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THE

PHYTOLOGIST:

POPULAR

', BOTANICAL MISCELLANY,

CONDUCTED BY

EDWARD NEWMAN, F.LS., Z.S., &c., &c.

—_

VOLUME THE FOURTH.

LONDON:
JOHN VAN VOORST, PATERNOSTER ROW.

M.DCCC.LI.

“Neath cloistered boughs each floral bell that swingeth,
And tolls its perfume on the passing air,
Makes Sabbath in the woods, and ever ringeth
A call to prayer.”

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,
were
wow,

PREFACE. iz

THE pleasure which I have always felt in penning a brief annual
address to my readers, is on this occasion greatly diminished by the
~ painful duty which devolves on me, ‘of recording the loss of one of
my ablest contributors and kindest friends. From its very commence-
ment, Dr. Bromfield took the warmest interest in the success of the
‘ Phytologist,’ and both by his personal recommendation, and by the
powerful aid of his botanical knowledge, contributed equally to its
popularity, and to its sterling practical utility. This talented bota-
nist, and most excellent man, breathed his last at Damascus, on the
9th of October ; and for the following sketch of his active and ener-
getic career, I am indebted to the pen of a friend who enjoyed his
intimacy and knew his worth :—

Witiram ArNoLD BroMFIELD was born at Bouldre, in the New
Forest, in the county of Hampshire, on the 4th of July, 1801. He
was the only son of the Rev. John Arnold Bromfield, M.A., formerly
Fellow of New College, Oxford, and rector of Market Weston, in
Suffolk, The Rev. J. A. Bromfield being in ill health at the time of
the birth of his son, had retired from his clerical duties; and he died
in the following October, leaving his son an infant, of only three
months old.

At eleven years of age, William Arnold Bromfield was placed at
school, at Tonbridge, in Kent, under the care of Dr. Knox, of that place.
He remained here only about one year; but this short time was
sufficient for him to receive impressions which much influenced his

tastes and pursuits, and probably also, in no small degree, his after
career. This arose from his being at this time much noticed by the
celebrated Dr. Edmund Cartwright, a friend of his mother’s, from
whom he acquired a taste for mechanics, and especially in reference
to steam power and machinery, which he retained to the last. At
this time also he acquired a strong taste for chemical pursuits; a cir-
cumstance also attributed by his family to his intercourse at this time
with Dr. Cartwright. It is obvious that, at this early age, the subject
of this notice must have shown no common degree of intelligence, to
have gained the notice of so distinguished a genius as the justly cele-
brated Cartwright.

When about twelve years of age, he was removed from Tonbridge
to Ealing, in the county of Middlesex, under the care of Dr. Nicholas,
where he remained some years. He subsequently improved himself
in his classical studies under the Rev. Mr. Phipps, in Warwickshire.

When released from the trammels of tutors, the love of chemistry,
for which he had so early shown a liking, became much strengthened,
and occupied much of his time and attention. To improve him in the
study of this pursuit, he was, when nearly twenty years of age, placed
as a pupil with Dr. Thomson, of Glasgow, then Professor of Chemistry
in that University, under whose roof he remained two years, following
his then favourite study, with the no small advantage afforded by the
full use of the Professor’s laboratory. These advantages were not lost,
and his attainments in chemistry were very considerable. During this
period, he attended the medical classes; and he did not finally leave
Glasgow until he had taken the degree of M.D. Amongst the courses of
lectures required for the medical degree, he of necessity attended that
of botany ; and this appears to have been his first introduction to the
science in which he subsequently made so great acquirements, and
did so much to advance. He was of too active a mind, and naturally
too fond of science, to attend these lectures without some degree of
interest; and, though previously uninterested in the science, he at
this time collected and preserved some specimens, though as yet he
evinced no decided partiality for botany.

Though a graduate in medicine, Dr. Bromfield never practised the

vil

_ medical profession, from which circumstance the mistake often arose,
~ to his own no small amusement, of his being addressed as the “ Rev.
Dr. Bromfield.”

Shortly after his graduation, Dr. Bromfield commenced travelling
on the Continent of Europe, leaving England in 1826, and returning
home in 1830, after having visited- France, and the greater part of
Italy and Germany. During these travels, his active mind was con-
stantly at work; and the numerous and yoluminous letters written
home at that time, evince that characteristic power and habit of obser-
vation which is still more observable in the correspondence of his
after travels.

His first winter on the Continent was passed in Berlin and Ham-
burgh, where he perfected himself in the German language, which he
ever after spoke remarkably well, and where he became also well
acquainted with the literature of that language.

His second winter was passed at Rome and Naples. While in
Italy, he became well acquainted both with the literature and music
of that country; but though well acquainted theoretically with the
language, he never spoke it with ease. Dr. Bromfield’s travels in
Italy extended into Sicily.

The third and fourth winters, and the intervening period, of his tour
were passed in‘France, chiefly in Paris and Montpellier, during which
period the language of France became almost as familiar to him as
his own. Dr. Bromfield’s residence at Montpellier is interesting, from
the fact of his having there made the acquaintance of M. Auguste de
St. Hilaire and M. Dumal, the Professor of Botany, whose lectures he
attended, and to whom he became much attached. It appears to
have been at this time that Dr. Bromfield became more decidedly
attached to botany. He had, it is true, now and then preserved a
specimen whilst in Germany ; but it was while enjoying the society

of M. Dumal that botany took that hold of his mind and talents which
it ever after retained.

From Dr. Bromfield’s return to England in 1830 until 1832, he
resided with his mother and sister at Hastings, Clifton, and South-
ampton. At this time (1832), he had the misfortune to lose his only

vill

surviving parent. From this date till 1836, he was partly resident at
Hastings, and partly at Southampton.

During the above period, viz., from 1830 till 1836, entomology, as

well as botany, much engaged Dr. Bromfield’s attention. When
this taste was first acquired is not known, though it appears likely to
have commenced while on his continental travels. His attainments
in entomology were very considerable, and by no means only, ee)
principally, as regarded British insects.
' In 1836, Dr. Bromfield became resident at Ryde, in the Isle of
Wight; soon after which he conceived the idea of publishing a flora
of the island, the plan of which was, however, ultimately ex-
tended to the whole county of Hampshire. From this time, botany
became his leading pursuit and study, though by no means ex¢lu-
sively, as during his residence in Ryde he gave much attention to the
study of climate, both as indicated by the atmosphere and deep
springs, and still pursued his study of steam mechanics; a working
model of some improvement, of his own invention, being unfortunately
left incomplete.

Though the local flora was now the main object of his botanical
studies, Dr. Bromfield was not indifferent to objects of interest grow-
ing further from home, and made frequent more distant excursions,
sometimes with a friend, and sometimes alone, to verify the localities
of any interesting species. As time passed on, he became less satis+
fied with his short excursions, and the love of travel worked strongly
within him. A trip to Ireland in the autumn of 1842, to see the Ar-
butus growing on thejhills of Killarney, fora time satisfied this
desire; but craving to visit new and interesting scenes still further
from home, on January 2, 1844, he started for a tour through the
West-India Islands, visiting Barbadoes, Granada, Trinidad, Jamaica,
Porto-Rico, and St. Thomas’s.

Dr. Bromfield’s attention, in this tour, was by no means ‘confined
to botanical investigations, though very principally directed to them.
The habits and manners of the people, the sky, climate, and “ aspects
of Nature” generally, all claimed a share of his observation ; and the
voluminous letters written by him at this time are full of the most

valuable information on many subjects. So fresh and lively are his
descriptions, that a short quotation from one of his letters will, no
‘doubt, interest the readers of the ‘ Phytologist.’ Writing from Ja-
maica, after leaving Trinidad, his favourite island, he observes :—
“The suburbs of the Port of Spain are one continued garden of tro-
pical fruits and flowering trees without end. The very streets abound
with curious, inconspicuous weeds, of which one longs to know the
name and uses. A beautiful mall lies parallel to the harbour, planted
with a double row of native and foreign beauties; and Brunswick
Square, higher up i:f the town, is a sweet, shaded place, where I used
to delight to stroll, after sun-set, in the bright moonlight, watching
the fire-flies as they gleamed momentarily amidst the deep gloom of
the Bauhinias, Bignonias, and other trees that form the ornament of
the place. A walk of three quarters of an hour from the water side
will lead you up through any one of the long, regular, and straight
streets of the town, across the grand savannah, to the mountain, and
into woods filled with a thousand curious things, some of them old
acquaintances in our stoves at home, but, oh! how much more de-
veloped in their free and genial native air! The mind experiences
a kind of confusion, almost baneful, at the sight of so many objects
crowding upon it at once. All having an equal claim to attention, it
knows not on which to fix first, and has no time to examine anything
minutely, so impatient is it to examine everything at once.”

In the same letter, Dr. Bromfield writes :—“I have found the
inconvenience arising from the want of ready and speedy mode of
conveyance a most serious hindrance to the collecting of plants.
Unless you sacrifice all other considerations and sight-seeing to that
alone, there is no means of making even a tolerable harvest without
remaining for some months in each place.” Although, however, Dr.
Bromfield’s collections on this occasion fell short of his wishes, he
brought home a considerable number of interesting specimens, as well
as seeds, the proceeds of which are still growing in the garden at St.
John’s near Ryde. .

After his return from the West Indies, he diligently applied himself
to the local flora, for the next two years, when he determined to pay

a visit to North America. This journey occupied somewhat more
than a year, his departure from England being on July 6, 1846, and
his return August 3, 1847. During this period, he made extensive
excursions in Canada, and through the States to New Orleans, and
thence 200 miles up the Mississippi. Ample notes of his botanizing
and observations on this occasion have been published in Sir Wil-
liam Hooker’s ‘ London Journal of Botany.’

The next three summers were diligently spent in bringing forward
the local Flora; but unfortunately it was yet incomplete when the love
of travel again prevailed, and Dr. Bromfield once more left home for
foreign parts.

On the 29th of September, 1850, he left Southampton for the Kast.
On his way to Alexandria, the vessel touched at Gibraltar and Malta,
at both of which places he passed a few hours in botanizing. Unfor-
tunately, at that season the plants were not in condition for speci-
mens; but he collected some seeds, which are now growing at St.
John’s. He arrived at Alexandria on the 17th of October, but did
not remain there many days, as the cholera was at that time prevail-
ing, the weather at the time being very close and damp. It was for-
tunate he removed quickly from this place, as, a few days after his
departure, severe fever broke out in the Frank quarter of the city.

From Alexandria, Dr. Bromfield proceeded to Cairo, where he
arrived on the 25th of October. This place he made his head-
quarters for a full month, during which he made many excursions in
the neighbourhood. While here, he met with two gentlemen, who,
like himself, were desirous of proceeding up the Nile. Having en-
gaged each a native servant, on the 25th of November they started
from Boulac, the Port of Cairo, on their upward voyage, in the ‘ Mary
Victoria’ Nile boat, which was the home and castle of two of them
for more than half a year. On this voyage, they visited almost every
place of interest, subsisting in great measure on the proceeds of their
guns, until, on January 16, 1851, they arrived at Wady Halfeh, on the
second cataract. Here they left their boat, and proceeded on their
journey through the desert, on camels, sleeping commonly in the open
air. The furthest point which appears to have been reached by the

travellers was Khartoum, whence they intended to take one or two
days’ exploring up the White Nile, but no account of their doing so
has been received. While at Khartoum, they unfortunately slept in
a house where was a case of severe small-pox, with symptoms of
which, a few days after, one of the travellers was seized. His com-
panions hastened with the sick man to Berber, where he unfortunately
fell a victim to the violence of the attack, and was interred by his sor-
rowing friends in the burial ground of the Koptic Christians.

Dr. Bromfield and his remaining companion returned to their tem-

porary home, the ‘ Mary Victoria, which was awaiting them at Ko-
rosko, between the first and second cataract, on April 24, whence they
proceeded on their return to Cairo, where they arrived on June 4.
Most interesting accounts have been received of the botany, and the
“aspects of Nature,” in this interesting. voyage. They are full of
facts of the most lively interest, and contain observations of the
greatest value. The travellers arrived at Cairo, and quitted their
boat-home on June 4.
- Dr. Bromfield again made Cairo his head-quarters while examining
the surrounding regions; and he also from this point made an excur-
sion to Suez, which place very much interested him, especially in
reference to the passage of the Red Sea by the ancient Israelites.

From Cairo, our traveller proceeded to Damietta, on his way to
Palestine. At this place, the most unfortunate detention occurred.
Owing to a certain surfy bar, called the Bougaz, at the harbour’s
mouth, he was unable to reach the vessel which lay, awaiting her pas-
sengers and cargo, in the offing, until August 5, during which time, of
daily expectation and daily disappointment, he was fearfully exposed
to the risk of fever, sleeping either in an open boat, hoping to be
taken on board the vessel by day-break, or else in a damp room, on
the ground floor, by the water’s edge.

From Damietta, he proceeded te Jaffa, where he arrived on the 8th
of August, heartily rejoiced to have escaped the “ Egyptian bondage ”
which so marred the termination of his travels in Africa.

While travelling in Upper Egypt, the Arabs gave to their interest-
ing visitor the Arabic name of “ Abou Hasheesh,” which signifies
“ Father-of-grass,” a name by no means inappropriate.

Of Dr. Bromfield’s travels in Palestine little is yet known: it is to
be hoped his journal, when it comes to hand, will reveal more of his
last days and thoughts. He passed some little time at Jerusalem,
which he reached on the 14th of August ; and he is supposed to have
visited Bethlehem, Sychar, the Dead Sea, and Jericho. He went to
Beirout, which he intended leaving on the 28th of September, for
Damascus and Baalbec, after which he meant to return to Beirout, and
from which he intended to return to Europe by the first opportunity.

At Damascus, he arrived on the 5th of October, being at that time
dangerously ill, either with malignant typhus fever, or, as was sup-
posed at Damascus, from the effects of the sun while journeying from
Beirout to Baalbec. While ill, he was most assiduously and kindly
attended on by Mr. G. Moore, an English traveller, and by the Rev.
Mr. Barnett, an American missionary. He only survived his arrival
at Damascus a very few days, having sunk on the 9th of October.
His remains were shortly after interred in the Christian cemetery, }
without the city.

Dr. Bromfield was never married, his nearest surviving relative
being an only sister, to whom he was devotedly attached, and with
whom, with the occasional exceptions of the periods of his travels, he
had lived from the time of his mother’s death, in 1832.

Dr. Bromfield’s additions to the British flora are :—Spartina alter-
niflora,* which he discovered at Southampton, in the year 1836;
Myriophyllum alterniflorum,t near Brading, in the Isle of Wight,
about 1846; Calamintha sylvatica,} a new species, in the Isle of
Wight, in 1843; and Atriplex hortensis,$ a doubtful native, near
Ryde, in 1845. He also much assisted the Rev. W. Leighton in dis-
tinguishing Prunus Cerasus{] from Prunus Avium. Lastly, in 1850, he
first drew attention to a form of Luzula** which he had observed some
years in the Isle of Wight, and which, should it ultimately prove dis-
tinct, he intended naming Luzula Borreri, as a name suitably accom-
panying that of Luzula Forsteri.

* Hooker’s ‘ Companion to the Botanical Magazine, ii. p. 254.
+ Phytol. iii. 369. t Id. ii. 49. § Id, ii. 330.
q Leighton’s Fl. Shrop. p. 526. ** Phytol. iii. 983.

Of the value of his botanical observations the readers of the ‘ Phy-
tologist’ are well aware. It is a great loss to science that his Flora
was not completed and published. It is hoped, however, that both
this and his correspondence and journals will in some manner be
edited, as they are of far too great value to be lost to the public.

This notice would be incomplete without some reference to the
care with which Dr. Bromfield drew up his descriptions, and selected
and preserved his specimens of plants.

With respect to describing, he was in the habit, when about to draw
up a description, of obtaining an zmmense number of specimens from
different localities, that he might examine the species, and not merely
individuals, or local forms. These he would examine, by the assist-
ance of various authors, both British and foreign ; and as his library
was one of very rare extent, by this means he obtained the suggestions
of very many botanists. This done, he also carefully scrutinized, to
see if any characters yet remained undetected by his predecessors.
Being now thoroughly acquainted with the plant, he, without further
reference to the books, drew up his descriptions from the plants them-
selves. His descriptions are therefore of very great value, from the
amount of care and labour bestowed upon them.

With regard to specimens for the herbarium, he was no less care-
ful, and probably no botanist ever took so much care in the mode of
preserving. ‘The result is, that his specimens pourtray the characters
and aspect of the living plants to a degree, probably, not to be met
with in any other collection.

A powerful intellect, with great powers of observation, accompanied
with an intense regard for peace, and the most rigid truthfulness, and
very strong affections, constitute the character of this most amiable of
men. His love of truth was so remarkable, that it seemed, in every
inquiry, to place him above any the slightest bias; and this fact adds
immensely to the value of his observations. His zeal also knew no
bounds, and hence, alas! his untimely loss! He will long be
remembered, and his labours be always highly valued, by all of
kindred pursuits; and his memory will ever live in the hearts of
those who had the happiness to enjoy his friendship.

X1V

Wuen, in 1844, I commenced the ‘ Phytologist, which has now
appeared, with the utmost regularity, for one hundred and twenty-
seven months, there was no journal which could, in any respect, be
considered as competing with it for public favour. The ‘ Annals of
Natural History,’ indeed, dragged on a languid botanical existence ;
its papers on that science being few, intensely technical, and far
between. Now we have three additional monthly journals, exclu-
sively botanical, and one semi-botanical, in addition to the ‘'Transac-
tions of the Linnean Society.’

Robert Brown, the greatest of all our botanists, still stands by the
‘ Transactions.’

Sir William Hooker and his friends have the ‘ London Journal of
Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany.’

Mr. Babington and his friends have the ‘ Annals.’

Mr. Henfrey and his friends have the ‘ Gazette.’

Mr. Moore, of Chelsea, has the ‘ Gardener’s Magazine of Botany.’

Messrs. McIntosh and Morris have the ‘ Naturalist.’

I am quite willing to believe that, in some of these instances, a pure
love of the science is the mainspring of action; but I fear that, in
others, a mistaken and very exaggerated view of the profits of the
‘ Phytologist’ has induced what, in every instance, must be charac-
terized a friendly competition. Let me assure the editors, and sub-
editors, and assistant editors, that my feeling is as friendly as their
own; and that I not only take, but read, every one of their periodi-
¢als, and always comment approvingly on such of their contents as I
think likely to recommend them to the favourable notice of my readers.
Let me also add, as.a word of advice to those who are less ex-
perienced than myself in thus catering for a botanical public, that
perseverence and liberality are the great secrets of success. Itis a
mistaken notion, that because our readers are few labour is unneces-
‘sary; and that the smallest possible pennyworth is to be given for
the penny. In my own instance, I have rejected this principle: I have
made the volume for this year more bulky than that of any previous

year; and I know that this liberality has been justly appreciated.
May every success attend all my brother journalists ; and may their
numbers increase, year after year, and their coffers be abundantly
replenished by their success. I shall continue to give, in each conse-
cutive number, a full account of the contents of all botanical journals

during the current month.

Of the papers which treat so pleasantly of the botany of the field,
which are so redolent of the sweet breath of wild flowers, 1 need say
nothing: they always find delighted readers, and I only wish they
were more abundant. Those by Mr. Lees, the Rev. Mr. Bree, the
Rev. Mr. Hore, Mr. Varenne, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Bennett, &c., are
remarkably agreeable contributions, but do not require that synoptical
arrangement which appears necessary for those which contain facts
that are to be permanently preserved. These I have attempted to
arrange under four heads:—TI. Proposed Additions to the British
Flora; 11. Additional or Rediscovered Localities of Rare Plants ;
Ilf. Critical Remarks on Disputed or Doubtful Species; and 1V.
Observations on Structure, Physiology, and System.

I. Proposed Additions to the British Flora.

Rubus embricatus.—In a report of the Proceedings of the Botani-
eal Society of Edinburgh (iv. 156), Mr. Hort describes a sup-
posed new species under this name.

Lastrea glandulosa.—I fear this plant, which I have noticed as
possibly distinct (iv. 256), is not sufficiently so to warrant its

. adoption as a species. A succession of careful observations
is required before the point can be determined.

Luzula Borreri.—Since the publication of the late Dr. Bromfield’s
admirable and elaborate description of a new Luzula (iii.
985), Mr. Babington has described the same plant, under the
name of L. Borreri, in the third edition of his Manual; and
Mr. Purchas has found it pretty generally distributed about
the neighbourhood of Ross, in Herefordshire, and always in
company with its allies, L. pilosa and L. Forsteri (iv. 307).

XVi

Athyrium ovatum of Roth.—This elegant and very distinct species
of Athyrium has been found, during several suceessive years,
by Miss Wright, of Keswick (iv. 368). Since the record of
this discovery was published, Mr. Babington has, in a private
letter to myself, expressed doubts of the identity of the Kes-
wick plant with Roth’s species, on account of its discrepancy
with a figure to which Roth refers; but a careful reperusal of
Roth’s elaborate description has confirmed me in the belief
that the plants are positively identical.

Cystopteris Dickieana of Sim.—This, although described so long
since as 1848, by Mr. Sim, a most intelligent nurseryman and
acute botanist, residing at Foot’s Cray, has, I believe, never
been admitted by our publishing botanists as entitled to spe-
cific rank. In this respect, a curious revolution has taken
place in the views of our highest authorities. ‘Twenty years
ago, nearly every conspicuous deviation from the normal form
of fragilis was made a new species; now, not only are they
restored to their proper parent, but a great disinclination pre-
vails even to admit forms that have never been associated
with fragilis, or any other species (iv. 369).

Polypodium alpestre of Koch.—Mr. Watson has added this ex-
tremely beautiful species to our list of indigenous ferns. He
found it in 1844 (not 1846), in Canlochen Glen, Forfarshire,
and has gathered it in two other localities (iv. 370).

Cuscuta Hassiaca of Koch.—Mr. Varenne, a botanist to whom I have
on many previous occasions been indebted for valuable observa-
tions on our native plants, records (iv. 382) the discovery of
a new Cuscuta at Witham, in Essex. Mr. Watson has ascer-
tained it to be the Cuscuta Hassiaca of Koch, who describes
it as being, on the Continent, parasitical on Anthemis Co-
tula, Sonchus asper, Galium verum, Medicago sativum, and
other plants. At Witham, Mr. Varenne has found it on the
lucerne only, and mentions that its flowers exhale a perfume
like that of Heliotrope.

Potamogeton trichoides of Chamisso.—I believe this aquatic was first

XVii

described by Mr. Babington, in the third edition of his Ma-
nual (343). It was characterized by Chamisso, in the ‘ Lin-
nea’ (ii. 4), and belongs to that division of the genus which
has all the leaves submerged, alternate, and linear. It differs
from its congener and near ally, P. pusillus, of Linneus, in
having the leaves one-nerved. Chamisso and Schlechtendal,
as well as Hooker & Arnott, regard compressus and pusillus
merely as forms of the same plant. P. trichoides has only

been found in the vicinity of Norwich.

II. Additional or Rediscovered Localities for Rare Plants.

Euphorbia Peplis.—Mr. E. T. Bennett (iv. 1) restores this local
plant to its old Cornish locality on Marazion Green, where it
had been supposed extinct.

Cystopteris montana.—Mr. Borrer (iv. 7) and Dr. Arnott have
found this fern in the range of mountains between Glen
Dochart and Glen Lochay, on the same spot where Messrs.
W. Gourlie and W. Adamson found it in 1841. Hooker &
Arnott, in the sixth edition of the ‘ British Flora, spell the
name of the place thus :—“ Corrach-Uachdar ;” but Mr. Bor-
rer understood the name of the mountains as “ Meal Oufil-

. lach,” and of the ravine, “ Corrach Dh’Onufillach,” as nearly
as he could express in writing the pronunciation of the native
from whom he received the information.

Menziesia cerulea.—This plant also was rediscovered by Mr. Bor-
rer (iv. 7), in Drumochter, or Drum Uachdar, on. the confines
of Atholl and Badenoch. Mr. Borrer found several tufts,
growing among the heath and cranberry. I may mention
that the late Mr. Cameron, formerly of the Botanic Garden
at Birmingham, told me, some years ago, that he had many
times visited a spot where it grew in some abundance, that
he could find it at any time, and that there was no probabi-
lity of its becoming exterminated. Mr. Cameron, I may
add, was well known as a man of the most scrupulous vera-
city.

XViil

Adiantum Capillus-Veneris.— Mr. T. B. Flower has found this
beautiful fern at a place called Mewstone, or Mudstone (iv.
51), on the south coast of Devon.

Lastrea cristataa—The Rev. W. S. Hore records (iv. 95) the dis-
covery of a new locality for this fern, viz., the waste land ad-
jacent to the sheet of water called Surlingham Broad, near
Norwich. .

Laminaria longicruris.— The Rev. George Harris, of Gamrie,
Banffshire, mentions (iv. 124) having found this Alga in his
own neighbourhood. The specimen was about three yards
in length, and had evidently been broken.

Potamogeton prelongus.—The Rev. R. C. Douglas records (iv.
128) the discovery of this aquatic in Staffordshire. It grows
in great abundance in the river Sow, at Stafford, in company
with P. Zosterzefolius.

Udora Canadensis.—Dr. Johnson argues its comparatively recent
introduction in Berwickshire (iv. 151). Mr. Kirk contends
(iv. 274) for its claim to be considered native in Britain. The
Rev. W. H. Hind records (iv. 277) its discovery at Cambridge,
in a ditch by the railway-station. Mr. Babington (iv. 374)
attributes this station to the introduction of the plant into a
stream near the Botanic Garden, by the late Mr. Murray.
It now abounds in the river Cam, all about Cambridge. I
would ask, is there any evidence to show that it did not
abound there prior to its introduction by Mr. Murray? Mr.
Foggitt records (iv. 865) its occurrence, in the greatest abun-
dance, in the river Wiske, near Thirsk, in Yorkshire, and
believes it truly indigenous.

. Orchis hircina.—Mr. G. B. Wollaston (iv. 169) records the redis-
covery of this, the rarest of British Orchidex, at its old
Kentish station, where it had long since been reported to be
extinct. The specimen was found on Good Friday, and I
had the pleasure of seeing it on the 18th of June, it having
then thrown up a magnificent spike, but the flowers were
still unexpanded.

X1x

Leersia oryzoides.—Mr. A. W. Bennett records (iv. 312) the dis-
covery of this extremely local plant in a new locality, viz., in
the river Mole, at Brockham Green, Surrey. Mr. Watson,
following up the discovery, has found it again, in company
with Polygonum mite, on the muddy margin of the same
river, almost close to the foot-bridge over that river, and
almost midway between East Moulsey Church and Ember
River. ‘ Other localities,” says Mr. Watson, “ will probably
be found between Reigate and Moulsey, along the course of
the river Mole, and between Hampton Court and London,
along the course of the Thames. The plant grows in tufts,
but the outer stems do really become somewhat procumbent
at the base (Bab. Man. edit. 3, p. 385), and take root from
the lower joints." — Bot. Gaz. 1851, p. 154.

Ill. Critical Remarks on Disputed or Doubtful Species.

Lastrea recurva.—Mr. E. T. Bennett has some interesting obser-
vations on the distinctness (iv. 4) of this plant. It is made to
plead its own cause at p. 48. The Rev. W.S. Hore sup-
ports the plea (iv. 96), and pronounces it “ the most distinct
of our indigenous ferns,” as also does Mr. R. White (iv. 108)
and the Rev. W. T. Bree (iv. 145).

Lastrea uliginosa—Mr. John Lloyd, the original detector of this
fern, agrees in favour of its distinctness (iv. 22). Mr. Charles
Wood takes a similar view (iv. 54). It is mentioned by my-
self that Professor Braun had distinguished this fern in Ger-
many prior to its discovery in England (iv. 55). Mr. Joseph
Bray gives his opinion that it is distinct (iv. 72). The Rev.
W.S. Hore expresses his dissent from this view (iv. 96), as
also does Mr. Wilson (iv. 105). Mr. Thomas Moore, in a
report of the Proceedings of the Botanical Society of Edin-
burgh (iv. 149), unhesitatingly describes it as a variety of L.
cristata. And finally, Mr. Doubleday, on the wrapper of the
July number, says :—‘“ I unhesitatingly state that it is a spe-
cies totally distinct from L. cristata.” In addition, I may

remark that Hooker & Arnott (B. F. 570) declare it to be
the type of their Aspidium spinulosum ; and finally, that Mr.
Babington (Man. 410) places it as a variety of cristata.
Altogether, the science of pteridology is in as pretty a jumble
on this point as need be desired.

Species of Hieracitum.—On this genus are some abridged remarks
(iv. 139) from a paper by Mr. Backhouse, in the ‘ Botanical
Gazette, and again in a report of the Botanical Society of
Edinburgh (iv. 151).

Prunus Avia.—Mr. Babington, in the ‘ Botanical Gazette’ for
March (abstract, Phytol. iv. 110) suggests the division of P.
Aria into P. Aria and P. scandica; and in his subsequently-
published Manual (111) he gives them as distinct species,
observing that “ the continental distribution shows that nei-
ther P. scandica nor P. finnica can be hybrids.” Of these
three species Hooker & Arnott give but one, P. Aria, making
three varieties:—a. leaves slightly cut and lobed, usually
white underneath.—8. leaves cut and lobed, usually less white
beneath = P. intermedia, Hhrh.—y. leaves pinnatifid, and
often pinnate at the base = P. pinnatifida, Ehrh.; adding,
“to us &. appears to be a fertile hybrid between the type of
this species and P. torminalis, and y. another between this
and P. aucuparia.” I confess to a strong disinclination to
adopt hypotheses so utterly unsupported by observed facts.

Cerastium pumilum.—Mr. Babington has a few comments (iv. 34)
in the ‘ Botanical Gazette’ for January on this doubtful spe-
cies, observing that Hooker & Arnott have placed it as a
variety of triviale.

Species of Carex.—In the report of a meeting of the Botanical So-
ciety of Edinburgh, Mr. M’Laren has a paper on the British
species of Carex, grouping them somewhat differently from
Reichenbach, the subgenera not being made to depend on
the number of stigmas (iv. 44).

Fumaria parviflora.—Mr. G. 8. Gibson records (iv. 65) the finding
of this species, in company with F. Vaillantii, at Settlebury,

Xx1

in Essex. He cites Mr. Henfrey’s characters for distinguish-
ing these species from each other: in Vaillantii the leaves
have broader segments, are of a bluish, darker green, often
tinged with purple; the flowers are purplish, never white, but
fading to somewhat of that colour; the habit is diffuse and
spreading; the seeds appear similar. It may be here ob-
served that Hooker & Arnott (Brit. Flor. 19) do not recognize
these species, but that Babington (Man. 15) gives them, with-
out hesitation, as distinct, drawing a distinguishing character
from the comparative length of the fruit-stalk. This in par-
viflora is shorter than the obovate, pointed fruit, and equal-
ling the bract; in Vaillantii it is longer than the fruit, and
twice longer than the bract.

Arctium Lappa, &c. (iv. 66) Mr. G. 8. Gibson has given some
attention to the genus Arctium, without arriving at any de-
finite conclusion. He observes that although major or
Lappa, and minor or Bardana, are very different in appear-
ance, yet they are so closely connected by forms of interme-
dium, that it is difficult to say to which some specimens are
to be referred. He would prefer a threefold to a twofold
division of the genus. Hooker & Arnott (Brit. Flor. 219)
give Lappa as the species, minus as the variety, and leave
intermedium unnoticed. Babington (Man. 179) gives majus
and minus as distinct species, and intermedium as a variety
of the latter.

Carduus crispus—Mr. G. 8. Gibson records (iv. 66) that Mr. J.
Clarke has noticed a thistle which, in some respects, corre-
sponds with C. crispus, described, but not recorded, as Bri-
tish by Sir J. E. Smith; but the flowers are not clustered, as
stated in Babington’s Manual. Mr. Gibson suggests that
Smith’s crispus may be Babington’s acanthoides, and vice
versd. I may remark that Hooker & Arnott (Brit. Flor. 182)
give crispus asa species, and make acanthoides a variety
thereof; while Babington (Man. 220) makes C. acanthoides
the species, and gives C. crispus simply as a synonym.

XXil

Narcissus lobularis.—In a report of the Proceedings of the Botani-
cal Society of Edinburgh (iv. 157), Mr. J. T. Syme gives a
notice of this plant, and remarks that it differs from N.
Pseudo-narcissus, in having the cup divided into six distinct
lobes, and of the same colour as the segments, which are
broadly ovate, and rather sharply acuminate.

Species of Salicornia.—At p. 208 appears a valuable and compre-
hensive abstract of a paper by Mr. Joseph Woods, on the
various British forms of the genus Salicornia, as observed by
himself, principally on the coasts of Hampshire and Sussex.
The author considers S. procumbens a distinct species; S.
radicans and S. lignosa certainly distinct from S. herbacea ;
but whether they are so from each other, and whether, if that
be the case, S. lignosa ought not to be considered as a variety
of S. fruticosa, Z., and the plant with tubercled seeds to be
called S. megastachya, he does not feel competent to decide.
The other forms of S. pusilla, S. intermedia, and §. ramo-
sissima may, perhaps, be varieties of S. herbacea; but this
also is a subject for further investigation.

Euphorbia stricta and E. platyphylla.—Some admirable remarks
on these species, from the pen of Mr. Hort, are extracted
from No. 26 of the ‘ Botanical Gazette. Hooker & Arnott
(Brit. Flor. 367) have only one species, E. platyphylla, but
remark that “a plant agreeing with Reichenbach’s figure of
E. stricta, and differing, by the leaves being narrowed above
the base instead of narrowed gradually to the base, from the
common form of E. platyphylla, occurs between Tintern .
and the Wyndcliff.” This, however, does not meet the case,
as will be seen by a reference to Mr. Hort’s paper. Babing-
ton (Man. 281). gives the species as distinct.

IV. Observations on Structure, Physiology, and System.
Mr. Henfrey (iv. 23) has some observations, extracted from the
‘Proceedings of the Linnean Society,’ on the develeopment of the
spores and elaters of Marchantia polymorpha.

XXill

Mr. Miers’ paper on the affinities of Triuridacez appears, in abstract,
at p. 26, and contains some novel and highly valuable observations
on the intimate structure of a tribe of plants whose history he has, at
different times, most ably illustrated.

M. Liebmann’s curious and most interesting observations on a female
plant of one of the Cycadee which produced ripe seeds without
impregnation, will be found at p. 26.

Mr. Brown’s interesting letter to Captain Sir Francis Beaufort, on
the origin and mode of propagation of the Gulf-weed, will be found,
in extenso, at p. 28. It is particularly recommended to the attention
of botanists.

Mr. Holdsworth’s observations (iv. 30) on dry-rot, as observed in
the church of King’s Wear, in Devonshire, are extremely curious ;
and the idea that a good supply of air accelerated its development is
at variance with general opinion. The paper was read before the
Linnean Society, and is reprinted from the Proceedings of that body.

Dr. Lankester’s paper (iv. 32) on a peculiar structure of cells on the
surface of Callitriche verna, is obtained from the same source.

Mr. Wilson has two papers on mosses the first (iv. 67), treating of
the spirilla, or spermatozoides, and the second (id. 69) on a monstrous
specimen of Tortula, described by the late Mr. E. J. Quekett, in the
* Transactions of the Microscopical Society,’ and noticed also in Lind-
ley’s ‘ Vegetable Kingdom.’ Mr. Wilson had received an example of
the supposed monstrosity, and pronounced it to be Ceratodon purpu-
reus, and{not Tortula, and to possess no anomalies, or even remarkable
character.

Mr. J. Quekett describes (iv. 88), in the report of a meeting of the
Microscopical Society, what appeared to him a new fact in vegetable
physiology, vzz., the unrolling, in a spiral manner, of the membranous
wall of an elongated cell.

Mr. Benjamin Clarke’s paper on the position of carpels, read before
the Linnean Society, and subsequently noticed in the Proceedings of
that Society, appears in abstract at p. 204, and will be read with great
interest by all vegetable’physiologists : it is intituled “ Memoir on the
position of the Carpels when two and when single, including Outlines

XXIV

of a new Method of Arrangement of the Orders of Exogens, and Ob-
servations on the Structure of Ovaries consisting of a single Carpel.”

Dr. Drummond has four papers; the first (iv. 211) is in reference
to the observations on his views of botanical systems, contained in
a notice of Hooker & Arnott’s ‘ British Flora ;’ the second (iv. 309)
is on Natural Systems of Plants; the third (iv. 360) is entitled
“ Casual Remarks on Morphology,” and combats the doctrine as now
generally held; and the fourth (iv. 365) is a reply to a review of his
‘Observations on Natural Systems of Botany.’

Dr. Vriese’s note (iv. 215) on the temperature of the male inflores-
cence of Cycadeous plants, is the record of a remarkable and unac-
countable fact, well worthy of further investigation.

Dr. Balfour (iv. 230), in the report of a meeting of the Botanical
Society of Edinburgh, has some remarks on the glandular stipules of
Cinchonacee, detected in twelve species: the glands were found to
secrete a gummy fluid, and in some species this secretion was beauti-
fully coloured.

Dr. Lankester (iv. 288) read a paper at the last meeting of the Bri-
tish Association for the Advancement of Science (for the report of
which I am indebted to the pages of the ‘ Botanical Gazette’), “On
the Theory of the Formation of Wood and the Descent of the Sap in
Plants ;” and a discussion followed in which Professor Henslow, Mr.
Huxley, Prof. Asa Gray, and Dr. Lankester took part.

Mr. Luxford has some valuable observations (iv. 292) on the struc-
ture of Ascidia and Stomata of Dischidia Rafflesiana, penned more
particularly with reference to the paper by the Jate Mr. Griffith on that
subject, lately published in the ‘ Transactions of the Linnean Society,’
and from which some lengthened extracts are given at p. 265.

Mr. D. Moore, of the Dublin Glasnevin Garden, contributes a valu-
able paper (iv. 345) on the formation of wood in plants, detaiiing the
result of a series of experiments made in the Gardens between the
years 1830 and 1851.

EDWARD NEWMAN,

Devonshire Street, Bishopsgate, November, 1851.

CONTENTS.

LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS.

BENNETT, ALFRED W.

Surrey Locality for Leersia oryzoides,

312
Bennett, Epwarp T.

Restoration of Euphorbia Peplis to one
of its old Localities, with Obser-
vations on a few other Cornish
Plants, found in the early part of
October, 1850, 1; Wild Flowers
in Bloom in February, 107

Bennett, WILLIAM

A Word on the Wild Snowdrop, 106 ;
Development of the Organ of De-
structiveness in some Plant-seek-
ers, not Botanists, 385

- Borrer, Witr1aM, F.R.S.
On the Locality of Cystopteris mon-
tana, 7
Bray, JosEPH
Note on Lastrea uliginosa, 72
Brees, Rey. W. T., M.A.

Recollections of a Morning’s Ramble
among the Whittlesea Fens, 98 :
Note on Mr. Lees’s Remarks on
Starred Plants, 129; Further Re-
marks on Lastrea recurva, 145

BromFiE.p, W. A., M.D., F.L.S., &c.

A Catalogue of the Plants growing
Wild in Hampshire, with occa-
sional Notes and Observations on
some of the more remarkable Spe-
cies, 9

CuaumetteE, H. L. DE La

A few Notes on the Stations, &c., of
Plants, 52; Remarkably fine Spe-
cimen of the Edible Chestnut, 71

Dovetas, Rev. R. C., M.A.
Potamogeton prelongus, &c., at Staf-
ford, 128
Drummonp, James L., M.D., &c.
Letter in reference to the Observations
on his views of the Linnean and
Natural Systems of Botany, con-

tained in the Notice of the Sixth
Edition of the ‘ British Flora’
(Phytol. iv. 170), 211; Natural
Systems of Plants, 309; Casual
Remarks on Morphology, 360;
Reply to the Notice of ‘ Observa-
tions on Natural Systems of Bo-
tany ’ (Phytol. iv. 313), 365
Fiower, Tuomas B., F.L.S., &c.

South-Devon Locality for Adiantum
Capillus-Veneris, 51; On the
Locality for Typha minor in Kent,
52

Foceitt, WILLIAM
Occurrence of Anacharis Alsinastrum,
Bab., in Yorkshire, 365
Gipson, Georee Stacey, F.L.S.
Botanical Notes for 1851, 64
Harris, Rev. GEoRGE
Note on Laminaria longicruris, 124
Hinp, Rev. W. M., M.A.

Abnormal Form of Lolium perenne,
and Occurrence of Anacharis Al-
sinastrum at Cambridge, 277 ;
Localities of Plants observed by
Mr. William Millen near Belfast,
363

Hore, Rev. W.S., M.A., F.L.S., &c.

Notes on British Ferns, 94

Kirk, THomas

Anacharis Alsinastrum, Bab., in War-
wickshire, with Remarks on its
Nativity in this Country, 274

LasTREA RECURVA

A Word with Sir William J. Hooker
and George A. Walker-Arnott,
LL.D., &e., 48

Legs, Epwin, F.L.S., &e.

Remarks on some Starred Plants in
the New Edition of the ‘ British
Flora,’ by Sir W. J. Hooker and
Dr. G. A. Walker-Arnott, 56 ;
Sketches of Botanical Rambles

AK areola |
Wr PLITD GF

XXVI1

in Wales, 116; Records of Ob-
servations on Plants appearing
upon newly-broken Ground, raised
Embankments, deposits of Soil,
&c., 131; Account of a Privileged
Locality near Torquay, in Devon-
shire, 236; New Localities for

Mistletoe on the Oak, with some *

Remarks in reference to a Paper
on the Mistletoe in the ‘Naturalist’
for September, by Mr. McIntosh,
357
Luioyp, JoHn
Note on Lastrea uliginosa, 22
Luxrorp, Grorce, F.B.S.E., &c.

Note in reference to the Paper by the
late Mr. W. Griffith, ‘On the
Structure of the Ascidia and Sto-
mata of Dischidia Rafflesiana,’
292

Moors, Davin, A.L.S., &c.

Results of Physiological Experiments
on the Formation of Wood in
Plants, made in the Royal Dub-
lin Society's Botanic Gardens,
Glasnevin, between the years 1839
and 1851, 345

Newman, Epwarp, F.L.S., &c.

A Word more on Lastrea uliginosa,
55; Proposal for a Great City
Conservatory, or Geographical,
Perennial, Glazed Garden, on
the Site of Smithfield Market,
225 ; Proposed Addition of three
new Species and three new Genera
to our List of British Ferns, 368 ;
Synoptical Table of our British
Ferns, Appendia i.

OutveR, DanteEL, Jon.

Note of a Botanical Ramble in Ireland

last Autumn, 125
PYViPy
Professor Nees von Esenbeck, 387

REEcE, GEORGE

Worcestershire Habitat for Villarsia

nympheoides, 5
SEEMANN, BeErrHo tp,
H.M.S. ‘ Herald’

Note accompanying the ‘ Popular No-
menclature of the American
Flora, 353

Surru, R. W.

Grammitis Ceterach growing on a
Tree, and some other Hampshire
Localities for Ferns not mention-
ed by Dr. Bromfield, 276

Spicer, Rev. W. W., M.A.

Pilularia globulifera growing sub-
merged at Henley Park, near
Guildford, 349 ; Inquiry respect-
ing the Occurrence of Selaginella
Helvetica in Britain, 384

VarENNE, E. G.

Botanical Notes on Plants chiefly
growing in Essex, with Observa-
tions on some of the Localities
mentioned in Hooker and Ar-
nott’s ‘ British Flora, 89; Occur-
rence of Cuscuta Hassiaca, Koch,
near Witham, in Essex, 382

Wuite, RicHarp
Note on Lastrea recurva, 108
Wituimort, Aprauam T.

Botanical Excursion to the Great and -
Little Dowards, on the Wye, He-
refordshire, 340

Witson, WILLIAM

Remarks on the Spirilla or Spermato-
zoides of Mosses, 67; Note on
Mr. Quekett’s Monstrous Moss,
69 ; On a Supposed New British
Species of Adiantum, 70; Note
on Lastrea uliginosa, 105

Wottaston, GeorceE B.

Orchis hircina in Kent, 169
Woop, CHARLES

Note on Lastrea uliginosa, 54

Naturalist to

NOTICES OF BOOKS, &c.

Botanical Gazette ;
Hooker's Journal of Botany .
Annals and Magazine of Natural History

Transactions of the Tyneside Naturalists’ Field-club, Vol. I. Part5 . ¢ :
Naturalist: a Popular Monthly Magazine, illustrative of the Animal, Vegetable, and

6, 33, 72, 110, 137, 185, 212, 267, 307, 372
6, 35, 75, 111, 142, 187, 214, 272, 303, 375, 390

37, 77, 114, 142, 185, 214, 268, 302, 381
38

Mineral Kingdoms, with numerous Engravings, 115, 143, 185, 213, 272, 302, 351

Gardener’s Magazine of Botany
Fasciculi of British Mosses.

Collected, arr
Mr. R. S. Hill’s, Basingstoke, Hants .

wal) od of 291489290,:206, 207
anged, and published by T. Y. Brocas, at
: é - : * - ooV

XXV1l

British Flora: comprising the Phenogamous or Flowering Plants, and the Ferns.
The Sixth Edition, with Additions and Corrections, and numerous Figures illus-
trative of the Umbelliferous Plants, the Composite Plants, the Grasses, and the
Ferns. By Sir William Jackson Hooker, K.H., LL.D., F.R.A. and L. a Viee-
President of the Linnean Society and Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens of
Kew; and George A. Walker-Arnott, LL.D., F.L.S. and R.S.E., and Regius
Professor of Botany i in the er of Glasgow. _ London : Longman and Co.
1850 . : : - , tO

Analytical Sanitary Commission. - . 195

Species Filicum ; being Descriptions of all known Ferns. Illustrated with Plates.
By Sir William Jackson Hooker, K.H., LL.D., F.R.A. and L.S., &c., Vice-Presi-
dent of the Linnean Society of London, and Director of the Royal Botanic Gar-
dens of Kew. Part V. or Vol. II. Part I. London: William Pamplin, 45, Frith
Street, Soho Square. 1851 ‘ . 259

Observations on Natural Systems of Botany. ‘By James L. Drummond, 'M. D, Pro-
fessor of Anatomy and Physiology in the Royal Belfast Tustitution, Author of
‘First Steps to Botany, ‘ Letters toa Young Naturalist, ‘First Steps to Ana-

tomy; &c. London: Longman & Co. 1849 . . 313
Transactions of the Linnean ‘Society of London. Volume XX. ‘Part the Third.
London: Longman. 1851 i . 263
Popular Nomenclature of the American Flora. ae Berthold Seemann. Hannover :
1851 . - F : - - : : : . : : . 353
EXTRACTS.
On the Development of the Spores and Elaters of Marchantia polymorpha. By Ar-
thur Henfrey, F.L.S. (From the ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean Society.) . 23
Ripe Seeds of Cycadex produced without Impregnation. (Id.). ; : > 6
Affinities of the Family of Triuridacee. By John Miers, F.1..S. (Id). oe

A Letter dated May 19, 1845, addressed by the President to Admiral Sir Francis
Beaufort, for communication to Baron Alexander von Humboldt, on the Origin
and Mode of Propagation of the Gulf-weed. (Id.) . . 28

Notes on the Dry-rot, as observed in the Church of King’s Wear, Devonshire, by A.
Holdsworth. (Jd.) . 30

Notice of a peculiar Structure of the Cells on the Surface of Callitriche verna. By
E. Lankester, M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S. (7d) . 32

Observations on the Botany of Texas. By Wm. Bollaert, F.R.GS. “(Id ) . 200

Summary of some of the principal Results of the Investigations into the Vegetation
of the Alps in connexion with Height and Temperature. By Dr. Adolph ‘Schlag-
intweit. (Id.). weOL

Memoir on the Position of the Carpels when Two and when Single, including Out-
lines of a new method of Arrangemeut of the Orders of Exogens, and Observa-
tions on the Structure of Ovaries consisting of a single abe By pics Clarke,

Esq. (ld.) : . 204
On the various Forms of Salicornia. By Joseph Woods, Esq. ee L.S.: with some
additional remarks by Richard Kippist, Esq., Libr. LS. ( d.) : , 208

Cultivation of Ervum Lens in Scotland. (From ‘ Summer Life A Land and Water
at South Queensferry, by W. W. Fyfe.) . ‘ : . : : . 3808

XXVIil

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES.

Botanical Society of London’. 4 ; . 6, 78, 109, 148, 220, 287, 350, 372
Microscopical Society of London . E 5 : 41, 87, 160, 231, 389
Botanical Society of Edinburgh ‘ : : ‘ : 44, 79, 148, 220, 277
Dublin Natural History Society .. : : ‘ : : - 164
Tyneside Naturalists’ Field-club . - 168
Reports of the Botanical Proceedings of the British Association for the Advancement

of Science . : . A : 4 4 : : 4 ; . 288, 342

ADVERTISEMENT.

‘Tae Puytotoeist’ will be continued both as a monthly and an
annual publication. As a monthly, it will contain thirty-two pages
of letter-press, occasionally accompanied with figures of New British
Plants; it will be on sale two days before the end of every month;
and will be charged one shilling. As an annual it will be sold on
or about the 1st of December ; will contain twelve monthly numbers,
bound and lettered uniformly with the present volume; and will be
charged thirteen shillings. An alphabetical list of Contributors is
published once in the year.

THE PHYTOLOGIST

FOR 1851.

Restoration of Euphorbia Peplis to one of its old Localities, with
Observations on a few other Cornish Plants, Sound in the early
part of October, 1850. By Epwarp T. Bennett, Esq.

In the appendix to the ‘ Guide to Penzance and its Neighbourhood,’
the botanical portion of which is understood to be edited by that acute
observer, John Ralfs, the Euphorbia Peplis is stated to have disap-
peared from its former locality on Marazion Green, which is the
designation of the grassy, sandy shore extending from the eastern
extremity of the town of Penzance to St. Michael’s Mount, and where
I know it has recently been searched for in vain by several good
botanists. I thought it would be interesting to the readers of the
‘Phytologist, and to the lovers of our more local plants, to know
that it has again appeared there this season, having had the pleasure
to detect a fair number of specimens, growing on the rough, sandy
ground, quite at the verge of the vegetation, and confined to a very
limited area along the beach, on the 8th of last October.

We were much too late in the season to expect to find many of the
Cornish rarities; but it may be interesting to record the permanence
of some of the localities, and at how advanced a period in the year
several plants of very local distribution may still be picked up, under
a very limited command of time and opportunity.

One of our first objects was to see and gather Erica vagans. We
proceeded accordingly to Hayle, and then directed our steps to Con-
nor Downs, nearly along the line of the railway, towards Camborne.
About two miles from the Hayle station we pounced upon the first
small patch of an unmistakably new heath, at the foot of a bank
along the side of the road. This was seized upon as a great prize,

Wau. iv. B

little knowing the treat that was just in store for us. A few yards
further on a lane crosses the road. Right and left, immediately on
entering it, the banks of this lane were covered with masses of this
fine heath, many bushes more than two feet in height, a little past
perfection, but the lowlier ones, with their beautiful, crowded tufts of
penultimate blossoms, of every variety of hue, from pure white, through
all the intermediate shades to dark pink, still in the highest condition.
The common, also extending on either side of the lane, was one blaze
of bloom. We had no idea before of a rare or local plant being any-
where found in such extreme abundance, its profusion being quite
equal to that of our ordinary heaths in their most favoured localities ;
and the pleasure was equal to the surprise. Here we regaled our-
selves, filling our boxes with the most lovely and attractive specimens,
without any conscientious scruple of injury or extermination, and
without any fear that we were robbing an after-comer, or marring the
hopes of the following year. It is equally abundant on Goonhilly
Heath, near the Lizard, giving beauty to what would otherwise be a
wide extent of most barren and unsightly moor, and it ends as
abruptly a little before the 5th milestone from Helston, beyond which,
on the road from the Lizard to Helston, we did not observe a single
specimen.

Polygonum Raii is found on Marazion Green, and Cynodon dac-
tylon abundantly at one spot, but at this advanced period of the year
it was somewhat dry and withered.

Briza minor is abundant and very fine on the rich, cultivated soils
about Penzance.

Bartsia viscosa occurs in the salt-marsh near Marazion, and in
various other places.

Diplotaxis muralis on the causeway at Hayle.

Euphorbia portlandica on the cliff between Hayle and St. Ives.

Sibthorpia Europea is abundant on moist, shady banks through-
out the district.

Pinguicula lusitanica we found in the bog on the right hand side
of the road to St. Just, and more abundantly on Chyanhal Moor, on
the top of Paul Hill. The pools also afforded Limosella aquatica,
past flower, and Pilularia globulifera.

Illecebrum verticillatum forms a complete carpet in boggy spots of
the same locality, and in many other parts.

Radiola millegrana is fine and large, looking like a loaded minia-
ture fruit-tree, on the dry, sandy spots, in similar situations.

Lepidium Smithii occurs in several stations.

Daucus maritimus on the cliffs near the Logan Rock, at the Lizard,
and elsewhere.

Lavatera arborea is seen in many places along the cliffs, as at
Mousehole and near the Lizard, but everywhere in the cottage-
gardens as well.

Erodium moschatum is frequent about Mousehole, Cadgewith, and
other places.

Erodium maritimum on St. Michael’s Mount, at Lamorna, Ruan
Minor, and especially fine and abundant upon a loose stone-wall
opposite some fishermens’ cottages at Lenner Cove, near Whitesand
Bay.

Centranthus rubra grows plentifully in waste ground about Cadge-
with, and though seen in the neighbouring gardens, it seems, from its
perfect naturalization, to have as much claim to be deemed an escape
out of nature into gardens, as a garden escape.

Feeniculum vulgare occurs in various rough-looking places, appa-
rently wild.

Tamarix anglica attains the size of a timber-tree near the extreme
south, along the coast between Cadgewith and Landewednack, and
although these individuals were probably planted, there appears no
reason to doubt its nativity in several places. Its beautiful, feathery
branches were just putting out their blossoms.

Raphanus maritimus, with its singular-jointed pods, and pale-yel-
low flowers, is abundant along the top of the cliffs between Cadgewith
and the Balk.

Herniaria glabra on a bank near Cadgewith flagstaff, and again in
Caerthillian, the name of the first valley sloping down to the sea west
of the Lizard lights.

Senebiera didyma is met with on waste ground and old walls near
Landewednack, and about Penryn.

Anthyllis Vulneraria, var. Dillenii, with fleshy leaves and pinkish
flowers, was gathered on Asparagus Island, in Kynance Cove.

Arenaria verna, var. Gerardi, apparently a distinct plant, grows
among the turf all along from Caerthillian Valley to Kynance Cove.

Corrigiola littoralis is found in plenty, in some places nearly
covering the ground, on the shingly margin of Loo Pool, near Hel-
ston. 5 "

Linum angustifolium is scattered all over the district; Rubia pere-
grina occurs in various places; and an Erythrea is frequently met
with, of smaller habit and different appearance from our common
inland one, which may be E. latifolia or E. linarifolia, or both.

One or two words on the special ferns of the district. In some
low, dropping caves between Hayle and St. Ives, Adiantum Capillus-
Veneris grows in tolerable abundance, and perhaps finer than in any
other of our native habitats. Fortunately some of it is out of reach,
and it is extending itself along the face of the cliff. Asplenium
marinum occupies all the crevices among the huge piles of rocks
about the Logan, and in numerous other places along the coast. It
covers the roof of the great cave at Mousehole with a magnificent
drapery, but the finest are here quite inaccessible. We have fronds
from the rocks at Lamorna measuring twenty-one inches in length.
Osmunda regalis is abundant in most of the low, boggy parts, and in
some situations attains an extraordinary height. At Gurnard’s Head
we saw it in the unusual position of growing on the side of a perpen-
dicular cliff, washed by the salt spray, along with Asplenium marinum.
Lastrea recurva, which we first met with near Truro, is found, more
or less, all round the immediate vicinity of Penzance. Beyond
Madron, about two miles northward, it becomes extremely abundant.
There can be no doubt of the specific distinctness of this highly
beautiful fern when seen luxuriating in a natural habitat. In the
lanes here it covers the banks, and occupies the interstices of the
stone hedges, with its bright-green, triangular fronds, peculiar crisped
appearance, narrow, concolorous, laciniated scales, and sub-prostrate
habit, almost to the exclusion of any other species. Occasionally,
however, we found a plant or two of L. multiflora or L. spinosa in
company, which only served to render the distinctions more obvious.
The glory, however, of this district is Asplenium lanceolatum. It
grows on the walls and hedge-banks almost all about Penzance, but
much more sparingly on the eastern side, and towards Helston and
the Lizard it almost disappears. In the parish of St. Just, as you
proceed westward, it seems to become more and more abundant with
every step. We frequently observed this fern covering the wall or
bank on one side of the road, while Lastrea recurva clothed the other
exclusively, but in other spots they grew friendly and intermixed.
From a hole in a bank, about half a mile from the sea, we drew out a
single root, upon which, after reaching home, were counted seventy
fronds, and then, getting tired and confused, it was given up. Still
nearer the sea this fern formed the entire covering of the various loose
stone-walls, along several miles of the country, with its green and
vigorous fronds, and but rarely presented that singularly shrivelled
appearance, which is so remarkable a characteristic in most of its
Welsh stations.

This slight sketch of a few days’ October’s botanizing would not be
complete without stating what we did mot find. We walked at least
five and twenty miles about the neighbourhood of Truro, and from
Falmouth through Penryn, towards Carclew, which are the given
localities, in search of Erica ciliaris, but without success, probably
from being without sufficiently specific directions, for we can hardly
think but that it must still have held out its terminal whorl of large,
purple bells, still less that we should have overlooked it. We
searched incessantly for the rare Trifoliums of the Lizard district, or
any remnants of them, but without being able to detect any unrecog-
nized relics. This we reconciled with the lateness of the season, by
apprehending that they may all dry away early and disappear. We
could not discover even the remains of Asparagus officinalis on the
island in Kynance Cove, but had previously found a few prostrate
stems in the locality near Cadgewith. We were struck with the
great scarcity of Lastrea Oreopteris, having seen it but in one spot,
and that very poor and dwarfed, over a large extent of very likely
ground, and likewise with the entire absence of Cystopteris fragilis,
and of Polypodium Dryopteris and Phegopteris from all the rocky,
watered glens and valleys, and also of Asplenium Trichomanes and
Ruta-muraria, as far as we observed, though the three latter, I believe,
grow in the county.

Epwarp T. BENNETT. -
London, November 16, 1850.

Worcestershire Habitat for Villarsia nympheoides.
By GeorceE ReEcE, Esq.

I HAVE much pleasure in sending you a Worcestershire habitat for
this rare aquatic plant. I met with it in the river Avon, between
Pershore and Eckington, in the month of June last, in some abun-
dance, but not in the best condition, the river having been subject to
a flood only three or four days previously.

GEORGE REECE.
Worcester, October 16, 1850.

Contents of the ‘ Botanical Gazette, No 24, December, 1850.

On the Ciliary Motion of Pollen Grains; by Prof. Schenk.

On the Stomata and Epithelium of Niklea syncarpa; by Dr.
Itzigsohn.

On the Ciliated Epithelium of Chora fragilis; by Dr. Itzigsohn.

Note on Hypericum dubium and H. maculatum; by Charles C.
Babington, M.A. ,

On the Morphology of Tubers and Bulbs; by T. Irmisch.

Literature: ‘The London Catalogue of British Plants,’ third edi-
tion. Hooker’s ‘ British Flora, sixth edition. Lawson’s ‘ Royal Water-
Lily.’ ‘ Annals of Natural History.’ Hooker’s ‘Journal of Botany.’
‘The Phytologist.’ ‘ Annales des Sciences.’ ‘ Botanische Zeitung.’
‘ The Flora.’

Miscellanea: Record of Localities. Epipactis ensifolia in Glou-
cestershire. CicendiaCandollei (Grisebach). Mr. Ball on the genus
Leontodon. Index to the Records of Localities in the ‘ Botanical
Gazette,’ Vol. ii.

Contents of ‘ Hooker’s Journal of Botany, No. 24, December, 1850.

Report on the “ Brown Scale,” or Coccus, so injurious to the Coffee
Plants in Ceylon; by the late George Gardner.

Letter from M. Berthold Seeman, Naturalist of H. M. S. Herald’s
Voyage in 1849 and 1850.

Appendix to the ‘ Spicilegia Gorgonea;’ by P. B. Webb, Esq.

The Origin of the Existing Vegetable Creation ; by J. EK. Schouw.

- Description and Figure of the Cedron of the Magdalena River; by
Sir W. J. Hooker.

Botanical Information: Botanical Piracy.

Notices of Books: Sullivant’s ‘Bryology and Hepaticology of
North America,’ Part 2. Spring’s ‘ Monographie de la Famille des
Lycopodiacées.’ Cartwell’s ‘ Carices Americe Septentrionalis exsic-
cate.’

On the Locality of Cystopteris montana.
By Witt1aM Borrer, Esq., F.R.S.

I HAVE observed the notice respecting Cystopteris montana on the
wrapper of the ‘ Phytologist’ for November last. I had the pleasure
of gathering the plant in August last, in Breadalbane, not in Mr.
Wilson’s place in Ben Lawers, which has not, I believe, been redis-
covered, but in the range of mountains between Glen Dochart and
Glen Lochay, where Messrs. Gourlie and Adamson found it in 1841.
From those gentlemen Dr. Arnott obtained a direction to the spot,
and kindly accompanied me thither. The station is recorded in the
sixth edition of the ‘ British Flora’ under the name of Corrach Uach-
dar, but a native of the neighbourhood called the mountains Meal
Oufillach, and the ravine Corrach Dh’ Oufillach, as nearly as I could
express his pronunciation. He could not spell the words.

I had the satisfaction also of ascertaining that Menziesia cerulea
still exists in Drumochter (or Drum Uachdar), on the confines of
Atholl and Badenoch, where I saw several tufts of it among the heath
and cranberry.

W. Borrer.
Henfield, November 22, 1850.

Botanical Society of London.
(Anniversary Meeting.)

Friday, November 29, 1850. J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S., President,
in the chair.

Donations of British plants were announced from Mr. Hewett C.
Watson, the Rev. W. R. Crotch, Mr. J. Storey, the Rev. R. C.
Douglas, Mr. J. D. Salmon, the Rev. W. M. Hind, Mr. D. Stock,
Mr. T. Ingall, Mr. J. S. Syme, Dr. Mateer, Dr. Melville, Mr. S. P.
Woodward, Mr. G. Rich, Mr. T. Clark, Mrs. Atkins, Mr. A. Henfrey,
_ Mr. J. H. Wilson, the Rev. H. P. Marsham, Miss Wilson, Mr. G. S.
Gibson, Mr. T. Sansom, Mr. J. Buckman, Mr. Brent, Mr. Bean, Dr.
Dickinson, Mr. J. Reynolds, Mr. J. L. Lawrence, Mr. W. C. Unwins,
Mr. J. A. Brewer, Mr. W. L. Notcutt, Mr. D. Oliver, Jun., Mr. J.
Lynham, Mr. G. Maw, Mr. T. Moore, Mr. G. C. Churchill, Mr. Dut-
ton, Mr. T. C. Heysham, and Mr. E. G.,Varenne.

Mr. G. E. Dennes, Secretary, read the Report of the Council, from
which it appeared that thirteen new members had been elected since
the last anniversary, the Society now including two hundred and
fifty-five members. The distributions of British and foreign plants
had been carried on regularly and numerously, and many valuable
parcels had been received recently, as the result of exertions made
by members during the past summer. The Council had requested
Mr. Hewett C. Watson and the Secretary to prepare a third edition
_of the ‘London Catalogue of British Plants, a copy of which, in
proof, was laid on the table. The Report was unanimously adopted,
after which a ballot took place for the Council, when the chairman
was re-elected, and he nominated J. Miers, Esq., F.R.S., and A.
Henfrey, Esq., F.L.S., Vice-Presidents. Mr. R. Hudson, F.R.S., Dr.
Mateer, and Dr. Palmer were elected new members of the Council.
Mr. J. Reynolds, Mr. G. E. Dennes, and Mr. T. Moore were re-elected
Treasurer, Secretary and Librarian.

Mr. A. Henfrey, V.P., read a brief report on the progress of botany
and botanical literature during the year 1850, to the following effect.
“The present year has not been signalized by any remarkable dis-
covery, in publication, in the department of physiological botany.
Many interesting papers have appeared on various subjects in the
journals, contributing to increase our knowledge of development, and
of the characters of the elementary structures; but the phenomena of
cell-formation still presents a wide field for investigation. The third
German edition of Schleiden’s ‘ Principles of Scientific Botany’ has
been completed, and offers one point worthy of note, namely, the
author’s continued assertion of the truth of his original view of fertili-
zation in the phanerogamia, in opposition to almost all recent
observers. A new edition of Dr. Asa Gray’s useful ‘Manual’ has
also been published. In the department of systematic botany much
more activity has been displayed, so far as publication is a criterion.
In addition to the numerous fragmentary notices in the botanical
journals, many important separate works have appeared. A fifth
volume of Kunth’s ‘ Enumeratio Plantarum’ has made its appearance
since his death. Prof. Unger has published a synopsis of all known
fossil plants. Mr. Woods has brought out the European Flora, on
which he has been so long engaged. Several local European floras
have been presented to the world, among which may be noticed
Meyer’s ‘ Flora of Hanover,’ the completion of Fries’s ‘Summa Vege-
tabilium, and the commencement of a new illustrated work, called
‘Plante Scandinavie, by Mr. Anderson. Of new editions we have

one almost constituting a new work in the sixth edition of Hooker's
‘ British Flora,” by Dr. Arnott, a most valuable contribution to British
botany ; and a second illustrated edition of Prof. Harvey’s excellent
‘Manual of British Algw.’ Numerous other works of less general
importance have contributed to swell the list. Botanists have to
lament the death of many active followers of the science during the
last twelve months: Prof. Kunth, of Berlin; Dr. Corda; Prof. Raffe-
man Delile, of Nancy; Dr. Dietrich, well known by his horticultural
works; together with Profs. Moritzi, George Hecker, and Drs. Berger,
Hagenbach and Martius, the father of Prof. Martius. We have more
particularly to deplore the loss of a young and zealous aspirant for
botanical honours, Mr. J. H. Wilson, whose awfully sudden death
came like a thunder clap on those who saw him, full of life and
apparent health, at our last monthly meeting.”"—G. E. D.

A Catalogue of the Plants growing wild in Hampshire, with occa-
sional Notes and Observations on some of the more remarkable
Species. By WituiAM Arnotp BromrizE.p, M.D., F.L.S., &c.

(Concluded from Phytol. iii. 1019).

- Elymus europzus should be looked for on the sandy parts of the
Hampshire coast; it is not a frequent production in the south of
England, but is stated to occur in Dorsetshire by Pulteney, on his
own authority (Cat. of the more rare Plants of Dorset. p. 68). The
Isle of Wight certainly does not afford this valuable grass.

Hordeum sylvaticum (Elymus europeus, L.). In woods, copses
and thickets, on a calcareous soil; rare. Picked* very sparingly
(only three specimens seen) in a beech-wood at the south-west end
of Hambledon, facing Berry Lodge, called, I was told, Butler’s Copse,
Aug. 6, 1850. In this and the two following stations the species is
associated with Triticum caninum. In Akender Wood, near Alton,
Rev. G. E. Smith, 1840!!! where I find it in considerable quantity,
but growing in a very scattered manner, chiefly near the margin of
the wood at the entrance from the Alton side. Chawton Park, near

* T use the term “ picked” throughout this Catalogue, as a concise and convenient
expression, to imply that a single, or at most a very few, specimens of any plant have
been seen and collected in a given locality.

VO Iv. Cc

Alton, Mr. J. Woods, jun., in old Bot. Guide. I did not remark it
there myself on repeated visits to Chawton; perhaps the last station
may be that intended, for Akender Wood adjoins on Chawton Park,
and probably forms part of Mr. Knight’s estate. In a thick hedge-
row on the north side of the lane about three hundred yards east of
Nettlebed, near Old Alresford, Mr. J. Forder, June 22, 1850 !!!—the
plant grows here very sparingly, as does its associate, the Triticum
caninum. I think Mr. F. said the Hordeum occurred in other places
near Alton. In the woods a mile west of Petersfield, Merrett, Pin. p.
57. Besides its other characters, this species is at once known from
our remaining Barley grasses, by the fusiform and cylindrical, not flat-
tened or distichous, spike.

Hordeum pratense. Abundant in dry, as well as damp, meadows
and pastures over most parts of the county and Isle of Wight, some-
times also in salt-marshes, with H. maritimum. About Ryde it too
often constitutes an undue proportion of the hay crop,* as it does in
the salt-marsh meadows near Yarmouth, Thorley, Newtown, Cowes,
&c. Salt-marsh shores of Langston Harbour. Spikes elongate or
lance-oblong; culms leafless above; sheaths close. The lateral florets
of H. pratense I find usually bear stamens with apparently perfect
anthers, the pistillate organs alone imperfect or wanting.

Hordeum murinum. By way-sides, on and under walls, in dry,
waste places, and borders of fields, especially about towns and vil-
lages ; plentiful almost everywhere. Spikes obovate, oblong or sub-
cuneate; culms mostly leafy at top.

Hordeum maritimum. On salt-marshes, banks and pastures near
the sea; profusely on most low parts along the coasts of the Isle of
Wight and mainland Hants. In the marsh-meadows by Springfield,
near Ryde. On the embankment by Yarmouth Mill, and at Norton.
Abundant in salt-marsh meadows at Newtown, &c. It often consti-
tutes nearly the sole herbage in our flat, saline pastures, and on the
site of abandoned salt-works, as in Hayling and Portsea Islands,
shores of Langston Harbour, Porchester, about Lymington, Exbury,
&c. Spikes ovate-oblong; culms leafy above; sheaths loose. A
worthless little species.

Nardus stricta. On hilly, heathy and moory ground, but either

+ As in the Monckton meadows, close to St. John’s old turnpike-gate, in which the
herbage consists mainly of the “ Squirrel-tail grass,’ which looks fair enough to the
eye before coming into flower, with promise of good yield, but when ripe for mowing
the bearded florets injnre the hay, since they are apt to annoy the cattle that eat it by
sticking in their teeth and gums.

really uncommon, or, what is more likely, passed unnoticed by me in
the Isle of Wight. Plentifully on the northern side of Headon Hill,
overlooking Tetland Bay, June, 1841. Pointed out to me at the foot
of Bleak Down by Mr. Wm. Wilson Saunders, July, 1841. Pastures
near Rookley Farm, 1842, and in moist pastures close to the Wilder-
ness, June 17, 1844. It has not fallen in my way on mainland Hants,
where there is every reason to suppose it cannot be very unfrequent.
Titchfield Common, Mr. W. L. Notcutt.

Lepturus incurvatus (Rotboellia incurvata, L.). In salt-marsh
meadows and pastures, and along the grassy borders of creeks and
inlets of the sea and tide-rivers; not unfrequently. Var. 8., Spikes
very slender, scarcely curved (L. filiformis), is connected with the
stouter, more incurved form by so many intermediate gradations, that
in practice they can with difficulty be made subjects of reference.
Near Ryde, but rarely. Meadow between Quarr Abbey and the sea.
St. Helen’s, 1840, and in a little creek by Carpenter’s. At Spring-
field, on the waste ground in front of the houses near what was till
lately the Vernon Hotel, also in salt-marsh meadows between Spring-
field and Sea View, July, 1843. Between Yarmouth and Freshwater.
Amongst short grass near the shore at Norton, just opposite to where
the road to Freshwater goes off from the beach. The foregoing sta-
tions refer to the var. 8., or forms inclining to it rather than to @.; the
following belong to the latter, stouter and more incurved state of the
species. Extremely luxuriant and abundant in flat salt-marsh mea-
dows by Newtown, growing in great, spreading tufts, 1842. With
short, thick, strongly incurved culms, and cespitose growth, in culti-
vated fields above Freshwater Bay, a short distance from the hotel
(Groves’s), on the ascent of the down towards the Needles, in great
plenty, where it was pointed out to me some years ago by the Rev.
G. E. Smith, who supposes it must have been conveyed with sea-
weed, for manure, to this odd situation. Thorness Bay, Rev. Wm.
H. Coleman, 1842!!! By the Medina, near Dallimore’s Farm, in
plenty (a stouter form of 8.), and along the shore between W. Cowes
and Egypt, Miss G. E. Kilderbee!!!'| Here and there in many other
parts of the island. Not rare along the opposite coast. Shores of
Langston Harbour. I have noticed it in West Hants, I think at
Lymington, and in the Beaulieu River, but I have not been at much
pains to note down stations for a species so frequent as this. Wicor
Hard; the Salterns (Fareham), Mr. W. L. Notcutt.

__ A singular grass, bearing some resemblance, when in full flower, to
Lolium perenne, and delighting to grow amongst the herbage skirting

the little creeks or inlets of salt-water rivers, where its unopened
spikes are not readily distinguishable from the leaves or barren
scapes of some of the smaller Junci, even after the white anthers
have begun to protrude, looking as if accidentally blown upon and
adhering to the supposed rushes. In such situations the plant has a
very slender habit, the culms being hardly thicker than ordinary
packthread or whipcord, when it is our var. 8., but in proportion as
the situation is more open and exposed, the grass assumes a stouter,
shorter, more rigid appearacce; the spikes are then remarkably
incurved, and sometimes nearly as thick as an ordinary quill; it is
then our var @., found in flat, open salt-marsh ground.

Equisetum arvense. Abundant everywhere in wet, clayey or gra-
velly soil. A troublesome plant in damp corn-fields. Plentiful on
the banks of wet, slipped land along the Hampshire coast.

Equisetum Telmateia (E. fluviatile, Sm., non Linn. ?). In marshy
or boggy and shady places, wet thickets, hollows, by river-sides, &c. ;
frequent over the Isle of Wight and rest of the county. The authors
of the sixth edition of the ‘ British Flora’ are of opinion that the name
fluviatile should be retained, on the ground that it was imposed by
Linneus to designate a collective species, made up of the present
plant, and one of the forms or varieties of his EK. limosum ; but is not
this a reason for rejecting the prior name of fluviatile, rather than for
adopting it? For it is plain, from its occurrence im his ‘ Flora Sue-
cica, that Linneus meant to describe under the title of E. fluviatile a
species native to Sweden, which Wahlenberg distinctly tells us our
great Water Horsetail, the EK. Telmateia of Ehrhart, is not.* Now,
as in a collective species, one only of the names belonging to the duo
or trio of plants composing it can be adopted, ‘it seems most fitting
and natural to retain the name of that constituent which the founder
of the collective species had in view as the best representative of such
species, and since in this case the type has been subsequently shown
to be a form or variety of another and recognized species (Linneus’s
own E. limosum), it seems advisiable to abandon the name fluviatile
altogether, and adopt’a new one, to obviate all chance of confusion in
time to come, and for this purpose Ehrhart’s name is significant and
appropriate ; its Hellenic construction, though somewhat hors de
regle applied to a species, fis no very weighty objection, and has
many a precedent in its favour.

* Ttaque nostra planta longe distat ab illo, presertim Hollandico E. Telmateia,

Erhr., E. fluviatili, Anglor. in Suecia non observato. (Wablenb. FI. Suec. edit. altera,
ii. p. 714).

Equisetum sylvaticum. In boggy woods and thickets, and by
stream-sides, in wet, shady situations; very rare. In the withy-bed
at the lower part of Apse Heath, in very great abundance. In the
Parsonage Lynch, Newchurch. These are the only stations I am
acquainted with for this slender and graceful species in Hampshire,
on the mainland part of which it most likely exists, but is an uncom-
mon plant in the south of England generally.

Equisetum limosum. Frequent in shallow, slow or stagnant water,
as ditches, ponds, &c. with a muddy bottom. In the marsh-ditches
of Sandown Level, &c., abundantly, as also in the moors at Moor
Town, Brixton, along with E. palustre. In a small pool on the south
side of Cothey Bottom Copse,* between Westridge House and
Barnsley Farm. Plentiful, if I mistake not, as I speak from memory
only, in marsh-ditches at Brading and behind Gurnet Bay, and com-
mon, [| think, in most parts of the county. By Titchfield River, Mr.
W. L. Notcutt.

Equisetum palustre. In marshy or boggy places, on wet, gravelly
or sandy banks, turf-moors, &c. Less frequent than E. limosum.
Plentiful, with the last, in wet meadows about Brixton, at Moor Town,
&c. Abundant in the moist meadows at Easton, Freshwater Gate.
Shanklin Chine, in plenty. Var. 8. proliferum. With a. in several
of the foregoing stations, as about Shanklin Chine. In old gravel-pits
just beyond the bog at Cockleton. Bog at Cockleton, in abundance,
Miss G. E. Kilderbee ; also between Debborn turnpike and Gurnet
Farm, by the side of the road, Kad./!// I do not happen to have
noticed this species on mainland Hants.

Equisetum hyemale, more frequent in the north than the south of
England, should be looked for in our wet woods.

Polypodium vulgare. On damp rocks, walls, trunks of trees, and
shady hedge-banks; abundant throughout the county and Isle of
Wight. Var. 8. Lower pinne of the frond forked. Steephill, Mr.
Albert Hambrough! Var. y. Fronds doubly pinnatifid. On a rock
at Bonchurch, 1845, Jd.! This remarkable form of the common
Polypody resembles pretty closely that given in Newman’s ‘ British
Ferns,’ fig. g. p. 113, but in this the secondary segments or pinnules
are broader, and divided close down upon the midrib. My specimen,
from Mr. Hambrough, as is usually the case in the variety called P.
cambricum by Linnens, is destitute of fructification.

| Polypodium Dryopteris.| When visiting, this summer, the beau-
tiful gardens and collection of choice exotics at Leigh Park, the seat

* Cothey ground; wet, boggy or springy ground in Hampshire vernacular.

of Sir G. Staunton, Bart., near Havent, in company with Dr. Salter
and Professor Meisner, of Bale, Mr. Scott, the very able and most
obliging gardener, showed us numerous plants of this species, which
he said invariably comes up abundantly in peat-mould, which he is
in the habit of obtaining at different times from Petersfield Heath.
As the natural stations for this Polypody are shady, damp places or
mountains, its occurrence on so open, level and marshy a locality as
Petersfield Heath is an anomaly, compelling us to hestitate before we
receive it into the catalogue of Hampshire ferns, even on the strength
of numberless undoubted living specimens. I have often traversed
that heath in all directions, and explored its botanical productions,
without seeing anything resembling the Oak-fern, which nevertheless
is not, J should say, unlikely to occur in the high woods near Peters-
field, on the wet sandstone rocks, where P. Phegopteris should also
be looked for, the two species having nearly the same geographical
distribution, and affecting very similar places of growth.

Lastrea Thelypteris. In boggy meadows and thickets; rare. In
various places in the Isle of Wight, mostly in West Medina or the
confines of the eastern hundred. In several meadows in the marsh at
Kaston, Freshwater Gate, in great plenty, on deep bog-soil, composed,
as it appears to me, chiefly of comminuted shells, but not fructifying
freely, and where, Miss G. E. Kilderbee tells me, it is called Ground
Fern by the country people. In a large willow-bed between Comp-
ton and Dunsbury Farms, a little north-east of Compton Grange, Sept.
24,1844. In the valley of the Medina. Abundant and very luxuri-
ant on the Wilderness, amongst a perfect jungle of low willows and
Sweet Gale, also between that place and Rookley, and found by my
friend R. Godman Kirkpatrick, Esq., Sept. 1840, tolerably plentiful
in a boggy meadow by Cridmore, very large and luxuriant, some of
the fronds being upwards of fifteen inches long, and in fine fructificea-
tion !! Less plentiful in Kast Medina. Boggy meadow a little above
Alverston Mill, rather sparingly. In very small quantity on a ditch-
bank between Merry Garden and Ninham (near Shanklin). On a
piece of boggy land under a high bank above Knighton Lower Mill,
opposite Knighton Farm, between that and Hartsash, the sterile fronds
rising May 6, 1845. Portsea Island, Mr. L. H. Jacob! I am un-
acquainted with any other station than this for the Marsh Fern across
the Solent; stations for it probably exist the bogs of the forest dis-
tricts

Lastrea Oreopteris. In elevated, boggy and heathy places; ex-
tremely rare in the Isle of Wight. Found in extremely small quantity
(I think only a tuft or two) at Apse Castle, October, 1843, by Dr. T.

—— -

Bell Salter, who has not been able to rediscover it tor this year or two
past, owing, he supposes, to the draining which has been carried on
there, making the ground too dry forits existence. He thinks it pro-
bable that the species was once much more frequent, perhaps even
abundant, at Apse Castle, before the grass-walks were cut through
the wood, and the locality was moister and more shady than at present.
On a low, wet bank by the road-side between’ Guildford and Lynn
Farm, sparingly, Sept. 17, 1843, Id.// The Wilderness? Mr. Albert
Hambrough, 1846, but I cannot find it there, and I suspect L. The-
lypteris was inadvertently mistaken for it, as 1 have seen no specimens
from thence. It certainly occurs in the New Forest, as I have myself
gathered it there on an excursion with Dr. Salter into Dorsetshire,
about eight years ago; the locality has escape me, but I think it was
somewhere near Lyndhurst. Near Southampton, Mr. Lambert in
old Bot. Guide. Very likely not unfrequent on boggy heaths in the
recesses of the New Forest, a most interesting tract, that has been
very little explored botanically.

Lastrea Filiz-mas. In moist, shady woods, thickets and hedges ;
very frequent over the greater part of the county and Isle of Wight.
Growing in beautiful tufts in the park at Swainston.

L. cristata may possibly be found hereafter in a county abounding
so much in bog and marsh as do many parts of Hampshire.

Lastrea spinulosa. In damp hedge-bottoms, and on shady banks,
in woods and lanes, &c.; frequent in the Isle of Wight, and I believe
throughout the county. Abundant on the Wilderness. In the dell
at Apse Castle, called Tinker’s Hole, in plenty.

Lastrea dilatata. In similar places with the last; not, 1 think,
unfrequent, although not now prepared to give its distribution in the
county. Near Ninham Farm, by Ryde, &c. Is it distinct from L.
spinulosa ?

L. feenisecii, which, under the title of L. recurva, has caused a vast
deal of ink shed, to little or no purpose, may be a native of the
county. The specific name of the species is not very intelligible in
connexion with a fern, a tribe of plants seldom found in the way of
the mower’s scythe in the hay-field.

Polystichum aculeatum. Very common on hedge-banks, in lanes
and borders of woods, &c., in the Isle of Wight, and probably
throughout the county.

Polystichum lobatum. In like places with the last, of which it is
probably merely a form, but the British species of the genus are
inextricably confused, and I confess to having paid them hitherto

very little attention on that account. Extremely rare in the Isle of
Wight. A single root on a bank close to Coopers, near Bembridge,
Dr. T. Bell Salter, 1841—1842!!! Bank on the left-hand side of the
road going from the lodge at East-Cowes Castle towards Whipping-
ham, Miss G. E. Kilberbee! The specimen from Cowes, in Miss
Kilderbee’s herbarium, Dr. Salter considers a lonchitidiform variety
of P. angulare, but the frond, which exhibits no fructification, has the
narrow, lanceolate outline and attenuated base that distinguish P.
lobatum ; the basal pair of pinnules, too, of each pinna is very
unequal, and the pinnules themselves decurrent almost throughout, a
very few of the inferior ones on the lowermost pinnz only being as
distinctly petiolate as in the true P. angulare. The plant appears,
besides, to possess the rigidity of texture characteristic of the genuine
P. lobatum. Common in the shady lanes about Selborne, Dr. T. Bell
Salter !!!

Polystichum angulare. In similar places with the four preceding ;
abundant throughout the island, and I believe the rest of the county.
Stubbington ; Uplands; Cattisfield, &c.: Mr. W. L. Notcutt.

Cystopteris fragilis, there can be scarcely a doubt, will some day
be found in Hampshire ; it should be looked for on old walls,
buildings and rocks.

Athyrium Filix-feemina (Asplenium Filix-foemina). On moist
rocks, and in wet, boggy or heathy places; very frequent in various
parts of the Isle of Wight and mainland Hants. Very abundantly on
damp hedge-banks on the skirts of Blackpan Common and parts
adjacent. In the boggy valley of the Medina, by the Wilderness, &c.
Very fine in a little damp lane at Whitwell, not far from the church.
Very luxuriant in Shanklin Chine, Rev. G. E. Smith!!! Common
on boggy heaths and by streams in the New Forest. Titchfield Com-
mon, Mr. W. L. Notcutt.

Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum. On moist walls, rocks, and especially
on shady hedge-banks ; frequent in most parts of the county and
island. Near Ninham and Smallbrook Farms. Edge of Quarr
Copse, along the Newport Road. Very abundant in the lane leading
from Kite Hill into Firestone Copse, and between Upton House and
Upton Farm, on the hedge-bank nearly opposite the former, as also
in various other places about Ryde, common. Bordwood Heath
and hedge-banks about Godshill, plentifully. About Southampton,
and in most parts of Hampshire, I have remarked it of frequent
occurrence on hedge-banks, its most usual situation with us.

Asplenium Trichomanes. On walls, rocks, ruins, churches, dry

‘ ia;

banks and hedge-bottoms ; no uncommon species in the county and
island, but much less frequent than the preceding, at least in the
latter. On the walls of Quarr Abbey, in some plenty on the south-
east side, and on those of Carisbrooke Castle, particularly in a small
court or quadrangle, which is covered with it. On chalk near the
foot of Messley or Mersley Down, just where the road turns off to
Newchurch and Knighton, on a bank, sparingly. Plentiful in a lane
facing the ‘ Sun’ public-house, at Chale. I have remarked it repeatedly
on mainland Hants, where it is certainly no rarity, if it cannot be
called common; but having omitted to specify the localities in my
notes, 1 prefer passing them in silence to quoting from memory only.

A. lanceolatum should be found in this county.

Asplenium marinum. In rocky caverns, and in holes and clefts of
rocks, along the sea-coast; extremely rare in Hants, and only known
to me in the single subjoined station, where it is both excessively
sparing in quantity and of most diminutive growth. Amongst masses
of rock above the shore west of St. Catharine’s Point, beyond Knowle,
towards Blackgang, Sept. 12, 1845, Miss Kirkpatrick!!! A careful
search in the fissures of the rocks that bound the Undercliff may
discover the Sea Spleenwort in new localities and increased quantity.

Asplenium Ruta-muraria. On walls, churches and rocks, in
several parts of the county and Isle of Wight, but by no means
frequent, at least in the latter. Wall in the Spencer Road, at Ryde,
in tolerable plenty, Oct. 27, 1847. On an old brick wall at East
Cowes, abundantly. On Arreton, Calbourne and Freshwater Churches.
On rocks at Niton, Mr. G. Kirkpatrick. Andover, Mr. Wm. Whale.
Bridgefoot (Fareham), Mr. W. L. Notcutt. Doubtless in very many
other places when sought for.

Scolopendrium vulgare. In moist, shady woods and groves, on
hedge-banks, walls, rocks and ruins, in caves and wells, &c; abun-
dant in nearly all parts of the county and Isle of Wight. Profusely
and extremely luxuriant in the Undercliff, to the perennial verdure
of which it largely contributes. Var. 8. Fronds bi- or tripartite at
their extremities. By the road-side from Bonchurch to St. Boniface,
near Dyer’s Cottage, the late Sam. Hailstone, Jun., Esq.! Var. v.
undulatum. Fronds crisped at the margins. Place House (Fareham),
Mr. W. L. Notcutt. The fresh leaves of Hart’s-tongue are employed
externally by rustic practitioners in this island to “ bad legs,” as a
cooling application.

Ceterach officinarum. On old walls, rocks and buildings, but not
common in the county on either side of the Solent. On Brading
VOL Iv. D

Church, chiefly on the south porch, in plenty, May 19, 1838 (still
there, but in less quantity than before the tiling was renewed a few
years back). On a low wall at Coopers, near Bembridge, abundantly,
Dr. T. Bell Salter !!!—the wall, I believe, is now razed or rebuilt, and
the fern destroyed. Walls of Carisbrook Castle, Mr. G. Kirkpatrick !!!
On an old brick wall on the left-hand just out of Botley, on the road
to Titchfield, in plenty, June 20, 1848. On the walls of Winton,
plentifully. Tower of Old Alresford Church, Mr. Wm. Pamplin in
litt. Fareham churchyard, Mr. W. L. Notcutt. Very abundant on
a wall by the road-side just beyond Greatham Church, coming from
Lyss, four miles from Selborne, Aug. 27, 1849, Dr. T. Bell Salter !!!
Netley Abbey, Mr. T. B. Flower!!! New Forest, Jd. (Newman’s Brit.
Ferns).

Blechnum boreale. In damp woods, on moist, shady hedge-banks,
and wet, heathy or boggy and moory ground; frequent in the county
generally, but less so in this island portion of it than on the mainland.
In a boggy thicket just at the back of the fruit-garden, St. John’s.
On the skirts of Lake and Blackpan Commons, near Landguard
Farm, plentifully. Sparingly in the lane between Guildford and
Lynn Farms, near Haven Street. In the dell, &c., at Apse Castle,
abundantly. In and about the Wilderness, and on the moors north
of Godshill, in various places. On Kingston moors, between Corve
and Kingston, &c. Dripping well on St. George’s Down, by New-
port, Mr. G. Kirkpatrick! Near Southton, in the New Forest, and
most other parts of Hants, frequent, except in the chalk districts,
where it is rare, if not quite wanting.

Pteris aquilina. A most abundant and (excepting on the chalk)
universal fern all over the county and Isle of Wight, in woods and
thickets, on open, rough pasture-land, heaths and commons, whether
damp or dry.

Hymenophyllum tunbridgense has been announced to me by a
lady as growing amongst moss, at the roots of bushes, near the old
walls of Quarr Abbey, on the south side, but the locality is an
unlikely one, and there is every reason to believe that some moss
resembling it was gathered for the Hymenophyllum in this locality.
The species, however, is one not at all unlikely to be found on our
damp sandstone rocks eventually.

Osmunda regalis. In low, swampy, boggy places, wet meadows,
thickets, and on moory, peaty commons, &c. Frequent in various
parts of the Isle of Wight, as on the skirts of Lake and Blackpan
Commons, and the adjacent parts of Sandown Level. In wet

thickets above Alverston Mill, and in Alverston Lynch, common.
Very plentiful and luxuriant in boggy meadows along the Medina,
near its source, at Cridmore, Rookley, &c., growing in fine tufts
along the ditch that skirts the Wilderness, on the Rookley side.
The moors, Brixton. About Godshill; profusely in a large, swampy
wood, chiefly of sallows, close to the village, on the north-east,
called, I believe, Moor Withy-bed, and in great profusion on the
peat-bog just beyond Munsley Hill, about half a mile north of the
church (in large tufts), as well as in various places between Godshill
and Budbridge, on moist fences and ditch-banks. On Kingston
moors, between Kingston and Corve, &c. Moist hedges by Sibbecks,
near Niton. Boggy places near Westover, Calbourne Mill, &c.,
occasionally. Marsh at Easton, Freshwater Gate, sparingly (now
perhaps destroyed). Not unfrequent on slipped land west of Black-
gang. Wet thicket at Wolverton, by Shorwell. In Sandown Bay
(on the slipped cliffs), sparingly, Miss Lucas and the Rev. G. E.
Smith!!! Frequent in many parts of mainland Hants. In boggy
ground near the Grange Farm, Alverstoke. Margins of the bog at
the entrance on Titchfield Common, on the town side of that immense
waste. Quite frequent in West Hants, in the New Forest and
adjoining hundreds. Bogs and damp heaths near Ringwood, in
some places observed of truly regal dimensions, such as I have never
seen surpassed, excepting in the west of Ireland, and hardly even
there. By ‘the road-side from Ringwood to St. Leonard’s, a little
before coming to the Malmesbury Arms, in plenty. Bisterne, Miss
G. E. Kilderbee. Parley Heath, Mr. J. Curtis in litt. and Brit.
Entom. xv. t. 704 (ex loco). Bere Forest, New Forest, Rev. Messrs.
Garnier and Poulter in Hamp. Repos. Doubtless in a vast number
of other stations, as I have gathered it in several, not mentioned
above, myself. Not remarked by me in North Hants, nor communi-
cated to me from thence by others, but the greater part of that section
of the county is on the cretaceous system, and I think the Osmunda,
like most of our other ferns, avoid the chalk.

Botrychium Lunaria. In dry, hilly meadows and pastures, and
on open, heathy ground, very rarely in rocky thickets and shady or
low and damp situations. In rocky, wooded ground under the cliff
at Hast End, by Luccombe, a little beyond Rose-Cliff Cottage, as
you go by the pathway to Bonchurch, on the right-hand, in the
shadiest recesses, amongst dead leaves, June 12, 1841, in moderate
quantity. Gathered there since by myself, but the place is difficult

to find by strangers: the fern grows in narrow hollows between the
Masses of rock overhung by the brushwood. Near Nunwell, Mr.

oats

John Laurence. In a damp meadow nearly facing Cliff Farm, by
Shanklin, in some plenty, Miss E. Sibley, June 2, 1848!!! Pasture-field
near Nunwell Farm, in which there is a pond, but sparingly seen, Dr.
T. Bell Salter, May 13, 1849!!! Two or three specimens picked on
the Nythe, a piece of low, moory ground on the north side of
Alresford great pond, May 27, 1850. Between East Meon and
Clanfield, Mr. Wm. Pamplin in litt. Drier parts of the bog on
Titchborne Common, /d. Near Hinton House (H. Ampner). New
Alresford, Miss L. Legge!!! In meadows at Somborne (near Winton),
Dr. A. D. White. These are the only Hampshire stations I know of
for a fern which is probably far from rare in the county, but from
its colour, size and places of growth, is more easily passed over
unheeded than most of its fellows.

Ophioglossum vulgatum. In dampish meadows and pastures; not
common, but much more so than the last. Pasture-field between
Appuldurcombe and Godshill, April, 1843. Damp, clayey meadow
between Pigsley and Smallbrook-Heath Copses, May 16, 1849.
Meadow at the foot of Bembridge Down, in considerable abundance,
May, 1846, Dr. T. Bell Salter!!! Pasture-field near Nunwell Farm,
near a pond in the lower part of the field, in good quantity, Jd.,
May, 1849!!! Near Blackgang Chine, Mr. Albert Hambrough,
1847! (apparently very fine specimens). Near Forringford House,
to the north-west, and at Easton Marsh, Freshwater, Jd., 1849.
Abundant in several meadows between Thorley and Wilmingham
Farms, the Rev. James Penfold, June 7, 1838!!! Pasture-ground
by Parkburst Forest, near Mark’s Corner, also in Northwood
Park, West Cowes, in great plenty, Miss G. E. Kilderbee! Rough
pasture between North Fairlee and Mount Misery, by Newport, Mr.
George Kirkpatrick, June, 1841. About equally freqnent, probably,
on mainland Hants, but my opportunities for seeing it there have
been more limited than in this island. In Strathfieldsaye Park, a
few specimens, June 20, 1849. Picked very sparingly on Stoke
Common, between Itchenstoke and Alresford, May 27, 1850. Mea-
dows at Wonston and Hunston, Rev. D. Cockerton.

Pilularia globulifera. About the shallow margins of pools and
meres that are partially dried in summer. Not found hitherto in the
Isle of Wight, and apparently quite rare in the county. On the Holt,
in the Lodge Pond, Mr. W. O. Newnham. Round some ponds in
the Holt Forest, most abundantly, Mr. W. W. Reeves; gathered there
with him in May last. At Lymington, Pulteney (Cat. of the Rarer
Plants of Dorset). On Southampton Common, Mr. Borrer.

Why should not Salvinia natans and Marsilea quadrifolia be found
in England? the former ranging as far north as Holstein, the latter
into the north of France. }

Of the following genus, Lycopodium, which closes our Catalogue
of Hampshire plants for the present, the Isle of Wight seems to
possess no representative; I, however, fully expect that L. inundatum
will turn up on some of our larger heaths and moors, if not the two
remaining Hampshire species.

Lycopodium clavatum. On heaths and moors; rare? On heaths
in the Holt, Mr. W. W. Reeves in litt. With the two next, passim,
especially by Cesar’s Camp (near Farnham), Mr. W. O. Newnham
in litt. Czsar’s Camp is on the very boundary-line between the two
counties, and hence much of the plant may be on the Surrey side,
beyond our limits. This species has not occurred to myself in any
part of the county.

Lycopodium Selago. On hilly heaths and moors. On heaths near
Aldershot, and especially by the canal (Basingstoke), drawing a line
from Cesar’s Camp N.N.W., very fine, Mr. W. O. Newnham in litt. !!!

Lycopodium inundatum. On damp spots on heaths where water
stands during winter, and in places from which the turf has been
pared off; not unfrequent in many parts of the county. On Titchfield
Common, observed abundantly in two places, June 18, 1849. On
Beaulieu Heath, in a damp place close to the road between Hill Top,
or Beaulieu Gate, and Iper’s Bridge,* but much nearer to the former,
in great plenty, Aug. 29, 1850. Common on the heaths near
Christchurch aud Bournemouth, Mr. James Hussey in litt. Bog
near Titchborne Church (Titchborne Common), and at Oakhanger,
Mr. Wm. Pamplin in litt. On peat-bog on Short Heath, near
Selborne, Dr. T. Bell Salter!!! With the two foregoing, by Cesar’s
Camp, near Farnham, Mr. W. O. Newnham. In wet ground below

or south of Shidfield Church, Miss Hawkins.

W. A. BRoMFIELD.
Eastmount, Ryde, Isle of Wight.

* Pronounced Eper’s Bridge, a unique instance, I should think, of deviation from
the usual sounding of the iin English, and adoption of the one given it in all other
European tongues. Perhaps some German may have given his name to the place,
Iper being one of the words for an elm in that language, and so both the foreign
orthography and pronunciation have been retained.

Note on Lastrea uliginosa. By Mr. Jon Luioyp.

Havine read the Rev. Mr. Bree’s observations on this plant in the
November number of the ‘ Phytologist’ (Phytol. iii. 1087), and not
feeling disposed to acquiesce in that gentleman’s conclusions, I beg
to offer the following remarks to the notice of the readers of the
‘ Phytologist.’

In the month of March, 1846, I brought some plants of Lastrea
cristata from Oxton Bogs. I planted them in a north border, and
when they expanded their fronds I observed mixed with them one
plant of Lastrea spinosa, and several plants which I could not
identify with either species, as they appeared intermediate between
both. These I cultivated with care, and increased as much as
possible for three years, during which time they kept themselves
quite distinct. JT then sought for further information where I thought
myself most likely to obtain it. The result is published in the
‘Phytologist’ for October, 1849, and also a most clear and correct
description of the plant, by Mr. Newman. Since then I have had
another year’s experience in its cultivation, and the opinion that I
first formed I still adhere to; that is, that it is exactly intermediate
between L. cristata and L. spinosa.

As an humble individual my opinion is of litle weight, but as
the learned of the present day are divided as to what may and what
may not be called a species, I am obliged to seek for information in
the works of former botanists. Professor Dr. Thomas Martin in his
‘Language of Botany, under the head “Species,” defines it as
follows:—“ The distinct forms of vegetables originally so created,
and producing by certain laws of generation others like themselves.
There are therefore as many species as there are different invariable
forms of vegetables now existing.” Now as L. uliginosa assumes the
same form in Notts, Cheshire, Norfolk and Essex, and Dr. J. T.
Mackey is in possession of a plant from Mucross Woods, Killarney,
which he has compared with specimens from one of my plants; as
any practical gardener who has paid any attention to British ferns
will readily distinguish it from all its congeners; and as it has been
already discovered in five distinct and distant localities ; then if it be
not a distinct and invariable plant, I do not know what to call it.
It is certainly very near to L. cristata, and also to L. spinosa, but
are not the gradations in all extensive genera (ferns and others) very
fine? Instance the overgrown genus Mesembryanthemum, which

_ has several sequences where the plants are so near that it requires

a very practised eye to distinguish them apart, and yet they are
recorded as species, and suffered to remain so. I wish to state that
I fear L. uliginosa is eradicated at Oxton, the bog having been
inclosed and appropriated as a preserve for wild-fowl. The spot
from which I procured the plant in 1846 is now so overgrown with
underwood that not only L. uliginosa, but also L. cristata, has been
eradicated. I had the kind permission of Mr. Sherbrook, of Oxton
Hall, to examine the bog in June last, but after six hours diligent
search I was unable to find a single plant of L. uliginosa; I saw
plenty of L. cristata and L. spinosa upon other parts of it; I brought
some of each, and shall be most happy to give any gentleman who
may be growing L. uliginosa a plant of each, that they may be grown
by the side of each other.
JoHn Luoyp.

East Hall, Wandsworth,
January 17, 1851.

[It is perhaps worthy of a passing record, that after the publication
of my description of this species every series of British ferns exhibited
last year in London contained one or more plants of Lastrea uliginosa,
correctly named, besides the usual spinosa and cristata, the only others
with which it can be confounded. Hence it does appear that whether
called a form, variety or species, it is a something which cultivators
can recognize.—E. NEWMAN. |

Extracts from the ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean Society of London.’

(Continued from Vol. iii. p. 816).

On the Development of the Spores and Elaters of Marchantia poly-
morpha. By ArtTHuR HEnrrey, Esq., F.L.S., &c.

Mr. HENFREY commences by referring to the memoirs of M. Mirbel
on Marchantia, &c., and the accompanying note of Mr. Griffith; to
M. Lindenberg’s Monograph of Ricciez ; and to the several publica-
tions of Bischoff, Von Mhol, Gottsche and Fitt on the development
of the spores of various cryptogamic plants. He briefly describes the

development of the little green cellular body found within the pistil-
lidium which becomes the capsule of Marchantia polymorpha, and
states that from the facts observed and from analogy he is inclined to
believe that the young capsule is at first formed of a continuous
cellular substance, and that the cells of this tissue become parent-
cells, producing new cells within them, which they set free by
becoming dissolved, exactly as occurs in the production of the parent-
cells of the pollen-grains in the continuous cellular tissue of anthers.
M. Mirbel does not appear to have examined the contents of the
capsules until this complete separation of the cells had taken place,
when he describes them as consisting of minute elongated cells (the
young elaters) mingled with small squarish cells (the spores). But
Mr. Henfrey found the younger capsules to contain elongated cells
alone, and those of two sizes. The whole cavity was filled by such
cells apparently radiating from the centre; the narrower cells bemg
interposed between much longer and broader cells of the same form.
The former were the young elaters, the latter the parent-cells of the
spores.

The young elaters Mr. Henfrey describes as elongated slender
tubes attenuated towards each extremity, and filled at first with an
almost colourless coagulable protoplasm. After a short time starch
globules are seen within them, which might readily be mistaken for
the rudiments of the spiral fibre; but the author believes that the
accounts given by some writers of the formation of spiral fibre in
spiral vessels from rows of minute granules are incorrect, and have
arisen from observation of starch granules lying in rows often running
obliquely across the tubes. After a greater enlargement in the length
than in the diameter of these cells the starch granules and finally the
protoplasm disappear, and faint streaks denoting the nascent fibres
are at length visible upon the walls. These gradually become more
and more distinct, until in the mature elaters they present themselves
in the form of strong flattened bands. In Marchantia there are two
fibres, the ends of which are confluent at the extremities of the tubes
in which they are contained; so that more properly speaking there is
but one endless fibre twisted upon itself, which may be represented
by a piece of string doubled with its ends united, and twisted spirally
upon itself. This is evidently the best possible condition of structure
for its purpose of acting asa spring. In unrolling, the fibre tears up
the membrane of the walls of the tube, which after the elaters have
been discharged is often no longer to be detected.

While the elaters are passing through these stages the larger,

elongated cells exhibit are very remarkable series of changes, which
Mr. Henfrey regards as differing from anything that has yet been
observed in analogous structures. They are at first killed, like the
elaters, with a delicate colourless protoplasm, in which float exceed-
ingly minute granules, and which is apparently the same substance
that occurs in all young cells which increase by self-division. These
larger cells soon exhibit transverse streaks of a lighter colour, in con-
sequence of the separation of the protoplasm into a number of distinct
portions, and the formation of cross membranes at these places, dividing
the tubular cell into a row of cells, all of asquare form, except the’ two
terminal ones, which are attenuated towards the free point. The author
could not determine whether the septa were formed by gradual growing
in of the membrane, nor could he detect at this period a double
membrane, which must, however, exist, to admit of the subsequent
separation of the contained cell. Vertical septa are often formed in
addition, producing a double row of cells within the tube. About
the time when the cells separate from each other, their contents
undergo a change, which exactly resembles that which occurs in the
contents of the parent-cells and special-parent-cells of pollen when
the formation of free cells is about to take place in their interior.
The mucilaginous matter, or protoplasm, acquires a deep yellow
colour, becomes much thicker, and exhibits a quantity of globular
bodies which look like drops of oil. Mr. Henfrey gives his reasons
for regarding these appearances neither as drops of oil nor as vesicular
cavities, but as globular drops of the yellow protoplasm. Such glo-
bules are of various sizes and sometimes occupy half the cavity of the
cell, but neither before nor after their formation was the author enabled
to detect the presence of nuclei.

Soon after the separation of these cells their yellow contents exhibit
lighter streaks running across, which denote that they are each about
to separate into four portions. When these portions are completely
isolated and become coated by their proper membranes, they consti-
tute the spores, and are subsequently set free by the solution of the

_ membrane of the parent-cells. Their contents then again become
clear and almost colourless, their membrane becomes thickened and
of a bright yellow colour, and finally their cavity becomes filled with
globules of pretty regular size. No trace of septa dividing the parent-
cells into chambers, such as are met with in the special-parent-cells
of the pollen, were observed, even when treated with iodine; and
when the parent-cells in which the contents had parted into four
portions were ruptured at one place, all the contents passed out and

VOL. Iv. E
a

the membrane remained as a simple sac. In the ripe spore the author
could distinguish only a single coat, which grows out into a tube at
one point in germination. During this process the entire spore, with
its contents, becomes colourless, the yellow colour and the globules
disappearing ; and after a short time chlorophyll vesicles appear,
which, on the application of iodine, are seen to be imbedded in a
coagulable, colourless protoplasm.

In conclusion, the author again directs attention to the striking
circumstance, that throughout the whole course of development he
met with no nuclei; neither did he observe nuclei during the deve-
lopment of the spores of Spherocarpus terrestris, which he had also
partially traced. Sometimes the globular bodies, before alluded to
as formed in the yellow protoplasm, presented appearances which
might be mistaken for nuclei; but careful investigation always led
him to believe that these appearances were deceptive; and as he
obtained clear and well-defined views of all the various stages with
fully sufficient magnifying powers to see nuclei if present, he states
that he is compelled to deny their existence here.

Ripe Seeds of Cycadee produced without Impregnation.

Dr. Wallich, V.P.L.S., read the following extract of a letter from
Prof. Lehmann, dated Hamburgh, 14th December, 1849 :—“ I write
to inform you that a work has just appeared, namely, Proceedings of
the Fifth Meeting of Scandinavian Naturalists held at Copenhagen,
1847. Copenhagen, 1849. 8vo. There is in it a very remarkable
paper by Liebmann, entitled ‘ A few words concerning the Impregna-
tion of Cycadex, p. 501 seg. It appears, according to this paper,
that in that family ripe and vegetative fruits may be produced, without
the process of impregnation. A female plant in the Botanic Garden
at Copenhagen (males do not exist in Europe) produced seeds which
have germinated! Liebmann made the same observation in Mexico.”

Affinities of the Family of Triuriacee. By JoHN Mixrrs, Esq., F.LS.

Having concluded the description of these remarkable plants,
which he gives in much detail, Mr. Miers proceeds to observe on
their affinities. They evidently belong to one common group with

Triuris, which the author originally suggested would form the type of
a distinct order (Triuriacez), subsequently adopted by Dr. Gardner,
under the name of Triuracee. He first dismisses without hesitation
the hypothesis that they have any relationship to Menispermacez or
Smilacez, as suggested by Dr. Gardner with reference to Hexuris ;
or to any section of Urticez, to which Sciaphila was referred by Dr.
Blume, and in which he was followed by Endlicher and Gardner.
He commences his investigation by calling particular attention to
their habitat as plants destitute of real leaves; composed of little more
than cellular tissue; void of green colour, of fibres and of ducts; and
furnished with a seed not merely acotyledonous, but without distinct
embryo. He refers to Mr. Brown’s memoirs on Rafflesia, and to Mr.
Griffith’s on the plants referred to Rhizanthez, for instances of inem-
bryonal seeds; and observes that we have no satisfactory evidence of
the existence of an embryo, in the ordinary sense of the term, in
Burmanniacee. He notices also the imperfect condition of the
embryo in Cuscuta, in Orobanchee and in Monotropa; and the
striking discrepancy between the well-developed cotyledonous embryo
of the leai-bearing Cactez and the solid and undivided embryo of the
leafless genera of that family. Admitting then, in Triuriacee, Bur-
manniacee, Belanophoree, &c., the existence of an organ endowed
with the function, but wanting the usual structure, of the embryo, he
proposes for this organ the name of protodlastus, with the view of
distinguishing between a protoblasteous and a cotyledonous embryo.
Modifications of the protoblasteous structure may occur; and the
author refers to Ceratophyllum and to several genera of Aroidex
(especially Cryptocoryne) as furnishing instances of anomalous forms
of embryo, which are best explained by a reference to this view of
the subject. He also notices some peculiarities in the structure of
the seed of Pistia, which he regards as in some points analogous to
that of Sciaphila, although widely different from it in others.

Setting aside then the acotyledonous embryo as a character of
primary importance, and regarding it only as an imperfect condition
of development, common to all the great divisions of the vegetable
kingdom, it is evidently among the Endogens that Triuriacee should
take their place, and the author concludes that upon the whole the
greatest amount of approximate characters leans towards Fluviales.

A letter, dated May 19, 1845, addressed by the President to Admiral
Sir Francis Beaufort, for communication to Baron Alexander
von Humboldt, on the Oriyin and Mode of Propagation of the
Gulf-weed.

“My dear Captain Beaufort,—I am vexed to have kept Baron
Humboldt’s letter so long, and now in returning it, that it should be
accompanied by so little satisfactory information on the only one of
its queries with which I could have been supposed to deal, namely,
that which relates to the origin and mode of propagation of the Gulf-
weed.

“On this subject it appears that M. de Humboldt (in his Personal
Narrative) first supported the more ancient notion, that the plant,
originally fixed, was brought with the stream from the Gulf of
Florida, and deposited in what Major Rennell calls the recipient of
that stream. More recently, however, Baron Humboldt has adopted
the opinion,* also held by several travellers, that the Gulf-weed
originates and propagates itself where it is now found. To the
adoption of this view it appears that he has been led chiefly by the
observations of the late Dr. Meyen, who in the year 1830 passed
through a considerable portion of the great band of Gulf-weed, and
who ascertained, as he states, from the examination of several thou-
sand specimens, that it was uniformly destitute both of root and
fructification ; he concludes, therefore, that the plant propagates
itself solely by lateral branches: he at the same time denies that it
is brought from the Gulf of Florida, as, according to his own obser-
vation, it hardly exists in that part of the stream near the great band,
though found in extensive masses to the westward. I have here to
remark that, as far as relates to the absence of root and fructification,
Meyen has only confirmed by actual observation what had been
previously stated by several authors, particularly by Mr. Turner (in
his ‘ Historia Fucorum,’ vol. i. p. 103, published in 1808), and
Agardh (in his ‘Species Algarum,’ p. 6, published in 1820). But
Meyen materially weakens his own argument in stating that he
considers the Gulf-weed (Sargassum bacciferum of Turner and
Agardh), and the Sargassum natans, or vulgare, specifically dis-
tinguished from it by these authors, as one and the same species;
adding, that he has observed among the Gulf-weed all the varieties

* Histoire de la Géographie du Nouveau Continent, vol. iii. p. 73, and Mecyen,
Reise, vol. i. p. 36—9.

of Sargassum vulgare described by Agardh; and finally, that on the
coast of Brazil he has found what he regards as the Gulf-weed in
fructification. Now as Sargassum natans has been found fixed by a
discoid base or root, in the same manner as the other species of the
genus, and as according to Meyen the Gulf-weed has been found in
fructification, the legitimate conclusion from his statements seems to
be, that this plant is merely modified by the peculiar circumstances
in which it has so long been placed. I am not, however, disposed to
adopt Dr. Meyen’s statement, that he actually found the true Sargas-
sum natans, much less all its supposed varieties, mixed with the
Gulf-weed, having reason to believe that at the period of his voyage
his practical knowledge of marine submersed Alge was not sufficient
to enable him accurately to distinguish species in that tribe. It is
not yet known what other species of Sargassum are mixed with the
Gulf-weed, what proportion they form of the great band, nor in what
state, with respect to root or fructification, they are found; though,
in reference to the questions under discussion, accurate information
on these points would be of considerable importance.

“That some mixture of other species probably exists may be
inferred even from Dr. Meyen’s statement, and indirectly from that of
Lieut. Evans, who, in his communication published in Major Ren-
nell’s invaluable work on the Currents of the Atlantic, asserts that he
found the Gulf-weed in fructification, which he compares with that
of Ferns, a statement which would seem to prove merely that he had
found along with the Gulf-weed a species of Sargassum with dotted
leaves, the real fructification of the genus bearing no resemblance to
that of Ferns, though to persons slightly acquainted with the subject
the arranged dots on the leaves might readily suggest the comparison.

“ With regard to the non-existence of roots in the Gulf-weed as a
proof of specific distinction, it is to be observed that the genus Sar-
gassum, now consisting of about sixty species, is one of the most
natural and most readily distinguished of the family Fucacex, and
that there is no reason to believe that any other species of the genus,
even those most nearly related to, and some of which have been
confounded with it, are originally destitute of roots; though some
of them are not unfrequently found both in the fixed and in con-
siderable masses in the floating state, retaining vitality and probably
propagating themselves in the same manner (see Forskal, F. Zgypt.-
Arab. p. 192, n. 52). It is true indeed that a Sargassum, in every
other ‘respect resembling Gulf-weed, has, I believe, not yet been
found furnished either with roots or fructification, neither Sloane’s

nor Browne’s evidence on this subject being satisfactory.* But the
shores of the Gulf of Florida have not yet been sufficiently examined
to enable us absolutely to decide that that is not the original source
of the plant: and the differences between the Gulf-weed and some
other Sargassa, especially S. natans, are not such as to prove these
two species to be permanently distinct. The most remarkable of
these differences consists in the leaves of the Gulf-weed being uni-
formly destitute of those dots or areole so common in the genus
Sargassum, and which are constantly present in S. natans. These
dots, in their greatest degree of development, bear a striking resem-
blance to the perforations or apertures of the imbedded fructification
in the genus. But as the receptacles of the fructification, as well as
the vesicles, are manifestly metamorphosed leaves; and as the pro-
duction of fructification is not adapted to the circumstances in which
the Gulf-weed is placed, it is not wholly improbable, though this
must be regarded as mere hypothesis, that the propagation by lateral
branches, continued for ages, may be attended with the entire sup-
pression of these dots.

“That the Gulf-weed of the great band is propagated solely by
lateral or axillary ramification, and that in this way it may have
extended over the immense space it now occupies, is highly pro-
bable, and perhaps may be affirmed absolutely without involving the
question of origin, which 1 consider as still doubtful.

“My conclusion, therefore, is somewhat different from that of
Baron Humboldt, to whom I would beg of you to forward these
observations, which will prove that I have not been inattentive to
his wishes and to your own, though they will at the same time prove
that I have had very little original information to communicate.”

Notes on the Dry-rot, as observed in the Church of Kings Wear,
Devonshire. By A. H. HoLpsworrn, Esq.

The church of King’s Wear is immediately opposite to Dartmouth,
and stands about 100 feet above the harbour, on the north-west side
of avery steep hill, which rises 200 feet above it. The walls of the

«“* See Sloane’s Jam. i. p. 59. I have examined Sloane’s specimens in his herba-
rium ; they belong to Gulf-weed in its ordinary form, and are alike destitute of root
and fructification ; hence they are probably those gathered by him in the Atlantic,
and not those which he says grew on the rocks on the shores of Jamaica. Browne's
assertion to the same effect is probably merely adopted from Sloane.”

31.

old church having become unsafe, the whole of it was taken down
except the tower at the north-west angle, to which a new church was
attached, standing within the site of the old one, and the new
building was completed about two years ago. From the north and
south doors eastward the ground rises rapidly, and an area is formed
round the church to preserve it from damp; from the same doors to
the westward the ground falls far below the level of the floor within.
The floor and ground beneath the old church were removed and the
graves filled up. The new seats, which were open, rested on oak-
sleepers, supported by new dwarf walls, the floors of the seats being
about sixteen inches above the gronnd; but the earth on which the
paving of the aisles or passages was laid was as high as, and rested
against the sleepers on, the dwarf walls. The other parts of the seats
were of Baltic deal. Good limestone masonry was used in the con-
struction of the walls; the pillars and windows were made of stone
from France; and the aisles were paved with closely-jointed fine
black slate.

Within a few months after the completion of the church a fungus
was observed at the seat at the corner immediately behind the south
door, and soon after decay appeared in other seats near it. Fresh
passages for air were made through the walls running under the
seats, but in a few months these were filled with a species of vege-
table matter looking like fine mould. This was found to spread
under the whole of the seats to the west of the south door, and suc-
cessively affecting those to the eastward of the same door and those
of the centre of the church, but always that part which adjoined the
aisle or passage. A suspicion arose, from taking up some of the
stones of the aisles, that there was a plant which had its origin near
the south door, which crossed under the paving of the aisles, and
travelled along the sleepers and framing of the seats, causing all the
mischief; and a thorough investigation was determined on. On
taking down some of the seats, a fungus was found having some of
its branches as large as straws, and others as fine as horse-hair,
spreading out under the floors of the seats in the very finest fibres,
breaking into forms resembling the finest leather, and wherever it
obtained a good supply of air by means of an air-channel, becoming
half an inch thick, attached on one side to the dry floor, and having
on the other side a spongy surface, fitted for the collection of
moisture from the atmosphere; for although the floor was perfectly
dry, the fungus by which it was eaten out was as wet and cold as
a sponge filled with water. The seat next the south door was

removed ; its framing was entirely decayed, and beneath it was found
a root-like portion of the fungus descending nearly perpendicularly
to the depth of sixteen inches. In the aisle the seats were not
affected, and it was presumed that they had not been reached by the
fungus; but on taking up the paving-stones of that aisle, it was
found to have approached within a foot of the reading-desk, growing
from the seats of the opposite side of the aisle in the form of a semi-
circle increasing gradually on all sides.

Mr. Holdsworth is convinced that one plant, beginning near the
south door, was the cause of all the mischief; when, however, the
whole of the paving of the aisles was removed, other plants were
found spreading in a fine film under it in a circular form, and six or
eight inches in diameter; and these, when carefully taken up, were
seen to have a stem in the centre running two inches or more into
the ground, and usually attached to a bit of decayed wood. Thus
the habit of the plant appears to be to travel on through grooves or
under pavements, and in other concealed places, where it can find
wood on which to feed, and which it renders dry and of a character
as if destroyed by fire. Mr. Holdsworth exhibited dried specimens
of the fungus in various states, which he has presented to the British
Museum.

Notice of a peculiar Structure of the Cells on the surface of Calli-
triche verna. By EK. Lanxester, M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S. &c.

The peculiar cells described by Dr. Lankester were found by him,
in the summer of 1849, on the stems of a specimen of Callitriche
yerna preserved in a glass vessel with other water plants. They
project from the surface of the plants, are of a stellate form, and
consist of a central cell surrounded by six or eight others. They are
easily detached from the epidermal tissue, and may thus readily be
procured for microscopic examination. They vary in size as well as
frequency, and are not confined to the stem, but occur also on the
leaves; and Dr. Lankester is inclined to believe that they are most
abundant in the younger states of the plant. In the first stages of
their growth they are to be distinguished from the surrounding cells
only by their peculiar arrangement ; but as the development proceeds,
the epidermal (including these stellate) cells contain a smaller propor-
tion of chlorophyll than those under and above them on either side
of the leaf, and become gradually freer from cell-contents, until at

last they appear perfectly clear. In other water plants, such as
Lemnez, Potamogeta, &c., Dr. Lankester had not succeeded in
detecting any similar bodies. As regards their function, he states,
that it at first occurred to him that they might perform the office of
stomata; but he was unable to discover any orifice among the cells,
or any communication with intercellular spaces below them. In
their structure and general arrangement they bear a closer resem-
blance to certain modifications of hairs than to any other epidermal
organs; and the author considers it not improbable that they are the
result of the same tendency of the epidermal tissue under water as
that which produces hairs when this tissue is exposed to the influ-
ence of the atmosphere.

Notice of the ‘ Botanical Gazette, No. 25, January, 1851.

Wiru the present number the ‘ Botanical Gazette’ diminishes its
quantity of letter-press to fourteen pages, and its price to sixpence. For
this change two causes may be assigned as probable: first, the great
paucity of original communications, reduced in the present number to
three quarters of a page from Mr. Babington and half a page from
Mr. Buckman; and secondly, the announcement of a rival publica-
tion at York, which is to contain twenty-four pages royal 8vo, and to
be illustrated with numerous engravings, for the small charge of six-
pence. The first of these causes has lately pressed more or less
heavily on all botanical periodicals, and if the ‘ Phytologist’ has
been able to put a better front on the affair, it is mainly indebted for
the advantage to the length to which Dr. Bromfield’s admirable paper
on the Hants flora has extended; and it is by no means certain that
the botanical famine which has pressed so severely on other periodicals
will not eventually reach the ‘ Phytologist.’ Far be it from me, there-
fore, to censure a fault all but inevitable, and one which leads me in the
present number to make extracts and abstracts to a somewhat unusual
extent. With regard to the York publication to which I have alluded,
I think we should meet it in the spirit in which it has been projected.
For my own patt, if the promise is but maintained, “a well-conducted
and first-class magazine, containing twenty-four pages and numerous
illustrations,” supplied for sixpence, I shall certainly rejoice that
information is distributed at so easy a rate, and rendered so accessible
to all who may possess a taste for the science. z

VOL Iv. E

To return to the ‘ Gazette, the titles of the papers to which I have
alluded are as under.

On the Cerastium pumilum of Curtis. By Charles C. Babington,
M.A.

On a curious Form of Corolla in Lamium album. By J. Buckman,
F.G.8., F.L.S., &c., Professor of Geology and Botany, R.A.C.

Mr. Babington observes that the authors of the new edition of the
‘British Flora’ place Curtis’s Cerastium pumilum as a probable
variety of triviale, with which indeed Mr. Babington considers it has
much in common. Its habit, its rather long petals, about equal to the
calyx, and the tendency of its capsules to curve upwards, are so many
similarities to the species in question. “In C. triviale the fruit-stalks
are not reflexed from their base, as is the case in C. pumilum, but are
erect or ascending, the capsules being patent by the curvature of the
top of their stalks. The leaves of C. triviale are much longer, the pu-
bescence is not glutinous, and the seeds are considerably larger.” Mr.
Babington thinks Curtis’s pumilum may be identical with glutinosum,
Fries, which = obscurum, Chaub., and also that, should this view be
correct, the oldest name, pumilum, is inappropriate, since French and
Swedish plants are often large. Mr. Babington, in conclusion, wishes
botanists during the approaching spring to examine attentively the
smaller Cerastia, especially in the neighbourhod of Croydon, where
Dickson found his plant. I beg to join in this wish, for I cannot
help considering our knowledge of the Cerastia as extremely imper-
fect. I hope the results will be published in the ‘ Phytologist.’

Mr. Buckman states that having examined some plants of Lamium
album with more showy inflorescence than usual, he found that this
peculiarity was due to a deviation from normal form in the corolla.
In the place of the “little reflexed teeth,” described by Sir J. E.
Smith as occupying the sides of the throat, were large lateral lobes.
This aberration has been observed during three successive seasons.

Mr. Henfrey under the next head, “ Literature,” notices the pub-
lication of a third edition of Schleiden’s ‘ Principles of Scientific
Botany,’ in which the chief additions relate to Suminski’s work on
the reproduction of ferns, to the conflicting views respecting impreg-
nation, and to the general physiology of nutrition. The author
expresses himself satisfied that no such phenomena as those described
by Suminski are to be observed, and therefore that no such act of
impregnation takes place: he also maintains his own views respecting
the import of the pollen-tube, in phenogamous plants, in the fertili-
zation of ovules. Also of a sixth fasciculus of Pritzel’s ‘ Thesaurus

Literature Botanice ;) and Fresenius’s ‘ Contributions to Mycology.’
Then follow the contents, without comment, of the ‘ Annals of Natural
History,’ ‘ Hooker’s Journal of Botany,’ ‘ The Phytologist,’ ‘ Schlech-
tendal’s Linnea,’ ‘ Botanische Zeitung; and ‘The Flora.” Pro-
ceedings of Societies: Botanical Society of Edinburgh ; Botanical
Society of London. Records of Localities: Hypericum calycinum
three miles from Haverfordwest, on the road to St. David’s. I was
not aware that any interest attached to the record of road-side stations
for this plant. Ifthe reader take the coach from Worcester to Aber-
ystwith, he will very frequently see its large yellow flowers in the
hedges. Hypericum linariifolium in the island of Guernsey ; Dudres-
naia coccinea shores of Arran; Juncus diffusus near Ross; Bromus
racemosus, Rosa cinnamomea, and Medicago sativa near Clonmel.
The number concludes with “ Foreign Gleanings,” consisting of Pro-
fessor Schnizlein’s discovery of flowers of the common beech con-
taining both stamens and pistils, and also of remarkable monstrosities
in the flowers of the weeping willow; Dr. Miiller’s method of mounting
small objects for the microscope in the fissures of a partially split
talc, which closes by its own elasticity ; Professor Goppert’s notice of
a gigantic fossil-tree, thirty-two feet in circumference, and which has
probably lived 2500 years; and Dr. Cohn’s observations on organic
life in the atmosphere. And finally, with notices of collections of
plants for sale.

Although it is easy to conceive the great difficulty of keeping up a
periodical like the ‘ Gazette, yet I trust the editor will not shrink
from the labour he has undertaken. I exceedingly regret that he
contemplates “ the exclusion of a portion of the articles derived from
foreign works.” I hope he will reconsider this determination, since
it appears to me that foreign works are the source whence the ‘Gazette’
derives its interest.

Notice of ‘ Hooker's Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany,
No. 25, January, 1851.

‘The dearth of botanical literature of which I have already spoken
pervades this periodical equally with the last. The contents are as
follow :—

‘Report on the Brown Scale, or Coccus, so injurious to the Coffee-
plants in Ceylon; in a letter from the late George Gardner, Esq.,

Director of the Botanic Garden at Peradenia, addressed to the Colo-
nial Secretary at Colombo. Communicated by the Right Hon. Earl
Grey, Chief Secretary for the Colonies.’

‘Short Notice of the African Plant, Diamba, commonly called
Congo Tobacco. By R. O. Clarke, Esq., Surgeon and Colonial
Apothecary to the Colony of Sierra Leone. Communicated by the
author.

‘The Origin of the Existing Vegetable Creation. By Professor J.
F. Schouw. From the Transactions of the Meeting of the Scandi-
navian Naturalists at Copenhagen, in 1847. Appendix K. 119.
Translated from the Danish, by N. Wallich, M.D., F.R.S., V.P.L.S,’

‘Decades of Fungi. By the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, M.A., F.LS.
Decade xxxi., consisting, with the exception of one species, of the
novelties collected by Mr. Spruce in his visit to the Pyrenees and the
province of Para, in Brazil.’

‘Physical Geography of Sikkim-Himalaya. Extract of a letter
from Baron Humboldt to Sir W. J. Hooker, ‘together with a copy of
a letter on the Physical Character of Sikkim-Himalaya, addressed to
Baron Humboldt, by Jos. D. Hooker, R.N., M.D., F.R.S., &c.’

Advertisements of ‘ Plants for Sale.’

However unbotanical, this number is far from uninteresting; in
fact, the entomological communication from the late lamented Mr.
Gardner and the physico-geographical paper by Dr. Hooker are far
more readable than the more botanical contribution, ‘ Descriptions of
Fungi,’ of the Rev. Mr. Berkeley.

The entomological paper is one of great interest, not only in a sci-
entific point of view, as exhibiting the empire attained in some
instances by the animal over the vegetable world, but also in an
economical point of view; it is, however, greatly to be regretted that
the numerous remedies proposed have been found totally ineffectual.

Diamba, Congo tobacco, Bang, and Indian hemp are presumed to
be local or mercantile appellations of the plant known to botanists
under the name of Cannabis sativa, and its poisonous properties have
long been known. Pareira, in his ‘ Materia Medica,’ informs us that
in Asia and Egypt it is used for the purpose of intoxication. In the
interior of tropical Western Africa it is supposed to be indigenous,
and “a story is told of its discovery by a huntsman, who observed a
number of antelopes, who had browsed upon the Diamba, to be stupe-
fied; and having informed his neighbours of the extraordinary cir-
cumstance, they repaired in a body to the spot. The approach of the
people, or firing of their muskets, had, however, no effect in rousing

the animals to a sense of their danger, and accordingly they were all
quickly despatched. It is smoked from a large wooden pipe or reed,
called Condo, or from a small calabash, but common clay pipes are
also used: it is extensively consumed by many of the liberated Afri-
cans and creoles, who frequently meet at each other’s houses, to
enjoy the luxury and soothing influence of Diamba. Upon these
occasions the pipe is handed about from mouth to mouth, and soon
produces the desired intoxicating effect. The smoke, twice or thrice
drawn into the mouth, is there detained, and large portion is swal-
lowed, as it slowly passes off by the nostrils: most agreeable sen-
sations follow, and excitement displays itself in hearty bursts of
laughter, loud exclamations, droll and exhilarating conversation ;
but as the debauch proceeds, its full effects are developed. Tem-
porary frenzy seizes the smokers, and they issue from their haunts,
singing and shouting, as they reel and stagger to their homes.
Intense and maddening head-ache, accompanied with stupor, is often
the result of these orgies, and the latter consequence generally lasts
for twelve hours. One pipe charged with this powerful drug, is

enough to produce in four persons the most delightful exaltation

without injury, and it is much esteemed by the natives as a remedy
for cough, pains in the chest and stomach.”
The other papers neither require comment nor admit of extract.

Notice of the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Second
Series, No. 38, January, 1851.

The botanical papers in this number are two, intituled as fol-
lows :—

‘Notes on the Diatomacee; with descriptions of British species
included in the genera Campylodiscus, Surerella and Cymatopleura.
By the Rev. William Smith, F.L.S.

‘A few Remarks on the Menispermacee. By John Miers, Esq.,
F.R.S., F.L.S.’

Mr. Smith commences his communication by remarking how much
we are in want of a work on the British Diatomacee, and everyone
must join in his wish that Mr. Ralfs may have so far recruited his
feeble health by his late sojourn on the continent as to be enabled, at
no distant day, to undertake a work for which he is so eminently
qualified. With regard to both communications, I may briefly state

that they are of that purely technical character which, however valu-
able as works of reference, cannot be transferred, even in abstract,
to the pages of a popular journal.

Notice of the ‘ Transactions of the Tyneside Naturalists’ Field-Club,’
Vol. 1., Part 5.

The ‘ Phytologist’ was the first periodical that invited the attention
of naturalists to the published ‘Transactions’ of this energetic and
praiseworthy band of naturalists, and at the same time I ventured to
hold up the example to observers in other parts of the kingdom, and
to express my humble opinion that it was worthy of all imitation. I
have to regret that the ‘ Parts’ of these ‘ Transactions’ have not been
regularly transmitted, inasmuch as I have thus been deprived of the
pleasure I should experience in noticing them with regularity and ap-
probation. The present part contains a hundred and twenty-four pages
of letter-press and three admirable plates, but is chiefly devoted to
zoological papers. ‘The gleanings in botany which appear below are
contained in the President’s Address.

“The first field meeting took place on the 18th of May, on the
banks of the Wansbeck above Morpeth. The weather at the time of
starting, and indeed during the day, being somewhat unfavorable, but
few of the members attended. They assembled at Morpeth station
and strolled by the side of the Wansbeck as far as Mitford, and after
a pleasant ramble of several hours, in which a few plants were col-
lected, including Arabis hirsuta, Myrrhis odorata, Arabis thaliana,
and several ferns, they returned towards Morpeth. Two of the mem-
bers, Mr. Storey and Mr. Burnet, intending to search for Equisetum
umbrosum, had proceeded by an early train several miles to the
northward of Morpeth. The Equisetum referred to appears to have
been first noticed in Northumberland (only the second recorded Eng-
lish locality), by Mr. Joseph Sidebotham, who announced this inter-
esting discovery in the ‘ Phytologist’ for 1848. After walking three
or four miles, they had the good fortune to collect several specimens
of this rare plant on the banks of the Coquet near Felton; but as the
season was somewhat advanced, only two fertile stems were procured.
By the side of the same stream Equisetum hyemale and E. palustre
were likewise observed.

“The second meeting was at Dipton and Devil’s Water, on the

8th of June. On this occasion there was a better attendance of
members. Starting from the Hexham station, the party proceeded
to Dipton, or Deepdene, as I believe it was. originally called: from
thence two or three of the members extended their walk by Dotland
Park to Dukesfield, in search of Lysimachia vulgaris, which had
lately been observed to grow in that place. They fortunately suc-
ceeded in obtaining the object of their search. The rest of the party
spent the morning very agreeably in following the downward course
of Dipton Burn, through a romantic valley, varied with bold rocks
and overhanging woods. Some rare plants were collected, particu-
larly Neottia Nidus-avis and Melica nutans.

“The third meeting took place on the 22nd of June. The tract of
country selected for the excursion was Hordondene. The usual
magnesian limestone plants were gathered, including some of the
rarer of the Orchis tribe ; Epipactis ensifolia was got in fine flower;
and the fly orchis (Ophrys muscifera) was also obtained. The
beautiful Primula farinosa was found growing in such profusion in
one spot near Easington, as to colour the ground with its lilac
flowers.

“The fourth meeting was at the Northumberland lakes, on the
20th of July. The party pursued the devious footing of a rustic
track through the valley of Bardon Burn to Chesterholme. The
wooded sides of the valley afforded one or two good plants to the
botanist, the most attractive of which was the pretty Pyrola minor.
Crepis succisefolia and Orobanche major were likewise gathered.
At Chesterholme the numerous well-preserved antiquities obtained
from the neighbouring station attracted much attention. After ex-
ploring the remains of the Roman station of Vindolana, the party
crossed the country to the old military road, in the vicinity of which

are the little moorland lakes, or loughs, as they are provincially

called, that were to form the boundary of the day’s excursion. These
loughs, situated in a wild district unadorned with wood, possess little
picturesque beauty, with the exception of Crag Lough, a small sheet
of water lying beneath fine basaltic cliffs, formed by the whin-sill,
which here rises into a range of hills crossing the country in a direc-
tion nearly east and west, and presenting a bold escarpment to the
north. These hills give a striking character to the surrounding
scene, and are well known to the antiquary from the circumstance of
the celebrated Roman wall passing along their summits. A few of
the members explored the northern shore of Crag Lough, where Mr.

Storey gathered Potamogeton rufescens, P. perfoliatus and P. pecti-

natus: the remainder pursued the line of the Roman wall over the
crags, descending to the lake at the east end, where some of the more
assiduous naturalists commenced turning over the loose stones at the
water’s edge. This search was rewarded by the discovery of two
beautiful freshwater zoophytes, new to the north of England, which
were obtained by Mr. Albany Hancock. A few freshwater shells
were observed, among which were Physa fontinalis, Planorbis albus,
and Ancylus lacustris; these were all of small size, apparently
dwarfed by their exposure in this elevated situation. A scarce little
bivalve, Pisidium nitidum, was also found. Bromley Lough was
only reached by two of the botanists, Mr. Storey and Mr. D. Oliver,
intent upon gaining ‘the glory of this barren waste,’ the beautiful
white water-lily (Nymphea alba), which here grows truly wild.
Scutellaria galericulata was likewise found, growing upon the margin
of this lake.

“On the occasion of the fifth meeting, the members assembled at
Hallwhistle Station ; whence the walk led to Wall Town Crags, a
favorite locality of the botanist on account of the rare plants that
here grow on the basaltic rocks. The plants of this locality, which
had been visited by the Club on a former occasion, are so well
known that it is unnecessary here to enumerate them. The remainder
of the day was spent in traversing the wild and undulating country
towards Gilsand. During this walk and on the banks of the Irthing
the following plants were obtained. Saxifraga aizoides, Galium
boreale, Hieracium boreale, H. umbellatum, Vicia sylvatica, Potamo-
geton gramineus, P. pusillus, and Asplenium viride.

“ An evening meeting for the reading of papers was held in the
Rooms of the Natural History Society in Newcastle, on the 12th of
December. Numerous beautifully dried and mounted specimens of
flowering plants, collected at the field meetings by Mr. D. Oliver,
jun., were displayed on the tables; as were also a series of forty
exquisite prints in chromo-lithography, being the proof-plates of a
work about to be published on the Cephalopoda, or Cuttle Fishes, of
the Mediterranean, by M. Verany, of Genoa: accompanying these,
specimens of the animals in spirits were exhibited, particularly that
of the Argonauta Argo, or paper nautilus, about which there has
been so much controversy among naturalists. Many illustrated
works on Natural History, belonging to the Literary and Philosophi-
cal Society, were also laid on the tables. The company having
adjourned to the Committee-room, two short papers,—‘ Additions to
the Mollusca of Northumberland and Durham,’ and an ‘ Account of

three new species of Animalcules,’—were read by the President, the
former illustrated by specimens. The next paper was by Mr. Carr,
of Dunstan Hill, ‘On the composite names of places, of Anglo-Saxon
derivation, chiefly in Northumberland.’ Mr. Tate, of Alnwick, fol-
lowed with a paper ‘On polished and scratched Rocks, viewed in
connexion with the Northumbrian boulder Formation,’ which was
listened to with great attention. ‘Notes on a species of Hydra
found in the Northumberland lakes, and extracts of an elaborate
paper (which time would not allow of being read entire) ‘On the
Anatomy of the Freshwater Bryozoa, with descriptions of three new
species, by Mr. Albany Hancock, were read by the Secretary. Mr.
Wailes in conclusion, called the attention of the meeting to the
splendid coloured plates of Bateman’s ‘ Orchidacee of Mexico and
Guatamala,” a copy of which he had kindly sent for inspection,
together with another beautiful work, Hooker’s ‘ Rhododendrons of
the Sikkim-Himalaya.’ ”

Microscopical Society of London.

November 13, 1850. Dr. Arthur Farre, President, in the chair.

Dr. Carpenter made some remarks on Foraminifera, in reference to
the paper by Mr. Williamson on that subject, read at the meeting in
June last.

Mr. De la Rue described the construction of a dissecting micro-
scope, made by M. Nachet.

A paper by J. S. Bowerbank, Esq., ‘On Ciliary Action in the
Spongiade,’ was read.

After some preliminary remarks, in which some observations of Dr.
Dobie on the same subject were alluded to, Mr. Bowerbank stated
that, wishing to follow out the investigation, he had, in the autumn
of the present year, located himself in Tenby, in South Wales, where
the sponge (Grantia compressa) examined by Dr. Dobie is found
abundantly. The specimens selected for examination were not more
than a quarter of an inch in length, and upon placing one of these
beneath the microscope, in a closed cell, after a short time the excur-
rent action commenced, and continued steadily for a considerable
time, the fecal matter being ejected with much force. On examining
the exterior of the same specimen, the incurrent action over the whole
of its surface was equally well, although less forcibly, demonstrated.

i VOL. Iv. G

Having thus succeeded in seeing the continuous entrance and exit of
the surrounding fluid, the great saccular cavity was next examined.
This was done by carefully opening the sponge, from the entrance of
the sac to its base, with a pair of fine scissors, cutting through its
compressed edges. The halves thus produced were mounted for
examination in a closed cell as before, with the inner surface towards
the eye. The sponge was now seen to be composed of angular cells,
constructed of triradiate, calcareous spicule, and packed together
like the cells of a honeycomb. They are of the same diameter
downwards for the length of about half their own diameter, and then
terminate in a perforated diaphragm, the circular mouth of which is
of about half the diameter of the cell above it. Beneath this
diaphragm an elongated cavity or cell extends, and opens on the
outer surface of the sponge; the whole length of the cell, from the
inner edge of the diaphragm to its termination near the outer surface,
being closely studded with tesselated, nucleated, cellular structure.
Within the diaphragm, and between the inner termination of the
incurrent orifices, are situated the cilia, which are of excessive
tenuity, and comparatively of considerable length. Upon focussing
the diaphragm, the cilia may be seen in rapid motion within the
area of the circular orifice, many of them being tipped with a minute
portion of a gelatinous or of fecal matter, and thewhole of them
continually oscillate in a plane parallel to the edge of the diaphragm,
occasioning a continual current through its orifice.

Although both the presence and action of the cilia were very
clearly shown by this mode of examination, still neither the extent
of surface covered by them, nor their insertion, could be determined.
By dividing, however, one of these cells through its whole length,
which, after many trials and failures, was at last effected, portions of
these, examined in the same manner as in the preceding instances,
exhibited ciliary action; and as the vital energy decreased and their
motions became languid, one cilium in particular was observed, which
continued for nearly half an hour to wave gently backward towards
the outer surface of the sponge, and then rapidly forward towards the
mouth of the diaphragm. Many other cilia were observed, but none
so distinctly exhibited their peculiar action as this; and it was found
that although it may be highly probable that the cilia are based upon,
or spring from among, the tessellated cells, it was not possible to
ascertain the fact precisely ; but sufficient was shown not only to
prove the existence of ciliary action in the sponge, but also, by the
peculiar motion just described, to account for the flow of the current
in one direction.

December 11, 1850. Dr. Arthur Farre, President, in the chair.

A paper by P. H. Gosse, Esq., ‘On the Notomata parasita,
Ehrenb., a rotiferous animal, inhabiting the Spheres of Volvox glo-
bator, was read.

After stating that this animalcule was first described by Professor

_ Ehrenberg, in 1835, Mr. Gosse stated that he first observed it on the

26th of June, 1850, in specimens of Volvox globator, in water, given
him by Alfred Rosling, Esq. He afterwards obtained it from a little
pool near the railway-station at Leamington, in Warwickshire. This
creature is too small to be seen by the unassisted eye, its greatest
length being about a hundred and sixtieth of an inch. The author
minutely described the anatomy of this animalcule, and also gave an
account of its curious habits, it being parasitic in the elegant Volvox
globator, within the globe of which it lives at ease, swimming about
like a-gold-fish in a glass vase. It appears to subsist upon either the
green granules with which the gelatinous surface of the Volvox is
studded, or else upon the embryo clusters. It often happens that
two or more Notomate are seen in the same Volvox, and Mr. Gosse
states that in one individual he had met with as many as four, with
an egg besides. They are to be found chiefly in the smaller Volvoces,
and especially in those which have the embryos in a very immature
state. They have also been met with in the embryos themselves
when almost grown and nearly ready for escape from the parent
globe. The operations of this parasite do not appear to occasion
any perceptible inconvenience to the containing Volvox. In some
spheres eggs are found with Notomata, in others eggs alone. Mr.
Gosse also stated his opinion that it was possible that this parasite is
always hatched in a parent Volvox, but that the embryonic globe is
entered from without. He next described the eggs, some of which
are smooth, and others covered with prickles; and he suggested
that, as in these animals the sexes are distinct, both as regards size,
form and structure, the smooth eggs might be those of females, and
the prickly ones those of males. He concluded with some remarks
on the habits of this curious parasite.

Another paper by G. C. Handford, Esq., ‘On a white Mirror for
the Microscope,’ was also read.

Wishing to correct the unpleasant glare and other inconveniences
attendant on the reflected light of an ordinary silvered glass mirror,
the author was induced to construct one by which he considers these
defects may be remedied. It consists of a thin, concave glass, three
inches in diameter, the back of which is rendered white by means of

plaster of Paris or of zinc paint. This is mounted on brass and
fitted over the frame of the ordinary silvered mirror, thus not requiring
the latter to be removed. The advantage gained by this mirror he
stated to be, that the whole of the rays reflected from the surface of
the plaster of Paris were brought into one focus, together with those
reflected from the surface of the glass, and thus a more equal and
also a more brilliant light is produced than by any of the means
heretofore employed for the purpose of getting a perfectly white light.
—J. W.

Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

Thursday, November 14, 1850. Professor Fleming, President, in
the chair. .

The Curator gave in a report on the state of the herbarium,
noticing that considerable progress had recently been made in the
arrangement of the collections, and that four additional cases had
been obtained. Several important additions of foreign plants were
likewise noticed.

The following papers were read :—

1. ‘On the British species of Carex;’ by John M‘Laren. The
author stated that the substance of this paper was contained in an
essay written last summer for Dr. Balfour’s class. He had since
re-examined all the species, with the view of improving the descrip-
tions, and was happy to acknowledge his obligations to Dr. Arnott’s
edition of the ‘ British Flora, recently published, for some important
particulars which he had not previously observed. Among the more
important works which he had consulted were also Goodenough’s
‘Monograph of the British Carices,’ in the ‘ Linnean Transactions,’
Schkuhr’s ‘ Monograph’ (the French edition), Kunth’s ‘ Enumeratio
Plantarum,’ Fries’ ‘ Summa Flora Scandinavie,’ Babington’s ‘ Manual,’
and the figures in the ‘ English Botany’ and its Supplement. Some
others are quoted along with the synonyms. The author stated that,
in the present state of the science, unanimity could hardly be expected
among naturalists with regard to the true limits of species; but as it
was necessary, in describing the Carices, to adopt an opinion on this
subject, he thought it better to lean to the side of simplicity, and
rather to unite two plants whose identity might be doubtful, than to
retain them as ambiguous and ill-defined species. The result of these

alterations is, that about ten of the species described in recent bota-
nical works have been inserted merely as varieties.

While agreeing with Reichenbach in dividing this large and natural
genus, the subgenera have not been made to depend on the number
of stigmas, because by that arrangement C. cespitosa, C. saxatalis,
&e., are placed along with the species which have compound andro-
gynous spikes, and C. pauciflora and rupestris are likewise separated
from the species with simple solitary spikes. In the general classifi-
cation, the system of Fries has therefore been followed ; but in the
arrangement of the species some alterations have been made. The
usual mode of arranging the British species with glabrous fruit and
terminal barren spikes appeared to the author exceedingly vague, and
liable to many exceptions on account of the difference in the number,
form, and direction of the spikes, even in the same species. He has
therefore re-arranged them according to the nature of the bracts and
fruit, as will be seen from the subjoined table :-—

Subgenus Vignea (of Reich. in part): spikes simple, solitary or
compound, androgynous.
A. Spikes simple, solitary ; Monostachye, Fr.
B. Spikes compound, androgynous; Homostachye, Fr.
I. Bracts not foliaceous, spikelets fertile below ; Hyparrhene.
1. Root creeping.
2. Root fibrous.
If. Bracts long and foliaceous; Bracteose.
If]. Bracts not foliaceous, spikelets fertile above ; Acroarrhene.

Subgenus Carex (Heterostachyx, Fr.): spikes simple, distinct,
the terminal ones barren or androgynous, the rest fertile.
I. Spikes unisexual, achenes biconvex, stigmas two; Distig-
matice.
II. Terminal spike androgynous, fertile above, stigmas three ;
Tristigmatice Mesoarrhene.
Ill. Spikes unisexual, achenes trigonous, stigmas three; Tri-
stigmatice Acroarrhene.
1. Fruit smooth, bifid; bracts without sheaths.
2. Fruit smooth, entire; bracts sheathing.
3. Fruit smooth, bifid; bracts sheathing.
4. Fruit pilose, deeply bifid.
5. Fruit pilose, entire or nearly so; bracts foliaceous.
6. Fruit pilose, entire ; bracts membranous, sheathing.

Mr. M‘Laren then proceeded to give descriptions of the various
British species and varieties, and illustrated the paper by specimens
and dissections.

2. ‘Notes of a Botanical Trip to England;’ by John T. Syme.
Mr. Syme went to London on the 27th of August, and made Hamp-
stead his head-quarters during the first fortnight of his excursion.
Here he noticed the frequency of Solanum nigrum, Scutellaria minor,
Lemna polyrhiza, Mentha Pulegium, and the occurrence of Chenopo-
dium glaucum, polyspermum and ficifolium, Rumex palustris and
pratensis, and Erysimum cheiranthoides. At Battersea Fields he
observed Scirpus triqueter and carinatus, Datura Stramonium, Cheno-
podium ficifolium and hybridum, Erigeron canadensis, Rumex palus-
tris, and Cinanthe Phellandrium. Mr. Syme also visited Putney
Heath, where he gathered Acorus Calamus, Actinocarpus Damaso-
nium, Rumex maritimus, and Marrubium vulgare. Scirpus carinatus
was very fine near Wandsworth Pier, and Setaria viridis grew in a
field near Lavender Hill; Villarsia nymphezoides occurred in the
ponds on Wandsworth and Clapham Commons. Mr. Syme then
went to the Isle of Wight, where he found Mentha rotundifolia, Jun-
cus obtusiflorus, Cyperus longus, and other plants of less interest.
He also visited Norfolk. At Norwich, Datura Stramonium and Ver-
bascum pulverulentum were found; and Rumex palustris, Coryne-
phorus canescens, Chenopodinm murale, and Cicuta virosa near
Yarmouth. At Belton, in Suffolk, he noticed the occurrence of
Potamogeton pectinatus, Sium latifolium, Althza officinalis, and
Hordeum maritimum ; and at Lowestoft, Urtica pilulifera was found,
by Mr. Babington’s directions to its locality, and Rumex pulcher.
Mr. Syme returned to Edinburgh on the 17th of September, and was
able to send between 500 and 600 specimens of plants to the Society,
belonging to species with which it was previously very ill supplied.

3. ‘Notice of the Discovery of Saxifraga Hirculus in Boovland
Moss, Walston, Lanarkshire, in September last ;’ by Geo. J. Blackie.
The following are the Scottish stations in which this plant has been
found :—

Langton, Berwickshire.

Source of the Medwyn, Pentland Hills, about eighteen miles south-
west from Edinburgh, where it was first gathered by Dr. Alexander
Hunter, September 11, 1836.

Wet moor on the farm of Jacksbarns, or Jackston, parish of Glen-
bervie, Kincardineshire, where it was found by Mr. James Rae, June
29, 1839.

. AT

On a wet moor between Fala and Stowe.

On the northern side of the Ochills, not far from Dollar, found by
Mr, Wyville Thomson.

Near Walston, Lanarkshire, found by Mr. Blackie.

Dr. Balfour noticed the discovery, by Mrs. Balfour, in August last,
of Ginannia furcellata, of Turner, in Lamlash Bay, Arran. This is
the first Scottish station for the plant. The Rev. Dr. Landsborough
has subsequently received this species from the same station, dredged
by Major Martin, Ardrossan. Specimens of the plant in fructifica-
tion were shown, both in the dry state and preserved in creosote,
and some were exhibited under the microscope.

Dr. Balfour exhibited a recently invented apparatus for drying
plants, which had been sent to him by Mr. John Ball, of Dublin.
The principle on which the apparatus was constructed is to allow
free circulation of air, so that both plants and paper are dried without
much changing.

There was exhibited, from Mr. Charles Lawson, a large plant of
Tussac Grass, grown in Orkney. Some recently received tufts of
this grass, when fresh, weighed about 1 cwt.

Dr. Balfour exhibited specimens illustrating the production of
Vinegar.

No. 1. The so-called vinegar-plant, with vinegar produced by it.

No. 2. Syrup into which the plant had not been introduced, but
which had been left for four months undisturbed. In it a peculiar
fungus-like growth similar to the vinegar-plant was found, and the
fluid had become vinegar.

No. 3. A specimen of vinegar produced by the vinegar-plant, which
had been filtered and then allowed to stand for several months, and
in which a fungus similar to that called the vinegar-plant had been
formed.

Dr. Balfour thought the so-called vinegar-plant must be considered
the Mycelium of some fungus produced in a peculiar fluid, and which
acted as a ferment. The addition of any ferment would probably
cause a similar production of vinegar.

A peculiar forked variety of Lastrea Filix-mas was exhibited by
Mr. Thomas Anderson, which he had picked in the neighbourhood
of Clonmel.

48 .

A Word with Sir William J. Hooker and George A. Walker-Arnott.
LL.D., &c. By LasTREA RECURVA.

Most potent, grave and reverend signiors! I hold that you have
wronged me. You not only rob me ofa name, but of my standing in
society, treating me as one of that ephemeral race universally known
amongst us foresters by the soubriquet of phantasmata,* and generally
supposed to be mere creations of the human brain. My elegant
sister, Filix-foemina, the only near relation I have in this country,
calls them ghosts, because, like ghosts, they never appear to more
than one person, and are invisible to everybody else. Now this is a
great mistake of yours, as you would yourselves find if you would
condescend to visit me, either here or in Cornwall. But between
ourselves, reverend signiors! you really cannot judge of the matter
fairly when you merely peep through your glasses at my cast-off
clothes. Come into the woods of Killarney, where you will find me
perfuming the air with my sweet, sweet breath, and where I chatter
all day long with my pretty cousin, Trichomanes speciosum, whom
you have nicknamed Trichomanes radicans, a point on which you
ought to have consulted my friends Robert Brown and Mr. Bennett,
both of whom would have told you better. But may be you don’t
care so much about being right as you do about spreading your own
doctrines. Ah! if you were but as wise as you are learned, you'd
just teach the truth, and trust to old time to take care of your
teachings.

Now let me ask you one question. Is it right of you so to state a
fact as to give a wrong impression? You say at page 570, “ One
state (meaning me) of the plant (meaning family), however, we
are desirous of noticing (and many thanks to you for your notice,
which sure I scarce deserve), from the great discussion it has
occasioned in some of the periodicals (meaning the ‘ Phytologist,’
which you wouldn’t, I know, mention if you could avoid it, and
which, by the way, is one, not some), namely, Aspidium dilatatum,
var. recurvum, of Bree in Mag. of Nat. Hist. vol. iv. p. 163, cum ic.
(all which you learn from Newman’s ‘ British Ferns,’ as now follows).
Lastrea recurva of Mr. Newman in ‘ British Ferns, 1844, p. 226.
We find no specific character in the latter work; but this deficiency
is compensated by Mr. Babington, who thus distinguishes it” (meaning

* “ Phantasma quod Cicero visum vocavit.”—Pliny.

me). Now this is the ¢ruth, but then it is not all the truth, and
therefore gives a wrong impression, for you know as well as I do that
Mr. Newman jirst gave me a specific character, in the ‘ Naturalist’s
Almanack,’ and that Mr. Babington followed Mr. Newman, adopting
his character almost word for word. All Mr. Newman’s “ specific
descriptions” are in the ‘ Naturalist’s Almanack’ for 1844, and you
will find the original specific description of myself is properly refer-
red to in the ‘ British Ferns,’ in the very page you have so attentively
studied. P

You go on to say, “ We cannot say much in favour of the figure of
Tastrea recurva of Mr. Newman (at hearing which no doubt Mr.
Newman will tear his hair, as the ancients were wont to do when
suffering under the displeasure of the gods), which has a very lax
habit, with distant pinnules, and moreover, being stated to be ‘ one-
fourth the natural size, and, though folded, yet occupying the entire
8vo page, must be a large plant,—nearly four feet high, including the
stipes.” I will not assume that you have ever heard of Euclid,
Cocker or Walkingame, all of them vulgar writers for school-boys,
men who were ignorant of botany, but who happen to have enjoyed
a wholesome reputation in their peculiar departments of mensuration
and calculation. I will conclude you know nothing of them,—
nothing at all; but I assure you they are respectable authorities in
their way, and, guided by their teachings, I will give you my
deductions. I first measure Mr. Newman’s likeness of me without
the stipes, and find it covers less than eight superficial inches; I
then take up Euclid, and find that, to obtain a superficies four times
as great, I have to multiply the number of superficial inches by four;
I then consult the recondite although vulgar Cocker, and find that
four times eight are thirty-two; and finally, I check this calculation
by Walkingame. This may be fairly estimated as a length of eight
inches, and an average breadth of four inches. My stipes is
represented as long as, or perhaps a little longer than, my leaf, say
eight inches and a half, and thus we have a total length of sixteen
inches and a half, which you,—not designedly, of course not; not to
raise a laugh against Mr. Newman and myself, of course not; but
from a want of acquaintance with the authors I have mentioned, and
a consequent ignorance of the mode of calculating superficial admea-
surements,—have converted into four feet. I will support Mr. Newman,
by saying that his estimate of my average magnitude is a correct one.

You then proceed to compare me with Nephrodium Feenisecii of
Mr. Lowe; with what success I will not pretend to say, but as I grow

: VOL Iv. H

in profusion in Madeira, and from that country have reached the
hands of Mr. Ward, Dr. Lemann, Mr. Watson, and many others, I
think there is no reason to doubt that he included me in the species
which he so named; but then, as you observe, you “have both Mr.
Lowe’s varieties, a. and (., from Madeira, so marked by (your)
valued friend Dr. Lemann; and there cannot be better authority for
Mr. Lowe’s plant (in which I fully concur; and) these unfortunately
tell a different tale ;” and subsequently one of you, viz., George A.
Walker-Arnott, LL.D., &c., makes this assertion in the ‘ Annals of
Natural History ’:—“I possess Nephrodium Feenisecii, Lowe, from
Lowe himself, and it is clearly not the form or species called Lastrea
recurva by Newman;” (Ann. Nat. Hist. vi. 473). From all this I
infer that Lowe’s Fenisecii is what has been called a “ collective ”
species, that is, two or three of us rolled into one, a practice that
Saves a deal of trouble and a deal of time, yet is what may be called
a slow or andante movement compared with the more brisk and
exciting labour of creating species out of one’s own imagination.

But abandoning the question of identity between Foenisecii and
myself, allow me to ask, in the most humble manner, by what means
you so positively identify me with your spinulosum, y. You admit
you can make nothing of Mr. Newman’s figure of me, and you say
you find in Mr. Newman’s book no specific description, and yet you
positively identify me as your spinulosum, y. ‘This is “ passing
strange!” You know me by my unintelligible effigy, by a represen-
tation that I am four feet high, and by the entire absence of a
description. There is no doubt, no query, no hesitation. This
indeed is superhuman wisdom! I have misgivings whether you are
altogether canny! However, I rejoice to be thus raised to the honor-
able position till lately occupied by my lovely mountain friend, rigida.
You surely have not forgotten that the lady now known as Lastrea
rigida was the spinulosum, y., of the earlier editions of the ‘ British
Flora,’ not, however, of the fifth edition: there something else figures
as spinulosum, y.; something found at “ Bingley Wood, near Hali-
fax, by Mr. W. Wilson;” something that had the “ pinnules and
segments very unequal in size and in their spinulose serratures ;”
something, in fact, which you suggest may be “a monstrosity.”
Thus your spinulosum, y., is of rather protean character: one year it
is Lastrea rigida! another a monstrosity !! another Lastrea recurva !!!
What will it be next? You “can’t say!” I thought as much. I
will answer for you. It will be nothing at all! By that time,
reverend signiors! you must yield to the information and expression

of opinion now pressing you on all sides, You must adopt me. You
may find an escape from Mr. Newman’s name in calling me Feenisecii,
Lowe or Lowi, Bab. or Walker-Arnott, Hook. or Hookeri, Walker-
Arnott. I care nothing for little indignities of that kind; but to
adopt me under some name is inevitable.. You must give each of us
our true status in society, whether you will or no. The working,
thinking, reading, cultivating botanists of the present day expect this
at your hands, and you will be too wise to withhold it. The sixth
edition of the ‘ British Flora’ is a long step in advance of the fifth,
and the fifth a long step before the fourth. Further concession must
be made, and let me entreat you to make it gracefully and courteously.
Show your respect for all that is done well, and never mind by whom.
None of us think you have treated Mr. Newman with the courtesy or
kindness which his book deserves. You seem angry with him be-
cause he has done so much for us; and we can’t understand it: we
all exclaim with Nature’s poet,—

“ Tantene animis ccelestibus ire?”

In doing good to us what harm has he done you? He never
mentions either of you unless with that respect to which all agree
your talents and labours entitle you. In fact, in the ‘ British Ferns’
he often goes out of his own way to bring in the name of Sir William
Hooker, seemingly for the express purpose of testifying his respect
for so illustrious a botanist.

Believe me, Reverend Signiors! your devoted but aggrieved servant,

LASTREA RECURVA.
Killarney, December 25, 1850.

South-Devon Locality for Adiantum Capillus-Veneris.
By T. B. Frower, Esq., F.L.S., &c.

I HAVE sent you specimens of A. Capillus-Veneris from rocks in
Mewstone Bay, Berry Head, South Devon, as I am not aware of its
being recorded growing in the south of Devon before, it being inte-
resting in a geographical point of view. The specimens from IIfra-
combe are merely sent to show that the station is not destroyed.

T. B. Flower.
Seend, Melksham, Wilts.

On the Locality for Typha minor in Kent.
By T. B. FroweEr, Esq., F.L.S., &e.

I oBSERVED, a few days since, while looking over the ‘recent
edition of the ‘ British Flora,’ by Sir. W. Hooker and Dr. Arnott, a
locality recorded for that rare plant Typha minor, on the authority of
Dr. Bromfield, in the following words :—“ I have a distinct recollec-
tion of having seen specimens of this plant, some years ago, at the
Linnean Society, which the late Mr. David Don gathered somewhere,
I think, in Kent.” Now I perfectly recollect this circumstance. In
October, 1839, my late lamented friend, Professor Don, showed me,
at the Linnean Society, specimens of what he considered to be Typha
minor, which had been collected in Kent, and being interested with
the discovery I made a note of it. Some time after, wishing to
obtain the exact locality, I called on the Professor, when he informed
me that he had changed his opinion, and that the plant could not be
considered anything more than a small form of Typha angustifolia.
T have therefore availed myself of the present opportunity of recording
the error in the pages of the ‘ Phytologist, in the absence of Dr.
Bromfield, who, I believe, at the present time is not in this country,
and to whom the above statement may possibly be acceptable, and
not only to that gentleman, but to botanists generally.

T. B. FLoweEr.
Seend, Melksham, Wilts,

February 6, 1851.

A few Notes on the Stations, &c., of Plants.
By H. L. pe 1a CHAUMETTE, Esq. °

Anemone ranunculoides. This very pretty Anemone is very com-
mon all along the banks of the Maladiére, on either side of the old
bridge, Canton de Vaud, Switzerland.

Trollius ewropeus. 1 found a field covered with the yellow
flowers of this plant half way up the Mount Tour de Gourze, Canton
de Vaud, Switzerland, in the year 1843.

Helleborus foctidus. Common in all the hedges and banks around
Lausanne, Switzerland.

Hesperis inodora. 1 gathered a solitary specimen on the 19th of

April, 1850, in a field adjoining a country-house at Norwood, appa-
rently growing quite wild.

- Isatis tinctoria. Still growing abundantly in the chalk-pit at
Guildford on the 25th of July, 1850.

_ Saponaria Ocymoides. 1 have gathered it in abundance along the
shore of the Lake of Geneva, near a place called Les Pierrettes,-
growing on the sands.

Tilia parvifolia. A splendid specimen of this tree stands in Moor
Park, near Watford: its circumference is about twenty-four feet.

Tilia europea. A splendid specimen of this tree still stands near
a small inn at Prilly, Canton de Vaud, Switzerland, measuring in cir-
cumference upwards of twenty-two feet, and the branches of it over-
shadow in summer three roads. A small fountain lies at its base.

Orobus vernus. I found this plant growing abundantly in the
Forest of Sauvabelin, Lausanne, Switzerland, near the Cascade.

Geum intermedium. 1 found this plant in the same forest, growing
among the thickets.

Potentilla micrantha and verna. Both these occur in the Forest of
Sauvabelin; the former is reckoned rather scarce, although it grows
freely in some parts of the forest; the latter is common all over the
rocks,

Rosa alpina. Common on the Mount Tour de Gourze and in
the Forest of Sauvabelin.

Bellidiastrum Michelii. Grows on the dry banks of the Wood of
La Batie, near Geneva.

Cynanchum vinceioxicum. This plant grows at the back of
Grandvaux and near Belmont and Rovereas, Canton de Vaud, Swit-
zerland.

Heliotropium europeum. Common all along the Lake on the
sands, from Coppet to Lausanne, Switzerland.

Pulmonaria officinalis. Found it abundantly in the Wood of
Sauvabelin, near Lausanne.

Datura Stramonium. Environs of Lausanne, growing among
rubbish and in uncultivated grounds here and there.

Daphne mezereum. Common in the woods around Lausanne.

Hippophaé Rhamnoides. Along the banks of the Lake of Geneva,
growing in the sands. I brought up from a larva, which was found
and fed on this shrub, a specimen of Sphinx Hippophaés.

Cypripedium calceolus. 1 gathered one solitary specimen at the
summit of the Mount Tour de Gourze, Switzerland, in the year 1843,

Galanthus nivalis. Common in the fields to the north of Lau-
sanne, Switzerland.

Maianthemum bifolium. J found this plant growing in the mid-
dle of the Forest of Sauvabelin, Switzerland.

Muscari racemosum, comosum and botryoides are all to be found
in fields and vineyards in the neighbourhood of Lausanne, Switzer-
land.

Perhaps the following list of some of the names given by the
country people to certain plants in Switzerland may not be unac-
ceptible to the readers of the ‘ Phytologist.’

Oxalis acetosella, Pain de coucou, Alleluia.
Euonymus europeus, Bonnet de Prétre, Bois carre.
Rhamnus frangula, Pouverne, Bourdaine.
Rhamnus catharticus, Quemot.

Genista tinctoria, La Marjolaine.

Ononis spinosa, Tendon.

Onobrychis sativa, L’Esparcette.

Prunus spinosa, L’Epine noire.

Crategus oxyacantha, L’Epine blanche.
Cerasus mahalep, Bois de Sainte Lucie.

Cornus sanguinea, Bois punais.

Valerianella olitoria, Trochette, Rampon.
Ligustrum vulgare, Sauvillot, Crucillion.
Lithospermum officinale, Herbe aux perles.
Lysimachia nummularia, Herbes aux ecus.
Paris quadrifolia, Raisin de renard.
Ornithogalum umbellatum, Dame d’onze heure.

H. L. DE LA CHAUMETTE.
Stoke Newington, February 1, 1851.

Note on Lastrea uliginosa. | By Mr. Cuarztes Woop.

As you solicit information respecting Lastrea uliginosa of Lloyd, I
have to state that when Mr. Lloyd returned from a botanical tour in
Nottinghamshire, in 1846, he supplied me with several ferns, all of
which I potted in peat, &c., and they grew admirably. Amongst
them I fancied I could detect a new form; at first I considered it

only a variety of spinosa or cristata, but of which I was at a loss to
decide. I showed it to several botanical friends of mine, and they
appeared as much perplexed as myself, some considering it a variety
of one thing, and others differing from them. I named it to Mr.
Lloyd, and inquired of him further particulars respecting its locality,
&c., and he assured me that he had previously noticed the different
characters of this fern, but supposed it merely a variety of L. cristata.
Mr. Lloyd sent specimens to several botanists, requesting their opi-
nions upon it, but no two of them arrived at the same conclusion ;
consequently it appears to form a connecting link amongst nearly the
whole of the species of the genus Lastrea; but after cultivating it for
four seasons without its characters in the least altering, I most deci-
dedly agree with Mr. Lloyd and others in considering it as much
deserving to rank as a species as either Lastrea spinosa, cristata, or
multiflora. It would be superfluous on my part to attempt an
explanation of its distinctive characters after the lucid manner in
which Mr. Newman has pointed them out in the ‘ Phytologist’ for
October, 1849.

CHARLES Woop.
» Wandsworth Common,

February 10, 1851.

A Word more on Lastrea uliginosa. By Epwarp NEWMAN.

I cAN imagine the reader begins to feel nauseated with this sub-
ject, but I cannot resist the temptation to invite his attention to a
passage in a former number (Phytol. iii. 101), where he will find that
the distinguished Professor Braun, of Freiburg, whose name ranks
high among European pteridologists, had previously described the
same fern, found in the bog at Freiburg, in company with cristatum,
under the same name. I beg to refer the reader to the page above
mentioned ; he will there find a translation of Braun’s description,
which, accompanied by the habitat, leaves little doubt as to the iden-
lity of the two plants. I feel that I have to apologise to the readers
of the ‘ Phytologist’ for introducing a second description when the
first would have sufficed.

EDWARD NEWMAN.
9, Devonshire St., Bishopsgate.

Remarks on some Starred Plants in the New Edition of the ‘ British
Flora, by Sir W. J. Hooker and Dr. G. A. Walker-Arnott. By
Epwin Legs, Esq., F.L.S.

I quite agree with the observation in the Preface to the ‘ Phytolo-
gist’ for 1850, that “ Nothing can be more confused, contradictory
and unsatisfactory, than the capricious decisions of our publishing
botanists as regards the nativity of plants growing wild in Britain.”
I may add, too, that in many instances there appears to be no fair
and just appreciation of evidence in the matter, and a judgment is
given perhaps founded only on experience of a restricted district; or
at any rate caprice is apparent when various plants are compared that
bear the degrading mark of naturalization. Indeed, unless some
rational rule,be employed as an approximation to truth, I can see no
use in using the asterisk or dagger at all: let every observer form his
own opinion.

I have been led to think of this by an examination of the new edi-
tion of Hooker’s ‘ British Flora. Here I see Anemone apennina,
Adonis autumnalis, Corydalis lutea, and Aquilegia vulgaris, all set
down with the same starry mark denoting introduction. I take these
almost-at-random classes of supposed interlopers. In Adonis we may
admit an agrarian growing “ amongst corn,” or in manured land, and
thus associated with cultivation; and we may see without doubt
Corydalis lutea stealing out of the bounds of the garden, and adorn-
ing some adjacent wall or convenient bank. So as Anemone appen-
nina is only found in a few spots, maintaining its position with
difficulty, it may justly be considered of foreign origin; but how can
the columbine be properly placed in the same category with it,
growing as it does in hundreds of English woods and out-of-the-way
places. Why a Herefordshire carter would enlighten a botanist as
to the place where to find a wild columbine. But then it must have
got out of some cottage-garden, for don’t we always see it there with
oxlips and daffydowndillies? Yes, there they are, sure enough!
Perhaps there is a raspberry-bush in the garden too, from whence
those now seen in the adjacent woods may have taken their rise!
But a poor observant poet I shall here show may beat a learned
closet-botanist at a fact of eye-sight experience, for what says poor
Clare, the Northamptonshire poet, anent the columbine ?

“ The columbines, stone-blue, or deep night-brown,
Their honeycomb-like blossoms hanging down,

Each cottage garden’s fond adopted child,
Though heaths still claim them where they yet grow wild.’*

For my own part, I have been accustomed to meet with the colum-
bine in haunts far removed from public view, and in thickets distant
enough even from cottage smoke; but it seems to be lost sight of by
many persons how frequently the root of a pretty wild-flower is dug
up from the place of its nativity and transplanted to a garden: this
was done to a far greater extent formerly than itis now. Words-
worth testifies to the practice of the cottagers of Cumberland and
Westmoreland.

“ Brought from the woods, the honeysuckle twines
Around the porch, and seems in that trim place
A plant no longer wild ; the cultur’d rose
There blossoms, strong in health, and will be soon
Roof-high ; the wild pink crowns the garden wall,
And with the flowers are intermingled stones
Sparry and bright, rough scatterings of the hills.”+

* T have frequently thought that the testimony of some of our rural poets, men with
keenly-observant eyes, might in some cases be as good as a botanist’s for the localities
of plants, and not undeserving of record either. Take for instance the following
from Drayton’s ‘ Nymphidia : ’—

* And for the queen a fitting bow’r,
(Quoth he) is that fair cowslip-flow’,
On Hipcut Hill that groweth ;
Tn all your train there’s not a fay
That ever went to gather May,
But she hath made it in her way
The tallest there that groweth.”

This Hipceut Hill I presume is in Warwickshire, and perhaps Mr. Bree could tell
us whether it is as famed for its oxlips now as it seems to have been in: Drayton’s
time. Wordsworth in one of his poems has celebrated the daffodils of the Lake dis-
trict, and their abundance, though I recollect no botanical record of the fact, perhaps
from “ wandering botanists” not being on the alert at the early season when the Nar-
cissus Pseudo-narcissus appears.

“ They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay :
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.”

Grahame in the homely strains of his ‘ Birds of Scotland’ refers to the Herb Paris,
and the habitats of other shrubs and flowers, in a pictorial way as adornments of the
actual landscape. A considerable collection might be made out from various sources.
+ ‘ Excursion,’ p. 280.

WOE: 3. 1

It seems odd enough that while a decided woodland plant like the
columbine is branded as introduced, no mark at all appears against
the wall-flower (Cheiranthus Cheiri), which no botanist in this
country ever affected to find except upon “old walls.” Several
other plants of walls and ruins, though evident immigrators at some
former period, are allowed to pass muster with the oldest natives:
thus the star becomes a mere capricious mark of opinion instead of
conveying the knowledge of a decided fact.

I remember a remark made by some botanical writer’ (I think Mr.
Watson), that localities of plants once recorded need not be repeated;
but it seems necessary to do so when elucidatory observations of
value made in other publications are entirely lost sight of by the con-
cocters of general floras, even in their latest amended editions. That
a flora need not be cumbered with the localities of plants pretty gene-
rally distributed we may fairly allow; still false impressions should
not be permitted to remain, and the range of remarkable plants given
where possible. Now the woad (satis tinctoria) is an historical
plant, interesting as having furnished the blue dye with which the
ancient Britons painted or rubbed their naked bodies for terrific
effect. It would seem likely that the woad was really a native in
those early times to be generally employed as described, or the Bri-
tains might have cultivated it: any locality then suggestive of long
occupation would seem highly curious. The only information given
in the work of the learned authors alluded to is the old story of “ cul-
tivated fields about Ely, Durham, &c.” An “ &c.” may be compre-
hensive or not, but the impression given to a student undoubtedly is,
that the woad is confined to the eastern side of England, and only
found casually in cultivated fields there. Now it grows abundantly
in the chalk-pits of Surrey, whence I have specimens, and at a spot I
am about to indicate in the west of England, where it has grown wild
beyond the memory of man. Dyer mentions it in his ‘ Fleece’ as if
he considered it a native, and his observations on pastures and vege-
tables are generally very correct.

“ Our valleys yield not, or but sparing yield
The dyer’s gay materials. Only weld,
Or root of madder, here, or purple woad,
By which our/naked ancestors obscur'd
Their hardy limbs, inwrought with mystic forms,
Like Egypt’s obelisks.”

Possibly the star may have been affixed to the woad in reliance on
the opinion given by Mr. Watson in ‘ Cybele Britannica,’ that the

Isatis tinctoria “ can scarce be said to have acquired so permanent a
possession of its localities as would justify its reference to the cate-
gory of denizens. Localities may be found recorded in Botanical
Guides; but in how many of such localities the plant itself would
now be found, I cannot venture to say.” It is a pity that a fact
should not be established by inquiry instead of remaining in a state

of uncertainty. The station of the precipitous face of the red marl
cliff at the Mythe Tout, above Tewkesbury, where the Severn divides
Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, appears in the list of plants I
sent to the ‘ New Botanist’s Guide,’ as edited by Mr. Watson, several
years ago, and large specimens were sent at a later period to the Lon-

don Botanical Society, Why I think this locality very remarkable

is, that the lofty marl cliff here is terminated southward by a tumulus

or mount of worship, dedicated of old, as its name implies, to the idol
Teutates. Now as a boy | became acquainted with the woad on the
marl cliff without knowing its botanical name prior to 1818, as occur-

ring year after year. Here again, from proximity of residence, I was
enabled to observe it in splendour of flowering each year from
1836 to 1841, and on my information Mr. Thomas Westcombe, of
Worcester, has gathered it at the Mythe Tout since that time, when it

Was very abundant, and there a relative tells me it still was last year.
There is no recollection of the woad ever having been cultivated about
Tewkesbury, and on the mar! cliff, where it grows, extensive pastures
only appear on either side of the river and on the summit of the cliff.
This then would seem an undeniable place of wild growth, unless it

be supposed possible that it is a lingerer from Celtic cultivation. In
. France the woad appears to be considered a native without any doubt.
: The soapwort (Saponaria officinalis), certainly but little used at
present officinally, although having the brand, and said to be found
“ especially near cottages,’ might surely have been allowed to pass
muster with the red currant (Ribes rubrum) and gooseberry (R. gros-
sularia), which are lucky enough to escape with the mild remark of
“ scarcely indigenous.” ‘This star in one very dubious case, and the
omission in others, yet with the “ scarcely,” leaves matters in a very
unsatisfactory way. Currants and gooseberries it must be admitted
are rarely found except as individual stragglers, mostly about brooks
and water-courses, but the soapwort extends itself in truly wild loca-
lities for long distances. It occurs in numerous patches on the
banks of the Severn, and in profusion on the side of the gravelly Usk,
near Crickhowel, in Breconshire. 1 have several times met with it,

_ too, in bushy places in the midst of woods. It seems to be forgotten

that a plant once used for rustic services, and therefore an attendant
about cottage hedges, may also be aboriginal to the country.

I must try to rescue another plant, rather a favourite of mine, from
the stars and stripes of bondage, and claim its freedom as a native-
born Briton. This is the Sedum album, which I think appears with
the brand for the first time. That it may in general be seen the cap-
tive of walls, and even chained like a domesticated pet upon roofs,
may be true enough, but I shall contend for its being born free. Who
will accompany me at this misty time to the slippery dripping rocks
of the North Hill, at Malvern, dark with the purple Parmelia or the
leather-like Umbilicaria’ Higher up, beyond those deep-green, rigid,
yet close-shorn, gorse-bushes and withered brakes, away from any
path except the narrow track of the sheep, there upon mouldy ledges,
with difficulty reached, and among fleshy leaves of the Cotyledon,
nestles in little trailing tufts, with its turgid red leaves, the Sedum we
are in quest of. And upon those bold lichened rocks hath been its
seat time out of mind. Oh! but—some

“ Hermit good, who lived in that wood,”

probably St. Werstan, whose martyrdom appears in the stained abbey-
windows below, was kind enough to plant the Sedum album here for
the benefit of botanists! Among the flowers surrounding his figure
in the stained lights, something like gorse, fern, foxgloves, and prim-
roses really do appear, and as in this primitive flora the Sedum is not
evidently visible, what can we infer but that some monk must have
planted the little Sedum? When the Sedum album was first recorded
as growing on the Malvern rocks J am unable to say, but it appears
in the second edition of Withering, published in the last century, on
the authority of Dr. Stokes, who edited that issue, and Mr. Ballard, a
surgeon, of Hanley Castle. Mr. Watson in his ‘ Cybele,’ though my
‘Botany of the Malvern Hills’ might have been quoted for the fact,
leaves the matter as if swb judice, and puts the question, “ Is S. album
a native upon the Malvern rocks ?” Only a resident of the vicinity is
properly qualified to answer. It has most certainly every appearance
of being indigenous upon the precipitous rocks I have noted, which
are away from any path, where no even hermit’s garden could have
ever been, and at an elevation of about eight hundred feet. Below
these rocks the plant never occurs, nor have J, in an experience of
Malvern of more than thirty years, ever seen the Sedum album on
walls of gardens about the village or town, as it has now become.
Mr. Borrer has stated that the Malvern Sedum is S. teretifolia of

61 ‘

Haworth, but whether more is meant by that than the one being a
synonym of the other, I am unable to say.. The Malvern Sedum
album only flowers in very hot seasons, and I have only gathered it
twice in that state. Mr. Thomas Westcombe, of Worcester, a very
careful investigator of our native plants, tells me that in his garden he
has cultivated the Malvern Sedum for many years without once
inducing a flower to appear, and I have often had it flourishing for a
long time in a pot in the same predicament. Mr. Westcombe further
says that the plant is very similar to, and indeed scarcely distinguish-
able from, a Sedum he received from Montreal, in Canada, under the
name of 8. Monsregilense, and which in like manner has never
flowered with him under cultivation. If it is thought unlikely that
the Malvern rocks should nourish a Sedum not found certainly wild
elsewhere in Britain, parallel cases might be adduced with the Coto-
neaster at the Orme’s Head, Potentilla rupestris on Craig Brithen, and
Dianthus cesius on the Cheddar cliffs. |
Although I think I might justly object to the appearance of the star
as shedding but little light in several other instances, I shall now
confine myself to the notice of the poplars, three of which are struck
off the roll of our native trees, and put under its baneful influence.
We may however properly consider the white poplar as made up of
two varieties, alba and canescens, for I am unable to distinguish the
two specifically. Sir J. E. Smith lays some stress upon the stig-
mas being four in the former and eight in the latter, but in fact even
in P. alba they are difficult to distinguish as four only, their extremi-
ties being more or less divided, and thus they appear as six, seven, or
eight, according to the greater or less divarication of the lobe. The
palmate root-leaves, densely downy and white beneath, seem nearly
the same in both varieties, and little remains to distinguish them but
the wood, reported as much “firmer” in canescens than in alba,
arising probably merely from the drier ground in which canescens
usually grows. Selby however remarks in his ‘ British Forest Trees’
‘that “if they are only varieties of one species, the original stock is
more likely to be the Populus canescens than the P. alba, the first
appearing to have a wider geographical distribution, and to be more
generally met with in a wild and indigenous state, than the latter.”*
Principally in the form of P. canescens, I have observed the white
poplar widely distributed, especially on the margins of streams to-
_ wards their sources in the hills, where its lofty, smooth stem and gray

* Selby’s ‘ History of British Forest Trees,’ 8vo, p. 176.

bark give a peculiar feature to such upland spots, while the boiste-
rous stream makes its everlasting cry among the dark pebbles that
encumber its bed-beneath the rude and tottering foot-bridge. Dr.
Bromfield has suggested that the aspen (Populus tremula) is the
only poplar of those reputed British, that “ occurs in the middle of
our large woods remote from the inclosed country.” It is true enough
that the aspen is common enough in a small form in almost every
extensive wood. But we must look to the peculiar character of the
gray and white poplars. ‘They are not trees of the forest, but delight
to form societies of their own on the banks of streams or on the mar-
gin of marshy heaths. Here they appear as Nature intended them,
giving a characteristic feature to the barren, sloppy flats, that have
scarcely any other trees to countenance them but scraggy, stunted
and fissured willows ; and when the autunimal breeze blusters among
their silvery leaves what a pleasing effect is produced before the eye
of the lone wanderer in such places. I find the gray poplar scattered
more or less on all our moist Worcestershire heaths, and abundant in
several yet uncultivated parts of Malvern Chace, for even if cut down
occasionally, suckers from the roots quickly overspread the ground,
forming a young shrubbery, and bearing monstrous leaves, excessively
white beneath. As far as I have noticed, the white and gray poplars
are not common in Wales, but I have notes of C. canescens as occur-
ring at Peleombe, near Haverfordwest, and near Cannington Bridge,
Pembrokeshire.

With respect to the black poplar (P. nigra), surely its wide distri-
bution throughout Britain, as remarked by Selby, is “ strongly in
favour of its being indigenous.” Indeed, except from the fact that
black Italian poplars are now generally planted in shrubberies, I can
conceive no solid reason for blackening the character of P. nigra.
Nothing is more common on the winding woody banks of our roving
and bubbling Worcestershire brooks than old, tortuous, cracky trees
of the black-poplar, with grotesque pollarded heads, that look like
demons against the evening sky, with the furrows of hundreds of
wintry storms upon their sides. Far more enduring than the willows,
beside which they meditate, they remain firm amidst the catastrophes
that so often upset the disembowelled trunks of those fragile trees,
and really form some of our noblest dryadean inhabitants by watery
places. I have noticed some twenty feet in circumference, and on the
banks of the Severn at the Lower Lode, near Tewkesbury, is a grove
of very old black poplars, so lofty that a rookery has been located in
them beyond the recollection of anyone now living. It is remarkable

that almost everywhere in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire where
the Italian black poplar is planted, that in a few years the boughs of
the trees become loaded with misletoe, far more so indeed than upon
apple-trees, upon which it is common enough in this county and
Herefordshire. Yet strange to say, on the native Populus nigra,
though I have examined every tree I came near for a long time, yet
I have never observed the misletoe growing there in a single instance.

But I have perhaps strayed a little from the point I commenced
this paper with, the stars, that might as well be put out as permitted
to shine! Surely it is capricious and inconsistent to put the same
mark against a columbine, a medlar, and a turnip, and pass over the
wall-flower and Arabis turrita without any mark at all. There is also
a great want of exactness in making a similar character positive in
one case, as in the common elm, and only interrogatory in another,
as Populus canescens and nigra, which doubtfully are said to be
“scarcely indigenous.” I think Dr. Bromfield’s double dagger ({)
might well be employed to stab plants the certain derivatives of a
garden, while a single dagger (t+) might be given to those known as
introduced, but naturalized for a long time, as Teucrium Chamedrys,
Linaria Cymbalaria, &c. Some very dubious cases might be starred,
but not against evidence, as in the cases of the columbine and Sedum
album.

In a descriptive flora intended for students and neophytes, who of
course want information on all specimens they may find, I really
think that such plants as Lilium Martagon, Maianthemum bifolium,
Narcissus incomparabilis, and many others apparently naturalized in
Britain, ought not to be slurred over undescribed, under'the plea that
the author or authors do not believe them to be indigenous, or that
they have “no right to be admitted into our flora.” What in fact
gives the right, but the occurrence of the plant, and if it does occur,
come from where it may it ought to be catalogued and described. In
the case of the Anacharis alsinastrum, though probably enough origi-
nally an American plant, this is allowed without any demur. Where
indeed should the line be drawn? Surely occurring plants deserve
commemoration. In one place the authors of the ‘ British Flora’
assert that our plants are all derived from the continent, which, if the
European continent be meant, requires some qualification. But
_ allowing this for a great portion of our flora, let us take Tulipa syl-
vyestris for instance, an inhabitant mostly of chalk-pits and quarries
(and which, by the bye, has no star), and considering it as an intro-
duction, on what principle is that to be considered to have a right to

a place in our native flora, while Eranthis hyemalis, Petasites fragrans,
Melissa officinalis, Atriplex hortensis, Rumex scutatus, &c., as well
as{those before mentioned, some of which are as much established as
the Tulipa, are designated as having “no claim” to be enumerated
in a British flora. Some of the above are really in more natural posi-
tions than Petroselinum sativum, which appears without scruple, though
scarcely of older date upon old walls.

These observations are not made with the slightest view of carping
unfairly at the labours of learned botanists, but are thrown out as ten-
drils of thought, or little burs of reflection, under the hope that some
better general understanding may be come to as to marks of introduc-
tion and naturalization, which are at present altogether incongruous
and conflicting, productive indeed rather of vexation than information.

EDwIn LEEs.
Cedar Terrace, Henwick, Worcester,

February 8, 1851.

Botanical Notes for 1851.
By GerorGE Stacey Gisson, Esq., F.L.S.

HAVING spent a short time last summer at Durroon, a small but
beautifully-situated watering-place on the west coast of Scotland,
much frequented by residents at Glasgow and the neighbourhood, I
enclose a list of some of the rarer plants met with, as I do not remem-
ber having seen any notice of this district in the ‘ Phytologist.’ It is
not by any means particularly rich, but there are a good many bog
plants, with some maritime and mountain species.

Of the former, viz., the bog or marshy-ground plants, one of the
commonest is Carum verticillatum, which is more plentiful than any
other umbelliferous plant, and met with in all such localities. Malaxis
paludosa is found rather sparingly on the spongy sides of the hills,
but may easily be overlooked from its small size and inconspicuous
colour; it is accompanied in greater quantity by Pinguicula lusita-
nica. Osmunda regalis is not uncommon in moist woods. Oxyria
reniformis grows by the sides of mountain rills. Besides these, may
be enumerated Qinanthe crocata, Helosciadium inundatum, Habe-
naria bifolia and chlorantha, Crepis paludosa, Comarum palustre,
Narthecium ossifragum, Hypericum dubium, Saxifraga aizoides,

Menyanthes trifoliata, Carex pulicaris, distans and pallescens, Hip-
puris vulgaris, Viola palustris, Lycopus europeus, Veronica scutel-
lata, &c. Mimulus luteus grows abundantly in a moist meadow,
where it is completely naturalized.

Among the maritime plants may be noticed Erythrea linariifolia,
Blysmus rufus, Schlerochloa maritima, all abundant on the salt-marsh
banks of the Holy Loch, with the commoner species, Salicornia her-
bacea, Glaux maritima, Aster Tripolium, Scirpus maritimus, &c.

Of the mountain species, Salix herbacea and Thalictrum alpinum
grow near the top of the Bishop’s Seat ; Saxifraga stellaris, Asplenium
viride, Cystopteris fragilis, &c., in a gorge near the same hill. Poly-
podium Phegopteris and Dryopteris are not uncommon, also Lycopo-
dium Selago and selaginoides. Hypericum Audrosemum is found in
woods, and Hymenophyllum Wilsoni grows on a wall in a shady lane.

A longer stay might have enabled me to enlarge this list, but the
locality is a limited one, and the soil and situations rather similar.

The neighbourhood of Blair Athol is doubtless a very rich one, and
in aramble of a few hours there I met with the following species :—
Polygonum viviparum, Rumex aquaticus, Geranium sylvaticam, Ga-
lium boreale, Astragalus hypoglottis, Trollius europzeus, Habenaria
albida, Carduus heterophyllus, Hieracium Lapeyrousii or cerinthoides,
Viola lutea, Galeopsis versicolor, Lycopodium alpinum, Equisetum
sylvaticum, &c.

Last year [I expressed a doubt respecting Fumaria parviflora
having been found in this country. ‘This doubt has been since
entirely removed, by my meeting with it and F. Vaillantii growing
together in a field at Settlebury, near this town, in considerable
plenty, and bearing marks of being distinct species. Probably they
may not be uncommon, as I have also found them separately in other
places in this district. Their specific characters are detailed by A.
Henfrey, the most prominent of which are, that in parviflora the
leaves are in narrow capillary segments, yellow glaucous-green ; the
flowers are white, tipped with dark, and fading off purple; the habit
is bushy and upright. In Vaillantii the leaves have broader seg-
ments, are of a bluish, darker green, often tinged with purple; the
flowers are purplish, never white, but fading to somewhat of that
colour; the habit is spreading and diffuse. This, too, appears to be
an earlier-flowering species, scarcely any trace of it remaining in the
autumn, while parviflora was still flowering freely. The seeds appear

similar. I have not seen any intermediate forms ; indeed, Vaillantii

seems more intermediate between parviflora and officinalis than allied
a

| . VoL, 1v. K
ut

to either. The figures of them in ‘ English Botany’ are pretty good
representations, but parviflora is figured from a young and undeve-
loped specimen.

My friend J. Clarke noticed a Carduus this summer of a rather
peculiar appearance, corresponding in most respects to acanthoides,
but differing in its much larger flowers, and broad involucral scales,
which are often coloured, and nearly resemble some small specimens
of nutans. It is found in several different places by road-sides. The
description which Sir J. E. Smith gives of C. crispus corresponds
with it, which he says had not then been found in Britain; but the
flowers are not clustered, as stated in Babington’s ‘ Manual: perhaps
Smith’s crispus is his acanthoides, &c., and Smith’s acanthoides his
@. crispus, which he says is the more common. Koch treats them as
distinct species, but it is almost impossible to find any characters in
his descriptions of them. Though probably only a variety of acan-
thoides, it deserves further attention.

Poterium muricatum has been gathered again here this year in one
of its former localities, and also on the railway banks plentifully; it
seems to grow on richer ground than Sanguisorba, of which some think
it only a variety, caused by difference of situation, the uricated cha-
racter of the seeds not being always equally apparent, and it is diffi-
cult to distinguish by other peculiarities. Ido not give this as my
opinion, but think that it may be considered an open question.

Melilotus arvensis does not seem to be confined to the south of
England, as I gathered it on a ballast-hill near South Shields, with
M. officinalis and vulgaris, Silene noctiflora, and Senecio viscosus.

The genus Arctium claimed my notice last autumn, but I have not
been able to arrive at any satisfactory conclusion upon it. We have
here three forms, answering, I believe, to those described by one or
more foreign authors as major, minor and intermedium, which in their
extreme forms appear distinct, but in others are not easy to distin-
cuish; they are all common, the first generally in moist ground, the
second in shady places, and the third by road-sides, &c., though they
are sometimes all found together. ‘The chief differences are in the
size, shape and colour of the flower, the position of the involucral
scales, and the amount of web. Most authors admit two species, but
there is considerable difference of sentiment even on this point. The
figures in ‘English Botany’ are greatly confused; the one repre-
sented there as tomentosa being what I suppose to be intermedium ;
the Lappa being minor; and the true major, answering to the Lappa
of most English authors, not being figured at all. Major or Lappa,

and minor or bardana, are very different in appearance, but are so

closely connected by forms of intermedium, that it is difficult to say

to which some specimens should be referred, and I am inclined to
think a threefold division of the genus may be more correct than a
twofold, while perhaps the real truth will be that they will all prove to
be forms of the same species, but I am not yet prepared fully to admit
this view of the subject. If the attention of botanists in different
places is called to it, a more satisfactory solution of the difficulty may
be arrived at.
G. S, GIBSON.
Saffron Walden,
February 10, 1851.

Remarks on the Spirilla or Spermatozoides of Mosses.
By W. Witson, Esq.

