well attested by many whose veracity 1s unimpeachable. Owing to the absence of wood and mountains, the climate of Barbados is drier, and its mean temperature about a degree higher, than St. Lucia. The vegetation of St. Lucia is truly rich, whether we take into account the number of different individual plants or the amount of those species which are everywhere common. One dense forest, from the margin of the ocean to the summits of its cloud- capped alps, entirely covers the island. The Mangrove, whose roots are washed by the waters of the great deep, finds a favourable locality on the shores of the sea, whilst along the sand the Cocoa Palm (Cocos nucifera) grows m abundance. This, to the natives, is one of the most valuable pro- ductions of the vegetable kingdom. Among the trees producing edible fruits may be mentioned the different species of Orange (Aurantia) :—Sweet Orange (Citrus Aurantium), the Seville or Bitter Orange (C. vulgaris), the Shad- dock (C. Decumana), a large East Indian species; the Lime (C. Limonium) and C. medica are well known for their acidity, which is too intense to permit of bemg eaten. The Mango (Mangifera indica, Nat. Ord. Terebinthacee) has a large kidney-shaped fruit, of an agreeable flavour. Another of the same family is the Anacardium occidentale, a middle-sized tree, bearing a pyriform edible fruit, to which is appended a nut, in shape and size equal to an ordinary bean. It contains an acrid, caustic oil, which whosoever tastes will never desire to taste it again: it literally burns the lips and tongue as with a hot iron. 2 The Mamey-tree (Mammea americana, Nat. Ord. Guttifere), a large tree, bearing a fruit much bigger than an apple. The Alligator Pear-tree (Persea gratissima, Nat. Ord. Lau- racee). The fruit is much esteemed, and the kernel contains a juice used for marking linen, which is almost as indelible as the solution of nitrate of silver. The Soapberry (Sapindus saponarius, Nat. Ord. Sapindacee) 1859. | ST. LUCIA AND BARBADOS. 67 is a tree producing an unctuous berry, anything but palatable, though extremely relished by the Negroes. Adansonia digitata, one of the most gigantic specimens of arborescent vegetation with which we are acquainted, is no doubt an introduction from Senegal, though frequently met with m the island of Barbados. The Seaside Grape (Coccolobo wvifera, Nat. Ord. Polygonacee) bears fruit resembling grapes, but very different from the fruit of the Vine, being astringent and austere, but quite wholesome. The same may be said of the Barbados Gooseberry (Pereskea acu- leata), common both to St. Lucia and Barbados. The Guava Psidium, of which there are many species, all pro- duce delicious fruits. They belong to the Nat. Fam. Myrtacee. Their fruit, in taste and flavour, resembles a strawberry, and from it the natives produce an excellent jelly. The Papaw-tree, a strange-looking plant (Carica Papaya, Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacee), bears a fruit in size and taste like to a small melon; in taste it is far from agreeable. The Custard-Apple, or Sour-sop and Sweet-sop (Anona mu- ricata and A. squamosa), are two small trees of the Nat. Ord. Anonacee, bearing excellent fruits. The former, as the specific name indicates, has an uncouth, prickly fruit, resembling in shape and size a bullock’s heart; within it contains a slimy, subacid liquor, imbedded in a fibrous and whitish substance very hke cotton-wool. Anona squamosa is much smaller, very sweet, and almost destitute of acidity. The Cocoanut-tree. The uses of the tree and fruit are too well known by every intelligent individual to require any remark. The Banana and Plantain (Musa sapientum and M. paradi- siaca) are plants that produce excellent fruit. The former is ex- tremely delicious, and tastes as butter and honey mixed ; the latter produces a longer and more slender fruit, which is boiled or roasted, and eaten with meat in the former instance and with coffee in the latter. , Theobroma Cacao, a small tree of the Byttneriacee family, produces the well-known seeds from which chocolate is prepared. The Calabash-tree (Crescentia Cujete) is a small tree, with a very large inedible fruit, the dry rind of which is used by the Negroes to boil water in, and for other domestic and culinary purposes: it belongs to the family Solanacee. 68 CLIMATE AND VEGETATION OF [ March, Various species of Capsicum or Cayenne Pepper are common, and used by the Creoles and Negroes as a condiment to flavour their soups, etc.; but I fear they would prove rather too hot for a British palate. . The Banyan-tree (Ficus indica) is remarkable for, producing fibrous appendages from its branches, which descend to the ground, strike root, and so multiply ad infinitum. The Coffee-plant (Coffea arabica) is here cultivated to a great extent. Any notice respecting it would be superfluous. The Pumpkin (Cucurbito Pepo, Nat. Ord. Cucurbitacee) is a large fruit, and when boiled is eaten with meat, and has a flavour and taste intermediate between a turnip and carrot. The Yam (Dioscorea sativa) is an excellent root ; it is a turning plant, of slender appearance, but produces tuberous roots of im- mense size. They are boiled and eaten as we do potatoes in Britain, and are in reality an excellent substitute, of a far better quality than most of our potatoes nowadays. Ipomea Batatas is another plant, the tubers of which, when boiled, are used in lieu of potatoes. They are of a sweetish flavour, those in Barbados being superior in size and quality to those of St. Lucia. Jatropha Manihot, called by the natives Cassava or Cassada, is a highly poisonous plant, with tuberous roots, which by the Negroes are grated, and afterwards washed in water, and finally kneaded into cakes and baked on the fire. The action of heat dissipates all the acrid and noxious qualities, and renders this poisonous substance an article of human food. It belongs to the Hu- phorbiacee, a family which contains many highly deleterious plants. Arum Colocasia, a plant much resembling our British Wake- robin, with large deltoid leaves, is used by the Creoles and Ne- groes in the preparation of soups. The leaves being only accep- table, are by boiling rendered as bland as spinach, notwithstand- ing their extreme acridity. The Dumb Cane (Caladium seguinum), a shrubby evergreen of the same family, is a highly poisonous plant, and completely paralyzes the mouths of all who incautiously taste it. Artocarpus incisa, or Breadfruit-tree, a large tree with pal- mated leaves, introduced from the South Sea Islands, bears a large oval fruit of the size and shape of an ostrich-egg. It is 1859. ] ST. LUCIA AND BARBADOS. 69 boiled or baked, and eaten with meat, etc., in the same manner as plantains. IMibiscus esculentus, a plant of the Mallow tribe, bears a conical capsule, containing numerous seeds surrounded with a slimy mucilage; in its immature state is much prized by the inhabitants in the preparation of a wholesome and nutritious soup. Another member of the same family is the Cotton-plant ; plentiful in the West India Islands. Abrus precatorius is a climbing plant of the Leguminose ; common among the bushes. The pods contain beautifully scarlet- coloured seeds, with a black spot on each. The Coral-tree (Erythrina corallodendron) produces scarlet seeds of the size of an ordinary bean; it is also a Leguminiferous plant. The Logwood-tree (Hematoxylon campeachianum) holds the same place in St. Lucia as the Hawthorn in Britain, and is equally common. Its flowers are cream-coloured and fragrant. Hura crepitans, a large tree with singularly shaped fruit, is thorny all over the trunk and branches, and when wounded exudes a large quantity of milky juice of an acrid poisonous nature. It is called the Sandbox-tree, and belongs to the Nat. Fam. Huphor- biacee. The Castor-Oil-shrub (Ricinus communis), with its tricoccous and speckled fruit, is common both to St. Lucia and Barbados. The Manchineel-tree (Hippomane Mancinella) is one of the most, if not the most, poisonous trees in the West Indies. It abounds in Barbados, at the seaside, and is a Huphorbiaceous plant, and like most members of that extensive family, liberally supplied with an acrid milky juice. Every part of this small tree is extremely poisonous; its very wood, in a dried state, con- tains the acrid principle, so much so that carpenters manufac- ‘turing it often have their arms blistered by the sawdust failing on them when perspiring. The Cabbage Palm (Areca oleracea) is a majestic tree, with a trunk or stem forty or fifty feet high, and as straight and smooth asa marble pillar. It is frequent in Barbados. The Mahogany-tree (Swietenia Mahagoni) is one of the largest of trees, and must haye been plentiful in Barbados prior to the memorable hurricane of 11th of August, 1831, which nearly de- vastated the entire island. 