More than a year ago I commenced in earnest my observations of
these very singular bodies, whose active movements when just at
maturity caused me long ago to overlook them as animalcules, which
had intruded themselves into the antheridia. They are well worth
the study of every possessor of a good microscope. ‘The representa-
tion of their form given in Lindley’s ‘ Vegetable Kingdom,’ and indeed
in all the works I have yet seen, not excepting Dr. W. P. Schimpe’s
excellent ‘ Recherches Anatomiques et Morphologiques Sur les Mous-
ses, is unsatisfactory. The shape and size of the spirilla are both
variable in different species of moss, but not so much so as to justify
the published figures. The best examples are found in all the spe-
cies of Sphagnum, where the massive portion of the spirillum is truly
sausage-shaped, not gradually tapering into a spirally-folded tail; the
tail itself being attached to the back and not at one end of the body,
and about five or six times as long when drawn out, forming a helix
of one turn and a half or rather more, while the spirillum is in active
motion, and immersed in fluid. On drying, the spiral fibre is uncoiled,
and assumes various forms. In the antheridia of Polytrichum the
spirilla are confined, up to a late period, in the cavities of cellular
tissue, each cellule containing a single spirillum, whose gyrations are
(while still in confinement) even more rapid and energetic than those
of Sphagnum. These bodies have been seen in the antheridia of Splach-
num, of various Hypna, and indeed in so many other genera of mos-
ses, that there is good reason to conclude that they exist universally

in the tribe, and that they also occurin the Hepatice. Mnium
hornum, common on sandy banks, affords a good example for obser-
vation about this time of the year; but it is necessary to observe that
the antheridia must be watched, and taken at the proper moment, in
order to obtain results which shall be perfectly satisfactory. They
continue in perfection for some days when confined in a tin box, but
probably burst more speedily in a growing state. It would seem that
the motions of the spirilla, both as to kind and intensity, are very
much influenced by the degree of maturity of the anther under exa-
mination. In an early stage, only a few of the spirilla among the gene-
ral mass show signs of activity, and their movements are comparatively
languid and fitful. Ina perfect state the spirillum acquires both a
rotatory aud a progressive motion, both motions, however, resulting
from one and the same impetus. In a less complete state the motion
of the spirillum is either gyration on a fixed axis or one combined
with an irregular oscillatory movement, more or less rapid, varying
from two to ten or more gyrations in a second. The normal move-
ment, however, is in the direction of the spiral fibre, which screws
itself along through the fluid, often in a perfectly straight course,
dragging after it the sausage-shaped body; the progressive motion
being often so quiet as to render it difficult to follow it.

There has of late been a strong tendency to refer such movements
to some principle not distinguishable from that of animal life, but it
appears to me that they can be sufficiently accounted for on more
simple grounds. Were the spirilla really possessed of life, one might
expect them, at any rate, to follow the usual rule, and to go head
first, but these always move as if the spiral fibre were propelled by a
vis a tergo, and indeed the spiral fibre may be designed for the special
purpose of modifying the direction of the impetus from behind. It is
quite legitimate to assume that at the time of maturity the sausage-
shaped body is a membranous sac, filled with dense mucilaginous
matter, and that by the action of endosmose the bulk of the contained
mass is increased until a supply for a continuous jet, from a small
pore at or near the back of the body, and nearly in the direction of
the axis of the spiral fibre, has been produced. Such a jet would
certainly account for the movements, and is in perfect harmony with
what I have seen; for I believe I have several times seen the jet
itself, but on this point I am willing to wait for further and more
decisive evidence. The possessors of better and more powerful
microscopes than mine are requested to pursue the subject.

As to the function of the spirilla, 1 believe .it will be found in

proportion to our acquired knowledge of mosses that they are as
essentially connected with fecundation as the pollen of phenogamous
plants, of which they are the analogues. Many very interesting
examples of the infertility of certain mosses, especially of Hypna,
have been satisfactorily accounted for by the fact that such species
are dioicous, and that the simultaneous occurrence of plants of both
kinds is very uncommon, as to those species. On the other hand,
fruit is never developed unless anther-bearing plants are present. In
the locomotive properties of the spirilla we find the refutation of one
of the chief arguments against the fecundation of mosses; for the dif-
fusion of these bodies during rain must be both rapid and extensive,
quite sufficient to insure access to the fertile flower.

W. WILson.
_ Warrington, February 11, 1851.

Note on Mr. Quekett’s Monstrous Moss.
By W. Witson, Esq.

Nor having yet seen Mr. Quekett’s remarks in the original publi-
cation, I confine this note to what is said on the subject in Lindley’s
‘Vegetable Kingdom, article Bryacex, where it is stated that a mass
of Tortula fallax, having young sete capped with calyptre, had under-
gone a very remarkable change after having been grown in a Ward’s-
case, the tendency to produce fruit having been checked, and “instead
of fruit a miniature forest of elevated stems, leafy above and below,
but in the intermediate portion destitute of leaves ;” in fact, a com-
plete suppression of fruit, and a conversion of those parts into leafy
shoots, is assumed to have been the result of the experiment.

The ‘ Doctrines of Morphology’ are supported by so many analogies
that few persons will question the propriety of regarding the calyptra
of a moss as one of the last convolute leaves of the axis: so far, how-
ever, as the fact is made to depend on Mr. Quekett’s experiment,
there is reason to dispute it. An illustrative specimen from Mr.
Quekett has been in my possession for several years. When pro-
perly examined, apart from the influence of hypothesis, it presents
nothing remarkable, and certainly nothing anomalous. It is not a
Tortula, but a very common moss, found upon every wall, called
Ceratodon purpureus. After due examination of the specimen, I can
assert, without the least hesitation, that there is absolutely no evidence

of conversion of a young seta into a partially leafy stem. ‘The sup-
posed proof of such a conversion is what is well known by every prac-
tised bryologist to be a phenomenon of universal occurrence whenever
a moss is removed from a free, dry atmosphere, to one that is confined
very and humid. It is still more observable when the moss is shut up
in the dark. Indeed, it is nothing more than what is called etzélation,
and as a consequence of such treatment, the young branches or inno-
vations in Mr. Quekett’s specimens, which would in ordinary circum-
stances have been very short, and only developed at a later period,
have been suddenly drawn up and attenuated until the branch and the
definite number of cellules composing it have been elongated several
times their usual length. Of course such a stimulus to luxuriant
growth of the stem must operate as a check to the growth of the fruc-
tification, and it is generally observable that in such cases the fruit is
abortive. This happens in an unusually wet season to most mosses,
without the intervention of a Ward’s-case.

W. WILSON.
Warrington, February 11, 1851.

On a Supposed New British Species of Adiantum.
By W. WILson, Esq.

I senD full-grown fronds of an Adiantum from roots which have
been in cultivation upwards of ten years, and which were gathered in
the Isle of Man, by my friend Mr. T. G. Rylands. It differs very
considerably in appearance from the ordinary form of A. Capillus-
Veneris, and may perhaps be a different species. If compared with
the figure in ‘ English Botany,’ it will be seen that the frond is narrow
and oblong, by no means flabelliform, and the branches, instead of
being set at an acute angle, are widely spreading. The pinnules do
not taper gradually into the foot-stalk, and seem to be of quite a dif-
ferent shape from those of the Arran specimen. The characters pre-
sented by the fronds sent are constant in the plants under cultivation.
I may here mention, that when I received the roots they were hastily
planted in a common garden-pot, and were afterwards much neglected,
until I thought they had quite perished for want of water. If they
had not been more than usually tenacious of life such would have
been their fate; but by careful nursing they were saved, and have
ever since grown vigorously in a greenhouse, without artificial tempe-

s
+

rature during the winter. At the time when the roots were first
gathered, the fronds were very small and imperfect.

W. WILson.
Warrington, February 8, 1851.

[I have long had this subject under consideration, and shall have
something to say about it next month.—#. N.]|

remarkably Fine Specimen of the Edible Chestnut (Castanea vesca).
By H. L. DE La CHAUMETTE, Esq.

THE finest specimen of this beautiful tree I have as yet seen stands
at about half an hour’s walk up the neighbouring mountain from the
town of Evian, in Savoy. The steamer was making a “ promenade”
on the second of August, 1846, to Evian, leaving passengers there in
the morning, at about LO o’clock, and coming to fetch them home at
about 5p.M. I made this “promenade” on this day to the above-men-
tioned town, which is very dirty and dull, as are most of the towns in
Savoy, and went with a guide on purpose to see the famous chestnut-
tree. I went through a narrow path with a broken wall on either
side, covered with the fronds of Polypodium vulgare, which, being
then quite matured, had a very pretty appearance. Presently we got
into a forest of nothing but noble chestnut-trees; the foliage was so
thick that the beams of the sun could scarcely penetrate it, and the
ground we were walking on was so slippery with Lycopodium, Sphag-
num and Musci, that it was troublesome walking. At last we came
into a field bordered with these splendid trees, and at one corner
stood the specimen I have much pleasure in giving a short account of.
I measured the circumference of its trunk, and found it to be fifty-
four feet. The trunk was perfectly hollow, and yet sound to all out-
ward appearance. I got inside, and am sure it would shelter eight
persons comfortably. The height of the tree is very great, I am told
upwards of eighty-five feet, and it is spreading and well-shaped in
proportion to its gigantic size. If any botanists visit Evian I hope
they will pay this tree a visit, and judge for themselves of its beauty
and that of the scenery around.

H. L. bE La CHAUMETTE.
Stoke Newington, February 10, 1851.

Note on Lastrea uliginosa. By Mr. JosEpH Bray.

As you have expressed a wish to receive communications respect-
ing Lastrea uliginosa, I beg to offer the following statement of facts
to the notice of the readers of the ‘ Phytologist,’ leaving them to draw
what conclusions they may think proper from thei.

In September last I saw, for the first time, a plant of Lastrea uligi-
nosa. Shortly afterwards a gentleman showed me a plant which he
had procured from a nursery, under the name of Aspidium spinulo-
sum. [his plant I immediately recognized as being identical with
the one before mentioned. Being anxious to possess L. uliginosa, I
went to the nursery, and out of an extensive collection of British
ferns I was, with the greatest ease, enabled to select four plants of it,
which were mixed with cristata and spinosa. These plants I showed
to Mr. Lloyd, and he said that they were quite correct: he gave me
the following account as to how they came into the possession of the
party from whom TI procured them :—He informed me that when he
brought Lastrea cristata from Nottinghamshire, he supplied the same
party with living plants, and that shortly afterwards he received a
communication that some of them were not correct, in consequence
of which he sent others to the number complained of, but neglected
or did not think it worth the trouble to withdraw the first plants sup-
plied. His own plants, being in a north border, had not then
expanded their fronds, whilst these, being potted and protected, were
much earlier, but as he did not examine them, and had no idea that
they were anything more than Lastrea spinosa, he left them. I do
not profess to be a scientific botanist, and therefore am not competent ~
to give an opinion whether it is a species or a variety, but I beg to
observe that I can, by its habit, distinguish a well-developed plant of
it from either L. cristata or L. spinosa, but certainly with much
greater ease from the latter than from the former.

JOSEPH Bray.
February, 1851.

Notice of the ‘ Botanical Gazette, No. 26, February, 1851.

Tuis number contains two original papers, intituled as below.
‘On Euphorbia stricta and platyphylla; by Fenton J. A. Hort.
‘Remarks on some of the British Carices ;’ by John M’Laren.

In the first of these Mr. Hort contends that the two spurges
known under the names stricta and platyphylla are specifically dis-
tinct, in opposition to the view lately advocated in the sixth edi-
tion of the ‘British Flora,’ where the learned authors apparently
consider them as constituting but one species. The examples of
platyphylla examined by Mr. Hort were well adapted for that pur-
pose, being of unusual luxuriance, two feet or more in height. The
distinguishing characters, apparently drawn up with the most praise-
worthy care, are as under :—

“In E. platyphylla the very large, spreading, terminal umbel con-
sists of from three to five rays, which divide into from two to three
secondary rays; these again being repeatedly, as often as five times in
the larger specimens, bifid. The leaves and general bracts are elon-
gate-obovate, broadest above the middle, gradually narrowed to the
cordate, sessile, but not amplexicaul base, often shallowly plicate just
above the base; the first partial bracts rhomboid-ovate, obtuse, api-
culate; the other bracts rhomboid- or triangular-orbicular, rotundate,
above apiculate; all cordate. The involucres, which are slightly
bristly, contain seven or eight male flowers: their glands are oval.
The capsules are covered with irregular, mostly conical tubercles,
which shrink much, and become ‘ depressed’ when dry; while in a
young state they bear a few bristles. The grayish brown seeds are
roundish, obovate, indeed almost globular when the testa is removed ;
the funiculus is an oblong mass, having two slight protuberances on
the side adjoining the placenta, with a deep notch between them.
Stem erect, single, sometimes throwing out axillary branches.

“In E. stricta the terminal umbel consists of from three to five rays,
each of which forms from three to five bifid secondary rays; but I have
never seen any further subdivision, even on the most luxuriant plants.”
The contrast here set up by Mr. Hort does not seem to me perfectly
satisfactory. I think the very luxuriant plants of platyphylla may
exhibit the subdivision of which he speaks, but on a comparison of
smaller specimens with Tintern plants of a similar magnitude the dis-
crepancy is scarcely perceptible. I believe I had the pleasure of
first calling the attention of botanists to the very striking spurge
which is so abundant at Tintern, and the scarcely apparent discre-
pancy in the division of the umbel was not at that time considered of
importance. ‘The seed, I think, if Mr. Hort’s characters prove con-
stant, will form a safer guide. ‘“ The lower leaves are elongate-obo-
vate, and broadest above the middle; the upper elongate-oblong, and
broadest about the middle; all gradually narrowed to the cordate,

VOL, Iv, L

sessile, but not amplexicaul base, slightly saccate or shallowly pli-
cate just above the base; * * * the general bracts are as the upper
leaves; the first partial bracts are more lanceolate, being generally
broadest rather below the middle; the other bracts broadly cordate,
obtuse, with a minute apiculus. The involucres contain one or
two, hardly ever three, male flowers: their usually oval glands bear a
few bristles on the under side. The capsules are covered with sub-
cylindrical tubercles, which shrink so little, that they retain their
shape tolerably when dry. The reddish brown seeds are oval, obo-
vate, and, when the testa is removed, appear almost pyriform: the
funiculus is externally somewhat like an inverted basin divided verti-
cally, attached to the placenta by the edges of its divaricating walls,
leaving a broad notch between them, in the interior of which is the
process to which the hilum of the seed is attached.”

This beautiful plant is extremely local, being confined to the vici-
nity of Tintern and the Wynd Cliff, and to “a spur projecting from
the strip of limestone which flanks the forest of Dean to the west.”
In the Wynd-Cliff locality the soil seems to contain its seeds in such
abundance that it makes its appearance in the most unlooked-for sta-
tions. I recollect remarking one that seemed extraordinary for so
conspicuous a plant. The road under Wynd Cliff having been
repaired with a tolerably thick layer of broken stones, the few
wheeled vehicles that pass that way avoided the rough ground as much
as practicable; and some two or three dozen plants had grown up
among the stones, almost in the middle of the road.

Of Mr. M’Laren’s paper on the Carices a copious abstract has
already appeared, and I presume we shall have it again in the
‘Transactions of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh.’ I confess I
do not like this plan of making one pay so many times for the same
information; but [ presume the cause of the introduction of Mr.
M’Laren’s paper into the ‘ Botanical Gazette’ is the “ botanical
famine” to which I alluded last month. Mr. M’Laren describes
seventeen species, as under :—

1. C. teretiuscula, Gooden., &c.

2. C. paniculata, Linn., &c. Of this species C. paradoxa of
Schkuhr is given as a variety.

3. C. vulpina, Linn., &c.

4. C. muricata, Linn., &c., of which C. divulsa of Wahlenberg,
&c., is given as a variety.

5. C. axillaris, Gooden., &c., of which C. Beenninghausiana of
Wiehe and C. Hailstoni of Gibson are given as one variety.

6. C. remota, Linn., &c.

7. C. saxatalis, Zinn., C. pulla, Gooden., of which C. Grahami of
Boott is given as a variety.

8. C. rigida, Gooden., C. saxatalis, Wahl.

9. C. vulgaris, F7., of which C. Gibsoni of Babington is given as a

variety.
10. C. acuta, Linn., &c.
11. C. aquatilis, Wahl., &c.
12. C. stricta, Gooden., &c., C. cespitosa, Hudson, &c.
13. C. extensa, Gooden.
14. C. flava, Linn., &c.
15. C. distans, Linn., &c., of which C. fulva of Goodenough, &c.,

is given as a variety.

16. C. binervis, Smzth, &c.

17. C. vaginata, Tausch, &c.

In reducing the number of supposed species many botanists will
very cordially concur, and will also perceive that the author has been
in several instances anticipated in his conclusions by Dr. Bromfield
in his admirable commentary on these plants published in the ‘ Phy-
tologist, and more recently by Hooker and Arnott in the sixth edi-
tion of the ‘ British Flora.’

Literature :—‘ Flore de France, par MM. Grenier et Godron, Tome
2, Partie lme. To this work and its matchless labours on the genus
Hieracium I shall have occasion again to allude. Mr. Henfrey speaks
of this portion of the work with the praise it merits. ‘ Annals of Na-
tural History,’ ‘ Hooker’s Journal of Botany,’ ‘The Phytologist, ‘ An-
nales des Sciences Naturelles.’

Notice of ‘ Hooker's Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany,
No. 26, February, 1851.

The number contains the following papers :—

* Contributions to the Botany of Western India; by N. A. Danzell,
EKsq., M.A.’

“Decades of Fungi; by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, M.A., F.L.S.
Decades 32 and 33. Sikkim-Himalayan Fungi, collected by Dr.
Hooker.’

‘ Catalogue of Cryptogamic Plants collected by Professor W. Jame-
son in the vicinity, of Quito; by William Mitten.’

‘Note on Platynema; by G. N. [?A.] Walker-Arnott, LL.D., Pro-
fessor of Botany, Glasgow.’

Botanical Information: —Cedron, previously published in the
‘Port of Spain Gazette.’ Dr. Link, a notice of his death, extracted
from the ‘ Literary Gazette. Linnean Society.

Notices of Books :—‘ Description of the Palmyra Palm of Ceylon ;
by William Ferguson. Colombo, 1850.’

Of the original papers, however valuable for reference and compa-
rison of species, I can give no abstract here, seeing that they relate
entirely to exotic, and for the most part obscure, portions of the ve-
table kingdom. The following particulars of the Cedron are, how-
ever, more interesting; but the learned editor should have favoured
us with the name of the plant, and of the natural order to which it
belongs. These can be no matters of doubt, since it appears that
specimens are growing in the Royal Gardens at Kew.

“ During my travels in New Granada,” says Mr. Purdie, “I had
often heard of the virtues of the Cedron, long before I had the plea-
sure of meeting with the tree. Itis rare to find a Peon or Ariero
without a seed, although they are expensive. 1 have, myself, paid a
dollar a seed at San Pablo, where the tree is indigenous, even within
the precincts of the village. Its use is not confined to the cure of
serpent-bites alone, but has the reputation of superseding sulphate of
quinine in cases of fever, and that in the country of the Cinchona
barks.

“Now about eight years ago, the Government of New Granada
sent a commission of several medical men and students, accompanied
by Dr. Cespides (Professor of Botany in the University of Bogota),
to ascertain what plant produced the Cedron, its locality, and quan-
tity procurable. You now see it in all the apothecaries’ shops in the
different towns of that Republic; so that now, in the midst of forests
of the Peruvian Bark tree, another remedy at least equally specific
(and that without any chemical preparation) is in process of super-
seding it. During my stay in Bogota, I was informed of the locality
of the Cedron (by Dr. Cespides, a gentleman of considerable know-
ledge and experience in the plauts of New Granada), which I found
would be on my route from the province of Antioguia, by way of the
Rio Magdalena. ‘Thus, Providence has decreed, that out of the allu-
vial and pestilential plains of this magnificent river, a remedy should
come for the cure of its own maladies. On my reaching the village
of Nari, in the great valley of the Magdalena, in August, 1846, I found
that the surrounding woods contained the celebrated Cedron, as also

lower down the rider at San Pablo. I was glad to find that it was
the season of its having ripe fruit. The villagers had already collected
each their little hoard of Cedron, although they would not show me
more than a few seeds, unless I would purchase some. The mode of
preparation is simple and easy: the fruits are gathered, which
resemble in appearance a large peach ; the outer rind or covering is
thick, fleshy, and excessively bitter, and its large seed is immediately
surrounded by a not very compact fibrous substance, which answers
the purpose of the stone in stone-fruits ; this is all removed, and the
seed taken out, separated into two pieces at the natural fissure (which
are called by botanists the cotyledons), and dried in the sun; beyond
a limited quantity of these, it was no object to me to obtain; what I
particularly wanted was a knowledge of the tree, and ripe vegetating
seeds: those dried in the sun will never vegetate. I was told that it
would be useless for me to go to the woods, as the trees had already
been pillaged in all directions ; this, however, did not deter me from
trying; and after three days search, at some distance from the village,
I obtained about thirty fruits, each containing one seed and the germ
ofa plant. A few I preserved entire in spirits, the rest I planted in a
box of earth at once, to prevent their perishing, as is the case with
most large seeds, if not kept constantly excited. Those I sent to the
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, grew well, and at the present time
plants of Cedron would be more easily obtained at the Royal Botanic
Gardens, Kew, than in its native country. Those I brought to the
Botanic Garden, St. Ann’s, are thriving well; some of the trees are
now seven feet in height.”

Dr. Link was Professor of Botany in the University of Berlin, and
Director of the Royal Botanic Garden of that city, and is well known
by several valuable contributions to botanical science, of which the
earliest is dated as early as 1795, and the most useful his ‘ Elementa
Philosophiz Botanice, 1824. He graduated at Gottingen in 1789,
and shortly afterwards was appointed Professor of Botany at Ros-
tock; he was in England in 1841, and attended the meetings of the
British Association held that year in Glasgow, his striking and vene-
rable appearance at which gathering will long be remembered.

Notice of the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History, No. 39,
February, 1851.

This number contains but three papers that have any bearing on
botany: they are intituled—

‘Notices of British Fungi; by jthe Rev. M. J. Berkeley, M.A.,
F.L.S., and C. E. Broome, Esq.

‘ Victoria regina ;) by J. De C. Sowerby.

‘ Botanical Society of Edinburgh.’

The British Fungi described are Hendersonia Stephensii, found on
the dead stems of Pteris aquilina, near Bristol, by Mr. H. O. Stephens;
Piggotia astroidea, on green leaves of elm, Springfield, near Chelms-
ford, by Mr. H. Piggot; Rhopalomyces pallidus, on decayed Russian
matting, at King’s Cliffe, Feb. 10, 1848; R. candidus, on a mixture
of dung, earth and hops, with the foregoing; Balacotricha grisea, on
dead cabbage-stalks, old mats made of Typha, &c., King’s Cliffe,
1839—41; Helminthosporium Smithii, on holly-bark and wood, at
Wareham, by the Rev. W. Smith; H. turbinatum, on dead wood,
Speke Hall, Lancashire, July, 1840; Cladotrichum tirseptatum, on a
dead stump, at King’s Cliffe, July, 1848; Cladosporium depressum,
at Dolgelly, by Mr. Ralfs; C. brachormium, on the leaves of Fumaria
officinalis, at King’s Cliffe; Verticillium apicale, on decorticated oak-
branches, at Wraxall, Somersetshire, Feb. 1845; V.nanum, on pears,
with Cladosporium dendriticum, at Cranford Bridge, by Mr. J. F.
Graham; V. epimyces, on decayed Elaphomyces, at Rudloe, Wilts,
Oct. 15, 1843; and V. distans, on the stems of herbaceous plants, at
Cranford Bridge, by Mr. J. F. Graham. Several additional habitats
are given for species previously described. It is peculiarly delightful
to observe naturalists labouring in a field where the reward is so small,
as among these minute and often evanescent Fungi. In the more con-
spicuous or more fashionable orders the honour of conferring a dis-
tinctive appellation may be some recompense, but here the name and
the object are generally doomed by immediate oblivion, and the
author’s only reward must be the thoroughly unselfish one of endea-
vouring to lead others to admire, even in the most minute develop-
ment, the wondrous variety in design and matchless skill in execution
which pervades the works of Nature.

In the paper on Victoria regina Mr. Sowerby contends that that
plant should be called Victoria amazonica. Query: have we not had
rather too much of this plant ?

Botanical Society of London.

Friday, February 7, 1851. Arthur Henfrey, Esq., V.P., F.L.S., in
the chair.
The following donations were announced :—

British plants from Mr. Fenton J. A. Hort, Mr. B. D. Wardale, and
Mr. J. Lynam.

‘Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England ;’ presented
by that Society. ‘Journal of the Pharmaceutical Society ;’ presented
by that Society. ‘ Magazine of Botany; presented by the Editors.

Read the continuation of Mr. Daniel Stock’s paper ‘ On the Botany
of Bungay, Suffolk.’—G. FE. D.

Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

December 12, 1850. Professor Fleming, President, in the chair.

The following papers were read :—

1. Dr. Balfour, ‘An Account of a Botanical Excursion to Ben
Chonzie and other mountains near Crieff, in October, 1850.’
He remarked that the other mountains had been neglected by bota-
nists, but were very productive. Among the plants gathered were
Saxifraga oppositifolia, stellaris and nivalis, Potentilla alpestris, Sib-
baldia procumbens, Gnaphalium supinum, Polystichum Lonchitis,
Woodsia ilvensis, Asplenium viride, Poa Balfourii, Silene acaulis,
Thalictrum alpinum, Draba incana, Carex capillaris, Hieracium alpi-
num, Lastrea Filix-mas var. erosa, and L. dilatata var. montana. At
the upper part of Glen Turrit, Dr. Balfour remarked the occurrence
of numerous mounds resembling moraines.

2. Mr. Charles Lawson, jun., ‘On the Growth of the Tussac Grass
(Dactylis cespitosa) in Orkney,’

83. Mr. James Backhouse, jun., ‘An Account of the rare Alpine
Plants picked by him in the Clova, Glen Isla, and Braemar districts
in August, 1850.’

The following are the plants noticed, with his remarks upon them :—

Hieracium cerinthoides, Fries. On the mica rocks in the gorge of
the Eannach, near Loch Lee; also at the head of Glen Fiadh, and
in the ravine of White Water. Found originally by the late Mr. G.
Don.

Hieracium Oreades, Fries. Ravine of the White Water; Cairn-
toul. No British station previously known ?

Hieracium species nova. Resembles H. melanocephalum of Fries,
but has large, broadly-ovate, bluntish leaves, forked panicles, and enor-
mously-large shaggy heads. Two specimens gathered in a vertical
fissure (almost inaccessible) on the great crag of Lochnagar.

Hieracium cesium, Fries. Canlochen Glen, White Water, &c. _

Hieracium rupestre, Allioni, Koch and Fries. A new and interest-
ing species, which seems to be unquestionably the above-mentioned
plant. Cairntoul.

Hieracium atratum, Fries. Maintains the same distinct character
on Loch Esk Craig, Clova, Lochnagar, Canlochen, Garachary and
Ben-na-bourd.

Hieracium pallidum, Fries, var.? Near to H. persicifolium, Fries:
a curious and interesting plant.

Hieracium alpinum, typical. On Lochnagar and Ben-na-bourd ?
Exactly the same as the plant from Glaramara, Cumberland. It is
covered all over with long, shaggy, white silk, and has broad-based,
short involucral scales. Its ligules are strongly ciliated. Under cul-
tivation this plant becomes still less ike H. melanocephalum.

Hieracitum ————? Allied to H. alpinum, but differs in several
respects, and seems to keep its characters. Ben-na-bourd and ravine
of the Garachary.

Hieracium nigrescens. On granite rocks almost exclusively.

Poa cesia. Very abundant .and fine in a ravine in Canlochen
Glen.

Poa Balfourii ? Along with the previous one. I have not the
slightest hesitation in pronouncing my P. Balfourii? specifically dis-
tinct from P. cesia, with which it grows, but retains a perfectly dif-
ferent character. The two species may be described as follows .— ;

P. cesia. Plant four to six, sometimes eight, inches high, erect,
rigid, bluish green or slightly tinged with purple in the florets.
Branchlets of the panicle spreading rigidly at right angles when
growing. Florets acute, free. Leaves broad and short; joints
covered and confined to the lower part of the stem. Ligules very
long. P. cesia loses its character by pressing.

P. Balfourti ? Plant six to nine inches high, erect, rather slender,
purplish green, not at all czsious. Spike often rather lax. Branch-
lets spreading, but not at all rigid. Florets ovate, slightly webbed.
Uppermost joint one-third from base; occasionally all the joints con-
cealed. Leaves narrower than in the former species. Ligules very
long.

Both the species appear to form tufts in the same way. In exa-
mining the latter I never thought of its being P. Balfourii, from the
root of that species being described as creeping, and the ligules simi-
- Jar to those of P. montana, whereas they are as dissimilar as those of
P. annua and P. nemoralis. P. cesia has not the remotest connexion

with P. nemoralis. My impression is that P. montana and P. Par-
nellii are both varieties of P. nemoralis.

Poa nemoralis, alpine form. Canlochen Glen.

Poa montana. Sparingly in Canlochen Glen and near Loch Esk,
Clova.

Poa-laxa (vivipara). Abundant in and below the ravine on Loch-
nagar, intermixed with Poa minor and Aira alpina (vivipara).

Poa alpina (vivipara)? Strange, diminished form. Ravine of the

-Garachary and on Cairntoul. The true and evident P. alpina vivi-
para grows there also, but looks very different. P. laxa is there like-
wise, I suspect.

Carex leporina. In two stations above the corrie of Loch-nan-ean
(Lochnagar). In two new stations in the great ravine of the Gara-
chary north of Cairntoul, and spread over a locality half a mile long!
in the corrie of Lochan-nain, Cairntoul.

Cerastium latifolium. A very beautiful object by the margins of
rivulets on Cairntoul, and in the ravine of the Garachary.

Stellaria cerastoides. Cairntoul, Ben-na-muic-dhui, and Ben-na-
bourd.

Arabis petrea. At the same places.

Crepis succisefolia. Canlochen Glen.

Saxifraga rivularis. In the ravine on Lochnagar. In two sta-
tions above the corrie of Loch-nan-ean. Ina corrie on the south side
of Cairntoul. Abundant in the Corrie of Loch-an-nain, north side of
Cairntoul. Also on the eastern cliffs of Ben-na-bourd !

Mr. Backhouse failed in obtaining Carex Grahami and Saxifraga
cespitosa. He found Woodsia ilvensis in great abundance.

4, Mr. Thomas Anderson, ‘ A short Account of the Flora of the
district around Clonmel, including parts of the counties of Tipperary
and Waterford.’ On Galtymore, a mountain rising to the altitude of

3000 feet, and lying about seventeen miles west from Clonmel, which
is composed of a coarse, conglomerated sandstone, resting on the
limestone of the surrounding district, he found, on the banks of a rill
near the summit, Saxifraga hirta, associated with S. stellaris. At
Glendine, near Youghal, he gathered ‘Trichomanes speciosum. Near
Clonmel, Bromus maximus was discovered, the only previous station

__ known for it being Jersey, where it was found by Mr. Babington.

The season having arrived for noting the flowering of plants in the
Botanic Garden, Mr. M’Nab stated that the Helleborus niger was in
full flower on the 2nd of December.

Dr. Balfour exhibited from Dr. Jameson, of Saharunpore, specimens

4 VOL. Iv. M

of Daphne Cannabina, and samples of the paper prepared from it 5
and gave an account of the mode in which the paper is manufactured.

Thursday, February 13, 1841. Professor Balfour, President, in the
chair.

The following papers were read :—

1. ‘On the Composition of the Ash of Armeria maritima, from dif-
ferent localities, with Remarks on the Geographical Distribution of
the species, and on the presence of Fluorine in plants in general ;’ by.
Dr. Voelcker, Professor of Chemistry, Cirencester. After alluding to
the observations made by Dr. Dickie and others as to the presence of
iodine in plants growing near the sea, and its absence in the same
species when grown inland, the author proceeded to detail the expe-
riments which he had made on Armeria maritima. The plants ana-
lyzed were procured from four localities, viz., the sea-shore near
Edinburgh ; an elevated trap-rock at some distance from the shore
near Edinburgh ; light, sandy soil in Mr. Lawson’s nursery, Golden
Acres; and granitic rocks on the lofty mountains of Braemar, contri-
buted by Professor Balfour. Dr. Voelcker was able to detect traces
of iodine in the ash of the specimens grown in the first locality, but
none in any of the others. He also found in certain cases that soda
was replaced by potash. The results of the analyses of the plants
from the first-mentioned localities, suggested the following observa-
tions:—First, the proportion of alkaline chlorides, as well as that of
silica, is considerable. Secondly, the quantity of Soda is more abun-
dant in the ash of specimens grown near the sea-shore, whilst potash
prevails in the ash of plants grown on the solid rock near the shore.
Thirdly, soda is entirely re-placed by potash in the ash of the plant
grown in the nursery. Fourthly, the quantity of phosphoric acid in
specimens from the third locality is considerable, when compared
with that in those from the first and second. Fifthly, the proportion.
of magnesia in the ashes of Armeria in its natural state, is larger than
in the ash of specimens grown in the nursery. (The character of the
specimens grown in the nursery was somewhat altered, the plants
being much more vigorous, their leaves broader and of a brighter
green, and not so rigid as in the wild plant). Dr. Voelcker suggests
that the chloride of sodium found in the specimens from Braemar may
arise from the spray of the sea, or particles of salt carried inland by
the winds and other agencies. He corroborated Dr. G. Wilson’s
statements as to the existence of fluorine in plants.

Dr. Balfour, in remarking upon the paper, stated that M. Chatin

ia 83

had detected iodine in many aquatic plants in France, such as water-
cress, marsh-marigold, water-lilies, reeds, various species of Carex,
Villarsia, Menyanthes, Myriophyllum, Ceratophyllum, Potamogeton,
aquatic Ranunculi, Chare, Conferve, Callitriche, Fontinalis, Stratio-
tes, Scrophularia, &c. He did not find iodine in Ranunculus acris,
bulbosus, repens, nor Cardamine pratensis, although it was present in
all the aquatic species of Ranunculus and Crucifere examined. His
conclusions are,—First, that plants which grow in running waters, and
in sheets of water sufficiently large to be strongly agitated by winds,
contain more iodine than those growing in stagnant waters. Secondly,
iodine is generally found, although in small quantity, in plants which
are only partially covered with water, or only during a part of their
life. Thirdly, plants which contain iodine when growing in water,
lose it when they are developed out of water. Fourthly, the propor-
tion of iodine observed in plants is independent of their place in the
natural system, and in general has no relation to specific character ;
iodine would thus appear to be an accidental, inorganic ingredient. It
is present only in cases where iodine or salts of iodine are contained
in soil or water in which the plants grow.

2. ‘Remarks on numerous species of Diatomacez found in Peat
from Cantyre; by Dr. Balfour. The author observed that the peat
is remarkable on account of its containing an immense accumulation
of leaves, which are comparatively unaltered in their structure. The
bed in which it occurs is stated by the Duke of Argyll to be an exten-
sive flat or plain, very little raised above the existing level of the sea,
full of peat-mosses, strata of clay, with vegetable stems, &c. It must
be of ancient date, as it is covered by clay and gravel, and there is
reason to believe that a peat-moss now cut away lay over it. This
moss, where it remains still uncut, is from ten to twelve feet in depth.
The forms of the leaves are well marked, and the following appear to
occur:—Leaves of Salix Caprea, S. viminalis or stipularis; stems and
leaves of a moss; stems of grasses, and of a rush; leaves of a heath-
like plant, either Empetrum nigrum or a species of Erica; and
epidermis of birch. Mr. John Matthews, who had examined the
microscopic structure of the leaves, &c., had detected woody and
vascular tissue. He had also found scalariform vessels indicating
the remains of ferns, and had detected the cellular arrangement of
grasses, as well as of mosses. His investigations have shown the
unaltered condition of the anatomical structure, and they call atten-
tion to the use of microscopic researches in determining the nature of

plants found under peculiar conditions, such as those referred to. On
a farther examination of the peat, Mr. Matthews detected numerous
species of Diatomacez, belonging to genera which were considered
by Ehrenberg as referrible to the animal kingdom, and figured by him
as such in his splendid work on Infusoria. Mr. Cobbold aided Mr.
Matthews in these researches, and their combined labours have de-
tected numerous species, belonging to the following genera :—Navi-
cula, Cocconema, Gallionella, Campylodiscus, Fragillaria, Diatoma,
Kuastrum, Gomphonema, &c., along with some spicule of sponges.
The leaves found in the peat having been examined by Dr. Voelcker,
give the following result:—-Ash from leaves dried at 212°—32°46.
Ash of a reddish colour, apparently from the presence of oxide of
iron; resembles ordinary peat-ashes in many respects. Dr. Balfour,
in conclusion, alluded to the occurrence of Diatomacez in immense
quantities at the bottom of the ocean, in northern and southern polar
regions, as well as at the mouths of rivers; and gave some of the
observations of Ehrenberg and others on the Infusoria occurring in
Iceland, Spitzbergen, North and South America, Africa, and the
Falkland Islands. He also remarked on the specific identity of the
Diatomacee found in different regions.

3. ‘ Notice of a Lepidodendron found in Craigleith Quarry, and of
a species of Dadoxylon discovered in the sandstone of Arthur’s Seat;’
by Mr. A. Bryson. Mr. B. exhibited a very fine section, measuring
six by five inches, of Lepidodendron obovatum from Craigleith, which
is apparently allied to L. Harcourtii, Brongn., and in which the struc-
ture is distinctly shown. .He also exhibited a section of Dadoxylon
from sandstone under the trap of Salisbury Crags, showing disk-bear-
ing woody tissue: this plant Mr. B. supposes to be allied to Dadoxy-
lon (Pinites) Withami, which is found at Craigleith. Mr. Bryson
stated his opinion that Lepidodendron would be found closely allied
to the tree-ferns of the present day.

In allusion to the beautiful sections exhibited by Mr. Bryson, Dr.
Balfour took the opportunity to call attention to the labours of Mr.
Ww. Nicol, who had been the first to prepare such specimens, and
whose great exertions had been too much neglected.

4. ‘ Notice of several new Indian plants;? by Dr. Cleghorn,
H.E.LC.S. Dr. C. stated that he was indebted to Dr. Wight for
publishing some of his drawings of Mysore plants in that great work,
the ‘ [cones Plantarum Indiz Orientalis,’ now in progress ; and which,
while it will form a lasting monument to the industry and labours of

the author, supplies to the student of Indian botany a standard work
of reference, illustrating the Indian flora, so far as it goes, as perfegtly
as Sowerby’s ‘ English Botany’ depicts the British flora.

Dr. Cleghorn exhibited the original specimens of Osbeckia hispi-
dissima, Wight, and Mitreola paniculata, Wall., figured in the part
recently received from Madras’; Dunbaria latifolia, W. and A., dedi-
cated to Professor Dunbar, of Edinburgh; Alysicarpus styracifolius,
D.C., Hedysarum glumaceum, Rox. FI. Ind. iii. p. 646: the ticket of
the original specimen in the Edinburgh University herbarium, in
Roxburgh’s handwriting, is distinctly written “ H. plumaceum.” The
error has been copied into subsequent works.

5. ‘Report on the state of Vegetation in the Edinburgh Botanic
Garden, from the 13th of January to the 13th of February current ;’
by Mr. J. M’Nab. This communication embraced the following
register of the periods of flowering of plants in the open air, as com-
pared with the dates of the first flowering of the same species (in
most cases the same individual plants) in the Botanic Garden last

year.
Dates of Flowering.

1851. 1850.

Alnus glutinosa - - - - January 13

Eranthis hyemalis - - ee pe 15 February 14
Primula vulgaris - - - - 5 16 2 14
Corylus Avellana . - ae As i 16 3 16
Erica herbacea . . . - $ 16

Galanthus nivalis - - rel Nie , 17 3 11
Lamium album - - - . 18

Helleborus odorus - = Bese Me 20 = 14
Geum pyrenaicum - = - < be 20 March 22
Leucojum vernum - = a= A 20 February 18
Vinea minor - - . - A 23 ae 23
Symphytum caucasicum - - - - bs 23 March 14
Doronicum caucasicum - - - Bs 25 ss 2
Crocus susianus ~ - - eee Be 26 February 16
Potentilla Fragariastrum - - - ie 26 ‘a 25
Vinca major - - - - a 26 March 11
Tussilago alba - - - - 6 26 - 12
Lamium maculatum - - - = & 26 Es 19
Galanthus plicatus - - - . Ps 28 February 14
Daphne Mezereon - : = - 28 y 22
Tussilago nivea - - : - 28 March 2
Knappia agrostidea - - - - A 28 February 22
Cerastium Biebersteinii - - - February 1

Arabis procurrens - - - - e l

Rhododendron Nobleanum= - - 2

» —s -

Dates of Flowering.

1351. 1850.
Mrabis ibericum - - - - - February 3
Crocus vernus and varieties - - - 3 3 February 26
Mahonia aquifolium - - - + bs 3
Kalmia glauca - - = - 3
Cerasus Lauro-Cerasus - - == Be tats
Symplocarpus foetidus - . - + 4 4 18
Symphytum tauricum—- = - - = 6
Pulmonaria mollis - = - = . 7 March 11
Asarum Europeum - - ant 49 10 3 vA
Iberis sempervirens - - - = 10 . 9
Helleborus lividus - “ = an a ss MM
Aponogeton distachyon (in open-air pond) — - 5 12 4 14
Sisyrinchium grandiflorum (Warriston Lodge) January 27 vs 12
Tussilago hybrida (Cannonmills Cottage) — - e 25
Orobus cyaneus (Cannonmills Cottage) - February 5

Alluding to the mildness of the season, Mr. M’Nab exhibited
flowering branches of the gooseberry and pear from open walls, and
stalks of rhubarb from an open border, measuring nine inches in
length, exclusive of leaf, from the gardens of Warriston Lodge.

Dr. Balfour exhibited a specimen of Polysiphonia subulifera new
to Scotland, gathered at Lamlash, Arran, in August, 1850, by Mrs.
Balfour.

Dr. Balfour likewise exhibited, from the palm-house of the Royal
Botanic Garden, a flowering specimen of Livistona chinensis, taken
from a plant thirty-eight feet high, measuring from the floor to the
extreme point of the centre leaf. The lower portion of this palm is
five feet eight inches in circumference. Above this point, the stem is
covered to the extent of ten feet by the bases of the fallen leaves,
above which fifty-four large, palmated fronds are fully expanded,
besides numerous others in various stages of development, and so
arranged as to give the head, which is twenty feet in diameter, a
somewhat globular shape. ‘This palm has three flowering spadices,
standing upright, the largest being three feet six inches long, and
more branched than the specimen exhibited. It grows in a box five
feet square, and five feet three inches deep, in soil composed of very
rough, brown loam, leaf-mould, and sand.

Dr. Cleghorn exhibited microscopic preparations, by Mr. John
Matthews, of the stellate hairs and glands of Rottleria tinctoria, the
latter only containing the colouring matter of the dye used by the
Mahommedans.

aul

Dr. Balfour mentioned that he had received a letter from Dr. John-
ston, of Berwick, in which he states that he is now convinced that the
Anacharis Alsinastrum found in the Whiteadder is of foreign origin.

A letter was read from Mr. C. E. Parker, of Torquay, noticing
various instances which had been observed of the effects of lightning
on trees, and mentioning the occurrence of Tilia Europea on a_pro-
montory in the sea near to Torquay, where he supposes it to be indi-
genous.

Mr. M’Laren exhibited specimens of Erica hyemalis, Epacris
miniata and nivalis, Cactus, Primula, Cydonia japonica, &c., pre-
pared by dipping in wax melted in a steam bath. He found that the
colour of the Camellia was destroyed by the operation; but he suc-
ceeded with all the other plants he had tried.

Mr. Gorrie exhibited specimens of the woods of Quercus pedun-
culata and sessiflora, grown in the glen above Crichton. These,
with other specimens, were presented to the museum at the Botanic
Garden.

Mr. G. Lawson exhibited specimens of Peziza coccinea from Arnis-
ton Woods, where it is at present in great abundance.

Microscopical Society of London.

January 15,1851. Dr. Arthur Farre, President, in the chair.

A paper ‘ On the Femoral Plates or Scales of Zootoca vivipara, a
kind of Lizard, by J. B. Spencer, Esq., was read.

After some introductory remarks, in which the description given by
Professor Bell in his ‘ History of British Reptiles’ was noticed, as
stating that this lizard was one of those distinguished by being
covered with scales or plates, some of which possess a very curious
structure, and among which the femoral plates are particularly dis-
tinguished as having pores, the use of which is not known, the author
went on to state that these femoral plates occur in a single row on the
under surface of each lower leg, and are usually ten or twelve in num-
ber. He, however, found upon examination that they did not agree
with Prof. Bell’s description, not being perforated, but on the con-
trary, their surface was produced into a semi-transparent process or
horn, of a light yellow colour, without any discoverable perforation ;
these last, where they occur, being due to the rubbing off of the horny
process, which is detached by avery slight touch. He was, there-
fore, induced to believe that these scales possibly serve to give the

creature a greater mechanical power of adhesion in certain cases. A
drawing illustrating the size and position of the plates was also exhi-
bited.

Mr. Quekett then directed the attention of the Society to an obser-
vation of a somewhat similar nature to that of Mr. Spencer, which he
had made about ten years since, in the structure of the skin of a vivi-
parous blenny (Zoarcus viviparus). In the description of the skin of
this fish, Mr. Yarrell states that “the surface of the body appears,
under a lens, to be studded with circular depressions ;” it was found,
however, that these circular depressions, which are always of a white
colour, were due to the presence of small, round scales, about one-
twelfth of an inch in diameter, each having a minute black spot; these
are situated deep in the cuticle, like those of the eel, and in some
situations occurred at certain tolerably regular distances.

Mr. Quekett afterwards spoke of what appeared to him a new fact
in vegetable physiology, viz., the unrolling (in a spiral manner) of the
membranous wall of an elongated cell. The specimen from which the
hair or hairs were taken, was the fruit of Cycas revoluta, from China.
Upon detaching some of these hairs, which are situated on two oppo-
site parts of the fruit, and examining them with a power of 250 dia-
meters, two varieties were distinctly visible, e¢z., perfect hairs, having
both extremities more or less pointed, and others, in which the extre-
mity attaching them to the seed was abruptly broken off: when these
last were carefully examined, the broken ends were in most cases
found unrolled in a spiral direction, the spiral being in the form of a
band, the breadth of which gradually increases from below upwards.
In these hairs there was no trace whatever of a spiral fibre, the mem-
brane forming the wall being quite transparent and free from structure.
Now, in most of the works on botany no mention is made of the man-
ner in which vegetable membrane is capable of being torn. Dr. Lind-
ley, however, in the last edition of his ‘ Introduction,’ states that it
generally tears irregularly, but that in Bromelia nudicaulis the torn
edges are curiously toothed; but no instance is given in which the
fractured portion is always in a spiral form. It was on this account
the subject was brought before the notice of the Society.

Mr. Quekett then brought forward a curious instance of malforma-
tion in the spicula, both of the body and of the gemmules, of Spon-
gilla fluviatilis. The specimen in which the spicula occurred, was
found by Mr. Spencer, in the neighbourhood of Blackheath, and the
drawings were made by Mr. Leonard, from two objects, one belonging
to the Society, the other in the author’s possession, both of which were

prepared by Mr. Spencer, from the sponge in question. Some of the

long spicula from the body, which were of the form termed by Mr.

Bowerbank ‘ biarcuate,’ were curiously altered, some having portions
of the shaft dilated into round knobs at different distances, whereby
a moniliform appearance was produced, others having portions of
spicula projecting from their sides, whilst in some few instances a
series of half spicula was developed from the central portion of the
shaft, in the form of a whorl. Amongst the spicula of the gemmules
some few were found in their normal, vz., birotulate state; but in the
majority of instances either one or both extremities were strangely
malformed. Sketches of the principal varieties, made by means of
the camera lucida, were sent round for inspection.—J. W.

Botanical Notes on Plants chiefly growing in Essea, with Observa-
tions on some of the Localities mentioned in Hooker and Arnott’s
‘ British Flora’ By E. G. VaRenne, Esq.

Anemone apennina, L., is mentioned in the last edition of the ‘ Bri-
tish Flora’ as growing near Berkhamstead, Essex, but no place with
such a name is known in the county. This error, which exists in all
the editions of the ‘ Flora,’ was corrected in Mr. Watson’s ‘ New Bo-
tanist’s Guide, and it will not be amiss if the next edition of the
* Flora’ be free from it.

Ranunculus parviflorus, L., is frequent on gravelly banks about
Tiptree Heath, and also in many other parts of this neighbourhood.
It does not appear to be a corn-field plant with us, though such is
the general locality allotted to it in the ‘ British Flora.’

Papaver hybridum, L. On the cliffs at Harwich and at Southend
this plant grows on London clay? It appears to affect the maritime
counties, as it is said in the ‘ Flora’ to grow in sandy and chalky
fields in Norfolk, Durham, Cornwall, Kent, and Essex.

Fumaria capreolata, L., which, if frequent elsewhere, as the bota-
nical works inform us, does not appear to be a common plant in
Essex. It occurs on the slopes at Harwich. Mr. Watson, in the
‘Cybele Britannica,’ speaking of F. capreolata, says that it probably
inclines “ to the west and north rather than to the south-east of Eng-
land.”

Lepidiwm Smithii, Hook., has several localities allotted to it in the
‘British Flora” while Lepidium campestre, Br., is not so honoured ;

VoL. Iv. N

yet it may be fairly doubted whether the one is not as generally dis-
tributed as the other, and perhaps more so.

Diplotaxis muralis, D.C., was growing in quantity among the rub-
bish at the side of a brick-field in Riven Hall last autumn. The
situation appeared a very suitable one, for the plant attained a large
size, and might perhaps have been hastily referred to D. tenuifolia,
but it proves to be a mere annual, and in other respects agrees with
the specific characters of D. muralis, as given by Smith and Babing- ~
ton. In what may be considered its natural size, D. muralis occurs
about the docks at Ipswich, accompanied by Mercurialis ambigua,
L. fil.

Viola canina, Sm. The white-flowered variety of this plant, which
Sir J. E. Smith says is not frequent, grows on a bank at Riven Hall.

Dianthus Armeria, L., stated in the ‘ British Flora’ to be not
uncommon in England, will require to be sharply looked after, for it
is variable in its places of growth, as is correctly stated in the ‘Cybele
Britannica.” In this neighbourhood are several localities in which the
plant may in some seasons be found, as among wheat by the side ofa
field at Kelvedon, and the outskirts of Lady Wood, at Tey. On a
hedge-bank by the road-side at Messing, D. Armeria grew for some
years, but it has now disappeared.

Hypericum Androsemum, L. Not very unfrequent under hedges
to the south of Kelvedon, where the subsoil is strong. Hypericum
Androsemum is mentioned as an Essex plant by Gerarde, who says
it grows at Rayleigh, but it is not noticed asa plant of this county by
the authors of the ‘ British Flora” though Norfolk, Herts, Kent, Sur-
rey, Bucks, Devon, Hampshire, and Cornwall are recorded as pro-
ducing it. H. Androseemum appears to be very widely distributed in
Great Britain, but to record half the counties in which it is known to
be found, and to omit the remainder, seems more likely to mislead
than to instruct the student. ,

Geranium pyrenaicum, L. On banks by road-sides about Kelve-
don, but not in meadows and pastures, as mentioned in the ‘ British
Flora.’ “ Road-sides and pastures,” which are Mr. Babington’s habi-
tats, give a more correct idea of the place of growth of this plant, at
least so far as my limited knowledge allows me to form an opinion.

Trigonella ornithopodioides, D.C. It may be interesting to record
that this plant is still to be found in the habitat mentioned by Ray in
the ‘ Synopsis,’ edit. tertia, p. 331 :—“‘ Mr. Newton, in our company,
found it on the sandy banks by the sea-side at Tollesbury, in Essex,
plentifully.”

Trifolium filiforme, L. “ Dry pastures and road-sides,” frequent,
Hooker and Amott. The same statement is made as regards T.
minor. In this neighbourhood, however, it would cost a person some
time to meet with a specimen of the former, while he might very
easily find abundance of the latter.

Orobus tuberosus, L., with linear leaflets, occurs in woods about
Totham. The authors of the ‘ Flora’ appear to consider this variety
as a rare one, by indicating several localities in which it may be
found, while Smith and Babington do not think it worthy of so much
notice.

Pyrus Aucuparia, Gertn., abounds in Porl’s Wood, Messing,
Essex, and though well known as growing therein for the last
forty or fifty years, yet there does not appear to be any record of its
having ever been introduced by planting. It thrives best in the light,
gravelly, and sandy parts of the wood, but being regularly cut down
for underwood, its aspect is that of a mere shrub. Gardens in the
neighbourhood are indebted to Porl’s Wood for young plants of the
mountain ash.

Epilobium roseum, Schreb., flourishes in a spot of damp alluvial
ground, used for gardening purposes, at Kelvedon.

Ribes nigrum, L. Close by the water of an ancient moat at Layer
Marney are three or four bushes of Ribes nigrum, which, if not really
wild, must have sprung up from seeds adventitiously deposited there,
as the banks which inclose the moat are very steep, and covered with
shrubby underwood to the water’s edge. In the locality near the
Hoppet Bridge, at Braintree, recorded by Ray, R. nigrum will
now be sought in vain. I have also been unsuccessful in endeavour-
ing to discover this shrub on the banks of the Blackwater, near Pat-
tiswick, where it is stated to grow by Mr. J. M. Gibson (Phytol. 1.
835).

Petroselinum segetum, Koch. On hedge-banks at Salcot and at
Munden, and between Maldon and Munden, not uncommon on Lon-
don clay? but liable to escape notice from its beginning to flower
just before harvest, at which period it is cut down with other weeds,
when the hedges and sides of the fields are trimmed. In the ‘ Bota-
nist’s Guide’ there are five other localities for P. segetum in Essex.

Dipsacus pilosus, L., though long recorded in the ‘ Botanist’s
Guide’ as an Essex plant, and still to be found, ¢ter aliis, abundantly
‘about Coggeshall, is not referred to the county in the ‘ British Flora,’
though Norfolk, Suffolk, Sussex, and Surrey are mentioned in con-

nexion with it. In the two latter counties perhaps D. pilosus is less
common than in Essex.

Filago gallica, . Reported in the ‘ British Flora’ as growing at
Castle Heveningham, Essex. The Castle Heveningham of the time
of Ray is known by the more modern name of Castle Hedingham.
In this place the ‘ Old Botanist’s Guide’ informs us that Filago gal-
lica has been sought for in vain, and since the ‘ Guide’ was published
there does not appear to have been any record of the rediscovery of ©
the plant in the locality.

Veronica Buxbaumii, Ten., has become plentiful in corn- fields and
cultivated land about Kelvedon.

Orobanche minor, Sutt., is as abundant in clover-fields in Essex as
in the counties thought worth mentioning under this head in the
‘ British Flora.’

Mentha pulegium, J.., grows on Tiptree and Bergholt Heaths.
This plant has the character of being the smallest of the British
mints. However correctly this may be considered generally to be
a diminutive weed, it is not always so. Certainly, when it has no
more soil than what is merely sufficient to cover the surface of the
gravelly common it grows upon, it is small enough in dry summers,
but when placed under more favourable circumstances as to soil and
moisture, as for instance on the sides of a shady ditch, Mentha pule-
gium will attain the height of two or three feet, and be propor-
tionally bushy. In this condition, however, the flowers are not so
abundantly formed as in the smaller and more common variety.

Marrubiu mvulgare, L. ‘Frequent in England,” ‘ British Flora,’ p.
321. A very different idea of the frequency of this plant in England
will be found in the ‘ Cybele Britannica. For myself, I can only say
that I have never yet met with the horehound in a really wild state.

Centunculus minimus, L. Tiptree Heath: met with on spots
where the turf has been pared.

Statice Bahusiensis, Fries. On the Essex bank of the Stour, at
Manningtree.

Chenopodium hybridum, L., was in great profusion in a gravel-pit
at Feering last autumn, where it was allowed to grow undisturbed, a
rare circumstance for a weed in this part of Essex. When luxuriant,
Chenopodium hybridum is the largest and most stately of our Eng-
lish representatives of the genus, being upwards of four feet high, and
branching out in all directions. ;

Schoberia fruticosa, Mey. Banks of the Blackwater, between
Maldon and Mersea Island. Sir W. J. Hooker and Dr. Arnott omit

our Essex coasts from their list of the localities of this plant, although
it is recorded in the ‘ Old Botanist’s Guide’ as growing at Wallasea
Island and the west end of the marsh bank at Harwich, and although
Mr. Watson, in the ‘ Cybele Britannica,’ has referred the Sueda fru-
ticosa to Essex.

Polygonum Convolvulus, L., var. alatum. This variety, which is
said by the authors of the ‘ British Flora’ to be of rare occurrence, is
not unfrequent about Kelvedon, in hedge-banks on newly-turmed
gravel.

Juniperus conmunis, L. “ Woods and heaths, frequent,” ‘ British
Flora, p. 407. This does not convey a correct idea of the habitats of
Juniperus communis. Sir J. E. Smith writes more correctly, “ On
hills and heathy downs, especially where the soil is chalky.” “ Un-
common in the southern provinces of England, except on the chalk
hills,” Cybele Brit. vol. ii. p. 411.

Habenaria bifolia, Br. “ Moist copses, meadows, and marshes, fre-
quent,” ‘ British Flora.’

Habenaria chlorantha, Bab. ‘“ Dry pastures and heaths, sometimes
in moist places, frequent,” ‘ British Flora.’ Our plants do not answer
to these localities; H. bifolia being found but very rarely on Tiptree
Heath, and H. chlorantha flourishing in the woods, chiefly where
the subsoil is chalky. Mr. Babington’s localities for the above two
plants are more correct: the bifolia is referred to heathy places and
the chlorantha to moist woods and thickets in the ‘ Manual of British
Botany.’

Ophrys apifera, Huds. A solitary specimen of this plant, with
flowers perfectly white, was found in Felix-Hall Park, Kelvedon, last
July.

Potamogeton zosterefolius, Sclhum., grows in a ditch running into
the Chelma, near Chelmsford.

Potamogeton crispus, L., var. serratum; P. serratum, Huds. In
ditches at Copford, and at Salcot.

Potamogeton prelongus, Wulf. Plentiful in the Chelma, between
Chelmsford and Baddow.

Carex axillaris, Gooden., may be met with in the vicinity of Kel-
vedon, on the banks of ditches, in several places, and also in the
neighbourhood of Coggeshall, towards Great Tey.

Gastridium lendigerum, Gand. “ Places where water has stagnated
near the sea, rare. Little Broddon and Great Leighs, Essex,” ‘ Bri-
tish Flora, p. 531. Little Broddon should be Little Baddow in the

‘Flora.’ ‘Though the counties in which this grass is stated to be
found are maritime, yet it does not appear that it mostly grows near
the sea. In confirmation of this view, it may be mentioned that G.
lendigerum is met with in fields about Kelvedon and the neighbour-
hood, twelve miles inland as the crow flies; that Little Baddow is not
near the sea, unless the Port of Maldon can be so considered, from
which it is distant five miles; and that Great Leighs is in the centre
of the county. I have also a specimen from the late Mr. Griffiths,
gathered at Mill End, Rickmansworth, Herts, Nov. 1831.

Avena strigosa, L. “Corn-fields, common both in England and
Scotland,” ‘ British Flora, p. 552. Surely Avena strigosa, Z., is not
common in England. Sir J. K. Smith, in the ‘ English Flora,’ says
it is common in Scotland, Wales, Yorkshire, and Cornwall; and Mr.
Watson, in the ‘ New Botanist’s Guide,’ gives localities for Avena
strigosa in the counties of Cornwall, Sussex, Anglesea, Denbigh,
Notts, York, and Durham: but the Sussex locality is of uncertain
character, and in Notts there is but one locality recorded.

Aspidium cristatum, Sw. “Caxton Bogs, Notts,” ‘ British Flora,’
p- 569. Caxton Bogs should be Oxton Bogs.

E. G. VARENNE.
Kelvedon, February 12, 1851.

Notes on British Ferns.
By the Rev. W. S. Hore, M.A., F.L.S., &c.

Hymenophyllum Tunbridgense. The finest Devonshire specimens
of this fern that I ever saw were gathered by me in January last, in
the wood immediately under Vixen Tor, on the borders of Dartmoor :
they were growing on a granite rock, with a small quantity of moss
intermixed, and were not sheltered from the rays of light more than
other plants in the wood. I have also found this species in woods of
Bickleigh Vale, within five miles of Plymouth.

Hymenophyllum Wilsoni. I met with this species in’ the wood
under Vixen Tor, on the same day that I found the other species.
Both grew under similar conditions. I record this fact, as in the
locality of Shaugh Bridge, given in the second edition of the * British
Ferns, on my authority, a manifest difference obtains in the spots
selected by these closely-allied species. The barren moor of Shaugh
rises abruptly from the banks of the Cad in its rapid and precipitous
course from Dartmoor: a few bushes appear along the margin of the

stream, growing as it were from amid the granite boulders, which
appear to have been hurled from the higher parts of the moor. These
rocks are necessarily distributed in a most irregular and uncertain
manner: in some places they are heaped upon one another to a con-
siderable extent; in others the green turf is not wholly destroyed.
The drainage from the higher parts of the moor keeps the lower
regions in a more than ordinary wet state, and it is in such spots,
where rock and soil are intermingled, that these ferns grow. A large
mass of granite, resting on one extremity upon several smaller pieces,
overhangs, and thus forms a sort of cave: at the mouth, so to speak,
H. Wilsoni usually grows in abundance, fully exposed to the light in
a northerly direction: H. 'Tunbridgense is also at hand, but not at
first visible; you must, in fact, look for it within the darker precincts
of the cave, where nearly invariably it will be found growing amongst
the moss covering the smaller pieces of granite, though not in such
abundance as the other species. This hint may perhaps be useful to
fern-cultivators, who usually find Hymenophylla difficult, plants to
manage.

Lastrea Thelypteris. This fern grows in the greatest abundance in
all the swampy, uncultivated ground on the banks of the river below
Norwich.

Lastrea cristata. In September last I discovered a new locality
for this rare species in Surlingham Broad, or rather the waste land
adjacent to the sheet of water, about five miles from Norwich. I found
it only on two spots, and not in any abundance: the fertile fronds
were already the worse for wear, having suffered from coming in con-
tact with the surrounding rank herbage, through the winds which had
previously prevailed. No British fern that I know is so crisp as this,
and so easily broken: hence, I presume, arises its early decay. My
attention was directed to the first spot where I found it by the yel-
lowish green appearance of the fronds, all of which were young and
barren, save two miserable specimens. The locality was an exposed
one, and the fen-man had recently gone over it with his scythe, which
accounts for no old fronds being met with. In the other habitat the
plant had been undisturbed by man or beast, and was growing
amongst rushes, coarse grass, sedge, and reeds, some of which were
far above my head. Here the fern was of. a darker hue, and much
more luxuriant. Very few specimens of L. spinosa were here to be
found, though in the first locality a small form of that plant was the
most abundant of the two. I should state that both spots were
slightly raised above the level of the marsh, and were comparatively

dry. I must not be supposed to say that they were absolutely dry,
for that would be impossible in such a district, influenced as it is
daily by the tides, which are perceptible as high as Norwich.

Lastrea spinosa grows in the same Broad, but is of small size.

Lastrea uliginosa. When in London last week I saw a small plant
of this questionable species at Kennedy’s Bedford Conservatory, in
Covent Garden: it certainly has an appearance intermediate between
cristata and spinosa, yet I am inclined to agree with the Rev. W. T.
Bree, that it is only a variety of the latter species. What struck me
the most in the solitary frond that I saw, was the thin, rigid character
which it presented, similar to that in barren fronds of Lastrea recurva,
the swall size of the sori, and the greater width of the pinnules, com-
pared with those of spinosa. These conditions (the two last certainly)
might, | think, be produced on plants of L. spinosa by keeping them
in a very Shaded spot, and supplying them liberally with water. My
friend the fen-man, whose boat I engaged when searching for L. cris-
tata, took me to a place where he said that for many years he had
observed a large bunch of ferns: these ferns had grown at the root of
an alder-tree which had been cut down, not rooted up, about two
years ago: some half dozen sickly fronds remained, which, with their
small sori and dilated pinnules, very much resembled, except in not
being rigid, the frond of uliginosa that Isaw in London. I have
referred to the resemblance between the barren fronds of L. recurva
and ‘those of uliginosa, that is, as to texture. Now we know that
recurva affects damp and shaded localities, and hence I think we may
be justified in concluding that such conditions are not at least preju-
dicial or opposed to, if they are not indeed favourable to, the produc-
tion of that state of rigidity which characterizes the supposed species
now under consideration. I will readily admit that this last argument
is somewhat forced, and does not satisfactorily prove that rigidity
combined with thin texture of the parenchyme is dependant on an
excess of shade or moisture, but it must be borve in mind that I only
contend that such conditions are not antagonistic to such a state.
Hence with my present amount of knowledge of facts and descriptions
relative to this plant, 1 must subscribe myself an unbeliever in its
specific identity.

Lastrea recurva. This, to me the most beautiful and lovely, as
well as the most distinct, of our indigenous ferns, grows in great
abundance around Clovelly, in Devonshire, extending nearly to Hols-
worthy, which is about ten miles inland. I know not whether this
species is considered maritime, or whether its range extends indiffe-

rently over tracts distant from the sea. I have gathered it at Helston,
in Cornwall, and in November last I found it clothing the hedges of
a narrow lane near Hessenford, in the same county, with its crisped
fronds, and attaining a greater size than I had previously witnessed.
Hessenford is about ten miles from Devonport, and two from the sea:
I did not see a single specimen to the east of the village, but on the
other side, selecting the road to Looe, it is in great abundance. I
had fancied that all British botanists were at length agreed as to this
plant being a good and valid species, but such seems not to be the
case. I have not seen the last edition of Hooker’s ‘ British Flora,
but I glean from the pages of the ‘ Phytologist’ that it is, there
recorded as avariety of spinulosum. Now whether this decision be
pronounced by Sir W. Hooker or by Dr. Walker-Arnott, it is a for-
midable thing to find oneself placed in opposition to such high bota-
nical authority. It is, however, probable that neither of these justly-
celebrated botanists, men possessing a European fame, have seen this
fern growing in its native habitats, or if they have it may have been
when the question of its distinctness had not been fairly raised, and
hence they did not observe it with that critical acumen which they
usually display. Mr. Newman was, I helieve, the first in this coun-
try to give a diagnosis of the species under consideration, by which
it might at once be distinguished from multiflora and spinosa: I have
seen hundreds of specimens, all of which answer correctly to his
description, and 1 should say that no species of fern is less inclined
to wander from the characters ascribed to it than does this from the
characters given in the ‘ British Ferns.’ But it is from an acquaint-
ance with L. recurva in its natural localities that one feels satisfied
that it is not a mere variety. It requires no close examination to
separate it from the numberless fronds of multiflora in its neighbour-
hood: a single glance must reveal the truth. And if its progress
from youth to old age be marked we shall obtain additional evidence:
» we shall find that barren fronds are not simply characteristic of
youth, but are, I believe, invariably to be found on plants of all ages.
We shall also find that the fertile fronds perish in the early months of
winter, and that decay is visible in them even in November; and,
moreover, that the barren fronds flourish uninjured, or mostly so, till
the following spring. or summer. Now I think these facts, placed in
opposition to those known respecting the duration, &c., of L. multi-
flora, and spinosa are strong evidences of specific distinction, and will
fully justify botanists in retaining this pretty fern amongst their list of

VOL. Iv. O

species, instead of reducing it to the humble grade of a variety of that
coarse and gigantic monster, Lastrea multiflora !

Polystichum aculeatum. This fern I never saw growing wild in
Devonshire or Cornwall till, in company with my friend the Rey. C.
A. Johns, I met with it last month in the hedges between Totnes and
Ashburton, in the former county: it extended for nearly two miles,
and was mixed with the very common P. angulare, which grows
luxuriantly in the western counties. P. aculeatum, however, did not
appear at home in this new locality, as, although abundant, the fronds
were comparatively small and unhealthy if contrasted with others
_ from more favoured districts.

W. S. Hore.
St. Clement's, Oxford,
February 14, 1851.

Recollections of a Morning’s Ramble in the Whittlesea Fens.
By the Rev. W. T. Bree, M.A.

In the early part of July, 1840, happening to be on a visit of some
days with a friend residing about two miles from Oundle, in North-
amptonshire, I felt a strong desire to take that opportunity of making an
excursion to Whittlesea Mere, a part of the country I had never seen,
but knew by report to be full of botanical, as well as entomological,
interest. Every day during my sojourn seemed to have its business
or its pleasure ready cut out for it, except one; and on that one we
were engaged to dine with a much-revered friend residing some six
miles or so in a nearly opposite direction to the fen country. Under
these circumstances, what was to be done? It was suggested that by
rising somewhat earlier in the morning than usual, and taking advan-
tage of a pair of posters from Oundle, it might be possible to effect
both objects,—to go to the Fens, and fulfil our engagement with our
friend afterwards; and as the proverb says “ Halfa loaf is better than
no bread,” it was unanimously judged that even such a hasty visit
only as this arrangement would admit of, would be better than not
going to the Fens at all. Accordingly the above scheme was resolved
upon; our friend drove us in his carriage to Oundle, and from thence
we posted to Yaxley, a village situate close upon the fens, to the
north-west of the Mere. Here our first care was to meet with some
_ one used to the fens to act as aguide; and we were presently intro-
duced to a young man bearing a long pole, whose face, from having

beeri well tanned and sun-burnt, had assumed almost the colour of a
mahogany table. Being ignorant of his real name, we distinguished
him by the appellation of “ Copperface.” He proved a good guide,
willing and obliging; was thoroughly acquainted with the “ins and
outs” of that quarter at least of the Fens; and knew all the dykes and
ditches, which of them, by help of his long pole, were passable, and
which not. He had also a sufficient smattering of entomology (picked
up, no doubt, from previous visitors like ourselves) to talk about a
“ swallow-tail,”’—I think, indeed, he said “ Machaon,”—and a “ great
copper,” the latter of which insects he averred he had seen on the
wing a short time before, in a spot to which he would presently intro-
duce us. The day, however, proved nearly sunless, with wind; so
that it was out of the question to expect to see many insects on the
wing; and we were not so fortunate as to meet with a great copper.
In the course of our ramble we surprised and killed a small viper, no
unusual occurrence in the Fens; and I mention the circumstance only
to correct a vulgar error on the subject: Copperface, who of course
was well acquainted with the reptile, appeared to entertain very exag-
gerated notions as to its noxious qualities, and to fancy that even the
bare touch of the animal’s body after death might (to use his own
words) “venom you.” We met with but few birds in the Fens, except
here and there a dabchick or waterhen in the dykes; and in one part
we started a large flight of snipes; hence I conclude they breed there.
Whittlesea Mere is rather an awkward place to go to see; for, being
surrounded (as I need hardly say) to a large extent by a tract of per-
fectly flat fenny country, and screened, moreover, by a phalanx of tall
reeds* near the margin of the water, the nearer you approach the lake
itself, the less able are you to get a view of it. Indeed, we might have
rambled, I believe, the whole morning in the Fens without ever seeing
the Mere at all, had not our considerate guide directed us to a spot
where we could just get an imperfect peep at it. I much regret that
time and circumstances did not allow of our taking boat, and embark-
ing on this little fresh-water inland sea, so as to have enabled us to
see morerof it. A good distant view, however, of the Mere was ob-
tained from the top of the hill as we descended into Yaxley.

s * Reeds (Arundo Phragmites) form a considerable article of trade in these parts.
They are cut at the proper season, and laid up in large stacks, like immense corn or
hay-ricks, and used for the purpose of thatching, constructing screens, &c. The
Starlings, congregating in vast flucks, roost, I am told, among the standing reeds, set-
tling upon them by thousands, so as to break them down, and do much injury. They
are in consequence regarded by the fen-men as pernicious birds.

100

The object of the present communication is to record (so far as
memory serves me) some of the rarer plants which we met with im the
morning’s excursion. And I do this the rather, because Whittlesea
Mere itself, together with its surrounding Fens, is doomed at no very
distant period to be converted into useful, homely, arable, and pasture-
land ; when of course its botanical and entomological treasures must
be for the most part, if not entirely, annihilated. Many of the aqua-
tic plants no doubt will continue to maintain their position, and
flourish in the dykes ;* for the dykes, I presume, must still remain,
and be kept up for the sake of more effectual and permanent drainage.
But alas! for the more rare and choice objects in each department of
Natural History. Just the very things which naturalists would be
most anxious to have preserved are quite sure to be destroyed! The
water of the Mere was drained off last summer (1850); and m conse-
quence Peterborough Market was (as I am informed) glutted to over-
flowing with the fisht that had been taken on the occasion. Cultivation
had been gradually creeping on for many years past; and the plough
had in various parts made no inconsiderable inroads on the Fens. If
I am not misinformed, some parts near Yaxley where in 1840 we had

* These dykes, at least the broader ones, were, I suppose, once of a good depth in
water, but are now much choked up with mud. We heard some mention made about
a tradition of a human skeleton having been once discovered in one of the dykes, in
an erect position ; supposed to have been that of some unfortunate person who, having
lost his way, accidentally got into the dyke, and was suffocated. ‘The story, T believe,
referred to a period long gone by.

We witnesed a boat-load of hay conveyed along a dyke, which presented a singu-
lar appearance. As the dyke itself was not apparent at a little distance, it seemed as
though the load and boat were quietly traversing the land. We found ona nearer
approach that the vessel was being punted through liquid mud, which it propelled
forward. As the width of sthe boat or punt was nearly equal to that of the dyke in
which it swam, the surface of the latter—whether to call it water or mud I scarcely
know—was put in motion for a considerable distance ahead of the vessel; I should
think for perhaps twenty yards or more the whole surface of the dyke was in agitation.
Altogether here was a sample of rude navigation, of a character we had never before
witnessed.

+ The bare mention of fish, as connected with the Fens, calls to mind the dexte-
rity evinced by a young fen-man in securing an eel which he had observed to enter a
hole in the bank-side of one of the dykes. He first stuck his spade close to the mouth
of the hole, in order to cut off the eel’s retreat, and prevent its escaping again into the
dyke. Then with another spade he dug down into the bank perpendicularly, till he
came upon the eel, which he immediately caught, skinned, gutted, and completely
prepared for the frying-pan, in less time almost than it takes to pen this brief state-
ment of the exploit. We remarked to him that it was not the first time he had served
an eel so.

101

gathered many bog and aquatic plants, have long since produced in-
stead of them, crops of oats, barley, and the like. I could not help
remarking the reluctance which some of the native plants seemed to
evince at yielding up possession of their rightful territory where it had
been partially drained and submitted to the plough. While the ground
was in this transition state, as 1 may call it, they not only still strug-
gled for existence, but even reappeared in unusual vigour. Thus, e. g.,
in certain spots, the surface of which had been broken up, and even
sown with an artificial crop, I observed the largest and most luxuriant
specimens of Samolus Valerandi I had ever seen ; and even the little
delicate Anagallis tenella seemed on this occasion to have thrown
aside much of its modest retiring habit,.and exhibited, in broad dense
masses, its most exquisitely tender pink blossoms, making quite a
showy appearance, which caught the eye at a distance. I really
should not have believed, had I not witnessed the fact, that this
humble plant could have cut so conspicuous.a figure. In fact, the
aborigines were on the point of being forcibly dislodged, and they
made a noble resistance. As regards insects, the case is perhaps
somewhat different. The splendid Lyczna dispar, one while cap-
tured here abundantly, is now, I am told, scarcely, if at all, to be
found in this locality. Its existence in Britain will probably ere long
be mere matter of history,—one of the things which were, and are not.
A collector and dealer at Yaxley informed me in the summer of 1848,
that he had that season most diligently searched up and down all the
dykes, and could scarcely find a single caterpillar; and he had, I
think, only one specimen of the butterfly in his boxes. The Whit-
tlesea satin moth too (Lelia canosa\, I was told, wsed to be found in
certain parts of the Fens, but had not been met with of late years.
But I am straying from the subject, and must return to botany.
Among the less common plants we met with on this occasion, I recol-
lect the following :—

Veronica scutellata. Common.

Pinguicula vulgaris. Sparingly.

Utricularia vulgaris. The larger bladderwort almost choked up
many of the ditches, which were quite gay with its bright yellow blos-

»soms. I did not observe more than one species, though probably U.

minor may also be found in this locality.

Schoenus Mariscus. This plant, half rush, half sedge, constitutes
one of the staple growths of the Fens, occupying as it does whole
tracts of ground, and presenting a stern, bold aspect, as if it cared for

nothing. Though a plant of no very attractive appearance to a gene-
: .

102

ral observer, it excited in me a sort of admiration, its stiff, erect habit
and harsh texture being in such perfect keeping with the wildness
and inhospitableness of its native place of growth. I am not aware
that the prickly bog-rush is applied to any particular economical uses,
though possibly it might be so converted. The flower-heads and
seeds, I was told, are a favourite food of pheasants, which are often
attracted thereby into the Fens.

Lysimachia vulgaris. Frequent. Though naturally a moisture-
loving plant, and growing sometimes in the wettest places, it thrives
well in a common garden, and becomes troublesome. In cultivation
it usually bears much larger heads of flower than in a wild state, but,
like some other of our natives, loses much of its grace and elegance.

Hottonia palustris. Common in the ditches.

Samolus Valerandi. I have met with this plant in many different
localities; e. g., Warwickshire, Devonshire, Kent, the Isle of Wight,
north of England, &c., but generally rather sparingly; nowhere in
anything like the abundance, or such large and vigorous specimens,
as in the Whittlesea Fens. I believe it is a plant of very wide geo-
graphical range, occurring in New Holland, and in all the four quar-
ters of the globe.

Sium latifolium, Phellandrium aquaticum. These, together with
some other aquatic Umbelliferze, grow to a large size, and thrive pro-
digiously in the dykes, making a handsome appearance.

Parnassia palustris. Sparingly.

Drosera Anglica. Plentiful in one or two spots. This is the rarest
of the British Drosere.

Rumex aquaticus. Plentiful by the sides of the ditches, and very
large and fine. This plant supplies food for the caterpillar of Lycena
dispar, as is well known to the collectors in the neighbourhood.
When the leaves of the great water-dock begin to decay, they change
to a bright colour, red, purple, or yellow, or a mixture of all, and are
highly picturesque and ornamental. In grandeur of foliage it is only
to be exceeded by the vegetation of the tropics.

Alisma ranunculoides. Common in the ditches.

Andromeda polifolia. 1 met with a specimeu or two in one spot

only, but believe it occurs more copiously in other parts of the Fens.»

Nymphea alba. Plentiful.

Ranunculus Lingua. Plentiful by the sides of the ditches, and
sometimes growing in the water, and rising to the height of three or
four feet; a very handsome plant, and producing the largest blossoms
of any of the British Ranunculi.

103

Galeopsis versicolor. Occurring sometimes in the marshy parts,
but more especially where cultivation had commenced.

Lathyrus palustris. In Sowerby’s ‘ English Botany’ it is stated
that this plant “ thrives in a garden in good soil, even if not wet, and
is very ornamental.” Some roots which I brought away did not suc-
ceed with me, though planted in a pot of bog-soil, and kept moist.
It is certainly a rare species, though not uncommon in the Fens: I
had never met with it before, and was well pleased with the elegance
of the plant and the beauty of its blue flowers.

What we considered as the prize of the day was the discovery of a
little colony or two of the rare

Malazis Loeselii. In one or two places growing among Sphagnum.
On first setting about to get up a plant for a specimen, I dug round it
as deep as I well could with my pocket-spud, in order to obtain the
entire root ; a labour which I soon found to be quite unnecessary, as
a slight application of the thumb and finger to the stalk readily dis-
engaged the whole plant, root and all. I do not think the fibres
could have had any immediate connexion with the ground. May not
the plant be considered as an epiphyte on the Sphagnum? In proof
of the undisturbed quiet and entire security in which this interesting
little orchidean here reposed on its carpet of Sphagnum,. I may state
that the flower-stalks of two, and sometimes of three, successive years
were found still remaining on the same plant. First, there was the
flower of the current year in full perfection; next, the dried stalk of
the year previous, with its emptied seed-vessels ; and lastly, in seve-
ral instances the evident remains,—the skeleton,—of a still older
flower-stalk.

Myrica Gale. If my memory does not fail me, I think I am cor-
rect in saying that this fragrant shrub occurred in several parts of the
Fens. In spite of its odoriferous scent, perfuming the air as it does,
to my senses at least, I have known this species go by the ordinary
name of “ stinking willow” among the common people in some parts
of the country where it occurs abundantly. But concerning scents it
seems men differ, as well as tastes, about which we are taught “ not to
dispute.”

_ Lastrea Thelypteris. In great abundance, thinly scattered over
acres of the Fens, but of unusually small size, the fronds on an ave-
rage not being larger than those of Cystopteris fragilis. I could not
find a single specimen in fructification. On a subsequent visit I met
with it both in fructification and of the ordinary stature. This spe-
cies, if I rightly remember, was almost the only fern, certainly the only

.
- on

104

one to be at all considered rare, we observed in the Fens. There was
no Osmunda regalis, Lastrea spinosa, or so-called uliginosa, all of
which one might have reasonably looked to find, if not also the rare
Lastrea cristata, which, had it occurred, need not have surprised us,

Such were the fruits of our morning’s ramble. I deemed it not a
very bad day’s. botanizing to have gathered some half dozen rare
plants which previously I had not met with in a wild state; two of
which, Malaxis Loeselii and Lathyrus palustris, I had never before
seen ; not to mention the blossoms of Utricularia, which till that time
I only knew from figures and dried specimens ; and these last afford
but a very inadequate idea of the beauty of the living flower, which,
like the different species of Melampyrum, seems almost invariably to
turn black during the process of drying. I offer the above, let it be
remembered, not by any means as a perfect list,—far from it,—but
rather as a mere sample, of the rarities that are, or were once, to be
met with in this interesting locality. As already said, our visit was a
most hurried one, “ spatiis exclusus iniquis.” And it was, too, but
a very small portion comparatively, and that (for all I know) not, per-
haps, the richest portion of this fenny district that we explored at all.
I dare say we quite overlooked many interesting but less conspicuous
species. In truth, we found attraction enough in things that were
obvious and striking to occupy all our time and attention; and
accordingly did not on this occasion suffer ourselves to get perplexed
by the intricate race of Carices, or the not very inviting genus Pota-
mogeton, of which, in each case probably, some of the less common
species might have rewarded a more diligent and leisurely research. -

Among the plants which I had beforehand confidently calculated
4o have met with on this occasion, wus abest—the water soldier
(Stratiotes aloides). It does grow, however, in the neighbourhood, if
not in some parts of the Fens, and in great abundance, as I am in-
formed on unquestionable authority, though we were not so fortunate
as to fall in with it. Iwas not without hopes also of finding the
curious Conferva zgagropila (globe Conferva or moon-balls), had we
been able to have seen more of Whittlesea Mere ; for I fancied I had
heard of its being found there. I conclude, however, that in this no-
tion I must have been mistaken, since Copperface, to whom I endea-
voured to describe the plant, did not appear ever to have seen or
heard of such a thing.

After returning to Yaxley we parted with our guide, mutually well
satisfied, I believe, and pleased with each other’s company. No sort
of offence or disrespect, let me observe, was intended to be conveyed

ay.

105

by surnaming him “Copperface.” Perhaps we were remiss, and
inattentive to our own interests, in not ascertaining his more legiti-
_. mate appellation; for were I ever again to visit Yaxley Fens, I
_ should be glad to renew our acquaintance, and avail myself of his
services and his long pole.

As we quitted Yaxley the weather threatened a change; and pre-
sently rain came down in torrents. However, having a head to the
carriage, we reached our friend’s house dry and comfortable, and in
time for dinner. I need hardly say we passed a most pleasant even-
ing. Indeed, from beginning to end this was a holiday! And how-
ever devoid of interest the above account of it may be to the readers
of the ‘ Phytologist,’ the day itself has left some very pleasing impres-
sions on the memory of the narrator.

I may take this opportunity to state, that in an excursion, a day or
two before, to Monks’ Wood, I gathered specimens, in plenty, of
Melampyrum cristatum, a rare species, which I never happen to have
seen elsewhere.

W. T. BREE.
Allesley Rectory, February 18, 1851.

Note on Lastrea uliginosa. By W. Witson, Esq.

AFTER having compared Mr. Newman’s specimens with numerous
examples of L. spinosa, I was very much disposed to think that two
different species had in time past been confounded by myself and
others ; nor was it until some connecting links were obtained by further
search that I reluctantly abandoned a nascent opinion in opposition
to that of the Rev. Mr. Bree. Even now I should be inclined to keep
them separate, if the two forms could be proved to be permanently
distinct in the mode of vegetation. I once thought that L. spinosa
could be absolutely distinguished from Aspidium dilatatum of authors
by its creeping rhizoma, a character which it certainly assumes when
growing in damp, shady places in woods, but I have since learned to
place no reliance whatever on this feature. On the borders of Risley
Moss, about three miles from Warringtou, these two ferns grow inter-
mixed, sometimes in actual contact, and in precisely similar circum-
stances, on the margin of small drains or ditches, fully exposed to sun
and air. In such situations the rhizoma appears to be equally tufted
in both species, and I have for several years past given up that mode
VOL. Iv. P

106

of distinguishing them. At Wybunbury, I have certainly seen and
gathered genuine examples of L. spinosa, which exhibit the same
characters as the specimens from Risley Moss; but it may be proper
to state that in a wood on the south margin of the bog at Wybunbury,
when searching for L. cristata, two years ago, I repeatedly picked up
and rejected fronds of what must have been L. uliginosa, imagining for
the moment that I had at length found L. cristata.* I have two simi-
lar fronds from Oxton Bog, given by Mr. Valentine, but in these the
pinnules are not adnate, nor so obtuse as in Mr. Newman’s examples
of L. uliginosa. I quite concur in opinion with the Rev. Mr. Bree,
that L. uliginosa is not L. Filix-mas, nor cristata, and that it is still
less like any form of L. rigida. As to the early barren fronds, I
believe that I have observed them repeatedly on L. spinosa at Risley
Moss, where in some cold and wet seasons the characteristic narrow
fronds, by which it is so readily distinguished from its neighbour, have
been almost wholly absent.

W. WILSon.
Warrington, February 22, 1851.

A Word on the Wild Snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis).
By WituiamM BENNETT, Esq.

In the barrenness of botanical interest which this season of the year
affords, there is one treat peculiar to the present month, at least in its
highest beauty and perfection, not surpassed by anything the whole
gorgeous summer, in its rich and varied round, presents to us. It is
some years since, in company with the esteemed editor, I first alighted
on a bed of Galanthus nivalis near the village of Brockham, in Surrey,
so profuse and extensive as to have puzzled us at a distance, with the
appearance of a bank and patches of driven snow, which, at the tem-
perature prevalent for some time previous, we knew it could not be.
I have not failed to visit the spot at the proper season every year
since, whenever I have had the opportunity; and notwithstanding
occasional plunder, have rejoiced to see my favourites not only main-
taining their ground amid the frost and storms of more bitter seasons,
lifting their modest, graceful heads within each sheltered nook unin-

* T have since learned from the Rev. Mr. Pinder that the latter fern once grew in
profusion in open ground, to the east of the wood, which is now under tillage. It
is now become very scarce, but may still be found in the wood, and occasionally on
the surface of the bog, among bushes.

107

jured, but gradually extending themselves by one or two advanced
outposts of tufts or single plants along the adjoining lanes. This
year the snowdrops were naturally somewhat forward ; and a few days
ago I had the pleasure of seeing them in undiminished numbers, and
in unrivalled beauty and perfection. Passing into the village of
Brockham by the bridge over the Mole, turn into the lane almost
immediately on the right before reaching the principal part of the
green, down over another small bridge past a school-house on the
right, and one or two cottages on either side, until about some hun-
dred yards further a brook crosses the road, which in falling weather
would arrest the further progress of the thin-soled adventurer but for
a plank bridge on the left; precisely opposite is a gate into a field on
the right hand; enter; follow the course of the rivulet, which soon
presents the irregular, deep, broken banks of a mimic torrent; and in
a very few yards,—don’t snatch the first prize, there are plenty
beyond,—every fresh step displays the white, nodding masses of the
graceful Galanthus, crowding the banks, hanging over the edges, fill-
ing the little bays, occupying all the sheltered nooks and coverts of
the pretty windings of the streamlet, and extending so as to form the
complete carpet of an old orchard on the other side. This last
adjunct of course throws some doubt on the plant being truly indige-
nous here; but it is, at all events, most thoroughly naturalized; and
this retired spot, with its quiet rural scenery, the richness of the sur-
rounding landscape, even in winter-time, backed by the fine outlines
of the Box-Hill range, is well worth a visit, and will amply repay the
lover of Nature’s simple charms. Nor is there among the gay daugh-
ters of Summer a flower more to be admired than is this humble,
unpretending cottage-maiden, with her chaste, elegant, snow-white
pendents, delicately tipped, and pencilled within with the purest,
loveliest green,—the winning, cheerful, hardy herald of our early
spring.
W. BENNETT.
London, February 12, 1851.

Wild Flowers in Bloom on St. Valentine’s Day.
By E. T. BEnneETT, Esq.

ALTHOUGH this is a period of the year which presents very little to
attract the botanist who confines his attention to our native flowering

108

plants, yet owing to the extraordinary mildness of the present winter,
a number I have thought worth recording have appeared in blossom
during the first month of the present year, which I think may un-
doubtedly be considered as usually the deadest of all. As many as
thirty-six species, belonging to nineteen natural orders, have been
noticed in this neighbourhood. Nine species were last year’s plants,
which had lingered on since the autumn, and the rest were of this
spring’s growth. Among the most interesting may be mentioned
Nasturtium officinale, Scleranthus annuus, Glechoma hederacea, Sta-
chys arvensis, Euphorbia peplus, Galanthus nivalis, and Ruscus acu-
leatus.

K. T. BENNETT.
Dorking, February 14, 1851.

Note on Lastrea recurva. By Ricnarp Wuite, Esq.

I cannorT refrain from expressing my sympathy with the feelings
expressed by Lastrea recurva (Phytol. iv. 48), and also my surprise at
hearing that such high botanical authorities as Sir W. Hooker and Dr.
Arnott should have expressed an opinion that that fern is not a per-
fectly distinct species from either spinosa or multiflora. I have given
my assiduous attention to ferns, particularly British, for many years,
both in observing them in their native localities and in cultivating
them out of doors, as well as under glass. The first time I saw L.
recurva, it was introduced to me as identical with those now named
spinosa and multiflora (all being then called dilatata), but it then
struck me as very remarkable that so great a difference in its appear-
ance could arise from a mere modification induced by external causes,
and this conviction induced me to test the question by growing seve-
ral plants of these ferns side by side under the same circumstances, as
I have tried many real varieties, particularly those of Cystopteris,
which when taken from a dry and a damp locality seem to be distinct
ferns; but if thus treated, in a few years all the apparent varieties
become exactly alike, from being cultivated under the same influences.
For upwards of five years I have had this experiment in force as
regards recurva and its supposed allies, and I find that the distinctive
characters increasingly develope themselves, and are more marked
now than at first, and I will therefore proceed to state them in detail.
Observing, firstly, that the native habitats are dissimilar, recurva in
its Sussex habitats being found chiefly in the fissures of sand rocks,

109

and occasionally beneath them in the ground, but only when the soil
is chiefly composed of sand and leaf-mould, so that water percolates
through it immediately; whereas spinosa and multiflora are most fre-
quently to be met with in damp soils, and sometimes even in swamps.
Such opposite situations as these I am fully aware are quite sufficient
to cause a very different development of the same species; but as
before stated, when the whole group has been grown under precisely
the same conditions through a series of years, and recurva still main-
tains its peculiarities, it quite sets aside that hypothesis. The chief
distinctions are as follows; viz.:—The fronds never attain more than
a third the size of those of multiflora, and are invariably less than
those of spinosa; the colour is quite different, being a paler green, so
much so that you may distinguish this species a hundred yards off ;
the edges of the frond are recurved, as the name implies, somewhat
resembling parsley ; the fronds endure through the winter and spring,
—those on my plants are now fresh and green, while the fronds of
spinosa and multiflora had entirely disappeared by last November.
I would also further mention that I planted these three ferns in a very
wet part of my garden, and found multiflora and spinosa flourish ex-
ceedingly, but recurva, after growing luxuriantly for some little time,
rotted off, which circumstance tends to establish the fact that its very
nature is essentially different from the others. I have only to say, in
conclusion, that my experience and observations have so firmly con-
vinced me of the distinctness of the fern in question, that I should
have been less surprised to have heard it asserted that Filix-mas and
Filix-femina were identical, with either of which it would associate

quite as naturally as with spinosa or multiflora.
RicHARD WHITE.
Lyndhurst Road, Peckham,
March, 1851.

Botanical Society of London.

Friday, March 7, 1851. Arthur Henfrey, Esq., V.P., F.L.S., in
the chair.

The following donations were announced :—

Parts 13 and 14 of the ‘ Gardener’s Magazine of Botany ;’ pre-
sented by the editors. Part 1 of Vol. xiv. of the ‘Journal of the
Statistical Society of London ;’ presented by the Society. ‘The
Literary Gazette’ for January and February, 1851; presented by the

110

publishers. ‘Journal and Transactions of the Pharmaceutical So-
ciety ;) presented by the Society.

British plants from Mr. James Ward, Mr. W. Gourlie, jun., Mr. W.
Wing, Mr. John Ball, Mr. F. Brent, and Mr. J. P. Norman. Foreign
plants from Mr. J. Ball.

The continuation of Mr. Daniel Stock’s paper ‘ On the Botany of
Bungay, Suffolk, was read.—G@. E. D.

Notice of the ‘ Botanical Gazette, No. 27, March, 1851.

Tuis uumber is rich in ‘ Original Communications,’ haying no less
than three so classified : these are intituled—

‘On the various forms of Salicornia. By J. Woods, Esq., F.L.S.
Abstract of a paper read before the Linnean Society, January 21,
1851.’

‘Is Brassica Cheiranthus found in Fifeshire? By Hewett C.
Watson.’

‘On the Pyrus Aria of England. By Charles C. Babington, M.A.’

The jirst of these will shortly come before the readers of the ‘ Phy-
tologist’ in an official form as part of the ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean
Society.’ '

The second originates in Mr, Watson’s possessing a specimen
labelled in the handwriting of Dr. Dewar:—“ Sinapis tenuifolia ;
near Dunfermline, Fifeshire. Collected and communicated by A.
Dewar, 1848.” Although the lower leaves are absent and the fruit
immature, Mr. Watson cannot think it S. tenuifolia, nor can he quite
confidently call it Sinapis (or rather Brassica) Cheiranthus; and he
suggests that specimens may exist in other herbaria suflicient to
decide the question.

The third suggests that the Pyrus Aria of England includes two
distinct species.

Ist. “ P. Aria; leaves oval or oblong, unequally and doubly serrate
or slightly lobed towards the end, nearly entire below ; lateral nerves
about twelve on each side, under side white and downy; flowers
corymbose. Fruit scarlet.” Of the distribution of this plant Mr.
Babington is “ unable to give any account.”

2nd. “ P. Scandica; leaves broad, lobed; lobes triangular, oval,
toothed, deepest towards the middle of each side of the leaves; lateral
nerves about seven on each side, under side white ; flowers corymbose.

111

Fruit stated to be red. Basal quarter of the leaves finely serrate ;
apical quarter narrowly lobed.” Gathered in Denbighshire, Devon-
shire, Somerset, Berkshire, Hampshire, and in Teesdale.
The subject is one of considerable interest, and I shall feel greatly
obliged to botanists who will record their opinions as to the validity
of the two species in future numbers of the ‘ Phytologist.’ It has
been suggested that Pyrus Scandica is a hybrid between P. Aria and
P. torminalis, but I quite agree with Mr. Babington that this view is
untenable. TI do not like any way of evading a fair investigation into
the merits of a question, and the doctrine of hybridity seems to par-
take of this character.

Under the head ‘ Literature’ the following periodicals are noticed :—
‘Transactions of the Tyneside Naturalists’ Field Club, ‘ Annals of
Natural History, Hooker’s ‘ Journal of Botany,’ ‘ The Phytologist,
Schlechtendal’s ‘ Linnea.’ Report of Botanical Societies, London
and Edinburgh.

Under the head ‘ Miscellanea’ there is a list of thirty species found
by Mr. John Ball in Strath Affarie, Inverness-shire. The interest of
this list is not explained. The number concludes with an observation
of Dr. Johnson’s, which has already appeared in these pages, that he
considers Anacharis Alsinastrum (Udora Canadensis of authors) as
introduced into the Whitadder. This singular opinion requires to be
backed by cogent reasons before it will be generally adopted.

Notice of Hooker's‘ Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany,
No. 27, March, 1851.

The number contains the following papers :-—

‘Das Kénigliche Herbarium zu Munchen geschildert. By Dr. C.
F. Ph. von Martius.’

‘An Account of the Dilpasand, a kind of Vegetable Marrow. By
J. Ellerton Stocks, M.D., F.L.S.’

‘Decades of Fungi. By the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, M.A., F.L.S.

Decade xxxiv. Sikkim-Himalayan Fungi, collected by Dr. Hooker.’
_ ©Extracts of Letters from Richard Spruce Esq., written during a
Botanical Mission on the Amazon.’

‘ Contributions to the Botany of Western India. By N. A. Dalzell,
Esq., M.A.’

A circular inviting subscriptions to cover in part the loss of Prof.
Reichenbach’s library and collections by fire. Reprinted in French.

112

A circular from,.the Association Botanique Frangaise d’Exporla-
tion. Reprint d in French.

A circular from Dr. Nees von Esenbeck concerning his suspen-
sion from the Professorship in the University of Breslau. |

A complaint from Mr. Woods of an erroneous report of his paper
gn Salicornia. “

Notice of ‘Museum Botanicum Lugduno Batavum sive Stirpium
Exoticarum Novarum ex vivis aut siccis brevis Expositio, additis
figuris. Scripsit C. L. Blume, Leyden, 1849.’

Concerning the dilpasand (Citrullus fistulosus), a plant allied to
the gourds so commonly cultivated in this country, the following
information is given, in addition to a detailed botanical description :—

“This species is known in Scinde by the name of ‘ mého:’ in the

Punjaub it is called ‘hindwana,’ the name of the water-melon in
Scinde; and in the Deccan it is named ‘ dilpasand’ or ‘ delicious,’ a
very appropriate name. I believe it is not known in Bengal proper,
and it does not grow in the Concans or on the Malabar Coast, but is
brought down, when there is a demand, from the more elevated,
milder and drier climate of the Deccan. In Scinde it is cultivated
from April to September, generally in the same plot of ground with
common melons, luffa, gourds and cucumbers. ‘The fruit is picked
when about two-thirds grown, the size and shape of a common field
turnip, two inches and a half high and three inches and a half across.
It is pared, cut in quarters, the seeds extracted, well boiled in water,
and finally boiled in a little milk, with salt, black pepper and nut-
meg. Mussulmans generally cut it into dice and cook it together with
meat in stews or curries. Hindoos fry it in clarified butter with split
gram peas (Cicer arietinum) and acurry powder of black pepper,
cinnamon, cloves, cardamoms, dried cocoa-nut, turmeric, salt, and last,
but not least in their opinion, the never-failing assafcetida. It is
sometimes made into a preserve in the usual manner. It is some-
times picked when small, cooked without scraping out the seeds,
and regarded a greater delicacy than when more advanced. In Eng-
land it might be cultivated and cooked like the vegetable marrow,
which it much resembles in its qualities.”
_ My friend Mr. Spruce does not enter so fervidly on the glories of
tropical America as Mr. Bates in the pages of the ‘ Zoologist:’ his
communications are certainly to the point, and very business-like,
but why they should be printed is not obvious. The following brief
passages are selected as the most interesting :—

113

“ Santarem, January, 1850.

“Thanks for the hints about Arums: Santarem is not the place for
this tribe any more than for the ferns. The delta of the Amazon is
more rich in ferns than any place I have since seen, and had I gone
to Marajo instead of coming up here, I might have done better in
both ferns and forest trees; but I was desirous to get into an Orchis
country, if such existed. Now, however, I have traversed, from the
mouth of the Amazon, a tract extending through from 700 to 800
miles, and I am compelled to conclude that it is the reverse of rich
in Orchidex. It is not their utter absence that I complain of, but
their want of variety. Here up to Topajor are old low trees, filled
with orchises, but all are of two species; in the neighbourhood of San-
tarem I have seen in all three species; I got a few up the Trombetas,
but only two or three that looked at all promising. In other tribes of
plants I confess to have been disappointed to see the flowers in gene-
ral so small: in the tropics we look for everything on a gigantic scale,
but here the flowers are rarely striking for their magnitude, although
the plants that bear them are.”

“I have seen no place yet with a vegetation so varied as that of
Santarem, or where I can gather more species in a ramble. The
campos, that seemed burned up in summer, are now assuming a new
vegetation; and that not an annual one, but of plants whose roots
have all the while been buried under the sand. In April and May
they are said to be brilliant with flowers. I may hope, too, for a fair
proportion of novelty, for the ground must be very imperfectly known.
Martius is said to have been sick, from his half-drowning, whilst he
remained here, and at Obidos he made no stay at all. From what I
have seen, the south side of the Amazon has a much more varied
vegetation than the north side: and I was disappointed at Obidos to
find the mass of plants quite the same as at Para.”

‘“‘ Santarem, April, 1850.

“ When I arrived at Santarem last October, I hired the only house
that was vacant, for houses are more scarce here than elsewhere in the
province ; but it suits me very well, for it has a spacious verandah at
the back, where we could work at our plants, and a paved yard, where
we could spread our paper, &c., to dry. The adjoining.house was
tenanted by a single man, and we were very quiet; but when we
returned from Obidos we found it tenanted by a family, from several
days up the Topajor, including amongst them, besides children, seve-
ral slaves, big and little, numbers of fowls, turkeys, guinea-fowls,

Vou. Iv. Q

114

goats, dogs, land-tortoises, and other unclean beasts. I should men-
tion that this house claims half our yard, and has a verandah con-
tinuous with ours: and then you will understand how, on our return,
we found both yard and verandah befouled and worse than useless to
us. A few live plants, that we left in the verandah, under the charge
of aslave of Mr. Hislop’s, he had the precaution to place in an out-
house which we have; but there, for want of light and air, some of
them had died. Since then our live plants have stood in the same
outhouse, as near as possible to the window, kept wide open, and
would do very well were it not that the niggers and the fowls con-
tinue to enter and play sundry pranks with them.”

My extracts are not certainly very botanical, but they doubtless
convey an accurate idea of the disappointments and disagreeables
to which a collector in foreign lands is ever liable.

Notice of the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History, No. 39,
March, 1851.

This number contains but a single paper: this is intituled—

‘Notices of the British Fungi. By the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, M.A.,
F.L.S., and C. E. Broome, Esq.’

The new species described are—Dendryphium curtum, found by
Mr. Ogilvie on dead stems of nettles at Dundee; D. laxum, on dead
stems of Inula viscosa at King’s Cliffe; D. griseum, on dead nettle-
stems at King’s Cliffe, in March, 1850; Rhinotrichum Bloxami, by
the Rev. Mr. Bloxam on dead wood at Twycross; R. Thwaitesii, on
the bare soil at Leigh woods, Bristol, August 2, 1848; Fusisporium
bacilligerum, on leaves of Alaternus in the west of England; F. rose-
olum, by Mr. Stephens on decayed potatoes at Bristol; F. foeni, on
the cut surface of a hay-stalk [perhaps hay-stack, Ed. Phyt.] at Ape-
thope, Northamptonshire, in December, 1848; Peziza Babingtonii,
found on rotten wood in Grace Dieu Wood, Leicestershire, by the
Rev. Mr. Babington; P. viridaria, on damp walls of a greenhouse at
King’s Cliffe, in November and December, 1845; P. luteo-nitens, on
the bare ground at King’s Cliffe; P. apala, abundant on dead rushes
at Spye Park, Batheaston, in February, 1850; P. mutabilis, on the
leaves of Aira cespitosa at Derry Hill, Wiltshire, in Feb., 1850; P.
Bloxami, found by the Rev. Mr. Bloxam on fallen branches at Twy-
cross; P.nitidula, on the dead leaves of Aira cespitosa at Batheaston,

115

in January, 1850; P. stramineum, on the dead sheaths of wheat and
other Graminez at Fotheringhay, King’s Cliffe, and at Rudloe, in Wilt-
shire, and on rushes at Oxton, Nottinghamshire ; P. cornea, on the
dead stalks of Carex paniculata, at Spye Park, in March, 1850;
Tuber bituminatum, in deep sand at Bowood, Wiltshire, in October,
1847 ; T. scleroneuron, at Bowood, Wiltshire, in October, 1847 ;
Onygena apus, on decaying bones under dead leaves and moss at
Bristol, in 1847; Patellaria citrina, on rose-twigs lying in a running
stream, at Penllergare, near Swansea, by Mr. Moggeridge, in April,
1847; Hypocrea farinosa, on fallen branches at Milton, Northamp-
tonshire, found by Mr. Henderson, and also at King’s Cliffe; Spheria
ochracea-pallida, on elm-branches, Rockingham Forest ; S. musci-
vora, on mosses upon the mud tops of walls in winter at King’s Cliffe;
S. funicola, on decayed rope at King’s Cliffe, in October, 1841; S.
papaverea, on rotten stumps at Batheaston, in March, 1850; and 8.
appendiculosa, on dead twigs of bramble.

I know not what I can say more than I have already done in com-
mendation of the authors of this elaborate and highly scientific paper,
but I may perhaps be allowed to express my admiration of the dis-
interested conduct of the proprietors of the journal, who devote so
much space and incur so considerable a cost in making known to a
very limited circle of students these obscure and all but universally
neglected members of the vegetable kingdom.

Notice of the ‘ Naturalist, a Popular Monthly Magazine, illustrative
of the Animal, Vegetable, and Mineral Kingdoms, with numerous
Engravings. No.1, March, 1851.’

It is with great pleasure I introduce to my readers this new candi-
date for the favour and support of scientific naturalists. Great praise
is due to the projectors of a magazine got up in first-rate style as
regards paper and typography, and illustrated with no less than seven
engravings on wood, at the small charge of sixpence. This first
number is devoted solely to zoology, with the exception of the literary
notices of which I subjoin the titles; but the second number will
doubtless make amends in this respect, and our favourite science will
then obtain her fair allowance of space. It strikes me as possible
that the editor purposes to devote a number to each science in suc-
cession, and judiciously commences with the most important, zoology.
~The notices are these :—

116

‘Twenty Lessons on British Mosses; or First Steps to a Know-
ledge of that beautiful Tribe of Plants, Illustrated by dried specimens.
By William Gardiner, A.L.S. Third Edition. Edinburgh: Ma-
thers.’

‘Twenty Lessons on British Mosses. Second Series. By the
same Author. London: Longman and Co.’

‘The Royal Water-lily of South America, and the Water-lilies of
our land—their History and Cultivation. By George Lawson, F.B.S.
London: R. Groombridge and Sons. 1850. Pp. 108.’

Sketches of a Botanical Ramble in Wales.
By Epwin Legs, Esq., F.L.S.

I HAVE observed that anglers, though by no means noted for their
peculiar powers of scientific observation, generally take credit to
themselves for noticing and enjoying the beauties of nature, doubtless
taking their cue from honest Izaak Walton, who really had an eye for
those little nooks of rural quietude which are unseen by such as
have no time or inclination for following the mazy wanderings of the
brook in its dreamy playfulness. So Mr. Scrope, in his ‘ Days and
Nights of Salmon Fishing, says :—“ If a wilder mood comes over me,
let me clamber among the steeps of the north, beneath the shaggy
mountains where the river comes raging and foaming everlastingly,
wedging its way through the secret glen, whilst the eagle, but dimly
seen, Cleaves the winds and the clouds, and the dun deer gaze from
the mosses above. There, among gigantic rocks and the din of moun-
tain torrents, let me do battle with the lusty salmon, till I drag him
to day, rejoicing in his bulk.” Why, to such a scene among the
wilds of the north we would gladly go, independently of doing battle
with the lusty salmon, which we would leave Mr. Scrope to provide
for us while we botanized, or transferred the exciting scene to the
pages of our sketch-book.

But cannot the botanist in like manner enjoy pictorial beauty,
sketch the changing landscape, follow up the wimpling stream among
the hills, and imbibe a poetical sentiment from the scene, or even
impart a moral, as well as the demure angler, seated beneath a pollard
willow and poring over the stream, his mouth watering for a bite?
I confess a disbelief in the philosophy of baiting a hook, and had

rather walk on and find a plant than trust to the chance of a delusive’

117

nibble! Well, I shall catch no fish, certainly, but will be satisfied
with the beauties of vegetation, and the thoughts and incidents arising
therefrom. Motion and excitement may produce as good areturn for
the trouble as any philosophy the statue-like angler can place in his
basket.* On this head Dr. Drummond has well observed: —“I
should hold it (angling) at a very low level compared with the occu-
pations of the naturalist. That it has its undeniable pleasures, how-
ever, and that these arise in a great measure from the scenery in which
the brothers of the angle exercise their art, there can be no question;
and from that consideration I have referred to this favourite and ab-
sorbing pursuit. But while the study of nature leads us, like the pas-
time of the angler, from the crowded haunts of men into the quiet
of the country, it has before it an unbounded sphere of thought and
contemplation, and this advantage besides, that it is the source not
merely of a temporary, but of the most permanent pleasure. When
a botanist at any time examines the contents of his herbarium, there
is scarcely a specimen there that does not recall to his memory the
period, place, and other circumstances connected with the gathering
of it; he lives over again, as it were, the time at which he discovered
this plant or that, and when winter comes he is led by the vivid im-
pressions of memory to recall the summer, enjoy its sunshine, breathe
the mountain air, wander in the gloom of woods and glens, and in
viewing his sea-plants, listen to old ocean’s waves weltering on his
rugged shores.”

The first botanical explorers must have had a fine field before them,
and au unlimited range, not as now hedged in all directions, impeding
the wanderer’s movements, except on a beaten path. One cannot but

* T cannot help just giving here a specimen (from Hofland’s ‘ British Angler’s
Manual’) of the self-sufficiency of the angler, who really baits the hook of his conceit
somewhat too often, while the poor botanist is generally thought little of because he
has nothing for the pot, though in fact a “ cat’s-ear,” a “ colt’s-foot,” or a “ fat hen,”
to say nothing of “‘ lady’s tresses,” often comes within the reach of his retentive grasp.
“The studious man, of whatever profession, although perfectly conscious of the neces-
sity of air and exercise to the preservation of health, has seldom sufficient resolution
to tear himself from his accustomed pursuits, without some powerful stimulus to
action ; and therefure any pleasurable recreation that may induce exercise, and lead
the sedentary to the enjoyments of a pure air, breathing over woods, meadows, and
waters, cannot fail to be beneficial. I am not acquainted with any amusement in
which this advantage can be enjoyed without considerable alloy, except the diversion
of angling!” Try a botanical excursion, Mr. Hofland!

+ ‘ Observations on Natural Systems of Botany, by James L. Drummond, M.D.,
a little work deserving of attentive perusal.

118

envy their initial look out over far-spreading heaths and wilds, though
there might be some danger then from robbers, and more difficulty
with impassable roads. But their noses smelt out the grand features
and localities of plants, and in following their footsteps we perhaps,
even in the present day, sport upon the best ground. It is a pleasure
to me to get upon the track of the old botanists, become consecrated
and classic by their indications, and probably it would be very instruc-
tive to examine in detail such primitive places at present.

Craig Breidden,* in Montgomeryshire, still maintains its position
in all our floras as the peculiar locality for Potentilla rupestris, and
hence I had often felt a wish to explore its declivities. Seen from the
proud Wrekin, in Shropshire, it appears as a triple-peaked range of
hills, similar in character but far less in extent than the Malverns.
But from the vicinity of Welchpool these distinct hills, foreshortened,
appear as one grand mass, like a purple castellated cloud of evening
ascending in the horizon isolated and rugged, the black head of Moel-
y-Golfa crowning the whole like a volcanic peak. It matters not the
day or the year that saw me at Welchpool on my route to Aberyst-
with, but there I was; and goaded by botanical enterprize I deter-
mined to fulfil my pilgrim-vow of climbing Craig Breidden.

Fine but sultry weather had set in with the month of August, and
though in general no stickler at dusty roads or rutty lanes, wishing to
reserve myself for the heights of the Craig, I got mine host of the
‘Bear’ to furnish me with a gig, and having previously sent on a
guide, took him up at the second turnpike, where, diverging from the
main road, we proceeded along some rutty, marshy lanes till we
arrived at the base of the mountain. Here a narrow pass presented
itself between Craig Breidden itself and the frowning Moel-y-Golfa.
Dismounting at the end of this pass, I sent the horse and gig to wait
my return at a small road-side inn called the ‘ Plough and Harrow,’
not far distant, and then dashed on with my guide for the summit of
the Craig.

From the distant view I had obtained of Craig Breidden, and all
accounts I had met with of it, I expected a rude, waste, precipitous
mass of rock and glen, over which an explorer might wander without
any obstruction, save that of the steep escarpment of the rock. I was
therefore somewhat surprised at being ushered into a dense planta-
tion of firs and larches, at whose skirts two white boards ominously
exhibited a Priapeian aspect to scare intruders, one threatening pro-

* Generally pronounced Brithen.

119

secution for picking up sticks, and the other for lighting fires. Like
poor Clare, the Northamptonshire bard, I felt disposed to vent an
anathema upon enclosures, but it was useless; there the larches were
of twenty years growth or more, and beneath their canopy I must
proceed. Accordingly, on through the plantation we went, occasion-
ally passing a protruding mass of rock, and my guide led me to a
rough column of stones, erected, he said, in honour of Lord Rodney,
renowned in the naval annals of the last century, and which he
seemed to think was the ultima Thule of our journey. Nothing,
however, was further from my thoughts. In the first place, without
yielding in patriotism to any of my countrymen, nothing could I see
in the wretched mass of stones before me to call up a single associa-
tion; it is, in fact, a chimney-like mass of rough slabs, put together
in the roughest manner possible, perhaps about forty feet high, with-
out the slightest inscription, and might as well be supposed to com-
memorate Caractacus as Rodney. It has, however, the solitary merit
of standing on the highest part of the hill, and may therefore have its
use as a rallying point amidst the maze of foliage now cloaking the
sides of the formerly exposed Craig. A magnificent view extends
from this point in clear weather, but unfortunately it was now hazy in
every direction, except towards the mighty mass of Cadir Idris, while
Snowdon himself, frowning and scarcely visible, was involved in a
huge tiara of clouds circling around his gloomy forehead. Dyer, the
author of the ‘ Fleece,’ who seems to have scaled the mountain when
it was but a pasture for sheep, thus rapidly sketches the general view
without stopping to particularize :-—

“ Huge Breaden’s stony summit once I climb’d
After a kidling : Damon, what a scene!
What various views unnumber’d spread beneath !
Woods, towers, vales, caves, dells, cliffs, and torrent-floods ;
And here and there, between the spiry rocks,
The broad flat sea.”

All this, whatever poetry might imagine, an interminable haze pre-
vented me from now distinguishing.

Perceiving few plants near the column, except Erodium cicutarium
and Sedum Forsterianum, the latter of which is abundant on the rocks
of the summit west and north, I prepared for a debouch into the thick
of the plantation, to the surprise of my guide, who rather wondered
at my retreat from the column. I now found the unpleasantness
occasioned by the planting of the hill, for the firs and larches have

120

become so thick as to be penetrable with difficulty, and the heath
has grown so tall and dense that every step immerses one up to the
middle, while the crevices being entirely hidden from view, every now
and then a prostration to mother earth becomes inevitable ; and be-
sides, the shade of the scene renders the progress precarious and uncer-
tain. ’Tis true, an occasional break in the sombre forest is delightful ;
the stony ravine winding among the trees, flanked on both sides by
tufts of flowering heath and ling, covered with humble-bees, booming
as they dashed off from blossom to blossom, and the opening expanse
of verdant meadows below, silvered with the windings of the infant
Severn, and backed by cloudy, frowning mountains, has a charming
effect; but the want of a practicable path is rather a set-off to this,
for it is really difficult to keep erect where no bottom is perceptible,
After stumbling for a considerable time to very little purpose amidst
this overgrown accumulation, and occasionally digressing into a
ravine, we got to the top of the hill again, and proceeded to its
northern extremity. Here, while looking about for a convenient
place of descent, we came to a very remarkable and precipitous
fissure or chasm, extending from the top of the hill, at a very high
angle, apparently to the very bottom. Into this fissure we lowered
ourselves, and, unimpeded by plantations or bushes, effected an easy
though in some places rather nervous passage, by a natural glacis or
inclined plane, to the base of the mountain. In and about this fissure
I observed more plants than elsewhere on the Craig, which is unfor-
tunately at present so obscured by the larches.

Some of the more interesting plants were Arabis hirsuta, Cardamine
impatiens, Hypericum montanum, Potentilla argentea, and Circea
alpina. Here, too, many Hieracia were clustered and in full flower,
as H. murorum, H. maculatum, and the very curious and striking
form of H. Pilosella that has been designated Peleterianum. ‘The
very attenuated lanceolate leaves of this form, densely fringed with
long extending hairs, and tufted at their extremities, with its tall
flowering-stalk, give it an aspect at first sight very peculiar. Many
of the leaves are three inches in length, and the single-flowered stem
more than six inches high, so that when compared with the stunted
form that grows on the Malvern hills, scarcely rising above half an
inch, which I have called brevicaulis, it would scarcely be imagined
that they could possibly both belong to the same species. Indeed,
there seems this difficulty both with the Hieracii and the Rubi, that
the difference between varieties are quite as great as those existing
between alleged species. The H. maculatum of Smith, which I

121

here noticed, is generally referred to H. sylvaticum or H. vulgatum,
Fries, while if it must be joined to something else, I should agree with
the late Mr. Bowman in placing it with H. murorum.

About the fissure down which we scrambled, I gathered some spe-
cimens of Scabiosa Columbaria, taller than any I ever before met
with, and therewere many of them finely in flower. “Scarcely a foot
high,” Hooker and Arnott observe in their ‘ British Flora, and indeed
in dry calcareous spots they are often only three or four inches in
height; but on these trap-rocks they were flourishing more than two
feet in altitude, and were fairly entitled to a major’s commission.
Digitalis purpurea was extremely plentiful all about the Breidden
hills. Perched on the rocks bounding the precipitous descent I have
mentioned, were many trees of the Pyrus Aria, with unripe fruit, but
the crags on which they waved their silvery foliage were so abrupt,
that I had considerable difficulty in mounting them to obtain speci-
mens.

I need not now enumerate the more general plants of rocky places
which I noticed here, such as Cotyledon Umbilicus, Sedum Telephium,
&c., for on this first visit having become rather tired with my clamber-
ing efforts, and the day declining, I fell back upon the little hostel of
the ‘ Plough and Harrow, and in the silence of twilight scudded back
to Welchpool.

On examining carefully the plants collected on my first expedition
to the Craig, [ found I was defective in two or three of its greatest
rarities, and concluding therefore that I must have missed one of the
most favourable points, I once again started on the morrow for
another perambulation. This time I went alone. Taking the route
up the ravine between the Craig itself and the steeps of Moel-y-Golfa,
I was struck by the appearance of the southern precipices of the for-
mer, producing for some distance up the hill a crumbling talus of
loose stones, surmounted by very steep and almost inaccessible crags.
I resolved to examine this, and soon lighted upon Geranium sangui-
neum, growing pretty plentifully among the stones, though only a
few specimens were now in flower. Persuaded I was now on the
right scent, I cautiously peered upwards, and mounting the glacis,
kept working my way among the disjointed stones as well as I could,
though the broken fragments shelving downwards rendered it rather
difficult to stand. Having surmounted the talus, I was rewarded by
at once stumbling upon Potentilla rupestris, which I was particularly
anxious to find, though now in seed, and in a great measure burnt
up. There were several colonies of this local plant nestled among the

VOL. Iv. R

122

rocks above the crumbling glacis, more than sufficient, indeed, to
render the fears of the late Sir J. E. Smith, as hinted in the ‘ English
Flora,’ as to the plant’s being lost, quite futile. Still pressing by
degrees higher among the steepest rocks, and in places with difficulty
accessible, I found a few plants of Lychnis Viscaria. At length I
paused before the abrupt escarpments that yet towered above me, and
tacking to the right, took advantage of some trees growing on the
acclivity to aid my course up the mountain.

It was at this point, about midway up Craig Breidden, that a sight
of extreme beauty met my eye: the lovely Veronica spicata, var.
hybrida, in its full perfection of flowering, covered for a great extent
a shelving buttress of the hill, brightly blue, as if a wide patch of blue
sky had been transferred from heaven to earth. Origanum vulgare,
excessively plentiful, contrasted its regal purple with the loftier blue
Veronica, while a few patches of Helianthemum vulgare gleamed with
golden lustre among the rocks. I threw myself upon the turf, and
resting from my up-hill work, for some time contemplated the scene
with rapt enjoyment. Several of the tall plants of the Veronica had
clustered heads, and both among the latter and the Origanum were
pretty varieties with white flowers.

Leaving my mossy lair after a delicious reverie, I again addressed
myself to complete the ascent, and at length, threading my way to the
pillar where I had stood the day before, I glanced round at the wide-
spread view. This day the Salopian plain was clear; Shrewsbury’s
spires and column beamed brightly amidst the green landscape, and
the Wrekin towered behind, while eastward the shattered crags of the
Stieperstones were plainly discernible. But southward and westward
the prospect was splendid. Plinlimmon was singularly distinct, and
the whole intervening heights to the majestic Cadir Idris vividly
revealed, while the latter was robed in a veil so lucid as to exhibit
every feature of the aspect of the mountain. For now the clouds
would circle about its base, leaving clear its blue indented back; then
again, rising up, they would dot its summit and ridges in the most
fantastic manner, anon robing its awful head and leaving its sides
clear, then rapidly passing from the summit again to roll about its
sides and base, the sunbeams all the while illumining and decorating
this moving phantasmagoria with a magical effect that could not be
contemplated without pleasure. Sulky as ever, not one smile beamed
from Snowdon, who, like a genius of horror, frowned dark and
envious, while inky clouds hung over his lofty peak portentously,
though without actually enveloping it from view.

123

I have often been struck with the numerous plants a single locality
may produce within a comparatively small space, where rock, wood,
water, bog, and sand combine their varied influences to give vegeta-
tion the elected habitats required. I was now again reminded of this
by accidentally coming upon a marshy bog, surrounded by willows,
in a hollow near the summit of the mountain I was now upon, where
the Menyanthes trifoliata was located with a considerable number of
Carices. I had not expected to see the Menyanthes in so elevated a
position, but though so precipitous I believe the height of the Breid-
den is only about 1800 feet. According to geological data, Craig
Breidden was most probably an islet when the “ Straits of Malvern”
divided Wales from England; and from what I saw of the vegeta-
tion here, I should think that something like half of the plants of the
British flora might be found on and about this mountain. I noticed
Ribes Grossularia among stones half way up the western side of the
Craig, more “ certainly wild,” I should say, than as generally observed.
Mentha sylvestris and piperita occurred by a rill in the glen between
the Craig and Moel-y-Golfa, and elecampane (Inula Helenium) in
great abundance in a meadow at the base of the latter height, where
a lane turns round the southern side of the hill, about a quarter of a
mile from the ‘ Plough and Harrow’ public-house. The spot ap-
peared to be quite a congenial habitat. At the south-west base of
the mountain I observed several trees of Quercus sessiliflora. Roses
and brambles, with many other plants of general occurrence, it would
not be worth while to catalogue here; but I recommend the spot to
the notice of the botanical rambler as well worthy attention, were it
only for the beauty of the scenery.

After poring long amidst the hollows of the rocks, deep-embowered
amidst the gloom of the firs that now envelop so much of the flanks
of Craig Breidden, I not unwillingly emerged from the overpowering
shades, that have changed the original character of the ground. The
sun’s declining orb had approached the tops of the distant mountains,
surrounded by a cumbrous cloak of clouds, that already were hasten-
ing to enshroud the dark brow of Snowdon, and involve in misty dim-
ness his abrupt precipices; while to the south Cadir Idris and the
ridges towards Plinlimmon drank up the fervid radiance, and stood
boldly forth in vivid outline.

With little time thus left for further survey, I hastened down the
copsy vailey intervening between the Craig and the central height,
called Castell Middleton, and then, again advancing upwards, wound
my way along the steepy ridges towards the voleanic-like peak of

124

Moel-y-Golfa, its black crags towering in my view. Another effort
over a stone wall, and through a fir-grove with upstarting rocks, and
the top was gained. The sun was just pausing on a height a little to
the north of Snowdon. All the intervening landscape was brightly
illuminated, and the infant Severn shone like the convolutions of a
silver serpent amidst the green meadows below. Ridge appeared
beyond ridge as an array of waves bounding indignantly towards a
rocky shore, except that it seemed that ere they were solidified a puff
of wind had opened a vast longitudinal furrow through their mass, and
thus thrown them at that point into curious disorder. A mist hung
over Plinlimmon, but the valley up to and beyond Welchpool, with
its encompassing hills, had a most beautiful appearance in the chast-
ened light. As I stood musing on the scene the sun went down, and
gloom at once fell upon the whole country, the clouds contending with
each other for the honour of veiling their peculiar hills with the greatest
celerity; and lest the mists should seize me also, I at once dashed
down over rocks and gorse-bushes, and threading the thick planta-
tions, at last reached the ‘ Plough and Harrow,’ whence I soon
departed to rest my tired members within the walls of Welchpool.

Epwin LEEs.
Cedar Terrace, Henwick, Worcester,

February 27, 1851.

Note on Laminaria longicruris. By the Rev. Grorce Harris.

I BELIEVE this plant has only been lately added to our marine
flora. In course of last summer I came upon a specimen of it,
stranded on the sea-beach, about a mile and a half to the west
of the old church, an erection, by the way, more than eight hun-
dred years of age. The specimen was about three yards long,
abruptly terminated, as if broken off towards the upper extremity, and
of almost equal thickness throughout. The stem was hollow, and in
diameter measured seven-sixteenths of an inch. The root was quite
entire, and exhibited no mark of having been drifted about. Adhering
to the stem at regular intervals were nine or ten beautiful examples of
Lepas anatifera. I am happy I can add that Professor Dickie, of
Queen’s College, Belfast, who has examined the plant, confirms the

question of identity. GEORGE Harris.
Manse of Gamrie, Banffshire,
February 25, 1851.

125

Notes of a Botanical Ramble in Ireland last Autumn.
By Dantet OLIVER, JuN., Esq.

Ir these few notes of a ramble in Ireland last summer should serve
to induce other and abler botanists to take up their vasculums and go
thither, a good object will have been attained.

In the month of August, in company with my friend G. S. Brady,
I visited Colin Glen, which is within a pleasant walking distance from
Belfast, our object being principally to see growing, and to collect,
Equisetum Mackaii. We found the plant but sparingly, and not
in catkin, near the upper end of the Glen. Polystichum angulare
adorned the bank near the spot where we entered the wood in profu-
sion; we had at home been accustomed only to P. aculeatum, so
were here much pleased with the more graceful and delicate fronds of
its ally. Beautiful plants of Asplenium Trichomanes and Adiantum-
nigrum were observed. Festuca arundinacea, Schreb., grew by the
stream, but I’. sylvatica I cannot say that we saw. Our stay at
Enniskillen did not allow of a visit to Lough Erne; I have no doubt
that many interesting lacustral and paludal plants may be found
thereabouts. Cotyledon Umbilicus we observed between Enniskillen
and Sligo, by the way-side, in some places in abundance.

‘Near the harbour at Sligo we collected a few coast plants, as Sali-
cornia herbacea, Arenaria marina, Aster Tripolium, and others. On
the 8th we took a car to Ben Bulben, a mountain of much interest to
the botanist, about eight miles northerly from Sligo. Leaving the
conveyance by an Irish cabin near the base, we ascended a ravine in
the side of the mountain, picking by the way Meconopsis Cambrica,
Hypericum Androsemum, Saxifraga aizoides and hypnoides, Gna-
-phalium sylvaticum, Circza alpina or a form very near it, Asplenium
viride and Ruta-muraria. Amongst steep crags, which prevented our
proceeding further up the bed of the stream, we collected Hieracium
murormn, var. ?, H. pallidum, Fries (according to C. C. Babington, to
whom my kind correspondent F. J. A. Hort seems to have shown one
of my examples). A few specimens of an almost inaccessible Thalic-
trum were obtained. ‘To what species we must refer the latter I can-
not at present say. My one remaining plant agrees pretty well with
Jordan’s account of T. calcareum, given in the ‘ Botanical Gazette,’
No. 12, p. 312, by J. Ball, with whose Ben-Bulben specimens it is
probable that ours are identical. The carpels are not sufliciently
matured to afford good characters.

Leaving the ravine behind us, we climbed towards some crags

126

which crowned the steep on the left, and amongst the plants collected
about them was the little Arenaria ciliata, which was scattered about
in considerable plenty, together with Rhodiola rosea and Draba
incana. Asplenium viride grew beautifully in a curious perpendicular
cleft or chasm in the mountain, which penetrated to some distance.
Silene acaulis, generally out of flower, and Oxyria reniformis were
also observed. Amongst rather long grass on the summit we stumbled
upon an interesting form of Melampyrum pratense, which differs
principally from the typical plant in being quite hispid; we after-
wards found similar plants in Urrisbeg, by Roundstone, and also near
the station of Erica Mackaiana on the Clifden road. The distribu-
tion of this form or variety must, I think, be different from that of the
common plant. C.C. Babington, who has kindly examined the plant,
considers it as an intermediate (I speak from memory) between M. .
pratense and his var. latifolium, which plant I have not seen. We
experienced the combined horrors of mist, wind, and rain during the
latter part of our stay on the mountain, which we left without noticmg
a single plant of Dryas, or of Polystichum Lonchitis. We were very
anxious to obtain specimens of the former, which might agree with
the figures and description in the ‘ Annals’ of D. depressa; but under
the circumstances further search would have been imprudent, and
perhaps dangerous. Between Westport and Letterfrack we first ob-
served the beautiful Dabeecia polifolia from our car; Carduus praten-
sis I also collected near the road before we left Mayo. Scirpus
setaceus and S. Savii, 8. monostachys, grew by the way-side near the
Killery Bay, and perhaps the ordinary form of Saxifraga umbrosa,
which, however, was not collected, being out of flower.

We were most hospitably received by a kind friend at Letterfrack,
near the head of Ballynakill Bay, where we remained two or three
days. In the neighbourhood grow Nymphea alba, Sedum Anglicum,
and Osmunda regalis. If I remember aright, Lythrum Salicaria was
said to be one of the troublesome weeds of the place. Near Kyle-
more Lake we found sparingly the white and light-coloured varieties
of the Dabeecia, Arbutus Uva-ursi, a Hieracium, named cerinthoides
by my friend James Backhouse, jun., and other plants.

I brought home scarcely any Ulices, and paid little attention to
living plants on the spot, so am unable to say whether or not the
plant, U. Galli of Planchon, grows in Ireland by our line of route.
It is probable that the remarkably dwarf plants, abounding in rocky
places, which at that time were in flower, may be referred to U. nanus,
Sm. I do not recollect seeing an autumnal-flowering Ulex until

127

between Letterfrack and Clifden during the journey. We reached
Roundstone by way of Clifden, and were comfortably lodged at Mc
Auley’s. The district thereabouts is full of interest to collectors.
There is a notice of plants growing in this district in the ‘ Phytolo-
gist, by Leslie Ogilby; also, I believe, in Loudon’s ‘ Magazine of
Natural History, by C. C. Babington. In addition to the plants
mentioned by these gentlemen as having been found near Roundstone,
we collected Hypericum Androsemum, Asperula cynanchica, Eryn-
gium maritimum, Raphanus maritimus, Sparganium natans, Cladium
Mariscus, Viola lutea, var. Curtisii, Myriophyllum alterniflorum, a
very narrow-leaved variety of Potamogeton natans, Asplenium Adian-
tum-nigrum (a rigid variety), and others. I have already recorded
Spergula subulata, Naias flexilis, and one or two of the above. It is
very likely that the Naias may be found by careful search in other
parts of Galway; the scraps which I obtained were in a small lake
not very far from the village, I quite think floating, or perhaps
detached, at the time of my collecting them; but unfortunately they
were put away without either sufficient examination or consideration;
it does so happen that we are at times unaccountably deficient even
in erdinary observation.

A long search produced but a very few specimens in flower of Ara-
bis.ciliata, to the locality of which we had been favoured with direc-
tions. In Urrisbeg we did not succeed in finding a single example
of Erica Mediterranea in the flowering state; its season was certainly
far past, yet sometimes a few stragglers are found in the rear in such
cases.

We re-found Juniperus nana on Urrisbeg ; a plant, which is probably
this species, was also collected near Kylemore Lake. We only found
two flowering specimens of an Allium, which is very likely Babingtonii
(the Halleri mentioned by L. Ogilby ?), but never having seen authen-
tic specimens, I cannot certainly say. Lycopus Europeus and Ana-
gallis tenella grow about Roundstone; my note-book says they are
“common enough.” From Roundstone we visited Arran, in Galway
Bay, and spent part of a day in examining the neighbourhood of Kil-
ronan. It is useless my here furnishing a list of the plants which we
observed on the island; most of the remarkable species have been
already recorded. L. Ogilby has a few in the ‘ Phytologist, and there
is a notice by W. Andrews in the ‘ London Journal of Botany’ of
Species noticed by him. Besides many of the plants of South Arran
mentioned by these gentlemen and noticed by us, we collected Aspi-
dium angulare, Beta maritima, Geranium purpureum, Forst., an

128

Orobanche (parasitical on ivy, but having had very little practical
experience in the genus, I have not determined the species ; perhaps
the specimens, collected in a late state, belong to O. Hedere), Pim-
pinella magna, Poterium Sanguisorba, Rubia peregrina, Saxifraga tri-
dactylites, the rayless Senecio Jacobea, also the Sagina stricta, Fries,
and Polygonum Raii, which I have already recorded, and which were
kindly examined and confirmed by C. C. Babington. Sagina mari-
tima is mentioned by Andrews, and is perhaps the same plant. The
great Isle of Arran is a most interesting spot, and well worthy of a
special] visit. We returned home by way of Dublin, taking an oppor-
tunity of visiting the Portmarnock and Baldoyle district, where we
found several species, as Erigeron acris, Erythrea littoralis?, Gera-
nium pyrenaicum, Reseda fruticulosa or alba (apparently wild), Sta-
tice rariflora, Ruppia (perhaps rostellata), and several others. I may
add, that if any of the Roundstone or Arran plants which are here
recorded as new have been given in either of the lists before men-
tioned, it is an oversight for which I am to blame. By the way, any
future botanist travelling in our district would do well to be provided
with a good siphon barometer, or some other means of approximately
ascertaining altitudes; it is very desirable that such observations
should be made more generally in connexion with the occurrence of
species. DANIEL OLIVER, JUN.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, March 18, 1851.

Potamogeton prelongus, §c., at Stafford.
By the Rev. R. C. Douaias, M.A.

PoTAMOGETON PR&LONGUS, Wulf., has not, I think, been announced
as a plant of this county. It occurs.at Stafford in the river Sow, a
very sluggish and dirty stream, growing in great abundance, in com-
pany with P. zosterefolius, Schwm., and a species of the pectinatus
division, whose flowers are produced so sparingly that I have not been
able to gather it in a fit state for acccurately determining its name.
Babington gives June as the flowering month for pralongus and zos-
terefolius; Hooker and Arnott say July. It may therefore be worth
mentioning that last summer I noticed them growing as stated above,
in the same stream and under exactly the same circumstances, and
found prelongus flowering in June, but zostereefolius not before July.

R. C. Dovuetas.

Stafford, March 25, 1851.

129

Note on Mr. Lees’s Remarks on Starred Plants.
By the Rev. W. T. Brer, M.A.

“ Boast of this T can,—
Though banish’d, yet a true-born Englishman.”
Kine Ricwarp II., Act. i. Se. 3.

On perusing Mr. Lees’s “ Remarks on some Starred Plants in the
new edition of the ‘ British Flora’” (Phytol. iv. 56), I was much sur-
prised to learn that Aquilegia vulgaris is suspected to be an intro-
duced, not a native, species. Now I have met with this plant, wild
as I supposed, in many different localities, though at the present
moment my memory does not serve me to name off-hand more than
two, viz., Shotover Hill, near Oxford, and my own wood on the out-
skirts of this parish. In neither of these instances, as well as in many
more which might be added, can I bring myself to think it has been
introduced, either by design or accident. The columbine, I firmly
believe, has not crept out of the cottage-garden into the wood, but the
reverse ; 1f has been brought out of the wood into the garden. Mr.
Lees appears to me precisely to have “ hit the right nail on the head,”
when he remarks so justly that “it seems to be lost sight of by many
persons, how frequently the root of a pretty wild-flower is dug up from
the place of its nativity and transplanted to-a garden: this was done
to a far greater extent formerly than it is now.” No doubt it was,
before the introduction of such hosts of beautiful species from foreign
countries, which have gone far to put our native beauties almost out
of countenance. It has often struck me as quite a natural thing, and
just what might have been expected, that the first rude attempt at
floriculture should have consisted of the transfer to the garden of some
of our more ornamental and less common, or at least local, native
species. And accordingly plants more or less answering to this cha-
racter we see (or wsed to see) find a place in almost every old woman’s
garden, though it were scarcely larger than the parlour carpet; as
C.J.

Crocus vernus

Polemonium czeruleum

Vinca minor

Lonicera Caprifolium

Statice Armeria

Convallaria majalis

VOL. Iv. S

130

Hyacinthus racemosus
Epilobium angustifolium
Daphne Mezereum
Saxifraga hypnoides
Saxifraga umbrosa !*
Spirea salicifolia
Aquilegia vulgaris
Trollius Kuropzus
Fumaria solida

Lathyrus latifolius, &c.

The foregoing list might readily be enlarged to a much greater extent;
and I have often thought it might not be uninteresting to pursue the
subject, and make out a more full and complete catalogue. Who that
has any love at all for plants would see any one of the above for the
first time in a wild state and not wish to dig up a root for his garden?
In the olden time these species and the like appeared worthy of cul-
tivation, and so were cultivated. And the consequence is, that they
have in our eye lost, to a great degree, that character for rarity which
they possessed as wild plants, from the circumstance of their being so
very familiar to us in the garden.

W. T. BREE.
Allesley Rectory, March 24, 1851.

* T fix against this plant a mark of doubt, because after much investigation and
inquiry, and in spite of all that has been written on the subject, I feel hardly pre-
pared to admit its claim as an undoubted native. Amid the countless varieties of
Robertsonian Saxifrage which occur in such astonishing profusion on the Kerry
mountains, I never could see one which coincided with the London pride of our gar-
dens. I have seen it naturalized, as it were, in shrubberies and plantations near
gentlemens’ seats in Ireland, but never could meet with it on the mountains. With
respect to the recorded Yorkshire habitat for Saxifraga umbrosa, Hessleton Gill, I
visited that spot a good many years ago, chiefly for the express purpose of gratifying
my eyes with the sight of Saxifraga umbrosa growing wild; and I brought plants of
it away with me, which I have cultivated ever since. The locality itself, I admit, is
wild to one’s heart’s content, and far enough away from house or garden. But after
all there are reasons (which it might be tedious to state) which induce me, however
reluctantly, to suspect that Saxifraga umbrosa may not be a genuine native, even in
the above apparently truly-wild locality.

131

Records of Observations on Plants appearing upon newly-broken
Ground, raised Embankments, deposits of Soil, §c. By Evwrn
Lezs, Esq., F.L.S.

To the thoughtful looking-out botanist, less concerned as to the
“right,” as the authors of the ‘ British Flora’ put it, of a plant to be
considered truly indigenous where it fortuitously presents itself, than
desirous faithfully to record the freaks of vegetable growth, the sud-
den appearance of plants before unnoticed in the vicinity where they
appear, or the crowds of others that may be well known, rankly
uprising upon fresh-raised mounds or newly-collected soil, offers an
interesting phenomenon, however common it may be. In some places,
perhaps, garden mould has been conveyed to the spot, and garden
seeds vegetate; but in other instances it seems clear that seeds,
having lain long dormant in the ground, take advantage of the new
circumstances that! expose them to vivifying influences, and so rush
into life to enjoy an ephemeral existence. Sometimes, however, it
would appear as if the seeds that produce plants on such void spots
had been wafted from a considerable distance,—

“ The flowers of waste,
Planted here in Nature’s haste.”

I shall adduce facts in illustration of all these cases, those more
especially that have reference to the appearance of numerous plants
at one point, suggestive of seeds long buried in the soil, too deep for
vegetation. It appears to me a matter of little consequence whether
the fresh comers remain on their new ground permanently, though in
the nature of things they generally cannot, the condition being mostly
imposed upon them to keep moving on.

I noticed last year the occurrence of the Atriplex hortensis on the
neglected embankment of the Worcester and Oxford Railway, and
Mr. Reece’s query on the cover of the ‘ Phytologist’ has reminded me
that I omitted to state the fact fully. It was not a scattered plant or
two that was visible upon the soil, but dense thickets, ranged in rank
array, that seeded luxuriantly. On visiting the locality again after
my former account was sent to the ‘ Phytologist,’ I came upon a long
excavation in the embankment, that had been made for some purpose,
and this was crammed from end to end with tall vigorous plants of the
Atriplex, as thick together as one often finds Onopordum Acanthium.
On another part of the line a quantity of Beta vulgaris or maritima
was growing.

132

Now I think facts of this kind are very useful, as giving a date for
the introduction of a plant into a particular county or place, and
should be carefully attended to. It has been remarked with respect
to Delphinium Consolida, now so common in the corn-fields of
Cambridgeshire, that Ray does not mention it. Probably, then, the
Delphinium has been introducd there since Ray’s time, though it
would not follow that it had not been there previously. A curious
fact illustrative of this has happened in Worcestershire. When
Bromsgrove Lickey was enclosed, now more than half a century ago,
a gentleman of the name of Carpenter, who then lived at Chadwick
Manor, and cultivated a good deal of the new enclosures, published a
work on the agriculture of the district. In this he holds up the Del-
phinium, under the name of “ Stavesacre,” to universal reprobation,
as one of the worst weeds he had to encounter in the new arable
fields at Chadwick; he gives instructions for its destruction, and to
make certain of his enemy, lest his description should fail, he actually
gibbets it in a frontispiece to his volume. How long the Delphinium
held up its head against this war to the hoe I am unable to say, but Mr.
Carpenter rendered Bromsgrove Lickey no safe place for it to abide in,
and as of course it could not like less specious plants to take shelter
in the heathy spots still remaining, it is lost there in the present day.

The most remarkable appearance of strange plants that has fallen
under my notice was mentioned to me by the Rev. Mr. Crump, of
Shipston-upon-Stour, Worcestershire. Shipston is situated upon the
lias, a geological formation generally considered to have been depo-
sited in a shallow sea, and abounding with shells. Mr. Crump stated
to me that a well having been sunk in this, to a depth of about twenty-
four feet, the next year a quantity of the Glaucium luteum appeared
upon the rubbish thrown out from the shaft. He was not aware that
any plant of the Glaucium grew anywhere in the neighbourhood, nor
is it at all likely. This would have been an additional vegetable link
to Professor Buckman’s ‘ Ancient Straits of Malvern,’ for unless the
seeds of the Glaucium were already deposited in the soil, it seems
impossible to concieve that it could have got there from the present
sea-shore. Of course the sea-poppy did not continue to flourish in
such an inland position.

A case analogous to this met the observant eye of my amiable
friend the Rev. J. H. Thompson, of St. Nicholas, Worcester, only
last year. Ina lane in the parish of St. Peter’s, about a mile from
Droitwich, where a mass of waste salt stuff, mixed up with other
rubbishy matters, had been deposited, he noticed an enormous quan-

133

tity of Lepidium ruderale growing, to the amount of several hundred
plants. About the same spot Spergularia marina was located in a
similar position. As an instance of enthusiastic zeal confirming
observation, J may mention that Mr. Thomas Westcombe, an un-
wearying botanist, who never takes anything for granted that he can
prove for himself, on hearing of this occurrence of the Lepidium, not
always to be found when wanted in our neighbourhood, set off on foot
for the spot one afternoon in the autumn, but was so late ere he could
reach the place that nothing could be seen; but feeling about him
with his usual acuteness, he actually gathered the plant in the dark.
Whether the littoral plants thus noted here elected themselves such
a position from their love of saline matters, as hinted in Buckman’s
‘Straits of Malvern,’ or whether their seeds had been conveyed with
the rubbish, I must confess I feel rather dubious about. Lepidium
ruderale is probably always present somewhere in the Droitwich dis-
trict, but it never stays long in a place.

Some dissatisfied persons may possibly object to these migrations
of plants, and think their doings unworthy of record unless they stay
where they appear. Well, they do sometimes, though it is not gene-
rally to be expected; and I have one case at least, though I expect
careless compilers, not anxious about anything that does not come
close under their own eye, will take no notice of it. Eight years ago
I recorded the appearance of Lepidium Draba on the then recently-
made embankment of the road in connexion with the new iron bridge
at Powick. It had never previously been observed in Worcestershire.
There, however, the Lepidium has continued in tolerable plenty year
after year, and there it remazns at the present time.

Cardamine impatiens is generally accounted a rare plant in floras,
and does seem to be very local. It is present, however, in many of
the woods on the banks of the Severn, and where any new quarry is
opened in the sandstone it starts up among the rubbish with singular
rapidity. Soon after the new works of the Severn navigation were
made at Lincomb, near Stourport, four years ago, the banks of the
river became covered with it all about there, and quite a shrubby
‘coppice of the plant existed in 1849. From the quantity of seed the
C. impatiens produces it might indeed be expected to be very plenti-
ful in its habitats, but this is not the case, unless where the soil has
been newly turned up.

The statement of an experimental agriculturist, a worthy friend of
mine, well exemplifies the storing up of seeds in the ground for future
economical supply, and the exuberance with which they vegetate

134

when the occasion offers. This gentleman informed me that a few
years ago he had a thistly pasture in the neighbourhood of Kidder-
minster, where patches of the Carduus nutans grew, an inheritance
derived from a former possessor of the soil. As they appeared to
maintain their position rather obstinately, he determined to get rid of
the thistles by ploughing up the ground, and trenching it to the depth
of two feet. This was accomplished, and a rustic of the vicinity, who
was witnessing the operation, and knew the field, shrewdly remarked
to my friend, “ Yow’ll get rid of them there thistles that grow’d every
year, at any rate.” My friend said that he thought that he really
should. But the next year, to his surprise, the thistles covered the
whole field in such prodigious numbers, that, to use his own expres-
sion, there was hardly room even to introduce a hand between their
serried ranks. But they were now attacked vigorously with the hoe
before seeding, cut up from end to end without mercy, and they re-
appeared no more. No doubt can exist in this case that the seeds of
the thistle had accumulated for years beneath the soil, till, taking
advantage of the broken-up ground, they had swarmed in this asto-
nishing way.

The garden weeds of some places will really be plants indigenous
to the spot indicative of former growth there, an instance of which
presented itself to my notice last summer at Welcombe, near Strat-
ford-upon-Avon, where, in a garden recently formed on the site of a
demolished mansion there, I was surprised at the rank growth of
numerous plants of henbane (Hyoscyamus niger), taller and more
branched than I ever saw before; and unmarked by the gardener,
these plants, loaded with ripe capsules, were scattering their seeds all
around, the spreading branches arching towards the earth. In a spot
close to classic Stratford one may be excused in quoting Shakspeare,
who, with an eye ever open to analogical pictures, had evidently
observed some such rank overgrowth as I have been alluding to.

“ The seeded pride
That hath to this maturity blown up
In rank Achilles, must or now be cropp’d,
Or shedding, breed a nursery of like evil,
To over-bulk us all.”

I have not often seen the “ poisonous henbane springing up among
sweet flowers,” though Mrs. Barbauld in one of her hymns poetically
alludes to such a circumstance, as symbolical of ill-tempered fellows
maliciously spoiling the sweets of life; but it is remarkable that in
another garden close to Stratford I observed the henbane as a weed,

135

and this was where a new house had not been long erected, and the
garden was also fresh formed.

Oftener, doubtless, on broken-up land newly-deposited plants will
appear than old inhabitants be resuscitated. Fly-away seeds, looking
out like vultures for their prey, instinctively settle down upon any bit
of waste or fresh turned-up soil to revel in, and so last year I observed
the great Cnicus eriophorus very incongruously filling up the intervals
in a gentleman’s shrubbery at Powick, that had only recently been put
into fresh order; and this in the very front of the mansion, an aggres-
sion not likely to be long permitted.

These facts of vegetable migration, though common enough to the
experience of those who look out for them, ought not to be slurred
over as undeserving of notice. They point out a law of nature ever
in action, tending constantly to vary the vegetable robe of the earth,
and give a rotation or right of enjoyment to different species on the
same ground. It is really a curious thing to see what the operation
of a spade will effect, and what desecration to the beautiful ensues.
I was much struck with this in rambling some time since through
Wyre Forest. I suddenly came from embowering oaks and mossy
glades, bright with the wood geranium, Habenaria, Epipactis, &c.,
upon a little patch in the very heart of the green wood, which some
charcoal-burner had appropriated for a season for potatoes, and then
left in its abandonment. Mulleins, thistles, docks, Atriplices, snake-
weeds, nettles, and all their abominable kindred had here viciously
met together, as if by mutual compact, to give ugliness its full scope,
and intimating but too well the track of mortal footsteps. Yet the
forest loomed in its shadowy immensity on all sides, nothing but
beauty and suggestive tranquillity within its mossy recesses ; no simi-
lar plants existed but at a long distance from the spot, and it seemed
strange how these monstrous weeds could have got notice of the va-
cuity in their murky haunts, and progressed hither over fair untainted
scenes, like a crowd of “ the fancy,” to fight their obscene battles.

I remember meeting with an old collecting herbalist, a little eccen-
tric in his way, who, in a conversation about indigenous herbs,
asserted that he could scarcely believe the nettle to be a wild plant,
at least in this country. He said that time out of mind it had been
used for food, and was formerly extensively so, as well as for
spinning into nettle-cloth, and could therefore now only be found
in man’s vicinity, or established in places he had once inhabited.
One may smile at the worthy simpler’s idea, but I should feel
less reluctance to object to the netile as an 7ll-starred plant than

136

to the truly woodland columbine.* The nettle is really per-
ceived constantly attendant upon the skirts of civilization, as if it
had claims upon human regard, or was fostered as an ancient fol-
lower; and we can no more get rid of it than an unfortunate author
can hope to settle down with his book in the literary world without a
stinging critique springing up at its side. So the nettle edd sidle
down upon us, and it is of little use to lift the hand to it, whether as a
friend or a foe! I noticed in 1849 a meadow in the Blockhouse,
Worcester, which by degrees had got surrounded by houses, until,
hemmed in, it could scarcely get a peep of the distant country. It
had produced most excellent crops of hay in former years, and its
owner still fondly nourished it for pasture. But at this time the net-
tles had marked it for their own, and a most powerful irruption they
had made, for full half of the field was overgrown by the tallest and
rankest crop of nettles and creeping thistles (Cnicus arvensvs) that I
ever beheld in the whole course of my observation. ‘The swathe that
year was not of a very desirable kind.

The wandering botanist who re-visits old favourite localities has too
often reason to remember the Horatian adage, “ Naturam expelles furca”
—man turns out nature with his improvements—when he looks in vain
for well-remembered plants in the spots where he once gathered them.
This I have often had to deplore, and the great extension of Malvern
in recent years, still going on, has caused the destruction of many a
pretty boggy coppice there, and the extermination of its flowers.
Nature is stripped of her bridal robe of beauty, and soon—

“ chok’d up with sorrow’s weeds.”

The lady-fern and the bog-pimpernel are destroyed, and the ragwort,
dock, and goose-foot take their place.

Within a very short distance of where I now reside—a few stones’
throws only—there still remained unscathed till within the last three
years a beautiful little wood, called Birchin Grove, quite heathy and
almost subalpine in its aspect, with its birch-trees silver-columned,
service-trees (Pyrus Aucuparia), tall shrubs of Rhamnus Frangula,
bushes of Rosa tomentosa, &c., besides various hawk-weeds, bell-
flowers, and ferns, and the delicate Convallaria majalis in the mossy
shade. Here also I had a preserve of the most remarkable and rarer
Rubi constantly to refer to, as R. suberectus, R. affinis, R. sylvaticus,

* The columbine is starred as an introduced plant in the ‘ British Flora’ of
Hooker and Arnott.

—"

137

R. carpinifolius, and others, besides a treasure among the Cryptoga-
mic tribes. But unfortunately the estate changed hands, and a new
proprietor marked the grove for destruction, ruthlessly levelling cop-
pices and all sheltering hedges, whether for animals or plants. I
went the following year after the breaking up of the soil of the grove,
and one of my cherished localities was choked up with a thick yvard-
high growth of rank Atriplicez, all of two species, A. patula, var.
microsperma, and A. erecta. So the country changes year after year,
and progression effaces the haunts and footsteps of our fathers, with
their olden plants, and we are compelled to observe what new arrange-
ments and altered cultivation bring to light. Man’s operations have
always a weedy mark inscribed upon them, as in North America the
Indians are said to have called Plantago major the “ Englishman’s
foot,” from its always appearing in places where the colonists had
encamped. So Sir Charles Lyell mentions observing the common
camomile as a weed in Ohio; and Sir T. Mitchell has stated that
wherever a sheep or cattle station is established in Australia, the
horehound (but qguere white or black?) is sure to spring up in great
abundance. &

I have thus given a few records of the springing up of plants upon
broken-up soil and artificially-made ground, which, if not bearing
upon the views of those botanists interested only about the differences
of species, may not be without their utility to general observers, and
recall similar appearances they may have witnessed. A single fact of
the kind may seem trifling in itself, but in combination with others it
may serve purposes to the botanical historian not at first obvious, and
illustrate the workings of Nature in recurring vegetable changes.

Epwin LEEs.
Cedar Terrace, Henwick, Worcester,

March 28, 1851.

Notice of the ‘ Botanical Gazette, No. 28, April, 1851.

THis number contains two original communications, intituled as
under :—

“Three Weeks’ Ramble among the Clova and Braemar Mountains,
in the Summer of 1850. By James Backhouse, Jun.’

‘On a Monstrosity of Daucus Carota. By Frederick Townshend,
Esq,’

The first of these papers is highly interesting, and of the same

VOL. Iv. . T

138

character as those with which this excellent botanist has occasionally
enriched the pages of the ‘ Phytologist.’ The party on this occasion
consisted of James Backhouse, sen. and jun., and John Tatham, of
Settle, and was subsequently augmented by Professor Macgillivray
and his son. The writer states that “ Almost the whole of the north-
ern part of Forfarshire is one great plateau of high table-land, inter-
sected in every direction by deep glens and narrow precipitous
ravines. ‘To this district the appellation of Clova Mountains is given.
The lower portions of the Clova valleys often present a pleasing com-
bination of wood, heathery hills, and fine clear streams, offering few
traces of the wild scenery which lies immediately behind. For many
miles from their entrance the glens are broad and well cultivated; the
hills sloping gradually back from the central stream ; but in the upper
part the gentle undulations are succeeded by a perfect level, from which
the mountains rise abruptly. The great glens generally come to a
sudden termination; no gradual ascent assists the traveller in gaining
the mountain tops; the deep and often silent streams that water the
little farms of the peasantry soon alter their aspect, and in a few hun-
dred yards every trace of civilization vanishes.”

he geological character of the district is thus described :—* The
mountains around Loch Brandy, Loch Wharral and Loch Lee, as also
those to the westward of Clova, appear to be formed of crumbling mica
schist, while the crags of Glen Phee and Glen Dole are hard mica slate.
The great Cairngorm range to the northward is granitic, as is also
Lochnagar on the south side of the Dee. Between the mica slate and
granite districts, intersecting veins and strata of hornblende, compaet
felspar, micaceous quartz, serpentine and porphyry are exposed.
These rocks are chiefly met with in Canlochen Glen, Glen Callater,
and on the Little Culrannoch mountain.”

The list of rare plants is peculiarly rich, but almost all (if not all)
of them have been previously recorded as natives of the district; little
more is given than a mention of their stations till we come to the
Hieracia, concerning which there are some excellent observations
and much valuable information. Hieracium alpinum is described as
“ strongly marked by its obconical involucre, with lax, obtuse, subfo-
liaceous, external scales; narrow, spatulate, obtuse, entire leaves ;
and long, white, silky pubescence. Under cultivation these charac-
ters are still more strongly developed.” HH. melanocephalum, the H.
alpinum, var. melanocephalum, of Fries? was found chiefly on the
mica slate; it “differs from the preceding in having a broad-based
involucre, linear-attenuate scales, and no subfoliaceous outer scales ;

139

also by its coarsely and irregularly-toothed lanceolate leaves, black-
based, shorter pubescence, and greater stature.” An unknown or
unascertained species was found on Ben-na-Bourd and in the ravine
of the Garachary, on granite; it “ differs from the character of H.
glanduliferum of Fries mainly in having the ligules more or less cili-
ated. Great stress is laid by Fries on the glabrous ligules of his H.
glanduliferum, and that plant is therefore removed by him into a sec-
tion of the genus remote from H. alpinum. The present plant differs
from H. alpinum in having a globose or subglobose involucre, short,
broad-based, acuminate scales, and it being destitute of the subfolia-
ceous outer scales; also in its shorter, semi-glabrous, broadly toothed,
somewhat pointed leaves, and in the profusion of glandular black
hairs on the stem. It differs from H. melanocephalum in its much
smaller size, short, broad-based, and not attenuated involucral scales,
and in the form and toothing of the leaves.” A second species, which
the author does not name, was found on Lochnagar, on granite; it is
“allied to H. melanocephalum, but distinguishable at first sight by
its branched scape, much larger heads, and obovate-lanceolate leaves,
which are more regularly toothed, and narrowed into a long, some-
times dilated petiole.” H. atratum was found in a number of stations,
on granite, “ maintaining the same characters everywhere. On Ben-
na-bourd and Lochnagar the plant was often branched, and when this
occurred the heads were much smaller. Involucre wrceolate; scales
linear-attenuate and black with glandular pubescence; heads 1 or 2;
root-leaves few.” H. nigrescens of Fries occurred in the “ ravine of
the White Water and Canlochen Glen, on hornblende? it differs
from the preceding in having broad-based, acuminate, subobtuse
outer involucral scales, densely clothed with black glands and soft
white hairs; in the stem bearing 1 or several heads, and in the
densely-tufted leaves being never or very rarely glabrous.” H. rupes-
tre of Allioni, Koch, and Fries, a species new to the British flora, was
found on the granite of Cairntoul. Of this plant the author gives
the following description: —‘“ Stem bearing root-leaves, scape-like,
l-headed, simply branched, or divided from the base into long
ascending peduncles. Root-leaves ovate, linear-subulate, or elongate-
lanceolate, with irregular, attenuate, acute teeth; nearly glabrous
above, clothed with scattered white hairs beneath, and narrowed into
long, silky, shaggy footstalks. Stem-leaves (when present) linear-
lanceolate or reduced to subulate bracts. Peduncles slightly thick-
ened upwards, clothed with stellate pubescence interspersed with
black glandular hairs. Involucral scales numerous, very attenuate,
clothed with black glands and soft white hairs; heads rather large

140

and showy. <A native of Southern Europe, where it grows at an alti-
tude of 6000 to 7000 feet.” H. saxifragum of Fries occurred on the
ravine of the White Water and Cairntoul, on mica slate? and granite ;
it is “a handsome species, with rigid or flexuose stems, bearing 1 or
few large heads on elongated peduncles, and having lanceolate toothed
root-leaves, narrowed into a short footstalk, and sessile stem-leaves,
with few obtuse teeth near the middle. Its involucres have a flat or
ovate base and acuminate scales, which are dark with glandular hairs
in the lower part.” H. pallidum was “ abundant on the Clova Moun-
tains and Cairngorum range. Careful comparison of specimens of
this with the plant called H. anglicum by Fries, which is also abun-
dant in Scotland (?),” induces the author to doubt their specific dis-
tinctness. H. pallidum, var.? persicifolium of Fries, was found on
Cairntoul, on granite; it “appears to be the plant described by Fries
under the above-mentioned name, and differs from H. pallidum in its
more slender habit, single-flowered or simply bifid stems, and in hay-
ing lanceolate, nearly entire, petiolate root-leaves, few in number, and
perfectly glabrous.” H. cesium of Fries, found on the Clova Moun-
tains and Cairntoul, on mica slate and granite, “ appears to differ from
H. murorum in having fewer, smaller and less corymbose heads, a
thick ligneous root, more elongated peduncles, and cesious, often
nearly glabrous foliage.” HH. cerinthoides of Fries was found in the
gorge of the Eannach and Eagle Crag, near Loch Lee; at the head
of Glen Phee, and in Glen Dole, Clova, on mica slate. “Itis dis-
tinguished by its tall, rigid, erect stem, bearing 1, 2 or 3 heads on
elongated, ascending or spreading peduncles; by its large, golden-
yellow, ciliated ligules; acute, attenuated, glandular involucral scales,
and rather soft, broadly lanceolate, acute root-leaves, which are entire
or toothed near the middle, and narrowed into a shaggy dilated foot-
stalk ; also by its few (generally 2), ovate, acute, amplexicaul or semi-
amplexicaul stem-leaves frequently dilated at the base.” The author
thinks there is no doubt that this is the H. cerinthoides of Don.
“ At first sight this plant looks different from the Teesdale H. Iricum,
Fries, and is really very different from that plant when growing in
rich basaltic soil: nevertheless the form of H. Iricum on the lime-
stone cliffs is not (?) distinguishable from the Scotch H. cerinthoides.
We therefore conclude that H. Iricum is only a luxuriant form of H.
cerinthoides. The amplexicaul or semi-amplexicaul stem-leaves, lax
outer involucral scales, and acute or subobtuse inner scales, appear to
occur in both forms.” H.corymbosum of Fries, found on heathy hil-
locks one mile south of the Kirktown of Clova, is “ readily distin-
guished from H. crocatum, Fries, by its broader leaves and large,

141

compound, corymbose, leafy panicle of deep yellow blossoms. It
appears to flower several weeks earlier than H. crocatum, along with
which it grows in Teesdale.”

The observations on the other plants are not of equal interest; and
lest some of my readers should think fora moment that I have ex-
tracted somewhat largely from Mr. Backhouse’s valuable paper, I beg
to state that I have done so with that gentleman’s express permission
and approbation.

Mr. Townshend’s monstrosity of Daucus Carota is very interesting.
The mode of aberration is detailed in the following paragraph :—

“When in the island of Guernsey, in the month of September, 1850,
I picked a curious monstrosity of Daucus Carota, which may, I think,
throw some light upon the structure of plants of the Umbelliferous
family. In this specimen nearly all the Howers of the outer whorls of
the umbellules had their carpels lengthened into two free lanceolate-
acuminate leaves, with their margins turned inwards, and tipped with
a development of colourless cellular tissue, representing the style and
stigma. Hach leaf bore’on its alternate edge a single ovule, attached
by a lengthened funiculus proceeding from an evident development of
cellular tissue (marginal placenta). In some cases there were four
ovules, two on each carpel. The ovules were sometimes represented
by perfect leaves with a central nerve. The stylopodium had entirely
disappeared, except in one instance, where the true nature of this
glandular process was shown by its being represented by a thickening
of the sides of one of the styles. The stamens were perfect; the
petals were very irregular, and many of a green colour, forming obo-
vate, acute, irregularly lobed leaves.”

Under the head ‘ Literature’ the following periodicals are noticed :—
‘Annals of Natural History,’ Hooker’s ‘Journal of Botany,’ ‘The
Phytologist, ‘ Annales des Sciences Naturelles.’ Report of Botanical
Society of Edinburgh. I may perhaps be pardoned for remarking
that the editor, in compressing the long list of contents of the March
‘ Phytologist’ into seven lines (which feat, incredible as it may appear,
he has achieved), has made some curious cross-readings, such for
instance as attributing Mr. Lees’s caustic remarks on the ‘ starred
plants’ of Hooker and Arnott to our esteemed friend George Stacey
Gibson.

Under the head ‘ Miscellanea’ Mr. Babington corrects an error in
a former number as regards the specific name of a Potamogeton from
Buttermere. PP. fluitans should be P. lanceolatus. Mr. Babington
thinks P. fluitans has not been found in Britain. Mr. Purchas re-

142

cords the finding of Teucrium Chamedrys on Besborough Common,
near Minchinhampton, Gloucestershire. It grew amongst loose stones,
intermixed with Polypodium calcareum, and formed a patch of per-
haps twenty square yards. The habitat had much the appearance of
being a genuine one.

Notice of Hooker's‘ Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany,
No. 28, April, 1851.

The papers in this number are intituled :—

‘Characters of Gnaphalioid Composit of the division Angianthee.
By Asa Gray.’

‘Das Konigliche Herbarium zu Miinchen geschildert. By Dr. C.
F. Ph. von Martius.’

‘Second Report on Mr. Spruce’s Collections of Dried Plants from
North Brazil. By George Bentham, Esq.’

‘ Contributions to the Botany of Western India. By N. A. Dalzell,
Esq., M.A.’

‘Figure and Description of a new species of Ranunculus from the
Rocky Mountains. By Sir W. J. Hooker, D.C.L., F.R.S.A.’

Botanical Information :—Mr. Plant’s Advertisement. (See wrapper
of the April ‘ Phytologist.’)

Notices of Books :—‘ Nederlandsch Kruidkundig Archief. Uitgeg-
even door W. H. de Vriese, F. Dozy en J. H. Molkenboer. Leyden.’
‘Plante Junghuniane. Enumeratio Plantarum, quas, in insulis Java
et Sumatra, detexit F. Junghun. 8vo. Fasc. I. Leyden, 1850.
‘Rhododendrons of Sikkim-Himalaya. By Dr. Joseph Hooker.
Fasc. II. Imperial folio” ‘The Victoria regia, beautifully illus-
trated with four coloured plates; by Mr. Fitch ; the descriptive por-
tion by Sir W. J. Hooker.’ ‘Icones Plantarnm ; by Sir W. J. Hooker.’

I find nothing in this number of which an abstract would be likely
to interest the readers of the ‘ Phytologist.’

Notice of the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History, No. 40,
April, 1851.

This number contains but two botanical papers, and as both of
these already appear in abstract in this journal, 1 can only give their
titles.

————

143

‘On the Composition of the Ash of Armeria maritima growing in
different localities, with remarks on the geographical distribution of
that Plant; and on the presence of Fluorine in Plants. By Dr. A.
Voelcker, Professor of Chemistry in the Royal Agricultural College,
Cirencester.’

‘On Lastrea uliginosa, Newm. By Thomas Moore, Esq., F.L.S.,
Chelsea Botanic Garden.’

Notice of the ‘ Naturalist, a Popular Monthly Magazine, illustrative
of the Animal, Vegetable, and Mineral Kingdoms, No. 2, April,
1851. .

There is no allusion to the vegetable kingdom in this-number,
except in the title.

Notice of ‘ The Gardener’s Magazine of Botany, Part XIV., March,
1851.

It may appear somewhat irregular to commence noticing this work
with the fourteenth number, but with attempting to account for this
irregularity, | will endeavour to make amends by the cordial commen-
dation which I can now bestow onit. As the name implies, this
periodical is really and truly a gurdener’s magazine of botany: it
combines with scientific botany a mass of horticultural information
which will render it invaluable to the gardener; and this term is not
to be considered as restricted to the nurseryman, florist, or professional
gardener, but embraces a Jarge and influential class of the population
who devote their leisure hours to this delightful occupation. — Its illus-
trations also are capital; there are five excellent copperplates, four of
them coloured and one plain; and eight most elaborate wood-cuts,
illustrating six genera of exotic ferns,—Meniscium, Goniopteris, Go-
nophlebium, Cyrtophlebium, Niphobolus, and Phlebodiam,—and two
species of Cypripedium, C. Atsmori and C. guttatum, besides seven
others devoted to horticultural subjects.

The letterpress contents of this part are alphabetically indexed,
a plan, I think, originated in the ‘ Gardener’s Chronicle, and one
which it is difficult to approve. By this means papers are always

divorced from the names of their authors, and often from their own

144

titles. “‘ Every hen is proud of her own chick,” and I have seen no
plan that communicates the contents of a periodical so simply or so
rapidly to the mind as that adopted in the ‘ Phytologist.’ I cannot
reconcile myself to the want of this direction-post. However, I will
extract the titles from the book itself: they are as below :—

‘ Miltonia spectabilis, var. Morelliana. Anon.

‘Theory and Practice of Pruning. By Mr. H. Bailey.’

‘Visits to remarkable Gardens.’ Anon. |

‘A Note on the Dampsa Melon. By Mr. H. C. Ogle.’

‘On the Culture of Gloxinias and Gesneras. By Mr. J. L. Mid-
lemiss.’

‘Botanical Fragments,’ being extracts from various sources.

**Tnarching to supply vacancies in Fruit-trees.’ From the ‘ Journal
of the Horticultural Society.’

‘ Metrodorea nigra.’ Anon.

‘On Variegation in Plants. By Dr. Morren.’

‘Vines and Vine-borders. By Mr. A. Shearer.’

‘The Hedge-plants of India.’ A review.

‘Nursery calls; Messrs. Lucombe, Pince, and Co.’ Anon.

‘Some Remarks on the agency of Manures ;—humus. By Mr. J.
Towers.’

‘Lupinus pubescens and Hartwegii.’ Anon.

‘The Genera and Species of Cultivated Ferns. By Mr. J. Houl-
ston and Mr. 'T. Moore.’

‘Contrasts in Landscape Gardening. By David Gorrie, Esq.’
From the ‘ North British Journal of Agriculture.’

‘ Horticultural Society.’ Report of the usual Meeting, held Febru-
ary 18.

‘Fuchsia: Florists’ Varieties.’ Anon.

‘The Properties of the Fuchsia. By Mr. G. Glenny.’

‘Notes, cultural, critical, and suggestive.’

‘ New and rare Plants.’ J

‘ Progress of Horticulture.’ 4

‘Garden Hints for Amateurs.’

A glance at these titles will instantly show that the horticultural
predominates over the botanical ; nevertheless the botanical is sound
and valuable, and the paper on exotic ferns, by Messrs. Houlston and
Moore, is the best contribution to botany published in our journals
during the present year. Forty species are concisely but clearly de-
scribed. I heartily wish the authors may be induced to continue this
excellent paper, and give us descriptions of every species of fern; it —

145

will be a great boon to the scientific botanist, and an incalculable
benefit to the cultivators of ferns.

In the present number of the ‘ Phytologist’ I have no available
space for extracts from the ‘ Gardener’s Magazine of Botany,’ and at
present can do no more than heartily recommend it to my readers.

Further Remarks on Lastrea recurva.
By the Rev. W. T. Bree, M.A.

Some readers possibly may think that enough, and more than
enough, has already appeared in the pages of the ‘ Phytologist,’
touching certain disputed species or varieties of British ferns, of
which Aspidium dilatatum of authors may be regarded as the type or
representative. Thus we have in the number for April no less than
three articles, respectively by the Rev. W. S. Hore, Mr. Wilson, and
Mr. White, all bearing upon the subject; over and above the pathetic
remonstrance in propria persona by Lastrea recurva in a previous
number. I am not complaining of these discussions ; quite the con-
trary; they are to me highly interesting. Agreeing, as I do in the
main, with the substance of what these gentlemen have written, I feel
very much inclined to add a few more words on the subject, even at
the risk of being thought tedious. The group of species to which I
allude, with Aspidium dilatatum standing at the head of them, may
not improperly be termed (to use a vulgar expression) the “ awkward
squad” among ferns; that is to say, it forms a convenient sort of
receptacle to which to refer all manner of perplexing species, which
botanists do not very well know how else to dispose of. Thus we
find Lastrea dilatata and spinulosa, or, in more correct phrase, multi-
flora and spinosa, the newly-invented uliginosa, the perfectly distinct
recurva, and even rigida, according to some high and most respectable
authorities, all lumped together as varieties of one and the same spe-
cies. Let Lastrea cristata look well to her claims as a species, for |
am half inclined to think that there are incipient suspicions arising in
some quarters against her character too. Be this as it may, verily
our old familiar acquaintance Filix-mas ought to consider that he has
had a most lucky escape in not being transferred to the “ awkward
squad,” seeing that rigida has heretofore been so served ; although this
latter fern is now, I believe, pretty generally admitted on all hands to
be a perfectly distinct and genuine species. But confining my obser-
: VOL. Iv. U

146

vations to L. recurva, there is a remark in Mr. Hore’s paper which I
would recommend to the especial notice of all in-door botanists,
before they pass judgment against this fern. He says (Phytol. iv. 97),
“ But it is from an acquaintance with L. recurva in its natural locali-
ties that one feels satisfied that it is not a mere variety. It requires
no close examination to separate it from the numberless fronds of
multiflora in its neighbourhood: a single glance must reveal the
truth.’ It may not be unimportant to add, for the benefit of those
who form their notions of this fern from dried specimens only, that
one, and that perhaps the most obviously striking, character of the
plant is necessarily almost, if not entirely, obliterated in a well-pres-
sed dried specimen. I allude, of course, to the peculiar curvature of
the pinnules, the crisped appearance of the whole frond, “ somewhat
resembling parsley,” as Mr. White truly expresses it (Phytol. iv. 109).
This gentleman, I trust, will excuse the freedom of the following re-
marks, and take them as they are meant, kindly and solely with a
.view to elicite truth. Judging from what Mr. White says in the
‘ Phytologist’ for April, I infer that he has studied this fern in a wild
state principally, perhaps exclusively, in Sussex; of which locality I
have myself had no experience. In this county, it should seem,
according to Mr. White, and I have no reason to dispute the accuracy
of his observation, that L. recurva grows principally in dry situations,
and consequently does not attain to so large a size as it does when
supplied with a greater degree of moisture. And this circumstance
will account for his saying, what as a general truth I am hardly pre-
pared to admit, vz., that “the fronds never attain more than a third
the size of those of multiflora, and are invariably less than those of
spinosa.” Now according to my own experience of this fern, I
should say that, although it will, and sometimes does, grow in very
dry spots,* it is yet generally a moisture-loving species. Quite sure
I am, that in the neighbourhood of Penzance I used to find it plenti-
wey in a very moist spot in one of those little valleys with a purling

* I have preserved a specimen of L. recurva, the entire plant, root and all, bearing
five separate fronds, of which the largest, in full fructification, measures from the
crown of the root to the apex just four inches and a half; scarcely so large as a good-
sized frond of Cystopteris fragilis! This diminutive specimen I gathered on a dry
hedge-bank in the neighbourhood of Penzance. Now, looking at this dried specimen
by itself, apart from others by help of which to interpret it, I might possibly be some-
what puzzled to know what species to refer it to; but having gathered it myself, and
seen it in a living state, a “single glance” was enough; and I have not the slightest
doubt of its being no other than L. recurva.

“a

147

streamlet running along it, which in that country are distinguished by
the peculiar name of “bottoms.” Again, in the North of Devon I met
with L. recurva but in three spots, though I kept a sharp look-out for
it. In one station near IJfracombe, and a second near Barnstaple, it
occupied a considerable space, forming quite a bed, upon the sloping
bank of a wood immediately overhanging running water, and almost
dipping its fronds in the stream. The third station (near Ilfracombe)
was in a drier and more elevated situation among rocks; but here it
grew very sparingly, not more than two or three plants. ‘Tuhen as to
size, I can assure Mr. White that I have gathered specimens of L.
recurva in a Cornish “ bottom,” the fronds of which might almost vie
with those of multiflora. But these, I admit, are exceptions to the
rule—Cornish giants perhaps we might call them. 1 have now before
me specimens collected near Penzance, which measure rather more
than twenty-four inches from the crown to the apex; and I have fre-
quently met with fronds of still larger dimensions. I have alluded to

. the peculiar crisped appearance of. the fronds as a striking character

of this fern; one might fancy it had just come from under the hands
of the barber; nevertheless I have occasionally met with specimens,
influenced perhaps by difference of soil, or by degree of shade or
moisture, or what not, in which this peculiar character was entirely
absent; and yet, as Mr. Hore says, “a single glance would reveal
the truth,” for there was a something about the plant which, to my
eye, proclaimed it to be recurva still, and nothing else. The habit of
L. recurva is not erect like that of spinosa, the fronds being disposed
to trail or arch. The lower pair of pinnz are much larger in propor-
tion to the others, than are the corresponding pair in multiflora or spi-
nosa; and the fronds are more persistent even than those of either of
the two, retaining their verdure throughout the year. I have two large
pots of L. recurva in the greenhouse, and several plants in the open
ground, the fronds of which are now (April 11) as fresh and green as

they were last summer ; and they usually remain so, till I cut them

off to make room for their successors.

In conclusion I would observe, that I have no object whatever in
making these remarks, beyond that of stating what I believe to be the
truth. Having been acquainted (and, I may say, kept up an inti-
macy) with L. recurva now for just thirty-six years and a half, and
having paid much attention to it in its native localities, both in Ire-
land, Cornwall, and North Devon, cultivating it all the while (for it
has ever been a favourite with me), I find that throughout that period
it has preserved its characters to anicety. And I cannot help feeling

148

some surprise that any botanist with an eye for a fern, who will but
take the trouble to look at the plant, should still pronounce it only a
variety of—what shall I say—multiflora, or spinosa, or &c., &c.?
Along with Mr. Hore, I regard it as perhaps “ the most beautiful and
lovely, as well as the most distinct, of our indigenous ferns.” I may
add, that gld Mr. James Dickson, no mean authority ma cryptogamic
controversy, was well acquainted with L. recurva, having procured it
in Sussex, and cultivated it in his garden of choice things at Croy-
don; and that he ever regarded it as an undescribed and distinct Bri-
tish species.

W. T. BREE.
Allesley Rectory, April 11, 1851.

Botanical Society of London.

Friday, April 4, 1851. Arthur Henfrey, Esq., V.P., F.L.S., in
the chair.

Various donations were announced.

The Rev. T. G. Carter, of Wenden, Saffron Walden; Mr. J. T.
Syme, of Edinburgh; Mr. W. Gourlie, jun., of Glasgow; and Mr. P.
Keir, of London, were elected members.

Mr. G. E. Dennes, the Secretary, exhibited specimens of Ranun-
culus tricophyllus, Chatz, collected by Mr. J. T. Syme at Dunsorpic
Loch, Edinburgh, in June last. Also specimens of Myosotis palus-
tris, var. strigulosa, Reich., collected by the same gentleman at Dud-
dington Loch, Edinburgh, in August, 1850.

Other interesting plants, which had been received from members
and other botanists for the ensuing distribution of duplicates, were
also exhibited, but their names have been entered in the third edi-
tion of the ‘ London Catalogue of British Plants, published by the
Society. —G. E. D.

Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

March 13, 1851. Professor Balfour, President, in the chair.

The following donations were announced :—‘ Botanical Gazette,’
from the Editor; British plants from Dr. Balfour, Mr. Sibbald, and
Mr. Murchison, and Swiss plants from Mr. Stark.

149

The following papers were read :—

1. ‘On Lastrea uliginosa, Newm. By Thomas Moore, F.L.S.’ In this
communication theauthor begins by stating that he has had ample op-
portunities of examining this fern, both in a dried state and under culti-
vation, and finds it sufficiently distinct in a growing state to be separated
without hesitation from the allied species. Still two questions sug-
gest themselves. First, Is it really new to England ?—and secondly,
Is it specifically distinct ? To both these he replies in the negative ;
yet he considers that the existence of such an intermediate form jus-
tified Linneus and others of the older botanists in having included
under one species spinosa and cristata. “The existence of a fern
exactly intermediate between them, as uliginosa is, and differing from
both in no character whatever, seems to explain all the doubts and
difficulties, the ‘ great confusion,’ as Newman has it, respecting the
crested fern.” In support of the view that uliginosa is not new to
England the author says he “shall merely quote Newman, who,
writing some years since of L. spinosa, remarks, ‘ it occurs frequently
in marshes, and there, mingling with cristata, so closely approaches
it in appearance that I have found the greatest difficulty in separating
them.’” As to the absence of characters sufficient to justify the rais-
ing uliginosa to the rank of a species, Mr. Moore observes that diffe-
rent opinions will no doubt be held. He continues, “ From the first
it has appeared to me as being intermediate between the two species
just named [spinosa and cristata], but before having seen the barren
fronds, which the plant, I believe, constantly produces, I was led to
think it more closely allied to spinosa than to cristata. Mr. Lloyd
himself thinks it intermediate between these two kinds; and Mr.
Newman calls it ‘ almost precisely intermediate, which in fact it is.
Its relationship thus seems clear enough; but I do not agree in the
conclusion which has been drawn, namely, that being thus interme-
diate, it cannot be referred to either species as a variety, and must
either combine them into one, or itself be regarded as as species.”
Mr. Moore then observes that its more acuminate, more divided, more
serrated, more aristate pinnules, which have been correctly said to
separate it from cristata, unite it to spinosa, and the adnate, decur-
rent pinnules, together with the outline of the barren fronds, which
separate it from spinosa, unite it to cristata. The erect, rigid habit,
obovate, diaphanous, concolorous scales, entire, eglandulose invo-
lucre, are common to both the proximate species: but the more equal
distribution of sori over the frond, described as a character of uligi-
nosa, is unsound, since undoubted specimens of spinosa occur in

150

which every pinna is thoroughly furnished with perfect sori. Hence
there is no tangible specific character yet pointed out by which to
distinguish uliginosa as a species, although this may possibly be the
truth; but regarding it as a variety only, there are more points of
structural detail connecting it with cristata than with spinosa. In the
form and mode of incision uliginosa approaches spinosa, and differs
from cristata, while in venation, a character of higher value, “it
exactly coincides with cristata, and absolutely differs from spinosa :”
in the vernation it very closely agrees with cristata, but differs from
spinosa; hence it is proposed to regard it as a variety of cristata,
thus :—

“ Lastrea cristata. Fronds nartrow, linear-oblong, sub-bipin-
nate; pinne elongate triangular, with oblong, serrated,
decurrrent pinnules, the lower crenately, often deeply,
lobed ; lateral veins of the pinnules with several bran-
ches.

“2. uliginosa. (Fertile fronds) pinnules oblong, pointed, deeply
lobed, somewhat aristato-serrate, the lowest sometimes
scarcely decurrent = Lastrea uliginosa, Newman, Phy-
tol. iii. 679.”

The plant usually, if not constantly, produces dissimilar barren and
fertile fronds, the former of which are not distinguishable from those
of the normal cristata, nor the latter from those of true spinosa, of
similar size.*

Dr. Balfour exhibited specimens of L. cristata, spinosa, and uligi-
nosa to illustrate the paper.

Sir Walter Trevelyan noticed the occurrence of L. spinosa in woods
near Dingwall.

2. ‘Notice of British Hieracia. By James Backhouse, jun.’ In
this communication the author gave an account of several Hieracia
found by him in the Highlands of Scotland, as well as in Teesdale.
He stated that the plant which he had formerly noticed as H. Oreades
turned out on minute comparison with Swedish specimens to be H._
saxifragum of Fries’s new ‘Monograph. The plant is found in the
ravine of the. White Water at the head of Glen Dole, Clova, on the
eastern slope of Cairntoul, and also in Teesdale. During a highland

* T am indebted to the kindness of Mr. Moore for the means of giving this com-
plete abstract of his paper. I have throughout altered the name spinulosa to spinosa,
because the author himself informs me that he invariably uses this name to express
the spinosa Newm., not the more comprehensive spinulosa /Zook. § Arn.

151

excursion last summer the author found abundance of H. atratum,
Fries, and a few specimens of the true H. nigrescens, /ries, of which
plant Fries states he has never seen authentic British specimens.
From careful comparison of Teesdale and Scotch specimens of H.
iricum, Fries, and H. cerinthoides, Mr. Backhouse is inclined to con-
sider the former (as Dr. Arnott suggests) to be a luxuriant form of the
latter, slightly changed in character from growing on mica-slate or
basalt. The amplexicaul or semi-amplexicaul character of the cau-
line leaves is inconstant (sometimes they are nearly sessile), and the
acuteness or bluntness of the involucral scales is variable. Last
autumn he gathered in Teesdale a plant which agrees well with H.
erocatum, var. angustatum (Fries’s ‘ Monograph’). It flowers much
later than H. crocatum, lalifolium (the ordinary form), with which it
grows, but passes over many weeks sooner. The form of the leaves is
very remarkable. Mr. Backhouse is cultivating both, in the hope of
ascertaining the distinctive character, if any, thoroughly. The fol-
lowing species have been gathered in Teesdale :—H. gothicum, Fries,
H. crocatum and its var., H. dilatatum, /r., H. corymbosum, Fr., H.
saxifragum, Fr., H. tridentatum, Fr. The paper was illustrated by a
complete series of native and cultivated specimens, which had been
kindly transmitted for inspection. The author is continuing his
researches on the subject of the British Hieracia, and he will be glad
to receive specimens even of the common species.

3. On the Berwickshire Station for Anacharis Alsinastrum. By
Dr. Johnston. Dr. Jobnston writes, “ As regards the Anacharis, my
tale is this:—For thirty years and more I have herborized in that
part of the Whiteadder where the plant is now common. For some
years I was accompanied in my searches by Dr. Philip Maclagan, and
the specimens of Potamogeton in my herbarium were principally col-
lected in a place now choked up with Anacharis. Mr. Henderson,
surgeon in Chirnside, has also often, and again and again, and season
after season, botanized in this river, and never saw the plant until I
drew his attention to it. Now, I maintain that it was impossible the
plant could have escaped our notice had it been there. It is no
pigmy ; in fact it is a plant that attracts notice. When first I found
the Anacharis in the Whiteadder, I could discover only two or three
tufts of it. I was fishing and following the water: I could see no
more of the plant anywhere near. Now, however, the place is
actually full of it; last year they had to get iron rakes to clear it
away, and cart-loads were drawn out. So at Whitehall I found it
first in only one creek, but there abundantly. When I wrote to Mr.

152

Henderson he was incredulous, for the very spot was one he knew as
the locality of other plants. He not only got the Anacharis there the
following summer, but he found it in several places adjacent. Now
from Whitehall to Gainslaw Bridge the Anacharis is by far the com-
monest plant in the Whiteadder; and its minute flowers whiten the
surface of the water. It is to me quite plain that it is of recent intro-
duction. My explanation is this:—The plant has been introduced
into the lake at Dunse Castle with alien aquatics, for in the lake there
are several foreigners. Then it had multiplied itself there until it took
thick possession of some parts of the lake. Now, while they were
paddling amongst this herbage, some small bits may have adhered to
the plumage of the wild ducks and other aquatic birds, and by their
means they have been carried to the Whiteadder. This, as the crow
flies, is about two miles from Dunse Castle, but Whitehall is six miles
distant.”

Alluding to the facts mentioned by Dr. Johnston, Mr. G. Lawson
stated that the Anacharis had appeared in a somewhat similar man-
ner in the neighbourhood of Derby. Mr. Joseph Whittaker, of
Breadsall, from whom Mr. Lawson had received a communication on
the subject, had been for some years engaged in the examination of
the Potamogetons of the neighbourhood, but had never met with the
Anacharis until recently, although it is now in great abundance.

4. ‘Report on the state of Vegetation in the Edinburgh Botanic
Garden from February 14, to March 13, 1851. By Mr. M‘Nab.’

Dates of Flowering.

1851. 1850.
Cornus mascula—- - - - February 14
Anchusa sempervirens - - - - a 14
Primula denticulata - = - Ph 15 February 23
Holosteum umbellatum - - - - a 16
Orobus vernus - = - - * 17 Hf 23
Adonis vernalis - = = - - 55 18 March 16
Tussilago Farfara_ - = 4 - we 19 February 27
Nordmannia cordifolia - - - - 5 20 3 28
Hyoscyamus Scopolia - - - Ss 24 March 1
Arabis pramorsa - = - = 3 26
Erythronium Dens-canis— - - - Marc 1 ee
Aubretia grandiflora - - - - ss 1 % 24
Gagea lutea - - - - - AS 2 at 20
Aubretia deltoidea - - - - 55 3 % 21
Kerria japonica - - - - , 4
Saxifraga crassifolia = - - pit 4 56 20
Mercurialis perennis - - - rs 4

153

Dates of Flowering.

Ribes sangineum (first flower opened)
Narcissus pumilus - -
Hyacinthus orientalis - .
Narcissus Tazetta - - -
Scilla bifolia, cerulea
Scilla bifolia, alba - - 2
Omphalodes verna - -e
Lamium garganicum . :
Hyacinthus botryoides - -
Viola suavis - - - -
Fritillaria imperialis = - -
Scilla pracox (Canonmills Cottage)

9?
- February 20

p851. 1850.
- - March 5 Mareh 11
7 ” 5 ” 4
- - 3 5 April 8
2 y 6
- - » 6 March 13
~ ” 8 ” 14
aaas hy ” 10
~ " 10
- - % 11 43 18
- =f 12
a es 13 oe 20

Mr. M‘Nab laid before the meeting a record of thermometrical
observations, made at the Botanic Garden, in connexion with the
observations on the flowering of plants.

Mr. M‘Nab also presented the following register of the dates of
flowering of plants in the open air at Cambridge, as observed by Mr.
Stratton, of the Cambridge Botanic Garden :—

Botanic Garden, Cambridge.
February 5. Potentilla Fragariastrum

si 8. Leucojum vernum
» 13. Saxifraga oppositifolia
» 13. S. oppositifolia, alba
», 15. Mercurialis perennis
» 17. Scilla bifolia
» 19. Ranunculus Ficaria
» 19. Corylus Avellana
» 22. Saxifraga hirta
» 22. Aubretia purpurea

» 22. Draba cuspidata
> 2 Geum urbanum

» 25. Draba aizoides
3» 25. Lamium purpureum
26. Leucojum pulchellum
3. Petasites vulgaris
3. Narcissus Tazetta
y 3. Hermione polyantha
5. Narcissus Pseudo-narcissus
5. Kerria japonica

VOL. Iv.

Water Beach, near Cambridge.
December 24.

January
February

”
March

”

4
1
3
3.
8
8

Eranthis hyemalis

. Helleborus niger
. Anemone coronata
. Anemone apennina

Potentilla Fragariastrum

. Pulmonaria officinalis

. Epimedium macranthum
. Orobus vernus

. Scilla bifolia

» sibirica
5) precox

. Alnus glutinosa

. Ulex europzeus

. Draba brachystemon
. Cornus mascula

. Hyacinthus orientalis
. Ranunculus Ficaria
. Narcissus minor

» Pseudo-narcissus

. Leucojum vernum

. Nordmannia cordifolia
. Scopolia carniolica

. Hyoscyamus orientalis
. Dianthus barbatus

. Malva crispa

. Euphorbia peplus

154

Mr. Evans observed the first flowers of the Moor Park apricot to
expand on an open wall in the experimental garden on the 21st of
February. The earliest flower produced on the same tree last year
opened on the Istof March. A standard plum also produced flowers
on the 22nd of February last.

Mr. W. Anderson, Tunstall Rectory, Sittingbourne, Kent, likewise
forwarded a list of plants observed by him in flower at that place on
the lst of March. He remarks :—“ Notwithstanding the mildness of
the season, vegetation is much more backward this spring than it was
at the same periods during the last two years, by at least a fortnight.”

The following specimens were exhibited from Mr. Kirk, Coventry .—
Potamogeton zosteraceus, Bab., from Stokeheath, near Coventry, in
its spring and summer states ; Potamogeton zosterzfolius; Poterium
muricatum, from Kenilworth ; Acorus Calamus, Arbury Hall; Sym-
phytum bullatum, Allerley, naturalized; Secaline cerulea, on soil
thrown out from the bottom of a canal, Coventry.

Mr. M‘Nab exhibited flowers of Camellia japonica, var. peoniflora,
from a plant growing on the open wall of the Botanic Garden. The
plant is ten feet in height, and the spread of its branches is in all
fourteen feet. There are at present 560 flower-buds on it. No other
variety has been grafted upon the plant; but some of the flowers
exhibited were completely white, others completely pink, others with
one half white and the other half pink, and some with shades of white
and pink in the same petal.

Messrs. P. Lawson & Son sent for exhibition a collection of beau-
tiful and correct wax models, showing the appearance of the various
cultivated potatoes, beans, peas, kidney-beans, and onions; also spe-
cimens of woods, so cut and arranged as to exhibit at one glance the
transverse and longitudinal sections of each tree, both polished and
rough. The models and specimens illustrated the mode in which
Messrs. Lawson purpose to supply articles for the Exhibition of 1851.
Messrs. Lawson also exhibited a large collection of coloured drawings,
in which the varieties of cultivated vegetables were accurately deli-
neated. The drawings embraced varieties of turnip, carrot, radish,
mangold-wurzel, beet, onion, cabbage, &c.

Mr. Stark exhibited a large cone of Araucaria Bidwillii, along with
seeds, from Moreton Bay. The cone was presented by Mr. Stark to
the museum at the Botanic Garden.

Richard Innes, Esq., 8, Roxburgh Street, was elected a Fellow.

155

Thursday, April 10, 1851. Professor Balfour, Eceloonet in the
chair.

The following donations to the library were announced :—Transac-
tions and Reports of the General Society of Natural History of Swit-
zerland, and of the Society of Natural History at Bonn.

Dr. Balfour stated that Messrs. Lawson & Son had presented
fifty-six specimens of woods to the museum at the Botanic Garden.

Mr. M‘Nab exhibited a stem of Statice arborea, from Professor
Syme’s garden at Millbank, nearly an inch and three quarters in dia-
meter; also a specimen of the stem of Caryota urens, which had been
cut down last year in the Botanic Garden.

Mr. M‘Nab exhibited, from the garden of Dr. Neill, a large spe-
cimen of Gentiana verna, in full flower, in a pot. The patch was
eight inches in diameter, and the number of flowers was 106; when
first brought into the room all the flowers were closed, but under the
influence of gas-light they opened, and in the course of an hour they
were fully expanded. Mr. James Thomson (Dr. Neill’s gardener)
was requested to make a few experiments on the effects of light and
heat upon the plant. The following particulars have since been fur-
nished by him :—

1. On the 11th of April the gentian was placed in a warm plant-
stove, the temperature of which was about sixty-three degrees, and
the flowers soon opened (in the absence of light), and continued open
so long as exposed to the high temperature.

2. On the 12th of April the plant was removed to a cool room
(temperature forty-eight degrees), in which a jet of gas was burning,
In this situation the flowers likewise opened about an hour after the
plant was put in.

3. On the 14th of April, about arene the plant, in full bloom,
was taken to a cool dark cellar, where the flowers closed almost
immediately.

4, On the 15th of April it was placed in a cold dark place, from six
a.m. till two p.m., during which period the flowers were all partially
closed; the plant being then exposed to light, the flowers expanded
in about half an hour. :

Mr. M‘Nab exhibited a flowering specimen of Lathrza squamaria,
from Dr. Neill’s garden at Canonmills, where it has been blooming
since the beginning of March. ‘This curious root-parasite was re-
ceived by Dr. Neill during August, 1846, from the Portugal laurel
shrubberies at Melville Castle, where it was introduced many years
previously, from the plantations at Ariston. The plants sent to

156

Canonmills Garden were placed respectively on the roots of pear, fil-
bert, and hazel; on the latter only did it succeed, and it now covers a
space of ground three feet in diameter, annually producing numerous
flower-stems, as large and perfect as in its native locality.

Mr. M‘Nab also exhibited a flowering plant of what is now gene-
rally cultivated in the British gardens under the name of Bryanthus
erectus. ‘The original plant was produced during the year 1841, by
Mr. James Cunningham of the Comely Bank nurseries, from seed of
the Phyllodoce (Menziesia) empetriformis, fertilized with the pollen of
Rhododendron chamecistus. This mule has therefore been figured
under a generic name which it is not entitled to (see Paxton’s ‘ Flower
Garden,’ No. 7, Sept. 1850). It is, however, exceedingly beautiful,
and flowers abundantly in the open border during the months of May
and June, and is one of the few instances we have of a hybrid raised
between two distinct genera.

The following communications were read :—

1. ‘On a Supposed New Species of Rubus. By Fenton J. A. Hort,
B.A., Cambridge.’ In the commencement of the paper the author
remarks :—“ At a time when descriptions of brambles, published by
botanists whose qualifications have been fully tested and acknow-
ledged in other fields, are received with incredulity and even derision,
those who possess no such advantages have little right to expect a
gentler and more charitable treatment. If, therefore, it were allow-
able to be guided wholly by personal consideration, I should not ven-
ture to add another species to our already crowded list; but cowardice
and mock-modesty are as unjustifiable in science as in anything else.”
After making some observations on the importance of studying mi-
nutely and carefully all the forms and varieties of this difficult genus,
the author proceeds to describe a new species, which he calls Rubus
imbricatus. It belongs to the group possessing subglabrous, eglan-
dular, rooting barren stems, and stout leathery leaves, and is closely
allied to R. affinis, cordifolius, and incurvatus. The plant flowers
early, nearly a month before its true allies. A full description of the
species was given, with the characters by which it is distinguished
from the others in the same group.

Dr. Balfour stated that a large collection of British Rubi had been
recently sent to the Edinburgh Botanic Garden, from the Cambridge
Garden, in order that the changes produced by cultivation might be
observed.

2. * Notice of Narcissus (Ajax) lobularis, Haw. By John T. Syme,
Esq. Mr. Syme exhibited a plant of this Narcissus in flower, the

~~”

157

bulb of which he had received from the Rev. W. T. Bree, Allesley
Rectory, who cultivated it in his garden from roots found apparently
wild near Tenby, in Pembrokeshire, by the late Joseph Boultbee, Esq.
It differs from N. Pseudo-narcissus in having the cup divided into six
distinct lobes, and of the same colour as the segments of the perianth,
which are broadly ovate and rather sharply acuminate. It is a very
handsome plant, and unlike any species known in gardens.

Dr. Balfour read a communication from the Rev. W. Smith, of
Lewes, giving a detailed account of his examination of the Diatoma-
ceous peat from Cantyre, referred to in a previous report. The fol-
lowing is a list of the species detected by him :—

Epithemia sorex Encyonema prostrata

a zebra Gomphonema acuminatum

gibba i dichotomum

3 granulata Navicula major
Eunotia diodon 3 viridis
Himantidium pectinata 5 radiata
Fragilaria capucina and hyemalis a oblonga
Cyclotella operculata s amphisbena
Melosira orichalcea as placentula
Campylodiscus costatus, n. s. ” gibberula
Surirella biseriata aS gibba

“ splendida - ovalis
Cymatopleura solea,n.g. - s attenuata
i elliptica Stauroneis pheenicenteron

Synedra ulna e gracilis
Cocconeis pediculus 2 acuta, n. s.
Cymbella cuspidata is cardinalis
Cocconema lanceolatum Amphora ovalis

5 cymbiforme Tabellaria fenestrata

” cistula

The above are all of them fresh-water species; in the inner deposit
occur numerous spicula of Spongilla fluviatilis. One of the rare spe-
cies mentioned above is Stauroneis acuta; this Mr. Smith has also
found in the Irish deposit: it is figured in the ‘ Histological Catalogue
of the College of Surgeons,’ plate xii. f. 28, having been collected by
Dr. Mantell’s son, at Plymouth, New Zealand. A drawing was given
of this species, and a specimen was sent for the microscope. The
communication was illustrated by beautifully prepared specimens,
which were exhibited under the microscope.

Dr. Balfour likewise read a communication from Dr. James Dun-
can, on the supposed poisonous effects of the seeds of Abrus precato-
rius. This communication had reference to the case of three children

158

in a family, who, after swallowing some of the seeds of Abrus preca-
torius, well known as the red West Indian peas, with black specks on
them, had been attacked with vomiting, giddiness, and other symp-
toms of poisoning. The peas had been swallowed about three in the
afternoon, and the symptoms developed themselves about eight in the
evening. Under the use of emetics the children all recovered. It
was remarked that considerable difference of opinion exists as to the
qualities of these peas. Dr. M‘Fadyen in his ‘ Flora of Jamaica’ says,
that they are merely indigestible, and not poisonous; while Lindley
and others state that they belong to the narcotic division of Legumi-
nous plants. The present case confirms the latter view, and points
out the necessity of caution in allowing children to amuse themselves
with these seeds.

Mr. M‘Nab gave the following report on the state of vegetation in
the Edinburgh Botanic Garden, from the 14th of March till the 10th
of April, 1851. He remarked that about a dozen of the plants noted
as in flower before this time last year, have not yet flowered.

Dates of Flowering.

1851. 1850.
Draba aizoides——- - - - - March 14 Marah 16
Puskenia scilloides - 2 = St als
Leontodon Taraxacum - - = : 5 uate
Acacia affinis - - - : 24 ot dG
Saxifraga oppositifolia - : SNe ee te AG 1s ae
Silene pendula - - = 5 2 ae aay:
Primula nivalis - - : s : 5S malts Baer |
Scilla bifolia rubra - - - Se BR a 7
Corydalis solida = - - : i 2 a 1D ais |:
Vesicaria sinuata - - - =e Nie a.)
Corydalis cava - - - - z Ree) oe |
5 nobilis - - - ae » 22
Anemone nemorosa - - _ 3 » 24 a
Narcissus moschatus - - - Sore aS ae
Scilla sibirica - = 2 : z tee
Narcissus Pseudo-narcissus - . LS OU BF » 24
Valerianella congesta - - u z tehag:
Brassica napus - - - a at oy (Be,
Orobus venosus—- - : Hii) aes » 24
Hyoscyamus orientalis - - - ae le oe
a physaluides - = & = Mags 3)-)
Saxiftaga virginica . - - Bh oes nadie)
Anemone hortensis - - - - - JO 26 April 6
Narcissus jonquilla = - . acije » 29
Alyssui saxatile - - . - o » 29 ‘cape

159

Dates of Flowering.

1851 1850

Ficaria ranunculoides - - - - - March 30
Narcissus bicolor - - - = - NET April 2
Pulmonaria officinalis - - - eee tae)! Rae | is MT
Viola pulmonense - - - - - ate a AR |
Doronicum pardalianches - pS Mae iD Pa
Dalibarda geiodes - - - - - i 8 March 30
Primula ciliata, purpurata ” - - = a} 4
Luzula Forsteri—- : - - - ee

» pilosa - - - - ath F- A
Anemone coronaria - - - - - AA 5
Primula marginata—s- - - “= - 5 pe
Sesleria cerulea - - - - - hs.
Narcissus incomparabilis - - - - side April 2
Scilla italica - - - - - if 6 BOUANS
Hierochloe borealis = - - = - - BOT CR ET: Ne
Euphorbia Epithimoides - - - - sil @ # 5
Hesperis arabidifolia - - - - - ay ke AT
Alopecurus nigricans - - - - ay March 24
Saxifraga adscendens - - = - - + 8
Corydalis capnoides - - - - NT = tS
Saxifraga Sternbergii - - - a0 te eat
Anemone apennina - - - - - a 9 April 3
Pulmonaria virginica - - - sh t= asinine oh ie
Carex montana - - - = = a CEO * 9

Mr. M‘Nab added the following list of plants observed in flower in
the open border at Comely Bank, on the 9th of March, 1851, the spe-
cies being different from those mentioned in the foregoing list :—

Dentaria pentaphylla Anemoue ranunculoides
Corydalis bracteata Epigza repens

Tris reticulata Helleborus orientalis
Bulbocodium vernum Atropa Mandragora

Cochlearia acaulis

In connexion with the above observations on the flowering of
plants, Mr. M‘Nab presented a record of thermometrical observations
made in the Botanic Garden during the same period.

The following new members were elected:—Ordinary Fellows: J.
Nickle Fanning, Esq., Seaside House, Seafield, Leith; Robert Wi-
thers, Esq., 8, Elm Place, Bath. Associate: Mr. James Stratton,
Botanic Garden, Cambridge.

160

Microscopical Society of London.

Anniversary Meeting, February 12, 1851. Dr. Arthur Farre in the
chair.

The Assistant Secretary read the following Report of the Council:—

“ According to annual custom, the Council have to make the fol-
lowing Report on the state and progress of the Society during the
past year. The number of Members at the last Anniversary was, Or-
dinary Members, 141; Associates and Honorary, 5; giving a total of
146. Since that time there have been elected 20, making a total of 166.
This number must, however, be reduced by 3,—2 deceased and I re-
signed, making a final total of 163; being an increase of 17 upon the
number at the last Anniversary. The rooms have been opened on Wed-
nesdays during the session, under the usual regulations. The Cabinet
of Objects and the Library have been increased by various donations.
There are also in the possession of the Society various Drawings and
Diagrams, relating chiefly to papers read at the meetings of the So-
ciety ; together with copies of the several parts of the ‘ Transactions.’
The Council have also to state, that the arrangements made for facili-
tating the mutual exchange of Objects among the Members, have
been found extremely beneficial, not only to those making such ex-
changes, but also to the Society itself. They have also to express
their regret, that the privilege enjoyed by the Members of making use
of the Society’s Instruments, &c., on the Wednesday, has not been so
fully appreciated by them during the past year as the Council could
have desired.”

The Assistant Secretary read the following Report of the Auditors :—

“We have examined the Treasurer’s Account for the past year with
the vouchers, and find the balance in hand to be £85 6s. 10d., the
whole of which is at the bankers’.”

The President then addressed the meeting, giving a retrospect of
the past year, which included those abstracts of papers which have
already appeared in the ‘ Phytologist,’ and congratulating the Society
on its present state and future prospects.

The ballot was then taken for the election of Officers for the ensu-
ing year, when Dr. Arthur Farre was elected President; N. B. Ward,
Esq., Treasurer; John Quekett, Esq., Secretary; Mr. John Williams,
Assistant Secretary; and Messrs. Gosse, Handford, Lankester, and
Woodward, new Members of Council.

161

March 19, 1851. Dr. Arthur Farre, President, in the chair.

A paper by George Shadbolt, Esq., entitled ‘ Observations upon
Oblique Illumination, with a description of the author’s Sphero-
annular Condenser,’ was read.

After some preliminary remarks, Mr. Shadbolt stated that the sub-
ject of oblique illumination might be considered as comprehended
under two distinct heads, viz., illumination by oblique light on one
side only, and illumination by opposing rays, so as to obviate any
shadow. The former mode has been long employed by microscopists,
but the latter has been suggested and carried out only recently, by
Mr. Wenham, in his parabolic condenser. The author considered
that by far the most advantageous mode of applying the first of these
methods, was by means of the cleverly-constructed prism of M.
Nachet, the effects of which are far superior to the old method of
turning the mirror on one side, and the instrument also possesses
some other obvious advantages. In this method of observing objects
the minute ridges are rendered clearly visible by means of their sha-
dows. But in order to view certain objects in the most advantageous
manner, it is desirable to get rid of the shadow entirely, and this, as
well as a far more brilliant illumination, is effected by the parabolic
condenser constructed by Mr. Wenham, which is fully described in a
late part of the Society’s ‘ Transactions.’ There are, however, certain
practical difficulties in constructing a paraboloid correctly, which ren-
der it by no means an easy task, and the author was in consequence
induced to devise his annular condenser, also described in a recent
part of the ‘Transactions.’ Still, however, the action was not perfectly
satisfactory; and Mr. Shadbolt, after many trials, has succeeded in
producing an arrangement of spherical curves, one centre only being
excentric, which fully answers his expectations, and is easy of manu-
facture ; this he names the sphero-annular condenser. It consists of
a portion cut off from a sphere of glass, the lower part being flat and
parallel to the object, and the upper surface concave. Its action is as
follows :—The light is reflected from the surface of the plane mirror
’ In parallel rays, which, falling perpendicularly on the base of the con-
denser, suffer no refraction, but pass on to the convex surface of the
sides, where, as the angle of incidence is in no case less than 45°,
they are totally reflected, and thus brought to a focus in the best
place for producing this kind of illumination. Diagrams explaining
the principles of the construction of this instrument, and the mode of
its action, were also exhibited and described.

VOLSIvi''. Y

162

A paper by H. Deane, Esq., ‘On a New Medium for Mounting
fresh or moist Animal and Vegetable Structures,’ was.also read.

After enumerating various disadvantages found in mounting objects,
both in the fluids hitherto employed and in Canada balsam, the author
went on to describe a substance which, in his opinion, would entirely
obviate the greater part, if not the whole, of these, and which also
appears to possess all the qualities required in a medium for mounting
objects in the modes referred to. It is composed of the following
ingredients :—Gelatine, 1 oz.; water, 4 0z.; honey, 4 oz.; rectified
spirits of wine, $ 0z.; kreosote,6 drops. The gelatine is to be soaked
in water until soft; the honey is to be raised to the boiling heat in
another vessel, and added to the moist gelatine; the whole is then to
be made boiling hot; when it has somewhat cooled, but is still per-
fectly fluid, the kreosote and spirits of wine previously mixed together
are to be added; the whole is to be filtered through fine flannel.
When cold the composition is in the form of a very stiff jelly, which
on being slightly warmed becomes perfectly fluid. He concluded
with some practical directions for its use, and also by an enumeration
of some of its advantages over former media for mounting objects.

April 16, 1851. Dr. Arthur Farre, President, in the chair.

Robert Semple Frere, Esq., Bransby Blake Cooper, Esq., and Wm.
R. Morris, Esq., were balloted for and duly elected members of the
Society. |

Dr. Asa Gray, Professor of Natural History in Harvard University,
Cambridge, Massachusetts, was balloted for and duly elected an ho-
norary member of the Society.

A paper by W. Ladd, Esq., ‘On an Improved Adjustment for a
Microscope, was read.

After pointing out the disadvantages of the ordinary rack and pinion
movement, Mr. Ladd described the improvement he had made, which
consists of the substitution of a steel chain, known as a “ fusee chain,”
for the rack, and a steel pin or axis for the pinion. The ends of the
chain are attached to the top and bottom of the sliding bar which
supports the body of the microscope, passing two or three times round
the steel pin or axis, which is furnished with a milled head. The mo-
tion thus produced is exceedingly smooth and even, and is not liable
to the disarrangement on account of wear, which forms the greatest
objection to the rack and pinion. A microscope fitted up with this
movement was afterwards exhibited to the meeting.

A paper by Messrs. Hassall and Coppin, being a description of

163

three species of marine Zoophytes, was also read. These are three
new species of corallines of the genera Coppinia (Hassall, ‘ Zoologist,’
No. 69, p. 2223), Sertularia, and Campanularia. They are respec-
tively named Coppinia mirabilis, Sertularia gracilis, and Campanularia
serpens, and are found on the English and Irish coasts. Detailed
descriptions were given, and drawings exhibited in illustration of the
same.

A third paper, being a translation of a letter from M. Nobert, giving
a description of a glass plate, having on it twelve systems of parallel
lines, was read. These systems of lines were distinguished by the
letters A, B, and C, to M, the latter being the finest; and the dis-
tances in each set were expressed with the most scrupulous. exact-
ness in Paris lines, as being, in system A, 0.’’000375 to system M,
which was the finest, 0.”’0001281. The other systems were of inter-
mediate degrees of fineness. By using this plate in a particular man-
ner, fully described in the paper, the systems of lines from A to G
present an aerial spectrum of the prismatic colours, A being deep red
and G a deep violet; and as no colour appears in the remaining sys-
tems (from H to M), the author considers that the distance of the lines
in these systems is nearer than the length of the smallest (the violet)
undulations of light. Upon turning the plate, and arranging it in a
rather different manner, coloured representations of the whole of the
twelve systems are produced, not, as in the former instance, in the air,
but in the glass; and upon comparing these with the aerial spectrum,
it is found that the colour of the system F, being deep red, agrees with
that of A in the aerial spectrum G, with B, and in like manner the fol-
lowing systems, H, I, K, L, M, with those of the former, C, D, E, F,
G; and by uniting the numerical values for the distances of the lines
harmonizing in their colours, the main result is, that the length of the
undulations in the glass is in proportion to that of those in the air, as
1 to 1.53, furnishing a direct confirmation of the truth of the undu-
latory theory. The correctness of these results was also stated to
depend on the absolute accuracy of the distances of the lines, as an
error of only ~5<s5cth of a Paris line was found to produce stripes of
other colours, andif the distance of the lines in system M (that which
produces the violet rays in the glass spectrum) is diminished by only
soth of that amount, the colour will entirely disappear.—J. W.

164

Dublin Natural History Society.

Friday, March 10, 1851. Dr. Croker, M.R.1.A., in the chair.

Mr. Andrews stated that he had received apologies from two mem-
bers who were to have prepared papers on that evening, expressive of
regret that they were obliged to defer their intentions to another night.
However, he hoped that the evening would not be barren of proceed-
ings, as his friend Mr. Callwell had kindly consented to give his views
of the treatment and cultivation of one of the most beautiful and most
rare of our native ferns—Trichomanes, or, as it is termed and known
at Killarney, the hare’s-foot fern.

Mr. Callwell observed that the statements he was about to make
were upon the experiments and the successful results of his several
modes of treatment of the cultivation of that beautiful fern. In the
year 1842 Mr. Andrews had given him a plant having two fronds, one
about six inches in length, the other partially developed. These he
placed under a bell-shaped glass shade, which was about fifteen
inches in diameter and eighteen inches in height. The fern was
planted in pure maiden earth, or virgin mould, a good drainage being
formed by placing inverted flower-pots in the receiver. Through this
mould he interspersed portions of charcoal. The temperature and
moisture were carefully regulated, although but little watering was
given to the plant. Great care was taken to keep the growing fronds
from contact with the glass, for so delicate and sensitive were the
beautiful fronds when expanding, that should they rest against the
glass they became blackened and unsightly. In the spring of 1845,
so luxuriantly had the plant extended that he removed the mass to a
larger case. At that time there were about twenty fronds, all fully
developed, and presenting that beautiful green hue and delicacy of
texture which are the remarkable characteristics of the plant. The
new habitat was a case of a neat mahogany frame, glazed on all sides
and having a deep tray of zinc. Its measurements were three feet
nine inches long, two feet six inches broad, and three feet three inches
high, having. a depth of tray or receiver ten inches. Height in the
case he considered of much importance for the proper encouragement
of growth. The zinc tray was placed om a strong floor; the mass of
plants were laid in soil similarly described, with the charcoal through-
out, having previously put as before the inverted flower-pots, and the
addition of cocoa-nut husks, so as in every way to facilitate perfect
drainage. It was of great importance to the healthy growth of the

165

plants to prevent any lodgment of moisture in the mould, or any ten-
dency to thé mould souring from undue excess or retention of mois-
ture. To avoid this he had placed around the case a rim of zinc, and
by judiciously placing skeins of worsted the drainage was directed to
a proper course, and the water easily carried off by means of a stop-
cock, which could be turned when necessary. Other most important
measures were to regulate light and temperature. The case was
placed in a lobby where it received only a subdued light, with but
partial rays of the sun through the medium of green glass, and where
the temperature was generally even throughout the year, for the plants
would not bear any degree of heat; thus moisture, an equable tempe-
rature, and a modulated light were the essentials for effective growth.
lt would appear where Mr. Andrews had made the discovery of such
splendid plants in Kerry, that a shaded moist temperature was the
delight of this fern. The fronds in Mr. Callwell’s case were not so
large or fine as the specimens found by Mr. Andrews, but his was a
new station in Iveragh, and those he cultivated were from Killarney.
He should have mentioned that in forming the compost for the plants,
he had raised a kind of mound towards the centre of the case, that the
plants might be better seen, and now the entire case was filled and
covered with the fronds. In the winter of 1849 he suspended from
the roof of the case a block of wood, and to this he attached a plant,
which had now crept over the wood with its rhizomata, and was
spreading its roots in all directions. Mr. Callwell said that he would
feel happy in showing his case to any of the members, or giving them
any further information of his system, and Mr. Andrews would now
give them an idea of the great beauty and peculiarity of the fern, by
submitting the specimens he had brought with him.

The Chairman said that he would be glad to hear any remarks upon
the subject. He considered those ferns to be of extreme interest,
being, as he believed, in the British Islands only now known to exist in
the south-west of Ireland, although it was said to be originally found
in Yorkshire. He was much pleased with their appearance in a case.
in which he had them growing.

Mr. Andrews then exhibited beautiful specimens of those ferns from
Iveragh and Killarney, in Kerry ; also specimens, both of Trichomanes
and Hymenophyllum, from the Isle of France, the East and West
Indies, Hong-Kong, and South America. He observed that the
remarks of Mr. Callwell could not but be of interest to those who
delighted in their gardens and in the cultivation of plants, and those
described by Mr. Callwell would repay the care bestowed upon them.

166

Mr. Callwell’s treatment had been most successful; indeed it might
be said that no one had so extensively cultivated this beautiful plant.
An equable temperature, moisture, and a kind of diurnal twilight were
the features best suited to the health and vigorous luxuriance of the
plants. They would bear extremes of cold, provided the temperature
was even or not subject to transition. Mr. Callwell had, however,
tried a most successful plan of growth in the addition of charcoal.
The use of peat charcoal had been most advantageously applied to
the culture of plants in several gardens in England, particularly in
those fine gardens of Bicton, in Devonshire, where, with New Holland
plants, the success of peat charcoal was astonishing. Charcoal, loam,
heath-mould, with river sand and good drainage, will succeed with
most plants. The first notice of this beautiful fern in Britain was at
Belbank, in Yorkshire, a barren specimen only being found. It was
quoted in Hudson’s ‘ Flora Anglica’ as Trichomanes pyxidiferum of
Plumier. Dr. Mackay, however, finding plants at Killarney in fructi-
fication, decided its distinction from the plant of Plumier, and it was
figured in ‘ English Botany’ by Sir J. E. Smith as Hymenophyllum
alatum, from its winged stem. Subsequently it was named Tricho-
manes brevisetum, which name it retained until the discovery, in 1842,
in Iveragh, Kerry. The peculiar character of growth and fructifica-
tion at once led to its identity with Trichomanes radicans of Swartz,
and the comparison with specimens from the Mauritius, from the West
Indies, and from South America, established its affinity with those
tropical species, and, as Sir Wm. Hooker observed, spoke volumes in
favour of the climate of the south-west of Ireland. Mr. Andrews said
that the treatment adopted by Mr. Callwell, by regulating the tempe-
rature, would be applicable to the culture of the exotic species of these
beautiful ferns. The West India Islands are remarkable for the va-
riety and beauty of the family of the Hymenophylla, particularly those
of volcanic origin. The Iveragh plants, in the alternate, numerous,
pinnated, almost pellucid fronds, bear, as to growth, a near resem-
blance to the Trichomanes radicans and T. brachypus of Jamaica and
St. Vincent’s, which beautiful plants in those islands, at the highest
elevations, spread like a velvet carpet over the moist and massive
trunks of aged trees. The Rev. Lansdowne Guilding describes the T.
radicans of St. Vincent’s to have long creeping main stems or caudices.
The true T. pyxidiferum of Jamaica grows abundantly in the island of
St. Vincent’s, at an elevation of 2,000 feet above the level of the sea,
thus showing that this tribe in the tropics affects a much higher eleva-
tion, where the temperature, being lower, is more conducive to their

167

healthy existence. JT. pyxidiferum is distinguished by the broad
revolute mouths of the involucres, the involucres being broadly winged
and sunk in the pinnules of the frond; the receptacles are of consi-
derable length. The plant from Kerry is similar in form to the Tri-
chomanes alatum of Jamaica, but from that it is separated by the more
membranous structure of the frond of T. alatum, and in the forked
cilia existing at the termination of the pinne. Many of the Hymeno-
phylla are extremely beautiful, and several bear a striking resemblance
to our native plants, Wilsoni and Tunbridgense. Thus, H. axillare
has orbicular involucra, situated as in H. Wilsoni, and H. polyanthus
another example, its reticulated ovate involucra dividing similar to H.
Wilsoni. H. dilatatum and semibivalve of New Zealand, crispatum
from Nepaul, and the West Indian undulatum are all beautiful ex-
amples. The fruit of H. crispatum bears, in the character of its
orbicular involucre and the position of growth, much resemblance to
H. Tunbridgense. This beautiful plant is found in the Peruvian
Andes, near the limits of perpetual snow, embracing with its creeping
rhizomata the trunks of trees. But the handsomest is Hymerophyl-
lum elasticum from the Mauritius, which covers the moist and shaded
trunks of trees. Its pinnules are elastic, and its shining appearance
contrasts with beautiful effect with the black midribs.

Mr. Andrews, in showing the specimens of this beautiful fern, said
that his friend Dr. Alexander, R.N., a most zealous botanist, had seen
H. elasticum in great abundance in a mountain cave at Kow-Loon,
the side opposite Hong-Kong. He had also met with that rare fern,
Anthropium Boryanum, in shaded places on the banks of the Sara-
wak, Borneo, near Rajah Brook’s residence. Mr. Callwell had spoken

of the manner he had grown the Trichomanes suspended ; the plants
appeared to delight in that position of growth, and Mr. Andrews had
successfully cultivated them in that manner, and the plants had pro-
duced fructification in perfection. In this manner, creeping over a
moistened surface, none would appear more beautiful than Tricho-
manes membranaceum, or those beautiful plants T. reptans, apodum,
and parvulum, which, like frondose Jungermanniz, spread over the
branches of trees. He would mention a very pretty Jungermannia,
peculiar, as a parasite, to T. radicans, which he found on the Kerry
plants—the Jungermannia minutissima. On receiving a specimen of
T. radicans from the Mauritius, he found this Jungermannia on the
frond identical with the Kerry parasite. Jungermannia Hutchinsea
and Protonema cryptarum are also favorite companions of Tricho-
manes. Mr. Andrews would mention a singular character of the fern ;

168

viz., that fronds which he had collected and planted in a case in 1842
were still green and healthy.

Mr. Callwell said he would bear evidence to the same effect, that
fronds which he had originally obtained were now in healthy condi-
tion; and he would also state that the only fern that he found to grow
with Trichomanes in the same case was Asplenium marinum.

Mr. Whitla conceived that a very important feature in the cultiva-
tion of such plants was a still atmosphere, and he did not place much
reliance upon geological formation in the cultivation of any plant.
He thought, however, that in the cultivation of Asplenium marinum
saline ingredients were necessary to its growth; but with regard to
soil or rock, he thought that plants properly treated, without reference
to geological character of soil, would thrive equally well. He had
collected in Clare, Orobanche rubra growing abundantly in limestone.
This had been stated to be a plant peculiar to basalt, and only found
in such districts. It was a parasite attached to Thymus Serpyllum,
which was a plant of general distribution.

The Chairman then directed the ballot, and Dr. T. R. Mitchell and
Francis Brady, Esq., were declared duly elected members. Others
having been proposed for ballot on the next evening, the meeting was
adjourned.

Tyneside Naturalists Field-Club.

March 21, 1851. The President, Dennis Embleton, M.D., in the
chair.

Ralph Carr, Esq., of Dunston Hill, read the continuation of his
paper ‘ On Composite Names of Places of Anglo-Saxon Derivation.’

Mr. Storey read an abstract of his paper ‘ On the Flowering Plants
and Ferns found within five miles of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.’

Mr. Albany Hancock presented a short paper, intituled a ‘ Notice
of the Occurrence of Diphyllidia lineata on the Durham Coast.’

A collection of Algz and corallines was sent for inspection by Miss
Errington.

Dr. Embleton and Mr. D. Oliver, jun., exhibited numerous well-
dried specimens of ferns and other plants.

On the following day the Anniversary meeting was held in one of
the rooms of the Government School of Design, when the President,
Dr. Embleton, delivered an able and highly interesting address; after

169

which, Mr. Carr read the concluding portion of his paper on the
composite names of places.

The following gentlemen were elected Office-bearers for the ensu-
ing year: —President: Robert Ingham, Esq., Westoe. Vice-Presi-
dents: Dennis Embleton, M.D., Rev. J. F. Bigge, and Mr. William
Kell. Treasurer: Mr. Thomas Burnet. Secretary: Mr. John Storey.
Committee: Rev. G. Cooper Abbes, Mr. Albany Hancock, Mr. John
Hancock, Mr. Joshua Alder, Mr: J. T. Bold, Mr. George Tate, F.G.S.,
Mr. John Thompson, Mr. R. Y. Green, Mr. D. Oliver, jun., Mr.
Robert Currie, Mr. Edward Mather, and Mr. Thomas Jefferson.

The following gentlemen were elected members of the Club :—
George Robinson, M.D., Capt. Moody, R. E., Mr. J. B. Falconar,
jun., Mr. E. B. Richardson, Mr. G. A. Hutton, and Mr. F. J. Peck,
Newcastle ; Mr. James Forster, Gateshead; Mr. Stephens, North
Shields; Rev. Cuthbert J. Carr, Witton Gilbert; and Rev. Joseph
Depledge, Chester-le-Street.

The days and places of meeting were fixed as under :—

Bywell and Riding Mill,—Friday, May 30.

Durham and Finchale,—Friday, June 20.

Allenheads,—July.

Staward Peel,—Wednesday, August 20.

Roker and Whitburn,—Friday, September 12.

Corbridge and Stagshaw,—Friday, October 3.—J. S.

_ Orchis hircina in Kent. By GeorceE B. Wo taston, Esq.

I HAVE now in my possession a very fine flowering plant of Orchis
hircina, brought to me on Good Friday of the present year by an
intimate friend, from a locality which I showed him last year, and
where we found five small plants of the same. The locality is in the
neighbourhood of the old station mentioned in Sowerby’s ‘ British

Botany.’
G. B. WoLLASTON.

Eltham, April, 1851.

VOR. iv: Z

170

Notice of ‘The British Flora: comprising the Phenogamous or
Flowering Plants, and the Ferns. The Sixth Edition, with Addi-
tions and Corrections, and numerous Figures illustrative of the
Umbelliferous Plants, the Composite Plants, the Grasses, and the
Ferns. By Sir WiiiiAm Jackson Hooker, K.H., LL.D., F.R.A.
and L.S., Vice-President of the Linnean Society and Director of
the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew; and Grorce A. WALKER-
Arnott, LL.D., F.L.S. and R.S.E., and Regius Professor of Botany
in the University of Glasgow. London: Longman and Co. 1850.’

In his ‘ Observations on Natural Systems of Botany,’ Dr. Drum-
mond, in somewhat dolorous terms, comments upon the supposed
decline of a popular taste for botany in this country. This decline
he attributes to what he is pleased to consider the ill-advised efforts
of Dr. Lindley and others, to place the study of that science upon
a more sound and more philosophical footing than had previously
obtained. Such lachrymose ‘Observations’ as those of the worthy
Doctor, could only have emanated from one who is utterly ignorant
of, or wholly inattentive to, the spirit of the principles inculcated
by Linneus himself. No one who has studied the botanical works
of the great Swede with the attention they deserve, and with a mind
free from prejudice, can have failed to perceive that the spirit which
throughout animates his writings is essentially one of progress; and
had their author lived to witness the full development of his earlier
labours, he would have been the first to condemn a slavish adherence
to the mere letter of a system, originally intended but to subserve
a merely temporary purpose. .

Dr. Drummond, moreover, lays great stress upon the circumstance
that Sir J. E. Smith, Mr. Roscoe, and other botanists who were emi-
nent in their day, attained eminence chiefly through their devotion to
the Linnean artificial system of clssification. On the other hand, if
we remember aright, he censures Dr. Lindley for having abandoned
the use of that system, upon finding from experience that, per se,
it leads to little beyond a knowledge of names. In this Dr. Drum-
mond apparently forgets, or at all events he overlooks, the fact, that
Dr. Lindley has done little more than follow the example of Sir J. E.
Smith, Robert Brown, and other British botanists, who may fairly be
ranked among the facile principes of the science. These eminent
men, through steadily keeping in view the end and aim propounded
by Linneus, as the only object worthy of pursuit to every true lover

171

of the science, and acting up to the spirit of their master’s principles,
as opportunities for so doing were afforded by the increasing intelli-
gence of the age, laid the foundation for the high position among the
natural sciences, now held by botany in this country.

Sir J. E. Smith, for example, after he had widely extended the circle
of cultivators of this pleasing pursuit, by the precise and elegant style
of his ‘ Introduction,’ wherein the Linnean artificial system is lucidly
explained, in his ‘Grammar of Botany,’ a subsequent work of equal
merit and utility, proceeded to unfold the principles of that more pre-
cise mode of investigating the intimate structure of plants, upon which
is founded a plan of classification, whereby the “ strong connexions,
nice dependencies” of the various members of the Vegetable King-
dom are sought to be exhibited by those who look beyond the shadow
and endeavour to grasp the substance of the object of their pursuit.

The high position occupied by Robert Brown as a botanist is too
well known to require any eulogy from us; we may, however, be
allowed to express regret that he has favoured the world with so few
examples of his transcendant abilities and superior attainments in a
science he is so well fitted to elucidate and explain.

Of Dr. Lindley, we need say no more than that we believe him to
have been the first public teacher of botany who boldly ventured to
break through the trammels of custom, by adopting in his lectures at
University College, that mode of study which has already done so
much towards removing from our favourite pursuit the opprobium of
being merely a science of words without ideas,—a useless repertory
of names without meaning. Dr. Lindley’s ‘ Synopsis of the British
Flora,’ originally intended chiefly for the use of his own classes, toge-
ther with his other works, prepared the way for that more general
recognition of the superior value of the natural method over an artifi-
cial system, which Dr. Drummond so deeply deplores.

“Nomina si nescis, perit et cognitio rerum,” is a Linnean axiom
the truth of which no one will dispute. But names alone are not—
cannot be—the sole end and aim of philosophic research. The dis-
covery of the name of an unknown plant is one object proposed by
_ the natural as well as by the artificial method of investigation; and
to this, as one important branch of the science, we have never
objected: on the contrary, we have ever contended, that to acquire no
further knowledge of botany than the ability to determine the names
of the various plants met with in our daily walks, is to acquire as it
were another sense. But the knowledge of intimate structure and of
mutual relationship which attend the use of the natural method, amply

172

compensate for any temporary delay or disappointment, any addi-
tional trouble, in the acquisition even of the mere name of the plant
under investigation; while the comparative facility with which this
object is accomplished by the use of an artificial arrangement, will
ever lead too many to stop short at the very point where their labours
ought to commence, even in accordance with one of the advantages
claimed by the exclusive advocates of such artificial schemes, namely,
that the name being known, there is no difficulty in further ascertain-
ing all that has been recorded in reference to the plant in question.

Now, if we understand Dr. Drummond aright, it is the decline in
popularity of this mere name-knowledge that he so feelingly deplores.
He would appear to be a rigid conservative in scientific matters; one
of those who, unmindful that “ old things are passed away,” in con-
sequence of the increased means and appliances now placed at the
command of the student, would have all scientific research confined
to the narrow limits which bounded inquiry at the period when the
newly promulgated Linnean artificial system charmed by its simpli-
city, as compared with the modes of investigation previously in use,
and, from its ready applicability, seemed to render further improvement
undesirable, if not impossible. But the onward progress of science
is no more to be arrested by puling regrets than by arbitrary attempts
at suppression. In the darkest ages of her history there have ever
been far-seeing eyes capable of beholding the bright futurity lying
beyond the enveloping gloom, as there have always been bold tongues
which, amidst the oppression of scientific despotism, could with Ga-
lileo fearlessly affirm—“ And yet it moves !”

But is there really any foundation for the apprehension that a
popular taste for botany in this country is declining? We unhesi-
tatingly answer—No! A taste for that mere name-knowledge which
long passed for botany is without doubt rapidly on the decline, but it
is only to give place to a desire for knowledge of a higher and more
satisfactory, because of a more precise and a more comprehensive
character. As one proof of the soundness of this position, we would
adduce the demand for a new edition of the work whose title stands
at the head of the present notice. It may however be objected to
such evidence, that this new edition is called for only after an interval
of eight years from the appearance of the previous one arranged upon
the same plan, while within the preceding ten years, during which the
Linnean system was followed in the arrangement, four editions of the
same work were published. We would beg to remind any one so
objecting, that during the interval of eight years, two editions of

173

Babington’s ‘ Manual,’ a work also arranged according to the natural
system, have appeared to contest the field with the modified ‘ British
Flora; a circumstance in itself we deem a proof of the correctness of
our position. For, with the exception of Lindley’s ‘Synopsis’ and
Macreight’s ‘ Manual,’ both arranged upon the natural method, we are
not aware of any standard work on the general flora of Great Britain
having appeared to dispute the possession of the botanical arena with
the ‘ British Flora,’ and neither of these can be said to have attained
any decided advantage on the score of popularity. We may also
mention the two editions of Dr. Lindley’s great work, ‘ The Vegetable
Kingdom ;’ a second and enlarged edition of his valuable ‘ Introduc-
tion to Botany; one if not two of the same author’s ‘ Elements ;
besides two distinct Manuals founded upon the excellent ‘ Cours
Elémentaire’ of Jussieu; as so many additional proofs that a popular
taste for botany has in no wise diminished of late years: and more-
over, in further proof of this may be cited the several botanical pe-
riodicals, besides the flourishing condition of the two metropolitan
Botanical Societies and the Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

Dr. Drummond’s lamentations, in short, serve but to confirm Sir
W. Hooker’s remark, that it has too long been the practice for those
who have devoted an exclusive attention to either the artificial or the
natural method, to decry that with which they are unacquainted, or
at least the advantages of which they have not had the good fortune
to experience: as well as the wisdom of the observation previously
made by Mirbel, that “ Ceux qui proscrivent usage des méthodes
artificielles n’en ont point saisi le véritable esprit: ceux qui ne s’at-
tachent qu’a ces classifications arbitraires, ignorent la beauté et la dig-
nité de la science.” Both classes are in the wrong; but those more
especially err who, at the present day, would bar the progress of
science by confining their researches to the narrow boundaries which
necessarily circumscribed her infancy.

Gladly therefore do we extend the right hand of fellowship to our
ancient friend, the ‘ British Flora, on the occasion of this his fifth re-
appearance. Not as a stranger do we give him welcome, but rather
as an old friend with another new face; for it must be confessed, that
our respected acquaintance, with the characteristic versatility of a
Briton, has been somewhat given to change in the matter of dress and
_ personal appearance. We trust, however, that our friend has at
length quietly settled down into the douce, cannie body now before
us, in whom a certain substantial weel-to-do air seems to inspire con-
fidence, while at the same time it commands respect.

174

Nor are our favourable first impressions in any wise diminished on
a closer acquaintance; they are on the contrary confirmed, and our
confidence is increased, by the numerous and very manifest improve-
ments on the preceding editions observable throughout the present.
One of these consists in the adoption of a uniform nomenclature in
the names of the orders, which, with but eight exceptions,* are now
made to end in acee, in place of the heterogeneous assemblage of
inees, idees, iees, elees, and so on, formerly followed in defiance of
all the advantages of a uniformity in nomenclature, first pointed out,
we believe, by Dr. Lindley, in the second edition of his ‘ Introduction
to the Natural System of Botany, published in 1836; wherein the
author proposes to distinguish orders by the termination acee, sub-
orders by e@, alliances by ales, and certain combinations called groups
by ose; the names of all divisions of equal value being thus made to
end in the same way.

Another very great improvement is the introduction of the Conspec-
tus of Orders at the head of each sub-class, whereby the necessity of
turning over half the volume before one can hit upon the order sought
for is entirely obviated, to the saving of much valuable time, and the
prevention of many sore trials of patience consequent upon disap-
pointment. And equally useful is the Synopsis of Genera given at
the head of each order. None but those who have had experience of
the additional trouble arising from their omission, can duly appreciate
the utility of such aids to research, artificial though they be.

Indeed, every page of this new edition of the ‘ British Flora’ bears
ample evidence of the care and attention bestowed upon it. The
diagnoses and descriptions of the genera and species appear to have
been carefully revised throughout; and the editors have obviously
exerted themselves to render the volume a faithful chronicle of the
present advanced state of botanical knowledge, so far, at least, as Bri-
tish plants are concerned. The ‘ British Flora, in consequence, is
no longer a mere rifacciamento of former editions, as was the case
with its immediate predecessor, but, thanks to editorial vigilance, it
must rather, in many important particulars, be looked upon as a new
work, as we shall now proceed to show by a few examples.

In the fifth edition of the Flora, the number of species of Ranuncu-
lus is given at sixteen; the second edition of Babington’s Manual
contains nineteen; and the present edition of the Flora twenty. This
increase is due to the attention bestowed upon the plants included in

* These exceptions are the orders Composite, Conifer, Crucifere, Cupulifere,
Graminee, Labiate, Leguminose, and Umbellifere.

a ia

nd —

175
Y

the first section of the genus, since the publication of the fifth edition
of the Flora. These are characterized by their transversely wrinkled
achenes, their white petals, and their naked nectary ; and two species
ouly—the R. aquatilis and hederaceus of Linnzus—formed the whole
of the section in the former edition of the Flora. Mr. Babington
raised the number to five, by the addition of R. circinatus, Szbih., R.
filuitans, Zam., and R. Lenormandi, Schultz. In the Flora we have
the R. tripartitus of DeCandolle introduced as a new species, thus
increasing the number in this section to six; the editors however state
that they keep R. circinatus, aquatilis and tripartitus distinct, out of
deference to the opinion of Mr. Borrer, being themselves “ not con-
- vinced that the differences hitherto observed are of more importance
than to denote perhaps permanent varieties;” DeCandolle himself
being doubtful as to the claims of R. fluitans to rank as a species.
Indeed, all the Ranunculi that grow in water are necessarily so much
affected by the varying conditions of that medium, that we must con-
fess our suspicions that the whole of the four so-called species are
merely transitory forms of one; and they certainly differ not more
widely in character than that variety of R. aquatilis, called by DeCan-
dolle R. pantothnix, which flourishes in running water, does from the
more common form of the same plant that covers the entire surface
of still pools with its reniform floating leaves and conspicuous white
blossoms. The name of Lenormandi, conferred by Schultz upon that
form of Ranunculus distinguished by Mr. Babington as R. hederaceus,
B. grandiflorus, is in the Flora superseded, at Mr. Borrer’s sugg sstihy
by that of R. ceenosus, Gussone : and with regard to these two plants,
R. hederaceus and R. ccenosus, the editors seem inclined to go even
farther, and to adopt the opinion of M. Seringe, who has closely
studied the whole of the plants included in this section, and long
since recorded his conviction that all are mere varieties; and we are
by no means sure that he is not right.

The controversy respecting certain forms of violet which was car-
ried on in our pages a short time since, has led to the adoption, in
the new edition of the ‘ British Flora, of Mr. Watson’s conclusions
respecting Viola flavicornis and the allied forms. Thus, the V. syl-
vatica of Fries (V. flavicornis, Forst. in EH. B. S. t. 2736) now stands
as the V. canina of Linneus; and V. flavicornis of Smith, the V. ca-
nina of Babington, but not of either Gerard or Linnezus, is given as
the V. pumila of Villars. Under this species the editors observe that
“the name canina having been given by Gerard to the last species,
apparently as a translation of the common English name, and being

176

merely adopted by Linneus from him, in preference to sylvestris given
to it by Parkinson, cannot be applied to the present species, which
was confounded with it by Linnzus, and was first noticed by Dille-
nius.” The following remarks on V. pumila, from the pen of Mr. W.
H. Purchas, are interesting and valuable as apparently affording a
good mark of distinction between that species and V. canina :—

“A series of buds are, towards the autumn, formed in the axils of
the lowermost leaves of each flowering branch; of these it sometimes
happens that one or two only develope into new flower-bearing shoots
in the succeeding spring, the remainder being then found below or
above the base of the new flowering shoot, according to the position
of the bud from which it has been produced. Later in the season the
rest of the buds elongate into branches, producing fruit, but without
expanding or even forming a corolla: this last is also at the same
time exhibited by the older branches. The old flowering stem dies
in the winter down to the point at which the buds just mentioned are
formed, and thus it is always found above the point from which the
new one springs; while in V. canina the reverse is the case, the dead
flowering stems always appearing below the new ones.”—P. 48.

When may we hope to see the much vexed question of the British
fruticose brambles placed upon a sound footing? A tyro may well be
excused for making this inquiry, when he finds those whom he re-
gards as masters in botany so much at variance regarding the specific
distinctness of these troublesome plants. We look back to the fifth
edition of the ‘ British Flora,’ and there find ten forms characterized
as species; we next turn to the second edition of Babington’s Manual,
and to our consternation perceive no fewer than thirty-two so charac-
terized; again, on referring to the sixth edition of the Flora, lo and
behold! these are reduced to the moderate number of s¢# /—with a
foot-note indicative of a wish to reduce them still further to “four
types,” while the opinion is plainly expressed that they constitute but
one variable species!! In the form of a “ Supplement,” however, is
given Dr. Bell Salter’s Synopsis of the British Rubi, and there the
fruticose brambles are again raised to the number of tzenty-one !!!
We think it evident, notwithstanding the insertion of this clever Sy-
nopsis, that the editors are not inclined to retract the opinion recorded
at p. 120 of the Flora, in the following words :—“ We are almost quite
convinced—practically, not only because the characters taken from
the young shoots, and disappearing when they are older and begin to
blossom, are not permanent, but because none of the reputed species
of the shrubby brambles are either anatomically or physiologically

| | 177

distinct, all passing into each other without any fixed assignable
limit—and theoretically, from a consideration of what is requisite to
constitute a difference between the other European species of Rubus,
that all of the present section are mere varieties approaching on the
one side to Rk. deus, on the other to R. saxatilis, with both of which
many fertile and permanent hybrids may have been formed, and are
still forming.” If this be the case, and we are not disposed to gain-
Say it, we see small chance of finding our way out of the already im-
permeable thicket, with all the assistance to be derived from the
labours of “ Weihe and Nees in Germany, and of Babington, Leigh-
ton, Lees, and, above all, Dr. Thomas Bell Salter, in this country,”
whose views the editors regret they are prevented by limited space
from giving at length.

The genus Hieracium is another bone of contention among bota-
nists. In the fifth edition of the ‘ British Flora’ thirteen species were
given; in the second of the Manual we have twenty-one ; and in the
sixth of the Flora ezghteen: not quite so great a discrepancy as in the
brambles, but still sufficiently puzzling. The latest work on the
genus, Fries’s ‘Symbole ad Historiam Hieraceorum, is referred to,
though the arrangement of that author is not adopted, since the edi-
tors observe they “ cannot retain entire either his principal groups or
subdivisions, not being able to satisfy [themselves] of the validity of
the characters proposed.” Nor indeed can we wonder at this, for we
see but little use in giving characters at all, if Fries himself is to be
credited, since he observes that “ characteres nullo modo sunt specie-
rum criteria, tantum ad species discernandas adminicula.” Nor is he
far wrong in this remark, if applied to many of the so-called charac-
ters given in other modern botanical works besides his own; and some
idea may be formed of the value of those given by himself, when we
mention that out of the thrty-two species enumerated by Fries as
natives of Britain (thus beating Babington by eleven), the editors of
the Flora confess their inability to identify but few, in the absence of
authentic specimens.

We give an enumeration of the species of Hieracium as they stand
in the Flora, for the purpose of comparison with the analysis of Fries’s
Symbol in a previous number of the ‘ Phytologist.’

1. Plants producing scions. Ligules glabrous at the apex. Ache-
nes minute, striated. Hairs of the pappus equal, very slender.
1. H. Pilosella, Z.: 2. *aurantiacum, LZ.
VOL. Iv. 2A

178

2. Plants producing (in autumn) a tuft of spreading leaves about

the root. Achenes large. Hairs of the pappus unequal.

3. H. *villosum, Z. (not EF. B. t. 2379): 4. alpinum, Z.: 5. ni-
grescens, Willd. = pulmonarium, Sm. E. B. t. 2307: 4. pallidum,
Biv. = Halleri, Hook. Fl. Lond. t. 215 ; Lawsoni, Bab.; villosum,
E.. B. t. 2379; Anglicum, Fr.; Sternbergil, Fral.: 7. murorum, Z.:
8. sylvaticum, Sm. = vulgatum, Fr.; var. 8, = maculatum, Sm. EL. B.
t. 2121: 9. Gothicum, Fr. Symb. p. 121: 10. cerinthoides, Z. =
Lawsoni, Sm. (not Vill.) E. B. t. 2083; Lapeyrousii, Bab. BE. B.S.
t. 2915; Iricum, Fr. 1. c. p. 60: 11. *amplexicaule, Z.: 12. Do-
vrense, Fr. U. c. :

3. Plants producing (before winter) leaf-buds at the base, which

next year become leafy stems without radical leaves. Achenes
of moderate size, truncated upwards. Hairs of the pappus
unequal.

13. H. prenanthoides, Vill. = denticulatum, Sm. E. B. t. 2122:
14. strictum, Fr. 1. c. p. 164 = denticulatum, Bad.? 15. boreale,
Fr. = Sabaudum, FE. B. t. 349; inuloides, Bad.? 16. rigidum,
Hartm. (Fr. 1. c. p. 173): 17. tridentatum, Fr. l. ¢. p. 171: 18. um-
bellatum, Z.

We have space for but one more reference, and that is to the much-
contested question of a group of ferns which, by some authors, are all
included under the genus Aspidium, while by others they are divided
into two genera—Polystichum and Nephrodium or Lastrea. In the
present edition of the ‘ British Flora,’ the genus Aspidiam is retained
intact, as in the previous editions, being merely divided, as in them,
into two sections, characterized by the form of the involucre. Under
Aspidium spinulosum of Willdenow, four varieties are given, viz :—

A. spinulosum, Willd. = A. dilatatum, Hook. Fl. Scot. ii. 154:
—var. a, = spinulosum, £. B. t. 1460:—var. 8. = dilatatum, Willd.
E. B. t. 1461; dumetorum, Sm.; Polypodium dilatatum, Hoffm. ;
Lastrea, Presl:—var. y. = dilatatum var. recurvum, Bree; Lastrea
recurva, Newm.; L. Fonisecii, Bab.; Nephrodium Feniseecii [sic],
Lowe? (in part) :—var. 3. is an unnamed supposed monstrosity.

This fern is said by the editors to be “an extremely sportive plant,
it must be confessed; but an attentive observer of Nature will not find
it difficult to trace the different states passing into each other, so that
we cannot in our herbarium bring all our numerous specimens under
the heads even of our own forms.” The following editorial foot-note
contains further remarks on some of these protean forms :—

“On the questio vevata of the differences, specific or otherwise,

179

between A. spinulosum and what are here considered varieties, we
have little to add, although we have not failed to reconsider the sub-
ject fully. No one has studied the ferns with a candid and unbiassed
mind, but must be satisfied that uniformity of opinion as regards the
due limitation of their species is not to be looked for among botanists.
In the present instance, we believe the conclusions to be drawn from
a careful investigation of A. spinulosum and its allies would be as va-
rious as the individuals who examine them. One state of the plant,
however, we are here desirous to notice, from the great discussion it
has occasioned in some of the periodical journals, namely, Aspidium
dilatatum, var. recurvum, of Bree in ‘ Loud. Mag. Nat. Hist.,’ vol. iv.
p- 163, cum. ic.: Lastrea recurva of Mr. Newman, in ‘ British Ferns,’
1844, p. 226. We find no specific character in the latter work ; but
this deficiency is compensated by Mr. Babington, who (‘ Man. of
Brit. Botany, ed. 2, p. 411), under the name Lastrea Feenisecii, thus
distinguishes it: ‘ Frond triangular bipinnate, pinnules pinnate or
pinnatifid, segments serrate spinose-mucronate, indusium jagged at
the edge, stipes clothed with long narrow laciniated concolorous
scales; and he further adds in the description—‘ frond elongate-tri-
angular concave above, the lower pinne much the largest. A smaller
plant than the two preceding—Damp places.—Sufficiently corre-
sponding with this, we have now before us the Cornish specimens
from Mr. Bree and Irish ones from Mr. Wilson, besides a living plant
cultivated in the Royal Gardens of Kew, under the name of ‘ Lastrea
recurva’ Newm.: these, too, tolerably accord with the figure above
quoted of Loudon, especially in the scarcely spinulose teeth ; but they
are more compact in the pinnules, and the rachis and frond beneath
have rather copious very minute spherical glands. We cannot say
much in favour of the figure of Lastrea recurva (under the name of
‘ Bree’s Fern’) of Mr. Newman, p. 225, which has a very lax habit,
with distant pinnules, and moreover (being stated to be ‘ one-fourth
of the nat. size, and, though folded, yet occupying the entire 8vo.
page) must be a large plant,—nearly 4 feet high including the stipes.
We have also a plant of Dr. Lippold’s ‘ Plant. Exsicc. of Madeira,’
marked ‘ Nephrodium Feenisecii 2. Lowe Prodr.;? and probably Mr.
Babington adopted the name from Dr. Lippold’s specimens. ‘These
we are disposed to include under our var. y. of spinulosum. But we
have now to consider the Nephrodium Feenisecii of Mr. Lowe him-
self: ‘ N. fronde triangulari vel ovata, 3—4 pinnatifida, utrinque gla-
bra: laciniis (tertii 4-tique ordinis) oblongis, obtusis; ultimis incisis
mucronato-serratis; omnium inferioribus exterioribus internis oppo-

180

sitis majoribus: soris numerosis distinctis: indusiis primo semiovatis
v. reniformibus, demum orbiculatis, emarginatis: stipite breviusculo,
basi sparsim sub-paleaceo, fusco, superne rachique pallidis’ Lowe
Prim. Faun. et Fl. Mad. &c. 1831, p. 7.—‘ Odor gratissimus, foenum
novum redolens, constans.’ Two varieties are constituted, viz. a. ala-
tum, and 8. productum: but the latter ‘status potius prioris (@.), e
loco obscuriore, defectu luminis, &c. quam varietas videtur.’ And he
adds—‘ Species Aspidio dilatato et spinuloso Auct, certe proxima; et_
cum illis forsan, in unam speciem (ut ab amiciss. J. Hookero) conso-
ciatis olim conjungenda. Sed distingui posse, credo, figura frondis
abbreviata, deltoidea; stipite breviore, minus (sc. basi tantum) palea-
ceo; pinnulis angustioribus; odore.— We do not find that we possess
specimens thus named direct from Mr. Lowe: but, besides Dr. Lip-
pold’s specimens above-mentioned, we have both Mr. Lowe’s varieties,
a. and @., from Madeira, so marked by our valued friend Dr. Lemann ;
and there cannot be better authority for Mr. Lowe’s plant. These
unfortunately tell another tale; for the «. is a very narrow-pinnuled
form of A. spinulosum, having a long stipes with no scales, while the
8. is a very common small form of A. spinulosum, and there is nothing
in Mr. Lowe’s characters at variance with these specimens. Whether
Mr. Lowe had also Dr. Lippold’s plant in view, it is impossible for us
to say, but we think it is clearly that of Mr. Bree: that plant (Lip-
pold’s) retains its hay-like fragrance in the herbarium.

“We find it needful to make one remark more on a plant of this
group, described (but without any specific character) under the name
of Lastrea uliginosa, by Mr. Newman, in ‘ The Phytologist’ for Oct.
1849, p. 678. It has been stated to have been ‘ shown to six eminent
botanists, who have paid especial attention to ferns.’ Their opinions
stand recorded thus: 1. ‘ A form of Filix-mas.’ 2. ‘ Lastrea rigida.’
3. ‘ Lastrea cristata.’ 4. ‘ Lastrea spinosa Newm. a strong variety.’
5. * Lastrea dilatata, a rigid variety.’ 6. ‘No way different from Las-
trea spinosa Newm. I mean it would hardly pass for a var.—The
plant under the name of L. uliginosa, in cultivation in the Royal Gar-
dens, corresponds with our A. spinulosum, a.”—P. 570.

From these and other examples which have been adduced, it will
be evident that the editors are but little addicted to the modern sin
of hair-splitting, which has certainly been carried rather too far.
Whether they may not occasionally be fairly chargeable with a too
close adherence to the opposite course of lumping, we must for the
present leave our readers to judge, seeing that we have already ex-
ceeded our legitimate limits. For ourselves, we may venture the

181

remark, that we entirely concur in the opinion expressed in the fol-
lowing quotation, namely, that there is less violence done to the laws
of Nature by “ combining too much, than by subdivision, unless where
there is an anatomical or physiological distinction.” Many a so-
called species has in modern days been founded upon some trifling
“ distinction without a difference,” and apparently for no other earthly
reason than a morbid wish on the part of its founder to see his name
tacked on to the fag-end of some barbarous cognomen, which, perhaps,
so far as classical accuracy is concerned, is “neither fish, nor flesh,
nor good red herring.”

The editors, in giving their reasons for adopting the combination
plan in preference to the homeopathic process of infinitesimal divi-
sion, observe that—

“So many species have been, of late years, introduced from the
Continent with seed-corn, or have escaped from our gardens, and so
many of our former well-known species have been split into two or
more, that it has been deemed proper to extend, in several instances,
the characters of both the genera and species, introducing frequently
a notice of the more minute parts which a practised botanist requires
to examine, but which a student may omit, if his immediate object be
to attain a knowledge of the name, until he has advanced in the study.
Rarely, however, have the genera or species been made to depend on
such minute characters, and therefore few alterations have been pro-
posed on the limits of either one or other from what will be found in
former editions: when such alteration has taken place in the former,
it is solely from a desire of simplifying the generic characters.

“What is a genus, or what is a species, is a point upon which
scarcely two botanists are agreed at the present day. With regard to
the former, however much it may be necessary to subdivide in a sys-
tem comprehending the known plants of the whole world, so as to
retain only a limited number of species in each Genus, the same does
not apply to a local Flora; and it is there preferable to constitute
sections or subgenera, particularly when the limiting characters are
inconstant, difficult, or obscure. A species cannot be so treated: it

is formed, by our Maker, as essentially distinct from all other species,
as man is from the brute creation; it can neither for convenience be
united with others, nor be split into several; but the difficulty is to
ascertain what is such a primitive or natural species; and it is here
so great a difference of opinion exists. Some pronounce a species to
be distinct if it presents a different habit or appearance to the eye,
particularly if this be constant, although often indefinable: others

182

consider it a species, although exhibiting no difference of aspect, pro-
vided it can be defined, even although the differences are so minute
that they can be detected only by the microscope; while a third party
are of opinion that the validity of a species may be tested by cultiva-
tion. The Authors are not inclined to believe that any one of these
tests is sufficient. Of all the works of Creation, we have a specific
account only of Man; but as the others appear to be formed on the
same plan, there is a strong presumption in favour of those arguments
which assimilate the species of plants to what we know of the human
race. With regard to mankind, it is universally acknowledged that
there now exists so great diversity between an inhabitant of the torrid
and an inhabitant of the frigid zone, and even of any one part of the
globe and of another, that it can only be accounted for on the princi-
ple that each succeeding generation has a tendency to recede more
and more, in general appearance, from the original type; and if we
apply this to the Vegetable Kingdom, we must at once allow that,
although cultivation may sometimes in a single year or two satisfacto-
rily show that two supposed species are the same, a thousand years’
cultivation caunot prove them distinct. The more we cultivate a
plant, or the more it is limited in its wild state to a particular climate
or place of growth, the more permanency is given to the peculiarities
of what was originally derived from the same root, or even seed-vessel,
of another apparently widely different form. Hence a rare moun-
tainous plant may frequently be a mere alpine permanent state of
some common lowland species, or a Swedish species the more north-
ern race or state of a southern one; and it is from this cause that we
see in our gardens so many called species (as in the genus Achillea),
which cannot now be referred satisfactorily to any of the wild ones,
although primarily derived from them. Knowing, then, this tendency
of Nature to give permanency to a variety of forms obtained from one
primitive species, there appears to be less violence done to her laws
by combining too much, than by subdivision, unless where there is an
anatomical or physiological distinction. Linnzus took nearly all his
specific characters from conspicuous parts, especially from the stem
and foliage, and they were therefore natural; but at the present day
we are prone to select minute ones: of these some are of trifling value,
while others, sufficient to constitue subgenera, are connected with the
habit of the plant, and should therefore not be neglected. Indeed the
time may ere long arrive, when what are now called genera or sub-
genera will alone be considered species, and another Linneus be
requisite to reduce the chaos into order. In the meanwhile, we have

183

endeavoured to steer a middle course: the species admitted in former
editions are seldom reduced, unless where it was found that the cha-
racters were insufficient or variable ; and as rarely has sanction been
given to those which have been split off from other species, by the
too-refined ingenuity of the German, Swiss, and modern Swedish bo-
tanists. If in one or two cases this neomania has been yielded to, it
has been more on account of the remonstrances of the Authors’ friends
who had opportunities of examining the living plant, than from any
conviction of either the necessity or utility of so doing.”—Jntroduc-
tion, p. 1X.

We cannot, of course, close our lengthened notice without being
allowed to indulge a little in the critical privilege of grumbling. We
are old-fashioned enough to wish to see the wholesome principle of
suum cuique tribuito in all literary and scientific matters carried out
to its fullest extent. We are not satisfied with merely knowing what
a man has written upon any subject; we wish also to know where his
observations are to be met with. For example, in the case of the
violets—we are glad to see free use made of the valuable remarks by
Mr. Watson and Mr. Purchas; but we should have been much better
satisfied had the locus in quo been appended to such quotations
—whether private communications, our own pages, or those of the
‘ Botanical Gazette’ have been laid under contribution. And so of
other cases. This may seem a small matter, but we contend that
common courtesy, to say the least of it, demands such acknowledg-
ment, especially when it is conceded in other instances.

Again—why is the stereotyped question “ Root parasitic?” perpe-
tuated in the case of Monotropa—or a doubt as to the parasitical
nature of the root of Lathrea repeated, when in the former instance
the non-parasitic nature of the root has been most satisfactorily de-
monstrated, while Lathrea has been quite as clearly shown to be a
parasite ? Mr. Babington in his Manual has candidly referred to the
admirable paper by Mr. Rylands (Phytol. i. 341), wherein that gentle-
man, by a course of patient microscopic investigation, has shown the
true nature of the roots of Monotropa; and Mr. Bowman’s excellent

_ memoir on Lathrea in the ‘ Linnean Transactions, has long been

_known as a perfect model of persevering and conclusive research.
To the editors these two papers must be familiar; and we should
have been much better pleased had they given their reasons for re-
jecting the evidence afforded, instead of coolly dismissing the sub-
ject, without even a passing observation conveying either praise or
censure.

184

We are also somewhat surprised at seeing a repetition of the
doubt as to the occurrence of Cucubalus baccifer in the Isle of Dogs,
when the circumstances attending its detection in that locality in the
year 1837 are well known to almost every London botanist, not a few
of whom have actually beheld it flourishing there. Without prefer-
ring any claim on the score of its being indigenous, we may record
the late Professor Don’s opinion, that the Cucubalus occurs in this,
its only known British locality, under circumstances precisely similar
to those which accompany its growth on the Continent.

As the “starred plants” have already formed the subject of some
remarks in our pages from the pens of Mr. Lees and the Rev. Mr.
Bree (Phytol. iv. 56 and 129), we need only refer to those papers, this
being another subject upon which “ different men” will ever entertain
“ different opinions.”

We have omitted to mention that the editors have judiciously re-
tained the “ Synoptical Table of the Classes, Orders, and Genera of
British Plants, arranged according to the Linnean Method,” which
will serve as a useful Index to those who are still wedded to that plan
of classification ; with regard to the arrangement followed in the body
of the work, we must confess that we should have been better satisfied
by the adoption of Dr. Lindley’s division of the exogens into diclinous,
hypogynous, perigynous and epigynous sub-classes, in place of the
Thalamiflore, Calyciflore, Corolliflore and Monochlamydee retained
in the Flora. In the natural system, the distinctions of classes are
founded upon modifications of the organs of vegetation—such organs
being essential to the life of the plant. In like manner, organs of
equal importance in the performance of some other function should be
selected whereon to found sub-classes; and none are so useful for the
purpose as the organs of reproduction, on the agency of which de-
pends the perpetuation of the species. All the functions of reproduc-
tion are exclusively performed by the stamens and pistils, the floral
envelopes evidently bearing a very subordinate part in that office,
from the fact of their very frequently being absent, without in the
least affecting the fertility of the seeds, even in those plants which
habitually produce them. In fact, no combination of calyx or corolla
can be properly considered a flower, in the absence of stamens and
pistils; while all the functions required for the perpetuation of the
species can be and are performed by stamens and pistils even when
the calyx and corolla are wholly absent. We may consequently ex-
pect to find fewer exceptions to the characters of groups founded upon
the essential organs of reproduction, than in those wherein the floral

185

envelopes form the basis of classification, whether we make use of the
apetalous, monopetalous and polypetalous sub-classes of Jussieu, or
the Thalamiflore, Calyciflore, Corolliflore and Monochlamydee of
DeCandolle; and this is the fact, as will be evident on a considera-
tion of even the plants comprised in the limited flora of Britain.

In conclusion, with all its failings—/aulis we will not call them—
we have no hesitation in recommending the sixth edition of the ‘ Bri-
tish Flora’ to the notice of botanists, as a valuable aid to the know-
ledge of our native plants. There has been an evident desire on the
part of its editors to render it worthy the increased intelligence of the
age ; and in consideration of this we are but little disposed to criticise
too severely any occasional short-coming.

Notice of the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History, No. 41,
May, 1851. |

This number contains but one botanical article, a full notice of
which already appears in this journal, in the report of a meeting of the
Botanical Society of Edinburgh, and the entire paper will again ap-
pear in the ‘ Transactions’ of the same Society: it is intituled—

‘On a Supposed New Species of Rubus. By Fenton J. A. Hort,
B.A.’

Notice of ‘ The Naturalist, No. 3, May, 1851.

_ The only botanical note is restricted to three lines, and records the
occurrence of “a specimen quite white” of Linaria pilosa. Whether
the writer means a specimen or a corolla does not appear.

Notice of the ‘ Botanical Gazette, No. 29, May, 1851.

* The original communication is intituled—

‘Dr. N. J. Andersson’s Notes on the Rey. J. E. Leefe’s ‘ Salictum
Britannicum.’ Communicated by Hewett C, Watson, Esq.’

The import of this paper is faithfully summed up by Mr. Watson in
these words :—“ It will be observed that the general bearing of Dr.
Andersson’s names and notes, is that of reducing the numerous forms

VOL. Iv. ; . 2B

186

or varieties, distinguished by specific names in England, to a few
typical species; and that he suggests also the likelihood of two or
three additional species for our Flora.”

Under the head ‘ Literature’ the following works are noticed :—

‘Researches on the Sleep of Plants. By M. Hoffmann, Prof. of
Botany in Giessen. Heinemann, Giessen, 1851. 8vo, pp. 29.’

‘Pocket Flora of Jena. By C. Bogenhard; with an Introduction
by Prof. Schleiden. Leipsic, Engelmann, 1850. 12mo, 483 pages.’

The following paragraphs, from the brief notice of the first little
brochure, are interesting :—

“The author runs through the different causes to which the phe-
nomena known under the name of the sleep of plants can be attributed,
in particular, conditions of moisture, electricity, light, expansion of
gases within the substance of plants, heat, &c.; and through a series
of interesting experiments, here described, he arrives at the conclu-
sion that heat is the cause both of the awakening and the sleeping of
plants, and that light only enters into those effects insofar as it con-
tains heating rays. Plants, especially their leaves and flowers, unfold
after the receipt of a certain sum of degrees of temperature, and are
thus far, leaving out of view the chemical influence of light, indirectly
dependent upon the sun, which is the sole source of the heat.”

“ Permanent heat causes a condition of contraction; avery great
depression of temperature passing over during the perfect expansion
acts in like manner, yet with essential differences, so that the plant is
not exhausted by it, but on the return of warmth exhibits a new and
perfect expansion. The condition occurs in extreme frequency in
wild vegetation, and at every considerable sudden change of weather.
A sudden but transient increase of temperature acts in the same way.
With regard to the internal conditions producing these movements,
the author attempted to find an explanation by placing thin slices of
the pulvinus of the leaves of Mimosa and Oxalis in water, between
plates of glass, and examining the relative positions of the elementary
organs under the microscope, next quickly heating the fluid between
the glass plates over a spirit-lamp, and then comparing anew the re-
lative position of the parts under the microscope. He believes that
he observed a contraction, by heat, of the exposed and somewhat un-
rolled spirals, which might well cause an alteration in the length of
the parts.”

The ‘ Pocket Flora of Jena’ is spoken of with commendation.

A list of the contents of the following journals is given :—‘ Annals
of Natural History,’ Hooker’s ‘ Journal of Botany,’ ‘The Phytologist,’
Schlechtendal’s ‘ Linnza.’ —

187

‘Proceedings of Societies :— Botanical Society of Edinburgh and
Tyneside Naturalists’ Field-Club.

Under the head ‘ Miscellanea’ are given Records of Localities, by
Mr. John Ball; an Extract from the ‘ Linnea’ touching M. Milde’s
observations on the germination of Equiseta; and another from the
Bonn Transactions on certain malformations occurring in a cultivated
specimen of Primula sinensis. The following paragraphs are inte-
resting :—

Germination of Spores of Equiseta.—M. Milde “found that the most
successful method of sowing them was to scatter them on the surface
of water, taking care that they were not submerged ; when they have
sprouted they sink to the bottom, where earth must be placed to re-
ceive them. ‘They must be sown while fresh from the capsules. The
growth of the proembryo takes place very slowly, for spores sown in
the middle of March only produced a mass of about six or seven cells
in a fortnight, and the full size was not attained in less than two
months; about the middle of May the antheridia, resembling those of

the ferns, as described by M. Thuret in the ‘ Annales des Sciences,’
were observed. At the end of four months the proembryo had not
increased or altered, and the so-called ‘ ovule’ of Suminski was sought
in vain; but after the middle of July ten of the proembryos underwent
a change; one of the sides of the proembryo acquired an inflated,
thick, oblong form, attenuated at the apex, sometimes two-lobed ; this
organ equalled the whole proembryo in magnitude; nothing remark-
able appeared in its internal structure, but the bud of the stem of the
Equisetum seemed to be about to be formed in it. If this be the case,
which was not decided at the period when the authors notes were
published, these organs would seem to be the ‘ ovules.’”

Monstrosities of Primula sinensis——These “ consist chiefly of re-
versions of the parts of the flower more or less into the condition of
leaves, but in the place of the carpels were found minute, imperfectly
formed buds, with two or three leaves, and the place of the free cen-
tral placenta was occupied sometimes by a circle of leaves, and some-

times by a collection of leaf-like organs bearing imperfect ovules on
their edges.”

Notice of Hooker’s‘ Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany,
No. 29, May, 1851.

The papers in this number are intituled :—
‘On the Character of the South Australian Flora in general; by

188

Dr. H. Behr; translated from the German in Schlechtendal’s ‘ Lin-
nea,’ Bd. xx. Heft 5, by Richard Kippist, Libr. L. S.’

‘Contributions to the Botany of Western India; by N. A. Dalzell,
Esq., M.A,’

‘Extracts from Letters of Richard Spruce Esq., written during a
Botanical Mission on the Amazon.’

‘ Characters of some Gnaphalioid Composite of the Division Angi-
anthez ; by Asa Gray.’

‘ Botanical Information :— Advertisement of the ‘Sale of a great
Herbarium and extensive Collection of Drugs.’

‘The Rhododendrons of the Sikkim-Himmalaya; by Dr. J. D.
Hooker. Edited by Sir W. J. Hooker. Parts J. & II’

*Physiognomy of Tropical Vegetation; drawn and lithographed iy
M. de Berg.’

The translated paper on the South-Australian flora is highly inte-
resting, although perhaps not absolutely novel; and I am truly glad
to see so large a portion of this and other scientific works devoted to
the reproducing, in English costume, the labours of our continental
friends ; I only regret that want of space prevents my making extracts.

Mr. Dalzell’s paper contains characters of eleven new species. In
the order Urticez one, Pouzolzia integrifolia; in Leguminose one,
Smithia hirsuta ; and in Commelynee nine, Aneilema ochraceum, A.
versicolor, A. pauciflorum, A. elatum, A. canaliculatum, A. dimorphum,
A. semiteres, A. compressum, and Cyanotis hispida.

From Mr. Spruce’s paper I select the following passages :—

**On a separate sheet I have added a few notes respecting the
articles I am sending for your museum, especially as to the use of the
Guarana. I would gladly have visited the Guarana country, which is
six days Journey or more from here, but it would seem to be not very
promising to a botanist, and the Guarana plant is already perfectly
well known. Respecting the bow I send you, I may add that the
manufacture of such a one occupies an Indian three months; not
exactly of continuous labour; but it must be borne in mind that it is
made of the intensely hard heart-wood of the Pao d’ Arco, and that his
only toolis a shell. The wood which he intends to fashion into a
bow is first smeared withooil, to soften it; he then scrapes it down
with his shell as far as. the oil has penetrated, when he anoints it
anew, and betakes himself to the chase. Returned from hunting, he
again falls to work to scrape his bow; and so on, until it is com-
pleted ; and no joiner can make one so symmetrical, so nicely poised,
as these which are made by the Memdrucut and Mauhé Indians.

189

The price of a good bow in Santarem is five or six patacas. I send
an arrow, such as is used at Santarem for killing fish, such as Pira-
ructi, Tucunaré, &c.; the one-barbed head is called in lingoa géral,
‘ tacu-umba.’”

“ After making several attempts to procure the flowers and fruit of
the Itaiiba I have at length succeeded. The nearest place in which
I could obtain information of its growing was in the forest beyond
Matrica, an Indian village about four miles down the Amazon; and
in a visit I paid to them by water in March last, I found the flower-
‘buds of the Itaiiba just appearing. My illness prevented me from
visiting the same place again until a long time afterwards, and in an
attempt which Mr. King made to reach it alone, over land, he did not
succeed, on account of the water in the low grounds. In another ex-
cursion, the trees we met with were all sterile. At length, in the
early part of the present month, we were fortunate in falling in with a
tree laden with fruit. The ouly way to obtain the fruit was to cut
down the tree; but our ¢résados, which generally suffice for this pur-
pose, made no impression on the hard wood of the Itaiiba. In this
emergency, Mr. King made his way to an Indian cottage which we
had passed a few minutes before, and soon returned with a heavy
American felling-axe. With this he succeeded in severing the trunk,
but not until he had well blistered his hands. The drupes resemble
in size and colour our small black grapes, only they are more elon-
gated, and they hang in small panicles. The Brazilians compare
them, and justly, to the small variety of olive which is imported in
great quantities from Portugal. They have a slight bloom on them,
and the pellicle is studded with pallid, glandular dots. The pulp is
about the eighth of an inch in thickness; it is good eating, though
with a strong resinous flavour, much resembling that of an edible
myrtle frequent on the campos, and a wine is made from it in the same
way as that of the Assai palm. The testa is horny and very thin;
albumen none; cotyledons amygdaloid, rose-coloured on the inner
face; embryo pendulous from a little below the apex of the seed.
The 6-cleft calyx is persistent, but not enlarged in fruit as in most of
the Lauracee I have seen on the Amazon. I had long suspected the
dioicity of the Itaiiba; I have now confirmed it; and I find that I
gathered male flowers on the 30th of April, though at the time I did
not recognize the tree, which was small and young, and grew in a
part of the forest quite near to Santarem, which had been cut down
some dozen years ago. On revisiting the place within these few days,
I found two or three female trees, of the same size, growing near, and

190

laden with unripe fruit. The male inflorescence is of minute yellowish
green flowers, arranged in small umbels on a raceme. Perianth
6-cleft, in two series. Stamens 38, fleshy, with 2 anther-cells
(rarely 3) imbedded in their substance, and opening outwardly by an
orbicular operculum. These characters seem to indicate a genus
hitherto undescribed, and certainly prove the Itaiiba to be distinct
from the greenheart of Demarara (Nectandra Rodiet), with which
some of the English settlers here have supposed it identical. As 1
have before informed you, the Itaiiba is the most valuable timber for
shipbuilding which the Amazon affords. Its range seems to be from
the mouth of the Tapajoz to that of the Rio Negro, and it is most
abundant on the Rio Trombétas. It prefers gravelly or stony rising
ground, and is never found in marshes.”

The gnaphalioid Composite characterized in Dr. Asa Gray’s paper
are—Skirophorus, DC., divided into three named sections: 1. Skir-
rophorus, including the species Cunninghami, DC., Preissianus,
Steetz., eriocaulus, Hook. jil., pygmeus, Asa Gray; 2. Pogonolepis,
including stricta, Steetz.; and 3. Pseudopappus, including demissus,
Asa Gray, Nematopus effusus, Asa Gray, Chrisocoryne, Hugelii,
Drummondii, and Myosuroides, Asa Gray, and Cephalosones gymno-
cephalus, dsa Gray. All these plants are from Swan River.

Notice of ‘ The Gardener’s Magazine of Botany, Nos. 15 and 16,
April and May, 1851.

The papers in the fifteenth number of this admirable journal are
intituled—

‘Francisca confertiflora, being the description, history, and direc-
tions for the culture of a beautiful shrub of the order Scrophulariacez.’

‘ Vegetable Physiology ;’ by Arthur Henfrey, Esq., F.L.S., Lecturer
on Botany at St. George’s Hospital.’

‘ New and Rare Plants,’ giving some account of their culture and
appearance.

‘ Contributions to the Aquariaum; by Mr. George Lawson, F.R.P.S.,
F.B.S.E, Assistant Secretary and Curator to the Botanical Society of
Edinburgh.’

‘ Hints on Seed Sowing; by Mr. M. Saul, gardener to Lord Stour-
ton, Allerton Park, Yorkshire.’

‘ Hemiandra pungens,’ being the description, history, and directions
for the culture of a low, shrubby, labiate plant from the Swan River.

191

‘Theory and Practice of Pruning; by Mr. H. Bailey, gardener to
G. V. Harcourt, Esq., M.P., Nunham Park.’ This paper treats ex-
clusively of the fig, a fruit-tree that has unaccountably obtained con-
siderable favour of late.

‘Observations on the Aspects of Fruit Walls; by Mr. John Cox,
gardener to William Wells, Esq., of Redleaf.’ In this practical and
sensible paper a north aspect is recommended for cherries, currants,
and gooseberries ; a south aspect for peaches, nectarines, apricots, &c.

‘The Forms of Ancient Vegetation ;’ translated from a paper which
appeared some time back in the ‘ Annales des Sciences Naturelles,’
from the pen of M. Brongniart, and subsequently in the ‘ Annals and
Magazine of Natural History.’

‘Texts and Comments: Plant Growing and Asparagus Culture.’

‘Suggestions of Electricity; by Mr. J. Towers, Corresponding
Member of the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Societies.’

‘ Rogiera cordata,’ being the description and’ history of a showy
shrub of the natural order Cinchonacee.

‘ The Genera and Species of Cultivated Ferns; by Mr. J. Houlston,
Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, and Mr. T. Moore, F.L.S.’ In this pa-
per are described eleven species of Drynaria, one of Dictymia, two of
Drymoglossum, two of Tzeniopsis, one of Antrophyum, one of Hemio-
nitis, two of Ceratopteris, and seven of Elaphoglossum, which name,
given by Schott to certain species of Acrostichum, misleads one to
connect with it the idea of the English ‘ hart’s-tongue,’ of which name
I need scarcely say it is an exact translation.

‘On Diagrams of the Picotee and Carnation; by Mr. G. Glenny,
F.H.S.’

‘The National Floricultural Society.’

‘ Bouvardia leiantha,’ being the description, history, and remarks on
the culture of a showy free-flowering shrub, from Guatimale, of the
order Cinchonacee.

‘The Chemistry of Soils and Manures; by Dr. A. Voelckner.’

‘On the Cultivation of Vanda; by Mr. T. Appleby, of the Pine
“Apple Nursery, London.’ Vanda is a genus of orchidaceous plants,
with noble evergreen foliage, fine vigorous habit, and splendid fra-
grant blossoms.

‘On the Construction and Uses of Hygrometers; by E. J. Lowe,
Ksq., F.R.A.S., &c.’

‘Pomegranates in Beloochistan ;’ from Hooker’s ‘ Journal of Botany.’

‘The Scientific History of a Plant; by John M. Ashley, Esq.,
Lecturer on Chemistry to the Hunterian School of Medicine.’ A

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paper exhibiting the result of rather extensive reading, and therefore

praiseworthy, but the knowledge the author has thus acquired requires

digesting before he can lay it with much advantage before the public.
Reports of the March meetings of the Horticultural Society.

No. 16 contains the following papers :—

‘ Polygonum vacciniifolium,’ being a description, history, and direc-
tions for the cultivation of a small, somewhat insignificant bistort from
Northern India, and first raised in 1845, in the gardens of the Horti-
cultural Society, from seeds communicated by Captain Munro.

‘ Botanical Fragments.’

‘ New and Rare Plants.’

“Meteorology in reference to Horticulture; by Mr. J. Towers,
C.M.E.S., &c.’

‘On the Culture of the Venus’ Fly-trap; by Mr. Brown, of the
Tooting Nursery.’

‘The Rose Garden; by Mr. G. Glenny, F.H.S.’

‘Rhododendron cinnamomeum Cunninghami, a beautiful white
hybrid, raised by Mr. Cunningham, of Liverpool.

‘Vegetable Physiology ; by Arthur Henfrey, Esq., F.L.S.’ A con-
tinuation of the paper already mentioned.

‘The Chemistry of Soilsand Manures; by Dr. A. Voelckner. Also
a continuation. .

‘Edible Liliacee of Siberia; by Dr. Fischer; translated from the
‘ Flore des Serres,’ &c.’ I extract this as likely to interest the readers
of the ‘ Phytologist.’

“The disease with which the potato has of late years been attacked
has excited inquiry among botanists and agriculturists as to the plants
which are most suited to replace, at least, in some measure, this pre-
cious vegetable. Unfortunately, none of the species proposed by
cultivators combine all the excellent qualities of the potato—easy
culture, ready and fecund propagation, abundance of nutritive matter,
agreeable flavour, and easy digestion. The yam, the sweet potato, the
manihot, require tropical temperatures ; and their culture, which alone
might be placed on a level with that of the potato, is completely ex-
cluded from northern latitudes. The Tropeolum tuberosum has too
strong a taste; the artichoke, the merit of which in other respects is
incontestible, and the oxalis are too watery ; the apios requires a great
deal of ground for its culture, and soon becomes hard and unpalatable;
the Psoralea esculenta does not realize the hopes that were at one
time entertained of it; the Camassia esculenta has, perhaps, a stronger

193

elaim to notice than the two last of these vegetables, if, at the same
time, it is readily propagated. Of all the plants cited, the Camassia
is the only one which may be compared with the Liliacez of Siberia,
which have for a very long time served as food to the inhabitants, and
which therefore merit greater attention among horticulturists. The
large flowered variety of the Erythronium Dens-canis is generally
erown.in the middle of Eastern Siberia, and is there prized as a most
excellent article of food. Formerly, indeed, it was the custom to send
an annual supply to the Court of St. Petersburg. Its propagation
from seed is very easy and sure, and the plants always produce plenty,
but they require three years before the bulbs attain their full size.
Its local name is kaudyk. The lilies receive the name of Saraua ;
and it is especially the Lilium tenuifolium, and the L. Kamschatika
(Saraua Kamschatika, F.), which are the esteemed edible species. L.
spectabile is equally employed as a nourishing article of food. These
three plants are propagated with great facility. L. tenuifolium is pro-
pagated almost exclusively by seed, the two others also by the scales;
and it appears that every one of the scales of the bulb, which are long
and pointed in L. spectabile, thick, short, and roundish in the Saraua
of Kamschatka, forms anew plant. This mode of propagation is even
essential for the Saraua of Kamschatka, as it rarely bears seed. ‘There
is also at Kamschatka a lily which comes near L. canadense, but
which I name L. avenaceum, after the name which it bears in the
country, and from the form of the scales of the bulb resembling large
seeds of corn. This species is not yet introduced to gardens. In
its mative country it is eaten like the ordinary Saraua, which is how-
ever -preferred to it. In no part of Siberia are these useful plants
cultivated ; everywhere it is the bulb of the wild plants which is ga-
thered, and it is gathered in abundance. LL. tenuifolium and L. spec-
tabile are first met with in the eastern part of the government of
Tomsk, and extend around Baikal; and in all Siberia, in the same
direction {(Daouria), as far as the eastern ocean. The Saraua of
Kamschatka is found along the shores of the eastern ocean, and also
at Kamschatka, as well as on the islands lying on the eastern side of
America. It is only with very careful culture that any satisfactory
-Tesulis are obtained in improving it. In the south of Russia the
heaths and waste lands are covered in the spring with tulip-flowers.
Among these tulips there is one known well enough on the banks of
the Don, in Russia, and which, perhaps, does not differ essentially
from Tulipa suaveolens, and which is eagerly sought for and eaten by
Vou. Iv. | 2c

194

the inhabitants, who readily distinguish it from other species which
they never touch.”

‘Remarks on Melon Growing; by Mr. J. L. Middlemiss, gardener
at Bentham Hill, Tonbridge Wells.’

‘Vegetable Teratology ; by Dr. Morren;’ translated from ‘ Fuchsia,
ou Recueil d’Observations de Botanique,’ &c. This paper treats of
abnormal corollas of the Calceolaria, one of which is so interesting
that I shall extract it.

“The corolla, which was nearly 4 inches in length, had the form of
a Rhenish wine-flask, much elongated, straight at both extremities,
inflated at the middle, the part towards the summit being contracted
like the neck of a bottle; the summit of the corolla itself was still
further contracted, and tapered in the form of the mouthpiece of a
flute, where it split in two oval openings. The corolla, when opened,
presented no trace of stamens, only the pistil of regular form was
placed at its base and had its style curved to one side. The colour
is not less remarkable: on the ordinary flowers of this variety of Cal-
ceolaria, the base is straw colour, and there is a red tinge visible at
the inside, the internal cuticle being coloured red; the inferior lip is
coloured with light red, but here it is the outer skin that is coloured.
Now in this monstrosity the base of the corolla presented at first a
yellow zone; then a broad red band in the interior, proceeding from
the coloured part of the internal skin; then came a zone of pure yel-
low, and at the contracted part the outer skin was coloured with red ;
and .at last the small, narrow, terminal beak was of a rich yellow.
The base of the bottle-shaped corolla, it therefore appears, represented
the throat of the two-lipped normal corolla, and the conical end re-
presented the inferior lip. The hypertrophy of the bottle-shaped
corolla is evidently explained by the resorption of‘all the male organs.
* * * * * * This pelorisation would seem to be a disposition of
parts in a regular form; for the Calceolaria, having the flower bilabi-
ate and slippered, is irregular, and the bottle-shaped peloria is a
regular form, with the exception of its extreme beak. Yet if properly
considered the pelorisation is not a regular disposition of parts. Such
an arrangement of a Calceolaria would consist of a central pistil, five
stamens, a rotate corolla with five lobes alternating with the stamens,
and a calyx with five teeth alternating with the corolla. Then the
Calceolaria would pass from the family of Scrophulariacez, into that
of Solanacez, and the flower would realise its regular type, its native
beauty—for it cannot be denied that beauty results from symmetry,
and symmetry is a disposition founded on regularity, or a harmonious

195

relation of numbers, parts and form. It is a remarkable law of Nature,
that families that are irregular may return by these monstrons forms
to their regular families; while we never see a regular flower realise
the structure of an irregular one.”

‘ Berberis Darwinii, being the description, history, &c., of a Ber-
beris very closely resembling the common barberry: it is found in
Chiloé, Patagonia, Valdivia, and Osorno, and is named after Mr. Dar-
win, one, if not the earliest, of its discoverers. It is extremely flori-
ferous, the colour being bright orange, and is recommended as a
hardy and highly ornamental shrub.

‘The Genera and Species of Cultivated Ferns; by Mr. J. Houlston
and Mr. T. Moore.’ A continuation of the paper already noticed,
and fully justifying all I have saidin its praise. This portion contains
descriptions of two species of Stenochlena, one of Polybotrya, one of
Olfersia, one of Anetium, one of Dictyoglossum, one of Acrostichum,
three of Platycerium, and one of Gymnopteris. The illustrations of
these genera are excellent.

‘Sacred Botany ;—the Cereals.’ A paper in which I have slender
faith, the species particularized in our translations generally emanat-
ing from the translators. The same may be said of all papers pub-
lished under the title of Sacred or Scripture Zoology.

‘ New Seedling Verbenas.’

‘Garden Hints for Amateurs,’

‘Plants and Plant Judging.’ . #

‘ Progress of Horticulture,’

Meetings of the Horticultural and National Floricultural Societies.

The Analytical Sanitary Commission.

Unner this title the ‘ Lancet’ is publishing a series of papers on ,
the adulteration of food, remarkable for the talent with which they are
written and for the importance of the facts disclosed. Samples pur-
chased from many shops are subjected to examinations, chemical and
microscopic, and the results published at length, profusely illustrated
with engravings of the microscopic appearance both of the genuine
and the adulterated articles. Up to the present time these examina-
tions have been confined to the metropolis, but the investigations are
to be extended to other large towns, and the names of both honest
and dishonest traders published. The second report on coffee says :.

196

—‘ We propose to pass in review sttccessively every article of food
and drink, retracing our steps from time to time, and returning, as we
do now, in the case of coffee, to the consideration of articles which
have already attracted our attention. In this way visiting town and
city, we shall perform the part of a vigilant sanitary police.” The
‘Lancet’ being a periodical exclusively addressed to medical men, is
probably seldom if ever seen by the great majority of our readers ;
some account therefore of these papers may be of interest to them, the
rather because one or two of our British plants are concerned in the
matter.

Coffee is adulterated to an almost incredible extent with the farina
of the Graminee, Leguminose, potato, burnt sugar to colour and
conceal the other adultetations, and with chicory, the root of Cicho-
rium Intybus. ‘The processes of roasting and grinding leave enough
of the anatomical structure of vegetable matter to disclose unerringly
the adulterations practised. A separate report is devoted to chicory.

The Chanceller of the Exchequer having thought fit to sanction the
mixture of chicory with coffee (a practice which the ‘ Lancet’ severely
condemns), Cichorium Intybus is shown to have “ qualities nearly re-
sembling those of the dandelion,” and in fact to have no nutritious
properties whatever; on the contrary, “ Taken as coffee by weak sto-
machs, it has a tendency to produce drowsiness, a feeling of weight at
the stomach, and great indisposition to exertion, headache, diarrhea.”
It is remarkable that chicory itself, which is grown largely in York-
shire, is subjected to considerable adulterations by the manufacturers.
Some of the substances used for this purpose are—carrot, parsnip,
mangel-wurzel, beans, roasted corn, an inferior kind of biscuit, made
in Whitechapel, expressly to be roasted and ground with coffee and
chicory, dog-biscuits, burnt sugar, called by grocers “ black-jack,”
and red earth. A substance has lately been introduced under the
name of coffina: it is the seed of one of the Leguminose ; but acorns
appear likely to supplant this substance, on account of their very low
price. Be it noticed that high-priced coffee is adulterated as well
as low-priced, the amount of adulteration depending on nothing but
the flexibility of the grocer’s conscience ; therefore let coffee-drinkers
buy coffee-mills and grind for themselves: this is their best protection.
Where this is not done, the following may be useful as a rough test of
the purity of coffee :—“ When cold water is poured on genuine ground
coffee, the liquid acquires colour only very slowly. and gradually: the
colour is never very deep even after prolonged maceration, and the
transparency of the water is scarcely at all affected.” Adulterated

197

coffee, on the contrary, imparts colour to water rapidly, and also makes
it opaque.

Moist sugar is sold in a very impure state, and most samples con-
tain a peculiar Acarus. This interesting creature is sometimes found
in vast numbers amongst the inferior kinds of sugar. The adultera-
tions consist chiefly in a process termed “ handling,” 2. e., the artful
mixture of sugars of different qualities and prices. Bad sugar stains
and damps the paper containing it. This is mentioned as a good cri-
terion of the quality of the sugar. Purchasers are recommended to
use none but lump or large-grained white sugars.

Arrow-root is adulterated by mixing in various ways the starch
granules of different plants, but the substance most employed is po-
tato-starch. How much the public may be defrauded by this practice
can be seen from the fact that the best Maranta arrow-root is sold at
prices varying from one shilling to three shillings and sixpence per Ib.,
while the retail price of potato arrow-root is from fourpence to six-
pence. Arrow-root consists of the starch granules of the following
plants: — Maranta or West-Indian arrow-root is obtained from the
rhizome of Maranta arundinacea; Curcuma, commonly called East-
Indian arrow-root, from the tubers of Curcuma angustifolia; Tacca
or Otaheite arrow-root, from the tubers of Tacca oceanica, a native of
the South-Sea Islands. “It has been sold in London for some years
in packages, as ‘ arrow-root prepared by the native converts of the
missionary stations in the South-Sea Islands.’ It is sometimes spoken
of as ‘ Williams’s arrow-root,’ after the missionary of that name. The
slightly musty odour which it usually possesses shows that it is not in
general prepared with quite the same amount of care as is bestowed on
the Maranta arrow-root.” “ Arum arrow-root is procured from the tubers
of Arum maculatum, and is prepared chiefly in Portland Island; hence
it is generally called Portland arrow-root.” This circumstance is
alluded to by Dr. Bromfield in his. excellent Hampshire Flora (Phy-
tol. i1. 1011).

Pepper is very often mixed with large quantities of linseed meal
and pepper dust, 7. e., the sweepings of the spice warehouses or the
siftings of the pepper berry; wheat flour, pea flour, and sago meal
are also said to be used occasionally. Some years since artificial
pepper berries were ingeniously made from oil-cake, common clay,
and a portion of cayenne.

Mustard is generally thought to be obtained from the seeds of
Sinapis nigra and alba. The investigations of the Commission have
shown : that this notion is not founded on fact: every specimen exa-

198

mined consisted of wheat flour in large quantities, highly coloured
with turmeric, and a variable but generally small quantity of genuine
mustard. In some cases mustard was present only in the form of a
little Husk. In short, genuine mustard cannot be bought at any
price.

Forty-four samples of wheat flour were examined, including several
both of French and American flour, procured from all quarters of the
metropolis, and in no case was any foreign matter detected. This
announcement is gratifying, but our pleasure is destroyed when we
proceed to the reports on bread. The adulterations we have hitherto
considered, however injurious they may be to the pocket, have not
been for the most part. prejudicial to health, but it is painful to find
that in the case of this first necessary of life, the adulteration usually
practised cannot fail to act injuriously on the digestive organs.
Bread as sold in London is largely adulterated with alum. This is
done to whiten inferior flour, and to increase the weight of the bread
by causing a larger quantity of water to be retained. We hope that
the £20 penalty which the law inflicts for this practice will no longer
be permitted to remain a dead letter. ‘The presence of alum in bread
may be thus detected :—“ Take one ounce of bread; pour three ounces
of distilled water over this; macerate for two hours; at the end of that
time squeeze the water out of the bread, strain and filter ; test with
ammonia for alumina; if this substance be present, a copious white
precipitate will subside, soluble in excess of potash.”

We give the following extract without comment, having had no
opportunity of verifying the statements here made of the development
of the yeast-plant, a good account of which has long been desired by
microscopic botanists :—

“The development of the yeast-plant may be divided into three
very aistinct and natural stages.

“ First stage, or that of Sporules.—In this, the ordinary state in
which the yeast-plant is met with, it consists entirely of sporules ;
these are for the most part separate, but sometimes feebly united in
twos, threes, and even in greater numbers; they vary in size and
form; some are several times smaller than others, and nearly all con-
tain one or two nuclei, which are the germs of future sporules.

“ Second stage, or that of Thallus.—After the lapse of some days,
and under favourable circumstances, the sporules become much elon-
gated; a division or partition appears in each, and it now consists of
two distinct cells; the extension still continuing, other septa appear,
until at length jointed threads, at first simple and undivided, after-

199

wards jointed, are formed, and the plant now exists in the form of
root-like threads or thallus. The yeast-plant in the state of thallus

constitutes the Mycoderma Cerevisie of Desmagiéres.

“ Third stage, or that of Aérial Fructification.— After the lapse of
a further time, vertical threads spring up from the thallus; these, when
the plant has reached its complete development, become branched,
each branch bearing at its extremity a row of rounded and beaded
corpuscles. These corpuscles are about the size of the larger spo-
rules, but differ from those bodies in their darker colour and firmer
texture. Occasionally in the rows of beaded corpuscles one cell seve-
ral times larger than the rest is seen. A fungus, somewhat closely
resembling the yeast fungus in its perfect form, has been observed by
Bennett in the expectoration of an individual attacked with pneu-
mothorax.

“From a consideration of the structure of the sporules of the yeast-
plant, their evident fungoidal character, their rapid growth, &c., it
occurred to us that the reason why the true or aérial reproduction had
never been discovered, was to be found in the fact, that yeast being
used always in the state of sporules, sufficient time was not allowed
it, under ordinary circumstances, to attain its full development, for
which purpose probably many days would be required.’ Acting on
this impression, we placed in an eight-ounce bottle a tablespoonful of -
malt, poured over this about four ounces of hot water, and partially

closing the mouth with a perforated cork, set it aside for a fortnight.”

At the end of that time we were rejoiced to find that our expectations
were fully realized, and that we had indeed discovered that which so
many other observers had failed to detect. This discovery was made
in August, 1850.” '

Here for the present we take leave of these interesting and valuable
reports. Our notice has been hasty and imperfect, but sufficient has
been said to show that most unjustifiable practices are resorted to in
the case of the above-mentioned indispensable articles of food; and
we cannot refrain from asking why the law should not be called into
action for the suppression of the rogueries here described? Now,
these “ tricks of trade” may be played with impunity; yet what dif-
ference is there morally between the direct picking of pockets, and
the indirect methods of attaining the same object here described?
The baker who poisons our bread, consigns mercilessly to the hands
of the police the starving urchin whose necessities have driven him to
abstract feloniously a penny roll from the counter; the grocer who
sophisticates almost every article that leaves his shop, good man and

200

true! may perchance sit in judgment on that same starving urchin,
and condemn him! “See how yon justice rails upon yon simple
thief. Hark in thine ear:—change places; and handy-dandy, which
is the justice, which is the thief?” A.

Extracts from the ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean Society.
(Continued from Vol. iii. p. 814).

Observations on the Botany of Texas. By William Bollaert, Ksq.,
F.R.GS., &e.

In this memoir Mr. Bollaert gives some account of the physical
geography of the State of Texas, with notes on its geological charac-
ter and mineral productions; he describes the soil and climate of its
various regions; and, lastly, enters into a detailed account of its vege-
table productions, describing successively the forests and forest-trees,
together with the fruits, and the herbaceous plants, including the
cereals, grasses and other plants useful to man, especially those cul-
tivated either for food or ornament. Among these he enters into par-
ticular details with respect to the Zea Mays or Indian corn, and a
species of Smilax which he believes to be new, but which appears to
be identical with Smilax lanceolata, £., and is known to the inhabi-
‘tants by the name of Indian bread. Of maize he states the average
crop to be sixty bushels per acre; and adds that a man anda young
boy have been kuown in Eastern Texas to raise and gather in one
year fifteen hundred bushels from two crops. He describes a great
variety of modes in which this valuable plant is turned to advantage,
and gives arough analysis of the component parts of the grain. From _
this it results that the starchy matter in malting takes on a saccharine
character, which by fermentation produces alcohol, and independently
of the carbonic acid evolved, another acid is formed, which may be
either a new acid or the acetic. When the fermented liquor is
allowed to stand for some days, a bright yellow oil floats to the sur-
face, and appears to be composed of three proximate substances :
viz., 1. a body like elaine; 2. a small portion like stearine; and 3. a
substance which he calls maizaline, which last has a decided diuretic
quality, and is regarded by the author as the cause of the diuretic
effects produced by maize-bread upon persons unaccustomed to its
use. With regard to the Indian bread, called by the Carancahua In-
dians Toqgui, Mr. Bollaert states that he found it in great abundance

201

in the pine-woods of Huntsville, lat. 31° N., long. 95° 30’ W. The
edible part is the root: immediately below the stem commences the
formation of irregularly-shaped potato-like tubers, rather larger than
the potato, and so abundant that one plant will yield two bushels.
These are used by the Indians made into a sort of bread; and the
pioneer, trapper and backwoodsman are frequently obliged to have
recourse to it for the same purpose, and sometimes obtain from it by
fermentation a liquor of a pink colour, to which they give the name of
beer. Of this plant, and of the mode of growth of its tubers, sketches
accompanied the paper, which concludes with a notice of some of the
botanists who have visited the State of Texas for the purpose of col-
lecting plants, and with a list of the plants collected by Mr. Lindhei-
mer in his earlier journey, and by Dr. Kenan.

Summary of some of the principal Results of the Investigations into
the Vegetation of the Alps in connexion with Height and Tempe-
rature. By Dr. Adolph Schlagintweit.

The author stated that very remarkable differences are to be ob-
served in the limits of the altitude of vegetation in the district of the
Alps. In the mean results for large divisions, we may plainly recog-
nize the influence of geographical position, as well as that of the na-
ture of the soil, and of the massiveness of the mountain range. The
limit in fact becomes higher the more we approach the southern and
western groups, a phenomenon which is connected with the general
changes of climate. The mean temperature varies in these latitudes
from 0°5° to 0:7° of Celsius for one degree; and at the same time the
isothermal lines show an evident inclination from west to east. Many
very essential differences cannot, however, be explained by geogra-
phical position alone; another important influence is dependent on
the form of the mountain-range, the limits of vegetation being gene-
rally connected with the mean magnitude of the elevation, and reach-
ing higher in massive and lofty groups of Alps than in the lower
chains. The favourable influence which the massiveness of the ele-
vation exercises on the vegetation, is essentially the same as that
which is also evidenced with regard to the temperature of the air and
soil; and corresponds to the difference which is remarked between
the climate of a plateau, and that of a ridge or free peak in the neigh-
bourhood. In different valleys or on the spurs of a mountain remark-
able differences in the altitude of the limit of vegetation often manifest

VOL Iv. 2D

202

themselves according to the exposure, the direction of the wind, or
the proximity of separate and extensive masses of glacier; but these
influences are for the most part merely local, and the general varia-
tions of the limit of vegetation dependent on the massiveness of dif-
ferent groups of Alps are but little affected thereby. A comparison
of the annual isotherms with the limits of vegetation proves that the
different groups of vegetation do not always terminate at the same
annual isotherm. With the exception of the beech, he showed that
up to the height of Conifers, these limits in the Northern Alps are
reached at warmer isotherms than in the Central Alps; and a some-
what lower mean temperature is observed on corresponding points of
the group of Monte Rosa and Mont Blanc. This is immediately de-
pendent on the fact that the growth of plants is not determined alone
by the mean temperature of the year, but also by that of the seasons
and of the months. The warmth of the summer is in this view of pe-
culiar influence ; the greater this is in connexion with the same mean
temperature of the whole year, the higher plants ascend, and the
colder are the annual isotherms which mark their limits, A review
of all the meteorological observations made in the district of the Alps
shows that in the Central Alps and in the group of Mont Blanc and
Monte Rosa, the summer warmth is greater and the climate conse-
quently more extreme than in the lower chains of the Northern Alps;
by which means the relation of the limits of vegetation to the annual
isotherms in these different mountain-groups is explained.

He further stated that his and his brother’s investigation of the pe-
riodical development of the vegetation at heights of from 1500 to
8000 Paris feet showed among other things that the retardation of the
development by the elevation is in general less during the flowering
than during the ripening of the fruit; it amounts in the Alps during
the former period to ten days, during the latter to twelve and a half,
and on the average of the whole period of vegetation to eleven days.
The mean temperature is diminished in general about 2° of Celsius
for the same difference of height, during the period of the develop-
ment of vegetation. From their own observations on the influence of
height on the growth of Conifer, he concluded that in Pinus Larix, ©
P. Abies, P. sylvestris and P. Cembra, an evident diminution in the
thickness of the annual rings takes place at greater elevations. A
regular diminution, however, must not be expected for each degree of
elevation. Not only the variations in the temperature of the air, of
the soil, and in the climate generally (which concur to disturb the
Conifer at greater heights) produce a diminution of their yearly

203

growth; but the different nature of the soil has also great influence
on their growth. The mass of well-decomposed earth, the presence
of boulders or firm rock, the exposure of the locality, the humidity of
the soil, and in some degree also its inclination, have so great an
influence on the growth of the tree, and are moreover especially in
the lower regions so irregularly distributed, that the influence of ele-
vation, which should be most closely connected with the changes of
climate, may be and is partially obliterated. Very frequently indeed
in investigations of the geography of plants, a similar concurrence and
a mutual correlation of the various causes by which the changes of
vegetation are produced, are to be recognized. The observation of
the progress from year to year shows that very frequently considerable
variations occur in the amount of growth in separate stems. These
are not, however, connected with definite years of the development,
but irregularly distributed during the life of a tree. As they com-
monly extend over a long series of years, and do not agree in different
trees for definite numbers of years, they cannot be produced by the
climatic circumstances of unfavourable years. The larger oscillations
of growth are dependent, on the contrary, on the nature of the soil,
inasmuch as the roots during their extension meeting with more or
less favourable and rocky spots, the productiveness of a tree may be
essentially changed during many years.

An enumeration of all the phanerogamous plants found in the Up-
per Moll district (in the Tauern, in Upper Carinthia) at between 7000
to 8000 Paris feet high, and between 8500 to_10,000 feet, gave for the
former region, the subnival, 224 species, for the latter, the nival, 32;
while Prof. O. Heer obtained from the same regions in Glarus, in
Switzerland, 219 and 12. Many families, as for example Boraginee,
Euphorbiacex, Geraniacee, Labiate, Liliacee, Stellate, Umbelliferz,
&c., compared with the lower regions and with Germany, diminish evi-
dently and sometimes very strikingly in species in relation to the sum of
Phanerogame. In some others no such regular differences are found
in relation to height. A remarkable relative increase of species in
connexion with increased elevation, is found in Saxifragee and Primu-
Jace; and may also be remarked in Campanulacee, Caryophyllee,
Composite, Gentianex, and others. This depends, not on an abso-
lute increase of species of these families, but on a diminution of the
species of the other families. Monocotyledones generally diminish
with height in relation to Dicotyledones; except that in the nival
region and in the highest localities this proportion appears to be
somewhat undefined. The covering of snow also is not completely

204

universal in the high regions. In spots free from snow and furnished
with earth, phanerogamous plants, as well as mosses and lichens, are
found far above the snow-line. Among the species which are found
at the extremest limits in the Central and Southern Alps, at 10,000 to
11,000 Paris feet high, are Androsace glacialis and A. Helvetica,
Cerastinm latifolium, Cherleria sedoides, Chrysanthemum alpinum,
Gentiana Bavarica, Ranunculus glacialis, Saxifraga bryoides, S. op-
positifolia, Silene acaulis, &c. &c. The extreme limit of mosses is
in general little above that of phanerogamous plants. The last
lichens are to be found on the highest summits of the Alps, attached
to projecting rocks, without any limitation of height. The number of
species and varieties, up to this time between 40 and 45 species, which
have been found in the Alps between 10,000 and 14,780 Paris feet, is
not inconsiderable, but this vegetation is limited to very few spots,
surrounded by extensive masses of snow. Among the Lecidez, Par-
melie and Umbilicariew, collected by Saussure, Agassiz, and them-
selves, on the highest localities, Dr. Schlagintweit enumerated Lecidea
geographica, L. confluens, Parmelia elegans, P. varia, P. polytropa,
Umbilicaria proboscidea, (. cylindrica, &c.

Memoir on the Position of the Carpels when two and when single,
including Outlines of a new Method of Arrangement of the Orders
of Exogens, and Observations on the Structure of Ovaries consist-
ing of a single Carpel. By Benj. Clarke, Esq.

In this memoir Mr. Clarke details the results of his observations
on the position of single and double carpella in reference to axis,
- with the view of ascertaining the mode in which the reduction of the
carpella from a higher number takes place, and the value of the cha-
racters thus obtained in the formation of a natural arrangement of
plants. He commences with dicarpous ovaries, in which he observes
three different positions in relation to axis: Ist, right and left, result-
ing generally (as he believes to be shown by an examination of the
genus Carex and of certain Malpighiacez and Euphorbiacee from the ~
suppression of a third and usually posterior carpellum, but occasion-
ally also (as for example in Lonicera, Fortunea, Diosma, and probably
Crucifere) from the abortion of the anterior and posterior carpella of
an ovary originally consisting of four divisions; 2ndly, anterior and
posterior, resulting in Houttuynia cordata from the disappearance of

205

one of the lateral carpella and the displacement of the other so as to
become opposed to the persistent posterior carpellum; in Agrimonia
and Spirea (when dicarpous), from a similar suppression ; as also in
reduced fruits of Reseda luteola, &c.; Srdly, oblique, which he de-
scribes as of frequent occurrence both in plants in which the carpella
are generally anterior and posterior, and in those in which they are as
predominantly right and left, and which he supposes to arise from the
remaining lateral carpellum of a tricarpous ovary retaining nearly its
original position when the other lateral carpellum has disappeared, in
consequence of which the posterior carpellum is somewhat displaced,
becoming obliquely posterior. He regards the single carpellum as
the result of the non-development of one of the carpella of a dicarpous
ovarium, and its position may consequently vary in three different
ways: Ist, anterior, as occurs in 1-carpellary ovaries of Myrtacee,
Onagrarie, Polygalee, Leguminose and Acanthacee, to which may
probably be added Hippuridee, Bruniacee, &c; 2ndly, posterior, as
in the l-carpellary ovaries of Houttuynia cordata and Piperacee ;
3rdly, lateral or oblique, instances of which occur in Moree, in Ela-
tostemma, and in Celtidee. The normal number of carpella in all
ovaries he regards as three or a multiple of three; the additional series
being frequently reduced by abortion in the same manner as the first,
and thus giving rise to the formation of ovaries with four and five car-
pella. Tricarpous ovaries generally have their component parts
placed two laterally and one posteriorly; but exceptions to this rule
occur, as for example in Viola, where the third carpellum is anterior,
and in Clethra, Pittosporum and Delphinium, in which the position
of the carpella varies in the same plant.

Mr. Clarke next proceeds to consider the value of the characters
derived from the position of the carpella, for which purpose he has
framed a large table containing the results of long-continued observa-
tions on a multitude of exogenous plants with monocarpous or dicar-
pous ovaries. In this table he constitutes two primary divisions, viz.,
Proterocarpous, in which the carpella when single are anterior or
lateral, never posterior; and Heterocarpous, in which the single car-
pellum is for the most part a mixture of lateral, anterior and posterior,
and is rarely wholly posterior. The position of the component parts
of the dicarpous ovarium also appears to be more permanent in the
first than in the second division. From this table Mr. Clarke deduces
various inferences in relation to the systematic arrangement of plants,
and the importance of the characters derived from the position of the
carpella, and more especially from that of the single carpellum, which

206

is liable to fewer and less important exceptions. Thus for instance
he considers the posterior position of the single carpellum of Cerato-
phyllez, corresponding as it does with that of Piperacee and their
allies, and differing as far as known from that of any other order with
which it could be associated, as a strong argument of affinity. He
refers to the case of two-celled ovaries with unequal cells, and regards
the superior development of the larger cell or of the corresponding
stigma as indicative of what would be the position of the single car-
pellum, were the ovary to be so reduced. These remarks are followed
by observations on the general character of his divisions and subdivi-
sions, and by some notes on the position of carpella as regards endo-
genous plants and Rhizanthex, and on the relation of didynamous
stamens and carpella as regards their order of suppression; and the
first part of the memoir concludes with some remarks on the difficulty
of determining with precision the true axis of the'inflorescence, and
the means of obviating this difficulty in certain cases.

The second part of the memoir is more especially devoted to the
consideration of ovaries consisting of a single carpellum, to the rela-
tions borne by this carpellum to the axis in various families referred
by the author to each of his two principal divisions, and to the
grounds from which this relation is deduced. ‘This being entirely
matter of detail is scarcely susceptible of analysis, but some of the
incidental observations connected with it may properly be noticed
here. Mr. Clarke states that in Scleranthus annuus the funiculus is
uniformly posterior to the seed and on the same side with the coty-
ledons, in which character that plant differs from Chenopodee and
Amaranthacee, and as far as he has been able to ascertain from Ille-
cebrez, in which the funiculus is either anterior or lateral, and the
cotyledons (in pendulous seeds) on the opposite side of the seed or
less frequently lateral. Of thirty-two ovaries of Circa alpina, thir-
teen had two cells with an ovule in each, but the posterior cell con-
stantly smaller than the anterior, in twelve the posterior cell was
empty, and in seven entirely absent; and this analogy with some par-
ticularities in structure led him to regard the single cell of Hippuris
as most probably resulting from a single anterior carpellum. He
shows by a series of diagrams that the position of the fertile cell in
Valerianez is always lateral and external; and observes that in the
genera with an irregular corolla it always bears the same relation to
the irregularity of the flower. He infers from an inferiority of deve-
lopment of the posterior carpellum in Stylidium graminifolium, that if
the ovary in that genus were reduced to a single carpellum, that car-

207

pellum would be anterior; a case which he has since found to occur
in St. adnatum, in which there is a single anterior carpellum, or if
two carpella are present the anterior only is fertile, the ovula being
always attached to the posterior angle of the cell. He describes the
carpellum of Isopogon and Leucospermum among Proteacee as ante-
rior; and notes that in Grevillea the carpellum always alternates
with the two larger sepala, but varies most extensively with reference
to what he considers the axis. In Anadenia he states that the car-
pellum is always anterior in the lower half of the raceme, but varies
in position towards the summit, and in rare instances is perhaps even
posterior. In some species of Acacia also he believes that he has
found instances of posterior carpella, but as the flowers were for the
most part in threes, these carpella might belong to the lateral flowers.
In Pedicularis palustris he has always found the anterior carpellum
and the anterior division of the style larger than the posterior; and
the same is the case with Mendozia, resulting in the latter instance
in the suppression of the posterior carpellum in the fruit. He gives
at length his reasons for regarding the carpellum as anterior in Casua-
rina, Cannabis, Humulus, Parietaria, Urtica, Elatostemma and Celtis ;
and he concludes his remarks on the Proterocarpous division by some
observations on Cuphea and Lythrum; on Magallana; and on Fu-
maria.

Under the head of the Heterocarpous division he begins by recur-
ring to the relations already mentioned as existing between Cerato-
phyllum, Piperacee, Houttuynia and Chloranthus. He then proceeds
to notice Gentianee, among which he states that the dichotomous
Erythrea linarifolia is an example of the two carpella being anterior
and posterior, and infers from thence and from other variations, taken
in connexion with the general statement that in this family the car-
pella are right and left, that their position (as in Apocynez and Loga-
niacez, according to M. Alphonse DeCandolle) is variable. He next
refers to Broussonetia and Morus and to Stilbe, which latter he is dis-
posed to consider as related to Empetree and Euphorbiacex, and
then proceeds to the examination of Cupulifere, among which he
finds extensive variations. He refers to Coriaria as agreeing with
Malpighiacee in having its raphe turned away from the placenta and
consequently next to the dorsal rib of each carpellum, which he de-
scribes as corresponding with the general position of the funiculus in
that family. He describes the carpella of Mirabilis as being all late-
ral and internal; and again notices the peculiarities which he had
before referred to in the position of the funiculus in Chenopodee,

208

Amaranthacez and Illecebrez, adding some remarks on the carpella
of Polygonee and Alsinez. He indicates certain characters in the
flower of Casearia in which it approaches Monotropa, Drosera, and
especially Francoa. In Thymelez he finds considerable variation in
the position of the carpellum, and states that the relative position of
carpellum and segments of perianthium is the reverse of what takes
place in Proteacez, the carpellum being always opposite to one of the
segments of the perianthium. The tendency to the suppression of
stamens in Thymelez is also the reverse of that of Proteacex, being
on the side opposite to the carpellum. In Pimelea and Lachnza he
states that the carpella are all posterior, while in Daphne the carpella
of the two-flowered axillz stand with their backs to each other, or
more or less turned towards the stem: Dais is a mixture of these.
Lastly, he notices various peculiarities in the ovary of Sassafras offi-
cinale, in Sanguisorbex, in Combretum, in Aucuba Japonica and in
Marlea.

The memoir was illustrated by a large tabular view of the proposed
arrangement, a series of diagrams, and numerous figures.

On the various Forms of Salicornia. By Joseph Woods, Esq.,
F.L.S.; with some additional remarks by Richard Kippist, Esq.,
Libr. L.S.

The paper relates almost exclusively to the British species of Sali-
cornia, and more particularly to those which occur on the coasts of
Sussex and Hampshire.

The author begins by noticing what he considers as the typical
form of S. herbacea. This he describes as always erect, except that
late in the autumn, the branches, usually spreading or ascending, are
sometimes borne down by the weight of the fruit-spikes. The colour
is green, generally glaucous, but never red. The spikes of fruit are
cylindrical, 2 or 3 inches long (ten to fifteen times their thickness),
and contain from ten to fifteen sets of seeds. .

The second form (S. procumbens, Sm.), which is stated to be more
common than the first, is described as procumbent, decumbent, or
ascending, but always with a bend at the top of the root, and there-
fore never erect: the branches and their subdivisions are much shorter
and more numerous than in the typical form, and at the same time
much more divaricate, the lower ones especially being frequently
recurved ; and these lower branches being much longer than the suc-

209

ceeding ones, give to the entire plant a triangular outline. The
colour at maturity is always red. The spikes hardly exceed half an
inch in length (about four or five times their own thickness), and con-
tain about six sets of seeds each.

The next form noticed by Mr. Woods, and which he proposes to
call S. ramosissima, is described as much larger than either of the
preceding, erect, very much branched and bushy, of a grass-green
colour, but touched with red, the branches ascending, and the spikes
not cylindrical or oblong, but somewhat lanceolate, the longest about
an inch in length (six or seven times their thickness), and containing
about the same number of sets of seeds as S. procumbens. This,
which appears to be a rare form, was gathered in Haling Island.

Mr. Woods now proceeds to describe two intermediate forms, ap-
parently serving to unite the three preceding. ‘The smallest of these,
which the author proposes to designate S. pusilla, seems closely to
resemble S. procumbens, from which it differs in its smaller size and
less triangular outline, its erect or suberect branches, the lowest of
which are neither larger nor more branched than the succeeding ones,
and in its still shorter spikes, which scarcely exceed { inch in length,
being sometimes almost globular, and containing about five sets of
seeds. The other form, which the author calls S. intermedia, and
which is stated to be the most abundant on the muddy salt marshes
of Sussex, embraces several subvarieties, all of which are erect, but
vary much in other respects, sometimes resembling S. pusilla, but with
much longer and redder spikes; in other cases approaching the typi-
cal form of S. herbacea, in their yellowish green colour, hardly tinged
with red, cylindrical spikes an inch or more in length (eight or nine
times their width), but with not more than eight or nine sets of seeds;
_ while others again, in their bushy habit and colour, and in the form of
their spikes, show an affinity to S. ramosissima.

All the above-mentioned varieties have oval or oblong seeds, about
half as long again as broad, and thinly covered with hooked hairs,
upon an even surface. In the two following the seeds are shorter,
nearly globular, but covered in the same manner with hooked hairs.

S. radicans, the next species, is described as differing exceedingly
im its mode of growth from any of the foregoing. In all these the
root is evidently annual, and produces a single stem, which is hard,
and in S. ramosissima may fairly be called woody. In S. radicans,
- however, a small plant, with only one or two branches, rises at first
from the seed. The stem of this lies down, and, generally burying
itself in the mud, sends out radical fibres and new shoots. The pro-

VoL. Iv. 2E

210

cess is continued from year to year, the old stems of one year becom-
ing the rhizomes of the next, and these successively dying away as
new rhizomes are formed, thus producing a very rambling and diffuse
plant. In the preceding forms, every branch and subdivision is ter-
minated by a spike of flowers. In 8. radicans many are barren. The
spikes, when they occur, are sometimes interrupted, half an inch to
an inch long, and composed of about six joints. The colour is a dull
greyish green, with the ends of the spikes brownish, but never red.
Though much less abundant than the first, second, and fourth forms,
it is by no means rare in the muddy creeks of Sussex and Hants.

The last form mentioned, under the name S. lignosa, bears some
resemblance in its diffuse mode of growth to S. radicans, and Mr.
Woods found some indications of radical fibres from the lower part of
the stem, but was unable to ascertain positively the existence of a
creeping rhizome. It differs however from S. radicans in the thick-
ness, and firm solid structure of the lower part of the stem, which as
in every European species is destitute of annual rings, and attains its
thickness and hardness in the course of one year. From S. fruticosa,
L., to which it approaches nearly in many respects, it is distinguished
by the multitude of its slender branches, and probably also by the
structure of its seed, which Koch and Bertoloni describe as tubercled
and not hairy in S. fruticosa. The spikes of our English plant are an
inch or a.-little more in length, and about six times their width: those
of the true S. fruticosa are usually both absolutely and relatively
longer.

Mr. Woods next makes some observations on the synonymy of the
Salicornias described by Ray, who appears originally to have admitted
but two species; the first including all the forms of S. herbacea and
also S. procumbens; the second attributed by Smith to 8. fruticosa,
L., but now generally regarded as 8S. radicans. To these Dillenius
adds three others, of which the first, S. myosuroides procumbens, &c.,
is considered by Mr. Woods as 8. radicans; the second, 8. ramosior
procumbens, &c., as probably S. procumbens, Sw.; and the third, S.
erecta foliis brevibus cupressiformis, he refers with some doubt to his
S. intermedia.

Then follow some remarks on the characters of Arthrocnemum, a
genus separated by M. Moquin-Tandon from Salicornia, principally
on account of the different form of its embryo, and to which he refers
S. fruticosa and S. radicans. In all specimens of S. radicans, and in
some of what is called §. fruticosa, Mr. Woods finds the seeds appa-
rently destitute of albumen, and with the radicle lying against the

211

edges of the cotyledons; but in the true S. fruticosa, supposing that
name to be correctly applied only where the seed is tubercled and
hairless, he finds a portion of albumen, but the extremity of the coty-
ledons still close to the point of the embryo.

The author concludes with the following résumé :—“ If I were to
sum up the results of my observations of this year on the genus Sali-
cornia, I should say that S. procumbens is a distinct species; that S.
radicans and §. lignosa are certainly specifically distinct from S. her-
bacea; but whether they are so from each other, and whether, if that
be the case, S. lignosa ought not to be considered as a variety of S.
fruticosa, Z., and the plant with tubercled seeds to be called 8. mega-
stachya, I do not feel competent to decide. The other forms of S.
pusilla, S. intermedia, and S. ramosissima, may perhaps be varieties
of S. herbacea, but this also is a subject for further investigation.”

Letter from Dr. Drummond, in reference to the Observations on his
wlews of the Linnean and Natural Systems of Botany, contained
in the Notice of the Sixth Edition of the ‘ British Flora, (Phytol.
iv. 170).

In your number for the present month, you make some remarks on
‘my ‘ Observations on Natural Systems of Botany,’ which I consi-
der unwarrantably personal; and you will allow me to state to your
readers that I am very far indeed from being the whining character
you have represented. When I published that little work, I knew
perfectly well that the hue and cry would be raised against it, but
haying no superstitious veneration for great or popular names, and as
little regard for any injurious system of botany, however fashionable,
or however supported by them, I published boldly what I conceived
to be the truth, regardless of any fair criticism, but certainly not ex-
pecting to meet with a tide of misrepresentation.

Now I wish to inform your readers that the book contains nothing
_ whatever to warrant you or any one else in insinuating that it was
written as if the author were overwhelmed with grief (I wonder what
I should cry about!), and that I used no “ dolorous terms,” made no
“lachrymose observations,” and uttered no “ lamentations,” as is
represented in the ‘ Phytologist.’

Now, Sir, I will only say further, that I care not how severely the
“ Observations’ may be criticised, but let this be done in good faith,

212

for I must think it unfair, and of course not very honourable, to make
the book a pretext for misrepresenting or maligning the author.

J. L. DRuMMoOND.
Belfast, June 12, 1851.

—_———

[The review in question was from the pen of a well-known botanist,
who is not likely to have mis-stated or coloured facts. I have neither
seen nor heard of Dr. Drummond’s work, but intend to procure it and
amend my ignorance in this respect before the appearance of another
number. In the mean time I only ask my readers to suspend their
judgment.—E. N.]

Notice of the ‘ Botanical Gazette, No. 30, June, 1851.

Unver the head ‘ Original Communications’ Mr. Henfrey reverts
to his former plan of giving us in an English dress the labours of our
continental brethren. The title of ‘ original’ is, however, misapplied.
He might as well have called the translated abstract of the paper by
MM. Macaire and DeCandolle on the ‘ Direction taken by Plants’ by
any other name, say ‘elastic’ or ‘waterproof.’ Macaire’s paper appeared
in the ‘ Philosophical Transactions’ for 1848, and reappeared in the
‘ Bibliothéque Universelle de Genéve’ for 1849, in the latter instance
being accompanied by explanatory observations by Alphonse DeCan-
dolle. The conclusion deduced from a great number of experiments,
which appear to have been conducted with labour and precision, is
this:—‘ It must be through the distension of the tissue by oxygen
and the fixation of the carbon, that the leaves bend, curl or twist
upon their petioles. The cause is evident, but we do not know how
it acts.”

Under the head ‘ Literature’ the following works are noticed :—

‘Outlines of the Anatomy and Physiology of the Vegetable Cell.
By Prof. H. von Mohl. Brunswick, Vieweg and Son, 1851. Pp.
152, woodcuts and plate.’

‘Annals of Natural History,’ May, 1851.

‘The Phytologist,’ May, 1851.

‘Botanische Zeitung, 1850.

In these notices, with the exception of the first, the titles of the
papers only are given.

213

‘ Proceedings of Societies :: — Botanical Societies of London and
Edinburgh.

‘ Miscellanea :'—A note by the Rev. W. W. Spicer, of a variety of
Linaria Cymbalaria found on the walls of Evesham churchyard, in
which the flowers were pure white, excepting the front of the upper
lip and the palate, which were sulphur-coloured ; also the following
translations :—‘ Methods of preparing the Tissues of Plants for Mi-
croscopic Examination.’ ‘ Bracts in the Cruciferae.’

I think Mr. Henfrey has done wisely and well in thus returning so
completely to his original plan. The brief (five lines) and interesting
notice by Mr. Spicer is the only article in which I have noticed any .
allusion to a species or variety of a British plant.

Notice of ‘ The Naturalist, No. 4, June, 1851.

I can no longer lament as heretofore the entire absence of botanical
papers; we have three in the present number, intituled as under :—

‘Note ona Botanical Stroll from Plymouth to Tamerton Foliott,
returning through St. Budeaux. By Mr. Isaiah W. N. Keys.’

‘Yew Fruit. By J. Mc Intosh, Esq.’

‘Observations on the Floral Changes of the present day. By
George Lawson, Esq., F.R.P.S., F.B.S.E.’

In the second of these papers Mr. Mac Intosh states that the ber-
ries of the yew may be eaten with impunity, not only by human
beings, but by blackbirds, thrushes, and redbreasts. I am not aware
that any doubt previously existed on this subject, but I venture to
recommend the writer, who is “ particularly fond of them,” to spit out

- the stones.

Mr. Lawson’s paper, “ read before the Geological Society of Edin-
burgh, April 17, 1851,” is of great interest; indeed, to depreciate this
able paper would be to depreciate the ‘ Phytologist,’ whence most of
its facts are extracted. In one instance an extract from this source
amounts to a page, and is given verbatim and in inverted commas,
but the work whence it has been taken is not mentioned. In this
instance, as in that mentioned in the last number of the numerous and
highly valuable passages the ‘ Phytologist’ has supplied to Messrs.
Hooker and Arnott’s ‘ British Flora,’ the authors are cordially wel-
come to what they have taken. 1 have no wish but that of diffusing
sound and useful information; and if writers practise the discourtesy

214

of concealing the source of their knowledge, it will injure their repu-
tation much more than mine.

By the way, the ‘numerous engravings’ so repeatedly advertised
are altogether absent from this number of the ‘ Naturalist.’

Notice of the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History, No. 42,
June, 1851.

This number, besides an advertisement of the sale of the late Dr.
Gardner’s collection of plants and books, contains but one botanical
paper: this is intituled—

‘Contributions to the Botany of South Americas By John Miers,
Esq., F.R.S., F.L.S., &e.’

This paper is confined entirely to the genus Cathedra, of which two
species are described, C. rubricaulis and C. Gardneriana.

Notice of Hooker's‘ Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany,
No. 30, June, 1851.

The papers in the June number are intituled as follows :—

‘Second Report on Mr. Spruce’s Collections of Dried Plants from
North Brazil; by George Bentham, Esq.’

‘Decades of Fungi; by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, M.A., F.LS.
Decade xxxv. Sikkim-Himalayan Fungi, collected by Dr. Hooker.’

‘Characters of some Gnaphalioid Composite of the Division An-
gianthee ; by Asa Gray.’

, ©Contributions to the Botany of Western India; by N. A. Dalzell,
Ksq., M.A.’

‘ A new species of Arnebia, detected by Dr. J. E. Stocks in Beloo-
chistan.’

The following papers are placed under the head ‘ Botanical Infor-
mationg —3\..,

‘The Botanic Gardens of Madrid and Valencia; by Dr. Moritz
Willkomm. (Translated from the Regensburg Flora of March 7,
1851, p. 129, seq., by N. Wallich, M.D., V.P.L.S.)

‘Observations upon the elevated temperature of the male inflores-
cence of Cycadeous Plants: communicated by Dr. W. H. de Vriese,

215

Professor of Botany and Director of the Royal Garden of the Univer-
sity of Leyden.’

‘Sale of the extensive Herbarium and of the Books of the late
George Gardner, Esq., F.R.S., Director of the Royal Botanic Garden,
Peradenia, Ceylon.’

‘Papyrus of Sicily.’

‘ Death of Professor Kunze.’

‘ Lindheimer’s and Fendler’s American Plants.’

‘ Welwitzsch’s Plants of Portugal.’

Mr. Bentham’s paper contains descriptions of six new species—
Davila pedicellaris, of the order Dilleniaceze ; Securidaca bialata and
Trigonia parviflora, of the order Polygalee; Buttneria rhamnifolia
and B. discolor, of the order Buttneriacee; and Arrudea bicolor, of
the order Tiliacee.

Asa Gray’s paper coutains descriptions of three new genera and
eight new species of Gnaphalioid Compositz, all of them from Swan
River or South-Western Australia. The genera are Blennospora,
Antheidosorus and Chamespherion ; the species, Blennospora Drum-
mondii, Antheidosorus gracilis, Myriocephalus nudus, M. helichry-
soides, Crossolepis? brevifolia, C.? eriocephala, C.? pygmaa, and
Chthonocephalus Drummondii.

Mr. Dalzell describes four new species from Western India—Phar-
bitis laciniata and Ipomza rhyncorhiza, of the order Convolvulacez ;
Elatostemma oppositifolium, of the order Urticacee ; and Clausena
simplicifolia, of the order Aurantiacee.

Dr. Stocks describes Arnebia fimbriopetala.

Dr. Vriese’s note on the temperature of the male inflorescence of
Cycadeous plants is very interesting. ‘‘ Very recently a high degree
of temperature has been observed in a plant belonging to a family in
which that phenomenon has not been noticed before. Mr. Teysman,
chief gardener at Burtenzorg, in Java, in 1845, has informed me that
he has observed an elevated temperature, and at the same time a very
strong smell, in the male cone of Cycas circinalis. I received from
him, in October, 1849, and November, 1850, seven series of observa-
tions, made in the aforesaid garden, upon male flowers of this plant.
What is most remarkable in these observations is connected with the
following facts. The elevation of temperature always takes place be-
tween 6—10 in the evening. Messrs. Bory, in the Isle of France, and
Hasscarl, at Java, have observed the maximum at 6 in the morning.
De Saussure observed it in the Arum Italicum between 4—7 in the
evening; and the Colocasia odora in the gardens of Paris, Amster-

216

dam and Leyden has always attained its maximum at noon. This
periodical production of heat, differing in different climates and in
flowers of different families, has not yet been accounted for.”

Notice of ‘ The Gardener's Magazine of Botany, No. 17, June, 1851.

The interest of this really useful journal continues unabated. The
present number contains the following papers :—

‘Pultenea Ericoides, being the usual description, history, and
directions for culture of a beautiful although somewhat diminutive
papilionaceous shrub, raised from seed brought from Swan River by
Mr. Drummond. Its leaves and habit are very much like those of a
heath ; its inflorescence crowded into yellow heads.

‘The Metropolitan May Exhibitions.’

‘Visits to Remarkable Gardens ;—the suburban residence of N. B.
Ward, Esq., at Clapham.’ This is accompanied by an illustrative
woodcut, and by the following particulars, furnished by Mr. Ward:—

“The philosophy of the growth of plants in closed cases has been
so repeatedly before the public, that it is not necessary to dwell at
length upon the subject. The object I had in view in the construc-
tion and planting of my large closed case, was to give a representa-
tion (in miniature of course) of a tropical forest, in which the plants
were seen to be growing in something like a state of nature. The
ground was prepared for their reception by covering the gravelly soil
of the garden with a foot or two of old brick rubbish, and upon this
about two feet of sandy peat mould. In this soil most of the palms,
ferns, bamboos, bananas, &c., are planted. Some plants grow better
in yellow loam, some in sand or clay, &c.; but all have their wants
snpplied. A very great variety of different plants can be grown in a
house of this kind by a little management. Shade-loving plants
thrive in the darker parts, whilst succuleut plants of all kinds grow
equally well suspended from the roof. All have the benefit of an
atmosphere free from mechanical impurities, which might interfere
with the action of the leaves ; and at the same time this air is always
undisturbed, enabling the plants to bear without injury very varying
degrees of temperature. The thermometer in the winter months often
falls to 40° during the night, rising to 100° in the day, even in the
month of December, if the sun shine brightly. In summer the varia-
tions are still greater, the thermometer occasionally falling as low in

——

217

the night (in consequence of their being no fire), whilst at mid-
day it is frequently as high as 130°. This high temperature, how-
ever, does not often occur, as the house is shaded by a blind.
Circulation of the atmosphere is effectually secured by means of that
beneficent law which compels the diffusion of the various gases which,
either in a course of nature or as the result of various chemical ope-
rations, are continually being generated on the surface of the earth.
By virtue of this law, the moment any gas is formed in the house,
differing from the atmosphere without, diffusion immediately takes
place; and that uniformity of its component parts, which philoso-
phers have ascertained to be the case in air examined from every
portion of the earth’s surface, is the result. Open exposure to air is
very seldom required with the majority of plants, whether natives of
cold or of hot regions, if their wants are duly supplied. Oxalis Ace-
tosella, Dentaria bulbifera, Primula vulgaris, Convallaria multiflora,
Cleodendron fragrans, Canna indica, Strelitzia Regine, Begonias and
hosts of other plants, have flowered with me in closed cases for many
successive years! and many fruits, particularly those of tropical
regions, ripen well. The fact is, that in these cases we are enabled
to include all the agents which can contribute to the well-being of
the plants, and exclude those which produce deleterious effects.

“TI cannot conclude without suggesting the adoption of this plan
in the general cultivation of plants. Where a large number of spe-
cies is required to be grown, a series of houses might contain repre-
sentations of various regions of the earth, fitted up to meet the wants
of the characteristic flora of each region, and forming most beautiful
tableaux vivans of the aspects of the vegetable kingdom. Thus, from
our miniature tropical forest we might pass to the sandy flats of the
Cape of Good Hope, with its bulbs, mesembryanthemums and heaths ;
and thence to New Holland, with its Epacrids and beautiful Legumi-
nose, &c.; and if sufficient elevation could be obtained, Teneriffe
might have a place in this grand exhibition, displaying its dragon
trees, laurel. forests, columnar Euphorbiacee, Cacti, &c., &c. Each
particular country might be thus represented. The Crystal Palace
might well be appropriated to such a design, which would, I think,
be quite as interesting as the purpose for which it was erected.”

‘The Ash of Armeria maritima.’

“New and Rare Plants,’ giving many particulars of their appear-
ance and history.

* Erica Leeana, var. viridis, a description and excellent figure of a
well-known but rarely-cultivated plant.

VOL. Iv. 2F

218

‘Vegetable Physiology; by Arthur Henfrey Esq., F.L.S., Lecturer
on Botany at St. George’s Hospital.—Absorption.’

‘On the Habits acquired by Plants; by Mr. J. Towers, C.M.HLS.,
Sch BCe.

‘The Beautiful in a Tree, a paper extracted from the ‘ Horticul-
turist.’

‘Cultural Agency of Quicklime ; by Mr. J. Towers, C.M.H.S., &c.,
&e.’

‘On Variegation in Plants; by Dr. Morren, Professor in the Uni-
versity of Li¢ge.—Classification, with examples among hardy plants.’
Translated from ‘ Dodonza ou Recueil d’Observations de Botanique.’
This classification is drawn up with a vast amount of care and pati-
ence, variegation of every possible description being defined, but that
it amounts to more than a catalogue of facts, or throws light on the
causes of ascertained phenomena, I am unable to assert with any de-
gree of confidence. "

‘Episcia bicolor, being the description, history, and some account
of the culture of a perennial herbaceous shrub of the order Gesne-
racee, raised at the Botanic Garden at Kew four or five years ago,
from seed brought by Mr. Purdie from New Granada; it is a free-
blooming species, but compared with the Gloxinias, far from striking
as an ornamental plant for cultivation.

‘The Genera and Species of Cultivated Ferns; by Mr. J. Houlston,
Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, and Mr. T. Moore, F.L.S., &c.’ In this
portion of the paper are described twenty-three species of Adiantum,
twelve of Cheilanthes, five of Cassebeera, and eight of Platyloma.
Of Adiantum reniforme, A. tenerum, Cheilanthes viscosa, Cassebeera
farinosa, and Platyloma falcata there are characteristic figures.

‘ Atmospheric Electricity ; by Mr. J. Towers, C.M.H.S., &c.’

‘ Natural Model for Artificial Lakes ; extracted from Downing’s
‘Landscape Gardening.’

‘Seedling Narcissi,’ raised by Mr. E. Leeds, of Manchester, who
communicates the following hints on the raising and treatment of
seedling Narcissi :—

“To obtain good varieties it is needful the previous season to
plant the roots of some of each kind in pots, and to bring them into
the greenhouse in spring to flower, so as to obtain pollen of the late
flowering kinds to cross with those which otherwise would have passed
away before these were in flower. With me they always seed best
in the open ground. When the seed-vessels begin to swell, the
flower-stems should be carefully tied up and watched until the

219

seeds turn black. I do not wait until the seed-vessel bursts, as
many seeds in that case fall to the ground and are lost, but take
them off when mature with a portion of the stem, which I insert
in the earth, in a seed-pot or pan provided for their reception. I
place them in a north aspect, and the seeds in due season are shed
as it were naturally into the pot of earth. I allow the seeds to harden
for a month on the surface before covering them with half an inch
depth of sandy soil. The soil should be two-thirds pure loam and
one-third sharp sand: the drainage composed of rough and turfy
soil. In October, I plunged the seed-pots in a cold frame facing the
south; and the young plants begin to appear in December and
throughout the winter, according to their kinds and the mildness of
the weather. It is needful, in their earliest stages, to look well after
slugs and snails.

* The seedlings should be protected from frosts, but should have
abundance of air or they will soon draw. As soon as they will stand
exposure, plunge the pots under some sheltered wall or hedge, and
they will form their first bulbs. Let them become dry in summer,
and if it be a wet season turn the pots on their side until the time for
them to grow again. Let them remain in the seed-pots, and top dress
them with fresh loamy soil. When the bulbs are two years old, pre-
pare, in an open airy situation, a bed of good loam mixed with sharp
sand; prepare the bed as for tulips, &c., covering the entire surface
with sand, in which the bulbs should be embedded: plant the roots
in rows three inches apart, and each root one inch apart in the row.
They will stand three years in this bed, whence they may be finally
removed into a fresh bed of similar soil to flower: a few will flower
the fifth year, but the greater portion not until the seventh. I do not
take up the flowering roots oftener than every third season, but top dress
the beds every autumn. A little thoroughly decayed hot-bed manure
mixed with the surface soil aids them to produce fine flowers, but it
must be well decomposed or it will do harm. The beds should be
well drained, the prepared soil at least two feet deep, and the situa-
tion sheltered from north and east winds, which do much damage to
the flowers.”

I consider that botanists in their experiments of raising plants from
seed, with a view of eliciting facts gs to their specific identity or
otherwise, would do well to take pattern by the florists in this pur-
suit. Nothing can exceed the care and patience bestowed on the
subject by these gentlemen, and the facts they record are abundantly
worthy of preservation. From the above extract, among other useful

220

information, we learn that the seedlings of the Narcissus tribe rarely
flower until the seventh year.

‘Garden Hints for Amateurs.’

‘Visits to Remarkable Gardens ;—Redleaf, W. Wells, Esq.’

‘Professional and Moral Training, hints addressed to young gar-
deners; by Mr. W. P. Keane, author of the ‘ Beauties of Surrey and
Middlesex’.’

‘ Notes, cultural, critical and suggestive.’

‘ Horticultural Society’ and ‘ National Floricultural Society,’ giving
an account of the meetings of the former held May | and 20, and of
the latter held May 8 and 22.

Botanical Society of London.

Friday, June 6, 1851. J. D. Salmon, Esq., in the chair.

The following donations were announced :—

The ‘ Gardener’s Magazine of Botany ;’ presented by the Editors.
‘Pharmaceutical Journal’ and ‘ Transactions ;? presented by the So-
ciety. ‘Journal of the Statistical Society of London ;’ presented by
the Society.

The continuation of Mr. Daniel Stock’s paper ‘ On the Botany of
Bungay, Suffolk,’ was read.—G. EH. D.

Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

Thursday, May 15, 1851. Professor Balfour, President, in the
chair.

In taking the chair Professor Balfour stated, that having received
inquiries from various quarters as to a criticism which had appeared
of the second edition of his Manual of Botany, in which several
glaring errors have been exposed, he considered that he was called
upon, as holding the office of President of the Botanical Society, to
take the opportunity of stating that he had not edited this edition.
He therefore begged to assure the Society that he was not responsible
for the form in which the work had appeared, nor for any inaccuracies
that might occur in it.

The following donations were announced :—‘ Botanical Gazette,’

221

from the Editor. British plants from Dr. Mitchell, Nottingham; Mr.
J.T. Syme; Mr. Moore, Chelsea; and Mr, Thomas Anderson.

The following papers were read :-—

1. ‘ Biographical Notice of the late Mr. George Don. By Dr.
Neill.’

2. ‘List of Plants found in Peebleshire. By George S. Blackie.’
Of the plants included in this list the following may be mentioned :—
Vicia Orobus (Manor-head), Galium pusillum, Pyrola rotundifolia,
Primula farinosa, Betula nana, Sibbaldia procumbens (Manor-head),
Saxifraga stellaris, Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi, Hymenophyllum Tun-
bridgense, and H. Wilsoni.

3. ‘ Notice of Exidia hispidula, Bork., used in China as a remedy
in disease, and also as an article of diet. By Dr. Dill, Brighton,’
This communication was included in a letter to Dr. Balfour, who
communicated it to the Society. Dr. Dill remarks:—* The fungus
which I enclose for your inspection was first brought to my notice in
Hong Kong as a favourite remedy of the Chinese in attacks of dysen-
tery. It is used by them in the form of decoction, being boiled along
with dried plums, the latter being added merely to give flavour, &c.,
to the decoction. The first time I ever saw it used was in the case
of the person who told me of its efficacy in the before-mentioned
malady. This man, an English gardener, was suffering from a severe
attack of dysentery, and as his house was a most unhealthy one I
strongly advised his going into an hospital. He said before doing
so he would like to try a Chinese medicine, which had been strongly
recommended to him by an old Chinaman, a friend of his. I said,
“Take care what you do with yourself, for your case won’t do to be
trifled with.’ Three days after this I was surprised to find him at his
work, and well again. ‘Sir,’ he said, ‘ this medicine has had such a
wonderful effect upon me that I have kept some of it to show you.”
The specimen he then gave me I handed to my Chinese servant, who.
seemed perfectly familiar with it, and speedily obtained me a large:
supply. I then determined to try it in the first case that came before:
me. A few days.after a sailor applied to me for chronic dysentery,
which had been going on for eighteen months, having contracted the
malady when in China, on a previous voyage. I immediately placed
him ona strong decoction of the fungus, which he took in two oz.
doses, three times a day; and in eight or ten days he seemed quite
cured. Being then permitted to go out, he got drunk, was exposed
to night air, &c., and had a return of his malady. Again, however,
the same medicine was employed with the same favourable result, and

222

he joined his ship in the enjoyment of recruited health. These two
cases made me very sanguine of the value of the fungus as a cure in
diarrhoea and dysentery, but future experience by no means realized
the hopes I entertained respecting it. Since then I have so often
found it fail completely, that T now regard it as being inferior in effi-
cacy to many of the remedial agents we already possess. Mr. A. H.
Balfour, in Hong Kong, has also tried it successfully, but I think his
experience has been similar to my own. It grows on old dead trees
and rotten timber; hence, and from its shape, the name by which it
is designated in China—‘ mok-yii, the ear of a tree. The fungus
itself is much prized by the natives as an article of food on account of
its mucilaginous properties. They eat it in soups, stews, &c., and
consider it a great dainty. In taste it is very insipid, but certainly
not more so than the far-famed bird’s-nest.”

Dr. Douglas Maclagan exhibited specimens of the plant brought
from Penang by Mr. W. D. Maclagan. In that country it is called
sweekiang, and is used for food.

4. ‘On Poisoning with Indian Species of Datura. By Dr. Herbert
Giraud, Professor of Chemistry and Materia Medica in Grant Medi-
cal College, Bombay.’ Dr. Giraud had brought this subject before
the Medical and Physical Society of Bombay, and the observations
forming the present paper were communicated to the Botanical So-
ciety by Dr. Balfour. The very numerous cases of poisoning by
Datura that have of late occurred in Bombay, have afforded opportu-
nities for observing the action of a poison, of which but a seanty
record is to be found in the standard works on Materia Medica and
Toxicology. Several species of the genus Datura are indigenous
throughout India: and Datura alba (D. metel, Rox. Flora, i. p. 561)
and D. fastuosa (Rox. Flora, i. p. 561) are found growing in gardens
and amongst rubbish, about villages, all over the country; although
the species most familiar to Europeans, Datura Stramonium, is un-
known here. The intoxicating properties of those plants appear to
have been known amongst eastern nations from time immemorial, and
they have long been employed in India, China (where D. ferox is
used), and the islands of the Eastern Archipelago to facilitate the
commission of theft and other crimes; for which nefarious purpose
Datura Stramonium appears, of late years, to have been in some few
instances employed in France and Germany. Here the cases of
poisoning by the species of Datura are so frequent, that the natives
usually recognize them by their characteristic symptoms. The
motives that prompt the administration of the poison appear to be

223

extremely various. It is remarkable that although administered
under many different circumstances, and with varied motives, it
should so seldom prove fatal here; that not a single case in which
the effects of Datura could be distinctly traced has terminated fatally ;
and of fifty-one cases that were treated in the Bombay Hospital
during the past year, only four presented alarming symptoms. Not-
withstanding the recent prevalence of Datura-poisoning, it has been
only on the presumptive evidence of its characteristic symptoms that
its action has been inferred. The poison is administered so steal-
thily, and the natives are so backward in aiding the cause of justice,
that it is next to impossible to obtain positive evidence of the admi-
nistration of the poison, or to trace it to the culprit; although, from
their familiarity with its nature, and with the modes of its administra-
tion, it is evident that many of the lower orders of the people are
acquainted with the adepts who employ it. These remarks, however,
apply, with equal truth, to cases of poisoning by such substances as
arsenic and corrosive sublimate, the presence of which may be deter-
mined by the surer methods of chemical analysis. From the informa-
tion Dr. Giraud has been able to collect from natives, it would
appear that the seeds are the parts of the plant usually administered.
They are powdered and thrown into rice, bajree, and other grains, or
mixed up with cakes and sweetmeats. Sometimes, however, an infu-
sion or decoction of the leaves is prepared and introduced into the
vessels in which food is being cooked; but of the usual quantities of
the seeds employed, or of the strength of the infusion and decoction,
Dr. Giraud has had no means of judging. Of the cause that has pro-
duced so sudden and remarkable an increase in the use of this poison,
it is difficult to form any conjecture. Viewing the most prevalent
motive to Datura-poisoning, it would seem as if some regularly-orga-
nized band of thieves had, within the last year, invaded our island.
_ From 1837 and 1838, when a few cases of poisoning, supposed to be
from Datura, were noticed by Drs. Bell and M‘Lennan, in the annual
reports of the Native General Hospital, up to 1848, only from six to
ten such cases have been annually recorded ; but during the past year
fifty-one cases have come under hospital treatment.

In’ a note received by Dr. Cleghorn from the Superintendent of
Thuggee, in Mysore, it was stated that the seeds of Datura alba were
employed by thieves and other rogues to narcotise their victims, and
deprive them of the power of resistance.

5. ‘Report on the State of Vegetation in the Edinburgh Botanic
Garden. By Mr. M‘Nab.’ Mr. M‘Nab’s previous observations on

224

the flowering of plants in the Garden up to the 10th of April, 1851,
not having included the following species, which were recorded as in
flower on or before that date in 1850, he presented this list, closing
the observations for the season.

Dates of Flowering.

1851. 1850.

Helonias bullata - - : - - April 12 April 10
Draba rupestris - - - - - 4 Hs se f
Carex pilosa - - - - - sip =
» stenophylla - - - - = ale 5 5
Fritillaria Meleagris - 2 - - BES a CRG
Anemone Pulsatilla = - - - - - » 16 $4 3
Narcissus poeticus - - - - - een 71) EO
Asphodelus tauricus— - - = - - 3 7 wil ld
Narcissus pallidus - - - - - Pope wits: os 9
» Stellaris - - - - - $748 6
Orobus canescens - - 2 - - Baw fs) is 5
Potentilla opaca - - - Ee = Lg - 9
Cardamine bellidifolia - = 5 = 19 4

A note was read from Mr. Babington, stating that Ranunculus tri-
chophyllus, mentioned by Mr. Syme as found near Edinburgh, is a
very common form of R. aquatilis.

It was stated by Dr. Mitchell, in a letter to the President, that the
plant called by Dr. Howitt Ginanthe pimpinelloides, and for which
he gives several stations in his Flora of Nottingham, is CH. Lachenalii.
It is very abundant in the blue lias districts. All the Leicestershire
stations for CH. pimpinelloides are those of Gi. Lachenalii, the former
not being found either in Leicestershire or Nottinghamshire. ‘These
facts render it probable that (i. Lachenalii is not so “ rare in fresh
water” as it is said to be, both in Babington’s Manual and in the last
edition of Hooker’s Flora; the mistake has doubtless arisen from the
roots not having been examined. Specimens of the plant were sent
by Dr. Mitchell, along with other specimens, from Nottingham.

Mr. M‘Nab exhibited several sections of oak stems found in the
course of excavations made at Tanfield, Canonmills, and read the fol-
lowing notice, supplied by Mr. M‘Caul, who had superintended the
operations :—“ In the course of excavating a pit fora new gasometer
nine years ago, a number of oak stems, the largest two feet in diameter,
were found, of which Nos. 1 and 2are sections. At that time I did
not take any interest in such things, and therefore cannot give any
accurate information regarding them. In the pit now excavating, and
from eighty to ninety feet from the one alluded to, two fine trees were

225

found, from which the sections Nos. 3 and 4 were cut. The position
they occupied was about ten feet below the original surface, beneath
the lowest bed of gravel and immediately over the boulder clay, their
direction being nearly east and west. Three of the pieces were lying
horizontally, and two of them had a rise towards the east at an angle
of 10°. At the western or lower part of these stems, roots in con-
nexion with them could be traced, but they mouldered away to the
touch.” ‘The sections exhibited have been presented by Mr. M‘Caul
to the museum of the Botanic Garden.

There was exhibited a large and beautiful tuft, made in wax, of
Gentiana verna, covered with flowers, having been prepared by Miss
Fraser, in imitation of a fine plant, shown at a previous meeting, from
Dr. Neill’s garden. The wax plant was so accurately executed that
it was at first taken for a living plant. Having been presented by
Miss Fraser to Mr. M‘Nab, he presented it to the museum at the Bo-
tanic Garden.

A specimen of yellow-flowered Hibiscus, raised by Mr. Isaac An-
derson from seeds sent from China by Colonel Eyre, was exhibited.
The plant was about two feet high, and had a woody stem. The
leaves are hairy, the petals sulphur-yellow, the flower when expanded
being three to four inches across. The epicalyx consists of eight to
ten linear sepals, while the calyx consists of two sepals united and
thrown to one side.

A specimen of Hyoscyamus, raised from seeds communicated to
Mr. Moore, of the Glasnevin Botanic Garden, by Major Madden, was
exhibited. The plant grows in the Himalaya, and resembles H. albus
in some respects. In the open border it attains the height of two feet. .
It has ovate leaves and terminal cymes. The flowers are of a dingy
yellow, and the calyx is covered with glandular pubescence. Dr.
Douglas Maclagan tried the effect of the plant on the eye. A single
drop of the fresh juice caused dilatation of the pupil in twenty
minutes, and the dilatation, with slight double vision, continued for
twenty-four hours.

A curious Siberian Iris was exhibited by Mr. Samuel Hay. He
had procured it from Mr. Cunningham, of Comely Bank, but no his-
tory was given with it. It might possibly be a hybrid.

Several interesting alpine plants were exhibited from the garden of
Dr. Neill, including Arenaria ciliata, &c.; also a plant of Strelitzia
regina, showing a peculiar malformation by the adhesion of the two
leaves by their mid-ribs. There was likewise shown a species of
Kennedia, which had been sent home by Commissary Neill.

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226

Mr. Stark exhibited a number of interesting plants in flower,
including Menziesia cerulea and Ophrys muscifera; also several ferns,
which he had raised from spores.

Mr. Flockhart sent for exhibition a large specimen of silicified wood
from New Zealand, showing well exogenous structure.

From the hothouses of the Botanic Garden there were many beau-
tiful plants exhibited, including Cactus crinitus, having a peculiar
fragrance, Croton variegatum, &c.

Dr. James Mitchell was elected Local Secretary for Nottingham, in
the room of Dr. Howitt, who has gone to Australia.

Thomas Ivory, Esq., 9, Ainslie Place, was elected a Fellow.

After the meeting the members enjoyed a walk through the Botanic
Garden along with Professor Balfour.

Thursday, June 19, 1851. Professor Balfour, President, in the
chair.

The following donations to the Society’s library and herbarium
were announced :—Remarks on Calysaccion longifolium, Wight, by
Dr. Cleghorn, V.P., from the Author; ‘ Botanical Gazette,’ from the
Editor; ‘Report of the Royal Asiatic Society of Gr@at Britain and
Ireland,’ from the Secretary, through Dr. Cleghorn; British plants
from Dr. Bidwell and Mr. J. T. Syme.

A copy of the new edition of the Society’s ‘ Catalogue of British
Plants’ was laid on the table.

Mr. Syme resigned his office of Curator of the Society’s herbarium,
in consequence of having been appointed Curator of the herbarium of
. the Botanical Society of London. On the motion of the President,
the Society agreed to record in their minutes their sense of obligation
to Mr. Syme for his valuable services, and an expression of regret that
they were now to be deprived of his able assistance. The Secretary
was directed to communicate this to Mr. Syme.

Mr. Wyville T. C. Thomson, Lecturer on Botany at King’s College,
Aberdeen, was elected Local Secretary for Aberdeen.

Mr. Henry Paul presented a specimen of Codium Bursa, collected
in the neighbourhood of Brighton.

Dr. Balfour exhibited specimens of Bryum Wahlenbergii from Ain
niston, near Edinburgh, where they were collected by Mr. Veitch,
gardener at Arniston; also specimens of Gottschea appendiculata
from New Zealand, collected by Mr. Sinclair.

Dr. Balfour also exhibited specimens of the following species of
Podostemacee, which had been presented to the herbarium at the

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227

Botanic Garden by Dr. Greville: — Podostemon rigidum, Gard.,
Neilgherries; P. dichotomum, Gard., do.; P. Wightii, Gard., do. ;
P. griseum, Gard., do.; P. elongatum, Gard., do.; P. olivaceum,
Gard., Ceylon; P. subulatum, Gard., Ceylon; P. Wallichii, &. Br.,
Assam; Tristicha Ceylonica, Gard., Ceylon.

The following specimens, which had been presented to the museum
at the Botanic Garden, were shown :—1. a large cluster of cocoa-nuts,
presented by Michael Connal, Esq., Glasgow; 2. a cluster of fruit of
Elais guineensis, the plant which yields palm-oil in Africa, presented
by J. D. Anderson, Esq., of Liverpool; 3. specimens of North-
American chestnuts, by the same; 4. a specimen of the fruit of
Vanilla aromatica, ripened at Sion House, the seat of the Duke of
Northumberland, presented by Mr. Ivison.

Mr. Anderson exhibited living plants of Pinguicula grandiflora,
Lam., gathered in a glen three miles from Cork, and recently sent to
him by a friend.

Mr. Sibbald exhibited flowering plants of Saxifraga hirta, which
he had received from Galtee Mohr, in the county of Tipperary, one of
the few stations recorded for this species. Mr. Sibbald agreed with
Mr. Babington’s views as to the distinctness of S. hirta from hyp-
noides and affinis, and referred to the figures of ‘ English Botany’ as
characteristic of the plants.

The following papers were read :—

1. ‘On the Government Teak Plantations of Mysore and Malabar.
By Dr. Hugh Cleghorn, H.E.1.C.S.2. The author exhibited speci-
mens of teak from the plantations of Mysore and Malabar, and stated
that the glory of the Ghaut Forest was its teak, the vast importance
of which was becoming daily more known and appreciated ; the tim-
ber, indeed, has been long prized. Bontius described the tree under
the name of Quercus Indica, though, except as regards the timber, it
has no resemblance to the oak. Rheede has given an accurate repre-
sentation of Tectona grandis, and a good account of the teak forests
of Malabar :—“ Crescit ubique in Malabar, at presertim in Provincia
Calicolan (Calicut) ubi integre sylve ingentium harum arborum repe-
riuntur. * * * Lignum vero hujus arboris, quercino ligno haud
absimile, operi fabrili accomodum, atque Naupegis ad navium fabri-
cam in usu est: sed in aquis (presertim dulcibus) Teredini facile
obnoxium.” Dr. Cleghorn stated that he had travelled in 1847 the
route followed by Buchanan in 1801 (see ‘ Journal,’ vol. iii. p. 287),
and that the teak forests mentioned by him had well nigh disappeared.
Much attention is now given to this important article of trade by

228

the Government of India; plantations have been established, ‘first in
Malabar, afterwards in Mysore, and their present thriving condition
gives the prospect of eventual success.

2. On Chantransia, Desv. By John Ralfs.’ The species of Chan-
transia are fresh-water, minute, tufted Algie, of a red, purplish, or
inky colour. The proper position of this genus is doubtful. In habit
and appearance some of its species agree closely with the minute, pa-
rasitic, and irregularly-branched species of Callithamnion.

3. ‘Notice of Belenia prealta of Jacquemont. By Dr. Balfour.’
Dr. B. stated that the plant exhibited by him at the last meeting as a
species of Hyoscyamus, turns out to be the Belenia prealta of Jacque-
mont. The genus Belenia differs from Hyoscyamus in its corymbose
inflorescence and more regular flowers. The plant is described and
figured in Jacquemont’s work. It grows on the Himalaya at great
elevations, and towards the northern slope, abounding in the flat
plains on the lofty summits. The plant in the Botanic Garden was
raised from seeds sent by Major Madden to Mr. Moore, of Glasnevin.

4. ‘Remarks on some Australian Products. By Samuel Mossman.’
Mr. M. exhibited specimens of the following products, brought by him
from Australia, and which he had presented to the museum at the
Botanic Garden :—

1. New-Zealand Flax.—< This beautiful silky fibre,” he remarked,
“is procured from the leaves of the Phormium tenax, Forst., by a
tedious hand-process of stripping it from the parenchyma with a shell.
Hitherto all attempts at preparing it by maceration, beating, and the
appliances of machinery have failed in producing an article equal to
that dressed in this simple manner by the aborigines. ‘This plant
grows abundantly in tufts on marshy land throughout the whole of the
New-Zealand group of islands. It is manufactured into mats for
clothing by the Maories, and into rope by the Europeans there, to
whom it is worth about £60 per ton.”

2. “ Kauri Gum” of Commerce.—* This is a very pure resin from
the Dammara australis or Kauri pine of New Zealand, and has been
erroneously termed a gum by the settlers. The tree bears fertile and
sterile cones, and sheds its bark like the Eucalyptus of Australia.
The timber is much valued in the navy for making large and durable
spars. A remarkable circumstance connected with the collecting of
this resin is, that it is principally got amongst sandy soil on open
fern-land, where not the vestige of a tree is to be found, a fact which
indicates the existence, at a recent date, of extensive forests of this
pine, having merely surface-roots on the thin soil of these islands,

229

deriving their nourishment mainly from the humid state of the atmos-
phere which characterizes that climate. It is worth £18 per ton to
the Americans, who manufacture a superior quality of varnish from it.”

3. “ Mimosa Bark” of Commerce.—“ This is the bark of Acacia
dealbata, and pays to ship it to England, notwithstanding the dis-
tance, from the fact of its containing a greater per centage of tannin
than any other bark. It is a handsome tree, from fifteen to thirty
feet high, forming luxuriant groves on the banks of streams, most
abundant in Port Philip and Twofold Bay, between the parallels of
34° and 38° south latitude. These groves, when in full blossom,
send forth a fragrance which may be detected several miles distant,
and on approaching them, they present one of the most picturesque
features in Australian forest scenery.”

4. Seeds from the Cone of Araucaria Bidwillit.—“ The magnifi-
cent pine which bears these seeds, is only found between the paral-
lels of 26° and 28° south latitude, and longitude 152°, 153° 30' east,
near Moreton Bay, on the east coast of Australia. The cone is fre-
quently found twelve inches in diameter, containing about 150 seeds,
with an edible kernel as large asa walnut. The aborigines roast
these seeds, crack the husk between two stones, and eat them hot.
They taste something like a yam or hard dry potato. The trees bear
cones only once in four years, during a period of six months. This
season is held as a great festival by the aborigines of this locality,
called by them Bunga Bunga, where they congregate in greater num-
bers than is known in any other part of Australia, frequently coming
from a distance of 300 miles. They grow sleek and fat upon this
diet. An act has been passed by the legislature of the colony prohi-
biting, under heavy pains and penalties, the demolition of these trees,
being the natural food of the natives.”

5. Fossil Ferns in shale, from the coal measures of Australia.—
“‘ Evidence has been found of the carboniferous strata running along
the east coast of Australia, extending north and south a distance of
1000 miles. The veins are worked on the Hunter river, at Newcastle,
and afford a valuable export at the present time to California and the
neighbouring colonies.”

Mr. Mossman also exhibited twenty new species of Australian
plants, and remarked,—“ Since Brown’s ‘ Prodromus’ was published,
in 1810, very little has been done in illustrating the botany of Au-
stralia. Few genera have been added to the list given by this emi-
nent botanist. Although Cunningham, Labillardiére, and others have
added materially to our list of species, there is still a vast field open

230

in this interesting region to future additions in botanical discovery, as
is evident from the little I have done myself in that distant land, hav-
ing brought home forty new species, some of which [ now exhibit.
In my herbarium of ferns, is one rather interesting to the student of
this department of botany. No. 667 may be considered a variety of
Stegania (Lomaria) nuda, R&. Br.; ithas the fructification of Lomaria,
but the venation of Blechnum in parts of the frond, but not in all.
Sir William Hooker and Mr. J. Smith have observed it before, and
do not agree with Mr. Brown entirely in his discrimination of the two
genera: for example, Mr. Smith considers the Lomaria Spicant of
Mr. Brown as a Blechnum, and this variety of Lomaria nuda, Br.,
tends merely to show, according to him, that it too is truly a Blech-
num, not a Lomaria.”

Dr. Balfour made some remarks on the glandular stipules of Cin-
chonacee. Mr. Weddell states that on the inner surface of the base
of the stipules of Cinchona and allied genera, he had observed nu-
merous small glands which secreted a gummy fluid. In Cinchonas
the secretion is transparent and fluid, while in several other genera it
is solid and opaque, and seems to glue the stipules to the bud which
they embrace; this is particularly the case in Pimentelia glomerata.
In Rondeletia the secretion is soft, hke wax, and of a beautiful green
colour. The inhabitants of Peru give it the name of Aceite-Maria or
oil of Mary; they collect it carefully, and use it as an external appli-
cation in various diseases. The stipular glands have an oval or lan-
ceolate form, and are somewhat pointed. The axis of the gland is in
the form of an elongated cone; it is composed of elongated and dense
cellular tissue. Dr. Balfour, with the aid of his pupil, Mr. Matthews,
examined these glands in many Cinchonacee, and they detected them
in fresh specimens of the following :—Cinchona Calisaya, Burchellia
capensis, Cephaélis Ipecacuanha, Coffea arabica, Ixora javanica,
Musseenda frondosa, Rondeletia speciosa, Pavetta indica, Luculia
gratissima and Pinceana, Pentas carnea, Gardenia Stanleyana, and
other species. In some the secretion was beautifully coloured.
Specimens were shown under the microscopes, as well as magnified
drawings of the glands.

Dr. Balfour stated that he had recently received a letter from Dr.
Walker-Arnott, in which he remarks, that in preparing spiral vessels
to show them fresh, he finds the most easy plan is to take the petiole
or peduncle of Pinguicula vulgaris and squeeze it between two glass
slides, so that it may become thin and transparent. In this way a

231

w#
preparation is made which, when put under the microscope, exhibits
spiral vessels and annular ducts distinctly without any further trouble.

Dr. Balfour exhibited specimens of Knappia agrostidea, recently
collected by Mr. Syme at Gullane Links, but which he had subse-
quently ascertained to have been sown there by several botanists at
different times ; as also Ranunculus confusus, Gr. et G., from a pond
at the same place; and R. trichophyllus, from the pools at Gullane:
the latter is considered by Mr. Babington and others as a variety of
R. aquatilis. Dr. Balfour also exhibited from Mr. Syme dried speci-
mens of Narcissus poeticus, retaining the beautiful colour of the
flower; the specimens had been received in a fresh state from the
Rev. Mr. Bree, Allesley Rectory.

Many interesting plants were exhibited from the Botanic Garden,
among which were Solanum fragrans, a well-flowered specimen of
Dendrobium densiflorum, a set of Robertsonian saxifrages, alpine
plants, rare Carices, &c.

A collection of beautiful alpine plants was likewise exhibited, from
the garden of Dr. Neill, Canonmills Cottage, including Stellaria sca-
pigera, Oxyria reniformis, and others of interest. —

Mr. Stark exhibited Stylidium androsaceum, Orchis muscifera,
Aceras anthropophora, and other interesting plants in flower; also a
fresh specimen of ‘T'richomanes radicans, in a state of fructification.

The following gentlemen were elected Fellows :—George S. Blackie,
Esq., Alexander G. Duff, Esq., and Charles J. Davenport, Esq., Edin-
burgh.

Microscopical Society of London.

May 21, 1851. George Shadbolt, Esq., in the chair.

Thomas Chamberlin, Esq., Jabez Hogg, Esq., John Ladds, Esq.,
William Ladd, Esq., Joseph Taylor, Esq., and George Field, Esq.,
were balloted for and duly elected members of the Society.

A paper by George Shadbolt, Esq., ‘ On the Sporangia of some of
the Filamentous Fresh-water Algz,’ was read.

After stating that the facts to which he wished to direct the atten-
tion of the Society were, if not hitherto entirely unknown, at any rate
not made public, so far as he had been able to ascertain, the author
proceeded to describe that he had ascertained that the sporangia of
Zygnema quadratum, Z. varians, and of another of the Algz, probably
a species of Tyndaridea, undergo a gradual change of form, and
finally assume a stellate character, precisely similar in appearance to

232

the so-called Xanthidia found in sections of flint, and analogous to
the stellate sporangia of the allied family of the Desmidiee ; that con-
sequently the figures of the sporangia of the above-named species, as
given in Hassall’s ‘ British Fresh-water Alge,’ though perfectly correct
as far as they go, are only figures of the fruit in a transition state.
He suggested that as Zygnema quadratum is a species in which con-
jugation occurs between contiguous cells of the same frond, while, on
the contrary, in Z. varians it takes place between those of different
filaments, in all probability a similar change to that described ensues
with regard to the sporangia of all the species in both the sub-divisions
of the genus, and possibly in most, if not in all, of the family.

June 18,1851. Dr. Arthur Farre, President, in the chair.

A paper by P. H. Gosse, Esq., ‘On the large Actinophrys of Hich-
horn, and on the Structure of the Flesh in the Polygastrica, was read.

After citing the observations of Eichhorn, to the effect that he wit-
nessed the capture of small Crustacea by the tentacles of this animal,
and the digestion of them within its body, which have been doubted
by later naturalists, the author mentioned that he had himself met
with the animal on two occasions, though it appears to have been un-
seen since the days of its first describer. Mr. Gosse then charac-
terized the species, to which he assigned the name of Actinophrys
Kichhornii. It is a whitish globe, distinctly visible to the naked eye,
and seen, under the microscope, to be studded all over its surface
with long, delicate, pointed, divergent rays. These organs have the
power of arresting, by mere contact, animals of much higher organi-
zation, which the author witnessed, and thus confirmed the testimony
of its discoverer. The paper went on to describe the rays as wholly
retractile within the body; and other organs, in the form of clear oval
bladders, also capable of being protruded and retracted at various
parts of the surface; as well as vesicles contained within the substance,
and which, frequently inclosing food, evidently perform the part (the
author thinks only temporarily) of stomachs.

Mr. Gosse described the body of this animalcule as made up of an
aggregation of large, distinct, perfectly transparent, unnucleated cells,
- pressing over and against each other, and thus rendered polygonal.
Their walls are not membranous, but composed of a semifluid viscous
mucus, resembling the bubbles on the surface of soapy water. This
substance is endowed with contractility, which the author proved
from several circumstances; and he considered that the protrusile
bladders and the stomach-cells are only modifications of the common

233

cells of the flesh. Mr. Gosse drew analogies to illustrate this
structure from the Meduse, the Hydra, and especially from the
Spirostoma and the Stylonychia, polygastric animalcules; and his
observations went to show that the organization in this class of
animals is exceedingly simple, consisting of little more than a homo-
geneous fluid drawn out into spherical films or cells, probably
inclosing a very subtle vapour.

A second paper, by H. C. Sorby, Esq., ‘ On the Tensions developed
among the Tissues of Wood by its Growth,’ was read.

The author commenced by stating that in studying the depolarizing
structure of wood, he had used asa polarizer a rotatable large
Nichol’s prism, placed behind the lenses of the achromatic condenser ;
and as an analyzer, a film of selenite and another Nichol’s prism,
which could be rotated independently or conjointly, placed over the
eye-piece. By these arrangements, he obtained abundance of light
when using high powers; and by rotating the selenite, the direction
of the positively and negatively doubly-refracting axes of the object
under examination were easily ascertained.

Upon examining with this apparatus longitudinal sections of recent
wood, with a power of about 400 linear, they were found to consist
of laminz, some of which possess positive and others negative double
refraction in the line of their length, the principal axes lying one in
that direction and the other at right angles to it. This alternation of
positive and negative lamine, and the probable cause, form the prin-
cipal subjects of this paper. The number of alternations varies, but
from five to ten are usual. The passage from one to the other is
often quite sudden, but is sometimes gradual. The wood considered
as the best for showing these effects was that of the Conifere; and
the effects of polarization, as exhibited by the medullary rays, the
disks, the spiral fibre, and the ducts were described. The cause of
alternation of the positive and negative lamine is ascribed by Mr.
Sorby to the tension produced by the growth of the plant; and he ex-
plains it by supposing that first of all the original walls of the tubes
of which the laminz are composed were neutral, or had such a variable,
slight, positive and negative action as is seen in cellular tissue, and
that then inside them woody matter was deposited, which had a ten-
dency to expand in the line of the length. This, by stretching the
original walls, would produce in them a positive action in the line of
their length, and their reaction on the fresh-formed tissue would de-
velop in ita negative structure ; and a constant repetition of this pro-
cess would produce the various alternations now under consideration.

VoL. Iv. 2H

234

In conclusion, he stated that although these suppositions might not
adequately explain all the phenomena that might be observed, still
this structure proves that there have been alternations of ligneous tis-
sue, either having tensions in different directions, or a self-existing
double refraction of different characters; but he considers the sup-
position that the effects are due to tension agrees with the neutral
action of some parts and the general properties of others much the
best ; and he felt convinced that the study of the double refraction of
the tissues of plants would be of great utility in arriving at a correct
knowledge of the manner of their development.

Another paper, ‘On the Minute Structure on a Species of Fanga-
sina,’ by W. C. Williamson, Esq., was also read.

In former communications to the Society, the author pointed out
the existence of a curious system of tubes and canals, penetrating the
parietes and septa of several species of foraminiferous shells, in which
the structure of Polystomella, some species of Nonionina and Am-
phistegina were described. On making sections of a species of Fan-
gasina, D’Orb., from Manilla, the existence of a much larger and more
interesting arrangement of tubes was discovered. The shell is con-
structed on the inequilateral plan of Truncatulina tuberculata, and
viewed as an opaque object, exhibits a series of vertical translucent
spaces, with the intervening parietes to which the foramina are limited.
Along each of the vertical septal lines there exists an irregular double
row of very distinct pits or depressions; similar pits are also seen
inferiorly in the radiating septa which divide the different segments
of each convolution. On making a series of sections of the shell, we
learn that these pits or depressions are the external orifices of a cu-
rious system of intraseptal canals and spaces ramifying in its interior.
A section taken close to the inferior flat surface of the shells exhibits
a spiral translucent septum, separating the convolutions; the seg-
ments present the ordinary foraminated aspect, and are arranged in
the usual spiral manner; in the radiating interseptal lines are seen
numerous small orifices, which open, by means of short canals, into
the interseptal spaces immediately above them. On making a second
section, parallel to the first, but a little above the peripheral margin,
we perceive that there exists a number of large branching intraseptal
tubes and passages, which commence at the innermost segments and
proceed in a radiating manner towards the periphery; these appear
designed primarily to multiply the number of external orifices; but
in addition to this, they subsequently facilitate the establishment of a
free communication between the internal intraseptal spaces and those

235

of the newer convolution, in which the septa are more numerous.
Small circular apertures appear along the course of these tubes, and
mark as many points where the section has traversed the orifices of
the canals, descending to the inferior surface of the shell. A third
section, made parallel to the foregoing, is cut through the shell a little
above the superior extremities of cells belonging to the central con-
volutions. We here see that the portions which, in the former
section, had the appearance of radiating tubes, are really the lower
borders of vertical interseptal spaces, but at the same time giving off
true divergent cylindrical canals from their external margins, which
penetrate the thick parietes of the shell. Whilst these spaces com-
municate externally, they open internally into a large irregular cavity,
the true nature of which is better understood by reference to a verti-
cal section of this instructive object passing nearly through its centre;
this section, if it has not traversed the primordial cell, has certainly
crossed the second one, along with four others, in the successive order
of their development. Whilst their inferior portions are nearly on a
uniform level, the upper extremities of those belonging to successive
convolutions become rapidly elongated, leaving between them a large,
irregular, conical space. In the species under consideration a new
and curious feature is presented: the cavities in the translucent cal-
careous shell are thickly lined with a dark olive-brown substance ;
this substance not only exists in the interior of all the cells, but also
occupies the intraseptal spaces and their respective canals, as well as
the irregular cavity in the umbilical centre of the shell. It is most
probable that this brown substance is really the desiccated soft ani-
mal. A thin superficial section, made in the plane of the oblique
sides of the conical shell, exhibits some of the septa with the large
orifices of their interseptal canals, with the external parietes of some
of the segments densely perforated with minute pseudopodian fora-
mina, and a small lateral portion of the dome-like apex of the shell,
which is perforated with apertures, through which a free communica-
tion is maintained between the external medium and the inclosed
space. The nature of the latter varies considerably; sometimes it
exists in the form of a large irregular cavity, and at others as an intri-
cate network of large canals. The character of the external orifices
also varies: in some examples they are large and patent; in others,
numerous smaller tubes, ascending from the subjacent network, con-
verge at some superficial depressions which occupy the position of
the larger orifices.

The above facts show that the subject of the present memoir pre-

236

sents a very different structure from any of the Foraminifera hitherto
described, but they support the conclusion at which the author
arrived in a preceding memoir, viz., that the soft animal has the
power of extending itself far beyond the limits of any individual seg-
ment, and is thus enabled to secrete calcareous matter in other situa-
tions than the mere investing parietes of its own cell. It is only in
this way that we can explain the production of the dome-like covering
which encloses the central umbilical cavities and their ramifying ca-
nals. But if it should be ultimately proved that the soft tissues have
occupied all these irregular cavities, we shall then have a form of
organization which, from its great variability of contour, will approach
more closely to the sponges than any hitherto described.

The author concludes by stating that although these details may
appear to be tediously minute, yet it must be remembered that until
we are accurately familiar with all the leading types of structure ex-
isting in this interesting group of organisms, we cannot be in a condi-
tion to arrive at final conclusions respecting their nature and zoological
position.—J. W.

Account of a Privileged Locality near Torquay, in Devonshire.
By Epwin Legs, Esq., F.L.S.

Boranists have scarcely paid sufficient attention to those “ privi-
leged localities,” as they have been not unaptly termed, or secluded
natural botanic gardens, where either some very local plant almost
exclusively flourishes, or a number of plants are located together in
friendly community, which may not be so met with elsewhere for
many miles round. Plants found in such places may be generally
taken as “ certainly wild” there, without any doubt, and the flowers
thus in community may be all esteemed as truly indigenous. Indeed,
such spots appear to be the relics of the original vegetable aspect of
the districts where they occur, and they seem to suggest that from
such centres of plantation, if not creation, vegetation took its first
migrations ; though some plants, sluggish and unenterprizing, have
scarcely progressed from the spots where they were originally placed.

Such favoured habitats are peculiarly grateful to the wandering bo-
tanist to find, and it is extremely useful to notice them, as thus, in a
comparatively narrow space, numerous remarkable species are localized
together, which to find, even separately, wight require the pacing of

237

the weary foot for many consecutive miles. I have in a former num-
ber of the ‘ Phytologist’ described an excursion to Craig Brithen, one
of the privileged localities alluded to; and I now proceed to notice
another — Anstey’s Cove, near Torquay, Devonshire. Authors of
floras should make particular mention of such spots when within
their assigned boundaries, noticing all the plants growing there, which
might be useful in several ways, besides giving the botanical tourist,
who may have but little time on his hands, an opportunity to make a
good vasculum with certainty, instead of that chance wandering which
often only dissipates a dies non.

To any visitor of South Devon, then, I recommend a day at An-
stey’s Cove and Babbicombe Rocks, only about two miles east of
Torquay, along the coast, broken as it is into little romantic coves,
with beaches of glistening white pebbles. My visitation was made in
the middle of June, in the present year, probably as good a time as
any, most of the plants I shall mention being then in full flower or
getting into the flowering state.

The rocks in the vicinity of Torquay are of the massive limestone
belonging to what geologists call the Devoniam system, and are seen
eastward and westward in connexion with the new red sandstone and
conglomerates. At Babbicombe the limestone is brought in contact
with the conglomerate, and the contrast of the deep red of the sand-
stone cliffs with the hoary elder rocks and the glittering white shore,
over which the green sea ripples in its transparency, is very remarkable.

Anstey’s Cove, which I am about to describe, is one of those deli-
cious spots ever inviting to the imagination of the lover of secluded
nature, and the hopes of the wandering herbalist; even the poet might
gain some addition to his train of thoughts from the contemplation of
its peculiar beauties.

Entering from the eastern side, over the down that extends to the
margin of the cliff from the Torquay road, a wide portal appears in
the limestone rock, a sublime indicator of the exciting scene. On
either hand lofty perpendicular precipices rise upwards, almost terri-
fying to the sight; but Nature has robed the barren rock with beauty,
and in summer the stainless flowers of the white rock-rose (Helian-
themum polifoliwm) charm the eye of the explorer with their lustre
and delicacy, drooping on all sides, but not descending far into the
glen. From this portal a slippery staircase of rough steps winds to
the cove below, which is hemmed in by the sea on one side and pre-
cipitous rocks on the other, while the uneven ground is scattered over
as if with the ruins of a Cyclopean city, or some Stonehenge that an

238

earthquake has dislocated. Vast isolated stones rise up at high
angles of inclination along the face of the escarpment, while the de-
clivities are covered with broken cromlechs and logans, or monstrous
slabs that might readily be believed to be portions of such Druidical
erections. Among these masses the Rubia peregrina winds its stem
and spreads its prickly leaves abundantly wherever a crevice presents
itself; the blue Acinos vulgaris and the purple thyme (Thymus Ser-
pyllum) are also conspicuous, and under the rocks the pale blue-
veined flowers of the Iris feetidissima rise amidst tufts of polished
leaves, scattered about in considerable numbers.

The destructive influences of time and atmospheric action upon the
Yock here is shown in a yawning cavity on the right of the descent,
which seems an opening to unexplored caverns, but too dangerous to
penetrate, for a stone at the entrance totters to its fall, while ash and
other trees, pushing in, widen the differences between rocks once
joined together, till the parting is irreparable, and winding chasms
tempt the ingress of the Cotyledon and the fern. But looking down-
ward from this broken scene of ruinous discord, the greenish-blue sea
appears in calm repose, faintly murmuring upon a beach of white
pebbles below, while the rocks that enclose the eastern side rise up
in shattered pinnacles of romantic shape.

At the bottom of the cove monstrous masses of rock, almost regular
in shape, appear like the bases of the pillars of a ruined temple, which
it might be supposed had been anciently dedicated to Solitude; Na-
ture has overthrown it, for she would have no erections but of her
own formation; and now the green privet and the greener ivy, care-
lessly thrown about the sea-washed masses, gives them a contrasting
hue that weds beauty to abandonment. Even the samphire, dashed °
down from its usual lofty position, succumbs to circumstance, and
fearful of another crash of ruin, luxuriates on the shore, yet just suf-
ficiently out of the reach of the tidal surge. Far up on the face of the
interior crags the Pyrus Aria shakes its silver leaf, and clumps of the
Viburnum Lantana are widely dispersed around, now showing their
green berries. The glaucous Sedum, bending its unopen heads of
yellow flowers, is abundant everywhere on the broken rocky surface,
and here and there appear the fully-expanded argent corollas of Se-
dum Anglicum. The golden tufts of the commoner S. acre also
diversify the floral prospect, while numerous plants of the rose-
coloured Orchis (O. pyramidalis) give quite a feature to the scene,
and a few of the bee-Orchis (Ophrys apifera) luxuriate in the
bright sunshine in full perfection. Nor was insect life altogether

239

absent, for several “ painted-lady ” butterflies (Vanessa Cardui), no-
where, I believe, very common, were sporting about, and seemed
restricted to this beautiful recess.

In passing slowly on, the sea, that had previously spread its bound-
less view in front, becomes contracted by the junction of a mass of
intervening rock with the jutting and eastern headland, and a placid
lake appears in silent seclusion, seeming a retreat where the world is
totally shut out, and every care shut out with it. The limestone
rocks, perfectly bare though they are, above this apparent lake, and
gray with high antiquity at their summits, yet from the oxydation of
their surface lower down, assume a deep burnt-sienna tint, varying in
its intensity, and are almost indigo at the water’s edge—this variation
of colour adding much to the beauty of the picture, which without it
would here have but a sterile aspect, though the samphire occa-
sionally imparts a touch of verdure to the rocks. Just at this inte-
resting point, where the rocks meet and the sea appears to be shut
in, one can scarcely do otherwise than sink down upon the turf
quietly to enjoy the prospect that presents itself, and with a hermit’s
feelings give contemplation its fill.

Proceeding on, a fissure opens in the rocks, through which a nar-
row passage winds, and on emerging, another smaller cove appears
even wilder than the former, with white pebbles and broken rocks on
its margin, on which the surge dashes with hollow sound. But the
hollows and declivities of this glen are thickly covered with vegeta-
tion, from which its shattered rocks vainly strive to escape, for they
are held in its embraces, and it covers them with a vesture in almost
every part. Here, wildly wandering over the steeps, the wood vetch
‘(Vicia sylvatica) spreads most luxuriantly around, almost bathing its
purple tresses in the sea; and clustered in many spots, the beautiful
blossoms of the bastard balm (Melittis Melissophyllum)— white,
blotched with purple—appear strikingly conspicuous; while the air is
loaded with fragrance from the wild honeysuckle and the sweet-briar.

Why has not some poet seized a simile from the Melittis ’—here it
is, to be worked out by any one who wants a subject. While grow-
ing, the scent of the plant is most horehoundish and ungrateful ; but
treasure it up, and as it dries no odour of hay-field in summer can be
more delicious. Is it not like some adverse circumstance—bitter in
its growth, but losing its acrimony with time, and at last scenting the
memory? ‘Sweet are the uses of adversity.” But it is enough to
indicate the sentimental, though few I imagine but would imbibe
poetical thought in some degree from a brief sojourn in Anstey’s Cove.

240

This end of the cove, covered with various shrubs, quite contrasts
with the bare chaotic aspect of the eastern side, before described.
The acclivities rise up gently from the placid sea in tufts of, verdure,
yet terminate in cliffs that, though bold and broken, seem not like
bare riven masses of desolation, but are softened down to the appear-
ance of castellated ruins, where time has gently and gradually added
a grace with sprinkled ferns, dangling mosses, and dimly-gilded
lichens. The view, shut in except towards the sea, inspires thoughts
of gentle hermits and eternal seclusion ; until the nettle touch of me-
mory quickens the slothful mind, and awakens the dreamer to the
realities of life or to botanical investigation.

On the rocks at the head of Anstey’s Cove, I observed a deep na-
tural fissure in the limestone, of considerable depth, with several con-
nected widening cracks, varying much in breadth, in some places
easily stepped across, but in others quite formidable to contemplate
and dangerous to stumble into. The chasm was choked up by trees,
shrubs, and vegetation of various kinds, and until closely examined
did not appear so deep as it really was. ‘ Daddy’s Hole,” nearer to
Torquay, is a wide open chasm of the same description. Such places
would seem well adapted to the growth of ferns, but I only saw there
such common species as Asplenium Trichomanes, A. Ruta-muraria,
and Scolopendrium vulgare, this last being especially abundant in
Devonshire. I noticed, however, some very fine plants of Ceterach
officinarum growing in crevices of the limestone, to which it was en-
tirely confined, notwithstanding the proximity of the red conglomerate
and sandstone cliffs at Babbicombe Bay. The rocks at Babbicombe,
though they have been referred to in our floras, seemed by no means
so prolific of species as Anstey’s Cove; but they bore in many places
a very profuse investiture of that elegant moss, Neckera crispa.

I subjoin a list of plants gathered in two excursions to Anstey’s
Cove, in exemplification of its claims upon the botanical tourist; but
doubtless a resident of the vicinity could greatly increase the catalogue.

Plants found in Ansteys Cove, near Torquay.

Thalictrum minus, Arabis hirsuta, Cochlearia Danica, Brassica
oleracea.

Helianthemum polifolium. This elegant plant is stated in our
floras to be only found in Britain at Babbicombe, and on Brean
Down, Somerset. It presented a beautiful appearance on the rocks
forming the eastern side of Anstey’s Cove, but was more plentiful still
at the curious spot called “ Daddy’s Hole,” nearer to ‘Torquay.

241

Silene maritima, Hypericum montanum, Geranium lucidum and
columbinum, Evonymus Europeus, Anthyllis vulneraria, Hippocrepis
comosa, Vicia sylvatica (most abundant), Spirza Filipendula (in the
greatest profusion, and always devoutly attached to “airy downs”),
Rosa rubiginosa (in considerable plenty).

Pyrus Aria. Growing high up on the face of the precipitous lime-
stone both at Anstey’s Cove, Babbicombe Rocks, and Daddy’s Hole.
The specimens gathered here agreed pretty nearly with what I have
obtained from Craig Brithen, in Montgomeryshire. Mr. Babington
has recently suggested, in Henfrey’s ‘ Botanical Gazette, that there
are two British species, and revives the old name Scandica. I see
no advantage in this, for the alleged differences apply only to the
foliage ; and I find the leaves very variable on the same tree. Some
stress is laid upon the lateral nerves, said to be “ about 7 on each
side” in P. Scandica; and if this character be of any worth, my
plants are referrible to Scandica, but some of the leaves have only
five lateral nerves, while they vary greatly in width and lobation. I
have a specimen, gathered on the Cotswolds, Gloucestershire, with
the nerves eleven, and the leaves much sharper cut, but I should have
no faith in its being more than a variety. This comes nearer the ce-
lebrated Castle-Dinas plant, which is a mere seedling on the walls,
than the Devonshire specimens, but I should consider them all forms
of one species.

Cotyledon Umbilicus.

Sedum rupestre. In great abundance among the broken rocks
both here and at Babbicombe. Very glaucous in aspect, but with
none of the leaves reflexed, and considerably smaller in size than 8.
teflexum. Many of the flowers in specimens I gathered had from
seven to nine petals.

Sedum Anglicum and acre.

Crithmum maritimum, Daucus maritimus, Cornus sanguinea, Vibur-
num Lantana (in profuse abundance), Rubia peregrina (very common),
Galium saxatile, Scabiosa Columbaria.

The Composite were almost absent here, for I only noticed Car-
duus tenuiflorus, Solidago Virgaurea, and Inula Conyza.

Ligustrum vulgare. In great plenty on the rocks, just coming into
flower. It is remarkable how the most skilful technical botanists
neglect reference to exact habitat in many plants. The privet
abounds on the rocks of the sea-coast both here and in Wales, yet
Sir W. J. Hooker and Mr. Babington make no reference to this in

VOL Iv. , 21

242

their respective floras, though surely this is its more natural position
than in “ hedges,” to which it is assigned by the former botanist.

Orobanche Hedere. Often difficult to obtain, but here, from the
falling down of masses of,ivied rocks, well observable, and its parasi-
tical character on the roots of ivy well made out. A taller plant than
O. minor, with more numerous flowers, extending half way down the
stem.

Melittis Melissophyllum. Scattered about in luxuriant masses.

Primula veris. I have somewhere seen it stated that the cowslip
does not grow in the fields of Devonshire. It was here, however,
upon the rocks, with leaves much whiter beneath than usual, from an
abundant minute tomentosity that covered them, and their petioles
were excessively lengthened. I saw no primrose anywhere in the
neighbourhood.

Euphorbia Portlandica. Very plentiful and in fine perfection.

Orchis pyramidalis. Splendidly in flower both here and at Babbi-
combe.
‘ Ophrys apifera. In several places among the rocks.

Tris feetidissima. One of the commonest plants of the vicinity.

I have restricted myself to the species growing at this particular
locality, and must leave for the present a notice of some other De-
vonshire plants.

Eowin LEEs.

Cedar Terrace, Henwick, Worcester,

July 7, 1851.

Proposal for a Great City Conservatory, or Geographical, Peren-
nial, Glazed Garden, on the site of Smithfield Market. By
Epwarp NEwMaN.

SMITHFIELD Market, heretofore the monster nuisance, I might per-
haps even say the monster curse, of this great metropolis, is to be
removed: the House of Commons has decided onits fall. While the
question of its existence was under discussion, I would not weaken
the hands of those who had so long and so worthily laboured for its
removal, by introducing any minor plea—any less powerful argument
than that on which they took their stand. The nuisance was unri-
valled in the history of nations; it was intolerable, and therefore must
be removed. No ulterior consideration could add to the strength of
this position; in fact, every scheme for the occupation of the site

243

was liable to be met by the objection, “ You have, then, an ulterior
object.” This has been avoided: the question has been discussed
on its own merits, and is decided. ‘The occupation of the vacant site
has therefore become a subject fairly open to consideration.