70 CLIMATE AND VEGETATION OF [| March, The Almond (Amygdalus communs) is met with in Barbados, but I never detected it in St. Lucia. Numerous species of Cacte grow in Barbados, particularly on the dry rocky eminences over- looking the eastern coast. Barbados Flowerfence (Poinciana pulcherrima) is plentiful in Barbados, and its seeds are much employed in the construction of purses, satchels, and other trinkets, by the natives. The Sensitive-plant (Mimosa sensitiva) is abundant in St. Lucia; its wiry branches, covered with delicate prickles, extend over the ground in every direction. So sensitive are the leaves of this plant, that the slightest touch of the finger ensures a sudden collapse. It is likewise an individual of that extensive Order Leguminifere. The Carolina Pink (Spigelia marylandica) is an occupant of the sandy shores of Barbados, and is in the Nat. Ord. Logania- cee, a highly poisonous family. It is used in medicine as a vermifuge. Bryophyllum calycinum is a plant much like our Orpine (Sedum Telephium). It is, like it, a succulent plant, and belongs to the Nat. Ord. Crassulacee. So tenacious is it of life, that a leaf detached from the stem and suspended from the ceiling of the room, instead of dying and shrivelling up, will from its margin send out new leaflets in abundance ;—this fact I have witnessed. The Bamboo Cane (Bambusa arundinacea) is remarkable for its rapidity of growth, frequently attaining the height of sixty or seventy feet in three months. I observed a shoot to stretch seven feet in one week. It is a very useful plant, and its stems, though hollow, are stronger than the finest English Oak of like thickness and size. The Sugar Cane is cultivated to a large extent in both islands, and yields employment to thousands. Indian Corn (Zea Mays) and a species of Millet are grown abundantly in Barbados. Aloes, in Barbados, are cultivated for medicinal purposes. I only observed two plants in these islands indigenous to the British Isles, viz. Plantago (major) and Urtica dioica; the latter certainly is abundant, and as much at home as in my uative land; the former not so abundant, and under somewhat suspici- ous circumstances, but growing freely in localities similar to those it occupies in Britain. I have now given a list of the more common and economical 1859. | ST. LUCIA AND BARBADOS. 71 forms of the Pheenogamous vegetation of these two islands, but this list does not contain a tithe of the flowering plants, not to speak of the magnificent Tree-Ferns, which by their majestic and graceful fronds adorn the densely wooded ravines of St. Lucia ; many of these colossal plants vie with the Palms in magnitude, and attain a perpendicular height of twenty or thirty feet; other stemless Ferns have fronds ten or twelve feet long. In these sunny isles the trees are adorned with blossoms of every hue and form, but those belonging fo the Leguminifere seem to be the most numerous, the largest of which is the Tamarind (Tama- rindus occidentalis), a beautiful tree with pinnated leaves, and common to both islands. The members of the Convolvulacee and Cucurbitacee are also abundant. These islands being intertropical, almost the entire arborescent vegetation is composed of evergreens. ] >) BOTANICAL NOTES, NOTICES, AND QUERIES. The publication of the following is particularly requested, — A New Britis FErn. (To the Editor of the * Phytologist.’) During last summer, whilst on a visit to Mrs. , for the purpose of seeing her Ferns, which were collected in Scotland in the summer of 1856, I immediately detected one new to my eyes as British, and which she thought was a beautiful variety of Blechnum spicans (Spicant), but which 1 informed her was B. alpinum (Lomaria alpina), and hitherto not found north of the Equator. I at once thought there must be some mistake, and that, unknown to her, the British and other Ferns had got mixed. But Mrs. soon dispelled all my doubts, by telling me the exact spot in which she found it, and only took it up because she thought it a beautiful variety of B. spicans (Spicant). Neither the gardener who had potted all the Ferns, nor herself, knew anything of B. alpinum until I made it known to them. However, my sceptical manner on the following day, brought a letter, of which I give an extract :— “1 cannot resist the satisfaction of telling you, that my husband con- firms all I told you about the ambiguous Fern ; he is certain that it is the Fern I gathered about a mile from , on a wall running alongside a rushing mountain-stream. I was charmed with it, or rather with myself for discovering anything so unlike what I had ever seen, that I can re- member the spot; and the Fern so exactly comes up before my mind’s eye as this identical Fern, that I cannot yet quite submit to thinking that it cannot be, even though you say it.” Blechnum alpinum, found in the crevices of an old stone wall, by the side of a mountain-torrent, not far from Loch Tay, Perthshire, Scotland, June, 1856. : Gro. B. Wo.LuasTon. Doubts of its Origin.—1. Why only a solitary plant? 2. Can it have been planted? 3. Has a mistake been made ? Chiselhurst, Dec. 6, 1858. ALLIUM AT SOUTHEND. About three years since, when at Southend, I found, just beyond the village, on the left-hand, amongst the grass and bushes, in many places, a species of Allium. I brought home several specimens, but accidentally forgetting them, when I went to the case nothing was to be distinguished but the bulbs; these I planted, but they never made their appearance. Do you know what species it is? [Possibly Mr. Salmon, or some Southend botanist, could tell us which d/liwm the above is. Several years ago, Mr. Syme saw one in an inaccessible place below Gravesend, which he conjec- tured was 4. oleraceum. | POTENTILLA OPACA? Mr. Sim, of Perth, the valued and indefatigable correspondent of the _ 158 BOTANICAL NOTES, NOTICES, AND QUERIES. [| May, ‘Phytologist,’ has sent the radical leaves of a Potentilla, which may pro- bably turn out to be the above-named plant. It grows on the banks of the Tay, not far from Invergowrie. Mr. Sim will send specimens when mature. ‘The leaves are rather like luxuriant states of P. reptans, which is rare in Scotland. The same most successful explorer of Flora’s dominions writes that Viola odorata abounds about Perth. He affirms that it is a true native of these parts, and that ‘‘no one who has seen it growing on the banks of the majestic Tay, far from any human abode, would have the temerity to assert that it is an outcast from a garden.” Perhaps not. But some prudent people would affirm that, like dlche- milla alpina and other upland plants, it was carried thither by floods. If it be urged that it is not an alpine nor an upland species, it might have been carried up from Dundee or Fifeshire by the tide. Let Mr. Sim settle the matter with the sceptics. On THE CaRNIvorous PRoPERTY OF THE DRosERm (SUNDEW- PLANTS). (To the Editor of the ‘Phytologist.’) Sir,—Visiting Chat Moss last July (1859), and being previously warned that if I was a vegetarian, my feelings would be tried, the above plants were minutely observed, in order to see if they live on animal diet. Though there were probably millions of the three British species on the extensive Moss (a large portion was traversed), none of the plants hhad isects on them. They sometimes have flies on their leaves. It is however a well established physiological fact, that plants, which have no stomach, can only absorb and assimilate nutriment in a fluid state, either liquid or gaseous. It is a mistake, or probably one of our vulgar traditional errors, or it may be classed with certain other asserted fallacies, a sample of which was given in the ‘ Phytologist ’ not long ago, under the somewhat equivocal title of things not generally known. Leigh, near Manchester, 15th April, 1859. ‘InsaANE Root’ oF SHAKESPEARE. In the last number of the ‘ Phytologist ’ there is a query respecting: the ‘imsane root’ of Shakespeare. I think the following, taken from an old her- bal of G. D. Rembert Dodoens, dated 1576, will set the matter at rest; it being translated into English in Shakespeare's time would render it the more likely. After making mention of the Atropa Belladona, under the name of Solanum somniferum, it gives the following description of the So- lanum manicum. “The other Solanum, called manieum, that is to saie, Madde or Raging, hath leaves like Sennie or Mostarde, but greater, and somewhat like the leaves of the right Branke Ursine, called in Latine, Acanthus.” “ It bringeth forth, from one roote, ten or twelve stalkes of the height of two or three foote ; at the top of the sayd stalkes or branches, groweth a rounde head, of the bigness of Olyne, and rough like the fruit of the Plane-tree, but 1859. | BOTANICAL NOTES, NOTICES, AND QUERIES. 