It will immediately occur to those who, from motives of philan-
thropy, have uniformly advocated the retaining of open spaces, or, as it
were, breathing-holes, here and there throughout the metropolis, that
another of these is now jeopardized. Such a vast area will not long
remain unappropriated. The idea which I have formed on the subject,
and which [ am glad to find meets with general approbation amongst
those to whom I have mentioned it, is to construct, on the site of the
Augean stable, which a strength greater than that of Hercules is
on the eve of cleansing, a geographical, perennial, glazed garden, in
which shall be exhibited, in a growing state, in all their native luxu-
riance and beauty, the vegetable productions of the entire world. I
introduce the term ‘ perennial’ advisedly. The term ‘ winter’ garden,
so generally employed, seems to imply that it is designed to be a
winter resort exclusively. Such an idea is erroneous, the term simply
meaning that such a garden is to be enjoyed in winter as well as in
summer: no one ever thought of restricting the use of winter gardens
to the season whence their name is derived. Those citizens of Lon-
don who have visited the great conservatories at Kew, Regent’s Park,
Sion House, &c., must be fully aware of the advantages of having such
a building in the centre of the metropolis. ‘These may be briefly enu-
merated under six heads: Ist, health; 2nd, comfort; 3rd, safety ;
4th, instruction ; 5th, amusement; 6th, accessibility.

Ist. Health.—There is no question whatever that the health of Lon-
doners suffers from continually and habitually staying indoors. No
one, not even nursemaids and children, can go out to enjoy air, which,
in our crowded streets, impregnated abundantly with particles of soot
and dust, and with the fumes of beer, gin, and tobacco, is not to be
enjoyed. The student, the clerk, the schoolboy, the wife, the child,
cannot seek the streets as a temporary relaxation or change—cannot
expect to find in them even a momentary invigoration; whereas a
glazed garden would supply the desideratum, oxygen. That pabnlum
of animal life is abundantly exhaled by plants during the day; and
not only would the invigorating effects be felt within, but they would
extend, though in a less degree, all around. The consumption of
oxygen, and its consequent abstraction from atmospheric air, is the
main cause of that oppressive feeling which so continually causes
fainting, sickness, and all kinds of illness in omnibuses, theatres, and

244

fashionable places of worship. The glazing would serve to arrest the
escape of this life-giving principle, not prevent but arrest it, and the
invigorating effect of entering the building would be at once manifest.
The advantage of such buildings to invalids, especially in cases of
incipient phthisis, is a matter now becoming notorious, through the
recently-published views of Mr. Paxton and others; but I do not see
that any of these gentlemen make the acknowledgment which com-
mon courtesy requires to Mr. Ward, with whom the idea originated.
In order to set that gentleman right with the public, I beg to refer the
reader to his work, published nine years ago.* After describing fully
the advantage of such closed glass houses as that I am now proposing
to erect, Mr. Ward goes on to consider the application of the same
principle to animal and human life,—an application which he justly re-
gards as of far higher importance than the scientific, amusing, or orna-
mental purposes to which the Wardian cases are now generally applied.
“With respect to consumption, could we have such a place of refuge
as 1 believe one of these closed houses would prove to be, we should
then be no longer under the painful necessity of sending a beloved
relative to a distant land for the remote chance of recovery, or too
probably to realize the painful description of Blackwood—‘ Far away
from home, with strangers around him,—a language he does not un-
derstand,—doctors in whom he has no confidence,—scenery he is too
ill to admire,—religious comforters in whom he has no faith,—with a
deep and every day more vivid recollection of domestic scenes,—
heart-broken,—home-sick,—friendless and uncared for,—he dies.’ ”

2nd. Comfort.—The great discomforts of out-of-doors life in Lon-
don, arise from cold winds, rain, intense sunshine, dust, soot, filthy
smells, wet muddy ground, incessant noise, &c. Now one and all of
these disagreeables would be excluded from a glazed garden: cold
winds, rain, dust, soot, smells, and noise would of necessity be shut
out. The roof of green and corrugated glass would effectually obstruct
all disagreeable effects from the sun’s rays, which, transmitted through
such a medium, would not injure the most delicately-sensitive skin ;
and such glass, unlike all other kinds, would diminish instead of
increasing the temperature. The walks, made entirely of comminuted
shells, would be always dry, yet never dusty—always fit for the thin-
nest sole to traverse with impunity and cleanliness.

3rd. Safety.—There can be no doubt that a ramble in the streets

* ©On the Growth of Plants in Closely-glazed Cases. By N. B. Ward. Lon-
dou: Van Voorst. 1842.

~~ —

245

of London is attended with great danger, and the danger, if not
positively so frequent as is supposed, is still a sore trial, even in
anticipation. It is but lately an infuriated bullock threw an elderly
female into a two-pair window; the shaft of a furiously-driven cab
has passed through the body of a man; the brains of a child have
been scattered about the street by the wheels of an omnibus. Such
cases as these may be rare, but broken arms and legs, from falls
occasioned by compulsory contact with horses and carriages, are
innumerable; and let it not be supposed the victims are the only suf-
ferers: thousands of timid people have fled in terror from racing
omnibuses and goaded cows, and although their bodies may have
escaped scatheless, their minds have suffered a deep and lasting
injury. From a glazed garden all such perils and thoughts of perils
are absent.

4th. Instruction.—Such a garden might be made the means of
complete instruction in botany. Is it not a part of every medical
education that the pupil shall possess a competent knowledge of
structural and systematic botany? Im order to perfect him in the
study, he is now taken to Kew, to Chelsea, to Regent’s Park, or he is
whisked by some railway far into the country, on the remote chance
of finding the specimens in their native habitats, causing a loss of
time, labour, and money that has been considered a great grievance
to many young men with whom I have conversed. Here the informa-
uon would be brought to him, not he to the information. Here would
be a lecture-room among the objects themselves,—a lecture-room
open to every professor or lecturer, on the sole condition that
all within the walls at the moment should be at liberty to attend.
Here the student of British botany should find living specimens of
all our native plants; should have every facility allowed him to exa-
mine, dissect, and compare them. Here a committee should be
formed, with the duty of alternately attending to give instructions to
every inquirer; of pointing out the plants whose various parts serve
as articles of food, clothing, or medicine; of exhibiting them in a
manufactured as well as growing state; and of explaining by what pro-
cess they are prepared for use. And not only should this committee
exercise its function of tuition: every botanist, known to be such, as
the subscriber to a society, or the contributor to a journal, or the cu-
rator of a garden, or the holder of any title whatever to the office of
teacher, should be always at liberty to illustrate his views by the living

objects before him. A knowledge of ethnology and gengraphy could
also be acquired.

246

5th. Amusement.—Simply considered as a place of amusement,—
a place where the seekers of pleasure might continually meet their
friends, might exhibit their best dresses, lounge on the softest otto-
mans, listen to the best music, enjoy the scent of the sweetest and
the sight of the loveliest flowers, and the shade of loaded orange-
‘trees and of graceful palm-trees; might do all this without the
usual inconvenience of late hours, heated rooms, vitiated atmos-
phere, certain headaches, and that dreadful feeling of ennui and
lassitude which nocturnal revels and dissipation inevitably bring,—
surely this is something to achieve. Say it is idle and frivolous, it is
still the substitution of a healthful and invigorating for an unhealthy
and debilitating frivolity, and this is no despicable change; indeed,
I feel convinced that the right-minded will consider it exactly the
reverse. Let those who will, enter the list against frivolity : I decline
so Quixotic an attempt. But make frivolity beneficial, and you ac-
complish a very reasonable object. I would have a band, the best
that could be procured, to play for two hours every Saturday after-
noon during the winter and’ spring months, omitting only those
months when the band plays in the gardens of the Zoological Society.
I would on no account interfere with the prior claim of that admirable
institution. By this arrangement, the company who frequented the
out-of-door promenade in Regent’s Park during the summer, would
have the opportunity of attending the indoors garden during the winter.

6th. Accessibility.—W hoever will take the trouble to examine a map
of London, will find that West Smithfield occupies the exact geogra-
phical centre. It is therefore equally accessible to all. Let us com-
pare this with the situation of the Crystal Palace at Kensington,
which it is proposed to convert into a vast conservatory or winter
garden, open alike to pedestrians and equestrians. From the Post
Office or St. Paul’s it takes the traveller sixty-five minutes to reach
the Crystal Palace, sixty-five minutes to return, and costs him one
shilling; from the Town Hall in the Borough, the India House, or
Finsbury Square, the time occupied is full ten minutes more, or seventy-
five minutes in all. All these spots are in the great thoroughfares.
From any less frequented part the time would be greater. Two hours
and a half may be taken asa fair average of the time occupied in
passing to and from a Hyde-Park conservatory ; the time occupied in
passing to and from the Smithfield glazed garden from the same
localities, would average twenty-six minutes, supposing the visitor to
walk ; twenty minutes, supposing him to patronize an omnibus; six-
teen minutes, supposing him to indulge in a cab. An average of two

247

hours’ difference would occur in each journey from the most distant
parts of the city to either locality, but for residents near Smithfield
the difference would be far greater. Again, from Holborn there would
be a vast saving of time, so also from Blackfriars’ and Southwark
Bridges, so also from the densely-peopled regions of St. John’s Street,
and so also of the entire east: indeed, it is beyond a question that, to
upwards of a million of the inhabitants of London, every visit to the
city glazed garden would occupy two hours less than a visit to the
Hyde-Park conservatory. But this primd facie saving of time and
money is not all: whoever spent two hours in transit would think the
time sadly wasted unless he spent four hours there, so that a day
would be occupied; and in fact a visit to a Hyde-Park conservatory
must, like a visit to the Great Exhibition, be a special holiday; so
also whoever spent twenty minutes in transit to and from the Smith-
field glazed garden would think it time wasted unless he could spend
forty minutes there ; thus an hour would be consumed, but no more.
This would readily be afforded. Again, although time is money, yet
money is money still more emphatically ; the city visitors toa Hyde-
Park conservatory must lay out one shilling in transit, and they must
almost of necessity lay out one shilling and sixpence each in refresh-
ments; that is the most moderate computation: the visitor to the
Smithfield glazed garden would not necessarily incur either expense.

A few observations may be added under the heads of ‘ plan,’ ‘ funds,’
and ‘ alternative.’

Plan.—I think the roads now passing through Smithfield might be
made to divide the area into six principal compartments. These I would
call Europe, Asia, Africa, N. America, 8S. America, and New Holland.
In each division I would endeavour to place the vegetable productions
which are natives of the soil, and in all instances imitate as nearly as
possible the natural conditions of the plants themselves; and each geo-
graphical district should be further illustrated by stuffed specimens of
the quadrupeds, birds, and reptiles for which it is most remarkable;
Asia by its camels, elephants, and tigers; New Holland, its cassowary,
emu, and kangaroos; Africa, its giraffe, elephant, hippopotamus, lion,
ostrich, and crocodiles ; North America, its bison, beaver, and alliga-
tors; South America, its llama, alpaca, vicuna, and its humming- birds ;
Europe, its wolves, elks, and aurochs. The specimens in all instances
should be the best that could be procured, regardless of cost, and
should be placed amid the scenery where they once enjoyed life.
The stuffing or preservation of animals is an art that has now
reached something like perfection, and I would have no creature set

248

up for exhibition unless approved by some competent naturalist. In
the centre of each compartment should be a model of the continent
whose productions it exhibited, its ascertained mountains, its rivers,
seas, &c., displayed in their exact proportionate height, situation,
course, length, &c.; and the unknown parts, as the interior of Africa,
Australia, China, &c., left a perfect blank, not thickly sown with sup-
posititious cities, as we too frequently see them in our maps. These
models should be constructed only under the superintendence of men
of the highest attainments, the cost being a matter of no comparative
importance, and not to be weighed for an instant against accuracy.
At each of these models a demonstrator should be stationed, thoroughly
qualified to give explanations, and he should hourly give such expla-
nations unasked, in the most simple, intelligible, and unassuming
manner, carefully pointing with a light wand to the part to which he
was alluding. If a plant or animal of interest was peculiar to either
continent, of which there are numerous instances, he should be able
to point out in what particular locality it occurred, and every other
fact of importance connected with its history. Thus, if asked what
species of monkey was found in Europe, and where, he should be able
to name the Macacus Inuus; to point at once to the rock of Gibraltar;
and to state that this ape abounded there, feeding chiefly on the young
leaves and tender shoots of the dwarf palm (Chamerops humilis).
The plan of structure, and of connecting the various continents, need
scarcely be discussed, but between continents which are connected
only by water the mode of transmission should represent a ship’s deck,
and those which join should be united by dry land. Each conti-
nent should be further illustrated by some of its aboriginal inhabi-
tants, in the ordinary dress of their respective countries. I imagine
there would be no difficulty in procuring the Negro, the Hindoo, the
Australian, the Red Indian, or the Indian of the Pampas. This idea
has been already pictorially carried out in the ‘ Physical Atlas, but
only the very rich can see that beautiful work: this practical illus-
tration of the idea every one should and every one would see.
Funds.—The difficulty of raising funds always stares one in the
face on occasions of this kind; but it is scarcely within the scope of
this preliminary notice to go into financial details. It is found pos-
sible to obtain an income of £14,000 a year for the maintenance of
the gardens of the Zoological Society, in Regent’s Park, at a distance
of five miles from the centre of the metropolis, and presenting the
single attraction of living animals; and the great secret of this income
appears to lie in the judiciously-liberal expenditure. The Crystal

q
4
5
,
c
ft
é

249

Palace is a still more striking instance of the success of liberality.
Nothing but what I would call the judiciously-liberal expenditure
could have brought the prodigious income that has been received.
So, in the present instance, everything should be conducted on the
most liberal scale. The choicest and most beautiful exotics, the
most graceful statues, the best botanical nomenclature, should be
found wherever required. The sum for the principal and first outlay
must be borrowed, and government, once aware of the practicability of
the scheme, would doubtless be willing to advance it, The interest on
this, the ground-rent, and the cost of maintenance would be the three
items of current expenditure.

I would propose having a graduated scale of subscribers and con-
tributors.

Ist. A subscriber of £10 a year should admit whom he liked and
when he liked.

2nd. A subscriber of £5 a year should admit five persons on any
day or every day; of £4, four persons; of £3, three persons; of £2,
two persons; of £1, one person. Such introductions should be
either by filling up a printed form or personally.

3rd. A subscriber of 10s. a year should admit personally his wife
and children, but should give no orders.

Non-subscribers should be admitted on the following terms :—

Acknowledged botanical authors, editors of literary journals, bota-
nical lecturers, and students of medicine with certificates of attending
botanical lectures, at all times gratis.

Children in non-paying schools, introduced by a subscriber, and
under suitable superintendence, gratis on Mondays and Thursdays.
Children in paying schools, under similar restriction, one penny each
on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Other persons should pay—

3d. Monday and Thursday.
6d. Tuesday and Friday.
Is. Wednesday and Saturday.

No money taken on Sundays, and no refreshments to be sold; no
wine, beer, spirits, or tobacco to be sold or allowed at any time
within the garden; and the ordinary attractions of tea-gardens, as
balloons, fireworks, burning cities, volcanoes, &c., should on no ac-
count whatever be introduced.

Alternative.—It is quite certain the site of Smithfield will be
occupied. If its occupation be not as proposed, it will probably be

VoL. Iv. 2%

250

covered with noxious factories or dense rows of an inferior kind of
houses. No one will build good houses there, simply because in
such a situation they would not pay. Thus the mass of brick and
mortar would become yet more prodigious, the locality still more con-
fined, the atmosphere still more unwholesome, the neighbourhood, if
possible, still more degraded. On the other hand, this vast garden,
frequented as it would be by a superior class of people, would im-
prove the condition of the neighbourhood; gin-shops and beer-shops
and thieves’ kitchens, all of which may now be said to have their me-
tropolis in the Smithfield district, would disappear, and the neigh-
bourhood would improve until it became on a level with other parts
of the metropolis. Support therefore may be expected from all the
better class of inhabitants; they will welcome the new comer, and
bid bon voyage to the departing disreputable dependents on drunken-
ness, filth, and theft.

Objections.—The first objection, and the only one that can be made
by the public, is this,—“ Your scheme is very fine on paper, but it
can’t be carried out: no plants would grow in such an atmosphere.”
Leaving the ulterior difficulties of obtaining the site and the money
open for future consideration, I will address myself solely to the prac-
ucability of growing plants on such a site. 1, then, unhesitatingly
pronounce that I would grow the most delicate plants without any
difficulty in the centre of Smithfield Market, amidst all its filth and
traffic, with the assistance of glass only. The most delicate and ten-
der plant with which I am acquainted grew luxuriantly for four years
in the room in which I am now writing, in a dark, narrow, close, and
dirty street in one of the worst localities in London. But I am well
aware that a projector is too ready to paint everything couleur de rose,
and therefore I have fortified my cause with the highest opinion ob-
tainable on such a subject, that of Mr. Ward, so well known as the
inventor of the method of growing plants in closed cases, and who
succeeded so wonderfully at his late residence in Wellclose Square.
Here is Mr. Ward’s reply to my inquiry, accompanying a proof of
the foregoing, as to whether the locality presented any obstacle to my
plan :— °

‘My dear Mr. Newman,—I received with much pleasure your note
respecting your intended plan of converting one of the greatest nui-
sances of London into a closed garden, a regular oasis in the desert.
It would be difficult to point out any situation where such a scheme
would be of so much utility as on the site you have chosen. I cannot

251

better answer your inquiries respecting the growth of plants in such a
situation, than by stating what, after more than twenty years’ experi-
ence, I conceive may be effected in a closed case zm the worst possible
localtty. Old and hackneyed as the subject has now become, I will
give you, as briefly as possible, the results of my experiments.
Having tried in vain to grow plants in my former residence, in one
of the most smoky parts of the metropolis, I was led by accident to
make experiments on their growth in closely-glazed cases, and was
delighted to find all my endeavours crowned with success. One of
the first practical applications of my plan, was the conveyance of
plants to and from distant countries. It would be fruitless to enter
into any detail of the hundreds of experiments made with reference
to this point. One example will suffice. The Horticultural Society
were so convinced of the efficacy of this new plan, that they sent out
Mr. Fortune to China with a number of closed cases; and they were
not disappointed in their expectation. Whereas in the old mode of
conveyance one plant only in a thonsand survived the voyage from
China to England, two hundred and fifteen out of two hundred and
fifty arrived in perfect health by the new method. At present the
plan is universally adopted throughout the whole civilized world, and
all kinds of plants can be grown in any locality whatever, provided
due attention be paid to their natural conditions, with respect to
solar light and temperature. It must likewise be borne in mind that,
owing to the quiet condition of the atmosphere in the closed cases,
plants, like man, will bear variations of temperature, which in open
exposure would prove injurious and even fatal to them. Hence it
follows, that numbers of plants belonging to more southern climes will
pass through our winters with impunity when surrounded by glass.
“ Believe me to remain, very sincerely, yours,

“«N. B. WARD.
“Clapham Rise, July 9, 1851.”

P.S.—While a proof of the foregoing was in my hands, Mr. Paxton’s
petition to the House of Lords, for the conversion of the Crystal Pa-
lace into a conservatory, was published in the ‘ Times’ (July 12); and
as this petition comprises all that has been previously said on the
subject, I think that in fairness it should be appended to my proposi-
tion. Freely admitting as I do the very taking character of Mr.
Paxton’s proposition, it will still be observed that his scheme is opea
to reasonable objection, on the following grounds :—

252

Ist. It would be a positive breach of contract, the building having
been erected on its present site on the express condition that it should
be removed by a certain day, and the park restored to the public use.

2nd. It would be a breach of faith with the subscribers who *gave
£70,000 for a specific object, totally different from the proposed ap-
plication.

3rd. That the inhabitants of the parks have already access to the
great conservatory of the Royal Botanic Society, to Kensington Gar-
dens, &c., and strenuously oppose the proposed plan for making the
Crystal Palace permanent; whereas every respectable inhabitant in
the vicinity of Smithfield would desire a garden on that site.

4th. That to nine-tenths of the metropolis it would be useless from
its distance.

Mr. Pazxton’s Petition.

“To the Right Hon. the Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parlia-
ment assembled—

“ The humble petition of Joseph Paxton, of Chatsworth,

“ Showeth,—That the building for the Exhibition of the Works of
Industry of all Nations, erected after the design of your petitioner,
would, .after the Exhibition is closed, supply a great public want
which London, with its two and a half millions of inhabitants, stands
most essentially in need of—namely, a winter park and garden under
glass.

“ That when your petitioner sent in a design for the Glass Palace,
he had in view quite as much the after purpose for which the building
could be adapted as the object then more immediately required.

“That your petitioner respectfully calls the attention of your right
hon. House to the fact that within the last twenty years the physio-
logy, economy, and requirements of animated Nature, with the effects
which climate, locality, and various contingencies have upon its
health and habits, have been studied and examined with the best
results.

“ That by the aid of saci and botany many useful discoveries
have been made which practical horticulture has rendered subservient
to the comforts and happiness of man, and that the removal of the
duty on glass has given great impetus to this science; indeed, had
that duty still existed, no such building could possibly hove been
peeied:

“That the achievements of horticulture lead onwards to the forma-

253

tion of climates, which even under opposite influences are rendered
healthy and suited to the wants and requirements of man.

“That formerly, wherever plants were congregated beneath a glass
structure, the atmosphere was invariably deteriorated and rendered
unfit for being more than transiently inbaled, the usual method with
visitors being to take a hurried view of the chief beauties within, and
then retire to a more genial air.

“That now plant structures are now no longer unhealthy, pent-up
ovens, and that the objects within them grow with ease and natural
vigour.

“That the ventilation and climate of our dwelling-houses have also
been considered, and many additions to our comfort have in this
respect been made. The perfection of these internal arrangements,
contrasted with the atmosphere without, renders it still more desirable
that something on a large scale should be done to counteract the
effects of the outer air, which in this country, and in the neighbour-
hood ef London especially, is often during many months of the year
impure, murky, and unfit for healthy recreation and enjoyment; and
it is to meet this want that your petitioner offers the present recom-
mendation to the consideration of your right hon. House.

“That all structures hitherto erected, however great and noble
some of them are, fall far short of answering this end, and that your
petitioner respectfully recommends the Crystal Palace as being, in its
dimensions, the best adapted for such a purpose of anything that has
been hitherto attempted, and that its great advantages should be used
for the public benefit.

“That the Crystal Palace, if properly laid out, will open a wide
field of intellectual and healthful enjoyments, and will likewise stimu-
late the wealthy in large manufacturing towns to a similar adoption
of what may now be raised so cheaply; and when judiciously fur-
nished with vegetation, ornamented with sculpture and fountains, and
illustrated with the beautiful works of Nature, would be pure, elevating,
and beneficial in its influences on the national character.

“That at present England furnishes no such place of public resort;
for although Kew has a splendid palm-house, where daily are congre-
gated a great number of individuals, yet its warm and humid atmos-
phere is only calculated to admit of visitors taking a hasty view of
the wonders of the tropics, as they pass in their walks through the
gardens. - On the contrary, in the Winter Park and Garden your pe-
titioner proposes, climate would be the principal thing studied; all
the furnishing and fitting up would have special reference to that end,

254

so that the pleasures found in it would be of a character which all
who visit could share. Here would be supplied the climate of
Southern Italy, where multitudes might ride, walk, or recline amid
groves of fragrant trees; and here they might leisurely examine the
works of Nature and Art, regardless of the biting east winds or the
drifting snow. Here vegetation in much of its beauty might be
studied with unusual advantages, and the singular properties examined
of those great filterers of Nature which, during the night season, when
the bulk of animal life is in a quiescent state, inhale the oxygen of the -
air; while in the day, when the mass of animal existence has started
into activity, they drink in the carbonic supply given out by man and
animals, which goes to form their solid substance; at the same time
pouring forth streams of oxygen, which, mingling with the surround-
ing atmosphere, gives vigour to man’s body and cheerfulness to his
spirits.

“That in this winter park and garden the trees and plants might
be so arranged as to give great diversity of views and picturesque
effect, spaces might be set apart for equestrian exercise, while the
main body of the building might be arranged with the view of giving
great extent and variety for those who promenade on foot.

“ Fountains, statuary, and every description of park and garden
ornament would greatly heighten the effect and beauty of the scene.
Beautiful creeping plants might be planted against the columns and
trailed along the girders, so as to give shade in summer, while the
effect they would produce by festooning in every diversity of form
over the building would give the whole a most enchanting and gor-
geous finish.

“That, besides these delightful objects, there might be introduced
a collection of living birds from all temperate climates, and the
science of geology, so closely connected with the study of plants,
might be illustrated on a large and natural scale, thus making practi-
cal botany, ornithology, and geology familiar to the visitor.

“That should your right hon. House agree to give the public this
source of public enjoyment, your petitioner would recommend that
the wood boarding round the bottom tier of the building should be-
removed and replaced with glass, whereby the appearance would be
marvellously changed; those who drive and ride in the park would,
even in winter, see the objects within as they pass by, and the whole
would have alight aérial appearance, totally unlike what it has at
present.

“ That in summer your petitioner would recommend that the whole

255 ,

lower glass tier should be entirely removed, so as to give from the
park and the houses opposite the Palace an appearance of continuous
park and garden.

“That the residents opposite the Crystal Palace would have within
a few minutes’ walk a beautiful park, decorated with the beauties of
Nature and Art, under a skyroof, having a climate warmed and venti-
lated for the purpose of health alone, furnishing, close to their own
firesides, a promenade unequalled in the world, and for the six winter
months a temperature analogous to that of Southern Italy; and your
petitioner has no doubt that the property in that immediate neigh-
bourhood would from such an arrangement considerably advance in
value, because of the recreation and exercise afforded to the inhabi-
tants and their families.

That your petitioner believes many suburbs of London will be led
to desire to have such a winter garden in their neighbourhoods.

“ That the advantages derivable from such an appropriation of the
Crystal Palace would be many, and may be thus briefly summed
up :—

“1. In a sanitary point of view its benefits would be incalculable.

“2. By its various objects it would produce a new and soothing
pleasure to the mind.

“3. The great truths of Nature and Art would be constantly ex-
emplified.

“4, Peculiar facilities would especially be given for the develop-
ment, on a large scale, of the sciences of botany, geology, and orni-
thology.

“5. A temperate climate would be supplied at all seasons.

“6. Taste would be improved, by individuals becoming familiar
with objects of the highest order of art, and by viewing the more
beautiful parts of Nature without its deformities.

“7, Pleasant exercise could be taken at all times, and in every va-
riety of weather.

“8. It would serve as a promenade or lounge, and as a place
which could at all seasons be resorted to with advantage by the most
delicate.

“In conclusion, your petitioner submits, as his opinion, that, hav-
ing such great public attractions, the Crystal Palace might be ren-
dered self-supporting.

“And your petitioner prays your right hon. House to preserve the
building of the Exhibition for the public uses above submitted.

-“ And your petitioner will ever pray, “ JosEPH PAxTon.”

256

In conclusion, I beg to solicit communications and suggestions
from any lady or gentleman who is disposed to regard my proposi-
tion favourably.

Epwarp NEWMAN.

9, Devonshire Street, Bishopsgate,

July 13, 1851.

Attempt to Characterize another apparently undescribed Species of
Lastrea. By Epwarp NEwMaN.

In describing Lastrea multiflora, I have said, “The stem is very
stout at the base, and thickly clothed with long pointed scales, which
are of a very dark brown colour along the middle, pale brown and
nearly transparent at the sides ;” and again, “ When the fronds are
young, every part of their under surface, more particularly the ribs,
abounds with minute stalked glands, imparting a mealiness of appear-
ance to the plant, which distinguishes it from L. spinosa as the same
character separates P. Dryopteris and P. calcareum.” By singular
good fortune, I believe that I possess the very plants from which
these descriptions were made, and I now find that the plants possess-
ing the peculiar scales above described are without the glands, and the
plants possessing the glands have somewhat different scales. Hence
I conclude that although each description is in itself an exact and
accurate statement of phenomena observed, it was a grave error to
publish them as though they were exhibited by an individual plant
then before me, and would certainly be found in combination in other
plants. I am led to the detection and correction of this error by the
following circumstances.

About twelve months ago, my friend William Bennett showed me
some fronds of a fern gathered in Gloucestershire, which neither he
nor his son E. T. Bennett could pronounce to be either L. dilatata or
L. spinosa. I gave these fronds the best examination I could at the
time, and found that while they possessed the general appearance as
well as the glands above noticed as characteristic of L. multiflora,
their scales or paleze were destitute of that very peculiar dark central
marking which is so conspicuous in that species. I immediately per-
ceived that the characters of glands and palee which I have quoted
above were in all probability faulty, but still I was reluctant to write
anything on the subject until the opportunity was afforded me of
seeing the living plant. This desideratum was supplied through the

257

kindness of Mr. Bennett, and I have watched with intense interest the
unfolding of the fronds and the full development of the characters
previously observed.

During this period of uncertainty, I received a collection of ferns
from Mr. Purchas, of Ross, accompanied by numerous explanatory
manuscript notes, kindly placed at my disposal for the forthcoming
edition of the ‘ British Ferns.’ Among these is the following :—

“ LTastrea dilatata, Pres].—I had supposed this quite distinct from
the preceding [L. spinosa, Newm.], until I met with a plant to be
mentioned next. * * * This seems to me nearly intermediate be-
tween L. dilatata and L. spinosa, unless it should prove distinct from
either. Of this curious plant you will find one or two fronds, from the
only tuft yet found. * * * T need say nothing on such points as
can be ascertained from dry specimens, but you may perhaps pardon
my mentioning one or two points which are only evident in the fresh
plant. I will premise that the root is evidently a very old one,—
indeed you will perceive this from the fronds sent,—and consequently
the characters afforded by the fronds may be relied on as those of a
fully-developed plant. The most tangible peculiarity seems to be the
great abundance of glands, which render the living stipes and rachis
quite rough to the touch, and densely cover the under surface of the
pimnules; they were equally present on some young plants growing
close around the large one, from whose spores they had apparently
originated. The pinnules of the lower part of the fronds, which
shaded each other, were flat as in ordinary L. spinosa, but those of
the upper part, which was more exposed to light, were strongly con-
vex, yet not as those of L. dilatata, which grew close by and looked
strikingly different. I find that the pinnules of L. spinosa, when
removed to a sunny situation, acquire the same kind of convexity,
though in a less degree. Another peculiarity, as I deemed it, was
that the lower row of pinnules in the pinne of the upper portion of
the frond, instead of being in the same plane with the rachis, like the
upper row, were curved upward, at an angle of 45° with it, so as to
exhibit the fruit when the frond was viewed in front. Ihave not
seen young involucres; in their advanced state they seem to me glan-
dulose at the margin.”

On reading these remarks, I immediately examined the living
specimen, and found Mr. Purchas’s statement as to the glands per-
fectly correct. I next examined the nascent fronds of old and un-
doubted specimens of Lastrea multiflora, and these I generally found
to be without glands. I now felt convinced that the description which

VoL. Iv. 2 f

258

I have already cited from the ‘ British Ferns’ was incorrect, as com-
bined with the prior description of the frond of L. multiflora, and that
the glandulosity had been too hastily assumed to be a character of
the yet undeveloped frond,—a character to be lost as the frond pro-
gressed towards maturity. Still it appears necessary to state that
among a host of living examples, which through the kindness of
friends I have been. enabled to inspect, I find considerable discre-
pancy, both as to quantity of glands and also as to the distinctive
character of the palez ; yet in no instance has this discrepancy inter-
fered with my ability to place each individual with considerable con-
fidence either in the eglandulose species, which is generally called
multiflora, or the glandulose species, which I now propose to call
glandulosa. I trust that practical botanists, especially cultivators,
will give the subject their best attention.

The rhizoma is decidedly tufted, the fronds radiating from a centre
as in L. multiflora. The figure of the frond is elongate-lanceolate,
presenting no appreciable difference from that of multiflora.

These remarks, penned after due consideration, and after having
waited a reasonable time for all counter-evidence, I now offer to the
attention of botanists. I am unwilling to pronounce an opinion as to
the value of a character deduced from the presence or absence of
glands, seeing that there is no uniform usage as regards this matter.
And I must in candour remark that if we throw overboard this cha-
racter of glands, the new fern is most suspiciously intermediate
between multiflora and spinosa, having the habit, rhizoma, and cir-
cumscription of frond of the former, and the palez being scarcely
distinguishable from those of the latter. The presence of such a form
must inevitably reopen what might be called the great dilatata ques-
tion, which I hoped was definitely settled among all practical men.
On the other hand, however, it must be admitted that-if the glands
are to be ignored as a botanical character, we must ignore them also
in Polypodium Robertianum (calcareum, Sm.), separated by Hoff-
mann almost exclusively on this character.

EpwarbD Newman.
9, Devonshire St., Bishopsgate,
July 17, 1851.

259

Notice of ‘ Species Filicum ; being Descriptions of all known Ferns.
Illustrated with Plates. By Sir Witi1aM Jackson Hooker, K.H.,
LL.D., F.R.A. & L.S., &c. &c. &c., Vice-President of the Linnean
Society of London, and Director of the Royal Botanic Garden of
Kew. Part V., or Vol. Il. Part I. London: William Pamplin,
45, Frith Street, Soho Square. 1851.’

So long a- period has elapsed since the fourth part of this work
issued from the press, that we fear our readers will find some diffi-
culty in recalling that event to their remembrance. How far it is
desirable to publish a connected series of technical descriptions in
this disjointed and irregular manner, is a matter to be decided be-
tween the purchasing public and the selling author and publisher.
We confess to a feeling of discontent as one of the former. We
argue that as the periods between the appearance of successive parts
increase, so does the improbability of the work’s ever attaining its
completion increase also: and there is, or there ought to be, some-
thing like a feeling of bounden duty to perform, of solemn engage-
ment to keep, between the buyer and seller of a book like this. We,
the buyers, do not begin to take such a work except on the un-
derstanding that it shall eventually be what its name implies, a de-
scription of all the known ferns; and should the work cease after the
completion of two or three easy groups, however interesting those
groups, we contend there is a breach of faith on the part of the au-
thor, for we commenced our subscription not merely for the sake of
becoming acquainted with the Polypodiew, Hymenophyllee, and Adi-
antez, with which we were already tolerably familiar, but for the sake
of instruction in the more difficult genera, which, notwithstanding
the labours of recent pteridologists, still remain in a state of compa-
rative obscurity. Perhaps no one is more intimately aware than the
writer of these observations, how manifold and how multifarious are
the engagements of the learned author of the ‘Species Filicum.’
That he has no spare time for such a work, is a most patent truism:
that he has done and is doing a vast amount of good in his wider
and more diversified field at Kew, is also most patent. Whenever
the highly-useful and highly-laborious career of Sir William Hooker
shall close, and far off be the day! his fellow-countrymen will point
with just pride to the amount, the utility, the applicability of his
exertions. All praise and honour to such a labourer! Still it is
possible to undertake too much. Non omnia possumus omnes. Aud

260

it is becoming more evident in each successive part of the ‘ Species
Filicum,’ both from the greater intervals and the style of execution,
that the author’s self-imposed task is very difficult of accomplishment.
He has neither the spare time nor the spare energy which such a
work imperatively demands. Under all the circumstances of the
case, we could wish to see the author relieved from this undertaking ;
we could wish to see the work prosecuted by other hands, and the
more generalizing mind of the Director of the Botanic Garden at
Kew left to a freer and more appropriate exercise of its powers.
Under the author’s own eye at Kew are two practical botanists,
already honourably known as pteridologists, and to one or both of
these might be committed the conclusion of a task which seems now to
be halting from the overwhelmingly-numerous avocations of its author.

Having ventured on these observations, it would be ill-judged and
idle to seek out points for criticism. To seek for and even to detect
errors which we have thus fully admitted must be attributed rather to
want of time than to want of ability, would be most inexcusable.
We have nothing therefore to say on this point, and shall only as —
briefly as possible recite the contents of the present part, which are
as under :—

Suborder [V.—PTERIDE#.
Genus I.—ADIANTUM.
§ I. Frond simple.
Sp. reniforme, Z.; Asarifolium, Willd. ; Philippense, L.
§ Il. Fronds pinnate, rarely subbipinnate.
* Sort continuous and solitary or more or less elongated and unequal.
Sp. macrophyllum, Sw.; platyphyllum, Sze.; lucidum, Sw.; See-
manni, Hook., a new species, very difficult to distinguish from platy-
phyllum,—it was brought from the Pacific side of central America, by
Seemann; Phyllitidis, J. Sm.; Wilsoni, Hook., a new species, found
in shady, rather dry, and gravelly places near Bath, Jamaica, by Mr.
Wilson, the intelligent Curator of the Botanic Garden at that place:
it is very Closely allied to Phyllitidis, J. Sim.
(Veins everywhere anastomosing).

Sp. dolosum, Kze.; Hewardia, Kze.

** Sort suborbicular or oblong, not much elongated nor continuous.
Sp. Kaulfussii, Aze.; obliquum, Willd.; Cubense, Hook., a new

26 |

species, brought by Linden from Cuba; deltoideum, Sw.; Shep-
herdi, Hook., a new species, collected in Mexico, by Mr. Bates, in
1834; lobatum, Pr.; Galeottianum, Hook., a new species, collected
in Mexico, by Galeotti; Ruezianum, K/.; diaphanum, Bi.

(Rachis often proliferous at the extremity of the pinne).

Sp. lunulatum, Burm.; deflectens, Mart.; dolabriforme, Hook. ;
rhizophorum, Sw.; soboliferum, Wall.; caudatum, Zinn.; Edgworthii,
Hook., a new species, collected in Adah Valley, in the Punjaub, by
Mr. Edgeworth, in September, 1838; calcareum, Gardn.; pumilum,
Sw.; filiforme, Gardn.; delicatulum, Mart.; rhizophytum, Schrad.

§ ILL. Fronds bipinnate, often in the younger state pinnate.

* Sort elongated, more or less continuous.
Sp. incisum, Pr.; pulverulentum, Z.; serrulatum, Zinn.; villosum,
Tinn.; varium, H. B. K.; faleatum, Sw.; obtusum, Desv.; hirtum,
Kl.; Cayennense (Willd.), Klotzsch; Klotzschianum, Hook.=tomen-
tosum, Klotzsch, the name being changed because inappropriate, a
liberty we believe few botanists will entirely approve; prionophyllum,
H. B. K.; rhomboideum, H. B. K.; laxum, Kze.; Henkeanum, Pr.;
fructuosum, Spr.; urophyllum, Hook., a new species, from the Pa-
cific coast of South America,—it may be remarked that the specific
character as well as figure in this instance appear to agree very well
with the ordinary form of prionophyllum, a native of the Atlantic
coast of the same continent; intermedium, Sw.; glaucescens, K/. ;
triangulatum, Kauilf.; denticulatum, Sw.; proximum, Gaudich. ;
Lancea, Linn.

§ LV. Fronds pedately tripartite (all polysorous).

Sp. pedatum, Zinn.; tetragonum, Schrad.; curvatum, Kaulf.; hu-
mile, Kze.; patens, Willd.; Lindsea, Cav.; angustatum, Kawlf. ;
flabellulatum, Linn. ; hispidulum, Sv.

(Veins everywhere anastomosing).

Sp. Le Prieurii, Hook., a new species, collected in Berbice, by Sir
R. H. Schomburgk, and on moist declivities of the mountain Matouri,
at Notaille and Oyapoch, French Guiana, by Le Prieur. This appa-
rently distinct species does not range well with its neighbours. Is it
an Adiantum ?

(Indistinctly pedate).

Sp. affine, Willd., a curious instance of the fallacy of a name, this

species having no kind of similarity to the preceding or following.

262,

§ IV. (V.?) Fronds tripinnate or decompound.

(Sort almost invariably short, equal or nearly so, rarely continuous
or elongated as in speciosum and fumarioides).

* Trapeziform group.

Sp. trapeziforme, Linn.; cultratum, J. Sn. MSS.; subcordatum,
Sw.; Peruvianum, K/.; Mathewsianum, Hook.; sinuosum, Gardn.;
amplum, Pr.

** Capillus-Veneris group.

Sp. Capillus-Veneris, Zinn.; CEthiopicum, Linn.; assimile, Sa. ;
pulchellum, Bl. ; fumarioides, Willd. ; digitatum, Pr.; emarginatum,
Bory; cuneatum, Langsd. & Fisch.; glaucophyllum, Hook.,—this is
the A. cuneatum, 8. angustifolium, of Mart. & Galeot. Fil. Mex. p.
70,—Sir William appears to consider it distinct as a species ; venus-
tum, Don; fragile, Sw.; excisum, Kze.; concinnum, H. B. K.; sca-
brum, Kaulf.; Chilense, Kawlf.; sulphureum, Kaulf.; sessilifolium,
Hook., a new species, found at Chacapoyas, Peru, by Mr. Mathews ;
parvulum, Hook. fil.; Henslovianum, Hook. fil.; speciosum, Hook.,
a new species, found about the village of Sasarangu, El Ecuador,
Pacific side, by Mr. Seemann, in August, 1847, and also by Mr. Mac
Lean in Peru; tenerum, Sv.

*kK Cristatum group.

Sp. cristatum, Linn.; microphyllum, Kawlf.; Kunzeanum, KZ. ;
crenatum, Willd.; politum, Willd.; pyramidale, Willd. ; polyphyl-
lum, Willd.; macrocladum, K/.; Wilesianum, Hook., a supposed new
species, collected in Jamaica, by Mr. Wiles,—the author queries
whether it may not be the A. crenatum of Willdenow, Sp., Pl. v. 446;
Brasiliense, Raddi; cardiochlena, Kze.; Lobbianum, Hook., a new
species, collected in Java, by Mr. Lobb; formosum, Brown; Cun-
ninghami, Hook., apparently mistaken by the late Allan Cunningham
for the A. formosum of Brown,—it has been gathered in the Northern
Island of New Zealand by Allan Cunningham, Sinclair, Colenso, Dr.
Hooker, &c.; fulvum, Raoul.

Several doubtful species are also mentioned, and some of them
referred to other genera; but we think, notwithstanding the labours
of our author, and also those of J. Smith, Kunze, Presl, Houlston, &c.,
&c., that the group of ferns here standing under the generic name of
Ades still require a careful and philosophical investigation, and
a judicious division into genera and species.

283 NZS
: 263 o° aoe Sy

> Oty €@
fear RARY
Dom

Genus II.—OcHRopTERIs, J. oa
Sp. Salliens, ich Sm. es .

Genus III.—Loncuitts, Linn. NG a)

Sp. aurita, Sew. ; Lindeniana, Hook., a new species, found by Linden
in Caraccas; pubescens, Willd.; Natalensis, Hook., a new species from
Port Natal, South Africa, communicated by Dr. Pappe; glabra, Bory;
Madagascariensis, Hook., a new species, from Madagascar, communi-
cated by Dr. Lyall.

Genus III. (IV.?)—Hypoteris, Bernh.
Sp. tenuifolia.

We sincerely desire the success of this work, but we repeat our
firm conviction that its production must be more rapid than hereto-
fore in order to meet the wishes, we might say the demands, of those
whose names stand as subscribers.

Notice of ‘The Transactions of the Linnean Society of London.
Volume XX., Part the Third. London: Longman, 1851.’

This long-promised part has at length made its appearance, and is
in all respects worthy of its predecessors. I cannot, however, con-
scientiously withhold the expression of my deep regret that this
learned body should not perceive more clearly its own interest in
matters of publication. Very many of its members receive no other
return for their membership than the Transactions; they pay their
subscription, three guineas annually, for this purpose only. It appears,
then, a very hard, nay, an unjust thing to publish so sparingly and at
such long intervals. It is unjust to subscribers, because they are thus
made to pay at least six times the amount which would be required
by a bookseller, this part being sold to the public at £1 10s., to mem-
bers, as paid in subscriptions, at upwards of £9. It is whispered
that great difficulty is experienced in getting in the subscriptions, but
how can it be otherwise? In the common transactions of life a man
pays very reluctantly for what he cannot obtain, and the members of
publishing societies are very much on a par with the customers of a
shopkeeper; they agree to pay for certain goods to be supplied, and
if the supply is withheld, there is generally considered to be suffi-

264

cient ground for withholding the payment also. It is unjust also to
contributors to delay the publication of their discoveries for such an
unreasonable length of time; the dates of those contained in this part
range from January 20, 1846,—five years and a half,—to June 20,
1848,—three years. Surely this is an unwarrantable delay. When
we reflect on the antiquity of this Society, on the high scientific
standing of many of its members, on the acknowledged value of its
Transactions, on the extent of its library and herbaria, comprising
inter alia those of Linneus and Smith, it cannot but be a matter of
regret to all right-minded men of science to see it sinking, as it were,
into a state of lethargy and inanity. Let the managers reflect that
these are dangerous symptoms,—symptoms of approaching dissolu-
tion. The Zoological Society, after reaching a similar state of mes-
meric coma, has been aroused and resuscitated by the single-handed
exertions of one man; the tide of exuberant life again flows through
its veins; its pristine vigour has returned: it has indeed slumbered,
but it has arisen from its slumber “as a giant refreshed.” Sincerely do
I hope it may be thus with the Linnean Society; that it too may have
its regenerator, its arouser; that the somnolency which at present op-
presses it may not be the sleep of death.

The botanical papers in this part are intituled as below :—

‘Note on Samara leta, Linn. By G. A. Walker-Arnott, LL.D.,
F.L.S., &c., Reg. Prof. of Botany in the University of Glasgow.’

‘On a new Genus of Plants, of the Family of Burmanniacee. By
John Miers, F.R.S., F.L.S., &c.’

Two species are Absltixed: Ophiomeris Macahensis and O. Iquas-
suensis, both from the province of Rio de Janeiro.

‘On Jansonia, a new Genus of Leguminosz from Western Australia.
By Mr. Richard Kippist, Libr. L.S., &c., &c.’

The species is called Jansonia formosa.

‘On the Structure of the Ascidia and Stomata of Dischidia Raffle-
siana, Wall. By the late William Griffiths, Esq., F.L.S., &. Com-
municated by R. H. Solly, Esq., F.R.S., F.LS., &e.’

‘On the Impregnation of Dischidia. By the late William Griffiths,
Esq., F.L.S., &c., &c. Communicated by R. Brown, Esq., VP. Ess
&c., &e.’ ,

‘On Athalamia, anew Genus of Marchantiee. By Hugh Falconer,
Esq., M.D., F.R.S., F.L.S., Superintendent of the Hon. East India
Company’s Botanic Garden at Calcutta, &c., &c.’

The species described is called Athalamia pinguis. I do not ob-
serve any notice of its habitat.

265

‘On the Early Stages of Lemanea fluviatilis, Agardh. By G. H. K.
Thwaites, Esq., Lecturer on Botany and Vegetable Physiology at the
Bristol Medical School. Communicated by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley,
F.LS,

‘On Melianthee, a new Natural Order, proposed and defined by
J. E. Planchon, Docteur-es-Sciences. Communicated by the Secre-
tary.

‘Some Account of an undescribed Fossil Fruit. By Robert Brown,
Ksq., D.C.L., F.R.S., V.P.L.S.’

The paper by the late Mr. Griffiths on Dischidia Rafflesiana will
be found highly interesting to physiological botanists, although I
think many of these will hesitate to accept the learned author’s con-
clusion. The following interesting passage is worthy of a careful
perusal :-—

“This curious plant occurs abundantly about Mergui, and affects
old and partially decayed trees. I have hence been able to examine
abundance of specimens loaded with ascidia of different degrees of
development. 1 offer the observations relating to these curious ap-
pendages, as I conceive they throw light on their nature, which, if
analogy holds good, appears to have been generally misunderstood.
The commonly adopted opinion, and that which Dr. Lindley advo-
cates in his ‘ Outlines of the First Principles of Botany,’ and in his
‘ Introduction to the Natural Orders,’ is, that the pitcher is a modifi-
cation of the petiole, and the lid, or operculum, of the lamina. The
structure of Dionza certainly seems in favour of this opinion. Mr.

wn, in his ‘ Remarks on the Structure and Affinities of Cephalo-
tus’ (Lond. and Edinb. Phil. Mag. Oct. 1832), says, that ascidia in
all cases are manifestly formed from the leaves, but does not refer the
pitcher or lamina to any particular part of the leaf.

“ The ascidia of this species have, as might be expected, the same
arrangement as the leaves; they are opposite and shortly pedicellate.
They are however crowded together, while the leaves are distant. In
shape they are oblong-ovate, somewhat compressed, with a few eleva-
tions and depressions, which correspond to those formed in the leaves
by the nervures. They are open at the base, the margins being rounded
off, owing to their being inflected into the pitcher in the shape of a
linguiform process. Immediately below the base they are slightly
constricted. The opening is invariably directed upwards. Their co-
Jour externally is that of the leaves,—a dingy yellowish green, often
inclining to glaucous. Internally they are of a rich dark purple,
studded with innumerable and very minute white spots.

VOL Iv. 2M

266

“The colour of the inflected portion internally is much lighter than
that of the corresponding surface of the leaf: its outer surface is of a
light purplish brown. They appear at no period to contain fluids, but
invariably contain one or more branched roots, which, taking their
origin from various parts of the petiole, pass down through the opening.
These roots are always more succulent and of a lighter colour than
those formed in any other part. Their structure is precisely that of the
limb of the leaves; the only difference being in form and in the colour
of the inner surface, which corresponds to the concave of the leaves.*
This structure presents nothing peculiar with the exception of the sto-
mata. The proofs 1 have to give of their being modified laminz are :—

“]. Their similarity in texture and internal structure, and that of
the stomata with those of the limb of the leaves.

“2. There is a constant and appreciable though slight tendency in
the limb of the leaves to assume an involute form, their margins and
apex being always, and especially in old leaves, more or less incutved.

“2. The occurrence of an imperfectly transformed pitcher, in which
the body of the pitcher is clearly referrible to the limb of the leaf.
The petiole has retained its usual form. This specimen resembled
closely the bottom of a perfect pitcher, being, however, much less
compressed: it was completely open at the top, no constriction hav-
ing taken place. The margins and apex were slightly incurved:
there was a slight tendency towards coloration, but only towards the
fundus.

“4, In this family at least it is more natural to refer the ascidia to
the limb from the general construction of their petioles. *~

“If we can extend the analogy drawn from the structure of the
ascidia of this plant to the other cases of their formation, in Nepen-
thes, Cephalotus and Sarracenia, in which the development is much
more perfect, we shall have a petiole of ordinary form and a curiously
modified limb, the lamina being an appendage of the limb. I consider
the inflected portion of the pitchers of Dischidia as analogous to the
movable opercula of the more perfect examples cited above, although in
this it is continuous with the body of the pitcher. Mr. Brown however
says (loc. cit.), that the ascidia of Dischidia have no lamine. I may
add, that petioles are much less liable to modifications than lamine.

““%* The leaves are smooth and somewhat concave on one surface, convex and
rugose on the other; but the whole growth is so straggling, that it is difficult to say
which is the upper and which the under surface. I think that the inner surface of

the pitcher corresponds to the upper of the leaves, that being the smooth concave
surface.”

267

If the pitchers of Nepenthes, &c. are modified petioles, the cucullate
bractee of Marcgraviacee will be referrible to the petiole of the
bractez.”
As I am now giving, in a connected form, the authorized abstracts,
admirably prepared by the Secretary, of all botanical papers read
before the Linnean Society, and as these abstracts of course appear
much earlier than any I could make from the papers when published
in the Transactions, I think it will be obvious that in this place I can
do little more than give the titles of the papers, in the mere catalogue
form adopted above. I cannot conclude this brief notice of a valuable
publication without expressing my sincere and fervent hope that the
task of recording the publication of these Transactions will in future
devolve on me more frequently.

Notice of the ‘ Botanical Gazette, No. 31, July, 1851.

The papers in this number are intituled :—

‘ Biographical Notice of the late Mr. George Don, of Forfar. By
Pat. Neill, LL.D. Read to a meeting of the Botanical Society of
Edinburgh held on May 15.’

Mr. Don died in January, 1814. The length of time since that date
would surely have allowed the compilation of a more ample memoir
than the present memorandum, which contains little new as to the
biography of this remarkable self-taught man.

‘On Ceratomonia in general, and more particularly on the Abnor-
mal Spores of the Perianth. By M.Ch. Morren. Abstract from the
Memoirs of the Belgian Academy, Vol. xvi. 1849.’

‘ Literature :—Under this head the following works are noticed :—
‘Transactions of the Linnean Society of London, Vol. xx. Part IIT.
1851. ‘Species Filicum;’ being descriptions of all known Ferns.
Illustrated with Plates. By Sir W. J. Hooker, K.H., LL.D., &c.
Part V.,-or Vol. ii. Part I.’ ‘ The Microscope and its Use, especially
in Vegetable Anatomy and Physiology. By Hermann Schacht. Ber-
lin, 1831. 8vo., pp. 198 and 6 plates.’ The reviewer strongly recom-
mends this work ; he says, “ It clearly explains all the details of the
processes of investigation, both with the single and compound micro-
scopes, and from the many practical hints it contains, it will be useful
not only to beginners but to experienced microscopists.” ‘Annals of

268

Natural History,’ June, 1851. ‘ Hooker’s Journal of Botany,’ June,
1851. ‘The Phytologist, June, 1851. ‘ Botanische Zeitung,’ 1850.
‘The Flora,’ 1850.

‘ Proceedings of Societies :—Botanical Society of Edinburgh. ho:
tanical Society of London.

‘ Miscellanea :—‘ Botanical Memoranda, by W. Borrer, Esq.’ In
this paper Mr. Borrer corrects certain errors of habitats reported last
year in the Gazette and other works. Euphorbia pilosa and Vero-
nica verna, said to grow wild near Battle and Hastings, were found to
be E. platyphylla and V. arvensis. Of the fact no doubt exists, since
the gentleman who reported these stations accompanied Mr. Borrer
to the spots where the supposed rarities were growing. In Hors-
field’s ‘ History of Sussex,’ Cuscuta Europza is reported, on Mr.
Borrer’s authority, as growing abundantly on furze in ‘Thorney-Island,
and occasionally in fields of vetches. The plant on furze is C. Epi-
thymum; that on vetches is what is now called C. Trifolii. “ Erio-
phorum gracile, ‘ Bot. of Sussex,’ is the slender state of E. polystachion,
the E. gracile of Smith, not of Koch.” Mr. Borrer considers the
Matlock Thlaspi, given in Eng. Bot. as alpestre, to be the T. virens
of Jordan, as suggested by Mr. Babington.

Notice of the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History, No. 43,
July, 1851.

The only botanical paper, intituled ‘Some Remarks on Mosses,
with a proposed new Arrangement of the Genera, by William Mitten,
A.L.S.,’ is one of great interest. Without attempting to express any
opinion as to the value of the new combinations here introduced, it
cannot be questioned that they are the result of much study, and are
therefore to be commended to the careful and attentive perusal of all
bry ologists.

“Tt was in 1847,” says Mr. Mitten, “ whilst examining Phaseum
multicapsulare of Smith, that the author's attention was first arrested
by the fact that all the Cleistocarpous mosses might be distributed
among the Stegocarpous genera; since which the subject has been
neglected, and he now publishes his ideas from seeing in the most
recent works on bryology the continued adhesion to the old plan of
keeping up a class of Cleistocarpous genera and species.” ;

269

The author regards the Musci as neither agamous nor cryptoga-
mous, but as the highest order of acotyledons, “ forming the next link
to mgnocotyledons,” and as taking “ precedence of the Filices, Ly-
copodia and Equiseta, in which inflorescence is unknown.” He
thus defines the Musci :-—

** Plants with stems bearing horizontal leaves, which are mostly
composed of one layer of cells, and furnished with
thickened nerves. Inflorescence surrounded by proper
involucral leaves. Male flowers composed of anthers,
antheridia ; female, of pistils, archegonia, which, as
well as the antheridia, are mixed with slender threads,
paraphyses. Fruit an unilocular capsule, bursting at
the sides or operculate, surmounted by a calyptra.”

After explaining the inflorescence, and especially the character of
the capsule, as either being without a regular opening and bursting at
the sides (astomate), or furnished with an operculum, which, being
removed, leaves the capsule closed by a membrane (stomate), and
also the mouth of the capsule as naked (gymnostomate), with hygro-
scopic teeth (peristomate), or with the sporular sac also divided above
into processes and cilia (diploperistomate); he goes on to observe
that “in some well-marked genera, as Encalypta, Orthotrichum and
Zygodon, there exist gymnostomate, peristomate and diploperistomate
species, too closely allied in all other respects to be separated gene-
rically in any natural arrangement. In Weissia, including as of one
genus, Astomum Mittenii, Phascum crispum, P. rostellatum, and all
the Hymenostoma, Gymnostoma, and Weissiz of ‘Bryologia Europea,’
are seen species astomate, stomate, gymnostomate and peristomate ;
and most of these mosses without the presence of fruit would be dif-
ficult enough to distinguish as species, to say nothing of genera;—
from which the conclusion seems evident, that as a more or less per-
fect series of progressive developments from astomate to diploperi-
stomate capsules may occur in a single genus, so any degree of
development less perfect than the diploperistomate may be considered
but an imperfect state of that degree, and of no importance in generic
distinctions whenever it is possible to trace a higher.”

In the arrangement founded on these views, M. C. Miiller’s plan of
dividing the genera into groups by the form of the cells of the leaves
is adopted with some modifications. The following is a skeleton of
the arrangement :—

270

Tribe I. ANDREZACEA.
Genus.—Andrezxa, Khrh.

Tribe II. DicRANACE.

Sect. 1. Leptotrichotdee.—Leaves without enlarged cells at the base.

Genera.—Archidium, Brid.; Bruchia, Schw.; Angstreemia, B. § S.;
Trematodon, Rich.; Brachyodus, Furnr.; Campylostelium, B. & S.;
Seligeria, B. § S.; Symblepharis, Mont.; Leptotrichum, Hampe ;
Distichium, B. & S.; Eustichia, Brid.; Drepanophyllum, Rich.
Sect. 2. Dicranoidee.— Leaves with enlarged and mostly coloured

cells at the base.

Genera.—Blindia, B. § S.; Eucamptodon, Mont.; Holomitrium,
Brid.; Dicnemon, Schw.; Pilopogon, Brid.; Dicranum, Hedw.

Tribe II]. Porriace#.
Sect. 1. Trichostomoidee.—Peristome of narrow slender teeth.

Genera.—Schistidium, Brid.; ? Gonomitrium, Hook. et Wils.; Pot-
tia, Ehrh.; Trichostomum, Hedw.; Barbula, Hedw.; Streptopogon,
Wils.; Ceratodon, Brid.; Weissia, Hedw.; Syrrhopodon, Sch. ;
Calymperes, Sw.; Tridontium, Hook. fil.

Sect. 2. Zygodontoidee.—Peristome of broad teeth.

Genera.—Coscinodon, Spreng.; Glyphomitrium, Brid.; Brachys-
telium, Rchb.; Gumbelia, Hampe; Grimmia, Ehrh.; Cryptocarpus,
Dzy. et Molk ; Drummondia, Hook.; Zygodon, Hook. et Tayl.; Or-
thotrichum, Hedw.; Macromitrium, Brid. ; Schlotheimia, Brid. ;
Encalypta, Schreb.

Tribe IV. FUNARIACEZ.

Sect. 1. Funaroidee.—Capsules not remarkably apophysate. Peri-
stome of trabeculate teeth.

Genera.—Ephemerum, Hampe; Ephemerella, C. Miiller ; Physco-
mitrium, Brid.; Pyramidium, Brid.; Entosthodon, Schw.; Disce-
lium, Brid.; Funaria, Schreb.; Amblyodon, Pal. de Beauv.

Sect. 2. Splachnoidee.—Capsules sometimes remarkably apophysate.
Peristome of mostly geminate teeth, which are not trabeculate.

Genera.—Cidipodium, Schw.; Tetraplodon, B. et S.; Tayloria,
Hook. ; Dissodon, Grev. et Arnott; Splachnum, Linn.

271

Tribe V. BryAce®.

Genera.—Schistostega, Mohr.; Meilichhoferia, Hsch.; Leptochlena,
Mont.; Orthodontium, Schw.; Bryum, Dill.

Tribe VI. BARTRAMIACE.

Genera.—Oreas, Brid.; Catoscopium, Brid.; Plagiopus, Brid. ;

Meesia, Hedw.; Paludella, Ehrh. ; Conostomum, Sw.; Bartramia,

Hedw.
Tribe VII. MnIAcE&. ,
Genera.—Hymenodon, Hook. et Wils.; Fissidens, Hedw.; Octo-
diceras, Brid.; Mniadelphus, C. Miller ; Daltonia, Hook. et Tay. ;
Cinclidotus, Pal. de Beauv.; Scouleria, Hook.; Georgia, Ehrh. ;
Leptostomum, R. Brown; Leptotheca, Schw.; Timmia, Hedvw. ;
Mnium, Dill.
Tribe VIII. HypPorrEryGIacEs&.

Genera.—Hypopterygium, Brid.; Cyathophorum, Pal. de Beauv. ;
? Helicophyllum, Brid.

Tribe IX. Hypnace2&.
Genera.—Rhegmatodon, Brid.; Fabronia, Raddi; Neckera, Hedw.;
Aulacopilum, Wils.; ? Wardia, Harvey; Phyllogonium, Brid.; Pi-
lotrichum, Pal. de Beauv.; Hookeria, Smith; Hypnum, Dill.

Tribe X. PoLYTRICHACEA.

Genera.—Lyellia, R. Brown; Polytrichum, Dill.; Dawsonia, R.
Brown.

Tribe XI. BUXBAUMIACE.
Genera.—Diphyscium, Web. et Mohr.; Buxbaumia, Haller.

Tribe XII. LEucoBRYACE.

Genera.—Octoblepharum, Hedw. ; | Arthrocormus, Dzy. et Molk.;
Leucophanes, Brid.; Schistomitrium, Dzy. et Molk; Leucobryum,
Hampe.

Tribe XIII. SpHacnacez.
Genus.—Sphagnum, Dill.

272

Notice of ‘ The Naturalist, No. 5, July, 1851.

The only botanical paper is a continuation of ‘ Notes on a Botani-
cal Stroll from Plymouth to Bickleigh Vale, going and returning by
different routes; by Isaiah W. N. Keys. It contains nothing on
which I can offer a comment.

Notice of Hooker's‘ Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany,
No. 31, July, 1851.

The communications to this number are intituled :—

‘Second Report on Mr. Spruce’s Collections of Dried Plants from
North Brazil; by George Bentham, Esq. Continued.’

‘Decades of Fungi; by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, M.A., F.LS.
Decade xxxvi. Sikkim-Himalayan Fungi, collected by Dr.
Hooker.’

‘Contributions to the Botany of Western India; by N. A. Dalzell,
Esq., M.A. Continued.’

‘ Letter from Dr. Andrew Sinclair on the Vegetation, &c., of the
Neighbourhood of Auckland, New Zealand.’

‘A Letter from Dr. De Vriese to Robert Brown, Esq., on a new
Species of Rafflesia in the Island of Java, discovered by MM. J. E.
Teysman and 8. Binnendijk.’

‘Extract from a Letter of the Rev. W. Colenso, relating to a
second Species of New Zealand Flax—Phormium.’

Mr. Bentham’s paper contains descriptions of eleven species, all of
the order Sapindacee ; these are—Serjania nitidula, 8. platycarpa
and §. hebecarpa, Paullinia spicata, P. interrupta, P. pachycarpa,
Schmidelia leptostachya, Sapindus cerasinus, S. oblongus, Cupania
geminata, C. Spruceana and C. frondosa.

Mr. Dalzell describes twelve new species from Western India—
Guatteria fragrans, Unona pannosa, Sagerea laurina, of the order
Anonacee ; Smithia capitata, S. setulosa, Galictia simplicifolia, Pha-
seolus pauciflorus, Crotalaria epunctata, Glycine Warrensis, and Alys-
sicarpus parviflorus, of the order Leguminose ; Ophelia pauciflora, of
the order Gentianee ; and Pimpinella monoica, of the order Umbel-
lifer. The genus Sagarza of Dalzell, of the tribe Bocagewx, is cha-
racterized for the first time.

273

The following extract from Dr. Sinclair’s letter is interesting :—

“The most interesting spot for a botanist near Auckland is the Ma-
nukau forest, about eight miles off in a straight line. In it are found
nearly all the timber trees of the colony, and amongst them, the most
imposing in appearance is the Kauri. It is, however, not so large
here as in the forest on the banks of the Kaipuru, the Hookianga, and
at other places farther north, The Manukau forest may be called the
present limit of the tree on that side of the island, there being very
few examples of it farther south, and these very small, although from
the quantities of the gum to be met with in the soil a great distance
beyond, it must have grown abundantly there in former times. The
quantity of Kauri timber in the forest which stretches from Manukau
harbour to the heads of the Wairoa and Kaipuru appears inexhaus-
tible, and a great portion of it is not of difficult access. It is only,
however, on the banks of the latter rivers that spars of sufficient size
for the Royal Navy can be found. Though the cutting of the timber
has gone on since the establishment of the colony, little impression
has been made on the forest, and in places where surveyors have been
at work for years, their labours have rarely extended a gun-shot from
their houses. Besides the Kauri, the other trees felled were chiefly
the Pohutukana and Rata (Metrosideros tomentosa and robusta) ; the
Puriri (Vitex litoralis), for ship-timbers and other purposes requiring
great durability and strength. The number of Kauri trees must be
diminishing, for in many places, where the felling of timber has been
carried on, there are no young trees rising up to supply the place of
others decayed from age, or cut for removal; but that is not the case
in that part of the Manukau forest nearest Auckland, where the young
trees of all sizes are very numerous.

“Though the Kauri does not grow to such a large size in the Ma-
nukau forest as in others farther north, vegetation is exceedingly
vigorous, and it presents an inexhaustible field of interest to the bo-
tanist. The trunks of the old trees are clothed and festooned with
Astelias, climbing Metrosideros, Orchidacew, ferns, mosses and Jun-
germanniz, in the greatest profusion. The deep hollows within the
forest are penetrated with difficulty, from the interlaced stems of the
Ripogonum and other under-shrubs. In the deep sheltered parts of
the forest, some plants are found of extraordinary size, and amongst
them I have measured the Areca sapida thirty-six feet high, and the
Cyathea dealbata attaining a height of fifty-four feet. It is along the
margin of the forest, however, and up the abrupt winding ravines, and
at the sawing stations, where the falling of lofty trees brings down

VoL Iv. 2N

274

masses of vegetation generally beyond reach, that botanizing is pur-
sued with most success.”

The new species of Phormium, which forms the subject of the Rev.
W. Colenso’s paper, was previously mentioned as new by M. Auguste
le Jolis, Lond. Journ. of Bot. vii. 533, under the title ‘On a new kind
of Phormium,’ and still anterior to this by the Rev. gentleman him-
self, in a letter to Sir W. Hooker, under date of July 20, 1841, an
extract of which was published in the same journal (i. 305). It has
received in succession the three names of Phormium Fosterianum, P.
Colensoi and P. Cookianum.

Anacharis Alsinastrum, Bab. [Udora Canadensis|, in Warwick-
shire, with Remarks on its Nativity in this Country. By THOMAS
Kirk, Esq.

CuterLy for the information of neighbouring botanists, 1 communi-
cate the fact of the occurrence of this interesting plant, in the greatest
abundance, in the greater portion of an unused loop branch of the
Oxford Canal, between Wyken Colliery and Sow Waste, amongst
miniature submerged meadows of Potamogeton zosterzfolius and its
allies. About Christmas last, I observed it in great quantity in the
canal, nearly opposite Brownsover Chapel, near Rugby. In the first-
mentioned locality it is now plentifully but not generally in flower:
its maximum will be attained by the end of August, but I gathered
specimens in flower early in the month of June. It occurs at various
depths below the surface, and, contrary to what I have elsewhere no-
ticed, many flowers are expanded under the surface of the water.
Many of the flower-stalks are from six to ten inches in length. It is
rather curious that when hunting for water plants, I have frequently
been within a dozen yards of the point where the Anacharis com-
mences, but never till the present season have I been close enough
to see it.

After such weighty authority has expressed so positive an opinion
of its exotic origin, it requires some courage to put in a plea for its
nativity, but in my mind there is no doubt on the subject.. I have
shown in a former article (Phytol. iii. 989) that it has been known for
upwards of twenty years in a locality visited by botanists, and yet
overlooked by them. Even supposing the plant introduced at Dunse-
Castle Loch, and accidentally transferred to the Whiteadder from
thence, neither of which suppositions I consider at all proved, how is

275

it that we find it established in the counties of Edinburgh, Stafford,
Nottingham, Leicester, Northampton, and Warwick (to say nothing
of Hants and Dublin, in which last locality, by the by, it is quite as
likely to have been introduced, if introduced it be, with undoubted
British aquatic plants as with exotics), without any botanist having
noticed it during its migrations? Why, because it has only been
recently noticed, must it be “introduced?” A few years ago, Pota-
mogeton zosterzfolins, by no means an inconspicuous plant, was only
known certainly to exist in four counties; that number may now be
trebled at least, and in one or two counties, as Warwick, it is quite a
common plant. As well might we assert that its more recently dis-
covered habitats were supplied from the earlier, and hint the proba-
bility of its being only naturalized in them. I see nothing more
improbable in one case than the other. There are few botanists but
may call to mind instances of some well-known plant existing in
their own neighbourhood unknown to them, till some accidental cir-
cumstance has forced it upon their notice, and caused them to won-
der that the plant for which, mayhap, they have diligently searched,
could have been all the time under their noses without their once
having observed it; yet they would hardly consider the plant intro-
duced in that particular locality, merely because it had for so long a
time eluded their notice. Why, then, because it is a new plant, must
the Anacharis be stigmatized as “introduced?” It is not the only
recent addition to the British flora that has existed for years under
the eyes of our most “lynx-eyed” botanists unrecognized and un-
known. Why not call the Leersia “ introduced ?”

The Anacharis is a plant so often intermingled with and hidden by
other aquatic plants of a more robust habit of growth, that a keen
observer may very readily be excused for passing it unnoticed. Then
consider the greater amount of attention bestowed of late years on the
“uninviting genus Potamogeton” and water plants in general, as
evidenced by our increased amount of information as regards their
distribution, and I think we shall cease to wonder at the “ sudden
diffusion of the Anacharis,” and merely observe that an increased
amount of observation amongst water plants in general has been pro-
portionately rewarded by the addition, in many localities, of a new

Species to our flora.
THoMAS Kirk.
Coventry, July 26, 1851.

276

Grammitis Ceterach growing in a Tree, and some other Hampshire
Localities for Ferns not mentioned by Dr. Bromfield. By R. W.
SmiTH, Esq.

Grammitis Ceterach growing on a Tree.—Being an amateur and
occasional collector of our indigenous ferns, I am induced to record
the occurrence of what appears to me a most interesting group of
these plants on an old tree at Pitt, in this neighbourhood, but not
within half a mile of any house. The gnarled roots of the tree over-
hang a very ancient and deep chalk lane adjoining the Roman road
to Salisbury, and on these I found Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum, A.
Trichomanes, and several plants of Grammitis Ceterach. I removed
some of each species, and they are now all growing together in my
garden, but you may be sure I did not destroy the locality. I do
not find any previous record of Grammitis Ceterach growing on a
tree as an original habitat, and the whole group together is most
interesting.

Hampshire Localities for Ferns not mentioned by Dr. Brom-
Jield.—

Lastrea Thelypteris. Grows in one small spot near this town. I
see Dr. Bromfield has only noticed it at Freshwater, Isle of Wight.

Botrychium Lunaria. 1 found it this year growing in meadows
near the springs of the Itchen, at Titchbourne and Hinton.

Lycopodium inundatum. At St. Jermyn’s, near Romsey.

Pilularia globulifera. At Badderley.

R. W. SMITH.
Winchester, July 11, 1851.

Abnormal Form of Lolium perenne, and Occurrence of Anacharis
Alsinastrum at Cambridge. By the Rev. W. M. Hino, M.A.

Abnormal Form of Lolium perenne.—I have the pleasure of for-
warding specimens of Lolium perenne, Z., considerably changed in
growth from the normal state of the plant. The chief variations are :
—culm geniculate; spikelets, except the lowest one, crowded, diver-
gent, and without glumes; the lowest spikelet is invariably as in the
ordinary state of the plant, distant, appressed, and with a glume; the
next spikelet has most generally a glume, but not always; the spike-

277

lets are sometimes so crowded near the top of the rachis as to give
the spike somewhat of a compound appearance. I have found a
small patch of the plant in this neighbourhood covering two or three
square feet of ground. It grows close to a footpath, and the constant
trampling on the ground may have affected the growth of the plant,
and caused it to sport.

Occurrence of Anacharis Alsinastrum at Cambridge.—\1 may men-
tion, for the information of your readers, that I found Anacharis
Alsinastrum, Bad., last Thursday at Cambridge, in a ditch near the
railway-station, and adjoining the road to the Fitzwilliam Museum.
This plant now occupies a much larger portion of the river here (the
Trent) than when first noticed, about eighteeen months back ; in fact,
it bids fair, in a very short time, to block up one of the two streams
into which the Trent here divides. As regards the Cambridge loca-
lity for this plant, it may be desirable to inquire whether it has been
introduced by any of the botanists of that neighbourhood.

W. M. Hinp.
Burton-on-Trent, July 26, 1851.

Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

Thursday, July 10, 1851.—Professor Dickie was elected Local
Secretary for Belfast; Professor Hincks, for Cork; and Professor
Melville, for Galway.

The following donations were announced :—‘ De la Teratologie
Végétale, par Charles Martins,’ from the Author; ‘ Observations sur
la Floraison de quelques Plantes cultivées faites 4 Moscou, par N.
Annenkow,’ from the Author; ‘ Flora of Liverpool, from the Author ;
British plants from Mr. G. Lawson.

Dr. Balfour exhibited a specimen of a species of Polyporus from
America, which had been presented to the museum at the Garden by
Dr. Knapp; bark of Quillaia saponaria from Guyana, presented by
. Professor Traill; and specimens of Spheria polymorpha from Dr.
Greville. Dr. B. also announced a donation of valuable seeds to the
Botanic Garden, from Ch. A. Meyer, of the Imperial Garden of St.
Petersburg.

Dr. Balfour exhibited specimens of the following monstrosities :—

1. An Arum with a double spathe, the second spathe being alter-

278

nate with the first. The spadix at the lower end showed the appear-
ance of the adhesion of a second spadix. This specimen was from
the garden of Dr. Neill, Cannonmills Cottage.

2. A monstrosity of Antirrhinum majus, presenting a regular flower
formed by five personate petals with gibbous bases.

3. Monstrosity of white Digitalis, showing the terminal floret com-
posed of several united, and expanding before the other flowers in the
raceme. There was thus a mixed inflorescence, partly definite and
partly indefinite.

A letter was read from Mr. Wyville Thomson, Lecturer on Botany,
King’s College, Aberdeen, in which he states:—‘ A few days ago,
walking along Dee-side, about seven miles above Aberdeen, I was
much surprised to see Prunus spinosa (common sloe) covered with
large handsome fruit, of a bright red colour, anda pod very like the
capsicum. The sloe-trees grow along the river-side, and are of that
half-cultivated variety which attains the height of twenty or thirty
feet, is straight and wants spines. The trees were closely tangled
along the river-side for the distance of about a hundred yards, all
covered with this strange monstrosity. On examining the pods a
little more closely, they proved to be carpels disdaining their usual
tardy progress into a drupe, and hurrying into a pseudo-legume. On
cutting them open, they exposed usually one, sometimes two, abortive
ovules, attached to a sutural placenta. This was odd enough; but
imagine my surprise when I came to several trees of Prunus Padus, a
little farther on, covered with long clusters of bright green unripe
pods of a similar kind. We well know that the Rosacez are very
prone to eccentricity with regard to their carpels, and to see one tree
in that condition would not surprise me, but why all the individuals
of Prunus spinosa in that neighbourhood should have gone wrong,
and especially why the other species should have joined them, I am
at a loss to conjecture.” Specimens of the monstrosities in both spe-
cies were exhibited, and were presented to the museum at the Botanic
Garden.

Dr. Balfour suggested that these teratological appearances might
be caused by the attacks of insects, and that they pointed out the
connexion between Rosacew and Leguminose, two orders which are
chiefly distinguished by the position of the odd sepal.

The following paper was read :—

“Some Remarks on the Plant, Morphologieally considered; by
the Rev. Dr. M‘Cosh, Brechin.’ “ According to the common idea,
the plant is composed of two essentially distinct parts—the stem and

279

the leaf. The axis of the embryo proceeds downward and upward
simultaneously, the descending axis being the root, and the ascend-
ing one the stem or trunk. Upon these axes others are formed as
subterranean or aérial branches. ‘The leaf is formed upon the
ascending axis, and besides its common form, it assumes, while obey-
ing the same fundamental laws, certain other forms, as in the sepals,
the petals, the stamens and pistils. Schleiden, in ‘The Plant, a
Biography,’ gives us a picture of a typical plant constructed on this
principle. This makes a plant a dual, or composed of two essentially
different parts.

“ But to us it appears possible to reduce a plant, by a more en-
Jarged conception of its nature, to a unity. According to our idea, it
consists essentially of a stem sending out other stems similar to itself,
at certain angles, and in such a regular manner that the whole is
made to take a pre-determined form. The ascending axis, for
instance, sends out, at particular normal angles in each tree, branches
similar in structure to itself. These lateral branches again send out
branchlets of a like nature with themselves, and at much the same
angles. The whole tree, with its branches, thus comes to be of the
same general form as every individual branch, and every branch, with
its branchlets, comes to be a type of the whole plant in its skeleton
and outline.

“Taking this idea of a plant along with us, let us now inquire
whether there may not be a morphological analogy between the
stems and the ribs or veins of the leaf. As these veins are vascular
bundles, proceeding from the fibro-vascular bundles of the stem, they
may be found to obey the same laws. Physiological confirmations
of this presumption may be found in the following circumstances :—
Ist. Both stem and vein are capable of becoming a spine, the stem
as in the thorn, the vein as inthe thistle. 2nd. It is alsoan unsettled
question whether the inflorescence and seed-vessels, in many cases,
are formed out of metamorphosed leaves or metamorphosed branches.
The very fact that there is such a dispute shows that there is an ana-
logy between leaf and branch. 38rd. The vein of the leaf is capable
equally with the stem of producing a leaf-bud, as in Bryophyllum and
Gloxinia.

“We begin with the examination of those plants which have a
fully-veined or reticulated leaf, and here we shall find a morphologi-
cal analogy between the leaf and the branch, and the leaf and the
whole plant. We are quite aware that in respect of physiological
development there is a wide difference between the two, but this will

280

just render the morphological resemblance, if it exists, the more cu-
rious and striking. It should be noticed that this resemblance can
be observed only when both the stems and the veins are fully and
fairly developed.

“In prosecuting this inquiry, let us first inspect, in a general way,
the leaf of a tree, with its central vein or veins, and its side veins.
Even on the most careless inspection, the central vein will be found
to bear a striking analogy to the central stem or axis of the tree, and
the side veins to the branches. Having viewed the leaf in the first
instance, let us then look at the tree when stripped of its leaves in
winter, and we shall see how like it is in its contour and skeleton to
the contour and skeleton of a leaf. We shall be particularly struck
with this if we view it in the dim twilight or the ‘ pale moonlight’
between us and a clear sky. In both leaf and tree we see a central
stem or stems with ramified appendages going off at certain angles ;
and we may observe that the tree in its outline tends to assume the
form of a leaf.

“The general impression produced by a first glance will be con-
firmed on further inspection. The analogy between the skeleton of
the leaf and the skeleton of the branch may be seen in a number of
points, as well as in the general resemblance between the ramification
of the plant and the ramification of the venation of the leaf. Ist.
Some trees, such as the beech, the elm, the oak, the holly, the Portu-
gal and bay laurels, the privet, the box, will be found to send out
side branches along the axis from the root, or near the very root, and
the leaves of those trees have little or no petiole or leaf-stalk, but
begin to expand from nearly the very place where the leaf springs
from the stem. There are other trees, as the common sycamore (the
Scotch plane-tree), the beech, the chestnut, the pear, the cherry, the
apple, which have a considerably long unbranched trunk, and the
leaves of these trees will be found to have a pretty long leaf-stalk.
2nd. Most of our low, branching, herbaceous plants, such as the mal-
lows, rhubarb, Tussilago, marsh marigold, lady’s mantle, hollyhocks,
send outa considerable number of stems from near the root, and it.
will be found in exact accordance with this, that these set off from
the base of the leaf a considerable number of main veins or ribs,
which as they spread cause the leaf to assume a rounded shape. In
these plants, the morphological resemblance between tree and plant
is seen horizontally, and not vertically. In this respect these plants
are different from our forest trees, which send up commonly one main
axis with lateral branches, and have in their venation one leading

281

vein with side veins. 3rd. Some trees, such as the beech, the birch,
the elm, send up one large main stem, from which, throughout its
length, there proceed comparatively small branches pretty equally
along the axis, and it will be found in such cases that the leaf has a
central vein, with pretty equally disposed veins on either side.
Other trees, again, tend rather to send off, at particular heights, a
number of comparatively thick branches at once. This is the
case, for instance, with the common sycamore, the chestnut, and
the laburnum. The trunk of the sycamore (Acer Pseudo-platanus),
about eight or ten feet above the surface of the ground, com-
monly divides itself into four or five large branches, and in precise
analogy we find the leaf at the top of a pretty long leaf-stalk sending
off four or five large veins. The chestnut tends to send off at the
top of the unbranched trunk a still greater number of branches, and
we find in correspondence with this that its leaf is commonly divided
into seven leaflets. The laburnum (and also the broom and clover)
goes off in triplets in respect of leaflet and ramification. In such
cases it will commonly be found that the leaf is compound, and we
are to regard all such compound leaves as one, and representative of
the whole tree. Generally it is the whole leafage coming off at a
given place, which represents the whole tree; and the single leaf,
when there is a number of leaves, represents merely the branch. 4th.
Some plants, such as the Rhododendron, the Azalea, and the lupin,
send off leaves which have a tendency to become whorled, and their
branches have also a tendency to become verticillate. 5th. The
stems of some trees, such as the thorn and laburnum, are not straight,
and the branches have a twisted form; and it will be found that the
vein of the leaf of these trees is not straight, and that the leafage is
notin one plane. This is also seen in the elm. 6th. In some trees,
such as the beech, the stems go off in nearly straight lines, and the
leaves are found to have a straight venation. In other trees, again,
such as the chestnut, the branches have a graceful curve, and the
veins of the leaves are curved in much the same way. 7th. In most
plants the angle at which the side stems go off will be found to
widen as we ascend to the middle, and thence to decrease as we
ascend to the apex, and the venation of the leaves will be found to
obey a similar law. This helps to give both to tree and leaf their
- beautiful oval outline. In some plants, again, such as the poplar and
birch, the angles are widest at the base, and tend to narrow as we
ascend, and both leaf and tree in such cases assume a kind of trian-
gular form. 8th. Generally we shall find a correspondence between
* VOL. -Iv. 20

282

the angle of the ramification of the tree and the angle of yenation of
the leaf. The following table gives the results of numerous measure-
ments of the angles of branching and venation, where these were
found to agree :— ’

deg. deg.

Beech . : : : : 45 Rose : : 5 ; ; 50
Plane-tree . . ‘ Ave 45 lLaburnum (small branches) . . 60
Birch : : . é : 40 Box (over) ; 3 ; : 60
Oak, 50 (large branches, 65—70, Thistle . : : : . . 60—70

same venation) 5 Ms Thorn (lowest branches) . . 85—50
Cherry . : ; : : dO? JAish °F ; : : ote 60
Portugal laurel. ; . . 50—60 Elm : ; : ; . 45—50
Bay laurel : : : . 50—60 Bird cherry . : ; Sif 60
Holly . 3 : : . . 565—60 Red dog-wood . : : ; 45
Rhododendron . : : : 60 Alder . ‘ : : tg 50
Lime . ‘ : i - . 40—45

We have made a sufficient number of measurements to be able to say
that there is often such acorrespondence. But it should be acknow-
ledged, that while it is not difficult to determine the angle of the ve-
nation of the leaf, it is most difficult to determine what is the normal
ramification of the tree, for the angle at which the branch goes off is
liable to be modified by a great number of circumstances. All that
we argue for is a general correspondence between the tendency of the
direction of the branches and the tendency of the direction of the
veins of the leafage,—a tendency liable, however, to be affected by a
great number of circumstances, natural and artificial. It does not
follow, because there is a correspondence between the venation of the
leaf and the ramification of the tree, that therefore the two—the leaf
and tree—must have the same form. The form of the leaf will be to
some extent modified by the quantity of parenchyma, and the form
of the tree by the weight of the branches; and there are other causes
producing adiscrepancy. But the two—the leaf and tree—will com-
monly assume the same form. Even when they differ, the corre-
spondence will be seen in the tendency, apart from extraneous causes,
to take the same form. Jt zs always to be remembered that it ts the
whole leafage coming out at a given place which represents the tree,
and the single leaf, where there are more leaves than one, represents
the branch or the young tree. Itis only thus that I can bring the
ash and mountain-ash into accordance with these views. The whole
leafage, with its stalk, represents the tree, and the leaf-branch and
leaflet, the branches and branchlets, as also the young tree.

“ Such facts as these strongly incline us to the belief that in plants

283
-

with leaves that strike the eye, the leaf and plant are typically analo-
gous. The leaf is atypical plant or branch, and every tree or branch
is a typical leaf. I am quite aware of the differences between these
two distinct members of the plant. In particular, we find in the case
of the full tree that the branches extend all round the axis, whereas
in the leaf the fibrous veins all lie in one plane. But then we have
a phenomenon to connect these two in the branch, the branchlets of
which often lie in one plane. The principal difference between the
tree and leaf may probably be found to be in this,—that the cellular
tissue or parenchyma, which in the tree and its branches is collected
into the pith and bark (which are connected by the medullary rays),
is in the leaf so spread out as to fill up the insterstices of the fibrous
matter which forms the veins.

“The general order as thus stated applies only to the plants which
have pith and bark and fully-formed leaves, intended to strike the
-eye. ‘There is no such special order in plants with linear unbranched
leaves, such as firs and pines. The leaf in these plants has no rami-
fied venation, and seems to correspond, not to the whole tree, but to
the stem, and in doing so it is more in accordance with the whole
morphology of the tree than a veined leaf could possibly be. But
while the general order is varied to suit the different physiological
structure and form of tree, we discover here the very same general
principles of order as we have been discovering elsewhere ; for in the
firs and pines every internode is of the same structure with every
other ; every branch tends to assume the outline of the whole tree;
every topmost or growing internode, with its leafage, is of the same
JSorm as the tree or branch. Herein does the special morphology ap-
proach nearest to that of the plants with ramified veins; and the very
cones are often types of the whole tree, and of every branch.

“We are not prepared to say what is the special law of order in
plants of the monocotyledonous class. Some of these, such as our
ordinary lilies and grasses, send off no branches; and the leaves of
these plants have their veins parallel or nearly parallel to the stem,
and have no ramified venation. In regard to palms, they would
require to be investigated in their native climes before their special
order could be discovered. Some plants of this class, the dictyogens
of Lindley, to which belong the yams, have branches like our ordi-
nary forest trees; and it is a curious circumstance, and confirmatory
of our theory, that the leaves of these plants have a reticulated
structure.

“So far as Fungi, lichens, Algw, and the whole acotyledonous

284

plants are concerned, it is evident that they present a repetition of
parts homotypal in structure and form, and thus illustrate one general
doctrine, that throughout the vegetable kingdom the parts are similar
to one another, and in nice accordance with the whole.

“Such facts as the above incline us to the belief that the fibrous
veins of the leaf bear a morphological analogy to the stems of the
tree. We are inclined to regard the root, the stem, and the leaf as
_ the three distinct members of the fully-developed plant, these three
parts, however, being morphologically allied; so that, to adopt the
phraseology of Professor Owen, as applied to another subject, they
may be called Homotypes. The plant thus becomes a unity, with
innumerable interesting diversities.

“The same general truth may be arrived at by a reverse process.
Looking at the lowest plants in the scale, we at once perceive that
they are made up of parts which are a repetition of each other. And
we may remark that not only is one part of the same structure as
every other, but that when the parts are joined together they are
made to assume a set of forms, every one of which is the same as
every other, and as the whole. We see, for instance, that every
internode of the horsetail is the same as every other, and that the
topmost node is a type of the whole plant. We see that in the fern
every leaflet is of the same shape as its branch, and that every branch
is of the same shape as the whole plant. This, be it observed, is true,
not only of the structure of each part, but of the form which the com-
pound structure assumes.

“ Rising upward, let us now look at our common herbaceous plants.
Some of them, such as the hollyhock, the crowfoot, the lady’s mantle,
send out a number of stems from near the root; and these plants send
out about the same number of main veins or midribs from the base of
the leaf. I examined a great many Alchemillas, and found the same
number of stems from the root as of main ribs from the base of the
leaf; the crowfoot sends out five stems or so from its root, and it has
five main ribs in its leaf. Again, it may be observed how every
branch, with its leaves, is of the same form as its leaf, and how the
branch, with its leafage and the leaf, resemble the whole plant. The
common wood anemone sends out three stems; at the top of each of
these stems is a compound leaf, divided into three smaller leaves, and
each of these smaller leaves has three main veins. Other plants, such
as the common thistles and the rag-weed, send up one main stem from
the root, and have one main vein in the leaf. Observe, too, how
in such plants every leaf, with its ragged leaf, is a type of the whole

285

plant, with its side leaves or branches. It may be observed, too, how,
in these plants last named, the lateral leaves and the lateral veins of
leaves both come off at a pretty wide angle.

“In such plants as these it will be acknowledged, I think, that the
stems of the plant and the main veins of the leaf seem to follow the
same laws, or rather that it is impossible to distinguish between them
in some cases, and say what is the main vein and what isa stem.
But we may mount higher, and now examine our common trees, and
inquire if the veins of their leaves do not follow the same law of
direction as the lateral stems from the trunk and branches. No
doubt we may expect here to find, owing to the more complicated
structure of the plant, and its greater exposure to external influences,
that the phenomena will be more complicated, and all that we can
expect to discover is a tendency on the part of the ramification of the
branches to take the same form as the venation of the leaves. Let us
take up a gooseberry leaf and examine it, and we shall find that at
the top of a leaf-stalk there go off three very large veins, with two
other lesser veins from each of the outer of the three large veins,
making in all seven veins from the base of the leaf; and we may no-
tice how the gooseberry, at the top of a short unbranched trunk, sends
off a large number of stems. We may now see, too, how the currant
leaf, at the top of a leaf-stalk, sends off from its base three main veins
(with other two less ones), and how, some little distance above the
ground, the trunk commonly divides into three main branches.

“T have already traced some points of analogy between the ramifi-
cation of the branches and leaf-veins of our common trees. I have
examined the mountain-ash, and found that the angle of its leaf-vein
is 45°, and that the angle of ramification is also 45°. A dogberry
growing near was measured, and gave the angle, both of ramification
and venation, as 64°. Here, then, are two trees differing in their
angle by 20°, and in each case the angle of branch and vein corre-
sponding. But in carrying out the principle, it is to be borne in
mind that the full-grown tree is much more complicated than the
young tree or the simple branch. — In such cases I apprehend that
the leaf represents exclusively the young tree or the branch. This is
the case with the laburnum, where the individual leaf represents the
branch, with veins going off at an angle of 60° or 70°; but the
trefoil leaf will represent the whole tree, which tends to send off its
main branches in threes.

“T think it proper to add, that while strongly convinced that there
is a truth in this doctrine, I am at the same time prepared to believe

286

that it may have to submit to modification, which may correct but
will not destroy the general view.”

Professor Balfour was not prepared to enter into Dr. M‘Cosh’s
views fully, although there were many plausible statements made by
him. Dr. M‘C. did not appear to apply his views on the same prin-
ciple throughout. There could be no doubt that there were normal
angles at which branches and veins were given off, but it was not an
easy matter to get what might be called typical forms. He hoped
that Dr. M‘C.’s remarks would lead to an investigation of the subject.

Professor Fleming remarked that he was ill qualified to offer any
remarks on the interesting paper which had been read, because he
had long been in the habit of restraining his zmagination in all sci-
entific inquiries. This paper he considered an imaginative one, a
hunting after resemblances and overlooking differences, so as to give
results by no means to be depended upon. ‘The leaves were organs
differing in form, structure, and functions from the stem and branches,
and could not, homologically, be compared with them. The nerves
of the leaves did not all diverge at the same angle, neither did the
branches. These last were exposed to various influences during the
life of a tree, and in consequence diverged from the stem at various
angles in the different periods of growth. It was therefore a dream
of the imagination to hope to determine a typical angle of divergence,
when the plant was endowed with a considerable range of variation to
fit it for its place in the economy of Nature.

Professor Goodsir had listened to Dr. M‘Cosh’s paper with much
interest, on two accounts: jivst, because it appeared to him that its
author had, in endeavouring to reach one of the objects he had in
view, embodied another attempt to investigate the laws of organic form
by that precise or geometrical method which can alone ultimately
elevate Natural History to the platform of the perfect sciences; and
secondly, because, although he could not admit all the conclusions at
which its learned author had arrived, he yet believed the paper to
involve a great truth. If he might be allowed to use the expression
in reference to a plant, the specific physiognomy of a tree, as a mass,
appeared to him to depend on the particular bulk, form, and grouping
of its constituent masses. Now, if the form and grouping does not
depend upon, it certainly involves, the mode of branching peculiar to
the species. Dr. M‘Cosh had restricted himself to the investigation
of the law which regulated the latter; but he had experienced, and
would continue to experience, that apparently at present insuperable
difficulty in all such researches, viz., the variation, within certain

287

limits, of the form of parts, or of the whole of an organized body, ac-
cording to the particular conditions under which that part or that
individual had been developed. Prof. Goodsir suggested that Dr.
M‘Cosh might be more successful if he would limit his inquiry to the
law of ramification of a single judiciously-selected species, and would
endeavour to grow that species under such invariable conditions as
might afford an approach at least to the typical form of the species.
He also believed that before the law which regulates the arrangement
of the primary and secondary ramifications of a leaf can be ascer-
tained, attention must be Girected to the law of form in the paren-
chyma itself.

Mr. M‘Nab exhibited specimens of Viola stagnina, from Bottisham
Fen, sent by Mr. Stratton, of the Cambridge Botanic Garden.

Many interesting plants were exhibited from the Botanic Garden,
including a large collection of British ferns; also various alpine
plants from Mr. Evans, of the Experimental Garden; and a species
of Urtica from the garden of Isaac Anderson, Esq., Maryfield, which
he had raised from seeds received from Dr. Jameson, Quito.

The following gentlemen were elected fellows :—Captain Richard
Baird Smith, Bengal Engineers, and Duncan A. C. Fraser, Esq.

-After the meeting, the members of the Society and visitors, to the
number of abont 150, afterwards met, by the invitation of Professor
Balfour, in the new museum-room, which was decorated with palms,
coloured drawings, dissections of plants, &c., and where tea and cof-
fee, fruit, &c., were provided.

Botanical Society of London.

Friday, July 4, 1851. Mr. G. E. Dennes in the chair.

Mr. J. T. Syme, Curator, exhibited one of the various forms or sub-
species usually grouped under the name of Ranunculus aquatilis,
which had been collected by that gentleman at Guillon Links, Had-
dingtonshire, early in June. Mr. Syme and others had referred this
form either to R. Baudotii (= Batrachium marinum of Fries) or to R.
confusus of Grenier and Godron’s ‘ Flore de France,’ two very nearly
allied plants, and neither of them easily distinguished from some va-
Tieties still usually joined with the typical R. aquatilis—G. EL. D.

2&8

Report of the Botanical Proceedings of the British Association for
the Advancement of Science.*

‘On the Theory of the Formation of Wood and the Descent of the
Sap in Plants; by Dr. Lankester.’ The author drew attention to the
theory of the formation of wood in plants, and objected to the view
that the leaves form the wood, on the ground that the ligneous, like
all other tissues, were the result of the growth of cells which were not
formed in the leaves, but in all parts of tlge plant. Wood was formed
in all parts of the plant where elongated cells where generated, quite
independently of leaves, or the formation of leaves :—as in the lower
part of the cut wounds of the stems of plants, in the portions of trunks
left when trees were cut down, in the abortive branches formed in the
bark of such trees as the elm and the cedar, and in other parts of the
vegetable structure. He also objected to the theory of the formation
of the ligneous or any other secretion, which might be subsequently
appropriated by the cells, in the leaves alone. He maintained that
all the facts brought forward to support the theory of the descent of
the sap, might be explained on the known fact of the ready permea-
bility of the tissues of the plant. He related the details of experi-
ments performed on the species of Spurge; in which the fluid was
found to exude from the stem and branches in these plants, just in
proportion to the quantity of fluid contained in the plant above or
below the section made. The cells of plants were nourished in two
ways :—first, by the sap containing carbonic acid, ammonia, and
other substances,—and secondly, by materials, as sugar, gum, &c.,
formed in the cells. These latter were not formed solely in the leaves,
but in all cells. He regarded the leaves as organs by which the water
of the sap was got rid of, and by this means a further supply of sap
from the earth and atmosphere was insured. ‘This function was per-
formed in subservience to changes which were attributed to a specific
vitality.

Prof. Henslow said that he agreed with the views of Dr. Lankester
with regard to the theory of the formation of wood proposed by Du

* Extracted from the ‘ Botanical Gazette. This report, the only one I have seen
confined to the science of botany, has been drawn up with great care, and is probably
from the pen of the editor of the ‘ Botanical Gazette,’ who was a member of the Com-
mittee for section D, which comprized Natural History, including physiology. A
lengthened report of the entire proceedings will be found in consecutive numbers of
the ‘ Atheneum.’— Ed.

289

Petit Thouars. He thought it was evident that whatever was the
function of the leaf, it did not send down the woody fibres which
formed the trunk and branches of exogenous trees. The tracing the
woody fibres up to the leaf did not prove their origin there. With
regard to the descent of the sap, he did not agree with the author of
the paper, who, he thought, took too physical a view of the function
of the plant. The leaves were not mere organs of evaporation.
They performed the function of exhalation, which was independent
of heat, and depended on the vitality of the plant. He believed
that the leaves did effect a certain change in the juices brought
to them, which changed matter was again taken back into the sys-
tem of the plant, and there, being taken up by the cells, produced
the results which were found in the deposit of lignine and the other
secreted matters of plants.

Mr. Huxley quoted the instance of the rapid growth and great
quantity of wood formed by the various kinds of Liana of tropical
forests as instances in favour of the formation of wood independently
of theleaves. These plants had all of them a remarkably small num-
ber of leaves.

Prof. Asa Gray believed that the theory of the formation of wood,
as held by Du Hamel, Du Petit Thouars, and others, was no longer
tenable. The formation of vessels from cells could be easily observed,
and in exogenous plants there was no vacuity between the wood and
the bark for the woody fibres to be sent down through. Even in the
spring of the year, when the sap was passing most rapidly between
the wood and the bark, the organic connexion was complete. Whe-
ther matter was elaborated in the leaves and sent down into the plant
he was not prepared to say, but further experiments were desirable.

Dr. Fowler quoted some experiments which he thought proved that
the materials of the growth of the plant were not prepared in the leaves.

Dr. Lankester replied, and stated that at present it appeared to
him that the statement of the preparation of gum or any other secre-
tion in the plant which was found subsequently in any other part of
the plant, was an assumption that required proof, and that all the
phenomena of vegetation were susceptible of a simple explanation.

“Remarks on the Vitality of Seeds; by Prof. Henslow. The au-
thor stated that during the last year he had planted several seeds sent
to the Committee appointed to report on this subject, and out of those
he had planted two had grown. They both belonged to the order
Leguminose, and one was produced from seed seventeen, and the
other from seed twenty years old. On the whole, it appeared that the

Vou. Iv. 2 P

290

seeds of Leguminose retained their vitality longest. Tournefort had
recorded an instance of beans growing after having been kept a hun-
dred years, and Willdenow had observed a sensitive plant grow from
seed that had keen kept sixty years. The instances of plants growing
from seeds found in mummies were all erroneous. So also was the
case, related by Dr. Lindley, of a raspberry bush growing from seed
found in the inside of a man buried in an ancient barrow.

Mr. Babington related a case in which M. Fries, of Upsala, suc-
ceeded in growing a species of Hieracium from seeds which had been
in his herbarium upwards of fifty years. Desmoulins recorded an
instance of the opening of some ancient tombs in which seeds were
found, and on being planted they produced species of Scabiosa and
Heliotropium. Recently some seeds from Egypt were sown in Cam-
bridge which were thought to have germinated, but on examining
them they were covered with a pitchy substance, which had evidently
been applied subsequent to their germination, and thus they had pre-
served the appearance of growth through a long period of time.

Dr. Cleghorn stated that after the burning or clearing of a forest in
India, invariably there sprung up a new set of plants which were not
known in the spot before.

‘Report on the Physical and Economical Effects of the Destruc-
tion of Tropical Forests in British India; by Dr. H. Cleghorn.’
Viewing the question in its physical relations, the author drew atten-
tion to the climatic influences of the denudation of the surface of the
country ; he adverted to the known phenomena of decrease of springs,
and the consequent diminution of river supplies, as results of the
entire removal of the woods which are collected on the highlands,
where such supplies usually originate ; and while distinctly admitting
that wherever the wants of an advancing population require the clear-
ance of forest lands, whether for food or the protection of health, such
clearance is to be encouraged, he at the same time insisted strongly
on the propriety of exercising a careful vigilance, under well-defined
regulations, in all cases in which the above-mentioned causes are not
in operation. In considering the economic relations of the question,
Dr. Cleghorn availed himself largely of the labours of various dis-
tinguished and intelligent observers to illustrate the effects of the
existing imperfect system of protection and superintendence. He
recorded evidence as to the state of the forests in Malabar, Canara,
Mysore, Travancore, the Tenasserim provinces, the Indian Archipe-
lago, and the wooded tracts which skirt the base of the Himalayas.
From this evidence, it appears that neither the Government nor the

291

community derive from the forests all those advantages which they
are calculated to afford. There are numerous products of which the
yalue is known and appreciated, but which are collected in ways so
rude and wasteful, that it is doubtful whether more of them are not
lost in the process than are brought into commerce. - There are others,
perhaps, more numerous, which are known only to the scientific ob-
server; to these it has been the endeavour of the Committee to direct
attention. It is no unauthorized inference, that in the depths of those
great forest masses, there may still be many substances which only
await recognition by instructed eyes to take their places among the
yaluable agents of manufacturing industry, social comfort, or medical
practice. To correct the first, to extend the second, and to discover
the third, are the leading points to which the Committee would direct
attention ; and they have endeavoured to furnish, to the best of their
ability, information calculated to advance each of those interesting
ends. The general conclusions which appear to the Committee to be
warranted by the various statements of fact and opinion, may be sum-
med up as follows:—1. That over large portions of the Indian em-
pire there is at present an almost uncontrolled destruction of the
indigenous forests in progress, by the careless habits of the native
population. 2. That in Malabar, Tenasserim and Scinde, where
supervision is exercised, considerable improvement has already taken
place in the forests. 3. That these improvements may be extended
by a rigid enforcement of the present regulations, and the enactment
of additional provisions of the following character, viz., careful main-
tenance of the forests by the plantation of seedlings in the place of
mature trees removed; prohibition of cutting until trees are well-
grown, with rare and special exceptions for peculiar purposes; in
eases of trees yielding gums, resins, or other valuable products, that
greater care be taken in tapping or notching the trees, most serious
damage at present resulting from neglect in this operation. 4. That
special care and attention should be given to the preservation and
maintenance of the forests occupying tracts unsuited for culture,
whether by reason of altitude or by peculiarities of physical struc-
ture. 5. That in a country to which the maintenance of its water-
supplies is of such extreme importance, the indiscriminate clearance
of forests around the localities whence the supplies are derived is
greatly to be deprecated. 6. That as much local ignorance prevails
as to the number and nature of valuable forest products, measures
should be taken to supply, through the officers in charge, information
calculated to diminish such ignorance. 7. That as much information

292

which may be of practical utility is contained in the manuscript Re-
ports and Proceedings of the late “ Plantation Committee,” it is de-
sirable that the same should, if practicable, be abstracted and given
to the public.

Capt. Strachey said he could not agree with those who thought
that forests had much influence on climate. It was a notion that
they encouraged rain, but it was more probable that rain was the
cause of forests. He alluded to districts in India, in which the forest
vegetation was just in proportion to the fall of rain, being small and
diminutive where there was little rain, and abundant and gigantic
where there was much rain. In temperate climates forests might
produce an effect, but certainly not in the tropics. With regard to
the economical question, there could be no doubt that it was foolish
to destroy what was valuable, but we had not the power to arrest the
present destruction of forests in India.

Mr. Bunbury enumerated several instances where forests did not
exist, and yet there was much rain, and others where forests existed
and there was little rain. Humboldt was our great authority on this
subject, and he had recorded his opinions of the influence of forests
on climate. In many districts where forests were cleared and single
individuals left, these latter soon died from the want of the influence
of their neighbours.

Dr. Lankester pointed out that according to the laws of vegetation
plants must be supplied with water in a liquid or vaporous form for
their growth, and that all the facts which had been mentioned, and
which at first sight appeared opposed to each other, might be ex-
plained. That forests did not always grow in rainy districts arose
probably from the waters accumulating and forming morasses in
which forest-trees would not grow. In districts where there was not
much rain, there might be much moisture in the atmosphere ; rain in
general supplied only a very small quantity of the water required by
plants. Vegetable physiology afforded no explanation of the effects
on climate, attributed by some observers to forests.

Note in reference to the Paper by the late Mr. W. Griffith, ‘ On the
Structure of the Ascidia and Stomata of Dischidia Rafflesiana’
By GrorceE Luxrorp, F.B.S.E., &c.

THE editorial remarks on the inconvenience arising from delay in
the publication of the ‘ Transactions of the Linnean Society’ (Phytol.

293

iv. 263), are aptly illustrated by the appearance, without note or com-
ment, of this highly interesting paper nearly seventeen years after it
was written, and more than five years since it was read before the
Society. Mr. Griffith refers to “the commonly adopted opinion,” as
advocated by Dr. Lindley in his ‘ Outlines of the First Principles of
Botany,’ and in his ‘ Introduction to the Natural Orders, namely,
“ that the pitcher is a modification of the petiole, and the lid or oper-
culum of the lamina;” and this is doubtless correct, with regard to
such ascidia as occur on Sarracenia and Nepenthes. But the author
does not appear to be aware that in the ‘ Introduction to Botany,
published in 1832, two years before the date of his own paper, Dr.
Lindley explicitly makes a distinction between the pitchers of Sarra-
cenia and Nepenthes, and those of Dischidia, stating that while the
former are modifications of the petiole, the latter are formed from
leaves ; he does not indeed say from the lamina, but from their being
placed in contrast with the petiole, it is evident that he considers the
pitchers of the Dischidia to be modifications of that portion of the
leaf; and this opinion, which is the one now generally received by
botanists, is undoubtedly correct.

In the Sarracenia, indeed, these pitchers, which are radical and
sessile, may be distinctly seen to be formed by the very deep chan-
nelling of the leaf-stalks ; in the Nepenthes, or Chinese pitcher-plant,
the pitcher is more complex and curious in its construction. The
petiole, soon after it quits the stem, spreads into a broad leafy phyl-
lodium, which seems to perform the functions of the true leaf; it then
contracts, and forms a round, twining, tendril-like cord, of several
inches in length; and again expands, and becomes hollowed out,
so as to form avery elegant and capacious receptacle. The mouth
of this is guarded by a separate little leafy cover, which is connected
with the pitcher by a distinct joint; this cover or lid being regarded
as the true lamina of the leaf. In the pitchers of Cephalotus utricu-
laris, or the monkey-cups of S. America, the petiole would seem to
form the lid, and the pitcher itself to be composed of the hollowed
lamina, which hangs from it by ahinge. In Marcgraavia and Noran-
tea, there are also pitchers which are formed of bracts in a similarly
modified condition of involution and cohesion.

Lindley, in the second edition of his ‘ Introduction to Botany,’
quotes an interesting passage from Low’s Borneo, as serving to corro-
borate a statement made by a German botanist, in favour of the idea’
that the pitchers of these plants may in reality be petioles hollowed
out near their extremity. It seems to be the earliest leaves of seed-

294

ling plants alone which assume the condition of complete pitchers ;
and no transitions from flat leaves to hollow pitchers have been met
with. Low says that the old “stems of Nepenthes ampullacea falling
from the trees, become covered in a short time with leaves and vege-
table matter, which form a coating of earth about them; they then
throw out shoots which become in time new plants; but apparently
the first attempts to form the leaf are futile, and become only pitchers,
which, as the petioles are closely imbricated, form a dense mass, and
frequently cover the ground as with a carpet of these curious forma-
tions. As it continues growing and endeavouring to become a plant,
the lamina of the leaves gradually appear, small at first, but every
new one increasing in size, until finally the blades of the leaves are
perfect, and the pitchers, which, as the leaves developed themselves,
have become gradually smaller on each new leaf, finally disappear
altogether when the plant climbs into the trees. ‘This formation of
the pitcher may afford an instructive lesson to the naturalist, as,
though not to the same extent, the principle is perceptible in all of
this curious tribe, the leaves of seedlings and weak plants always pro-
ducing the largest pitchers.”

With regard to the functions of these curious organs, there is some
difference of opinion. It seems probable that the pitcher of Sarra-
cenia is a kind of fly-trap, serving for the capture of insects, which in
decay may furnish materials for the growth of the plant, or at all
events which may be in some way or other useful in the vegetable
economy. ‘The interior of the pitcher of Sarracenia is beset with
long bristly hairs, pointing downwards; at the bottom is secreted a
honey-like substance, which is very attractive to insects. The insects
experience little difficulty in reaching this secretion, but when they
endeavour to return, they are prevented by the downward direction of
the hairs, and are thus imprisoned like a rat in a wire trap.

In connexion with this part of the subject, I may quote a passage
from Smith’s ‘ Introduction to Botany,’ chiefly with a view of eliciting
information, by inquiring if the curious insect proceedings therein
recorded have been confirmed by any subsequent naturalist.

“The economy of the Sarracenia, an American genus of which we
know four species, and of the East Indian Nepenthes distillatoria,
deserves particular mention. Both grow in bogs, though not abso-
lutely in the water. The former genus has tubular leaves which catch
the rain like a funnel and retain it; at least such is the nature of S.
purpurea, Curt. Mag. t. 849, whose margin seems dilated expressly
for this purpose, while the orifice of the tubular part just below is

295

contracted to restrain evaporation. Linnzus conceived this plant to
be allied in constitution to Nymphza, and consequently to require a
more than ordinary supply of water, which its leaves were calculated
to catch and to retain, so as to enable it to live without being
immersed in a river or pond. But the consideration of some other
species renders this hypothesis very doubtful. S. flava, t. 780, and
more especially S. adunca, Hwot. Bot. t. 53, are so constructed that
rain is nearly excluded from the hollow of their leaves, and yet that
part contains water, which seems to be secreted by the base of each
leaf. What then is the purpose of this unusual contrivance? An
observation communicated to me in 1805, in the botanic garden at
Liverpool, seems to unravel the mystery. An insect of the Sphex or
Ichneumon kind, as far as I could learn from description, was seen
by one of the gardeners to drag several large flies to the Sarracenia
adunca, and, with some difficulty forcing them under the lid or cover
of its leaf, to deposit them in the tubular part, which was half filled
with water. All the leaves, on being examined, were found crammed
with dead or drowning flies. ‘The S. purpurea is usually observed to
be stored with putrefying insects, whose scent is perceptible as we
pass the plant in a garden; for the margin of its leaves is beset with
inverted hairs, which, like the wires of a mouse-trap, render it very
difficult for any unfortunate fly, that has fallen into the watery tube,
to crawl out again. Probably the air evolved by these dead flies may ©
be beneficial to vegetation, and, as far as the plant is concerned, its
curious construction may be designed to entrap them, while the water
is provided to tempt as well as to retain them. The Sphex or Ich-
neumon, an insect of prey, stores them up unquestionably for the food
of itself or its progeny, probably depositing its eggs in their carcases,
as others of the same tribe lay their eggs in various caterpillars, which
they sometimes bury afterwards in the ground. Thus a double pur-
pose is answered; nor is it the least curious circumstance of the
whole, that an Europzan insect should find out an American plant in
a hot-house, in order to fulfil that purpose.”—Ed. 6 (1827), p. 156.
As to the Nepenthes, no very positive statement can be given: but
it is certain, that of the fluid which is contained in the pitchers, a
portion at least is secreted by the plant itself, since the pitchers have
been found to contain fluid while yet in a very immature state, and
before the first opening of the lid. The interior is clothed with
downy hairs ; and it is probable that these perform the same functions
as in other cases, namely, those of attracting or secreting moisture by
the numerous points. The lid of the pitcher is closed in dry weather,

296

as if to prevent the loss of fluid by evaporation; but in a damp
atmosphere the lid opens, and the quantity of fluid contained in the
pitcher soon exhibits an increase. Dr. Turner found the fluid con-
tained in the unopened pitcher of a plant of Nepenthes which flowered
in the Botanic Garden of Edinburgh “ to emit, while boiling, an odour
like baked apples, from containing a trace of vegetable matter, and to
yield minute crystals of superoxalate of potash on being slowly eva-
porated to dryness;” and Dr. Balfour mentions that other chemists
have detected in it muriate of soda, malic. and other acids.

Mr. Griffith states that the pitchers of Dischidia “appear at no
period to contain fluids, but invariably contain one or more branched
roots, which, taking their origin from various parts of the petiole, pass
down through the opening. These roots are always more succulent
and of a lighter colour than those formed in any other part.” From
analogy I should have supposed that fluid would have been secreted
or collected by the pitchers of Dischidia as well as by those of Sar-
racenia and Nepenthes ; the more especially as the presence of these
adventitious roots within the pitchers, as observed by Mr. Griffith, in
a great measure confirms the following description, of which I have a
note, but I regret to say without any reference as to the authority or
anything to show where I met with it.

Dischidia Rafflesiana, a denizen of the Indian forests, has a long
twining stem, destitute of leaves until near the summit, which may be
perhaps 100 feet or more from the ground. Its supplies of moisture
would be uncertain in a tropical climate, were there no provision for
storing up what the plant occasionally collects; and with such a
provision is it furnished. The edges of the leaves approach each
other and cohere, and thus form a hollow pitcher, the upper end or
mouth from which it is suspended being open, and adapted to receive
whatever moisture may fall upon it in the form of rain or dew: the
pitcher is accordingly found always to contain a considerable quantity
of fluid. But the most curious part of the whole apparatus is a tuft
of absorbent fibres, resembling those of the roots, which are pro-
longed from the nearest part of the branch, or from the petiole, to
which the pitcher is attached, and enter the open mouth of the pitcher,
so as to reach the fluid stored up within. These fibres may thus be
regarded as secondary roots, serving to absorb and to introduce into
the system of the plant the fluid aliment collected in the reservoirs.

GEORGE LUXFORD.
August 15, 1851.

297

Notice of ‘ The Gardener’s Magazine of Botany, Nos. 18 and 19,
July and August, 1851.

The contributions to the July number are intituled :—

‘ Acacia grandis,’ being a description, history, &c., of a very showy
greenhouse shrub, supposed to come from New Holland.

‘ Vegetable Physiology; by Arthur Henfrey, Esq., F.L.S., &c.’

‘On the Culture of Asparagus; by Mr. J. Towers.’

‘The points which constitute perfection in the Indian Azalea; by
Mr. G. Glenny, F.H.S.’

‘ Literary Notices :—Hooker’s ‘ Species Filicum,’ Hogg’s ‘ British
Pomology, Paul’s ‘ Cultivation of Roses in Pots,’ ‘ Donald on Land-
draining, ‘ Victoria Regia,’ and ‘ Domestic Pigs.’ It requires rather
a fertile imagination to trace the connexion of the last-named work
with the science of botany. The following remark on the ‘ Species
Filicum’ is good and true :—“ It appears to us that Sir W. Hooker
studies ferns chiefly in his herbarium, which no doubt contains most
valuable and extensive materials; but experience teaches us that
many ferns cannot be safely dealt with in a dried state, and that to
understand them thoroughly, fresh and perfectly developed specimens
should be examined. The study of imperfect specimens in Natural
History very often leads to the expression of artificial characters ex-
tremely puzzling to the student; and if this be true generally, it is
especially so in reference to that class of plants which forms the sub-
ject of these remarks. Nature in her own proper and complete con-
dition—the living plant—that, whenever practicable, should be made
the groundwork of scientific enquiry.” Now this brief passage
exactly explains the wide discrepancy between the conclusions
published by Sir William Hooker, as regards the limits of species,
and those which I have ventured to express. Hence arise two
schools of investigators—those of the closet and of the field. Every
closet-botanist will probably agree with Sir William Hooker in the
desire to unite all the forms of spinulose Lastrea, while every field-
botanist will agree with me in wishing to have them separated; and
the latter, in spite of all the prestige attaching to the great name of
Hooker, are right, simply because they study “ Nature in her own
proper and complete condition.”

‘Reminiscences of Rhododendron Culture ; by an Amateur of Lei-

- cester.’
‘Botanical Fragments :’— Hybrids. “The leading considerations
VoL iv. 2 Q

298

with the hybridist in the selection of parents, according to Mr. Cole’s
experience, should be—Ist. Family alliance; 2. Constitutional affi-
nity—that is, choosing two plants with organic similarity of growth,
whether bulbous, herbaceous, ligneous, annual or otherwise. Where
such distinctive differences exist, though the family alliance jis un-
doubted, no cross has hitherto been produced.” Campanula coro-
nata, a beautiful hardy species, with a coloured calyx, arranged in
the form of a star. Dr. Morren appears to consider it nothing more
than a variety of C. persicefolia of Linneus. Francisca confertiflora
of a former number is referred by Sir W. Hooker to Brunsfelsia caly-
cina of Bentham.

‘Trichopilia marginata,’ being the description, history, &c., of a
new orchid from New Granada, introduced by Mr. Linden, and first
flowered in this country by Mr. Schroder, of Stratford.

‘The Chemistry of Soils and Manures; by Dr. Voelcker.—On the
formation of soils—chemical causes; on the formation of soils—me-
chanical causes.’

‘Theory and Practice of Pruning ; by Mr. H. Bailey.—The Peach.’

‘The Rose Garden; by Mr. G. Glenny, F.H.S.’

‘Notes, cultural, critical and suggestive :—‘ Thermic scale of cul-
tivation.’

‘ Degeneration of Fruits.’ “In North America there are neither
apple, pear, nor peach-trees, of the same sorts as our own, that have
not been introduced there. The Europeans, some three hundred
years ago, took over the seeds of these trees ; but so far from yielding
what they yield us, they produced, at least in Virginia, as a first gene-
ration, trees with wild and austere fruit, and it was not eatable by
those accustomed to better things at home. The second generation,
sprung from the first American seeds, was not so bad as the first.
Each generation was better than its predecessor, but their fruit is still
inferior to our own; and what is very curious, the best of theirs differs
from ours in taste and essence. These facts, collected by M. Poiteau
in Virginia forty-five years ago, show what modifications can be pro-
duced by a succession of generations in plants derived from the same
seed. If it be objected that the seeds of the fruit-trees originally
sent to Virginia did not in this country produce such good fruit as
they do at present, still the great fact remains, that the seeds when
sown in Virginia yielded something different from what they then
yielded in Europe. We see, then, how the new conditions in which
fruit trees were placed in North America gave rise to two principal
results: 1. By depriving this fruit of the quality it had acquired by

299

European cultivation; 2. By making it undergo, in the course of
successive generations, modifications different from those of the fruit
cultivated by us.” I will take the liberty of making two remarks on
this note: Ist. There is a great tendency in seedlings raised from
apple, pear, and peach-trees to revert to something like wildings, 7. e.,
“trees with wild and austere fruit,” and this is exhibited as strongly
in this country as it can possibly be in America. 2ndly. The mode
of transporting our best fruit-trees is not by seed, but by slips intended
for grafting. These should be stuck in the flat surface of a potato cut
in half, and these half potatoes arranged ‘on some tenacious earth or
clay in shallow elm boxes, a large pane of thick tiling-glass being let
into the lid; the lids should fit with some exactness, and the boxes
should be kept on the ship’s decks.

‘Destroying weeds upon walks.’ ‘ Correa viridiflora alba.” Va-
rieties of the Cherry. ‘ Pelargonium odoratum variegatum.’ ‘The
Nectarine a smooth Peach.’ Mr. Calver, of Royalton, U.S., some
five or six years ago, planted a few thousand peach-stones. The
plants were in due time budded, except the end one of each row,
which was left as a marker. One of these last year produced a crop
‘of bond fide peaches and nectarines; both were of small size, but well
flavoured.

‘Seedling Epacrises.’

‘The Genera and Species of Cultivated Ferns; by Mr. J. Houlston
and Mr. T. Moore.’ The species described in the July number are—
Doryopteris sagittifolia, palmata, and collina; Litobrochia grandi-
folia, denticulata, leptophylla, polita, and vespertilionis ; Lonchitis
pubescens ; Campteria biaurita; Pteris longifolia, cretica, serrulata,
umbrosa, felosma, sulcata, Kingiana, crenata, lata, hirsuta, hetero-
phylla, arguta, tremula, aquilina, and caudata; and Onychium luci-
dum. The authors regard all those ferns which have what has been
termed the double indusium, and which I have separated as a genus,
under the name of Eupteris, as a single species. These are :—

Pteris aquilina, Zinn. Great Britain and Madeira.

. latiuscula, Desvaua.

. lanuginosa, Bory. Ceylon.

. lanuginosa, var. capensis. Mauritius and Abyssinia.

. decomposita, Presl. Sandwich Islands.

. caudata, Linneus. Mount Liban (St. Jago de Cuba), Jamaica.
. recurvata, Wallich. Nepal.

. arachnoidea, Kaulfuss. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Trinadad.
. esculenta, Forster. New Holland.

300

The species in the August number are—Lomaria Patersoni, lance-
olata, alpina, spicant, nuda, attenuata, auriculata, alta, Gilliesii, ma-
gellanica, onocleoides, capensis, glandulifera, and Fraseri; Blechnum
lanceola, glandulosum, triangulare, brasiliensis, australe, cartilagi-
neum, occidentale, hastatum, intermedium, gracile, and serrulatum ;
Doodia caudata, media, aspera, and blechnoides; Woodwardia radi-
cans, onocleoides, and virginica; Scolopendrium vulgare. Why is
the beautiful Hemionitis omitted? European specimens sent to me
by the late Col. Bory de St. Vincent appear to have the fructification
of Scolopendrium, Diplazium plantagineum, juglandifolium, sylvati-
cum, Shepherdi, coarctatum, otites, decussatum, thelypteroides, arbo-
rescens, striatum, and subalatum.

‘Garden Hints for Amateurs.’

‘ Broughtonia lilacina,’ being the description, history, &c., of a new
orchid found in the Island of St. Domingo, and first flowered in this
country by Mr. Rucker, of Wandsworth.

‘The Metropolitan June Exhibitions.’

‘The Palmyra Palm’ (Borassus flabelliformis).

‘On the elevated temperature of the male inflorescence of Cyca-
deous Plants; by Dr. De Vriese.’ From Hooker's ‘ Journal of Botany.’

‘ Meetings of Societies.’

‘New and Rare Plants.’

The August number contains :—

‘Escallonia macrantha, being the description, history, &c., of a
fine, hardy, evergreen shrub of the order Saxifragacez, imported by
Messrs. Veitch & Son, of Exeter, from Chiloé, through their collector,
Mr. W. Lobb.

‘On Variegation in Plants; by Dr. Morren, from Dodoncea.—The
true cause of Variegation.’ The following is the summary with which
this paper concludes :— |

“ (a). Variegation may be regarded as a malady.

“(b). That it has its source in the cellular tissue of the diachyma.

“(c). That it attacks especially the superior mesophyllar system,
and spreads by layers, always from above downwards, so as to extend
sometimes to the whole of the diachyma.

“(d). That it results from emphysema without puffiness (emphy-
séme sans boursuflure); on the contrary, with contraction of the
tissue usually filled with elaborated sap.

“(e). That this emphysema is confined to the intercellular pas-

301

sages, the intercellular substance or enchyma being replaced by air
or gas, the nature of which is unknown.

“(f). That this emphysema causes the discolouration of the granules
of chlorophyll contained in the cellules of the variegated diachyma.

“(g). That the variegation is always produced according to a cer-
tain number of types, which are repeated throughout numerous diffe-
rent orders and species; and that all variegated leaves may be
distinguished by the following terms :—1, margined ; 2, bordered; 3,
discoidal; 4, zoned; 5, spotted; 6, reticulated; 7, striped; 8, marbled;
9, variegated by half; 10, variegated at the point; 11, fasciate; 12,
entirely discoloured.

“ (h). That this last phenomenon constitutes albinism or complete
whiteness in the leaf, and is never reproduced from seed, so that it is
an individual malady.

“ (i), That the occasional causes of variegation are numerous, and
have their source in many assignable conditions.

“¢(j). That variegation is closely connected with disturbed vege-
table respiration, and that, consequently, it is to plants what pulmo-
nary emphysema is to animals: with the former, its seat is in the
leaves, which are the true lungs of plants.

“(k). That in it this is necessary to distinguish general emphy-
semas which affect the whole plant from local variegations.”

‘The Beautiful and Picturesque in Garden Scenery.’

‘Osbeckia stellata, being the description, figure, &c., of a free-
growing stove plant of the order Melastomacee. It has large, showy,
lilac-coloured flowers, and was introduced into this country from the
Botanic Garden at Calcutta.

‘On the Application of Coal Soot as Manure; by Mr. J. Towers.’

‘ Botanical Fragments :—‘ Chlorosis.’ ‘ Stylidium mucronifolium.’
Dr. Planchon suggests that the plant described in’a previous number
under this name is not identical with Sonder’s plant of the same
name, and proposes to call it Stylidium Hookeri. ‘ Stipules of Cin-
chona.’ ‘ Mimosa Bark.’ ‘ Peat.’ ‘ Hardy Ferns.’ ‘ Reindeer Moss.’
“New Fact in Vegetable Physiology.’ These six paragraphs appear
to be extracts from the ‘ Phytologist’ and ‘ Zoologist.’ ‘ Bryanthus
erectus.’ The plant so called has been artificially produced from seed
of Menziesia empetriformis fertilized with pollen of Rhododendron
chamecistus. The production of a plant intermediate between two
recognized genera is of very rare occurrence. It would be a point
of great interest to ascertain what would be the character of plants
produced from its seed, and whether they remained constant or
resumed the characters of either parent.

302

‘New and Rare Plants.’

‘Literary Notices :' — Babington’s ‘ Manual of British Botany,’
‘Summer Life on Land and Water at South Queensferry,’ Glenny’s
‘Golden Rules for Gardeners, and ‘ The Ornamental Flower Garden
and Shrubbery.’

‘Deutzia gracilis, being the description and history of a hardy
shrub of the order Philadelphacez, introduced from Japan, by Dr.
Siebold.

‘Notes, cultural, critical and suggestive :—‘ Meudon Pine Culture.’
‘ Distribution of Islands in a Lake.’ ‘ Quince Marmalade.’

‘ Allamanda Schottii,’ being the description and figure of a very
brilliant stove plant, with large yellow flowers, of the order Apocynacee.

‘On Rain and the Construction of Rain-gauges ; by E. J. Lowe, Esq.’

‘Garden Hints for Amateurs.’

‘The Metropolitan July Exhibitions.’

I have great pleasure in knowing that my notices of this excellent
journal have induced many of my readers to take itin. This is the
aim of such notices, and I cannot help feeling a wish that they were
more general. When, for instance, do we ever see a notice of the’
‘ Phytologist’ penned in the same truthful and kindly spirit as those
which appear monthly in its own pages?

Notice of the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History, No. 44,
August, 1851.

There is one botanical paper in this number, intituled—

‘Contributions to the Botany of South America; by John Miers,
Ksq., F.R.S.’

In this paper Mr. Miers describes four species of the genus Liri-
osma of Péppig, who places it in the order Olacacew: these are—
L. candida, Pépp., L. pauciflora, A. DC., L. Gardneriana, 4. DC., and
L. Velloziana, A. DC.

Notice of ‘ The Naturalist; No. 6, August, 1851.

There is no botanical paper in this number.

303

Notice of Hooker's‘ Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany,
No. 32, August, 1851.

The papers in this number are intituled as under :—

‘Characters of a New Genus of Composite-EKupatoriacee ; by Asa
Gray.’

‘Contributions to the Botany of Western India; by N. A. Dalzell,
Esq., M.A.’

‘Sketch of the Vegetation of the Isthmus of Panama; by M. Bert-
hold Seeman, Naturalist of H.M.S. Herald.’

‘Copy of a Letter addressed by Mr. Spruce to G. Bentham, Esq.,
dated Santarem, Amazons, Sept. 10, 1850.’

‘Botanical Information :—‘ Death of M. Requien. ‘ Death of J.
E. Bicheno, Esq.’ ‘ Cereus triangularis.’

‘ Notices of Books :’—‘ De Vriese (Dr. and Professor) : Descriptions
et Figures des Plantes Nouvelles et Rares du Jardin Botanique de
VUniversité de Leide et des principaux Jardins du Royaume des
Pays Bas. Ouvrage dedié a sa Majesté la Reine. Livraison II.
Imp. folio. 1851. ‘Dr. Wight: Orchidez of the Neilgherries.’
‘John Sanders: a Practical Treatise on the Culture of the Vine, as
well under glass as in the open air. London: Reeve and Benham.
8vo. 1851.’ ‘ Prospectus of a Flora Greca exsiccata.’

The new genus of Composite described by Dr. Asa Gray is Disso-
thrix, and the species D. Gardneri. Itis the Stevia imbricata of Gard-
ener in ‘ London Journal of Botany, v. 458.

The plants described by Mr. Dalzell are—Didymocarpus cristata,
of the order Cyrtandracee ; Cyanotis vivipara, of the order Comme-
linee ; Lepidagathis mitis and Barleria elata, of the order Acan-
thacee ; Terminalia Gella, of the order Combretacee ; Anomospermum
excelsum, Rottlera urandra, and Euphorbia strobilifera, of the order
Euphorbiacez ; Begonia integrifolia and B. trichocarpa, of the order
Begoniacee ; Impatiens ramosissima, of the order Balsaminez ; Ade-
nostemma rivale and Decaneurum microcephalum, of the order Com-
posite ; and Antiaris saccidora, of the order Artocarpee.

Mr. Seeman’s paper on the botany of Panama is extremely inte-
resting. The following is an extract :—

“ As the Isthmus connects the continents, so does its vegetation
combine the floras of tropical North and South America: the virgin
forests of Guayana, the vegetable soory groves of the Magdalena, and
the oak-woods of the Mexican highlands, are all equally represented.

304

It is, therefore, not to be expected that the Panamian flora should
exhibit any very striking character, or be distinguished by the pre-
sence of strongly delineated forms, like Mexico by its cactuses,
Australia by its Epacridee, capsular Myrtacez, and phyllodineous
acacias, or the Cape of Good Hope by its heaths, succulent aloes,
stapelias and mesembryanthemums. The want of such forms is so
obvious, that a superficial observer would be induced to declare the
flora identical with those of the bordering states; a person, however,
who investigates more closely, cannot fail to notice the prevailing
clothing of the leaves with hair and tomentum, the abundance of
greenish, yellow, and white flowers, and the numerical superiority of
the natural orders Leguminose, Melastomacez, Composite, Rubi-
acee, Orchidez, and ferns,—features which, although less prominent
than those alluded to, still exercise a decided influence on the physi-
ognomy of the vegetation.

“ But it must not be supposed that the flora is without certain pe-
culiarities of its own ; indeed, it has peculiarities which distinguish it
from that of all other countries, and which are calculated to show
many a genus and many a natural order in an entirely new light.
The most important, perhaps, that might be adduced, is the Balboa
odorata, Seem., whose discovery has established the union of Passi-
flores and Turneracee, embracing, as it does, the chief characteristics
of these two families (n. 1922). The genus Pentagonia is equally
curious, on account of its being the only Rubiacea which has yet been
found with pinnatifid leaves; it belongs to the subdivision of Garde-
niz, and thus forms a clear transition to the order Loniceree, in
which a pinnatifid foliage and a baccate fruit are not uncommon fea-
tures. Remarkable are two species of Begonia, B. oppositifolia,
Seem. (n. 1099), and B. centradenioides, Seem. (561), both with leaves
which are opposite and of unequal size, as is the case with Centra-
denia rosea, Lindl., Clidemia cyanocarpa, Bth., C. fenestrata, Bth.,
C. barbinervis, Bth., and numerous other Melastomacee. ‘Their
similarity in habit to some of the Melastomacez is really very striking,
and will give additional weight to the arguments of those who favour
the relationship between the two orders. The Carludovica palmata,
R. et Pav., is another production of the Isthmus, though not exclu-
sively confined to it, which deserves notice. It has large fan-shaped
leaves, and resembles many of the palms so closely that it must always
be considered as constituting an important link between Pandanee
and palms. No less surprising is the occurrence of the genera Mac-
leania, Sphyrospermum, and Cypripedium in the coast region, in a

305

temperature far exceeding that in which any of their species have
hitherto been known to exist.”

“ Far different is the vegetation of the Savanas. The ground, being
level or slightly undulated, is clothed during the greater part of the
year with a turf of brilliant green; groups of trees rise here and there;
silvery streams, herds of cattle, and the isolated huts of the natives
enliven a scene, over which the absence of palms and tree-ferns
throws almost an European character, giving the whole more the ap-
pearance of an English park than that of a tract of land in tropical
America.”

The following extracts are from Mr. Spruce’s letter to Mr. Ben-
tham :—

“ The specimens now sent are chiefly of plants of the ‘Gapo’ (as
it is called in lingua géral), or lands inundated by the rivers and
lakes in winter, constituting a breadth of from twenty yards to several
miles, according as the land is abruptly ascending or perfectly flat.
I have got several more of the minute quasi-ephemeral plants, which
spring up as the water recedes. The shores of the large rivers pro-
duce scarcely any of these; their waters beat on the sand with too
much violence to allow of such frail things existing there; but by the
small inland lakes connected with the Tapajoz, and near the creeks at
the mouth of some of the igarapés, minute leafless utricularias, erio-
caulons, alismas, &c., cover the white sand in thousands. A Utricu-
laria, which you will find under No. 1050 (U. uniflora, W/S.), is surely
the simplest in its structure of allits family. Stems of the size of
an ordinary sewing-needle, fixed into the sand by a small cone of
radicles, without leaves, but with a minute tubular 2-lipped bract a
little below the flower, which is white and comparatively large, com-
plete the description of its outward aspect. I have often been struck
with the wonderful contrast in size which is presented here in both
the animal and vegetable world. Under a gigantic Castanheira, or a
Caryocar, may occasionally be seen an almost microscopic.Cyperacea;
and the same lake which produces this fairy Utricularia, bears on its
bosom the queen of the waters, Victoria regia. Another Utricularia
(Coll. No. 1053, U. quinqueradiata, MS.) has a peculiarity of struc-
ture to me quite novel, though you may have met with it before. It
is a small species, with submerged stems and bladdery leaves, but
the pedicels, which are about two inches long, have about midway a
large horizontal involucre of five rays, resembling the spokes of a
wheel. This floats on the water, and supports the upper part of the
pedicel in an erect position; the whole recalling a sort of floating

VOL. Iv. 2R

306

lamp I have seen, especially as the large yellow flower may be consi-
dered to represent the flame. The rays are half an inch long, clavate,
not hollow, but composed of about six series of large diaphanous cel-
lules. The cellules are convex on the surface, giving the rays a
papillose appearance, hexagonal, pale green, with pink insterstices.
The rays are trifid at the extremity; segments short, twice dichoto-
mous, the last divisions capillary, rarely sacciferous.”

“J lately found on the leaves of No. 960, what I at first took for a
new Rafflesiacea, and the resemblance to some Apodanthus is indeed
most striking: it was only by careful examination that I satisfied my-
self it was really produced by an insect. The perianth (for such it
seems) is green in the earliest stage, changing to pink, and afterwards
to dull purple, tubular from an oval base, from one to two lines long,
and the tube a third of a line broad, hairy within and without with
spreading white hairs (though the leaves are nearly smooth); the
mouth expanded, 2—5-lobed, sometimes dimidiate ; ovary inferior,
1-celled, with one or two pendulous ovules. But these ovules are the
true eggs of an insect, for, by examining individuals in progressive
states of development, I have traced the formation from the egg of,
first, a minute fusiform annulate body, and, ultimately, of a perfect
insect with legs and wings. To make the resemblance to a flower
more striking, there appears, beneath what I have called the perianth,
what seems to be a calyx of four or five erect triangular brownish
sepals; but these are really only the torn cuticle by the protrusion of
the perianth.

“To explain the form assumed by these excrescences, may we not
suppose there has been an attempt to reproduce the tubular 5-lobed
calyx of the species (which belongs either to Inga, or to some allied
genus)? The juices of a plant, when diverted from their ordinary
channels, must still go on forming tissue according to some law origi-
nally impressed on the species; and I have seen modes of develop-
ment follow the puncture of an insect, such as in general only long
cultivation calls forth. On the same leaves were the nidi of another
insect. These were scarcely a line long, globoso-urceolate, regularly
20-striate, containing eggs in the concavity as in the other. They
might easily be mistaken for some epiphyllous fungus. I enclose
specimens of these productions, and I will afterwards send you a
larger species.”

307

Notice of the ‘ Botanical Gazette, No. 32, August, 1851.

The papers in the August number are intituled :-—

‘On Luzula Borreri. By W. H. Purchas, Esq.’

‘ Literature :—‘ Manual of British Botany. By C. C. Babington,
M.A., F.L.S. 3rd Edition” ‘ Annals of Natural History,’ July, 1851.
‘Hooker’s Journal of Botany, July, 1851. ‘The Phytologist,’ July, 1851.

‘ Proceedings of Societies : —‘ British Association’ (see ante, p. 288).
‘ Botanical Society of London.’

‘ Miscellanea :’ —‘ Record of Localities.” Mr. Hort communicates
that a specimen of Hieracium which he received some time ago
through the Botanical Society of London, gathered at St. Vincent’s
Rocks, near Bristol, by Mr. Stephens, and labelled as H. sylvaticum,
is named H. gothicum of Fries by Mr. Babington.

Since the publication of Dr. Bromfield’s admirable and elaborate
description of a new form of Luzula (Phytol. iii. 985), Mr. Babington
has described it as a species—L. Borreri—in the third edition of his
Manual. Mr. Purchas has found the species pretty generally distri-
buted around the neighbourhood of Ross, in Herefordshire, always in
company with its allies, L. pilosa and L. Forsteri. In one instance
he discovered ripe seeds, which were wanting in all Dr. Bromfield’s
specimens; these seeds were as large as those of L. Forsteri, and,
like them, were furnished with a straight blunt crest. Mr. Purchas
does not find L. Borreri invariably to exceed its congeners in size, as
was found by Dr. Bromfield to be the case in the Isle of Wight, but
this is generally the case; the leaves also are proportionally narrower
than those of L. pilosa, and the leafy shoots turn upwards to the sur-
face of the soil more quickly after leaving their point of origin than in
that species; hence L. Borreri has not the loose half-creeping cha-
racter of L. pilosa, while, on the other hand, it is much less tufted than
L. Forsteri. Mr. Purchas inclines to regard this plant as a distinct
species.

Notice of ‘ Fasciculi of British Mosses. Collected, arranged, and
published by F. Y. Brocas, at Mr. R. S. Hill’s, Basingstoke, Hants.’

I have much pleasure in inviting the attention 6f my readers to this
little work. The specimens are neatly prepared, and the colours ad-
mirably preserved by Bentall’s botanical paper. Great attention has
also been paid to accuracy in naming the specimens in the first fasci-

308

culus, the only one that I have seen. This undertaking has to con-
tend against several others previously in the field, but the specimens
possess a great superiority in colour over any that I have seen.

Cultivation of Ervum Lens in Scotland.*

QUEENSFERRY bids fair to become celebrated in the history of our
industrial resources, through the introduction by Monsieur Achille
Francois Guillerez of a new field-crop into the rotations of Scottish
agriculture, founded on the successful acclimatation and culture of the
lentil (Hrvum Lens) in the open air at Queensferry. The Ervum Lens
is a legume of the most ancient cultivation, having formed, as ex-
pressly stated in Genesis, the mess of pottage for which Esau sold his
birthright. It has always been extensively used as food in the East.
The Arabs account it the species of nourishment best adapted for
long journeys through the desert. Certain varieties are, however,
esteemed so delicate, as to find access to the tables of luxury; and
the food which for twopence will dine six poor persons sumptuously,
is, on the Continent, far from being disdained by the rich. Amongst
ourselves, the Revalenta Arabica, Ervalenta, &c., offered as regimen
for invalids, is, or ought to consist of, the flour of lentils; but these
articles are frequently adulterated with the meal of peas, beans, and
other legumes. It was when the potato failure began to excite appre-
hensions respecting the popular subsistence, that M. Guillerez, recol-
lecting the extent to which lentils are rendered available in France,
Germany, &c., began to attempt their introduction for food into this
country. He found that, although known as a green crop even three
hundred years ago in Britain, beyond a small parcel or so grown sci-
entifically in a nursery, the seed of the Ervum Lens had never been
ripened amongst us. He therefore introduced from France the seeds
of two species in general cultivation, and has for several years in suc-
cession matured at Queensferry the prolific produce, both of the larger
yellow lentil and the small brown. It was a pleasant sight to witness
the propress of this interesting crop, although growing upon an un-
favourable exposure, in close drills, manured only with sea-weed,
after having been acclimatised, when it manifested great luxuriance.
Its foliage is a delicate pea-green, its blossom a minute white flower,

* Extracted from ‘Summer Life on Land and Water at South Queensferry. By
W. W. Fyfe.’

309 ‘

thickly studding the fairy-like tracery of its leaves, and its pods very
multitudinous—those of the larger description containing generally
only one, and those of the smaller or favorite kind always two, small
grains or peas. The attention directed to these efforts by the ‘ Scot-
tish Agricultural Journal’ has not proved fruitless, for the subject has
been brought before the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scot-
land. Specimens of the produce have been requested (and sent) for
the Great Exhibition of 1851, and the matter has been warmly taken
up by the press; so that some of our enterprising agriculturists will
doubtless follow up the enthusiastic effort of this intelligent French
gentleman, by practically adding a new crop to those grown for food
in Britain.

Natural Systems of Plants.
By Jamzs L. Drummonp, M.D., &c., &c.

“ WHatT’s in a name ?”—There may be much, either for good or
evil. Mirabeau asserted that names were things, and the disciples of
those systems of botany called natural seem to cling strongly to that
idea; and hence, though they admit the word natural to be a misno-
mer, it is much too valuable to be parted with: they confess the im-
propriety of the term, but continue to hug it with parental affection.
An attempt, indeed, is made to slur the matter over by telling us that
the word natural, in their vocabulary, does not mean natural at all.
Why, then, is it not abandoned? We are gravely informed that
“Nature recognises no such groups” as those found in their works on
natural systems; that of this system “ Nature herself, who creates
species only, knows nothing ;” and that “ the natural system is a chi-
mera,” but that certain principles being carried into effect, “ the
result will be @ natural system.” But what are these principles?
Every fabricator of such systems lays down what he calls principles,
either of his own, or taken partly from the so-called principles of
others. But where do we find mention of a natural system ?—is so
modest a title ever made use of? Even so, it would still be a misno-
mer. “What then is a natural system? If no system exists in
nature, whence this misnomer? That no such system exists is
abundantly evident, yet botanists speak of it as a settled thing; and
strange to say, every time such system is propounded, it is always
perfect,—no link is wanting to bind its parts into a harmonious whole,

‘ 310

till some new facts or plants are discovered that derange the fair edi-
fice, which has now to be re-constructed only again to be destroyed.”*

Now, is it not derogatory to botanical science that it should be
forced to take shelter under the veil of fiction, and that under a false
title it should be held up as a model of perfection? The most attrac-
tive allurement to its study and adoption, has been that it would, in
the easiest way in the world, disclose to us the various properties of
plants, and that to medical men it would prove a perfect talisman,—
that “it informs the medical inquirer not only of the botanical affini-
ties of the plants, but also supplies him with a knowledge of their
properties and qualities. This acquaintance with the properties of
even one plant of any order enables him to form some idea of the
remedial value of all the other plants in the same order, and if needful,
to substitute, upon fixed principles, any one of them for that which is
more usually employed.” So said Dr. A. T. Thomson,t but he only
repeated what every one was expected to believe, and were it true, it
would have placed this natural system on so high a pinnacle that we
might almost overlook the rodomontade and cant so often reiterated
about the progress of the science, the advance of the human mind,
and the boastings that this misnamed system is the only one capable
of casting a lustre over the empire of Flora, while Linneus and all the
fathers of botany who preceded him were little better than rushlights
glimmering in mist and darkness, the natural system being the true
sun which has arisen in the latter days to illumine the deep obscure,
and spread its genial effulgence over every flower that blows. But
alas! sic transit gloria mundi; the “ spirit of progress” has proved
to be a lying spirit, and the assertion that the natural system will
lead us to a knowledge of the properties of plants is a mere fabrica-
tion. I have already, perhaps, given evidence enough of this,f but I
will nevertheless here advance an additional proof, which of itself
would be sufficient to refute the vain boasts that have been made on
the subject.

The beautiful blue-flowered monk’s-hood (Aconitum Napellus), so
common in gardens, is intensely poisonous, so much so that the fifizeth
part of a grain of the alkaloid obtained from it will kill a sparrow in
a few minutes. The Aconitum ferox of the East Indies is still more
powerful; the root “is prevalently used there as an energetic poison,

* Thos. Edmondston, jun., in ‘ Phytologist,’ vol. i. p. 761.
+ ‘ Elements of Materia Medica,’ ed. 2, p. 40.
t See ‘ Observations on Natural Systems,’ &c.

31]

under the name of bikh or nabee. The tingling of the lips and tongue
produced by tasting this root is most intense. Dr. Pereira found that
one or two grains of its alcoholic extract will kill a small animal in
ten or fifteen minutes, if introduced into the cellular tissue beneath
the skin.”* Should not, then, according to the natural system, simi-
lar deleterious properties belong to the other species of Aconite ?
Certainly ; but what is the truth? “TI have found,” says Dr. Christi-
son, “that Aconitum Napellus, Sinense, Tauricum, uncinatum, and
ferox possess intense acrimony; that A. Schleicheri and nasutum
possess it feebly; and that A. paniculatum, lasiostomum, Vulparia,
variegatum, nitidum, Pyrenaicum, and ochroleucum do not possess it
at all.”+ It thus appears that plants must be considered as indivi-
dual species, and that no reliance is to be placed on any supposed
properties as being connected with either classification or generic
structure, a few of the Linnean classes excepted. Even the same
plant may possess different properties at different periods of its
growth; thus the acrimony of Aconitum Napellus continues in the
leaves till the seeds begin to form; it then rapidly disappears, and
when ¢hey are ripe it is entirely gone, though the seeds themselves
are intensely acrid; while, according to the able author quoted, “ the
leaves of Aconitum paniculatum are bland throughout every period of
its growth; and so are its seeds, and its root.”

With thousands of similar instances before their eyes, why do the
abettors of these systems maintain that they lead to a knowledge of
the virtues of plants? Why are their systems called natural when
they are not so in any sense whatever? Names are things.

*O be some other name!
What’s ina name? That which we call a rose,
By any other name would smell as sweet.”

True, but that which we call the natural system of botany would by
any other name lose its magical influence. Change this seductive
litle, that
“ palters with us in a double sense ;
That keeps the word of promise to our ear,
And breaks it to our hope,”

to some other more consonant to truth, and then try the value of a
name; the embryological system would perhaps be the most appro-
priate appellation, but at all events that of natural is groundless and

* Dr. Christison’s Dispensatory, ed. 2, p. 57. {+ Ibid, p. 54.

312

false, and therefore unworthy the adoption of men with whom the love

of truth should ever reign paramount.
J. L. DrumMonp.
Belfast, August 16, 1851.

Surrey Locality for Leersia oryzovdes.
By ALFRED W. BENNETT, Esq.

THE detection of a rare or local plant in a locality distant from
those where it has been before observed, must always be a matter of
pleasure to the lover of botany, and especially to the student of the
local distribution of plants. Some of the readers of the ‘ Phytologist’
may therefore be interested in hearing that the beautiful and local
Leersia oryzoides, hitherto known only as an inhabitant of the two
counties of Sussex and Hampshire, has been detected in the adjoin-
ing one of Surrey. It is no doubt to the circumstance of my having
gathered the Leersia the previous week at the Brockenhurst station
that 1 owe the discovery of it in this locality. On the 18th instant,
when crossing the bridge over the river Mole, at the village of Brock-
ham Green, I noticed a large patch of grass growing in the river,
which struck me as bearing a strong resemblance to the Leersia, and
on examining it more closely I found I was not deceived. The plant
is growing in several large patches, among reeds, on both sides of the
bridge, and full in view of the public road, at a spot we must have
passed hundreds of times. In many specimens the panicle is just
protruding beyond the sheath. This is, | suppose, the most northerly
locality in which this grass has yet been observed in England. I
have not yet succeeded in discovering its usual companion, Isnardia
palustris; but as there are many other spots in the river in which the
Leersia is very likely to be found, in some of them the Isnardia may
yet be detected in company with it. From the occurrence of this
grass in three counties of England, it is probable that it may be found
to be not uncommon in the southern counties, though from the re-
semblance of its foliage to that of several other grasses, and the cir-
cumstance of its rarely disclosing its panicle, it is necessary to have
seen it growing before one can hope to detect it in a new locality.

ALFRED W. BENNETT.

Brockham Lodge, Betchworth,
8th mo. (August) 20, 1851.

313

Notice of ‘ Observations on Natural Systems of Botany. By JAMES
L. Drummonp, M.D., Professor of Anatomy and Physiology in the
Royal Belfast Institution ; Author of ‘ First Steps to Botany,’ ‘ Let-
ters to a Young Naturalist, ‘ First Steps to Anatomy,’ &c. Lon-
don: Longman & Co. 1849.

It may possibly be looked upon by some of our readers as a sub-
ject of regret that the ‘ Phytologist” should again be converted into a
controversial arena, wheu its pages might be occupied by matter more
generally interesting ; but seeing that we have been openly charged
with wilfully misrepresenting and maligning the author of the little
work bearing the above title (Phytol. iv. 211), we consider that an en-
deavour to set ourselves right with our readers is a duty which we
are imperatively called upon to perform. In the first place, however,
we beg to assure Dr. Drummond, that in penning our remarks on his
‘ Observations, we were actuated by no such feelings as those he is
pleased to attribute to us; and that so far from wishing to misrepre-
sent or malign him, our predominant feeling was one of regret, that a
gentleman of high standing in science and of acknowledged ability
should have laid himself open to critical severity, by the publication
of a book which we feel sure must be regarded by every unprejudiced
reader as entirely unworthy of his talents.

Wishing to be satisfied that we had not by inadvertence fairly ren-
dered ourselves amenable to the charge of misrepresentation, we have
again carefully perused the ‘ Observations on Natural Systems of Bo-
tany,’ and must conscientiously reiterate our former opinion, confirmed
by this reperusal, that the book is neither more nor less than a lament
for the decline of a popular taste for botanical science in Great Bri-
tain, consequent upon the endeavours of Dr. Lindley and others to
place the study of that science upon a firmer and more philosophical
footing than had previously obtained: and at the same time, this re-
consideration of the subject has strengthened our conviction, that no
one who properly understood what he was writing about would have
advanced such futile arguments in support of his opinions as we find
in nearly every page of the ‘ Observations.’

Let us not, however, be misunderstood. ‘There are many—very
many—of Dr. Drummond’s remarks to the truth of which we most
heartily subscribe, as we shall have more than one opportunity of
showing as we proceed in our analysis of the contents of this book.
In this analysis it is our intention to allow the author generally

VoL. Iv. 2s

314

to speak for himself, in order that there may be no just ground for a
reiteration of the charge of wilful misrepresentation: should we fall
into error at any time it will be from a misapprehension of our author’s
meaning, never from a desire to pervert his intentions.

The author of the ‘ Observations,’ in the letter to which we have
referred (Phytol. iv. 211), addressing the editor, says, “ the book con-
tains nothing to warrant you or any one else in insinuating that it was
written as if the author were overwhelmed with grief;” and that
“T used no ‘ dolorous terms, made no ‘ lachrymose observations, and
uttered no ‘lamentations, as is represented in the ‘ Phytologist.’ ”
Well, perhaps not; peradventure, in the second page of his book,
where he is speaking of the devotion to botany formerly exhibited by
the ladies, some one else wrote, “ There is, however, J am sorry to
say, little of this now ; the enthusiasm is gone, and the culture of the
science among the female sex has become, J am much afraid, almost
extinct.” Then again, in the third page, where the superiority of the
Linnean system for leading to a knowledge of plants is referred to,
some one has written, “ All former methods sank into insignificance
before it; and although it is the fashion of the present day to vilify,
ridicule, and speak of it as useless, I greatly fear that, until it again
comes into favour, and obtains the countenance it deserves, botany,
as a popular pursuit, will become as dead a letter as it was before the
system of Linneus engaged the attention, and struck with admiration
and delight almost all the naturalists of Europe.” Again, in page 7,
after a quotation from a review of Steele’s ‘ Hand-book of Field Bo-
tany’ in the ‘ Dublin Quarterly Journal of Medical Science’ for Fe-
bruary, 1848, the writer of which controverts Dr. Steele’s opinion
“that botany is becoming popular among the masses,—that it is a
favorite study of the million,” and states that at Dublin botany was
much more popular forty or even eighty years ago than it is now—
after this we find inserted the remark that “ what is here said of Dub-
lin may, I am afraid, be applied to most other parts.” The expres-
sions in Italics (which Italics, by the way, are our own) are not per-
haps either “ dolorous” or “lachrymose,” in the strict sense of the
words—they only mean, according to the Dictionaries, “to be grieved,”
“to live in terror,” and “to be struck with fear; terrified; fearful.”
And once more, at p. 77, we find the inquiry— Is it not deplorable
that such vile names [as those coined by Gray in his Arrangement]
should be introduced into the beautiful science of botany?” But
then, deplorable means nothing more than “lamentable; dismal; sad;
calamitous; miserable; hopeless!” Of all these meanings we give

315
a
the author the benefit, and admit that he “ used no ‘ dolorous terms,
made no ‘ lachrymose observations, and uttered no ‘lamentations, as
is represented in the ‘ Phytologist,” save and except such as we have
just cited.

No one who knows anything of the history of the science will
attempt to deny that “‘ when the Linnzan system of botany came to
be understood, it was enthusiastically embraced by almost every bo-
tanist in the civilized world, and in no country, perhaps, more cor-
dially than in England ;” and we freely grant that “ all former methods
sank into insignificance before it:” as well as that from its ready
applicability in comparison with all those methods which had pre-
viously been promulgated, “thousands became attached to the pur-
suit of botanical science, who, but for it, would never have spent a
thought upon the subject.” In all this we cordially agree with the
author of the ‘ Observations.’ But the Linnean system by no means
owed its celebrity solely to the ease with which stamens and pistils
could be counted. Linneus was the first botanist to demonstrate the
importance of these organs in the vegetable economy; and much of
the attention bestowed upon his system, was due to the novelty of its
having been founded upon organs previously all but entirely neg-
lected in botanical classifications and arrangements. But this was
not all. The great author of this celebrated system combined with
the innovation many other changes of the highest importance. He
cleared up much of the confusion consequent upon the creeping in of
a host of ill-defined and doubtful species, and of varieties considered
as species by his predecessors; he framed an admirable code of laws
whereby botanical terminology was rendered precise and expressive ;
but above all, the binominal nomenclature introduced by him freed
the memory and charmed by its simplicity, and at once did away with
the cumbrous and unwieldy mode of naming plants previously in use.
All these improvements tended to fix upon the novel scheme of clas-
sification the attention of the learned world, and combined to render
its dominion secure until it should have effected its purpose, until that
“primum et ultimum in botanicis desideratum”—a more philosophi-
cal method of arrangement so ardently sought after by its author—
should be discovered.

We must here disclaim im toto all participation in “ the fashion of
the present day to vilify, ridicule, and speak of as useless” a system
by which so large an amount of good has been effected: we are too
much indebted to the Linnzan artificial method to do this; and have
ever regretted the course which has been adopted by others in their

: 316

zeal to establish a different plan of studying the members of the
vegetable kingdom; such a course is, to say the least of it, ungene-
rous aud uncalled for. We will even go further, and freely confess,
that as the most strenuous advocates of the modern plan feel an abso-
lute necessity for the employment of some artificial scheme as an aid
in their researches into the stations and affinities of unknown plants,
we see no valid reason for the utter rejection of the Linnean artificial
system as such an aid. All we contend for is, that the limited amount
of knowledge attainable through that system should by no means be
looked upon as the sole end and aim of botanical investigation.

There is so much “ admired disorder” in the manner in which the
‘ Observations’ are mixed up, that it is by no means easy to follow
them out to the conclusions intended to be deduced from them. For
example; at p. 3 the author commences a record of his own experi-
ence, as well as expresses his intentions in penning the little volume
under notice, in the following words :—

“JT have not myself, for many years, been attending to botanical
pursuits, except occasionally by fits and starts, and then in a great
measure for the purpose of renewing the delightful feelings I experi-
enced, when young, in learning my early lessons from Priscilla Wake-
field’s Introduction to the science; and what has principally urged
me to write the present Observations is the hope that, however feeble
the effort may be, it may have some effect in assisting to excite simi-
lar feelings in the mind of the young botanist, by attracting him, if
possible, to study the only easy method of gaining a knowledge of
plants that has ever been the offspring of human genius.” Then about
five-and-twenty pages further on, the author cites the personal expe-
rience of Dr. Lindley, as to the perplexities awaiting “a beginner who
is unassisted by a tutor,” although with fewer difficulties to contend
with than most students. “I began,” says Dr. Lindley,* “ with the
Linnean system, which I was taught to regard as little less than an
inspired production; I had plenty of books compiled according to
that system to consult, and was fairly driven to seek refuge in the na-
tural system from the difficulties and inconsistencies of that of Lin-
neus.” On this quotation we have the following comment :—

“ Now I cannot attach the slightest importance to this confession
of the learned writer, for thousands who never had the access to books
on Linnean botany which he had, have not only found it divested of
the difficulties he alludes to, but have from only the most limited

* As quoted in the ‘ Observations, at p. 29.

317

number of such books, and from no teaching but what they taught,
become zealous and delighted cultivators of the science. For my own
part, though I advance this as a mere feather in the scale, I had no
such advantages, I had no plenty of books on the subject, yet one
single Linnzan lesson inspired me with a warm enthusiasm for the
science. A medical friend who, during his collegiate studies had
attended a botanical course, pointed out to me, in a morning’s excur-
sion, the parts of fructification in several wild flowers, and drew a
slight sketch of the principles on which the Linnzan classification is
founded :—I was enchanted, all was totally new to me, and I felt de-
lighted at the prospect of being soon able to arrive at a knowledge of
the plants I might find in my walks; and that naturally was all I then
looked to.”—P. 29.

Wading onward now for nearly seventy pages, we arrive at another
brief record of our author’s experiences,—one of those which renders
him “ fairly entitled to express” his “opinions and feelings on the
subject.”

“Though I had,” he writes, “for a long period been attending little
to botanical pursuits, I thought of inquiring into these natural sys-
tems, with the impression on my mind, that I was to find something
of the highest benefit to everything connected with botanical science;
but great, certainly, was my disappointment, on finding them a cha-
otic mass of contradictions, their boasted advantages a mere fable, and
the praises bestowed on them having the most shadowy foundation.”
—P. 96.

Having thus given, pretty much in their own words, the early ex-
periences of our author, and those of one whom we cannot help
regarding as a high authority in all that relates to botanical science,
we may perhaps be allowed to indulge in a little egotistical display
by citing, in a very brief manner, our own all but entirely unaided
career in the study of botany: advancing it “as a mere feather in the
scale ;” but a feather thrown up will show which way the wind blows;
and our statement will serve to show that there is nothing insuperable
im either mode of acquiring knowledge, even when the pursuit is
entered upon with fewer advantages than the authorities we have
quoted confess themselves to have had at command.

Like Dr. Lindley, and the author of the ‘ Observations,’ our ac-
quaintance with botany commenced under Linnean auspices. Un-
like the former, we had no “ plenty of books compiled according to
that system to’consult ;” and unlike Dr. Drummond, we had not even
the advantage of a friend to point out “ the parts of fructification in

318
several wild flowers,” or to draw “a slight sketch of the principles on
which the Linnzan classification is founded.” But with this diffe-
rence, we have a fellow-feeling with Dr. Drummond, for Priscilla
Wakefield’s Introduction was our first text-book as it was his; and
after a time, when Galpine’s Compend came into our possession, we
managed to learn the scientific appellations of those lovely works of
an Almighty Hand with which we had previously lived in friendship
and admiration. Then came Smith’s ‘ Introduction to Botany,’ and,
more valuable still, that admirable author’s magnum opus, the ‘ Eng-
lish Flora.’ From these works we for the first time found out that
there was something to be learned beyond the mere names of plants,
something to be acquired beyond the mere ability to refer a plant to
its place in the Linnzan system. We are however free to confess that
even with the aid of Sir J. E. Smith’s ‘ Grammar of Botany, the only
book containing an exposition of Jussieu’s views of classification we
could at that time command, we made but little progress in our studies.
Nor was the matter much mended with Gray’s ‘ Natura] Arrangement,’
which afterwards fell into our hands, or even with Lindley’s ‘ Intro-
duction to the Natural System:’ and it was not until we met with
Jussieu’s admirable ‘ Cours Elémentaire,’ that we felt any great incli-
nation to master the difficulties of classification. In 1846 appeared
Lindley’s ‘ Vegetable Kingdom, which at once opened up a new field
of inquiry, cleared away many of the doubts and difficulties under
which we had previously laboured, and gave us new ideas of the dig-
nity of the science by demonstrating the superior advantages of this
mode of studying the natural affinities of plants.

If we have been somewhat prolix in this detail of our own limited
experience, we have but to say in excuse that our only wish has been
to show that there are no such insuperable difficulties in the path of
the student, even should he be deprived of the assistance of a teacher,
as the author of the ‘ Observations’ encountered in his attempt to
master the details of a system which he seems to have found imprac-
ticable.

Reverting now to the earlier portion of the ‘ Observations, we find
a remark to the truth of which we can most unhesitatingly give in our
adhesion, for, like the characters in ‘ The Critic,’ when we do agree,
our unanimity will ever be found to be wonderful. ‘The author states
that—

“ According to an aphorism of Linnzus, the great and important
step in understanding any science is to know things themselves.
How can we reason about plants unless we know what these plants

319

are? We must first have a knowledge of the things we speak, or
write, or think, or philosophise about, before we can do any of these
to a good purpose, and, therefore, the most useful and important
introduction to any science is that which leads fairly to a knowledge
of the thinys themselves.”—P. 3.

Granted; but then it must be borne in mind that this knowledge,
as applicable to the vegetable kingdom, is not limited simply to the
ability of determining the name of a plant and its place in a system,
as too many botanists of the Linnean school understand it; on the
contrary, in the words of Linneus himself, “ The knowledge of spe-
cies involves an acquaintance with every kind of science—physical,
economical, and medical; indeed, with the whole range of human
learning.” Now at this point issue is joined between ourselves and
the author, who affirms with a voice of authority that the Linnean
system is “the only easy method of gaining a knowledge of plants
that has ever been the offspring of human genius;” and again, that it
“‘ is pre-eminent over all other introductions to a knowledge of plants.”
On the contrary, we hesitate not to declare from experience, that the
Linnean system by itself is neither the only, nor the most pre-eminent
introduction to a knowledge of plants, as that knowledge is to be
rightly understood. In this opinion we are fully borne out by Sir J.
EK. Smith, perhaps the most able expositor of Linnzan principles our
own or any other country has produced, and one, moreover, whom the
author of the ‘ Observations’ will hardly reject as an authority on this
subject, since he cites him as a botanist who can on no account be
considered superficial. This eminent man, in the Preface to his
‘Grammar of Botany,’ has lucidly stated the respective merits of both
the Linnzan artificial system, and the more philosophical method
promulgated by Jussieu. The former he says expressly, “is to be un-
derstood merely as a dictionary” to enable the student “to make out
any plant that may fall in his way. He will learn to reduce such
plant to its proper class aud order in some systematic work, where he
will trace out in progression its genus and species, with everything
that any author has recorded of its history or use.” Aye! there’s the
tub. “ Everything that any author has recorded of the history or
use” of such a plant may thus easily be traced out; but supposing
no author has ever before met with the plant under examination, and,
as a consequence, that no record has been made of its “ history or
use,” how then is the student to proceed? He may readily enough
refer it to its Linnzan class and order—Pentandria Monogynia, De-
candria Trigynia, or anything else, as the case may be; but here

320

he must stop, unless he know something of the natural affinities of
plants, without a knowledge of which, as Sir J. E. Smith well ob-
serves, “the science is truly a study of words, contributing nothing
to enlarge, little worthy to exercise, a rational mind.” But in order
to gain a knowledge of these “ natural affinities,” the artificial system
of Linnzeus, useful as it is as an index to all that has been recorded
of the history and uses of plants, is by no means a necessary adjunct.
In teaching we have made use of Lindley’s ‘School Botany’ to some
extent, and we venture to assert that that “little book” will do more
as an introduction to the true knowledge of plants, than any exposi-
tion of the Linnean system that has ever been written ; notwithstand-
ing the dictum of the author of the ‘ Observations,’ that it never will
enable the student to master even the rudiments of the science.

The author further says—“ After taking considerable pains to com-
prehend the natural system, as it is called, I have not been able to
find out one single advantage which it possesses; it contradicts itself
at every turn, is full of misrepresentation, and so far from being natu-
ral, brings together into the same orders plants possessed of the most
different qualities and appearance.” And then, quoting from the Pre-
face to the ‘ Vegetable Kingdom’ the statement that a genus, order,
or class “is called natural, not because it exists in nature, but because
it comprehends species naturally resembling each other more than
they resemble anything else ;’”—he proceeds to give his own views of
some of these resemblances, in the following words :—

“ Of these resemblances I will give some examples from Dr. Lind-
ley’s ‘ Vegetable Kingdom;’ but these, let it be observed, are only a
small sample from a multitude, as I will refer only to such plants as
almost every one is familiar with. We all know a rose, and we are
equally well acquainted with the strawberry ; but few persons, I ap-
prehend, would say that they ‘resemble each other more than they do
anything else,’ or that they should belong to a family of plants called
natural. They belong, however, to the order Rosacee, as do many
others as unlike roses as can be imagined, and among these is the
meadow-sweet, which has no more resemblance to a rose than it has
to a beech-tree. Heath is not very like a rhododendron, yet by the
magic power of the natural system, the heaths, rhododendrons, aza-
leas, and arbutuses are all domesticated together in one family or
order, along with others as unlike each other as possible; and so it is
with almost every one of the 303 orders described in the ‘ Vegetable
Kingdom. In the order Primulacee we have the primrose, the
cyclamen, and the water violet. In Ranunculacez, we find united in

321

similar bonds the butter-cup, the traveller’s joy, the anemone, the hel-
lebore, and the marsh-marigold, which do bear some similarity to each
other; but then, along with these plants, we have the columbine, the
larkspur, the aconite, and the peony, which an uninitiated person
would pronounce to be very unlike to those preceding. The butter-
cup and the larkspur have certainly little resemblance to each other.
In the other orders we find similar anomalies throughout; the snow-
drop, united with the American aloe—the lily, with the asparagus and
butcher’s broom—the lupin and trefoil, with the laburnum—the pri-
vet, with the ash—the potato, with capsicum and the deadly night-
shade — the beautiful little speedwell (Veronica), with the tall
shepherd’s club, snapdragon, globe-flowered buddlea, eye-bright,
yellow rattle, and digitalis. But it is unnecessary to point out any
more of these most unnatural combinations, and I will only further
observe that the honeysuckle meets in the same order with the lau-
rustinus and the elder.”—P. 9.

_ Before we analyse the various assertions contained in the above
extract, we must be allowed to quote a portion of the paragraph next
succeeding, which at once accounts for the author’s inability to ap-
preciate the advantages arising from the location of plants according
to their natural affinities—namely, his ignorance of, or inattention to,
the certain characters whence the principles of such a mode of
arrangement are derived. He says :—

“ Supposing that the latter plants, and others in the order in which
they have been placed, had a considerable number of certain charac-
ters in their structure independent of their outward appearance, there
might be some shadow of reason for connecting them together; but
here, and throughout the whole system, uncertainty and discrepancies
are predominant.”—P. 11.

Let us now inquire, how far the above combinations can be said to
be “ unnatural ;” and to what degree a writer is justified in asserting
that “ throughout the whole system, uncertainty and discrepancies are
predominant.”

The author, in the passage last quoted, makes one most important
concession; namely, that if the plants he cites, as well as others,
“had a considerable number of certain characters in their structure,
independent of their outward appearance, their might be some sha-
dow of reason for connecting them together ;” for this concession we
thank him, since it is upon these “certain characters” that are
founded all the combinations of the vegetable kingdom, as we shall
endeavour to show. -

VOL. Iv. pi

322

“ One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin.”

So says the poet; and so, with a far wider sphere of application, may
say the naturalist: for this magic “touch of Nature” establishes a
mutual relationship among the three material worlds—animal, vege-
table, and wineral—by means of the certain characters possessed by
their various members. We have at present, however, only the world
of plants to deal with, and more especially those species which the
author has stigmatized as being most unnaturally combined.

In the first place, then, the whole of the plants mentioned in the
preceding extract, with the exception of the snowdrop, the aloe, the
lily, asparagus, and butcher’s broom (which are endogens), agree in
belonging to the great class of exogens, distinguished by their woody
tissue being annually deposited in zones around a cellular centre (the
pith); in this respect, then, they are primarily united by a certain
structural character, “independent of their outward appearance.”
But the rose and the strawberry are still more intimately connected
by other certain characters, in which they “ resemble each other more
than they do anything else,” except, of course, the other members of
the natural order to which they both belong—the Rosacee. As the
author says, “ We all know a rose, and we are equally well acquainted
with a strawberry ;” and, we may add, most people know a fox-glove.
Now we would ask,—Does a strawberry bear as close a resemblance
to a fox-glove as it does to a rose, and vice versé ? Few persons, we
venture to assert, would reply in the affirmative. And why? The
tall-growing rose and the wand-like fox-glove resemble each other in
stature more than either does the lowly strawberry ; what then con-
stitutes the closer resemblance between the strawberry and the rose ?
Our author has himself unconsciously furnished a clew to the answer
—“ You will know them by their flowers ;” for the flowers supply the
certain characters desiderated by him, as well as the more obvious
ones which would lead even the uninitiated to declare the strawberry
more like a rose than anything else, except, as we have said, the other
members of the rosaceous group.

Beginning with the form of the flower: the corolla of the fox-glove
is monopetalous and bell-shaped, while those of the rose and the
strawberry are composed of five distinct petals, springing from the
upper part of the calyx. Here then we have an obvious mark of
resemblance between the rose and the strawberry, and as obvious a
mark of difference from the fox-glove. But the presence of such a
corolla is not a certain character, since other rosaceous plants have
no corolla at all; we must therefore seek for other and more stable

323

points of resemblance, and these are supplied by the organs of repro-
duction, which, as the only really essential parts of a flower, are
always present at certain periods of the life of a flowering plant; to
these therefore we must look for the certain characters in structure
which unite the strawberry with the rose.

It is scarcely necessary to say that as in the artificial system of
Linneus, so in the structural* system of Dr. Lindley, the stamens and
pistils are employed in characterizing certain groups above genera; in
the latter system, however, it is the insertion of the stamens that is
found to furnish certain characters, not their nwmber, which is uncer-
tain and variable, even in the same genus. In both the rose and the
strawberry, the stamens are inserted into the mouth of the calyx, a
certain character indicating that both plants belong to the perigynous
sub-class of exogens: and this mode of insertion of the stamens is
essentially the distinguishing character of the twelfth Linnzan class,
Icosandria, one of the most natural of all his classes; so that in both
systems the rose and the strawberry are associated in the same group,
by certain characters in their structure, “ independent of their out-
-ward appearance.” But we need not pause here in our inquiry, for
the rose and the strawberry are still further structurally related by the
character of their carpels being entirely separate and uncombined,
thus forming what is technically denominated an apocarpous fruit.

In the certain characters of perigynous stamens and separated car-
pels the meadow-sweet agrees with the rose and strawberry, as well as
in the outward appearance arising from the possession of a polypeta-
lous corolla, and leaves furnished with a pair of stipules at the base
of the petiole. The individual, therefore, must be unfortunate who
should be unable to perceive any closer resemblance between the
meadow-sweet and arose, or any other member of the same order,
than between the former plant and a beech-tree, for either his mental
or bodily vision must be strangely distorted.

. In the next place, we have the assertion that “heath is not very
like a rhododendron,” followed by the comment, “ yet by the magic
power of the natural system, the heaths, rhododendrons, azaleas, and
arbutuses are all domesticated together in one family or order, along
with others as unlike each other as possible.” Allow us to ask, where
should plants be located, except with those which possess the same
certain characters independent of their outward appearance? In
the Ericacez, these characters are to be found in the monopetalous

* We use here the term structural, out of deference to these who object to the epi-
thet natural.

324

corolla, and the hypogynous stamens with two-celled anthers opening

by terminal pores. Unlike the stamens of the Rosacez, those organs
in the Ericacee spring directly from the base of the ovary, and are

entirely uncombined with either calyx or corolla. The carpels, more-

over, are united into a wany-celled ovary, and are not distinct as in.
the Rosacez. The variations in the form of the corolla and number
of stamens are not to be taken into account, since these are variable
characters. And that a very close relationship really exists between
Rhododendron and some other Ericacee, is proved by the artificial
production of a hybrid between Rhododendron chamecistus and
Menziesia empetriformis—the interesting Bryanthus erectus, as re-

ported in the Proceedings of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh

(Phytol. iv. 156).

Nothing surely can be more natural than the location of the prim-
rose, the Cyclamen, and the water-violet in the same order; since
they all agree in possessing the certain characters afforded by the
monopetalous five-lobed corolla, five epipetalous stamens opposite to
the lobes of the corolla, and a free central placenta. The opposite
position of the stamens with respect to the lobes of the corolla is an:
apparent contradiction to the law of alternation, according to which,
when equal in number to the petals, they ought to be alternate with
them. But the anomaly is apparent only; for in cases like that of
Primula, it is due to the non-development of an outer whorl of sta-
mens, which, if present, would have normally alternated both with
the petals, and with the fully developed inner whorl of stamens. In
some species of Lysimachia, and in Samolus, this outer whorl is
actually present in the form of scales, or barren stamens; and in Pri-
mula, Hottonia, and some others, their position is indicated by a
shade of colour deeper than that of the petals generally, at the point
of junction, and alternating with the petals and the perfect stamens.

The author has himself pointed out, at p. 89, one of the certain
characters which unite “in similar bonds” the butter-cup, the lark-
spur, and other plants, which, in the extract above given, he declares
to “have certainly little resemblance to each other.” We allude to
“the seed-vessels being numerous and pod-like, as in columbine and
larkspur ;” and yet these are two of the plants, which, at p. 89, are
considered as not so very unnaturally combined, because of this cor-
respondence in the fruit, while at p. 10, in the foregoing extract, their
combination is declared to be most unnatural. So far as outward
appearance goes, the plants composing the order Ranunculacez cer-
tainly do differ widely ; but then in the certain character afforded by

325

their numerous stamens, standing entirely free from either calyx,
corolla, or ovary (hypogynous), and their equally distinct carpels,
forming, as they do in the rose, an apocarpous fruit, they all agree
most closely. We wonder that the author should allow that “ the
butter-cup, the traveller’s joy, the anemone, the hellebore, and the
marsh-marigold,” “do bear some similarity to each other,” while he
denies the likeness in the case of others, which agree more nearly
from the possession of all the organs of fructification. . No order is so
well adapted as the Ranunculacez, to give the student correct ideas
of the comparative value of the floral envelopes and the organs of
reproduction, in furnishing characters available for purposes of clas-
sification; those derived from the latter organs being certain, those
afforded by the floral envelopes being in the highest degree uncertain
and variable. On this head Lindley has well observed, that among
the Ranunculaceze we find “avery considerable number of plants,
‘differing from each other materially in the nature of their calyx and
corolla, but very similar otherwise. Some of them have perfectly dis-
tinct sepals and petals, in others these parts seem completely blended
together, as in Caltha and Anemone; in others it is manifest that the
former only are present, as in Clematis. Those too, which have their
parts quite distinct, vary greatly from the real crowfoots in their na-
ture, the calyx or corolla being extended into spurs, and assuming a
very irregular condition in various ways, as in [monk’s-hood] and
larkspur. Itis, however, very interesting to find the spurred irregular-
flowered plants of this. order assimilated with the regular spurless
species by means of Ranunculus acaulis, an Antarctic species, the
petals of which have a socket in their middle, evidently anticipating
the spurs of Aquilegia, &c.”—Veg. Kingd. 425.

Amidst all the apparent confusion arising from vo petals, tubular,
spurred, and horned petals which we find in the Ranunculacex, two
simple certain characters give the key to forty-one genera and one
thousand species of these plants: these characters are numerous free
stamens and distinct carpels.

It is scarcely necessary to occupy much space with an examination
of the remainder of the author’s objections, which are equally futile
with those already adduced: for example, what can be more natural
than the union of “the lupin and trefoil with the laburnum,” since
they differ in nothing but their duration, the two former being herba-
ceous annuals, and the latter. a tree; the papilionaceous flowers and
leguminous fruit being the same in all? Then again, that the privet
and the ash are naturally located together is proved by the ease with

326

which all the members of the Oleacexz, to which they, together with
the lilac, the olive, and others belong, may be grafted on each
other; “a fact,” as Von Martius observes, “ which demonstrates the
analogy of their juices and their fibres.” Even the jasmine, so like
the Oleacez in many respects, will not unite by grafting with any of
them. The association of “ the potato with capsicum and the deadly
nightshade” is equally natural, whether we regard their structure or
their properties. The potato (Solanum tuberosum) belongs to the
same genus as the poisonous nightshades (S. negrum and S. Dulca-
mara), and participates in their deleterious qualities to a considerable
extent. The leaves and berries of the potato are poisonous, as are
those of the nightshades ; the underground stems or tubers in a raw
state also partake of the same poisonous nature, and are rendered fit
for food only by cooking. The same may be said of the other mem-
bers of the order; they are all more or less of a poisonous nature.
Indeed, as DeCandolle has well observed, “ We must not lose sight
of the fact, that all our aliments contain a small quantity of an excit-
ing principle, which is necessary as a natural condiment, but which
in excess would be injurious.” Nor do we see what objection can
be made to the junction of the Veronica with Verbascum and the
other Scrophulariacee, except on the score of its having only two
stamens: this character is uncertain, as we have before shown; but
that of insertion on the corolla is certain, as is that of the capsule
being two-celled and many-seeded.

The quotation in the ‘ Observations’ from the ‘ Vegetable King-
dom,’ containing the characters of the order Caprifoliacez, only proves
the author’s inability to appreciate the advantages of the structural
system. When all the parts of the plant are looked to in drawing up
the character of an order, that character must necessarily be so com-
prehensively framed as to meet all the cases of variation that may
occur in the non-essential organs; but then there are other organs
which furnish the certain character, and these do not vary. For
example, the Caprifoliacez belong to an alliance—the Cinchonales—
the members of which all agree in the possession of an inferior ovary,
flowers having both calyx and corolla, the corolla monopetalous, and.
a minute embryo lying in a large quantity of albumen. The order
itself is characterized by its epipetalous stamens, equal in number to
the lobes of the corolla, and alternate with them, the anthers straight,
and opening longitudinally for the discharge of the pollen, a consoli-
dated fruit, and leaves without stipules. One would have thought

327

that here at all events the system is scarcely in fairness open to the
charge of a predominance of “ uncertainty and discrepancies.”

In another part of the ‘ Observations’ the author charges a writer
in the ‘ London and Edinburgh Journal, with “ignorance of Linneus
or his writings; we fear that the following quotation, which is in
some measure connected with the subject we have been discussing,
will show that our author is himself fairly amenable to the same
charge. He says:—

“1 have now given enough to shew that Linneus, in his Fragmenta,
considered that natural orders (were the hopeless task to be attempted
of forming such) ought to be founded on striking or evident external
characters; and this is all I wish to make appear. They were given
in the ‘ Philosophia Botanica’ as hints of the way in which natural
orders should be formed. ‘They are very imperfect, ashe always de-
clared; and some of them contain genera for which no reason can be
given why they are located in the place they hold; but yet he scarcely
would have brought together into the same order plants so wholly
unlike each other as many we find associated in the systems of the
present day: for instance, the snowdrop with the American aloe; the
tulip and lily with butcher’s-broom; the mulberry with the fig; the
castor-oil tree with the box; chickweed with the gaudy pink and
lychnis; the snapdragon and digitalis with the beautiful veronica and
globe buddlea; the honeysuckle with the laurustinus and the elder ;
the lime tree with the corchorus; or the hardy and evergreen ivy with
the delicate and lowly moschatel. In an artificial system it matters
not how incongruous may be the species included in any class or
order; but to find such as the above, and hundreds of others, in sys-
tems professing to arrange together such plants as are ‘ more like to
each other than to anything else,’ is certainly somewhat of the won-
derful.”—P. 89.

The author has been most unfortunate in the selection of examples
of what Linnzus would not have done, since “ the immortal Swede ”
has actually associated in the same order many of the very plants
which, according to the preceding extract, “ he scarcely would have
brought together.” For example: in Linnzus’s order Scabride we
find the mulberry and the fig associated with Dorstenia, Urtica, and
others which until lately formed the modern order Urticacez. In his
Caryophyllei the chickweed (Alsine) is really placed “ with the gaudy
pink and lychnis;” we wonder where else it should be placed!
Then again, in the Linnean order Personate, answering to our
Scrophulariacez, the snapdragon and Veronica are included, as they

328

ought to be; Digitalis is placed at the end of the Luride, quite as
unnaturally as it could be anywhere; and the place of Buddleia not
having been determined, that genus is put with the other unlocated
plants at the end of the orders. The lime-tree and the Corchorus are
in like manner actually placed by Linneus himself -in his order Cul-
miniz. As to the non-union of the castor-oil plant with the box, it
is a curious fact that the name of the genus Buxus does not occur in
any one of the natural orders given in the ‘ Philosophia Botanica’
(ed. 1751) ; though in the ‘ English Flora’ it stands as a member of
the Linnean order Tricocce (equivalent to our Euphorbiacez), on
the authority of Sir J. E. Smith. The American aloe was not placed
with the snowdrop, perhaps. because Linneus did not know what to
do with it, since we find it, under the name. of Aloé Yucca among
those uncertain plants to which he had not given “a local habitation.”
Though what objection can be advanced against the location of these
two plants in the same order—Amaryllidacee—further than that the
flower-stem of the one is woody and bears a great number of flowers,
while that of the other is herbaceous and single-flowered, we do not
understand ; especially as the flowers agree in having an inferior three-
celled ovary, and six stamens with introrse anthers. It is also true
that Linnzeus does not place “the tulip and lily with butcher’s-broom ;”
but then he does place the latter plant, together with asparagus, Con-
vallaria and Gloriosa, in a most heterogeneous assemblage of plants
called Sarmentacez : and the three genera last named certainly agree
with the Liliaceew better than with anything else, and Ruscus agrees
in its flowers and fruit with Asparagus and Convallaria. This same
order Sarmentacez also contains “ the hardy and evergreen ivy,” but
not “the delicate and lowly moschatel.” Now the latter genus,
Adoxa, is provisionally placed by Linneus among his uncertain
plants at the end of the orders, and the ivy with Asparagus, Conval-
laria, Ruscus and others, in Sarmentacee.

With regard to outward resemblance as the basis upon which natu-
ral orders should be founded, the author has the following remarks :—

“That there are groups or tribes of vegetables approaching each
other so closely in the general aspect of the species belonging to them,
as to be considered not improperly as natural, there can be doubt, and
such have been acknowledged at all times; as the grasses, the palms,
the pine tribe, roses, heaths, narcissuses, pinks, ferns, mosses, peonies,
irises, &c.; but these are all founded on their outward characters, their
form of growth, the appearance of their flowers, and other external
marks; and when we examine Linnzus’s ‘ Methodi Naturalis Frag-

329

menta, it is evident that in general these were formed on similar
grounds.” —P. 87. .

As. an example, let us take the order Sarmentacee, to which we
have just had occasion to refer. It includes Ruscus and other
genera to the number of twenty, now distributed among ten orders,
belonging to three distinct classes, as follows. HExogens :—Vitacee;
Cissus, Vitis: Avaliacee ; Hedera, Panax, Aralia: Hippocrateacee ;
Hippocratea: Menispermacee ; Menispermum, Cissampelos: Aris-
tolochiacee ; Asarum, Aristolochia. Endogens :—Liliacee ; Ruscus,
Asparagus, Convallaria, Gloriosa: Melanthacee ; Uvularia. Dictyo-
gens :— Trilliacee ; Medeola: Dioscoreacee ; Rajana, Dioscorea,
Tamus: Smilacee; Smilax. Now we readily grant that there is
considerable resemblance in “ the general aspect” of many of the
species enumerated above ; but surely Linneus, from a consideration
of this outward resemblance alone, would scarcely “ have brought
together in the same order plants so wholly unlike each other” as the
“delicate and lowly” lily of the valley, “ the hardy and evergreen”
butcher’s broom, and the tall, branching asparagus; his penetrating
eye could detect a closer alliance among these plants founded upon
their certain characters; and the very heterogeneous assemblage col-
lected under the order Sarmentacez, is of itself an instructive com-
mentary upon the folly of trusting to outward resemblance alone,
since it could lead even a Linnzus to associate such opposite genera
as the grape-vine and the Aristolochia.

At page 18 of his ‘ Observations,’ our author declares that he “ can
scarcely find a single order of the flowering plants which is not a
heterogeneous and incongruous assemblage ;” while at page 87 he
admits “that there are groups or tribes of vegetables approaching
each other so closely in the general aspect of the species belonging
to them, as to be considered not improperly as natural, there can be
no doubt, and such have been acknowledged at all times; as the
grasses, the palms, the pine tribe, roses, heaths, narcissuses, pinks,
ferns, mosses, peonies, irises, &c.” From this admission one would
almost suspect that a very similar passage in Sir J. E. Smith’s Intro-
duction*had left some vague impression upon the mind of the writer.
Sir James asserts that

“The most superficial observer must perceive something of the
classification of Nature. The grasses, umbelliferous plants, mosses,
sea-weeds, ferns, liliaceous plants, orchises, compound flowers, each
constitute a family strikingly similar in form and qualities among
. VoL. Iv. 2U

330

themselves, and no less evidently distinct from all others.”—Jntro-
duction to Botany, ed. 6, p. 288.

The great misfortune with the author of the ‘ Observations,’ and
others who have written in disparagement of what are called natural
orders, seems ever to have consisted in an utter inability to compre-
hend the impossibility of representing upon paper the manifold rami-
fications of all such groups of plants, and their inosculation with
others. Such objectors seem to suppose that the boundaries of
every group may and ought to be laid down with as much certainty
and exactness as the boundary lines of an estate upona map. All
true botanists, from the days of Linnzus downwards, have, on the
contrary, been compelled to acknowledge that this is far from being the
case ; and they have accordingly directed their labours to the investi-
gation of the natural affinities of plants, not without a hope that
eventually something of Nature’s plan of arrangement might be dis-
covered. Linnzus long ago declared “ Natura non facit saltus,’—
that she has no abrupt leaps from one being or group of beings to
another, but that all demonstrate an affinity with others, like terri-
tories depicted in a geographical map: and Sir J. Smith, in the pas-
sage immediately following that we have quoted above, goes on to
say, with great truth, that

“If the whole vegetable kingdom could with equal facility be dis-
tributed into tribes or classes, the study of Botany on such a plan
would be no less easy than satisfactory. But as we proceed in this
path, we soon find ourselves in a labyrinth. The natural orders and
families of plants, so far from being connected in a regular series, ap-
proach one another by so many points, as to bewilder instead of
directing us. We may seize some striking combinations and ana-
logies; but the further we proceed, the more we become sensible
that, even if we had the whole vegetable world before us at one view,
our knowledge must be imperfect, and that our ‘ genius’ is certainly
not ‘ equal to the majesty of Nature.’”—Jntroduction to Botany, p.
289.

Dr. Lindley, in the Introduction to his ‘ Vegetable Kingdom,’ has
still more strongly insisted upon this; and as we think he ha by his
illustration placed the matter in a clear light, we must be allowed to
quote the passage. He states that

“ No absolute limits, in fact, exist, by which groups of plants can
be circumscribed. ‘They pass into each other by insensible grada-
tions, and every group has apparently some species which assumes in
part the structure of some other group. ‘Two countries are separated,

331

by a river whose waters are common to both banks; in a geographi-
cal division of territory the river may be assigned to either the left
bank or the right bank, but such an arrangement is arbitrary ; and yet
the interior of the countries is unaffected by it. So with the groups
of plants; it cannot be of any possible consequence whether an inter-
mediate or frontier plant be assigned to one group or another, and
convenience alone should be considered in such a matter. This long
since led me to offer the following observations, the truth of which,
much more experience entirely confirms :—‘ All the groups into which
plants are thrown are in one sense artificial, inasmuch as Nature
recognizes no such groups. Nevertheless, consisting in all cases of
species very closely allied in Nature, they are in another sense natu-
ral.’”—Intr. Veg. Kingd. xxx.

Hence, however, arises the impossibility of so rigidly defining such
groups, that their boundaries may at once be recognized by the bota-
nist, and equally the impossibility of his declaring of any such oscu-
lant species that it absolutely belongs to such or such a group; since
“ mathematical precision is unknown in such subjects, and exceptions
occur to all known rules.” The only way of dealing with such refrac-
tory plants is to ascertain the general tendency of their mass of cha-
racters, which will for the most part correspond with particular ones :
and thus we obtain an approximation to the station to which such
plants will ultimately be found really to belong.

Linnzus taught that both genera and species are the work of Na-
ture; we believe, with Dr. Lindley, that species only are natural, and
that all combinations of species are in one sense artificial: but since
in genera those species are (or ought to be) associated which agree with
each other in the greatest number of points of structure, such groups as
genera are in another sense natural. As in orders, so in genera, there
are always certain osculant or connecting forms which it is all but
impossible to refer with certainty to any one of those other forms with
which, notwithstanding their apparent anomalies, they are evidently
most naturally allied. And this must be the case in all groups, large |
and small, which man has contrived as aids to study; since, it is evi-
dent to every one who studies Nature as she ought to be studied—to
every one who seeks to attain something beyond a mere superficial
knowledge of her works—that there is truly no such thing as an
abrupt transition from one organized being to another. Our own
Ray, in the Preface to his ‘ Historia Plantarum,’ long ago remarked
that “as Nature never passes from one extreme to another except by
something lying between the two, so she is accustomed to produce

332

creations of an intermediate and doubtful character, which partake of
both extremes, and so completely connect them, as to render it alto-
gether uncertain to which they most truly belong.” So that if it once
be admitted (and no true naturalist can doubt it) that every natural
being passes into some other by insensible gradations, it must also be
admitted that no real limits can be found between one group of such
beings and another; and that consequently absolute distinctions be-
tween such groups can have no existence in Nature.

So many evidences of the truth of this doctrine are daily forcing
themselves on the mind of every naturalist, that in many cases he
finds it utterly impossible to frame any verbal definition of a group to
which there shall be no exception, and he is virtually constrained to
recognize the theory of gradation, at whatever inconvenience, or how-
ever repugnant to his preconceived notions. He finds that it is not
confined to species alone, but that it also extends throughout all
groups above species. How else can we reconcile such opposite ex-
tremes of development as we find in every combination, whether of
species, of genera, of orders or classes? Nothing, for example, can be
more unlike than the oak, which for centuries has braved the storms
of winter, and the minute, microscopic fungus, which, as it springs
into being as it were instantaneously and without warning, as quickly
perishes, and “the place thereof knoweth it no more.” Every group
of plants furnishes striking examples of these extremes of develop-
ment. Among Endogens we have palms, plantains, and tree-like
liliaceous plants, the giants of their class, strikingly contrasted with
the floating Lemna, which has no distinction of leaf or stem, and
bearing flowers, consisting simply of one carpel and two stamens,
without calyx or corolla, and seated in minute slits in the edges of
the frond. In the Acrogens we find the tropical tree ferns, with
trunks forty feet high, and mosses, some of which are so exceedingly
minute, that their parts are utterly undistinguishable by the naked
eye. Among the grasses we find the bamboos, growing to the height
of a hundred feet, and the exquisite little Knappia agrostidea, scarcely
half an inch in height. The genus Salix presents us with Salix alba,
a tree thirty feet high, and the diminutive Salix herbacea, half a dozen
perfect plants of which, roots, stems, flowers and all, may be laid upon
a common octavo page. And, to adduce no other instances, “ the
genus Ficus,” as Lindley mentions, “ contains some species creeping
on the ground like diminutive herbaceous plants, and others rising
into the air to the height of 150 feet, overspreading with the arms of
their colossal trunks a sufficient space of ground to protect a multi-

333

tude of men.” These extremes are most readily recognized; and so
- are some among the more striking of the intermediate grades of being:
some of their relationships and affinities are likewise patent to our
finite understanding ; and something of the plan upon which they are
arranged has been discovered: but beyond the development of a com-
paratively small number of facts, more or less isolated, we cannot at
present boast of having advanced very far in our researches.

One thing, however, is certain, that these gradations of being by no
means proceed in linear series. “ The chain of being” is a most
unapt expression as applied to the works of Nature. Nor is the simi-
litude of the territories on a map a much more appropriate one; since
the affinities do no not lie on a plane, but are most intricately inter-
woven in all directions.

A brief mention of a few of what have not unaptly been considered
the osculant or connecting forms we have referred to may not be out
of place. One of these is the little barren strawberry, as it has been
called—one of the earliest heralds of spring. This is a strawberry in
everything but its fruit, and was formerly included in the genus Fra-
garia, under the name of F. sterilis. The receptacle, however, does
not become succulent, as in a true Fragaria, but remains dry, with the
uncombined carpels reposing upon its surface. This plant has in
consequence been removed from the genus Fragaria; and after having
been considered a Comarum by some authors, rests for the present
under the appellation of Potentilla Fragariastrum.

Drupaceous plants among the Rosales, are essentially distinguished
from the Pomacez by their solitary carpels, and the presence of hy-
drocyanic acid in their tissues; but some Pruni have a tendency to
produce several carpels, and the formation of hydrocyanic acid in
Cotoneaster microphylla, and some other Pomacezx, demonstrate the
affinity of that order with the Drupacez.

Then, again, the common garden bean and a peach-tree are very
unlike in appearance, and they belong to two apparently distinct so-
called natural orders. Nevertheless, Detarium, a fabaceous plant,
produces a legume so very like the drupe of the Drupacez, that were
it not for the different position of the odd sepal in the calyx with
respect to the axis, the two could scarcely be distinguished. And the
close affinity between the Fabacee and the Drupacez is still further
indicated by the abnormal structure of the fruit in Prunus spinosa and
P. Padus, met with in Scotland by Mr. W. Thomson, as recorded in
the Proceedings of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh (Phytol. iv.
278).

334

Here we have the Potentilla evincing an affinity with three or more
genera; some of the Pruni and the Cotoneaster showing a double
transition between the Pomaceze and Drupacee; and Detarium and
the abnormal fruit of Prunus Padus and P. spinosa, indicating that
the almond and bean tribes are not so widely separated as from their
outward appearance might have been imagined.

But among the classes also we have osculant forms. Gymnogens
seem to partake equally of the nature of Exogens and Acrogens; Dic-
tyogens are both exogenous and endogenous; Rhizogens connect
Exogens with Thallogens. Among Endogens, the Alismacee and
Hydrocharidaceee seem to approach the Ranunculacee and Nym-
pheacee among Exogens: and examples of a similar description
might be multiplied ad infinitum. This subject has, however, been
pursued far enough on the present occasion, and we must proceed on
our way.

The author of the ‘ Observations’ falls foul of Dr. Lindley for main-
taining the position that “a knowledge of the properties of one plant
enables the practitioner to judge scientifically of the qualities of other
plants naturally allied to it;” and after adducing numerous examples
from the ‘ Vegetable Kingdom’ of the apparently opposite medicinal
properties of plants belonging to certain orders, he thus proceeds :—

“ How, with such examples before them, men will continue to per-
sist in maintaining the idea that if we know the properties of any one
plant included in these so-called natural orders, we can fairly calcu-
late on similar properties being possessed by others, is to me very

unaccountable; and still more so, that even medical men of high and.

most deserved reputation can lend their voice in supporting the delu-
sion.”—P. 60.

‘He then quotes the opinion of Dr. A. T. Thomson, as recorded in
that gentleman’s ‘ Elements of Materia Medica, to the effect that

“The natural system holds out so many advantages to medical
science, that there can be one opinion only of its superiority in a
practical point of view. It informs the medical inquirer not only of
the botanical affinities of the plants, but also supplies him with a
knowledge of their properties and qualities. The acquaintance with
the properties of even one plant of any order, enables him to form
some idea of the remedial value of all the other plants in the same
order, and, if needful, to substitute, upon fixed principles, any one of
them for that which is more usually employed.”—P. 61.

On this passage we have the following comment.

“The only possible way in which I can attempt to account for such

= ©

335

a passage as this, is, that the writer adopted his opinion from hearsay,
without examination of the subject, and indeed the confident asser-
tions with regard to the superiority of the natural system and its
advantages, though ‘ false as dicers’ oaths,’ have been so frequently
repeated, that, joined with unmeasured abuse of the Linnzan system,
the statements have been received on trust; and yet it is incompre-
hensible how the fabricators of these systems could so deceive them-
selves, and not less so, how far they have deceived others. It would
be tedious, and I trust unnecessary, to advert farther to the orders of
the ‘ Vegetable Kingdom, and it may suffice to say that the same
contradictions characterise the book almost from first to last, and that
everything respecting the unanimity of plants in the different orders
is as unstable, uncertain, and unsatisfactory, as is the account of their
medical virtues.”"—P. 61.

This, at all events, is honest and straightforward, as well as tho-
roughly consistent with what is said in other parts of the book. But
“Who shall decide when Doctors disagree ?” For our own part we
believe the truth, as usual, to lie between the two extremes. Without
venturing to assert, with Drs. Lindley and Thomson, that the so-called
natural system will do all that is predicated of it, we can by no means
allow, with the author of the ‘ Observations,’ that everything con-
nected with it is “ unstable, uncertain, and unsatisfactory,” even in a
medical point of view. It is quite true, as our author states at p. 49,
that the Linnzan artificial system, of which he is there speaking, does
not inculcate what he terms “the erroneous doctrine, that the plants
contained in its classes or orders are in each characterized by similar
properties and virtues ;” but then it is equally true, that Linneus
himself, the framer of that system, a hundred years ago declared that
“Plant, que Genere conveniunt, etiam virtute conveniunt; que Or-
dine Naturali continentur, etiam virtute proprius accedunt; queque
Classe naturali congruunt, etiam viribus quodammodo congruunt :” *
so that this is by no means a new doctrine. With regard to the orders
selected as examples of the very opposite qualities possessed by the
plants contained in them, surely the author of the ‘ Observations, as a
medical man, must be aware that the very same drug, ipecacuanha,
for example, exhibits very different effects upon the human frame, ac-
cording to the dose in which it is administered. Most of the apparent
inconsistencies on this head are reconciled by the passage already
_ cited from DeCandolle, namely, that the same principle which is

* ¢Philosophia Botanica,’ § 375, p. 278.

336

necessarily present in plants in order that they may be useful as
articles of diet, may become exceedingly noxious when in excess
(Phytol. iv. 318); and that this is actually the case, the experience of
every day fully confirms. In all the natural orders, there is one plant
or one genus of plants, which exhibits the structural characters of the
order in greater perfection and iu a higher degree of development than
the others; and so, we believe, in all such groups there are plants
which possess the peculiar secretions, or properties, of the group in a
more highly concentrated degree than the other members of that
group. ‘This may be, and probably is, the case, with the seeds of
Lolium temulentum, which the author adduces as one example of the
dangerous tendency of the doctrine of similar qualities in plants be-
longing to the same natural order; the stimulating principle necessary
as a condiment which exists in a slight degree in the seeds of the Gra-
minacez, is in the seeds of Lolium highly concentrated, and conse-
quently noxious. We have an example in the sugar-cane of the con-
centration of the saccharine principle which pervades, in a greater or
less degree, the herbaceous parts of the other grasses, and which ren-
ders those parts so grateful and so nutrient to cattle. The silex,
again, which all grasses secrete in a greater or less quantity in their
stems, is in the stem of the bamboo found in a highly concentrated
form, especially at the joints, where it forms the substance called
tabasheer; and other examples will occur to the botanist. The
injuries inflicted by other grasses upon man and other animals, are
purely mechanical, and are not to be adduced as examples of the
noxious qualities of the secretions of those plants. We have said
enough to show that the author’s objections to the system on this
head are equally untenable with those brought against it in other
respects. By the way, we may mention that we are entirely unac-
quainted with any place “near London,” or anywhere else in Eng-
land, where Lolium temulentum “is grown in large quantities, probably
with the nefarious object of adding to the intoxicating quality of dis-
tilled or fermented liquors.”"—P. 50. What are the excise-people
about ?

At p. 46 the author complains of the “ finesse held out on every
occasion to the disparagement of the Linnean botany ;” we are afraid
that he has, in more than one instance, laid himself open to the
charge of doing the same thing in disparagement of structural botany.
For example, at p. 12, by adroitly foisting a parenthetical sentence
into a quotation from the Preface to the ‘ Introduction to Botany,’ he
makes Dr. Lindley say that the natural system “ teaches the physician

337

how to discover in every region the medicines that are best adapted
for the maladies that prevail in it;” &c. Now Dr. Lindley is not
here speaking of any particular system, but of the science of botany
generally, independently of systems and methods.

Then, at p. 37, he states that “ Dr. Lindley adopts the series of
classification laid down by DeCandolle, because he thinks it ‘ that
which is least removed from a natural sequence, and partly because
it is convenient and easy for study. But let no one imagine (he says)
that I attach the least importance to it.” Now it happens that these
are not Dr. Lindley’s words at all; they occur in a passage quoted by
him from DeCandolle’s ‘ Théori Elémentaire de la Botanique;’. and
immediately follow that author’s brief exposition of his series of orders,
which series he says he has adopted for the reasons given in the
above quotation, but, he adds, “let no one imagine that I attach the
least importance to it. The true science of general Natural History
consists in the study of the symmetry peculiar to each family, and of
the relation which these families bear to each other. All the rest is
merely a scaffolding, better or worse suited to accomplish that end.”
—P. 206, Ist ed.

Whether Lindley’s or DeCandolle’s, our author ought in fairness
and justice to have given the latter part of the above quotation, since
that contains the pith of the matter; but it did not answer his pur-
pose to do so.

At p. 85 is the following passage :—

“What appears to me as the great error in the system of Jussieu,
was his taking the seed as the: basis of his classification; it formed
one of sand, on which nothing durable can ever rest; and hence the
perpetual tinkering, patching, taking away, adding to, or altering in
some way or another his system by every one who undertakes to ex-
plain it by writing. If part be Jussieu’s, the next is of the author's
[what author’s ?] own concocting; but, at the same time, the single,
double, or no lobe of the seeds, form the great divisions on which the
fabric is to rest.”

In this passage we have a palpable suppressto veri—in it the truth
is stated; but not the whole truth. It is, for example, quite true that
im the system of Jussieu “ the single, double, or no lobe of the seeds
[more' correctly, of the embryo] form the great divisions on which the
fabric is to rest ;” but it is not true that’ this is the only character upon
which it is founded, nor is it true that this basis is “ one of sand, on
which nothing durable can ever rest :” on the contrary, it is perhaps
the most stable character that could have been selected as the founda-

VoL. Iv. aos

338

tion for a natural method of classification. The author himself is
obliged to confess, that “It is no doubt a very curious physiological
fact, that plants growing from seeds composed of one cotyledon, have
a different vegetation, mode of growth, and structure, from those which
grow from two ;” but he omits to state in addition, that a due considera-
tion of these structural and physiological differences has led to the
discovery of other equally important truths, which, taken in their
entirety, form a mass of characters than which nothing can be more
stable or more certain. As Lindley observes, “in Natural History
many facts which have been originally discovered by minute and
laborious research, are subsequently ascertained to be connected with
other facts of a more obvious nature; and of this, botany offers per-
haps the most striking proof that can be adduced.” For example:
the two great classes of flowering plants, Exogens and Endogens, as
well as the flowerless Acrogens, are now mainly distinguished by those
very differences in their “ vegetation, mode of growth, and structure,”
which our author has had the sagacity to perceive are combined with
the “single, double, or no lobe” of the embryo. Thus, in Endogens,
the obscure characters of the monocotyledonous embryo and the want
of order in the mode in which the wood is deposited in the stem, are
indicated by the patent ones of parallel-veined leaves and the preva-
lence of the number three in the floral envelopes and reproductive
organs. In Exogens, the net-veined leaves and a quaternary or qui-
nary arrangement of the parts of the flower are equally indicative of
a dicotyledonous embryo and wood arranged in zones.

We quite agree with the author in his condemnation of Dr. Steele’s
‘ Hand-book of Field Botany,’ indeed we consider the plan on which
that work is arranged, as one of the the most unnatural of all the
attempts to frame a natural mode of classification; but then we do
not agree with him in his assertion that “the system of Linnzus” is
“the only one that has ever been contrived for leading us easily to
the names of plants;” for the sea catch-fly (Silene maritima), ad-
duced as an example of the difficulties attending the investigation of
plants by any other method than the Linnzan, might just as easily
be found out by the use of the structural method. For as “ there are
no other Exogens with polypetalous flowers, opposite undivided leaves
without stipules, and stems tumid at the nodi,” it is obvious that a
plant possessing these characters would be at once referred to the
Caryophyllacez, and then the determination of its genus and species
follows of course. And if that species had been included in the
‘School Botany, its name would as readily be found as by the ‘ Irish

339

Flora, without the trouble of wading through Dr. Steele’s fifteen
points of comparison.

Then again, we have no more friendly feeling than our author
towards Dr. Lindley’s attempt to Anglicize the scientific names of
plants; for many of his so-called English names are more barbarous
and far more difficult to pronounce than those he would supersede :
nor have we any greater affection for his changes in the names of cer-
tain orders, which can only be defended on the score of uniformity
in nomenclature.

We can by no means admit, as we have said before, that there is
any decline in a popular taste for botany in this country ; on the con-
trary, we believe it to be on the increase: and if medical students are
not so enthusiastic in the pursuit of botanical knowledge as they were
wont to be, we believe their apparent coolness to arise from the mul-
tiplicity of subjects they are now compelled to attend to, rather than
from any additional difficulties being thrown in their way by the
introduction of a different mode of teaching.

In drawing our remarks to a close, we would beg to assure our
readers, as well as the author of the ‘ Observations, that we have
endeavoured to steer clear of everything that could be misconstrued
into misrepresentation. If, in some few instances, our remarks may
have appeared rather severe, we have at least the satisfaction of know-
ing that in penning them we have throughout kept in view the whole-
some advice of the poet,

“ Nothing extenuate, nor aught set down in malice!”

And we can only regret that the author, in his zealous advocacy of the
artificial system of Linnzus, should have’pursued a course which is
as little adapted to do good service to the cause he is defending, as it
is calculated to injure the opposite system. The Linnzan system has
ever received more injury at the hands of its injudicious friends than
from those who have openly and strenuously opposed it. That there
is such a thing as a natural system, we as firmly believe as we do that
there is a sun which enlightens and warms the earth ; and if botanists
have not yet succeeded in discovering it, their failure is to be attri-
buted to their futile attempts to construct such a system, instead of °
endeavouring to trace out that which has existed from the creation of
all earthly things—a system framed by the Creator himself. Hence
has arisen all the confusion, the tinkering, and patching of which our
author complains with so much justice. But, in the words of Dr.
Lindley, ‘ consistency is often only another name for obstinacy,” and

340

we are happy to think that this eminent botanist has been among the
foremost, if not the first, to shake off the trammels of custom, and
pursue the opposite course of investigation and discovery, instead of
construction.

In these days of rapid progress, it does not answer, in botany or
anything else, for a man to take up a scientific subject by fits and
starts, and only at long intervals; or he may chance, some fine
morning, to find himself in the unenviable position of poor Rip Van
Winkle, who, on awaking from his memorable twenty years’ slumber
in the Kaatskill mountains, found, to his utter confusion, that those
years had been a period of revolution—that the portrait of Washing-
ton had replaced that of George III. on the sign of the village ale-
house, that his once trusty arms were rusted and useless, and that he
himself was the solitary admirer and all but the sole remnant of
“ things that were.”

Botanical Excursion to the Great and Little Dowards, on the Wye,
Herefordshire. By ABrawam T. WILLMOTT, Esq.

DuriNG a botanical ramble last month with Mr. Henry Edwards,
of this town, through a highly-interesting locality, we discovered
Carex clandestina growing on the edge of the projecting cliffs of
mountain limestone of which the eastern sides of the Great and Little
Dowards are composed: we had been led to the spot principally for
Spirea Filipendula, which I had observed there last year. As this
spot is in the direct route of the Wye tour, so much frequented
during the summer months by naturalists and pleasure parties, some
account of its botanical and other characters may induce some who
now rapidly skim the surface of the beautiful river at their feet, to
spend some time in enjoying the magnificent scenery, &c., of the
summits of those interesting hills, the scenery of which is of the
wildest and most romantic description; huge fragments stand out
from the parent cliff, looking often like the remnants of some mighty
fortress or the keep and towers of an ancient castle; at your feet
' flows the peaceful Wye, either buried in woods or meandering through
meadows spangled with fleecy flocks: but my object is not so much
to repeat the praises so often sung or said of the beauties of the Wye
as to direct the naturalist to its treasures. One of the prevailing cha-
racters of the mountain limestone is to be full of fissures and caverns,
and here it is exhibited to a great extent, indeed at some little dis-

341

tance a considerable stream becomes suddenly engulphed, and pur-
sues a subterranean course for a considerable distance. The Doward
limestone is of a very pure character, producing a very white lime; it
was from the similarity of its character to that of Bristol, and from the
correspondence of the surface of the rocks to that of those at Clifton,
that I was led last year to look particularly for Carex clandestina, yet
without success; but having just returned from Clifton with its out-
ward appearance well impressed on my eye, I almost immediately
recognized it, although nearly obscured by the surrounding vegeta-
tion; it was in company with Geranium sangineum, Hippocrepis
comosa, Spirea Filipendula, Pyrus Torminalis, Serratula tinctoria,
Carex montana and pilulifera, and in the immediate neighbourhood
of Helleborus viridis and feetidus, Aquilegia vulgaris, Berberis vulgaris,
Arabis hirsuta, Cardamine impatiens, Hutchinsia petra, Saponaria
officinalis, Hypericum Androsemum and montanum, Rhamnus cathar-
ticus, Anthyllis Vulneraria, Pyrus Aucuparia and Aria, Epilobium
angustifolium, Sedum Telephium, Saxifraga tridactylites, Sambucus
Ebulus, Viburnum Lantana, Rubia peregrina, Dipsacus pilosus, Sca-
biosa columbaria, Lactuca virosa, Artemisia Absinthium, Inula Hele-
nium, Ligustrum vulgare, Gentiana Amarella, Atropa Belladonna and
a dwarf variety, of about one-third its ordinary size in foliage, fruit
and flowers, Butomus umbellatus, Listera Nidus-avis, Epipactis ensi-
folia and grandiflora, Orchis ustulata, Ophrys apifera and muscifera,
Iris fcetidissima, Melica nutans, Poa distans, Festuca ovina, Carex
pendula and digitata, Polypodium calcareum (on both sides the river),
Cystopteris dentata, Ophioglossum vulgatum, and many more highly-
interesting species, but not of sufficient importance to enumerate
here; but should the tourist be inclined to make a circuit of a mile or
two on his return to Ross, he may have the opportunity of gathering,
amongst others, Drosera rotundifolia, Narthecium ossifragum, Viola
palustris, Hypericum elodes, Scutellaria minor, and Anagallis tenella,
at Hankerburg Bog, near Lydbrook; and in the wood adjoining, Po-
lypodium Phegopteris, and on the way home Orchis pyramidalis and
Polypodium Dryopteris. The transition limestone on the eastern side
of Ross furnishes, I believe, but few peculiarities, in fact I have not
been able to find any except Juniperis communis, Astragalus hypo-

glottis, and Cnicus eriophorus.
ABRAHAM T.. WILLMOTT.
Ross, September 4, 1851.

342

Report of the Botanical Proceedings of the British Association for
the Advancement of Science.*

(Continued from page 292).

Dr. CLEGHORN, in answer to a question from Dr. Lankester, gave
a short account of the destruction that is now going on in the forests
of Isonandra gutta, the plant which yields the gutta percha. The
extent of these forests is at present unknown; but the present pro-
cess of collecting the gum renders it highly probable that the supply
of this article may be very considerably diminished.

Prof. Allman exhibited a monstrosity of the common wallflower
(Cheiranthus Cheiri), in which the stamens were converted into car-
pels; and from some points in the structure of these metamorphosed
stamens, he gathered the inference that the stigmas of the Crucifere
were composed of the union of the two half-stigmas of a normally two-
horned stigma.

‘On some Facts tending to show the probability of the Conver-
sion of Asci into Spores in certain Fungi; by the Rev. M. J. Berke-
ley and Mr. C. E. Broome.’ The species of plants which afforded
the materials for the remarks of the authors were the following :—
1. Tympanis saligna, Zode; 2. Spheria inquinans, Tode; 3. Hen-
dersonia mutabilis, Berkeley § Broome. Iu the first instance a spe-
cimen of the T. saligna produced both sporidiferous asci and naked
spores from the same hymenium. In the second case the Spheria
was found growing together in the same matrix with the Stilbospora
macrosperma, the two plants having a common orifice for the emis-
sion of their sporidia and spores. In the third case a specimen of
H. mutabilis exhibited two cells containing different bodies, each
having the character of spores.

Dr. J. Hooker stated, that from his examination of the Laminarize
of the Antarctic Expedition, he had no doubt that an ascus might be
converted into spores. The examination of this subject was fraught
with interest to the botanist, and he hoped further observations would
be made.

‘On a Monstrosity of Lathyrus odoratus discovered in the Garden
of John King, Esq.; by Dr. Lankester.’ In this specimen the papi-
lionaceous petals were reduced to mere scales, the calyx were regular,
and the stamens assumed the condition in which they are found in

* Extracted from the ‘ Botanical Gazette’ for September.

743

regular flowers with ten stamens arranged in two rows. The fruits
presented a foliar character.

‘Report on the Reproduction of the higher Cryptogamia; by Mr.
A. Henfrey.’ This was an instalment of a report, called for by the
Association last year, on the recent progress of vegetable physiology,
from Dr. Lindley, Dr. Lankester, and Mr. Henfrey. The greater part
of this report was taken up by a summary of the facts at present on
record respecting the occurrence of the organs termed antheridia and
pistillidia in all the higher families of cryptogamic plants—viz., the
mosses, liverworts, ferns, horse-tails, club-mosses, and Rhizocarpee.
After discussing the various debated points, the report concluded :—
“ Perhaps the time has hardly come for us to arrive at any conclusion
on these points. The phenomena in the ferns and Equisetacee, as
well as in the Rhizocarpee, Lycopodiacee, and Isoétacez less strik-
ingly, seem to present a series of conditions analogous to those which
have been described under the name of ‘ alternations of generation’
in the animal kingdom; and seeing the resemblance which the pistil-
lidia of the mosses bear to the ‘ ovules’ of the other families, we can
hardly help extending the same views to them, in which case we shall
have the remarkable phenomenon of a compound organism, in which a
new individual, forming a second generation developed after a process
of fertilization, remains attached originally to its parent, from which
it differs totally in all anatomical and physiological characters. It is
almost needless to advert to the essential difference between such a
case and that of the occurrence of flower-buds and leaf-buds upon the
same stem in the Phanerogamia, as parts of a single plant, yet possess-
ing a certain amount of independent vitality. These are produced
from each other by simple extension, by a process of gemmation;
while the moss-capsule, if the sexual theory be correct, is the result of
a true reproductive process. Moreover, we have the analogy to the
increase by gemmation in the innovations by which the leafy stems
of the mosses are multiplied. In conclusion, it is remarked, that these
anomalous conditions lose their remarkable character to a great ex-
tent if we refuse to accept the evidence of sexuality which is brought
forward in the report. If the structures are all products of mere
extension or gemmation, the analogies which have been supposed to
exist between them and the organs of flowering plants all fall to the
ground. But, believing that the hypothesis of sexuality is based on
solid grounds, the reporter is by no means inclined to allow the diffi-
culty of the explanation of these relations to be urged as a valid argu-
ment against their existence. He trusts that the present report may

344

be the means of attracting new investigators to a subject which pre-
sents so many points of interest and importance.”

Prof. Henslow referred to the great interest of the questions which
Mr. Henfrey had undertaken to report on, and felt sure that every
physiological botanist would study earnestly the very valuable report
which had been read.

‘On the Botanical Geography of the Himalaya Mountains and
Tibet; by Capt. R. Strachey and Major Madden.’ Capt. Strachey
described, by the aid of maps and diagrams, the principal features of
the vegetable kingdom in the districts of India in which he had tra-
velled in company with Major Madden.

Dr. T. Thomson, also by the aid of a series of diagrams, represent-
ing the distribution of plants in Western Tibet, described the botani-
cal geography of this district.

Dr. J. Hooker observed that Capt. Strachey and Dr. Thomson had
done for the Himalaya what Humboldt had done for the Andes. The
district of the Himalaya in which he had travelled was not unlike that
just described; it was however higher, reaching to 28,000 feet, whilst
that. first described was only 25,000 feet. In the Sikkim Himalaya
the ascents were constantly modified by descents, and there was more
rain, and the line of perpetual snow was lower than in Kumaon.
Pines were alike abundant in both regions. The larch was abundant
in Sikkim, but absent in Kumaon. Rhododendrons numbered thirty-
six species in Sikkim, but only six or eight in Kumaon.

Mr. Winterbottom, who had travelled over the same districts with
Capt. Strachey and Dr. Thomson, compared the flora of the Alps with
that of the Himalaya, and pointed out the comparative richness of the
latter. Where firs alone grew on the Alps, a most varied)and beauti-
ful vegetation was observed in the Himalaya. There was, however,
a great difference in different districts. Where the rains fell and the
atmosphere was moist, there the vegetation was most prolific; but
where there was a want of moisture, the land was sterile and truly
disagreeable to behold. Many of the plants were representative of
European species. .

The Secretary brought up the Report of the Committee ‘ On the
Vitality of Seeds,’ which, in addition to the observations of Prof.
Henslow, before recorded, on account of the earliness of the season,
presented no new features of interest.

345

Results of Physiological Experiments on the Formation of Wood in
Plants, made in the Royal Dublin Societys Botanic Gardens,
Glasnevin, between the years 1839 and 1851. By Davip Moorg,
Esq.*

It may appear remarkable in vegetable physiology, that what has
long been considered an axiom should now be gravely disputed by
one of the best physiologists of the present time. Dr. Schleiden, of
Jena, in his admirable work, ‘ Principles of Scientific Botany,’ flatly
denies that a downward current of elaborated bark-sap either does
or can take place in plants, which opinion gives to the experiments
I propose to describe much additional interest. At the time my
experiments were commenced, and for several years afterwards, the
descent of the sap in vegetables does not appear to have been doubted,
the whole theory of wood-formation resting on the fact of such being
the case. It was, therefore, more with a view of eliciting information
on the latter subject, than to prove or disprove that sap circulates, as
it has generally been considered to do, that they were undertaken.

Before entering into details, I shall take the liberty of very briefly
stating the views held on this important subject by Drs. Lindley
and Schleiden, which are entirely antagonistic. The former author,
in his ‘ Theory of Horticulture, at p. 28, makes the following state-
ment :—“ When sap leaves the earth and passes into the stem, it
ascends by the woody matter of the finest fibres of the root; having
left them, it flows into the new wood from which those fibres ema-
nated, and passes along this until it reaches the leaves; on its return
from them it descends through the liber, in part passing off horizon-
tally through the medullary rays. Wherever it passes it deposits a
portion of its solid parts,” &c. Dr. Schleiden, on the other hand,
denies that wood is formed by a descending bark-sap. In his chapter
on the “Reproduction of Plants,” in ‘Principles of Scientific Botany,
p- 535, when treating on grafting, we have the following statement :—
“Yet the stock must always exert a greater or less influence on the
eye or graft, as the sap brought to it must pass through the cells of
the stock, and become changed there. In this case the relations are
too complicated to enable us to offer an explanation. All that is
known on the subject is detailed in manuals of horticulture. I will
mention one case. If the branch of a quick-growing plant is grafted
upon a very slow-growing one, as, for instance, the branch of a plum

* Read at the Royal Irish Academy, June 23, 1851.
VOL. Iv. Qik,

346

upon a sloe-stock, the graft will grow rapidly, but not so the stock,
which retains its slow-growing character; a striking example of the
permanency of the specific life of the stock, and, as it appears to me,
affording a fatal argument against the pretended descent of the sap.
If a descending bark-sap existed, the sloe-stock would be naturally
covered with annual rings of plum wood from the graft, and it would
grow in proportion to the growth of the graft, but this is by no
means the case, for the new annual rings are formed, not out of a
descending bark-sap, but out of a cell development of the cambium
already existing in the stock, and having essentially the same charac-
ters. The formation of new wood of the nature of the graft has
always been taken for granted, in order to prove the descent of the
bark-sap; but we find that this wood does not partake of the nature
of the graft, and that it must, therefore, be formed independently of
any descending juices.” These being the views held by the best
authorities on the matter at present, I shall now detail my experi-
ments, and show how far they bear on either.

My predecessor, Mr. Niven, had been conducting some physiologi-
cal experiments before he left the Botanic Gardens, the results of
which are already before the public. I consider it, however, only
just on my part towards him, that I shall here state my principal
experiment to be founded on one he had commenced, though we do
not appear to have been aiming to attain similar objects. He had
cut several trees more or less through their boles in various ways, one
of them a large horse-chestnut tree, then four feet in circumference,
and now four feet nine inches. At three feet from the surface of the
ground, two deep incisions had been made through the stem, crossing
each other at right angles, and reaching the circumference on each
side. The tree was thus left growing on four separate pillars of wood,
alburnum and bark, but no results, that I am aware of, were deducible
from this experiment when I commenced the following. Seeing that
it afforded an excellent example for observing the growth of woody
matter, as it would form to fill up the perforations through the stem,
I examined the portion of the tree where it was cut, and found that
the heart-wood was completely dead, and beginning to decay, at both
the upper and lower lips of the cut. It therefore could render no
assistance whatever for the phenomena of life being carried on through
its medium. ‘The ascent of the sap and formation of wood must, then,
have depended altogether on the functions of the alburnum and cam-
bium, which rested on the four pillars of dead wood, now simply
acting as supports. During the spring of 1839, I had one of the pil-
lars laid bare, thus confining the life-supporting action to the remain-

347

ing three. In a short time afterwards, granulated masses of cellular
tissue began to form on the upper lip of the incision made, and con-
tinued to extend down the surface of the bare pillar throughout the
summer, whilst the lower lip of the incision remained free from wood-
formation. The woody matter continued to increase rapidly through
the summer of 1840, extending itself both in perpendicular and late-
ral directions from the upper lip. On the lower lip two leaf-buds
were formed, which produced young shoots, when woody matter
began to form at the bases of these shoots; but on their being
removed, the further increase of tissue at once stopped. In May,
1841, the masses of cellular tissue and wood had extended from the
upper lip so as to touch the lower, and to spread along its surface.

When the junction took place, a second of the pillars was laid bare,
as the first had been, and the results were similar. The only differ-
ence observable was, that the woody matter did not form so rapidly
as it did in the first instance. At the expiration of three more years,
a second junction had taken place on the pillar last laid bare. A
third was now subjected to the same experiment, the principal differ-
ence of results in this case being that no leaf-bud was formed on the
lower lip. As soon as the third junction occurred, the fourth pillar
was treated as the others had been, the growths of young wood be-
coming gradually weaker on each succeeding one being the only dif-
ference.

Having now detailed the way this experiment was conducted, the
facts elicited enable me to deduce :—

Ist. That every organ in an exogenous tree may be thoroughly
destroyed without causing the death of the plant, provided they are
gradually destroyed.

2nd. Exogenous plants, through their vital processes, have the
power of again restoring the organs so destroyed.

3rd. The formative energy takes place principally above the
wounded portion of the stem, and the newly-formed tissues increase,
for the most part, in a downward direction.

Though these results may, at first sight, appear to be little more
than confirmations of the old theory of wood-formation, and even the
experiment itself in some degree similar to others which have already
been made, the latter differs materially from any I know of, in the
following particulars. Here the main stem of the tree was operated
on, and not the branches only. All the organs were destroyed,
including pith, medullary rays, and wood. In the course of twelve
years the stem of a large exogenous tree, measuring four feet nine

348

inches in circumference, has been completely killed in a circular ring
seven inches wide, and the organs of vitality again restored, without
apparently affecting the health of the tree, which is now, while I write
(June, 1851), in full bloom. The results, I conceive, rather than add-
ing confirmation to the established theory, bear out Dr. Schleiden’s
views in a remarkable manner. It is true, the newly-formed tissue
extended from the upper lip of the cut chiefly in the downward direc-
tion, and that very little appeared on the lower lip. But the train of
reasoning I adopt from these circumstances is that of Dr. Schleiden.
The flow of sap by endosmotic process from cell to cell, was inter-
rupted by the alburnum and cambium being cut across on the pillar
which was laid bare. It therefore diverged laterally, and followed its
natural upward course, on the three pillars where no laceration had
been made, which accounts for no growth taking place on the lower
lip. On the portion of stem above the cut, a greater degree of forma-
tive energy accrued, in consequence of the interruption the endos-
motic process met with below. The tissue thus formed would rather
extend itself on the vacant space under, 7. e., the bare pillar, than
upwards, where endosmosis was less vigorous, in consequence of
many of the cells being filled with sap of greater density. In this
manner it continued to grow until it reached the lower lip of the cut,
where its downward course was obstructed, when it spread in a lateral
direction over the surface of the lip, as well as upwards, until the bare
surface became covered over. During the whole process it did not
occur to me that the young wood was formed by a returning bark-sap.
The growth seemed gradual and not periodical. The young tissue
taking a lateral and upward direction when it met the lower lip, shows
that, although the tendency be downwards, it will alter.

A remarkable example of the permeability of the tissues of plants
has further been proved through this experiment. From knowing the
heart-wood was dead at the part of the stem which was operatod on,
I was desirous to ascertain whether it continued so to the apex of the
tree, which I had some reason to suppose it did, from having, about
four years ago, observed a small portion of the top shoot dead. I,
however, found the heart-wood full of sap, and apparently very healthy,
in a piece of the top shoot which I had lately cut from below the
dead part.

With similar objects in view, a second series of experiments have
been made, at various times within the last twelve years, by planting
cuttings of free-growing plants with their tops downwards. Placed in
this way, adventitious roots were protruded, and the plants grew.

349

Cellular granulations at first appeared on the end which was now
uppermost and out of the ground, a circumstance which militates
against the inference drawn by some, namely, that the physical law
of gravitation operates in causing the sap to descend.

In conducting this experiment, I have invariably found that no
cellular callus formed at the lower extremity, as would have been the
case had I planted the cutting in the regular way. The young roots
were protruded laterally from the bases of leaf-buds under ground ;
when one or more of these elongated, the axis made a sharp curve
upwards, until it regained its natural position. The growth and
woody formation went on then in the usual way. In some cases the
portion of the cutting above ground remained alive during a consider-
able period, though no leaf-buds grew on it. It, however, soon died
after the ascending shoot gained strength.

This experiment, in my opinion, also tends to prove that no regular
return of assimilated bark-sap takes place in the formation of wood,
because, if such were the fact, the portion of the cutting above ground
would have lived and continued to receive the annual deposits, which
was not the case.

The beautiful example I have laid before the Academy of the junc-
tion of stock and graft, proves, beyond any manner of doubt, that the
two increase by separate growths of their own wood, as thoroughly as
if they still grew on separate roots. I cannot, therefore, see how this
fact can be got over by those who hold that exogenous plants increase
by annual deposits of bark-sap. It will not, however, do to draw final
conclusions from isolated cases on a subject in which, if Dr. Schleiden’s
reasoning be correct, so great a change must necessarily follow in our
views of this part of the science of vegetable physiology.

Davip Moore.
Glasnevin, Dublin, June, 1851.

Pilularia globulifera growing submerged at Henley Park, near
Guildford. By the Rev. W. W. Spriczr, M.A.

As Mr. Newman states in his ‘ History of British Ferns’ that he
knows no instance of Pilularia globulifera growing submerged, it may
be interesting to botanists to know that it does so in a large pond or
lake on the estate of H. Halsey, Esq., with whom I am now staying,
near Guildford, in Surrey. The pond covers eleven or twelve acres.

350

The spot where the Pilularia grows is a long distance from the sides,
though near a barren little island, on which there is not a vestige of
a fern of any kind. The water is about forty inches deep there. The
pond, I ought to add, is in a manner artificial, or at least parts of it.
I mean by that, that about a century ago parts of it were dry or
marshy, and, as far as I can learn, it was so in the particular part
where the Pilularia grows. Now, although this takes away from the
interest of the plant as being indigenously submerged, yet it fully
proves its capability to live and flourish in such a situation. The
growth of a century may well establish naturalization! Its mode of
growth is by an upward direction of the stem, which loses its creep-
ing character, becomes vertical, and so appears at the surface of the
water. The thread-like fronds are produced, as usual, at intervals,
but they form a more or less acute angle with the stem. I have not
observed any fructification at the base of the fronds. Indeed, had I
not seen the circinate vernation I should certainly have passed it by
as one of our common water-plants, {to which it bears a considerable
resemblance, and for which I cannot help thinking it may be some-
times mistaken. I may observe that the Pilularia does not exist on
the present margin of the pond, nor anywhere else in the neighbour-
hood that I am aware of.

W. W. SPICER.
Henley Park, near Guildford,
September 18, 1851.

Botanical Society of London.

Friday, August 1, 1851. John Reynolds, Esq., Treasurer, in the
chair.

The following donations were announced:— British plants from
Miss Griffiths and Dr. Bidwell. ‘Proceedings of the Berwickshire
Naturalists’ Club ;’ presented by the Club. ‘Pharmaceutical Jour-
nal’ and ‘Transactions ;’? presented by the Pharmaceutical Society.
‘An Outline of the Flora of the Neighbourhood of Godalming, Sur-
rey, with brief notices of the Geological Features of the District, by
J. D. Salmon, Esq.;’ presented by the Author. Parts 1 and 2 of the
‘ Transactions of the Microscopical Society of London ;’ presented by
that Society. ‘The Gardener’s Magazine of Botany ;’ presented by
the Editors. ‘The Flora of Liverpool, by Dr. Dickenson ;’ presented
by the Author.

351

The continuation of Mr. Daniel Stock’s paper ‘ On the Botany of
Bungay, Suffolk,’ was read.

Friday, September 5,:1851. J. D. Salmon, Esq., in the chair.

Sir Coutts Lindsay, Bart., of Grosvenor Square; Mr. I. W. N.
Keys, of Plymouth; Mr. W. Wing, of Wandsworth ; Mrs. Morgan,
of Southsea; Mrs. James, of Uxbridge; Mr. R. Cooke, of Scarbo-
rough ; and Mr. J. G. Baker, of Thirsk, were elected members.

Mr. G. E. Dennes exhibited specimens of Leersia oryzoides, Sw.,
collected by him at Brockham Bridge, Surrey, on the 30th of August.

The continuation of Mr. Daniel Stock’s paper ‘ On the Botany of
Bungay, Suffolk,’ was read.—G@. E.. D.

Notice of ‘ The Naturalist; No. 7, September, 1851.

The only botanical paper is intituled—

‘The Misseltoe (Viscum album) ; by J. McIntosh, Esq.’

As a general observation, I may remark on the extraordinary simi-
larity that is occasionally to be found between the productions of
those who have been simultaneously labouring on the same subject.
In the present instance I have been greatly struck with the very close
accordance of the researches of Mr. McIntosh with those of Mr. Lees,
published exactly two months previously: they are not indeed iden-
tical; there is a difference of phraseology, a difference of spelling;
yet so like that one cannot resist the conviction that Mr. McIntosh
- allowed Mr. Lees the use of his MSS.; Mr. McIntosh cannot have
copied from Mr. Lees, for he makes not the least allusion to him or
his book. My space does not admit of large quotation, but the bota-
nist will be amused if he procure the ‘ Botanical Looker-Out’ and
‘The Naturalist’ for September, and compare in extenso the chapters
on the mistletoe; I assure him he will find the differences as enter-
taining as the similarities. However, I will cite a few instances as a
sample.

“They considered that what- “ The mistletoe was honoured
ever grew on the oak was sent by the Druids of Gaul and Bri-
from heaven, and as a sign that tain as a heaven-descended plant.”
‘the tree was the chosen one of —Lees.

God himself.”— McIntosh.
“The misseltoe was very diffi- “When the end of the year

352

cult to be found, even by the
Druids, on the oak, and when so
discovered, was gathered with the
most pompous religious ceremo-
nies.” —McIntosh.

“‘ The sacrifice and feast being
duly prepared under the tree, they
led thither two white bulls, whose
horns were bound for the first
time. The priest, clothed in a
white vestment, ascending the
tree, cut off the misseltoe with a
golden bill, and received it in a
white cloth on the ground.” —
McIntosh.

“Sir John Colbach published
a dissertation in 1720 on the effi-
cacy of the misseltoe against sun-
dry diseases of the nervous sys-
tem.”—MclIntosh.

‘* Even in the present time, in .

country places, it is supposed to
cure diseases, etc., in cattle; and
it has been stated that if eaten in
a dried state by cows in calf, it
will cause abortion.’”—McIntosh.

approached, the Druids marched
with great solemnity to gather the
mistletoe.” — Lees.

“The sacrifices being ready,
the priest ascended the oak, and
with a golden hook cut the mistle-
toe, which was received in a white
garment spread for that purpose.
Two white bulls that had never
been yoked were then brought
forth.”— Lees.

“Sir John Colbatch published
a dissertation concerning the mis-
tletoe, a most wonderful specifick
remedy for the cure of convulsive
distempers.”— Lees.

“The mistletoe seems still to
maintain a precarious place in
rustic empirical practice. I once
asked a farmer who lived in the
neighbourhood of my residence
what he knew on the subject ?—
and he said that the mistletoe of
the oak, when it could be met
with, was a capital thing for a
sick cow, but especially after calv-
ing.” —Lees.

The enumeration of instances in which the mistletoe is found on
the oak, present a discrepancy in number, but then Mr. McIntosh’s
instances are occasionally reiterative; for instance :—

“ 5. Ledbury Park, Chepstow.
“6, Near Ledbury.

“7. Castnor Castle, near Malvern.”

Should stand thus :—

“ Kastnor Castle, between Ledbury and Malvern, the seat of Earl

Somers.”

353

The oak is probably eighty years of age, and supports four fine
branches of mistletoe; it stands a short distance from the path near
the second lodge-gate by the side of an old British road passing along
the western base of the Malvern Hills.

I could, if in a critical mood, point out instances in which both
authors are in error; both have, curiously enough, fallen into the same
mistake; but I am so glad to see a botanical paper of such research
in the pages of ‘ The Naturalist, that I have no inclination to dwell
on trivial defects.

Notice of ‘ The Popular Nomenclature of the American Flora. By
BERTHOLD SEEMANN. Hannover: 1851.’

THIs pamphlet comes to my hand, accompanied by the following
note :—
“ Kew, Sept. 24, 1851.
“ Sir,

“T take the liberty of sending you the accompanying little
work. It is my intention to enlarge and improve it as much as pos-
sible; but as that undertaking will be attended with a considerable
amount of time and expense, I am most desirous of adopting a plan
that may be advantageous and generally useful. You would greatly
oblige me by reviewing the present fragment in your periodical. You
would probably be able to suggest some valuable hints. In order
to make the work complete, the co-operation of the local botanists of
Great Britain would be required; and as no journal has more influ-
ence over them than yours, I beg that you will further my object, by
stating the plan I have in view at full length.

“T have the honour to be, Sir,
“ Your obedient Servant,
“ BERTHOLD SEEMANN,
“ Naturalist of H.M.S. ‘ Herald.’

“To the Editor of the ‘ Phytologist.’ ”

Iam not aware that I can promote M. Seemann’s very laudable
object more effectually than by giving the explanatory and very lucid
Preface, which is extracted, verbatim, below.

“ Whoever has paid attention to Botany will have observed that in
every country— whatever may be the degree of civilization it has
attained—the people have made some advance in discovering the

VoL. Iv. | 22

304

manifold uses to which plants may be applied, the medicinal and
economic virtues they possess, or the noxious qualities, odour,
beauty of form, and other prominent peculiarities by which they are
distinguished. Wherever this is the case, wherever plants have
attracted popular attention, it has given birth to vernacular names.
Such names are familiar to thousands, and, while the scientific ap-
pellations undergo continued changes, the former descend almost
unaltered from generation to generation, and become only extinct
when the race that once pronounced them has itself disappeared.

“‘In an age like the present, when it is one of the great aims to
render science popular, names of such a nature ought to receive due
consideration. But it has been far from being so. Many botanists
think them of not sufficient importance to be enrolled in the books of
science, and though others set a higher value upon them, yet no
attempt has ever been made to collect all, and to regulate the hete-
rogeneous mass. A well-arranged synopsis of the vernacular with the
corresponding scientific names would prove highly useful. It would
enable the naturalist to make himself at once acquainted with the
most valuable productions of a country, and greatly facilitate his
investigations. The medical man, the chemist, the traveller, in fine
any one coming in contact with the vegetable kingdom would be
equally benefited. By simply asking the native name, they would
instantly have the scientific appellation, the key to further inquiries.
Occasional mistakes may indeed occur. But these are the exception,
not the rule. The vernacular nomenclature is less fallible than it is
generally supposed. Tell a Brazilian to show you the Parahiba of
his country, and he will point to Simaruba versicolor; inform a Chi-
lenian that you are anxious to see the Pichinilla, and he will take you
to Fabiana viscosa; or ask an Eskimaux to bring the root of the Ma-
shu, and he will fetch that of Polygonum viviparum.

“‘ These considerations led to the compilation of the ‘ Popular No-
menclature of the American Flora,’ and I would have completed the
task had not other labours detained me, and had not afterwards the
conviction been forced upon me that it would be advisable, instead of
confining myself to America, to extend the plan, and enumerate the
popular names of the plants of the whole world. Though experience
has taught me that in an undertaking of this nature perfection can
only be reached in the course of centuries and by the combined
efforts of many, still I am convinced a certain degree of completeness
is attainable. At present, however, 1 am unable to execute this
plan; want of time and materials prevent me.

355

“ Botanists in every corner of the globe are therefore solicited to
furnish contributions, either addressing them to the author,* or
making them known by means of the press. It is scarcely necessary
to add that every word has to be reduced to the Roman alphabet, and
that great care is required in collecting the names. In districts where
a provincial dialect prevails the names must be in accordance with it.
For instance, in Northern Germany the ‘plattdeutschen Namen’
should be written as they are pronounced. In translating them into
‘Hochdeutsch’ the object of the nomenclature is frustrated ; confusion
created.

“The following pages, which can only be looked upon as a mere
fragment, contain all the vernacular names of American plants col-
lected during my travels; I have also employed those cited by differ-
ent authors. My principal authorities have been the writings of
Aublet, Bridges, Cruckshanks, DeCandolle, Gardner, Gillies, Hooker,
Humboldt and Bonpland, La Llave and Lexarza, Martius, Miers,
Pursh, Ruiz and Pavon, Torrey and Gray, &c. I have also incorpo-
rated a list of Mexican names annexed to B. de Sahagun’s ‘ Historia
General de las cosas de Nueva Espana,’ which, according to the edi-
tor of the work, was formed by V. Cervantes, greatly augmented by
P. de Llave, and finally published by M. Bustamente, Professor of
Botany in the University of Mexico.

“ The nomenclature has been divided into two parts, like a diction-
ary, one containing the vernacular-scientific, the other the scientific-
vernacular names. The names are arranged in alphabetical order,
and spelt either according to the prevailing language of the country
in which they are current, or that to which they belong. They are
given as popular currency has rendered them, and are neither cor-
rected, because they are not in accordance with their derivation, nor
altered, on account of their erroneous grammatical construction.
They are never translated from one language into the other, nor have
any translated names—the useless encumbrance of scientific works—
been received. One and the same name being often applied to seve-
ral plants in different countries, each name is followed by that of the
state in which it has currency, and succeeded by the name of the per-
son on whose authority it is given. By following this mode of quota-
tion, I have succeeded in solving the puzzle which hitherto seems to
have deferred many an author from attempting the task I have under-
taken.”

“* Mr. Berthold Seemann, Kew, near London.”

356

I sincerely hope that botanists in this country will cordially assist
in promoting M. Seemann’s views. It appears to me that he has un-
dertaken a gigantic labour, and one very difficult of accomplishment ;
but of this surely those who may hope to benefit by his labours have
no right to complain, but, on the other hand, should do all in their
power to relieve his shoulders from a portion of the burthen. Being,
as it were, invited to offer a criticism, I may say that the plan of
arrangement, as regards typography, does not appear to me the most
lucid: the author seems to have scarcely made sufficient allowance
for the shortcomings of those whose scientific attainments are less
extensive than his own. Take, for instance, the following line :—

“ Calaguala, Huyllay. Cruck. Acrostichum.”

This will immediately convey to a Hooker, or a Brown, the required
information, that Calaguala is a native name; Huyllay, a country ;
Cruck., an authority ; and Acrostichum, the modern genus to which
the plant belongs: but, certainly, to many a tyro the same informa-
tion will not be conveyed. I take the liberty of suggesting to the
author, whether the list would not be rendered more generally intelli-
gible by adopting the tabular method of arrangement, and by itali-
cizing the authority for the technical name ; thus :—

Native Name. Country. Authority. Scientific Name.
Calaguala. Huyllay. Cruck. Acrostichum, Linn.

The heading to be repeated on every page.

It will be impossible to read some of the Mexican names without
being reminded of the legend which tells of the invading Spaniard,
whose jaw was dislocated in the fruitless attempt to pronounce one of
them. ‘Take, for instance, the following specimens :—

* Corticoatzontecxochitl.
** Cozticzacatzacuchotitl.
* Macpalxochitlquahuitl.”

I am very glad the author uses the Roman characters. Only think
of such words in German or Russian letters !

357

New Localities for Mistletoe on the Oak; with some Remarks in
reference to a Paper on the Mistletoe in ‘ The Naturalist’ for
September, by Mr. McIntosh. By Evwin LEzEs, Esq., F.L.S.

WHEN a person writes an essay upon any subject, it is advisable to
ascertain first what has been done on the subject before, and by whom.
It would be then seen at once whether anything new can be brought
forward, or any old opinion sustained or controverted.

In the last number of the ‘ Phytologist’ (Phytol. iv. 351) are some
editorial remarks on a paper in ‘ The Naturalist’ for September, on
the mistletoe, by J. McIntosh, Esq., and “ the very close accordance
of the researches of Mr. McIntosh with those of Mr. Lees, published
exactly two months previously,” is suggested. It is further stated
“that one cannot resist the conviction that Mr. McIntosh allowed
Mr. Lees the use of his MSS.; Mr. McIntosh cannot have copied
from Mr. Lees, for he makes not the least allusion to him or his book.”
Now this idea seenis rather strange. If I had been just coming out
of chrysalis, I might have wanted some one’s aid to fly; but having,
in my humble way, scribbled about matters of botany and natural
history for the last twenty years, I have too many MSS. of my own
to wish to wade through those of others; and certainly the writings
of Mr. McIntosh are quite unknown to me, at least as far as the
mistletoe is concerned.

But, in fact, it is quite a mistake to suppose that we “ have been
simultaneously labouring on the same subject;” for my account of
the mistletoe was actually written as far back as 1839, and read the
same year before the Cheltenham Literary and Philosophical Institu-
tion. The principal facts were incorporated in my ‘ Botanical Looker-
Out ;’ and the passages quoted from the new edition of that work, ap-
pear also in the first edition of 1842! So that it does not exactly
follow as a logical deduction, that “ Mr. McIntosh cannot have
copied from Mr. Lees,” merely because he makes no allusion to the
‘ Botanical-Looker-Out.’ Such things have been; and a friend showed
me a London newspaper, with a whole chapter from my book appear-
ing in the guise of an original article. Some “ penny-a-liner” had
been thus taking the hint of extracting my juices after mistletoe
fashion! I myself make no accusation against Mr. McIntosh, who
may have probably seen my book and forgotten a foot-note about it ;
or, for the ancient history of the mistletoe he may have consulted the
Same original sources of information as I did myself; for the Druidical

358

part of the story has been hashed up from Stukely, Toland, Fos-
brooke, and others, over and over again. I must, however, claim
“the sick cow” as belonging to me, having received that piece of
rustic practice from a sage old farmer, who, however, assured me that
no other mistletoe but that of the oak would do! It is perhaps sug-
gestive of some trickery or “ pious fraud” on the part of the Druids,
that Davies tells us, in his ‘ Celtic Researches,’ that the apple-tree
was considered by the Druids the next sacred tree to the oak, and
that orchards of it were planted by them in the vicinity of their groves
of oak. Certainly, as a chance affair, or as an heavenly operation, as
mystically given out, an arch-Druid might hunt long enough in a
grove of oaks, in the present day, ere he met with the “ heaven-
descended plant.” The farmers of Herefordshire, however, nurse it
to such an extent in their orchards, that one might almost imagine
they valued it as much as the Druids did.

Mistletoe on the oak may occur here and there less rarely than is
generally imagined ;* but when the oak is in leaf it is very difficult to
observe the plant among its thick umbrage. Since the last edition of
my ‘ Botanical Looker-Out’ was put to press, two additional locali-
ties have been brought before my notice, and as yet, I believe, unre-
corded for the benefit of the botanist. One is at Frampton-upon-
Severn, Gloucestershire, where is a fine young oak with mistletoe
upon it, seen in the present spring by my friend Professor Buckman,
of the Agricultural College, Cirencester. The Rev. Canon Cradock
has been also kind enough to inform me of mistletoe upon two oaks
in the sequestered and beautiful parish of Tedstone-de-la-Mere, He-
refordshire, of which he is incumbent. Both the oaks are compara-
tively young; and it is remarkable that old trees, such as might
almost claim acquaintance with the Druids, are never found with
mistletoe upon them in the present day. Tedstone is delightfully
situated upon the lofty banks of the celebrated Sapey Brook, and has
several claims upon the notice of the naturalist, as well as the
impressed stones connected with the legend of St. Catharine’s mare
and colt. One portion of the parish, interspersed with broken rocks
and mossy water-breaks, bears the name of “ the Paradise,” and it is
just such a vicinity as a contemplative man might wish to make a Sel-
borne of. It dovetails into Worcestershire not far from Knightsford’s

Bridge.
* A writer in the ‘ Notes and Queries’ for June, 1851, says that ‘‘ the mistletoe

may be often found in the counties of Devon and Somerset growing on oaks,” but
no precise localities are given.

359

Returning again to the history of the mistletoe in past times, I am
inclined to think that a little too much romanée has been mixed up
with its connexion with the Druids. They doubtless gathered it at
particular times; but there is but slender authority for the arch-
Druid’s golden hook, white bulls, and other amplifications dilated
upon by Stukely and other fanciful antiquaries. Indeed, considering
the destruction of the Druidical system by the Romans while they
occupied the southern part of Britain, it is probable that our popular
appreciation of the mistletoe is derived from another source. The
plant, it appears, was dedicated to Friga, the Scandinavian Venus, as
an emblem of fertility, from its numerous berries ; and thus the my-
thology of the north, brought in by numerous invaders, has left a tra-
ditional memory behind of old observances, that in quiet rustic haunts
may still smilingly prepare the way for future connubial rites.

Independently of legend and superstition, however, obvious facts in
nature make an impression on the popular mind, long retain their
hold, and become associated with thought, sentiment, and proverbial
lore. The willow, from producing no apparent fruit, became the
emblem of barrenness, and elicited only mournful images; while the
berry-bearing mistletoe, so obvious, with its white fruit, among the
bare boughs of December, was seized upon as denoting abundant fer-
tility in its clusters, even at a denuded season, smilingly honoured
accordingly, and made a domestic decoration of the season. In
many farm-houses the old mistletoe-bush is carefully retained in its

place till the period recurs for its renewal.
Epwin LEEs.
Cedar Terrace, Henwick, Worcester,

October 4, 1851.

P.S.—I ought to remark, that it is of course clear to myself that the
ironical suggestion of the acute editor of the ‘ Phytologist,’ as to the
use of Mr. McIntosh’s MSS. by me, only implied that there had been
copying in some quarter, without the acknowledgment that every
honourable writer usually makes. My own friends are not likely to
suspect me,—

“Thou canst not say J did it,’—

and I only notice the circumstance lest there should seem any ambi
guity from my silence.

Writers who, like Mr. McIntosh, come “ last in the train” on any
old beaten subject, would do well to remember that the mention of

360

the authorities they have consulted gives at least a show of erudition
to their labours, and prevents any suggestion as to pilfering or pla-
giarism.— LE. L.

Casual Remarks on Morphology.
By James L. Drummonp, M.D., &c., &c.

Tuat the theory of morphology is very ingenious, must be admitted,
but that it is a true one, may, I think, be equally doubted; and as it
is the unquestionable privilege of every one to think and examine for
himself, and not be seduced, either by authority or example, to yield
his assent to any doctrine, of the integrity of which he is not satisfied,
he is at perfect liberty to express his doubts. Acting on this consi-
deration, I submit the following and future observations to the pages
of the ‘ Phytologist.’

The work which I mean to refer to, is the volume on Botany pub-
lished under the superintendence of the Society for the Diffusion of
Useful Knowledge, which, I believe, gives as full an account of the
theory asis to be found. At page 59 of that work we find the fol-
lowing passage :—‘‘ It may indeed appear ridiculous to assert that
the fruit of a peach is nothing but a peach-leaf rolled up and thick-
ened, an apple only the leaves in a similar state, and a grain of wheat
a single leaf in a state of degeneration ; and yet we expect to be able
to set this matter before our readers in so clear a light, as to convince
them that such an assertion, although startling, would be very nearly
true. This is called the doctrine of morphology.”

This certainly does seem extremely ridiculous; but what is the
proof of a peach being only a leaf? Why, an assumption that a car-
pel is nothing more, as “is very easily shewn, not only by its constant
tendency to revert to the form of a leaf as is seen in double roses,
anemones, ranunculuses, and the like, but more particularly by the
double cherry, in whose flowers Nature has written her laws in a lan-
guage so simple and positive, that none but the wilfully blind can
misunderstand them.”—P. 60.

Now, it has been well known, from time immemorial, that double
flowers are not in a natural, but in an wnnatural state, produced by
culture or accidental circumstances. When, then, in a double Ane-
mone, rose, &c., we find a leaf where a carpel ought naturally to be,
nothing is proved beyond the simple fact that it is so found ; but that
leaf cannot be a carpel changed, for it never was a carpel, though it

361

has usurped the place where, ordinarily, a carpel ought to be; and
instead of illustrating or explaining the laws of Nature, its tendency
is directly the opposite, by showing how Nature can deviate from her
laws, or, at least, from her regular economy.

But the great proof of an apple, or any other fruit, bemg nothing
more than a leaf rolled up and thickened, is to be found in the double
cherry. “In this plant,” says the writer, “ the centre of the flower is
occupied by a small green leaf stationed in the place of the carpel,
and consisting of two sides folded together along with a midrib, which
is longer than the leaf itself, and slightly dilated at the summit.” It
is, again, said, “ That the carpel of a cherry is a leaf admits then of
no further doubt, and consequently a cherry fruit is nothing whatever
but the mature state of the carpel.”—P. 61.

That the ripe cherry is the mature state of the carpel, I admit; but
it must be a carpel in earnest, a real carpel, such as Nature, in her
laws, destined to produce the cherry, and which nothing else could
produce. But what is in its stead in the double-flowering cherry?
“A small green leaf stationed in its place,” a starveling, an abortion,
that is neither leaf nor carpel, and could never produce a cherry, nor
anything else, till the end of time. And this is the simple and posi-
tive language of Nature’s laws! Why, the whole argument is per-
fectly valueless; it is founded on an aberration of Nature’s laws, on
an unnatural, useless leaflet, instead of a real seed-vessel, and which
can go to prove nothing beyond its own degenerate condition.

But admitting that the genuine carpel is only a modified leaf, how
is the formation of the cherry to be explained? This is done by
comparing the spurious leaf, that showld be a carpel, with a real one;
and then we are told that “it is obvious that the two reflected sides
of the leaf answer to the ovary, the midrib to the style, and the dilated
summit of the midrib to the stigma.”—P. 61. That the small green
leaf bears some resemblance to what it naturally should be, there is
no doubt, but it is altogether spurious; it is neither ovary, style, nor
stigma; it is a morbid caricature of these parts, and, so far as I am
capable of seeing, can serve to sustain no theory but such as may be
founded on fancy or conjecture. I will say the same of the statement
that “ the stone of a cherry is the hardened lining of the fruit; it is
also the upper stratum of the leaf, which consists of little bladders
placed in a different direction from those of the central and lower
strata. The pulpy portion of the cherry will then arise from these
latter, distended with fluid and altered in colour.”—P. 61.

The writer concludes this part of his subject in the following

VoL. Iv. 3A

362

words :—“ That the carpel is a leaf, is thus proved to demonstration ;
and as all compound fruits are collections of carpels, as has already
been stated, it follows that all fruits, of whatever kind, are modified
leaves.” I cannot admit that, in all the arguments used, there has
been anything adduced bearing even an approach to a demonstrative
proof of fruits being modified leaves. I may want sufficient penetra-
tion, indeed, but it appears to me that the only thing really demon-
strated is the inanity of the theory.

The next step is “ to show that ovules, and consequently seeds, are
also alterations of leaves. As it appears from what has just been said
that ovules grow upon the margins of a carpellary leaf, there will at
first sight be a difficulty in reconciling such a function with the well-
known fact that leaves do not in general bear anything analogous to
ovules.” But I can see no proof whatever of ovules growing on the
margin of a leaf; and neither in the description nor figure of the spu-
rious leaflet is mention made, nor an appearance represeuted, of any-
thing of the kind. I believe that no instance of a leaf producing seeds
has ever been seen, and it is a phenomenon so allied to the impos-
sible, that we may presume it never will. The author observes, how-
ever, that “in a common Indian plant, called Bryophyllum, the leaves
are capable of forming young plants in the crenelling of their border.”
In Malaxis paludosa “ buds (¢. e., bulbs) are constantly formed at the
border of the leaves.” It is further stated that “ it is to buds, or bulbs,
that ovules are to compared ; their integuments are to be considered
rudimentary leaves, analogous to the scales of a leaf-bud, and they
have actually been seen by Henslow, Engelmann and others in eer-
tain cases of malformation.”—P. 61.

I cannot see that, in all this, there is the slightest grain either of
proof or probability that seeds are “ alterations of leaves.” From a
remote antiquity it has been well known that Nature does not limit
the production of plants to seeds; but though buds are the most fre-
quent substitutes for them, and although buds grow occasionally on
leaves, these are new productions, there is no proof whatever of their
being alterations of leaves, and they possess properties which the
leaves do not; the leaf dies and is gone, but the life of the bud con-
tinues, and, when favourably situated, it will grow into as perfect a
plant as a seed would do, and so far the analogy holds good; but this
is no proof whatever of metamorphosis. If I plant a potato in the
earth, or any portion of a potato containing an eye or bud, that bud
will grow into a perfect plant, producing leaves, flowers, and abun-
dance of seeds ; but the bud (let us call the potato a tuber, an under-

363

ground stem, or what we please) is a new production, endowed with
a totally different vital constitution from the flesh of the tuber itself.
The same may be said of the buds on the leaves of Bryophyllum, and
of the bulbs formed on the stems of Dentaria bulbifera, the tiger-lily,
&c.: they are extraneous bodies, not transformations. As to minute
leaves having been seen in the place of ovules by Henslow and others,
the observation is not of the slightest value, for this occurred only

“in certain cases of malformation.”
| J. L. DRumMonp.
Belfast, October 11.

Localities of Plants observed by Mr. William Millen near Belfast.
By the Rev. W. M. Hino, M.A.

I HAVE received a communication from my friend Mr. William Mil-
len, of Belfast, of new localities in his neighbourhood for several
plants, which, by his permission, I forward for insertion in the ‘ Phy-
tologist.’ Where passages are included between inverted commas,
Mr. Millen’s letter is quoted.

“Some of the rarer plants which I have recently discovered are :—

“ Rubus saxatilis, L. Wolf-Hill Glen; at Woodburn Fall, south
side of the Glen; Cavehill.” These stations are from two to three
miles north of a well-known station for the above plant at Colin Glen,
a spot peculiarly rich in botanical rarities.

“ Nymphea alba, L., and Nuphar lutea, Sm. Whitehouse dams.

“ Cochlearia Anglica, L. Between Belfast and Holywood (Co.
Down).

“ Stnapis tenuifolia, Br., Silene noctiflora, L., Arenaria serpylli-

Sfolia, L., with Erodium cicutarium, Sm.” Belfast. “On a new
piece of road made about four years ago to connect York Street with
the terminus of the Belfast and Ballymena Railroad.

“ Arenaria peploides, L. (Honckenya peploides, Ehrh.) On the
shore below Holywood (Co. Down), abundant.

“ Radiola Millegrana,Sm. Kinnegar, Holywood. This thriving
and pretty little plant was unknown here until gravel and sand were
removed from the Kinnegar to the Holywood Railway. It made its
first appearance in the bottom of the gravel-pit. A few tufts were all
I could find the first year. Now it has spread, evidently by the help
of water in drains; and it is thriving well at some distance from the
pit, as well as in it.

364

_“ Malva moschata, L. (white and pink varieties). Whitehouse.

“ EFrodium moschatum, Sm. The beach at Eden, near Carrickfer-
gus.

* Medicago falcata, L.” Belfast. The locality noticed above.

“ Lathyrus Aphaca, L. Belfast and Ballymena Railway, White-
house (only two plants).

“ Apium graveolens, L. On the shore at Eden, near Carrickfergus.

“ Carduus acanthoides, L., Artemisia campestris, L., and Senecio
viscosus, L.” Belfast. The station contiguous to the railway-termi-
nus mentioned above. A specimen of the Artemisia is herewith for-
warded for identification.

“ Lathrea squamaria, L. Whitehouse and Castleton.

“ Symphytum officinale, L., S. tuberosum, L., and Lysimachia
Nummularia, L. Whitehouse; on the banks of a stream from the
shore to the Cavehill.

“ Littorella lacustris, L. Kinnegar, Holywood.

“ Salicornia fruticosa, L. Holywood. Smith, in his ‘ English
Botany,’ thinks it a doubtful and not forthcoming plant. It would be
of some importance to have such doubts settled.” To accomplish, as
far as may be, the desire of my worthy correspondent, I herewith send
a few specimens of the plant, which he has placed at my disposal.

“ Stratiotes aloides, L., Butomus umbellatus, L., Typha latifolia,
L., and Carex riparia, Curtis. Whitehouse dams.” The Stratiotes
aloides occurs plentifully in a pond at Springfield, Belfast, constructed
about thirty years ago. Perhaps some person in that neighbourhood
can state positively whether the plant has been introduced or not.
This question is the more important, as the claims of this plant to be
considered indigenous are not generally granted. _

“ Triticum junceum, L. On the beach at Eden, near Carrickfer-
gus.

“ Cystopteris fragilis, Bernh. Woodburn Glen, below the Fall.

“ Botrychium Lunaria, Sw. Knockagh, near Carrickfergus, north-
east end, plentiful.

“ Ophioglossum vulgatum, L. In meadows, pastures, &c., on moun-
tains near Belfast, to some miles’ distance in the Co. Antrim.”

W. M. Hinp.
Stapenhill, Burton-on-Trent,

October 16, 1851.

365

_
Occurrence of Anacharis Alsinastrum, Bab., in Yorkshire.
By Witu1aM Foeeirt, Esq.

I communicaTE, for the information of your readers, the fact of the
occurrence of Anacharis Alsinastrum, in the greatest abundance, inter-
mingled with Potamogeton densus, perfoliatus, and other aquatic plants,
in a pond close by the river Wiske, at Newsham, near Thirsk. The
pond I had only examined once previously; and at that time, where A.
Alsinastrum now grows, it was covered with the foliage of Sagittaria
sagittifolia, which may account for its not having been previously
noticed in this locality. It is twelve miles from the nearest naviga-
tion, so that it cannot by that means have been introduced ; and in
my mind it is truly indigenous.

WILLIAM FoceIirrT.
Thirsk, October 10, 1851.

Reply to the Notice of ‘ Observations on Natural Systems of Botany’
(Phytol. iv. 313). By James L. Drummonp, M.D., &c., &c.

As to converting the ‘ Phytologist’ into an arena of controversy,
nothing could be further from my wish. I have seldom known con-
troversies do much, if any, good; and, besides, after all the lengthy
communication of your correspondent, I believe that the leading argu-
ments of my little book remain untouched. That some parts of the
work were written carelessly or thoughtlessly, I acknowledge. There
could be no more glaring mistake than that of objecting to the lupin,
trefoil and Laburnum being classed together. This was very bad,
and yet it would be absurd to imagine that it arose from ignorance,
especially when, in the four editions of my ‘ First Steps to Botany,’
these three plants are specified as belonging to the class Diadelphia.
In my saying that Linneus would scarcely have joined certain plants
in the same group with others which I mentioned, I never thought it
necessary to look whether, in his incongruous Fragments, such plants
were included in the same order or not, because what I meant was,
that he could not so group them on the ground of their closely resem-
bling each other, and in this impression I concluded with the follow-
ing passage :—“ In an artificial system it matters not how incongruous
may be the species included in any class or order; but to find such
as the above, and hundreds of others, in systems professing to arrange

366

together such plants as are ‘ morg like to each other than to anything
else,’ is certainly somewhat of the wonderful.”—P. 90. A number of
these plants, however, did happen to be arranged together, and this
has been made the most of, to prove that I am wholly ignorant of the
writings of Linneus. Well, I have got a good whipping, and will
explain my meaning more clearly the next time.

There is another matter, Mr. Editor, of a much more serious nature,
and which I greatly regret to have happened; that is, the having
quoted a passage of DeCandolle as if it had been Dr. Lindley’s, from
my having overlooked that it was printed with inverted commas. I
had not the slightest suspicion of such a thing having occurred, till I
saw it referred to by your correspondent; but I indignantly repel his
insinuation that it was done designedly; I would not, for any consi-
deration on earth, have recourse to so low and degrading a piece of
trickery.

The long communication in the ‘ Phytologist,’ is a modified edition
of the critique which appeared in the ‘ Westminster Review’ for
October, 1850, in which I am represented (after being called the
“ Resurrectionist” of Linneus, or appearing in that character) as
uttering “ the most mournful lamentations,” with other words of simi-
lar import. I was again brought forward by this reviewer in the
pages of the ‘ Phytologist,’ under the same grievous aspect, to form
an agreeable preamble to his remarks on the last edition of the ‘ Bri-
tish Flora,’ and in consequence I wrote a short letter, stating to your
readers that such terms as “dolorous,” &c., were quite unjustifiable,
as applied to my little work.

The reviewer again comes forward with his long communication ;
and if he had possessed a grain of moral courage, or of manly spirit,
he would, at least, have expressed some regret at having held me up
to public ridicule through the medium of his own falsehoods. In
place of that, he has had recourse to a petty subterfuge, but which is
too transparent not to be seen through by the most inattentive reader.
He quotes, from different parts of the ‘ Observations,’ the words sorry,
fear, and afraid, which he puts in Italics, and says that “ they are not
perhaps either ‘ dolorous’ or ‘lachrymose,’ in the strict sense of the
words.” Why, then, did he use these terms? Why did he fraudu-
lently employ them for the purpose of turning the book and its author
into contempt, for there could be no other possible object in view
than that? But referring to the words he puts in Italics, “ they only
mean, according to the dictionaries, ‘to be grieved, ‘to live in ter-
ror, and ‘to be struck with fear; terrified; fearful.” Now, even

367

with the help of the dictionary, he cannot show that either “ sorry,”
or “to fear,” or “ to be afraid,” can possibly mean either dolorous or
lachrymose ; and further, the dictionary meanings he has quoted will
not even apply to any of them, as they are located in my book. No
dictionary can explain the various shades of meaning attached to a
large proportion of the words it contains; and in composition the
exact meaning of a word is often to be derived from the context,
rather than from the dictionary ; and the same may be said of conver-
sation. If I observe, that I am sorry there has been a little rain this
morning, does it imply that I am actually grieved, or in grief, about
it? IfI say, I fear to-morrow will not be a fine day, or I am afraid
Parliament will not meet before spring, does it imply that I “live in
terror,” that I am “ struck with fear,” or that I am “ terrified,” or even
“fearful?” ‘The writer says that “ of all these meanings we give the
author the benefit, and admit that he used no ‘ dolorous terms, made
no ‘lachrymose observations, and uttered no ‘ lamentations, as is
represented in the ‘ Phytologist,’ save and except such as we have
just cited.” This surely requires no comment, and I would not have
dwelt so much upon the subject, except to exhibit it as a characteris-
tic specimen of the corrupt spirit of criticism which pervades almost
the whole of the long communication.

At page 336 is the following passage :—“ The author complains of
the ‘ finesse held out on every occasion to the disparagement of the
Linnzan botany ;’ we are afraid that he has, in more than one instance,
laid himself open to the charge of doing the same thing in disparage-
ment of structural botany. For example, at p. 12, by adroitly foisting
a parenthetical sentence into a quotation from the Preface to the
‘Introduction to Botany,’ he makes Dr. Lindley say that the natural
system ‘teaches the physician how to discover in every region the
medicines that are best adapted for the maladies that prevail in it;
&c. Now Dr. Lindley is not here speaking of any particular system,
but of the science of botany generally, independently of systems and
methods.”

No; Dr. Lindley was not speaking of botany generally, but of
“botany as now understood,” and of its “ furnishing a@ certain clue”
by which to distinguish the medical properties of plants, which no
other system than the natural, I believe, ever pretended to do.

I will only notice once passage more, in which I am, by this inge-
nious writer, all but stigmatized as being the fabricator of a deliber-
ate falsehood. “ By the way,” he says, at p. 336, “we may mention
that we are entirely unacquainted with any place ‘ near London,’ or

368

anywhere else in England, where Lolium temulentum ‘is grown in
large quantities, probably with the nefarious object of adding to the
intoxicating quality of distilled or fermented liquors. —P. 50. What
are the excise-people about?” It is an old and true saying, that, as
we lead our lives, we are apt to judge our neighbours; and on such ~
grounds only, I presume, the reviewer has more than hinted that I
myself forged this notice of the darnel; but I can assure him that I
am not a member of his school; and if he will look into the second
volume, page 200, of the seventh edition (which, I think, is the last)
of Withering’s ‘ Arrangement,’ he will find the following :—“ The
laws of China make it a capital offence to use them” (the seeds of
Lolium temulentum) “in fermented liquors; and yet, in the immedt-
ate vicinity of London, this noxious weed is cultivated by the acre,
and it is to be apprehended for no better purpose.”

And this gentleman would condescend so far as to engage with me
in controversy! The favour may, indeed, be more flattering than I
could expect; but, notwithstanding, I must beg leave, with all due

courtesy, to decline the honour.

J. L. DRuMMonp.
Belfast, October 15, 1851.

—

[Although I cannot approve some of the terms used by Dr. Drum-
mond in this communication, yet a spirit of strict impartiality (for
which my editorial management has, and I trust deserves, the credit),
and my own invitation on the wrapper of the last number, almost
enforce the propriety of printing Dr. Drummond’s reply, as I have
done, verbatim et literatim. The subject must drop here.—Edward
Newman. |

Proposed Addition of three new Species and three new Genera to
our List of British Ferns. By Kpwarp NEWMAN.

ATHYRIUM OVATUM, Roth.

For the earliest specimen in my possession, I am indebted to Miss
Beever, of Coniston, under date of 1842. The frond was one of a
number from the Lake district, which that lady most obligingly for-
warded when I was engaged on my ‘ History of British Ferns.’ The.
second specimen which reached me, was from Miss Wright, who
found the plant at Keswick, in 1846, and considered it as a species

369

perfectly distinct from |Filix-femina.. The third was a mutilated frag-
ment, from the same source, in the autumn of the present year. And
lastly, seeing a variety of Filix-femina mentioned in the recently-
published third edition of Babington’s Manual, as having been re-
ceived from Keswick, I applied to that distinguished botanist, and
he has most obligingly placed in my hands his specimens, together
with some valuable MS. notes.

From a revision of these materials, and a reference to previonsly-
collected data, I have concluded :—

Ist. That it is also the Athyrium ovatum of Roth, Flora Germ. iii.
64 (1800); the description being cited in'extenso, Newm. Ferns, 420.

2nd. That it is the Athyrium Filix-femina, var. dentatum, Newm.
Ferns, 243, except as regards the admission of Hoffmann’s Filix-
femina (1844).

3rd. That itis the Athyrium latifolium of Presl, Tent. Ptertd. 98
(1836).

4rd. That it is Asplenium Filix-femina, 6. latifolium, of Hooker
and Arnott’s ‘ British Flora, 574 (1850).

5th. That itis the Athyrium Filix- femina, 0. latifolium, of Babing-
ton’s Manual, 413 (1851).

6th. That it is perfectly distinct.as a species.

‘The admirable description of Roth, cited in B. Ferns, leaves nothing
to be desired or added. The later descriptions, of course my own
included, are insufficient to distinguish this species from its well-
known congener.

It is necessary to add, that’ Roth cites two of Hoffmann’s spe-
cies, Polypodium dentatum and P. Filix-femina, as identical with
ovatum; but, whether this be so or not, it is certain that Hoffmann
departed from all rule in giving a new species a name already occu-
pied by an old one; and there were both a Polypodium dentatum and
a Polypodium Filix-femina previously in the list.

CyYsTOPTERIS DICKEIANA, Szm.

This plant is very familiar to all cultivators; it is the least divided
form of Cystopteris with which I am acquainted, and is instantly dis-
tinguished from all those forms known as fragilis, by its crowded,
scarcely pinnatifid, overlapping, twisted, deflexed pinnz, and its
small, circular, generally naked clusters of capsules. [ft is easily cul-
tivated, and increases freely, by lateral division of the roots, or from
seed, and in either instance retains its characters perfectly.

It was fully described as a species by Mr. Sim, of Foot’s Cray, in

VoL. Iv. 3B

370

‘The Gardener’s Journal’ for 1848; but our publishing botanists —
Moore, Hooker & Arnott, and Babington—have subsequently ignored
it as a species.

PSEUDATHYRIUM ALPESTRE, Newm.

The other novelty is a plant which I propose to consider as the type
of anew genus (see below). I believe it is now generally considered an
Athyrium, and some botanists even contend that it is merely a form
of Filix-femina. I allude to the Aspidium alpestre of Hoppe (Tasch.
p- 216 (1805)), and of Schkuhr (Handbuch, 58); the Polypodium
alpestre of {Koch, Sadler and others; the Aspidium rheticum of
Swartz; and the Polypodium rheeticum of Woods, in his lately-pub-
lished ‘Tourists’ Flora.’ Like the two preceding species, this has
been so fully described, that there is no necessity for any addition of
mine.

The only specimen I have seen, was gathered by Mr. Watson, in
Canlochen Glen, Forfarshire, in 1846, and has been most obligingly
placed in my hauds by that gentleman.

The similarity of this plant to Athyrium Filix-femina, is beyond all
doubt; the habit, figure, texture, and the physical properties of the
fronds are all but identical; but there is a difference in the fruiting,
wich is not that of a mere variety or casualty of any kind, and which, if
disregarded by the scientific botanist, must disturb all those combi-
nations of groups in which the characters of the fructification have
been employed as of primary importance. I am not forgetful that
one of our greatest botanists has expressed an opinion at variance
with that generally received on this subject ; and I trust that I do
not, in the least, undervalue an opinion pronounced by such high
authority ; but I cannot help feeling that, for many years, the fructi-
fication of ferns will be regarded as of primary, and the outline of
frond as of secondary importance. Entertaining this view, and
seeing that a great number of subdivisions of the Linnean genus Po-
lypodium have been created, so to speak, it is all but compulsory to
raise to generic rank those other groups of that gigantic family which
still remain uncharacterized.

' The three new genera are these :—-

Genus.—PSEUDATHYRIUM.

Pinn. v. pinnul. venis lateral. ramosis apice liberis, ramo antico
capsulifero : soris rotundis, semper distinctis in ram. capsulif. dorso
sitis : involucro nullo.

371

Sp. Ps. alpestre = Pol. alpestre, Hoppe, and about fifteen ascer-
tained exotic species.

Genus.—LOPHODIUM..

Pinn. v. pinnul. venis lateral. plus minusve ramosis apice liberis,
ramo antico -capsulifero : soris rotundis in ram. capsulif. dorso
sitis: involucro subcirculart, complanato, obliquo, anticd elevato,
posticd depresso emarginato adherenti, marginibus liberis, sinuatis,
sepius glanduliferis: pinnul. lobis ultimis cristatis, 2. e. dente vix
spinoso armatis.

Sp. Lo. recurvum, Lo. multiflorum, Lo. glandiferum, Lo. spinosum,
Lo. uliginosum, Lo. Callipteris, cum multis aliis = Polypodium cris-
tatum, Linn.; Aspidium dilatatum, Sw.; Asp. spinulosum, Hook.
olim. Lastreze species, Presl, J. Sm., Newm., Bab., non Bory.
There are about sixty exotic species.

The name of Lastrea should never have been applied to species
which were neither included by the author, nor comprehended in his
description. The cormus, or rhizoma, in this genus is always large,
massive, long-enduring, and of slow growth.

Genus.—GYMNOCARPIUM.

Pinn. v. pinnul. venis lateral. plus minusve ramosis apice liberis,
ramis omnibus capsuliferis : soris rotundis, primim distinctis, deni-
qué approximatis, contiguis, confluentibus in ramorum dorso sitis :
tnvolucro nullo.

Sp. Gy. Phegopteris, Gy. Robertianum, Gy. Dryopteris, &c. =
Pol. Phegopteris, &c., Linn., &c. Lastree species, Bory, Newm.,
non Presl, nec J. Sm. There are about thirty exotic species.

The rhizoma in this genus is simply a stolon, slender, of rapid growth,
and extremely perishable. There is no cormus, or even representative
of cormus, unless the stolon can be thus considered. The stipes ad-
heres to the stolon, not being articulated thereto, falling off and leav-
ing a scar, as described by myself in Polypodium vulgare.

I need scarcely say, that the numerous announcements crowded
into this short communication, have, for their principal object, the
suggestion, not the imposition, of change; and that I shall feel deeply
indebted for any alteration, correction, modification, or addition that
may occur to any of my readers; and, also, that the more prompt, the
more acceptable will be such alteration, because I may thus be saved
the repetition and extensive diffusion of error in the forthcoming edi-
tion of the ‘ British Ferns,’ which is now in the press.

Epwarp NEWMAN.

372

Botanical Society of London.

Friday, October 3, 1851. John Reynolds, Esq., Treasurer, in the
chair.

Mr. G. E. Dennes, the Secretary, stated that the Council had ap-
pointed Mr. J. T. Syme Curator, and that the rooms would be open
every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from ten to five.

The Curator reported that a large collection of duplicates of Euro-
pean plants, mostly those not found in Britain, had been labelled for
the Society by Mr. Hewett C. Watson. Lists of the species (amount-
ing to nearly a thousand, and including many of the rarer arctic and
South-European plants) will be sent to the members who desire
foreign specimens, in order that they may, in rotation, select their
own desiderata, instead of merely receiving parcels looked out for
them by the Curator alone, and thus unavoidably selected without
reference to the contents of their own herbaria.

A specimen of Grammica suaveolens, Schultz, discovered by Mr.
E. G. Varenne, growing on lucerne, near Witham, in Essex, in Sep-
tember last, was exhibited. On inquiry, it was ascertained by Mr.
Varenne that the field had been sown with imported seeds, and t hat
the dodder had proved very injurious to the crop. The Grammica
suaveolens is identical with the Cuscuta Hassiaca, Pfeiffer, of Koch’s
‘Synopsis Flore Germanice. It may be readily distinguished from
the other dodders found in England, by its pedicellated flowers,
bright, orange-yellow stems, and sweet scent.

The conclusion of Mr. Daniel Stock’s paper ‘On the Botany of
Bungay, Suffolk,’ was read.—G@. EF. D.

Notice of ‘ The Botanical Gazette, No. 33 and 34, Seplember and
October, 1851.

The contents of the September number are as under :—

‘ Botanical Notes of an Excursion through Portugal and Spain; by
John Ball, M.R.LA.’

‘Some Remarks on the Plant Morphologically considered ; by the
Rev. Dr. M‘Cosh,’

‘ Literature :—Contents of § Annals of Natural History,’ Hooker's
‘Journal of Botany,’ and ‘ Phytologist.’

373

Report of the Proceedings of the British Association for the Ad-
vancement of Science.

Mr. Ball’s paper is only interesting, to the British botanist, as
tracing the botanical range of some of our British plants. The
author considers the vegetation of Vigo and its vicinity as con-
firming, in some degree, the hypotheses of those naturalists who
believe in the former extension of the Galician coast towards the
British Islands, but that the botanical evidence points rather. to a
connexion with Cornwall and Devon, than to one with Ireland.
Asplenium lanceolatum occurred at this spot. Only seven or eight
species were observed which do not belong to the British flora. The
vegetation of Lisbon and Cintra presents a great contrast to that
of Vigo; many of the species observed here do not extend north of
the Douro, neither do they occur in the Mediterranean flora. At
Cintra, remarkable for the fantastic forms of the granitic pinnacles
which overhung the village, Mr. Ball was struck by the abundance of
fruticose Leguminosez, and by the presence of ferns which announce
that he is approaching the semitropical Atlantic flora. Most of the
Leguminose, however, were not determined. Among the ferns were
Davallia Canariensis, Aspleninm palmatum, A. Adiantum-nigrum,
var. Virgilii, and two others not previously ascertained. One of ‘the
peculiarities of this locality is the abundance and luxuriance of Pelar-
gonia, two species of which are completely naturalized. At Lisbon
and, further on, at Santarem, as well as elsewhere in the valley of the
Tagus, the hedges were principally formed of the common Agave
Americana, planted about three feet apart. On the banks of the Ze-
zere, near the ferry, the author gathered Lycopodium denticulatum,
which was not observed elsewhere during the excursion. ‘The second
part of Mr. Ball’s communication is less botanical than the first; and
although rendered interesting by geological and physical details, there
is but very little information for the exclusively British botanist.
I do not mention this as objecting to such writing; on the contrary,
I consider it valuable and instructive; but as the Gazette is now
reduced to a minimum of size, I am rather jealous of any portion
being occupied with matter not perfectly legitimate. 1 observe that
near Zarza, on the Spanish frontier, our traveller, in crossing a chain
of rather high hills, on which the track had completely disappeared,
had to force his way through thickets of Arbutus Unedo, the berries
of which were of the size of a large gooseberry, and very palatable.

Dr. M‘Cosh’s paper has already appeared in these pages.

The report of the British Association is given elsewhere.

374

The October number contains, in addition :—

‘Notes on a few Species of Hieracium; by James Backhouse, Jun.’

‘Occurrence of Bacillaria paradoxa of Gmelin at Stafford; by the
Rev. R. C. Douglas, M.A.’

‘Note concerning Anacharis Alsinastrum ; by Charles C. Babing-
ton, M.A.’

‘ Literature :—‘ Botanische Zeitung, ‘ Annales des Sciences Natu-
relles.’

‘ Proceedings of Societies : —‘ British Association for the Advance-
ment of Science,’ ‘ Botanical Society of London.’

‘Record of Localities.’

Mr. Backhouse’s paper on Hieracium is curt, but excellent. The
author observes that, having had an opportunity of examining Nor-
wegian plants of H. alpinum, in a growing state, he found the dis-
tinguishing characters as strongly marked as on the Scotch moun-
tains : it was dwarf, unbranched, and had lax, blunt, foliaceous outer
involucral scales. The variety melanocephalum of Fries was dis-
tinguished from the type, by its acute involucral scales being all alike
in form, and the entire plant having shorter hairs.

H. nigrescens, when living, is marked by dark, appressed involucral
scales, broader, less acute leaves, and generally branched stems.

Home specimens of H. pallidum, given to the author by Professor
Blyth, differ from the Scotch plant, in their more lanceolate, aeute,
and dentate leaves, and in the smaller size of the entire plant.

H. Dovrense, said by Fries to have been found in Britain, the
author considers a good species. The upper leaves are rather gor-
date and semiamplexicaul, the lower ones narrower at the base, and
the root-leaves stalked and blunt.

The Clova H. saxifragum is not the normal form of that species,
having broader, blunter leaves and larger heads, with darker involucral -
scales.

H. plumbeum is to be regarded as a truly distinct species, differing
from cesium and murorum in the absence of stellate pubescence on
the involucres and panicles, and in having broadly-acuminate, apicu-
late, dark involucral scales, with green margins; it also flowers earlier
than cesium.

Mr. Babington’s note on Anacharis Alsinastrum appears to have
been elicited by a note in the September ‘ Phytologist.’ It is as fol-
lows :— é

“In order to prevent future mistakes itis desirable to place upon
record that this plant was introduced into a tub in the Cambridge

375

Botanic Garden, in the year 1847, and that in the following summer
of 1848, the late Mr. Murray, the Curator of that Garden, planted it in
a stream which passes the new garden and supplies the town with
water. It has now filled that stream, has found its way down the
waste pipe from it into the river Cam, and abounds in that river all
about Cambridge, and for at least six miles below the town.”

Notice of Hooker's‘ Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany,
Nos. 33 and 34, September and October, 1851.

The papers in the September number are intituled :—

‘ Florula Hongkongensis: an Enumeration of the Plants collected
in the Island of Hong-kong by Capt. J. G. Champion, 95th Reg. ;
the determinations revised and the new species sch aka by George
Bentham, Esq.’

‘Sketch of the Vegetation of the Isthmus of Panama; by M. Bert-
hold Seemann, Naturalist of H.M.S. Herald.’

‘Journal of a Voyage from Santarem to the Barra do Rio Nergro;
by Richard Spruce, Esq.’

‘Contributions to the Botany of Western India; by N. A. Dalzell,
Esq., M.A.’

‘ Botanical Information :-—‘ Mr. Plant’s Botanical Journey to South
America, &c.’ ‘ Death of Professor Ledebour’ at Munich, on the 4th
of July.

‘ Notices of Books :—‘ Bulletin Physico-mathématique de lAcadé-
mie Impériale des Sciences de Saint Petersbourg. Comptes rendus
Hebdomadaires des Séances de l Académie des Sciences, Paris, Aoit,
1851.’

Mr. Bentham’s paper contains descriptions of eight new species—
Clematis uncinata, of the order Ranunculacee; Uvaria microcarpa
and U. platypetala, of the order Anonaceex ; Cyclea deltoidea, Hyp-
serpa nitida, and Nephroica pubinervis, of the order Menispermez ;
Capparis pumila, of the order Capparidez ; and Viola confusa, of the
order Violacee.

The following extract, relating to the poisonous plants of Panama,
is from Mr. Seemann’s paper :—

“The most dreaded of the poisonous plants are the Amaucay (The-
vetia nertifolia, Juss.), Cojon del gato (Thevetia nitida, DeCand.),
Manzanillo de playa (Hippomane Mancinella, Linn.), Florispondio

376

(Datura sanguinea, Ruiz et Pav.), and Bala (Gliricidia maculata,
Kunth). It is said of the Manzanillo de playa that persons have died
from sleeping beneath its shade; and that its milky juice raises blis-
ters on the skin, which are difficult to heal. The first of these state-
ments must be regarded as fabulous, and the second be received with
a degree of modification. Some people will bear the juice upon the
surface of the body without being in the least affected by it; while
others do experience the utmost pain: the difference seeming to de-
pend entirely upon the state of a man’s constitution. Great caution,
however, is required in protecting the eyes, for if the least drop enters
them, loss of sight, and the most acute smarting for several days, are
the consequence. The smoke arising from the wood produces a simi-
lar effect ; and I remember that, while surveying on the coast of Da-
rien, a whole boat’s crew of H.M.S. ‘ Herald’ was blinded from having
kindled a fire with the branches of this tree. Whenever the natives
are affected by the poison they at once wash the injured part in salt
water. This remedy is most efficacious, and, as the Manzanillo is
always confined to the edge of the ocean, of easy application. It has
been stated that the Indians of the Isthmus dip their arrows in the
juice of the Manzanilla. There are, however, various reasons for
doubting this assertion; firstly, because the poison is, like that of all
Euphorbiacez, extremely volatile, and however virulent when first
procured, soon loses its power; secondly, because its effect, even
when fresh, is by no means so strong as to cause the death of human
beings, it not even producing, as has already been stated, the slightest
injury on some constitutions. We may, therefore, consider the state-
ment as an inaccuracy, and rather suppose that the Indians, like those
of Guyana, obtain their poison from the Strychnos toxifera, Bih., and
S. cogens, Bth., two plants very common throughout Panama and
Darien. The fruit of the Amaucay (Thevetia neriifolia, Juss.) is also
considered very poisonous, but its dangerous qualities have probably
been over-rated. I knew a gentleman in Panama who, when a boy,
ate four of these fruits, without experiencing any other effect than
that of mere griping. The leaves of the Bala, or, as it is called, Ma-
dera negra (Gliricidia maculata, Kth.), are used to poison rats. The
Florispondio (Datura sanguinea, Ruiz et Pav.) appears to have
played, and still continues to play, a prominent part in the’ supersti-
tion of tropical America. The Indians of Darien, as well as those of
Chocé, prepare from its seeds a decoction, which is given to their
children to produce a state of excitement in which they are supposed
to possess the power of discovering gold. In any place where the

377

unhappy patients happen to fall down, digging is commenced; and
as the soil nearly everywhere abounds with gold-dust, an amount of
more or less value is obtained. In order to counteract the bad effect
of the poison, some sour Chicha de Maiz, a beer made of Indian corn,
is administered.”

M. Seemann dwells with pleasure on those plants of the Isthmus
which emit delicious perfumes, and proceeds :—

“The most famous, however, of all the ornamental plants is the
Couroupita odoratissima, Seem., combining a most delicious fragrance
with a splendid flower. In the Morro, a forest near the village of Rio
Jesus, are four of these trees, which are considered by the inhabitants
as the only ones that exist in the country, and the greatest curiosities
Veraquas can boast; and indeed, I myself have never observed them
in any other locality. They form a groupe, and are vernacularly
termed Palos de Paraiso (z. e., Paradise trees), or Granadillos, deriving
the former name from their beauty, and the latter from the close
resemblance which their flowers bear in shape and size to those of
the Granadilla (Passiflora quadrangularis, Linn.) The trees are from
sixty to eighty feet high, and up to an elevation of twenty feet, where
the branches diverge, their stems are thickly covered with little sprouts,
bearing, from February until May, blossoms, the odour of which is of
so delightful and penetrating a nature, that in a favorable breeze it
may be perceived at nearly a mile’s distance. The flowers are one
and a half to two inches in diameter, and their petals are of a beauti-
fal: flesh colour with yellow stripes, contrasting charmingly with the
golden stamens of the centre. ‘The people of Veraquas, whose apathy
is not easily roused by the beauties of Nature, often repair to these
trees during the flowering season, in order to behold the bright tints
of the blossoms, and enjoy the delicious perfume which they exhale.”

The author then gives an agreeable account of the Palo de velas,
or Candle-tree, from all the lower branches of which depend long, cy-
lindrical fruits, of a yellow wax-colour, and so much resembling a wax
candle: as to have given rise to the singularly appropriate name. The
candles are sometimes four feet in length, and cattle are remarkably
fond of them. The name of this tree is Parmentiera cereifera. We
have the following account of the Cedron and Vegetable Ivory, two
well-known plants, concerning which several extracts have previously
appeared in these pages :—

- “A tree, which has attained great celebrity, is that called Cedron

(Simaba Cedron; Planch.) The most ancient record of it which I

can find:is in the ‘ History of the Buccaneers,’ an old work published
VoL. Iv. 3.C

378

in London, in the year 1699. Its use, as an antidote for snakes, and
place of growth, are there distinctly stated; but whether on the autho-
rity of the natives, or accidentally discovered by the pirates, does not
appear. If the former was the case, they must have learned it while
on some of their cruizes on the Magdalena, for in the Isthmus the
very existence of the tree was unsuspected until about 1845, when
Don Juan de Ansoatigui ascertained, by comparison, that the Cedron
of Panama and Darien was identical with that of Carthagena. The
virtues of its seeds, however, were known, years ago, from those fruits
imported from the Magdalena, where, according to Mr. William Pur-
die, the plant grows in profusion about the village of San Pablo. In
the Isthmus it is generally found on the outskirts of forests in almost
every part of the country, but in greater abundance in Darien and
Veraguas, than in Panama. The natives hold it in high esteem, and
always carry a piece of the seed about with them. When a person is
bitten, a little, mixed with water, is applied to the wound, and about
two grains scraped into brandy, or, in the absence of it, into water, is
administered internally. By following this treatment the bites of the
most venomous snakes, scorpions, centipedes, and other noxious ani-
mals, have been unattended by dangerous consequences. Doses have
also proved highly beneficial in cases of intermittent fever. The Ce-
dron is a tree, from twelve to sixteen feet high; its sitnple trunk is
about six inches in diameter, and clothed on the top with long pin-
nated leaves, which give it the appearance of a palm. Its flowers are
greenish, and the fruit resembles very much an unripe peach. Hach
seed, or’cotyledon, I should rather say, is sold in the chemists’ shops
of Panama for two or three reals (about ls. or 1s. 6d. English), and
sometimes a much larger price is given for them.

“ Highly interesting is the Anta, a species of vegetable ivory (Phy-
telephas sp.) distinct, probably, from that of the Magdalena. It
grows in low damp localities, principally on the banks of rivers and
rivulets, and is diffused over the southern parts of Darien, and the
vicinity of Portobello, districts which are almost throughout the year
deluged by torrents of rain, or enveloped in the thick vapour that is
constantly arising from the humidity of the soil, and the rankness of
the vegetation. It is always found in separate groves, seldom or
never intermixed with other trees or bushes, and where even herbs
are rarely met with, the ground appearing as if it had been swept. In
habit it resembles the Carozo colorado, or Oil Palm (Hlais melano-
cocca, Gertn.); so much, indeed, that at first sight the two are easily
mistaken for each other. Both affect similar localities, and have

379

trunks which, after creeping along the ground a few yards, ascend,
and attain about an equal height. ‘Their leaves, also, resemble each
other; and their fruit grows in a similar way, attached to short pe-
duncles, and almost hidden in the axils. * * * The uses to which the
Anta is applied by the Indians are nearly the same as elsewhere.
With its leaves their huts are thatched, and the young liquid albumen
is eaten. The ‘nuts, however, are turned to no useful purpose.
The Spanish Isthmians did not know, before I visited the Isthmus,
that vegetable ivory, or Marfil vegetat as they call it, existed in their
country ; and although they have been told that with the produce of
the groves of Darien whole ships might be loaded, no one has yet
taken advantage of the discovery.”

I will conclude these extracts with the following account of the
Jipijapa :—

‘An indigenous production deserving especial notice is the Jipi-
japa (Carludovica palmata, R. et Pav.), a palm-like plant, of whose
unexpanded leaves the far-famed ‘ Panama hats’ are plaited. * * *
The Jipijapa, or Panama hats, are principally manufactured in Vera-
gaus and Western Panama: not all, however, known in commerce by
that name are plaited in the Isthmus; by far the greater propor-
tion is made in Manta, Monte Christi, and other parts of Ecuador.
The hats are worn almost in the whole American continent and the
West Indies, and would probably be equally used in Europe, did not
their high price, varying from 2 to 150 dollars, prevent their importa-
tion. They are distinguished from all others by consisting only of a
single piece, and by their lightness and flexibility. They may be
rolled up and put into the pocket without injury. In the rainy sea-
son they are apt to get black, but by washing them with soap and
water, besmearing them with lime-juice or any other acid, and ex-
posing them to the sun, their whiteness is easily restored. So little
is known about these hats, that it may not be deemed out of place to
insert here a notice of their manufacture. The ‘ straw’ (paja), pre-
vious to plaiting, has to go through several processes. The leaves
are gathered before they unfold, all their ribs and coarser veins re-
moved, and the rest, without being separated from base of the leaf, is
reduced to shreds. After having been put in the sun for a day, and
tied into a knot, the straw is immersed into boiling water until it be-
comes white. It is then hung up in a shady place, and subsequently
bleached for two or three days. The straw is now ready for use, and
in this state sent to different places, especially to Peru, where the In-
dians manufacture from it those beautiful cigar-cases, which fetch

380

sometimes more than £6 apiece. The plaiting of the hats is very
troublesome. It commences at the crown and finishes at the brim.
They are made on a block, which is placed on the knees, and requires
to be constantly pressed with the breast. According to their quality,
more or less time is occupied in their completion ; the coarser ones
may be finished in two or three days, the finest take as many months.
The best times for plaiting are the morning hours and the rainy sea-
son, when the air is moist ; in the middle of the day and in dry clear
weather the straw is apt to break, which when the hat is finished is
betrayed by knots, and much diminishes the value.”

I cannot conclude these interesting extracts from M. Seemann’s
journals, without expressing my own thanks, and, I trust I may add,
those of botanists generally, to this distinguished traveller, for the vast
amount of valuable and highly interesting information he has so
laboriously collected, and is now so agreeably diffusing. I hope
that, before he again leaves Europe on a similar errand, he may com-
plete and publish a connected narrative of his travels and observa-
tions. I can scarcely imagine any work more acceptable to the
scientific public.

Mr. Dalzell’s paper contains descriptions of eight new species:
these are :—Utricularia decipiens and U. albo-cerulea, of the order
Lentibulariexz ; Eriocaulon rivulare, E. odoratum, E. cuspidatum, and
K. pygmeum, of the order Eriocaulee ; Micropera maculata and M.
viridiflora, of the order Orchidee-vandee.

The papers in the October number are intituled :—

‘ Catalogue of Mr. Geyer’s Collection of Plants gathered in Upper
Missouri, the Oregon Territory, and the intervening portion of the
Rocky Mountains ; by Sir W. J. Hooker, D.C.L., F.R.A. and L.S.’

‘ Florula Hongkongensis: an Enumeration of the Plants collected
in the Island of Hong-kong by Capt. J. G. Champion, 95th Reg. ;
the determinations revised and the new species described by George
Bentham, Esq.’

‘Figures and Descriptions of two Species of Boehmeria, of which
the fibre is extensively used in making cloth; by Sir W. J. Hooker,
D.C.L., F.R.A. and L.S,’

‘ Botanical Information :—Advertisements of Algerian plants and
Professor Link’s microscopes.

Sir W. Hooker’s account of plants gathered in the Upper Missouri,
&c., contains descriptions of six new species: these are :—Frasera
thyrsiflora, of the order Gentianez ; Gilia spicata, G. iberidifolia, and

381

G. trifida, of the order Polemoniacee; Eutoca glandulosa, of the
order Hydrophyllee ; aud Coldenia Nuttalii, of the order Boraginee.

Mr. Bentham, in the ‘ Florula Hongkongensis,’ describes nine new
species—Eurya Macartneyi, Cleyera dubia, Ixionanthus Chinensis,
Camellia salicifolia, C. assimilis and C. spectabilis, of the order Tern-
streemiacee ; Garcinia multiflora and G. oblongifolia, of the order
Guttiferz ; and Acer reticulatum, of the order Acerinee.

Sir W. Hooker’s new species of Boehmeria are B. nivea and B.
Puya.

Notice of the ‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Nos. 45
and 46, September and October, 1851.

This September contains two botanical articles: these are inti-
tuled :—

‘ Observations on the Affinities of Olacacee ; by John Miers, Esq.,
F.R.S., F.L.S,’

‘Remarks on Dickieia ; by John Ralfs, Esq.’

The former of these is a paper exhibiting the most profound
research, and does infinite credit to its talented and most industrious
author, whose object is to show that the published opinions of botanists
on this hitherto obscure point are not so widely discrepant as they
seem. “The family of the Olacacez, first proposed by Mirbel, in
1813, under the name of Olacinez, was placed by him near the Au-
rantiacee: Jussieu stationed it in proximity with the Sapotacee,
while DeCandolle, following the views of Mirbel, arranged it close to
Aurantiacez, a conclusion adopted by most succeeding botanists, and
among these Endlicher and Meisner, who disposed it with Auranti-
acee, Meliacee, Humiriacee, &c., in a class calléd Hesperides.
Brongniart however followed the original views of Mr. Brown, in
regard to the affinity of Olax with the Santalacee; but, upon less
satisfactory grounds, he associated with these the Loranthacezx, ex-
cluding at the same time Ximenia from the family. Dr, Lindley, in
his ‘ Nixus Plantarum’ and ‘ Natural System,’ offered a new view, by
placing it, under the designation of the Olacacez, in the same alliance
with the Pittosporacez and Vitacexw, for which position few and not
very satisfactory reasons could be offered. Mr. Bentham, in an ex-
cellent memoir on the Olacinee (Linn. Trans. xviii. 676), proposed a
new arrangement of the order into three distinct tribes, adding seve-
ral new genera, together with his ingenious views in regard to its
affinities, when he justly denied its relation with the Aurantiaceex,
although he admitted its approach to the Humiriacez, considering

382

both these families to be approximate with the Styracee; and lastly
he allowed, that through Opilia and Cansjera, the Olacinex evidently
osculate with the Santalacee. Finally, Dr. Lindley (Veg. Kingd. p.
43) repeated his former views, with some modifications, placing it in
his alliance of the Berberales, together with Droseraceze, Berberida-
cex, Vittacez, Pittosporacez, &c., an alliance which, as Dr. Asa Gray
very justly remarks (Gen. Pl. Un. St. I. p. 78), ‘is there placed on
peculiar grounds by no means compatible with ordinary views of
botanical affinity.”’ :

Mr. Ralfs thus characterizes the genus Dickieia, two marine spe-
cies of which are found on the coast of Britain :—“ Frond subgela-
tinous, tender, plane, containing oblong scattered frustules.” The
fronds are so excessively tender that they will not bear removal from
the paper on which they are dried, their gelatinous matrix being
apparently dissolved by the application of moisture.

The only botanical paper in the October number is intituled—

‘A List of all the Mosses and Hepatice hitherto found in Sussex;
by William Mitten, A.L.S.’

In this very complete and careful paper three new species are de-
scribed. Weissia convolutacea, W. longifolia, W. aciculata, and
several European species are introduced as British, and for the first
time characterized in this country. I cannot too highly commend
the labourious zeal of this excellent bryologist, and I think he has
selected in the Annals the very best channel for the publication of
his scientific researches.

Occurrence of Cuscuta Hassiaca, Koch, near Witham, in Essex.
By E. G. VARENNE, Esq.

Cuscuta Hasstaca, Koch, was found growing upon lucerne, in a
’ field belonging to Mr. Shoobridge, near the town of Witham, in this
county, where it was in full flower, about the middle of last Septem-
ber. Mr. Shoobridge states that the crop of lucerne has been greatly
injured by the growth of the parasite, and also that the lucerne was
raised from seed imported from abroad.

The kindness of Mr. Watson enables me to furnish the readers of
the ‘ Phytologist’ with Koch’s description of Cuscuta Hassiaca, a
perusal of which will enable such of them as may, by chance, meet
with the plant, to recognize it without any difficulty. M. Koch writes
as follows :—

“ Caule ramoso, floribus fasciculatis pedicellatis, tubo corolle cam-

383

panulato limbum equante squamis convergentibus clauso, limbo 5-
fido, laciniis patentibus apice corniculato inflexis, stylis 2, stigmate
capitato. In Anthemide Cotula, Soncho aspero, Galio vero, Medica-
gine sativa, aliisque plantis parasitica. Flores albi, antheris luteis.
Caulis lete aurantiacus.”—Koch, Synopsis, 2nd edit.

To this description may be added the fact, that the flowers of Cuscuta
Hassiaca exhale a perfume resembling that of the heliotrope. The
odours remain distinctly perceptible in specimens which, for the last
five weeks, have been drying in a press.

It does not appear so probable that Cuscuta Hassiaca has been
entirely overlooked, as that it has been confounded with the Cuscuta
Europea, in England. In illustration of this idea, reference may be
made to the ‘ Flora Hertfordiensis, p. 192, where the subjoined re-
marks occur, under the head of Cuscuta Europea :—

“We have heard that a field of lucerne was destroyed by this some
twenty years since near Thundridge; but it has not been observed
recently.”

In considering the above paragraph, it is as well to be aware that
lucerne, in this country, is generally grown from foreign seed; a fact
which would almost warrant the supposition that the Cuscuta so fatal
at Thundridge was imported with the seed of the lucerne sown there.
It may not, therefore, be incorrect to attribute the destructive agency
at Thundridge, alluded to in the ‘ Flora Hertfordiensis, to Cuscuta
Hassiaca, rather than to Cuscuta Europea; and the more so, as Cus-
cuta Hassiaca is known to affect lucerne, a partiality not attributed
to Cuscuta Europea, which is said to grow on annual or biennial
herbs.

It will not be out of place to state that, some years since, when
Cuscuta Trifolii was forcing itself upon the attention of farmers, as
well as of botanists, I observed, during several seasons, a dodder
growing upon lucerne, in a small enclosure at Rivenhall, between
Kelvedon and Witham. Unfortunately, I did not think of gathering
any of this parasite, until the opportunity of doing so was lost. The
size and general appearance of the Rivenhall plant were such as to
lead to the conviction of its not being Cuscuta Trifolii; while, from
its growing upon lucerne, it seems very likely that it was the same
species as that lately discovered at Witham. At all events, having
allowed the opportunity of examining the dodder at Rivenhall to
escape, I resolved, in future, to explore all plots of lucerne, in the
hope of meeting with something similar again. But lucerne, in culti-
vation, is not of very common occurrence, and it was some time before
I discovered the object of my search. As in this neighbourhood, so

384

it may be in others; and, therefore, in all probability Cuscuta Has-
siaca will be met with elsewhere. K. G. VARENNE.
Kelvedon, Essex, October, 1851.

Inquiry respecting the Occurence of Selaginella Helvetica in Britain.
By the Rev. W. W. Spicer, M.A.

Can any reader of the ‘ Phytologist’ verify or refute the alleged
existence of Selaginella Helvetica in England in former days? I was
surprised, on looking over Sherard’s herbarium, at Oxford, some years
ago, to find a specimen of this lycopod among the British 'Filices.
There was no record of locality with it; but there were five labels,
three of which contained references to old botanic authors ; a fourth
had the Linnean name, with a reference to Sp. Pl. p. 1568, n. 18, in
the handwriting (as Mr. Baxter, who was then Curator, informed me)
of Dr. J. Sibthorp. The remaining label was a paragraph, cut out
from a copy of the third edition of Ray’s Synopsis, at the foot of the
108th page, and is to this effect :—

“ Hujus una tantum species adhuc innotuit, nempé Muscus, &c.
C. B. Quem licét Lobelius Somersetiz sterilibus montibus, Mendip
vocatis, ubi plumbeum effoditur, nonnunquam magna copia provenire
memorize proditum reliquerit. Nemo tamen post eum nec:ibi nec
aliis locis hunc Muscum in Anglia adhic observavit. Nec loca a
Merreto in Pin. p. 80. Memorata huic Musco competunt, sed alii
proctl dubio speciei, quam pro hoc perperam habuit. Herbarium
sané ipsius nullum hujus Musci specimen continent.” (The “loca a
Merreto memorata” are “ damp places at the Neathouses and Kings-
bridge, by the Thames’ side.”)

1 desired Mr. Baxter to inspect other herbaria for me, and he soon
after wrote me as follows:—* Besides the Sherardian herbarium, I have
examined those also of Morrison, Dillenius, and Dubois, all of which
contain specimens of Lycopodium helveticum ; but neither of them
give any localities for it.” Now the question is, were Lobel and Mer-
ret really mistaken, and did the specimens get accidentally'into the
herbaria of Sherard, &c.? It seems hardly likely. Neither is it
likely that they should all combine to place this particular exotic (if
it is one) in the British department of their herbaria. Perhaps a
search through other old herbaria, or an examination of some old
botanical works, might throw some light on the subject. The dates of
the above-named authors are :—Lobel, 1570; Merrett, 1667 ; Mori-
son, 1670; Ray, 1724 (8rd edition) ; Sherard (died), 1728; Dillenius,
1741. Ido not know Dubois’ date. W. W. SPIicer.

Itchen Abbas, October 25, 1851.

385

Development of the Organ of Destructiveness in some Plant-seekers,
not Botanists. By Wit.iamM BENNETT, Esq.

Never having visited the patronymic habitat of Hymenophyllum
Tunbridgense, and being desirous of inquiring after its welfare, and
of ascertaining whether it continued to maintain itself in that locality,
we started for Tunbridge Wells one day last week. On gaining the
High Rocks, we made at once for the first attractive opening we per-
ceived in them, and after exploring their bases for some time, ascended
through one of the characteristic fissures with which that peculiar
formation abounds. It was steep and narrow, and but for the ad-
vantage of being of somewhat spare habit, our progress towards the
top might have been arrested, or the foremost might have found him-
self in the predicament of a cork in the mouth of a bottle, difficult
to be extricated either way. At the upper part of the fissure, an arch-
way or small tunnel is formed by the rocks, through which it was
necessary to crawl, or to clamber up an awkward opening on the right,
in order to emerge on the summit. I have given this particular de-
scription, that every one who has either visited, or may hereafter
visit, the spot, may recognize it. By scrambling through the tunnel,
instead of climbing up the opening above mentioned, I missed the
first discovery of the object of our search. My son, who was my
companion, and a head taller, espied something green and suspicious
in a hollow of the rock above him, which, on gaining access to, proved
to be the Hymenophyllum.

We thought ourselves exceedingly fortunate in thus, without any
guide or instruction, so soon lighting upon our quarry; and we sat
down on a mossy, projecting rock, to gaze upon the home of the beau-
tiful little fern, and to spread out our bread and raisins, before laying
our profane hands on a single delicate frond. This, I believe, we
should not have done at all; but upon looking round at leisure, we
were delighted to observe several other patches, scattered among the
crevices, and one on the ground itself. On descending into a lateral
fissure, to extend our investigations, I lighted on a loose, dark mass,
on a ledge, which, upon examining, to my grief and astonishment, I
found to be a large, dead mass of the Hymenophyllum, thus ruthlessly
torn off the rocks, and left to perish. Another, and another, turned
up; and getting down right into the bottom of the great fissure, I
found it completely carpeted with the matted rhizoma and withered
fronds of the fern, in pieces, some certainly a yard square, thus wan-

VOL. Iv. 3 D

386

tonly consigned to destruction. It was quite clear, that this portion
of the rocks had once been entirely clothed with the most luxuriant
tapestry of this delicate little fern; that it had been wilfully torn down
and destroyed by wholesale, by some Goth or Vandal; and that all
we had seen were the mere wrecks and fringes, that had escaped his
ruthless hand. We thought we could trace the very fitting of some of
the pieces on some parts of the rocks. The attempt, we believe, had
been to annihilate the fern entirely; but, thanks to the energies of
Nature, it had so far failed, that, besides the scattered fragments here
and there surviving, a few small patches had evidently sprung up
since; and on a very close inspection, we observed a fair sprinkling
of the seedling fern in various spots on the face of the rock, where it
had been denuded, again beginning to vegetate; and if unmolested,
we have little doubt, in a few years, it will all be green again. At
what period this devastation was committed, we were unable to con-
jecture, not knowing how long the fronds of this fern will continue to
maintain some greenness in sufficiently damp situations. At the mar-
gins of some of the larger masses, were still a few partially green
fronds. We spent half an hour to an hour in carefully replanting all
we could find of these in the crevices, hollows, and other likely places,
in case of there being any life left. I can hardly desire that such a
ruthless barbarian as he whose agency had here been exemplified may
be among the readers of the ‘ Phytologist ;’ but should this meet his
eye, I trust the consciousness and chance of exposure may inflict
some punishment, or, at least, the shame and indignity of being thus
made to “ point a moral;” and, he may depend upon it, he cannot
escape his due at some time.

We afterwards observed the Hymenophyllum sparingly on the face
of a great rock close by the side of one of the made footpaths, and in
two places on the Eridge Rocks. We had not time to investigate Har-
rison’s Rocks, but have little doubt the fern is to be found in other sta-
tions all over the series, wherever the conditions are presented. Our
observation of this day would lead us to the conclusion, that H. Tun-
bridgense does not affect particularly dripping or very wet rocks ; and
we should have missed it altogether, had we confined our search to
the bases of the rocks, as it grows at Ardingly, or like its congener,
H. Wilsoni, which delights in mountain streamlets, cascades, and the
sides of absolutely wet rocks. All the spots where we observed the
H. Tunbridgense were on comparatively dry parts of the rocks; but
a moist surrounding atmosphere is undoubtedly most essential. I am

387

now inclined to think that we lost a very fine mass of H. Tunbridgense
we had growing under glass, from having kept it too constantly wet.

W. BENNETT.
Brockham Lodge, Nov 7, 1851.

Professor Nees von Esenbeck.

THE political reaction now in full swing on the Continent is not to
pass away without selecting some victims from the ranks of the repre-
sentatives of botanical science, as it has done from those of other
branches of learning. M. Nees von Esenbeck, for having expressed
too freely, it was thought, his political conviction, has been deprived
of his situation as Professor in the University of Breslau, and is now
reduced to the painful necessity of disposing of both his library and
herbarium. British naturalists may wonder how scientific men abroad
can be so senseless as to join in political demonstrations, and may be
at a loss to account for the fact, that a sober man like Stephen End-
licher could be so sanguine as to take the regalia of the Old Germanic
Empire from the Museum of Vienna to the revolutionary Parliament
in Frankfort. They may have thought that that savan would have
acted more rationally if, instead of heading political deputations, he
had finished the Supplements to his ‘Genera Plantarum,’ or quietly
pursued those philological studies by which, no less than by his
labours in other branches of learning, he had obtained a well-merited
celebrity. Perhaps it would have been wiser had he followed the
latter course ; but we must not forget that, in the present state of the
Continent, it is difficult to observe neutrality, and that men of science,
from their superior education, feel too keenly the despotic. yoke op-
pressing their nation to remain indifferent spectators. Who knows,
if England did not possess the liberties it does, whether some of our
learned might not be induced to play the same parts which some of
them now censure in their colleagues across the water ?

We must therefore deal lightly with M. Nees von Esenbeck for
committing the blunder, if blunder it is, of mixing in politics, and

merely keep in view the botanist who, by his learning, erudition, and
sound philosophical reasoning, has elucidated the most perplexing of
natural orders, and whose literary career has been a succession of
brilliant achievements and important discoveries, making it the more
painful that the labours of such a man should be cut short by the sale

388

of his books and herbarium. M. Nees von Esenbeck has just pub-
lished a catalogue of his library, and prefaced it by an appeal to the
members of the Imperial L. C. Academy, and scientific men in gene-
ral, an extract of which has, by the desire of the author, been commu-
nicated to the editors of botanical journals in England, by M. Berthold
Seemann. “I am,” says the President, “without property; my
library, my herbarium, is all I possess, all I am able to leave to my
family. In my career as medical man I considered the interest of the
poor sufferer of primary, my own of secondary importance, and being
devoted too much to scientific studies, I did not obtain a good, cer-
tainly never an extensive practice. An estate, inherited from a rela-
tive, afforded for some years means and leisure of cultivating science
successfully, until, during the French wars, the property became un-
tenable, and I was induced to accept a Professorship in Erlangen, and
the Presidency of the Imperial L. C. Academy of Naturalists. Having
afterwards, by exchanging Erlangen for Bonn, settled in Prussia, it
became a question whether the Academy should have its seat in Ba-
varia, because my predecessor resided in Erlangen when the German
Empire was dissolved, or whether it should retain its position as a
national institution of the whole of Germany. The negotiations which
followed ended with the Academy keeping its independence, and, as
far as circumstances would permit, its position towards the Confede-
ration,—and it was by my exertions that the institution obtained a
confirmation of its ancient statutes, and, during its stay in Prussia, an
annual grant of 1200 thalers.

“Since 1818 I have laboured in restoring this ancient institu-
tion, and in discharging my duties as Professor in the University ;
indeed my academical duties required my whole attention, and
prevented me from accepting any of the more lucrative places which
from time to time became vacant. Thus, it happens that, since
the Government has deprived me of the Professorship, I am reduced
to circumstances which force me to part with my library and _ her-
barium. Having no prospect of a pension, and no desire to solicit
favour in high places, I address myself to the members of the Aca-
demy, and to my friends and contemporaries, begging them to exert
themselves in trying to dispose of my collection. If my library
and herbarium could be sold as a whole, I should be able to realize
their value, and I would always consider that amount as an acknow-
- ledgement of thirty-three years of academical service. — NEES VON
ESENBECK, President of the Imperial L. C. Academy of Naturalists.”

The herbarium consists of 297 volumes in folio, and 42 in quarto,

389

and contains altogether 80,000 sheets, It is valuable, on account of
its being chiefly composed of exotic specimens, including plants col-
lected by Sieber, Preiss, Wallich, Wight, Ecklon, Zeyher, Drége,
Poppe, Wied, and others, and representing most fully the floras of
New Holland, Southern Africa, Mexico, the East Indies, and Kurope.
What renders it still more important is its containing the original
specimens on which M. von Esenbeck’s monographic labours, his dis-
sertations on the Laurinezx, Solanee, Acanthacee, Hepatice, Asterez,
Cyperacee, Graminee, and Restiacee, are founded.

The library is composed of 3002 volumes, embracing the standard
works of natural history and natural philosophy. It is to be sold in
Breslau, on the 1st of May, 1852, by public auction, and commissions
will be received by the “ Schlettersche Buchhandlung” in Breslau, or
by any other great bookseller on the Continent. The herbarium, if it
cannot be sold as a whole, is to be disposed of in sets. It has been
valued at 12,000 thalers, but there can be no doubt that it will fetch a
much higher price. The Laurinee are valued at 280 thalers, the
Acanthacez at 600, and the Glumacez at 3000.

It is to be hoped that these treasures will not be dispersed, but that
some institution or private individual, ready to make them available
to the scientific public, will become the purchaser, that, after party
squabbles have been forgotten, posterity may behold the entire col-
lections of a man whom the present age justly considers one of the
most eminent of which science can boast.

Po VoP:

Microscopical Society of London.

October 22, 1851.— A paper was read by Geo. Shadbolt, Esq., ‘On
the Sporangia of some of the Filamentous Freshwater Algz.’

This was in continuation of a subject introduced to the notice of the
Society in May last, by the same gentleman, when he pointed out the
fact, that in Zygnema quadratum and Z. varians the sporangia un-
dergo a considerable change of form, assuming a stellate character
after the lapse of some weeks from their first formation. The second
paper detailed observations confirming those previously announced,
and giving some of the particulars of the modus operandi, and added
Lyngbya floccosa and a species of Vesiculifera to the list of those in
which the author had noted an analogous transformation. It was
stated that in Zygnema varians, after conjugation, when the sporan-

390

gium appears as an ellipsoidal homogeneous mass, the first change
which takes place is the formation of a few semi-transparent vesicles
just within the sporangium; and these continually increase in number
until the whole interior becomes similarly converted» After about a
fortnight’s interval from this period, a further change occurs, the spo-
rangia being covered with long, projecting spines, producing a con-
siderable inflation of the original cell-wall of the frond in which they
were formed; a fact which the author considers important, as tending
to prove the continued existence of vitality in the cell at this stage.
It was stated that in Lyngbya floccosa the spines are exceedingly
short; but, what is remarkable, they are disposed in a regular, spiral
line about the long axis of the sporangium. In Vesiculifera ?
the spines are numerous and extraordinarily delicate. In all the
above-named species, the observations were made while the sporangia
were still within the original frond, so that there is no doubt as to
which each belonged.—J. W.

Notice of Hooker’s‘ Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany,
No. 35, November, 1851.

The papers in this number are intituled :—

‘On some Facts tending to show the probability of the Conversion
of Asci into Spores in certain Fungi; by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley,
M.A., F.L.S., and C. E. Broome, Esq., M.A.’

‘ Angiopteris longifolia, Grev. § Hook., of Sir William Jackson
Hooker’s Herbarium, and its Synonyms; communicated by Dr. W.
H. Vriese, Professor of Botany in the Royal University at Leyden.’

‘ Florula Hongkongensis: an Enumeration of the Plants collected
in the Island of Hong-kong by Capt. J. G. Champion, 95th Reg. ;
the determinations revised and the new pier described by George
Bentham, Esq.’

‘Journal of a Voyage from Santarem to the Barra do Rio Negro;
by Richard Spruce, Esq.’

“Contributions to the Botany of Western India; by N. A. Dalzell,
Esq., M.A.’

‘ Botanical Information :’-—‘ Letter on the successful Cultivation of
Victoria regia in Philadelphia, U.S. A., addressed to Sir W. J. Hooker
by Caleb Cope, Esq.’

‘Notices of Books:’ —‘ Papers and Proceedings of the Royal

391

Society of Van Diemen’s Land. Vol. I. 1850. 8vo. Hobart Town,
Wis DoT) 4:

‘Lehmann: Novarum et minus cognitarum stirpium Pugillus nonus
addita nova Recensione nec non enumeratione specierum omnium ge-
neris Potentillarum earumque Synonyma locupletissima; Auctore
Christiano Lehmann. Hamburgi: 1851.

In Mr. Bentham’s paper eleven new species are described—Sclero-
stylis buxifolia, S. venosa, and S. Hindsii, of the order Aurantiacee ;
Xanthoxylum cuspidatum, X. lentiscifolium, X. ptelezfolium, and
Boymia glabrifolia, of the order Rutacez ; Evonymus longifolius, E.
laxiflorus, E. hederaceus, and Celastrus Hindsii, of the order Celas-
trinee.

In Mr. Dalzell’s paper six new species are described—Sarcanthus
peninsularis, Eulophia bicolor, Habenaria uniflora, Peristylus elatus,
and Dendrobium microchilos, of the order Orchidee Vandee ; Argo-
stemma glaberrimum, of the order Rubiacee ; also a new genus, called
Tapinocarpus, allied to Arum and Dracunculus, but no type is given
or new species described ; this is probably reserved for another number.

The following extract from Mr. Spruce’s journal is amusing :—

“The Serinque-tree has long been known to exist abundantly on
the Rio Madeira, but it is only during the present year that it has
been found to grow on the Ramos in considerable quantity. About
two months before our visit three small seringals had been opened a
little higher up than the mouth of the Mané, and late on the evening
of the 17th of November we reached one of these, belonging to Capi-
tad Pedro de Macedo of Saraca (or Silves, as it is called on the maps).
A considerable opening had been made in the forest to erect the ne-
cessary huts, and to plant a few cabbages and water-melons. * * *
We found the Capitaé a very hospitable and intelligent man, and
were glad to accept his invitation to join him at supper and breakfast
on game caught near his seringal, including Porco do mato, Macaco
barrigudo, and Muttm—the last a bird much resembling a turkey,
good eating but rather dry; the monkey is rather insipid and the pig
very savoury, though with a thick tough skin. After breakfast he
accompanied us into the forest, and showed us the Serinque-trees,
and the mode of collecting the milk. A track had been cut to each
tree, as also to adjacent flats of Urucuri palm (Cocos coronata, Matt.),
which, curiously enough, is almost invariably found along with the
Serinque,@nd whose fruit is considered essential,to the propex/prepa-
ration of India rubber. A stout sipé is wound round the trunk of the
Serinque, beginning at the base and extending upwards about as high

392

as aman can reach, and making in this space two or three turns.
This sipé supports a narrow channel made of clay, down which the
milk flows as it issues from the wounded trunk, and is received into a
small cuya deposited at the base. Early in the morning a man goes
into the forest and visits in succession every tree, taking with him a
tercado and a large cuya (called cuyamboca) suspended by a handle
so as to form a sort of pail. With his tergado he makes sundry slight
gashes in the bark of each tree, and returning to the same in the space
of about an hour, he finds a quantity of milk in the cuya at the base,
which he transfers to his cuyamboca. The milk being collected and
placed in a large shallow earthenware pan, several large caraipé-pots
with narrow mouths are nearly filled with the fruit of the Urucuri and
placed on brisk fires. The smoke arising from the heated Urucuri is
very dense, and as each successive coat is applied to the mould (which
is done by pouring the milk over it, and not by dipping it into the
milk), the operator holds it in the smoke, which hardens the milk in
a few moments. The moulds now used are all of wood, and not of
clay as formerly, and the one generally preferred is in the form of the
battledores which English housewives use for folding linen, only thin-
ner and flat on both sides, and the milk is applied only as far as to
the insertion of the handle, the latter being held by the operator.
When the requisite number of coatings have been applied and time
has been allowed for the whole to stiffen, the Serinque is withdrawn
from the mould by slitting it along one side and end. In this state
it is known in the Para market as ‘ Serinque em couro,’ or hides of
India rubber, and it is preferred to the bottle rubber by purchasers.
I send you one such ‘hide, from which you will see that Capitaé
Pedro’s manufacture is not despicable. If the bottle-moulds are used,
or if a shoe is to be moulded on a last, a stick of two feet long is
always inserted into the mould to guarantee the operator’s hand from
the milk and smoke. Some shoes we saw here had thirty coatings
apiece of Serinque. The Capitad was getting about six milreis an
arroba (32 tbs) for his Serinque, but in Para it sells for as much as
ten milreis. November is the season of ripe fruit of the Serinque, but
the trees on the Ramos had been completely stripped by the Araras,
a sort of long-tailed parrot.”

E. NEWMAN, PRINTER, 9, DEVONSHIRE STREET, BISHOPSGATE, LONDON.

THE

PHYTOLOGIST:

POPULAR

BOTANICAL MISCELLANY,

CONDUCTED BY

EDWARD NEWMAN, F.LS., Z.S., &c., &c.

VOLUME THE FOURTH.

(CONTINUED).

LONDON:
JOHN VAN VOORST, PATERNOSTER ROW.

M.DCCC.LII.

There he arriving round about doth fly

From bed to bed, from one to other border,
And takes survey, with curious busy eye,

Of every flower and herb there set in order.
Now this, now that, he tasteth tenderly ;

Yet none of them he rudely doth disorder,
Ne with his feet their silken leaves deface,
But pastures on the pleasures of each place.

SPENCER.

PREFACE.

WHEN addressing the readers of the ‘ Phytologist’ at the close of
last year, I took occasion to congratulate the botanists of this country
on the extent and variety of their periodical literature. At that time
every little coterie of botanists seemed to possess its exclusive organ
for interchange of sentiment among its members. While penning my
observations,—while commending the industry and disinterested love of
science which prompted and maintained so goodly an array of jour-
nals,—I little thought that some of them had already ceased to exist,
and that others had practically, if not theoretically, excluded botany
from their pages. It is worthy of notice, as indicating the restricted
circulation of these journals, that no appreciable difference in the sale
of the ‘ Phytologist’ occurred, either on their commencement or their
cessation. It must not, however, fora moment be supposed that I
am undervaluing these journals: they contained a number of papers
not only of interest, but of value; and right glad should I have been
to have inserted them in these pages. I am persuaded it would be
regarded as a great boon by the reading and purchasing botanists of
Great Britain, if the working and publishing botanists would hence-
forth confine their contributions to this journal, because then a mode-
rate subscription would put the readers in possession of the current
information of the day. I consider the present time, when there can
scarcely be said to be any competing journal, the most suitable one
for making these observations; and I trust that their propriety will
be admitted by every subscriber to the ‘ Phytologist.” The increase
in the number of contributors and of contributions, during the cur-
rent year, is very marked, and indicates a movement in the desired

direction.

Vil

I have again to extend a friendly caution against useless repeti-
tions, which not only occupy space unprofitably, but exclude matter
of more value. Great caution should be exercised in ascertaining
whether a previous record exists of any recently observed fact. It is
not that the recent observation must in all cases be suppressed ;
but, supposing the prior record to exist, it must never be given as
new. Thus, it may be a matter of considerable interest to know that
Cucubalus, Asparagus, Peonia, Lobelia urens, &c., continue to main-
tain their old stations; but it would be completely inexcusable to

communicate those stations as possessing any novelty. This very

observation is a repetition, but a repetition which is called for by the

circumstances of the case.

The very copious table of contents which immediately follows will,
it is hoped, be accepted, for the present, in lieu of the summary usu-
ally given in the Preface. It is not intended to dispense altogether
with this summary, although the time and mode of its appearance is
still unfixed. I would, however, invite attention to the recent dis-
coveries in that limited field which I have more particularly endea-
voured to cultivate. Pseudathyrium alpestre has been found in pro-
fusion in the Highlands of Scotland; Asplenium germanicum in
Cumberland and Caenarvonshire ; both the Woodsias again in Caer-
narvonshire, and with a considerably extended range ; Trichomanes
speciosum in two new Irish habitats; and last, but not least, Asple-
nium Halleri, the A. fontanum of our books, has occurred, in some
plenty, on a stone wall in a county where its discovery would never
have been anticipated. On these subjects I am not permitted to say
more; but I do not doubt that the early numbers of next year will

contain every particular.

EDWARD NEWMAN.
9, Devonshire St., Bishopsgate,

November, 1852.

CONTENTS.

ALEXANDER, W. T., R.N.
A List of the Fungi detected in Cloyne
and its Vicinity, in 1852, 727.
ANONYMouS
Nees von Esenbeck, 465; The Lan-
cet’s Analytical Sanitary Com-
mission (Adulteration of Tea,
&c.), 514; Spices, and their Im-
portation into Great Britain, 575 ;
Encephalartoses of Southern Afri-
ca; Joakim Fredk. Schouw, 613;
Mr. Salmon’s Division of Surrey
into Botanical Districts, 615;
Botanic Garden in Rome, 652;
Mr. Drummond returned from
Australia, 655; M. Zeyher at
the Cape, 655; Two Hun-
dredth Anniversary of the Impe-
rial Academy, 657.
Attwoop, Miss
Occurrence of Arabis stricta and Tri-
nia vulgaris on Rocks near Clif-
ton, 610; Dianthus cesius, Poa
polynoda, and Pyrus Aria on St.
Vincents Rocks ; A. Flora of
Bristol, 649.
Bazineton, C. C., M.A., F.LS., &e.
Viola stricta in Cambridgeshire, 649 ;
Myosotis strigulosa in Cumber-
land, 693.
Bacxknouse, JAMES
Devonshire Variety of Lastrea Filix-
mas; Abbreviated Form of the
same Species; Pseudathyrium
alpestre ; Gymnogramma lepto-
sphylla, 716; Cystopteris Dickie-
ana, 716.
BackuHovse, JAMES, JUNR.
On Teesdale Plants, 606,
Baker, Joun G.

Occurrence of Ruppia maritima,
Linn., in the North of England,
471; A Word for Narcissus in-
comparabilis, Curt., 600; Sisym-
brium <Austriacum in Durham,
720 ; Anacharis Alsinastrum, Ser-
rafalcus patulus, Ranunculus con-
fusus, 721; Lastrea glandulosa
in Yorkshire, 722; Cyperus fus-

cus in Yorkshire, 759 ; Collomia
grandiflora in Yorkshire, 760.
Baltey, J. W.
Pteris serrulata in Dorsetshire, 609.
Barkig, Dr.
Celsia cretica in Ireland, 722.
Bennett, A. W.

Note on some further Stations for
Leersia oryzoides, 439 ; Cowslip
in Flower in October, 757.

Bennett Epwarop T.

Three Days’ Walk in the New Forest,
together with a few additional
Localities to Dr. Bromfield’s
Hampshire Flora, 753.

Bennett, WILLIAM

Mr. Salmon’s Division of Surrey into

Botanical Districts, 616.
B.apon, JAMES

Note on certain doubtfully native
Plants, 442; Boletus parasitic
upon a Lycoperdon, 446.

Bioxam, Rev. ANpDREw, M.A.

Grimmia ovata near Charnwood Fo-
rest, 478 (R.C. Douglas by error) ;
Name of the Vinegar-plant, 481;
Note on Asplenium fontanum,

518.
Bree, Rev. W. T., M.A.
Note on Narcissus poeticus, 396 ; Note
on Adonis autumnalis, 397.
Crark, THomas
Note on Aconitum Napellus, 475 ;
Narcissus aurantius? in Somer-
setshire, 646; Notes of a Few
Days’ Visit to Lynmouth, Devon-
shire, 742.
Corner, Tuomas, A.L.S.
Claytonia perfoliata in Britain, 485.
Darsy, C. L.
Lastrea rigida in Treland, 726.
Davigs, J. B
New Form of Myosotis palustris of
Withering, 647.
De La CuaumetteE, H. L.
Note on British Cyclamens ; Deri-
vation of the name Osmunda,
483 ; Note on Convallaria bifolia,
O19. -

Vill

DovspLepay, HENRY
Note on Lastrea uliginosa, 476
Fiower, Tuomas B., F.L.S.

Note on Adonis autumnalis, 470; Note
on Aconitum Napellus, 475; Wilt-
shire Locality for Sedum sexan-
gulare, 483; On the Glamor-
ganshire Locality for Cnicus tu-
berosus, 519; Dianthus cesius
on St. Vincent’s Rocks, 725.

Hance, H. F., L.L.D.

Note on Dr. Drummond’s Reply to
the Notice of ‘ Observations on
Natural Systems of Botany,’ 398;
Nees von Esenbeck, 611.

Hinp, W. M.

Hydnum coralloides, Scop., near Bur-

ton-on-Trent, 756.
Hort, F. J. A.

Note on Athyrium Filix-fcemina, var.
latifolium, 440; Occurrence of
Carex montana, Z., in Glouces-
tershire, 551 ; Occurrence of
Orobanche cerulea, Vill., and
Aconitum Napellus, Z., in Mon-
mouthshire, 640; Note on the
Third Volume of Mr H.C. Wat-
son’s ‘ Cybele Britannica, 641 ;
Reply to Mr. Newman’s Obser-
vations on Athyrium latifolium,
646.

Hussey, JAMES
Adonis autumnalis probably truly wild,

617.
J.R.
Inquiry respecting Aconitum Napel-
lus, 475.

Lees, Epwiy, F.L.S.

On the Abundance of certain Fungi
on Worlebury Hill, Weston-Su-
per-mare, in the Autumn of 1881,
444; Notices of the Flowering
Time and Localities of some
Plants observed during an Ex-
cursion through a portion of
South Devon, in June, 1851, 530.

Lirriepoy, T. G.

Monstrous Form of Trifolium repens,

694.
Luioyp, Joun

Note on the Vinegar-plant, 481; Pte-
ris aquilina in a Smoky Locality,
717; Spinulose Section of Las-
treas, 757.

Lioyp, J., and K. McEnnes

Three Days in Tilgate Forest, a Bota-

nical Ramble, 633.
McEnnes, K.

Rich Locality of Plants on Wands-

worth Common, 697.

Marsuati, W.

Excessive and noxious Increase of

Udora Canadensis, 705.
Maw, GreorGE

Aconitum Napellusin Glamorganshire,
695 ; Lilium Pyrenaicum in De-
vonshire, 717.

MELVILLE, Dr.

Naias flexilis at Roundstone, in Ire-
land, 724.

Moore, Davin, A.L.S., &c.

On the Distribution of the Erica Me-
Giterranea, var. Hibernica, and
some other Plants, in Ireland,
597; Trichomanes speciosum in
Co. Limerick; Polypodium Dry-
opteris in Ireland, 724; Spiran-
thes cernua in [reland, 726.

Moore, Tuomas, F.L.S.
On Lastrea cristata and its Allies, 672.
Nees von Esenseck, Pres. L. C. Acad.

Letter in acknowledgment of receipt

of Subscription, 781.
Newman, Epwaro, F.L.S.

The Exhibition of Scotch Cereals &c.
in the Crystal Palace, by Messrs.
Lawson & Son, of Edinburgh,
474 ; Note on Aconitum Napel-
lus, 476; Lastrea uliginosa, 476,
694; Orchis hircina in Kent, 477 ;
Villarsia nympheoides in the
Kent Road, 479; Vinegar-plant,
480; Natural Systems of Plants,
481; British Cyclamens, 483 ;
Hybrid Narcissus; Effects of
Light and Heat on the Expan-
sion of Flowers, 484; Adultera-
tion of Tea, 485; Fritillaria Me-
leagris, 606; Mr. Smith’s Division
of Ferns, 607; Orchis speciosa,
609 ; Note on Athyrium ovatum,
618 ; Polypodium Phegopteris in
Sussex, 645, 725; Eleocharis
Watsoni, 651 ; Thlaspi alpestre,
692; A few Observations on the
Fungus-blight in Wheat, found-
ed chiefly on the Discoveries of
Fontana and Sir Joseph Banks,
and addressed to the Phytologist
Club, on the 25th of September,
1852, 700; Osmunda regalis near
Kidderminster, 725 ; Polypodium
Phegopteris near Balcombe, 725.

Oxiver, Danikt, June., F.B.S.E.

Botanical Notes of a Week in Ireland,

in August, 1852, 676.
Poa WwW:

Acrostic written at the Grave of the

late Thomas Edmonston, Natu-

ralist to H.M.S. ‘ Herald, by one
of his Fellow Voyagers, 409.
Pamptin, Wittiam, A.L.S.

MS. Notes and Additions in a Copy
of Ray’s ‘ Catalogus Plantarum
Anglia, 744.

PoLwHeE LE, J. A.

Viola stricta in Cambridgeshire, 615.
Prrcuas, W. H.

Anther-cells of Chrysosplenium, 692.
QUERIST

Sempervivum tectorum, 482.
Rawson, R. W., B.A.

Lastrea cristata, L. Thelypteris, L.
spinosa, Equisetum W ilsoni, 695.

REECE, GEORGE

Inquiry. respecting Atriplex hortensis,

479

REYNOLDS, R. , and A. SHIPLEY
Notes from North Wales, in August,
1852, 734.
Satmon, J. D., F.L.S.
On the Division of the County of Sur-
rey into Botanical Districts, with
a view to the Preparation of a
Flora of Surrey, 558, 719.
Satter, T. Beu., M.D., F.LS.
On the Fertility of certain Hybrids,
737.
Sermann, Berruo tp, M.I.A.N.C. &c.
Biographical Sketches of Dr. C. F.
Ecklon and M. C. L. P. Zeyher,
393.
Spicer, Rev. W. W., M.A.
Gymnogramma leptophylla in Scot-
land, 600.
Syme, Joun T.
Notes on some of the British Plants
' for Distribution to the Members
of the Botanical Society of Lon-
don in 1852, 468; Drying Suc-
~ culent Plants, 650.
TaANnneER, Mr.
Lastrea recurva in the Isle of Mull,
725.
VARENNE, E. G.
Note on Plants observed in the County

of Essex during the year 1851,

544; Chenopodium ficifolium,

609 ; Observations on CEnanthe

fluviatilis, Coleman, 673
WanrinerTon, R., F.C.S.

Observations on the Teas of Com-

merce, 566.
Warpate, Mr.
Melampyrum pratense, 758.
Watson, Hewerr Cotrrett, F.L.S.

Reply to an inquiry respecting Atri-
plex hortensis, 479; Asplenium
germanicum in Northumberland ;
Lastrea uliginosa not in Kincar-
dineshire, 696.

WestcomsBE, THomas

Occurrence of Cucubalus baccifer in
the Isle of Dogs, 605; Pseuda-
thyrium alpestre, 652, 723 ; Las-
trea uliginosa, 723; Poterium
muricatum and Filago apiculata
in Worcestershire, 724.

Witutams, Mes. BENNETT

Dianthus deltoides in Worcestershire,
724,

Wot .aston, Gro. BucHaNAaNn

Orchis hircina in Kent, 477; Species
of Woodsia, 610.

Woop, C.

Asplenium fontanum on a Wall near

Tooting Common, 477.
Woops, JosEpn, F.L.S.

A Letter, addressed to Robert Brown,
Esq., F.L.S., containing Botani-
cal Memoranda of a Visit to
France, in the Summer of 1851,
500.

Warieut, Miss

Asplenium germanicum in Cumber-
land, 723.

Antirrhinum majus; Angelica Arch-
angelica, 482.
bts oh ap
A Perplexing Question, 472; Potato
Disease ; Lettuce a Politician,
473.

NOTICES OF BOOKS, &c.

Hooker’s Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Pees,

Botanical Gazette
The Gardener’s Magazine of Botany

Annals and Magazine of Natural History

399, 548, 595, 603
- : - 402
405

408, 486

A Manual of Botany ; being an Introduction to the Study of the Structure, Physio-

logy, and Classification of Plants.

By John Hutton Balfour, M.D., F.LS.,

F.R.S.E., Professor of Medicine and Botany in the University of Edinburgh.

SSS SS EEE

Second Edition. London: John Joseph Griffin & Co. 1851.—Also, a Review
of the above, received as a kind of a Handbill, but published in the ‘ North Bri-
tish Agriculturist, dated Wednesday, May 7, 1851!.—Also, a second Review of
the same work, published in the ‘ Monthly Medical Journal of Botany’ for
June, 1851 Ars, Singular Specimens of the Edinburgh Practice of Criticism.
By John Joseph Grifin. London: John J. Griffin & Co. 1851 —Also, Let-
ter to R. K. Greville ; being an Answer to certain Statements contained in a
Pamphlet intituled ‘ Singular Practices’ &c. By John Hutton Balfour, M.D.

Edinburgh: Adam & Charles Black. 1851 . ‘ . 433
Neue Allgemeine Deutsche Garten und Blumenzeitung, redigirt v: von Eduard Otto.

Siebenter Jahrgang. 8vo. Hamburg: 1851 : . 486
The Vegetation of Europe, its Conditions and Causes, By Arthur Hentrey, F.LS.,

&c., &c. London: John Van Voorst. 1851. . 682

The Botany of the Voyage of H.M.S. Herald, under the Command of Captain Henry
Kellett, R.N., C.B., during the years 1845—51. By Berthold Seemann, Memb.
Imp. Acad. Nat. Cur. ; Naturalist to the Expedition. London: Reeve & Co.
1852 x : ‘ . 589, 680
Synopsis Plantarum, seu Enumeratio Systematica Plantar um, plerumque adhuc cogni-
tarum, cum Differentiis Specificis et Synonymis selectis ad modum Persoonii
elaborata. Auctore David Dietrich. Sect. V. Class XX—XXIII. Vim-

arle: 1852 . P . 603

Cybele Britannica. Vol. III. By Hewett Cottrell Watson. London: Longman

and Co. 1852 F . : : ; - - 642

Walks after Wild Flowers; or the Botany of the Bohereens. By! Richard Dowden

(Richard). London: John Van Voorst. 1852 . , , . 688
EXTRACTS.

On the Aquilaria Agallucha, Rozb., the Agallochum or Aloé-wood Tree of Commerce.
By the late William Roxburgh, M.D., F.L.S., &c. From the Proceedings of

the Linnean Society . 447
Notes on Bidellium. By B. A. R. Nicholson, Esq., M. D., of the Bombay Army.
From the same : . 448
On a Jarge Block of Sandstone from the Neighbourhood of Swellendam, South Africa,
By Benjamin Kennedy, F.L.S. From the same. . 450

Notes on the Leaf of Gaurea grandifolia, DeC. By R. C. Alexander, Esq or Dis
F.L.S. From the same . .

Rice Paper Plant. By Dr. Bowring. From ‘ Hooker's Journal of Botany’ : 541

Manufacture of Green Tea. By Berthold Seemann, Esq. Fromthe same . 542

The Taban-tree. By Berthold Seemann, Esq. Fromthe same . é - 601

On the Nag-kassar. By Berthold Seemann, Esq. . Be ie <a el
The King of Saxony. From the ‘ Times’ ‘ . . 653
Meeting of German Naturalists. From the ‘ Literary Gazette’ . ; . 653
The Fielding Herbarium. Fromthe same . 655

Extracts from the ‘ Report on the Substances Used as Food, exhibited at the Crystal
Palace, in 1851. Reported by J. D. Hooker, M.D., F.R.S., &c., 746, 761 ;
Common European Cerealia, 746 ; Cerealia rarely cultivated in Europe, 749 ;
millet and other small grains used as food, 751; pulses and cattle food, 752;
flours, and preparations of the above classes, 761 ; ; oil seeds and their cakes ; 5
hops, 762; dried fruits and seeds, 763; tea, 764; substitutes for tea, 767; cof-
fee, cocoa-seeds, nibs, &c., 768; chicory and other substitutes for coffee;
tobacco, 770 ; starches ; sugar, 772.

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCIETIES, &c.

Botanica Society or EpINBURGH.

Fruit of Tomato in which five separate carpels were included ; Zostera nana from
the river Blyth; immature fruit of Victoria regia, 412 ; the Gulf weed, by
Samuel Mossman, Esq., 413; correspondence between the angles formed by
the veins of the leaves and the branches of the stem, by Mr. William Mit-
chell, 414; tables illustrating the morphology of plants, by the Rey. Dr.
M Cosh, 417 ; fossil woods from Antigua and Australia, by R. Bryson, Esq.,
42(); Potamogeton trichoides, by Mr. G. Lawson; Hieracium plumbeum a
British plant, by Mr. J. Backhouse, Jun., 422; seed of Nymphea ampla, by
Dr. Gilbert M’Nab ; species of trees struck by lightning, by Mr. John Goldie,
423: Viola stricta of Hornemann a British plant, by C. C. Babington, Esq. ;
the Fuchsia considered morphologically, by the Rev. Dr. M’Cosh, 424 ; mon-
strosities of the dandelion and common clover, by Dr. C. Murchison, 425;
flora of Bonn, on the Rhine, by G. S. Blackie, Esq., 426; descriptions of
Rubi, by C. C. Babington, Esq., 456; growth of various kinds of mould in
syrup, by Professor Balfour, 458 ; experiments on the growth of alpine plants
artificially covered with snow, by Professor Simpson; notice of plants found
near London, by Mr. G. Lawson, 460 ; interesting collection of willows &c.,
made by Dr. Patze, 462; the uses of Stillingia sebifera, or tallow-tree of
China, by Dr. D. J. Macgowan, 492; Victoria regia, by Mr. Edward Otto;
structure and reproduction of Volvox globator, by John Sibbald, Esq., 494 ;
development of the sporidia and spores of Lecanora tartarea, by Wyville T.
C. Thomson, Esq., 495; manganese in the composition of various palms, by
Mx. Allan B. Duck, 498; Spanish dagger-plant, by Dr. G. M’Nab, 499; Batra-
cospermum vagum in Arran, by Mr. William Keddie, 500; growth of the
jalap-plant and scammony in the open ground of the Botanic Garden, by Pro-
fessor Balfour, 424; rate of growth of the bamboo in the Botanic Garden, by
Mr. M’Nab; extensive poisoning by one of the Cape Iridacez, by Lieut.
Allan Dalyell, 525; number of known fossil plants, arranged in orders, com-
piled from Unger's work, by Dr. Balfour, 527; Chinese lozenge tea, 552;
economic uses of chicory, by Mr. James Fulton, 554; analysis of Sabal um-
braticula, by Mr. Allan B. Dick; plants found near Ripon, by Mr. James B.
Davies, 555; plants in flower at Bow Hill, Selkirkshire, on the 23rd March,
by Dr. Balfour, 556; Chinese vegetable products, 621; plants found in
Yorkshire, Westmoreland, and Cumberland, by Mr. J. B. Davies, 623, 628 ;
differences in form of leaves of Victoria regia in its early stage, and those
afterwards formed, by Dr. Balfour, 624; Eleocharis Watsoni, by C. C. Ba-
bington, Esq., 625; analysis of the fluid from the leaves of the gram, by
Thomas Anderson, Esq., 625; transmission of seeds in soil, by Mr. M’Nab,
626; variety of Orchis mascula, by Mr. D. Moore, 627; variety of Rhodo-
dendron anthopogon, by Dr. Balfour, 658; Attalea compta, by Dr. M’Nab,
659 ; fluorine in the stems of Graminee &c., by Dr. G. Wilson, 661; iodine
in various plants, by Mr. Stevenson M’Adam, 664; localities of rare Scotch
plants, by Dr. Balfour, 670; poisonous qualities of Homeria collina, by Mr.
Richard Freyer, 671 ; tubular structure in plants, by R. Hobson, M.D., 782 ;
Cumberland form of Myosotis; Cumberland plants, by James B. Davies,
Esq., 784.

Boranicat Society oF Lonpon.

Report of Council, 431; note on Sparganium natans, by Mr. J. T. Syme, 432;
remarks on three species of Hieracium, by Mr. J. G. Baker, 453; British
plants for distribution, 487 ; botanical ramble to the south-east coast, by Mr.
P. F. Keir, 629 ; Lastrea cristata &c., by Mr. T. Moore, 696.

Xil

Dusiin Naturat History Socrery.

Remarkable form of Polystichum aculeatum, by Mr. Kinahan, 632.

LINNEAN Society oF Lonpon.

Cavity formed in snow around the fluwers of Soldanella alpina, by Mr. Curtis, 556.

Microscopicat Sociery or Lonpon.

Volvox globator supposed to be a vegetable, by Mr. Williamson, 463 ; anatomy
&c. of Lacunaria socialis, by J. H. Huxley, Esq., 487; the structure of Ra-
phides, by John Quekett, Esq.; pupa of an insect bearing a resemblance to
an Aphis, by the Rev. J. Thornton, 489; hints on the subject of collecting
objects for microscopical investigation, by George Shadbolt, Esq. ; instru-
ment for producing minute writing on glass, described by Mr. De la Rue;
cyst in the olfactory nerve of a horse containing a crystal of oxalate of lime,
630; development of Volvox globator &c., by Geo. Busk, Esq. ; development
of the young of Tubularia divisa, by Mr. Mummery, 631.

Puyrotocist Cuus.

Cucubalus baccifer, by Mr. Westcombe ; reproduction of Acrogens, 605 ; Teesdale
plants, by Mr. J. Backhouse; Fritillaria Meleagris, 606; Mr. Smith’s divi-
sion of Ferns, 607; Pteris serrulata in Dorsetshire; Orchis speciosa in Ire-
land, 609; Chenopodium ficifolium, by Mr. Varenne; species of Woodsia,
by Mr. Wollaston ; Arabis stricta &c., by Miss Attwood ; Nees von Esen-
beck, by Dr. Hance, 610 ; Encephalartoses of Southern Aftica; Joakim Fre-
derick Schouw, 613; Viola stricta in Cambridgeshire, by Mr. Polwhele; Mr.
Salmon’s division of Surrey, 615; Adonis autumnalis, by Mr. James Hussey,
617; Athyrium ovatum, by Mr. Newman, 618; Polypodium Phegopteris in
Sussex, 645; Narcissus aurantius, by Mr. Clarke, 646; new form of Myoso-
tis palustris of Withering, by Mr. J. B. Davies, 647; Botrychium Lunaria;
Viola stricta in Cambridgeshire, by Mr. Babington ; Dianthus cesius, Poa
polynoda, Pyrus Aria, and a Flora of Bristol, by Miss Attwood, 649; drying
succulent plants, by Mr. Syme, 650; Orchis hircina; Eleocharis Watsoni,
651; variety of Polystichum aculeatum; Pseudathyrium alpestre, by Mr.
Westcombe ; botanical news, 652; anther-cells of Chrysosplenium, by Mr.
Purchas, 692 ; Myosotis strigulosa, by Mr. Babington, 693; monstrous form
of Trifolium repens, by Mr. Littleboy ; Lastrea uliginosa, by Mr. Newman,
694; Aconitum Napellus in Glamorgaushire, by Mr. Maw; plants near Great
Grimsby, by Mr. Rawson, 695; Asplenium germanicum in Northumberland ;
Lastrea uliginosa not in Kincardineshire, by Mr. Watson, 696; Hydnum
coralloides near Burton-on-Trent, by Mr. Hind, 756; spinulose section of
Lastreas, by Mr. Lloyd, 757 ; cowslip in flower in October, by Mr. Bennett ;
Melampyrim pratense, y., by Mr. Wardale, 758; Cyperus fuscus in York-
shire, by Mr. Baker, 759; Collomia grandiflora in Yorkshire, by Mr. Baker,
Lastrea recurva in Mull, by Mr. Tanner, 760.

BuitisH Associaton.

Altitudinal ranges of plants in the north of Ireland, by Prof. Dickie, 775; mor-
phological analogy between the angles of branches and veins of leaves, by
Prof. M’Cosh, 774; black and green teas of commerce, by Dr. Royle, 775 ;
growth and vitality of seeds, 776; a microscopic Alga as a cause of the
phenomenon of the colouration of large masses of water, by Prof. Allman ;
distribution of marine Alge on the British and Irish coasts, by Dr. Dickie,
777; influence of the solar radiations on the vital powers of plants growing
under different atmospheric conditions, by Dr. J. H. Gladstone, 778 ; Trifo-
lium repens, by the Rev. Prof. W. Hincks; transmutation of Aigilops into
Triticum, by Major Munro, 779; remarks on the Flora of the south and west
of Ireland, by Prof. Balfour, 780.

THE PHYTOLOGIST

FOR 1852.

Biographical Sketches of Dr. C. F. Ecklon and M. C. L. P. Zeyher.
_ By M. Berruoup Seemann, Naturalist to H.M.S. ‘ Herald.

In an age like the present, when the personal history of those who
have distinguished themselves in the advancement of the arts, or ex-
tended the boundaries of science, is thought indispensable in order to
form a due estimate of their labours, any authentic information rela-
tive to the life of such men must be welcome. I have therefore no
hesitation in giving publicity to a few notes respecting two indivi-
duals, whose names are for ever identified with the Flora of Southern

Africa.
C. F. Ecxton.

Christian Frederick Ecklon was born on the 17th of December,
1795, in Apenrade, Duchy of Schleswig. Dr. Neuber, a physician
of some reputation, undertook his education, and also instructed him
in botany. The latter became his favourite science, and, having be-
come an apothecary, he had ample opportunity of cultivating it suc-
cessfully. In October, 1823, he went to the Cape of Good Hope,
where he had been engaged as assistant. He occupied the post four
years, and took advantage of the position, by exploring the flora of
the neighbourhood. The more he studied the productions of that
region the more his fondness for them increased ; and at last he deter-
mined to abandon his original profession, and devote himself entirely
to natural history.

The resolution was carried into effect. In 1828 he returned to Eu-
rope, and placed his collections in the hands of Danish and German
botanists, who described the greater portion in different volumes of
the ‘Linnza.” The success with which his endeavours had been
attended prompted him to make preparations for a second voyage.
Several circumstances favoured this plan. Professors Hornemann and
Reinhardt, who had always taken a lively interest in his pursuits, now

vOL. Iv. 3 E

394

used their influence, and succeeded in obtaining for him an annual
grant of money from the Danish Government; the Reiseverein at
Erlangen also stepped forward; and, aided by these means, Ecklon
was enabled to carry out his exploration on a large scale. Having
returned to South Africa, he visited the vicinity of Cape Town in
every direction, and undertook a journey to Kaffraria. After the com-
pletion of the latter he entered into partnership with M. C. Zeyher,
went, in company with that botanist, once more to Kaffirland, and
repaired, in 1832, with their joint collections, to Hamburg, where he
was employed several years in distributing the specimens (the botanical
alone amounting to 8000 species), and superintending the publication
of Ecklon and Zeyher’s ‘ Enumeratio Pl. Afric. In 1838 he returned
to the Cape, and shortly after separated from M. Zeyher. He, how-
ever, continued collecting, and in 1844 paid another visit to Europe,
staid a few months, and in the same year came back to his adopted
country, where he has remained ever since.

Ecklon is the author'of several works. As early as 1827 he pub-
lished a dissertation on the Ensate and Coronarie, and in 1833, in
conjunction with M. Zeyher, the well-known Enumeratio, a work, un-
fortunately, not brought to a conclusion. He has, besides, written
various memoirs, which from time to time have appeared in European
and Southern-African periodicals; he is a member of several learned
societies, and received, in 1838, from the University of Kiel, in consi-
deration of his eminent services in the field of science, the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy.

C. L. P. ZEYHER.

Charles Ludwig Philip Zeyher, the eldest son of Jacob Zeyher, was
born at Dillenberg, Germany, on the 2nd of August, 1799. After
completing the usual course of elementary education he was sent, in
1816, to the grand ducal gardens at Schwetzingen, which at that
time were under the direction of his uncle, the well-known landscape
gardener.* He remained at that place seven years, acquiring a know-
ledge of gardening and botany; and he would, probably, ere long
have become Court-gardener (Hof-giartner) to Prince Wied-Runkel,
which post had previously been filled both by his father and grand-
father, had not his desire to travel and explore foreign countries given
a different direction to his life. Dr. F. Sieber, who made his acquaint-

* At present this post is filled by M. Theodor Hartweg, formerly Collector of the
Horticultural Society of London.

395

ance, proposed to him to join the enterprize in which he was about to
embark. A mutual agreement was soon established, and both left
their native country in August, 1822, for Mauritius. They remained
in that island upwards of six months, exploring a vegetation depicted
in such glowing colours by the immortal pen of St. Pierre, and accu-
mulating a vast amount of plants and other objects of natural history.
After the expiration of that time it was thought advisable to separate,
without, however, severing their partnership. Sieber embarked for
New Holland, Zeyher for the Cape of Good Hope.

Sieber, after a lapse of eighteen months, returned from Australia to
Europe. Touching at the Cape, he had an interview with Zeyher,
and took charge of the collections which the latter, during his stay in
Southern Africa, had formed. He then continued his voyage, leaving
his partner behind to carry on his researches, and promising to send
the necessary funds for prosecuting them. Zeyher remained true to
his engagements: but in vain did he look for remittances; none
arrived. All his money had been expended in making collections,
and, being unable to wait any longer, he was for a time compelled to
enter a family as private tutor. There are now no means of explaining
Sieber’s conduct; but it is not unlikely political troubles prevented
him from fulfilling his duty. After his return Sieber disapproved, in
terms offensive to the Austrian Government, of the despotism oppress-
ing Germany. He was consequently looked upon as an obnoxious
individual, proscribed and hunted through the different states, till, at
last, God, having more mercy than man, called him to a place where
no earthly power could any longer disturb him.

After a reasonable time had elapsed, and no remittances had been
received, Zeyher considered himself free from all engagements. He
began to collect on his own account, and made, in 1825, a journey to
the eastern, and in 1828 another to the western, parts (Namaqualand) of
Southern Africa. The collection was sent to his uncle, in Schwetzin-
gen, who sold a portion of it. By far the greater number of speci-
mens, however, remained, and were, on the sudden death of that
gentleman, taken possession of by the Baden Government, sealed up,
and have continued in that state ever since. In 1829 M. Zeyher
entered into partnership with Dr. Ecklon, and travelled in his com-
pany to Kaffraria. At the end of this journey Dr. Ecklon went with
the collections to Europe, to dispose of them to the best advantage.

Ecklon and Zeyher dissolved their partnership in 1838, and during
1840, 1841, and 1842 the latter undertook, accompanied by Mr. James
Burke, a journey for the Earl of Derby, an interesting account of

396

which will be found in Hooker’s ‘ London Journal of Botany.’ In
1843 Zeyher visited a second time Namaqualand, which occupied
him a year; he then departed for England, and after a stay of nearly
eight months at Kew, where he arranged his collections, visited his
native country and several other continental states. In 1847 he
returned to Southern Africa, and has ever since been residing in Cape
Town, holding, from 1849 until March, 1851, the office of Botanist of
the Botanic Gardens at that place.

Zeyher, in conjunction with Ecklon, is the author of the ‘ Enume-
ratio Pl. Afric.,’ and has published, besides, both in English and Ger-
man, different botanical memoirs. What he has done as a collector
has been so often acknowledged, that it would be a mere idle pane-
gyric were here an attempt made to enlarge upon it.

BERTHOLD SEEMANN.
Kew, December, 1851.

Note on Narcissus poeticus. By the Rev. W. T. Brees, M.A.

WHEN recording the fact of Narcissus poeticus occurring in great
abundance in a field in the parish of Fillongley (Phytol. iii. 945), I
stated that the plant was “ confined to that one field, with the excep-
tion, however, of one or two small patches in the orchard, which
nobody would take to be wild.” Since that notice was printed, I
have ascertained that there is another field near Fillongley where the
Narcissus also abounds. This second field adjoins a farm-house called
Black Hall, which is about half a mile north-west of the village. I
visited the spot the end of last May, and found the Narcissus in
plenty, though by no means in the same profusion as in the “ lily
field” at Blaber’s Hall.* Here, at Black Hall, it grows chiefly in
two large, dense beds, on a slope of ground, with a few small patches
scattered here and there in other parts of the same field. Now, the
occurrence of the Narcissus in a second locality in the same neigh-
bourhood may seem, perhaps, to give some countenance to the notion
of its being a true native. I am bound to state, however, that all the
same suspicious circumstances which (as I have stated) accompany
the plant at Blaber’s Hall, attach to it also in this second locality at

* The proper name of the place, which in my former communication I called
“‘ Glaber’s”” or “ Glaver’s Hall,” I have since ascertained, from the agent for the pro-
perty, is “ Blaber’s Hall.”

397

Black Hall, in an equal, or perhaps greater, degree. First, the field
in which it grows is adjoining to a modern farm-house, built on the
site of a more ancient edifice, dignified by the title of “ Hall,” and
bearing evidence of having once been a place of more importance
than it may now seem to be. ‘The present occupier informs me that
there once was a fish-pond just below the slope on which the Nar-
cissus grew, which has been filled up. Secondly, the plant is con-
fined to one field, and is not found in other suitable spots hard by.
And thirdly, as at Blaber’s Hall, so also at Black Hall, very many of
the Narcissuses produce double or semi-double blossoms. Admitting,
however, for argument’s sake, that the Narcissus is not a true native
in the above situations, but merely the lingering remnant of former
cultivation, it still is remarkable, not so much that it should have sur-
vived the wreck of the garden, in which, we may suppose, it once was
fostered with care, but that it should thrive, as it does, under present
neglect, and should have increased to the extent we now find it. I
am informed that a former occupier of Blaber’s Hall was at some
pains to destroy the Narcissuses, under the idea that they were inju-
rious to his grass crop. Certain itis that large quantities of the roots
are dug up and taken away year after year by visitors, for the purpose
of ornamenting their gardens. Still, however, the roots purloined are
not at all missed; and the Narcissuses thrive in profusion, as I have
described, in such profusion as they are never seen to do in a modern
garden. I may add that the “lily field” last season exhibited its
usual magnificent display of blossoms at the end of May, much to the
admiration, and even astonishment, of a party of friends whom I took

to view it.

W. T. Brer.
Allesley Rectory, Nov. 20, 1851.

Note on Adonis autumnalis. By the Rev. W. T. Brees, M.A.

Prants which occur scarcely anywhere else than in corn-fields are
regarded, I suppose, as making out but a: doubtful claim to the cha-
racter of original natives. Such is the case with Adonis autumnalis,
the brilliant pheasant’s-eye of our gardens. In Turner and Dillwyn’s
* Botanist's Guide’ eight localities only are mentioned for the plant,
and nearly all of these are corn-fields. Whether introduced or indige-
nous, however, the plant is rare in a wild state; and as I never hap-
pen to have met with it till lately, perhaps a note on the subject may,

398

without impropriety, be admitted into the ‘ Phytologist.’ Being ona
visit in Wiltshire in September, 1 found many specimens of the Ado-
nis in a cultivated field, far away from house or garden, in the parish
of Durnford. The field, which, like the rest of the parish, is on the
chalk, had apparently been sown with rape, or some such crop, and
closely eaten down by sheep in the earlier part of the season. The
Adonis had either survived the depasturing of the sheep, or, perhaps,
might have sprung up after their removal. I only observed the plant
in this one field. Had it been introduced amoung agricultural seeds
—or is it to be considered a true native? The plant is, at any rate,
an old inhabitant of our corn-fields. Parkinson (‘ Paradisus,’ 293)
says “it groweth wilde in the corn-fields in many places of our own
country ;” and “ where it groweth wilde, they call it red Maythes, as
they call the Mayweede white Maythes; and some of our English
gentlewomen call it Rose rubie.”

W. T. BREE.
Allesley Rectory, Nov. 20, 1851.

Note on Dr. Drummond’s Reply to the Notice of ‘ Observations on
Natural Systems of Botany’ (Phytol. iv. 365). By H. F. Hance,
LL.D.

Sir,—I have just read a reply, by Dr. Drummond, at page 865 of
the present volume of the ‘ Phytologist,’ to a review of his ‘Observations
on Natural Systems of Botany,’ which appeared in a former number,
and which the Doctor unhesitatingly ascribes to the writer of a
critique on the same work in the ‘ Westminster Review’ for October,
1850, of which he declares it to be a modified edition.

As author of the critique in question, with the exception of a few
notes and a concluding portion, all of which are distinguished by the
initial “ L.,” I feel I shall not appeal in vain to your impartiality and
sense of justice to be allowed, through your pages, to correct this
error, and to state that I am entirely ignorant to whose pen the
notice in the ‘ Phytologist,’ of which Dr. Drummond complains, is
due.

Authors can, perhaps, hardly be expected to feel satisfied with un-
favourable judgments of their literary bantlings, and Dr. Drummond
expresses a belief that the leading arguments of his little book remain
untouched. Both it and the criticism in the ‘ Westminster Review ’
have been sufficiently long before the public to make the merits of

399 :

the case known to scientific readers ; but in justice to myself I must
observe that the notice for which [ am responsible did not consist of
mere assertions, but that Dr. Drummond’s arguments were directly
assailed, and the various points illustrated by such quotations from
botanists of eminence as were judged necessary ; and I confidently
challenge for myself the credit, small though it be, of having strictly
adhered to the question at issue, kept entirely within the fair bounds
of literary controversy, carefully avoided personalities, and religiously
abstained from the slightest inuendo or insinuation of disingenuous
conduct on Dr. Drummond’s part. Whilst in the fullest manner dis-
avowing all intention of hurting that gentleman’s feelings, I must still
maintain that a writer cannot complain of legitimate censure when he
lays himself open to the charge of having displayed, in the discussion
of a subject chosen by himself, great ignorance, or, at any rate, exces-
sive carelessness ; and I can only state that I am prepared to defend
every charge or epithet I may have brought forward or used in the
expression of that censure. I cannot suppose that Dr. Drummond
can, after this explanation, extend his imputations on the candour,
moral courage, and manly spirit of the ‘ Phytologist’ reviewer to,

Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
H. F. Hance,
The author of the critique in the
‘ Westminster Review.’
To the Editor of the ‘ Phytologist.’

London, November 19, 1851.

Notices or Botanica PERiopicats, &c.

Hooker’s ‘ Journal‘of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany, No. 36,
December, 1851.

The papers in this number are intituled :—

‘ Catalogue of Cryptogamic Plants collected by Professor W. Jame-
son in the Vicinity of Quito ; by William Mitten.’

‘Sketch of the Vegetation of the Isthmus of Panama; by M. Bert-
hold Seemann, Naturalist of H.M.S. Herald.’

: 400

‘Second Report on Mr. Spruce’s Collections of Dried Plants from
North Brazil; by George Bentham, Esq.’

‘ Botanical Information :’—‘ Death of Dr. William Arnold Brom-
field.” ‘Mr. Rucker’s Orchideous Plants.’

Mr. Mitten is still persevering in his bryological labours. He de-
scribes the following fifteen new species: — Zygodon fasciculatus,
Neckera viridula, N. debilis, Pilotrichum ramosum, Hypnum interme-
dium, Barbula limbata, Leptotrichum gracile, Bartramia aciphylla,
Hookeria venusta, Plagiochila revolvens, Jungermannia nigrescens,
Lejeunea robusta, L. rotundifolia, L. cyathophora, and L. pallescens.
Mr. Mitten also proposes a new genus, which he characterizes under
the name of Leptoscyphus, the type of which is the Jungermannia
Liebmanniana, Ldbg. § Gottsche.

The following is an extract from M. Seemann’s paper :—

“In a country where Nature has supplied nearly every want of life,
and where the consumption of a limited population is little felt, agri-
culture, deprived of its proper stimulus, cannot make much progress.
It is, therefore, in the Isthmus, in the most primitive state : our first
parents hardly could have carried it on more rudely. A spade is a
curiosity, the plough has never been heard of, and the only imple-
ments used for converting forests into fields, are the axe and the ma-
chete (or chopping-knife). In 1846, an English gentleman, residing
at Panama, often used to boast jokingly that he was one of the few, if
not the only one, in the city, possessing a spade. Since the com-
mencement of the railway, and a more active traffic, both spades and
wheelbarrows, the latter formerly an unknown vehicle, have become
better known; still they are far from being familiar sights in the
country. A piece of ground intended for cultivation is selected in the
forests, cleared of the trees by felling and burning them, and sur-
rounded with a fence. In the beginning of the wet season the field is
set with plants, by simply making a hole with the machete, and
placing the seed or root init. The extreme heat and moisture soon
call them into activity, the fertility of a virgin soil affords them ample
nourishment, and without the further aid of man a rich harvest is pro-
duced. The same ground is occupied two or three years in succes-
sion; after that time the soil is so hard, and the old stumps have
thriven with so much energy, that a new spot has to be chosen. In
most countries this mode of cultivation it would be impossible to prac-
tise; but in New Granada all the unoccupied land is common pro-
perty, of which anybody may appropriate as much as he pleases,
provided he encloses it either artificially or by taking advantage of

401
'
rivers, the sea, or high mountains. As long as the land is inclosed it
remains in his possession; whenever the fence is decayed the land
again becomes the property of the republic.”

“The plantain is most extensively cultivated, and furnishes the
inhabitants with the chief portion of their food. ‘The question whether
the plantain and its kindred are indigenous to the New World, or
whether they have been introduced, has hitherto formed a topic. for
historians rather than for naturalists, and no satisfactory conclusion
has as yet been arrived at. Some incline to the former, others to the
latter opinion; and again a third party thinks that while some spe-
cies are indigenous, others have been brought from foreign countries.
Robertson, following Wafer and Gumilla, classes the plantain among
the native productions of America. It was found by the latter two
authors far in the interior, and in the hands of Indian tribes who had
little or no communication with the Creoles. But as both Wafer and
Gumilla travelled a number of years after Columbus’s discovery, and
as we know that many plants, even some less useful than the different
Musas, were disseminated with great rapidity over the territories of
the New World, the proofs appear insufficient. Prescott. seems to
look upon the plantain as introduced, but thinks it is not mentioned
in the works of Hernandez. Yet Hernandez does mention the plan-
tain ; he even informs us that it was brought to Mexico from foreign
parts, and in his Hist. Plant. Nov. Hisp. Libr. vol. iii. p. 172, has the
following account :—‘ Arbor est mediocris, familiaris calidis regioni-
bus hujus Nove Hispaniz, vocatur a quibusdam recentiorum Musa.
Folia sunt valde longa et lata, adeo ut hominis superent sepenumero
magnitudinem: fructus racematim dependent incredibili numero et
magnitudine, cucumerum crassorum et brevium forma, dulces, molles,
atque temperiei proximi, nec ingrati nutrimenti. Eduntur hi crudi,
assive ex vino, atque ita sunt gustui jucundigris. Differt fructus mag-
nitudine, et quo minores sunt, eo salubriores et suaviores. Advenam
esse aiunt huic Nove Hispanie atque translatam ab Asthiopibus aut
Orientalibus Indiis, quorum est alumna. Caulis et radix, que
fibrata est, multis constant membranis, saporis expertibus et odoris,
lubricis et frigescentibus, ex quo facile quis conjiciat, quibus morbis
possint esse utiles.’ Conclusive as is this statement, both as regards
the identity of the plant, and its native country, still some may yet
entertain doubts, as Hernandez wrote not at the time of the discovery
of America, but towards the end of the sixteenth century. There is,
however, another proof that the plantain was introduced. Neither the
Quichua nor the Aztec, the two most refined and widely diffused of

‘. VOL. Iv. 3 F

402

all American languages, nor indeed any other indigenous tongue of:
the New World, possesses a vernacular name for this plant. Even
Hernandez, who collected the Aztec names with the utmost care,
could find none, and was compelled to place the plantain near the
Quanhxilotl (Parmentiera edulis, DC.), and call it Quauhxilotl altera ;
the cucumber-like fruit of the Parmentiera appearing to him to form
the closest approach to that of the plantain.”

Mr. Bentham describes nine new species—Heisteria ovata, H: sub-
sessilis, Trichilia excelsa, T. macrophylla, T.? microphylla, Simaba
foetida, S. angustifolia, Gomphia microdonta, and Chailletia vestita ;
also a new genus, under the name of Diplocrater, which has the small.
flowers and fasciculate axillary inflorescence of Heisteria, but with
membranous leaves ; the ovary is divided only up to the insertion of
the ovules, they, as well as the axile placenta, being entirely free from
the summit of the cavity, as in Olax, &c., and the stamens equal to and
opposite the petals, as in Scheepffia.. The general habit and foliage
remind the author strongly of the figure of Rhaptostylum, @, acumi-
natum, in Humboldt & Kunth’s ‘ Nova Genera et Species,’ viii. t.
621, but the structure of the flowers is very different.

‘ Botanical Gazette, Nos. 36 and 37, November and December, 1851.

The November number contains the following papers :—

‘On the Name and Origin of the Horse-radish (Cochlearia rusti-
cana, Linn.), improperly called Armoracia and ‘ Cran de Bretagne ;’
by M. ae DeCandolle ; translated from the Bibliothéque Universelle
de Genéve. )

“On the Duration of certain Plants of the Geng Boras by Th.
Irmisch ; translated from the Botanische Zeitung.’

‘ Probeedinnys of Societies’ [which have appeared in the August,
September, and October numbers of the ‘ Phytologist.’ ]

Contents of ‘ Annals of Natural History,’ Hooker’s ‘ Journal of Bo-
tany,’ the ‘ Phytologist,’ and ‘ Botanische Zeitung,’

“Record of Localities —Potamogeton Trichoides found by Mr.
Trimmer, in July, in a pond on Swardeston Common, Norfolk.

Anacharis Alsinastrum in the Trent, found by Mr. ‘Trimmer, -at
Burton-on-Trent [as recorded in the ‘ Phytologist’ for 1849. ]

‘ Molinia czrulea with variegated leaves at Macclesfield Moss.’

‘Leersia oryzoides on the banks of the Mole’ [see October Phytol.],
“ between East Moulsey Church and Ember Mill, some half mile from
the terminus of the Hampton Court Railway ;” by Mr. Watson.

403

The papers in the December number are intituled :—

‘Note on Athyrium Filix-feemina, var. latifolium; by F. J. A.
Hort.’

‘On the Sparganium natans, “ ZL.” Fr.; by John T. Syme.’

‘On the Duration of certain Plants of the German Flora; by Th.
Innisch.’

‘ Literature ’:—‘ The Beauty of Flowers in Field and Wood, con-
taining the Natural Orders or Families of British Wild Plants, &c.
By John Theodore Barker. Bath: Binns and Goodwin. London:
Whittaker & Co!’

‘ Miscellanea :'-—‘ Record of igen aaa ‘Sale of Nees von Esen-
beck’s Library and Herbarium.’

My. Syme, after observing that Fries makes out a good case for
separating Sparganium natans from a smaller plant, generally passing
under that name, but which he (Fries) believes to be. S. minimum,
Bauh., goes on to say that Mr. Babington adopts Fries’s views, and
notices the occurrence of both species in this country ; and adds:—

“S. natans, ‘LL. Fr., has the sheathing bases of the leaves, and
more especially of the bracts, considerably inflated ; the fruit oblong,
stipitate, and not longer than the subulate beak; the stigma almost
linear, and the male heads often numerous.

“ |S. minimum, ‘ Bauh.’ Fr. has the bases of the apes and bracts
not enlarged; the fruit ovate, sessile, much longer than the conical
beak ; the stigma very short, ovate, and the male head solitary.

“ The following description is from specimens collected this; autumn
in Aberdeenshire.

“Root fibrous, sending out runners; stem flaccid, round, very
faintly striated, from 6 inches to 3 feet 6 inches long; radical and
cauline leaves floating, grass-green, very long, linear, from 1 inch. to
4 inches broad, flat above, slightly convex on the under surface, with
swollen sheathing bases ; bracts similar to the leaves, but broader, of
a firmer texture and with the sheathing bases more inflated; common
flower-stalk sometimes branched but oftener simple ; segments of the
‘perianth oblong-ovate, blunt ; male heads 1—8 in my specimens, ses-
‘sile; anthers yellow, six or seven times as long as broad; female
heads 1—6, lowest with a long peduncle, uppermost sessile, the pe-
duncles of the intermediate ones getting shorter as they approach the
top of the stem; style moderately long ; stigma almost linear, long,
not much thicker than the style; fruit oblong, with a distinct. stalk,
which becomes 1 more> ples ecrcand in drying 5 beak subulate, as long as

the fruit. rod. bests

404

-“ Perennial. Fl. July—Sept. In lakes and still water, more abun-

dant in the North ?”

The following is the “ Record of Localities :”>—

“ Bromus diandrus, Curt. On the top of the wall by the bridge at
Causeway Mill, near Tenby, Pembrokeshire, 1851. C.C. Babington.

“ Triticum lawum, Fr. Saundersfoot and Penally Sands, also on
Gilter Head, all near Tenby, Pembrokeshire, Aug. 1851. I could not
find it on any of the similar sandy places to the west of these. C.C.
Babington. |

“ Potamogeton plantagineus, Ducr. Castle Martin Corse, Pem-
brokeshire, Sept. 1851. C. C. Babington.

“ Fumaria micrantha, Lag. Between Gallows Hill and Burnham,
Norfolk, May 30, 1851. Rev. W. W. Newbould.

“ Cicendia filiformis, Griseb. Penally Warren, Pembrokeshire,
1851. C.C. Babington.”

The following notice appears on the wrapper of this month’s num-
ber:—

“ Discontinuation of the ‘ Botanical Gazette.’

“It is with considerable regret that the Editor has to inform the
correspondents and subscribers to the ‘ Botanical Gazette,’ that his
efforts to establish this Journal on a self-supporting basis have been
unsuccessful ; and since the experiments appear to have been perse-
vered in long enough to place the character of the periodical fully
before the botanical public, there seems little to be expected from a
further continuation. The present number is therefore the last that
will appear ; and in relinquishing his post the Editor has simply to
offer his warm thanks to those who have co-operated with him in the
undertaking, and to add, that in thus breaking the bond that has held
them around him during the last three years, he quits a task which has
been the cause of much pleasure to him during its progress, and which,
notwithstanding the variety of opinions expressed in the pages of the
Journal, he can look back upon without having to regret one word
calculated to disturb the peaceful progress or lower the dignity of
science.”

In the concluding paragraph every reader of the Gazette will sym-
pathize. It is impossible for a journalist to have abstained from
giving offence, even to the most sensitive, more rigidly than Mr. Hen-
frey has done. No periodical could be conducted in a better spirit,
or with more perfect fairness, openness, and impartiality. Although

405

from the beginning it was my unshaken conviction that the Gazette
had no chance of success, and that its amiable and accomplished Edi-
tor had estimated at too high a rate the proceeds of botanical journal-
ism, stil] it was not for me, the proprietor of a similar journal, to
discourage or deprecate an undertaking evidently suggested by, and
possibly in some slight degree competing with, my own.

©The Gardener's Magazine of Botany, Nos. 20, 21, and 22, Sep-
tember, October, and December, 1881.

The papers in the September and October numbers are intituled :-—
-©Cantua Buxifolia” being the figure, description, history, &c., of a
very beautiful shrub, of the order Polemoniacez, said to be as easy
of cultivation as the Fuchsia. It was collected by Mr. Lobb, in the
Peruvian Andes, and introduced into this country by the Messrs.
Veitch, of Exeter. The coloured figure is extremely beautiful.

‘Theory and Practice of Gardening; by Mr. H. Bailey.—The Pea,
the Apple.’

‘On the Management of Strawberries for Forcing; by Mr. J. L.
Middlemiss.’

‘The Chemistry of Soils; by Dr. Voéleker.—The Classification of
Soils.’

‘ New Fruits :—Gathoye’s Peach, Count d’Ansembourg Peach, Le-
kerbetje Pear, Childeric I. Pear.’

‘ Pentstemon cyanthus,’ being the figure, description, history, &c.,
of an extremely beautiful, hardy, herbaceous plant, of the order Scro-
phulariacee. It is a native of the upper valleys of the Platte river,
in the Rocky Mountains, whence seeds were obtained by Mr. Burke.
It was introduced into this country by Messrs. Luccombe, Pince, &
Co., of Exeter.

‘Vegetable Physiology; by Arthur Henfrey, Esq., F.L.S., &¢.—
The Food of Plants.’

‘A Plant Morphologically considered ; by the Rev. Dr. M‘Cosh, of
Brechin.’ This has appeared, in eatenso, in the pages of the ‘ Phy-

_tologist.’

‘ Notes, cultural, critical, and suggestive :—Nocera Onion, Climate
of Natal, Culture of the Vine, Grouping of Trees in Parks.’

‘ Grevillea lavandulacea, being the figure, description, and history
of a pretty, erect, greenhouse shrub, of the order Proteacee. It was

406

raised by Messrs. Henderson, of the Pineapple Nursery, Edgeware
Road, from seed sent by Dr. Drummond from the Swan-River settle-
ment.

‘The Genera and Species of Cultivated Ferns; by Messrs. Houl-
ston.and Moore. The species described in these numbers are :—
Aspleninm serratum of. Linnzus, from Brasil; Brasiliense of Swartz,
from various parts of South America; palmatum of Lamarck, from
the South of Europe, Madeira, Canary, the Azores, &c.; oligophyl-
lum of Kaulfuss, from Brasil; elongatum of Swartz, from Java and
the Philippine Islands; lucidum of Forster, from New Zealand; he-
terodon of Blume; compressum of Swartz, from St. Helena; obtusa-
tum of Forster, from New Zealand, New Holland, and Van Diemen’s
‘Land ; leetum of Swartz, from the West Indies; marinum of Linnzus,
from the South of Europe, the Channel Islands, Madeira, Teneriffe,
and Northern Africa (this species also inhabits Britain) ; Hendersoni
of J. Houlston, a new species, raised from seed by Mr. Henderson,
gardener at Wentworth House, Yorkshire, but its country, and the
source whence the seed was received, are entirely unknown; angusti-
folium of Michaux, from North America; comptum of Swartz, ‘from
Jamaica; salicifolium of Linnzus, from Jamaica; pulchellum of
Raddi, from Brasil and the West Indies ; dentatum of Linnzus, from
the West Indies; flabellifolium of Cavanilles, from New Holland and
Van Diemen’s Land; radicans of Swartz, from Jamaica and Cuba;
pumilum of Swartz, from the West Indies and the Philippine Islands;
Trichomanes of Linnzeus, found throughout Britain, Europe, Asia,
and North America; monanthemum of Smith, from the West Indies,
Peru, and Cape of Good Hope; dimidiatum of Swartz, from the West
Indies; ebeneum of Aiton, from the Cape of Good Hope, Mexico,
and North America; mutilatum of Kaulfuss, from the Cape of Good
Hope ; viride of Hudson, Britain and Europe generally ; Petrarch of
DeCandolle, from the South of France; reclinatum of J. Houlston; a
beautiful, evergreen, pendulous fern, from St. Helena, now described
for the first time; brachyopterum of Kunze, from Sierra Leone ; /flac-
cidum of Forster, from New Zealand ; rachiron of Raddi, from Brazil
and the West Indies; scandens of J. Smith, from'Java and the Phi-
lippine Islands ; bulbiferum of Forster, from Zealand ; appendicula-
tum of Presl, from the Mauritius; diversifolium of Allan Cunningham,
from New Holland; septentrionale of Linneus, Britain and Europe ;
germanicum of Weiss, Britain and Europe; Ruta-muraria of Lin-
nus, Britain, Europe, and North America; Zamizfolium of Willde-
now, from Mexico, Hispaniola, and New :Holland ; furcatum ‘of

407

Thunberg, from the Cape of Good Hope; praemorsum of Swartz,
from the West Indies, Teneriffe, Canary Islands, and New Holland ;
falcatum of Lamarck, from the East and West Indies, St. Helena, and
New Holland; polyodon of Forster, from New Zealand; serra of
Langsdorff and Fischer, from Brasil; fontanum of Robert Brown,
Europe, and the authors also add Britain, which, I.think, has been
shown to be an error; lanceolatum of Hudson, from Britain, Madeira,
Channel Islands, Hungary, Bohemia, and South America (the authors
might have added France, Spain, Portugal, and Algeria) ; Adiantum-
nigrum of Linnzus, from Britain, Europe, Madeira, and Carolina ;
acutum of Bory, from Teneriffe; auritum of Swartz, from the West
Indies ; planicaule of Wallich, from the East Indies ; pubescens of
J. Houlston, a new species, supposed to be North-American ;* Filix-
femina of Linneus, from Britain, Europe, Asia, and North America ;
Michauxii of Sprengel, from North ‘America ;. Brownii of J. Smith,
from New Holland and Van Diemen’s Land ;+ axillare of Kaulfuss,
from Madeira; and umbrosum of R. Brown, also. from Madeira.
Thus we have no less than fifty-eight species described, and_ their
native countries specified.

There was no number published in November, but one has appeared»
on the lst of December, and this will be the last. Its contents are
intituled :-—

-* Crocus vernus,’ var. Leedsii, a beautiful garden crocus.

‘ Vegetable Physiology ; by Arthur Henfrey, Esq., F.L.S., Lecturer
on Botany at St. George’s Hospital.’

‘Theory and Practice of Pruning ; by Mr. H. Bailey, gardener to
G. V. Harcourt, Esq., M.P., Muncham Park.— Plum, Gooseberry,
Red, White, and Black Currant, Raspberry, Filbert.’

-©The Palmyra Palm,’

_ Aischynanthus splendidus,’ being the description, figure, and his-
tory of a very beautiful hybrid A’schynanthus, raised by Messrs.
Lucombe, Pince, & Co., of Exeter, from seed of Au. speciosus, imprep-
nated by At. prsdiclee a
_ ©The Genera and Species of Cultivated Ferns; by Mr. J. Houlston,
Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, and. Mr. T. Moore, F.LS., &c,” The
species described are :—Woodsia hyperborea, W. ilvensis, W. mollis
(the Physematium molle of Kaulfuss), and W...obtusa, giving the

* This and the two following are Athyria of Roth, Presl, Newman, Babington, ae:
_+ This and the two following are Allantodiee of Robert Brown.

408

synonym of W. alpina, Newm., to the first of these (the authors have
fallen into an error; their figure represents W. Ilvensis, Newm.), Cys-
topteris fragilis, C. dentata, C. Dickieana, C. alpina, C. tenuis, C.
montana, 31 species of Lastrea, 15 of Polystichum, 1 of Cyclopteris,
1 of Didymochlena, 7 of Nephrolepis, 2 of Oleandra, 1 of Dictyoxi-
phium, 2 of Lindsza, 1 of Leucostegia, 1 of Microlepia, 11 of Daval-
lia, 1 of Balantium, 3 of Dicksonia, 2 of Cibotium, 4 of Cyathea, 4 of
Hemitelia, and 6 of Alsophila.

‘Garden Hints for Amateurs.’

‘On the Barometer; by E. J. Lowe, Esq., F.R.A.S., M.B.MLS., &e.’

Discontinuation of the ‘ Gardener's Magazine of Botany.

It is with much regret I have to announce that this useful work is
discontinued. “Experience,” say the Editors, “ has shown them that
among gardeners, the numbers who seek for scientific information and
technical botany are a limited class; and although they [2. e., the
proprietors} have been honoured by support which has secured the
highest circulation attained by any high-priced botanical publication,
still that sale has fallen short of a remunerative point.”

The ‘ Gardener’s Magazine of Botany’ is to be succeeded by the
‘Companion to the Flower Garden,’ the very name of which implies
that it is to take its station on ground not only occupied, but crowded.
If it maintain a footing it will be highly creditable to the taste and
energy of its conductors. I can only say, may its bloom be perpetual !

‘The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Nos. 47 and 48,
November and December, 1851.

The only botanical paper in the November number is intituled ‘ A
List of all the Mosses and Hepatice hitherto observed in Sussex ; by
William Mitten, A.L.S.,’ and contains a first description of Bartramia
pumila, found in a wet place near Tilgate Pond, Tilgate Forest, Sussex.

The only botanical information I find in the December number is a
note by Mr. C. C. Babington, on Sp occurrence of Acanthus mollis
in the Scilly Islands.

“In answer to questions addressed to the Rev. J. P. Mayne, that
gentleman has informed me that it grows in a spot separated from
some houses by a narrow field, on the south side of a hedge, upon
some heaps of stones collected there on the destruction of an old lane
that formerly passed the spot. An old man who rents the field tells

409

him that he remembers having taken notice of the plant fifty years
since; another man vouches for forty years. The plant occupies a
space of about 20 feet by 5 or 6, and is not found in any other part of
St. Agnes, nor, as far as Mr. Mayne knows, in any of the other
islands. Twenty years since St. Agnes, as he has ascertained, could
not boast of even one garden, and therefore floral culture could hardly
have caused its introduction more than fifty years since, when pota-
toes and rye and an occasional cabbage were the only things grown
in the island by people who live wholly by the sea. Strange birds
often visit the Isles during the south-easterly winds, and may, as Mr.
Mayne justly suspects, have brought seeds from the continent. He
adds, that ‘a brother clergyman, living at Marazion, near Penzance,
has some plants of it growing in his garden. He has never seen the
plant elsewhere, and is quite at a loss to account for their presence.’
I have no authority for supposing that it is found upon the Atlantic
coasts of France, but it inhabits damp and stony or rocky places in
the south of that country. The peculiarly mild winter climate of
Scilly is not unfavourable to it, and it may therefore be an old if not
the oldest inhabitant.”

Acrostic written at the Grave of the late Thomas Edmonston, Na-
turalist to H.M.S.‘ Herald, by one of his Fellow-voyagers.

*T was from this beautiful and rock-bound bay

H eaven deemed it right to call his soul away.

O ne moment’s warning was to him denied :

’*M idst life, and youth, and health, and hope he died.
A las! that boastful Science could not save

S o apt a scholar from this early grave.

FE ven those who knew not of his private worth

D eplore his talents buried in the earth.

’M ong flowers that gem the softly verdant ground,

O ’erspread with trees, his grave is to be found.

N o crowd his resting-place shall ever view ;

S till sad affliction will induce a few

T o gaze where plants o’er which he lavished years,
O ’er him now silent, shed their dewy tears,
N or seek to hide a grief denied to nobler biers.

PAW.
Sua Bay, Ecuador, Oct. 18, 1847.

VOL...IV. ike

410

[Mr. Edmonston will be well remembered by many readers of the
* Phytologist’ as one of its earliest and most interesting contributors.
—Ed.]

Procreepines or NSocirErTIEs.

Linnean Society of London.

December 2, 1851.—W. Yarrell, Esq., in the chair. .

Mr. Moore, of the Botanic Garden, Chelsea, presented specimens
of the staminiferous cones of Zamia furfuracea to the museum.

Mr. Adam White exhibited two boxes of insects, containing chiefly
new or rare species from South America, collected by Messrs. F.
Smith and H. W. Bates. In the collection made by the latter gentle-
man were many species of butterfly, one of the most beautiful of which
had been named, after him, Galathea Batesii. In speaking of Mr.
Bates, Mr. White said that he had left England in May, 1848, and
had collected plants and insects in the neighbourhood of Para, and
afterwards proceeded up the Amazons, as far as Ega, and had sent
home many very valuable collections. He returned to Para in May
last, and was now anxious to proceed to investigate the natural his-
tory of the branch of the Amazons known as the Rio Tapajos. He
had been much hampered for want of means, but, provided he could
obtain resources, he hoped to remain in this district for two or three
years. The mouth of the Tapajos, where the town of Santarem is situ-
ated, is about 500 miles from Para; the river extends 1000 or 1200
miles into the interior of Brazil, to the province of Matto Grapo.