159 smaller and longer. The flower is blacke, and when it perisheth it bringeth forth a little grape, with ten or twelve berries, like the fruit of Jine, but playner and smother, like the berries of grapes. The root is white and thicke, of a cubite long, and hollow within.” ‘‘'To this description agreeth that kinde of strange Malloe, which is called Malwa Theophrasti and Alcea veneta, the which shall be described in the xxviii chapter of the fifth part of this historie.” «« The Danger.—The roote of Solanum manicum, taken in wine, to the quantitie of a dram, causeth idle and vayne imaginations ; if taken to the - quantitie of two drams, it bringeth frenzie and madness, which lasteth by the space of three or four days; and if four drammes, these if be taken, it killeth.” This description, although not very intelligible, I think is no doubt meant for the Solanum Dulcamara. GEORGE DowKER. Tur BERRIES OF THE Mountarn ASH. *« A little after sunset we reached the mouth of the river Tschugash, where it falls into the Katounaia. Thisis also a most lovely spot; it is sheltered by some very high rocks of fine green and purple jasper, their tops fringed with Birch and Mountain Ash, the latter covered with bunches of deep- scarlet fruit, used in almost every dwelling throughout Siberia. The wealthy housewife makes a xalifka from it, which is considered excellent ; it has a fine bitter flavour. They make it into a preserve, and some dry the fruit in sugar. A delicious salad is also made by placing the bunches in large jars, fillmg them up with vinegar, slightly sweetened with honey. This is found in most cottages.” —Athinson’s ‘ Siberia.’ [Our readers are indebted to the Rev. M. M. Atwood for the above. This, with the previously published statements, will, it is hoped, settle the question about the wholesomeness of this fruit. | HELLEBORUS VIRIDIS, WaTForD, Herts. Near Watford goods-station, London and North-western Railway, there is a beershop called the ‘ Bricklayers’ Arms,’ and near the latter there is a wood or oak-grove. In the south end of the wood is a dry pit, on the banks of which there is abundance of the above plant. Joun Luoyp. It isto be hoped that the pig-doctors may remain in ignorance of this fact. They are great enemies to the Green Hellebore. Watford, Herts. BotTanicaL Query. Why is Czackia Liliastrum called St. Bruno’s Lily ? EneuisH Names or Puants. (See ‘ Phytologist * for April, 1859.) Crowtoes, Lotus corniculatus. True-love, Paris quadrifolia. Liriconfancie, Convallaria majalis. Capon’s- tail, Festuca Myurus. Nose-bleed, Achillea Millefolium. Coventry-bells, Campanula Medium. Red Maithes, Adonis autumnalis. Kedlock, Gar- -160 BOTANICAL NOTES, NOTICES, AND QUERIES. [ May. lock, Warlock, Charlock, Cadlock, Chadlock, Sinapis arvensis.—These names have been taken from Green’s ‘ Universal Herbal,’ published in 1816. In the same work Cucurbita Pepo is called English Melons, or Millions, therefore perhaps Musk-millions may be the old English term for Cucumis Melo, or Musk-Melon. M. H. 4 DUPLICATES FOR EXCHANGE. I shall be happy to exchange with any British botanist the following duplicates :— Digitaria sanguinalis, Chloris compressa, Setaria verticillata, Hrodium moschatum, Polypogon monspeliensis, Phalaris paradoxa, Sagittaria sagitte- folia, Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus, Solanum nigrum, Vinca minor, Medicago denticulata, Saponaria officinalis, Polypodium calcareum, Ranunculus sce- leratus, Ribes Grossularia, Tussilago hybrida, Taxus baccata, Potentilla Comarum, Narthecium ossifragui, Corydalis lutea, Linaria repens. 5. H. Stocks. Fitzwilliam Street, Huddersfield, Yorkshire. EXCHANGE OF BRITISH PLANTs. A Correspondent writes :—‘‘ Having still a few duplicates of alpine, Scottish, and other plants, also a few Mosses, left from last year’s collec- tion, I shall be happy to forward desiderata for exchange with any Bo- tanist in the south or west of England or Ireland, who may be so disposed.—Address, Charles P. Hobkirk, Huddersfield.” To Musco.Loaists. A correspondent who has several examples of the female state of Hyp- num elegans for exchange, wishes to obtain the same in fruit. The Pub- lisher or Editor of the ‘ Phytologist’ will be happy to receive the fertile plant, and will send in exchange examples of its other state. DarPuNE MEZEREUM. Possibly this may meet the eye of some one who will be able to report upon the following :— Has the Mezereon been noticed in any of the Welsh counties, growing wild or apparently wild? ‘The plant is so very generally met with mm gardens, in Denbighshire and in Merionethshire, that one would be inclined to suspect that it may be indigenous to North Wales. It might be sought for, by those who have the opportunity, in warm, sheltered woods, upon the slope of hills of moderate height. Communications have been received from * S.B.; F.; G. B. Wollaston; G.; H. B.; A Reader of the Word; John Sim; G. Dowker; J. Lloyd; A.; 8. H. Stocks; M. H.; Rev. M. M. Atwood. [ June, 1859.] 161 NOTES ON THE BELGIAN FLORA. A List of Plants growing wild in Belgium, and which are either : rare or not indigenous in England. The following is not by any means a complete list of all the rare or interesting plants to be found in this country, but merely such as I have collected myself, chiefly within walking distance round my home, near Dinant-on-the-Meuse, in the province of Namur. My guides in determining them have been the ‘Compendium Flore Belgice’ of Lejeune and Courtois, and the ‘ Flore de Namur’ of the Abbé Bellynck. I suppose I ought to say something about climate, geological formation, etc. With regard to the former, I can state from experience that the air is pure and bracing, owing to the elevation, which is said to be between 1200 and 1500 feet above the level of the sea. In summer, the reflection of the sun’s rays from the rocks pro- duces intense heat during the midday hours, but the mornings and evenings are delightfully cool, a fresh breeze springing up at sunset which lasts through the night. The winters are generally severe, beginning with heavy falls of snow, followed by long-continued frosts. The present season has been here, as elsewhere, exceptionally mild. I am told, and that on excellent authority, that the strata in this province form part of the Old Red Sandstone system of Hugh Miller. If so, Dr. Arnold was right when he said it was not Sandstone but Limestone (much of it carboniferous), for this latter certainly prevails to a considerable extent, alternating with a crumbling sort of slaty shale. Some of our plants grow in- differently on both, while others particularly affect one or the other. Following the example of other contributors to the ‘ Phy- tologist,’ I give my hist alphabetically, without reference to any system, natural or artificial. ‘ Actea spicata. Growing singly on the limestone in many places. Ruins of Poil-vache, ete. Allium spherocephalum. Abundant on the rocks in this neigh- bourhood, which are quite gay with its globular heads of pink flowers, through great part of the summer. N, 8. VOL. III, xy 162 NOTES ON THE. BELGIAN FLORA. | June, Alyssum calycinum. Common in dry, waste places. Border of a field leading to Poil-vache, ete. Anemone ranunculoides. Fond* de Leffe, near Dinant. Aquilegia vulgaris. Frequent on the limestone rocks, growing in little families, and very attractive from the bright purple colour of the flowers. * Arabis arenosa. One of our commonest rock-plants, so abun- dant in some places as to cover the ground, like a rose- coloured carpet. It flourishes also on the ruins of Poil- vache, Montaigle, ete. *Asclepias vincetoxicum. Very abundant on the lhmestone m the provinces of Namur and Liége. Atropa Belladonna. On rocky hillsides. I have found it very luxuriant on the shale in the valley of the Bocq, a small stream which falls into the Meuse three miles below Dinant. Bark- or Borck-hausia taraxacifolia. Dry, sunny banks. By no means so abundant as B. fetida. * Campanula persicefolia. Common on the limestone rocks along the Meuse, the Ourthe, Visdre, etc., and conspicuous from its large flowers. *Corydalis bulbosa. In a sheltered dell, called the Fond de Rivaux, between the villages of Honx and Dinant. *Cornus mas. Forms part of the brushwood throughout the province. * Crassula rubens. Was abundant on the limestone for several summers, In company with Sedum rupestre and its variety, S. elegans, but the last two years I have looked in vain for it. The heat and drought were, I suppose, unfavourable to its development. *Dianthus Carthusianorum. A very common rock-plant, enli- vening the sober grey limestone with its bright red flowers, throughout the spring and summer. Digitalis lutea. Valley of the Lesse, near Dinant. Euphorbia Cyparissias. Ruins of Poil-vache. Euphorbia stricta (micrantha of Bieb.). Fond de Rivaux: same locality as Corydalis bulbosa. *Globularia vulgaris. Common on the rocks; flowering early. * In this part of the country the small valleys are all designated by the term fond, as the Fond de Leffe, Fond de Rivaux, etc. 1859. | NOTES ON THE BELGIAN FLORA. 