A continuation of Mr. Miers’s paper ‘On two New Genera of South-
American Plants’ was read. The second genus belonged to the order
Bignoniacee. It was a leafless, shrubby, spinous plant, eight feet
high. Hence the name proposed for it by the author was that of
Oxycladus aphyllus. It differs in some material points from the order
to which it belongs, and constitutes a sub-order, Oxycladee.

411

Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

Thursday, November 13, 1851 (being the sixteenth session).—Pro-
fessor Balfour, President, in the chair.

There was a large attendance of members and visitors, and among
others Mr. Fortune, who has just returned from India, after the suc-
cessful introduction to the Himalaya district of tea plants and tea
manufacturers from China.

The President in taking the chair alluded to the success which
had attended the meetings of the Society during the bygone session,
the increased zeal for botany among the members, and the numerous
donations made to the herbarium and botanical museum in Edin-
burgh. He urged on the members the desirableness of renewing their
exertions this season; and he particularly invited the young members
to record the observations which they made, and thus render them
available for the purposes of science. He concluded his address by
alluding to the deaths which had taken place among the members of
the Society since the last meeting, and in an especial manner referred
to the labours of the late Dr. Neill, Mr. David Steuart, Dr. Bromfield,
Mr. James Nicol, and Mr. James Cunningham. All of these gentle-
men, in their different departments, had done much to forward the
science of botany.

The following donations were announced to the Society’s library
and herbarium :—‘ The British Species of Angiocarpous Lichens,
elucidated by their Sporidia,’ by the Rev. W. A. Leighton, from the
Author; several pamphlets on Indian botany, by Dr. Hugh Cleghorn,
H.E.I.C.S., from the Author; ‘ Botanical Gazette,’ from the Editor ;
a large collection of Canadian plants from Dr. Philip Maclagan ; Ice-
land plants from Mr. Paul; British plants from Mr. T. Anderson and
Mr. Parker, Torquay ; also Continental and British plants from Mr.
Blackie, the former including Epipogon Gmelini and others of interest,
and amongst the latter was a specimen of Linnea borealis from near
Aberdeen, bearing four flowers, arranged in an umbellate form, on
one peduncle. Thanks were voted to the donors.

Mr. M‘Nab announced the following donations to the museum at
the Botanic Garden since the last meeting of the Society :—1. From
Mrs. Sawers, Kingston, Jamaica :—Specimens of Cassava cake, lace-
bark, soap-berries, fibres of banana, specimens of cotton, and of paper
made from the epidermis of a plant. 2. From Dr. Hugh Cleghorn,
H.E.1.C.S. :—Specimens of Malacca cane (Calamus Scipionum), fos-
sil wood from Godavery (Madras), and seed-vessel of Sterculia foetida.

412

3. From Captain Grange, Newton Green, Ayr:—Specimens of cloth
made from pine-apple fibre, &c., paper made from bamboo, New-Zea-
land woods in the form of paddles, &c. 4. From Captain Gillespie,
Leith, through Mr. Bryson :—Large section of a palm stem. 5. From
Sir William Keith Murray, Bart., Ochtertyre:—Large section of a
knot of elm and section of ash grown at Ochtertyre. In transmitting
the specimens Sir William Murray remarks :—“I beg to send here-
with sections of elm and a plank of ash grown at Ochtertyre, within a
hundred yards of each other, on a light soil on trap rock. The largest
diameter of the section is five feet two inches.” There was also sent
a drawing of the elm from which the section was taken. 6. From Mr.
Henderson, Wentworth House, Yorkshire :—Sections of Gleditschia
triacanthos, Salisburia adiantifolia, Quercus Hex, and of a species of
Eucalyptus. 7. From W. O. Priestley, Esq. :—Twelve sheets of dis-
sections illustrating some of the British species of the genus Carex.
These dissections were rewarded with a prize at the botanical class
in the University, in July last. 8. From Professor Fleming :—Speci-
mens of the resin of the grass-tree (Xanthorrhea arborea ?) of New
Zealand. 9. From Miss Neill, Cannonmills Cottage :—Collection of
woods from Van Dieman’s Land, fruit of the double cocoa-nut, cone
of Pinus Lambertiana, and various sections of woods. 10. From Mr.
Thomas Waddel, Cumbernauld :—Fossil plants from the coal mea-
sures, including species of Stigmaria, Sigillaria, Lepidodendron, and
Calamites. 11. From Captain Boyle, Seaside Cottage, Aberdour,
Fife, per Mr. Lawson, jun. :—Fruit of Passiflora cerulea. Captain
Boyle writes thus :—“ I send specimens of the fruit of the passion-
flower, grown in the open air, on the wall of my house, Seaside Cot-
tage, Aberdour, Fife. ‘The plant is four years old, and the situation
within twenty yards of high-water mark. Many of the less hardy
plants, such as myrtles, grow well in the open air in the same loca-
lity.” A branch of myrtle which had blossomed in the open air
accompanied the fruit of Passiflora.

Dr. Balfour exhibited a specimen of the fruit of Tomato in which
five separate succulent carpels were included within a single fruit, an
appearance similar to what is frequently exhibited in the orange.

Dr. Balfour also exhibited specimens of Zostera nana from the
shore of the river Blyth, in Northumberland, which had been sent by
Mr. Storey, of Newcastle, for the Society’s herbarium.

Mr. G. Lawson exhibited a fresh specimen of the immature fruit of
Victoria Regia, grown in the stove aquarium at the garden of the
Royal Botanic Society of London, Regent’s Park, where the plant

413

had been cultivated with great success. Mr. Lawson presented the
specimen to the museum at the Botanic Garden.
The following papers were read :—

1. ‘On the Gulf-weed (Sargassum bacciferum) ; by Samuel Moss-
man, Esq. The Sea of Sargasso may be considered as an eddy, situ-
ate in point of latitude between the regular equinoctial current on the
south, setting to the westward, the south-easterly current from the
northern sea on the east, and as the recipient of the gulf stream from
the north and north-west. The tract which is occupied is more than
1200 miles in length from north to south, and within these limits the
weed appears in greater quantities than elsewhere; and it does not
appear to have varied its position in any degree during the last fifty
years. Hence it appears to have been stationary for ages; perhaps
from the time of Columbus, by whom it was first noticed. Major
Rennell observes that the breadth of this mass of weed is small in
proportion to its length, being drawn out into a kind of stream, and
bending a little to the east of south. Dr. Franklin crossed it in lat.
36 deg. T-min., and found it less than fifty miles in breadth; but it
spreads to the southward, and in lat. 20 deg. appears to have been, at
times, 150 miles wide, although, perhaps, consisting only of various
parallel streams of weed. It has been observed that the waters of the
Atlantic have a greater tendency towards the middle of the ocean
than otherwise; and this seems to indicate a reduced level, forming a
kind of hollow space or depressed surface. It is certain that the set-
ting of the currents is such as might be expected to take place if such
a hollow existed; for the currents do really set into the Sargasso Sea
from the north and the south, whilst in the middle part, although
within the region of the trade-wind, the currents are not regular, but
indicate a kind of vortex. From the great central mass portions of
the weed appear to be carried by the drift to the south-west, towards
the Virgin Isles, Porto Rico, &c., until they fall into the great equato-
rial current. Mr. Mossman entered at considerable length upon the
much-disputed question of the origin and mode of growth of Sargas-
sum, and detailed the opinions of the various botanists and travellers
who had written on the subject. He remarked that there was a great
want of observations on this subject by really scientific botanists, as
many facts bearing on the question rest solely on the authority of
travellers unacquainted with botany, and therefore not commanding
implicit reliance. He concluded by reading a letter addressed by
Dr. Robert Brown, President of the Linnean Society, to Admiral Sir

414

Francis Beaufort, for communication to Baron Alexander von Hum-
boldt, which has been laid before the Linnean Society [see Phytol.
iv. 28]. In illustration of his paper Mr. Mossman exhibited a fine
specimen of Sargassum bacciferum, and presented the same to the
Society’s herbarium.

Dr. Greville remarked that Mr. Mossman had given a very full and
complete account of all that was known relative to this sea-weed. Dr.
G. believed that the gulf-weed was, no doubt, at some period of its
existence attached to rocks, as indicated by its disk-like root. These
so-called roots of sea-weeds, however, he thought, only acted as hold-
fasts (crampons), and were not the organs of absorption as in ordinary
plants. Sea-weeds absorbed throughout their whole substance, and
the use of their roots was to allow them to grow in favourable circum-
stances for taking up nourishment. He considered that it was highly
probable that the gulf-weed increased by lateral shoots when floating
in the sea. This he was the more disposed to believe, from what he
had seen in the case of Fucus Mackaii. He had observed this sea-
weed on the coast of Skye, and on various parts of the west coast of
Scotland, northwards as far as Cape Wrath, filling up bays at certain
seasons, and growing with its branches upright, in loose mud, without
any attachment. Among thousands of such plants, forming a close
meadow of sea-weeds, he was not able to find a trace of roots. The
plants seemed to thrive and vegetate luxuriantly.

2. ‘On the Correspondence between the Angles formed by the Veins
of the Leaves, and those formed by the Branches of the Stem; by Mr.
William Mitchell, Edzell (communicated by the Rev. Dr. M‘Cosh).
Having been informed that the Rev. Dr. M‘Cosh had thrown out the
idea that a plant, considered morphologically, may be regarded as a
unity ; and, in proof of this view, had produced many examples
among forest trees, pointing to the similarity of the ramification of
the branches and the venation of the leaves, the general correspon-
dence of the angles in both, and the agreement of the form of the leaf,
or leafage from one point, with that of the whole tree; I felt inclined
to test the truth of the theory, so far as I was able, by its application
to herbaceous plants. For this purpose I examined a great number
of these plants, and found the results, generally, the same as those
given in the following list, which contains a few of the most carefully-
measured of our common wild flowers :—

Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare). The angle which the branches of this
plant makes with the stem is 45 deg., and it is equal to that which
the side veins of the leaf make with the central vein. In the other

415

examples we shall express the two equal angles by the term “ normal
angle.”

Eyebright (Huphrasia officinalis). Normal angle 45 deg., average.

Scabious (Scabiosa succisa). N. a. 40 deg. upper branches and
veins ; 35 deg. lower veins and root-leaves.

Knapweed (Centaurea nigra). N. a. 55 deg., average. The veins
at the base of the leaf run alongside the middle vein; and, in keeping
with this, the plant has a tendency to send off several branches from
the root, with tufts of root-leaves. This arrangement seems to be
carried out in the ribbed leaves, and whorls of root-leaves and flower-
stalks, of the plantains, such as our well-known ribwort.

Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis). N. a. 60 deg.

Meadow-sweet (Spirea Ulmaria). N.a. 35 deg.; terminal branches
and veins somewhat less.

Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris). N. a. 30 deg.

Gentian (Gentiana campestris). N.a. about 20 deg.

Corn Marigold (Chrysanthemum segetum). N. a. 35 deg.

Speedwell (Veronica Beccabunga). N. a. 45 deg.

Buckwheat (Polygonum Persicaria [! Fagopyrum.—Ed.]). N. a.
40 deg.

Hawkbit (Apargia autumnalis). N. a. about 50 deg.

Thistle (Carduwus arvensis). N. a. 35 deg.

Nipplewort (Lapsana communis). N. a. about 40 deg.

Dead-nettle (Lamium album and purpureum). N. a. 45 deg.,
average.

Avens (Geum urbanum). N. a. 35 deg., average.

Vetch (Vicia lutea). N. a. for branches and leaflets about 45 deg.

Millfoil (Achillea Millefolium). N.a. for branches and divisions
of leaflets 35 deg.

Speedwell (Veronica Chamedrys). N. a. varies from 35 deg. to 45
deg.

Wood Sage (Teucrium Scorodonia). N. a. 35 deg.

- Chervil (Anthriscus sylvestris). N. a. about 45 deg.

Mint (Mentha arvensis). N.a. 40 deg., average.

Nettle (Urtica wrens). N.a.49 deg. The leaf, besides, has seve-
ral principal veins springing from the base, which are represented by
a bushy stemage at the root.

Atriplex (Atriplex patula). N. a. 45 deg., average.

The angles, as given above, have been deduced from measurement
of numerous specimens, in different localities; and where the word
“average” is added, it is to be understood that the angles of branches

416

and veins of leaves vary equally, and the one stated is taken about
the middle of the plant and the middle of the leaf. There are many
plants, the leaves and branches, or leaf-stalks, of which are triplicates,
such as trefoil, wood-sorrel, wild strawberry, wood anemone, Tussi-
lago, &c. Others, having whorled leaves, or the leaf rounded, present
a similar arrangement in the stemage, or an approach to it. Bed-
straw, field madder, corn spurry, &c., are examples of the first, and
geraniums, ranunculuses, the marsh-penny, the marsh-marigold, and
tormentil of the second. Stemless plants seem to be most difficult to
bring within the scope of the analogy in question; and this, I think,
might easily be accounted for; but in the mean time [I shall not
enlarge.

Assuming the foregoing observations to have been accurately made,
it would appear that Dr. M‘Cosh’s views are borne out by Nature in a
very remarkable manner, and demand still further investigation.
Much, no doubt, remains to be done in the study of vegetable mor-
phology; and it strikes me that this is an advance in the proper
direction. We find in plants divisions and subdivisions carried out
with surprising regularity, so as often to give the leaf, or leafage, a
form resembling that of the whole plant; and we find, on measuring
these successive divisions, that equal angles have generally been
maintained throughout. Hence we can scarcely resist the conclusion
that a plant is a unity, all its parts being formed after the same model.
It is in strict uniformity with that beautiful connexion which subsists
between unity and diversity in the works of Nature, that there should
be ‘fundamental forms in the vegetable as well as in the mineral king-
dom. In crystals we see variety produced by combinations of forms
which may all be referred to one in each crystal, as a base, or type;
and still further, that the edges and faces of consecutive forms in these
combinations have equal angles; and in vegetables, I conceive, we
may see the same, by modifications, in each of one fundamental form,
and that the leaf. May we not also see that the alternate process, by
which the face of one simple form of crystallization assumes the posi-
tion of the edge of another to which it is immediately related, is
represented in the ramification of a plant, and some of its peculiarities
marked by the measurement of the spiral thread? Be this as it may,
an equality of angles does certainly predominate in the vegetable
kingdom ; and it may not be too fanciful to suppose that we shall yet
have a classification of vegetable forms similar to that of our systems
of crystallization, in which the normal angle will form a leading cha-
racteristic in the determination of species.

A4l7

In sending the paper Dr. M‘Cosh writes as follows :—

“For the last six weeks or two months I have been prosecuting my
inquiries ; and the result is a firm conviction that there is a truth dis-
covered by me, though I am not sure that I have arrived at the cor-
rect expression of it. In July I talked with considerable hesitation of
the angular measurements submitted by me. Some of them were not
made upon a sufficiently large induction. I can now state, with great
confidence, that there is a most wonderful correspondence’ of ‘the
angle of the venation of the leaf with the angle of ramification of the
stems. I can now measure the angle of the tree with great ease. In
my first attempts I tried fully-grown trees; but the result was far
from being satisfactory, as the angle is modified by the weight of the
‘branches. Then I tried the young tree,—the tree pretty fully grown,

but whose branches had not beenbent. This was my method in July.
My common plan now is to take a freely-growing branch from a
healthy tree, and measure the angle of the branchlets. The careful
measurement of a few such branches will give the normal angle of
ramification ; and it will be found to be much the same as the angle
of venation. I have now a large body of facts on that subject in my
note-book, but I am not to trouble you with them at present. I have
occasionally met with difficulties, but no contradictions. As an illus-
tration of my difficulties, I may mention that in old, decaying trees
the angle even of the lateral branches is wider than the normal angles.
I have also an idea that all spines are at a wide angle, and that
branches tending to become spines are at a wider angle than the nor-
mal one. But instead of forwarding my own observations, I enclose
a set of observ ations, made with instruments, by Mr. Mitchell, upon
herbaceous plants. Mr. Mitchell is a schoolmaster at Edzell, about
six miles from this. He is possessed of extensive scientific know-
ledge, and is a respectable botanist. His own researches in crystal-
lography led him to set high value on angles; and he took up my
theory heartily, and has been pursuing the investigation in his own
way. He has handed me the results. I take the liberty of forward-
ing them to you. I confess I am anxious to keep the matter before
the public; and I should like Mr. Mitchell’s researches to be made
known. He is quite willing that they should be so, and gives his
name openly, and with great confidence that his statements will bear
investigation.”

3. Tables illustrative of the Morphology of Plants ; by the Rev. Dr.
M‘Cosh, Brechin.
VOL. Iv. oc

418

I. Woody plants whose leaves have little or no petiole, and which
have branches along the axis from near the root.

Boxwood Holly Beecht

Privet Philadelphus Oak

Bay laurel Laurustinus Elm

Portugal laurel* Arbutus Alder (very small)

II. Woody plants whose leaves have a pretty long petiole, and
which have a pretty considerable extent of unbranched axis from the
root upwards.

Cherry Sycamore Laburnum
Apple Maple Birch
Pear Horse chestnut Lilac
Lime Service-tree

I cannot say how this law applies to plants which have not a woody
structure.

III. Plants whose leaves have several ribs, or main veins, proceed-
ing from the base of the leaf, and whose branches tend to whorl
round the axis.

Sycamore Ivy Nettle
Maple Ground ivy Alchemilla
Currant Pelargonium Mallow
Gooseberry Geranium Potentilla
Guelder rose Hollyhock Tussilago
Philadelphus Rhubarb Cineraria
Vine Indian cress Violet

IV. Plants with separate leaves, or leaflets, coming off from nearly
one point, and with branches of a similar kind.

Laburnum (leaflets in threes) Common barberry Ranunculus
Broom (leaflets in threes) Alchemilla alpina Fuchsia
Rhododendron ponticum Lupin Columbine

Azalea (tendency to verticil- Wood Anemone
lation in the leaves)

In speaking of whorled branches I mean that either the leaf-stalk
or the branches, properly so called, one or both, tend to whorl round
the axis.

V. Plants of which the branches and the veins of the leaves go off
at the same angle.

* The Portugal laurel has a short petiole, and also a short, unbranched axis.
+ The beech and oak are acknowledged by all woodmen to be branched from the
root, or near the root, when growing freely.

419

Trees.

Deg. Deg. Deg.
Horse chestnut 50.55 Privet 50 Rose 50
Service-tree . . . . 48 Bird cherry. 60.64 Sycamore . 45
Siberian lilacs . . . 40 Lime. . 40 Cherry . 50
White lilac (at widest) . 58 Hazel 42.43 Ash . 60
Broad-leaved spindle-tree 40 Jessamine . 40.45 Elm. 50-
Raspberry . . . . . 42 Mountain ash. 45 Alder 50
Portugal laurel 50.60 Rhododendron. . . 70 Box. Wibde. 260
Bay laurel . 50:60). (holly e415 (Rae) G6 Oak op. sy ky Wah -.50
Laburnym (sml. branches) 60 Red dog-wood. . . 45 Beech... . . 495
Gray willow 60.64 Osier willow eA OTAN Ee. oils: wbx OD
Pyrus domestica . . . 35 Guelderrose . . . 45 Birch 48.35

Herbaceous Plants.

Deg. Deg. Deg.
China Aster. 28.30 Marigold 38.48 Lupin . 40.44
Antirrhinum 28.30 Rose willow 30.35 Phlox . 40.48
Ten-week stock 33.38 Zinnia . 23,25 Poppy . 20.25
Xeranthemum lucidum 18.20 Fuchsia. . . . . 60 Verbena 35.38
Solidago Virgaurea . . 30 Valerian. . . . . 25 Columbine 25.28
Clarkia elegans 36.40 Salvia (red). . . - 35 Mallow. 36.38
Queen of the meadow 30.35 Pentstemon. . . . 38 Alonsoa. 38.40

Wild geranium +. 50.64

In the leaves of many trees the small veins come off at a wider
angle than the large veins. But it may be observed, too, that in
many trees the small branches come off at a wider angle than the
large branches, as in the oak, for instance. What woodmen in this
part of the country call spray seems in the tree to correspond to the
small veins in the leaf.

Dr. M‘Cosh likewise added the following notes on the measurement
of angles, &c. :—

1. The instrument employed is the old goniometer, being a semi-
circle graduated with a movable index.

2. The angle of the leaf can easily be measured. The angles of
the branches of herbaceous plants can easily be taken in autumn. It
is more difficult to determine the normal angles of trees. It can be
done either by taking a young tree not bent with the wind, or twisted
by the weight of its own branches; or, better still, by taking the
Sreely-growing branch of a healthy tree, and measuring the angle of
tts branchlets, the most of which will be found within a few degrees
above or below the normal angle.

3. In measuring the angle of ramification, take the axis below the

420

branch exclusively, and not the axis above the place at which the
branch goes off.

4, It is to be observed that on most plants the angle widens as we
ascend from the base to the middle, and then narrows rapidly as we
ascend from the middle to the apex. This is the case both with the
branches of the plant and the veins of the leaves; but in some cases
the angle is widest at the foot and narrows as we ascend. ‘Thus the
birch begins at nearly 50 deg., and speedily comes down to 35 and
even 30 deg. The Salvia (red) begins at 45 deg., and speedily reaches
its average of 35 deg. The white lilac begins at 58 deg., and comes
down to 50 and 45 deg. The same holds of some, but not all, kinds
of poplar. In the above table the angle taken is supposed to be the
average of those fully developed, being commonly the third or fourth
from the base of the leaf.

5. In plants with spines. All spines and branches tending to be-
come spines have an angle wider than the normal one. _ Have not old,
decaying trees the same ? .

6. Exceptions.—While I am convinced of the general tendency of
the stemage and leafage to take the same form, I am prepared to be-
lieve that there may be exceptions. I am inclined to think that the
exceptions will fall under the following rule :—The genus, as a whole,
will have a correspondence between leaf and branch; and most of the
species under the genus will vary in leaf when they depart in branch
from the normal form ; but there will be found varieties of a singular
description (I suspect some kinds of poplar), especially monsters,
which will differ from the genus in the stem, while they retain the
generic leaf, or vice versd.

4. On Fossil Woods from Antigua and Australia; by R. Bryson,
Esq. Mr. Bryson exhibited specimens of silicified woods from An-
tigua and Australia, the former being both exogenous and endoge-
nous, while the latter were coniferous. Some of the specimens were
about a foot in diameter, and were beautifully polished by Mr. Young.
Mr. Bryson made some remarks on the process of silicification, and
pointed out the difference of appearance presented by the woods.
Some were completely opalized and hard throughout; others had por-
tions, either external or internal, which were less completely silicified,
and in a friable state. In this latter state the Australian woods
showed the coniferous structure, while the opalized forms did not
show disks under the microscope.

421 °

Mr. Thomas Anderson exhibited several fossil leaves from the ter-
tiary formation, belonging to dicotyledonous plants.

Mr. James B. Davies exhibited the following specimens from Mr.
Lawson, jun., who remarked, in a letter accompanying them, “ I send
a few specimens of novelties which may perhaps be interesting to
some of the members :—Some new varieties of curiously-marked kid-
ney beans from Portugal; new turnips and radish from France (the
white variety is the earliest I have ever heard of, being ready in three
weeks, I understand) ; specimens of the Bromus Schraderi and Cana-
densis, showing very abundant foliage at this season (this grass has
been long known to botanists, but there seems great difficulty in
making our agricultural friends believe in its value); Isatis Indigotica,
as employed in China for dyeing tea.”

Mr. Fortune remarked that the early turnip was common in China,
and had probably been imported into France, whence Mr. Lawson
had obtained it.

Mr. Davies also exhibited specimens of Elymus hordeiformis affected
with ergot, and a variety of Elymus Canadensis with a branching spike
of several heads.

Mr. Stark exhibited growing specimens of Portugese plants, amongst
which was a beautiful species of Linaria, apparently allied to L. supina
or L. alpina, but with large flowers, of a rich purple.

_ At the request of the President, Mr. Fortune gave some interesting
information relative to the manufacture of tea in China, and also in
regard to the tea plantations belonging to the Hon. East India Com-
pany in the Himalaya.

- Daniel Oliver, jun., of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, was elected an Ordi-
nary Fellow. Six candidates were proposed for election at the next
meeting, which will take place on the second Thursday of December.

_ Thursday, December 11, 1851.—Professor Balfour, President, in
the chair.

_ The following donations were announced :—A very large and valu-
able collection of Fungi from Dr. Greville; British plants from Mr.
Thomas Moore, Botanic Garden, Chelsea, and Mr. Wiaheesid Bath ;
‘ Botanical Gazette,’ from the Editor.

Dr. Balfour exhibited the following donations, presented to the
museum at the Botanic Garden by Dr. Alexander Hunter, Madras :-—
1. Fibres of the Musa paradisaica, or plantain; 2. Cord made from
the fibres of that plant; 3. Paper made from the fibres of the same
plant; 4. Various kinds of caoutchouc, procured from Ficus indica,

* 422

F. religiosa, F. racemosa, and milk-hedge (perhaps Euphorbia sp.).
From Lady Harvey, Carlton Terrace :—Miscellaneous capsules, and
sections of woods. From Dr. Scott, Dean Terrace :—Two legumes
from Madeira. From Mr. M‘Nab, Botanic Garden :—A large collec-
tion of seeds, cones, and sections of woods, being the nucleus of a
private collection, and now given over to the museum, in all 180 spe-
cimens. From Mr. James Laing: —Two legumes from Calcutta.
From Mr. William Baxter, Riccarton :—A monstrous branch of Pinus
Pinaster, blown down at Riccarton, by the late gale.

Mr. George R. Tate exhibited an interesting series of plants from
Northumberland; which he presented to the Society, including Cypri-
pedium Calceolus and other rare species.

Mr. G. Lawson exhibited growing plants of the recently-discovered
Potamogeton Trichoides, which he had some time ago received through
the kindness of the Rev. Kirby Trimmer, from the station at Swardes-
ton, Norfolk. He likewise exhibited fresh specimens of the fruit of
this species, and pointed out the specific character afforded by the
prominent tubercle on the “inner” edge of the fruit. “ Fr. often ver-
rucose on the back and with a tubercle on each side at its base” (Bab.
Man. 8rd ed.). In a letter accompanying the plant Mr. Trimmer
remarked :—“ There is every reason, I think, to consider Potamogeton
Trichoides not introduced, but native, at the Framlingham, Earl, and
Swardeston stations. [have known for the last three years of the
plant existing in the latter station, but could never till July in the
present year meet with fruit on it, and even then only a very few spe-
cimens, under a dozen.”

Dr. Balfour read a letter from Dr. Dickie, mentioning the occur-
rence of Carex-rigida close by the sea, within reach of the spray, on
Downpatrick Head; also the occurrence of Hieracium nigrescens?
and Hypnum rufescens on Ben Bulben.

Dr. Balfour also read a letter from Mr. James Backhouse, jun.,
York, in which he states that he has fairly proved the Hieracium
plumbeum of Fries to bea British plant. “ It grows on Falcon Clints,
in Teesdale. Having had an opportunity of examining specimens of —
the Norwegian Hieracia during the past summer, partly by collecting
personally, and partly through the kind assistance of Professor Blytt,
of Christiania (from whom I have received a large dried collection), 1
am able satisfactorily to identify the above-mentioned plant, which
has all the appearance of a good and distinct species. It is most
nearly allied to H. cesium, but differs strongly in having more trun-
cate involucres, with broad-based, acuminate, apiculate scales, of a

4335 *

dark colour, margined with green ; also in the involucres and peduncles
being almost or entirely destitute of stellate pubescence. UH. cesium,
from the same place, and from Cronkley Scar, has narrow, acute
involucral scales, and usually a /arge amount of stellate down on the
peduncles and involucres. H. plumbeum flowers very early (say
about July), while H. cesium is in perfection or nearly so in Septem-
ber. I have the plant in cultivation from Falcon Clints; and under
these circumstances it becomes still more dissimilar. It agrees well
with my Norwegian specimens, and still better than they do with the
description in Fries’s ‘ Monograph.’ ”

Mr. M‘Nab read the following extract of a letter from Dr. Gilbert
M‘Nab, dated Jamaica, November 1, 1851 :—“ Some time ago I sent
you some dried specimens of a small plant, which I supposed was a
floating aquatic fern; but since I wrote you I have discovered what
itis. In the water-tank in my garden is a very large and luxuriant
plant of the Nymphza ampla, which seeds very freely. The seeds
are surrounded by a spongy-looking arillus, which floats to the sur-
face all those that get disengaged from the mud, where the capsule is
ripened ; and whilst floating on the surface they there vegetate, and
after a time sink and take root in the mud. The small, leaf-looking
bodies are the submersed leaves of the plant; they are of a similar
shape, but totally different in texture from the floating leaves. I also
notice in the N. ampla what I have never seen in any of the family,
viz., that it produces as many purely male flowers as it does herma-
phrodite. I have not yet seen any purely female flower, although I
dare say I shall. I was thinking of putting some up in brine, as they
may be interesting.”

Mr. M‘Nab also read the following extract of a letter from Mr. John
Goldie, Ayr, Canada West (late of Ayrshire) :—“I observed in the
‘North British Agriculturist’ that at one of your botanical meetings
there was a discussion about what kind of trees were generally struck
with lightning. Since I came here I have learned something on that

subject. One morning no less than four trees were struck by light-

_ ning within three miles of this place, one of them close at hand. Of
____ the four trees alluded to all were gigantic specimens of the Weymouth
_ pine (Pinus Strobus). Indeed, I may say that I do not recollect

_ Seeing any other sort of tree being injured by lightning in this part of
the country. Whether this occurs from the pine being taller and more
pointed than any other of the trees here, or from any other cause, I
shall not presume to say. In all the lightning-struck trees which I
have examined the electric fluid proceeded from the top to the root,

"424

following the grain of the wood, and cutting out the bark two or three
inches in breadth all the way, as if it had been scooped out with a
gouge.”

Mr. M‘Nab likewise laid before the meeting a list of temperatures,
as observed by the thermometer in the Botanic Garden, from the 1st
to the 9th of November.

The following papers were read :—

1. ‘ Notice of a New British Viola; by Charles C. Babington, M.A.
In this communication Mr. Babington stated that he had obtained a
new species of violet from Mr. A. G. More, of Trinity College, Cam-
bridge, who gathered it in June, 1851, in peaty ground in Garry-land
Wood, near Gort, county Galway. Mr. Babington remarks that it is
only recently we have learned, from the writings of Fries and of Gre-
nier, to distinguish the several species of violet which have been con-
founded under the name of Viola lactea, Sm., and that we have dis-
covered the necessity of separating those possessing rhizomes from
the non-rhizomatous species. The species called Viola stagnina is the
only known British representative of the former. The present spe-
cies is allied to it, and is probably one of those with rhizomes. It is
the Viola stricta of Hornemann ; and the following are its characters:
—Anther-spur short, broadly lancet-shaped, blunt, almost twice as
long as broad ; corolla-spur short, blunt, green; leaves cordate-ovate;
petioles winged at the top; stipules oblong-lanceolate, leaf-like,
inciso-serrate, (+) shorter than the petioles, ‘on the middle of the
stem ;’ primary and lateral stems flowering and elongated. The plant
is far more nearly allied to Viola stagnina than to any of our other
violets ; but the green colour of the corolla-spur, the differently-
shaped leaves, and remarkably different stipules clearly distinguish it.
The short corolla-spur, and also that of the anthers, are sufficient to
separate it from Viola canina.

2. ‘On the Fuchsia, considered Morphologically ; by the Rev. Dr.
M‘Cosh, Brechin. The branches of the Fuchsia whorl round the
axis. I have selected a species which whorls in threes. In this
plant I find that the leaves also come off in triplets. I cut a freely-
growing branch, and found it to have twenty-four branches, which,
when measured, were as follows :—I1st whorl, 63.56.60 ; 2nd whorl,
51.60.56 ; 3rd whorl, 63.60.58 ; 4th whorl, 60.57.60; 5th whorl, 58.
62.62; 6th whorl, 65.60.57 ; 7th whorl, 85.62.60; 8th whorl, 58.60.58.
The normal angle of the branches is therefore about 60°. On mea-

425

suring the leaf I find it to be 50°. Any freely-growing branch would
give substantially the same result. I now endeavoured to find whe-
ther the curve of the branchlets and the curve of the vein corresponded.
The eye at once said they were the same ; but I wished to have cor-
rect measurements. This I found to be difficult, inasmuch as the
stems are so much larger than the veins, which renders it impossible
directly to compare them. Thus it is exceedingly difficult to deter-
mine the relative length of the two, so as to take a proportional mea-
surement. It occurred to me to try and find the law of the ordinates
of the curves, and thus inquire if they corresponded, which I found
to be the case, the result showing that the ordinates increased by
equal increments in equal spaces, and that the increment is to
the absciss. This, then, was the simple law of the curve of the
branch. I then proceeded to examine the curve of the vein on the
same principle, and found it to obey the very same law of equal
increment in equal spaces. This seemed to me a demonstration of
the identity of the curve of branch and leaf.

3. ‘On Monstrosities of the Dandelion and common Clover, ob-
served near Turin ;’ by Charles Murchison, M.D., British Embassy
at Turin. 1n this communication Dr. Murchison noticed the occur-
rence of a peculiar state of the common dandelion, in which each of
the ligulate florets was supported on an apparent stalk of its own, this
stalk being hollow, and probably an elongated, abortive state of the
fruit, as indicated by the pappus being at the apex. Some of the hol-
low stalks showed a tendency to adhere together. In another mon-
strosity of the same plant the flower-stalk divided, immediately within
the involucre, into twenty-one tubular pedicels, some of them two
inches long, each bearing a small cluster of tubular florets. The
inflorescence thus had the appearance of a compound umbel rather
than of acapitulum. A general involucre surrounded the pedicels,
and a partial involucre existed at the point where the smaller heads
of tubular flowers were given off. At the base of the pedicels, within
the general involucre, a few sessile, ligulate florets were produced.
The monstrosity of the common clover consisted in the conversion of
all the parts into green leaves. Each little flower had a tubular calyx,
divided into five unequal segments; and within this were from ten to
twenty spathulate, green leaflets, supported on long stalks. ‘The leaf-
lets varied in length, from three to six or eight lines. The pistil pro-
truded a great way beyond the flower, measming sometimes an inch
in length, and supporting a green leaf, either simple or variously

VOL. IV. 31

426

divided. Dr. Murchison noticed that many entire clover-fields in the
neighbourhood of Turin scarcely contained a single head of flowers,
and that the farmers there have this season complained generally of
the failure of the clover-seed. The paper was illustrated by drawings
and dissections.

4. ‘On the Flora of Bonn, on the Rhine; by G. S. Blackie, Esq.
The author noticed some of the objects of interest, in a botanical
point of view, in the neighbourhood of Bonn, including the Botanic
Garden, and the Museum of Natural History at Poppelsdorf, remark-
ing particularly upon the geological collection, containing many
interesting specimens, some of which were from brown-coal pits at
Friesdorf, three miles distant. “ The stratum at Friesdorf is, in fact,
a forest, buried at an exceedingly remote period, and now converted
into brown coal. The trunks of trees lie in beds of clay and sand,
and are found in various stages, from the perfect fossil tree, in which
the form and structure are plainly visible, to this coal. The layers of
coal alternate with layers of aluminous earth, which furnishes mate-
rials for a large alum work, on the same hill. This coal also yields
the pigment known by the name of burnt umber, or Cologne earth.
At Putzberg, near Friesdorf, trunks of trees ten, and even twelve, feet
in diameter have been frequently found.”. The author then proceeded
to remark :—“ Bonn possesses a salubrious climate, severe winter,
early spring, and very warm summer. It stands near the head of that
immense plain which extends from the seven mountains to Rotter-
dam. There are no very high hills in the neighbourhood, except the
Drachenfels and its six brothers, eight or nine miles up the river,
though between Bonn and these seven mountains the country is gra-
dually rising, and below Bonn there is hardly a hillock. Many of
the smaller heights, if not covered by vineyards, are clothed with
forests of short, stunted trees, and inhabited by deer, roe, and even,
though very rarely, by the wild boar. The soil of the country is in
general rich, though in many places very stony. The whole country
has been formed by volcanic agency, and consists of lava, trachyte,
and basalt; and one or two of the hills are plainly extinct volcanoes,
more especially that of Rodeberg, which is opposite the seven moun-
tains. This is one of the largest extinct volcanoes on the Rhine. It
has a circular crater about a quarter of an English mile in diameter,
and 100 feet deep; and great quantities of tufa and scorie are found
in and around it. The country is under a high state of cultivation,
and the hills are drained and cultivated to their summits. Many of

427

the fields yield two crops in the year. One great want is the entire
absence of pasture, for all animals are fed at home, and never put out
to graze. The appearance of the country, on this account chiefly, is
curious to an English eye, as instead of fine, large fields, they have
small patches of different crops, of one or two acres in extent, grow-
ing side by side, without hedge, fence, or tree, giving a patch-work
appearance to the whole, which does not at all add to the picturesque
character of the scenery, and indeed, after the fine trees and hedyge-
rows of old England, makes the country look plain. These small
crops, however, have this advantage,—that as in that country there
are mostly small farmers, one crop failing they have one or two more
to rely on.

“ The chief plants cultivated near Bonn are rye, wheat, oats, barley,
potatoes, cabbage (grown near the towns and villages, chiefly for sawer
kraut), rich grasses and clover (for the cattle), Ervum Lens, the hop
(Humulus Lupulus), Valerianella olitoria, Brassica oleracea, Rapa
and Napus, buckwheat, hemp and flax (rarely), and the vine; and
among cultivated trees Robinia Pseud-Acacia (brought from North
America) and A‘sculus Hippocastanum (introduced first at Vienna,
from the East Indies, in 1575) are most universal. It is astonishing
to remark the perseverence and diligence with which the vine is culti-
vated. On the almost perpendicular banks of the Rhine, between
Mayence and Coblentz, or nearer Bonn, the steep heights of the val-
ley of the Ahr are cultivated to their summits, soil being carried up
the rocks by means of ladders, and placed in baskets fixed on ledges
of the rock, and then dyked round, Jest the wind and rain should
carry off the plants. In this Ahr valley there are hills higher than
Arthur’s Seat, cultivated to their peaks in this way, a specimen of
industry rivalling even that of the sands of Holland.

“The vine is not properly a native of this country, having come
from the southern parts of Europe ; but it has in some places escaped
from cultivation, and appears wild, and is even held to be so by some
authors.

“Further up the Rhine, towards Mayence and Frankfurt, the cli-
mate is warmer; and, on account of the absence of heights, the culti-
vation of the vine almost ceases, while tobacco and Indian maize are
grown in abundance. Some authors think that Nicotiana Tabacum,
latissima, and rustica, are true natives of the Rhine’s course; but I
fear that, like the vine and other plants, they have been introduced
for cultivation, and have now and then escaped. My specimens of
this plant were collected on the banks of the Maine, near Frankfurt,

428
.

far from any tobacco plantation. The only difference which it seems
to bear from the cultivated plant is in height, a circumstance easily
explained. Though much tobacco is grown on this part of the Rhine,
the greater part of that smoked in Germany comes from Holland,
where the rich, damp soil is very favourable to it, though it very soon
exhausts a soil.

“T commenced my excursions early in May, immediately after my
arrival in Bonn, the first being made to the Kreutzberg, a sacred,
wooded hill, a mile or two distant. In the woods here I found that
all the earlier flowers—the hyacinth, anemone, celandine, periwinkle,
and the like, which had hardly flowered when I left Scotland—were
gone, and were succeeded by a new series, the woods being full of
the lily of the valley (Convallaria majalis) and Solomon’s seal (C.
multiflora), and also, in great abundance, an entire stranger, which I
found to be Maianthemum bifolium, DC. Phyteuma nigrum, a spe-
cies not found in Britain, was the next observed, and is distinguished
by its dark violet flowers and linear bracts. Erica Tetralix was already
pretty frequent. . cinerea, on the other hand, is very rare, the only
authentic habitat for it in North and Middle Germany being at Dol-
lendorf, near Bonn; but there it is now extinct, having been carried
off by botanists. Ulex Europeus also, though found at Holstein,
Hamburg, and Bremen, is not found so far south. The next plants I
found were Valerianella olitoria and carinata, and Genista pilosa, dis-
tinguished by its want of thorns, its woody stem, hairy pods, and
under side of leaf silky. All the vineyards were full of Ornithogalum
umbellatum, and, growing along with it, Euphorbia Cyparissias and
Esula, Holosteum umbellatum, and Asclepias vincetoxicum, Z. The
latter is common in Germany. On the hills I,also found Lithosper-
mum purpureo-ceruleum and Cerastium brachypetalum, two plants
characteristic of the flora. The Cerastium is readily distinguished by
its grayish-green colour, with long, gray hairs, and flower-stalks two
or three times longer than the calyx.

“ Later in the month I visited the Drachenfels, and the rest of the
seven mountains. On the summit of the first I found Alyssum mon-
tanum. Alyssum calycinum also is universal over the country, and
almost as common as Sisymbrium officinale, and grows commonly to
about one-half or three-fourths of a foot, and frequently to a foot and
upwards.

“In the woods were Lonicera Xylosteum (in great abundance), Paris
quadrifolia (often with five or six leaves), Euphorbia dulcis (a rare
species), Rhamnus Frangula, and Plantago media. In the immediate

429

vicinity of Bonn | found Trifolium incarnatum, Hydrocharis Morsus-
Rane, Iris sibirica, Orchis Morio, Euphorbia platyphylla, Genista
germanica, sagittalis and tinctoria, and Carex Cideri and Schreberi.

** As the month of June came in the rocks and walls were covered
with various species of Sedum, of which S. album was the most com-
mon; and six or seven species of Campanula came in flower. Near
Rheineek I then found Asarnm Europeum and Helleborus feetidus ;
and near Bonn, Aristolochia Clematitis. The lochs were covered with
the white and yellow water-lilies; while Villarsia nympheoides, Sa-
gittaria, and other water plants were in great abundance. The spe-
cies of Orobanche began to flower inJune. Orobanche major [ found
in almost every wood, being parasitical on the common broom, and
particularly abundant up the side of Drachenfels, where it grew on
every broom bush. The same was the case at Siegburg. O. minor,
parasitical upon Trifolium medium and pratense, is much rarer, though
I found it more than once on the Rhine. At Obercassel, in the imme-
diate vicinity of Bonn, on a stony bank of the Rhine, grew two other
species, O. amethystea of Thuillier, or Eryngii of Duby, and O. Epi-
thymum. These are perhaps the two rarest German species. The
former, parasitical upon Eryngium campestre, is characterized chiefly
by from three to six nerves on the calyx, and a tubular corolla, curved
immediately from the base, otherwise straight; and the latter, a pa-
rasite on thyme, has the lowest lip of the corolla twice as large as
those at the side, besides curious hairs on the stigma. O. Hedere,
parasitical upon ivy, by many of the Germans considered a mere
variety of minor, [ found in the vicinity.

“T likewise obtained some interesting Orchidew, but am sorry that
I did not find Cypripedium Calceolus, having only once met with a
withered specimen. At the same place I found Ophrys arachnites and
muscifera, together with Herminium Monorchis, Cephalanthera pal-
lens, and Orchis militaris. Near Bonn I also found the bug Orchis
(Orchis coriophora). At this time I found several very late specimens
of Anemone Pulsatilla, Delphinium Consolida (truly wild), Coronilla
varia, Stachys recta, Sisymbrium Sophia, Arnica montana, Spergula
pentandra, and many others. The banks of the Rhine were for miles
covered with Allium Schcenoprasum. A. victoralis I found only once.
I also found a specimen of Monotropa Hypopitys, but am notin a
position to reconcile the disputes respecting its reputed parasitism.
I found other plants worthy of notice: Valerianella auricula and Mor-
risoniil, Polygala depressa, Hippocrepis comosa, and Mespilus ger-
manica. '

430

“The month of July came, and with it the evening primrose (/no-
thera biennis), which covered the shores of the Rhine and other rivers;
also, though rarely, another species of Ginothera (muricata), having
the lower leaves lancet-shaped. None of the species are natives of
Europe, having been brought from Virginia, about 1614, and, escaping
from gardens, appeared universally over the country, and now have
the appearance of true natives. Huphorbia Gerardiana, Dianthus
prolifer, Armeria, and Carthusianorum were now in abundance. The
latter I have noticed seems to prefer ie Kel a soil of volcanic
tufa, for wherever the tufa lies there I have constantly found the plant
in most quantity. This is probably, however, only a coincidence.
The species of Verbascum were also numerous around Bonn. I found
V. Thapsus, Thapsiforme, nigrum, Blattaria, Lychnites, nigro-flocco-
sum, and Thapsiforme-floccosum. Digitalis ochroleucum I found now
and then rarely. On the tops of high hills I occasionally observed
Bupleurum longifolium, and once B. rotundifolium. Along the shores
of the Rhine near Bonn [I picked Herniaria glabra, Corrigiola littora-
lis, Saponaria vaccaria, and Calla palustris. About this time, too, the
beautiful heads of Helichrysum arenarium, with which tombs are
decked here, as well as in France, began to appear, accompanied fre-
quently by Inula Britannica. Lepidium ruderale and graminifolinm
flower also at this time.

“ Towards the end of my stay I looked at the ferns of the country.
Of these there are a good number, but only one species (Struthiopteris
germanica) that we have not in Britain, which, however, I did not find
till my last day in Bonn. The ferns, generally, are not distributed so
plentifully as in Britain. Osmunda regalis, Ophioglossum vulgatum,
and Scolopendrium vulgare are pretty frequently found. Asplenium
septentrionale is very common, much more so than Ruta-muraria or
Trichomanes. I found five Lycopodia, L. alpinum, clavatum, Selago,
inundatum, and a common one there, though a stranger to us, L.
chamz-Cyparissias. I got the rare Woodsia hyperborea far up the
Rhine, in the vicinity of Bacharach.”

Mr. Blackie exhibited specimens of the more interesting species,
and presented to the Society’s library a MS. catalogue of all the plants
observed by him during his three months’ stay in the neighbourhood
of Bonn, which contains 586 Dicotyledones, 175 Monocotyledones,
and 28 Acotyledones, making a total of 789 species.

5. ‘Microscopical Observations on a kind of Paper made from Ve-
getable Tissue ; by John Matthews, Esq. Mr. Matthews stated that
he had examined the specimen of paper presented at the last meeting

431

of the Society, and found that it exhibited beautiful cells, with sto-
mata. It was therefore the cuticle ofa plant; and from the quadran-
gular stomata he was disposed to think that it was allied to Agave.

Office-bearers were elected as follows for the ensuing vear :—Pre-
sident: Dr. Seller. Vice-Presidents : Professor Fleming, Dr. Parnell,
Professor Balfour, and Professor Christison. Councillors: Professor
Goodsir, Mr. James Cunningham, Mr. William L. Lindsay, Mr. James
M‘Nab, Mr. R. M. Stark, Dr. Lowe, Dr. Dobie, Mr. Charles Lawson,
jun., Mr. Henry Paul, and Mr. W. O. Priestley. Honorary Secretary :
Dr. Greville. Foreign Secretary: Dr. Douglas Maclagan. Auditor:
Mr. Brand. ‘Treasurer: Mr. Evans. Curator of the Museum: Mr.
Thomas Anderson. Assistant Secretary and Curator: Mr. G. Lawson.

The following gentlemen were elected Fellows :—The Rev. George
M‘Farline, Elizafield; Charles Jenner, Esq., Holland Lodge; Wil-
liam Somerville Millar, Esq.; James Shorrock, Esq.; Charles Dy-
cer, Esq.; and John Matthews, Esq. Mr. James B. Davies was
elected an Associate.

Several candidates were proposed for election at next meeting.

Botanical Society of London.

Saturday, November 29, 1851 (fifteenth Anniversary Meeting).—
Thomas Moore, Esq., F.L.S., in the chair.

Donations of British plants were announced from Mr. Hewett C.
Watson, Mr. H. O. Stephens, the Rev. W. W. Hind, Mr. J. D. Sal-
mon, Mr. T. Dutton, the Rev. A. Bloxam, the Rev. H. P. Marsham,
and Mr. G. E. Dennes.

The Secretary read the annual Report of the Council, from which
it appeared that 17 new members had been elected since the last
Anniversary Meeting, and that the Society consisted of 267 members.
Great exertions had been made by the Herbarium Committee to ob-
tain the rarer and more interesting plants ; and many valuable speci-
mens had been received for distribution to the members. Great.
progress had been made by Mr. Syme, the Curator, in arranging the
Society’s collections. The Report was unanimously adopted, after
which a ballot took place for the Council for 1852, when J. E. Gray,
Esq., F.R.S., was re-elected President; Mr. J. Reynolds, Treasurer ;
Mr. T. Moore, Librarian; and Mr. G. E. Dennes, Secretary.

432

Sir Coutts Lindsay, Bart., Mr. J. D. Salmon, and Mr. J. P. Norman
were elected new members of the Council. °

Friday, November 5, 1851.—Arthur Henfrey, Esq., F.LS., V.P., in
the chair.

The following donations were announced :—‘ Proceedings of the
Liverpool Literary and Philosophical Society, No. 6; presented by
the Society. ‘Proceedings of the Portsmouth and Portsea Literary
and Philosophical Society ;) presented by the Society. ‘ Report of
the Seventh General Meeting of Subscribers to the Lynn Museum ;’
presented by the Rev. J. Bransby. ‘ Journal of the Statistical Society
of London ;’ presented by the Society. ‘Pharmaceutical Journal
and Transactions ;’ presented by the Pharmaceutical Society. ‘The
Gardener’s Magazine of Botany ;’ presented by the Editors. ‘ Me-
morias de la Real Academia de Ciencias de Madrid ;’ presented by the
Academy. British plants from Mr. R. Withers, Mr. J. Tatham, Rev.
T. Butler, Mr. G. S. Gibson, Mr. J. Whittaker, Mr. J. G. Baker, Mrs.
James, and Mr. J. T. Syme.

The Chairman exhibited German specimens of Equisetum inu nda-
tum, Lasch., considered by German botanists as a hybrid between E.
limosum and E. arvense.

Mr. J. T. Syme (Curator) read a notice of Sparganium natans, “Z.”
Fr., which he considered distinct from S. minimum, “ Bawh.” Fr.,
the plant commonly called by the former name. He remarked that
Mr. Babington’s descriptions of these two plants, in the third edition
of the ‘ Manual of British Botany,’ pointed out the distinctive charac-
ters of each so clearly, that there was nothing of importance left to
notice. He stated that he had seen the plant growing in several
places in Braemar, in the Loch of Drum, Aberdeenshire, and near
the Spittal of Glenshee, in Perthshire ; he had also seen specimens
collected by Mr. H. C. Watson, in Inverness-shire, and on Purbright
Common, Surrey, and some, dated 1808, which had been gathered by
the Rev. D. Fleming, in Featholand Lake, North Mavine, in the
mainland of Zetland. Mr. Syme presented a set of specimens of the
plant to the herbarium of the Society.—G. EH. D.

433

Notice of ‘A Manualof Botany ; being an Introduction to the Study
of the Structure, Physiology, and Classification of Plants. By
Joun Hutton Batrour, M.D., F.L.S., F.R.S.E., Professor of Me-
dicine and Botany in the University of Edinburgh. Second Kdi-
tion. London: John Joseph Griffin & Co. 1851.

Also, a Review of the above, received as a kind of Handbill, but pub-
lished in the ‘ North British Agriculturist, dated Wednesday,
May 7, 1851.

Also, a second Review of the same work, published in the ‘ Monthly
Medical Journal of Botany’ for June, 1851.

Also, ‘ Singular Specimens of the Edinburgh Practice of Criticism.
By Joun JosupH Grirrin. London: John J. Griffin & Co. 1851,

Also, ‘ Leiter to R. K. Greville; being an Answer to certain State-
ments contained in a Pamphlet intituled ‘ Singular Practices, &c.
By Joun Hutton Batrovur, M.D. Edinburgh: Adam & Charles
Black. 1851.’

THE volume of which the title stands at the head of the foregoing
list was fully, fairly, and favourably reviewed in the ‘ Phytologist,’ as
far back as July, 1849. The second edition differs from the first
scarcely at all. There are a few alterations, it is true, but these con-
sist almost entirely in the correction of unimportant errors of gram-
mar and orthography, and a few of what among printers generally
pass by the name of “ literals.’

Besides these trifling corrections, there is one, and only one, marked
improvement, and that is the location of the Rhizanths. In the first
edition this debatable group stands as order 163, between 162 Ne-
penthacez and 164 Datiscacee, the three orders (162, 163, 164) being
placed between two others, which will probably be more familiar to
many English botanists, namely, Aristolochiacee and Empetracee.
To all these four orders the Rhizanths have but little external or struc-
tural resemblance. In the second edition the Rhizanths are placed
between the Endogens and Acrogens, the orders being numbered 210
Graminez, 211 Rhizanthee, and 212 Equisetacee. By general con-
sent the Rhizanths hold a dubious position in technical classification,
having characters, as all systematic botanists agree, intermediate be-
tween the phanerogamous and cryptogamous plants, though, on the
whole, considerably nearer the formers This improvement is one of
botanical importance, and exhibits the editor of the second edition
as a more profound and trustworthy systematist than the author of the

VOL. Iv. 3K

434

first. Yet an unfortunate error, either of the pen or press, has marred
the good effect of this improvement: the short line, “ Subclass 4.
Rhizanthez,” required before the name of the order Rhizanthee, is
omitted. Through this omission the Rhizanths are made to appear
as a third order of the subclass Glumacee. This blunder is really of a
serious character in a manual for students, because likely to cause con-
fusion ofideas. But that it is a mere casual blunder is quite clear, since
the intentional introduction of Rhizanths into the Glumacee would
imply an amount of ignorance on the part of the editor which is incon-
sistent with the greatly-improved position of the order, and which is
nowhere displayed throughout the volume. If, therefore, the first
edition was worthy the commendation the ‘ Phytologist’ bestowed on
it, the second is still more worthy of that commendation, since it
possesses all the merits, but not all the faults, of the first; and this
observation, be it understood, is made advisedly, and after referring
to the various passages which the soi-disant critics have been pleased
to cite as erroneous. Since, therefore, we cordially recommended the
first edition of the Manual, and since we adhere to that commendation,
as justified by the work itself, so it follows that the second edition,
being an improvement on the first, has our cordial commendation also.
We believe that a careful comparison of the Manual with Jussieu’s
‘Cours Elémentaire’ and Lindley’s ‘Elements’ would rob the first of
any very strong claim to the standing of an original work; still Dr.
Balfour’s share in the work is very creditable, and fully sufficient to
warrant its bearing his name. 7

Having in these few words disposed of the work itself, we are bound
in etiquette to notice the reviews, those paper pellets which the pop-
guns of Scottish critics have propelled into our sanctum. Of the
first of these, the review signed “ Z.,” we have received no less than
five copies, all of them printed as separate handbills, and kindly
intended, no doubt, to save us the trouble of forming or expressing
any views of our own. But if this were the object it has entirely
failed, since we found something so curious in these effusions, that we
would fain inquire, What is it all about? How is it that our Edin-
burgh friends, the especial friends, too, of Dr. Balfour, have so un-
mercifully belaboured that gentleman’s book, while they speak of him
as an injured man,—a man, it would seem, injured by the badness of
his own book? Poor Professor! If thy reviewers could but have foreseen
the effect produced by so industriously ferreting out the errors of thy
book, they would surely have refrained from charging thy editorial suc-
cessor with leaving thy blunders uncorrected! Well mayst thouexclaim,

435

** Preserve me from my friends!” It has never been our lot to see
the errors, the unimportant errors, of a book so elaborately hunted out
and exposed, and yet all through good will to the author! And then
they slyly inform us that the errors still deface the work; not new
errors, but the author’s old, original blunders. What bitter sarcasm !
The enunciation of these critics, stripped of verbiage and circumlo-
cution, amounts simply to this :—

Ist. That Dr. Balfour’s Manual teems with blunders, which the new
editor has not corrected.

2nd. That the new editor has not worked up his subject to the pre-
sent time.

3rd. That the new editor has misplaced the Rhizanths.

In reference to the first of these charges, we unhesitatingly admit
that many corrections have been, and more might have been, made,
and ought to have been made.

On the second point we also admit that much has been left undone.
We would however observe, that had the new edition contained any
new matter it would have been scarcely fair that Dr. Balfour should
have the blame or praise, since his name stands as sole author in both
editions, and since, whatever may have been said to the contrary, it
is perfectly clear that the book was and is his own production.

On the third point, the location of the Rhizanths, the critics either
know that the location is improved, or they are ignorant of botany. If
the first, they have forfeited all claim to respect, by their comments
on the subject ; if the last, they have no right to express any opinion
at all.

These reviews, emanating, as they do, from critics avowing the most
friendly feeling for Dr. Balfour, and subsequently appropriated almost
entirely by the Doctor himself,* call forth a rejoinder from Mr. Grif-
fin, the real proprietor of the work. This gentleman appears to us to
have selected a most unfortunate title for his pamphlet, for it, in fact,
conveys to the mind of the reader no idea whatever of the matters
which it would reveal. From this pamphlet it appears that a long and
angry correspondence has been carried on between the author and the
proprietor of the Manual about the copyright of that work, and that
the reviews which we have just noticed are penned in a spirit of hot
partisanship, so hot, indeed, that, as we have already shown, they
overshoot the mark, and damage, albeit unintentionally, the very man
their authors are so eager to serve. As we are unable to compliment Mr.

* “ Letter to Dr. Greville, pp. 19—24.

436

Griffin on the title he has chosen, so neither can we speak highly of
the pleading of his own cause. However, Dr. Balfour’s rejoinder
serves to supply some of the missing links in the chain of evidence ;
and these, from a careful comparison of all the facts that remain, after
dismissing the doubtful or unproved assertions, are as follow :—

Mr. Griffin, of the house of J. J. Griffin & Co., of 53, Baker Street,
Portman Square, conceived the idea of publishing a series of cheap
manuals on the natural sciences, and proposed to Dr. Balfour that he
should write that on botany, provided Mr. Griffin, then on his way to
Paris, succeeded in purchasing the cuts used in the French edition of
Jussieu’s work.

“ The knowledge, possessed by both of us,” says Mr. Griffin, “ that
the French publisher had hawked some of his casts too much in Eng-
land, rendered it expedient that I should make certain inquiries before
buying them at all. It was agreed, that if 1 bought them I was to let
you know immediately, that you might proceed with the work, and
have it ready for use the next season. But, whether you should, or
should not, write the work, was left entirely contingent upon the fact,
whether I did, or did not, purchase the casts of the cuts of Jussieu’s
Manual. It was not the case, that you were, at all events, writing a
Text-book, of which | was to have a license to print an edition ; but
it was the case, that I was projecting a series of publications, on one
of which you were to work, provided that, on my arrival in Paris, I
should still think it expedient to carry the project into execution. If
I had failed in obtaining the engravings, your Manual certainly would
not have been written for me, and, perhaps, would never have been
written at all. To such an extent was the enterprise mine—not yours.”
—Singular Specimens, p. 5.

Mr. Griffin purchased the botanical cuts of the French work, and
agreed with Dr. Balfour to furnish the letterpress, for the sum of £200.
But for what ’—the copyright or an edition ?

Mr. Griffin says:—

“ When I planned the work, provided the cuts, and offered you
£200 to translate Jussieu’s treatise, it was, of course, in order that I
might acquire the copyright. I never agreed to pay £200 for leave to
print an edition of your Text-book. You had no text-book at the
time, and it was not stipulated whether I should print 1000, 2000, or
20,000.”—Singular Specimens, p. 5.

Dr. Balfour says, in reference to this passage :—

“It is not pretended, that in the negotiations between Mr. Griffin
and myself, anything was said on the subject of copyright. What

437

that gentleman’s expectations may have been on that subject, I have
no means of knowing. I can only answer for myself, that I never
contemplated parting with thé copyright of the work.”—Letter to Dr.
Greville, p. 3.

But, notwithstanding his doubts on this matter, Dr. Balfgur actually
signed the following receipt, and received the £200 :—

“ Edinburgh, 9th April, 1850.

* £200 : 0 : 0.—Received of John Joseph Griffin and Charles Griffin,
publishers in London, the sum of Two Hundred Pounds Sterling, on
the terms that I assign to them, as I hereby do, my interest in the
copyright of a work entitled, ‘ A Manual of Botany,’ founded on the
model of De Jussieu’s ‘ Cours Elémentaire de Botanique,’ and con-
sisting in part ofa translation of that work undertaken at their request ;
and I authorize them to publish the said work, on their own account,
in any manner they think fit, and to enter themselves in the Registry
Book of the Stationers’ Company of London, as the proprietors of the
said copyright.—(Szgned) J. H. Batrour. (Signed) I. Bay.ey, of the
City of Edinburgh, Solicitor, Witness ; Wm. Gaytor, of the City of
Edinburgh, Clerk to the above Isaac Bayley, Witness.”—Singular
Specimens, p. 5. |

gr. Balfour admits this transaction, and adds :—

“ This receipt was transmitted to Mr. Griffin; and the £200 origi-
nally agreed on was at last paid to me. Indeed, I saw clearly that
I must either forego the copyright, or maintain it by a lawsuit; and
it need scarcely occasion surprise, if I preferred the former alternative,
even although I had received a decided professional opinion that the
view which I had taken as to my legal rights was the correct one.
Accordingly, my solicitor, in transmitting the receipt, expressly stated
in my name, that when I wrote the Manual, I had not the slightest
intention of parting with the copyright, and by no means conceived
that I did so by anything which had previously passed between Mr.
Griffin and me.”— Letter to Dr. Greville, p. 7.

This may be very true; but it is not customary in London, what-
ever it may be in Edinburgh, to give an author £200 for a cheap
book without the slightest intimation on either side that an edition,
and not a copyright, was intended, and, if the former, without a word
as to the amount of that edition. There is great astuteness, we might
almost say acuteness, shown by both parties throughout the transac-
action ; the lawyers are perpetually at their elbows ; it is like an ela-
borate and protracted game of chess played by letter. And it seems
perfectly incredible that two such disputants, and so assisted, should

438

have contemplated a mere edition, without introducing that restriction,
in any manner whatever, into their correspondence. Neither London,
nor, we should imagine, Edinburgh booksellers conduct their business
in quite such a slovenly manner. However, the edition is sold out;
and then Mr. Griffin, as we consider, handsomely, offers Dr. Balfour
£100 to edit a second. So says Mr. Griffin; and Dr. Balfour fully
admits it. |

“Tt is quite true that he offered me at one time £100 to revise and
edit a second edition of the Manual, of which, however, he was to
retain the copyright. And another of his proposals was, that I should
receive for editing a second edition £50, and for a third, one shilling
per volume on all that were printed, and that at the end of three years
after the publication of this third edition, the copyright should be
assigned to me gratis. It is to be observed, however, that this last
proposal (which was the only one holding out any prospect of my
ever regaining the copyright) was trammelled with the condition that
Mr. Griffin should be entitled to bring out the work in the ‘ Encyclo-
pedia Metropolitana,’ with no restriction upon the number of copies
to be so published.” — Letter to Dr. Greville, p. 8.

To this “ trammelling” Dr. Balfour objects; and, it being found
that no agreement was likely to be made, Mr. Griffin at length em-
ployed another editor; and the work we are now noticing is the resuft.
In some of this correspondence there is a discrepancy as regards facts.
Mr. Griffin asserts that Dr. Balfour engaged to use the Manual as his
text-book in teaching ; but this Dr. Balfour emphatically denies. On
this question the looker-on can only be guided by appearances; and
these are in favour of Mr. Griffin, for Dr. Balfour, until the disagree-
ment, did actually use the Manual in teaching, and did actually pro-
mote its circulation, just as though such use and advocacy did
positively form a part of his agreement. He, however, takes umbrage
at the publication, in his name, of a second edition, which he did not
edit, being, perhaps, already predisposed to take offence from the con-
test about the copyright, and both ceases to use the Manual himself
and endeavours to prevent its use by others. He also advertises ano-
ther work by himself, evidently in order to render it a substitute, in
his own and other class-rooms, for that which he had sold to Mr.
Griffin for the £200.

We scarcely know how to blame Mr. Griffin for publishing, in Dr.
Balfour’s name, an edition containing improvements which that gentle-
men not only never suggested, but still ignores ; for how could Mr.
Griffin give the name of another botanist to a work entirely compiled

439

by Dr. Balfour? Surely that would have been a greater wrong to Dr.
Balfour than the conferring on him the authorship of a few obvious
improvements. Every one, unacquainted with the circumstances of
the case, will give Dr. Balfour the unearned reputation of producing a
better and more perfect book than he has hitherto either written or
edited ; in fact, he actually enjoys the reputation, among the casual
purchasers of the second edition, of being a better botanist than he is.
Advice is the abundant raw produce of fools, the rare and highly-
finished manufacture of the wise. Our advice is rarely given; but
the inundation of documents on this subject would imply that here it
is required. It is this: —Shake hands and be friends. Let Mr.
Griffin retain the copyright: he has bought it, and is entitled to it.
Let Dr. Balfour edit every edition hereafter published, and let him
receive one shilling for every copy sold: he is entitled to it. Let him
never think of disavowing his own book because another has improved
it: todo so were ungenerous. Let him never think of remodelling and
making another market of that which he has sold: this were—some-
thing worse than ungenerous. The Manual must always be sold as
Dr. Balfour's: it was his originally, and must remain his, so far as the
public is concerned, for ever. Diraandns.

Note on some further Stations for Leersia oryzoides.
By A. W. BENNETT, Esq.

I wave the satisfaction of being able to report that this rare and
interesting grass is not confined to one spot in this immediate neigh-
bourhood. Since it was first noticed at Brockham Bridge we have
detected it in two other spots, one lower down the stream, beneath the
ruins of Betchworth Castle, the other considerably higher up, not far
from Betchworth Bridge. In both these stations it occurs in small
tufts, compared with its abundance where first observed at Brockham
Bridge. It has there, as, we suppose, is usual at this season, been
cut down along with the rushes with which it was growing, and
nothing is now to be seen of it. ‘These additional stations are suffi-
cient, however, to establish its range, and, in connexion with H. C.
Watson’s discovery of it near Moulsey (see Preface to Phytol. for 1851,
p: Xix), render it probable that it is to be found in the still, muddy
basins of the Mole, all the way from above Reigate to its mouth.

A. W. BENNETT.
Brockham Lodge,

16th of 12th mo., 1851.

440

Note on Athyrium Filix-feemina, var. latifolium.
By F. J. A. Hort, Esq.*

In the November number of the ‘ Phytologist’ Mr. Newman has
signified his present opinion that “ three new species and three new
genera” ought to be added to our list of British ferns. One of the
former is a very singular plant from the neighbourhood of Keswick,
briefly noticed by both Hooker and Babington in their last editions
as a variety of Athyrium Filix-foemina, but now identified by Mr.
Newman with the Athyrium ovatum of Roth. As that eminent pte-
ridologist has merely published his results without elucidatory re-
marks, and has requested any observations which may assist him in
preparing the forthcoming edition of his ‘ British Ferns,’ [ wish to
state the reasons which have induced me, after seeing this plant
growing at Keswick, to decide against its distinctness from the com-
mon lady-fern. They have been already communicated to him pri-
vately, but some of the facts involved seem to deserve publication.
Mr. Babington informed me some months ago of his opinion that A.
ovatum, oth, is not identical with our plant, as he had formerly ima-
gined. Having obtained from him a reference to the necessary autho-
rities, I may conclude with a few remarks on the synonymy.

In the first place, only two tufts of our plant have been discovered,
one on each side of the same hedge: and indeed there is but one now
remaining, as the Hon. Miss Bickersteth removed the other some time
ago. Miss Wright has repeatedly searched the district, but has not
(or at least had not in 1849, when I visited the spot) succeeded in
finding anything at all similar. Now Fries states that he has not ad-
mitted into his catalogue of Scandinavian plants any species of which
he has not seen at least a hundred living individuals. Such a rule
would be quite inapplicable to a fragmentary flora like that of Britain
in the case of plants already distinguished in other countries; and,
even where an altogether new species is proposed, the number
required is perhaps excessive. But surely in this latter case a reason-
able and moderate standard ought to be set up; and no one, I pre-
sume, would fix it so low as to admit a plant of which but two roots
are known to exist. Apart, however, from this abstract consideration,
there are some suspicious circumstances connected with the locality,
which ought to be taken into account in weighing the evidence. I

* Reprinted from the ‘ Botanical Gazette’ for December, 1851, by the kind per-
mission of Mr. Henfrey and Mr. Hort.

r 441

fully grant the conspicuous difference of appearance and characters
in single fronds ; and this difference is as apparent in a living as in a
dried state, at least so far as I could judge in the ragged condition of
the tuft, which seemed to have been wantonly lashed by the walking-
stick of some non-botanical tourist ; though the growth of the whole
plant is precisely like that of our common Athyrium. Further, the.
same hedgebank abounds with lady-fern of the ordinary form, and I
searched in vain for intermediate states. But, on the other hand, this
hedgebank bounds a somewhat boggy field, closely adjoining a deep
bog. Another hedgebank of the same field produces a very fine and
curious variety of Lastrea dilatata, having the lower pinne greatly
dilated and turned round so far that their plane is nearly perpendicu-
lar to that of the general frond. Now here is an obvious instance of
what is probably a frequent occurrence, that is, a remarkable change
in the development of the fronds of ferns caused by the presence of
bog-earth. Of course the change does not take place universally,
and, even where it does take place, I do not suppose it to be uniform.
On the contrary, this abnormal growth (for so it must be called) ap-
pears to be quite arbitrary and capricious. I cannot refrain from
expressing somewhat more than a suspicion, that not Lastrea uliginosa
only, but also L. cristata will ultimately be found to be mere varieties
of L. spinulosa growing in bogs. A friend, who has visited the Lynn
station for both the former plants, tells me that their relative quanti-
ties differed considerably from what a resident botanist had led him
to expect ; which looks as if one were convertible into the other: and
I have further learned from him the remarkable fact, that L. cristata
has its pinne turned round precisely as in the above-mentioned variety
of L. dilatata which grows in the boggy hedgebank near Keswick.
On the whole, therefore, notwithstanding the occurrence of the typi-
cal lady-fern in close proximity, the curious appearance of our plant
may not unreasonably be referred to the action of the soil. Hooker
and Amott speak of “intermediate states” from Kamtschatka and
Crete: Mr. Babington possesses a specimen from the latter locality,
belonging to the same (Heldreich’s) collection. It is by no means
satisfactory, being quite young and imperfectly developed, but it is
precisely intermediate between the forms latifolium and molle, and
resembles some young plants which have been raised in the Cam-
bridge Botanic Garden from spores of latifolium. On the whole, I
regard the Keswick plant as an accidental state (not a variety) of A.
Filix-feemina, bearing nearly the same relation to the typical variety
that the state trifidum (as I understand it) bears to the var. molle.
VOL. IV. 3 L

442

The question of the synynomy is difficult to treat satisfactorily, from
the unavoidably slippery nature of the descriptions. In one impor-
tant respect Roth’s account of his A. ovatum agrees substantially
(though it hardly goes far enough), namely, in the breadth and close
approximation of the pinnules; but their segments in our plant are
not “truncate” and “ as it were retuse at the apex,” and their teeth
are not “ short and somewhat obtuse,” but long, flexuous, and narrowly
acuminate. The question is however virtually settled by Roth’s refe-
rence to figure 3 of Miiller’s ‘ Flora Fridrichsdaliana’ as “ optima!”

‘Mr. Newman can hardly have seen this figure, for it is utterly unlike

latifolium (especially in the dentition), but well represents a stout form
of the var. molle, approaching the typical lady-fern: I have a speci-
men from Cockshott Wood near Keswick, of which it is an exact
copy. Mr. Newman is himself the only fully competent judge of his
second conclusion, that our plant “is the Athyrium Filix-fcemina, var.
dentatum,” of his ‘ British Ferns :’ I can only say that his description
would not have led me to that result. His third conclusion, “ that it
is the Athyrium latifolium of Presl,” seems to rest on very slight foun-
dations, for Presl gives not a word of description, and his figure,
which represents only a magnified fragmentary pinnule, might stand
for anything. Probably the singular identity of the name with that
given by Mr. Babington drew Mr. Newman’s attention; but, as a
matter of fact, the former gentleman had not noticed Presl’s name
till quite lately. If however our plant proves to be merely an acci-
dental state of A. Filix-foemina, the question of nomenclature will
become of very little interest.

F. J. A. Horr.
Trinity College, Cambridge,
November 12, 1851.

Note on certain doubtfully native Plants.
By James Brapon, Esq.

I was very much pleased with Mr. Lees (Phytol. iv. 56) taking
up the cudgels so strongly in favour of some of our native plants that
are undoubtedly so (if any plants are to be called really native, and
not imported). He refers to Herefordshire for the columbine. In
this neighbourhood I can find it nearly half a mile distant from any
house, both in its proper purple colour, and the white and pale pink
varicties, in the same piece of waste ground. I can also remember,

443

when a child, gathering it, with other wild flowers, far distant from
houses, both in Staffordshire and Derbyshire, but not so frequent as
it is in this neighbourhood.

Another of the plants alluded to by Mr. Lees is Saponaria officina-
lis (known here as “ farewell summer”). I can refer to beds of it as
much as eight or ten feet long by four or six feet wide, in some places
approaching to the double form (lore pleno); in fact, it 1s so very
common in some districts here, that it is hardly thought worthy of a
place in a garden, the reason being zé zs such a common flower.

In addition to the plants already mentioned, permit me to make a
claim for the birthright of a universal favourite with old or young,
male or female, botanist, florist, or what not: none can behold it with-
out pleasure :-—

“ Already now the snowdrop dares appear,
The first pale blossom of the unripen’d year.”

“ Earliest bud that decks the garden,
Fairest of the fragrant race,
First-born child of vernal Flora,
Seeking wild thy lowly place.
White-robed flow’r, in lonely beauty
Rising from a wintry bed,

Chilling winds and blasts ungenial
Rudely threat’‘uing round thy head.”

_ If distance from houses, gardens, or brooks is required to establish
a elaim for aboriginal plants, I can produce the most decisive proofs.
It is found in fields on the crest of a spur of the mountain (which
separates two valleys), about a mile in length, and at the upper end,
where it adjoins the mountain, is at least a mile in width from rivulet
to rivulet. The only houses on the hill are a farm-house, at least
half a mile below the fields where they are found, and one rather
nearer, built about twenty-five years ago, on the opposite declivity.
Formerly there was a. cottage about half way between the farm-house
and the locality. One of the fields abuts upon a wood that has never
yet been brought into cultivation. So much for one locality. Another
is the hedge-bank of a country lane, the nearest cottage not within a
quarter of a mile, and below it. I have personally known it intro-
duced into gardens from its native localities. If the above evidence
is not.sufficient to establish the native habitation of a plant, I know
not what would be required. James BLAvon.
Pont-y-Pool, December, 1851.

444

On the Abundance of certain Fungi on Worlebury Hill, Weston-

super-mare, in the Autumn of 1851. By Epwin Legs, Esq.,
F.LS.

Havine been led to spend a week at Weston in the month of Octo-
ber last, I paid several visits to Worlebury Hill, well known to
antiquaries for the ruins of an ancient fortification upon it, long
encompassing mounds of broken carboniferous limestone, yet remain-
ing very prominent, among the crevices of which the Rubia peregrina
takes firm hold, and spreads about luxuriantly; and the Ceterach
officinarum dots with its pretty fronds the fragmentary stones once
guarded by stern warriors.

This hill is now planted with firs and larches, and has therefore
lost its primitive aspect of a bare, exposed down; and with the trees
many Fungi have introduced themselves, probably strangers there
before. This opens a subject of curious inquiry, for some Fungi ap-
pear invariably on the stumps of felled trees, though it must be doubt-
ful in what manner pre-existing sporules migrated there, if they did
so atall. In the case of fairy-rings, circles of agarics suddenly ap-
pear where they had been previously unnoticed ; and, as Dr. Badham,
in his account of the English esculent Fungi, justly observes, “ We
know as little of the origin of the fairy-rings, as of any other pheno-
menon connected with the growth of funguses.” I was particularly
struck with the number of Agaricus rutilans (xerampelinus, Soz.)*on
Worlebury Hill, almost every larch-stump presenting a group of this
richly-coloured species, whose golden gills so well distinguish it
among the intricate tribe of agarics. The scales of the pileus are at
first purplish, and the epidermis pale, but in maturity the down be-
comes crimson and sienna, and the gills of a golden yellow too vivid
for the pencil to portray. This agaric must be a new botanical fea-
ture here, for, though the plantation seems of about twenty years’
growth, the agaric would: not appear until its proper nidus presented
itself in the stwmps of the firs or larches. Another beautiful agaric,
that was very plentiful on the mossy turf of the hill, but within the
limits of the plantation, was Agaricus deliciosus, distinguished by its
orange gills and red juice. In a young state its pileus is zoned with
red in light and deep alternate shades, but changing to duller orange,
and when past maturity fading to pale brown, and looking very dif-
ferent to its early state. The gills, too, though at first of a bright
orange hue, become greenish, and even prismatic, in decay.

445

The sweet odours that load the moist autumnal air from various
Fungi, is a pleasing feature of the season that often attracts the
attention of the botanical wanderer, whose nose is perhaps oftener
called into requisition with the “ fungous fruits of earth” than even
with the loftier flowery tribes. A fungologist should be able to “hark
forward” when he comes upon “ the scent;” and thus I here disco-
vered, almost hidden from view among the grass and bushes, a most
elegant group of the delicate, green-tinted Agaricus odorus. This
species long retains its hay-like smell ; and several other agarics may
be hunted up in the same way. There is something exciting in thus
tracking a plant by its trail, and penetrating to its hidden retreat.
But I am often “at fault” with the strong-smelling Phallus, which
throws off its odour most powerfully a little distance from its seat.

On turf within the plantation, in various spots, Boletus edulis ap-
peared in such abundance, that any vegetarian having faith in Dr.
Badham’s Apician account of the delicious relishes to be obtained
from our edible Fungi, which he compares to custards, lamb’s kid-
neys, oysters, &c., might here have lived in clover for a month, as
I noted the B. edulis still coming up plentifully on the 2nd of
November.

I observed some large and dense rings of agarics on the side of the
hill; and one of these, which was very perfect, was composed of the
sweet-scented A. Prunulus. It was fifteen yards in diameter, and
included within its confines a number of larch and fir-trees, apparently
of about twelve or fourteen years’ growth, if not more, as they grew
rather close together. Another wide, extending ring, probably of A.
grammopodius, enclosed several firs and large hawthorns. Now both
these agaric-circles were very entire, broad, and well covered; and if,
as generally supposed, these rings commenced originally with a single
agaric, and a small circle was “ disseminated by spores all round,” as
intimated by Dr. Badham, it. seems difficult to imagine how the
increasing ring could have passed the trees without several gaps and
eccentricities being made in its shape, which could scarcely have -
amalgamated again. If, on the other hand, it be thought that the
trees were planted within the existing rings, that would assign to them
a considerable age, and a very slow rate of increase, if, indeed, any
at all. |

How long “ fairy-rings,” which are more or less tenanted with some
species of agaric, will last seems not very well determined. They
certainly continue a long time.

446

“ Look for years to come, and still the place is seen,”

says Clare, the rural poet, who doubtless had them often under his
view; but they die away at last; and Dr. Badham notices the rings
formed by A. Prunulus as “breaking up into irregular lines.” Further
and closer observations, however, are required on this point, for I
have noticed circles of A. oreades to be very persistent for years,
although there may be a superficial extension of the verdure of the
grass in their vicinity.

From an attention to the subject for some time, I am inclined to
question very much the theory of the concentric extension of these
agaric-rings from pre-existing smaller ones, whether above or below
the soil. The imaginary very small rings, marking the first supposed
impulsive process, I have never been able to meet with ; and I believe
that the ordinary circles, commonly known as “ fairy-rings,” whatever
may be the modus operandi, appear at once in full dimensions, fresh
to the morning light, almost as rapid in their formation as the mush-
room itself. This would agree with the popular superstition, which
supposes the sudden appearance of worn, “sour ringlets” where none
were seen before. Epwin LEEs.

Henwick, near Worcester,
December 13, 1851.

Boletus parasitic upon a Lycoperdon. By James Biapon, Esq.

In 1848, whilst botanizing in a wood near this town, I met witha
Boletus and a puff-ball (Lycoperdon ?) growing close together.
On stooping to examine them, to my surprise I found them fast toge-
ther. The stem of the Boletus did not quite reach the earth, but the
lower end was turned obliquely, and was rooted to what may be termed
the neck of the puff-ball. The conjunction of the two was sufficiently
firm to bear carrying home, and afterwards making a section of in
situ. As 1 was making a second incision, for the purpose of cutting
a slice for a preserved specimen, they then separated. The expanded
pileus was about an inch and a half in diameter, and the Lycoperdon
about the same size. There was a small indenture on the side of the
head where the stem of the Boletus pressed against it. I found two
other pairs of specimens, in the same state, the same morning.

JAMES BLADON.
Pont-y-Pool, December, 1851.

447

Extracts from the ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean Society of London,
(Continued from page 210).

On the Aquilaria Agallocha, Roxb., the Agallochum or Aloé-wood
Tree of Commerce. By the late William Roxburgh, M.D., F.L.S.,
&c.; communicated by the President.

THE memoir, written in 1810 or 1811, contains a detailed description
of this important tree, as well as much other information in addition
to that published in the posthumous ‘ Flora Indica’ of the author.
The plants described were sent to the Calcutta Botanic Garden by
Robert Keith Dick, Judge and Magistrate at Silhet ; and an extract
is given from a letter addressed by that gentleman to Dr. Roxburgh,
in which he states that the wood is brought for sale from the country
of Kuchar and from the southern parts of the zillah of Silhet, parti-
cularly the divisions of Puthureea and Lunglah, where the tree is
known by the Bengal name of Tuggur. Its extreme height is from
sixty to seventy cubits, and the trunk from two to two anda half
cubits in diameter. No part of the wood, except that which is used
for the extraction of the Uttur, is applied to any useful purpose.
Few trees contain any of this precious perfume, and such as do, have
it very partially distributed in the trunk and branches. The people
employed in its collection, however, cut down all the trees indiscri-
minately, and then search for the Aggur by chopping through the
whole tree, and removing such portions as are found to contain the
oil or have the smell of it. In this state Mr. Dick describes four dif-
ferent kinds, of which the first, called Ghurkee, sinks, and sells at
from 12 to 16 rupees per seer of 2 tbs.; the second, called Doim, pro-
duces from 6 to 8 rupees per seer; the third, Simula, floats, and is
sold at from 3 to 4 rupees; and the fourth, Choorum, in sinall pieces,
which also float, at 1 to 14 rupees per seer. The oil is obtained by
bruising the wood in a mortar, and then infusing it in boiling
water, when the Uttur collects on the surface. Neither root, leaves,
nor bark yield any Uttur. Some trees will produce a maund (80 tbs.)
of the four sorts. So far Mr. Dick. Dr. Roxburgh thinks that there
is a wonderful agreement between the various but imperfect accounts
of the trees said to produce the Calambac or Agallochum of the an-
cients and that which he describes. He notices the descriptions
given by Lamarck and Cavanilles, which he thinks, as far as they go,
agree well with the plant of the Botanic Garden; as do those of

ie Fo

448

Rumphius, making some allowance for the imperfection of his figures.
Kempfer’s figure and description also exactly correspond with young
specimens in the Botanic Garden sent from Goalpara by Dr. Bu-
chanan and from Silhet by Mr. Smith; and a description of the fruit
by Mr. James Cunningham is quoted as very exact. Dr. Roxburgh
gives his reasons for believing that not only the Ophispermum Sinense
of Loureiro, but also the Aloéxylum Agallochum of that author, are
both of the same genus, if not the very same species, with the plant
from Silhet. There runs indeed so uncommon a coincidence through
the whole of these notices as to induce him to believe that they all
relate to the same identical object. He concludes by retracting what
he had previously said, in his account of Amyris Agallocha, as far as
relates to its yielding Calambac, which he acknowledges to have been
founded on erroneous information.

Dr. Roxburgh’s memoir was accompanied by some remarks by the
late H. T. Colebrooke, Esq., F.L.S., consisting chiefly of references
to and extracts from various Oriental authors, in relation to this fragrant
wood, the countries in which it is found, the tree from which it is
derived, its various kinds, and the processes used in extracting the
oil. On the subject of the etymology of the word Agallochum, he
observes that it is not right to derive it from the Arabic, which on the
contrary is confessedly borrowed from the Greek, that is to say, from
the Agallochon of Dioscorides. Neither is its origin to be sought in
the Hebrew Ahalim and Ahaloth, as proposed by Salmasius, since it
is more obvious to deduce it from the language of the country whence
the drug was brought; and the Indian name Aguru, or with the San-
scrit pleonastic termination ca, Aguruca, is much nearer to the sound
of the Greek term. The Portuguese Pao de Aquila, he adds, is an
undoubted corruption of the Arabic Aghaluji or of the Latin Agallo-
chum ; and it is by a ludicrous mistake that from this corruption has
grown the name of Lignum Aquile, whence the genus of the plant
now receives its botanic appelation.

Notes on Bdellium. By B. A. R. Nicholson, Esq., M.D., of the
Bombay army ; communicated by the Secretary.

Dr. Nicholson states that the tree which he identifies as producing the
Bdellium of Greek and Roman authors, occurs in the hilly districts of
North-western India, where it is known to the natives by the name of
Googul. He extracts the account of Bdellium from Ainslie’s ‘Materia

449

Indica, and comments on some of the statements therein contained.
Thus, for example, Ainslie says that “all of this gum-resin found in
India is brought from Arabia, where the tree is called Dowm;” but
Dr. Nicholson states that wherever the tree is found in the North-
western provinces, the bazaars are supplied with the gum from it; and
that he never heard the tree called Dowm in Arabia, although he has
been in many parts of that country, where he has seen the Googul.
Dr. Ainslie again quotes Sprengel, who erroneously states that Dowm
is the Arabic name for Borassus flabelliformis, and cites Keempfer and
Rumphius in proof that Bdellium is procured from that tree ; but Dr.
Nicholson believes the Arabic name Doom to be exclusively applied
to the dividing-stemmed palm (Hyphene Thebaica, Gertn.), which
is common on the banks of the Nile, in the Thebaid and Upper
Egypt, two or three trees of which he has seen growing at Mocha,
and a single tree at the west end of the native village opposite to the
Portugese settlement in the Island of Diu in Kattiawar. He has fre-
quently examined this palm without detecting any gum; and it is
well known in India that the Tari (Borassus flabelliformis) does not
produce gum. Another palm (Chamerops humilis, L.) has been also
affirmed to produce Bdellium, and Matthiolus is quoted as having
witnessed the fact at Naples; but Dr. Nicholson states that he parti-
cularly examined this Chamerops at Girgenti in Sicily in all stages
of its growth, in flower, in fruit, and without either, and never observed
anything like gum.

After refuting these erroneous notions as to the origin of the gum,
Dr. Nicholson proceeds to state that he met with the Googul plant for
the first time in 1832 on the Hills of Balmeer, in the Chotee Thur or
Little Desert, on taking and sacking which town large quantities of
the gum were found in several of the Banyan houses. The bush is
also plentiful about Joolmaghur, thirteen miles south-west from Bal-
meer; and the author has observed it on the Kulinjur Hills in Parkur,
as well as on those of several parts of Kutch and Wangeer. Having
been shipwrecked in 1836 on the southern coast of Arabia, about 200
miles east of Cape Furtash, and being carried by the Arabs to the
town of Geda, about three miles distant from the coast, he observed
that large quantities of the gum Googul, there called Aflatoon, were
brought to Geda by the Bedouins from the interior, where he was
informed that the tree producing it was very plentiful, and that the
gum is annually carried thence to Mocha on camels, and exported
from Mocha to Bombay and other places. He subsequently found
the Googul bush on the hills of Yemen, and in 184] on the hills

VOL. IV. 3M

A450

above Wankaneer in Kattiawar. The gum is chiefly used as a frank-
incense ; but the natives of Guzerat, and probably of other provinces
where the tree is found, collect and bruise the recent berries and twigs,
boiling the juice out in cauldrons, and having mixed it with their
chunam (lime), to which it imports increased tenacity, commence all
their dwellings with lime thus mixed, it is said from a religious mo-
tive. The gum is found most abundantly after the rains, when it is
collected in pieces as it exudes from the tree, and is often very dirty
from the careless way in which it is gathered, being mixed with the
bark and twigs, and sometimes even with the subjacent soil. The
harder and nearly transparent drops are picked out by the Banyan
merchant, and fetch a higher price than the rest.

The author states that he is indebted to the late Dr. Charles Lush,
F.L.S., Superintendent of the Honourable East India Company’s Bota-
nical Gardens at Darpoorie, who in 1842, from the sketches and spe-
cimens then in the author’s possession, identified the plant as the
Amyris Kataf of Forskahl, and assisted in identifying the gum with
the Bdellium of the ancients. He believes that if at all known to
Roxburgh, it must be under the names of Amyris nana or of Bos-
wellia.

The paper concluded with a description of the plant, and with some
remarks on the geological character of the localities in which it is
found ; and was accompanied by a sketch of a branch, and by speci-
mens of the gum in its pure and mixed states.

On a large Block of Sandstone from the Neighbourhood of Swellen-
dam, South Africa. By Benjamin Kennedy, F.L.S.

Mr. Kennedy, in exhibiting the sandstone, which was sent to him
by his son, gave the following extract from the letter accompanying
it :—

“ The fossil (if fossil it is) which I have sent you is about one-sixth
part of one I saw in Kerqua’s Kloof, eighteen miles west of this place
(‘Swellendam). It covered the face of a rock which projected from
the side of a mountain at its base. Four branches radiated from a
centre. I was in hopes that I should have been able to have got off
the whole piece, but unfortunately it split into three pieces when [
applied the wedges, having previously drilled holes, which took four
men a whole day to do. This stone has been known to the people
here for the last twenty-six years. The plane of the fossil was per-

451

pendicular, and another piece had split off from the rock, and which
piece I found lying at the foot of the other, and also having an
indented impression, but not so distinct, at least only in parts. I
have been unable to meet with any geologist here who can explain it,
or give any history of the formation in which it is found. Some have
pretended to know something about it, but their opinions differ con-
siderably. Some say the plant has grown there since the rock was
found ; others that it is a zoophyte, and not a plant at all; while one
man, a German, says that it was imprinted in the rock whilst soft, and
has been subsequently hardened by great heat, as the crystals show.
I think he is nearer the mark. The place in which it was found is
most wild-looking. It is a mountain pass; so you would call it in
England ; we call it a Kloof. This pass runs throngh a low range of
mountains, the end as it were of the great range which begins near
Cape Town, but separated from that by the river Zondereuch.
Curiously enough, although it appears to be a continuation of the
great range, its structure is totally different in appearance. The
whole mountain seems to have been broken up into huge blocks of
rock, but yet preserving a stratified appearance, more regular in some
parts than in others. In some places, too, the strata are horizontal,
in others inclined at an angle of 20 degrees. All the rocks are more
or less crystallized, and nearly all have the traces of vegetable
remains (Sea-weeds, as I think) upon them. I walked over the
mountain, or rather climbed amongst the rocks, crowbar in hand, and
found many similarly marked ; not, I mean, with the same plant, but
in the same sort of way as the one sent. Mr. Vigne showed me a
stone that he had found on the mountain behind his house; there
was an appearance of a fossil plant, very much resembling the one I
send you; but the plant itself was there changed into stone or coal
quite black ; but instead of being an impression, it might be called a
basso relievo. The stone was quite different, being a dark-coloured
sandstone, and not at all crystallized.”

It appeared to be the prevalent opinion of the members present that
this remarkable impression was the result of dendritic crystallization.

Notes on the Leaf of Guarea grandifolia, DeC. By R. C. Alexander,
Ksq., M.D., F.L.S.

In the specimens of a Guarea from Jamaica, the G. grandifolia,
DeC., presented to the Society, it will be seen that the lower leaflets

452

have fallen off, while younger ones are being developed at the ex-
tremity of the same petiole. At the time of flowering, the number of
leaflets varies from a single pair to eight or ten pairs; but as these
fall off in the course of a few months, the petiole elongates, and at
each successive rainy season, of which there are two in the year,
throws out from the end a fresh foliage of several pairs. The lower
and older part of the petiole in the meantime remaining attached to
the stem, becomes completely ligneous and round, and acquires a
rind distinct from the wood, and covered with lenticelles and a resem-
blance to pith in the centre ;—takes on, in short, the character of “a
branch, from which it is only to be distinguished by the axillary inflo-
rescence, the absence of buds in the axille of the leaflets, and the
analogy with the closely-allied genus Trichilia, in which the same
phenomenon is seen in leaves deciduous after the second develop-
ment. In Guarea, at least in this species of it, the leaf seems to be
continuous with the branch, without articulation, and to have no defi-
nite term of life, hanging on till overtopped and killed by other leaves.
Its usual length at that period is from a yard to four and a half feet.

In Adrien de Jussiew’s Memoir on the Meliacez are the following
remarks :—

“ The resemblance of the leaflets borne on the same petiole to leaves
borne on the same branch becomes more striking still in certain ge-
nera, as Guarea, where the extremity of the petiole, after a series of
leaflets perfectly developed, presents some which are not yet so, and
which appear to belong to another shoot. It would be interesting to
ascertain what becomes of them, a thing that I have not been able to
do, having had none but dried specimens to examine.”

This shrub usually grows at the base of large timber trees, such as
the Eriodendron anfractuosum, in the pasture districts of St. Ann’s
parish, establishing itself between their elevated buttress-like roots,
and, with its leaves hanging down to the grass, forms natural arbours,
or rather stables, in which the cattle repose during the heat of the
‘day. The negroes use them to wattle the walls of their huts, and
call the bush “ alligator tree,” probably from the two Spanish words
“@ ligar,” to tie with. Where it stands free, it attains the size of a
full-grown apple-tree ; but it invariably, I believe, grows within shel-
ter of some other and larger one.

Except this genus and Trichilia, I found no other in Jamaica that
had the character of leaf above described.

453

Proceepines or SocierTigEs.

Botanical Society of London.

Friday, January 2, 1852.—J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S., President, in
the chair.

The following donations were announced :— British plants from
Mrs. Atkins, Miss Barnard, Mrs. Russell, Mr. H. D. Geldart, Mr. E. G.
Varenne, Mr. F. Barnard, Mr. T. Moore, Mr. W. H. Purchas, Mr. F.
H. Goulding, Rev. T. G. Carter, Mr. Fenton J. A. Hort, Mr. T. Clark,
Mr. F. P. Pascoe, Mr. R. Hudson, Mr. Willmott, Mr. 8. O. Gray,
Mr. W. Godley, Rev. W. A. Leighton, Mr. T. Sansom, Mr. B. D.
Wardell, Mr. W. Bean, Mr. F. Brent, Mr. J. A. Brewer, Rev. R. C.
Douglas, and Mr. F. Barham.

The President nominated John Miers, Esq., F.R.S., and Arthur
Henfrey, Esq., F.L.S., Vice-Presidents.

The following paper was read :—

‘A few Remarks on three Species of Hieracium not mentioned in
the last edition of the London Catalogue of British Plants, published
under the direction of the Botanical Society of London ;’ by John G.
Baker, Esq., Corresponding Member of the Society. “Iam sending
for the herbarium of the Society specimens of Hieracium plumbeum,
cesium, and corymbosum, Fries, which were collected, by myself, in
Upper Teesdale, during the present autumn, and am desired to ac-
company them with a few remarks on their characters and affinities.

“Tn the ‘Systema ad Historiam Hieraciorum’ of Fries, which has
added so, much to our knowledge of this puzzling genus, H. plum-
beum, Fr., is No. 79, being the only species between murorum, L.
(No. 78), and cesium, F7. (No. 80). It is mentioned in that work as
occurring in Britain, but no locality is given; and it is not included
in the third edition of Babington’s Manual; so that'I presume that,
at the time of publication, that author had not seen a British speci-
men. The following short account of its characters is drawn up from
my Teesdale specimens :—

“ HMieracium plumbeum, Fr. Herb green; root woody ; stem scape-
like, leafless, or with one linear, stalked leaf, rather lower than the
middle, glabrous below; root-leaves numerous (four to ten), ovate-
lanceolate, entire, or serrato-dentate, with triangular teeth below, green
and glabrous above, glaucous beneath, with long, white, silky hairs on

454 ,

the midrib and margin; panicled branched, with three to eight co-
rymbose heads; pedicels arcuate, ascending, and with the broad-
based involucres covered with black hairs and sete, but without white,
stellate down; phyllaries cuspidate, irregularly imbricated, black in
the centre, with decided, light-green margins; heads cylindrical ;
flowers bright yellow ; fruit cylindrical, deeply striated, narrowed be-
low; pappus dirty white; hairs unequal. Distinguished from H.
murorum by the absence of white, stellate pubescence, and the pre-
sence of numerous black hairs on the involucres and pedicels, by the
woody root, smaller and more numerous heads of flowers, broad-
based involucres, and the smaller and more serrated leaves; from H.
cesium, Fr., by its scape-like and frequently leafless stem, by the
absence of white, stellate pubescence, and the presence of numerous
setz on the involucres and phyllaries, and by its cuspidate phyllaries,
with decided, green margins. My specimens were gathered on the
rocks at Falcon Clints, the rocky bank of Widdy-bank Fell, fronting
the Tees, on the Durham side, where Yorkshire, Durham, and West-
moreland meet. I have not seen or heard of it from any other loca-
lity in Britain, though it possibly may be found not uncommonly when
better known. Its near ally, H. cesium F7., is well known to British
botanists as H. murorum, under which name, along with the true plant
of Linneus, it is described by nearly all our authors, and is figured in
‘English Botany,’ 2082.

“ Mieracium cesium, Fr. Herb cesio-glaucous; rootstock woody ;
stem leafy, slightly hairy ; stem-leaves one to four, the lowest stalked,
ovate, toothed, the upper lanceolate, entire ; root-leaves many, cor-
date-ovate, lanceolate, green and slightly hairy above, green or
glaucous, with more numerous hairs below; panicle branched, corym-
bose ; heads numerous ; pedicels elongated and, along with the invo-
lucres, covered with thick, white, stellate down, numerous black hairs,
and fewer sete ; phyllaries irregularly imbricated, narrowing gradually,
bluntish, uniform, black or lighter towards the margin ; heads small,
cylindrical ; flowers deep yellow; fruit cylindrical, slightly broader
near the base, narrowing above and below; pappus dusky white ;
hairs unequal. Distinguished from H. murorum by its cesious invo-
lucres and pedicels, with numerous black hairs, by its thick, woody
root, and more numerous stem-leaves, which therefore cause the stem
not to bear any resemblance to a scape, as in that species, and by its
smaller heads, and blunt, not cuspidate, phyllaries, which do not ex-
ceed the opening flowers; from the very variable H. sylvaticum by
its more czsious involucres and pedicels, with numerous hairs and

455

set, by the greater number of its root-leaves, and less leafy stem, and.
by the corymbose and smaller heads, and bluntish phyllaries. This
species is common on walls and rocks, and varies considerably, but is
probably truly distinct.

“ The third species, H. corymbosum, F7., is the tallest and
most conspicuous of our British species, being from three to four
feet high, and occasionally having from thirty to forty heads of flowers
in one panicle. It is one of the commoner Teesdale species, growing,
in company with H. crocatum, F7., on the heathy banks of the river
from Langdon Bridge to Newbiggin, and is found in similar situations
in both Wales and Scotland.

“ Mieracitum corymbosum, Fr. Stem not producing a radical
rosette, very leafy, panicled or corymbose above; leaves sessile,
ovate-lanceolate, acute, with numerous unequal teeth; upper leaves
with a broad base strongly clasping, lower narrowed below, and
slightly clasping; panicle, or corymb, very much branched, heads
numerous, six to forty ; pedicels scaly, glabrous or stellate, downy ;
involucres slightly narrowed below, glabrous, or slightly hairy and
setose ; phyllaries pale-edged, in regular rows, inner broad, obtuse,
outer smaller, narrow, acute, passing gradually into the scales of the
pedicels; flowers deep yellow; seeds chestnut-coloured, angular ;
pappus dirty white. Distinguished from H. crocatum and boreale,
Fr., by its broader, more numerous, and more serrated leaves, which
clasp the stem, by its large, branched panicle, with numerous heads,
by its slightly narrowed involucres, and margined and hairy or setose
phyllaries. This species does not appear to be mentioned in Fries’s
Monograph as British, but is included in the last edition of the Ma-
nual, and is, it seems, by no means very rare. Most likely a good
many specimens exist in herbaria under other names.”—-G. EL. D.

Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

Thursday, January 8, 1852.—Dr. Seller, President, in the chair.

The following donations were announced to the herbarium :—From
Professor Balfour, a large collection of valuable Prussian plants ; from
Mr. Blackie, a collection of plants illustrating his paper on the Flora
of Bonn, on the Rhine; English plants from Mr. G. Lawson.

Dr. Balfour exhibited specimens of Batrachospermum alpestre, and
of Lemania fluviatilis, with Trentepohlia pulchella on it, collected at
Coniston, by Miss S. Beever.

456

Dr. Balfour also exhibited the following specimens, presented to
the museum at the Botanic Garden :—Cones of Pinus Pinea, stone
pine, from Italy, presented by Mr. William Gourlie, jun., Glasgow ;
dried specimen of a turnip affected with the disease called anbury, or
finger-and-toes, from Lanarkshire, presented by Dr. Douglas Mac-
lagan.

There were likewise exhibited specimens of Arenaria ciliata, from
Ben Bulben, Co. Sligo, at a height of 1000 feet, and of Rosa hiber-
nica, from Holywood Road, near Belfast, both collected by Dr. Dickie,
and presented to the Society’s herbarium by Professor Balfour.

Dr. Balfour stated that, by mistake, in printing the notice of Dr.
M‘Cosh’s paper ‘On the Fuchsia, considered Morphologically, read
at a previous meeting, the angle of the veins of the leaf is stated at 50
in place of 60 deg. Dr. M‘Cosh says that the angle is the same for
all fuchsias he examined ; for leaf and branch, 60 deg.

Dr. Balfour read a letter he had received from Dr. R. C. Alexander,
in which he remarks :—“ Should any collector be undecided where to
fix himself, I would recommend the West Indies. Although longer
known to us than any other tropical country, it is still very imperfectly
explored ; and every island yields different results. The Blue Moun-
tain peak is almost unexplored. I ascended it once only, not being
aware how many of the species were new till my return; the usual
case, for even if you have the books you have no time to use them.
The Cuban species, as far as can be deduced from De Sagia’s Flora,
seem to be very different, and almost equally to those of St. Domingo,
of which there is a large collection at Philadelphia, made by a French
botanist (Poiteau, I think), before the Revolution. If it were but pos-
sible to use the same exercise there as in cold countries, what a field
those islands would be!”

Mr. M‘Nab mentioned that on the 7th instant the following plants
were in flower, in the open air, in the Royal Botanic Garden :—Tri-
tonia media, Helleborus niger, Phlox verna, Primula veris, Hepatica
triloba, Doronicum caucasicum, Pyrus japonica, and Tussilago fra-
grans.

In allusion to Mr. M‘Nab’s notice, Dr. Greville stated that he had, a
few days ago, received sweet violets from the neighbourhood of Dar-
lington.

The following papers were read :—

1. ‘ Descriptions of Rubi; by Charles C. Babington, M.A. The
author states ;—“ In the third edition of the ‘ Manual of British Bo-
tany,’ I have endeavoured to arrange and characterize the Rubiin a

457

better manner than was done in my former publications upon that
perplexing genus; and as there are a few species which have not
been brought under the notice of botanists in detailed descriptions, it
seems desirable that it should now be done.” The following are the
species described in the paper :—

(1). Rubus Leesii, Bab., formerly described as a variety of R.
Ideus.. The strong canes of this Rubus in the Cambridge Botanic
Garden nearly all produced a small panicle of flowers at their extre-
mity, in October, 1851. In one single instance a cane of R. Ideus
did ‘the same. Previous to that month neither Mr. Stratton, the Cu-
rator, nor Mr. Babington had noticed such an occurrence in the latter,
and had not had the opportunity of doing so in the former. This is
a curious illustration of the tendency of all Rubi to attempt to increase
by some action at the end of the shoot of the year. In all the arch-
ing and prostrate species it is effected by the end of the shoot pene-
trating the surface of the ground and taking root. In those plants, the
end of whose shoots never reaches the ground, the same is attempted to
be effected by flowers. The mode in which the procumbent plants
succeed in penetrating the earth seems to be worthy of notice in this
place, for the prostrate portion of their shoots appeared to present a
difficulty. The fact is, that, although the shoot is really prostrate
until the autumn, at that time its extremity forms a small arch, and
thus presents its point perpendicularly to the ground, which it easily
penetrates.

(2). Rubus fissus, Lindl. A full description of this plant is given
in Leighton’s ‘ Flora of Shropshire,’ and in the ‘ Phytologist.’

(3). Rubus latifolius, Bab. This species has been found in the
wood above Cramond Bridge, on the Linlithgow side of the river, and
also in a wood just below the road, from Kenmore to Acharne, in
Perthshire. It is a large, straggling plant, with strong but usually
prostrate stems. The thin, singularly broad, and angular leaves,
and the deeply furrowed stem, would perhaps be in themselves sufli-
cient to distinguish it from the other Rubi in the section Nitidi.

(4). Rubus imbricatus, Hort. A full description of this species has
been given by Mr. Hort, in the ‘ Annals of Natural History.’

(5). Rubus mucronatus, Blox. This species has been found in
Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Shropshire, and also in the Island of
Islay, and near Loch Eil, in Scotland. In the shape of its leaves,
and its very loose panicle, with singularly long-stalked flowers, the
plant closely resembles R. Lingua, as represented in the ‘ Rubi Ger-
manici ;» but the armature of its stems is very different.

VOL. Iv. ; 3.N

458

(6). Rubus clavatus, Blox. Found in various parts of. Leicester-
shire and Shropshire. This species was long considered by Mr.
Bloxam as the true Rubus sylvaticus of Weihe and Nees; but, as the
plant of these authors seems probably to be a state of R. villicaulis,
Mr. Bloxam has given a new name to this, derived from its barren
stem becoming, as it were, bald at an early period. It does not much
resemble R. villicaulis, either in appearance or characters; and its
true position in the genus is probably still to be decided.

Mr. Evans and Mr. M‘Nab remarked that it was by no means un-
common for the raspberry to produce flowers and fruit in autumn.
Every gardener knew that there were autumn-bearing varieties of the
plant.

2. On the Growth of various kinds of Mould in Syrup;’ by Pro-
fessor Balfour. Dr. Balfour remarked that much interest had been
recently excited by the statements relative to the vinegar-plant, as it
had been called. This plant, which has a tough, gelatinous consist-
ence, when put into a mixture of treacle, sugar, and water, gives rise
to a sort of fermentation, by which vinegar is produced. After six or
eight weeks the original plant can be divided into two layers, each of
which acts as an independent plant, and when placed in syrup con-
tinues to produce vinegar, and to divide at certain periods of growth.
The vinegar thus produced is always more or less of a syrupy nature ;
and when evaporated to dryness a large quantity of saccharine matter
is left, as was shown in a specimen produced. Various conjectures
have been hazarded as to the origin of the so-called vinegar-plant,
some stating that it came from South America or other distant regions,’
and others that it is a spontaneous production. Lindley states that
it is a peculiar form of Penicillium glaucum, or common blue mould.
There seems to be no doubt that it is an anomalous state of mould, or
of some Fungus allied to it; and the peculiarity of form and ‘consist-
ence appears to be owing to the material in which it grows. In place
of producing the usual cellular, sporiferous stalks, the mycelium
increases to an extraordinary extent, its cellular threads interlacing
together in a remarkable manner, and producing one expanded, cel-
lular mass, with occasionally rounded bodies, like spores, in its sub-
stance. The cellular filaments are seen under the microscope. The
tendency to divide in a merismatic manner is common in many of the
lower classes of plants; and this seems to be what occurs at a certain
period of -growth, when the plant divides into two laminz, in a hori-
zontal manner. If the plant is allowed to continue growing it forms
numerous laminz, one above the other, somewhat like the mode in

459

which some monocotyledonous stems, or corms, increase. The ano-
malous forms of Fungi, in certain circumstances, has lately excited
much interest; and Mr. Berkeley has called attention to some of the
remarkable transformations which they undergo. These transforma-
tions are such, that many forms considered as separate genera are now
looked upon as mere varieties of one species. That mould of various
kinds, when placed in syrup, shows the same tendency to form a flat,
gelatinous, or somewhat leathery expansion, is shown by the following
experiments :—Some mould that had grown on an apple was put into
syrup on the 5th of March, 1851; and in the course of two months
there was a cellular, flat, expanded mass formed, while the syrup was
converted into vinegar. Some of the original mould was seen on the
surface in its usual form. Some mould from a pear was treated in a
similar way at the same time; and the results were similar. So, also,
with various moulds growing on bread, tea, and other vegetable sub-
stances. The effect of these moulds was, in most cases, to cause a
fermentation, which resulted in the production of vinegar. In ano-
ther experiment, on the 8th of November, 1850, a quantity of raw
sugar, treacle, and water were put into a jar, without any plant being
introduced ; and they were left untouched till March 5, 1851. When
examined, a growth like that of the vinegar-plant was visible; and
vinegar was formed. The plant was removed, and put into fresh
syrup; and again the production of vinegar took place. It would
appear, from experiment, that, when purified white sugar alone is
used to form syrup, the plant, when placed in it, does not produce
vinegar so readily, the length of time required for the changes varying
from four to six months. ‘There may possibly be something in the
raw sugar and treacle which tends to promote the acetous change.
Specimens of the different kinds of moulds were shown, some in
syrup of different kinds, and. others in the vinegar which had been
formed.

Dr. Greville remarked that he had no doubt that the vinegar-plant
was an abnormal state of some Fungus. It was well known that many
Fungi, in peculiar circumstances, presented most remarkable forms.
He instanced the so-called genus Myconema of Fries, as well as the
genus Ozonium. Even some of the agarics present anomalous ap-
péarances, such as the absence of the pileus, &c., in certain instances.
The remarkable appearances of dry rot in different circumstances are
well known. Although syrup, when left to itself, will undergo the
acetous change, still Dr. Greville was satisfied that the presence of
this plant promoted and expedited the change.

460

Professor Simpson remarked that the changes in Fungi may resemble
the alternation of generations, so evident in the animal kingdom, as
noticed by Steenstrup and others... In the Medusz there are remark-
able changes of form ; and there is also the separation of buds, resem-
bling the splitting of the vinegar-plant.

Mr. Embleton remarked that in the neighbourhood of Resblnmanes in
Northumberland, every cottager used the plant for the purpose of
making vinegar.

3. Professor Simpson communicated the results of some experi-
ments, made by himself and Mr. John Stewart, relative to the growth
of alpine plants, after having been kept artificially covered with snow
in an ice-house. for many months. Seeds and plants, when kept in
this way during winter, and then brought into the. warm air of sum-
mer, germinate and grow with great rapidity. Mr. Stewart had also
made experiments with animals; and he found that the chrysalis so
treated produced a moth in eleven days after being brought into the
atmosphere, while other chrysalides of the same moth did not do so
for three to four months afterwards. In. arctic regions the rapid
growth of plants during the short summer was well known. Professor
Simpson alluded to the importance of similar experiments being made
on the different kinds of grain. He referred to the rapidity of harvest
in Canada and other countries, where the cold lasted for many months ;
and he was disposed to think that if grain was kept in ice-houses dur-
ing winter, and sown. in spring, there might be an acceleration of the
harvest. He considered the subject deserving of the attention of agri-
culturists, for a saving of a few weeks in the ripening of the crops
would be of vast consequence in Britain. Moreover, there might be
less necessity for. exposing the crops to the variable springs of this
country, for the sowing might be retarded. Professor Simpson is still
carrying on his experiments... He hoped to communicate) further
results at a future meeting.

The subject gave rise to some discussion, in which Mr. Embleton,
Dr. Greville, Mr. Ivory, and Mr. Evans took part.

4. ‘Notice of Plants found near London; by Mr..G. Lawson.
Having, in September last, spent a day in botanizing the neighbour-
hood of Wandsworth, Wimbledon, Putney, and Battersea (in Surrey),
Mr. Lawson found a few plants which, although probably introduced,
were worthy of notice, as not having been previously recorded in the
localities. He exhibited specimens of the following :—

Anacharis Alsinastrum, Bab.- Found in ditches at Wandsworth
Common, where it was intermixed with Potamogeton densus.

461

Trifolium ochroleucum, L. Wandsworth Common. This species
is admitted by Mr. Watson as a native in the Thames’ province
(‘ Cybele,’ i. 263).

Trifolium resupinatum, L. Wandsworth Common; of course
introduced.

Scorpiurus subvillosus, L. In a cultivated field near to the Wands-
worth Railway Station. A southern European species.

Melilotus parviflora, Desf. - Wandsworth Common; also in a cul-
tivated field to the eastward of the Wandsworth Railway Station.
Melilotus supplies a striking example of a genus, embracing three
well-known species, besides the present one, becoming thoroughly
naturalized in this country. M. parviflora, Desf, is very distinct from
any other species found in Britain. Racemes dense, in fruit elongated
and lax ; pods subglobose, very obtuse, distinctly reticulate-rugose, gla-
brous, containing each one large, globular seed; leaflets somewhat retuse,
serrate, obovate or oblong-cuneate ; flowers small, not twice the length
of the calyx, deep yellow. Although a tropical weed, this species
appears to be widely diffused over the globe, although in some regions
probably as a naturalized plant only. Its extensive geographical
range is shown by the following notices of specimens, which were ex-
hibited from the herbarium in the University of Edinburgh. In Ra-
gel’s collection of Florida plants there are specimens of M. parviflora,
No. 171, labelled, “ Locis arenosis soli expositis et ad litora maris,
prope St. Augustine, Florida or., Apr.—Mai. 1848.” - In the European
collection, a specimen, from Professor Edward Forbes, appears to
belong to this species. In the Indian collection -there are several
specimens, showing its prevalence in India, where it appears in the
dry season, one of them from Dr. Roxburgh, labelled, in his own
handwriting, “ Trifol. M. indica var.?” Another is from Dr. Jame-
son, Saharunpore; and in the admirable collection of the Countess of
Dalhousie there is a beautiful and characteristic specimen. Dr:
Pappe notices this as one of the foreign medicinal plants which have
the confidence of the inhabitants of South Africa ; so that the species.
would appear to be found there in a naturalized condition. It has
no claim to be considered mative in England. Mr: Babington states.
that even in the South of France it is only found in lucerne-fiélds.
Mr. Lawson likewise exhibited specimens from the Society’s herba-
rium of the other species of Melilotus found in Britain, for the pur-
pose of drawing attention to the characters whereby they are
distinguished. The researches of Professor Henslow have led him to
the conclusion that the seeds of Leguminosa retain vitality longer

462

than those of any other plants; and this seems to be illustrated by
the very frequent appearance of foreign Leguminose in Britain.

5. ‘ Notice of the Abnormal Structure of a Turnip ;’> by Mr. James
B. Davies. The author of this paper, after defining the nature of the
root of the turnip, giving some observations on tap-roots in general,
and showing their relation to those of a fibrous nature, proceeded to
remark that all roots are subject to variation, as well from non-deve-
lopment as from increased growth. He exhibited a monstrous tur-
nip, having the appearance of two bulbs, joined in the form of an
hour-glass. This he conceived to have been caused by some injury
to the root, arresting the expansion of the superior, or first-formed,
bulb. He likewise exhibited another specimen, presenting two bulbs,
united at the neck, the union extending to a third of their circumfe-
rence. Mr. Davies did not believe that such monstrosities as this
resulted from the chemical condition of the soil, or from the opposi-
tion of any external body in the soil, but that one instead of two tap-
roots were originally produced, of equal dimensions. This conclusion
he had arrived at from an examination of their internal structure, hav-
ing traced a mass of the small cells resembling those found towards
the exterior of the bulb, rising to a considerable height through the
root, thus forming an apparent wall between the two bulbs. He had
likewise found, in tracing the course of the fibres, that two great
masses arose from the crown, and proceeded, in separate courses, one
to each bulb. As a remedy for the disease Mr. Davies recommended
the raising of seed from transplanted bulbs. He illustrated his
remarks by drawings, showing the structure of the turnips alluded to,
and the structure usually seen in the turnip bulb.

Dr. Balfour read a letter from Dr. Earnest Meyer, of Konigsberg,
intimating the transmission of a collection of interesting plants from
M. Patze, who has paid particular attention to the species of willow.
“ As regards the willows,” Dr. Meyer remarks, “ which constitute M.
Patze’s delight, I can assure you that each specimen in leaf is taken
from the same plant as those which are in flower, whether male or
female. As to the hybrid forms of the genus Salix, which have caused
such a confusion in our systems, there is not one of them which has
not been observed by M. Patze for several years, and found, almost
always, sterile and in small quantity, among the two common species,
which he suspects to be the parents.” Dr. Balfour then exhibited the
following, most of which he had presented specimens of to the Society's
herbarium :—Salix acuminata ( §. acuminata-viminalis), cinerea-
purpurea, cinerea-viminalis, purpurea, silesiaca (various forms), pur-

463

purea-cinerea, purpurea-incana, purpurea-repens (Doniana), purpurea-
silesiaca, aurita-rosmarinifolia, aurita-silesiaca, aurita-repens, stylaris
(varieties with smooth and silky ovaries), Starkiana, Starkiana-aurita
and var. sublivida; Betula humilis; Hieracium vulgatum, Fries, flori-
bundum (Auricula-pratense), Bauhini, Pilosella-pratense, and pra-
tense.

The following gentlemen were elected Ordinary Fellows :—John
Henry Aldridge, Esq., James Young, Esq., and William Gilby, Esq.

Microscopical Society of London.

November 26, 1851.—Dr. A. Farre, President, in the chair.

Dr. Carpenter detailed the results of some observations made by
Mr. Williamson, of Manchester, on the Volvox globator. He stated
that, startling as the assertion might at first sight appear, Mr. William-
son had come to the conclusion that the Volvox belongs not to the
animal, but to the vegetable, kingdom, and that he himself, having
gone over the evidence, was inclined to concur in this view. The
increase of the cells {from the supposed ova) being carried on in a
manner precisely analogous to that of undeniable Alge, while many
of the so-called polygastric animalcules of Ehrenberg having been
proved zoospores of some of the Conferve, renders the supposition
probable. It appears from Mr. Williamson’s observations, that be-
tween the outer integument and the primordial cell-wall of each cell
a hyaline substance is secreted, causing the outer integument to ex-
pand; and as the primordial cell-wall is attached to it at various
points, it causes the internal colouring matter, or endochrome, to
assume a stellate form, the points of one cell being in contact with
those of the neighbouring cell; these points forming at a future
period the lines of communication between the green spots so often
noticed on the adult Volvox.

_ Dr. Carpenter argued that the evident automatic action of the vibra-
tile cilia was also in favour of the vegetable theory ; and cited a case
in which a cistern that had been recently cleared out, and partially
filled by the rain only, had become suddenly and rapidly covered
with a bright-green scum, which on examination proved to be the
Cryptomonas of Ehrenberg. The water could have contained nothing
in solution, with the exception of probably a little carbon; and Dr.
Carpenter thought that the distinction between the animal and vege-

464

table kingdoms could be better defined by having regard to the nutri-
ment than by any other mode, animals requiring organized matter for
food, while vegetables flourish on inorganic matter, or else organic
matter in a state of decomposition.

Mr. Bowerbank rose, not to oppose Dr. Carpenter’s view, but to
ask some questions, in order to elicit further information. Was it an
established fact that there were cilia, or was their presence merely
inferred from the motion? Was there any discharge of the contents
of the primordial cell, and, if so, was the contraction sudden or gra-
dual? He had witnessed a similar appearance in the early cells of
some of the ferns, in which it was assumed, in consequence of the
sudden ejection of the contents ; and he appealed to Mr. Deane, who
had paid much attention to the development of the ferns in the earliest
stages.

Mr. Deane stated that he conceived Mr. Bowerbank had misappre-
hended Dr. Carpenter’s statement, as the stellate appearance in the
cells of the Volvox was owing to the dilatation of the outer integument,
in consequence of the formation of hyaline substance, while the ap-
pearance in the ferns was owing to the contraction of the inner mem-
brane. There was no doubt of the existence of cilia in the mature
Volvox.

Mr. Shadbolt could speak distinctly as to the presence of cilia in
the Volvox. Although difficult to see while the creature was in mo-
tion, they could be readily observed by confining it, and still more so
by compressing and rupturing the sphere, by which means, at the
torn edges, they could even be counted. He was not yet prepared to
coincide with the vegetable view, and reminded Dr. Carpenter that
the automatic nature of the movements could not be considered as
any argument in favour of a vegetable theory, as it was precisely ana-
logous to the automatic retraction of the tentacula in the Bryozoa.
His chief objection, however, was that the Volvox presented a most
anomalous appearance when viewed as a perfect plant; while the
idea of its being a sporangium could scarcely be maintained when
precisely similar individuals were formed by a species of reproduction.
He believed no instance was known of a seed producing a seed.

Dr. Carpenter replied that certainly in the mosses an increase in
the seeds was produced by gemmation; and this might be looked on
as a somewhat similar case.

465

Nees von Esenbeck.

WE are glad to find that we are not singular in sympathizing with
the unfortunate Nees von Esenbeck, a man whose only fault it is to
hold opinions contrary to those of the party which has acquired the
ascendency in Germany. Our able contemporary, Hooker's ‘ Journal
of Botany,’ in announcing to its readers that M. Nees von Esenbeck
had been requested to continue as President of the L. C. Academy of
Naturalists, and that he had assented, continues :—“ This mark of re-
spect towards one of the most classical and distinguished botanists of
the age, who during a long series of years has contributed vastly to
the celebrity of the Academy, will be hailed, not only by its own mem-
bers, but by every lover of Natural Science.” Such generous expres-
sions are highly creditable, both to the journal in which they appear
and the writer from whose pen they issued, and cannot but comfort
the illustrious philosopher to whom they refer.

Most of our readers are aware that M. Nees von Esenbeck is the
victim of the political re-action on the Continent, but few know the
cold-blooded manner in which he has been persecuted. M. N. von
Esenbeck has always been the friend of freedom,—for who can be a
thinking man without being so?—and has so much enjoyed the confi-
dence of his countrymen, that, a few years ago, he was elected Member
of Parliament. His eloquence, his sound reasoning, and the warmth
with which he spoke, soon gave him influence in the Assembly, so
much so that he became the leader of the popular party. He always
remained faithful to his colours; and when so many deserted the cause
which they had advocated, when oaths were violated as soon as ut-
tered, and treaties broken before the ink was dry, M. N. von Esenbeck
was true to his principles; and neither bribery nor threats produced
any effect upon him. Venerable from his age, distinguished as a phi-
losopher, and eloquent as an orator, it was evident that the influence
of such a man was to be feared. Moreover, he was no hero of the
barricades; he had been legally elected, and conducted his discus-
sions with prudence and propriety, and strictly within the bounds of
parliamentary license. But, as silence was thought indispensable, M.
Nees von Esenbeck was suddenly suspended in his functions as Pro-
fessor in the University of Breslau, and reduced to circumstances of
' the most distressing nature. An excuse for this arbitrary act, how-
ever, was thought necessary; and, as despotism is never in want of
arguments, however sophistical, to give a colouring to its proceedings,
a domestic misfortune rather than a fault of M. N. von Esenbeck’s

VOL. iV. 7 3.0

466

former life was taken for that purpose; and, at an advanced age of nearly
eighty, the venerable old man was punished for an act that happened
twenty years before, and which, according to the laws of the country,
must have been very slight indeed to remain so long without being
investigated.

That public opinion has not been misguided in this matter
is evident. M. N. von Esenbeck has not only been re-elected
President of one of the most ancient academies in the world,
but men are everywhere stepping forward, who endeavour to place
him above the want to which the sudden loss of his situation has ex-
posed him. Naturalists of eminence are, we understand, selling por-
tions of their collections, in order to give the proceeds to the illustrious
savan. We ourselves have been requested by several of our corre-
spondents to open a subscription for his benefit; and we are only too
glad to become the humble medium by which that great and good
man may be benefited. Having obtained permission from M. Nees
von Esenbeck himself, we are ready to receive any sums, however tri-
fling, to acknowledge them in our journal, and afterwards in periodi-
cals of a wider circulation. :

It would be trifling with the cause we are pleading were we to
attempt to write a panegyric upon a man so unfortunate. A person
who is eighty years of age, and in want, not only of the mere comforts of
life, but the bare means of subsistence, and who has devoted his whole
life and all he possessed to the advancement of science, is indeed worthy
of consideration. Entomology, ornithology, botany, and many other
branches of learning are indebted to him for some of the most impor-
tant additions. He has always been ready to assist others whenever
he was called upon; and there are many naturalists in Great Britain
who have enriched their volumes with his labours. As a teacher, he
has done an immense deal. His lecture-rooms were always the most
crowded; and subjects which, in the hands of others, appeared dry,
insipid, and dull, his eloquence knew how to make interesting and
charming. There are few who have ever seen him on the platform
who can forget the impression which his lectures produced; the
sparkling eye, the animation, and clearness of explanation never failed
to produce most favourable effects. His labours as an author are
numerous, and show great erudition and research. They belong to
that class of writing which freed Natural History from the pedantic ~
sway of the Linnean school, and fairly applied the light of philosophy
to the investigation of organized beings. Indeed, M. N. von Esen-
beck is one of the remaining few who conclude the circle of illus-

467

trious men who raised natural science to the rank it now holds, and in
which the names of Jussieu, DeCandolle, Goethe, and Link, not to
mention any living ones, stand pre-eminent.

We have also been requested to prepare an address, and now have
the pleasure of submitting the following one to the consideration of our
readers. Whoever would wish to sign it, is invited to send his name
to our office (9, Devonshire Street, Bishopsgate, London). Previously
to the delivery of the document we will cause the names, arranged
alphabetically, to be printed in some of the journals of the widest cir-
culation, both at home and abroad.

To M. NrEEs von ESENBECK, PRESIDENT OF THE ,|L. C. ACADEMY OF
NATURALISTS.

Mr. PRESIDENT,

The undersigned have learned, with feelings of the deepest
regret and sorrow, that you have. been suspended in your functions as
Professor in the University of Breslau; that a man whom they have
always regarded as one of the most classical, has suddenly been
arrested in the pursuit of those investigations which have been pro-
ductive of such invaluable results to science. It falls but to the lot
of a few to make, at an advanced age, those treasures available which
a life of constant application and incessant study have enabled them
to accumulate. You, Mr. President, are, by the grace of Providence,
still in possession of those faculties which allow you to add to the
brilliant achievements and important labours of which your whole
career has been an uninterrupted series. How paiful, then, begomes
the reflection, that what God has granted man has cruelly prohibited,
and, by depriving you of those means essential to existence, is about
to bury for ever your vast amount of knowledge, and consign you, as
it were, alive, to a premature grave. Keenly as we feel your misfor-
fortune, still more keenly do we feel our inability to alleviate it. Our
Voice of sympathy is the only consolation we can offer; and we de-
clare that, uninfluenced by the slanders with which malignity has
overwhelmed you, we still remember your name with gratitude and
respect; and, deaf to the arguments with which envy and hatred have
attacked you, we still look upon you as the great philosopher who has
raised for himself in the field of science a monument, which neither
the violence of parties nor the lapse of time are capable of overturning.

A68

Notes on some of the British Plants for Distribution to the Members
of the Botanical Society of London in 1852. By Joun T. Syme,
Esq.*

THE readers of the ‘ Phytologist’ will remember with pleasure Mr.
H. C. Watson’s valuable annual notes on the novelties and critical
species of plants sent to the Botanical Society of London. These
notes contained so many useful remarks on the distinctions of doubt-
ful species, that they possessed quite as much interest for botanists
in general, as for the members of the Society who were to receive the
specimens commented upon. I regret that this year the task has
fallen into hands so incompetent as mine; but as there are many
plants which require more information to be given with them than can
be done on the labels, 1 have been obliged to draw up some notice of
them.

I have much pleasure in mentioning the attention that has gene-
rally been paid to the regulations for drying and labelling the speci-
.mens, as well as the paucity of misnomers; and I find that many
plants, at present amongst the duplicates, are marked in the greater
number of the members’ lists of desiderata.

I have to express my obligations to Mr. Watson for his opinion on
several plants about the names of which I was in some doubt, and to
Mr. T. Moore for his on some of the ferns.

In accordance with Mr. Babington’s views (Bot. Gaz. i. 24), I have
labelled the Thlaspi from Settle “'T. occitanum, Jord.,” and that from
_ Matlock, “ 'T. virens, Jord.”

There is a plentiful supply of Fumaria parviflora, Lam., and F.
Vaillantii, Zots., Ulex Galii, Plan., and Atriplex erecta, Huds.; also
of a Lastrea from Bawsey Heath, which appears to be L. uliginosa,
Newm. Of Polygonum laxum, E. B., Medicago sylvestris, F., and
M. falcata, Z., Atriplex deltoidea, Bad., and Glyceria Borreri, H. B. S.,
a more limited number of specimens have been sent.

I do not intend to mention more than the name of any species
included in the third edition of the ‘ London Catalogue,’ but will now
consider those which are not included in it, and which will be sent
out in the members’ parcels, as far as the supply will allow.

1. Thalictrum fleruosum, “ Rech.” Fr.—I collected about fifty spe-
cimens of this at North Queensferry, Fifeshire, where it has been long
known under the name of T. majus. It isa large plant, often four feet

* Read before the Botanical Society of London, February 6, 1852.

469

high, and very bushy. It differs from T. majus, Jacq., in the lateral
branches of the petioles leaving the main branch at acute, not at right,
angles. Ihave seen the true T. majus, Jacg., on the banks of Loch
Tay, but have not seen the fruit of it, which is also said to afford a
distinctive character. See Bab. Man. 3rd edit. p. 4.

2. Ranunculus aquatilis, L. (Varieties).—1I have dried a series of
these, which may be divided into the following forms :—

* Receptacle globose; stigma round.
+ Petals large, contiguous; floating leaves usually present.

(1). heterophyllus, Bab. Carpels attenuated, not rounded at the
apex ; upper margin rounded. As this is the most common form in
this country, I thought it needless to dry many examples of it, as it is
well known by botanists.

(2). swhpeltatus, Bab. Carpels rounded at the apex, with the
upper margin nearly straight, and terminated by the stigma. I sent
this from the Castleton of Braemar, Aberdeenshire, and the Down,
near Dollar, Clackmannanshire.

tt Petals small, not contiguous; floating leaves absent.

(3). érichophyllus,God. This has the peduncles much shorter than
in the preceding forms, and the carpels more numerous. My speci-
mens are from a pond close by the sea at Guillon, Haddingtonshire.

** Receptacle ovato-conic ; stigma ligulate.

(4). confusus, Gr. & G. Stamens longer than the head of carpels,
which are attenuated towards the apex (Duddingston Loch) ; floating
leaves rarely present, and only when growing in very shallow water,
their segments much narrower than in heterophyllus and subpeltatus;
peduncles very long; carpels numerous.

(5). Baudolii,God.? Ihave great doubts as to the correctness of
the label of this form. It differs from the last in having the stamens
much shorter, but does not agree with Baudotii in having the carpels
rounded at the apex, for in my plant they are very like those of con-
fusus. It seems to be quite intermediate between Baudotii and con-
fusus of the ‘ Flore de France. Mr. Babington considers it confusus ;
but he had only imperfect and withered specimens, which I sent him
by post, to judge from. The specimens were obtained from the same
pond as those of trichophyllus, mentioned above.

3. Draba verna, L., 8. inflata, Hook.—Pleutiful in debris at the base

470

of the rocks of Stuich-an-Lochan, Ben Lawers. I observed no speci-
mens with pouches of the usual form.

4. Hieracia Species.—I am quite unable to come to a satisfactory
conclusion regarding several forms collected in Breadalbane and Brae-
mar, and therefore should be much obliged by having the opinion of
those members to whom they shall be sent.

5. Grammica suaveolens, Schr. (Cuscuta Hassiaca, Koch).—Mr.
Varenne sends some examples of this, an account of which will be
found in Phytol. iv. 382.

6. Sparganium natans, “ L.” Fr. (Bab. Man. 3rd edit. p. 338).—I
regret I could not procure specimens of S. minimum, /7., to send out
along with this; but the latter plant will be that called S. natans in
most herbaria. As I have given the distinctions of these plants else-
where (Bot. Gaz. iii. 157; Phytol. iv. 403), I will not again enter on
the subject.

7. Luzula Borreri, Bromf. (Phytol. iii. 983; Bab. Man. 8rd. edit.
333; Bot. Gaz. iii. 99)—Mr. Purchas sends specimens from Here-
fordshire. The plant resembles L. pilosa, Willd., in habit, much more
than L. Forsteri, DC., though the seed is nearly the same as that of
the latter.

Various.—There are several other varieties, chiefly of ferns, from
Mr. Moore; but the label gives all the information that seems

necessary.
Joun T. SYME.
Botanical Society of London,
20, Bedford Street, Covent Garden,
February 6, 1852.

Tote on Adonis autumnalis. By Tuomas B. FLower, Esq.

In the ‘ Phytologist’ for this month (Phytol. iv. 397) the Rev. W.
T. Bree mentions his having found specimens of Adonis autumnalis
in a cultivated field in the parish of Darnford, and asks the question,
whether it had been introduced among agricultural seeds, or is to be
considered a true native, in thatlocality? I should say, from my own
observations in the county for many seasons past, that it is probably
not truly wild. I have observed it occasionally at Salisbury, Stone-
henge, Fonthill, and Great Ridge ; and each of these stations in culti-
vated fields, where it cannot be depended on two seasons following.
And our great Ray, during his botanical excursions through Wiltshire,

471

in company with his friend Aubrey, tells us they found it “ inter segetes.”
In other counties I have observed it under similar aspects, and more
or less distributed in some seasons than in others. This was more
especially the case in Kent, during the summer of 1846, when it was
of frequent occurrence in the neighbourhood of Gravesend, Rochester,
Canterbury, Sandwich, Walmer, Dover, and Folkstone; and most, if
not all, of these stations were amongst corn-fields. In 1849, when I
visited the same line of coast, I could find but few specimens. It
had now become a rare plant; and under similar circumstances, no
doubt, it has been observed by most of the botanists of the present
day.
T. B. FLower.

Seend, Melksham,
January, 1852.

Occurrence of Ruppia maritima, Linn., in the North of England.
By Joun G. Baker, Esq.

WHILST examining the maritime plants of the neighbourhood of
the Tees’ mouth last autumn, I met with the true Ruppia maritima of
Linneus and Babington’s Manual, in the broad salt-water ditch bor-
dering the inland bank of the Redcar and Middlesborough Railway,
for about a mile, between the village of Coatham and Lazenby Sta-
tion. I have not before heard of its occurrence on any but the south
coast of England, though most likely, when better known, it will be
found to be not uncommon, at least on the east coast, as it grows in
that neighbourhood in great abundance, and was the only species I
found on the Yorkshire side of the estuary of Redcar. It may be
readily distinguished from R. rostellata, Koch, even before the fruit is
matured, by its much larger size, elongated peduncles, inflated sheaths,
and the perceptible breadth of the leaves. TI shall be glad to furnish
Specimens to any botanist that is not acquainted with it.

JoHN G. BAKER.
Thirsk, January, 1852.

472

Botanical Chit-chat.

A Perplexing Question.—We have often been perplexed when asked
to point out the best botanists. Some may think it a question easy to
answer; but it is far from being so. Formerly botanists were more
united, and acted more in concert: now they are split into different
parties, or schools, if that term is preferred, each pursuing its own way
in opposition to the other. There is the physiologist speaking of the
labours of the systematic botanist as something worthless and con-
temptible. The systematic botanist, without hesitation, returns the
compliment, and tells his friend to mind what he is about. Then
there are the species-makers. The “ hair-splitter” has taken the
utmost pains to make six or eight species of an old one, and sent
“ typical specimens” to all who like to have them (carriage pre-paid) ;
when in comes the “dumper,” and throws all the species into one
again, telling his colleague, in the mean time, to behave himself, and
not augment the overburdened synonymy. Now and then, just to
enliven our periodicals a little, we have a skirmish between the “local”
and “universal” botanists. We are told itis sometimes quite amusing
to see how bewildered people become when taken out of the narrow
limits of their country, and, again, how helpless they appear who have
the plants of the whole world at their fingers’ end, except those growing
in their immediate neighbourhood. The difficulties do not terminate
here. There are, besides the national differences, a state of feeling
which will rather startle those who have been in the habit of looking
upon science as a cosmopolitan affair. But so itis. The English
and Germans, for instance, are always at each other. The former
maintain that they alone can determine new plants, because they have
the largest herbaria; while the latter are apt to declare that their
neighbours are by no means so well off as they fancy themselves to
be, because they are ignorant of literature, and cannot write a mono-
graph without its requiring a supplement before it can be used. We
suppose the best plan would be, that either the Germans come to this
country, and bring with them their knowledge of books, or that the
English, accompanied by their hortus siccus, go over to the Continent.
If that cannot be done, pray don’t let us have any more caustic re-
marks about circumstances that cannot be altered. Now, when read-
ing all the conflicting opinions, and the heated arguments advanced
by the different opponents, we trust we shall not be accused of want of
discrimination when to the question, “ Who are the best botanists ?” we

473

reply, “ We do not know.” All we do know is, that science is daily
becoming more difficult ; and that, unless people begin to sober down,
and think a little before they favour the world with the result of their
investigations, we shall at no distant period find botany in a state
to which that of the Augean stables affords no parallel.

Potato Disease.—1t is well known that, not only in England, but also
in other parts of the world, a belief is current that the introduction of
railways has cansed the mischief among the potatoes ; that the steam
and smoke have fallen upon the leaves, and, by a process variously de-
scribed, proved fatal to the health of the plant. Ifthe thoughtless many
entertain such views it can only provoke a smile, but if the thinking
few have opinions, if not the same, at least equally absurd, there is
reason to assume a more serious countenance. Nearly every scien-
tific man has tried to account for the strange malady, and shown—
to his own satisfaction—its true cause. Yet it must be confessed,
humiliating as it is, that not one has been able to force his opinion
upon more than a limited number of converts. The mystery remains
as dark as ever. Like many other phenomena of Nature, the fact
of its existence is known: the how and why are unknown. A Swiss
Professor, whose name, for his own sake, we suppress, has tried to dis-
pel the darkness, and discovered a light where it was least expected.
He found that a too great accumulation of phosphorus caused the
tubers to become rotten. And whence does the phosphorus come?
According to our learned friend, from nothing else save the frequent
use of phosphoric matches. Had we, like our forefathers, been less
impatient to get fire, and, instead of employing lucifers, stuck to the
flint and steel, we should not now have to hear the cry of distress from
every district in which the potato forms the chief portion of subsist-
ence. Though having no desire to be classed among the thoughtless
many, nor any pretension to place ourselves among the thinking few,
and though we do not want to launch another hypothesis on the ocean
of conjecture, we may be allowed to hint that the potato disease
existed long before the invention of railways, and many years before
the use of flint and steel came to be relinquished.

Lettuce a Politician.—As a singular, but characteristic, specimen
of fanaticism, it may be stated that a Croat, in order to show his hatred
for the Hungarians, went so far as to prohibit the appearance of let-
tuce upon his table, because he recognized in the tender leaves of
that plant those hateful colours, red, white, green. We knew that
many countries had selected certain herbs and trees for their national
emblem, and we have heard people talking about the language of

VOL. Iv. 3 P

474

flowers; but that vegetables should have a political colour is a fact of
which we were ignorant.

yas ae

Botanical Notes and Queries for 1851.

The Exhibition of Scotch Cereals, &c., in the Crystal Palace, by
Messrs. Lawson & Son, of Edinburgh.

Amone the multifarious contents of the Crystal Palace, the botanist
will perhaps derive most satisfaction from an attentive examination
of this admirable collection. My attention was called to it by a
notice in the ‘ Atheneum,’ which is so descriptive and complete that I
shall quote it entire, in preference to penning one of my own, merely
premising that I would strongly recommend every botanist whose
attention it may have escaped to pay it an early visit. An intelligent
custodian will be found on the spot, willing to give every information
and explanation. “In this department [that of food derived from the
vegetable kingdom] will be found a very extensive series of cases and
fittings devoted to a display of the vegetable substances used in food,
medicine, and the arts, from Scotland. This Scotch exhibition is
almost an epitome of the raw produce of the vegetable kingdom
throughout the British Islands, as there are few things of any use that
will grow in any other part of this country that will not grow in Scot-
land. These specimens, which have been got together by the Messrs.
Lawson & Son, of Edinburgh, will be regarded with interest on ac-
count rather of their completeness than of their rarity. Here we have
the various cereal grasses of Europe, as wheat, barley, oats, rye, &c.,
and the varieties which are commonly grown in Scotland, or which
are produced in that country as used in other parts of the world. Not
only are there exhibited the grains or fruits of those plants which are
employed, and the various substances which are manufactured from
them, but we have dried specimens of the plant, in blossom and during
the time of the ripening of its fruit. The various kinds of farm and
garden produce used for food are also represented here. In cases
where the vegetable substance could not be kept or dried, wax casts
are substituted: thus we have a series of specimens of roots, as car-
rots, turnips, &c. Casts also of rare specimens of curious forms, and
of the varieties cultivated, are exhibited. The grasses grown

475

and used as fodder for animals are shown on the same scale. On
either side of the entrance to the Scotch department, in the south gal-
lery, will be found two living specimens of an interesting grass, the
tussack-grass (Dactylis cespitosa), a native of the Falkland Islands,
which have been grown in the Western Hebrides, and have produced
flowers and seeds; so that it may be hoped this valuable grass may
be shortly naturalized among us. Most of our native British plants
which are used in medicine are also to be found in this collection.
In the glass cases looking north, are a series of blocks of wood, in
their rough and in their polished condition, with also dried specimens
of the branches, leaves, and flowers of the plants that have yielded
them. Those who are anxions to gain a general view of the useful
products of the vegetable kingdom in great Britain, we refer with un-
hesitating satisfaction to this collection of Scotch vegetable products.”
In conclusion, I would beg to call the attention of British botanists to
the debt of gratitude which, as Britons, we owe to the enterprizing
gentlemen who have taken such great pains to set in order before the
eyes of the world the great and varied agricultural resources of our
own country. I particularly admire and commend the spirit of natio-
nality which has led these gentlemen into such an outlay of time,
trouble, and expense in such a truly praiseworthy cause.—Edward
Newman.

Aconitum Napellus.

Is this plant collected in any part of the kingdom for medicinal
purposes '—J. R.

In reply to “J. R.”’s query respecting Aconitum Napellus, Linn.
I think it is not collected in any part of the kingdom for medicinal
purposes. In fact, it is not the officinal plant of the London College,
they having adopted the A. paniculatum as their officinal species.
Can all the recorded localities for the A. Napellus be referred to this
or any other species ’— 7. B. Flower.

The root of this plant has been collected for medicinal purposes by
Reuben C. Payne, chemist and druggist, Bridgwater, Somersetshire,
from the extensive locality in the neighbourhood of Wiveliscombe and
Milverton, in the western part of the county. He informs me that the
essence he obtains from it is much superior to any he has ever pro-
cured in London or anywhere else.— Thomas Clark.

476

The College of Physicians appears to be in error in directing Aco-
nitum Cammarum (under the name of A. paniculatum) to be employed
exclusively, since Dr. Fleming has shown this species to be feeble and
unimportant in its action, and that A. Napellus is the only species of
any value. Both species are diuretic, but A. Napellus much the more
powerful of thetwo. See Veg. Kingdom, p. 427, &c.—Edward New-
man.

Lastrea uliginosa.

We have now so many cultivators of ferns who are qualified to give
an opinion of the value of this species, that all doubts on the subject
might be resolved by the faithful record of the results of their obser-
vations. I shall be very grateful for communications on the subject.
—Edward Newman.

Having paid some attention to Lastrea uliginosa, both wild and cul-
tivated, I unhesitatingly state that it is a species totally distinct from
L. cristata; and it is a matter of surprise to me how any botanist can
consider these two ferns identical, or indeed confound L. cristata with
any other British species. If uliginosa is only a variety, it must be of
L. spinosa; but I am strongly inclined to consider it a good species.
It grows plentifully around the margins of ponds in the forest, among
the sallows ; and it might at first be supposed that its peculiar, slen-
der, drawn-up appearance arose from the situation; but this is not the
case: it preserves the same characters in my garden, planted in an
open border; and its appearance is widely different from a bed of spi-
nosa planted by its side. It begins to throw up its fronds rather ear-
lier in the spring than spinosa, and in this respect widely differs from
cristata. On the first of the present month (June) the fronds of cris-
tata had scarcely began to move, while those of uliginosa, growing by
its side, were two feet high. I may also observe that the fronds of
uliginosa begin to decay early in autumn, and quite perish in the
winter, in our forest, while those of spinosa continue green till the
spring.— Henry Doubleday.

It will be interesting to the students and cultivators of British ferns
to know that Mr. Babington, in the third edition of his Manual,
which has just issued from the press, places this fern under L. cristata.
We have therefore three totally opposed opinions published by emi-
nent botanists on this supposed species.

477

Bree and Wilson pronounce it to be identical with Lastrea spinosa,
Newm.

Hooker and Arnott declare it to be the type of Aspidium spinulo-
sum, Willd.

Moore and Babington declare it to be L. cristata.

Perhaps there are not six botanists in the kingdom who would be
esteemed more competant judges than those named above: they are
our leaders, our teachers, our docteurs-es-sciences. ‘ Who shall de-
cide when doctors disagree?” I shall still feel obliged by the free
expression of opinions as to the distinctness or otherwise of this fern.
—Edward Newman.

Orchis hircina in Kent.

I am recently informed of another station for this rarest of our Bri-
tish Orchidew, in the county of Kent. Itis on the chalk between
Shoreham and Farningham. I shall feel extremely obliged to the
gentleman who communicates this information if he will prosecute his
Inquiries, obtain a sight of the specimen, and report in a future num-
ber of the ‘ Phytologist. — Edward Newman.

I have now in my possession a very fine flowering plant of Orchis
hircina, brought to me on Good Friday of the present year, by an
intimate friend, froma locality which I showed him last year, and
where we found five small plants of the same. The locality is in
the neighbourhood of the old station mentioned in Sowerby’s ‘ British
Botany. — George B. Wollaston.

[I have learned, since the publication of the preceding, that twelve
good plants have been found in the old locality during the summer of
1852.—E. N.]

Asplenium fontanum.

With respect to Asplenium fontanum being considered a British
species, I will supply you with all the information I possess respect-
ing it. On the south-west side of Tooting Common is situated an
isolated mansion, called Furze Down, the property of — Haigh, Esq.,
commanding a most delightful and picturesque view over the Surrey
and Kentish hills. At this place Asplenium fontanum was wont to
luxuriate somewhat plentifully, in the crevices of an old wall, whence

478

I obtained plants, and supplied my friends therewith, through the kind-
ness of Mr. Gibbs, who was gardener to the late Mr. Haigh for more
than thirty years. Certainly it must have taken possession of this
locality before his time, as it was not until within the last five or six
years that Mr. Gibbs accidentally became aware that he possessed so
desirable a fern; for, although an excellent gardener, he had not at
that time turned his attention to the cultivation of ferns. Last week
[ paid a visit to Furze Down, for the purpose of obtaining specimens
of A. fontanum; but, alas! it was non est, the walls having been
scraped, cleaned, and fresh pointed. Consequently nota vestige of the
object of my search was to be met with; but possibly, in time, it may
again peer through the crumbling mortar. How far this may go to
establish its claim as a British fern I must leave for others more com-
petent than myself to decide. Herewith I forward you a frond, ga-
thered from one of the two plants which I now possess, one of which
I shall feel much pleasure in sending, if you will accept of it, gathered
from the above locality.—C. Wood.

[The frond sent is the divided form described as a distinct species,
under the name of Asplenium Halleri.—Z. N.]

Why is this species omitted in recent works on ferns ?—J. V. V.

[Because I can find in no herbarium a frond, or even a fragment of
a frond, gathered within the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ireland. The fern found at Kirk Hammersham, or “ Hammersham
Church,” as Hudson has it, appears to have been Cystopteris fragilis.
I shall regard it as a most inestimable service if any correspondent
will furnish me with the means of restoring this elegant fern to the
British list —E. N.].

Grimmia ovata.

I was a short time, in January, in the neighbourhood of Charnwood
Forest, and found the Grimmia ovata (a moss extremely rare out of
Scotland) on the debris of slate from the quarry in Swithland Wood.
—R. C. Douglas.

Atriplex hortensis.

Having had my attention called to the finding of the Atriplex hor-
tensis by Mr. Lees, I went to the locality, with but little hopes of

479

finding any of it left, as it was said to flower in June. However, I
did find some plants in seed, not exactly in the same spot, but within
a few yards of where he said he foundit. It is, [ am sorry to say, too
far gone for herbarium specimens, but in prime order for propagation ;
and I enclose you a small portion of the seed, to sow in your garden.
It appears to me a very singular plant, for, if 1 am right in my con-
jecture, it produces seeds in two very different-formed vesicles, the
one a five-cleft regular calyx, the other a double-winged vesicle.—
George Reece.

[I have submitted this note and the seeds to Mr. Watson, who has
kindly sent the following explanation, which I beg to hand to Mr.
Reece, through the pages of the ‘ Phytologist. — E. N.]

If your correspondent can turn to page 268 of Babington’s Ma-
nual, second edition, he will there see the genus Atriplex divided into
two sections ;—one of them, “ Monecious; female flowers bipartite ;”
—the other, “ Polygamous ; female flowers bipartite to the base, seed
vertical ; perfect flowers 3-5 parted, seed horizontal.” The former
section includes all our native species; excepting those removed to
the genus or sub-genus Halimus. The latter section includes only
Atriplex nitens, in the Manual, but would have also included A.
hortensis, if the author had considered it worth while to describe an
ordinary garden plant, on account of its occasional appearance on
tubbish-heaps and in waste ground, as a straggler from cultivation. I
have frequently seen stray plants of Atriplex hortensis by the road-
sides in north Surrey, just as I have seen stray plants of the garden
cress, celery, parsley, lettuce, Asparagus, &c. But I do not perceive
any value to science in the record of such accidental facts ; which
must be familiar enough to observant botanists, who are dwellers in
the country. In the case of a permanent habitat being made, or one
enduring for successive years, a record may be worth its ink and
paper.—H. C. Watson.

Villarsia Nympheoides.

Those interested in the rapid extension of water-plants will be
pleased with the examination of an enormous plant of Villarsia which
is now choking up a comparatively recent basin of the Surrey Canal,
just by the gas-works on the Kent Road. It occurs abundantly in
many other parts of the same canal.— Edward Newman.

480
Vinegar-plant.

A gentleman obligingly brought to me, some weeks ago, a speci-
men, so called. It was about the size of a cheese-plate, and perhaps
haif an inch in thickness, of a jelly-like appearance and consistency,
and had a very powerful smell of vinegar. The following queries
occur to me as worthy of notice :—

Is this plant the Tremella Nostoc of old authors, Nostoc commune
of Harvey, &c., or what is its real name and order ?

Is it generally, or even frequently, used in the manufacture of vine-
gar, and in what way does it assist in that operation ?

Where is it found, or how is it cultivated ?

The mention of this plant in the report of the proceedings of the
Edinburgh Botanical Society recalled it to my recollection. Edward
Newman.

I wish to make a few observations in answer to your three questions
relating to the vinegar-plant. Fyst, that it is not ‘Tremella Nostoc of
Linneus, for that author describes the species as plicate-undulate and
terrestrial. The plant which | have always taken for T. Nostoc, and
which answers to the description, is sometimes found upon commons
and other waste lands, in similar situations to Clavaria coralloides. It
appears about the latter end of September, is of a gelatinous substance,
from six inches to a foot in diameter, about an inch in thickness, of a
dirty-white colour, and a shape bearing a great resemblance to that
part of the entrails of a hog which is called the “crow.” It is
widely distributed, but is not very frequently met with. Most old far-
mers, keepers, shepherds, &c., are acquainted with it under the name
of star-jelly, and have an idea that it is caused by a falling star;
and the explanation given to the word “ Nostock” in Bayley’s Dictio-
nary fully corresponds with that idea. Itis so curious that I shall
here transcribe it :—“ Nostock, stinking tawny jelly of a fallen planet,
or the nocturnal solution of some plethoretical and wanton star.” I
am seldom out fern-collecting after the month of June; therefore I
can give no locality for it near London; but a friend of mine informs
me that he has seen it in several places in the county of Surrey, parti-
cularly Radmore Common, near Box Hill. Secondly, it has not, that
I am aware of, been ever used to any extent in the manufacture of
vinegar; but a piece of it put into a jar half filled with water, and
placed in a warm temperature, will so acidulate the water, that it will
in a few weeks become tolerable vinegar. Thirdly, I am of opinion,
though perhaps erroneously, that it has a near affinity to the gelatinous
substance called “ mother,” which grows in vinegar, and particularly

481

in verjuice, and which, when allowed to remain undisturbed for a
length of time, will become as large and as compact in its texture as
the vinegar-plant. Mr. Kennedy, of Covent Garden, would, I think,
be able to give some more correct information, for I know him to be a
successful cultivator of this plant.—John Lloyd.

About two years ago I inquired of the Rev. M. J. Berkeley what
this really was, and found that he considered it a form of Penicillium
crustaceum of Fries, which is described in the fifth volume of the
‘English Flora’—A. Bloxam.

‘ Natural Systems of Plants.

Under this title Dr. Drummond has very forcibly stated, in the pre-
sent number, his objections to the term ‘natural,’ as applied to the
physiological systems now universally employed in botanical science.
Now, without any idea of strengthening the Doctor’s cause, which he
is quite competent to defend, but with a desire of making known my
own notions on this subject, I venture to express my entire concur-
rence in the views which he has expounded with such ability. There
must be a natural system, but that system is Divine; and none of our
various systems, however ingenious their construction, can be sup-
posed Divine: they are not only apparently but avowedly human;
they are the work of man’s brain—the result. of his powers of construc-
tiveness. But although this general definition cbtain with all, still I
think a difference exists in the fact that the Jussieuian systems aim at
the natural, while the Linnean aims at and achieves the convenient.
To those who require more general terms than Jussieuian and Lin-
nean, I would venture to suggest the terms ‘ physiological’ and ‘ arith-
metical, as not only being inoffensive to those who deprecate the
distinction of ‘natural’ and “artificial? but also as possessing the
great merits of being descriptive and truthful. Physiological systems
are founded both on the physiological characters and intimate struc-
ture of the plant; arithmetical systems depend on the number of cer-
tain parts of a plant. I would, therefore, venture to suggest that,
until that distant day when a really natural system shall have been
discovered, not manufactured, the terms ‘ physiological’ and ‘ arith-
metical’ be employed when there is any necessity of contrasting the
merits of these conflicting methods.—Edward Newman.

VOL. Iv. 2 Q

482

Sempervivum tectorum.

How comes this plant in all our floras? I never saw a British spe-
cimen, recent or dried, and never met with a botanist who had that
pleasure.— Querist.

[It is one of those time-hallowed errors which continue to exist in
the face of fact. The Sempervivum is one of those few hardy plants
which not only is not native, but will not escape or make any attempt
to naturalize itself. It has little better claim to be considered a Bri-
tish plant than the dragon-tree of Oratava. The authors of our two
descriptive lists of British plants appear to have exercised but slender
judgment in the retention or rejection of species as native-—E. N.]

Antirrhinum majus.

The query respecting Sempervivum tectorum, which certainly has
not the slightest claim to a place among British plants, induces me to
ask whether any reader has ever seen Antirrhinum majus in a native
habitat, and also what is its native country. In a continental trip
last summer I saw it nowhere but on garden-walls and rubbish-heaps
in stony places, where it was evidently the outcast of a garden.—F.

Angelica Archangelica.

In five editions (perhaps also in the first) of the ‘ British Flora’ we
have the habitat of this plant recorded as “ Thames’ side near Dork-
ing.” Pray inform me in what part of the United Kingdom this may
be.—T. W.

[I have no idea. Will any reader kindly offer an explanation ?—
E. N.]

Seeing there is no such locality as that indicated on your last wrap-
per, it follows there is a gross error somewhere. This may possibly
extend beyond the limits of Britain; and it seems by no means impos-
sible that some European station has been thus transmogrified.—Y.

British Cyclamens.
A correspondent, in allusion to an observation of my own in the
Preface, inquires whether I suppose we have two British species of

483

Cyclamen, what are their names, and how are they to be distinguished ?
Will some more able botanist than myself reply to this? Ihave never
seen the plant in a native locality, but have a fine root, purchased of
the late James Potter, and said by him to have been found in Sussex.
It was in full bloom in October, and bore scarcely any resemblance to
the figure in ‘ English Botany..— Edward Newman.

Whether there exist two species of Cyclamen in England or not I
cannot say, never having had the pleasure of finding the Cyclamen
wild. There are, however, certainly two distinct species, C. europeum
and C. hederefolium. The following descriptions, translated from a
‘Flora of the Canton of Vaud,’ will clearly show the great difference
between these two species :—

C. europeum. C. hederefolium.

Leaves almost orbicular, heart- Leaves heart-shaped, acuminate
shaped, crenulate, appearing with or elongate, angular, and crenu-
the flowers; corolla pink. Pe- late, appearing after the flowers ;
rennial: May and August. corolla pink or white. Perennial:

September and October.
—H. L. de la Chaumette.

Derivation of the Name “ Osmunda” (Filices).

The derivation of this name seems to be uncertain as yet. In the
last edition of the ‘ British Flora” by Sir W. J. Hooker and Dr.
Walker-Arnott, it is supposed to have been derived from two Saxon
words, os, signifying house, and mund, peace, “ domestic peace.” I
should feel much obliged to any of our learned botanists if they would
say whether the translation of the term, as in Linneus’s ‘ Alphabetical
Table of the Etymology of Genera,’ at the end of his ‘ Vegetable
Kingdom,’ is not to be relied upon. He states there that it is derived
from the Latin osmundare, to wash the mouth. Is this at all likely to
be the proper derivation, and, if so, how would it be applied to the
fern ’—H. L. de la Chaumette.

Wiltshire Locality for Sedum sexangulare.

I have recently been applied to by various correspondents for spe-
cimens of Sedum sexangulare from the walls of Old Sarum; also to
ascertain whether it is growing there in any great plenty. I have

484

therefore thought it better to reply, through this medium, to those who
are desirous of obtaining the plant, that I am fearful it is now Jost.
One plant was found on the walls in 1845, after a most diligent search;
and I am not aware that it has since been met with. In July, 1848,
I spent some time in searching for it, and again last summer, but
without success. Specimens obtained by Mr. Dawson Turner in 1800,
from the above locality, are preserved in the herbarium of the late Sir
J. E.Smith. Has the plant been met with in any of its other recorded
localities of late ?—and can such localities now be relied upon? It
has also been asked whether the present species can be considered a
true native on the walls of Old Sarum. [ should say it is doubtful
and unsatisfactory, and should not myself consider it a truly native
species in this county ; and, by its being placed as an “ alien” in the
‘Cybele Britannica, I should question its being a true native in its
other published localities.—T7. B. Flower.

Hybrid Narcissus.

In the group of Narcissi figured in the ‘ Gardener’s Magazine of Bo-
tany ’ (Phytol. iv. 218) there is one named Leedsii, which seems exactly
intermediate between Narcissus poeticus and N. Pseudo-narcissus.
By a parity of reasoning with that employed in the case of the Pri-
mule, the production of this hybrid would prove the identity of these
two Narcissi as a species, a conclusion which, I think, botanists will
not be hasty to adopt.—Edward Newman.

Effects of Light and Heat on the Expansion of Flowers.

The observations on this subject at p. 155 are extremely interesting;
but the conclusions deduced are not sufficiently precise. The flowers
expanded at night, in the meeting-room, “ under the influence of gas-
light;” they also opened “in the absence of light,” in “a warm plant-
stove, the temperature of which was about sixty-three degrees.” The
question naturally arises, What was the temperature of the meeting-
room ?—was it lower than that of the plant-stove ?— was it not suffi-
ciently high to account for the expansion of the flowers without
having recourse to the aid of gas? The conclusion deduced is, that
in the first instance light caused the expansion, in the second, heat ;
but such a conclusion is not logical. The experiments ought to be

485

made—Ist, in a room naturally lighted; 2ndly, in a room artificially
lighted by gas; and 3rdly, in a room totally dark. They ought to be
made in cold weather, say with a temperature of 35° Fahr.; and this
temperature should in each instance be artificially increased until the
flowers expanded; then, if the flowers were found to expand in the
naturally-lighted room at 45°, in the artificially-lighted room at 50°,
and in the dark room at 55°, we should have precise, appreciable, and
really interesting results, more especially if a series of experiments
established these phenomena as unvarying.—Edward Newman.

Adulteration of Tea.

The adulteration of coffee has lately proved a prolific source of
interest to the British public. How much more interesting to British
botanists it would be to learn what British herbs are employed in the
manufacture of tea. Itis said that the weight annually imported of
real tea bears but a very small proportion to that retailed under the
name. The inquiry is highly interesting, not only in a statistical and
economical but also in a botanical vieww— Edward Newman.

Claytonia perfoliata in Britain.

I enclose specimens of Claytonia perfoliata, I think an American
species, which is found in great abundance at Ampthill, on a sandy
bank not near any garden; and I am informed that it has grown there
for several years, and increases in abundance every year. I cannot
learn that any one has it in cultivation in the neighbourhood.—T.
Corder.

[This little plant, very similar in habit, &c., to our Montia fontana,
belongs, like that, to the Natural Order Portulacee. “ Claytonia per-
foliata, Don; Bot. Mag. 1336. North America; introduced 1794.
Very hardy, and not easily eradicated where once introduced. It
grows on the poorest soil, vegetates early, and the whole of the her-
bage gathered and boiled makes a very tender spinage.”—Loudon’s
Encyclopedia of Plants. C. virginica, caroliniana, lanceolata, sibi-
rica, and alsinoides are other species.—E. N.]

486

Notices oF Botanicat PERioDIcALs, &c.

‘Neue Allgemeine Deutsche Garten und Blumenzeituny, redigirt von
Epvuarp Orro. Siebenter Jahrgang. 8vo. Hamburg: 1851,’

Such is the title of a magazine which, though mainly devoted to
horticulture, contains a great amount of botanical information, includ-
ing selections from the best foreign authors, and contributions by
Lehmann, Nees von Esenbeck, Reichenbach, Rémer, Steetz, and
others. Distinguished as a traveller in tropical America, and well
known as a succesful cultivator of plants in the capacity of Curator of
the Botanic Garden at Hamburg, M. Edward Otto, like his illustrious
father, is eminently qualified to exercise the office of editor. From
the time that M. E. Otto has undertaken the chief management, the
journal, from being a mere local paper of no influence or importance,
has become one of the best periodicals in Northern Germany; and
many of the minor publications, as well as those enjoying a wider
circulation, are constantly filling their columns with extracts from it.
A peculiar feature of the paper is its “ feuilleton,” containing a mass
of personal news, the doings of eminent men, reports of learned so-
cieties, &c., a species of journalism hitherto sadly neglected. Botanists
of one country are mostly ignorant of what is doing in others; and
writers frequently treat a subject as something new and original, when,
indeed, they are only repeating what has already become a matter of
history in the territories of their neighbours. To those, therefore, who
are eager to know more than what happens at home, we strongly re-
commend this journal, which, we sincerely hope, will meet with all
the success it deserves.

pe eA

‘ The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, No. 49, January,
1852.

The botanical paper in this number is intituled :—

‘Notice of a New British Viola; by Charles C. Babington, M.A.,
F.R.S,’

The details of this paper were given in our January number (Phy-
tol. iv. 424).

487

Proceepines or SocieETiezs.

Botanical Society of London.

Friday, February 6, 1852.—John Reynolds, Esq., Treasurer, in
the chair.

The following donations were announced :— British plants from
Mr. Hewett C. Watson, Mr. G. Maw, Mr. J. A. Brewer, Mr. W. Gour-
lie, and Mr. Ibbotson. ‘ Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of
England;’ presented by the Society. ‘The Gardener’s Companion
and Florist’s Guide’ for February; presented by the Editors. ‘The
Pharmaceutical Journal and Transactions ; presented by the Pharma-
ceutical Society. ‘Journal of the Statistical Society of London ;
presented by the Society.

The following paper was read :—

‘ Notes on some of the British Plants for Distribution to the Mem-
bers of the Botanical Society of London in 1852;’ by John T. Syme,
Esq., Curator to the Society (see p. 468).—G. E. D.

Microscopical Society of London.

December 21, 1851.—Dr. Lankester in the chair.

A paper by J. H. Huxley, Esq., entitled ‘ Lacinularia socialis, a
Contribution to the Anatomy and Physiology of the Rotifera, was
read. The author commenced by stating that the Lacinularia socia-
lis, a very singular and beautiful Rotifer, was found by him, in
great abundance, on leaves of Ceratophyllum, in the River Medway,
a little above Farleigh Bridge ; and as they present especial advan-
tages for microscopical investigation, on account of their relative large
size, their transparency, &c., he had availed himself of an opportunity
which occurred to him, of inquiring somewhat minutely into their
structure. He proceeded to mention their general appearance and
habits, and then entered more minutely into the description of their
various organs, viz., the trochal disk (which he stated to be wide and
horse-shoe shaped, the edges being richly provided with large cilia,
presenting a very beautiful and wheel-like movement), the mouth and
its appendages, the cesophagus, and the intestines. He next described
the water vascular system, quoting at the same time the opinions of

488

various other observers upon this part of the subject. He next men-
tioned appearances which he terms vacuolar thickenings, some of which
he stated to have been considered by Prof. Ehrenberg as ganglia,
others as testes, &c., but, in the author’s opinion, erroneously, inas-
much as they appear to him to be merely local thickenings of the pa-
rietes in various parts of the body. The nervous system, or organs of
sense, were then described; and some remarks on the reproductive
organs followed, in which some curious observations on the develop-
ment of the ova were given, showing that the process is exactly that
which takes place in all fecundated ova, and leading to the supposi-
tion that Spermatozoa should, somewhere or other, be found. He,
however, had not been able to satisfy himself of their existence,
although he had seen objects which answered precisely to Kollicher’s
description of the Spermatozoa in Megalotrocha, and expressed his
opinion that it was impossible, in the present state of our knowledge,
to come to any definite conclusion upon the subject. He next pro-
ceeded to make some remarks on the asexual propagation of Lacinu-
laria and other Rotifera, in which he pointed out the difference
between the ordinary ova and those called “ winter ova,” which last
he proposes to call ephippial ova. The development and progress of
these last were very fully described ; and he concludes this part of the
subject by stating that “there are two kinds of reproductive bodies in
Lacinularia: 1st, Bodies which resemble true ova in their origin and
subsequent development, and which possess only a single membrane ;
2ndly, Bodies half as large again as the foregoing, which resemble the
ephippium of Daphnia, like it, have altogether three investments, and
which do not resemble true ova, either in their origin or subsequent
development, which, therefore, probably do not require fecundation,
and are thence to be considered as a mode of asexual reproduction.”
He then proceeded to make some remarks on the zoological position
of the Rotifera, as deduced from the structure of the Lacinularia, as
now described; and, after pointing out that the relations between the
Polyzoa and the Rotifera were at the best only mere analogies, he
stated that the general agreement in structure between the Rotifera
and the Annuloide (under which term he includes the Annelide, the
Echinoderms, the Trematode, Turbellaria, and Nematoidezx) is very
striking, and such as to constitute an unquestionable affinity. This
position he proved by numerous examples, and concluded by giving
a sketch of the affinities of the Annuloide, in which class he proposes
to place the Rotifera, thus removing them entirely from the class Ra-
diata of Cuvier, in which they have hitherto been included.

489

January 28, 1852.—Dr. Arthur Farre, President, in the chair.

The minutes of the preceding meeting were read and confirmed.

Two presents were announced, and the thanks of the Society voted
to their respective donors.

Certificates in favour of L. S. Beale, Esq., 12, Wilton Place; Dr.
Hamilton, Grafton St., Bond St.; and Charles C. Smith, Esq., Bury
St. Edmunds, were read, and ordered to be suspended in the meeting-
room.

Wn. King, Esq., and Henry Perigal, jun., Esq., were balloted for,
and duly elected Members of the Society.

Messrs. H. H. White and H. Deane were appointed Auditors of the
Treasurer’s account for the past year.

A paper by the Secretary, John Quekett, Esq., ‘On the Structure
of Raphides, was read. The author commenced by stating that inor-
ganic substances were formed in plants under two circumstances: first,
in crystals, as in the case of phosphate and oxalate of lime; second,
as a portion of the tissue, as in the case of silica in the bark of equi-
setaceous and gramineous plants. The crystals were stellate or single,
from the th to the ,,,th of an inch in diameter. Single crystals
of oxalate of lime were octohedral; those of phosphate of lime were
acicular. Numerous plants were referred to in which raphides were
found, as in many species of Cactus, the lime, rhubarb, elm, apple,
onion, and other plants. The author exhibited drawings of artificial
raphides, which had been prepared in the tissue of rice paper, by the
late Mr. Edwin Quekett, by immersing the cells, first in lime water,
and afterwards in oxalic acid. In conclusion, the author gave a de-
tailed account of some stellate raphides which he had found in great
abundance in a species of Cactus. On dissolving up the inorganic
matter of these crystals, by means of hydrochloric acid, he was sur-
prised to find that an organic base was left perfectly similar in form
to that of the crystal which had been dissolved. From this fact Mr.
Quekett inferred that all these crystals were deposited with organic
nature. He referred to the structure of calculi in the human and ani-
mal body, which, he stated, were always deposited upon or with an
organic base, as proof that this law was general, and that the deposi-
tion of inorganic salts in the tissues of plants and animals was always
connected with the growth of organic matter.

A paper by the Rev. J. Thornton, ‘ On the Pupa of an Insect bear-
ing considerable resemblance to an Aphis, was read. A few meetings
since specimens and a drawing of the exuviz of an insect whose head,
body, and legs were beautifully fringed with leaf-like appendages, were

VOL. Ivy. 3 .R

490

exhibited to the Society. Since that time the author has continued
his researches; and the object of the present communication was to
show that he considered he had discovered the insect to which these
exuvie belong. His reasons for inferring that the insect now de-
scribed is the one produced from the exuvie before mentioned, are
founded—Ist, on the habitat, the exuvie, pupa, and imago having
been found on the same leaf of Acer campestre; 2nd, on the colour
and texture; 3rd, on the general form and aspect; and 4th, on the
similarity of the details of the antenne, and other particulars, among
which the change of the leaf-like appendages in the pupa to corre-
sponding bristles in the perfect insect, was mentioned, leading, in his
opinion, to the inference that the Phyllophorus testudinatus, as he
proposed to call it, is the pupa of an undescribed species of Aphis,
forming a new species, if not a new genus.—J. W.

Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

Thursday, March 12, 1852.—Professor Balfour, Vice-President, in
the chair.

The following donations to the library were announced :—‘ The
Boston Journal of Natural History,’ containing papers read before the
Boston Society of Natural History, from the Society; ‘The Natural
History, Physiological Actions, and Therapeutic Uses of Colchicum
autumnale, by J. M‘Grigor Maclagan, M.D., from the author; ° The
Garden Companion and Florists’ Guide,’ from Mr. Moore, the conduc-
tor ; List of British Mosses, from Mr. Stark.

Dr. Balfour announced that Dr. Greville had presented an addi-
tional collection of Fungi to the Society’s herbarium. Among them
were some very good species from Jamaica, communicated and deter-
mined by Kunze; others from Schweinitz, of North Carolina, which
are authentic for many of his published species.

Dr. Balfour also announced that the University herbarium had been
enriched by specimens from Mount Olympus, collected by Clementi,
and by a parcel of 316 species of well-dried plants from the Rio
Negro district, collected by Mr. Spruce and named by Mr. Bentham.

Dr. Balfour announced the following donations to the museum at
the Botanic Garden, received since the last meeting of the Society :—
From Dr. Gilbert M‘Nab, Kingston, Jamaica:—Four spadices of the
cabbage palm, two of them in spathes three feet six inches long, and
two without; a quantity of very light powdery matter, which is scat-

491

tered when the spathe bursts ; three spadices and spathes of the cocoa-
nut palm (Cocos nucifera), in different stages ; several specimens of
the reticulum of the cocoa-nut palm, used for mats and for coarse
cloths ; upper portion of the stem of Cycas revoluta, in fruit; large
section of Lignum vite (Guaiacum officinale), covered with guaiac
resin; four fruits of the calabash (Crescentia Cujute), in the form of
water-jars, basins, and cups; three cups made from the cocoa-nut, by
the Indians of New Granada, one mounted with silver; one small
drinking cup, made of the last-matured fruit of an aged cocoa-nut tree
(Jamaica); two sections of lace bark (Lagetta lintearia) ; two horse
halters, made from the lace bark (Manchester, Jamaica); bark of a
tree from Baranquilla, N. Grenada; hammock made from a grass from
the Indian coast; pigment made from a plant, by the San Blas Indi-
ans, and used for painting their bodies, to protect them from the sun;
three Fungi from Jamaica; club from the Indian Main, made from the
stem of Acrocomia fusiformis ; a quantity of Port Royal senna (Cassa
obovata, var. Porto-regalis); a jar of wongloo seed (Sesamum tndt-
cum) ; three bottles containing the cashew apple and nut (Anacar-
dium occidentale), one preserved with white sugar; specimen of
Spathelia simplex (mountain-pride of Jamaica); specimens of the
hog-gum (Moronobia coccinea); specimens, in fruit, of the arnotto
(Bizxa orellana). From Mr. M‘Intosh, Dalkeith Park :—Three flower-
ing panicles of the Pampas grass (Gynerium argenteum). From
Messrs. P. Lawson & Son, Nurserymen to the Highland and Agricul-
tural Society :—Thirty varieties of New-Holland cones and seed-ves-
sels. From Professor Christison :—Specimens of the root of Aucklandia
Costus (spikenard of the ancients), and specimens of a small-fruited
tamarind, from Saharunpore. From Mr. Baxter, Riccarton :—Branch
of Pinus Pinaster bearing cones. From Major Madden :—Specimens
of the root of Nardostachys jatamansi (spikenard) from the Upper
Himalaya of Busekur (Simla) ; paper made from the bark of Daphne
cannabina, at Kumaon, which is not attacked by insects in India;
Nima quassioides, bitter wood from Budureenath, in Gurhwal ; seed-
vessels of Sapindus emarginatus (soap berries) from Almorah, in Ku-
maon, where they are called “ reetha,” (the seed-vessels are used for
washing silk, hair, &c.) ; poison, supposed to be the bikh, the root of
Aconitum ferox ; specimens of frankincense sold in the shops at Al-
morah ; specimens of butter procured from Bassia butyracea, at Ku-
maon, with seed of the plant (the butter, or concrete oil, is edible, but
is chiefly valued for pomades); seeds of rooqee, a cruciferous plant,
from the altitude of 12,000 feet, in Kumaon (the flowers have twelve

492

stamens, owing to the development of the glands, and the plant is
probably allied to Megacarpea. From Dr. Thomas Anderson :—
Roots of the Hemidesmus indicus (Indian sarsaparilla) ; stems and
flower of sugar-cane ; fruit of the nicker-tree (Guilandina Bonduc),
preserved in fluid ; bottle of colouring matter from Rottleria tinctoria ;
roots of Morinda citrifolia (or sooranjee), which yields a peculiar co-
louring matter, called “ morindine.”. From Mr. Reid, Millbank :—
Three fruits of Tacsonia mollissima. From Professor Traill:—Fruit
of the li-chi (Dimocarpus Lichi). From G. 8. Blackie, Esq. :—Spe-
cimens of the German tinder obtained from Polyporus igniarius; piece
of a ship’s plank bored by Teredo navalis; seeds of Entada scandens;
fine specimen of fossil dicotyledonous wood. From Mr.John M‘Phail:—
Hazel-nuts taken from a large peat-moss drain in the Island of Lewis,
nine feet below the surface.

The following papers were read :—

1. ‘On the Uses of Stillingia sebifera, or Tallow-tree of China,’
being the substance of a communication made to the Agricultural and
Horticultural Society of India; by D. J. Macgowan, M.D.; commu-
nicated by Dr. Coldstream. The botanical characters of this euphor-
biaceous plant are too well known to require description; but hitherto
no accurate account has been published of its varied uses; and,
although it has become a common tree in some parts of India and
America, its value is appreciated only in China, where alone its pro-
ducts are properly elaborated. Dr. Macgowan remarks :—“ The Stil-
lingia sebifera is prized for the fatty matter which it yields; its leaves
are employed as a black dye; its wood, being hard and durable, is
used for printing blocks and various other articles; and, finally, the
refuse of the nut is employed as fuel and manure. It is chiefly culti-
vated in the provinces of Kiangsi, Kongnain, and Chehkiang. In
some districts near Hangchan the inhabitants defray all their taxes
with its produce. It grows alike on low alluvial plains and on granite-
hills, on the rich mould at the margin of canals, and on the sandy sea-
beach. The sandy estuary of Hangchan yields little else. Some of
the trees at this place are known to be several hundred years old, and,
though prostrated, still send forth branches and bear fruit. In mid-
winter, when the seed-vessels are ripe, they are cut off with their
twigs, by a sharp crescentic knife, attached to the extremity of a long
pole, which is held in the hand, and pushed upwards against the
twigs, removing at the same time such as are fruitless. The capsules
are gently pounded in a mortar, to loosen the seeds from their shells,
from which they are separated by sifting. To facilitate the separa-

493

tion of the white sebaceous matter enveloping the seeds, they are
‘steamed in tubs having convex, open, wicker bottoms, placed over
cauldrons of boiling water. When thoroughly heated they are re-
duced to a mash in the mortar, and thence transferred to bamboo
sieves, kept, at a uniform temperature, over hot ashes. A single ope-
ration does not suffice to deprive them of all their tallow; the steam-
ing and sifting is therefore repeated. The article thus procured
becomes a solid mass on falling through the sieve; and to purify it,
it is melted, and formed into cakes for the press. These receive their
form from bamboo hoops, a foot in diameter and three inches deep,
which are laid on the ground, over a little straw. On being filled with
the hot liquid, the ends of the straw beneath are drawn up and spread
over the top, and when of sufficient consistence are placed, with their
rings, in the press. This apparatus, which is of the rudest descrip-
tion, is constructed of two large beams, placed horizontally, so as to
form a trough, capable of containing about fifty of the rings, with
their sebaceous cakes. At one end it is closed, and at the other
adapted for receiving wedges, which are successively driven into it,
by ponderous sledge-hammers, wielded by athletic men. The tallow
oozes, in a melted state, into a receptacle below, where it cools. It
is again melted, and poured into tubs smeared with mud, to prevent
its adhering. It is now marketable, in masses of about eighty pounds
each, hard, brittle, white, opaque, tasteless, and without the odour of
animal tallow. Under high pressure it scarcely stains bibulous pa-
per; melts at 140 deg. Fahr. It may be regarded as nearly pure stea-
rine; the slight difference is doubtless owing to the admixture of oil
expressed from the seed in the process just described. The seeds
yield about eight per cent. of tallow, which sells for about five cents
per pound. The process for pressing the oil, which is carried on at
the same time, remains to be noticed. It is contained in the kernel
of the nut, the sebaceous matter, which lies between the shell and the
husk, having been removed in the manner described. The kernel and
the husk covering it are ground between two stones, which are heated,
to prevent clogging from the sebaceous matter still adhering. The
mass is then placed in a winnowing machine, precisely like those in
use in western countries. The chaff being separated, exposes the
white oleaginous kernels, which, after being steamed, are placed in a
mill to be mashed. This machine is formed of a circular stone groove,
twelve feet in diameter, three inches deep, and about as many wide,
into which a thick, solid, stone wheel, eight feet in diameter, tapering
at the edge, is made to revolve perpendicularly, by an ox harnessed

494

to the outer end of its axle, the inner turning on a pivot in the centre
of the machine. Under this ponderous weight the seeds are reduced
to a mealy state, steamed in the tubs, formed into cakes, and pressed
by wedges in the manner above described ; the process of mashing,
steaming, and pressing being repeated with the kernels likewise. The
kernels yield above thirty per cent. of oil. It is called “ ising-yu,”
sells for about three cents per pound, answers well for lamps, though
inferior for this purpose to some other vegetable oils in use. It is also
employed for various purposes in the arts, and has a place in the
Chinese pharmacopeia, because of its quality of changing gray hair
black, and other imaginary virtues. Artificial illumination in China
is generally procured by vegetable oils; but candles are also em-
ployed by those who can afford it. In religious ceremonies no other
material is used. As no one ventures out after dark without a lantern,
and as the gods cannot be acceptably worshipped without candles,
the quantity consumed is very great. With an unimportant excep-
tion the candles are always made of what | beg to designate as vege-
table stearine. When the candles, which are made by dipping, are of
the required diameter, they receive a final dip into a mixture of the
same material and insect-wax, by which their consistency is preserved
in the hottest weather. They are generally coloured red, which is
done by throwing a minute quantity of alkanet root (Anchusa tine-
toria), brought from Shantung, into the mixture. Verdigris is some-
times employed to dye them green.”

2. ‘On Victoria regia, Lindl. ; by Mr. Edward Otto, Curator of
the Hamburg Botanic Garden; communicated by Mr. G. Lawson.
This communication consisted of an account of the mode of treatment
adopted by Mr. Otto in the successful cultivation of the Victoria regia
in the Hamburg Botanic Garden, accompanied by observations on the
plant’s growth. The quickest development he observed in the case
of the fifteenth leaf, from the 19th to the 20th of August, which
increased about nine inches in twenty-four hours, and from the 20th
to the 2lst of the same month, when it increased eleven inches in
twenty-four hours. The leaf-stalks only extend after the leaves are
nearly full grown. After giving a full detail of the progress of the
plant, and the development of flowers and fruit, Mr. Otto enumerated
many other exotic aquatics which he had successfully cultivated in
the same aquarium.

3. On the Structure and Reproduction of Volvox Globator ;’ by
John Sibbald, Esq. After giving a general description of this or-
ganism, the author proceeded to give a history of the opinions

495

and observations which have been published concerning it. He
alluded especially to the accounts given by Leuwenhoek, Baker, and
Ehrenberg, and next noticed the discussions concerning its nature
which have been carried on by Siebold and Eckhard. But what was
more particularly the subject of the paper, was the Memoir lately pub-
lished by Professor Williamson, of Manchester. According to the
observations of this observer, the Volvox is a confervaceous plant, and
the animalcules described by Ehrenberg are merely the endochromes
of the several cells, reduced to a small bulk by the secretion (between
the outer cell walls and the internal cell membrane) of a hyaline sub-
stance. The cilia described by Ehrenberg, as belonging to the indi-
vidual animalcules are, according to Mr. W., really attached to the
external covering of the organism. Mr. Williamson also proposes the
theory that the production of the young Volvoces, consists more of a
process of growth than reproduction, and refers the true reproductive
functions to certain bright granules, which are contained imbedded in
the endochrome of each cell, these being the spores of the plant.
Mr. S. stated, that though in the main, the observations of Mr.
Williamson appeared to him to be correct, and that many of his de-
ductions appeared legitimate, still there were some points in the
Memoir with which he could not agree. With regard to the parts
from which the cilia are developed, Mr. S. thinks that the various facts
concerning them with which we are acquainted, rather lead us to the
belief that they are really developed from and properly belong to the
cell membranes immediately enclosing the endochromes of the cells.
Next, as regards the organs of reproduction or spores, he could not
agree with Mr. Williamson in thinking that the bright granules were
the spores; he thought it seemed much more likely, and that it was
borne out by analogy, to suppose that the whole masses of endochrome
were the spores; and this, he said, seemed more probable if we re-
gard the cilia as being attached thereto. The author next entered
into the question as to the animal or vegetable character of the Volvox;
and after examining the arguments which might be brought forward
to support either theory, he came to the conclusion that the organism
should, without hesitation, be referred to the vegetable kingdom. The
communication was illustrated with very beautiful diagrams, kindly
supplied by Professor Balfour.

The reading of Mr. Sibbald’s paper gave rise to a short discussion,
in which Professor Balfour and Mr. Wyville Thomson took part.

4. ‘On the Development of the Sporidia and Spores of Lecanora
tartarea ;’ by Wyville T. C. Thomson, Esq. The author gave a

496

sketch of the structure of lichens in general, and of their mode of
nutrition and reproduction. He commenced:by giving a definition of
the terms used. He considered spores as being the ultimate germi-
nating cellules, the product of the division of the compound granular
cell which is the result of the union of the conjugating cells in cryp-
togamic plants ; sporidia as the compound granular cells, the product
of the union of conjugating cells; proto-sporidia as the simple cells of
lichens in which the two conjugating cells are afterwards formed ;
gonidia as free cellules derived from and part of the cellular tissue of
the parent plant, capable of continuing to a certain extent their de-
velopment when free from the parent, without the intervention of the
true generative act of conjugation (the analogues of free buds or bul-
bils in Phanerogamez). Mr. Thomson also considered the pro-
embryo in ferns and other cryptogams as the cellular expansion
formed by the development of the gonidium, and containing the con-
jugating cells. This pro-embryo, then, corresponds to the ordinary
cellular expansion of lichens.

The author then examined the structure of Lecanora tartarea, a
crustaceous lichen holding a middle place between the foliaceous
and the pulverulent species : — “ When we examine a section of the
frond of Lecanora tartarea, we meet, in the layer which immediately
adheres to the rock or bark, chosen for its place of growth, with a
mass of elongated, more or less filiform cells. Most of these cells are
empty ; some of them contain a slightly viscid fluid, and in a few
there appears to be an undeveloped nucleus; the cells are delicate
and of alight gray colour. Resting immediately above these, and
sometimes struggling down among them, are groups of rounded cells
filled with bright coloured chlorophyll, not usually arranged in a con-
tinuous layer, but scattered in small irregular patches, or as isolated
cells among the gray tissue. Above the green cells we meet with
another layer of transparent tissue, closely resembling that below it.
In Lecanora, we have above all a layer of somewhat flatter cells, form-
ing au imperfect epidermal covering. The green tissue appears to
represent the living and actively vegetating part of the lichen, deter-
mining by its development the form of the frond, and giving origin to
all the other tissues. The cells appear to be in some degree inde-
pendent of one another, though showing an evident tendency to form
small aggregations. The gray tissue packs them in, and surrounds
them, but appears to undergo no further change in development. It
has powerful hygrometric properties, absorbing water rapidly, and
thereby undergoing great change of form. This tissue is replaced in

497

many lichens by an unorganized colloid matter, also hygrometric to a
great degree. It is sometimes nearly absent; and, under whatever
form it appears, it seems to act mechanically only, transmitting pabu-
lum to the green layer, and keeping it surrounded by a sufficient quan-
tity of moisture. The green cells termed gonidia frequently accu-
mulate in masses, burst through the cuticular layer, and appear as a
green powder on the surface of the plant. In this state the single
gonidia are capable of continuing the powers of cell-development at
a distance from the parent, forming round themselves the gray hygro-
metric tissue, and, like the parent plant, producing at length true
reproductive organs. This is by no means a solitary instance of the
formation of these from developing cells in the vegetable kingdom.
We have in the ferns an instance of another order propagating through
gonidia. In the ferns, cells, long called spores, are found within
modified leaves, or parts of leaves. These cells, when placed in
favourable circumstances of heat and moisture, develope, by nuclear
division, a small cellular expansion (still part of the parent-plant, as
no process of cell-conjugation has intervened), called the pro-embryo.
On this pro-embryo two cellules, of different character, appear, a
union takes place between the different cells, and the product is an
ovoid body, the sporidium. Within this sporidium, by nuclear divi-
sion, spores are produced, only one of which comes to perfection, the
others proving abortive. The spore is developed in situ, feeding upon
the pro-embryo as upon a cotyledon, and forming the new fern. To
return to the lichens: if we examine sections made through the frond
of Lecanora, through the apothecia at various stages of growth, we
meet, at an early stage, with a hollow sphere of delicate, rounded
cells (perithecium), surrounding a number of elongated, filiform cells
(paraphyses), arranged vertically in a rounded mass. Advancing a
little further in development, the cells of the perithecium above the
centre of the mass of paraphyses has given way ; and among the para-
physes a few flask-shaped, delicate cells (asci) are visible, closely re-
sembling paraphyses distended and filled with mucus or cytoblastema.
Very shortly the fluid contents become slightly granulated ; and the
granules eventually aggregate into-eight cytoblasts. Round these cy-
toblasts delicate, rounded cells are formed, which take at length an
ovoid form; and we may generally easily perceive within them two
free nuclei. Round these nuclei two secondary cells are developed,
which gradually increase in size, so as nearly to fill up the parent-cell.
They become filled with densely-granular chlorophyll; and finally the
two cells conjugate; that is to-say, the walls of both cells give way,
VOL. Iv. 38

A498

and the granular contents amalgamate, nearly filling up the parent-cell.
The result of this conjugation is a large, compound, granular cell.
Watching its further progress, we observe the granules becoming more
and more distinct and defined, till at length the mother-cell bursts,
and the contained cellules escape; at the same time the ascus gives
way, and the cellules are dispersed as spores, to originate new indi-
viduals.” The paper was concluded by some general remarks on the
conjugation of cells, as being in all orders of plants the type of the
generative act.

Dr. Balfour stated that Mr. Allan B. Dick (assistant to Dr. George
Wilson) had analyzed the leaf of Livistonia chinensis, Sabal umbracu-
lifera, Chamerops humilis and arborescens, grown in the Palm House
of the Royal Botanic Garden, and had detected a very notable
quantity of manganese in their composition. He exhibited, on a pla-
tina wire, an opaque, bluish green bead, the result of fusing the ashes
with carbonate of soda in the outer flame, so as to produce manganate
of soda (soda mineral chameleon) ; and a transparent violet bead, ob-
tained by heating the ashes with borax and a trace of nitre, so as to
produce a glass, coloured like the amethyst, by oxide of manganese.
Mr. Dick is now making a complete analysis of the ashes.

Mr. M‘Nab read the following report on the state of vegetation in
the Edinburgh Botanic Garden, from the 8th of January till the 11th
of February. The communication embraced a register of the periods
of flowering of plants in the open air, as compared with the flower-
ing of the same species, and as nearly as possible the same individual
plants, during the two previous years.

Dates of Flowering.
Name. 1852. 1851. 1850.
Jan, Jan. Dee.
Rhododendron atrovirens - - - 14 2
Garrya elliptica = - - - - 20 14 24
Feb.
Rhododendron Nobleanum - - - 23 2
Jan. March
Geum pyrenaicum - - - : 23 20 22
Erica herbacea - . - - : 24 16 Feb.
Corylus Avellana - - - - 25 16 16
Azara dentata_ - - - - - 26
Alnus glutinosa = - - - - 27 13
Galanthus nivalis - - - - 28 17 11
Knappia agrostidea - - - 31 28 22
Daphne Mezereon - - - - 31 28 22

Eranthis hyemalis - - 31 15 14

499

Dates of Flowering.

Name. 1852. 1851. 1850.
Feb. Feb.
Cornus mascula - . - - 2 14
Jan. March.
Symphytum caucasicum - - 2 23 14
Feb.
Galanthus plicatus . - - - 3 28 14
Crocus susianus~- - ” - 3 26 16
March
Helleborus lividus - , ~ = 3 11 19
Sisyrinchium grandiflorum - - - 3 27 12
Feb.
Potentilla Fragariastrum - - - 5 26 5
Helleborus odorus - - - - 10 20 14

Mr. M‘Nab also presented, from Mr. Handasyde, the following list
of plants observed in flower at Glen Nurseries, Musselburgh, on the
12th of February, 1852 :—

Helleborus atropurpureus Crocus, cloth of gold
“ olympicus albus » large yellow
- Bs ruber Narcissus Jonquilla campernelle
Pe orientalis Primula, double white
hs Abchasia » 5 . crimson
2 viridis _ Erica herbacea
P niger 5) carnea
Saxifraga oppositifolia major » Mediterranea hibernica nana
# % alba Russian violet
Sisyrinchium grandiflorum Rhododendron dauricum atrovirens
Leucojum vernum Garrya elliptica has been in flower all the
Colchicum vernum winter

Scilla precox

Mr. M‘Nab also laid before the meeting a report of temperatures
observed at the Botanic Garden from the 8th of January to the 11th
of February, 1852.

Mr. M‘Nab read the following extract from a letter from Dr. G.
M‘Nab, Kingston, Jamaica, dated the 13th of January, 1852 :—“ With
reference to your inquiries regarding the paper made from the Spanish
dagger-plant, exhibited at the Botanical Society, by Mr. Sawers, on
the 13th of November last, I have to state that the Spanish dagger is
the Yucca aloefolia, a plant very common in this country for making
fences. The fine paper-looking substance is got by breaking the lower
part of the leaf along the midrib, then pulling each half gently from
the cuticle which covers the upper surface. It is most easily got from
the young leaves, as in them only it separates freely ; it can also be

500

got equally well from the young leaves of the Yucca gloriosa. It is
an excellent article for making artificial flowers, as it takes colours
freely.”

Mr. M‘Nab exhibited specimens of the paper which he had pre-
pared from the upper surface of the young leaves of Yucca gloriosa
growing in the Botanic Garden, and he showed the method in which
it was prepared.

A communication was read from Mr. William Keddie, of Glasgow,
im which he stated that he had found vast profusion of Batrachospermum
vagum in the pools and rivulets immediately under the upper part of
Goatfell, in Arran, about the place where the granite comes into con-
tact with the schistose rocks. |The plant is not commonly found in
Scotland. Several specimens were presented to the herbarium.

The following new members were elected :—Joseph Johnston, Esq. ;
T. Roxburgh Polwhele, Esq.

A Letter, addressed to Robert Brown, Esq., P.L.S., containing Bota-
nical Memoranda of a Visit to France, in the Summer of 185).
By JoserH Woops, Esq., F.L.S., &c.*

My Dear Mr. Brown,—You encouraged me to think that a few
botanical notes of a short tour in France might not be uninteresting
to the Linnean Society. You have exposed yourself to the danger
of receiving a very dull, gossiping letter ; but I will do what I can.

It is quite uunecessary to make any comments on the botany be-
tween London and Paris. The route by Rouen is in this respect, as
in most others, by far the most interesting. ‘The Seine runs through
a wide valley, with a rather steep slope on both sides. Descending
ridges of hills start, sometimes on one side, sometimes on the other,
forcing the river into a very sinuous course ; and, as it approaches the
main slopes, it often cuts off the shorter spurs, and exhibits perpendi-
cular points of chalk. One of the places in which this structure of
the country is best seen is at the Little Andelys; and there you have
beautiful scenery, the magnificent ruin of Chateau Gaillard, built by
our Richard the First, and a very varied botany. The nearly level
country at the top of the hills is clayey; the slopes are chalk, and the
alluvium at the bottom, which accompanies the river, is sand, a variety
of soil affording a corresponding variety in its productions. The dis-

* Read before the Linnean Society, December 24, 1851— March 16, 1852.

501

trict is rich in Orchidee. This seems also to be the northern point of
several plants not uncommon in the south, such as Biscutella saxatilis,
Arabis arenosa, Ononis Natrix, O. Columne, Seseli coloratum, Chon-
drilla juncea, Inula britannica, Centranthus lanatus, Teucrium monta-
num, Euphorbia Gerardi, and Anthericum ramosum. Sesleria ceru-
lea is abundant here, and on other chalk-hills in Normandy; a rather
curious anomaly, since, though plentiful on the limestone hills of York-
shire, it does not occur in the chalk districts of Kent and Sussex.
Mons. Cosson tells me of Astragalus monspeliensis ; but this I did
not see. He also finds, in some boggy ground at a little distance,
several plants which seem to attain here their southern limits, at least
in France. I need hardly add that the English botanist will be grati-
fied by finding many of the rarities of his own country.

Tt would be as superfluous to describe the botany of Fontainebleau
as that of the road to Paris; only I may notice that the English bota-
nist is surprised to find on the loose sandy soil plants which with us
are confined to the calcareous districts, as Asperula cynanchica, Phy-
teuma orbiculare, and especially Orchis hircina and ustulata, and
Aceras anthropophora.

My next point of interest was the Sologne, a sandy, barren tract,
which extends for a considerable distance on the south side of the
Loire. I first made an excursion into it with M. Jullien, taking the
railroad to La Ferté. We had proposed to reach some boggy ground
at Massis, but found it too far. The most prevalent plant here is the
Erica scoparia; and on the drier grounds an Astrocarpus is very
abundant, which M. Jullien assures me has been pronounced by M.
Godron to be Reseda purpurascens of Linnzus. He has named it A.
Clusii; but there does not seem to be sufficient reason for altering the
specific name, since the general effect of the plant is a somewhat
purplish tinge. The stamens are more numerous than in the true A.
sesamoides, and the filaments are rough; but I do not find the cha-
racters pointed out by M. Godron in the calyx and the form of the
fruit to be constant. The banks and the corn-fields show abundance
of Anthemis mixta. In considering the geographical distribution of
plants, it seems necessary to distinguish the localities where any spe-
cies is plentiful and where it may be expected whenever we meet
with circumstances favourable to its growth, and those outliers, some-
times at a considerable distance, where it occurs only as a rarity.
Erica scoparia, Astrocarpus purpurascens, and Anthemis mixta are
here district plants. Lobelia urens was also in tolerable quantity ;
aud this is perhaps nearly the eastern limit of these four species, in

502

this latitude, as characteristic plants of a district. In returning we
met many of the plants loving a wet situation, and among them Oste-
ricum palustre and Aira uliginosa.

The next morning I crossed the Sologne, by railroad to Vierzon.
In point of beauty the scenery is better than that between Etampes
and Orleans; the ground is more varied, and there is more wood; but,
as Sologne, it did not appear to me so well characterized as in a short
excursion I had formerly made into it, between Blois and Romoran-
tin. As far as is visible from the railroad, Erica scoparia disappears
before leaving the Sologne; and I met with none of it in two rambles
from Vierzon, where the nature of the soil seems tobe the same. An-
themis mixta and the Astrocarpus still showed themselves, but in small
quantities. Asphodelus albus grows in the forest of Vierzon. ‘This
is also said to occur in the forest of Orleans, which is probably quite,
or nearly, its northern limit. West of Vierzon a little water, oozing
from below the crest of a hill, supports a few bog-plants, and among
them Spiranthes estivalis; but in general the soil is a very dry and
hungry sand or gravel.

After leaving Vierzon, from thence to Bourges, Nevers, Moulins, and
almost to Clermont, the eye only catches an occasional glimpse of any
plant not English. There are, however, three species very rare in Eng-
land which obtrude themselves everywhere—Eryngium campestre, Ver-
bascum pulverulentum, and Euphorbia Cyparissias. The scenery, for the
greater part of the way, is not more interesting than the botany ; but there
is one more plant which deserves mention. I first observed Cuscuta
Trifolii near Bourges, but in small quantity, on lucerue ; afterwards,
from the diligence, from Nevers to Moulins, and from Moulins to
Varennes, I noticed it laying waste, to a great extent, the fields of
lucerne and clover. On descending into the fertile valley of the Li-
mogne it disappeared; and between that and Clermont I saw only
two or three small patches of it; but M. LeCoq assures me that he
sometimes meets with it in the Limogne.

During all this route the woods are few and of small extent; broken
banks none; and we pass no points which excite the imagination of
the botanist, and make him long to examine them.

Clermont, as everybody knows, is among the volcanic soils of Au-
vergne. There are, however, beds of limestone; and these afford the
best botany of the neighbourhood. Xeranthemum cylindricum here
makes its appearance, and Phenopus vimineus and a few other plants
of the south. Avena tenuis is very abundant, and is probably the best
example in the district of a plant generally very rare growing plenti~

503

fully. Asplenium septentrionale is also common, growing, as usual,
on the hottest and driest rocks. I mention this, because it is consi-
dered by many botanists as a northern and a moisture-loving plant.
From Clermont I made an excursion to the Mont Dore; and here
we meet with avery different vegetation, exhibiting a good deal of
Alpine, or perhaps rather of Pyrenean, botany, with some pecularities.
The baths of Mont Dore form a village of hotels, or rather of boarding-
houses, in a narrow valley 3400 feet above the sea. This valley con-
tinues tolerably open for some distance above the village, when it
terminates abruptly in two ravines, containing the streams of the Dor
and the Dogne, whose united waters form the Dordogne. ‘Turning to
the right, however, we find a deeper but shorter hollow, called Vallée
d@’Enfer, the wildest and most savage mountain-recess I have ever
seen; and the peaks above it furnish it with a supply of snow which,
I believe, never disappears. The day I was there a continued rain
impeded my examination of its botanical treasures; and the wet wea-
ther I afterwards experienced at the Mont Dore prevented me from
revisiting it. The woods about Mont Dore are chiefly beech and
Pinus pectinata. No other species of Pinus occurs here; and, ac-
cording to the testimony of my guide, this never bears fruit. M.
LeCogq does not admit this imputation. I can only say that I saw no
cones, either on the trees or on the ground, or in the village among
the collections of fuel. In my return, by the shorter road to Clermont,
I often had to look down on extensive woods, and noticed, what I
had seen less conspicuously in my walks, that the horizontal branches
of the fir have occasionally upon them what looks like a little com-
plete fir-tree, as if the scales of a cone had been expanded into leaves
and branches. The woods in the immediate neighbourhood of the
Mont Dore are rich in Stellaria nemorum, Geranium pheum and syl-
vaticum, Rosa rubrifolia, Sedum villosum, Ribes petreum, Chero-
phyllum aureum, Sambucus racemosus, Valeriana tripteris, Crepis
blattarioides and palustris, Mulgedium alpinum and Plumieri, Arnica
montana, Doronicum austriacum, Senecio Cacaliaster, Adenostyles
albifrons, Melampyrum sylvaticum, Maianthemum bifolium, Scilla
Lilio-hyacinthus, Luzula nivea, Festuca sylvatica, and Polypodium
Phegopteris. A Biscutella, considered here as B. coronopifolia,
grows both here and near Clermont; but I doubt if it be the
plant of Mont Ventoux. Braya pinnatifida also occurs; but this is
better found on the Pic de Sauci. In the open spaces, and in the
_ pastures, we find Sisymbrium bursifolium (only in one wet spot), Viola
. Sudetica, Trifolium spadiceum and alpinum, Alchemilla alpina, Meum

504

athamanticum, Angelica pyrenaica, Knautia integrifolia, Senecio
artemisiifolius, Cirsium Erisithales, Centaurea montana, Campanula
linifolia (Zam.), Gentiana lutea, and Rumex alpinus. The Vallée
@Enfer yields Ranunculus aconitifolius, Dianthus czsius, Silene
rupestris, Cerastium latifolium, Geum montanum, Potentilla aurea,
Epilobium alsinifolium, Sedum atratum, Saxifraga Aizoon, S. hypnoi-
des? with small greenish flowers, S. stellaris, Imperatoria Ostruthium,
Jasione humilis, Phyteuma hemisphericum, Vaccinium uliginosum,
Rumex montanus, Luzula glabrata and spicata, Avena sedenensis, Poa
Jaxa, and Polypodium Dryopteris. On the Pic de Sauci, which I
ascended on a very fine day, I added Anemone alpina (in the typical
form) and the var. swlphurea, Ranunculus platanifolius, Trollius
europeus, Astrocarpus sesamoides, Saxifraga bryoides, Senecio Do-
ronicum, Androsace carnea, Empetrum nigrum, Salix arenaria, which
is probably the Lapponum of Linneus, Eriophorum vaginatum, and
Teucrium spadiceum, which latter forms the chief part of the herbage
near the summit. Polygala depressa occurs on a granitic district
below the village; and Dianthus Seguieri was brought me by M.
LeCoq, from some sandstone hills in the same direction. We also
noticed, on the road-side, Dianthus monspessulanus and Agrimonia
odorata. On the way back to Clermont, by the shorter road, I ob-
served Cytisus purgans, Trifolium montanum, Athamanta cretensis,
Laserpitium latifolium, Campanula persicifolia, Lilium Martagon, and
Phleum Boehmeri.

Before leaving Mont Dore I will mention the places in the neighbour-
hood pointed out to me by M. LeCoq as worthy of particular attention.
from a botanist. These are the Vallée d’Enfer, the Pic de Sauci, and
the fir-woods des Capucins. ‘These woods are close to the village on
the opposite side of the Dordogne, and furnished the first part of my
list. There are three other localities, which are further off, and which
I did not visit. The first is the upper part of the Valley of Chaude
Four. Here the waters descend eastward, towards Issoire. This
upper part lies just below the Pic de Ferrand, a process from the Pic
de Sauci, and offers an inviting variety of rock, wood, and sunny
bank; but I apprehend that it is only on the Pic de Sauci, and in
the deep hollow below, called the Vallée d’Enfer, that we meet with
anything like an Alpine vegetation. The others are the woods of the
Roche Sanadoire and the Marais de la Croix Morant.

I have said that I returned by the shorter road. The first part of
the way is romantic; but afterwards the volcanic cones and barren
sands are anything but beautiful. The approach to Clermont, again,

505

is very fine; but that part is common to both roads. 1 had com
pletely wet days, both for going and returning.

There is a good deal of limestone near Clermont, chiefly on the
eastern border of the volcanic district. Here we find many plants of
the South of France; but for a person who intends proceeding south-
ward, it is perhaps hardly worth while to lengthen his stay at Cler-
mont, to get these plants of the limestone districts.

- On the Ist of August I set off for St. Flour, at ten o’clock in the
morning; but we did not arrive there till half-past one on the follow-
ing morning, though the distance is only sixty-four miles. From
Clermont to Lempde we meet with no considerable hill; but from
Lempde we have a long and tiresome ascent on to the plateau which
occupies a large portion of this district. The most remarkable plant,
as seen from the coach-window, is Genista purgans. 1 thought I
recollected to have seen at St. Flour my Crucianella suffulta, though
it was not till I arrived at Le Puy that it forced itself on my more
settled attention. However, I saw on this occasion nothing of it.
The inn was dirty and disagreeable (it is one of the evils of night
stoppages that you are almost obliged to sleep where the diligence
brings you), the country by no means pleasant, and the weather un-
favourable ; and I was glad to get away. Finding no chance of pro-
ceeding by the mail, I resumed my place in the diligence, at half-past
two in the morning of the 3rd, and reached Florac at half-past ten at
night; twenty hours for a distance of not ninety miles; but the hills
are tremendous. The roads, however, are excellent, and we are sur-
prised to see them conducted on such a magnificent scale in places
where the traffic is so trifling; without them, however, this district
would be all but inaccessible. We descend at Marvejols into a deep,
harrow, arid valley; but limestone appears near the bottom, and
offers some tempting spots for the botanist. Lavandula vera is abun-
dant; I noticed also Teucrium Polium, Echinops Ritro, and several
other south-country plants. At Mende we again descend. Here the
limestone forms great part of the hills; and we leave the place by a
magnificent though rather naked gorge. At Florac the soil is schis-
tose, and we are in the country of vines and mulberry-trees. Lime-
stone now forms the tops of the hills, instead of lying at the bottom
as at Marvejols, and is much less productive botanically. The envi-
rons of Florac are, however, neither unpleasant nor unproductive. In
the neighbourhood of an old bridge above the town, near which the
road to Nismes passes, I gathered Dianthus virgineus, Silene Saxi-
fraga? (the theeaphore is not half as long as the capsule), Potentilla
VOL. Iv. 3.7

506

rupestris, Sedum maximum, S. altissimum, 8. dasyphyllum, and S.
amplexicaule, Bupleurum junceum, Crucianella angustifolia, Senecio
artemisiifolia, Antirrhinum Asarina, Anarrhinum bellidifolium, Erinus
alpinus, Plantago Cynops, P. alpina, and P. serpentina, Rumex scu-
tatus, Andropogon Ischemum, Psilurus aristatus, and Triticum Poa.
In other parts of my walk I observed Lathyrus latifolius, Lavandula
vera, Salvia Sclarea, Teucrium Polium, and Salix incana. The lower
hills are a good deal covered with chestnut-trees; and the ground
among them is very dry and barren. Above these is often a tract not
without moisture, and cultivated. Again higher up we find limestone,
with scrubby beeches and an undergrowth of box.

About ten o’clock at night the diligence again took me up; and the
moonlight enabled me to see that we ascended among groves of chest-
nuts to the plateau, dipping occasionally into deep, narrow valleys,
till, in the deepest of them, we reached St. Jean du Gard. The de-
scent is on schistose rocks; at the bottom we meet with granite; then
limestone occurs in the valley ; and we here leave the elevated pla-
teau. A decomposing granite next appears, and afterwards, at An-
duze, lofty limestone rocks, with the strata very much contorted. All
this variety promises well for botany; but after my night’s journey I
was too sleepy to be very observant from the windows of the diligence.
At Anduze we leave the hills and the more solid rock ; but the country
from thence to Nismes is composed of beds of limestone alternating
with clay, apparently very barren, but rich in the botany of the South.
At this time of year the prickly plants were very abundant—Scoly-
mus hispanicus, Cirsium ferox, Picnomon Acarna, Echinops Ritro,
Onopordon illyricum, Carlina corymbosa, &c.; but we have also Cle-
matis Flammula, Paliurus aculeatus, Sedum rupestre, Bupleurum rigi-
dum, Scabiosa ambigua, Santolina Chamecyparissias, Helichrysum
angustifolium, Catananche cerulea, Microlonchus salmanticus, Cen-
taurea paniculata, C. collina, C. napifolia, C. pectinata, Inula salicina,
Tanacetum annuum, Verbascum sinuatum, Satureja montana, Quer-
cus Ilex and coccifera, and Asparagus acutifolius. This exhibition
excited so much interest, that I returned afterwards from Montpellier
to revisit the place; but I found that I had miscalculated my dis-
tances, and had not allowed myself time to reach the locality where I
had chiefly remarked them.

From Montpellier I went to Cette, by railroad. Cette is at once
the seaport and the bathing-place of Montpellier. It stands at the
foot of a limestone hill, rising from the long strip of sand-hills which
separates a succession of brackish pools (or élangs, as they are here

507

called) from the sea. The place was so full that I could only get very
poor accommodation, and, after a walk in the evening on the shore of
the Etang de Thau, set off the next morning to Agde. That walk
furnished me with Ambrosia maritima, to which I had been directed
by Mons. Dunal, supposed to have been introduced, by some accident,
from Italy ; and a more remarkable foreigner— Heliotropium curassa-
vicum, a native of the West Indies. The pool is navigable for small
steamers; but I believe large ships cannot enter it; and how these
plants should have fixed themselves there is very problematical.

On the 10th I went to Agde. A steamer carries us along the pool
to the opening of the canal. The first part of the voyage is very plea-
sant, the hill at Cette and the limestone hills opposite to it forming
good objects. Afterwards the scenery gets more tame ; and we were
transferred to a smaller boat, drawn by horses, to proceed along the
canal to Agde. ‘This part is very uninteresting; and for the beauty
of Agde, or of the country about it, there is not much to be said.
The soil is volcanic; but there are some pools, or rather puddles,
which are celebrated for their curious plants. Mons. Fabre con-
ducted me to some of these, but they contained no water; and the
Charas, Marsilea pubescens, Isoetes setacea, Lythrum hyssopifolium,
Ranunculus lateriflorus, and anew Elatine (or perhaps E, macropoda)
were altogether dried up. We gathered in them Mentha cervina and
Heliotropium supinum, and observed in the neighbourhood a Polygo-
num ‘with a woody base, which is, I think, the flagellare of the Ro-
man botanists; but M. Fabre told me he had watched it for several
years, and that it had never flowered. There was also Croton tincto-
rium, and a Helminthia very different in its general habit from .H.
echioides; and, whether species or variety, it is, I believe, the H.
humifusa of Gussone. Echium pyrenaicum is exceedingly abundant,
and, more rarely, Carlina lanata. In a solitary walk I gathered Jas-
minum fruticans and some other warm-country plants; but on the
whole the general botany is much less interesting than that of Nismes
or Cette. 1 afterwards went, with M. Fabre, to the mouth of the He-
rault.. On the way we got Ammi Visnaga and Sueda setigera; and
T*observed Salicornia fruticosa and Suzda fruticosa far above any
common access of sea-water. The places might be overflowed in

winter, but rather, 1 should think, with the fresh-water brought down
by the Herault than with salt. On the sand-hills of the Herault are
Several plants not often found further north — Anacyclus radiatus,
Psoralea bituminosa, a Dorycnium (which is here considered as D.
herbaceum ; but, as the pods are one-seeded, it would seem not’to be

508

the plant of DeCandolle), Echinophora spinosa, and Rumex tingita-
nus. In the wetter parts were Linum maritimum, Sonchus maritimus,
and Plantago Cornuti, Salicornia fruticosa in flower, another (Arthro-
cnemum of Moquin) in fruit, another Salicornia only just in flower,
which is perhaps radicans, and a form of herbacea hardly yet in
flower. What I here suppose to be S. radicans differs from ours in
the greater permanence of its creeping rhizoma, and it is less
branched ; but it was not far enough advanced to enable me to under-
stand the structure of its seed. The S. herbacea is in the form which
it exclusively assumes in the South of France, both on the Mediter-
ranean and Atlantic. It differs from ours in the more taper spikes,
and the length and abundant ramification of its lower branches. I
should say it was between the form which I have on a former occa-
sion called S. ramosissima and S. procumbens. It is not confined to
the south, for I have a specimen from the banks of the Scheldt, which
evidently belongs to the same variety. Salicornia fruticosa I could
not find on the Bay of Biscay ; but here and at Cette what I imagine
to be the true plant was only just coming into flower. One of the
remarkable plants here is a Spartina discovered by M. Fabre, who
was puzzled by it for some years, as he did not visit the place in De-
cember, which is the period of its flowering. Mons. Dunal has de-
scribed it under the name of Spartina versicolor; but I am assured
by M. Gay that it is the Spartina juncea of Willdenow, a plant of the
southern parts of North America. He assures me also that it has
been found in one or two other places on the shores of the Mediterra-
nean. Its position here has no appearance of a foreign origin, for it
is not near the navigable entrance of the river, but on the inner, de-
pressed part of an extensive range of sand-hills, and on the margin of
a piece of water which seems to have no permanent connexion with
the sea. Mons. Fabre’s attention to it originated in the occupation
of a piece of land in the neighbourhood, which he now cultivates with
madder, a very profitable crop in the South of France. Mons. Fabre
has been carefully cultivating for some years the species of Adgilops,
and thinks he has proved that A. ovata and AS. triuncialis may both
become Ji. triaristata. He even goes further, and contends that all
three may be converted into Triticum sativum.

I walked back to Agde, and the next day returned to Cette, where
the inn was not so full as it had been; and I got an excellent room,
paying for my whole expenses five francs a day. Cette is seated on the
eastern base of a rocky limestone hill, which is entirely insulated, ex-
cept by the long, low, sandy tract which here borders the Mediterra-

509

nean, and separates it, as I have already said, from a series of brackish
lakes, called é/angs. A broad canal unites the lake with the port ;
and the water in this canal does not always run the same way.

I have already anticipated some plants on the borders of the pool ;
others interesting to a northern botanist are Sueda hirsuta and S.
setigera. In drier places we find Xanthium Strumarium and X. spi-
nosum in great abundance, as also Momordica Elaterium. On the hill
Mercurialis tomentosa deserves our attention, and still more Lactuca
tenerrima, two plants of very limited geographical position. We find
Evax pygmea, Carlina corymbosa, Plantago Lagopus, and several
other plants more common in Italy, and, in some hedges dividing the
little pieces of land which have been redeemed from the sand-hills,
Cynanchum acutum. Crucianella maritima is abundant on the sands ;
and here also grows Ephedra distachya, a plant I had before met with
at Port Louis, on the shores of the Atlantic, but which I did not meet
with at Bayonne or Biairritz, and which does not occur in the ‘ Flore
Bordelaise’ of Laterrade. According to Duby it is found on the
shores of France from Nice to Nantes; but I apprehend this is only
at very wide intervals. It has no place in the Roman flora, but we
meet with it again in the Neapolitan. It does not reach, apparently,
the shores of the Adriatic ; but Koch mentions it in the Vallais and
the Southern Tyrol. Phlomis Herba-venti occurs both here and at
Nismes ; by no means a common plant of the South. P. Lychnitis
and Sideritis romana are more common. Erythrea spicata occurs
on the sands. The Salicornias at Cette are like those near Agde.
The Statices also are nearly alike in both places. We find at Agde
a variety of S. Limonium in which the lower secondary branches are
uniformly barren. At Bayonne, as with us, there are hardly any bar-
ren branches. The Statices at Cette are chiefly on the limestone
rock; at Agde, on the sand. S. oleifolia and S. psiloclada are abun-
dant in both places. S. echioides is scattered here and there about
Cette. S. auriculifolia and S. caspia are more abundant about the
mouth of the Herault. A new Statice is said to have been discovered
on the Place dAgde ; and, imagining it to be some square half sur-
rounded by houses, I supposed that I should soon be there, and that
I should have but a small space to examine. The answer to my
inquiries from those who knew anything about it, was always that I
must go further ; and at last, having left not only the town, but the
hill on which it is placed, I found that the Place d’Agde was the strip
of sand, about ten miles long, extending to the neighbourhood of
Agde, It probably should be Plage d’Agde. At the mouth of the

510

Herault I. gathered a Statice much like S. oleifolia, but without bar-
ren branches ; I do not know if this was the one in question. I was
surprised that I did not in either place find any of the tribe of S. pu-
bescens, which is so plentiful towards Nice, nor S. ferulacea and
monopetala, which are so characteristic in the Isle of Ste. Lucia, near
Narbonne. I had rather hoped, from my intermediate position, that
I should have found both these plants near Cette. The Artemisia of
the South of France, whether on the Mediterranean or on the Bay of
Biscay, which occupies the place of our maritima, is uniformly the A.
gallica; and on observing the entire want of variations in a plant
occurring so extensively, we cannot be surprised that the French have
exalted it into the rank of a species.

From Cette I returned to Montpellier, and walked down to the Port
Juvenal, a place where wool from Barbary and the Levant has been of
old spread out on its arrival. Several rare plants have, at different
times, made their appearance here ; but most of them disappear in a
year or two. I was, however, much interested by specimens of Ver-
bascum speciosissimum, which I had gathered in the same place more
than twenty years ago.

I took the mail from Montpellier to Toulouse, and the banquette of
a diligence (not finding a place in the interior or in the mail) to Pau.
There I was laid up for a fortnight, and could do nothing in botany ;
but in fact there is at this time of year little to be done. ‘The gravel
of the Gave is not very accessible; nor did it give me as much as I
expected. Reseda glauca was the only good plant I there met with.
Linaria origanifolia is abundant on the old walls, and Erica vagans
everywhere; but the vegetation in general was much more like that of
England than in the places I had lately been visiting.. From Pau L
went to Bayonne, whence I made an excursion to Biarritz. Digitaria
paspaliformis is very abundant in some places near Bayonne. This
plant is said to have been transported from America to the banks of
the river at Bordeaux; but, from the manner in which it is found
here, I rather suspect it to be one of the plants which, plentiful in
America, has a station on this side the water, like Spiranthes cernua
and Spartina juncea. Spartina alterniflora seems to be in tolerable
abundance; butits station, overflowed by the tide, is much trodden on
by cattle ; and between poaching and eating, it would have been diffi-
cult to procure a good specimen. The valley at Bayonne is pleasant,
bounded by a succession of low bluffs, often woody, and sometimes
surmounted by pleasant-looking villas. The Pyrenees form a good
back-ground, but rather of moderately-elevated hills than of mountains.

511

My first walk was above the town, after an unsuccessful call on M.”
Darracq, who at first was at Biarritz, and afterwards on a botanical
excursion towards the Spanish frontier. The first plant which excited
my attention was the Daucus Carota, a variety with red flowers, and
the umbel less radiate than usual; and what I believe to be a monstro-
sity of the same, with a smooth germen, and so much elongated that
I imagined myself to have found a new Cherophyllum; but the seeds
were not far enough advanced to afford satisfactory specimens. Some
of the ditches in this direction are full of Leersia oryzoides, with a
large, entirely exsert, and well-developed panicle. On the hills was
Ulex Gallii; and I found this afterwards very abundantly at Biarritz.
On the road-side between Bayonne and Bordeaux this gives way to
the typical form of U. nanus; but on returning, at La Teste, to the
shores of the ocean, I again found exclusively U. Gallii, of the largest
size, and more nearly approaching to U. europeus than I had ever
before seen it. I also gathered what I believe is a Laserpitium, but
in so young a state that I cannot be confident of its genus. The best
plants at Biarritz at this time of year are probably Linaria greeca and
L. Prestrandrez. I do not, however, perceive much difference between
the seeds of the latter and those of L. spuria. Linaria thymifolia is a
common plant of the coast ; and Dianthus gallicus is a plentiful and
beautiful ornament to the sand-hills. This is the D. arenarius of the
‘Flore Frangaise ; but Koch will not allow it to be the plant of the
shores of the Baltic, which is that of Linneus. The chief difference
seems to lie in the obovate inline of the beardless petals, which in D.
arenarius is oblong. Artemisia crithmifolia is abundant on the sand-
hills, both at Biarritz and at Bayonne; and I gathered also Galium
arenarium and Diotis candidissima. Statice occidentalis was the
only Statice I saw there. The country about Biarritz corresponds
with our greensand ; and the very intricate and broken rocky coast
near the place promised a better botanical harvest than was realized.
There are many little valleys, each with a little stream at the bottom,
and a good deal of boggy ground, affording Lythrum Grefferi and
Scirpus littoralis and S. Savii. Lobelia urens is common; and in
‘drier parts Lithospermum purpureo-ceruleum, Erica vagans, E. cine-
rea, and E. ciliaris are frequent; but I did not see E. Tetralix.

On the 11th I returned to Bayonne, and, finding no probability of
‘obtaining a place in the great diligence, engaged a place in the con-
currence. In general these partial, rival diligences are not so ¢onve-
nient, nor so well’ mounted, as those of the great establishments ;
but in this case I had no reason to complain, for we reached Mont de

512

‘Marsan, a distance of sixty-two miles, in eight hours and a half,

including an hour’s stop at Dax, where we breakfasted. Cork-trees
are abundant on the road; and Erica scoparia is everywhere, forming
tall, upright bushes, sometimes almost as large as those of E. arborea.

Mont de Marsan is hardly on a hill, in spite of itsname. It stands
on a slightly elevated point between two little streams. The immedi-
ate neighbourhood is cultivated; but the pine-woods of the Landes
surround it at a little distance. I was not well enough to explore
their recesses. The inn there (Hotel des Ambassadeurs) is exceed-
ingly comfortable. At noon on the 13th I found room in the mail for
Bordeaux, to which place we proceeded at the rate of ten miles an
hour; but I was again unwell, and hardly equal to calling on my
old acquaintance, M. Laterrade, at the Botanic Garden. He assured
me I should find Salicornias at La Teste; and on the 16th I went
there. It is well that any English botanist who finds himself at Bor-
deaux should know that La Teste is a small village, entirely without
interest, and that the place to be visited is at the baths, two miles fur-
ther on; but he will find omnibuses to take him there from the station
at La Teste. Murray, in his Hand-book, ridicules the projectors of
the railway from Bordeaux to La Teste for not knowing that railroads
do not form villages. I think in this case he is doubly wrong, for I
believe the chief object of the railway was to enable the produce of
the country to find a market in Bordeaux, which the deep sand of
the natural roads rendered impossible ; and I think we may see in the
increased extent of cultivation and plantation that they have not been
disappointed. Ifthe bathing-place had been the main dependance of
these projectors, they would not have stopped two miles short of it.
In the second place, in spite of this drawback, the railway has made
of the bathing-place a very long village, not on the open sea, but on
the shores of the spacious salt-water lake of Arcachon. The scat-
tered and often fanciful cottages, standing mostly detached, and not
forming rows of lodgings, mixed with the pine-woods, and exhibited
on the varied line of the shore, have often a very pleasing and pictu-
resque effect. There is at the baths abundance of an Atriplex,
which is certainly the A. rosea of Laterrade, and probably that of
Duby ; but it is not the plant I have collected under that name in
Germany and the South-east of France, and which I believe to be the
plant of Koch. It is, I think, my A. arenaria, but of much stronger
growth, owing perhaps to a warmer climate. It has a firm, erect
central stem, and numerous branches from its base, decumbent at
first, but ascending in the flowering part, and as long or longer, if

513

straightened out, than the central stem, a mode of growth sufficiently
marked and sufficiently common to deserve a peculiar name.

] was disappointed as to Salicornias, finding only one species, some~
thing between herbacea and procumbens, the same which I have
already mentioned at Agde. The trains leave La Teste only late in
the evening and early in the morning; and I returned the same day
to Bayonne.

On the 18th I went to Angouléme, a town picturesquely placed on
a high point of land above the river Charente, and possessing a cathe-
dral, very interesting from its architectural peculiarities rather than
from its beauty. We did not arrive till about eight in the evening ;
and the best inns were filled with persons connected with the works
on the Bordeaux Railway ; so that I was obliged to put up with one
much inferior. My walk the next day was avery interesting one.
Crossing the little stream on the south of the town, I ascended, by
cultivated fields and woods adorning a rocky crest, to the general pla-
teau. Odontites Jaubertii is in the greatest abundance, and several
of the rarities of Fontainebleau and Normandy. I continued my walk
to some old quarries, which seem to have furnished both mill-stones
aud building-stones here. Artemisia camphorata and Sideritis scordi-
oides, var. hyssopifolia, were in great profusion. The former is placed
with those Artemisiz which have a hairy receptacle ; but it is often a
matter of difficulty to find the hairs, which at best are few and weak,
and I believe not unfrequently quite deficient; and in the majority of
plants of the latter the bracts were absolutely entire, instead of spi-
noso-dentate ; so that both the plants puzzled me.

On the 20th I proceeded to Poitiers; and, after spending one day
and half another in visiting the very interesting antiquities of that
city, I put myself under the guidance of Monsieur Malapert, and had
a very pleasant walk on the brow, and among the rocks and woods
which border the chain, but without much botanical success. This
was my last attempt. I proceeded, by the rail, to Paris, and in a few
days returned to England, in time for a parting view of the Great
Exhibition.—Yours truly,
JosEPH Woops.

Priory Crescent, Lewes, Sussex.

VOL Iv. 3 U

514

The ‘ Lancets’ Analytical Sanitary Commission. — Adulteration
of Tea, &c.

SINCE these most valuable papers on the adulteration of food were
noticed in the ‘ Phytologist,’ a number of other articles in general use
have been examined, and the various sophistications practised on them
by dishonest traders exposed. We bring the subject forward again,
chiefly for the purpose of putting our readers in possession of the facts
discovered relating to that all but indispensable article of diet—Tea.

The subject is treated at such length in the ‘ Lancet,’ that a com-
plete analysis of the reports would far exceed our limits. A brief
account of the results arrived at is all we aim at giving.

The adulteration of tea is an art largely practised by the Chinese,
the processes employed being similar to those adopted in England.
They occasionally make use of the leaves of Camellia Sasanqua and
Chloranthus inconspicuus for this purpose. It has been said that
the dung of silkworms is sometimes mixed up with tea; but we hope
this trick is rarely performed. In tea of British fabrication leaves of
the following trees have been detected :—beech, elm, horse-chest-
nut, plane, bastard plane, fancy oak, willow, poplar, hawthorn, and
sloe. But a more ingenious fraud is also practised. It is thus de-
scribed by a gentleman connected with the Excise Office in London:
—“In the year 1843 there were many cases of re-dried tea-leaves,
which were prosecuted with vigour by this Board, and the result was,
so far as we could ascertain at the time, the suppression of the trade.
It was supposed in 1843 that there were eight manufactories for the
purpose of re-drying exhausted tea-leaves in London alone, and seve-
ral besides in various parts of the country. The practice pursued was
as follows :—Persons were employed to buy up the exhausted leaves
at hotels, coffee-houses, and other places, at 2}d. and 3d. per pound.
These were taken to the factories, mixed with a solution of gum, and
re-dried. After this the dried leaves, if for black tea, were mixed with
rose-pink and black lead, to face them, as it is termed by the trade.”
It is probable that this manufacture is extensively carried on at the
present day. We extract the following results of three series of ana-
lyses, believing that they present us with a very clear and accurate
state of the case as regards the purity of black tea.

Series I. shows :—

“1st. That not one of the thirty-five samples of black tea, as im-
ported into this country, contained any other leaf than that of the
tea-plant.

515

“ 9nd. That out of the above number of samples, twenty-three were
genuine and twelve adulterated. The genuine teas were the Congous
and Souchongs, &c., and the adulterated teas samples of scented
Pekoe and scented Caper, Chulan or black gunpowder, as well as imi-
tations of these made from tea-dust.

“3rd. That the adulterations detected consisted in facing (so as to
improve the appearance of the teas) the surfaces of the leaves with
black lead, powdered mica, indigo, and turmeric.”

Series II. shows :—

‘1st. That the fabrication of spurious black tea is extensively car-
ried on at the present time in the metropolis and other towns of the
kingdom.

“ 2nd. That two processes of fabrication are adopted: in the first,
the exhausted tea-leaves are made up with gum and re-dried ; black-
lead, powdered mica, rose-pink and carbonate of lime being some-
times added to bloom or face the leaves, as well as sulphate of iron
to darken their colour and to give astringency; in the second,
leaves other than those of tea (the kind matters but little) are used.
These after being dried are broken down, and mixed with gum cate-
chu made into a paste; the leaves are then re-dried, and further bro-
ken down, and sometimes coated with gum. The spurious tea made
from exhausted leaves is seldom sold alone, but is used either for
mixing with genuine black, or is converted into green tea in the man-
ner to be described hereafter; while that made from British leaves
and catechu is either mixed with black tea in the form of dust, or
else is faced and bloomed until it is made to resemble green tea.”

Series III. shows :—

“That out of twenty-four samples of black tea purchased of tea-
dealers and grocers resident in the metropolis, twenty were genuine
and four adulterated ; the former being Congous and Souchongs, and
the latter samples of scented Pekoe and scented Caper.

“In reference to the four adulterated samples of tea, it is right to
state that not the slightest blame is attached to the dealers from whom
they were purchased, they being in all probability wholly unaware of
the fact of these particular descriptions of tea being adulterated or
faced in the manner described. The samples were introduced in
order to show that these teas do really reach the consumer in an adul-
terated condition.”

It thus appears that while the great bulk of the black tea used in
this country—viz., Congou and Souchong—are delivered to the con-
Sumer in a genuine state, the scented teas—viz., the Pekoes and

i> ae

516

Capers—are invariably adulterated. We may therefore congratulate
ourselves, when sipping our infusion of Congou or Souchong, that in
all probability we are imbibing a genuine article; but if green tea
enters into the composition of our beverage the case is widely altered.
Unfortunately there is too much reason to conclude that genuine
green tea cannot be obtained in England at any price. Here Chi-
nese and English rogues have found full scope for their wicked inge-
nuity, and have met with a success worthy of a better cause. Here,
too, the fraud is more intolerable, by reason of the poisonous nature
of the ingredients used. Up to a certain point the process of making
artificial green tea is the same as that for black, the difference con-
sisting in the colouring. To produce the characteristic colour of
green tea three colouring matters are generally used—a yellow, a blue,
and a white. The yellow and blue when mixed form a green, and
white is added either to lessen the intensity of the former colours, or
else to give polish to the surface of the leaves.

The following extract from ‘ Household Words’ we copy as quoted
in the ‘ Lancet.’ It is headed “ Death in the Tea-pot.”

“‘ A short time since a friend of mine, a chemist in Manchester, was
applied to for a quantity of French chalk, a species of talc, in fine
powder; the party who purchased it used regularly several pounds a
week ; not being an article of usual sale in such quantity, our friend
became curious to know to what use it could be applied; on asking
the wholesale dealer who supplied him, he stated his belief that it was
used in ‘ facing’ tea (the last process of converting black tea into
green), and that within the last month or two he had sold in Man-
chester upwards of a thousand pounds of it. Our friend the chemist
then instituted a series of experiments, and the result proved that a
great deal if not all the common green tea used in this country is
coloured artificially. The very first experiment demonstrated fraud.
The plan adopted was as follows :—A few spoonfuls of green tea at
five shillings a pound were placed on a small sieve, and held under a
gentle stream of cold water flowing from a tap for the space of four or
five minutes. ‘The tea quickly changed its colour from green to a dull
yellow, and upon drying with a very gentle heat gradually assumed
the appearance of ordinary black tea. On making a minute microsco-
pic examination of the colouring matter washed from the leaf, and
which was caught in a vessel below, it appeared to be composed of
three substances, particles of yellow, blue, and white. The blue was
proved to be Prussian blue, the yellow thought to be turmeric, and the
white French chalk. If the two former be mixed together in fine

ily.

517

powder, they will give a green of any required shade. It is made to
adhere to the tea-leaf by some adhesive matter, and then it is faced
by the French chalk, to give it the pearly appearance so much liked.”

The above statements are confirmed by the ‘ Lancet’s’ analyses of
twenty samples of green tea, showing :—

“1st. That the whole of the twenty samples of green tea were arti-
ficially coloured, blazed, or painted, with a mixture of Prussian blue,
turmeric powder, and China clay.

“92nd. That eleven out of the thirteen gunpowder teas, in addition
to being artificially coloured, were adulterated with different propor-
tions of Lie tea, this article in some cases forming the chief part, and
in other instances nearly the whole of the samples.

“ 3rd. That out of the twenty samples not one was found possessed
of the natural green colour.

“ The price of Lie tea is from sixpence to eightpence per pound, ex-
clusive of duty ; it is a worthless article, and from the extent to which
it is coloured with Prussian blue very injurious to health.” .

Reports on milk very appropriately follow those on tea. From the
samples analysed it would appear that water is the only extraneous
substance added. Neither chalk nor any of the ,other articles gene-
rally supposed to be used in the adulteration of milk were detected.
Various other articles have been examined. In each case either an
inferior article is sold under a false name, as gelatine for isinglass,
eassia for cinnamon, or the bulk of the genuine article is increased
by the addition of cheaper substances ; thus a mixture of cassia and
cinnamon is made, or perhaps cassia or cinnamon-powder is mixed
with large quantities of arrow-root, potato-flour, sago-meal, or wheat-
flour, baked, to give them a brown colour, the mixture in every case
being sold as cinnamon, and at genuine cinnamon price. In the case
of ginger the process is nearly the same—sago-meal, potato-flour,
wheat-flour, ground-rice, with perhaps Cayenne pepper or mustard-
husks, to give apparent strength, and turmeric-powder, to imparta yel-
low colour. These additions occur in various quantities ; but in the

Majority of cases they constitute the chief bulk of the article. Cocoa

also is overwhelmed with wheat-flour, potato-starch, sago-meal, &c.,
or mixtures of these in various proportions, the additions (varying
from five to fifty per cent.) being coloured with red-ochre.

While passing over several interesting reports on various minor
articles of food, we must not omit a warning against the green pickles
of the shops—French beans, gherkins, &c. Their attractive green

‘colour is due to the presence of copper. The quantity varied in

|
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518

amount in different samples; but in many cases the proportion found
was likely to be extremely injurious to health.

One more example, and we have done. Itis not somuch an adulteration
as an illustration of the modern art of puffing. Every newspaper contains
advertisements of articles particularly recommended to invalids, dyspep-
tics, and the public generally. These compounds, rejoicing in such
outlandish titles as “‘ Ervalenta,” “ Revalenta Arabica,” &c., when strip-
ped of the veil artfully thrown around them by impostors, are found
to be nothing but French, German, or Arabian lentils, with a mixture
of barley-flour or other substances. A packet of Revalenta Arabica
examined was found to contain a paper headed “ Cruel deception on
Invalids exposed,” and made up of quotations condemnatory of lentils
and barley-flour. It will perhaps hardly be believed that the precious
article thus puffed consisted chiefly of those denounced articles, lentils
and barley-flour! ‘ Extremes meet,” the writer of the report slyly
remarks. “ Lentils being somewhat cheaper than peas, are supplied
to many of our workhouses to be used in the preparation of soup, &c.
Thus they are not only consumed by paupers, but by the rich, the
chief difference being that the latter frequently pay two shillings and
ninepence per pound for them.”

We cannot refrain from adding our mite to the praise which has
been so generally awarded to this admirable series of papers. It is
evident that no time, labour, or expense has been spared to make
them what they profess to be, complete and authentic exposures of so
many indirect robberies practised by dishonest dealers and manufac-
turers; and we hope that the time will come when such nefarious
transactions as those here described can be no longer carried on with
impunity.

Note on Asplenium fontanum. By the Rev. ANDREW Bioxam, M.A.

I HAVE been this week to inspect the herbarium formed by the late
Dr. Power, of Atherstone, now in the care of his daughter, Miss
Power. The plants are fixed down in several thick folio volumes.
Amongst the ferns there is one frond, in fructification, of Asplenium
fontanum, with the following locality attached, in Dr. Power’s own
handwriting : —“ Between Tan-y-Bwlch and Tremaddock.” Miss
Power, who was with her father when he gathered it, informed me
that it was in Mr. Oakley’s grounds. She was well aware of the rarity:
of this fern, and mentioned to me that she had also found it at the

519

Swanage Cave, near Tillavilly, Isle of Purbeck, Dorsetshire. She
collected several specimens, but had given them away. I compared
the specimen in the collection of the late Dr. Power with one given to
me by Mr. Riley, of Papplewick; and I have no doubt of its being
the true Asplenium fontanum. It would be well worth the attention of
Dr. Bell Salter, or any other botanist in the neighbourhood of Poole,
to search again for it in the latter-named locality.
ANDREW BLOXxAM.

Twycross, Atherstone,
March 13, 1852.

On the Glamorganshire Locality for Cnicus tuberosus.
By T. B. Fiower, Esq., F.L.S., &c.

In the first volume of the ‘ Phytologist’ a second locality was pub-
lished for this very rare local species, by Mr. Westcombe, viz., “ Be-
tween St. Donat’s and Dunraven ;” and, being desirous of ascertaining
whether the plant was identical with that from Great Ridge, on the
Wiltshire downs, I applied to him for his opinion, when he kindly
favoured me with specimens from his garden, that had been obtained
from the Glamorganshire locality; and upon comparing them with
those in the herbarium of Sir J. E. Smith, I found they could not be
referred to Cnicus tuberosus, but would possibly prove to be the
C. Woodwardii of Mr. Watson; and, having lately submitted them
to that gentleman, he arrived at a similar conclusion, and writes me:
—“The plant looks so unlike ordinary C. pratensis, that Ido not
wonder at the supposition of its being some other species.”

T. B. FLower.

Seend, Melksham, Wilts,
March 11, 1852.

Note on Convallaria bifolia. By H. L. DE ta CHAuMETTE, Esq.

Doriné a short stay, last September, at Hampstead, I was engaged
in searching for some of the rarer plants said to be found in the vici-
nity. Having got admission by Mr. Cockburn to Caen Wood, he led
me to a beautiful habitat of Convallaria bifolia, which I immediately
recognized, to his surprise, for he said he thought he should have

_ shown me something which I had not seen before, as he had

520

shown this habitat to several who did not recognize the plant. It
was growing in patches, under the shade of fir-trees; and, as Mr.
Edwards is said, at p. 675, to have stated in a former volume (Phytol.
i. 579), it was growing in the highest part of Caen Wood, between
Hampstead and Highgate. I have little doubt that the habitat that
was shown to me is identically the same that Mr. Edwards must have
found many years back. Having seen the Maianthemum bifolium,
as it is more generally called abroad, growing in abundance, as well
as having found large patches of Convallaria majalis in woods in Swit-
zerland, I have seen them doth in native habitats; and certainly I
have not the least doubt about the patches I saw being Maianthemum
bifolium, although, on account of the late season of the year, they were
all out of bloom. It is rather a peculiar circumstance to my mind
that they are growing under the shade of firs, for they almost invari-
ably grow under the firs in Switzerland; and I think this would be
in favour of their being indigenous in that locality. Indeed, from
their manner of growth and this other circumstance, I very much
doubt of their having been naturalized there ; but of course I leave it

to more able botanists to decide.
H. L. DE LA CHAUMETTE.
Church Street, Stoke Newington,
March 16, 1852.

[To some of our readers the following notes and references will be
of interest :—

“Tt groweth in moist shedowie and grassie places of woods in many
places of the Realm.”—Parkinson, Theatr. 505.

“ Monophyllon groweth in Lancashire in Dingley wood, six miles
from Preston in Aundernesse ; and in Harwood neere to Blackburne
likewise.”—Ger. Em. 409.

“ My friend the Rev. Osd. Head, of Howick, discovered it growing,
rather sparingly, under the shade of a wide-spreading beech, in one of
the woods at Howick.”—R. Embleton in Phytol. i. 520 ; also in Ann.
Nat. Hist.

“Tn 1835, I detected several patches of the plant, apparently well
established and really wild, under the shade of fir-trees, growing near
the highest parts of Caen Wood, the property of the Earl of Mansfield,
between Hampstead and Highgate. A year or two before that time,
J had also observed it under fir-trees in Aspley Wood, Bedfordshire.”
—E. Edwards in Phytol. i. 579.

See also a note by Mr. Forbes, Ann, Nat. Hist. 1843, p. 158;

521

another’ by Mr. Borrer, Phyfol. i. 611; another by the same author,
Phytol. ii. 432, which confirms the Caen-Wood but not the Howick
station ; and, finally, the remarks of Mr. Watson, Cyb. Brit. ii. 465.
—Ed.]

Proceepines oF SOcieTIeEs.

———E

Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

Thursday, March 11, 1852.—Professor Balfour, Vice-President, in
the chair.

Donations were announced of Moore’s ‘Garden Companion and
Florists’ Guide,’ from the editor, and of a packet of plants from Mr.
Oliver, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, including beautiful specimens of Erica
Mackaiana.

The Society presented the following specimens to the Museum of

Economic Botany at the Royal Botanic Garden :—Forty sections of
woods grown in Britain; collection of fifty-eight kinds of seeds and
fruits, including many interesting medicinal species, presented by Dr.
Christison ; collection of twenty kinds of seeds and fruits, and of
twenty-one varieties of woods, from the Cape of Good Hope, presented
by Dr. Fraser; six pine-cones, presented by Sir W. C. Trevelyan ;
collection of twenty-two kinds of Barbadoes woods, presented by Al-
leyne Maynard, Esq. ; sixteen varieties of woods used in ship-build-
ing, presented by Dr. Maclagan; specimens of Agaricus, Polyporus,
and Boletus, collected by Dr. Wallich in India, and by Dr. Lippold
in Madeira, presented by Dr. Greville; collection of Syrian seeds,
presented by Professor Edward Forbes.
_ Dr. Balfour announced the following donations to the Museum of
Economic Botany at the Botanic Garden, received since the last meet-
ing of the Society :—1. From Sir William Jardine, Bart., Jardine Hall,
two sections of an aged thorn, of which he remarks :—“ In regard to
the thorn, we have two very large trees here, both of which were much
shaken by the great storm of the 7th of January, 1838 or 1839. The
principal one being split and irretrievably damaged, we hooped it, and
took other precautions; but about three years since they both fell
‘during a very severe winter gale. It was a remarkable one, though no
Notice was at the time taken of it. J was sitting, either reading or
VOL. Iv. 3.x

i”

| a,

522

drawing, about two p.m., when the gale became so furious as to cause
me to rise, and look from the lobby at what was going on ; and in one
of the gusts of wind ensuing I saw our old thorn laid over. When
Selby was writing his ‘ Forest Trees’ for Van Voorst, I sent the draw-
ing from this thorn which is there engraved (page 67); and you will
find the dimensions printed in his history of the thorn, taken at the
same time (1841 or 1842). The age of the tree there mentioned (132
years in 1842) is calculated supposing it to have been planted about
the time of the building of the last mansion-house here. It may have
been a few years older. It was blown over, I think, in the winter of
1839, which would make its age then about 139 years. The same tree
is also that mentioned by Loudon in his ‘ Arboretum,’ among the
‘Scotch Worthies.’ Height of trunk, or stem, 7 feet 8 inches; cir-
cumference at one foot from ground, 8 feet; at the insertion of bran-
ches, 8 feet 6 inches ; diameter of circle overspread by the branches,
nearly 50 feet; age when blown down, 139 years. 2. From Mr.
Young, Newbigging, Burntisland :—Six stalks of Andropogon saccha-
ratus, Roa. (Sorghum saccharatum, Pers.), a kind of millet, grown in
Mr. Young’s garden, at Burntisland. Mr. Young mentions that in
March, 1850, it was sown in a cucumber-bed, and got no more heat,
but as it advanced in height was covered by additional frames, put on
the top of each other. The grain ripened in October of that year. It
is cultivated in India, under the name of “shaloo.” 8. From Mr.
Brown, wood-merchant, Edinburgh :—A stem of Copernicia cerifera,
and slabs of mahogany and Yacca wood. 4. From Mr. Cobbold,
Broughton Park :—A Peruvian hammock made from a species of grass.
5. From Messrs. Marshall & Co., Leeds :—Sample of raw China grass
(produce of Boehmeria nivea) as imported from Canton ; also threads,
yarns, and bleached drill, manufactured from the same. 6. From
Colonel Ferguson, Raith :—Cones of Abies Douglassi. 7. From Lady
Scott :—Two sections of black bog-oak, dug from a peat-moss at
Lochore, Fifeshire. 8. From Mr. Cunningham, West Bow :—Manure
made from the bruised seed of Ricinus communis (castor-oil-plant).
9. From Mr. Anderson, Oxenford Castle :—Root of an elm-tree taken
from a drain, and a mushroom in an abnormal condition. A figure of
the mushroom in its recent state was shown. It would appear that
two mushrooms had united together, by the summit of their pileus, in
the young state, and that one had afterwards grown so vigorously as
to detach the other from the soil, and bear it on the top of its pileus
inverted. The substance of the pileus of the two mushrooms was inti-
mately united. In the lower mushroom the lamelle were, as usual;

523

on the lower surface, while on the upper surface, the pileus being
inverted, the lamellae appeared above. 10. From Mr. M‘Phail :—
Specimens of hazel-nuts, accompanied by the following note :—‘ The
hazel-nuts which I hand with this note were found in a large moss-
drain in the Island of Lewes, in February, 1849, at a depth of nine
feet from the surface. The locality in which they were found is at the
sea-side, perhaps 200 yards from the sea-mark, and at the foot of a
broken rock slipping into the moss. There is no native hazel to be
seen now in that locality, except one small bush, which is cut down
by the natives whenever it ventures to push out a sprout, striving for
existence in the summer. The above-mentioned bush is about a
quarter of a mile from the place where the nuts where found, and pro-
bably the only native hazel-tree in all the island.” 11. From A. H.
Balfour, Esq., surgeon, Hong-Kong :—Specimens of physic-nut (Ja-
tropha Curcas). Mr. Balfour states, in a letter, that two ladies had
swallowed, the one three or four, and the other seven or eight, of the
physic-nuts growing at Hong-Kong. Within half an hour after they
had eaten them they were seized with violent vomiting and diarrhea,
which lasted for a considerable time, and were relieved by the use of
sedatives. The seeds are pleasant to the taste. They yield, on pressure,
a considerable quantity of oil, which the Chinese use for varnish and
for burning. 12. From J. G. Morison, Esq.:—Specimens of paper
made from the Sicilian Papyrus, sent by Mr. M., from Messina. 13.
From Mrs. Balfour :—Specimen of a cross made in Ireland, from the
pith of the elder, with figures carved on it. 14. From the Rev. G.
Macfarlane :—Specimens of Lepidostrobus and of a Calamite from
Burdiehouse.

Mr. Bryson sent for exhibition under the microscope a section of
the stem of Phytocrene gigantea, a gigantic, climbing shrub, belong-
ing to the natural order Urticacez, found in India, and figured in
‘Wallich’s ‘ Plante Asiatic Rariores, vol. iii. tab. 216. The section
showed a large, cellular, central pith, surrounded by a vascular layer,
proceeding from which were seen eight wedges, composed chiefly of
porous vessels, alternating with eight narrow bundles of pleurenchy-
“‘matous vessels and cellular tissue. The wood issoft and porous; and
Dr. Wallich states that in dividing the stem, which sometimes mea-
‘sures eighteen inches in diameter, a large quantity of a pure and taste-
Jess fluid flows out, which is quite wholesome, and is drunk by the
natives. Hence it has been called “ Vegetable Fountain.”

Mr. M‘Nab exhibited a flower of Arum cornutum from the Botanic

Garden.

524

~ Dr. Balfour showed an instrument, prepared by Messrs. Smith &
Beck, for making circular cells for microscopic preparations.

The following papers were read :—

1. ‘ Remarks on the Growth of the Jalap-plant (Ewogontum Purga),
and of the Scammony-plant (Convolvulus Scammonia), in the open
ground of the Botanic Garden; by Professor Balfour. After alluding
to the cultivation of the jalap and scammony plants in Britain, Dr.
Balfour read the following remarks, by Mr. M‘Nab, on their growth in
the open air in the Botanic Garden :—“ The Exogonium Purga has
been cultivated in the Edinburgh Botanic Garden since 1838, but
always in a greenhouse, ora cold, glazed pit protected from frost.
During the summer of 1850 a plant of Exogonium was placed in the
open air, in the medical department of the Garden, in soil composed
of loam, leaf-mould, and sand, and protected with a hand-glass for
six weeks. It soon commenced growing, and flowered during the
months of August and September of that year. In autumn, after the
stems had died down, some horse-manure was laid on the surface of
the soil, above its tuberous roots, six inches deep, and afterwards co-
vered with soil. This covering was allowed to remain till March,
1851, when the superfluous manure was removed, and the remainder
dug into the ground around the roots. A hand-glass was then put on,
and allowed to remain till June. By this time the plant was growing
freely, and flowered during the months of August and September of
1851. The same treatment was adopted during the autumn of 1851
as was done during the previous autumn; and the roots, when recently
examined, were found to be in a growing state. The tuberous roots
of Exogonium are very susceptible of frost, and require to be deeply
covered for protection. ‘The under-ground stems, when cut in pieces,
placed in pots of sand, and plunged in bottom heat, root freely at this
season of the year. During the month of May, 1851, a plant of the
scammony was planted in the open air, in the medical department of
the Garden, side by side with Exogonium Purga, above described. It
was planted in a mixture of loam and sand, and protected with a hand-
glass for six weeks. When the hand-glass was removed it was allowed
to ramble up some small, branched sticks. It grew freely, and showed
numerous flower-buds, but few expanded, and these during the month
of September. The stems were destroyed at the same time with the
Exogonium, and were afterwards treated in the same way as it. The
roots are now quite fresh (March 10, 1852), under a hand-glass.
Through the kindness of Mr. Moore, of the Chelsea Botanic Garden,
we received, during March, 1851, a packet of scammony-seeds. With

525

the aid of gentle heat they soon commenced to vegetate. When suf-

ficiently matured one of the plants was placed in the open-air medical
department, as above directed ; at the same time some seedlings were
planted in a glazed frame, in very rich soil, composed of decayed ma-
nure, leaf-mould, and loam, and kept quite close for one month. In
this situation they grew freely, extending their shoots full eight feet
from the roots; they produced innumerable flower-buds, but not
more than two dozen flowers fully expanded. Like those in the open
air, they were checked by frost. After the stems had entirely decayed
a slight coating of horse-manure was placed over the roots, which were
afterwards protected with a glazed frame, and are now (March 10,
1852) beginning to grow. Like the Exogonium, it can be propagated
by cuttings of the roots, or by seed, which ripens freely in the more
genial climate of England.”

2. ‘On the Rate of Growth. of the Bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea)
in the Botanic Garden ;' by Mr. M‘Nab. Mr. M‘Nab laid before the
meeting a statement of the growth of a bamboo-stem in the palm-house
of the Royal Botanic Garden, from the time it first showed itself above
the soil (July 15, 1851) till the 31st of August, being a period of the
year when artificial heat was almost entirely withheld. Each day’s
observation was made at six a.m. The entire growth in the forty-
seven days was 187 inches, or about 44 inches per day.

3. ‘ Notice of a case of Extensive Poisoning by one of the Cape
Iridacee ;) by Allan Dalyell, F.R.S.E., late Lieutenant of the 27th
Regiment ; communicated by Dr. Douglas Maclagan. The author
observes :—* The perusal of an interesting paper on Colchicum, by
Dr. J. M. Maclagan, in the ‘ Monthly Medical Journal’ for November
last, reminded me that I possessed the sketch of a Cape plant, with
whose poisonous properties I accidentally became acquainted. Dur-
ing 1841 (I write from memory), when Lieutenant of the light com-
pany of the 27th, forming part of the left division of demonstrative
force ordered to the Orange River, on one occasion, after a march,
arduous from its length, but especially distressing from excessive
drought, a halt was made on the banks of the Little Fish River, near
the village of Somerset. That evening eighty of the baggage and
artillery oxen were reported dead, and next morning forty more were
found poisoned, having eaten the flowers of a small lris-like plant,
which grew in abundance around the encampment. During the fol-
lowing year, whilst in command of the ‘ Tarka,’ I had many opportu-
nities of renewing acquaintance with the same plant, not, however,
under similar circumstances; it is only when oxen are so far exhausted

526

by over driving as to lose their discriminative instinct, in the hurry
of impetuous hunger, that poisoning follows its presence in their
grazing-grounds. The nature of the locality where it grew at the
‘Tarka’ closely resembled that at Somerset ; the flats above the bed
of the Swart-kie, at the former, as those of the Fish River at the latter
place, produced it in abundance. The plant was always regarded as
an enemy; but I never saw it eaten by cattle except in the instance
which I have detailed. It is not possible for me to state the precise
time in which, in any one individual, death followed from eating it. I
think, however, I may venture to offer from three to nine hours as the
most probable time. Long before the heat of day had operated on
the dead, the dilated eyes and frothy nostrils and mouths of the poi-
soned cattle were commented upon, whilst we scrambled over them at
morning parade, as indicative of a more suffering death than such
faithful companions of our toils deserved. Symptoms of gastritis were
marked by their previous moanings. Further than this, however, itis not
in my power to speak with certainty. I am indebted to the kindness
of Professor Balfour for the probable botanical name of the plant. A
rough sketch, taken at the ‘Tarka,’ has been identified as that of
Vieusseuxia tripetaloides, one of the Iridacez, an order numerously
represented in Southern Africa. It only remains for me to state that,
from the solidity of the soil, it is next to impossible that any of the
roots could have been got up. Poisoning was therefore due to the
flowers, stem, and leaves. I have also every reason to believe that
every one of the oxen which ate the plant died.”

Dr. Balfour stated that he had determined the plant, as far as pos-
sible, from the drawing by Mr. Dalyell, and that he considered it to
be the Vieusseuxia tripetaloides, DC., lris tripetala of Thunberg, and
Morea tripetala of Ker. He also stated that several of the Cape Inida-
cee seemed to be poisonous, and referred especially to Homeria
collina, as noticed in Dr. Pappe’s ‘ Prodromus of the Cape Medical
Flora.’ “I introduce this plant,” says Dr. Pappe “ (which is known
to almost every child in the colony as the Cape-tulip), not for its the-
rapeutical use, but for its noxious properties. The poisonous quality
of its rhizomes appears to have been known to some extent years ago,
but judging from the rapidity with which death ensued in a recent
case, when they had been eaten by mistake, it must be of a very poi-
sonous kind. To Dr. Lang, Police Surgeon of Cape Town, I am
indebted for the particulars of a most melancholy case of poisoning
caused by this plant. A Malay woman, somewhat advanced in years,
with her three grandchildren, ‘respectively of the ages of 12, 8, and 6,

527

partook, on 18th of September, 1850, of a supper consisting of coffee,
fish, and rice, and ate along with this a small basinful of the bulbs
of Homeria collina. The exact quantity which each ate is not well
known. They appear to have supped between seven and eight, and
retired to bed at nine o’clock, apparently in good health. About one
in the morning the old woman awoke with severe nausea, followed by
vomiting, and found the children similarly affected. She endeavoured
to call for assistance, but found herself too weak to leave her bed ;
and when, at five o’clock, assistance arrived, the eldest girl was found
moribund, and expired almost immediately. The little boy of eight
years died an hour afterwards, and the youngest child was found in a
state of collapse, almost insensible, with cold extremities, pulse scarcely
fifty and irregular; pupils much dilated. The symptomsof the grand-
mother were nearly similar, but in a lesser degree, accompanied by
constant efforts at vomiting. By using diffusible stimulants she and
child eventually recovered.”

‘Notice of the Number of known Fossil Plants at different
aR and of the Natural Orders to which they are referred; by
Professor Balfour. After alluding to the division of the Fossil Epochs,
as given by Brongniart, viz., into the reigns of Acrogens, of Gymno-
sperms, and of Angiosperms, Dr. Balfour proceeded to give an ana-
lysis of the orders of fossil plants, as given by Unger. The following
general tabular view was compiled from Unger’s work :—

Dicoryteponous Foss Pranrts.

Genera. Species.
Thalamiflore - - - plied See - - 24 84
Calyciflore - - - - - - - - 49 169
Corolliflore - - - - - -o - 30 73
- Monochlamydex Angiospermee ~ - - - - 48 221
* Gymnospermee - - ~ - 56 363

MonocotyLeponous Fossit Puants.

Genera. Species.
Dictyogene = - - - - - - - - 2 5
Petaloidee - - - < - - - - 36 125
Glumacee = - - - - - - - - 5 12
AcoTyLEDONOUS Fossit. Puants - - - - 152 1172

Uncertain Fossix Puants— - Sati ae = = 38 167

528

These plants are arranged in different strata, as follows :—
>

Species.

Cambrian, Silurian, Devonian, and Old Red Sandstone (older
and middle Paleozoic) - = - ° ent ee ree z 73
Carboniferous - - : . . “ . 683
Lower Red Sandstone (Permian) — - - - - = ~ 76
Magnesian Limestone - = : - - - - 21
Upper New Red Sandstone’ - 4 = : : 2 38
Shell Limestone - - - : 3 E : if 7
Variegated Marls - : - - : 4 7 70
Lias - ° - : 2 m . i 126
Upper, Middle, and om Oolite nee - iar ne 168
Wealden (Wealden Clay, Hastings Sandstone, Panbone Beds) 61
Chalk (Greensand) - - - - - - . - 122
Tertiary Eocene - - - - a “ S : 414
4 Miocene - - - - _ ie J 4 s 496
by Pliocene = = . f : t: z 35
Diluvian . - i - 2 “ . 5 ss e 31

Fossil species 2421

After alluding to Sir Charles Lyell’s observations on the Flora of
the Carboniferous Epoch, as given in his late introductory discourse
to the Geological Society, Dr. Balfour referred to Raulin’s account of
the Flora of the Tertiary Epoch in Central Europe. By this it ap-
pears that :—

1. The Eocene Flora is composed of 127 species, of which 115 be-
long to Alge, Characex, Ulvacex, Palme, Naidacew, Malvacee,
Sapindacex, Proteacee, Papilionaceze, and Cupressinez.

2. Miocene Flora, 130 species, of which 69 are Algew, Palme, Naia-
dace, Apocynacee, Aceracex, Platanee, Lemnacex, Papilionacee,
Quercinex, Myricacee, and Abietinez.

3. Pliocene Flora, 259 species, of which 222 are Algz, Fungi, mos-
ses, ferns, palms, Ericacee, Iliciner, Aceraceex, Celtidee, Rhamnex,
Papilionacee, Juglandacex, Salicineew, Quercinee, Betulinex, Tax-
inez, Cupressinee, and Abietinez.

The Eocene species are allied to genera now found in intertropical
regions—India, Asiatic Islands, and Australia. Some are peculiar to
the Mediterranean region. The aquatics, which form nearly one-
third of the Flora, are related to genera now found in temperate
regions of Europe, and in North America.

The Miocene species belong to genera found now in India, tropi-
cal America, and other intertropical regions, but of which the greater

529

portion inhabit subtropical and temperate regions. Some are gene-
rally found in India, Japan, and the north of Africa.

The climate of Europe during the Tertiary Epoch appears to have
been becoming more and more temperate, by a gradual process of
cooling.

Mr. M‘Nab read the following report on the state of vegetation in
the Edinburgh Botanic Garden, from the 11th of February till the
11th of March, 1852 :—

Dates of Flowering.

Name. 1852. 1851. | 1850.
Feb. Feb. Feb.
Helleborus orientalis —- - - - 14
Arabis albida - . - - 15 Tov. 21
Symphytum tauricum - - - 16 6
Crocus vernus and varieties - - 18 3 26
Primula denticulata —- - - - 19 15 23
March. March.
5 nivalis = - 5 ~ 20 16 1
Feb. Feb.
Symplocarpus feetidus - - - - 20 4 18
Jan. Feb.
Leucojum vernum - - - - 21 20 18
Feb.
Arabis precurrens - . - - 21 1 24
Anchusa sempervirens - - - 21 14 26
Jan. March.
Tussilago alba - - - - : 27 26 12
1 nivea - . - - Dark 28 2
March. Feb.
Pulmonaria angustifolia - - : 1
i mollis - - - - 2 7 11
Adonis vernalis - : - - = 6 18 16
Jan
Dondia Epipactis - - - - 8 4

Mr. Evans stated that the apricot began to flower in the Experi-
mental Garden on the Ist of March.

Mr. M‘Nab laid before the meeting a record of thermometrical ob-
servations made in the Botanic Garden.

George Sharp, Esq., was elected a Fellow of the Society.

VOL. IV. me

530

Notices of the Flowering Time and Localities of some Plants observed
during an Excursion through a portion of South Devon, in June,
1851. By Epwin Legs, Esq., F.L.S.

I COMMENCED my progress on the 27th of May, on the afternoon of
which day I crossed the estuary of the river Exe at Starcross, and
took up my quarters at Exmouth. The flowery signals that pro-
claimed the decided advent of the summer season were the elder and
yellow Iris, in flower, and Malva rotundifolia, just displaying its pur-
ple-veined petals. On the preceding day, when botanizing with some
friends at Malvern, I had noticed that not a single corolla of Chry-
santhemum leucanthemum had unfolded; but here the Midsummer
daisies were already in full flower. Near Budleigh Salterton the red
sandstone cliffs were resplendent with the sea-pink (Armeria mari-
dima), in its finest perfection, varied by extensive masses of the yel-
low-flowered “ ladies’-finger” (Anthyllis Vulneraria) ; while Silene
maritima cast a silver robe of beauty over the lurid, massive cliffs in
many places. Spergularia marina also adorned the rocks in numerous
spots.

But by thus marking “ the time of flowers,” I only intend briefly to
remark upon such plants as fell under my notice, either less common
than usual, localized at particular points, or in some other way
worthy of passing remark. As it will be more convenient to notice
them as they met my view, I shall do so rather than arrange them by
the orders of any Flora.

Lris feetidissima. Profusely abundant all along the southern coast
of Devon, its blue-veined flowers forming quite a feature in the woods
at this time, and the stiff green leaves cresting the sides of every
shady lane. The bruised foliage has a peculiar smell, something like
roast beef, complained of by Hooker and Arnott, in the last edition of
the ‘ British Flora, as “very disagreeable;” so that from its fre-
quency in Devonshire “one can hardly avoid walking among it” *
when herborizing, and being annoyed by the smell. It seems odd
that learned botanists should object to the scent of roast beef if unat-
tainable at the time ; and I must say that the “ roast-beef-plant” ex-
hales no unpleasant odour to me. It commences flowering in May,
and continues expanding throughout the whole of June, though, as
usual, our Floras are behind time respecting it. The corolla soon
shrivels up and loses its beauty.

* Brit. Flor. 6th edit. p. 427.

531

(Enanthe pimpinelloides. 1 found this Ginanthe occupying the red
sandstone cliffs between Budleigh Salterton and Exmouth in strong
force, on dry, hard ground, just as it occurs in Worcestershire. Yet
it grew very luxuriantly in such spots; while on the sea-beach not a
single specimen occurred. I also noticed it growing finely on a dry
bank on the way to the old church of St. John in the Wilderness.
The first, with expanded flowers, was noted on the 30th of May. Mr.
Babington, in his Manual, has indicated 7—9 as its period of flower-
ing, the same as for CH. Lachenalii; but even about Worcester Ci.
pimpinelloides is always in full flower in the 6th month, and is in
fruit when G4. Lachenalii commences flowering, a month later. The
practical collecting botanist will find this worth attending to. Some
very tall specimens I gathered had long general as well as partial
involucres ; but this is not usually the case. The broad-lobed radi-
cal leaflets, often extending quite flat upon the surface of the ground,
will always distinguish this plant from its congeners, if not in a faded
state. This being so local a plant, I was desirous to trace its pro-
gress westward ; but its frequency seemed to diminish in that direc-
tion, though I found it again, on a bank of red marl, above the river
Teign, on the road from Teignmouth to Newton. I also met with a
considerable quantity of GE. pimpinelloides, growing on hard lime-
stone ground at the foot of Torre Hill, about a mile from Torquay.
The last I saw of it was in a meadow on the banks of the river Dart,
near Totness. It has not as yet, I believe, been found either in Corn-
wall or Wales. It is remarkable that Jones, in his ‘ Botanical Tour
through Devon’ (1820), who went over a good deal of the same ground
I did, makes no mention of this plant, or, indeed, of any other
Qinanthe.

May 28.—At Budleigh Salterton, roaming along the shores of the
pretty little river Otter, which was beautified with the white flowers of
the lowly scurvy-grass (Cochlearia officinalis) along its level margin,
Opposite an expansion of the stream that surrounds a flat island,
green with sea-weed or Confervee. On the sandy margin of the river,
near a timber bridge, a patch of Trifolium subterraneum appeared, its
slender cream-coloured flowers making a pretty show, though the
stems of the plants scarcely appeared emergent from the ground.

Walked by the summit of the cliffs (all red marl, based upon red
sandstone) from Budleigh Salterton to Exmouth, a singularly-pleasing
ramble, varied at almost every step by shelving, precipitous cliffs or
broken coombs, like the “chines” of the Isle of Wight, wherever
a little stream broke through the yielding strata from the interior

‘
Fi, “
a

532

country. Most of the cliffs were bare, except towards their summits ;
but the glens and broken declivities were covered with thickets, where
privet (Ligustrum vulgare) was very abundant. Here, wherever the
ground allowed, little potato-gardens had been formed, where doubt-
less, at a future time, olitory stragglers will get in, and contend for a
native origin.

Some of the ravines I passed, hollowed deep into the soil, were as
red and bare as the craters of a volcano. The profile of the lofty
range of cliffs extending from Budleigh, when looking back towards
the flag-staff, presented an appearance like monstrous giants reclining
on the shore, with their feet spread out towards the sea, and was very
impressive. From the head of the cliffs a down, shaggy with ling
and bright with Erica Tetralix in several moist spots, stretched far
away; and somewhere here a friend had told me of a bog where he
had gathered Osmunda regalis, growing very lofty and luxuriant. I
struck off, therefore, for a morass I saw before me, surrounded with
Sphagnum, which, however, proved so very wet and yielding, while a
wide band of black mud lay beyond, that my efforts to get well up to
it were unavailing. Evening, too, was progressing ; and with a long
trudge before me I was compelled to tarn my face seaward. In
returning [ came upon a single specimen of Orchis Morio, the only
one I saw in my Devonshire ramble, and I presume rare in the
county. In the list of plants appended to ‘ Jones’s Botanical Tour in
Devon,’ O. Morio is entirely absent, though O. mascula is given.

A long point of sandstone extends far into the sea between Bud-
leigh Salterton and Exmouth, after passing the highest range of cliffs ;
and on either side of this were some singular, secluded, deep, gloomy
dens, excavated by the sea, as if intended for the perpetration of deeds
of darkness. On the western side of the point the sea had so bro-
ken down the sandstone rocks, that it seemed as if a huge quarry had
been excavated there, such monstrous masses lay scattered about in
all directions ; the cliff itself shattered almost to fragments. Further
on towards Exmouth a little, curious, dark cove was formed, at a point
of sandstone where its marly covering had been nearly washed away ;
and it appeared like a bald old man whose hair had been denuded by
the storms of life. In the twilight I descended from the cliffs to the
sea-shore, where, amidst the sandy dunes, it became difficult to find
a path, and so had a wearisome ramble on the yielding shingle to
Exmouth.

May 31.—The floral ensigns of the solstitial season now fully con-

533

spicuons, Papaver Rhoeas, Hypocheris radicata, Convolvulus arven-
sis, and Malva sylvestris being generally in flower.

The red-marl cliffs near Teignmouth were resplendent with crowded
masses of the yellow “ ladies’-finger” and the commoner Lotus corni-
-culatus, in beautiful contrast with the silvery Silene maritima, in equal
abundance, and all in full flower, under the influence of a bright sun
and clear sky. The rose-coloured heads of the common sea-pink
were just emergent from their delicate sheaths, unsoiled and exqui-
sitely beautiful as a butterfly recently escaped from chrysalis.

Medicago maculata. Some sandy pastures on the margin of the
beach at Exmouth were nearly covered with this plant, now in full
flower, which seemed extending itself, as if determined to engross the
ground.

Keniga maritima. Established among the stones of the beach
near the Starcross Ferry, in some abundance; but it appeared trace-
able to a seaman’s little garden in the immediate vicinity.

Trifolium scabrum and striatum. Abundant on the Strand at
Exmouth.

June 1.—Took a meditative walk along the red-marl cliffs from
Exmouth, until I came within view of the red-sandstone headland at
Otterton, on which I lay twenty years ago, spending a day of blissful
thought, whose broken links now only remain, like the disruptured
masses of water-worn sandstone, lying disordered and in wild confu-
sion along the margin of the now quiet sea.

Various littoral plants expanding their flowers, as Spergularia ma-
rina, Honckenya peploides, Calystegia Soldanella, and Plantago Co-
ronopus and maritima. A single Hyoscyamus niger also presented
itself to view, and abundance of Daucus Carota.

Vicia Bithynica. This hairy-podded vetch trails profusely among
the degraded sandstone cliffs east of Exmouth, giving them a peculiar
feature. It was now coming into flower, though the Floras give it a
later assignation. I afterwards noticed it as abundant on the red-
marl cliffs near Teignmouth.

Vicia Nissolia. 1 gathered one specimen of this beautiful vetch
on the cliffs, but could not perceive another.

On the declivity of the cliffs I gathered a tall species of garlick,
which, not having expanded its flowers, I could not accurately deter-
mine. As the leaves were very long, channelled, and ribbed, it was
probably Allium oleraceum ; yet they were rather flat than hollow.

_ Ranunculus parviflorus occurred on various dry, sandy banks in
the vicinity of Exmouth.

534

Lepidium Smithii. Abundant on the cliffs, and nearly as tall and
branched as L. campestre.

June 3.—Crossed the ferry at Starcross, and progressed to Tyne-
mouth. Rosacanina appeared in flower, for the first time this season ;
and a bramble of the Cesian group presented nearly expanded petals.
About a mile and a half from Teignmouth, on the Newton road, I ob-
served great quantities of fennel (Faniculum officinale) on a wooded
bank overlooking the river Teign. ‘The bank was quite a waste, neg-
lected spot; but the railroad intervened between it and the river, and
therefore the neighbouring ground must have been subjected to dis-
turbance within the last three or four years.

Linum angustifolium. This is one of the commonest plants on
the sandy declivities around Exmouth and Tynemouth. It was now
just showing expanded flowers. Some luxuriant specimens between
Teignmouth and Dawlish were above a yard in height, and much
branched.

Verbascum virgatum. Several specimens of this plant occurred
by the side of a pathway up the cliffs between Teignmouth and the
Dawlish road. The Rev. J. Pike Jones, in his ‘ Botanical Tour through
Devon and Cornwall’ (1820), mentions a Verbascum, rather doubtfully,
that he gathered both near Teignmouth and Torquay. His plants
were not, perhaps, developed well, for he says he was inclined to con-
sider his specimens as V. Blattaria, but that “ Mr. Anderson deter-
mined them to be V. virgatum.” Mine were certainly the latter plant;
and its long continuance in this neighbourhood is thus shown. It is
remarkable that all the specimens I saw were covered with a species
of Coccus, exuding a secretion of such a nauseous and foetid kind,
that it was almost impossible to preserve any of them.

June 4.—Wandered to the cliffs eastward of Teignmouth, aud by
Lower Holcombe to the “ Parson’s Rock,” through which the railway
is now tunnelled. From its dizzy summit, which is rather a dange-
rous position, as its crumbling edge overhangs the excavation below,
there is a splendid view of the sea, with the distant cliffs of Dorset
and Portland on one side, and Hope’s Nose, Berry Head, and Tor-
bay on the other. On carefully rounding the cliff the awful excava-
tion below came fully into view, really frightful to contemplate. Yet
the Devonian farmer ploughs almost to the very edge of the precipice,
leaving hardly a nook for the Plantago or Armeria, which are forced
upon the verge, but bringing with him a number of agrarian plants to
supply their place; for here, among other attendants upon cultivation,
I gathered Papaver hybridum, Anthemis arvensis, and Campanula

535

hybrida. The cliffs resounded with the screams of the hobby hawk,
who kept flying restlessly about while I was upon the spot, probably
having young in some cranny of the rock.

Orobanche amethystea. Under the railway wall next the beach
between Dawlish and Langstone Cliff, I observed a brilliant amethys-
tine-hued Orobanche, probably the O. amethystea, Thuill. It was
very evidently parasitical upon Plantago Coronopus, having so got
upon its roots as to elevate the Plantago, in a shrivelled state, between
its own stems. I made the following note of it while in a fresh state :
—“Stem pale below, bright vinaceous purple and very hairy-glandu-
lar above ; bracts very hairy, pointed, almost as long as the corolla, re-
curved at the point; sepal sfinely hairy, bifid, narrow and sharp-pointed,
not so long as the tube of the corolla; corolla tubular, remarkably bent
on its first expansion, yellowish-brown at the base, above beautifully
tinged with purple, with longitudinal darker streaks, interior brownish,
with purple lines, upper lip wavy and denticulate, lower lip in three
slightly unequal, notched divisions ; stamens white, hairy only at the
base; style purple, polished, smooth, stigma smooth, with slightly-
divaricated lobes. Much more glandular and hairy than O. minor,
for its clammy exudation had not only caused the stem to be covered
with particles of sand, but these stuck even to the scabrous upper
tube of the corolla.”

June 7.—After some showery weather I took advantage of a splen-
did summer’s day to make a traverse to Torquay and Anstey’s Cove,
the latter noted asa locality for several rare plants. Having described
this in detail (Phytol. iv. 236), I shall only here observe that, not
taking the nearest way, I accidentally stumbled upon “ Daddy’s Hole,”
so called, a remarkable broken chasm in the limestdne rock, with a
precipitous descent to the sea, which well deserves a visit from bota-
nist or tourist. The rocks here were covered with the local Helian-
themum polifolium, in full flower, its silver petals giving a transitory
beauty to a spot that must be dismal enough when shrouded by the
tempest or swept by the cutting gale. The Helianthemum has here
a very wiry and shrubby aspect, its hoary leaves often so revolute as
to appear like legumes: sepals and capsules densely tomentose.
Hippocrepis comosa was also in flower on the face of the cliff; and
the turfy down was beautiful with abundance of the rosy-tinged Spi-
rea Filipendula. «

Pyrus Aria. On several scarcely accessible spots on the face of
the cliff at “ Daddy’s Hole,” as well as at Anstey’s Cove, but the
flowers past perfection. Doubtless this is the true Aria; but the

536

leaves vary much in breadth, and depth of indentation, on the same
branch ; the acute, entire, wedge-shaped base of them is, however,
characteristic. P. scandica of Babington, with the leaves deeply cut
and lobed, and serrated to the base, I have gathered on the cliffs near
Minehead, North Devon. Whether a good species or not, it has no
appearance of being a hybrid, as suggested by Dr. Walker Arnott, in
the sixth edition of Hooker’s ‘ British Flora. The celebrated Castle
Dinas plant, now queried in the latter work, is really a mere variety
of P. Aria. In the autumn I observed perfect fruit of Aria, which is
bright, polished red, crowned with the persistent floccose calyces.
The pomes are very variable in size.

Orobanche Hedere. This plant was growing among the ivy that
overspread many of the precipitous rocks fronting the sea at “ Daddy’s
Hole ;” and I observed much of it also both at Anstey’s Cove and
among the rocks of Babbicombe. Surely this species of Orobanche
must have much increased of late years, for it is unnoticed in Smith’s
‘English Flora’ or the second edition of Hooker, yet is now found
to be generally dispersed and plentiful all along the coasts of Wales
and the south of England. I gathered it this year on Brean Down,
Somerset. I penned the following description from a fine and perfect
fresh specimen, parasitical on ivy at Anstey’s Cove :—“ Stem fourteen
inches in height, dull purple at the base, bright vinaceous above,
where it is closely covered with white, glandular, clammy hairs ;
flowers rather numerous, extending half way down the stem, generally
more than twenty ; corolla tubular, curved, and spreading horizon-
tally, at first of a pallid primrose colour, tinged with purple on the
upper part, with longitudinal purple veins, slightly glandular-hairy
along the ridge of the upper limb ; upper limb of corolla wavy, denticu-
late, strongly veined within, lower in three lobes, each tripartite, mid-
dle one longest, the lateral lobes denticulate; bracts hairy-glandular, as
long as the corolla, their points curved downwards in maturity; calyx
downy-glandular, the sepals with long, subulate, unequal points, and
strongly nerved; stamens inserted a little above the base of the
corolla, quite glabrous, or with only a few inconspicuous hairs on the
lower half; ovary smooth, yellow; style glabrous or slightly scurfy, as
seen through a lens, stigma smooth, yellow, the lobes cohering, with
scarcely any division.”

Viburnum Lantana. Abundant about “ Daddy’s Hole,” and now
exhibiting green fruit.

June 9.—Visited Watcombe, a singular, broken cove at the sea-
side, about six miles from Teignmouth, on the old road to Torquay.

537

I noticed in my way to the ferry that Senebiera didyma was an abun-
dant weed in one of the streets at Tynemouth leading to the Den.
After crossing the river Teign, a fine, bold, sandstone rock, called the
Ness, now planted with firs, blocks up the direct way. Lathyrus
sylvestris here dangled from the rocks, and Origanum vulgare was
abundant. In waste places by the side of the road, after ascending
the hill, there appeared some fine patches of saintfoin (Onobrychis
sativa), in full flower, but it may be doubtful whether truly native
there, as the land is here cultivated to the very verge of the cliffs. In
a field close to the road a quantity of Agrostemma Githago made a
very curious appearance, almost filling the ground, in regular rows, as
if purposely planted there. But on close examination I found that the
field had been sown with vetches, and that a flock of sheep had been
turned in. These had quite eaten up the vetches, but neglected the
corn-cockles, which had now grown so lofty and luxuriant as actually
to hide the sheep, and seem as if they were flourishing there for some
useful purpose. From their quantity they certainly made a brilliant
show, as they were at this time in full flower.

Between Stoke Common and Minnicombe, in a wild, heathy part
of this road, I noticed more Rubi than I saw anywhere else in the
vicinity, for none were of common occurrence, except R. discolor,
which at Babbicombe luxuriated within the dash of the waves. The
following forms here occurred, in wild, heathy spots :—R. cesius, R.
sublustris, R. carpinifolius, R. Lindleianus (nitidus of Bell Salter), R.
affinis, and R. Ideus, var. tré/oliatus.

At Watcombe a lofty mass of precipitous sandstone rises up boldly,
with a fine effect, some distance now from the sea, though many
remarkable water-worn cavities upon its face testify to the surging
force of the waves upon it at some former period, when its face was |
ruffled; and geological change has now left the precipice a strangely-
marked and conspicuous object. This place was quite overrun with
thistly care. The lofty Carduus Marianus was here rampant in pro-
fusion along the bases of the dry rocks; but how long such an immi-
grating wanderer may be likely to stay in the locality, or how long it
had been there, is more than I can venture to say. Carduus tenui-
florus also occupied the ground in great force, and, indeed, I found it
plentiful along the whole line of the Devonshire coast that I traversed.

The preference shown by some lichens for a particular mineral
composition of rock was here very apparent. A portion of trappoid
conglomerate intervened between the honeycombed sandstone rock

and the sea-cliff; and just here Squamaria crassa, though deeply

oF VOL IV. oz

538

stained with red from the colour of the rock, abounded in fine fruit ;
but nowhere upon the pure sandstone could I discover a single par-
ticle of it.

Sedum glaucum, Smith, (S. reflexum, 6. Bab.). In my way back
to Teignmouth I gathered a very glaucous Sedum, growing on a mass
of conglomerate rock by the road-side, which is probably the plant of
Smith, in Eng. Flora, being a more slender and elegant plant than
reflexum, the leaves narrower and sharper pointed, and the lower ones
not recurved. It was just showing for flower; the cymes recurved,
smaller and less crowded than in S. reflexum; sepals elliptical, petals
very pale yellow.

Potentilla Tormentilla, var. reptans. This occurred on the road-
side, in full flower; and from much observation of it I should dissever
it as distinct from officinalis, as Linneus did. Surely the creeping
habit, and long, silvery pubescence of the leaves, well distinguish
reptans from officinalis. The receptacle is excessively hairy, and the
stem often trails a great length without rooting.

June 13.— At Anstey’s Cove, near Torquay. Here the privet,
abundantly covering the broken rocks, was just coming into flower
and expanding its petals, well denoting the approach of the solstitial
time. Vicia sylvatica and Melittis Melissophyllum were also well in
flower. But Sedum rupestre, in great abundance among the limestone
rocks here, only as yet showed its cymes, bent downwards, with
unopened petals. A bramble (R. dumetorum), however, true to its
affinities, was showing opened flowers, though sparingly. Cornus san-
guinea and Ayrimonia Eupatoria in like manner revealed “ the time
of flowers” with their expanded petals, as well as Solidago Virgaurea.

Centranthus ruber. The red valerian appeared very plentifully on
rocks all about Torquay, making a vivid show; and I afterwards saw
it on walls at Dartmouth.

Clematis Vitalba. Everywhere most abundant, as well on the red
marl about Tynemouth as on the limestone rocks at Babbicombe and
Torquay; yet in a recent work on the Botany of Devonshire, by Dr.
Fraser Halle, no mention is made of its occurrence.

June 14.—Ascended from Tynemouth by the old Exeter road to
Little Haldon Hill, progressing thence to Ashcombe, and descending
to Dawlish, by a deep, winding road, up hill and down dale. The
cheerless heights of Haldon are of the greensand formation, and their
surface covered over with loose flints. A sombre view appears
hence of the Tors of Dartmoor, robed in impervious gloom; while the
intervening country in that direction appears like a desert, without an

aa
Ba

539

inhabitant. The Haldon hills, rising to 700 or 800 feet, present a
somewhat subalpine botanical aspect; and bogs occur on their slopes
and defiles, which nourish the Pinguicula lusitanica, Drosera longi-
folia, Hypericum elodes, Myrica Gale, Narthecium ossifragum, and
Eriophorum angustifolium. The latter plant was now beautifully con-
spicuous, in flossy patches of snow-like whiteness. Erica Tetralix
was equally abundant, and Rubus Ideeus in profusion.

Ling and gorse of course formed dense, bushy masses in the hol-
lows and along the ridges of the hills; and Ulex Gallii was quite as
large and abundant as Kuropzus: but none of the former species was
as yet in flower; while the latter was still in golden glory. It was
remarkable, too, to observe that, though both species grew intermixed,
yet, while Cuscuta Epithymum abounded so much on U. Gallii as to
beard its branches with innumerable purple strings and knots, not a
single plant of Europzus was attacked by the rampant dodder. Dr.
F. Halle, whose botanical work on “ the Vale of Teign” I before
alluded to, but whose gatherings are mostly the very commonest
plants, mentions the gorse on Haldon as U. nanus, and gives the fol-
lowing anecdote, which is good enough in its way, if not a repetition
of an old story :—“ A gentleman in this part of England, having told
a labourer on his estate to cut down and bring to his house a cart-
load of furze, saw him, with considerable astonishment and anger,
arrive some time afterwards with a load of young firs, part of a valu-
able plantation.”

Near Tynemouth, in my way, I gathered Barbarea precox, men-
tioned by Sir J. E. Smith as growing in this vicinity years ago; and
on the rise of Little Haldon some quantity of Arabis hirsuta occurred,
in flower, growing very tall. This is not noticed by Jones, in his
‘ Botanical Tour in Devon; neither is it mentioned by Dr. Halle.

Rosa villosa and inodora. I gathered these two species of rose in
bushy places about the Haldon downs; but the tribe appeared by no
means beautiful or abundant in Devonshire. R. canina was, indeed,
plentiful, but with very pale fowers ; and R. arvensis presented itself
occasionally. R.rubiginosa grew on the cliffs between Exmouth and
Budleigh Salterton, and at Anstey’s Cove, near Torquay.

Anchusa sempervirens. This plant presented itself in some plenty
by the side of the road between Ashcombe and Dawlish, about a
quarter of a mile from the Ashcombe school-house. I do not know
that this locality has been ever given; but Jones mentions it at
“ Moreton and North Bovey.”

Cotyledon Umbilicus. Abundantly in flower on rocks and walls in

540

all directions. This plant shows its congeniality to the moist, mild
climate of Devon, by immigrating to the old trunks of trees, where it
makes a very pretty appearance, but is always confined to rocks and
walls in the midland counties. Some grotesque old pollards in a
romantic lane above Dawlish were almost covered with the Cotyle-
don; and I was afterwards particularly pleased by the look of a Jofty
oak on the banks of the river Dart at Sharpham, whose bole was stud-
ded with a host of small Cotyledons to a great height up the tree.

On emerging from the deep lanes I had been tracking, there ap-
peared a splendid prospect of the quiet sea from the heights above
Dawlish, with the long, sandy neck of the Warren and the white ~
houses of Exmouth opposite. This “ Warren,” near Dawlish, which
is a mere sandy islet, accessible at low-water, has of late years merited
the attention of botanists, as a habitat for Trichomena Columne, first
found here by Messrs. Milford and Trevelyan, in 1834. It is doubt-
less an instance of a plant extending its range from natural causes, for
it deserves to be remarked, as stated by Dr. Halle, in the volume
previously quoted,* that the Rev. Mr. Shepherd, Rector of Shilling-
ford, who had known the Warren from his youth, was decided as to
its recent introduction in so well-beaten a locality, and considered
“that the bulb must have been brought from its proper habitat in the
Channel Islands by a current of the ocean, and left by a tide on the
sand.”

June 19.—At Torquay, and thence to Babbicombe rocks, a beati-
ful locality, well meriting botanical exploration. The bay, hemmed
in by limestone crags, forms a double cove, with an intervening mass
of broken trap-rocks ; while eastward red sandstone succeeds to the
limestone ; and at Petit Tor the limestone masses appear mixed up
with the red strata in a very irregular manner. The beach is formed
of milk-white pebbles, which, covered by the transparent green waters
of the sea, has a remarkable effect, as if molten glass was poured out
upon the shore. Enormous masses of red conglomerate block up the
eastern side of Babbicombe Bay in fancifully-shaped piles, the “ ruin
of ages;” and the insidious sea still presses upon the base of the
sandstone, urging it to topple down.

On the talus of the broken cliffs here Sedum rupestre was flourish-
ing in the greatest abundance, as well as the common S&S. acre; and
S. anglicum, scattered here and there, was finely in flower in the hot

* ‘Letters, Historical and Botanical, relating to the Vale of Teign,’ &c. 8vyo.
1851.

541

sunshine. Helianthemum polifolium also adorned the rocks of Babbi-
combe, but less plentifully than at “ Daddy’s Hole,” nearer Torquay.
Orchis pyramidalis was profusely scattered about, brilliantly tinting
the rocks.

Primula veris, var.? - l was particularly struck with the quantity
of cowslips, in seed of course, growing among the Babbicombe rocks,
as I had understood this plant was rare in Devonshire. Jones so
speaks of it in his Tour; and Dr. Halle says “The cowslip is a
novelty in our fields—its sister, however, the primrose, abounds.”
This is curious: the cowslip was abundant at Babbicome, and not a

_ single primrose evident. The plant here, however, appeared to be a
variety, distinguished by an abundant tomentum on both sides of its
long-stalked leaves, which were quite silvery beneath.

Though not particularly looking for mosses, it was impossible not
to be struck with the quantity and beauty of Neckera crispa, fringing
the limestone rocks, among the recesses of which I also gathered Zy-
godon Mougeotii, not, I think, previously observed in Devonshire.

I was sorry to observe, in exploring the vicinity of Torquay, that
most of the romantic rocky tors, once so characteristic of the place,
were being broken up (and down too) by the destroying hand of build-
ing speculation, and hence their local plants will soon, I fear, only
exist in herbaria. On one of these, between Torre and the sea, as yet
only quarried, and commanding a lovely view of Torbay, I noticed
numerous Leguminose, growing very small, among them Trifolium
scabrum and T. striatum, excesssively hairy, but very short, with nu-
merous clustered heads. On this tor I also gathered a single speci-
men of the rare and minute Medicago minima. This closed my

Devonian explorations.
Epwin LEEs.
Cedar Terrace, Henwick, Worcester,
March 26, 1852.

Rice Paper Plant. By Dr. Bowrine.*

I must write a line to let you know that specimens of the “ rice-

- paper-plant,” root, leaf, and stems, are going home by this mail to
Sir W. J. Hooker. They were procured by Mr. C. S. Compton, the
brother of our Compton, from the crew of a Formosa junk (which was

* Extracted from Hooker's ‘ Journal of Botany.’

542

wrecked), who were picked up by the vessel in which he was a passen-
ger,—at least, I believe so. Compton showed me a leaf of the plant.
It seemed like a good-sized sycamore-leaf, very downy on the under
side: but it was so shrivelled up, that it was scarcely possible to say
what it was; and being the only one he had left, Compton would not
let me steep it in hot water. I saw a small root also, a curious-look-
ing thing, apparently of a marsh or water-loving plant, the pith run-
ning down to the very end. It seemed to be jointed, and was furnished
with fibres at certain distances. Compton has magnificent specimens
of the pith, as long as my arm and as thick as my wrist..... It is
quite certain now that it is a production of Formosa, whence large
quantities are brought over in native craft to Chinchew, where it is
cut into thin sheets for the manufacture of artificial flowers, its
principal use. It must occur in great plenty, as it is a very cheap
article there. Compton has given me a beautiful piece of the pith,
cleaned and prepared for cutting into sheets. It is as white as snow,
about 23 inches long, and a solid cylinder of rather more than an inch
in diameter. An incision has been made down to the centre, or nearly
so, through the whole length; so that this piece would furnish several
sheets 34 inches square. From the size of some of the sheets we see,
it is evident that the pith, after being cleaned and prepared, must
sometimes measure more than 2 or even 23 inches in diameter; so
that the gigantic size of the plant, as represented in the Chinese draw-
ing which Sir W. Hooker copied in his Journal, may not be out of
nature.

As we have an opium vessel stationed in the Chinchew River, I shall
make a strong effort to get some living plants through our schroffs.
‘The name of the place from which the wrecked men said it came, is
Chick-Cham-fan, in the district of Cheong-fa, in Formosa, according
to the Canton pronunciation, or Chuh-tseen-fun, in Chang-heva, in
Mandarin dialect.

Manufacture of Green Tea. By B. Sremann.* (See Phytol.iv. 514).

In the ‘ Manual of Scientific Inquiry’ you ask whether, in the
northern provinces of China, indigo or any other vegetable dye is
used in colouring green tea. Whether different processes of dyeing
are pursued in the north from those of the south I cannot say, but it

* Extracted from Hooker’s ‘ Journal of Botany.

543

is certain that around Canton, whence great quantities are annually
exported, the green tea is dyed with Prussian blue, turmeric, and
gypsum, all reduced into fine powder. The process is well described
by Sir John F. Davis (‘ The Chinese,’ vol. iii. p. 244 ef seq), who,
however, falls into the strange mistake of supposing the whole pro-
ceeding of colouring to be an adulteration, and leaves his readers to
infer that it is only occasionally done in order to meet the urgency of
the demand, while it is now very well known that all the green tea of
Canton has assumed that colour by artificial dyeing. I had heard so
much about tea—copper plates, picking of the leaves, rolling them up
with the fingers, boiling them in hot water, &c., &c.—that I became
anxious to see with my own eyes the process of manufacture, of which
the various books had given such a confused idea. One of the great
merchants conducted me not only to his own but also to another esta-
blishment, where the preparation of the different sorts was going for-
ward. There was no concealment or mysterious proceeding ; every-
thing was conducted openly, and exhibited with great civility; indeed,
from all I saw in the country I am almost inclined to conclude that
either the Chinese have greatly altered, or their wish to conceal and
mystify everything, of which so much has been said, never existed.
The tea is brought to Canton unprepared. After its arrival it is first
subjected to cleaning. Women and children are employed to pick
out the pieces of twigs, seeds, and other impurities with which it hap-
pens to be intermixed. The only sorts which may be called natural
are those gathered at different seasons: the rest are prepared by arti-
ficial means. Without entering into a description of all these pro-
cesses, it may suffice to take oneas anexample. A quantity of Bohea
Saushung was thrown into a spherical iron pan, kept hot by means of
a fire beneath. These leaves were constantly stirred about until they
became thoroughly heated, when the dyes above mentioned were
added, viz., to about twenty pounds of tea, one spoonful of gypsum,
one of turmeric, and two or even three of Prussian blue. The leaves
instantly changed into a bluish-green, and, having been stirred for a
few minutes, were taken out. They, of course, had shrivelled and
assumed different shapes from the heat. The different kinds were
produced by sifting. The small longish leaves fell through the first
sieve and formed young Hyson, while those which had a roundish
granular shape fell through last, and constituted Choo-cha, or gun-
powder.

544

Notes on Plants observed in the County of Essex during the year
1851. By E. G. VaRrenneE, Esq.

Myosurus minimus, L. Plentiful in gravelly fields in Great Brax-
ted, and at Layer Marney.

Nymphea alba, L. Not unfrequent in this portion of the county
of Essex, in ponds and in the parts of rivers adjacent to gardens, and
also near the water-mills, in which situations it presents a cultivated
appearance. But in the nooks of the Rhoden about Chigwell, where
the stream winds its course through the meadows, Nymphea alba
abounds beneath the cool shade of the bushes. In this retired spot
it flourishes in graceful luxuriance, frequently accompanied by a less
striking but very interesting water-plant, the Potamogeton lucens.

Alyssum calycinum, L. In a clover-field near Little Coggeshall
were many plants of this species last May. The seed from which the
clover was raised was supposed to have been of foreign growth. But,

_be that as it may, I cannot help entertaining a lurking conviction that
the above-mentioned locality is not the only one in which I have ob-
served A. calycinum in the neighbourhood of Kelvedon, for the simi-
larity existing between Alyssum calycinum and Lepidium campestre
is so great at a distance, that something more than a passing glance is
required for discrimination between the two plants.

Erysimum cheiranthoides, L. Not unfrequent in the neighbour-
hood of Colchester, in fields, and occasionally met with nearer Kelve-
don. It was growing about dung-heaps and elsewhere on a farm at
Inworth, and also in garden-ground in the same parish, last year. As
the oats used on the farm were stated to have been brought from the
fens, it is not impossible that the seed of the Erysimum was also intro-
duced with them. Whether this latter supposition be correct or not,
the plant appears perfectly at home, and has continued in flower
throughout the winter.

Rosa stylosa, Desv., occurs here and there in hedges in the neigh-
bourhood of Kelvedon, evincing no decided partiality for any descrip-
tion of soil. When R. stylosa is trimmed regularly, and kept in a
dwarfish condition, its beautiful clusters of flowers are white, with a yel-
low eye, and its narrow fruit is very lately or rarely perfected. In
this clipped and trimmed condition it might be passed over, during
its flowering state, as a handsome form of Rosa arvensis, though the
strong assurgant shoots of the autumnal period would serve to correct
such an erroneous impression. But when the bush of Rosa stylosa

545

is suffered to grow undisturbed, it assumes altogether the characters
assigned to it in books, and also presents its flowers, of a “pleasant
pink, with the stamens and base of the petals of a glowing orange tint.”
This alteration of the colour of the flowers was first observed in a
bush which had been growing for years, and whose lovely pink flowers
had often been noticed. After a period the bush was cut down to the
ground; and since then, having been kept low, it has produced white
flowers only.

Rubus humifusus, Bell Salter. A small shrubbery of what I have
ventured to name Rubus humifusus occurs in a wood at Braxted.
Excepting in its size it agrees with the description of Dr. B. Salter.
The prickles, as sharp as a needle, and many of them tipped with

glands, are well calculated to attract the attention of the scientific stu-
dent, as well as of any one who ventures incautiously to handle the
plant. In a smaller form this Rubus occurs in woods about Messing ;
but, from its having been considered one of the rarer species of its
perplexing genus, I always entertained a fear of applying a name to
it, until I met with the plant at Braxted, the discrimination of which
latter proved a matter of little difficulty.

Pyrus communis, LL. Gerarde says, “'The wild peares grow of
themselves in most places, as woods, or in the borders of fields, and
neere to high waies.” Ray says of the pear-tree, “ In sylvis et sepi-
bus passim occurrit.” The case is very different now, for it is very
rare to meet with a wild pear-tree about Kelvedon in any of the places
mentioned by these old authors. There are, however, one or two
examples of this elegant tree in the borders of fields at Riven Hall
fully as lofty as the fine elms amongst which they grow.

Ginanthe pimpinelloides, L. Road-sides, corn-fields, and meadow-
land about Wigborough and Virley produce this species of Ginanthe
plentifully. Though the above-mentioned places abut upon Salcot
Creek, yet the plant is not to be found upon the saltings which bound
the meadows and corn-fields, and intervene between these latter and
the salt-water. In the early flowering condition, and to a distant
glance, Ginanthe pimpinelloides bears somewhat of a resemblance to
certain states of Pimpinella saxifraga, and also to young plants of the
wild carrot, for which latter, in riding by, I suspect myself to have
passed it over. The tubers are well known to the rustic population of
the locality by the name of pig-nuts.

_ Anthriscus Cerefolium, Hoffm. In a hedge at Kelvedon, on the

; : borders of cultivated land and garden-ground ; perhaps originally a

VOL, TVs 4A

546

straggler from cultivation, though the plant has occupied its present
position for many years.

Valertana officinalis, L., as described in the last edition of Babing-
ton’s Manual, is not found about Kelvedon; the form of the species
growing there, as well as in other parts of the county of Essex, as far
as I have seen, agreeing with the description in that work of Valeri-
ana sambucifolia (“ Mikan.”) Of a certainty the terminal leaflet
appears larger than the others.

Inula crithmoides, Ll. Shore at Mersea Island, near Salcot Creek,
abundantly.

Jasione montana, L., does not grow on Tiptree Heath, nor upon the
description of gravel abundant there, as well as in other parts of the
county. I have only met with this plant in a pit of fine red gravel
and sand at Braxted, near Kelvedon, where it is accompanied by
Filago apiculata, G. EL. S. -

Galeopsis ochroleuca, Lam. Pretty abundant in two or three light,
gravelly, corn-fields at Berechurch. G. ochroleuca grows up along
with the wheat, and is in perfection about the time of harvest when
the reaping takes place; so that it is difficult to obtain good speci-
mens of it without trespassing and doing damage. For a similar rea-
son the plant is likely to escape detection, inasmuch as prowling
botanists are not welcome visitors in standing crops of corn or amongst
luxuriant clover. A friend who kindly accompanied me, for the purpose
of gathering specimens for the Botanical Society, was fully impressed
with the idea that the same plant used to grow in gravelly corn-fields
on a farm at Bures, in Essex. I have not as yet had any opportu-
nity of verifying the correctness of my friend’s statement, but hope
some day to be able to do so; the more so, as the locality itself is not
an unlikely one, and also because it is not easy to imagine the de-
scription of plant which has been confounded with G. ochroleuca, if
a mistake has been made by my informant.

Cynoglossum sylvaticum, Henke. From lack of sufficient know-
ledge I have stated, in a previous number of the ‘ Phytologist,’ that
this plant is found in many parts of East Essex; but the truth is, that
1 mistook the green and scentless variety of C. officinale for the pre-
sent plant. However, C. sylvaticum still grows pretty abundantly in
one situation at Great Braxted, where it was most probably noticed
by Ray; and it may be also seen occasionally on one or two other
banks in the same parish. In the latter situations it is exposed to the
road ; and the young plants are soon devoured by some of the loose
quadrupeds which are turned out by gipsies and other vagrants to

ial
oo

547

crop off the exuberant vegetation that diffuses itself over the banks in
the months of May and June.

Chenopodium olidum, Curt. Kelvedon; Messing. This unplea-
santly-scented herb picks out the sides of paths in gardens and in
allotment-fields for its peculiar habitats in the above-mentioned pa-
rishes. About London it always used to be found at the bottom of
walls. But both in London and in Essex it retains its unpleasant
odour, notwithstanding old Gerarde’s observation, that in localities
similar to those above mentioned it ‘ doth somewhat alter his smell,
which is like tosted cheese.”

Rumex pratensis, M. & K. Inworth, Messing, and Kelvedon, in
damp places by road-sides where the water has stagnated during win-
ter. It is difficult to obtain good fruited specimens of this plant, for
many of the genus to which it belongs are under the ban of agricultu-
rists, and are cut up and destroyed with persevering assiduity.

Parietaria erecta, Koch. Chipping Hill, Essex. Appears to dif-
fer from P. diffusa in its habit, and in the form of its leaves, rather
than in the exact number of flowers in the involucres. The number
of flowers in the involucra of P. diffusa is variable in the same plant
in different seasons, for one which has been under observation for
several years, which has been frequently examined, and which always
appeared to present the regular number of flowers in the involucra,
afforded last year a variety, of from three to six flowers in lieu of the
regular number.

Scirpus maritimus, L. Margins of a pond near Oldfield Grange,
Coggeshall, an inland locality for this generally maritime plant, which,
however, does not altogether confine itself to salt-water. S. Taberne-
montani was associated along with S. maritimus by the side of the
same pond there; this latter being mostly an inhabitant of brackish
water in the county of Essex.

Carex elongata, var. C. Gebhardi, Reich. Chaulkney Wood. In
this locality C. Gebherdi appears a stunted variety of C. elongata; the
plant struggling, as it were, for existence, and maintaining a feeble
growth in spots of the wood which once were boggy and moist, but
which are now rendered of a different character, by draining and other
operations.

Carex arenaria, L., C. divisa, Huds., Phleum arenarium, L., Fes-
tuca uniglumis, Sol. Shore at Mersea Island. Festuca uniglumis at
Mersea Island is interesting, from the fact of its growing there having

__ been recorded by Ray.

548

Arundo Epigejos, L. In a wood at Inworth, in several spots where
the soil is strong, but rather scarce in flower.

E. G. VARENNE.
Kelvedon, Essex, April, 1852.

Notices or Boranicat PERioDica.s, &c.

Hooker's ‘ Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany, Nos. 37
and 38, January and February, 1852.

The January number contains :—‘ On two new Plants found in Cey-
lon; by G. H. Thwaites.’ ‘Second Report on Mr. Spruce’s Collec-
tions from North Brazil; by G. Bentham.’ ‘ Abstract of a Journal of
the Voyage of H.M.S. Herald; by Berthold Seemann.’ ‘ Tribute to
David Douglas.’ ‘ Sale of Nees von Esenbeck’s Library and Herba-
rium.’ ‘ Herbarium of the late George Gardner.’ ‘ Plants of Mount
Olympus.’ Notices of Lanzius-Beninga’s ‘ Beitrige zur Kentniss des

_ inneren Baues der Mooskapsel’ and Dr. Grisebach’s ‘ Bericht tiber

die Leistungen in der Geographischen and Systematischen Botanik ;”
by B. Seemann.

Mr. Thwaites describes two new species—Epicarparus Zeylanica,
Thw., and Doonia Zeylanica, Thw., and illustrates them with plates.

In Mr. Bentham’s report we meet with the following new plants :—
Salacia dulcis, Béh., Anthodon grandiflorus, Béh., Anthodon? laxi-
florus, Bih., lex parviflora, Bih., I. petiolaris, Bth., Cyrtospermum
guminiferum, Bth. (Gen Nov. ex Ordine Terebinthacearum), Icica
Spruceana, Bth., I. pubescens, Bth., Hedwigia rhoifolia, Bth., Thyr-
sodium, a new genus, closely allied to the East-Indian Garuga, three
species of which are described—T. Spruceanum, Bih., T. Salzmanni-
anum, Bth., and T. Schomburgkianum, Brh.

The portion of M. Seemann’s journal given in this number treats
upon China, where’the author arrived on the 30th of November, 1850.
The following passages refer to the state of botany in Hong-Kong :—
“There are at present two gentlemen, Dr. H. F. Hance and Lieut.
Colonel Eyre, who take a deep interest in Botany. They made seve-
ral excursions with me to the most profitable localities, and pointed
out some of the rarest productions of the Flora. Dr. Hance was un-
fortunately suffering from intermittent fever, which has shaken him so
much during the last four months that he will be compelled to return to

5A9

England before the commencement of the rainy season. He was therefore
unable to accompany me very frequently. Lieut. Colonel Eyre makes
almost daily excursions. He possesses, besides a considerable herba-
rium, a beautiful set of coloured drawings of Hong-Kong plants, chiefly
executed by himself.” We may state that both these gentlemen have
now been in England for some months, and are, we are told, about to
give the public the benefit of their labours.

There seems to have been a movement in favour of a botanic gar-
den, for, “in the evening of the 2nd of December,” continues the wri-
ter, “1 attended a meeting of the China branch of the Royal Asiatic
Society, when the Secretary read a paper by Dr. H. F. Hance, advo-
cating the establishment of a botanical garden. It appears to be the
general wish that such an institution should effect a twofold object—
be useful to science, and serve as a public promenade. Yet such
is the peculiarity of the ground and climate that great difficulty will
be experienced in choosing an appropriate place. If a situation un-
protected from the wind is selected, a single typhoon may destroy
within a few hours the most valuable collection: and a sheltered po-
sition adapted for a botanical garden is hardly to be found in the vici-
nity of the town. Little hope remains, therefore, of seeing both objects
accomplished, but, as has been observed, the advancement of science
should be the primary, and promenading the secondary, aim of the
institution.”

In Canton M. Seemann was struck with the Chinese practice of
medicine. “ The people of Canton,” he says, “ seem to attach great
value to the virtues of plants. In the principal streets are stalls where
medicinal herbs, roots, barks, and other vegetable substances are
sold. At one of these places I counted more than fifty different
drugs. There is generally, especially if a cure is performed, a man
puffing up and extolling the extraordinary properties of his wares, in
doing which he indulges now and then in a piece of witticism, which
occasions his gaping audience great merriment. I have never regret-
ted so much being ignorant of the vernacular tongue as here, for
whatever may be the quackery connected with the Chinese practice
of medicine, a great deal, no doubt, is sound science, dearly purchased
by experience. In this respect we have yet much to learn from
them. The great work of Li-shi-chin, called the ‘ Pun-tsau-kang-
muh,’ or Materia Medica, is a valuable compilation, of which Euro-
peans know but little, and which has never been translated into any
_ language. It consists of no less than forty closely-printed octavo
__ volumes, and contains several hundred figures of minerals, plants, and

550

animals. True, the representations are imperfect, but they are in
most instances not inferior to those woodcuts adorning the pages of the
old ‘ Krauterbiicher’ and Herbals published in Europe shortly after
the invention of printing. ‘To identify the names and figures given
by Li-shi-chin with scientific appellations, will be an interesting study
to those who occupy themselves with Chinese Natural History, and,
judging from the few extracts which have lately been published, the
labour of translating the whole would be repaid by a vast amount of
curious and useful information.”

The article intituled ‘Tribute to David Douglas’ is taken from
Schouw’s ‘ Earth, Plants, and Man,’ a work which belongs to the
species of writing now so popular in Germany, and which had pro-
bably its origin in Humboldt’s ‘ Cosmos.’ Schleiden’s ‘ The Plant, a
Biography’ (familiar to the English public through Mr. Henfrey’s
admirable translation), Liebig’s Chemical Letters, Voigt’s ‘ Letters on
Zoology, &c., are publications of the same nature, all teaching sci-
ence in a popular manner. In this country we have made similar
attempts, but have in many cases been most singularly unsuccessful.
The reason seems to be, that while our neighbours never lower the
dignity of science, and rather try to raise up the mass of people to
the level of philosophers, many popular writers belonging to our
nation have followed a diametrically opposite course: they have de-
prived science of all its dignity,—of logic, of arrangement, in short,
of everything that is essential to its well-being; they have created
confusion where they should have cleared up mistakes.

The next article relates to the affairs of Nees von Ksenbeck, with
which our readers are already acquainted. M. Nees von Esenbeck is
now writing his auto-biography ; and we hope and trust that the
ingratitude of naturalists will not form one of the closing chapters.

The February number contains the following papers :—‘ On the
Camphor-tree of Sumatra; by Dr. W. H. de Vriese.’ ‘ Flora Hong-
kongensis ; by George Bentham.’ ‘On the China Rice-paper Plant ;
by Sir William J. Hooker’ ‘A new Species of Deparia; by Sir
William Hooker. ‘ Letter from Professor Parlatore to Mr. P. B.
Webb.’ ‘Notes on the Botany of the Cape-de-Verde Islands; by
Dr. C. Bolle.’ ‘On the Increase of Temperature in the Flowers of
the Victoria regia; by Eduard Otto.’ Notices of Moore’s ‘ Popular
History of British Ferns’ and Seemann’s ‘ Acacien,’ two publications
of which we shall have occasion to speak in another place.

In Mr. Bentham’s Flora of Hong-Kong the following new plants
are described :—Androglossum reticulatum, Champ. (gen. nov.), Rhus

551

hypoleuca, Champ., Crotalaria brevipes, Champ., Indigofera venulosa,
Champ., Desniodium reticulatum, Champ., and Lespedeza viatorum,
Champ.

From Sir William Hooker’s account we learn that the rice-paper-
plant is one of the Araliacew, and has provisionally, until the flowers
and fruit shall have become known, been called Aralia? papyrifera, Hook.

In another article Sir William Hooker describes a new species of
Deparia— D. Moorii, Hook., a plant discovered by Mr. Charles
Moore, in New Caledonia.

The letter of Professor Parlatore details a tour through the Scandi-
navian Peninsula. It is evident that the Professor, whatever he may
be as a botanist, is not much of a traveller. Such passages as the
following, in which he complains of the cold &c., are quite amusing ;
and his friends would have acted more wisely had they suppressed
them. If all those enterprising men who venture into the wilds of
Australia and the virgin forests of the tropics, where not one but
thousands of dangers are staring them in the face, were as cir-
cumstantial in narrating the sufferings they are almost daily under-
going, we should have nothing else to listen to. “ From the river
Torneo I passed into the province of Muonio, and found myself in
Russian Lapland, passing by Muonioniska, Karesuando, and Tu-
bateky. Thence I penetrated into the midst of the deserts, suffering
greatly from the cold, and deprived of food, or nearly so, for the plen-
tiful supplies which I had brought with me from Stockholm had been
entirely spoilt by the continual and copious rains and storms. I was
¥ want even of bread,—exposed too, as I was, day and night to the
open air without a bed, without a roof. Ah! my good friend, it is
impossible for you to imagine the wretched plight I was in, the cruel
privations I suffered.”

Occurrence of Curex montana, L., in Gloucestershire.

By F. J. A. Hort, Esq.

I wap the pleasure, a few days ago, of finding Carex montana, L.,
growing abundantly, intermixed with C. digitata, L., under Penmoyle
Rocks, near Chepstow, on the Gloucestershire side of the Wye. It

was then just coming into full flower.
F. J. A. Horr.
April 21, 1852. t

552

Proceepoines or NSocieETIEs.

Botanical Society of Edinburgh.

Thursday, April 8, 1852.—Dr. Seller, President, in the chair.

The following donations were announced to the Society’s library
and herbarium :—Professor Balfour’s ‘Class Book of Botany, from
the author; ‘The Garden Companion’ for March and April, from the
conductor ; a collection of Port-Phillip plants, from Dr. Curdie ; Bri-
tish plants from Dr. Balfour, including Acorus Calamus, Poterium
muricatum, Anacharis Alsinastrum, several rare species of Potamoge-
ton, and other interesting plants, which he had received from Mr.
Thomas Kirk, of Coventry ; also Hookeria rotulata, from Dr. Gilbert
M‘Nab, of Jamaica. Thanks were voted to the various donors.

Dr. Curdie exhibited a series of beautiful specimens of Alge,
including Rhodocallis elegans, Spyridia opposita, Laurencia papillosa,
Plocamium costatum, Thamnocarpus Ptilota; also a few Mosses.
He presented specimens to the Society’s herbarium.

Mr. Isaac Anderson exhibited a plant of Rhododendron elzagnoi-
des, in flower, a Sikkim-Himalayan species, raised from seeds sent
home by Dr. Hooker. He also showed a drawing which had been
taken of the plant.

A specimen of vegetable matter, from a water-pipe passing through
mossy ground, was exhibited from Dr. Douglas Maclagan, and
remitted to Drs. Balfour and Greville for examination. ad

Dr. Murchison exhibited some curious specimens of extract of tea,
prepared in the form of lozenges by the Chinese. These lozenges
were of various forms, and had impressed upon them mottoes, in Chi-
nese characters, and the figures of different insects, musical instru-
ments, and other objects. ‘They had been brought from Pekin, in the
year 1812, and were stated to be used by the Chinese when travelling.
When introduced into the mouth they were said to dissolve slowly,
preventing thirst, and proving very refreshing. ‘Though it was forty
years since they were brought from China, they still retained a very
perceptible flavour of tea, Dr. Murchison presented the specimens
to the Museum of Economic Botany.

Dr. Balfour exhibited the following donations, made to the Museum
of Economic Botany since the last meeting of the Society :—From
Michael Connel, Esq., Glasgow :—Stem of Bambusa arundinacea,
twenty feet long and thirteen inches in circumference. From the

553

Caledonian Horticultural Society :—A bottle of oil expressed from the
seeds of Madia sativa, manufactured in Holland. From Sir Graham
Montgomery :—Two sections of “ Queen Mary’s thorn,” from Loch-
leven Castle, blown down a few years ago. From Mr. Baxter, Ric-
carton :—Cone of the Sikkim larch, and several species of Banksia.
From James Young, Esq.:—Scarf brought from Calabar, by Mr.
Waddell, made from a species of grass. From Mr. Monro, coach-
builder, Edinburgh :—A curiously-matted portion of a root, supposed
to be a Scotch fir, picked up on the sea-shore near Cramond, by Miss
Monro. From C. G. Scott, Esq., Malleny :—A remarkable specimen
of ivy, surrounding an ash-tree. The stem of the ivy was about two
feet in circumference at the lower part. From Charles Cobbold, Esq.,
Broughton Park :—Fruit of Bignonia, and a section of what he consi-
dered to be silicified wood. From Lady Harvey, Carlton Terrace :—
Specimens of fossil plants (chiefly carboniferous), Ophrys aranifera
preserved in spirits, and caterpillars of goat-moth, accompanied by
the following note :—“‘ The petrified wood was found about twenty
years ago, in a sand-pit at Wodenburgh, or Woodnesborough, near
Sandwich, Kent, about six miles from the sea, perforated by the Te-
redo. The Ophrys aranifera, found two miles west of Walmer Castle,
near the sea, has been in the diluted spirits above sixteen years.
Cossus Ligniperda, or larva of the goat-moth, perforates the trunks of
many trees, particularly the oak, aspen, poplar, and willow. Of the
latter we had many destroyed in our plantations by these caterpillars.
They are sometimes three years in attaining perfection before they
change into the pupa. They may frequently be discovered by their
peculiarly disagreeable smell.” From Mr. Owen, 28, Howard Place :
—A bottle of acid from the gram of India (Cicer arietinum), collected
by putting a cloth over the plants, and then squeezing out the acid
fluid absorbed. From Mr. Stark, 1, Hope Street :—Specimens of
wood from Cornwallis Land, of great age, and so acted upon by the
weather as to resemble abestus on the outside.

Dr. Balfour read a letter from Mr. Fortune, stating that he had for-
warded interesting specimens of vegetable products from China, for
presentation to the museum.

Mr. M‘Nab read a letter from Dr. Gilbert M‘Nab, of Jamaica,
mentioning that he had likewise forwarded a donation of specimens to
the museum.

Dr. Balfour announced that Mrs. Haig, of Viewpark, Bruntsfield,
had presented to the Royal Botanic Garden the magnificent collec-
_ tion of orchidaceous plants which she has cultivated at Viewpark for
VOL. IV. 4B

554

the last fifteen years. The collection contains :—Named specimen
plants, 206; duplicate specimens, 40; species without names, 83;
—total, 329.

The following papers were read :—

1. ‘On the Economic Uses of Chicory (Cichorium Intybus, L.) ;
by Mr. James Fulton. The author, after giving a general account of
the history of the chicory-plant, and alluding to the antiquity of its
cultivation, proceeded to point out the wide range of economic uses
to which it might be made applicable, and urged the importance of
extending its cultivation. Its extensive use as an ingredient in cof-
fee over the whole of Continental Europe is well known. As a forage
plant it is known to form some of the best meadows in the South of
France and Lombardy, succeeding in all seasons ; while its use as a
salad is likewise extensive. Since 1835 large quantities of the root
have been imported to Britain from the Continent. It is now culti-
vated in several parts of England for the purpose of supplementing
coffee ; and, as the plant is capable of bearing all the varieties of cli-
mate in Europe, being successfully cultivated from Italy to St. Peters-
burgh, Mr. Fulton could see no reasonable objection to the extension
of its cultivation throughout Britain, in order to supply our own mar-
kets. He stated that the popular idea of chicory giving an unpleasant
flavour to coffee is erroneous, and entered into a detail of facts, to
show that an admixture of chicory was a great improvement to the
flavour of coffee, adducing the experience of extensive dealers to
prove the accuracy of this statement. He also considered the mix-
ture an improvement in a physiological poiut of view. It had oc-
curred to Mr. Fulton that the bitter of the chicory-root might be
employed as a substitute for hops; and he had accordingly got ma-
nufactured a small brewing, which had been successful, showing that
the root not only communicates a pleasant bitter, but that it like-
wise in some measure substitutes the malt by a large amount of sac-
charine matter. Mr. Fulton had found the cultivation of chicory to
be very easy, and had already published his views on this part of the
subject, in the ‘Transactions of the Highland and Agricultural Society.’
His crops had given a much larger money return than either potatoes
or turnips on the same soil. It appeared to him that it was in remote
districts of the country where the culture of chicory could be exten-
tensively pursued with the greatest advantage, the article being so
light and convenient of transit, and free from the casualties, in all its
processes of growth and preparation, which other crops are liable to,
and where the risk and cost of transportation reduce so much the net

559d

value of our bulky green crops. The paper was illustrated by an
interesting series of specimens, showing the chicory in its various
stages of preparation, as a substitute for coffee ; also ale brewed from
chicory. Mr. Fulton presented specimens of these to the Museum of
Economic Botany.

2. ‘Analysis of the Sabal umbraculifera, as grown in the Botanic
Garden ;’ by Mr. Allan B. Dick. The following is Mr. Dick’s ana-
lysis :—Organic matter: lamina, 91.90; petiole, 95.00. Inorganic:
lamina, 8.10; petiole, 5.00. Silica, 37.00; sulphuric acid, 11.15;
lime, 15.90; potash, 8.65; soda, 2.50; chloride of sodium, 8.45 ;
phosphoric ascid, 1.70; oxide of iron, 1.30; oxide of manganese,
1.40; magnesia, 4.75; carbonic acid, 0.99; charcoal, 5.95 ; — total,
99.74.

8. On Plants found in the Neighbourhood of Ripon, Yorkshire,
in March, 1852; by Mr. James B. Davies. After giving some parti-
culars respecting the town of Ripon, Mr. Davies stated that the cro-
cus, snowdrop, and laurustine were in flower in the gardens, while
Tussilago Farfara and Ranunculus Ficaria were plentiful by the way-
sides. The yew was also in flower, as well as a number of Salices.
He noticed two trees of the hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus), standing
more than a foot apart from each other, which, at the height of five feet,
united into one trunk, a branch from one of them being united in a
similar manner. Pyrus japonica was observed in flower in a garden at
Little Thorp, and the apricot at Ripon. Mercurialis perennis appeared
on the 10thof March. The following wild plants were also in flower:
—Vinca major and minor, Viola odorata and canina, Adoxa moscha-
tellina (first seen on the 18th of March), Glechoma hederacea, Vero-
nica hederifolia, Potentilla Fragariastrum (one specimen with a petal
among the carpels), Gagea lutea, and Primula vulgaris. At Grantley
Lodge, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium ; and at Fountain’s, Anemone
nemorosa, with Stellaria media and Lamium album. Two miles be-
low Ripon, Caltha palustris and Petasites vulgaris were found. Mr.
Davies also found Draba verna, Bellis perennis, Taraxacum officinale,
Senecio vulgaris, and Capsella Bursa-pastoris, all in flower. In the
gardens Cynoglossum Omphalodes, Narcissus Pseudo-narcissus, and
(sparingly) Primula Auricula. Hottonia palustris was found near the
“ih but not in flower.

4. ‘Report on the State of Vegetation i in the Edinburgh Botanic
ee from the 10th of March till the 8th of April, 1852, as com-
pared with the years 1850—1851 ;) by Mr. M‘Nab.

556

Mr. M‘Nab also laid before the meeting a record of thermometrical
observations made in the Botanic Garden.

5. ‘Notice of Plants found in Flower at Bowhill, Selkirkshire, on
the 23rd of March; by Dr. Balfour. Eranthis hyemalis, Narcissus
Pseudo-narcissus, and Galanthus nivalis were abundantly in flower in
the woods, probably all naturalized. Pulmonaria officinalis, another
introduced plant, was in flower, as also Chrysosplenium oppositifo-
lium, Vinca minor, Petasites vulgaris (just coming into flower), Cory-
lus Avellana, Viola odorata (introduced), Draba verna (at Newark
Castle), and Mercurialis perennis, with the flower-buds appearing.
Dr. Balfour stated that, besides these plants, Arum maculatum occurs
in the woods; also Listera cordata and ovata, Neottia Nidus-avis, and
Lathrea squamaria. Pyrethrum Parthenium occurs at Newark Castle.
Sticta pulmonaria was observed in immense profusion on trees on the
banks of the Yarrow.

The following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Society :-—
Professor Simpson, Queen Street; Major Madden, 26, Regent Ter-
race ; and William Dumbreck, Esq., 49, Albany Street.

The Society then adjourned, to meet at the Royal Botanic Garden,
on the second Thursday of May.

Linnean Society of London.

February 17, 1852.—Robert Brown, Esq., President, in the chair.

The receipt of a complete series of the publications of the Paleon-
tographical Society, presented by the Society, was announced.

Read, the continuation of Mr. Joseph Woods’ ‘ Notes of a Botani-
cal Tour in France.’

Mr. Curtis called the attention of the meeting to the fact of a cavity
being formed around Soldanella alpina, when flowering beneath the
snow, as recorded by Dr. Lortet, in the ‘ Annals of the Agricultural
Society of Lyons.’ This phenomenon was referred by M. Lortet to
the development of heat by the plant.

Dr. Lankester suggested that it might perhaps be owing to the ab-
sorption of heat by the dark parts of the plant.

March 2, 1852.—Robert Brown, Esq., President, in the chair.

Thomas Thompson, Esq., M.D., was elected a Fellow.

Numerous donations were announced, including several volumes of
Messrs. Webb and Berthelot’s work on the ‘ Natural History of the

557

Canaries ;) presented by Mr. Webb: and a collection of specimens of
about 150 species of plants, from the herbarium of the late Dr. Sib-
thorp, either figured in the ‘ Flora Graca’ or described in the ‘ Pro-
dromus.’

Mr. Hope exhibited drawings of Australian Lepidoptera and their
transformations, made from the living insects, by Harriet and Helena
Scott, with descriptions by Mr. A. W. Scott, and which are intended
for publication. Extracts from a notice of these drawings, by Mr.
Swainson, were read by the Secretary.

Mr. Hope also exhibited a remarkably large cone of Araucaria Bid-
wellii, from Moreton Bay; and gave some interesting information
relative to the dimensions attained by that tree, describing it as hardly
equal in height to the Norfolk-Island pine (Araucaria excelsa),
although in size far exceeding all other known species of the genus.

Mr. Adam White exhibited specimens of two large Hemiptera from
China, lent by Mr. Fortune. The colour of one of these (the Euro-
stus validus of Dallas, when dry, was a dull brownish red, but when
alive, or preserved in spirits, the most brilliant metallic grass-green :
the specimens of this were both dry and in spirits. Mr. White made
some observations on colour as a specific character, showing its value
when derived from mechanical causes, such as the polarization of light
on striated surfaces, or the filling up of cells with fluids in EKurostus,
Casside, Scutellera, and other insects.

Read, a further continuation of Mr. Woods’ ‘ Notes on a Botanical
Tour in France.’

March 16, 1852.—Robert Brown, Esq., President, in the chair.

Among the donations was announced a posthumous work on the
Palms of British East India, from the papers of the late William Grif-
fith, Esq., by Mr. John M‘Clelland; presented by the Hon. East
India Company.

Read, the conclusion of Mr. Woods’ ‘ Botanical Notes of a Tour in
France ;’ also a paper ‘ On the Habits of Myrmica domestica, Shuck.
and on a means of applying the industry of this minute species of Aut
to the preparation of skeletons of small animals,’ by Mr. George
Daniell.

April 6, 1852.—Robert Brown, Esq., President, in the chair.

Read, a paper by Mr. Adam White, ‘ On the Influence of Cold on
the Flowering of Plants.’ After a reference to Mr. Curtis’s observa-
_ tions on the flowering of plants beneath the snow (made at the meeting

558

of this Society on the 17th of February), the author quoted some
remarks from Captain Beechey’s Journal, with regard to the frequent
occurrence of a luxuriant vegetation under the snow in the Arctic
regions. He more particularly adduced the instance of Saxifraga
nivalis, stated by Linneus to flower in the regions of perpetual snow.
The author also offered some remarks on the modifications which the
specific characters of both plants and insects undergo, when exposed
to the influence of a change of climate.

Dr. Hooker mentioned that when at Tierra del Fuego he had seen
Pernettya mucronata flowering in a spot from which the snow had
been accidentally removed.

Mr. Pratt stated that at Chaumouni he had sought for plants in
flower under the snow, but without success ; and he looked upon the
circumstance mentioned by Mr. Curtis as an accidental occurrence.

Read also a communication from Mr. J. Mottley, of Labuan, which
was accompanied by specimens of Borneo camphor, and of the tree
(Dryobalanops Camphora) by which it was produced. This camphor
is consumed chiefly in China, where it is greatly valued for its medi-
cinal qualities. The best specimens realize £5 per pound. The oil
exuding from the tree is also used in medicine and as avarnish. With
the Borneo camphor are invariably mixed the red seeds of a plant,
which are added by the natives under the superstitious idea that the
Spirit of the camphor would fly off, unless some such inducement were
offered him to remain.

On the Division of the County of Surrey into Botanical Districts,
with a view to the Preparation of a Flora of Surrey. By J. D.
SaLmon, F.L.S., &c.

INTRODUCTION.

Physical Geography and Botanical Divisions of the County.

THE county of Surrey is situated in the south-eastern part of Eng-
land. It is an inland county, bordered on the north by the river
Thames, which separates it from Middlesex and Buckinghamshire ;
on the east it is bounded by Kent; on the south, by Sussex ; and on
the west, by Hampshire and Berkshire.

The form or outline of the county is nearly that of an oblong quad-
rangle, deeply indented, however, on the north side by the winding
current of the Thames, and more slightly on the west, where a branch

° 559

of the Loddon forms part of the boundary between the counties of
Berks and Smrey. Its utmost length from east to west is about
thirty-nine miles and a half, and its extreme breadth from north to
south about twenty-five miles anda half. The area is 789 square
miles; and it lies between the parallels 51° 5’ and 51° 31’ north lati-
tude, and 0° 3’ east to 0° 51’ longitude west of Greenwich.

The surface of the county is varied and undulating throughout, the
hills in some parts rising to a considerable height, and presenting very
bold and commanding views. It will be found, on a general survey,
that Surrey presents as great a variety of scenery as any county in the
kingdom. In some parts the naked heaths impart a wildness to the
prospect, which is strikingly contrasted with the numberless beauties
scattered over the face of the county by the hand of art; while the
hills, aspiring to the bold character and picturesque scenery of moun-
tains, gradually decline into richly-wooded dales, and plains in a high
state of cultivation.

Geologically considered, the strata of the county of Surrey consti-
tute three principal groups, namely :—Fvrst, the wealden and iron-
sand formation, which is the lowermost and most ancient series of
deposits in the county (the latter only just appears at the south-east-
ern corner of the county), forms the whole of the southern border of
the county, except a very small part westof Haslemere. The wealden
clay occupies a broad valley at the foot of the greensand hills, and
in some parts forms the lower portion of the south side of the hills.
The extent of this formation to the east constitutes an area of eight or
nine miles across; but towards the west it is contracted to about three
miles. Secondly, the chalk and greensand, which is superimposed
thereon, the latter formation running parallel with the northern margin
of the wealden clay, and traversing the county from the east, where
its width does not exceed from two to two and a half miles across, to
the south-west, where the area is of considerable extent, being from
nine to ten miles across. The area of the chalk on the eastern side
of the county is from eight to nine miles, and extends by Godstone
into Kent, where the range is called the North Downs, and terminates
in the cliffs of Dover; but towards the west it is contracted into that
narrow but beautiful ridge called the Hog’s.back, which for six or
seven miles scarcely exceeds half a mile in breadth ; the whole occu-
pying the central portion of the county from the east to the south-
west. And Thirdly, the London clay, or tertiary beds, distributed in
_ basins, or depressions of the chalk, upon the last-named strata. There
_ are here and there accumulations of ancient drift, consisting of loam,

560 .

gravel, and sand, which are designated diluvium. The area occupied
by these deposits is designated the London Basin, and is of conside-
rable extent, occupying the whole of the north and north-western
division of the county, and varies from ten to twelve miles across from
north to south.

Rivers.—The county is included in the basin of the Thames, ex-
cept three very small portions, two south of the greensand hills, which
are drained by streams flowing into the Arun, and a third in the south-
east corner of the county, which belongs to the basin of the Medway.
Independently of the river Thames, there are three principal rivers
(besides some smaller streams) which properly belong to Surrey,
namely :—I1st. The Wey, which rises near Alton, in Hampshire, ‘and
enters the county at Farnham, whence it flows with many bends,
receiving in its course several small streams, by Godalming to Guild-
ford, where it passes through the chalk ridge towards Weybridge,
below which it enters the Thames; the whole length being about
forty-one miles, for about eighteen of which it is navigable. 2nd.
The Mole, which rises in the northern part of the county of Sussex,
near Hand Cross, and enters this county at various places on its south
and south-eastern confines: several of these branches congregate near
Gatwick, in this county ; and then, passing Horley, the united stream
runs northward to Kinnersly Bridge, receiving in its course a consi-
derable accession from various sources, till it reaches Betchworth and
Box Hill, at the base of which it penetrates through the chalk range
of the North Downs; thence it passes by Leatherhead, and enters
the Thames at East Moulsey, opposite Hampton Court. Its whole
course may be estimated at forty-two miles. It is not navigable in
any part. 3rd. The Wandle, which rises near Croydon. It takes its

course westward by Beddington to Carshalton, and thence runs north- —

ward by Mitcham and Merton, and passes on to Wandsworth, where
it unites with the Thames. Its course is only eleven miles, and is not
navigable. Besides the rivers which have been described, there is a
stream called Bourn Brook, which rises near Bagshot, and flows by
Chobham and Addiestone into the Thames below Chertsey. Its whole
length is about fourteen or fifteen miles. There is also a small stream
called Hogg’s-mill river, which rises in a copious spring in the village
of Ewell, and flows north-west seven miles into the Thames at King-
ston. The stream which enters the Thames near Putney rises at the
foot of Banstead Downs, near Cheam. Its length is almost ten miles.
None of these are navigable.

—— =

561

1. North-eastern Division.

The north-eastern division has the river Thames for its north and
north-western boundary to Kingston, and thence by the turnpike-
road to Ewell, which forms the western. The southern is continued
by the turnpike-road from Ewell, running through Cheam and Cars-
halton to Croydon, and thence to the borders of Kent, which fur-
nishes the eastern boundary, including an area of about ninety-seven
square miles.

The whole of this division, with the exception of a narrow slip of
the chalk on the southern boundary, in the vicinity of Cheam, Sutton,
&c., belongs to the London-clay formation, and is comparatively low.
The various elevations on the north side, as Denmark Hill, Herne Hill,
Richmond Hill, &c., although of no great height, still command some
extensive prospects. It also forms the hills running southward along
the Kentish border from New Cross, Forest Hill, Sydenham, and Nor-
wood, where the hills attain an elevation of 389 feet above the level
of the sea. The northern portion from New Cross to Battersea is
covered with alluvium, as is the case along the river between Putney
and Richmond. Itis estimated that in some situations the total thick-
ness of the clay is nearly 1000 feet, whilst that portion which extends
into Surrey does not exceed from 500 to 600 feet.

This division is principally drained by the river Wandle, and by
two other minor streams—the Hoge’s-mill River and the stream which
joins the Thames near Putney.

2. Eastern Division.

The eastern division is bounded on the north by the turnpike-road
leading from Croydon, through Carshalton and Cheam, to Ewell, which
separates the north-eastern division. The western boundary, commenc-
ing from Ewell, is continued on by the turnpike-road to Epsom, and
thence towards Reigate to its junction with the Reading and Reigate
Railway. The southern limit is formed by the continuation of the
railway to the junction, and thence by the road leading through
Bletchingly and on to the borders of Kent, the latter constituting the
eastern boundary. Its area is almost ninety-five square miles.

The entire division is occupied by the chalk formation. The chalk,
as seen by the map, occupies a considerable area, and is a portion of
the North Downs. On the north side of this range several layers of
the plastic clay occur, and are seen cropping out from beneath the
London clay at Ewell. On the south side a terrace of considerable

VOL IV. Ac

562

breadth, .at the foot of the escarpment of this range, extending from:
Godstone by Merstham, Reigate, and through the county into Hamp-
shire, defines the geographical range and extent of the firestone. At
Merstham it is well developed. “The church stands upon a mound,
or hillock, of this rock, from the base of which a spring gushes out
immediately beneath the firestone.” The galt forms a corresponding
narrow depression along its whole length, and is seen to emerge on
the surface from under the firestone, forming a belt of stiff soil, which
may be traced by Bletchingly, Merstham, and Reigate. The remain-
ing part of this division forms a small portion of the lowermost group
of the chalk formation, that important and extensive series of arena-
ceous strata, for which the term lower greensand is employed, which
rise into a range of hills, running parallel with the southern escarp-
ment of the North Downs. The district yielding fuller’s earth hitherto
explored, is about two miles in length from east to west, and a quarter
of amile in breadth. The little village of Nutfield has long been
celebrated for this mineral, which has for centuries been dug in its
neighbourhood. }

The view from the summit of the chalk-hills to the north of Rei-
gate is as interesting to the geologist as to the lover of the picturesque,
for it presents a magnificent landscape, displaying the physical struc-
ture of the weald, and its varied and beautiful scenery.

From the porous nature of the chalk-hills they are uniformly dry,
permitting the free passage of the rain-water; so that there is almost
a total absence of surface-drainage. From the galt that forms the
foundation of the chalk-hills numerous springs and rivulets issue,
which unite and form the river Wandle.

3. South-eastern Division.

The south-eastern division has its northern boundary defined by the
road from Westerham, passing by Limpsfield, through Bletchingly, to
the railway at the Reigate junction, and thence by the Reading
and Reigate Railway to the Dorking station. The western boundary
is continued thence through Dorking, by the turnpike-road leading
towards Horsham ; the counties of Sussex and Kent respectively
forming the southern and eastern boundaries. The area is about one
hundred and nineteen square miles.

With the exception of a narrow strip oi the lower greensand run-
ning along the northern boundary, the whole of this division is of the
wealden-clay formation. A stiff blue clay invariably appears, and
forms the subsoil of the district to its junction with the adjacent

563

county of Sussex. The iron-sand only just appears at the south-
eastern corner of this division.

The eastern portion of this division lies in the valley of the Med-
way, and is drained by a considerable branch of that river, which rises
in the parishes of Godstone and Horne, and, passing through the parish
of Lingfield, quits Surrey, and enters Kent. The remainder of the
division is drained by the various tributaries to the Mole, which river
falls into the Thames.

4. Northern Division.

The northern division has the river Thames, from Kingston to Wey-
bridge, for its northern boundary, and thence for its western the canal
to Newark Mill; the south, by Ockham Common to Cobham Court,
and the river Mole to Leatherhead. The turnpike-road thence through
Epsom and Ewell to Kingston constitutes the eastern boundary; the
area occupying about sixty-one square miles.

The principal feature of this district is the London clay, portions of
which are covered with the Bagshot sand, as in the vicinity of King-
ston, Esher, and the western side, where it attains considerable eleva-
tion, as at St. George’s Hill.

This division is drained by the rivers Wey and Mole.

5. Central Division.

The central division has a portion of its northern boundary defined
by the turnpike-road from Epsom to Leatherhead, and the remainder
by the river Mole, thence to Cobham Court, and continued onwards
by Newark Abbey to the river Wey, the latter constituting the western
boundary to its junction with the Reading and Reigate Railway at
Shalford, whence the Railway to Reigate forms the southern, and the
turnpike-road thence to Epsom the western, boundaries. The area
is about eighty-seven square miles.

This division is principally occupied by the chalk, which constitutes
the entire breadth of its eastern boundary, and gradually narrows
towards Guildford. The surface, where not altered by cultivation, is
covered with a short, verdant turf. The whole range presents to the
south a bold escarpment, from which some magnificent views are ob-
tained over the weald. That portion of the greensand which runs
along the southern boundary rises in considerable elevations ; and at
St. Martha’s the sand rises with such rapidity, that it equals or out-
tops the chalk. The north-west portion of this division is covered
with the London clay. |

564

From the porous nature of the chalk there is but little surface-
drainage, and that is supplied by the Mole and the Wey, which pierce
the chalk.

6. Southern Division.

The southern division has the Reading and Reigate Railway for its
northern boundary. The Wey and Arun canals form the western, the
county of Sussex the southern, and the turnpike-road from the direc-
tion of Horsham to Dorking, which also separates this division from
the south-eastern, constitutes the eastern boundary. The area is about
seventy-six square miles.

This division is about equally divided between the lower greensand
and the wealden clay. The former, occupying the northern portion,
presents a series of barren wastes, which towards the south rise into
the bold and mountainous ridge of Leith Hill, which is 993 feet above
the level of the sea. The latter presents a uniform elevation of sur-
face, covered with extensive woods and coppices.

This division is drained by various small tributary streams of the
river Wey.

7. North-western Division.

The north-western division is bounded on the north-east by the
river Thames from Weybridge, and terminates at Runnymede; on the
south-west, by the county of Berkshire; west, by the county of Hamp-
shire, to the South-Western Railway ; south and south-east, by the
Basingstoke Canal to Weybridge ; the area being about seventy-six
square miles.

The whole of this division is of the London-clay formation, the
greater portion being covered with the Bagshot sand, which belongs
to the upper marine formation, and presents a poor, hungry, unim-
provable soil. Hence extensive barren heaths and wastes occur
throughout. This stratum forms, or covers, several eminences, as
Crawley Hill (west of Chertsey) and Bagshot Heath, and the high
grounds of Chobham Ridges. The greatest elevation does not ex-
ceed 463 feet above the level of the sea. Large masses of siliceous
sandstone, occurring in loose blocks, and called gray withers, are
found on Bagshot Heath.

The principal portion of this division is drained by the Bourn
Brook, which enters the Thames below Chertsey.

565

8. Western Division.

The western division has the Basingstoke Canal, commencing from
its junction with the Wey Canal, for its northern boundary. Whilst
the border of Hampshire to Farnham constitutes its western, the
southern is defined by a road running at the foot of the Hog’s-back,
on the south side, from Farnham through Seale and Puttenham to St.
Catherine’s Ferry ; and the eastern, by the river Wey to the junction
with the Basingstoke Canal. The area of this division is about sixty-
five square miles.

This division is principally occupied by the London clay, the north-
ern portion being covered with the Bagshot sand, which is a continua-
tion from the north-western division. The greatest elevation does not
exceed 500 feet, as at Tuckbury Hill and Bacon-hill Camp, north of
Farnham. Beds of peat exist in the parishes of Ash, Worplesdon, and
Pirbright. At the latter place the peat-moss is from twelve to four-
teen feet deep. There is a narrow ridge of chalk running almost the
whole length of the southern boundary, called the Hog’s-back, which
scarcely exceeds half a mile in breadth, and commands a most ex-
tensive prospect; at the foot, on the south side of this remarkable
ridge, there is a narrow stratum of firestone, which forms a slight pro-
jection, and the galt a corresponding depression, along its whole
length, varying in breadth from a few hundred yards to a quarter of a
mile.

The whole division is drained by the various tributaries to the Wey,
which forms the principal boundary to the eastward.

9. South-western Division.

The south-western division is bounded on the north, commencing
from St. Catherine’s Hill, by a road thence in the direction of
Losely, at the foot, on the south side of the Hog’s-back, through Put-
tenham and Seale to Farnham; the western, by the county of Hamp-
shire ; the southern, by the county of Sussex to the Wey and Arun
Canal, the latter forming the eastern boundary, to the ferry at St. Ca-
therine’s. The area is about one hundred and thirteen square miles.

With the exception of the wealden clay, which occupies the south-
eastern part, the principal stratum in this division forms a conside-
rable portion of one of the most extensive surfaces of the greensand
in England ; and its general thickness may be estimated at 350 to
400 feet. The extensive heaths which prevail in this division are
wild and barren in their aspect, and destitute of wood. On the south

566

the ground rises rapidly towards Hind-head, where an elevation of
upwards of 900 feet above the level of the sea is attained; the ascent
consisting of sand deeply trenched into channels. Here is a remark-
able depression, called the Devil’s Punchbowl; and on Frensham
Common there is a conspicuous group of barren, somewhat conical
hills, called the Devil’s Jumps. The scenery in this neighbourhood
is wild, and the soil barren in the extreme; the surface is, in fact, to
this hour, nearly such as it may be conceived to have been when first
uncovered by the departure of the sea. The whole division is inter-
sected with delightful valleys.

There are some extensive ponds in this division, the principal one
being Frensham Great Pond, which occupies about 150 acres. The
whole district is drained by the various tributaries to the river Wey.

J. D. SaLMon.

Observations on the Teas of Commerce.
By R. Warineron, Esq., F.C.S.*

In my previous communication to the Society on this subject, in
February, 1844,+ I endeavoured to show that there exist two distinct
kinds of green tea, known in commerce as glazed and unglazed ; that
the former is coloured by the Chinese with a mixture of Prussian
blue and gypsum, to which a yellow vegetable colouring matter is
sometimes added, while the latter are merely dusted with a small
quantity of gypsum; that in the specimen of the so-called Canton
gunpowder, this glazing or facing is carried to the maximum. I also
mentioned, that I had never met with a sample of green tea in which
the blue tint was given by means of indigo. Since the publication of
that paper, I have been in communication with several parties of great
experience in this subject, from whom I have received much addi-
tional information, which, with several experimental points of interest
that have come under my own immediate observation, will form the
subject of the present paper.

The first point to which I wish to call the attention of the Society
is, the question of the blue colouring matter used by the Chinese for

* Read at the Chemical Society, May 19, 1851, aud printed in their Quarterly

Journal, vol. iv. p. 156.
+ ‘Memoirs and Proceedings of the Chemical Society, ii. 73 ; (Read February 5,

1844).

567

colouring the green teas being Prussian blue, because some doubts
have been thrown on this subject from various quarters. Mr. Bruce
thus states :*—“ The Chinese call the former (the indigo) Youngtin,
the latter (the sulphate of lime) Acco.” Now I am favoured with the
opinion of Mr. J. Reeves on this point, whose knowledge and expe-
rience render him most competent to decide in such a case; he be-
lieves that indigo is never employed for the colouring used on tea,
that the term Youngtin, as used by Mr. Bruce, should be Yong-teen,
JSoreign blue, the name given by the Chinese to Prussian blue in con-
tra-distinction to Too-teen, native blue or indigo. This, I think, is
very conclusive evidence, and shows that Mr. Bruce’s statement was
erroneous.

In another quarter a surmise has also been published on this same
point. Mr. Fortune, in his entertaining work on China,t says, speak-
ing of the ingredients used in dyeing the northern green teas for the
foreign market, p. 201, “ There is a vegetable dye, obtained from Isa-
tis Indigotica, much used in the northern districts, and called Tein-
ching, and itis not unlikely that it may be the substance which is
employed ;” again, at p. 8307, “I am very much inclined to believe
that this (the Tein-ching) is the dye used to colour the green teas
which are manufactured in the north of China, for the English and
American markets.” This question, however, I think, is now satis-
factorily settled, and the experimental evidence I had adduced of the
material being Prussian blue of a darker or paler tint, placed beyond
a doubt by a positive demonstration ; for Mr. Fortune has forwarded,
from the north of China, for the Industrial Exhibition, specimens of
these materials, which, from their appearance, there can be no hesita-
tion in stating are fibrous gypsum (calcined), turmeric root, and Prus-
sian blue; the latter of a bright pale tint, most likely from admixture
with alumina or porcelain-clay, which admixture may account for the
alumina and silica found as stated in my previous paper, and the pre-
sence of which was then attributed possibly to the employment of
kaolin or agalmatolite.

Mr. J. R. Reeves, ina letter to my friend, Mr. Thompson, dated
July 1, 1844, commenting on my paper, says :—“ Mr. Warington’s
experiments have led him to correct results as to the substances used,
which I know to be Prussian blue, gypsum (fibrous), and turmeric ;
the second being sulphate of lime; and the last, the ‘yellow or

* ‘Report on the Manufacture of Tea, &c., by C. A. Bruce, August 16, 1839.
+ ‘Three Years’ Wanderings in the Northern Provinces of China,’ by Robt. For-
tune.

568

orange-coloured vegetable substance, which Mr. W. does not other-
wise name. That the colouring is not intended as an adulteration, I
feel quite sure. It is given to suit the capricious taste of the foreign
buyers, who judge of an article used as a drink by the eye instead of
the palate. You well know how little the London dealers, even now,
like the yellowish appearance of uncoloured green tea. The Ameri-
cans, a few years since, carried the dislike even further than the Eng-
lish, and therefore the Chinese merchant had scarcely a chance of
selling his tea unless he gave it a ‘face’ that would suit their fancy.
The small quantity of the colouring matter used, must preclude the
idea of adulteration as a matter of profit.” Mr. J. Reeves states,
“that in the East India Company’s time, gypsum and Prussian blue
were sometimes used upon hyson teas, Tien Hing using the first on
his pale, bright hyson; Lum Hing, the latter on his dark, bright leaf;
but these were only in minute quantities, just sufficient to produce an
uniform face.”

It is still a question of interest, which I before alluded to, whether
the gypsum, in its calcined state, is not used for the absorption of the
last portions of moisture, and allowing the tea the better to withstand
the damp of the sea voyage. Through the kindness of Dr. Royle, I
have received, since my last communication, a sample of green tea
from the Kemaon district, in the Himalayas, which is quite free from
any facing, as are also the green teas of Java, a large number of which
I have had the opportunity of examining, and which are exceedingly
clean and genuine in their appearance and characters.

On Black and Green Teas.

Although the preparation of green and black tea from the respective
plants, the Thea viridis and the Thea Bohea, has been warmly ad-
vocated by many botanists, yet it is now, I believe, pretty generally
admitted by all parties, that both green and black teas can be and
are made indiscriminately from the same parcel of leaves, taken from
the same species of plant. It is also well known to all persons, that
the infusions from these teas have marked differences of colour and of
flavour, and that the effects produced on some constitutions by green
tea, such as nervous irritability, sleeplessness, &c., are very distinct
from those produced by black tea. Their characteristic physical dif-
ferences are too well known to require any comment, but they have
peculiar chemical qualities to which we shall have occasion to allude
more particularly presently, and which have always been attributed
by chemists to the effect of high heat in the process of manufacture.

569

The question presents itself, then,—From whence do these distin-
guishing peculiarities arise, and to what are they to be attributed ?
From observations made in other directions, in the course of the rou-
tine work of the establishment to which I am attached, I had formed
in my own mind certain conclusions on this subject. I allude to the
exsiccation of medicinal herbs; these are for the most part nitroge-
nous plants, as the Atropa Belladonna, the Hyoscyamus niger, the
Conium maculatum, and others. The plants are brought to us by the
growers or collectors from the country, tied up in bundles; and when
they arrive fresh and cool they dry of a good bright green colour ;
but, on the contrary, it is found that if they are delayed in their tran-
sit, or remain in a confined state for too long a period, they become
heated, from a species of spontaneous fermentation, and when loosened
and spread open emit vapours, and are sensibly warm to the hand ;
when such plants are dried, the whole of the green colour is found to
have been destroyed, and a red-brown and sometimes a blackish-
brown result is obtained. I had also noticed that a clear infusion of
such leaves evaporated carefully to dryness was not all re-dissolved by
water, but left a quantity of brown, oxidised, extractive matter, to
which the denomination Apothem has been applied by some chemists ;
a similar result is obtained by the evaporation of an infusion of black
tea. The same action takes place by the exposure of the infusions of
many vegetable substances to the oxidising influence of the atmo-
sphere ; they become darkened on the surface, and this gradually
spreads through the solution, and on evaporation the same oazdised
extractive matter will remain insoluble in water. Again, I had found
that the green teas, when wetted and re-dried, with exposure to the
air, were nearly as dark in colour as the ordinary black teas. From
these observations, therefore, I was induced to believe that the pecu-
liar characters and chemical differences which distinguish black tea
from green, were to be attributed to a species of heating or fermenta-
tion, accompanied with oxidation by exposure to the air, and not to
its being submitted to a higher temperature in the process of drying,
as had been generally concluded. My opinion was partly confirmed
by ascertaining from parties conversant with the Chinese manufacture,
that the leaves for the black teas were always allowed to remain ex-
posed to the air in mass, for some time before they were roasted. Mr.
Ball, in his valuable work on the manufacture of tea,* has described
in detail the whole routine of these interesting processes, fully

* ©An Account of the Cultivation and Manufacture of Tea in China, by Saml.
Ball, Esq.
VOL. IV. ; 4D

570

confirming my preconceived opinions, and of which I cannot do better
than give a summary. Some of the facts, I believe, had been pub-
lished in Batavia, in 1844, by Mr. Jacobson,t in the Dutch language.
In the preface to his work, Mr. Ball says :—“ It will be seen by dates
incidentally adverted to, that the facts and most of the materials of
this work, were established and collected thirty years ago.”—“ These
facts, as well as other materials, were derived from conversation with
growers and manipulators from the tea districts; from written docu-
ments furnished by Chinese ; from published works in the same lan-
guage diligently sought out; and also from correspondence with a
Spanish missionary long resident in the province of Foken. These
were all put into their present form full twenty years ago, and were
read to one or two friends during my residence in China.”—“ They
were not, however, so arranged, with any view to immediate publica-
tion.” —“ They were thus disposed as the best mode of recording and
keeping together, the facts and materials I had collected.” —“ But it
was not till the year 1844, when I recived Mr. Jacobson’s Handbook
on the cultivation of tea in Java, that I found my own views so far
confirmed, and my information such as to justify me in bringing my
labours to a close.”

The processes peculiar to the preparation of black tea, are styled
Leang-Ching, To-Ching, and Oc-Ching, and these all consist in care-
fully-watched and regulated processes of spontaneous heating or slow
fermentation of the leaves until a certain degree of fragrance is de-
veloped. The leaves are said to wither and give, and become soft
and flaccid. The utmost care, practical skill, and experience is
required in the properly conducting these operations, and as soon as
the proper point is arrived at, the leaves are to be immediately removed
to the Kuo or roasting-pan. After being roasted and rolled two or
three times, they are then to be dried, and this is effected in the
Poey-long, which consists of a cylinder of basket-work, open at both
ends, and covered on the outside with paper; it is about 2} feet in
height and 13 in diameter, which diameter is diminished in the cen-
tre, like an ordinary dice-box, to one foot and a quarter. ‘This stands
over and round a small charcoal fire, and is supplied with cross-bars
about fourteen inches above the fire, on which an open sieve contain-
ing the tea is placed; and a small aperture about an inch and a half
in diameter is made in the centre of the tea with the hand, so that an
ascending current of air and the products of the combustion pass

+ ‘ Handboek y. d. Kult. en Fabrik v. Thee.’

——-*-

571

through and over the tea contained in the sieve. A circular, flat,
bamboo tray is placed partially over the mouth of this cylinder, and
most probably serves to regulate the rapidity of the ascending cur-
rent, prevent the admission of the cold air to the leaves, and at the
same time allow a sufficient outlet for the generated watery vapours
and the products of combustion. At the commencement of this ope-
ration, the moist leaves are still green, and retain their vegetable ap-
pearance ; after the drying has continued about half an hour, the
leaves are turned, and again submitted to the heat for another half-
hour; they are then taken out, rubbed and twisted, and after sifting
away the small dust, again returned to the sieve and drying-tube.
This operation of sifting is very necessary, to remove any of the small
tea or dust which might otherwise fall through the meshes of the sieve
on to the fire, and the products of their combustion would deteriorate
and spoil the flavour of the tea. The leaves have now begun to
assume their black colour; the fire is diminished or deadened by
ashes; and the operation of rolling, twisting, and sifting is repeated
once or twice until they have become quite black in colour, well
twisted, and perfectly dry and crisp. They are then picked, win-
nowed, and placed in large quantities over a very slow fire for about
two hours, the cylinder being closed.

Now, that this black colour is not owing to the fire is evident ; for
in cases mentioned by Mr. Ball, where the leaves have been dried in
the sun, the same colour is obtained; and, on the other side, if roasted
first, without the process of fermentation or withering, and then
finished in the Poey-long, a kind of green tea is produced.

In the operations for the manufacture of green tea, on the contrary,
the freshly-picked leaves are roasted in the Kuo at once, without
delay, at a high temperature ; rolled and roasted again and again,
assisted sometimes with a fanning operation to drive off the moisture,
and always with brisk agitation until the drying is completed.

The marked differences in the mode of manufacture of black and
green tea, will, I consider, after what has been stated, fully account
for all the variation of physical and chemical properties to which I
have before alluded.

Adulteration and Sophistication of Teas.

Since writing my former paper, several teas have come under my
notice, which must be classed under this head. The first I shall
mention is a sophistication which has been carried on in this country
to some extent, and consists in giving the appearance of green tea to

572

an imported black tea. The material used as the basis for this pro-
cess of manufacture is tea called scented caper; it is a small, closely-
rolled black tea, about the size of small gunpowder, and when
coloured is vended under this latter denomination, the difference in
price between the scented caper and this fictitious gunpowder being
about 1s. per tb., a margin sufficient to induce the fraud. This manu-
facture has been carried on, I understand, at Manchester, and was
kept as secret as possible ; and it was only after considerable trouble
that some of my friends succeeded in obtaining two different speci-
mens for me, that could be fully depended on, as originating in this
manufactory. It appears that it is generally mixed with other tea, so
as to deceive the parties testing it. How this manufacture was con-
ducted, I am not prepared to say ; but some preparation of copper
must have been employed, as the presence of that metal is readily
detected in the specimens I received. I believe, however, that this
sophistication has ceased. ~ .

I have now to call attention to another adulteration of the most
flagrant kind. Two samples of tea, a black and a green, were lately
put into my hands by a merchant for examination, the results of which
he has allowed me to make public. The black tea was styled scented
caper ; the green, gunpowder ; and I understand they are usually
imported into this country in small chests called catty packages.
The appearance of these teas is remarkable; they are apparently
exceedingly closely rolled, and very heavy ; the reasons for which
will be clearly demonstrated. They possess a very fragrant odour. ‘The
black tea is in compact granules, like shot of varying size, and pre-
senting a fine glossy lustre of a very black hue. The green is also
granular and compact, and presents a bright pale-bluish aspect, with
a shade of green, and so highly glazed and faced, that the facing rises
in clouds of dust when it is agitated or poured from one vessel to ano-
ther ; it even coats the vessels or paper on which it may be poured.
On examining these samples, in the manner described in my former
paper, to remove this facing, I was struck by the tenacity with which
it adhered to the surface, and which I had never remarked in any pre-
vious sample, requiring to be soaked for some time in the water before
it could be detached ; with this precaution, however, the greater part
of the facing material was removed. It proved, in the case of the
sample of green tea, to be a pale Prussian blue, a yellow vegetable
colour, which we now know to be turmeric, and a very large propor-
tion of sulphate of lime. The facing from the sample of black tea
was perfectly black in colour, and on examination was found to

573

consist of earthy graphite or black lead. It was observed, that during
the prolonged soaking operation, to which these teas had been sub-
mitted, there was no tendency exhibited in either case to unroll or
expand, fora reason which will be presently obvious. One of the
samples was therefore treated with hot water, without, however, any
portion of a leaf being rendered apparent. It increased in size
slightly, was disintegrated, and then it was found that a large quan-
tity of sand and dirt had subsided ; this was separated by decanta-
tion, and collected; it was found to amount to 1°5 grains from 10
grains of the sample, or 15 in the 100 parts. It was evident, how-
ever, that much of the lighter particles must necessarily have been
lost in the process of decantation; a weighed quantity of the sample
was therefore carefully calcined, until the ash was quite white, and
the whole of the carbonaceous matter burnt off; it yielded a result
equivalent to 37°5 on the 100 parts. During this operation also, no
expansion or uncurling of the leaf, as is generally to be observed when
heat is applied to a genuine tea, was seen ; in fact, it was quite evi-
dent that there was no leaf to uncurl, the whole of the tea being in
the form of dust. The question next presented itself as to how these
materials had been held together, and this was readily solved; for, on
examining the infusion resulting from the original soaking of the
sample, abundant evidence of gum was exhibited.

The sample of green tea was of a precisely similar kind to the
black ; it yielded 4°55 grains of ash, &c., from 10 grains of the speci-
men, or 45°5 per cent. A specimen of Java gunpowder yielded 5 per
cent. of ash; so that we have in this sample 40°5 per cent. of dirt and
sand over and above the weight of ash yielded by the incineration of
a genuine tea.

Thus we have, then, in these samples a mixture of tea-dust with
dirt and sand, agglutinated into a mass with gummy matter, most pro-
bably manufactured from rice-flour, then formed into granules of the
desired size, and lastly dried and coloured, according to the kind
required by the manufacturer, either with black lead, if for black tea,
or with Prussian blue, gypsum, or turmeric, if intended for green.

Since examining these two samples, I have obtained through a
friend another specimen of green tea, having a very different appear-
ance; that is, better manufactured, or rather, I should say, more
likely to deceive the consumer, from its being made to imitate an un-
glazed tea. It is of a yellowish-green colour, scented and granulated
as the former samples, and not much dusted ; it yielded 34 per cent.
of ash, sand, and dirt.

574

On inquiry, I have learnt that about 750,000 tbs. weight of these
teas have been imported into this country within the last eighteen
months, their introduction being quite of modern origin; and I un-
derstand that attempts have been made to get them passed through
the Customs as manufactured yoods, and not as teas; a title which
they certainly richly merit, although it must be evident, from a mo-
ment’s consideration, that the revenue would doubtless be defrauded,
inasmuch as the consumer would have to buy them as teas from the
dealer. Itis to be feared, however, that a market for them is found
elsewhere. The Chinese, it appears, will not sell them except as teas,
and have the candour to specify them as ze teas; and if they are
mixed with other teas of low quality, the Chinese merchant gives a
certificate, stating the proportion of the Lie tea present with the ge-
nuine leaf. This manufacture and mixing is evidently practised to
meet the price of the English merchant. In the case of the above
samples, the black is called by the Chinese Lie-flower caper ; the green,
Lie gunpowder ; the average value is from 8d. to Is. per tb. The
brokers have adopted the curious term gum and dust, as applied to
these Lie teas or their mixtures, a cognomen which at first I had some
difficulty in understanding, from the rapid manner in which the two
first words were run together.

1 may subjoin the results obtained from the careful incineration of
a variety of teas, as they may be interesting, for the purpose of com-
parison, and illustrate the point 1 have mentioned as to these spurious
teas being mixed with genuine ones.

Quantity of Ash in 100 parts of each of the following Teas :—

Grains.

Gunpowder tea made in Java . : z of BD
Gunpowder, during the East India Slekdereiiest s Caster: ; : » ib
Kemaon hyson . , ‘ , : ; ; . : , orth
Assam hyson : . . : : : : ; ‘ ‘ oy beg en
Lie gunpowder, No.1. ; : : 4 : ; s -, <po
No. 2 . A ? : : : : : : » 840"
Scented caper . : - : : : f : : : i
Lie-flower caper . é : é i : : - 375
Mixtures containing these Lie dite, No. ‘in , 5 : . « 0) 226
<3 Pf No.2) ).° ? F , A i, LPO.

RoBeERT WARINGTON.

575

Spices, and their Importation into Great Britain.

ScHLEIDEN has declared that professional vanity induced him to write
his work, ‘The Plant;’ that he wanted to dispel the popular notion that
a botanist was merely a man who dried herbs, and afterwards named this
artificial hay. We wish that sort of vanity would spread ; but unfor-
tunately the great mass of botanists fully deserve the estimate in which
they are held, for whenever there is any chance to show the practical
application of their science, by solving some question of general inte-
rest, no one stirs. Nutmegs and other spices have lately caused a
discussion in this couutry; yet no naturalist has taken a part in it;
and had it not been for one of the daily papers it would not have
been settled. Jn transferring, therefore, the following valuable extracts
to the pages of our journal, we do it not without blushing, because we
feel that our botanists have been guilty of neglect.

“It appears from the public accounts of 1851,” says the ‘ Daily
News,’ “ that the total gross revenue derived from spices in that year
amounted to £117,768, and was levied on 4,220,399 tbs. of spices of
allkinds. A general reflection obtrudes itself on considering this fact.
Spices evidently belong to that category of commodities, which the
financiers who recommend the concentration of Customs’ imposts on
a few articles of universal and extensive consumption would strike out
of the Customs’ tariff altogether. The revenue derived from them
scarcely compensates the increased annoyance to trade and the
increased expense of the Customs’ establishment, which the multi-
plication of duty-paying commodities occasions. On the other hand,
spices being, although wholesome, not an article of prime necessity,
are fair objects of taxation. The reasons for and against retaining
them on the Customs’ tariff are pretty equally balanced. But if they
are retained the assessment of duties levied on them ought clearly to
be as equitable and as little embarassing as possible. Unfortunately,
however, the tariff of duties on spices is most unequal and anomalous,
and clearly assessed upon no fixed principle.

“We begin with pepper. This is emphatically the poor man’s
spice, being the only one within reach of his narrow means, and
largely consumed by the less wealthy classes. Of the 4,220,399 tbs.
of spices taxed in 1851, no less than 3,303,402 were pepper ; and of
the £117,768 of revenue derived from spices, £86,729 were levied upon
pepper. The average price of black pepper (white pepper is merely the
fruit of the same plant, with the flesh removed by washing, and much

576

less generally used) is 4d. per tb., and the duty imposed upon it is 6d. per
ib., being an ad valorem rate of 150 per cent. ‘This is twice as high as
the rate levied on cloves, more than twelve times as high as that levied
upon cinnamon, and twenty-four times as high as that levied upon
cassia—all of which are mere luxuries, and exclusively consumed by
the more wealthy. This is unjust, and, like all injustice, detrimental.
Before 1826 the duty on pepper was 2s. 6d. per tb., and the annual
consumption 1,450,000 tbs. In that year the duty was reduced to 6d.
per tb., and in 1837 the annual consumption had risen to 2,625,975
tbs. During the 14 years which had since elapsed there has been a
further increase of about 20 per cent.; but this increase must ob-
viously be accounted for by the advance of population. It is, there-
fore, apparent that the duty is still so high as to restrict consumption
and diminish revenue. Pimento, a West-Indian product, is in less
demand than black pepper. The quantity of it taken for home con-
sumption last year was only 440,720 tbs. Its price in bond is 43d.
per Ib., and, at 5s. per ewt., the duty per tb is about 3d. ; or but little
more than one-twelfth part of the duty on pepper. No reasonable
ground can be conceived for subjecting the two articles to such diffe-
rent rates of duty. Even a West Indian may see that it has not
induced the people of this country to substitute pimento for black
pepper. Cassia and cinnamon, though distinct species of the same
genus of plants, if considered as condiments, are of the same nature.
Cassia is‘almost exclusively the produce of China, while cinnamon
consumed in Europe comes from our possessions in Ceylon. Last
year 82,467 tbs. of cassia were consumed in this country, and 39,582
tbs. of cmnamon; the duty paid on the former was £1,078, on the
latter £542. The average price of cassia is ls. per Ib., of cinnamon
ls. 9d.; the duty on cassia is 1d. per tb., on cinnamon 3d. In other
words, the ad valorem duty on cinnamon is nearly double that on
cassia. This anomaly is inapplicable even on protectionist princi-
ples; it is, in fact, a protection for the foreigner against British sub-
jects. In 1851 the duty on 138,131 tbs. of cloves amounted to £3,626.
The best cloves are imported from the Dutch settlements in the Mo-
lucca Islands and Bencoolen, and the British settlement of Penang ;
the worst from the French colonies of Bourbon and Cayenne, At
present Amboyna and Bencoolen cloves are quoted at 14d. per tb.,
those of Cayenne and Bourbon at 63d. Taking 8d. as the average,
the tax on the value of the whole cloves imported (6d. per tb.) is 78
per cent.; but on the worst cloves it is 92 per cent., while on the best
it is little more than 42 per cent. Of nutmegs the quantity taken for

577

home consumption last year was 194,132 lbs.; the amount of duty
paid on them was £21,913. In our Customs’ tariff there are two dis-
tinct rates of duty on nutmegs: 5d. per tb. on what are called ‘ wild
nutmegs’ and 2s. 6d. on ‘ all othernutmegs.’ Now the fact is, though
the Boards of 'Trade and Customs cannot or will not be made to un-
derstand it, that there is no such thing as a wild aromatic nutmeg.
All the nutmegs of commerce are of one, and that of a cultivated spe-
cies. It so happens, however, that some nutmegs are round and others
oblong, though both are produced from the same species of plant, both
cultivated in the same gardens, and both sold for the same price in
the English market. Our Custom-house has, notwithstanding, de-
cided that all nutmegs of a roundish form shall be called cultivated
nutmegs, and subject to a duty of 2s. 6d. per tb., while all of longish
form shall be called ‘ wild, and subject only to a duty of 5d. per tb.
The consequence is that the Dutch (nutmegs are a government mo-
nopoly in the Dutch settlements) pick out all the long nutmegs for the
English market, and thus contrive to get them introduced at the low
duty of 5d. per tb., while our own nutmegs of Singapore and Penang
are obliged to pay 2s. 6d. per tb. It is ascertained that upwards of
200,000 of long nutmegs have been shipped at Batavia, and are at
this moment actually on their way to this country. This quantity
exceeds the total consumption of 1851; it will be admitted at the
duty of 5d. per tb., and will exclude from the English market the nut-
megs of Penang and Singapore, on which 2s. 6d. must be paid. The
price of nutmegs (long and round) is about 1s. 10d. per tb.; the Dutch
grower pays a duty of 22 or 23 per cent. on his when imported into
this country, the English grower a duty of 136 per cent. The eva-
sion of duty, which the regulations of the Board of Customs enables
the Dutch to effect, may this year diminish the revenue from nutmegs,
from £21,913 to £4,250.

“It is unnecessary for our present pyrpose to go through the whole
catalogue of spices. Enough has been said to show the mischievous
and anomalous character and tendency of the present duties on spices.
Pepper, the poor man’s spice, is exorbitantly taxed, while the spices
of the rich are comparatively exempted. Heavy duties on nutmegs
imported from any but Dutch possessions impede the extension of
their cultivation in countries where our trade would be benefited by
increasing the number of commodities for the British market. The
complexity of the Custom-house accounts, the number of Custom-
house officers, is increased by the levying of small amounts of a duty
on a great number of articles, each yielding a small amount of revenue.

VOL. Iv. 4 E

578

These considerations have again and again been pressed on the
Boards of Trade and Customs, but fruitlessly. These facts show not
only that our Customs’ tariff requires further revision, but that the
legislative power entrusted to the Board of Customs requires to be
abridged, and that the Board of Trade requires a fillip to awaken it to
a more active and conscientious discharge of its duties.”

This article called forth the following letter from Mr. J. Crawfurd :—

“ By the existing tariff nutmegs are charged with two different rates
of duty; what are called ‘ wild’ with 5d. a pound, and all others,
which of course means all cultivated nutmegs, whether of British or
foreign growth, with one of 2s. 6d. a pound, or six times that amount.
I have no doubt whatever but that this assessment of duty originated
in the mistake of fancying that there existed two essentially distinct
kinds of nutmegs, of different qualities and values. A nutmeg of a
long form is charged with the lower duty on the supposition that it is
a wild one, but a round one, with the higher, because it is thought to
be peculiarly a cultivated one ; both having in reality this property.
There is only one species of aromatic nutmeg, called by botanists
Myristica moschata. This, in the native country of the aromatic nut-
meg, exists both in the wild and cultivated state, and differs only in
being better grown and yielding more fruit in the last of these states.
The great authority for the nutmeg, although he wrote concerning it
above 160 years ago, is the celebrated Rumphius, who lived and died
in the Spice Islands. Rumphius deseribes the true nutmeg as being
a native of the Molucca and Banda Islands, but chiefly of the last of
these, which consists of six petty islets. He alleges that Nature has
confined it to this small and remote corner of the globe in order to
stimulate the industry of man, on the same principle that it has hid-
den gems and gold in the bowels of the earth. In its native country
the nutmeg grows luxuriantly and easily, with little labour. During
our occupation of the Spice Islands, on two occasions, about the be-
ginning of the present century, we transferred the nutmeg to the Bri-
tish possessions, then Bencoolen and Penang ; and, about thirty years
ago, its culture was introduced to Singapore. In the two British set-
tlements the nutmeg is at present extensively grown, both by Euro-
pean and Chinese proprietors, but beyond these and Bencoolen the
tree has never yielded fruit, either in Asia or America. Even in the
western parts of the Malay Archipelago itself, although the fruit
be equally good as in its native place, the culture is attended
with so much risk and expense, that if the Dutch spice trade were
thrown open the probability is that it could not be carried on at all.

579

This, however, is a matter for the consideration of the planters, and I
am satisfied the Government will be ready to remove all factitious
obstacles that stand in the way of their legitimate industry. The
account which Rumphius gives of ‘ the long,’ miscalled in our tariff
‘the wild, and ‘the round, equally miscalled ‘ cultivated,’ is so en-
tirely to the point that I shall translate it. It is as follows :—‘ The
nut itself is well known ; the lower side is flat, and all over it is a lit-
tle wrinkled. It is of two forms—the one oblong, the other round,
both equally good, but the round usually the hardest. The true nut-
meg is one only, but, as just said, of two forms. One tree, for ex-
ample, will bear oblong, and another round nuts, a distinction which
appears even in the leaves of the tree, one tree having them longer,
and another shorter and rounder. Both nuts, however, are equally
aromatic, and have the same virtues.’ What the natives of the May-
layan countries call wild nutmegs are nutmegs (Myristica) only as to
genus. Rumphius enumerates six species of this kind, of which he
has described two. One only of the six had a slight aromatic fla-
vour in the nut, but none at all in the mace, or arillus; the rest
were utterly flavourless. Dr. Wallich informs me that he found five
species in Singapore alone, every one wholly vapid and worthless as
acondiment. In so far, therefore, as commerce is concerned, there is
no such thing as ‘a wild nutmeg,’ except in the English tariff. It
will appear from the price-currents that no distinction into wild or
cultivated is made in the trade; but it would seem that at the Cus-
tom-house nutmegs of along form are imagined to be wild, and ad-
mitted at the low, while the round, fancied to be the only cultivated
ones, pay the high duty. Neither is there, as we might conclude from
the equal quality attributed to them by Rumphius, any difference in
their value and appreciation in the English market, the long very often
fetching the highest price in bond, caused, no doubt, by their being
more applicable, with the low duty, for home consumption. The
result of the difference of duty turns out to be highly detrimental to
the produce of the British possessions. This consists entirely of
round nutmegs, whereas that of the Dutch is composed of both sorts,
the long being selected for the English market for the benefit of the
lower duty, and finding their way to it through Batavia and Singa-
pore, as well as the European ports of Holland. The difference be-
tween the two rates of duty of 5d. and 2s. 6d. is, of cotirse, 2s. 1d., so
that on two commodities of exactly the same value there may be an
excess of 500 per cent. on one of them, and this one happens to be
the product of a British possession competing with that of a foreign

580

one. In the price-current of the ‘ Economist’ of the 14th of January,
1852, there are, without any distinction of wild or otherwise, four quo-
tations varying from 9d. up to 3s. 9d. In another printed London price-
current in my possession there are also four quotations for January,
1851, and the same number for January, 1852, the lowest for 1851
being 2s. 3d. and the highest 3s. 6d.; while for 1852 the prices were
respectively Is. 6d. and 3s. 83d. These meagre quotations do not give
an adequate notion of the real state of the nutmeg market, and there-
fore I refer to an actual account of sales of fourteen cases of Penang
nutmegs, sold on the 12th of December last, by Messrs. Crawford,
Colvins, & Co., of the City, and which is now before me. The nut-
megs amounted to 2,405 tbs. weight, and the gross price which they
fetched was £217 19s. 9d., which gives an average of 1s. 93d. per tb.,
which may be called 1s. 10d., as four out of the fourteen cases were
sold exactly at this price. In the fourteen cases there were ten quo-
tations, ranging from 7d., the lowest (a damaged lot), up to 2s. 4d., the
highest. On the average price of 1s. 10d., the duty on these nutmegs,

which were the produce of Penang, and consequently all ‘round, |

was 2s. 6d. a pound, equal to an ad valorem duty, in round numbers,
of 136 per cent. Had the nutmegs been long, they would have been
of the same value in bond, and the Custom-house, calling them ‘ wild,
would have assessed them at 5d. a pound, so that the ad valorem duty
on them would have been between 22 and 23 per cent. only. The
flagrant injustice of continuing the present rate of duty, is, I think,
certain. The quantity of nutmegs taken out of bond in 1851 was
194,132 tbs., and the revenue £21,913. At 2s. 6d. a pound it ought
to have amounted to £24,266., so that the revenue lost (the consump-
tion being supposed to be the same) the sum of £2,453. If practi-
cable, it would be expedient to ascertain at the Custom-house the
quantities of nutmegs that paid respectively the 5d. and 2s. 6d. duty,
as also the rate of consumption of each kind for a period, say of ten
years. As an ad valorem duty is obviously impracticable, I would
suggest that the same rate of daty should be imposed on all nutmegs,
since itis beyond doubt that their quality is essentially the same,
and that all alike are the product of cultivation, their market values
differing only in degree, according to season, and skill in growing and
curing, as it is with any other article of culture. In cloves, for ex-
ample, the same duty of 6d. a pound is imposed, although the prices,
quoting from those of the present month of February, as given in the
‘Economist, range from 6d. a pound up to Is. 2d. Mace is a still
more remarkable example. ‘The duty is the same as that on the round

581

nutmeg, although the prices range from Is. 6d. to 2s. 9d. Neither is
there any distinction drawn between the duty on mace of the long or
so-called wild nutmeg, and that of the round, although if there were
any sense in the distinction of duty between the two sorts of nutmegs,
it ought equally to have been applicable to their maces ; for the mace
differs but little from the fruit it belongs to. J will only give one
other example, that of coffee. The same duty of 28s. acwt. is charged
on every price ranging from 36s. to 88s. There is clearly no reason
for making nutmegs an exception. I am of opinion that it would be
expedient to lower the duty on nutmegs as well as to assimilate it on
all nutmegs. The duty on the corresponding article of cloves is 6d.,
and as nutmegs are about twice the value of cloves, a duty of ls. a
pound on them would, I think, be a just and fair one. This on the
consumption of 1851 would yield a revenue of £9,706, or a defalca-
tion of £11,207, which, however, would be greatly diminished by the
increase of consumption resulting from so large a reduction as Is. 6d.
a pound. Such an increase would only be consonant with what has
taken place in every other article of general consumption on a large
reduction of duty, such as tea, coffee, and cocoa. Nutmegs them-
selves are a striking case in point. Up to 1819 the duty had been
5s. 5d. a pound, and the consumption about 56,000 only. In that
year it was reduced to 2s. 6d., and to this must be ascribed the enor-
mous increase of 246 per cent. which has taken place in 30 years’
time.”

These two articles were not without effect, for a few days later the
* Daily News’ said :—“‘ We have the satisfaction of announcing that
the Lords of the Treasury have made a beginning in removing the
anomalies of the Customs’ tariff of duties on spices. To a memorial
presented by the nutmeg planters, they have replied that henceforth
the same uniform duty (2s. 6d. per tb.) is to be levied on all nutmegs,
and that the 5d. duty shall cease. The other anomalies in the spice-
duty tariff which we pointed out require the aid of the legislature for
their abolition. We trust it may not be long withheld.”

Lrratum.—P. 547, line 14 from bottom, for “S. Tabernemontani
was associated along with S. maritimus by the side of the same pond
there,” read, “ Along with S. maritimus, by the side of the same pond,
there was associated S. Tabernemontani; this latter,” &c.

582

Notices or New Books, &c.

‘The Vegetation of Europe, its Conditions and Causes. By ARTHUR
Henreey, F.L.S., &c., &e. London: John Van Voorst. 1851.’

Mr. Henrrey has undertaken an arduous task—that of collect-
ing, arranging, and condensing into a convenient and accessible form,
the accumulated materials of half a century in relation to the distri-
bution of the European Flora. For although the systematic investi-
gation of the laws which regulate the distribution of plants, is a
branch of science of comparatively recent date, yet its progress of late
years has been rapid indeed. It seems to have been only about the
commencement of the present century, that philosophic naturalists be-
gan to reason upon observed and recorded facts bearing upon the dis-
tribution of vegetable forms over the face of the earth. These facts
must indeed have early forced themselves upon the attention of tra-
vellers; for, as Humboldt has well observed, “ observers who, in short
periods of time have passed over vast tracts of land, and ascended
lofty mountains, in which climates are ranged, as it were, in strata,
one above another, must have been early impressed by the regularity
with which vegetable forms are distributed.” Thus Tournefort on
Mount Ararat, and Bembo on Etna, three centuries ago, compared the
various zones or regions of vegetation as observed by them on the de-
clivities of those mountains, with the similar zones or regions into
which the earth may be divided in proceeding from the equatorial to
the polar regions: and it was upon such observations that Humboldt
founded his celebrated ‘ Essay on the Geographical Distribution of
Plants,’ which appeared in 1807, and served as the starting-point
for a more elaborate and more extended work on the ‘ Geography of
Plants” which the same learned author gave to the world some ten
years subsequently. In this last-named work the distribution of
plants, whether on a large or a small scale, is shown to depend upon
the physical qualities and conditions of the globe and its attendant
atmosphere. Other philosophers have turned their attention to the
elucidation of the laws of vegetable distribution ; the consequence is,
that none but those who are fortunate enough to be able to devote a
considerable portion of their time to scientific research, are able to
keep pace with the rapidity with which information on this interesting
subject is accumulating: to many a lover of science, therefore, as well

583

as to the general reader, Mr. Henfrey’s’réswmé must prove a welcome
boon.

In the Introductory Chapter the universality of vegetation, and its
varied influences upon the mind, are thus pleasantly pictured :—

“The pages of the book of Nature offer a vast variety of characters
for our perusal, but of all we find there inscribed, none surpass in
beauty of form or the interest of their revelations those presented by
vegetable life. Mountain and valley, flood and lake, plain and undu-
lating hill, may give the bolder features of a landscape, but dark and
cheerless must the grandest combination of forms appear where the
eye can find no green resting-place ; gloomy and repulsive the scene
where no trace of vegetation, telling with its varying hue the tale of
life and change, breaks the dull monotony of the stark masses of the
earth’s crust. It is difficult, indeed, to those who are without the
actual experience, to picture in the mind those desert tracts which do
actually exist upon the globe, where the burning sun sears out as it
were the ordinary covering of the soil; or those barren rocky shores,
clothed but by a few lichens, where the inhospitable climate refuses a
resting-place even to a blade of grass. We are connected with the
vegetable world by so many ties, of pleasure, interest, and necessity,
that we commonly regard its existence as a matter of course, and sel-
dom pause to consider how and why itis, but merely direct our atten-
tion to those of its peculiarities which relate to its useful qualities, or
which lend to it the manifold charms which delight our gaze in natu-
ral scenery. From the very infancy of our race the influence of vege-
tation upon the moral feelings has been recognized, poets have dwelt
upon it in all ages, and scarcely a striking form or commonly recur-
ring kind of plant is without its real or fanciful associations. Waving
corn-fields ! even the bare mention of them seems to raise a vision of
peace, plenty and contentment; traversing the woodland path we cast
awhile the cares that press upon us in the busy haunts of congregated
man, and share the freedom and independence of the unrestrained life
around ; or in the deep and silent solitude of the black pine forest, we
feel revive within us that superstitious: awe that gave birth to the
strange traditions of our northern ancestors. No temperament at all
awake to the influence of external nature can escape the depressing
influence of the low swampy plain, where among plashing water-
courses the ‘ cluster’d marish-mosses’ creep, and amid the rustling
reeds

‘ Willows whiten, aspens quiver,
Little breezes dusk and shiver.’

584

“ Few behold unmoved the brilliant tints of the spring buds, fring-
ing the spray of every re-awkening tree like a joyous decoration cele-
brating the return of warmth and active life, or the graduated hues of
autumn’s garb ;—they typify to us too plainly the changeful course of
our own existence not to arouse something more than a passing feeling
of wonder or admiration.”—P. 1.

Mr. Henfrey then briefly alludes to the comparatively modern ori-
gin of botanical geography as a science ; and proceeds to show its
early stages and gradual development in the following words :—

“ The contrasts and diversities among the characteristic vegetations
of different lands force themselves upon the most superficial observer.
Since the earliest period of which we have record, the peculiarity of
certain plants to certain countries or regions has attracted observa-
tion, and the narratives of the earlier navigators of European nations
are full of glowing pictures of the treasures unfolded to them in the
more favoured climes to which they penetrated. The tropics were
depicted as earthly paradises, in which

‘ Droops the heavy-blossom’d bower, hangs the heavy-fruited tree,
Summer isles of Eden lying in dark-purple spheres of séa ;’

and in which man lies idly waiting while nature pours out at his feet
the rich harvest of luxurious fruits, unknown in our temperate regions,
where the ever-recurring check periodically arrests the forces of vege-
tation, and the less favouring climate compels him to the labours of
the field, yielding to his toil and uremitting care a limited and frugal
recompense. Travellers had told, too, that in the far north even this
partial bounty is denied ; that man is cut off altogether from that ve-
getable food which is lavished in profusion at his slightest demands
beneath a warmer sky, while his companion the reindeer scrapes a
scanty repast from beneath the snowy covering of the soil.

“The carpet of flowers and of verdure spread over the naked crust
of our planet is unequally woven; it is thicker where the sun rises
high in the ever-cloudless heavens, and thinner toward the poles, in
the less happy climes where returning frosts often destroy the opening
buds of spring or the ripening fruits of autumn.’

“ But even in a smaller compass, on a smaller field, striking diffe-
rences occur, and facts familiar to every educated person mark the
existence of some regulating influence even within the limits of the
smallest of the continents of the world. We cultivate the grape in
England, but it is only in favoured spots, and then even not with cer-
tainty, that it will ripen properly in the open air; yet but a little

585

further south it is so much at home, that it yields one of the necessaries
of life to the entire population. Oranges will ripen on the other side
of the Alps, but not on this. For those cereal grains, those corn-
plants furnishing the principal portion of the food of man, we find
distinct lines of demarcation extending across Europe, beyond which,
northward, each kind ceases to be capable of ripening its seed. Of
trees we know that certain kinds will flourish and form fruits at points
far north, where others are arrested by the cold; the firs, for instance,
exclusively constitute the most northern woods of Scandinavia, while
the dwarf palm, a representative of tropical climates, maintains its
footing even so far into the temperate region as Italy and the south-
ern confines of France.

“ Again, as indeed must be perceptible to every one who has visited
mountainous countries, vegetation alters in its characters at different
elevations, and it has been shown that these variations correspond to
those which are observed on the level plains in proceeding from the
south towards the north; the increased severity of the climate of the
higher localities acting exactly in the same way as the colder climate
of the regions lying further from the equator.

“Such facts as these, obvious as they appear to be, remained un-
connected and unaccounted for until recent times, or differences of
heat and cold were supposed to be sufficient to explain them. But
when a more searching inquiry arose, and when the vague ideas
respecting the influence of heat came to be systematically investigated,
it was found that there were other facts and that other causes were at
work, the existence of which had not previously been suspected. In
the first place it was seen, that mere degree of latitude will not indi-
cate the temperature of a climate ; that the temperature, the average
heat and cold, do not alone constitute the climate properly so called,
but that humidity, exposure to prevailing winds and many other influ-
ences conjoin to produce the atmospheric conditions powerfully affect-
ing vegetation. The chemical and physical conditions of the soil
were found to require investigation, in order to the explanation of
facts otherwise anomalous; and finally it has been discovered that
the particnlar constitutions of the individual species of plants must

‘be studied, if we would rightly understand the causes which give the
peculiar characters to the vegetation of different lands.

“And after all these points have been considered, there is still a
residuum of phenomena which they totally fail to account for; we
are in possession of another series of facts which require to be

‘VOL Iv. 4: F,

586

explained by a wholly different set of causes, as will appear from the
following observations.

“When we compare the floras, that is, the lists of native plants, of
two countries closely alike in physical conditions, we generally find a
difference resulting from the absence of certain kinds in one which
exist in the other, and vice versdé ; moreover, these may be kinds,
which when introduced into the country where they were wanting will
flourish there with a luxuriance equalling that in their native habita-
tion. This shows it is not the physical or external conditions which
have prevented their growth, and we therefore ask why were not they
present at first in both ?”—P. 4.

The author in continuation briefly alludes to the opinion now en-
tertained by many, that the earth has gradually become clothed with
vegetation “partly by the spreading of some special kinds from cen-
tres within those countries where they were originally exclusively
created, and while these have spread outward into the neighbouring
regions, colonists from like centres lying in the surrounding countries
have invaded and become intermingled with the indigenous inhabi-
tants.” Thus, by the side of the climatic and other physical influ-
ences exist “a second and totally different set of conditions, which
must be thoroughly investigated before we can clearly understand the
manner in which the vegetable inhabitants of the world have acquired
their present positions and relations toward each other.”

Another influence controlling the distribution of plants, and that a
most powerful one, is the agency of man. Mr. Henfrey truly states
that “ Important as the effects of climate are, and not to be combated
beyond acertain point, yet is the struggle with the elements vigo-
rously sustained, above all in the north of Europe; curious and
striking as are the phenomena of the spontaneous migrations of plants,
they sink into insignificance beside the operations of man’s improving
hand. Barren plains are forced to yield a crop of food-plants ; bogs
and marshes are drained and turned into arable land; vast tracts
wrested from the sea and brought under the dominion of the husband-
man. The bare escarpments of the rocky banks of the rivers of Ger-
many are terraced by the patient hand of industry, and converted into
smiling vineyards. The whole face of the more populous countries
is changed, and a view of the vegetation of Europe would be defi-
cient in some of its most attractive and important features, without a
sketch of the distribution and characters of the cultivated plants.”—
P. 9.