163 Its head of pale-purple fiowers might, on a cursory glance, be mistaken for Jasione montana, but the plant is very different in appearance, besides that it blooms much earlier. Helleborus foetidus. Abundant on the limestone everywhere. Helianthemum polifolium. Rocks along the Meuse, between Dinant and Yvoir. Impatiens Noli-me-iangere. Abundant along the swampy banks of the Bocq, a stream already named, which falls into the Meuse at the village of Yvoir. *Lactuca perennis. Limestone rocks, and ruins of Poil-vache, ete. Libanotis montana. (Athamanta Libanotis, L.— Seseli Lib., L. Cat.). Very common on the rocks everywhere round Dinant. *Lunaria rediviva. Valley of the Bocq, on the rocks. Chnothera biennis. Same locality. Orchis Tephrosanthos, -Vill. I have- found several specimens, but never two succeeding years, nor twice on the same spot, though I invariably left the tubers in the ground, in the hope of seeing them spring up again. Did I destroy them by plucking the flowers? *Orlaya grandiflora. Rather local, but flourishing abundantly where it does grow. Some cornfields near us are remark- ably gay every summer with its numerous large, pure- white umbels mingling with the bright red and yellow Melampyrum arvense. Phyteuma spicata. Common in woods almost everywhere in Belgium.—P. orbiculare is rare. I have not yet met with it. *Polygala comosa. A species recognized by Continental bota- nists, but not named in our English Floras; was common here on dry waste ground till within the last two years. It seems, like Crassula rubens, to have been checked by the late hot, dry summers. Stachys germanica. Common on the limestone. Teucrium Botrys. Waste places on the slopes of hills; abundant. Teucrium Chamedrys. Crevices of the limestone rocks; equally common. To this list may be added the Gooseberry, Currant, red and black, and the Raspberry, which we find in localities where 164 CHAPTERS ON BRITISH BOTANY. [ June, they can scarcely be regarded as escapes from cultivation. During a visit to Spa some years ago, I also procured Maian- themum bifolium and Centaurea montana, both common in the woods there; Trientalis europea, near the Fountain of the Géronstére; and Arnica montana, whose bright orange-coloured flowers were very conspicuous among the heather. I have omitted giving the synonyms by which many of the | plants are distinguished, from the fear of lengthening this already extended article. I have marked with an asterisk those plants which do not figure in the English Floras, even as introduced or doubtful. ERui€s CHAPTERS ON BRITISH BOTANY. (Continued from page 140.) . Sir Thomas Brown, who takes a very judicious view of Biblical Botany, believed that there were at least two kinds of Hyssop, viz. one employed in the sacred act of sprinkling, and the other one of the Capillaries, as the Filices were called in his time, a proper contrast to the lofty Cedar. Celsius refines still more on this point, for he calls Brywm truncatulum, Hasel., the Hyssop of Solomon (Hyssopus Salomonis). Moreeus, a learned physician of Paris, who wrote a commentary on ‘ Schola Salernitana,’ censures Lemnius for calling the Hyssop spoken of in the Book of Kings a Fern, as if no other plant could grow out of a wall but this. The Salernitan physicians understood under the name Hys- sop more herbs than one :— “‘ Hyssopus purgans herba est e pectore phlegma.” These medieval doctors probably knew plants better than pro- sody. Here is another version, not so faulty :— “ Hyssopus est herba purgans a pectore flegma.” “‘ Hyssope a purgingherbe is held to be.” It is not improbable that the name of the next herb, Salvia, was applied to many other kinds of plants whose leaves resembled the true Sage, and whose virtues might not be widely different :-— “ Cur moriatur homo cui Salvia crescit in horto?” 1859. ] CHAPTERS ON-BRITISH BOTANY. 165 “Why should man dye (so doth the sentence [proverb] say), When sage grows in his garden day by day ?” In Palestine there grow several kinds of Sage, and among them one of our two British species was seen by Hasselquist, Salvia verbenaca. Rosmarinus officinalis is another plant of the Flora Palestina. Saffron, once as celebrated in the healing art as Sage is now in the culinary, is alsoa plant of Palestine. It is always enumerated among our indigenous species, but on very unsatisfactory grounds. The same may be said about our ornamental bulbous plants. They are indeed common enough as productions of our gardens, but they are rarely found far from places where cultivation has been at some time or other employed on the soil. ! The Lily of the field, the common White Lily of our gardens, is plentiful throughout Syria and Palestine, and there is no good reason why our critics and commentators should cudgel their brains about this and puzzle their readers with multitudes of other plants which might have been alluded to by our Lord. The Martagon, the Tiger, and the Orange Lilies would suit the sense very well, but the grand White Lily, the emblem of dignity and purity both, is every way preferable, because more common. It is true that this is not a British plant. Is it a European species? Perhaps not. Yet there are few British or European plants better known. It may be inferred that it is as much no- ticed and as general a favourite in Asia, its native land, as it is in Europe. If so, it was quite as suitable for illustrating the Sermon on the Mount as any other plant could be.. The lesson is more easily apprehended by us because we know the illustration. The Dove’s-dung plant, sold to the besieged inhabitants of Sa- maria, has been a fruitful source of learned trifling. Its botani- cal name, which is a genuine original, and not a botanical puzzle, as some think, implies a relationship to ornithology, but in a less offensive form than that which our translators have affixed to it. What would squeamish translators think of the common name of Asafetida, viz. Teufels-dreck or Diaboli stercus, or, in plain English, Devil’s-dung? There is reason in the name, and those who gave names to objects in days neither sophisticated nor silly were not so fastidious as their posterity. The excrement of pi- eons is speckled like the leaves of this plant (Ornithogalum). 166 CHAPTERS ON BRITISH BOTANY. [ June, The analogy, if not very delicate, is not far-fetched. This is one of the beauties of Oriental metaphor. If we knew the thing, we could have no difficulty in understanding the allusion. The bird’s- milk of the Greeks, which the Greek name signifies, is not so ex- pressive as the Hebrew, because it is unnatural. Buird’s-milk is unknown in the West, except here and there on the first of April, when strap-oil, essence of mite-horn shavings, and similar nonen- tities are in request among those not distinguished for mental perspicacity. | The “ cab of dove’s-dung,” sold at a high price during the siege, is universally believed to have been a measure of the bulbous roots of a species of what we call the Star of Bethlehem. Its very name points to its Eastern origin. It is exceedingly plenti- ful in Sicily, where it is a weed in the cornfields. Is it known as an edible root in the present day? The inhabitants of Kam- tchatka cultivate a species of Lily for food, and store its roots as we store potatoes. The perpetual desolations threatened by the ancient prophets are very graphically expressed by such descriptions as that of Isaiah, when he foretells the destruction of Idumezea and of a people cursed of God (the people of my curse) : “Thorns shall spring up im her palaces; nettles and brambles in the fortresses thereof;” and again, “Moab shall be a breeding-place for nettles;” also, “ Nettles shall possess them, thorus shall be in their tabernacles.” Those who have visited English monastic remains, or who have seen the sites-of old castles and spacious houses now in ruins, wil! appre- ciate the faithfulness of these descriptions, and the poetic beauty and expressive energy of the prophetic diction which gives so lively a representation of the grandeur of desolation. The Tare, in the Scripture parable, like the Hyssop, is probably -a word which expresses more than one kind of plant. Most writers agree that the Tares among Wheat mean our Darnel, or Lolium temulentum, which grows in Judzea as well as in England, and only in cultivated places. The grain of this weed is poison- ous and intoxicating. (See ‘ Phytologist,’ n.s. vol. i. p. 167.) But it may also be a species of Vicia; for though the plant which we call Tare be a very useful agrarial, yet there are several kinds in this country, as Vicia hirsuta and V. tetrasperma, ete., that ave very injurious in agriculture. Names of poisonous plants appear here and there in sacred 1859. ] CHAPTERS ON BRITISH BOTANY. 167 history, and are expressive of wrong or injustice; for example, Hos. x. 4, “Swearing falsely in making a covenant, . . . judg- ment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows thereof.” Hassel- quist mentions Cicuta virosa, but he did not observe Conium. The Greeks knew this latter plant, and they employed it in the execution of criminals. Socrates was compelled to drink a bowl of Hemlock, to expiate the freedom of speech in which he in- dulged when discoursing about the mythology of his country- men. Dr. Kitto, in his ‘ Natural History and Physical Geography of Palestine, enters Coniwm as one of its productions. The Box and the Fir are mentioned as among the ornamental trees of the Holy Land. “ Behold,” saith the Lord, by His ser- vant the prophet, “I will set in the wilderness the fir-tree and the pine and the box-tree together.” These trees are natives of Palestine, and they grow well in Britain, though they are ac- counted but doubtfully naturalized species. The term Reed, in Holy Scripture, is like many other names— rather generic than specific. It usually indicates instability. As a Reed is shaken by the water and by the winds, so the Lord threatened to shake out of their land His rebellious people. The Prophet said to Jeroboam, “ For the Lord shall smite Israel as a reed is shaken in the water, and shall root up Israel out of this good land.” In speaking of John the Baptist, the Lord declared that he was not a Reed shaken by the wind, 7.e. a light, incon- stant man, a temporizer, a weathercock, but a man of integrity, truth, and faithfulness. The reliance on such as are not able to render efficient aid is proverbially likened tmto one leaning on a staff of Reed, which not only betrayeth him that trusteth thereto, but breaketh and woundeth the hand that holds it. It was foretold that Pharaoh would be to the inhabitants of Judzea only a broken Reed, and thus it proved. The Reed, Arundo Donax, in Hebrew, Kaneh, whence we have our word cane, is a native of the south of Europe, as well as of the east; but our Reed, Arundo Phragmites, or Phragmites vul- garis of some botanists, is a plant of Palestine, noted by later authorites, though not by Hasselquist. With the Reed is usually united the Bulrush, that of which Moses’ mother made a little ark, basket, or boat, in which she committed him to the Nile. Some critics have indulged in small criticisms on the celebrated 168 CHAPTERS ON BRITISH BOTANY. [ June, passage in Isaiah, where a woe is denounced against the “land shadowing with wings, which is beyond the rivers of Europe, that sendeth ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes upon the waters, etc.” In the ‘ Phytologist,’ n.s. vol. i. p. 335, there is an extract from the ‘Journal of Botany and Kew Miscellany,’ in which it is shown that in the upper regions of equinoctial America the inhabitants use the Rush or Bulrush (Scirpus la- custris) in the place of wood, iron, canvas, etc. The Indians about the lake Titicaca use no other material in the construction of their tiny ships. What more expressive figure can be imagined than that of bending the head like a Bulrush, as the hypocrites did. The Reed-mace or Cat’s-tail, Typha latifolia or T. angustifolia, is called by some Bulrush; but this never bends its head, and it is not so suitable for plaiting as the Scirpus is. It is quite erect, and of a brittle structure. The Bulrush, the Reed-mace, the Arundo, and several species of Juncus (Rush), also a representative of the Sweet-flag (Acorus Calamus), are plants of Palestine.* Our Flag-plants, viz. [ris fetidissima and Gladiolus communis, are common both to England and Palestine. The latter is but a recent discovery in Britain, but it apparently had existed in the New Forest for centuries before it was observed. Many British Grasses are found in Palestine. Hasselquist names the following, viz.:—Agrostis Spica-venti, Poa annua, P. bulbosa, and P. rigida, Dactylis glomerata, Cynosurus echinatus, Bromus madritensis, B. sterilis, and B. tectorum, Avena fatua, La- gurus ovata, and Hordeum murinum. The late lamented Dr. Bromfield states, in his Letters from the East (a privately printed book), that Cynodon dactylon is one of the commonest Grasses on the shores of the Mediterranean, about Alexandria, and in other parts of the East. The Ash-tree has been already named as one of the ornamental and useful trees of Palestine. ‘To this may be added the Lime (Tilia, called Teil in Isaiah), the common Elm of England (U/mus campestris), the Poplar (Populus alba), and the Alder (Betula Alnus). It is true that all these trees are not expressly men- tioned in the Bible, but several objects were in these early, as also in later times, comprehended under one name. * Juncus effusus is given by Lady Calcott as the Rush of Palestine, a poor repre- sentative. 1859. | CHAPTERS ON BRITISH BOTANY. 169 Few fruit-trees are common to both lands. Pyrus Malus and P. communis, the Apple and the Pear, are both included in the Flora of Palestine; but we read nothing about fruit-bearing bushes, nor even of the Strawberry. ‘The mountains and plains of Israel were far too warm for fruits that grow naturally in this climate. The Almond-tree, often mentioned in Scripture, and especially in the Book of Ecclesiastes, is the only one which just now occurs to memory. In Roses and Brambles, already mentioned, we have the representative genera, but few, if any of the species. It is remarkable that Violets do not occur in the Sacred Wri- tings. The plant neither attracted notice for its beauty nor praise for its virtues. Like the obscure and lowly, it appears to have been, in the land of the Hebrews, “ born to blush unseen, and waste its fragrance on the desert air.” It is probable that the Centaureas, which abound in the Holy Land, were all lumped together with Carduus, Carthamus, Cy- nara, Serratula, and Echinops, wader the general name of This- tles; while Ononis, Crategus, Rhamnus, Acacia, etc., might rank as Thorns; the Roses, Brambles, and such-like heing classed as Briars. The Heath of Scripture is another representative of a series of plants of which we may probably have some of the genera but no species ; and the term does not convey to us the same idea that it conveyed to the ancient denizens of that land. Our term Heath is restricted to plants of the genus Hrica. The aneients, both Jews, Greeks, and Romans, gave a wider sense to the word. Even our early English botanists included under Heath, plants which are widely different from modern Heaths, Mrankenia, for example, an herbaceous, diminutive ob- ject, but which bears the name of Sea-heath. Commentators are almost unanimous in opinion that the Heath of Scripture is Tamarix, Tamarisk, or Myrica. Another refine- ment. Heath is not altogether unknown in Syria and Palestine. Even the genus is represented by the Hrica orientalis, and the Order by Erica and Arbutus, of which one species is a native of the British Isles,—the glory of the lakes of Killarney. The Strawberry-tree, Arbutus Unedo, if not native in England, thrives well here, and bears our severest winters. The prophet, in foretelling the destruction of Moab, and in N. 8. VOL. III. The 8 170 CHAPTERS ON BRITISH BOTANY, [ June, warning the people that their safety was in flight, said, “ Flee, save your lives, and be like the heath in the wilderness;” he reminded them that, as a nation, they would be no more esteemed than the Heath and Ling, or worthless shrubs of the desert. Again, when the same prophet describeth the wretched state of those who trust in man and make flesh their arm, and who with- draw their confidence from God, he compares such to the Heath in the desert, where they receive no benefit from the dews and rains of heaven, but cumber for awhile the dry, parched soil, and are ready to be kindled and consumed by the slightest spark. “ But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is; for he shall be like a tree planted by the waterside, which spreadeth out her roots to the water and her branches in the air, and does not feel when the heat cometh, but her leaf is still green and her fruit plentiful.” This is poetical description, such as is only to be met with in Holy Scripture. Hasselquist, in his Oriental travels, enumerates and names 600 plants seen by him in Arabia, Palestine, and Syria. Of these, upwards of 100, or nearly 120 (114), grow in England, are British plants by reputation. Many more are acclimatized here. Forskal, the Dane, botanized in Egypt and Arabia, about the middle of the eighteenth century. Like Hasselquist, his labours were prematurely ended by death. He died in 1763; Hassel- quist in 1752. Belonius and Rauwolf visited these lands in the sixteenth century. Clusius published the discoveries of the former, and our famed countryman Ray published an abridg- ment of Rauwolf’s journey, in his account of curious travels in the Hast. There is a complete translation of this work by Sta- pherst (London, 1693). Besides these, the learned Bochart, Pococke, Shaw, Russell, and others, have incidentally written on the plants of Holy Scrip- ture. ; The following have investigated the subject per se, viz. Wil- liam Westmacott, a physician of Newcastle-under-Lyne, whose work is a curious relic of the knowledge of that early time, en- titled,— ‘“« 'THEOLOBOTANOLOGIA, sive Historia Vegetabilium Sacra: OraScRrIp- TURE HERBAL, wherein all the trees, shrubs, herbs, plants, flowers, fruits, etc., both foreign and native, that are mentioned in the Holy Bible (being near eighty in number) are in an alphabetical order rationally discoursed of. 1859. | CHAPTERS ON BRITISH BOTANY. V7 Shewing their names, kinds, descriptions, places, manner of propagation, countries, various uses, qualities, and natural principles, ete. Together with their medicinal preparations, virtues, and dose, Galenically and Che- mically handled and performed according to the newest doctrines of phi- losophy, herbarism, and physick. “The whole being adorned with variety of matter, and observations, not only medicinal, but relating to the alimental and mechanical uses of the PLANTS. “Wit for divines, and all persons of any other profession or calling what- soever, that use to read the Holy Scriptures, wherein they find not only physic for the soul, but also, with the help of this herbal (may the better understand the 4zbde, which also yields them) safe medicines, for the cure of their corporal diseases. ‘The like never extant before. «By William Westmacott, of the Borough of Newcastle-under-Line, in the County of Stafford, Physician. * Adoro Scripture plenitudinem.—Tertul. ** London, printed for T. Salusbury, at the King’s Arms, next to St. Dun- stan’s Church, in Fleet Street, 1694.” Thomas Newton’s ‘Sacred Herbal’ is a translation of Levinus Lemnius, and its object is sufficiently explained in its title, VIZ. :— «A HERBAL FOR THE BIBLE, containing a plaime and familiar exposi- tion of such similitudes, parables, and metaphors, both in the Olde Tes- tament and in the Newe, as are borrowed and taken from herbs, plants, trees, fruits, and simples, by observation of their vertues, qualities, natures, properties, operations, and effects. And by the holie prophets, sacred writers, Christ himself, and his blessed Apostles, usually alledged, — and unto their heavenly oracles, for the better beautificing and plainer opening of the same profitably inserted, *« Drawen into English by Thomas Newton. “Tmprinted at London, by Edmund Bollifant, 1587.” From the above it will be seen that Thomas Newton’s transla- tion of Lemnius was printed and published seven years before the Doctor’s, though the latter modestly tells the reader that the “like (was) never extant before.’ Newton’s Herbal is not com- piled on Galenical principles of cold and hot, in the first, second, or third degree, etc., but it is much fuller or more complete than Westmacott’s, and it is also explanatory of Holy Scripture. Harris’s ‘ Dictionary of the Natural History of the Bible’ is a very useful work, and is compiled, as its author states, from Cal- met, Olaus Celsius, Scheuchzer, Hiller, etc. It was reprinted 172 CHAPTERS ON BRITISH BOTANY. [ June, in 1833, and it deserves to be reprinted again. The Holy Land has been frequently visited during the last quarter of a century. There is another work on this subject, viz. ‘ lustrations of the Holy Scriptures,” by George Paxton, in two volumes (Edin. 1819). This work does not add much to the science of Biblical Botany. - Foreign works on this interesting subject are numerous. Be- sides the work of Olaus Celsius, the most learned of all the learned expositors of sacred phytology, and Lemnius, who is rather a commentator on Holy Scripture than a critic on the botany of the Bible, translated by T. Newton, there is an ‘Arboretum Biblicum,’ by J. H. Ursinus, printed at Norimburg in 1663. Is this the prototype of the work on sacred botany by the present celebrated botanical professor in the University of Edinburgh? To this may be added a treatise entitled, ‘ Phyto- logia Sacra, by Adr. Cocquius, a Flemish clergyman, quarto, Ulessing, 1664. ‘ Hierophyticon,’ by Matth. Hiller, a theologian of Wiirtemberg, in quarto, 1725, is a very useful work on this subject. The most elaborate work on the plants of Holy Scripture (O. Celsius’s is the most erudite) is by Jac. Scheuchzer, a most in- defatigable naturalist, whose writings have helped to immortal- ize his native country aud himself both. Next to the illustrious Haller, will this name stand in the annals of Swiss botany. His magnum opus, ‘Physica Sacra,’ appeared in four volumes folio, in several languages; the best edition is in Latin, printed at Augs- burg in 17381. Editions in French and German, in eight volumes, appeared in 1734. In this great work all the Bible-plants are described and delineated, with judicious critical remarks and lucid comments. The same learned author also published a physi- cal history of the Book of Job, in the German language. There is an edition of this work, printed at Ziirich in 1721, and another at the same place in 1740, both m quarto. ; Sir Thomas Brown, the celebrated physician and author, in his ‘ Observations- on certain Plants mentioned in Scripture,’ already noticed, has some very judicious remarks on these critical plants, as they may be called. For example, he states that ‘“‘ Hyssop is taken for that plant which cleansed the leper, being a well-scented and very abstersive simple, etc. . . . It differs from ours, as Belonius hath observed,” etc. ; also that “ Heath 1859. | CHAPTERS ON BRITISH BOTANY. 173 is probably Myrica or Tamariz ;” and that “ Panis Sancti Jo- hannis is the husks that the prodigal ate”’ The Doctor has no doubt about the Mustard being Sinapis nigra of modern bo- tanists. The learned Michaelis, in his introduction, informs us that there are “in the Sacred Scriptures upwards of 250 botanical terms ; which none use so frequently as the prophets.” Among sacred phytologists is to be included Dr. Bromfield, who is well entitled to rank among the most illustrious martyrs of science, and who perished before completing his labours in the interesting field of Oriental and sacred botany. This lamented traveller, in his ‘ Letters from Egypt and Syria,’ notices the plant Malva rotundifolia, Linn., as still common, and eaten in the Hast. Hiller (p. 457) says, Malluach, Heb., Malva, is a kind of Halimus ; and Scheuchzer agrees with him. Lady Calcott’s work on sacred botany is the most recent treatise on the Scripture plants that has appeared in England. And it is now nearly twenty years since this was published. There is much information on the Natural History of the Holy Land in Dr. Kitto’s ‘ Pictorial Bible,’ and especially in his ‘Physical History of Palestine.2 These works are well known and very popular; and they are all professedly compilations: none of them lay claim to originality of matter. The Natural History of Palestine is one of our desiderata ; it is an unaccomplished task. It is a field in which laurels may be fairly won and worn; and he who wishes to win his spurs has a fine opportunity. Let him, if he has a few years to spare, depart for Syria; but he should not take Egypt in the way, as most of our naturalists have done. The land of Misraim, though most interesting to the civil historian, antiquarian, and artist, is but a barren soil for the botanist. The latter should betake himself to the mountains, vales, rivers, and lakes of Palestine. Here he will not be disappointed. The monks of Syria are too incurious and lazy to accomplish this task, but they might afford some help to an enterprising naturalist. There is one purely botanical object which waits for some adventurous author to accomplish, viz. the botany of that part of Syria or Arabia which lies between the Mediterranean on the west, and the Euphrates on the east, and between Egypt on the south, and the Lebanon chain of mountains on the north. 174 CHAPTERS ON BRITISH BOTANY. [ June, A complete Flora of this entire tract should be prepared. This would probably be the work of five years at least, unless several persons were associated in the enterprise. It is likely that some considerable time will elapse before it will even be undertaken. It is small encouragement to surmise that the plants which might be collected would not defray a hundredth part of the expense. As there are but few amateur travellers who understand botany, it is not at all probable that this want will be supplied in these our utilitarian days. Engineers may visit this interesting tract to survey it and to mark out the fittest line for a railway be- tween Constantinople and Bagdad, or between Beyrout and the Euphrates. A botanical expedition to survey the beauty of the vegetable kingdom would be unproductive of anything, except, it might be, the approbation of a few devoted votaries of Flora. A Flora Palestina, however desirable, is not likely to be speedily composed. There is another object, quite as desirable as the former, and much more practicable, viz. the uses of the names of plants, bo- tanical terms, etc., in conveying forcibly to the common people the words of inspired wisdom; the rebukes, corrections, threat- enings, promises, hopes, encouragements, enounced by the holy prophets of old. Holy Scripture, as is well known, abounds in figurative or me- taphorical language, or in allegorical descriptions and parables. These are sometimes very inadequately represented to modern readers through the medium of things with which they are con- versant. A master-mind is wanted to explain the botanical phraseology of the Bible,—so to translate it that it may have the same beauty and force among us as it had when spoken to the ancient Hebrews. Or if this be impossible in certain cases, an approximation is practicable, and exceedingly desirable. He who undertakes this office need not go to Palestine; although a visit to that sacred territory might be helpful. If he is a good Biblical scholar, asound theologian, and a moderately good bota- nist, he would have ample qualifications for this undertaking. A work like that of the Rev. Wm. Jones ‘On the Figurative Language of Holy Scripture,’ or hike that of the learned Dr. Robert Lowth ‘On the Sacred Poetry of the Hebrews,’ would supply this desideratum, and would be a boon to all lovers and students of the volume of inspired wisdom. 1859. | THE FLORA OF NEW BRIGHTON, 175 Note.—Dr. Kitto, in his ‘ Natural History of Palestine,’ to which the previous article is somewhat indebted, states that the two Almond-trees, Amygdalus communis and A. persica, and the common Pea, flower in January: they flower here in March. In this month, he further says, the roves are adorned with Anemones, Ranunculi, Crocus, Tulips, Nar- cissus, Lilies, and Violets. He mentions blue Tulips as among the floral productions of the land. Shaw is quoted as an authority for blue Lilies. In February all the flowers of the previous month are in blossom, toge- ther with scarlet Poppies (Papaver Rheas, P. hybridum, Glaucium luteum). In March the Fig-tree, Apple- and Pear-trees are in bloom. Barley is ripe in April. In May, Gooseberries, Currants, and Strawberries, all in- troduced from Europe, are fit for the table. Pocock, the traveller, relates that he ate new Olives on the 24th June. The Leguminifers common to Palestine and the British Isles are Ononis antiquorum, Anthyllis Vulneraria, Hedysarum Onobrychis, Medicago sativa, M. polymorpha, Vicia sylvatica, V. angustifolia, Trifolium resupinatum, T. stellatum, T. procumbens, T. incarnatum, Genista tinctoria?, Borago offi- _ einalis, Echium vulgare, Symphytum orientale. In Russell’s list of Aleppo plants, which are all probably natives of the Holy Land, are mentioned Madder (Rudia), Clivers (Galinm), Veronica spi- _ eata, Toad-flax, Spurges, Mouse-ear several species. Planta (P. major and P. lagopus). Hight species of Arum, among which is 4. maculatum, Asphodel, Lilium candidum, L. Martagon, Gladiolus, Rose of Sharon (Cis- tus roseus, Willd.), Anagallis arvensis, and A. cerulea, Verbascum pulveru- lentum, Valerianella olitoria, Vinea minor, Geranium rotundifolium, G. co- lumbinum, Chenopodium viride, C. maritimum, Salsola fruticosa ?, Euphorbia Peplus, Mercurialis annua, Parietaria officinalis, Houseleek. THE FLORA OF NEW BRIGHTON. A few Remarks upon the Flora of New Brighton. By Jas. F. Rosinson. On looking over the ‘ Phytologist’ for December, I saw an article on the Flora of New Brighton. As I was botanizing there last summer, I found a plant which, if a distinct species, is ra- ther rare, and which your contributor has evidently overlooked,— the Erythrea linariefolia, growing very plentifully on the rocks, along with Anthyllis* Vulneraria, Thymus Serpyllum, and Hor- deum maritimum. In the British Flora it is mentioned as being found on the sandy coasts of Lancashire, etc. When reading the 176 THE FLORA OF NEW BRIGHTON. [ June, above article, the plant was brought to my recollection, and I now avail myself of the opportunity to state an opimion that has long since been formed, regarding the plant as a true species, and not distinct specifically from Erythrea Centaurium. If, in my opinion, the Hrythrea pulchella, E. latifolia, and E. linariefolia, were jomed to the H. Centaurium, and con- sidered as true varieties merely, it would be a great acquisition to the Flora, andewould not be half so perplexing to the young student as it is at present, to judge between so nearly allied species ; for instance, the specific characters of the EH. Centau- rium are:—Roots fibrous; stems nearly simple; leaves ovate- oblong; flowers nearly sessile, fasciculate ; calyx 5-cleft; corolla infundibuliform, its limb short; anthers at length spirally twisted ; style one, deciduous; stigmas two; capsules linear, 2- celled. Var. a. pulchella (Chironia pulchella): a short, tufted plant, stems much branched; plentiful at Southport. Var. 0. latifolia: flowers in dense forked tufts. Var. c. linariefolia (Chironia littoralis) : flowers sessile, one or two at the top of each stalk; leaves, lower ones spathulate, upper linear, obtuse. It will at once be seen, by the drawings of the two plants, what little difference there is between them, as well as the above de- scriptions. The drawing is from Nature. Both plants were found at New Brighton,—linariefolia on the rocks, the Centauriwm more inland. Besides the above-mentioned plants, I found others worthy of notice, one in particular, the Salsola Kali, which seems to flourish upon the sand-hills, far from any water, and when gathered seems as fresh as if found under water, for when squozen (crushed) it emits a great quantity of greenish juice. Plantago Coronopus and Rosa spinosissima are both in tolerable abundance, besides a few roots of Sagina nodosa and Malva moschata, the large purple petals of the latter contrasting strongly with the small white ones of the other. Chlora perfoliata and Menyanthes tri- foliata ave both found at Bidston Marsh. Next to that, Gera- niacee, in which I may enumerate, amongst others, Geraniwm molle, G. dissectum, G. pusillum, and Hrodium cicutarium ; the last-mentioned is abundant on the sand-hills. ; There are also Cakile maritima, Spergularia marina, Ononis 1859. ] THE FLORA OF NEW BRIGHTON. 177 arvensis, Senebiera Coronopus, and Potentilla reptans. Ononis arvensis and Spergularia marina are very common: the latter by the riverside, and the other on the sand-hills. ™} e\ \) ‘iy 3 oS A ; Rad Erythrea Centaurium. Erythrza linarizfolia. In conclusion, let me recommend those whose tastes and pur- suits incline them to study botany for pleasure, to take a ramble at New Brighton. I am sure they will be highly delighted with the productions of the sand-hills, as well as by the exten- sive view of the sea and the many ships thereon. I do not think there are many seaweeds to be picked up there: the only two I could find were the common Fucus vesiculosus, and what I thought was the Laminaria digitata, but it was only a poor specimen. N.S. VOL. III. 2A 178 CONVOLVULUS SEPIUM. [ June, It does not offer any advantage at all for the conchologist : the only specimen to be seen there is the duck barnacle (Penta- lasmis anatifera), and which is common on any shore or river- bank throughout the kingdom. Warrington. CONVOLVULUS SEPIUM. (To the Editor of the ‘ Phytologist.’ Sir,—In the last number of the ‘ Phytologist’ a contribu- tor notices a variety of what he calls the Convolvulus se- pium (it is no doubt well- known now that our good old botanist, the late Mr. Brown, thought proper to make it an- other genus, being quite dis- tinct from Convolvulus as de- 2) scribed and instituted by Lin- " neeus, the principal characte- ristic being, the bracteas close under the flower; it is nowthere- fore better known by Calyste- gia) having leaves and flowers different, the former beimg lar- ger, and of different shape, the latter purple, with white veins. I beg to say this appears to be a common variety, I myself have noticed it several times; but a greater authority still—it is mentioned in the ‘ British Flora.’ Near Frodsham, Cheshire, a peculiar variety is to be found pretty plentifully ; it seems to be a hybrid between the Convolvulus arvensis and Calystegia se- pium :—leaves larger than those of Convolvulus arvensis, sagit- tate, obtuse at the extremity ; corolla large, purple, angles white ; peduncles double-flowered; bracteas large, caudate, situate at the junction of the pedicels. By the latter character it would appear to partake of Convolvulus arvensis, but that the bracteas 1859. ] THE ISLAND OF MALTA. 179 are large and caudate. The cut will express my meaning better than words ; it may very probably be the variety, or hybrid, your contributor alludes to; if it is so, it can only rank as a mere va- riety of Calystegia sepium. J. F. Rosinson. THE ISLAND OF MALTA. Malta, its Climate and Vegetable Produce. By Joun Sim. Malta is an island twenty-one miles in length, twelve in breadth, and about sixty in circuit. Its geographical position is too generally known to require comment or explanation. Its general appearance is flat, but to the southward there are a few low, undulating hills; Civita Vecchia, seven miles from Valetta the capital, occupies one of their summits. Viewed from the sea, Malta presents a very barren aspect,—a mere desert,—its mono- tony only relieved by the low bushy tree, Ceratonia siliqua, the Carob-tree, or St. John’s bread, called also the Locust-tree, be- cause its fruit is considered by some to have been the food on which John the Baptist subsisted in the wilderness of Judea. Be this as it may, it appears to be the only tree that I could pronounce with certainty to be indigenous to the island; it is abundantly distributed everywhere throughout its whole extent. The chmate of Malta, durmg the months of June, July, and August, is extremely hot, the thermometer in the shade often ex- ceeding 90°, and rarely below 84°. Its minimum in the coldes’ months is seldom below 55°; and the average temperature of the year I found to be about 70°; this was the result of four years’ close observation. On one occasion only did I detect indications of frost, but so very slight as just to be perceptible. During my five years’ residence snow never fell, but the north winds of Ja- nuary and February were often disagreeably cold. In summer they are, with even a temperature of 84°, remarkably refreshing. In the summer months rain rarely or ever falls; the sky is desti- tute of clouds, and assumes a deep azure hue, and the rays of the sun are scorchingly hot. I have seen the thermometer in the sun rise to nearly 150°. In September the autumnal rains begin 180 THE ISLAND OF MALTA. [ June, to fall, and continue during the month of October; the pre- cipitations are commonly in the form of heavy showers, accom- panied with tremendous lightning, whose gleams are nearly un- interrupted, and the peals of thunder almost deafening. In No- vember the weather begins to assume a more settled appearance, being mild and warm; the earth is covered with myriads of flowers, and Nature, so recently dry and parched up, now wears a cheerful smile, and is adorned in the gay embroidery of blooming flowers. Malta being an island in the southern portion of the warm temperate, or rather, subtropical zone, it is to be inferred will produce fruits and flowers common to both the torrid and tem- perate zones; and to a certain extent so it does. Several plants of British growth thrive here, while some intertropical species come to maturity. But in general its entire vegetation is pre- cisely that of southern Europe. Here grow the Vine, Pomegra- - nate, Olive, Orange, Lemon, Lime, etc., in abundance, the Malta Oranges being proverbial for their delicious flavour ; the Apple- tree perfects its fruit, but is dry and insipid compared to those of British growth. Plums, Apricots, ete., are of good quality ; To- matoes, Melons, sweet and water, the latter containing abundance of a clear, cool, and refreshing liquid, like to pure water, is much relished by the Maltese. Enormous Pumpkins grow there, often attaining the weight of 160 or 170 pounds. The Fig-tree is cul- tivated to a great extent, generally in the same field with the Vine; the latter runs along the walls and dykes very much like our Bramble or Blackberry. Some straggling Date-palms are scattered here and there over the country, but have most pro- bably been introduced. Among the other vegetable products may be reckoned Sainfoin, a valuable plant for their mules and cattle. Cabbages, Cauliflowers, Potatoes, etc., are also abundant. The cereals are mostly Barley, Indian-corn, and Millet. The culti- vation of cotton is carried on to a considerable extent. Among the other culinary vegetables may be reckoned Onions, of enor-- mous size and mild in flavour—twelve pounds’ weight can be pur- chased for one penny sterling; in short, almost all the kitchen vegetables of Britain can be, and are, reared with advantage to the natives and British settlers. The Prickly Pear (Cactus Opun- tia) is everywhere; its fruit is much relished by the natives. I have eaten it, and consider it excellent. In the months of Fe- 1859.] FERNS OF BALTHAYOCK, ETC. 181 bruary and March the thin rocky soil is covered with myriads of Liliaceous plants of every hue and form, but towards May, when the raims cease and the summer heats set in, they speedily dwindle away, and by the middle of June hardly a single blade of grass or herbaceous plant is to be seen (those under cultivation excepted, which are supplied with water by the hand of man), all being scorched up, and the country presents a very sterile and uninviting appearance ; still, amid all this seeming destruction of the vegetable tribes, a few plants thrive vigorously on the arid rocky knolls and military fortifications of the island. I may record Antirrhinum majus and Capparis herbacea, whose local habitat seems confined to the walls and fortifications, and the numerous Sedums, which prefer the rocky soil. Some members of the Acanthacee grow in Malta, but at that period (1836) I was not so well acquainted with plants as now, so therefore un- able to determine the species. An under-shrub belonging to the Labiate is plentifully distributed over the more elevated por- tions of the island; its fragrance greatly resembles our common garden Thyme. A botanic garden is situated at the south end of Valetta, and contains many rare exotics, both herbaceous and arborescent. Bridge End, Perth. FERNS OF BALTHAYOCK, svc. Rambles to the Den of Balthayock, Woods of Scone and Craigie, in search of Ferns. By Joun Sim. | On Saturday, 4th September, 1858, I left Perth by rail for Giencarse (six miles east of Perth), and from thence tra- velled to the Den of Balthayock, two miles northward from Glen- carse station. I expected to find Scolopendrium vulgare and Grammitis Ceterach (reported to grow there); in this I was sadly disappointed. In this romantic and highly picturesque den, Ferns abound, perhaps not the very rarest species, yet some are far from common in this part of the country. The glen runs longitudinally from north to south, and is densely wooded on both sides—many of the trees no doubt planted by Nature and not by man. In the bottom of the glen flows a 182 FERNS OF BALTHAYOCK, ETC. [June, small stream of the purest crystal, often shaded from view by an umbrageous canopy of trees. This den in many places is a mere ravine—precipitous cliffs on either side above a hundred feet in height. Entering this den at its southern end, and after tra. versing the margin of this tiny brook, the traveller is, after rounding a rugged cliff, suddenly ushered into the presence of a gentle cascade, gently rushing beneath the covert of the shady trees. Looking to the right, on the verdant and rocky slopes, grow abundance of Polystichum aculeatum, frond two feet long ; also Cystopteris fragilis, with its fragile fronds, and Aspleniwm Trichomanes, with pinnated leaves nine inches in length.