A slight allusion follows to the “history of the changes which have

587

gone on in earlier epochs of the earth’s existence, before man trod
upon its surface, and claimed dominion over the surrounding crea-
tion.” Mr. Henfrey then enters more fully upon his task, and the
second and third chapters of the volume are devoted to a considera-
tion of the operation of general and special influences on the distri-
bution of plants. To the class of general influences are referred
all those conditions which, as he well says, “allow of particular
conditions of vegetation in different regions ;” to the class of special
influences belong those “ circumstances which cause the peculiar ve-
getation of particular places.” Under the former class are comprised
the influences of temperature, elevation, the winds, ocean currents,
light, moisture, soil, and climate ; to the latter are referred areas of
distribution, the diffusion and limitation of species by physiological,
physical, and animal agencies, and the geological modification of
areas of distribution. This is followed by a general consideration of
the characteristics of the countries of Europe, and a separate exami-
nation of the natural provinces into which Europe may be divided,
according to the views of Professor Schouw, as developed in his
‘Sketch of the Physical Geography of Europe.’

In the chapter on the British Islands, the author has largely availed
himself of the labours of Mr. H. C. Watson, the merits of whose great
work on the distribution of British plants—the ‘ Cybele Britannica ’—
are not yet so fully known and appreciated among botanists as they
deserve to be, or as they certainly will be hereafter. The published
works of other botanists have supplied materials for the chapters on
the floral conditions of the Continental countries ; and if the style of
the work be occasionally rather loose and unconnected, it perhaps is
so rather in consequence of the materials being derived from so many
sources, than of any fault in the author, who has, it seems to us, well
succeeded in his task, notwithstanding the difficulties which he had
to encounter. “ Many men many minds” is an old adage; and to
bring the labours of these minds into union is beyond the power
of man. Of these difficulties, and of the somewhat fragmentary
character thereby impressed upon the work, Mr. Henfrey himself
seems to be fully aware, since he tells us that “ the present volume is
to be regarded merely as a sketch or rough draft, in which the prin-
cipal results of past investigation are for the first time brought toge-
ther into one view.” We could have wished that the authorities
whence the information has been derived had been more frequently
indicated: Suwwm cuique tribuito is a wholesome axiom which in
book-making should never be lost sight of.

588

From the concluding chapter we must give one quotation, which well
illustrates the prevalence of what has been termed the “law of com-
pensation,” throughout the habitable globe. After adverting to the
distinctive features of North and South Europe, as displayed in the
level character of the former contrasted with the mountain chains and
intervening valleys of the latter, the author proceeds :—

“Through this mountainous character, the Italian, the Greek and
the Spaniard possess great advantages over the North-European ; for
in accordance with the well-known law of the influence of altitude
upon climate, they can ascend from their own southern valleys, full
of luxuriant vegetation, to the mountain sides clothed by the rye-
fields, the meadows, and the hazel bushes of the north, and seek
around the alpine summits the hardy little members of the Lapland
flora, or at any rate find there, amid the snow and ice which exist
around their peaks through winter and summer, a vegetation which
will furnish them with an adequate idea of the scanty alms bestowed
by the earth in arctic regions.

“ But the untravelled northern must be satisfied with hearing of the
evergreen woods, the olive groves, the orange gardens, and the like,
which flourish in the clear air, and bear unscathed the comparatively
mild temperature of winters of the South. Yet a contemplation of the
conditions of Northern Europe reveals, that though less richly en-
dowed, it is not less cared for than the South, and a multitude of
influences are found at work, modifying the law of diminution of tem-
perature with increasing latitude, and producing a variety in the phe-
nomena more than compensating for the deficiency in those features
which have given a romantic celebrity to the lands of the ancient civi-
lization of Europe.

“The greater difference of the seasons, and the comparatively high
summer temperature of the North, exercise a very advantageous influ-
ence on the vegetation there ; for although the cold of winter arrests
the activity of vegetable life, it does not destroy it, and the high sum-
mer heat, in the season of the growth generally, and in the time of
ripening of fruits and seeds in particular, is exceedingly favourable.
If the seasons were equable, the North would have an eternal spring,
snow and ice would never be seen, for instance in England ; but nei-
ther would corn ripen; probably even there would be no woods, ex-
cept perhaps in the south-west corner ; for at Quito, in the table-land
of Peru, where the seasons are very equable, the culture of wheat
ceases at the mean temperature of Milan, and the woods disappear at
the mean of Penzance, lower than that of London. This favouring

— aes ae

589

influence of unlike seasons is seen also in comparing the coasts and
inland regions. Iceland and the Feroés have neither corn nor forests,
while both occur on the mainland in places which have a much lower
mean temperature; the limits of the vine and maize rise higher
towards the north in Germany than on the west coast of France.
Maize ripens in the valleys of Tyrol, where snow lies upon the
ground during five months of the year, while it seldom becomes per-
fectly matured even in the South of England.

“Those plants which require a mild winter will not grow in the
North of Europe, but they advance along the western coast under the
influence of the maritime climate, and the myrtle of the South is seen
in the S.W. of England.

“ From the greater difference of the seasons, the approach of spring
is more striking in the North than in the South. A gentle warmth
succeeds to the severe cold of winter, the lakes and rivers thaw, the
snowy covering of the soil vanishes and gives place to grass and herbs,
the trees and shrubs burst into leaf, the migratory birds return, and
the insect world comes forth from its winter hiding-places. In the
South, where no snow lies upon the ground, where the fields and
meadows are green through the winter, and most of the trees and
shrubs retain their leaves, the changes are less important; merely
more plants grow up and flower, more trees become clothed with
leaves, and animal life shows itself more abundantly.”—P. 366.

‘The Botany of the Voyage of H.M.S. Herald, under the Command
of Captain Henry Kellett, R.N., C.B., during the years 1845—51.
By BERTHOLD SEEMANN, Memb. Imp. Acad. Nat. Cur.; Naturalist
to the Expedition. London: Reeve & Co. 1852.’

The surveying ship ‘ Herald,’ under the command of Captain Kel-
lett, sailed from Plymouth, in company with the ‘ Pandora,’ on the
26th of June, 1845, touched at Santa Cruz, in the Island of Teneriffe,
on the 13th of June, and entered the Bay of Rio Janeiro on the 19th
of August. Thence both ships sailed for the Falkland Islands; and
then, steering directly south, they encountered a large iceberg in the
night, and parted company. Rounding Cape Horn, the ‘ Herald’
made Valparaiso on the 14th of November, and found that the ‘ Pan-
dora’ had arrived fourteen days earlier. At this place, as well as at

Pichidanque, the highest peak of the Andes, called Aconcacaqua, was

590

measured, and found to be 23,000 feet in height. Steering north, the
ships made the river Sua, in Ecuador, on the 22nd of January, 1846 ;
and it was here that poor Edmondston lost his life, by the accidental
discharge of a rifle. After surveying the Bay of Choco they sailed
northward to Panama, leaving that place on the 16th of April, and
returning there, after visiting San Francisco, Acapulco, and Guate-
mala, on the 17th of January, 1847. Here they were joined by Mr.
Seemann, appointed Naturalist to the Expedition in the place of Mr.
Edmondston. Until the 24th of April, 1848, the ships were employed
in surveying the coasts of South America; and then the destination
of the ‘ Herald’ was entirely changed. The non-return of Sir John
Franklin began to excite much apprehension; and Captain Kellett
received orders to co-operate with the vessels composing the Relief
Expedition. The ‘ Herald’ immediately sailed north, and on the
14th of September anchored off Chamisso Island, Kotzebue Sound.
An account of Mr. Seemann’s botanical labours in this district form
the first subject of the work now commenced ; and we shall allow
him to speak for himself in describing these little-known regions.

“ The whole country from Norton Sound to Point Barrow is a vast
moorland, whose level is only interrupted by a few promontories and
isolated mountains. The rain and snow-water, prevented by a frozen
soil from descending, forms numerous lagoons, or, where the forma-
tion of the ground opposes this, bogs, the general aspect and vegeta-
tion of which do not materially differ from those of Northern Europe,
being covered with a dense mass of lichens, mosses, and other uligi-
nous forms. Places less covered with plants are sometimes difficult
to pass. The ground is soft, and covered with isolated tufts of Erio-
phorum capitatum. In walking over them some of the tufts give way,
or the foot slides and sinks into the mud, from which it is often diffi-
cult to extricate it. Wherever drainage exists, either on the shores
of the sea, the banks of rivers, or the slopes of hills, the ground is free
from peat. Such localities are generally clad with a luxuriant her-
bage, and produce the rarest, as well as the most beautiful plants.

“The aspect of some spots is very gay. Many flowers are large,
their colours bright, and though white and yellow predominate, plants
displaying other tints are not uncommon. Cape Lisburne, one of the
most productive localities, looks like a garden. The Geum glaciale,
with its fine yellow blossoms, is intermingled with the purple Clay-
tonia sarmentosa, and a host of Anemones and white and yellow Saxi-
frages, or the blue Myosotis alpina. But such spots are rare, they
are like oases in deserts. The Flora cannot be said to possess an

591

imposing aspect. There is nothing to relieve the monotony of the
steppes. A few few stunted Coniferous and willow trees afford little
variety, and even these, on passing the boundary of the Frigid zone,
are either transformed into dwarf bushes, or disappear altogether.
About Norton Sound groves of white spruce-trees and Salix speciosa
are frequent; northwards they become less abundant, till in latitude
66° 44’ 0" north, on the banks of the Noatok, Pinus alba disappears.
Alnus viridis extends as far as Kotzebue Sound, where, in company
with Salix villosa, S. Richardsoni, and S. speciosa, it forms low brush-
wood. With the commencement of the Arctic circle, Alnus viridis
ceases to exist; Salix speciosa, S. Richardsoni, and S. villosa extend
their range farther, but are only for a short distance able to keep their
ground; at Cape Lisburne, in latitude 68° 52’ 6” north, they are in
the most favourable localities never higher than two foot, while their
crooked growth and numerous abortive leaf-buds indicate their strug-
gle for existence. All attempts to spread their dominion towards the
north prove unsuccessful ; two degrees higher, and they are seen no
more. At Wainwright Inlet a boundless plain presents itself. No
tree interrupts the uniform line of the horizon, no shrub shows itself
above the level of the turfy vegetation ; all woody plants are pros-
trated to the ground, and only maintain life by seeking shelter among
the mosses and lichens. The polar wind, which never affects the
graceful palm, and is incapable of injuring the hardy oak, yet at last
succeeds in laying low the offspring of Flora in these regions. Here
they are doomed to slumber two-thirds of the year without sun, with-
out warmth, in an icy bed, till the return of the great light restores
the brightness of day and enables them to resume, for a few weeks,
the busy operations of organized beings.”

“Tt is not often that a Flora is so strictly original, and that its ge-
neral character may be so accurately defined. Out of 242 Phanero-
gams, 2 are trees, 23 shrubs, 194 perennials, 7 biennials, and 12
annuals. Nature does not seem to have trusted to the region many
plants whose propagation solely depends upon the ripening of
their seeds; an uncertain harvest in a district where the quick ap-
proach of winter puts a sudden stop to vegetable operations. Nor
are the physical circumstances favourable to the formation of wood.
Most of the ligneous plants are mere fruticuli, very dwarfish, and more
under the ground than above it. Only a few willows, a rose, the red
currant, a birch, and a Spirea are deserving of the name of shrub.
Trees are still more scarce, no more than two kinds (Pinus alba and

Salix speciosa) having as yet been discovered. The white spruce
- :

592

occasionally attains the height of forty or fifty feet, and a circumfe-
rence of from four to five feet. The largest willow (S. speciosa) seen
was twenty feet high and nearly five inches in diameter. It had such
a juvenile appearance that, judging from the growth of trees in milder
climates, it would have been pronounced to be five or six years old;
yet on closer examination its age proved more than eighty years.
The leaves are alternate in 208 species, opposite or verticillate in 30,
simple in 224, and compound in 15. Many flowers are large, 170
regular, and 69 irregular. The predominant colour of the floral en-
velopes is white in 83 species, greenish in 59, yellow in 43, purple in
24, blue in 17, rose-colour in 7, and red in 3. It is remarkable that
red only occurs in three instances, and that scarlet is wanting. The
predominance of white in plants approaching the Pole is analogous to
the change of colour of many Arctic animals,—the ermine, the ptar-
migan, the hare, and others, whose outer covering turns white in the
beginning of winter. The fruit is dry in 33 species, and succulent in
9. ‘Thus, speaking generally, it may be said that the plants of West-
ern Eskimaux-land are perennial herbs, have alternate, simple leaves,
regular white or yellow flowers, and a dry fruit. In all, 315 species
have been discovered: 35 Thallogens, 88 Acrogens, 45 Endogens,
and 197 Exogens; or 242 Phanerogams and 73 Cryptogams. The
most numerous orders are the mosses and Composite, the former being
represented by 30, the latter by 26 species. Then follows the family
of the lichens with 21 members, that of the grasses with 20, Saxi-
frageze with 19, Rosacez with 18, Cruciferze with 17, and Ranuncu-
lacez and Carophyllee each with 15. The most extensive genera.are
Saxifraga, containing 18 species, Potentilla 9, Salix, Ranunculus and
Polytrichum 8, and Pedicularis and Hypnum 7; Senecio has but 6

representatives, and the rest still fewer.

“The greater number of these plants are common to the Alps, the
Rocky Mountains, and the northern portions of Europe and Asia;
some even are inhabitants of the Antarctic countries. Few are pecu-
liar to Arctic America, and only three, Artemisia androsacea, Seem.,
Kritrichium aretoides, Alph. DeCand., and Polytrichum cavifolium,
Wils., have exclusively been found in Western Esquimaux-land.
Formerly a considerable number were thought to belong to the Polar
regions of the north. In proportion, however, as knowledge increased,
the endemic species have either been reduced to mere forms or varie-
ties, or have proved to be plants common also to other countries.
Now only a few remain, and there is reason to suppose that even these
few will be found to extend their range over a much wider extent of

593

surface than is at present assigned to them. The corroboration of
this supposition would be productive of important results. It would
throw additional light upon the geographical distribution of vegetable
forms, and prove that the diffusion of plants had taken place, not from
north to south, but from south to north,—a direction which, in the
absence of these data, may be supported by plausible arguments.

“ An essential difference exists between the Flora of the southern
and the northern portions of Western Eskimaux-land, a few degrees
in so high a latitude exercising a marked influence. In the southern
or subarctic region there are still plants which the eye is accustomed
to meet in the plains of more temperate climates, such as Rosa blanda,
Spirea betulefolia, Achillea Millefolium, Ribes rubrum, Corydalis
pauciflora, Lupinus perennis, Sanguisorba Canadensis, and Galium
boreale ; besides annuals and biennials, and shrubs and trees. How-
ever, in proceeding northward and having entered the Arctic circle,
these forms disappear; the trees dwindle into low crooked bushes,
and annuals and biennials cease almost entirely, the remaining plants
being such as depend for their propagation rather on their buds than
seeds. They are chiefly perennial herbs with czspitose habit, such
as Geum glaciale, Artemisia borealis, A. glomerata, A. androsacea,
Stellaria dicranoides, Dryas octopetala, D. integrifolia, Saxifraga
cespitosa, and Androsace Chamejasme. These, and mosses, lichens,
cotton-grasses, and low willows, chiefly cover those endless steppes
whose uniform aspect renders the Arctic region so dreary and mono-
tonous.

“A peculiar feature of the vegetation is its harmless character.
The poisonous plants are few in number, and their qualities are by no
means very virulent. The traveller need not fear to get blinded or
giddy by entering a thicket ; no members of those families to which
the Mazanillo, the Upas-tree, or the nightshade belong, inhabit the
extreme north. He need not be afraid to be hit by an arrow dipped
in the sap of the deadly Wourali,—no Loganiacea extends its range
to these latitudes,—nor be much on his guard against spines and
thorns. Save the Geum glaciale, and a rose—which forms no excep-
tion to the rule incorporated in a popular adage,—there are no plants
bearing arms, belonging to that group which has been termed the
‘ milites,’ ”

“When considering the Flora in a commercial point of view, we
find, as far as our present knowledge enables us to see, no produc-
tions which would play a prominent part in the traffic of civilized
nations. Of wood there is only a limited quantity, and that is too far

VOL. Iv. 4G

594

inland ; the leaves of the Rumex domesticus and the different scurvy-
grasses, as well as the roots of some Polygonums, may, in the absence
of better vegetables, serve for culinary purposes, and they may even,
under cultivation, become more palatable ; the various kinds of ber-
ries may be highly useful to the Eskimaux, destitute as they of any
other fruit, and they may be most welcome antiscorbutics to those
voyagers whose daring leads them to the Polar Seas; the Iceland
moss and other lichens may be useful tonics and dyes; but all these
productions are of little or no commereial importance. Should the
country be ever inhabited by a civilized people, they will have to look
to the animal creation for those means which procure the commodities
of more favoured climes, and they will have to exchange walrus-tusks,
eider-down, furs, and train oil, for the spices of India, the manufac-
tures of Europe, and the medicinal drugs of tropical America.”

Writing of the phenomenon of the never-setting summer sun in
high northern latitudes, Mr. Seemann makes the following highly inte-
resting remark, which shows how universal are the laws by which the
vegetable world is governed :—

“Tt must not be supposed that during this time the sleep of plants
is suspended. That function, though short, is as regular as in the.
tropics. With a midnight sun several degrees above the horizon, the
leaves droop when evening approaches, partaking of that rest which
seems to be necessary to the existence of both animal and vegetable
life. If man should ever reach the Pole, and be undecided which way
to turn,—when his compass has become sluggish, his timepiece out
of order,—the plants which he may happen to meet will show him the
way ; their sleeping leaves tell him that midnight is at hand, and that
at that time the sun is standing in the north. Human skill has long
tried to construct instruments to aid those venturing to the Pole to
find their way back. How curious, if an all-wise Providence should
have extended the range of a few Leguminous plants to the very axis
of our planet, and made some humble herbs the means of pe
the solution of the greatest of geographical problems !”

It will be next to impossible for the botanist to read these copious
extracts without perceiving how admirably the author is fitted for the
task he has undertaken. In thus dividing the botanical acquisitions |
made during the voyage of the ‘ Herald’ into separate Floras, he has
adopted the only course by which the result of his labours could be
reduced to an intelligible and useful form. To English botanists this
Florula of West Eskimaux-land is particularly acceptable and inte-
resting, since, notwithstanding the vast range both of latitude and

595

longitude by which we are separated from the inclement shores of
Kotzebue Sound, we cannot fail to be struck with the similarity of its
vegetation to that of the northern extremity of Great Britain, and
especially of our outlying islets,—a similarity in general character
rather than identity of species; thus showing the importance of geo-
graphical botany as a science, and the precision with which results
may be predicated even with the diameter of the earth intervening
between the philosopher and the object of his speculations. We shall
be truly glad to receive the second instalment of this admirable work,
and in the mean time sincerely congratulate the author on the man-
ner in which this first part has been brought out.

Hooker’s ‘ Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany, Nos. 39
and 40, April and May, 1852.

This periodical, after having been discontinued for a month, is now
re-issued ; but, its former price “being,” in the words of Messrs.
Reeve, “insufficient to meet the cost of printing and paper,” two
shillings will in future be charged for each number. We cannot con-
ceal our surprise that a journal with such means at its disposal should
have arrived at a state when its very continuation has become a matter of
uncertainty. This decline is owing to various reasons ; and the measure
now adopted is, in our opinion, not calculated to remove them: for al-
though there are many naturalists in this country who must take in the
publication, let the price be one or two shillings, yet a great number will
content themselves with those extracts which other magazines will give.
The publishers are to blame for not taking any pains in making the
periodical known. We have never seen it advertised in any but
Messrs. Reeve’s own sheets, and certainly never in any of the continental
journals. The editor also is to blame for inserting those long papers
on descriptive botany, containing nothing save diagnosis. They may
look very well in the Linnzan ‘ Transactions, but are sadly out of

_ place in a monthly periodical which contains only thirty-two pages

of letter-press. The space ought to be filled up with readable mat-
ter; dissertations on difficult genera and natural orders, reports on
scientific journeys, reviews, &c.

No. 89 contains :—‘ Eloge on Professor Ledebour; by C. F. P.
Martius.” ‘The Camphor-tree of Sumatra; by W. H. de Vriese ;’

596

translated from the Dutch. ‘ Florula Hongkongensis; by George
Bentham,’ ‘ Abstract of the Voyage of H.M.S. Herald; by Berthold
Seemann.’ Notices of Griffith’s ‘ Palms of British India,’ Bertoloni’s
‘ Miscellanea Botanica,’ and Bertoloni’s ‘ I]lustrazioni di Piante Mo-
zambigesi.’

The new plants described in the continuation of the Hong-Kong
Florula are :—Milletia speciosa, Champ., M. Championi, Bth., Bow-
ringia callicarpa, Champ. (gen. Sophorearum, affine Baphiz), Ormo-
sia? pachycarpa, Champ., Cesalpinia vernalis, OChamp., Phanera
Championi, Bih., Albizzia? Championi, Bih., and Eriobotrya fra-
grans, Champ.

The journal of the voyage of H.M.S. ‘ Herald’ describes Mr. See-
mann’s stay at Singapore, his voyage tlirough the Straits of Sunda to
the Cape of Good Hope, and accounts of the Gambir, the Isonandra
Gutta, the arrow-root, and various other interesting productions of the
Indian Archipelago.

No. 40 contains :—‘ Decades of Fungi; by M. J. Berkeley ;’ (in
which seventeen new species of Agaricus are described). ‘ Contribu-
tions to the Botany of Western India; by N. A. Dalzell.’ ‘ Notice
of Dammara macrophylla, Lindl., a new Conifera; by Sir W. J.
Hooker.’ ‘Florula Hongkongensis ; by George Bentham.’ ‘ Note
on the Spines of Cactuses; by Berthold Seemann.’ ‘ Botanical In-
formation :—Dr. A. Blanco; Bourgeu’s Spanish Plants; Drummond’s
Plants of Western Australia; Superstitions with regard to the Glas-
tonbury Thorn.’ Notices of Harvey’s ‘ Nereis Boreali-Americana’
and Jaubert and Spach’s ‘ Illustrationes Plantarum Orientalium.’

In the Contribution to Indian botany the following new species are
described : —‘ Casearia graveolens, Dalz., C. levigata, Dalz., C.
rubescens, Dalz., Marrubium Malcolmianum, Dalz., Diospyros pani-
culata, Dalz., D. pruiens, Dalz., D. nigricans, Dalz., D. Goindu,
Dalz., Evia uniflora, Dalz., Dendrobium crispum, Dalz., Cassia Goen-
sis, Dalz., Typhonium bulbiferum, Dalz., Lycopodium empetrifolium,
Dalz., L. miniatosporum, Dalz., L. cespitosum, Dalz., and L. curva-
tum, Dalz.

In the Flora of Hong Kong we find enumerated as new :—Meme-
cylon ligustrifolium, Champ., Acmena Championi, Bth., Begonia
Bowringiana, Champ., Hedera parviflora, Champ., and H. protea,
Champ.

597

On the Distribution of the Erica Mediterranea, var. Hibernica, and
some other Plants, in Ireland. By Davip Moors, Esq.*

Havine lately made a journey to the West of Ireland, for the pur-
pose of collecting some of the rare plants which grow and flower there
at this early part of the year, I am afforded this opportunity to
communicate a few observations in connexion with this subject
which I have been enabled to make. It is admitted by botanists
that one of the most interesting additions which have been made to
the Irish Flora for many years was that of the Mediterranean heath
(Erica Mediterranea, var. Hibernica), which was first discovered by
Dr. Mackay, in the county Galway, growing near the base of Urris-
beg Mountain. Thence it has been observed by subsequent bo-
tanists along the coast to the Barony of Erris, county Mayo, where
I recently obtained it in abundance. C. Vernon, Esq., of Clon-
tarf Castle, first called my attention to this locality, in the spring of
1830, when he sent me specimens which he found growing on his
shooting-grounds among the Ballycroy Mountains. These specimens
were all of dwarf habit, with much darker coloured flowers than any
I had previously seen,—characters which greatly enhanced their value
in a floricultural point of view, and showed they belonged to a variety
which it would be desirable to obtain for cultivation in the garden.
They appear also botanically interesting when compared with those
of our early-flowering garden-heath (Erica carnea), from which they
were scarcely to be distinguished. 1 was therefore more anxious to
see the plants growing naturally in Erris, and to bring some for culti-
vation along with specimens for distribution. Favoured by the late
fine weather, I was enabled to examine a portion of that wild moun-
tainous district, and after considerable labour was rewarded by seeing
one of the grandest sights I ever beheld in the way of indigenous
plants. To find a district of at least a quarter of a million of acres in
extent covered with this lovely heath, in full bloom, during the second
week in April, forms perhaps the most remarkable botanical feature
the British Islands can afford. What appeared further remarkable
was its taking full possession of the ground, to the almost total
exclusion of the other kinds of common heaths. The flowers were
generally of a deep pink colour, and the plants grew from six inches to
a foot high. On seeing.so much of it together, and knowing that

* Read before the Royal Dublin Society, April 30, 1852.

598

white varieties of most of our wild heaths are occasionally found, it
occurred to me it might also be the case with this species ; and after
a laborious search I found a plant with white flowers, which I believe
to be the first instance of the kind on record, rendering it both impor-
tant and valuable. This variety appears to connect the two nearly-
allied species still more closely, which most botanists consider to be
distinct, though they are united in DeCandolle’s Prodromus, where
E. Mediterranea is described as the var. 8. of E. carnea. At this
early part of the year few of the other wild plants of the country had
made much progress. I, however, observed one, which I had never
before distinguished satisfactorily, namely, the wild morello cherry
(Prunus Cerasus of Linneus). This species has, until lately, been
mixed up with Prunus avium by British botanists, which is a much
larger tree, producing its flowers in greater clusters, though smaller
individually than those of P. Cerasus. The plants were growing
near the side of the river which passes Ballina, on the demesne of
Colonel Gore, where they did not appear to be scarce. Sesleria cx-
rulea, a species of grass, which is, I believe, confined to the western
counties of Ireland, was in full flower near the same locality, and
growing within tide-mark. In England and Scotland this is consi-
dered a subalpine grass, and only grows in mountainous districts at
considerable elevation; it is, therefore, singular to find it prefer so
low a level in Ireland. Expecting to find some rare mosses and
lichens, I ascended Nephin Mountain, from the Crosmolina side.
The common plants on it were the sea pink (Armeria maritima) and
a well-defined variety of Saxifraga umbrosa, resembling S. hirsuta
more than any other in the roundish outline of the leaves, with
sharply-crenated edges. Their foot-stalks were, however, different
from those in the true S. hirsuta, being nearly smooth and flattened
on the upper surface. The number of species of Saxifraga and their
abundance on the mountains in the west and south of Ireland, with
the number of Ericaceous plants which occur there, constitute most
remarkable features in our indigenons botany, such as are not to be
observed elsewhere in Britain, indicating the meteoric and physical
characters to be different to those which influence other parts of the
country, as they are the circumstances which are known to affect ve-
getation in the highest degree. By observing the configuration of the
west coast of Ireland on the map, and comparing it with the east
coast, the reason why the two sides of the island have different
climates, and consequently a different vegetation, seems obvious enough.
The deeply-indented margin of the former shows a very irregular out-

599

line of small peninsulas, among which deep bays and arms of the sea
flow, with a back-ground intersected in many places by a mountain
range, which protects the sea-board from the north and east, and also
tends to attract the abundance of moisture rising from the Atlantic,
whilst that of the latter is more regular and unbroken, being exposed
to those points. The more westerly longitude may have some effect
on the flora of the western counties ; but the more equal temperature
and greater degree of moisture which prevail there are, no doubt, the
principal agents which produce so marked a change. The circum-
scribed locality of some of the species is more difficult to account for
than vegetation en masse. Why a plant should confine itself to one
or two limited spots in a country which possesses many more such
places, both in general features and similar geological formation, and
be unable to overstep a certain boundary, presents an interesting
subject of philosophical inquiry to the generalising mind. For ex-
ample, the rare and beautiful orchid, Spiranthes cernua, has only
hitherto been discovered to grow in one small field near Berehaven,
county Cork. The St. Dabeoc’s heath (Menziezia polifolia), another
Irish plant, is confined chiefly to the Connemara bogs, and does not,
I believe, even occur in Kerry, where every collateral circumstance
favourable for its growth seems to be present. The other known
Continental localities are the Western Pyrenees and Anjou, in France,
where it is said to be confined to the one spot. Gentiana verna, our
beautiful spring gentian, which is now so pretty in its wild habitats,
and also in our gardens, occupies only a narrow strip across the cen-
tres of the western counties, occurring at intervals from Corofin, in the
county Clare, to near Holymount, in the county Mayo, and does not,
I believe, extend further to the east, south, or north. Numerous
other such instances, even better marked, could easily be pointed out.
On a similar mode of reasoning more species of heath may yet be ex-
pected to be found in Ireland. Erica multiflora and E. arborea,
which grow in parts of France and Spain, may be in some unfre-
quented spots among the wilds of Erris, as also may E. stricta, which
is already stated to be an Irish species in DeCandolle’s Prodromus.
“Etiam in Hibernia boreali” are the author’s words, which, I fear,
is a mistake. The West of Ireland would be a much more likely
locality for it to occur along with so many of its kindred.

Davip Moore.

600

Gymnogramma leptophylla in Scotland. By the Rev. W. W.
Spicer, M.A.

SEEING in the February ‘ Phytologist’ the “ supposed discovery of
Gymnogramma leptophylla in Scotland,” I wrote to the discoverer
(Miss Veitch), in Madeira, to ascertain the exact locality of the plant
in Aberdeenshire. That lady very kindly and promptly sent me the
communication, of which the following is a copy :—“‘I have much
pleasure in informing you that the specimen of Gymnogramma lepto-
phylla in my possession I discovered in a stone dyke on the high
road, on the right-hand side, leading from Braemar (Aberdeenshire)
to Ballater, nearly opposite Invercauld House, and as far as Ivemem-
ber, where the Highlanders perform their annual feats at the gather-
ing, viz., a rock called the Lion’s Face, at the foot of which, enclosing
trees, is the above-named dyke.” Believing the discovery of this lit-
tle fern in Great Britain to be a matter of some interest to botanists,
I have no hesitation in asking you to insert the above in the ‘ Phyto-
logist’ The next thing will be, for.those near the spot to endeavour

to re-find the fern.
W. W. SPICER. .
Itchen Abbas, April 28, 1852.

A Word for Narcissus incomparabilis, Curt.
By Joun G. Baker, Esq.

Has not this beautiful Narcissus almost as good a claim to a place
in the lists of naturalized British species as some of its allies? In
this neighbourhood it appears thoroughly and permanently established
in a walled pasture near the junction of the branch of Cod-beck that
rises near Felis Kirk with the main stream, where, in company with
N. biflorus and a small quantity of N. Pseudo-narcissus, it covers a
considerable space of ground. The field is about mid-way between
the villages of North and South Kelvington, and is contiguous to an
old farm-house, from which the plant has most likely been introduced
in Catholic times, when the house has been a place of more impor-
tance than at present, though a portion of it is still occasionally used

as a chapel.
Joun G. BAKER.
May, 1852.

601

The Taban-tree. By BrrrHoLo SERMANN, Esq.*

THE Taban (/sonandra Gutla, Hook.), which was formerly so plen-
tiful in the island of Singapore, has long since been extinct. A few
isolated trees may here and there occur, but they are very scarce, and
I have not been able to obtain even the sight of one. Several of the
white residents keep in their gardens, as a curiosity, a plant or two, but
they grow very sowly. It must ever be a subject of regret, that on the
first introduction of the Taban gum its proper name was not promul-
gated. Now everybody in Europe and America speaks of Gutta Percha,
when, in fact, all the time they mean the Gutta Taban. The substance
termed by the Malays “ Gutta Percha” is not the produce of the Iso-
nandra Gutta, Hook., but that of a botanically unknown tree, a species
of Ficus, I am told. ‘The confusion of these two names has become a
popular error—an error which science will have to rectify.

The exportation of the indigenous Gutta ‘aban from Singapore
commenced in 1844, but as early as the end of 1847 all, or at least
most, of the trees had been exterminated. That at present shipped
from the place is brought in coasting vessels from the different ports
of Borneo, Sumatra, the Malayan peninsula, and Jahore Archipelago.t
The difference existing in its appearance and properties is owing to the
intermixture of Gutta Percha, Jelotong, Gegrek, Litchu, and other
inferior Guttas, made by the natives in order to increase the weight.
Though far from being extinct in the Indian Archipelago, Gutta Ta-
ban will every year be more difficult to obtain, as the coast region is
said to be pretty well cleared, and a long transport from the interior
must, by augmenting the labour, increase the value of the article.

A few months after the publication of your first account of the plant,
in January, 1847, an article on the same subject appeared in the
‘ Journal of the Indian Archipelago,’ by one of its most able contribu-
tors, Dr. T. Oxley. As that article contains many statements not
contained in yours, and as it may possibly have escaped your notice,
I shall make a few extracts from it.

* From Hooker's ‘ Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany.’
+ “ The total export of Gutta Taban from Singapore has been :—

In 1844 . : : : - : : : pene:
In 1845 : . - : : : : cone 169°,
Paesstivicide nissan oli vd Lovitonrs 398)864) vy
Eten Te. heen Brin ciiy eilt. agerit nQ2OR. cu
In 1848 to the Ist of July : A ; ‘GOR: 2ias
Total : : : ‘ : : 21,598 piculs.”
VOL. Iv. 4H

602

“The Gutta Taban tree belongs to the Natural Order Sapotacez,
but differs so much from all described genera that I am inclined to
consider it a new one. I shall, therefore, endeavour to give its gene-
ral character, leaving the honour of naming it to a more competent
botanist, especially as, from want of complete specimens, I have not
quite satisfied myself regarding the stamens and fruit.

“ The tree is from sixty to seventy feet high, from two to three feet
in diameter. In its general aspect it resembles the Durian (Durio Zi-
bethinus, Linn.), so much so as to strike the most superficial observer.
The leaves are alternate, obovate-lanceolate, entire, coriaceous, their
upper surface is of a pale green, and their under surface covered with
a close, short, reddish-brown hair. The flowers are axillary, from one
to three in the axils, supported on short curved pedicels, and nume-
rous along the extremities of the branches. The calyx is inferior,
persistent, coriaceous, divided into six sepals, which are arranged in
double series. The corolla is monopetalous, hypogynous, and divided,
like the calyx, into six acuminate segments. The stamens, inserted
into the throat of the corolla, are in a single series, and variable in
number, but to the best of my observation, their normal number is
twelve; they are most generally all fertile. The anthers are sup-
ported on slender bent filaments, and open by two lateral pores. The
ovary is superior, terminated by a long single style, and six-celled ;
the cells are monospermous. The fruit is unknown to me.

“ Only a short time ago the Taban-tree was tolerably abundant on
the island of Singapore, but already (middle of 1847) all the large
timber has been felled. Its geographical range, however, appears to
be considerable, it being found al] up the Malayan peninsula, as far
as Penang, where I have ascertained it to be plentiful. Its favourite
localities are the alluvial tracts on the foot of hills, where it forms the
principal portion of the jungle.

“The quantity of solid Gutta obtained from each tree, varies from
five to twenty catties, so that, taking the average of ten catties, which
is a tolerably liberal one, it will require the destruction of ten trees
to produce one picul. Now, the quantity exported from Singapore
to Europe, from the first of January, 1845, to the middle of 1847,
amounted to 6,918 piculs, to obtain which 69,180 trees must have
been sacrificed! How much better would it be to adopt the method
of tapping the tree practised by the Burmese in obtaining the caout-
chouc, than to continue the present process of extermination.”

603

Notices or New Books, &c.

* Synopsis Plantarum, seu Enumeratio Systematica Plantarum ple-
rumgue adhuc cognitarum, cum Differentiis Specificis et Syno-
nymis selectis ad modum Persoonii elaborata. Auctore Davin
Drerricu. Sect. V. Class XX—XXIII. Vimaria: 1852.’

THE fifth volume of this work has appeared ; and the publication,
commenced in 1839, has at last been completed. At present every
one is so well versed in the natural system, that a synopsis of plants
enumerated according to an artificial arrangement has become imprac-
ticable ; and this work, we have no hesitation im saying, will be the
last universal Flora in which the principles of classification laid down
by the Linnzan school have been followed out. As long as DeCan-
dolle’s ‘Prodromus’ remains unfinished, Dietrich’s ‘Synopsis’ will be
of some value. The author has not lived to see his task completed,
he having died about two years ago, which in some measure must be
taken as an excuse for the various discrepancies observable in the
later volumes.

Hooker’s ‘ Journal of Botany and Kew Garden Miscellany, No. 41,
June, 1852.

This number contains the following papers :—‘ Description of a
new Species of Amomum; by Dr. J. D. Hooker.’ ‘ Decades of
Fungi; by M. J. Berkeley.’ ‘Notes on Beloochistan Plants; by J.
E. Stocks.’ ‘The Tallow-tree and Insect Wax of China.” ‘ Voyage
of Capt. Denham, R.N.’ ‘ Mr. W. Gardiner, of Dundee.’ ‘ Death of
Professor Schouw.’ Notices of Seemann’s ‘ Botany of H.M.S. Herald,
Balfour’s ‘ Class-book of Botany, and Hooker’s ‘ Flora of New Zea-
land.’

The Amomum described by Dr. J. D. Hooker is A. Danielli, Hook.
Jil., and was found on the gold coast, where the natives call it “ Bar-
salo.”

In the ‘ Decades of Fungi’ there are eighteen new species enume-
rated, completing the fourth century.

In the ‘ Notes on Beloochistan Plants’ descriptions of the following

_ te

604

species are given:—Papaver cornigerum, S¢ks., Acanthophyllum gran-
diflorum, Stks., Pistachia Khinjuk, Stks., P. Cabulica, Stks., Doryenium
calycinum, Séks., Caragana ambigua, Stks., C. ulicina, Stks., Onobry-
chis dealbata, Stks., O. nummularia, Siks., Astragalus sericostachyus,
Stks., Rhynchosia pulverulenta, Siks., Sophora Griffithii, Stks., Cucu-
mis cicatrisatus, Stks., Zehneria Garcini, Stks., Z. cerasiformis, Stks.,
and Derema aureum, Stks.

The article on the tallow-tree and insect-wax of China is not
signed, but evidently written by Sir W. Hooker. It appears that
in an establishment at Vauxhall alone no less than one hundred
tons (£7000 worth) of candles from wax and tallow of vegetable ori-
gin have been manufactured in a week. The author then proceeds to
quote the interesting account of the Stillingia, by Dr. Macgowan, which
we published some time ago. The insect-wax, or Pe-la, is said to be
produced, according to some, by a species of Coccus; according to
others, by the Flata limbata, which feeds upon an evergreen shrub,
the Ligustrum lucidum; but even this latter point is disputed by Mr.
Robert Fortune, who, we are told, in a foot-note, has brought home a
deciduous tree as the true plant which yields the wax, and which is
living in the garden of the Horticultural Society.

From the paragraph relating to the voyage of Captain Denham,
R.N., we learn that H.M-S. ‘ Herald’ has been re-fitted, and started
for the South Pacific, accompanied by Mr. John Macgillivray as Na-
turalist, and Mr. Milne as his assistant. Probably no surveying ves-
sel ever left the shores of England under more favourable auspices
than the ‘ Herald;’ and the islands which the expedition is to visit
are of more than ordinary interest.

The note referring to Mr. W. Gardiner, of Dundee, is in substance
the same as that printed on the wrapper of our last number; and it
is to be hoped that the subscriptions for the benefit of that botanist
may be numerous.

The announcement of the death of Professor Schouw is taken from
a Danish paper. A biographical sketch of that illustrious naturalist
will be found in a-subsequent page.

Erratum.—Page 600, line 11, for “Ivemember” read “ I remem-
ber.”

605

Proceepines or Societies, §c.

Tue PxHytTotocist CLus.

One hundred and thirty-fourth sitting.—Saturday, June 26, 1852.
Mr. Nrewmavy, President, in the chair.

Cucubalus baccifer.

The President exhibited a series of specimens of Cucubalus bacci-
fer, gathered on the 9th instant, in the Isle of Dogs, by Mr. Thomas
Westcombe, of Worcester. Mr. Westcombe found the plant growing
in considerable abundance, in the old station, the only one known in
Britain, and thought there was no probability of its becoming exter-
minated.

Reproduction of Acrogens.

The President called the attention of the Club to a paper by Mr.
Henfrey, published in Mr. Taylor’s ‘ Annals of Natural History’ for
June, on the mode of reproduction in the higher Acrogens. He ob-
served that the paper was one of great value, as the author had col-
lected the observations of the principal writers on this subject, and
had arranged them under the different groups to which they referred ;
but. at the same time he regretted the entire absence, in this and all
other papers on the same subject, of any attempt to systematize or
classify observations with a view to philosophical deductions. It was
established that certain parts of the embryo in Exogens became gra-
dually developed into the so-called cotyledons ; also that at a certain
and subsequent period the germinating axis made its appearance,
together with the ascending plumule and descending radicle; but no
observation had yet been made that afforded any clew to the origin of
this axis. In ferns, on the other hand, Nageli and Suminski had
traced, as they asserted, the origin of the plumule and radicle to the
presence of what were now termed antheridia and archegonia, deve-
loped on the surface of the proembryo, which was evidently the ana-
logue of the cotyledon. When the plants were matured the object of
our attention in the respective classes was reversed; we multiplied
observations on the pollen-granules and fecundation of the Exogens
to admiration, but were without a single observation on the fecunda-
tion of the mature Acrogens. Thus we attempted to compare two

. _

606

stories, of which we neither knew nor sought to know the beginning
of one nor the end of the other.

Teesdale Plants.

The Secretary read the following interesting letter from Mr. James
Backhouse, Jun., of York, dated June 7, 1852 :—

A week or two ago I spent several days in Teesdale, with my father.
We were rather unusually fortunate in botanical discoveries, showing
the importance of visiting good ground at various seasons of the year.
On Cronckley Fell we found two banks covered over with Primula
farinosa-acaulis, a beautiful little variety, evidently propagated by seed.
The heads of flowers were entirely stemless, and of course so closely
seated upon the leaves as to present a very curious and interesting ap-
pearance. Our next find was Polygala uliginosa, Reich., a species new
to the British Flora. On a high limestone (!) ridge, at an elevation of
about 2500 feet, we discovered the rare and very beautiful Myosotis sua-
veolens (M. alpestris), previously known on the Bredalbane range, in
Perthshire. Alsine stricta (Arenaria uliginosa) is safe and healthy on
Widdy Bank Fell, but so difficult to find as to be perfectly (?) secure.
Pyrola secunda may be looked at by a steady head, but that is about
all. Gentiana verna was beautifully in blossom, studding the margins
of the streamlets and high limestone pastures with its brilliant blue
flowers in all directions. Its range of altitude is 1100—2600 feet.
The meadows were literally pink with Primula farinosa, or yellow with
Trollius europzus, in many parts; sometimes finely intermingled with
Orchis mascula and primroses. How many more rarities will turn up
in this rich district it is impossible to say; but I firmly believe that
more are yet to be found.

Fritillaria Meleagris.

The President made the following observations on the unusual
abundance of Fritillaria Meleagris :—

I know not whether any botanist has recorded the observation that
the natural geographical distribution of this beautiful plant in Bri-
tain is almost exclusively confined to the Valley of the Thames and
its various tributaries. Some of the recorded localities are so impro-
bable, or so entirely unconfirmed, as to be worthy of no credit;
others are almost certainly garden escapes; but the Thames loca-~
lities, reaching up to the very source of that river, present every
appearance of being strictly native. The unusual dryness of the past
spring has been extremely favourable to the flowering of the snake’s-

607

head; and in many places it has been more abundant than even the
buttercups and daisies. In one station (previously unrecorded ?) it
has flowered to an extent that has attracted the attention and excited
the fear of many of the neighbouring farmers; this is in meadows
adjoining Oaksey Park, in Wiltshire, and two miles from the Kemble
Station, on the Great-Western Railway. An eye-witness informs me
that it occurred abundantly over one hundred and twenty acres of
meadow, and that one piece, of sixteen acres, was entirely covered
with it. The soil is described as “ sandy loam mixed with clay, and
abundantly saturated with water.” In this meadow a considerable
proportion of the flowers were pure white.

Mr. Smith's Division of Ferns.

The President exhibited a series of the rhizomes of ferns, in refe-
rence to Mr. Smith’s having lately employed that part in the forma-
tion of a dichotomous division of the order. He stated that he had
long since given the subject a careful investigation and consideration,
and had published in the ‘ Phytologist, no less than seven years ago,
a summary of his views, as follows :—

“ Ferns, in common with other vegetables, possess organs subserv-
ing two different purposes ;—the preservation of the individual and the
preservation of its kind.” “In ferns, it will be at once seen that the
roots tend to the preservation of the individual, so also does the stem:
under all its names of root, rhizoma,” cormus, “ underground stem,
caudex, trunk,” runner, “ &c., the discerning mind recognizes the
same organ under a variety of forms. The fructification is obviously
a provision for the preservation of the kind, and it may be remarked
that it never appears in any degree to subserve the preserva-
tion of the individual, but rather tends to its exhaustion and
impoverishment.” “I am inclined to think the first class of organs
has not received that consideration to which it is entitled; and I
could wish to see characters carefully drawn from the direction and
form of the rhizoma, the attachment and vernation of the fronds, and
the presence, situation or absence of distinct articulation of the sti-
pes.” - “In Polypodium vulgare the joint is at the junction of the sti-
pes with the rhizoma. I find that every discoloured frond falls off at
the slightest touch, leaving a round scar on the rhizoma.”— Phytol. il.
275.

It would probably be asked, why, being aware of both the existence
and the importance of these characters, he did not adopt them? The
reply is sufficiently obvious,—because he found so great difficulty in

608

giving precise limits to groups founded on these characters, and had
consequently returned to the old although unsatisfactory characters
derived from the fructification. Mr. Smith had, however, recently
ventured on the employment of the characters of the rhizome for the
formation of a dichotomous division of ferns, as already indicated on
the wrapper of the ‘ Phytologist. He (Mr. Newman) entertained
grave doubts whether a dichotomous division could be made with suf-
ficient precision to include all the genera. The idea, which had for-
merly occurred to him, and which he found preserved in MS., was to
make a quadruple division of the ferns.

1. Those in which the rhizome was of great endurance, of compa-
ratively slow growth, and capable of producing single fronds

from any part of its surface, except the extreme point of

increase. ‘These fronds were always articulated at the base,
falling off when mature, and leaving a cicatrix like that left on
the twig of an Exogen when the leaf has fallen. Hence the
frond is a true leaf. Familiar examples :—Polypodium vul-
gare and Davallia canariensis. ‘This group is in all probabi-
lity identical with Mr. Smith’s EREMoBRyYA.

2. Those in which the rhizome is of less endurance, of somewhat
more rapid growth, and in which the fronds, although widely
separated and distinct, as in the preceding, are, nevertheless,
without any basal or other articulation, and therefore do not
fall like the leaves of Exogens; but their bases remain iden-
tical with the rhizome. Familiar examples are afforded by
all the Hymenophyllez, Pteris aquilina, Lastrea 'Thelypteris,
Polypodium Phegopteris, P. Robertianum, P. Dryopteris,
and P. montanum. Adopting Mr. Smith’s termination, Mr.
Newman proposed to call this group CHORISMOBRYA.

3. Those in which the trunk was rather a corm than a rhizome,
which was erect or suberect, which was of great endurance
but of extremely slow growth, which produced fronds only
from its point of increase, and in which each successive frond
originated in the base of its predecessor, these bases being
exarticulated and identified with the corm, or trunk. Ex-
amples :—Filix-mas and Filix-foemina. ‘To this group Mr.
Newman proposed to restrict Mr. Smith’s very appropriate
name of DESMOBRYA.

4. Those in which the corm, or trunk, was succulent, the frond one’

only on each corm, and its vernation straight. This group,
corresponding with the Ophioglossaceze of Robert Brown, is

609

already universally acknowledged as natural. Mr. Newman

thought that its name might be changed, for the sake of uni-

formity, to ORTHOBRYA.
~ The author observed, that in carrying out this new system some
rather startling separations, as well as combinations, would be neces-
sary. Thus, Thelypteris and Oreopteris would belong to separate
groups ; Polypodium vulgare and P. Phegopteris must part company,
as must Cystopteris fragilis and-C. montana. On the other hand,
Polypodium alpestre and Athyrium Filix-foemina could not be gene-
rically separated ; neither could Polypodium Dryopteris and Cysto-
pteris montana; neither could Polypodium vulgare and aureum.
These three Polypodia would now stand out almost as types of great
groups.

Pteris serrulata in Dorsetshire.

The President read a letter, addressed to himself, by Mr. J. W.
Bailey, of 71, Gracechurch Street, which was accompanied by nume-
rous specimens of Pteris serrulata, said to have been gathered on the
south coast of Dorsetshire. He thought the statement required inves-
ligation, and that some mistake must have been made.

Orchis speciosa.

The President next alluded to the report, which had been widely
circulated in Irish and other newspapers, of Orchis speciosa of Host
having been found in Ireland by Mr. David Moore, the learned
and most energetic Curator of the Glasnevin Botanic Garden at Dub-
lin. He had corresponded with Mr. Moore and other botanists on
this subject; and the following conclusions seemed almost inevitable :
—Ist, That the plant in question is the Orchis mascula, 8., of Koch ;
and 2ndly, That it is not the Orchis speciosa of Host, a plant of
which Mr. Babington has German specimens, with which he has
carefully compared it, and finds the sepals of the Irish less acute than
those of the German specimens, a conclusion with which Mr. Moore
appears now fully to coincide. Dr. Lindley, however, thinks diffe-
rently, and pronounces the Irish plant to be the true O. speciosa.
The Irish plants are eighteen inches high, have invariably unspotted
leaves, and look, as regards superficial appearance, very unlike O.
mascula. Is the Orchis speciosa of the continent a species?

Chenopodium ficifolium.
The President read the following extract from a letter addressed to

him by Mr. E. G. Varenne, of Kelvedon : —
VOL Iv. 41

610

“T am engaged in an investigation of a form of Chenopodium com-
mon in garden-ground &c. about Kelvedon, and which I refer to Che-
nopodium ficifolium. Have you a specimen of this latter plant, with
characteristic lower leaves and perfect seed ?—do you know of any-
body who has such a specimen ?—and could you get me two or three
seeds ?”

The President regretted his inability to assist Mr. Varenne, but
hoped that some members of the Club would be able to do so.

Species of Woodsia.

The President read the following extract from a letter addressed
to him by Mr. Wollaston, of Eltham :—

“T send you notice of an important observation I have made in
distinguishing the difference between the two Woodsias. W. llven-
sis, in the commencement of its growth, or its vernation, is of a light
bright-green colour, very scaly, and has no appearance of thece until
the fronds are nearly matured, and have attained their full growth. On
the other hand, W. alpina is a very dark green, has very few scales, and
the fronds are studded with thecz as soon as they are visible. It is about
three weeks later than Ilvensis is in its first appearance above ground.
Alpina, moreover, is procumbent in habit ; whereas Ilvensis is erect.”

Arabis stricta and Trinia vulgaris.

The President read the following extract from a letter addressed to
him by Miss Attwood, of 12, Clifton Vale, Bristol :—

“While searching for Notolepeum Ceterach on rocks near Cook’s
Folly, on the Gloucestershire side of Clifton, where it grows more
luxuriantly than on the opposite, or Somersetshire, side of the river,
I found a fine specimen of Arabis stricta, which grows more plenti-
fully in that locality than anywhere else in this neighbourhood ; but
I did not see our other rarity,—Trinia vulgaris,—although it grows on
a reef of rocks at a short distance off. Should you have any friends
who may particularly desire for their herbariums either Arabis stricta,
Hutchinsia petrea, or Trinia vulgaris, I have a few duplicates which
I shall have pleasure in sending.”

Nees von Esenbeck.

The President read the following letter, addressed to the Editor of
the ‘ Phytologist,’ dated Plymouth, June 7, 1852, by Dr. Hance :—. -

—_
= —__

611

Sir,—The number of your journal for March last contained the
draft of a proposed address of condolence to Prof. C. G. Nees von
Esenbeck. Very many of your readers who participate with yourself
in those feelings of pity for the illustrious septuagenarian which the
unworthy conduct of his oppressors is calculated to inspire, must
have observed with regret that no allusion has since been made to
this proposed expression of sympathy; and it is even whispered
abroad—with what truth I do not pretend to determine—that the
project itself has been abandoned, owing to the fear entertained by
some lest a show of honest indignation at a contemptible act of
tyranny should give offence in certain courtly circles. It is repug-
nant to my disposition to obtrude myself where so many better men
might take the lead ; but, since no one has volunteered to come for-
ward of late, I confess that I feel a pride in reminding the scientific
world, however imperfectly, of the claims possessed by the venerable
Professor to respect and admiration. For a quarter of a century the
President and chief support and ornament of the first learned aca-
demy in Europe, an indefatigable and voluminous author, alike dis-
tinguished as a philosopher, a botanist, and a physician, original in
his views, lucid, terse, and eloquent in his style, various and profound
in his learning, of few can we say with more justice, '

* Nil unquam tetigit quod non ornavit.”

It is known that the pitiful excuse put forward for Prof. Esenbeck’s
removal from the chair he has so long filled with distinetion is a do-
mestic event, which occurred about twenty years ago! and for which
no liberal or charitable individual will now call him to account. The
real motive for this arbitrary act is, however, to be found in the eir-
cumstance of his having, as a member of the Prussian Parliament,
rendered himself obnoxious to a retrograde ministry, by the consistent
and unwavering advocacy of good faith, reform, and constitutional
government. May this be borne in mind !—the latest acts of a long
life, spent, not in offering at ducal council-tables jesuitical advice
how best

“ To fool the crowd with glorious lies,”

but in the zealous and unremitting examination of Nature, in the
Study of mind and matter, consisted in an enlightened effort to ad-
vance those liberal views which render owr position such as it is.

The suspicions mentioned above may, unhappily, be well founded ;
and some persons may withhold their adhesion through motives of

612

policy ; but such a contingency should not prevent us from offering
that unfeigned tribute of respect and sympathy which the talents and
misfortunes of the eminent Professor so deservedly challenge.

Let me add a few words of warning. It is our boasted privilege as
Englishmen to side with the oppressed, and to express boldly our ab-
horrence of tyranny, whenever and wherever exercised. That an unfet-
tered and honourable press has used its utmost endeavours to foster and
maintain this feeling, we have all cause gratefully to acknowledge ;
but indications of its apparent weakening in the public mind have,
unfortunately, not been wanting. A new Holy Alliance has been
formed ; continental Europe again groans under military despotism,
Let us beware, lest peradventure our apathy in asserting the sacred
principles of freedom encourage that insatiable and insidious spirit—
which, knowing and dreading its enemies, persecutes and exiles the
Cousins, the Comtes, the Kinkels, the Says, and the Thomas—to
invade our shores, now almost the only European asylum for the vic-
tims of persecution.

I am, Sir,
Your faithful Servant,
H. F, Hance.

To the Editor of the ‘ Phytologist.’

The President expressed his concurrence in the views expressed
by Dr. Hance, and wished to call the attention of botanists generally
to the unhappy circumstances of the distinguished naturalist to whom
Dr. Hance referred, and to solicit pecuniary aid in his behalf. He
had already to announce the following subscriptions, offered for that
purpose :-— :

a
.

William Spence, Esq.

C. Zeyher, Esq. - * . .
H. C. Watson, Esq. :
J.S. Bowerbank, Esq.
Robert Wigham

Professor Henslow

Berthold Seemann, Esq. .
James Yates, Esq.

Dr. H. F. Hance

Edward Newman

E. G. Varenne, Esq. :
Bedford Pim, Lieut. R.N. .

— et OD OO th

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_—

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ccoooooaoooooso &

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_—

613

The Encephalartoses of Southern Africa.

The President read the following memorandum on these plants :—

The important labours of Miquel and Lehmann abroad, and those
of Yates in this country, have rendered the study of Cycadex SO
interesting a subject, that the following notes, extracted from a
letter of Charles Zeyher, dated Cape Town, April 28, 1852, can-
not but be welcome : —“ Encephalartos Frederici-Guilielmi,” says
the writer, “grows on the Winterberg, the theatre of the Caffre
war, and would at present be difficult to obtain. E. Altensteini
is found in woods on the Boschman’s River, not far from the virgin
forests of Olifuntshoek. E. tridentatis occurs also, but sparingly, in
that neighbourhood. _ E. horridus is probably identical with E. lanu-
ginosus; but it requires yet some examination to decide this point
finally. E. cycadifolius is a small and very distinct species; and
there is reason to believe that E. pungens is likewise a good species,
differing, as it does, both in its habit and locality from E. Caffer.
E. longifolius is, with more reason, considered the same as E. Caf-
fer. Age, and perhaps also the effect of soil and locality, make
the leaflets of E. Caffer assume different forms which may have
given rise among botanists to the creation of different species. A
person possessing some tact has no difficulty in detecting among these
and similar varieties the play of Nature, and discerning the true limit
of species. It is not impossible, however, that E. longifolius does exist;
but 1 do not remember having ever met with it, and have now been
in Southern Africa upwards of twenty-five years. E. pungens, at
least the species which I consider as such, partakes of the habit, and
grows in the same soil and locality as, E. horridus; but the leaves are
longer and regular, the leaflets oblong-lanceolate, very entire, and
acutely pointed, and the stem is much higher ; the cones are, in com-
parison with those of E. Caffer, more cylindrical and longer, and
approach more those of E. horridus. I am going to examine once
more all the species, in their natural state, and shall be most willing
to communicate the result.” ;

Joakim Frederick Schouw.
The President read the following notice of M. Schouw, supplied
by a botanical friend :—

Science has sustained another loss. Schouw, the great phyto-geo-
grapher, is no more ; and his death is the more severely felt, as his

614

place is not easily re-filled. Denmark, his native country, espe-
cially has reason to weep for him; for not only did his scientific
achievments shed lustre upon her, but his political labours tended to
secure to her those liberal institutions which now so eminently dis-
tinguish her from the iron despotism to which France, Italy, and
Germany are subjected.

J. F. Schouw was born in 1789, at Copenhagen, where his father
was awine-merchant. At an early age he exhibited a predilection for
Natural History ; and his thirteenth year had hardly been completed
when he attended a course of lectures of the celebrated Vahl. At the
University, however, he made the law his principal study, and passed
a most satisfactory examination. Systematic botany had little attrac-
tion for him; and his travels, which. did not extend beyond terri-
tories well explored, offered but few materials for the description of
new genera and species. Neither did vegetable anatomy and physio-
logy find in him an admirer. His taste and energies were directed
more to geographical, physical, and economic botany ; and it was in
these branches that his genius displayed itself. The geography of
plants, so happily conceived by the master-mind of a Humboldt,
formed the starting-point for Schouw’s scientific labours ; and while
yet occupying a subordinate position in the Home Office he wrote a
treatise on the true native places of plants, which procured him the
title of “ Doctor Philosophiz.” Journeys through Germany, Italy, and
France, undertaken during 1817, 1818, 1819, and 1820, and again in
1829 and 1830, tended to foster his inquiries, and also to familiarize
him with the institutions of other countries.

In 1821 Schouw became Professor in the University of Copenha-
gen, and up to thatitime he had confined himself to scientific labours ;
but when, in 1830, the French Revolution broke out, and that desire
for free political institutions which had made itself so prominent
during the last few years began to seize Europe, he ranged himself on
the side of the popular party, and was the first who ventured to esta-
blish in Denmark a periodical which advocated liberal principles, and
which was conducted with so much moderation and propriety, that it
soon worked its way into the most intelligent circles of society. It is
not our desire to follow Schouw through his political career; suffice
it to say that he was more fortunate than many of his French and
German colleagues, who for a time played a similar part, and deeply
suffered for their patriotic devotion on the commencement of the re-
action. In Denmark the liberal party obtained the mastery ; Schouw

615

became successively President of the National Assemblies and the
Legislative Councils; “and,” says a Danish paper, “ the botanical
Professor moved in the parliamentary forms with an ease, and con-
ducted the discussions with an impartiality and tact, which won him
the applause of all parties.”

Schouw had reached his sixty-fourth year when, on the 29th of
April, 1852, his earthly existence was terminated. If his native coun-
try owes him much for helping to secure to her the freedom she now
enjoys, Science is indebted to him for enriching her with so many
additions, and opening new fields of inquiry and research. His works
are numerous, but the most celebrated are ‘ Tableau du Climat et de
la Végétation de I’Italie, ‘ Phyto-geographical Atlas,’ and ‘The Earth,
Plants, and Man.’ Schouw’s fame is of no perishable nature. It has
not been obtained by that species of scheming, puffing, and quackery
by which many have managed to bring themselves into notice, and
fancy they have succeeded in grasping the palm of immortality when
they have only surrounded themselves with a mob of contemptible
adulators, but by sound research, by deep philosophical arguments,
and by a degree of erudition which could not fail to procure for him
the place he now occupies. His body may moulder, the monuments
erected to his memory fall down, but his name will stand for ever in
the annals of science.

Viola stricta in Cambridgeshire.

The President read the following interesting note, from Mr. Pol-
whele :—

While looking for the Viola stagnina in the fens below Cambridge
I thought I had found some fine specimens of it in White Fen; but
on comparing them with a specimen of Viola stricta from Ireland, and
the description in the ‘ Phytologist’ for January, I was pleased to find
it was that plant, as it had decidedly a short, blunt, green corolla-spur,
and oblong-lanceolate stipules. I only gathered a few specimens,
thinking it was the V. stagnina; and since that I have not had an
opportunity of going for more of it; so I cannot tell whether it is
abundant.

Mr. Salmon’s Division of Surrey into Botanical Districts.

The President read the following note, from a botanist who wished
not to have his name published, but whose high standing he (the Pre-
sident) would vouch for :—

616

- Sit,— Being an inhabitant of Surrey, and possessing a slight smat-
tering of geographical botany, I have attentively perused the article
of Mr. J. D. Salmon, in which he proposes to divide this county into
nine districts. Nothing is easier than drawing a certain number of
imaginary lines across a piece of ground, nothing more difficult than
to point out those characteristic features which distinguish one district
from another. Now, as Mr. J. D. Salmon has made the readers of
the ‘ Phytologist’ follow him through about eight pages, without giv-
ing them any information on the latter point, I vote that he is called
upon to show what are the characteristic botanical features of his dis-
tricts, and how the districts are to be distinguished from each other
phytologically.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
One who thinks that the Division of
the County has been carried too far.

~ To the Editor of the ‘ Phytologist.’

The following note, by Mr. William Bennett, on the same subject,
was also read :—

In reference to the communication, in the last number, ‘On the
Division of the County of Surrey into Botanical Districts, with a view
to the Preparation of a Flora of Surrey,’ I cannot help thinking
that, however useful county floras may be, as affording the materials
and groundwork of a wider compendium, they can be of little other
than local interest, and often disappoint the searcher after information
by their extreme and arbitrary limitation. In our botanical rambles
how rarely do we confine our footsteps to the boundaries of a county,
especially if we wish to gain a start by the wonderful facilities of these
railroad times; and of what scientific interest can it be whether a
plant grows on this or the other side of some brook or streamlet, or
of an imaginary line, which none but the parish authorities can trace
out correctly? The irregular extent and arbitrary mapping of our
counties deprive them likewise of much geographical value in respect
to their natural productions. Every inland county is also shorn of its
fair share in the representation by having no sea-coast. It would
strike me that the counties of Surrey, Kent, and Sussex would form
together an extremely natural group or division, I have not Watson’s
‘Cybele’ at hand, to see if this is not one of his “ provinces,” but
almost think it is identical. What a glorious Flora this district would
make !—and how much more satisfactory to the student and lover of
Nature, and of how much more scientific interest and value, to see
spread before him a complete bill of fare of a natural division like

617

this, than if confined to the accidental limits of the county of Surrey
alone. I think we have strength enough to work out such a Flora,
with the industrious and zealous co-operation of the botanists residing
in different parts of these associated counties; and I put it to Mr.
Salmon, to whom the county is so much indebted for the discovery
of many of its rarities, nevertheless, to sink, if not too late, the ido-
syncrasy of this favourite county into something more cosmopolitan.

Adonis autumnalis, §c.

The President read the following note, by Mr. James Hussey, of
Salisbury :—

Some very just remarks, from your lamented correspondent, the
late Dr. Bromfield, appeared some time back in the ‘ Phytologist’
(Phytol. iii. 317, 416), reprobating a habit contracted latterly by Bri-
tish botanists, of considering certain plants to be doubtfully indige-
nous upon insufficient grounds. Now a note upon Adonis autumnalis
in the ‘ Phytologist’ for March (Phytol. iv. 470) affords a good instance
of this peculiar proneness to doubt; for if we consider the reasons
there given for supposing Adonis autumnalis to be “ probably not
truly wild,” they are these :—First, that it grows in cultivated fields ;
and secondly, that it cannot be depended on two seasons following.
Upon referring to writers upon plants, whether ancient or modern, it
will be seen that Adonis autumnalis is always described as growing
in corn-fields and cultivated land in France, Belgium, Switzerland,
Italy, and Spain. That it should be found, then, only in corn-fields
in England, is no more than was reasonably to have been expected.
Cultivated land is its natural station, in common with many other
plants; and its occurrence there can consequently be no reason
against its being indigenous. But then “it cannot be depended on
two seasons following.” Now with regard to this, there are unknown
causes operating, which tend to keep some plants scarcer than others;
but in the present instance it is, besides, obvious that plants growing
in cultivated land are more liable to disturbance from the rotation of
the crops than those in other positions, and so do not appear in the
same profusion every year in the same place; but this fact is scarcely
available to prove that a particular plant is not a native, because it
applies with equal force to Ranunculus arvensis, Centaurea Cyanus,
Papaver hybridum, Bupleurum rotundifolium, and others which are at
present free from the brand of an asterisk. Moreover, if the obser-
vations of the late Dr. Bromfield upon Cénanthe pimpinelloides and
Silaus pratensis (Phytol. iii. 405—408), and of Mr. Lees in a paper

VOL, IY. 4 kK

618

devoted to the subject of “ the disappearance of plants from localities
once assigned to them” (Phytol. iii. 510), be correct, there are many
other plants undoubtedly native which are far from constant to their
position. In the case of Adonis autumnalis, however, my own expe-
rience would lead me to affirm that, though varying in abundance in
accordance with the variation of the crop, it is always to be found in
its old localities; and this observation Mr. Flower also verifies in the
note referred to, as, though rare, he still found a few specimens in the
corn-fields of Kent, where it had been, a few years before, abundant.
The second reason, then, is no more satisfactory than the first; for,
supposing Adonis autumnalis to be “probably not truly wild,” a plant
which is known to have been found in corn-fields in England more
than two hundred years ago (see Parkinson, as quoted by the Rev.
W. T. Bree); which is widely distributed over the counties with a
chalky or limestone soil from Gloucestershire to Norfolk and Kent;
which grows, too, in the most upland and solitary spots, such as
Stonehenge and Great Ridge, in this county ; which has been received
without a note of doubt by Ray,* Hudson, Sir J. E. Smith, and, I be-
lieve, all botanists until very lately; and which has no peculiarity in
its geographical range upon the Continent to make its occurrence in
England unlikely; it may well be matter for surprise that an aste-
risk should ever have been affixed to it in an English Flora, when the
balance of probability inclines so very decidedly in favour of retain-
ing this ornament of our corn-fields upon the list of our truly native
plants.

Athyrium ovatum.

The President read a short paper intituled :—

“Note on Athyrium ovatum, Roth, more especially in reference to a
Paper by Mr. Hort, published in the ‘ Phytologist’ for February (see
Phytol. iv. 440); by Edward Newman.”

On reading the paper to which I have referred above, and which
was first published in the ‘ Botanical Gazette,’ I did not perceive that
it contained any observations that required a reply at my hands; I
regarded it only as an agreeable contribution to a favourite science ;
and as such | applied for and received permission to transfer it from
the pages of a moribund periodical to those of a journal still in the
prime of its green and vigorous age. Iam aware that my nature is

* Unless the “in Anglia sponte provenire dicitur sed rarius” of Ray be considered
to imply a doubt.

619

extremely sluggish and obtuse in comprehending anything that par-
takes of the character of criticism on myself; but this, | am now
informed, was Mr. Hort’s intention; indeed, I learn that he is consi-
dered as having made rather a good hit on the subject of Athyrium
ovatum, when he explains that Fries used to make a point of having
seen at least a hundred living individuals of a plant before he admitted
it into his Catalogue, but that no one would fix the numerical stan-
dard so low as two, the number to which, as far as his observation
extends, Athyrium ovatum is restricted in its British locality. Hence
it would appear that I have introduced a species on the faith of these
two examples.

I would first reply that my correspondents did not inform me of the
fact of this restriction; from their communications I was induced to
consider it “rare” (Phytol. App. xii); but I never entertained the
idea of its numerical restriction to two or two hundred individuals ;
indeed, a botanist now at. my elbow, and one whose judgment in the
matter of ferns is paramount, says, “I saw it frequently, though not
abundantly, throughout the lake district.”._'The communicant has the
plant growing luxuriantly. I may also mention that Hoffmann and Roth,
from whose works the species is adopted, make no allusion whatever to
its rarity. I am induced, by my friend already alluded to, to mention this
subject, because I have no ambition to be ranked among species-makers ;
and, moreover, the regulation laid down by Fries for his own govern-
ment is altogether so congenial to my views, that I cannot but regard
with some feeling of complacency the fact that twelve years ago I
published an idea identical with that which is now cited.

As a botanical observation I would add, that the flat upper surface
of the pinnules of ferns has always a tendency to parallelism with the
horizon. If the rachis also possess this parallelism the plane of the
pinne and of the rachis is identical; but when, as in bog-ferns, the
rachis is erect or nearly so, then the pinna, still striving after the
horizontal position, form nearly right angles with the rachis. The
peculiarities recorded by Mr. Hort are results of these general laws.
When the reverse takes place that position may be regarded as ex-
ceptional.

’ BorTaNICAL SocieETY OF EDINBURGH.

Thursday, May 13, 1852.—Dr. Seller, President, in the chair.
_ A note was read from the Rev. W. A. Leighton, transmitting speci-
mens for the Society’s herbarium of a new fungus, detected by the

620

Rev. A. Bloxam, on fallen firs at Gopsall, Leicestershire, and named
by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley, Patellaria constipata.

Dr. Balfour read a letter from Dr. Dickie, mentioning that he had
added two mosses to the Flora of Ireland, not recorded in Mackay’s
‘Flora Hibernica, véz., Polytrichum hercynicum and Hypnum rufes-
cens, “northern forms, and associated with the Spanish forms, so
called by Professor E. Forbes.”

Dr. Balfour also read a letter from Professor M‘Cosh, in which he
remarks :—“ You may be interested to learn that I was with Dr.
Dickie and his students to-day on their botanical excursion. We
had two goniometers with us. We cut off a number of healthy
branches from various trees on our route, and made a number of mea-
surements, the students being the agents. The results correspond
wonderfully with those arrived at by me. Taking a fair, healthy
branch, with branchlets, we measured so many as eight or ten of
these branchlets, I mean the angles made by them; and then, work-
ing the sum by 8 or 10, what I have given below is the normal
angle, as thus determined :—Rosa canina, 50.5; alder, first trial 47.5;
ditto, second trial, 51; privet, 51.52; horse chestnut, 51; ash, 58.5;
beech, 44; briar, 48; elm, 45; sycamore, 45; Stellaria media, vein
and branch, 20. Such observations as these are to be repeated every
Saturday during the season.” ;

Dr. Balfour exhibited the following donations, made to the Museum
of Economic Botany since the last meeting of the Society :—From
His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch :—Section of a cedar of Lebanon,
eighty-two years old and seven feet in circumference. From Mrs. C.
Macintosh, Stockbridge :—Two baskets, “ Yellon and Binnok,” made
by the natives of Melbourne, South Australia. From Jsaac Bayley,
Esq. :—Box from the West Indies, made of beef-wood (a species of
Casuarina) ; also specimens of straw and straw-plait from Shetland ;
and various specimens of ropes. From — Hay, Esq., Leith Ropery :
—Specimens of hemp in various stages of manufacture. From Miss
M‘Nab, Zante :— Specimens of the Corinthian grape and bottle-
gourds. From John C. Wilson, Esq., manufacturer, Kirkcaldy : —
Specimens of flax in various stages of manufacture. From Mr.
Charles Howie, nurseryman, St. Andrews :—Specimens of carbonife-
rous fossils, consisting chiefly of Stigmaria and ferns, Some of the
specimens of Stigmaria were very large, and presented the true cha-
racters of the genus in some cases, while in others they seemed to
pass into the form of Sigillaria. From Miss Dewar, Dundas Street :
—Specimen of what appeared to be a portion of a palm-spathe. It

621

had been received from Naples, as the cover of an orange-box. From
Dr. Hay, 74, Queen Street :—Specimens of “Tappa,” or Sandwich-
Island cloth, said to be made from the leaves of Pandanus. It is
“made by hammering the leaves so as to run the fibrous matter toge-
ther. The specimens were made in the district of Kan, in Owhyhee.
The dye of the coloured specimen is also native.” Also a piece of
silicified wood from California. From John Watson, Esq., Calcutta:
—Handkerchief made from pine-apple fibre. From Mr. Maclean,
Braidwood :—Specimen of paper made from flax, grown upon his
farm at Braidwood, in the season of 1851. “The one sample is
mixed with a little refuse from the flax-mills, Dundee; the other is
entirely from the flax-straw. The one specimen is pressed, the other
is not.” From Michael Connal, Esq., Glasgow :—Specimens of the
following plants, from the Botanic Garden, Calcutta, preserved in py-
roligneous acid :— Fruit of Borassus flabelliformis, papaw (Carica
Papaya), netted custard apple (Anona reticulata), three species of
Dolichos—D. gladiatus, tuberosus, and Lablab,—and Spondias man-
gifera. From George Graham, Esq., through Humphrey Graham, Esq.:
—Specimen of Kauri resin, accompanied with the following observa-
tions :—“ From the Dammara australis, or the Pinus Kauri of New Zea-
land, according to Mr. Yate, who describes the tree as running from
eighty-five to ninety feet high, without a branch, and sometimes twelve
feet in diameter, yielding a log of heart-timber eleven feet in diameter.
In 1838 it appears that some cargoes of this timber were received at
Plymouth dock-yard, and that the wood was found of admirable
quality for masts and spars of ships. Mr. Prideaux, of Plymouth, sent
a paper on the Kauri resin to the ‘ Philosophical Magazine,’ in 1838,
in which he pointed out its valuable qualities for varnish-making. It
appears that Captain Cook first noticed the tree in New Zealand.”

The following papers were read :—

1. ‘Notice of Chinese Vegetable Products ;’ by Robert Fortune,
Esq. Mr. Fortune, in transmitting specimens for the Museum of
Economic Botany, sent the following remarks in regard to them :—

“ Ist. Eight samples of curious kinds of tea, some made up in
bundles, or balls, others in cakes of different sorts. With reference to
the two large cakes, I have the following memorandum from the Rev.
Dr. Bridgeman, of Shanghae, from whom I received them :—‘ They
are from the province of Yunnan. It is called “dragon conglomerate
tea;” and itis considered valuable for its medicinal qualities, being
used for fever and ague, and other similar diseases. A piece as large

622

as the end of a man’s thumb, with a small bit of ginger, is fo be
boiled in water, and then taken as the Chinese take the ordinary tea.’

“2nd. Seeds of the Chinese tallow-tree (Stillingia sebifera). lt
will be observed that these seeds are coated with a tallow-looking
substance. This is, in fact, the vegetable tallow, an article which is
extensively used over the whole of China, and particularly in the
central and more northern part of the empire. The seeds, after the
tallow is removed, also furnish oil, which is much used; and the
refuse, or oil-cake, is employed in manuring the land.

“ 3rd. Green-tea dyes. These are gypsum, turmeric, and Prussian
blue (two kinds). They are taken from a tea manufactured in the
green-tea country, where they were being used in preparing tea for
our depraved tastes. In my new book I have given a full account of
this manufacture.

“ 4th and 5th. Two kinds of arrow-root made from the root-stocks
of Nelumbium speciosum. This substance is held in high esteem by
the Chinese, and is extensively used in the central parts of the
empire.

“6th. A noble specimen of the fingered citron, from China.

“7th. A bottle of fruit of Gardenia radicans. It furnishes a yellow
dye, used in colouring wood. The dye is boiled with a small portion
of glue, rubbed on the wood, which is thus oiled over. The wood is
much used for ornamental work, and for boats.

“8th. Liquid indigo made from Isatis Indigotica, largely used in
the northern province of China. It is the Tein-Ching of the Chinese,
and is used exclusively in dying cotton-cloth. It is much in use in
China. It is produced in a district near Shanghae, and is hence called
Shanghae Indigo.

“9th. Specimens of the fibre of the hemp palm (Chamerops sp.).
This is a most beautiful palm-tree. It grows in the northern province
(Chekiang and Kiangnan), where the winters are excessively cold, and
where other tropical forms of vegetation are unknown. It produces
large quantities of the brown fibre on its stem, which is probably
intended by Nature to protect it from cold. These trees are very va-
luable to the natives, who remove a quantity of fibre from them every
year. Its fibre, as in the sample sent, is converted into ropes, cables
for junks, and brushes ; hats and cloaks are also made of it, and worn
in wet weather by the agricultural labourers and others. It makes
excellent bottoms for beds and couches, and is used in many other
ways. I believe it is much more hardy than any of its tribe; indeed,
it has been living in the open air at Kew for some years. Sir Wil-

623

liam Hooker, to whom I sent plants in 1848, says, in the ‘ Botanical
Magazine’ for March, 1850, that it ‘has braved unharmed, and un-
protected by any sort of covering, the severe winters now passed
(1849—50.’) We may therefore hope to see this fine palm growing on
our hill-sides as it does in Northern China, particularly in the milder
parts of England, Ireland, and about Edinburgh.”

2. On Plants found in Yorkshire, Westmoreland, and Cumberland,
in April, 1852; by Mr. James B. Davies. Mr. Davies remarked :—
“The past spring has been a remarkably dry one; but on the 28th,
29th, and 30th of April there was a plentiful supply of rain in York-
shire. The long period of drought had a remarkable effect in retard-
ing vegetation, not so much, certainly, in the neighbourhood of the
lakes, where the air is moist, as in the mining districts of Westmore-
land, where the ground is more heathy. For ten weeks prior to the
28th of April not half an inch of rain had fallen. I left Ripon on the
ist of April, for Harrowgate, and on the common found Luzula pilosa
in good condition, with roses, Pelargoniums, and Cinerarias, in the
gardens. I spent five days at Poole, where I found the apple, pear,
and cherry in flower, with daffodils, gooseberries, currants, Anemones,
Saxifrages, and the red variety of Pulmonaria officinalis, in the gar-
dens. On a hill at Ilkley I saw an abundance of Lycopodium clava-
tum and Bryum ligulatum in fine fruit. On Good Friday I found, in
the grounds around the Abbey of Bolton, and between that and Bar-
den Tower, the wild strawberry, marsh marigold, Cochlearia, Oxalis
acetosella, Chrysosplenium alternifolium, Jungermannia epiphylla,
and Marchantia conica; and Lathraea squamaria at Pooley Bridge.
At Kettlewell, Saxifraga tridactylites was abundant on the scars. On
the 14th of April, Sesleria cerulea was noticed at Kirby Stephen, in
Westmoreland, with Prunus spinosa abundantly in flower. The leaves
appeared on the 27th. At Temple Laverby on the 16th and 17th a
few new plants were noticed—Ranunculus auricomus, Alchemilla vul-
garis, Myosotis sylvatica, Luzula sylvatica, Plantago lanceolata, two
flowers of Lychnis dioica, Poa annua, Linaria Cymbalaria. On a hill
near Pooley Bridge I found Primula farinosa, not in flower; and in a
dried drain Ranunculus hederaceus, with flowers not half the diameter
of the ordinary form, probably the result of drought. On the way
from Pooley to Keswick, I found, on the 21st of April, Lotus cornicu-
Jatus, Chenopodium Bonus-Henricus, Stellaria Holostea, and Orobus
tuberosus, all in flower; large patches of Allosorus crispus in the cre-
vices of the walls. Friar’s Crag is a little rocky promontory, which
juts out into the north-east side of the lake. Here the broom and
biaeberry were in fine flower, as well as woodroof, Anthoxanthum,

624

bird-cherry, and Cerastium triviale. Epimedium alpinum is not now
found here. On the grounds facing the river Greta, I found Luzula
campestris, crow-garlic, ash, earth-nut, germander speedwell, Galium
cruciatum, Ajuga reptans, Vicia sepium, and Alopecurus pratensis.
Mr. Davies likewise gave a complete list of the plants observed by him,
with their dates of flowering.

Professor Balfour exhibited a young plant of Victoria Regia from

one of the hot-houses in the Botanic Garden, showing the remarkable
difference in the form of the leaves produced in its early stage of
growth from those afterwards formed. The plant showed the first-
formed linear leaf, followed by the sagittate form, after which leaves
of a more or less rounded-cordate form are produced.
- A number of interesting exotic plants, in flower, were exhibited
from the hot-houses in the Botanic Garden; also many alpine plants,
including rare British species, such as Carex Vahlii, atrata, &c. ;
and plants of Viola stagnina and Ranunculus tripartitus, which had
been presented to the garden by Mr. Babington.

The following gentlemen were elected Ordinary Fellows :—Rev.
Thomas Brown, Randolph Cliff; Christopher Kerr, jun., Esq., 22,
Walker Street ; Peter Davidson, Esq., 39, Albany Street ; Peter
Fairbairn, Esq., 53, George Square.

After the meeting the members enjoyed a walk through the aaliias
house and hot-houses of the Botanic Garden, along with Professor
Balfour.

Thursday, June 10, 1852.—Dr. Seller, President, in the chair.

The following donations were announced to the Society’s library
and herbarium :—‘ Transactions of the Tyneside Naturalists’ Field-
Club,’ from the Club; British plants from W. Somerville Miller, Esq.

Dr. Balfour exhibited, under the microscope, a section of fossil
dicotyledonous wood, from California (presented by Dr. Hay), exhi-
biting a peculiar arrangement of the woody zones.

Dr. Balfour mentioned the following donations, which had been
made to the Museum of Economic Botany at the Botanic Garden
since the last meeting of the Society, and exhibited some of the more
interesting specimens :—From Mr. Hepburn, Millfield :—A monstrous
cucumber, in which a flower was produced from the side of the fruit.
From George Patton, Esq., of Cairnies :—Sections of stems and roots
of Scotch fir, larch, common spruce, and white spruce, showing pecu-
liar arrangements of the. woody circles. In some cases the rings, from
pressure, were developed chiefly on one side of the central point; in

625

others there were several centres shown, with concentric circles round
each. From Mr. Brand :—Specimen of an adulteration of green tea,
said to be composed chiefly of the excrement of the silk-worm.

Mr. M‘Nab called the attention of the Society to “a magnificent
specimen of the Lilium giganteum of Wallich, or L. cordifolium of
Don’s ‘ Flora Nepalensis,’ now flowering, for the first time in Britain,
in the Comely-bank Nurseries, from seed originally sent home by
Major Madden, collected in the damp shady woods of Kemaon. The
plant at Comely Bank is now nine feet six inches high, and in flower.
Major Madden has just informed me that this gigantic lly grows at
between 7000 to 9000 feet of elevation, in deep, black, vegetable soil,
and averaging from five to eight feet in height, the bulbs being always
found on the surface of the soil.”

The following papers were read :—

1. ‘On a supposed new Species of Eleocharis;’ by Charles C. Babing-
ton, M.A. The plant described by Mr. Babington had been picked in the
autumn of 1844, by Professor Balfour, at Taynlone, in Cantyre, along
with Scirpus pauciflorus. Among specimens of the latter plant trans-
mitted by Dr. Balfour, Mr. H. C. Watson had detected the new spe-
cies to be noticed. The species has been denominated Eleocharis
Watsoni by Mr. Babington, and is thus described :—Spikes terminal,
solitary, oblong; glumes acute (?), the lowest one somewhat blunt,
and surrounding the base of the spike; style bifid; the achene con-
vex on both sides, oblong, very obtuse, with its base slightly attenu-
ated, the angles rounded and obscurely punctate-striated, the base of
the style persistent, broadly depressed ; 4-6 hypogynous sete shorter
than the achene; culms sheathed at the base, the sheath abruptly
truncate. Mr. Babington, after giving fuller details respecting the
plant, made some remarks on the difference between it and the allied
plants, viz., Eleocharis uniglumis, E. multicaulis, and E. palustris ;
and he expresses an earnest hope that some botanist will visit the
locality in Cantyre, and determine more completely the character of
the species, which at present rests on the examination of three or four
specimens only. The paper was illustrated by a specimen of the
plant, from Professor Balfour’s herbarium.

2. * Analysis of the Fluid (known as gram-oil) from the Leaves of
Gram (Cicer arietinum) ; by Thomas Anderson, Esq. This paper
consisted of an analysis made by Mr. Russell Aldridge. “ On evapo-
ration it yielded a black residue, which would not dissolve in cold
water, but did so readily when heated; and om cooling it became tur-
bid, showing the presence of oxidizable extractive. ‘To a small por-

VOL. Iv. 41

626

tion of the fluid was added chloride of calcium, and obtained a preci-
pitate of oxalate of lime, showing the presence of oxalic acid; it was
then filtered ; and to a portion of the filtrate potash was added. No
precipitate was obtained, and therefore no tartaric acid. To the
remainder of the filtrate was added ammonia, which gave no precipi-
tate when cold; but upon boiling it a slight one was obtained, show-
a trace of citric acid. The remainder of the original solution was
evaporated down, and the residue taken up with alcohol. A small
quantity of gummy matter separated. On evaporating the alcoholic
fluid down it left some sugar. The residue was then placed in a pla-
tinum capsule, and subjected to red heat. The ashes (which were of
a brown colour) were then taken up with water, and a few drops of
hydrochloric acid added, which gave to the fluid a yellow colour,
showing the presence of oxide of iron. It was then filtered, and car-
bonate of ammonia added, which gave a distinct trace of lime ; filtered
again, and to the filtrate was added phosphate of soda, which gave a
trace of magnesia. Potash and soda were present in minute quanti-
ties. The results are :—Oxalic and citric acid (copious traces), oxi-
dizable extractive, gum, sugar, lime, magnesia, iron, potash and soda.”

3. ‘ Notice relative to the Transmission of Foreign Seeds in Soil ;
by Mr. M‘Nab. The author of this paper stated that he had long
been in the belief that the transmission of fruits and seeds in a fit state
for germination would be better accomplished by being packed in soil
than by any other known method. This experiment was fully tested
by himself in 1834, when he brought over the seeds of many of the
rarer American oaks and other trees in boxes filled with soil; while
portions of the same kinds of seeds, packed both in brown paper and
cloth bags, were in many instances totally useless. The method he
adopted for the American tree-seeds was as follows :—He purchased
several strong deal boxes, about fourteen inches in diameter, and made
of {inch wood. He afterwards procured a quantity of soil, taken from
a depth of eight or ten inches under the surface, so as to possess only
a natural dampness. A layer of the soil, two inches deep, was placed
on the bottom of the boxes, above which a layer of seeds was distri-
buted ; another layer of soil, and then seed, and so on till the boxes
were full. The whole was pressed very firmly down, when the lids
were nailed on, allowing no possible room to shake about. When
they reached Edinburgh, in December, 1834, the seeds and soil were
sown over the surface of shallow pans and boxes. During the following
spring they grew freely ; while of those brought home in the paper
and cloth bags comparatively few of the varieties grew, the acorns

627

being, without an exception, perforated with insects. The kinds which
grew were from four to five weeks later of vegetating than those brought
home in soil. Acorns brought home in a box of Sphagnum moss, after
the superfluous moisture had been wrung from it, were equally suc-
cessful with those in soil. Owing to the success of the above expe-
riment, Mr. M‘Nab, some years ago, recommended to the Highland
and Agricultural Society, through the late Dr. Neill, to encourage, by
means of premiums or otherwise, the transmission of seeds in soil.
This was accordingly done; but nothing has resulted from it, notwith-
standing that the notice still exists in their premium-list. During the
summer of 1851 Mr. M‘Nab induced his brother, Dr. M‘Nab, of King-
ston, Jamaica, to send a box of West-Indian fruits and seeds, to be
put up as described, and which he despatched during the month of
August, containing seeds of the following :—Granadilla, gourds, for-
bidden fruit, shaddocks, sweet sop, sour sop, Cherimoyer, Sapota,
guava, Lignum-vitz, papaw, alligator pear, mango, ochra, fustic, &c.
The box reached Edinburgh last October. Shortly afterwards the
seeds and soil were sown over the surface of boxes prepared with
drainage and soil for the purpose. During the month of January the
surface of the boxes became covered with innumerable specimens of
cucurbitaceous and other herbaceous plants. When about three
inches high they were removed; and again the surface became co-
vered with ochra, papaw-trees, &c.; and now the different species of
Anona, Citrus, Lignum-vite, besides several of the stronger hard-
wooded sorts, are making their appearance. It would be very desir-
able, in all cases where seeds are transmitted in soil, to have small
portions of each named and sent in paper. Many of the seeds could
thus be picked from the soil and identified before sowing. This, how-
ever, is only applicable to the larger fruits and seeds ; while with the
smaller ones dried specimens would be the only way to identify them.
Two of the boxes were exhibited to the meeting ; and the luxuriant
growth of seedling plants which they contained bore unmistakeable
evidence of the success of the mode recommended by Mr. M‘Nab.
4, ‘On a Variety of the Orchis mascula (O. speciosa, Host) found
in the county of Wicklow ;’ by Mr. D. Moore, of Glasnevin. This
communication consisted of the following letters, from Mr. Moore,
relative to the Orchis speciosa, Host, which Mr. M‘Nab read to the
meeting :—

~ “ May 27, 1852.—I have just been looking over a proof figure of
Orchis speciosa, Host, for English Bot. Sup. It was discovered by
me and another person, last year, in the Co. Wicklow, where I went

628

again a few days ago, and found two more plants. Koch makes it a
variety of O. mascula, which it probably ought not to be kept separate
from, the difference being more in appearance than in well-defined
characters. It is, however, a noble-looking plant, growing nearly
eighteen inches high.

“ May 28, 1852.—I herewith send you one of the smallest speci-
mens of the Orchis speciosa, Host, which I will thank you to show to
Dr. Balfour. Some of the flowers in the rachis are imperfect, wanting
the labellum. The specimen figured had also imperfect flowers, which
would appear to be characteristic of the species. I confess I cannot
find good characters to distinguish it from O. mascula, though it dif-
fers so widely in general appearance.”

In regard to the Orchis, Dr. Balfour read the following communica-
tion from Mr. Babington :—“I see that Mr. Moore has sent you a
paper upon the supposed Orchis speciosa of the county of Wicklow,
and that it is to be brought before the Botanical Society, on Thurs-
day next. He has been so good as to send mea specimen of the
plant; and I have informed him very recently that I could not con-
cur in the opinion that it is the O. speciosa of Host. TI believe it to

be nothing more than a very luxuriant state of the O. mascula. A.

few days since I found two specimens, exactly corresponding with the
Wicklow plant, in the wooded part of the Devil’s Ditch, in this county
of Cambridge. They possess the remarkable size of Mr. Moore’s

plant, and the rather acuter segments of the perianth, such as he finds.

on his specimens. The true O. speciosa (which is itself only a variety
of the O. mascula) has very much more attenuated segments of peri-
anth. It is figured by Reichenbach in his recent elaborate volume
upon the Orchidacee (forming Icon. Fl. Germ., vols. 13 and 14); and
1 have lately received a plant which is much more like it than is the
Irish plant, from Mr. Keys, of Plymouth. Our English O. mascula is
noted by continental botanists as an obtuse-petalled form of the spe-
cies. Mr. Moore’s plant is far nearer to the continental type of the
species.”

5. ‘On Plants observed in Westmoreland and Cumberland, in May,
1852 ;’ by Mr. James B. Davies. Mr. Davies recorded the flowering
of the following plants during the month :—Arabis hirsuta, Anthriscus
sylvestris, Nuphar lutea, Trifolium pratense, Chelidonium majus, Pri-
mula veris, Bromus mollis, Caltha palustris, var. radicans, Trollius
Europeus, Geum rivale (with yellow flowers), Melica uniflora, Poten-
tilla Tormentilla, Ranunculus hederaceus, Carex dioica, Juniperus

communis, Valeriana dioica, Caltha palustris, var. minor, Arum

629

maculatum, Primula farinosa, Cerastium triviale, var. holosteoides (?),
and many other plants. Mr. Davies observed a few ferns, such as
Hymenophyllum Wilsoni and Allosorus crispus; also Lycopodium
alpinum, &c.

Mr. Stark exhibited a new adaptation of the simple microscope,
suited for field-examination of the minute parts of plants, especially
for Algz and other cryptogams. Besides the lens, supported on a
stalk, for holding in the hand, and giving a power of 60 or 70, there
is attached a circular glass field for laying the object on, which, if in
a moist state, may be covered by another circular disk of thin glass ;
by a screw and spring attached the focus can be conveniently regu-
lated. The whole is very portable, going into a neat case, about four
inches by one in measure.

Mr. Evans exhibited, from the Experimental Garden, a few inte-
resting alpine plants, and a small species of Plantago, raised from
Californian seeds.

Mr. M‘Nab exhibited, from the Botanic Garden, two tree-ferns,
introduced from the West Indies, by Mr. John Kent. They appear
to be undescribed, and are both very prickly.

Mr. M‘Nab also exhibited, from the Botanic Garden, a number of
rare and interesting plants, including a complete set of Robertsonian
Saxifrages, Marsilea quadrifolia in fructification, Carex Grahami,
Hieracium alpinum, with a very woolly capitulum and broadly obo-
vate leaves, Aceras anthropophora, &c.

_ John Anderson, Esq., of 41, St. Andrew Square, was elected a
Fellow.

BoTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

Friday, June 4, 1852.—Dr. J. E. Gray, F.R.S., President, in the
chair.

Various donations to the library were announced.

Mr. P. F. Keir communicated a paper, being ‘ Notes of a Botanical
Ramble on the South-east Coast, in April, 1852, which led to some
discussion.—G. EF. D.

630

MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

March 17, 1852.—Geo. Jackson, Esq., President, in the chair.

L. S. Beale, Esq., Dr. Hamilton, and C. C. Smith, Esq., were bal-
loted for and duly elected members of the Society.

A paper by Geo. Shadbolt, Esq., entitled ‘ Hints on the subject of
Collecting Objects for Microscopical Investigation,” was read. In
this paper the author gave a brief account of the mode of collecting
Diatomex, Desmidiz, and other Alge. He also mentioned several
localities where such objects are to be met with, more particularly
noticing the neighbourhood of Northfleet and Bromley, in Kent. He
described the necessary apparatus, and also pointed out the various
appearances assumed by the objects sought for. He also gave many
useful directions as to the mode of securing them when found.

Mr. De la Rue described an instrument, constructed by Mr. Peters,
for producing minute writing on glass. Specimens of the writing were
afterwards exhibited to the meeting.

April 28, 1852.—Geo. Jackson, Esq., President, in the chair.

R. Shuter Boswell, Esq., the Rev. W. Read, Robt. Ceeley, Esq.,
Dr. Kingsley, and Jas. Hilton, Esq., were balloted for and duly
elected members of the Society.

A paper by J. B. Simonds, Esq., ‘On the Occurrence of a Mem-
branous Cell, or Cyst, upon the Olfactory Nerve of a Horse, con-
taining a large Crystal of Oxalate of Lime,’ was read. In March last-
a pupil of the Royal Veterinary College found, on dissecting the brain
of a horse, a small, transparent cyst, possessing a very bright or glis-
tening aspect, attached to a portion of the olfactory uerve. It was
supposed to be an hydatid ; but upon examining it under the micro-
scope, with a two-inch object-glass, a large octahedral crystal of oxa-
late of lime, with beautifully-defined facets, was seen floating freely in
a limpid fluid which distended the walls of the cell. The exact size’
of the crystal was not stated; but it can be very readily seen by un-
assisted vision. The author concluded with some observations on the
frequent occurrence of carbonate of lime in herbivorous animals, and
the rarity of the production of oxalates.

May 26, 1852.—Geo. Jackson, Esq., President, in the chair.
F. C. T. Roper, Esq., E. W. Cooke, Esq., and Henry Coles, Esq.,
were balloted for and duly elected members of the Society.

631

A paper by George Busk, Esq., entitled ‘Some Observations on
the Structure and Development of Volvox globator, and some allied
Unicellular Plants, was read. Mr. Busk stated that his observations
had been chiefly made on Volvox globator, V. aureus, V. stellatus,
and Spherosira Volvox of Ehrenberg. These he believed to be all
different forms of the same organism. He called attention to the
structure of these objects, and more especially as regarded some
points alluded to by Prof. Williamson in a paper recently published
by that gentleman on that subject; and while in some respects he
expressed a different opinion from Mr. Williamson, he fully agreed
with him that they were truly of vegetable origin, and not animals.
This he considered as proved, both by their structure and their che-
mical composition. Thus, on testing their tissues with iodine and
sulphuric acid he had discovered in them both cellulose and starch.
The analogies of their development with that of Protococcus nivalis
and of P. viridis were very strong, as also with the supposed animal-
cules called Euglenia viridis. The author expressed his belief that
the whole of the Monadinz, the Cryptomonadine, and the Volvoci-
nia of Ehrenberg belonged to the vegetable rather than to the animal
kingdom.

A second paper, by Mr. Mummery, of Dover, ‘On the Revékip:
ment of the Young in Tubularia indivisa,’ was read. The author,
taking advantage of his residence on the sea-shore, where these zoo-
phytes abound, has for a considerable period attentively watched the
development of the ova; and the results of his observations form the
subject of the present paper. The various changes in the ovum, from
its first development to its arrival at perfection, were minutely de-
scribed ; and when the creature is liberated its future basal end ap-
pears first. It emerges slowly, withdrawing its tentacles in succession
until it sets itself at liberty. In this state it is not fixed, but free,
and may be seen crawling slowly upon the bottom of the vessel con-
taining it, and elevating itself on the extremities of its eight tentacles.
After a period of time varying from one to four days the animal, which
in its free condition has never been remarkable for activity, having
selected a suitable stone, or the surface of an old polypidom, reverses
its position, and attaches itself, with the mouth upwards, by the op-
posite extremity, and soon increases in size, and attains its usual form

and characters, never removing from its place after having once rooted
itself—J. W.

632

DuBLin NATURAL History Society.

At the usual monthly meeting of this Society, held on Thursday,
after several zoological papers had been read,

Mr. Kinahan exhibited a plant of a fern, a variety of Polystichum
aculeatum, found by him at Bohernabreena, county Dublin, in 1849,
which in 1850 was handed over to the care of the College Botanical
Garden, where it had thriven, but had not exhibited seed-vessels as
yet, though possessing a tendency to throw out bulbillz. Mr. Kina-
han remarked on the general redundancy of form in the ferns, and
exhibited specimens, and referred to this as the only known example
of the reverse, and gave the following statement :—“ The example of
Polystichum aculeatum now submitted to your Society is curious, as
being an exception to the law which seems generally to prevail among
the ferns as regards varieties. These generally differ from the typical
plant, by having something added to them, either an actual expansion
or a subdivision of the typical parts. Of this we have a very good
example in those varieties of Athyrium Filix-foeemina, to which the
name of vivipare has been given, in which we find tassels appended
to the pinne. We also have a good example of it in the variety of
Polystichum angulare obtained at Ballinteer, in this county, in which,
as you see, the pinnz, particularly near the upper extremity and the
frond, are enlarged, so as to give a more expanded appearance to the
entire frond, Now let us contrast these with the variety to which I
first drew your attention, as the great difference must strike you at
once. In this we find the broad pinne of the type replaced by nar-
row, linear leaflets in some of the fronds, resembling spines or points;
while in others they have totally disappeared, especially at the upper
half of the frond, which in many presents a long filament, totally des-
titute of any pinne. These appearances have continued constant
under cultivation, as must be evident if we compare the plant now with
these fronds taken from it in August, 1849, when I found it growing
on slate rocks by the side of the stream which, running through Frairs-
town-House demesne, falls into the Dodder just above Bohernabreena.
This glen seems favourable to the growth of varieties, as I also ob-
tained there these specimens of Aspidium Filix-mas, Varieties of
fern are, indeed, commoner than many think, in particular places
abounding almost to the exclusion of the ordinary type. Thus, at
Kilmaganny, county Kilkenny, the variety of the common hart’s-
tongue, to which the name of ramosum has been given, is far commoner

633

than the ordinary undivided form. This is curious, as many have

- denied its being anything but a garden variety. The variety of Po-

. _

lystichum to which I first drew your attention has, I stated before,
continued constant under cultivation. It has not, however, produced
any trace of fructification, though this year some of the fronds show
a tendency to produce germs in the axils of the pinne. In conclu-
sion, I beg leave to draw your attention to these fine specimens of
Asplenium marinum, some fronds of which are twenty-four inches in
length, bearing on them pinne of two inches dimensions, which far
exceed any I have met recorded in either this country or England.
They were obtained at Foxe’s Cove, Ballymacarte, county Waterford,
in holes in the sea-cliffs, and when growing furnished one of the most
beautiful examples of vegetable beauty I ever saw.”

Three Days in Tilgate Forest: a Botanical Ramble.
By Messrs. Joun Liuoyp and McENNEs.

StarTING from Croydon by the train, shortly after 7 o’clock on the
morning of June 14, with the rain falling in torrents (a beautiful pros-
pect for enjoyment amid the wilds of Tilgate), which continued till we
had passed the tunnel at Merstham, we then found the sun tipping the
hills with its splendour, and the Gatton Woods looked magnificent.
On all sides vegetation looked luxuriant, and fast recovering from
that torpidity with which it had long been struggling, from the past un-
usual season. A few observations upon the geology of the line may
be not unacceptable to those unacquainted with the district.

How well the geological formations are defined and characterized
between Croydon and the Three Bridges Station of the Brighton Rail-
road (the termination of our distance by rail), those only can ap-
preciate who may have traversed that portion of the line. Starting
from Croydon, the tertiary formation is somewhat level ; and then the
first appearance of the great chalk range does not call for any parti-
cular remark. The plants noticed there are only of the commonest
kind, as Daucus Carota &c. Upon issuing from the tunnel cut
through the chalk, the great escarpment appears very conspicuous.
Many parts are clothed with a vegetation peculiar to the dry
subsoils.. Witness the fine, undulating appearance of the woods at
Gatton, seen upon the right hand of the line as soon as you pass

VOL. IV. 4AM

634

the tunnel. Near here is dug the material known as hearth-stone,
belonging to the upper green-sand formation.

Immediately below the chalk, stretching east and west, in a sort of
valley, is the gault formation, forming one of the richest wheat-growing
lands in the country. A short ride onward, and we pass the lower
green sand, known by the cutting at Red Hill Junction. This being
a dry soil, the beech flourishes here also. Lotus corniculatus was
making its appearance on thé edges of the cutting. We are now on
a totally different formation,—the wealden clay,—presenting low, wet
lands, marked, as a distinctive feature, by the almost exclusive ap-
pearance of the oak in the hedge-rows and coppices. Numerous pits
of stone are seen, of a far harder texture than the red sandstone, and
of some portions containing large quantities of small shells, known as
the Sussex marble. Another vegetation appears in the distance: it
is Tilgate Forest, situate upon the formation known as the Hastings
sand, where large tracts of spruce and larch fir, encircled by an under-
growth of birch and heath, occur. Leaving the rail at Three Bridges,
we proceeded over Pound Hill, into the Balcombe and Cuckfield
roads. The wind was still, and the trees and underwood still covered
with abundance of drops of water from the recent rain. A copse half
a mile distant from Pound Hill, on the right hand side of the road,
looked inviting. On entering we were soon attracted to Luzula Fors-
teri, L. pilosa, and L. campestris, 8. congesta, Hook., (but which Ba-
bington, in the first edition of his Manual, calls L. multiflora), Carex
glauca, C. sylvatica, C. vesicaria, C. remota, C. flava, C. vulpina, and C.
stellulata. Good states of Galium palustre, 8. Witheringii, Habenaria
bifolia (plentiful), Juncus bufonius and J. effusus were among the most
conspicuous. Airacespitosa and some other grasses were advancing ;
but vegetation, upon the whole, seemed more backward than usual at
this period of the year. Nearer to Balcombe we noticed Ranunculus he-
deraceus, 8. grandiflorus, and R. circinatus. In water by the sides of
the roads, and at the edge of the forest, we observed several specimens
of Aquilegia vulgaris. On proceeding up the first hill, on the road
towards the ‘ Norfolk Arms,’ we found Epipactis purpurata very
fine and abundant, Orchis maculata very large, Listera ovata, and
Gymnadenia albida abundant. To the right of the road, in pools
of water, was growing abundance of a species of Myosotis, apparently
totally different from any described species. It is about six or nine
inches in height, producing remarkably large blossoms, and certainly
an annual; and, what is peculiar, the majority of the plants produced
white blossoms. Few ferns presented themselves previous to entering

635

the Forest; the only kinds were Lastrea Filix-mas, L. Oreopteris, and
Blechnum boreale.

On entering the forest-gate opposite the ‘ Norfolk Arms’ we steered
westward; and the scenery then presenting itself was beautiful in the
extreme. A real forest of ferns, as far as the eye could reach, com-
posed of the beautiful, delicately-coloured, and fragrant Lastrea Oreo-
pteris, the plants in many places exceeding three feet in height. It
would have been impossible to have selected a more suitable time for
our journey, as far as regarded ferns; and we wished that all who
study this beautiful portion of the vegetable kingdom could view them
under as favourable an aspect as ourselves, and in their native habi-
tats ; such opportunities assist more than the most elaborate descrip-
tions in dispelling the confusion of ideas now exhibited in some of
our books as to the specific limits of our native ferns. Never was L.
Oreopteris seen in such abundance and luxuriance as at this time, ac-
companied and intermixed with Athyrium Filix-foemina in endless vari-
ety. Allied to A. Filix-foemina, occurred a species perhaps identical with
that described by Mr. Newman in his ‘ Synoptical Table’ as Athyrium
convexum, which he describes as having “ the rachis often beautifully
coloured with purple or red.” This we believe to be a constant charac-
ter, and that in this species the rachis is always so coloured. We had
decided it to be a species previous to our knowledge of Mr. Newman’s
having named and described it as such. The period of vernation in
A. convexum is invariably two or three weeks later than in A.
Filix-foemina. We found Lastrea spinosa abundantly in most parts
of the Forest. When growing in the bogs it assumes an appearance
a good deal resembling that of its near ally, L. uliginosa, its pinnules
often becoming decurrent. It is desirable to caution the young bota-
nist who may find it under such circumstances, from mistaking it for
that much rarer plant. In the same localities, and often closely ap-
proximate, we found Lastrea multiflora ; and to us it seems impossible
that any one should confound this with L. spinosa. Nothing can be
more dissimilar, even at a distance, than these two most distinct spe-
cies; L. spinosa rarely attaining a height of two feet, while L. multi-
flora generally averages between four and five, and sometimes greatly
exceeds the latter. They grow together, in a light, loose soil, for
which both evince a decided liking. Lomaria or Blechnum was plen-
tiful enough, but Filix-mas was rarely to be seen, excepting here and
there a large plant, standing, like a sentinel, on the outskirts.

' The favourite habitat of L. Oreopteris appears to be near the banks
of streams or on somewhat moist soil, always showing a decided

636

preference for that composed of a rich loam. We noticed a curious
circumstance in connexion with this species and A. Filix-foemina:
On the back of a stream running east and west these two species were
located very characteristically. The south side of the glen, having a
north aspect, quite open and exposed, from near the edge of the
stream, extending three or four yards upwards, was covered exclusively
with A. Filix-foemina; while the opposite side of the stream, having
a south aspect, was covered in a similar manner by L. Oreopteris.
Not a plant of any other kind was visible. The contrast of the yel-
low green foliage of one and pale green of the other was very striking.
In the valleys Veronica palustris [? Ed.] was very luxuriant, Wah-
lenbergia hederacea plentiful, and Narthecium ossifragum just making
its appearance. The previously-named Myosotis was here again plen-
tiful, and, as before, almost invariably white.

After spending several hours in this district we shaped our course
towards Balcombe. About a mile thence, on the right of the road,
we observed Fragaria elatior plentifully in hedges; also Scolopen-
drium vulgare and Lastrea Filix-mas. Proceeding towards Cucktield,
we noticed Viburnum Opulus just expanding. Erodium cicutarium,
Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum, and Scolopendrium were very fine and
plentiful.

Reaching Cuckfield at half-past 6, we examined the church, ex-
pecting to find some good ferns; but in this we were disappointed.
The north side was quite bare, a few small plants of Asplenium Tri-
chomanes being all the ferns met with, except a plant of L. Filix-mas
and Polypodium vulgare. The tower was clothed to its very summit
with Parietaria officinalis, Leontodon Taraxacum, Achillea Millefolium,
&c. A few plants of the Achillea were on the west side of the tower.
On a wall on the north side of the town we observed Sedum acre; and
Asplenium Ruta-muraria was lining the under portion of the coping-
stone, a station it seems partial to. Ina lane leading south-east from the
town of Cuckfield, upon the wealden clay, on the opposite side of the
Forest Ridge to that previously spoken of, we found most luxuriant
growths of Polystichum angulare and P. aculeatum, accompanied by
Scolopendrium vulgare, on the hedge-banks. Of the form of aculea-
tum, known more generally as lobatum, we found several plants,
This seems to be a young state of aculeatum. This was, indeed, the
spot for a lesson on ferns and their culture. We had just concluded
our ramble at sunset, and retraced our steps to the inn.

The next morning, the 15th, we left Cuckfield, at 4 a.m., for the
Forest. Nothing of any note was observed till we reached the interior

637

of the Forest. Here Carduus palustris presented itself, and also Hy-
pericum Androsemum plentifully. Ina somewhat shady portion of
elevated ground, at a distance of about two miles from Balcombe, and
near the line of the tunnel, we had the good fortune to find Polypo-
dium Phegopteris in the most beautiful condition. The fronds were
unusually large and luxuriant, averaging when measured, together
with the long, naked rachis, more than two feet in length. Its luxu-
riance and delicate colour combined to render it a beautiful and truly-
interesting object. This fern, though occurring plentifully in the
northern and north-western counties, is excessively rare in the south-
ern and eastern, only one Sussex habitat having been previously
recorded, viz., near Forest Row, as recorded in Newman’s ‘ Ferns,’ p.
118. In the Balcombe locality it occurs in large patches, and is a
most interesting addition to the Flora of this delightful neighbourhood.
In marshy ground near the same spot we observed Anagallis tenella
in fine order, accompanied with abundance of Ranunculus Flammula.

Heavy storms of rain now compelled us to turn for Balcombe; and,
having taken refreshment at the Railway Inn, we proceeded to the
rocks known as the Forest Ridge. This is the central or anticlinal
axis of the wealden, formed of the upheaved rocks belonging to the
Hastings-sand formation, which are conspicuous for the peculiar forms
caused by the continued action of water during their upheaval. In
a copse about a mile south of Balcombe, upon the extreme top of
some perpendicular rocks, were some fine trees of Pyrus Malus, cer-
tainly wild. The roots were in many cases quite exposed, hanging in
festoons, and some of the roots projecting through the interstices of
the stone, and forming young trees. In water near here we observed
Potamogeton natans, P. plantagineus, P. heterophyllus, P. perfoliatus,
and P. crispus. Equisetum fluviatile was also very fine. On the
main ridge of rocks Hymenophyllum Tunbridgense is in a sad condi-
tion, from the dryness of the spring. It is nearly all dead at present,
although the late beneficial rains may restore the roots. Lastrea
recurva occurred in plenty, and very fine. Can it be a fact that this
has been confounded with either L. multiflora or L. spinosa? No-
thing can be more conspicuous than the differential characters of the
two species, even at the greatest distance. In the first place, L. mul-
tiflora was growing at the base of the rocks, side by side with L.
recurva and L. spinosa, thus affording a fair opportunity for compari-
son ; L. multiflora exceeding five feet six inches in height, while its de-
licate and sweet congener, L. recurva, did not exceed eighteen inches.
Its beautifully incurved pinnules are so plainly observable, that all

638

doubts must instantly cease on examining them. One obvious cha-
racter in this species is the much greater length of the right hand
lower pinne, generally with an extra division, and its distinct colour.
Besides, it is, truly speaking, a rock-fern, a character which appears
constant, as far as we have been able to judge, both here and at Ard-
ingly. The smallest plants, only an inch and a half in height, and hay-
ing only a second leaf, were readily distinguishable. Incurva seems a
more appropriate name for this species. The small form of L. multi-
flora, called by some L. dumetorum, was abundant in many places.

We next directed our course for the Chiddingly Rocks, where we
found Hymenophyllum Tunbridgense tolerably good, and L. recurva
plentifully, and growing exclusively in the crevices of the rocks.
Near them we found a few plants of Ranunculus (? Lingua), and in the
hedges Prunus domestica, certainly in a very wild situation. We
found a single plant of Neottia Nidus-avis. Luzula sylvatica was
abundant in many places.

The intensely heavy rain till late on the morning of the 19th pre-
vented our very early movement. On the sandy banks we found Se-
dum acre, and in stronger soils S. Telephium. Several of the ferns
again presented themselves, as Polypodium vulgare, Blechnum bore-
ale, and Scolopendrium vulgare, and as we approached the heavy
soils, fine plants of Polystichum angulare and P. aculeatum. Near
Turner’s Hill we found Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum and A. Tricho-
manes on asand-bank. Taking the road towards the ‘ Norfolk Arms,
on a wall of sandstone on the edge of the Forest we observed a state
of Ranunculus, agreeing certainly with Mr. Babington’s description
of R. ophioglossifolius. It is probably nothing more than a form of
R. Flammula. As we approached the Forest, Lastrea Filix-mas was
again at his post on the outskirts and in the hedge-banks. We now
retraced our steps to the Three Bridges, and were soon on our way to

London.
J. Luoyp, K. McEnngs.
July, 1852.

On the Nag-kassar. By BertHotp SEEMANN, Esq.*

Tue fragrant flower-buds imported under the name of Nag-kassar,
or, more correctly, Nag-kessar, the name being a corruption of the
Sanscrit words Naga and Kesara, have been referred by Dr. J.

* Fyom the ‘ Pharmaceutical Journal.’

639

Pereira (‘ Pharmaceutical Journal,’ vol. x. p. 449) to Calysaccion longi-
folium, Wight, and by Dr. W. G. Walpers (‘ Botanische Zeitung,’ vol.
ix. p. 867) to E. Chinense, Wiprs. This difference of opinion has
arisen from a discrepancy in the description of Calysaccion in the
‘Tilustrations of Indian Botany. Dr. R. Wight there describes the
peduncles as short, the stamens as submonadelphous, and the connec-
tivum as truncated. Dr. Walpers found that those terms could not
be applied to the buds which he examined, that the peduncles were
long in proportion to the flowers, the stamens entirely free, and the
connectivum acute. Hence he concluded that the buds must belong
to another species, which, thinking China to be its native country, he
called Calysaccion Chinense.

Having examined a number of buds, and also some specimens in
Sir William Hooker’s herbarium, [ became convinced that the diffe-
rences were not such as would justify the establishing of a new spe-
cies, the stamens being in fact sometimes quite free, sometimes sub-
monadelphous, and the connectivum truncated and acute in one and
the same flower. One point of difference, however, still remains be-
tween Wight’s description and the buds. “No one,” says Dr. Wal-
pers, “ would call a peduncle which is more than half an inch long
short in proportion to the flowers.” But this discrepancy, apart from
the fact that short and long, broad and narrow, are merely relative
terms, must be regarded as a mistake, which even the most pains-
taking naturalists are apt to make. The specimens in Sir William
Hooker’s herbarium leave no doubt that the peduncles are propor-
tionately long; and the buds may therefore, without hesitation, be
considered as the produce of wg pal longifolium, Wight (C.
Chinense, Wiprs.).

The buds are about the size Be a pea, and of an orange-brown or
cinnamon colour. They emit a fragrance not unlike that of violets or
green tea; and Dr. Pereira has suggested that on account of this
odour they might be valuable asa perfume. Their chief use, how-
ever, and that for which they are employed in the East Indies, is
dyeing silk. What colour they produce is not known, but it is pro-
bably yellow. My esteemed friend A. Hanbury, Esq., says, in a let-
ter to me :—“ A decoction of the Calysaccion buds possesses, I find,
but very little colour, as the enclosed slip of blotting-paper, which
has been dipped into it, will show. If, however, a little subcarbonate
of potash be added to this simple decoction, a tolerable deep orange-
brown is produced. The piece of calico sent, having been steeped in
a weak solution of alum, was boiled in this alkaline decoction; but the

640

buff colour it has acquired is not remarkably fine. Perhaps some one
acquainted with dyeing might succeed in producing a better hue.” ~

The genus Calysaccion is allied to Kayea, Wall.; and the only
species as yet discovered is C. longifolium, Wight, a beautiful tree,
found in abundance on the top of the Malabar Ghauts in the South-
ern Mahratta country, in the West Mysore and Coorg, on the Parell
and Worlu Hills, Bombay, and in the Kennery jungles. The leaves
are opposite, oblong, coriaceous and evergreen. ‘The flowers appear
in March and April, and are produced in clusters on the old wood ;
they are whitish-yellow streaked with red, and polygamous. The
male plant is called Woondy, the female Poonag ; while both are
known by the names of Suringee and Gordeoondy. 'The term Nag-
kessar, which is applied to the buds in commerce, is given to them in
India in common with those of several other Clusiacee. |

An improved generic character of Calysaccion has been published
by Dr. Walpers (Bot. Zeit. vol. ix. p. 867) ; and all required now to
complete our knowledge of the plant is a description of its fruit, and
some information about the dye which the buds produce, and the
mode of extracting it. ’

Occurrence of Orobanche cerulea, Vill., and Aconitum Napellus, L.,
in Monmouthshire. By F. J. A. Hort, Esq.

On the 2nd of this month I had the pleasure of finding a single
specimen of Orobanche cerulea, Vill., by the side of a lane a mile or
two south-west of Chepstow. A plant of Achillea Millefolium, Z.,
grew two or three inches off; and, as none of the other usual victims
of the broomrapes were to be seen, that was doubtless the sufferer,
although I failed to trace the connexion. This discovery gives pro-
bability to the record for Glamorganshire in the ‘Swansea Guide’
(see Cyb. Brit. ii. 231).

A week previously I had gathered Aconitum Napellus, Z., to which
I had been directed in the spring. About two miles to the west of
Chepstow is the southern end of a winding rent in the carboniferous
limestone hills. A more secluded valley can hardly be imagined, ex-
cept in amountainous country. In the lower part the stream turns
several paper-mills ; but as you ascend you soon become clear of
them, and of all habitations The bottom of the highest reach of the
valley is occupied by a rough pasture, on the west side of which the

641

stream winds under brushwood. The monk’s-hood grows here in
several places among the bushes on the top of the bank. It may give
some idea of the vegetation to mention that the steep sides of the val-
ley are covered with native coppice, rich in yew and whitebeam, out
of which rise here and there rugged crags of limestone. The neigh-
bouring woods contain Carex digitata and Melica nutans. I must
add that the stream does not rise in the valley, but flows into the head
of it, from the scattered hamlet of Itton ; and two or three cottages
have potato-gardens sloping down to the bank. Under these circum-
stances it is impossible to affirm that the monk’s-hood may not for-
merly have been cultivated in the village, and some knobs of the roots
carried down the stream, a distance of about half a mile. And such
would be my own conclusion, if there were any strong a@ priorz reason.
against A. Napellus being native, beyond the certain fact that in most
places where it now looks wild it is a relic of old cultivation. It is
native in France, in Germany as far north as the Eifel, in Denmark,
and in South Scandinavia. We have (Cyb. Brit. i. 98) the opinions
of competent persons in favour of its nativity in three counties on the
borders of Wales, one of them in Monmouthshire. And the subal-
pine character of the locality would seem favourable to its production.
We must remember that if cultivation has introduced some plants it
has destroyed others ; and the valleys where the native vegetation is
rich and undisturbed are comparatively few and ill-explored. On
the whole, therefore, I am inclined to support the claims of A. Napel-
lus in Monmouthshire, though thinking it but just to describe minutely
the circumstances of its occurrence, as others might judge differently
from the same evidence. It would be interesting to examine the glens
of the forest district between Chepstow, Newport, and Usk ; but un-
fortunately that is not in my power this summer.

F. J. A. Horr.

Note on the Third Volume of Mr. H. C. Watson’s ‘ Cybele Britan-
nica. By F. J. A. Hort, Esq. ;

Mr. Watson, in the new volume of the ‘Cybele’ (p. 428), adds
“province lL” to the area of Circza alpina, on the authority of a list
published by me in the ‘ Phytologist’ nearly five years ago. I am
bound to lose no time in publicly begging him to cancel this state-
‘ment, as I ought perhaps to have done long ago. The specimen is

; VOL. IV. 4N

642

now lost; but I remember some time after it was gathered coming to
the conclusion that it was probably only C. Lutetiana with more cor-
date leaves, more membranous sepals, and more delicate texture than
usual. The list was drawn up at a time when I was acquainted with
no other botanist, and had no adequate sense of the importance of
extreme accuracy and certainty in publishing information. Hence
the list is a very unsatisfactory one. The records of Linaria repens,
Nepeta Cataria, and perhaps Cochlearia anglica were absolute blun-
ders. I should now likewise exclude, except as naturalized, Koniga
maritima, Reseda fruticulosa, Erodium moschatum, Phalaris canarien-
sis, and Medicago falcata. I certainly saw either the last-named
plant (see Cyb. Brit. iii. 406) or M. sylvestris, which was not then
distinguished from it in England, but gathered no specimen. The
plant looked wild enough ; but its genuine nativity is very question-
able, except on the drift-sand of the high ground of E. Anglia. I
have since been at Weston, but not at the precise spot. Eryngium
campestre I still believe to be truly native there ; but the lower ground
near the sea has many introduced plants; and it is said that seeds
have been intentionally sown within the last year or two. inne

As my name occurs several times in the ‘ Cybele,’ in connexion
with critical plants, perhaps I may be forgiven for saying that the use
of a particular specific name does not necessarily imply any belief as
to the distinctness of species. Any one who is more anxious to form
a true than a rapid judgment must take, for a time at least, the no-
menclature of some recognized authority on trust.

F. J. A. Horr.
Trinity College, Cambridge,
July 21, 1852.

Notices or New Books, &c.

‘Cybele Britannica. Vol. U1. By Hewett CorTtreLt Watson.
London: Longman and Co. 1852.’

WE have rarely, perhaps never, met with a preface or introduction
to a scientific work so truthfully explanatory as Mr. Watson’s “ Ex-
planations Introductory to the Third Volume of the ‘ Cybele Britan-
nica.” We are therefore glad to avail ourselves of the critic’s
prtivelege of quoting largely from the author’s published exposition of
his own objects and intentions.

643

“The third volume of the ‘Cybele Britannica’ will continue and
conclude the distribution of species treated singly ; and in so far it
will be simply a continuation and conclusion of the two former vo-
lumes. A second portion of this volume will be devoted to such cor-
rections and additions as increased knowledge may have rendered
necessary, in reference to the distribution of the species treated in
those former volumes. The distribution of the whole series of spe-
cies will thus be brought down to the end of the year 1851. If
sufficient space shall then remain, without rendering the volume
inconyeniently bulky, a tabular summary will be introduced, designed
to compress the leading facts of species-distribution into a more con-
densed and selected condition, for the use of Botanical Statists.

“Thus far, the three earlier volumes of‘ Cybele Britannica’ will differ
much from the fourth and final volume. In the concluding volume it
is proposed to treat the distribution of plants under a different aspect ;
that is to say, not each one singly and apart, but the whole taken in
connexion ; in order that their individual peculiarities of distribution
may appear in comparison and contrast, as reciprocal illustrations of
each other.

“The causes that now continue the existing distribution of plants
over the surface of the earth, or those that have originally and gradu-
ally determined their distribution, are too wide in their influence, to
admit of being properly treated in a work devoted to the plants of
one small country, and to their distribution within that limited space
only. Should the Author have life and leisure to carry out his
present wishes, and enduring inclination adequate to the task, he
may perhaps write a ‘ British and Foreign Cybele, for the pur-
pose of tracing the distribution of British species over other parts of
the earth, and of showing the true relation borne by the flora of Bri-
tain to the floras of neighbouring countries. The causes or con-
ditions of their distribution might then appropriately find place and
room in a work of that more comprehensive, and necessarily less de-
tailed, character. His investigations have not hitherto led him to
adopt the current opinion (or, rather, mere guess) that the flora of the
British islands has been derived from the opposite countries of the
Continent,—at least, not to any greater proportionate extent, than the
floras of those countries may be said to have been derived from Bri-
tain. Interchange has most likely taken place; Britain giving, as
well as receiving.

. “Tt is not expected that the fourth volume of ‘ Cybele Britannica’
can be published within two years from the date of the present vo-
lume, if so early as only two years after. That contemplated fourth

644

volume would of course be founded upon the facts detailed in the
three earlier volumes ; indeed, such a volume might now be made by
a connected and comparative re-arrangement of the same details.
But there is still much that bears upon the subject, remaining unpub-
lished and unarranged among the Author’s notes in manuscript, or
even confined to the still more precarious keeping of his own personal
recollections. He therefore wishes and hopes to be enabled to write
a fourth volume, to complete a work on which he has bestowed no
small share of his time and attention ; while fully aware that the com-
pleted work would still be far from exhausting the subject.

“ But in case any circumstance should prevent that contemplated
fourth volume from ever being written, the three earlier volumes of ‘ Cy-
bele Britannica’ may even then be considered in the character of a com-
pleted (though much narrowed) treatise on the distribution of plants in
Britain. It would still constitute an advanced ground or foundation,
upon which a more perfect construction might be raised at some
future time, and by some other hand. The chief difference in the
present work would be, that the facts remained only in arranged de-
tails, instead of having been first investigated and shown in detail;
and then grouped together connectedly, to illustrate their geographi-
cal relations to each other.

“The ‘ London Catalogue of British Plants,’ published for the Bo-
tanical Society of London, is still used as an Index to the series of
species in the ‘ Cybele Britannica.’ It will not be difficult to keep
in recollection, that the names and numbers of the species, in each
successive volume of this work, will be found to correspond with those
of the three successive editions of the ‘ London Catalogue ;—the first
volume, with the first edition,—the second volume, with the second
edition,—the third volume, with the third edition. Though the names
and numbers of the species are nearly uniform in the three editions,
progressive knowledge and altered views led to some few changes
therein, and additional species unavoidably caused the insertion of
several duplicate Nos. Hence, too, some duplicate Nos. and other
corresponding changes in the ‘ Cybele Britannica’ also.

“‘ Another coincidence may be found elsewhere, which it is worth
while to point out, because geographical botany has very close depen-
dence on the department of descriptive botany. The three successive
editions of Mr. C. C. Babington’s ‘Manual of British Botany’ bear
the dates of 1843, 1847, and 1851. The three volumes of ‘ Cybele
Britannica’ are dated in 1847, 1849, and 1852, having been written
or partially printed in the years preceding their publication. In each

645

case their publication followed that edition of the Manual which cor-
responds numerically with the volume of the Cybele.

_ © Thus, the state of our knowledge in the elementary or descriptive
department of British botany, at the dates of each volume of this work,
may be ascertained from the corresponding edition of the Manual,
and from no other publication of the same class. The Manual con-
tinues to be decidedly the best descriptive Flora of Britain hitherto
published ;—a very good model having been copied in its plan and
general composition,—the best authorities in European botany hav-
ing been regularly and fully consulted,—and each successive edition
haying been attentively revised. Moreover, it is the work of a bota-
nist who is much better acquainted with the plants of the British
islands, than was the Author or Editor of any other Flora of Britain
without exception.”—Introductory Explanations, pp. 1—4.

All that we can add of this valuable work may be expressed in a
few words. We know of no publication, on any subject or in any
language, on which more labour has been judiciously and continuously
expended. Information concerning each species is brought up to the
latest possible date; and the quotations from the recently-published
pages of this and other journals show that the author keeps pace with
information, let it be diffused through whatever channel it may. This
is the only way to obtain credit among those who are at work in the
same science ; and select of Mr. Watson’s works which you will, it is
a matter of certainty that no better, no more precise, information
exists at the date of its publication. "

_ Proceepines or SocietTies, §c.

——-

THE PHYTOLOGIST CLUB.

One Hundred and Thirty-fifth Sitting. — Saturday, July 24, 1852.
Mr. Newmav, President, in the chair.

Polypodium Phegopteris.

The President exhibited remarkably fine fronds of this fern, found
near Balcombe, iv Sussex, and wished particularly to invite the atten-
tion of the readers of the ‘ Phytologist’ to that rich and almost unex:
plored district. An interesting paper on the botany of Balcombe and
its vicinity would appear in the August number of the ‘ Phytologist.’

; a

646

Athyrium latifolium.

The President read a note intituled ‘ Reply to Mr. Newman’s Ob-
servations on Athyrium latifolium, (Phytol. iv. 618) from the pen of
Mr. Hort, dated Trinity College, Cambridge, July 21, 1852 :—

Some kind friend, it would appear, has half persuaded Mr. New-
man that I have been taking foul advantage of his unsuspecting inno-
cence, and indulging the readers of the ‘ Phytologist’ in the rare treat
of a laugh at its Editor behind his own back. ‘The guile must have
been infused into my paper with truly exquisite skill, for it has been
till now imperceptible to myself, as it was to Mr. Newman’s own good
sense in the first instance. I have only to say that I (rightly) sup-
posed him not to be aware how extremely few roots of the Athyrium
were known to exist, but wished to give both him and other botanists
such materials for a right judgment as I could supply.

It is surely not usual in matters of science, whether in the ‘ Phyto-
logist’ or elsewhere, to accept unauthenticated statements; so that at
present I must demur to our anonymous friend’s theory of a plurality
of roots. TI examined hundreds of Athyria in various parts of the
Lake district during a stay of some weeks, but saw nothing like A.
latifolium ; and Miss Wright, the discoverer, had met with no better
success in several years. ‘The identity of the continental plants with
our own must be somewhat more securely established than it is at pre-
sent, before the supposed abundance of the former can be allowed to
make up for the scantiness of the latter. My friend Mr. Carter has in
his possession two fronds of the var. molle which show a considerable
approach towards A. latifolium, but are much smaller and weaker.

Mr. Newman may possibly be right in disallowing my suggestion
as to the plane of the pinne in Lastrea cristata &c.; but the theory
which he substitutes is hardly likely, I should think, to meet with
much favour.

Narcissus aurantius ?

The President read the following note, from Mr. Thomas Clarke, of
Bridgewater, dated Halesleigh, July 14, 1852 : —

The notice in the ‘ Phytologist’ for June (Phytol. iv. 600) of Nar-
cissus incomparabilis having been found wild in Yorkshire, has re-
minded me of the finding of a nearly-allied species in Somersetshire,
‘and ina situation very like that described for the Yorkshire plant.
In the spring of this year, while walking through a field on the west-
erm side of the village of Churchill, near Axbridge, in which N.

647

Pseudo-narcissus was growing abundantly, and N. biflorus rather
sparingly, I observed a Narcissus differing from both; and on going
to it I found it to be a species which, in its double form, is very fre-
quent in gardens. I believe it to be N. aurantius, or Queltia aurantia
of Haworth’s Monograph, the corolla being of a full, clear yellow, and
the nectary orange, both nearly as deep in colour as the correspond-
ing parts of the well-known variety of N. Tazetta named Soleil d’Or,
and much deeper than the figure of N. incomparabilis of Bot. Mag.
121. I observed but one tuft with flowers, and of these all but a very
few were withered; but there were other tufts of leaves which, from
their colour, seemed to be of the same species. The field is contigu-
ous to an old farm-house, and to the village church ; and although N.
biflorus is not plentiful here it grows abundantly in a neighbouring
field. N. Pseudo-narcissus is plentiful in many places in the district.

New Form of Myosotis palustris of Withering.

The President read the following note, from Mr. J. B. Davies, of
Keswick, dated July 10, 1852 :—

I lately sent to the Botanical Society of Edinburgh specimens of a
Myosotis found very abundantly by me during last month, in the
neighbourhood of Derwentwater Lake, at the same time stating it as
my belief that if it was not the true M. palustris that plant was no-.
where, so far as I could learn, to be found in Cumberland. A few
days ago, however, I came upon the normal form, which seems to be
later in coming into flower than that about to be mentioned. The
essential characters of M. palustris, I need scarcely state, are, “ teeth
of calyx short, triangular; lobes of corolla slightly emarginate ; pu-
bescence of the stem spreading.”* In no other of the large-flowered
forget-me-nots have we the short, triangular, calycine segments; so
that this character alone is sufficient to distinguish it from all other
plants of the same genus, without the extra essential of the spreading
pubescence on the stem. My plant wants this last character, a pecu-
liarity which I have nowhere seen noticed. ‘The characters of the
variety might be expressed thus :—“ Calyx open in fruit, shorter than
the pedicels, with straight, adpressed bristles ; teeth short, triangular;
limb of corolla flat, longer than its tube, lobes slightly emarginate ;
style about as long the calyx, which is divided one-third of its length ;”
pubescence of stem adpressed. That portion of the description marked

_ * The portion of the stem here meant is from the root upwards to about the mid-
dle of the stem, all parts above this being usually covered with adpressed pubescence.

648

with inverted commas applies to the species as well, and is taken from
Mr. Babington’s Manual; while the half sentence, “pubescence of
stem adpressed,” marks the distinction of the variety. Of the abun-
dance of this form I am well assured. The only wonder is that it has
not. been observed before. It is to be met with by the bank of the
River Derwent, in marshy ground by the lake of the same name,
a little way up Skiddaw and Helvellyn, and in many other places,
generally, though not always, preferring drier situations than the nor-
mal form. Yesterday I found both within a yard of each other, and
could observe no marked difference in the general appearance, save
that the foliage of the variety had a lighter hue. Presuming, then,
that a plant, occurring plentifully in many situations, differing in one
essential character from the species with which in all other respects
it agrees, is entitled to be looked upon as a good variety, J propose to
call it Myosotis palustris, 8. appressa.

The President said he had taken the liberty to send the specimens
accompanying the letter to Mr. Watson, who had examined them, and
obligingly returned them, with the following note :—

The Myosotis sent to you by Mr. Davies, from the neighbourhood
of Derwent Water, has been known to me several years, and occurs in
various counties of England and Scotland, as well as on the Conti-
nent. I possess no authentic specimen of the M. strigulosa of Reich-
enbach, quoted by Koch under M. palustris, and distinguished only
by the three words “ pilis caulis adpressis.” Possibly Reichenbach
may have intended the same variety as that sent by Mr. Davies. But
the specimen from Mr. Davies himself has not the pubescence of the
lower portion of the stem strictly “adpressed,” although it is less
spreading than in M. repens, or than is perhaps usually seen in M.
palustris, when this latter is not destitute of pubescence below. From
the typical M. palustris, as seen by pits and streams in the south of
England, this variety differs slightly in three or four particulars, and
so far shades off towards M. cespitosa; but it has the elongated style
of the former, with which also it more closely corresponds in other
respects.

Botrychium Lunaria.

The President exhibited a specimen of Botrychinm Lunaria, found
by Mr. Broughton, between Barmouth and Hendre-yr-Coed, and
kindly communicated to him.

649

Viola stricta in Cambridgeshire.

The President: read the following extract of a note from Mr. Ba-
bington :-—

““T regret that Mr. Polwhele has been in such haste to record the
occurrence of Viola stricta in the fens. [ believe the plant will not
prove distinct from V.stagnina; and, moreover, I believe that the
Irish plant will turn out to be the same.”

_ The President read four extracts from a note received from Miss
Attwood, of Clifton.

Dianthus cesius.

. Ihave been much interested in the recent discovery of a patch of
Dianthus cesius growing on St. Vincent’s Rocks. It had hitherto
been supposed to be confined to the limestone cliffs at Cheddar; but
this, from its healthy appearance, promises to spread. It was con-
fined to one spot in an opening of the rocks; and there was still a
flower and seed-vessel upon it. It is in an accessible place to those
who are not timorous, but a little out of sight below the Clifton Ob-
servatory. I have heard that some ladies, a few years back, brought
seeds from Cheddar, and planted them on the rocks, but that they did
not succeed in their endeavour to propagate it. Whether this patch
is a remnant of their experiment I cannot say ; but it is, I believe, the
only specimen to be found out of gardens in the neighbourhood, and
was a very agreeable surprise to me.

Poa polynoda.

This plant I find in three places in this vicinity—on a wall in Clif-
ton; at the foot of St. Vincent’s Rocks; and about a mile lower down.

Pyrus Aria.

This tree is common on the rocks, but chiefly on the Somerset-
shire side. There isalso a variety of it, which I submitted to an emi-

nent botanist, who considers it interesting, as forming a link between
P. Aria and P. Scandica.

A Flora of Bristol.

at Flora of Bristol is now in preparation, by a gentleman residing

in the neighbourhood—Mr. Swete ; and I should think it would prove

a work of much interest, both to the inhabitants and visitors of
VOL: SEV. 40

wie

1s a

650

Clifton. The district to be examined will comprise a circumference of
five miles, and will also be illustrated with a map, and geological
remarks. It is not to be published before May next.

Drying Succulent Plants.

_ The President read the following valuable observations, from Mr. J.
T. Syme, on this subject, dated June 28, 1852 :—

It is now rather late to reply to Mr. Bladon’s query as to the best
way of drying succulent plants; but this season I have tried a new
plan, which I find has several advantages over those generally fol-
lowed. Instead of destroying the vitality of the specimens by heat,
I tried the effect of poison, and used for this a solution of corrosive
sublimate in wood naphtha, applied to thefleaves by a large brush. I
found it answer the purpose, and preserve the colour as well as the
application of boiling water, except in the case of Ophrys apifera and
O. muscifera, which turned quite black; but Orchis fusca, Aceras an-
thropophora, Cephalanthera grandiflora, Habenaria bifolia, Leucojum
zstivum, Centranthus ruber, Beta maritima, and various succulent
fruits—e. g., Daphne Laureola—poisoned, look as well as specimens
immersed in boiling water at the same time, and treated in the same
way afterwards. The new method has the following advantages over
the old :—

Ist. It is much more easily applied to the parts that require it. It
is easy to touch any part of a specimen that is not drying rapidly
enough after it has been under pressure for some time. This is im-
portant, for both methods destroy the colour of the flowers if applied
to them; but in leaving out the flowers, on the boiling-water plan,
the upper part of the stem and germens are not killed, and often spoil
the appearance of the specimen.

2nd. There is no difficulty with plants tried for the first time, as in
the ordinary way, for each plant requires a certain temperature and
time of immersion. If the heat be too great the leaves are blistered ;
if too little, or the time not long enough, the plant is not killed.

3rd. The plant is much more easily laid out when fresh, and then
washed over with the solution. It requires a good deal of trouble to
properly lay out the leaves of a boiled specimen, as they become so
flaccid.

Ath. The specimen is not saturated with moisture, and so is much
sooner dried after the new than the old treatment.

5th. The plant is secure from the attacks of insects, as far as corro-
sive sublimate can make it.

65]

The disadvantage of the new method is, that it takes more time if a
large number of specimens have to be treated. The expense is so
trifling that it need hardly be taken into account. I use the same
solution as for poisoning the plants in my herbarium, v2z., 150 grains
of corrosive sublimate dissolved in 24 ounces of wood naphtha.

Orchis hircina.

The President announced that four flowering plants of Orchis hir-
cina had been found during the present year at the old Kentish sta-
tion, but that he himself, having been obligingly conducted to
the spot, by a gentleman who found it last year, could not discover
a single plant. This was on the 7th of July, and probably too late to
find any.

Eleocharis Watsoni.

The President wished to call particular attention to the addition of
a new species to the list of our flowering plants, under the name of
Eleocharis Watsoni, the characters of which were given at p. 629,
since the publication of which report Mr. Babington had published
the following summary of the differences between the allied species :—

1. The lowest glume is larger than the others, and surrounds the
base of the spike in E. uniglumis, E. Watsoni, and E. multicaulis; but
this is not the case, neither is it larger than the others, in E. palus-
tris.

2. The stigmas are two in all except E. multicaulis, which possesses
three. They have not been seen in E. Watsoni; but the lenticular
nut renders it nearly certain that they are two in number. -

3. The nut is more or less compressed, but variable in shape in all
except E. multicaulis, in which it is acutely triangular and top-shaped.
In E. palustris it is roundish, with or without a slight narrowing or
stalk-like point at the base; in E. uniglumis it is pear-shaped ; in E.
Watsoni it is oblong, but a little narrowed at the base; in all of them
it is smooth, with the exception of E. Watsoni, where its surface is
closely punctate-striate throughout.

4, The nut is shorter than the hypogynous bristles in E. palustris
and E. uniglumis, equals them in E. multicaulis, and exceeds them in
E. Watsoni.

5. The sheath surrounding the base of the stem is transversely
truncate, but having a very obtuse point on one side in all except E.
‘maulticaulis, where the point is acute.

652

From these differences Mr. Babington considered that the species
was a distinct one, since it could not be confounded with either of the
other European species, E. ovata and E. atropurpurea, which consti-
tute Esenbeck’s genus Eleogenus, and in which the glumes are all
equally large, and more densely imbricated than in the typical. group
of species.

The President concluded by .observing that he considered it very
undesirable to found a species on such scanty materials: this as a
general rule. He was not sufficiently master of the subject under dis-
cussion to pronounce any opinion as to the value of the characters
pointed out.

Variety of Polystichum aculeatum.

The President exhibited lithographed sketches, kindly sent him by
Mr. Kinahan, of the remarkable state of Polystichum aculeatam no-
ticed by that gentleman, and recorded in the last number of the ‘ Phy-
tologist’ (Phytol. iv. 632).

Pseudathyrium alpestre.

The President read the following interesting note, from Mr. West-
combe, of Worcester, dated Clova, July 23, 1852, and observed that
the plant was correctly named as P. alpestre :—

Herewith I forward a sample of a certain fern, common in this dis-
trict, and which I consider is the Polypodium alpestre.. I found it
in Canlochen, and also in Glen Prosen and Glen Phee; and it is
commoner than Athyrium Filix-foemina, and varies much in size, from
four inches to three feet in length. When large it has quite the ap-
pearance of Athyrium Filix-foemina, and when small and in fructifica-
tion looks more like aCystopteris. Yesterday I had also the pleasure
of seeing Woodsia Ilvensis for the first time. Polystichum Lonchitis
is very abundant and fine, and I only regret that I cannot carry off
more spoil. :

Botanical News.

The President read the following articles, contributed by a corre-
spondent :—
Italy.

The direction of the Botanic Garden in Rome has been on
to Dr. Sanguinetti— F. Otto’s Gart. Zeit.

653

The King of Saxony.

The King of Saxony, who is passionately fond of botafiy, is gone to
Dalmatia to collect plants. Some years ago his herbarium, containing
his Tyrolese acquisitions, was forwarded to Vienna, with instructions
to send it on to Dresden. On its arrival, the sapient official at the
Custom-house probed the several packages with an iron rod which is
generally used for examining sacks of wool. Though nothing contra-
band was found, the specimens were spoiled, and no little noise was
made about them.—The Times.

Meeting of German Naturalists.

The Twenty-ninth Meeting of German Naturalists and Physicians
will take place on the 18th of September, at Wiesbaden. The con-
venience of the situation of Wiesbaden, and the facility of reaching it,
are well known; the surrounding country is full of interest, geologi-
cal, mineralogical, botanical, &c.; and all those who will honour the
meeting with their presence will be sure to meet a hearty welcome
from the Presidents and Secretaries and the assembled German natu-
ralists.

“ INVITATION

to the Twenty-ninth Meeting of German Naturalists and Physicians :—

“The Association of German Naturalists and Physicians have
chosen Wiesbaden for the place of meeting this year, and have ap-
pointed the undersigned to be the managers. Our town is easily
reached by railroad and by steam-boats, and its handsome and roomy
accommodation, its treasures of art and nature, its mineral sources,
and picturesque neighbourhood offer a most favourable and attractive
locality for the meeting. We therefore earnestly invite our fellow-
labourers and all friends of natural science to the meeting, and enter-
tain the confident hope that the attendance will be most numerous.
We and our fellow-citizens will do everything in our power to secure
the scientific as well as social objects of the meeting. The meeting
will last from the 18th to the 25th of September. The reception-
office is at the Taurus Hotel, opposite the railroad-station, and will
be open from the 15th of September, from 7 to 1 in the morning,
and from 4 to 8 in the afternoon.

. “ (Signed) Prof. Dr. FRESENIUs.
* Dr. Braun.”
“ Wiesbaden, June, 1852.” - VATE OS

¢
Mr

654

The following extracts from the Programme will complete the above
information :—

“Foreign ¢ Savants’ are admitted as Associates at the meetings,
and their participation in them is highly desired.

“ The Association consists of Members and Associates (Theilneh-
mern). The right of voting is limited to writers on natural sciences
and medicine.

“All Members and Associates must announce themselves at the
Reception Office, to inscribe their names, and to receive their card of
admission, the cost of which is two dollars pr. c., or six shillmgs. A
Lodging Committee will be found at the Reception Office, to give the
necessary information to strangers.

“ The General Meetings will take place on the 18th, 21st, and 24th
of September, in the great room of the Kurhaus, from 9 a.m., to 124
p.m. The card of admittance must be shown.

“ At the General Meetings, the right of delivering addresses is
limited to the members who have the right of voting.

“ The meeting will, according to practice, form seven sections :—

“1. Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy.
“2. Chemistry and Pharmacy.

“3. Mineralogy, Geology, and Geography.
“4. Botany, Agriculture, &c.

“5. Zoology, Anatomy, and Physiology.
“6. Medicine, Surgery, and Midwifery.
“7, Anthropology and Psychiatry.

“‘ The sections will meet on the 20th, 22nd, and 23rd of September,
from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a short pause at 10.

“ All persons wishing to deliver addresses, either in the General or
in the Sectional Meetings, are requested to give up their papers, either
in extenso or in abstract, to the Secretaries during the meeting. The
MSS. will be returned to the authors, if requested, after the printing.

“Mr. W. Kreidel, bookseller, has promised to open an office for
information, from the 14th to the 24th of September, where visitors
can obtain information respecting all sights, fétes, &c. Office of the
bookseller, Langgasse, No. 25.

“Members wishing to read papers in the sections are requested to
give them in to the Presidents of Sections the day before, up to 2
o’clock p.m.

“‘ A reading-room and writing-room will be opened for the conveni-
ence of strangers.

“The daily report will be distributed gratis every morning to the

655

Members and Associates at the entrance of their respective places of
meeting. It will contain a list of newly-arrived strangers, notice of
-the papers to be read, and fétes to be held during the day.

“ Three great dinners will take place in the large room of the Kur-
haus, price one gulden, on the days of the General Meetings.

“The casino will be open to Members and Associates of the meet-
ing.”’-—Literary Gazette.

Australia.

- We learn from Hooker’s ‘ Journal of Botany,’ that Mr. James
Drummond has returned from a journey of eighteen months’ duration,
which led to the discovery of several highly-interesting genera, and
enabled him to amass a great collection of botanical specimens. “ I
could have procured many more plants,” he writes; “ but the natives
were so troublesome that I could only make excursions armed with a
double-barrelled gun, and in company with mounted police. Both
myself and my son John had several narrow escapes. At one time
there were 200 natives invited to the feast they intended to make of
our bodies after they should have killed us; providentially they did
not succeed in their murderous designs.”

Cape of Good Hope.

That enterprising naturalist, Mr. Charles Zeyher, was making pre-
parations for another journey in the interior of Southern Africa, a
country he has now been exploring for more than.a quarter of a cen-
tury.

The Feilding Herbarium.

_ The University of Oxford has suddenly become possessed of one of
the finest systematically arranged herbaria in the world. The late
Henry Barron Feilding, Esq., of Hodday Lodge, Lancashire, and
more recently of Preston, has for many years devoted his energies and
income to the formation of a private herbarium. He originally became
the possessor of the Prescott collection, then one of the most exten-
sive in Russia, for which the British Museum and some other public
institutions were said to be in treaty, but which Mr. Feilding secured
by the prompt laying down of a sum which we have heard variously
stated at from £1000 to £4000. ‘This formed the foundation of his
herbarium ; it contained a nearly complete and accurately-named
flora of the Russian dominions in Europe and Asia, besides many

656

miscellaneous specimens. At Mr. Lambert’s death, Mr. Feilding pur-
chased the collection of Ruiz and Pavon, one of the most extensive
ever formed in the Andes of Peru, and the authority for the plants de--
scribed in that magnificent work, the ‘ Flora Peruviana, published in
the last century, under the auspices of the Spanish government. For
the last twenty years Mr. Feilding has been adding to his museum by
an almost indiscriminate purchase of all the books and plants that
have been offered for sale, either in England or on the continent.
He bought from all the collectors sent out under the patronage of
individuals, securing choice sets of their harvests ; and he was a con-
stant subscriber to all the foreign collecting societies. His collection
was mainly kept in order through his own untiring zeal and devotion
to its care ; and at one time he obtained for it the scientific superin-
tendence of the late Dr. Gardner, of Ceylon. It was during this pe-
riod that he published, conjointly with Dr. Gardner, his only work,
‘Sertum Plantarum, comprising figures of new and rare plants con-
tained in the Feilding herbarium. The plates were lithographed out-
lines, on the model of Hooker’s ‘ Icones Plantarum,’ and were drawn
and lithographed by Mrs. Feilding, a lady of great accomplishments,
the enthusiastic admirer of her husband’s pursuits, and his unwearied
assistant. ahd
Mr. Feilding died suddenly towards the close of last year, and left
his widow sole legatee, with the expressed wish that his herbarium
and library should be offered to his Alma Mater, Oxford, upder cer-
tain most liberal conditions, relating to its care, its accessibility at all
times to all botanists properly recommended, its scientific superinten-
dence and increase. For the purpose of carrying out these views,
Mrs. Feilding chose as advisers and temporary trustees, Professor
Daubeny, Sir W. J. Hooker, G. Bentham, Esq., and Dr. Alexander.
Dr. Daubeny responded to the call in the most liberal spirit, proposed
wise and safe regulations under which it should be offered to the Uni-
versity, and backed them by his personal exertions, by the offer of
devoting a large share of his own emolument as Professor of Botany
to the maintenance of the herbarium, and by guaranteeing cordial
co-operation, apartments, and the use of his own library, &c., to who-
ever should be appointed to the Curatorship. The trustees had a
prolonged conference with the Oxford authorities, the result of which
was that the herbarium was gladly accepted, £1000 voted for build-
ing in the Botanic Garden a museum which should contain both that,
the Sherardian, Dillenian, and other herbaria of historical as well as

657

botanical value, and the interest of £2000 devoted to its maintenance,
&c., together with other minor advantages.

Under such auspices we cannot but anticipate a great impulse being
given by Oxford to the study of botany ; the more as the time is come
when it should be so. In Scotland the science has been greatly en-
couraged by botanical professors, both holding University and Regius
salaries, who have faithfully devoted themselves to their pupils, and
many of them to original research in the science which. they teach.
In the two great English Universities little or nothing has been done
until within the last year, when Oxford has responded so liberally to
the appeal of the trustees of the Feilding herbarium, and the new tri-
pos has filled the botanical lecture-room at Cambridge. Our profes-
sors at University and King’s College, London, give a vast deal more
time to their students than their positions demand,—zeal for the cause
of science, and not emolument, is their stimulus. Virtually, then, bo-
tany is supported in England by private liberality. The great herba-
ria and libraries of systematic botanists, viz., those of Sir W. Hooker,
Mr. Brown, Mr. Bentham, Dr. Lindley, and Dr. Alexander (we give
them in the order, we believe, of their extent and value) are all pri-
vately procured and supported ; the microscopes, books, and appara-
tus of the physiologists are all private too. The botanist from abroad
or the student at home must, to visit anything worth studying in Eng-
land, obtain introductions to their possessors ; consequently systema-
tic and structural botany make little progress in. this country compared
with the means at our disposal, whilst physiological is nearly confined
to following up the observations of Continental professors, and the
microscope is a mere toy in the hands of nine-tenths of its votaries.
_ Great discoveries are seldom made by those who are acquainted with
one branch only of the science they cultivate, and all our great phy-
siologists have been as profound systematists. This essential preli-
minary knowledge is only to be obtained by a lifetime of travel and
study, or by such extensive botanical gardens as no government could
afford to maintain, or by herbaria such as only private individuals
have hitherto possessed, but which our Universities should maintain
as absolutely essential adjuncts to the cultivation of any branch of
botanical science.—Literary Gazette.

Two Hundredth Anniversary of the Imperial Academy.

' Simultaneously with the meetings of the German Association for
the Advancement of Science, the Imperial Academy Nature Curio-
VOL. Iv. 4 P

658

sorum, the oldest Natural-History. Society in the world, has resolved
to celebrate its 200th anniversary. The following is the official invi-
tation :— |

“ Breslau, July 24, 1852.

“We have the honour of informing the members and friends of the
Imperial Academy Nature Curiosorum in Great Britain, that the cele-
bration of the 200th anniversary of our Society, which was postponed
on account of the cold season (the 1st of January being the real birth-
day}, will take place at Wiesbaden, on the 18th of September, 1852,
simultaneously with the meetings of the German Association for the
Advancement of Science, and it is to be hoped that the attendance will
be most numerous on that important occasion, when every exertion
will be made to render the stay of the members and visitors as agree-
able as possible.” —The Presidium.

BoTANICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH.

Thursday, July 8, 1852.—Dr. Seller, President, in the chair.

The following donations were announced to the Society’s library,
viz. :—‘* Proceedings of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club,’ from the
Club ; ‘ The Flower Garden Companion’ for June and July, from Mr.
Moore, the conductor; and ‘ Proceedings of the Society for the En-
couragement of Horticulture and Agriculture, and the Arts connected
with them in Jamaica,’ from Dr. Gilbert M‘Nab : also, to the Society’s
herbarium, a parcel of Australian plants, from William Collyer, Esq.,
of Greenhills, near Melbourne.

Variety of Rhododendron anthopogon.

Professor Balfour exhibited specimens, in flower, of a whitish Rho-
dodendron, sent by the Earl of Home. It seems to be allied to R.
anthopogon, and may perhaps be a variety of that species. In a note
from the Earl of Home it was stated that the seeds had been received
from the bills of Bokhara. His brother, Major Bell, got this from a
brother officer, who made a tour to that country, and sent it home be-
tween the years 1837 and 1842. In forwarding the plant Mr. George
Smith, his Lordship’s gardener, observed :—-“ I send you a Rhododen-
dron which Lord Home thinks may turn out new to this country.
Hitherto I have kept it in the greenhouse all the winter, and out of

659

doors during summer. It has never shown signs of flowering before
this summer. It has this peculiarity,—that the flower-buds expand
immediately after being formed. The seeds were gathered by one of
the first British officers that travelled in the mountains near Cabul.
He was no botanist, but said the flowers attracted his attention, being
sweet-scented and of a yellow colour. I think it is about ten or
twelve years since I got the seeds.”

Professor Balfour exhibited various donations to the Museum of
Economic Botany at the Botanic Garden. Among them the follow-
ing are the most interesting :—

Rye.

From Mr. James Fulton, Glasgow :—Large specimens of rye, the
produce of what has been termed a “ stolen” crop. It was produced
during the period intervening between the removal of the grain and
putting in of the succeeding green crop. It was sown on the 22nd
of September, 1851, and cut on the 11th of June, 1852, when it mea-
sured six feet six inches in length, and weighed in its green state
forty tons per acre, the soil being of an inferior description.

Attalea compta ?

From Dr. M‘Nab, Kingston, Jamaica :—Two spikes of fruit, three
feet long, with five sections of the stem, each four feet in circumfe-
rence, of a species of Attalea (probably Attalea compta), from the
Ferry Garden, St. Catherines, Jamaica. Regarding this tree Dr.
M‘Nab says :—“ I send two bunches of the fruit, and several sections
of the stem, of a magnificent palm, unknown to me, introduced from
Africa. It grew in the garden in front of the Ferry here. The one
cut down was seventy feet in height. Its history, as far as I have
been able to ascertain, is, that it was brought to this country by the
celebrated Captain Bligh; and three were planted by himself in the
garden at the Ferry, the other two in the Old Botanic Garden at St.

Andrews. All, with the exception of the one cut down for the mu-

seum, are still in existence, and all handsome trees, some 100 feet
high. I have got a dried spathe of it ten feet long, which I also
intend sending to the museum.” In regard to the Attalea, it was ob-
served, in a note from Mr. Smith, of Kew :—“ The palm of which you
sent a fruit has been long known to me. I have heard of the two

trees in Jamaica, and have plants of them growing. You are quite

660

right in judging it to be an Attalea; but it is not from Africa, but no
doubt from some part of the Brazil coast, most likely from the Ama-
zon, where it abounds. There are a number of species described,
more than I think really exist: they are so much alike that they are
very difficult to make out. I believe the present one is Attalea
compta of Martius. They are all very slow growers. They make
good roots and leaves, but take years before they form a trunk to begin
to ascend.”

Sebesten Plum (Cordia Sebestana).
The wood of this tree is said to give out a delicious perfume while
burning ; and a red dye is also prepared from its leaves.
Fruit of the Ochro (Abelmoschus esculentus).

The young pods are gathered green, and used in soups, also pickled
like capers. They are full of nutritive mucilage, and when cooked
with butter make a rich dish.

Vegetable Rope.

Specimen of peculiar root-like twigs, found hanging at the extre-
mities of the long rope-like stems of the Cassia trifoliata, at Spanish
Town, Jamaica. This vegetable rope is frequently from twenty to
thirty feet in length.

Dried Fruit of the Mammee Tree (Mammea americana).

' The fruit is eaten raw, cut in slices, with wine and sugar. The
seeds are bitter and resinous.

Jamaica Pickles.

Mr. M‘Nab exhibited specimens of Jamaica pickles, made from the
leaves and young flower-spikes of the cocoa-nut, from the leaves of
the macaw-tree (Cocos fusiformis) and cabbage-palm (Huterpe mon-
tana), and from the fruit of the water-melon (Cucurbita Citrullus),
and prickly cucumber (Cucumis anguria).

The following papers were read :—

Fluorine in the Stems of Graminee, &c.

‘On the Presence of Fluorine in the Stems of Graminex, Equi-
setacex, and other Plants, with some Observations on the Sources

661

from which Vegetables derive this Element; by George Wilson, M.D,’
The author commenced by stating that the earliest observer of the
presence of fluorine in plants was Will, of Giessen, who found traces
of it in barley, the straw and grain of which were analyzed together.
The author reported to the Botanical Society, some four years ago,
the results of his earlier researches into the distribution of this element
throughout the vegetable kingdom, which were not very numerous or
very encouraging. One reason of this was the small extent to which
fluorine occurs in plants ; another, and practically as serious a reason,
was the difficulty of separating and recognizing fluorine when accom-
panied by silica. The presence of this body ina plant, besides greatly
complicating the investigation,- rendered the employment of platina
vessels essential, and thus limited the amount of material which could
be subjected to examination, besides making it difficult or impossible
to observe the progress of an analysis.

The author then stated that in the course of some recent investiga-
tions into the presence of fluorine in siliceous rocks, he had succeeded
in devising a process which was also applicable to plants, and could
be carried on in the ordinary glass vessels of the laboratory. The
process in the case of plants was as follows :—The plant under exami-
nation was burned to ashes as completely as possible. The ashes
were then mixed, in the cold, with oil of vitriol, so as to secure the
decomposition of the salts of volatile acids present. The mixture was
then transferred to a retort, or flask, provided with a bent tube dip-
ping into water, and the liquid raised to the boiling point, when fluo-
rine, if present, was evolved in combination with the silicon of the
silica, as the gaseous fluoride of silicon, which dissolved in the water,
with separation ofsome gelatinous silica. The resulting solution was neu-
tralized with ammonia, and evaporated to complete dryness, when the
whole of the silicon passed into the condition of insoluble silica, and
water dissolved the fluoride of ammonium. The solution of this fluo-
ride could then be dried up and moistened with sulphuric acid, when
hydrofluoric acid was evolved, which might be made permanently to
record its presence, by causing it to etch glass in the usual way. The
author has in the meanwhile applied this process a]most solely to the
stems and trunks of plants, especially to those containing silica, re-
serving for subsequent investigation their other organs, especially their
seeds and fruits. The following were the results obtained :—

662

Table of Plants examined for Fluorine. The numbers represent grains of ashes, ex-
cept in the case of Tabasheer and Wood Opal. The blanks imply that the
weight was not known.

Ash in Grains. Name of Plant.

200 Horsetail (Hquisetum limosum) : ; 5 . Distinct etching.
Common bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea). : do.
Charcoal (derived chiefly from oak, and to a smaller

extent from birch) . : : ‘ : 3 do.
Coal. : 4 : ; / , F 5 do.
Barley straw. : : s 4 5 : : do.
Hay (rye-grass) . ; . : . : 7 do.

35 Equisetum variegatum . : 4 : : . Faint etching.
19 ae hyemale_. ; : s : : do.

295 o palustre F f a ; : do.

Tussac grass (Dactylis bane ; ; ; 4 do.

99 Elymusarenarius . : 3 : : : do.

495 Sugar-cane (Saccharum pinnae : ; do.

1040 African teak. ; : : r 4 é : do.
Smilax latifolia. ; . : No etching.

Common rosemary paeibaarteat ofiende : : do.

235 Nepaul bamboo (Bambusa Nepalensis) : ‘ do.
Common fern (Polypodium vulgare) . 3 : . do.

537 Tree-fem . A 5 : 5 : “ : do.

24 Phalaris arudinacea c . é : : 4 do.

240 Malaccacane. : f : ; : . do.

50 Cocoa-nut shell : 3 . : ; : do.

127 Indian teak (Tectona gr ee 4 : ; ; do.

80 Tabasheer 3 : : : 3 : ‘ : do.
1680 Wood opal . 5 ; : : ; : : do.

On this table the author remarked, that the siliceous stems which
he had found to abound most in fluorine were exactly those which
contained most silica. In particular, deep etchings were procured
from the Equisetacez (horse-tails), and from the Graminee (grasses),
especially the common bamboo. The last was known to contain
silica in such abundance that it collected within the joints in white
masses, nearly pure, and had long, under the name of tabasheer, been
an object of: interest to natural philosophers. The horse-tails were
scarcely lessremarkable for the amount of silica contained in their stems,
which had led to the employment of one of them (Dutch rush, Hqui-
setum hyemale) in polishing wood and metals. The African teak,
which, like the bamboo, is known sometimes to secrete silica, was
also found to contain fluorine, though much less largely than the
plants named; whilst the strongly siliceous stems of barley and rye-

663

grass also yielded the element in marked quantity. The sugar-cane,
however, gave less striking results than might have been expected ;
and the same remark applied to the Malacca cane. Two specimens
of silicified wood and one of tabasheer gave no evidence of the pre-
sence of fluorine. So far, however, as the plants named in the pre-
ceding table are concerned the author does not wish it to be inferred,
from the negative results which are detailed, that the plants in ques-
tion are totally devoid of fluorine. With larger quantities of their
ashes positive results would in all probability be obtained.

The author’s general conclusions were as follows :—I1st. That fluo-
rine occurs in a large number of plants. 2nd. That it occurs in
marked quantity in the siliceous stems of the Graminee and Equise-
tacee. 3rd. That the quantity present is in all cases very small; for.
although exact quantitative results were not obtained, it is well known
that a fraction of a grain of fluoride will yield, with oil of vitriol, a
quantity of hydrofluoric acid sufficient to etch glass deeply ; so that
the proportion of fluorine present, even in the plant-ashes which con-
tain it most abundantly, does not probably amount to more than a
fraction per cent. of their weight. The proportion of fluorine appears
to be variable, for different specimens of the same plant did not yield
concordant results.

In this, however, there is nothing anomalous, for some bamboos
yield tabasheer largely ; whilst others are found to contain none. It
seems not unlikely that soluble fluorides ascending the siliceous stem
of a plant, on their way to the seeds or fruits in which they finally
accumulate, may be arrested by the silica, and converted into insolu-
ble fluosilicates (fluorides of silicon and of a metal) ; and a bamboo, for
example, secreting tabasheer, may effect this change where one less
rich in silica cannot determine it. The slow or quick drying of a
stem may also affect the fixation of fluorides in the stems or trunks of
plants.

The sources of the fluorine found in plants may be oe as pre-
eminently two: (1) simple fluorides, such as that of calcium, which are
soluble in water, and through this medium are carried into the tissues
of plants ; and (2) compounds of fluorides with other salts, of which
the most important is probably the combination of phosphate of lime
with fluoride of calcium. This occurs in the mineral kingdom in apa-
tite and phosphorite, and in the animal kingdom in bones, shells, Bs
corals, as well as in blood, milk, and other fluids.

A recent discovery of the author’s, communicated to the Royal So-
ciety of Edinburgh, has shown that fluorides are much more widely

664

distributed that is generally imagined, and that the trap-rocks near
Edinburgh, and in the neighbourhood of the Clyde, as well as the
granites of Aberdeenshire, and the ashes of coal contain fluorides ; so
that the soils resulting from the disintegration of those rocks cannot
fail to possess fluorides also. All plants, accordingly, may be ex-
pected to exhibit evidence of their presence, in the following portions
of their tissues or fluids :—

1. In the ascending sap, simple fluorides.

2. In the descending sap, in association with the albuminous vege-
table principles, and in the seeds or fruits, in a similar state of associ-
ation, fluorides along with phosphates.

3. In the stems, especially when siliceous and hardened, fluorides
in combination with silica. The investigation is still in progress.

Iodine in various Plants.

‘On the Presence of Iodine in various Plants, with some Re-
marks on its General Distribution; by Mr. Stevenson Macadam,
Teacher of Chemistry at the Philosophical Institution. The present
paper owes its origin to some observations lately made by M. Chatin,
of Paris, and communicated by him to the French Academy of Sci-
ences.

Chatin is of opinion that in the atmosphere, in rain water and in
soils, there is an appreciable amount of iodine ; that the quantity of
this element present in one district differs from that in another; and
that the relative amount of iodine in any one locality determines to a
great extent the presence or absence of certain diseases. For instance,
in the district of a country which he classifies under the general title
of the “ Paris zone,” the quantity of iodine present in the atmosphere,
in the rain water and in the soil, is comparatively great ; and to this
he ascribes the absence of goitre and cretinism: whereas in the zone
corresponding to that of the “alpine valleys” the amount of iodine
has diminished to one-tenth of that found in the “ Paris zone ;” and
to this scarcity of the element he attributes the prevalence of goitre
and cretinism, which in that zone are endemic. Considering that the
subject was one of great importance, more especially if the conclu-
sions arrived at by Chatin (in reference to the functions fulfilled by
iodine in preventing the occurrence of the diseases referred to) could
be legitimately deduced from the experiments which he performed,
the author has this summer undertaken a series of analyses in reference
to the general distribution of iodine. Mr. Macadam’s researches have

665

as yet been mostly directed to the atmosphere and to rain-water ; and
he considered that a notice of the results obtained might be interest-
ing to the Society, alike from the intimate connexion which exists
between the plant and the atmosphere, and from the fact that he has
been led to look for, and to detect, the presence of iodine in a depart-
ment of the vegetable kingdom in which it has not formerly been
observed.

Chatin has not published a detailed account of the processes
adopted by him; but, from the manner in which he speaks of the
good effects produced by the addition of potash to substances under
examination, which, to use his own words, “arrested the complete
decomposition of the iodine compounds, whilst the waters were eva-
porating,” and by the addition of carbonate of potash and carbonate
of soda, which “ rendered the iodine present in soils much more easily
extracted,” the author was led to believe that the fixed alkalies had
been largely employed by him. Accordingly, in the first experiments
the alkalies were used in their caustic condition, for the purpose of
fixing any free iodine, and retaining any compound of iodine, which
might be encountered.

Mr. Macadam commenced with an examination of the atmosphere.
By the arrangement he employed, the air was made to traverse—Ist,
a tube containing slips of paper which had been previously dipped in
a solution of starch ; and 2ndly, a double-necked gas-bottle, contain-
ing about three ounces of a dilute solution of caustic soda. A con-
tinuous stream of air was drawn through the arrangement for some
hours. This experiment was conducted in the morning; and in the
afternoon a stream of air was for several hours drawn through the
same arrangement, caustic potash being substituted for the caustic
soda. The starch-papers did not exhibit the slightest colouration,
even when moistened with distilled water. The solutions of potash
and soda, however, on being treated with starch and nitric acid, at
once exhibited the rose colour characteristic of the presence of iodine
in small quantity. So far the experiments seemed to lead to the de-
sired conclusion ;* but when portions of the original alkaline solutions,
which had not been subjected to a current of air, were carefully tested,
it was found that iodine was present in them, in quantity, to all ap-
pearance, as great as it was in those portions which had been used in

_. the experiments.

Wishing to trace back the iodine to its source, samples of the car-

_bonate of potassa, carbonate of soda, and lime-shell which had been

employed in the preparation of the caustic solutions, were analyzed,
VOL. Iv. 4Q

666

and in all three iodine was present in perceptible quantity. Desirous
of making certain that the agents used in the investigations were as
pure as other commercial substances of the same kind, various speci-
mens were procured, from different sources; and in every sample
which was subjected to examination the presence of iodine was de-
tected. So far, then, as the determination of iodine in the atmosphere
is concerned, the experiments were of no value. The alkalies through
which the air had been drawn undoubtedly contained iodine origi-
nally; and therefore no certain conclusion could be drawn as to the
probability of their being more highly iodized by contact with the
atmosphere. To the presence of iodine in potashes, or, to use words
more strictly botanical, in the ashes of. Sorest timber, further reference
will be made in a subsequent part of this paper.

In the next experiment the alkalies were dispensed with, the air
being drawn through—

Ist. A tube with slips of starched paper, kept somewhat damp.

2ndly. A gas-bottle immersed in a freezing mixture.

3rdly. A gas-bottle containing a solution of nitrate of silver.

A continuous current was kept up for fully five hours, commencing
at mid-day. At the conclusion of this experiment the papers were
not altered in the slightest degree ; the gas-bottle (2) contained about
a quarter of an ounce of liquid, and the nitrate of silver (3) had not
been perceptibly changed. The condensed liquid was neutral to test-
papers. A drop of starch was added to it, and subsequently nitrate
of potassa and hydrochloric acid, which together form a most delicate
means of detecting iodine. The result was negative. The nitrate of
silver solution was cautiously evaporated to half an ounce, sulphu-
retted hydrogen added to precipitate the silver, and liberate, as hydri-
odic acid, any iodine which might be present; the liquid raised in
temperature, carefully avoiding ebullition, and filtered. The filtrate,
on the addition of starch, nitrate of potassa, and hydrochloric acid,
did not exhibit the slightest trace of iodine. Mr. Macadam therefore
concluded, that in the large volume of air which he had drawn through
the arrangement there had not been an appreciable amount of iodine.

The experiments as yet referred to were made, at different heights,
on Arthur’s Seat; and their negative results led to arrangements being
made for a trial on a scale much more extensive. Through the kind-
ness of the proprietor of Kinneil Iron-works, the author was enabled
_to proceed to Borrowstowness, and attach his apparatus to the receiver
from which the air, under great pressure, is forced into the blast

667

furnaces. By means of a stop-cock fixed in the receiver, and along,
flexible tube, the air was conducted to the following arrangement :—

1. A wide tube, containing slips of paper dipped in starch.

2. A condensing-worm, surrounded by a freezing mixture and
attached to a receiver.

3. A tall jar, containing chips of pumice-stone and a few iron-
filings, with sufficient water to cover them.

4. A similar jar, with pumice-stone, scrapings of clean lead, and a
solution of acetate of lead.

5. A condensing-worm, immersed in a freezing mixture and attached
to a receiver.

The air, under a pressure of three Ibs. on the square inch, was
allowed to traverse the arrangement for fully four hours, when the
apparatus was taken asunder; and, the contents of the vessels being
placed in stoppered bottles, the whole was brought to Edinburgh for
examination. The slips of paper (1) were not sensibly altered in tint,
and did not betray the slightest indications of even arose colour when
moistened with distilled water. The condensers (2 and 5) contained
each a very small quantity of liquid, which on being tested did not
show a trace of iodine. The small quantity of liquid in the conden-
sers may be accounted for by the comparatively high temperature
possessed by the air rushing through so quickly as it did. The con-
tents of the jar (3) were thrown on a filter, and washed with cold
water. » To the filtrate was added half an ounce of a solution of car-
bonate of potassa; and the whole evaporated to a quarter of an ounce.
No iodine was present. The carbonate of potassa used in this trial
was prepared by calcining cream of tartar, and was so far free from
iodine that none could be detected in two ounces of the solution, of
which half an ounce was employed. ‘There was therefore no likeli-
hood of iodine being added in the alkali used, even though the ana-
lysis of the contents of the jar had shown its presence. The jar (4)
with the lead solution was treated in the same manner as described in
a former part of this paper, when referring to the employment of sil-
ver; and the result was also negative. Notwithstanding the large
scale on which this experiment was conducted, a volume of air of not
less than 4000 cubic feet having been forced through the arrangement,
Mr. Macadam has been unable to verify the results of Chatin; yet he
feels disinclined to pronounce those results unwarranted, and has
therefore resolved to make another trial, on a still larger scale. It is
proposed to fit up an apparatus of a stronger and more durable

668

nature, and to allow a volume of air of not less than 100,000 cubic feet
to pass through.

While the experiments on the atmosphere were proceeding, Mr.
Macadam was also examining large quantities of the rain-water which
fell in Edinburgh for the last two months. For this purpose he added
to three gallons of the water some ounces of a solution of acetate of
lead. On standing twenty-four hours, a precipitate had fallen to the
bottom, from which the liquid was drawn off. The precipitate was
treated as formerly described; and no iodine was detected. As the
iodide of lead is slightly soluble in water, and as it might be present
in the liquid which had been removed from the precipitate, the whole
was evaporated to one ounce, and afterwards tested for iodine, but
none was present. A second experiment was tried with a similar vo-
lume of rain-water, viz., three gallons, substituting nitrate of silver for
the acetate of lead. A precipitate was observed after standing for
twenty-four hours ; but neither it nor the liquid contained a trace of
iodine. Another experiment, made with three gallons of rain-water
which had been collected at Unst, in the Shetlands, and to which
acetate of lead was added, gave the same negative results.

Mr. Macadam is well aware that, consequent on the evaporation of
water from the surface of the ocean, portions of the salts contained in
it are carried up and disseminated through the atmosphere, ready to
be rained down upon inland places; and that in this way iodine, most
probably as iodide of sodium, will be present in the air. Accordingly,
at the first he was confident that he should succeed in verifying Cha-
tin’s observations in a district so near the sea as that around Edin-
burgh is, and more especially in the water obtained from Unst, which
had fallen in the immediate vicinity of the ocean; but when we con-
sider what a very small per centage of iodine is present in the water
of the ocean, many gallons being required to give even a faint indica-
tion, equal to that exhibited by 1.500,000th of a grain of an alkaline
iodide; and if, further, we suppose that when the water rises in va-
pour from the sea, it carries up the salts in the same proportions as
they exist in sea-water ; itis evident that it would be requisite to eva-
porate some hundred gallons of rain-water before even a minute trace
of iodine could be obtained.

At a former part of this paper reference was made to the presence
of iodine in the potashes of commerce. The samples first tested were
those usually to be purchased in Edinburgh; but subsequently ge-
nuine and authenticated specimens of both crude and refined potashes
were procured from Glasgow. It is to Canada and the United States

669

that we owe our supplies of these materials. As imported into this
country they are contaminated with many foreign ingredients; and
amongst the rest the author has detected iodine. The most ready
means for separating and recognizing this substance, is to heat a con-
siderable quantity of the salt with a minimum of water. On cooling
the solution, the greater portion of the carbonate of potassa, as well
as the impurities, falls to the bottom of the vessel; whilst the iodide
of potassium remains dissolved in the water. When testing for the
iodine in the potashes, this solution was evaporated to dryness, treated
with alcohol, boiled, and filtered. The filtrate on being evaporated to
dryness left a residue, which on re-solution in water acted distinctly
with the starch test for iodine.

The presence of this element in potashes leads the author to believe
that iodine will be found more generally distributed in the vegetable
kingdom than it has formerly been supposed to be. The potashes
from the States, and from Canada, are principally the dried lixivium
of the ashes of forest-trees; but, whilst by much the greater portion
is so, the parties in charge are not very scrupulous about what plants
they employ; and occasionally everything which comes in the way,
and which will burn, is added to the pile. It may therefore be ob-
jected to the statement that forest-trees contain iodine, that the iodine
found in the ashes may be derived from the succulent herbs and
shrubs, and not from the trees themselves ; but this objection will be
at once removed when it is stated, that in the lixivium of charcoal the
author has obtained very distinct traces of iodine. Now the charcoal
sold and used in this country is principally oak, with a little birch,
elm, and ash.

The amount of iodine in forest-trees must be comparatively small.
When experimenting with the potashes, one is apt to forget the small
bulk into which a large quantity of timber falls when the organic
matter is expelled, and the saline ingredients are alone left. So far
as can be estimated from the present qualitative experiments, the

relative quantity of iodine in forest-trees is much less than that in
succulent plants growing in marshy places.

In conclusion, it was mentioned that the presence of ae in some
fresh-water plants was now generally recognized, and that the author
is at present engaged in testing the various plants growing in the lochs
in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh. The method employed in their
analysis is to dry the plants, burn them cautiously (indeed, the burn-
ing should be rather termed charring) ; the ashes are reduced to fine
powder, digested in water, and filtered; the clear liquid evaporated

670

and subsequently treated like the potashes. In every case the pro-
cess used for the liberation of iodine is that suggested by Dr. Price,
viz., nitrite of potassa and hydrochloric acid; and in many cases
where no indications of iodine could be obtained by the ordinary me-
thods good results were procured with Dr. Price’s process.

In the following plants, hitherto unknown to contain iodine, Mr.
Macadam has detected that element :—Myosotis palustris, Mentha
sativa, Menyanthes trifoliata, and Equisetum limosum (Duddingstone
Loch), Ranunculus aquatilis, Potamogeton densus, and Chara vulga-
ris (Dunsappie Loch).

The author has also confirmed the presence of iodine in the follow-
ing plants, in which it had been previously found by other observers ;
the specimens, however, are from different localities: — Iris Pseud-
acorus, Phragmites communis (Duddingstone), and in the ashes of
coal.

As having some connexion with the subject treated of, the author
intimated that he had obtained distinct indications of the presence of
bromine in the crude potashes. It is unfortunate that our tests for
bromine are so much inferior in delicacy to those of iodine, that it is
necessary to operate upon very large quantities before the tests are
distinct. There is no doubt that, from its presence in trees, it will be
found in greater abundance in the more succulent plants; but the few
trials yet made have been unsuccessful in determining its presence in
any but the crude Canadian and American potashes.

The experiments (excepting those pursued in the open air) were
conducted in the laboratory of Dr. George Wilson, to whom the au-
thor feels deeply indebted for the kind manner in which he has
afforded him every assistance in his power during the whole course
of the investigation.

Localities of Rare Scotch Plants.

Professor Balfour noticed the following localities for rare Scotch
plants observed by him during his trips this season, viz. :—

Nuphar lutea. WLoch near Dunfermline.

Trollius Europeus. Hill of Knock, near Dunfermline.

Teesdalia nudicaulis. Braid Hills (George Morris).

Nasturtium palustre. Banks of Tweed, Gladswood, near Melrose.

Viola hirla. Gladswood, Melrose.

Malwa moschata. Gladswood, Melrose.

Geranium nodosum. Banks of Tweed.

Euonymus Europeus. Gladswood.

671

Galium pusillum. Gladswood.

Galium Mollugo. Giladswood.

Anthemis arvensis. Near Dryburgh and Melrose.
Doronicum Pardalianches. Bemersyde, near do.
Vaccinium Oxycoccus. Hill of Knock, near Dunfermline.
Mentha viridis. Near Dryburgh and Melrose.

Plantago media. Near Melrose.

Listera cordata. Eildon Hills.

Neottia Nidus-avis. Dunglas. |
Carex irrigua. Near the Hill of Knock, Dunfermline; collected

by Messrs. Wakefield, Ross, and Sharp.
Carex pauciflora.. Near the Hill of Knock.
Carex pendula. Dunglas.
Scirpus sylvaticus. Near Dryburgh.
Melilotus vulgaris. Waste ground at Canonmills.

Arundo Epigejos. Ballast-heaps, St. David’s.

Allosorus crispus. Saline Hill, Fife ; Eildon Hills, Melrose.
Equisetum Telmateia. Dunglas.

Poisonous Qualities of Homeria collina.

Dr. Balfour read the following letter, by Mr. Richard Fryer, to Dr.
Pappe, of Cape Town, relative to a case of poisoning by the bulbs of
Homeria collina, specimens of which were exhibited to the meeting :—

“ On perusing your ‘ Flora Capensis Medica’ the other day, the cir-
cumstance stated at p. 26, of the poisonous effects of the bulb of the
‘Cape tulip,’ brought to my recollection a dreadful accident which
occurred in Hantam, in this district, many years ago; and, as I was
called upon at the time, in a judicial way, to examine some of the
bodies, and take evidence upon the causes of death, I can vouch for
the accuracy of what I shall here relate. It appears that one of the
shepherds of a farmer residing there brought home in the evening a
bundle of bulbs, which the Dutch call ‘ Mutjes ; that towards dusk

_ these were put under the ashes to roast; and when the other servants
assembled in the kitchen they were taken out, and eaten amongst
them ; the party consisting of three Hottentots, two women, and one
male slave. About half an hour after they had partaken of them they
were all seized with dreadful nausea, followed shortly afterwards by

_ Severe vomiting, and a speedy prostration of strength. The farmer,
being called, ascertained immediately, from some of the bulbs still
unconsumed, that they had been eating of the Homeria collina, of the
yellow sort, ‘ Wilde Dagga.’ Sweet-oil, milk, and everything thought

672

good were immediately administered ; but before midnight the three
Hottentots and one woman had died, in excruciating agonies. The
male slave was got through, although for a year afterwards he looked
like a skeleton; and the surviving woman ascribed her safety to only
haying ate one bulb.”

On Lastrea cristata and its Allies. By THomas Moors, Esq.,
F.L.S.*

SoME time since, in writing of the Lastrea uliginosa of Newman, I
stated an opinion that it was more nearly allied to the species known
as L. cristata than to that known as L. spinulosa, though intermediate
between them ; and, acting on this opinion, I ranged it as a variety
of the former. Subsequently, and with apparent reference to the ex-
pression of this opinion, this so-called new fern has been publicly
stated to have nothing to do with L. cristata, and that, if ranged as a
variety at all, it must be under L. spinulosa. My opinion was not
altered by this statement; and, having since continued to watch the
appearances presented by the three plants, above referred to, under cul-
tivation, I have not subsequently found reason to adopt any materially
different view. On the contrary, having cultivated them under cir-
cumstances exactly correspondent, the plants themselves, as it appears
to me, clearly confirm the opinion I had expressed; and they are now
exhibited for the information of those members who may not haye had
other opportunities of noticing their peculiarities. On this point I
leave the plants to speak for themselves.

I have stated that my opinion has undergone no material change.
{ should perhaps have said that the view I now adopt is not opposed to
that formerly held; for I must confess to a change of opinion having
occurred, inasmuch as repeated observation of the growth of the plants
has convinced me that all three ought to be considered as forms of
one species, there being no clear and satisfactory marks by which to
distinguish them. This opinion, which I have for some time formed,
from observations on the growing plants, in a cultivated state, has just
been unexpectedly corroborated on opening the third volume of Mr.
Watson’s valuable ‘ Cybele Britannica, where I find the same view,
apparently founded on experience of the wild plants, expressed by
* Read before the Botanical Society of London.

673

Mr. Hort (whom, I may remark, in passing, the very cautious author
of the Cybele mentions as a trustworthy authority). ‘Thus endorsed,
the question seems worthy the attention of British botanists.

My views, in brief, are these :—The spinulose Lastreas, as is well
known, present an unbroken series of forms between those known as
cristata and foenisecii, scarcely separable, indeed not separable, except
by mere technicalities. Lastrea foenisecii, however, mixed up with
the rest by some botanists, appears to me perfectly distinct, and is
readily known by its truly deltoid outline, its concave pinnules, its
lacerated lance-shaped scales, and perhaps even more readily when
dried, by its powerful fragrance, like that of new hay. Then follows
L. dilatata, of which there are many forms or varieties, several having
been exalted into species, different, though scarcely separable, but all
distinguishable by their entire, lance-shaped scales, and gland-fringed
indusia. And then follow the ferns under consideration, united by
their ovate, pallid scales, and their entire indusia, and not more than
separable as varieties by the form and mode of division of their fronds.
For this latter “ group” (as no doubt it may be called in some quar-
ters) it seems best to retain the name cristata, partly in order to avoid
the confusion which has resulted from the interchange of the names
spinulosa and spinosa, but chiefly because the plant known as cris-
tata, though not the most common, is the most distinct form, and
bears a Linnzan antiquity, having been most probably used by Lin-
nus himself in the very sense which it is now again proposed to
adopt; for in truth Linnzus has been charged with “ confounding ”
under one name the two extremes of the short series I now propose
to unite under the name he employed.

Tuomas Moore.

Chelsea, August, 1852. *

Observations on Hinanthe fluviatilis, Coleman.
By E. G. VaRreENNE, Esq.

In the ‘British Flora” ed. 6, p. 168, there occurs the following

remark, under the head of Ginanthe fluviatilis, Colem. :—“ It would

appear too that the flowering stems are unlike those which bear the

above described submersed leaves.” From this observation one is

led to imagine that a doubt exists in the minds of the writers as to

whether the submersed leaves and the flowering shoots grow from one
VOL. IV. 4AR

674

and the same stem, as if it were probable that the foliage of the barren
and of the lower portion of the flowering stem of Qi. fluviatilis
differed in character. Feeling that there was a certain discrepancy of
opinion amongst botanists on the subject, I was led to make sundry
examinations of the stems of CE. fluviatilis during the last month, with
a view of ascertaining the real meaning of the different conditions of
the plant; and such conclusions as I have been led to I beg to lay
before the readers of the ‘ Phytologist.’

The flowering shoot of Cinanthe fluviatilis has been so well de-
scribed by the Rev. W. H. Coleman, that any reference to that part
of the plant is needless. The portion to which, in the present obser-
vations, I feel most desirous of attracting attention is that from which
the submersed leaves grow.

This portion is a creeping stem, varying in length from two or
three inches to a foot, according to age, and in diameter from a quar-
ter to half an inch and more. The barren or distal extremity is co-
piously supplied with roots, and the portion extending from the rooted
extremity to the origin of the terminating leaves is furnished with
nodes and internodes. In full-grown stems the length of the inter-
nodes varies from a quarter of an inch to aninch, being greatest about
the middle of the stem. From the under part of the nodes, radicles
pass down into the mud. About the commencement of July, and pro-
bably at other seasons, buds, destined to become young plants, sprout
out from the sides of the nodes, taking a lateral direction, their lealy.
termination curving upwards in the water.

In avery short period, and whilst attached to the parent stem, these
young plants, terminated by leaves having the character of the sub:
mersed leaves, exhibit the creeping character of the stem, with its
nodes and internodes, and roots striking into the mud. As well as
roots and leaves, these small plants are furnished occasionally with
long, green, thread-like fibres, springing from the upper nodes, near
the leafy buds. With these I was for some time puzzled, until I met
with something that induced me to form the opinion that these green
fibres might be the early condition of the flowering shoots.

I was led to the above conclusion by finding attached to a large,
creeping stem, which was terminated by a flowering shoot, and which
was furnished with young leafy stems at its nodes, two long, fragile
fibres, eighteen inches in length. Springing from the three or four
distant nodes of these long fibres, were the young leaves and incipi-
ent flower-stalks of a flowering shoot; so that it is pretty clear that
the flowering shoots and submersed leaves are producible from the

675

same stem, but from buds differing in character. This may also ac-
count for the fact of Mr. Woods being unable to detect submersed
leaves in the plants he examined at Wareham; (see Phytol. iii. 266),
I have, however, succeeded in meeting with the submersed leaves in
a small but characteristic condition, attached to young flowering
shoots of CGinanthe fluviatilis. Indeed, the lowermost nodes of the
flowering shoots are almost always bare of foliage, either from early
destruction of the submersed leaves, or from the lower nodes of the
shoot being abortive, the latter supposition being the more probable.

The barren or rooted end of the fully-developed plant is rotting or
decaying in the month of July ; and at the same time the seven or eight
young plants, which are to take the place of their predecessor in the
season to come, are to be seen attached to the various nodes of the
stem. The fully-formed submersed leaves become brown early in the
summer, and have a worn-out appearance, from being coated over
with deposit. Probably this decay is occasioned by the vitality of the
leaves being interfered with by the twisting and straining to which
they are exposed, from the frequent disturbance of the current, and
of the level of the waters, produced by floods in winter and spring, and
by the occasional drawing off of the water in the summer, by the mil-
lers. However this may be, the submersed leaves soon decay after
the flowering season, as, I believe, does the entire stem, of which they
form the extremity, so soon as the brood of young plants which spring
out of it is fit to maintain an independent existence.

Having for the last year or two collected specimens of Cinanthe
fluviatilis for the Botanical Society of London, I made a point of se-
lecting the smaller green autumnal submersed leaves, rather than the
large, dirty-looking remains of those that had lived through the pre-
vious winter. Attached to the rooted extremities of these green au-
tumnal specimens, was frequently what seemed like a hard Jump of
dirt, and which was very carefully washed off, for the sake of giving
the specimens a neat appearance. Now, indeed, this lump would have
a greater degree of interest connected with it, as being probably the
remains of the node and internode of the parent stem from which the
young plant originated.

Allowing the above observations the credit of being correct, it seems
tolerably clear that the duration of C&nanthe fluviatilis, Colem., is of
a biennial rather than of a perennial character. The existence of
(Enanthe fluviatilis would not be much prolonged in our rivers and
the ditches connected with them, in the abundance it now is, if it
were dependent for reproduction on fruit alone ; for its flowering

676

shoots are carried away in the autumn, as Dr. Bromfield describes,
as soon as they separate from the ground ; and even before that period
the flowering tops of the plants, yet entangled amongst the masses of
weeds and other things that float down the current, and are cut off
before the seed can come to perfection. In order to counteract the
destructive agency to which the seeds of the plant are exposed, a
wonderfully increasing power is imparted to the stems of Ginanthe
fluviatilis, by the viviparous mode of increasing by buds which they
possess ; and thus, for some wise purpose, is Cénanthe fluviatilis
almost the only evergreen plant of our rivers and ditches, affording
shade and shelter to aquatic animals at all times and seasons.

I have but one observation more to make on the subject of Ginan-
the fluviatilis ; and that will bear on the shape of the submersed leaves.
Some readers of the ‘ Phytologist’ may have been struck with what
appears like a parsley-leaf, springing up in shallow river-ditches, above
the Enteromorpha intestinalis and other fresh-water Conferve which
cover the surface of the water in July and August. A little pains
taken to extract the parsley-like leaf, with its stem, from its pa-
rent mud, will show that this leaf is a transformed condition of the
submersed leaves of Ginanthe fluviatilis, as leaves of the natural form
and size of the submersed leaves are found growing from the same
root with the parsley-like leaf. Indeed, the leaflets of the parsley-like
leaves of Cinanthe fluviatilis consist merely of the base and termina-
tion of the long leaflets which grow in the current. This is an inte-
resting fact, and tends to prove that the original idea of Dillenius
contained the elements of truth, when he ascribed the lengthening
out of the plant to the action of running water ; and it also furnishes
matter for consideration as regards the specific identity of Ginanthe

fluviatilis and G4. Phellandrium.

E. G. VARENNE.
Kelvedon, August 17, 1852,

Botanical Notes of a Week in Ireland during the present Month
(August, 1852). By Dante Otiver, Jon., Esq., F.B.S.E.

Filago minima, Fries. I took advantage of the interval between
the time of the arrival of our train at Maryport and the departure of
the steam-packet, to look about on the sand-hills southerly from the
harbour. I picked several specimens of this Filago at a short dis-
tance from the town. It appears to be new to the Lake Province of

677

the ‘ Cybele.” Polygonum Raii, Bad., and Sinapis Monensis, R. Br.,
were also in the neighbourhood.

Naias flexilis, Rostk. I was fortunate enough to re-find this plant,
growing in a lake near Roundstone, between the Clifden-coast road
and the sea, at a distance of perhaps a mile or two from the village.
Although I spent some time amongst the several lakes of the neigh-
bourhood, the Naias was observed in but sparing quantity ; and, from
the fragile nature of the plant at the nodes, or “joinings,” it is rather
difficult to obtain perfect examples. I did not take an opportunity
to search for it in the Lake country northwards from Urrisbeg Moun-
tain, nor in the Ma’am and Ballinahinch districts, although many of
the lakes, having sandy or gravelly beds, in Connemara are likely
enough to afford it.

Eriocaulon septangulare. Near Roundstone this plant occurs from
near the sea-level to an elevation which I should estimate about 300
feet, in a lakelet in Urrisbeg, the height of the Ordnance Survey sta-
tion, nearly 1000 feet, on that mountain, serving as a guide.

Ulex Gallii, Planchon. This shrub grows near Roundstone. I
did not observe any autumnal bloom when in Ireland until we were
west from Oughterard ; and, I think, some time ago, when journeying
into Connemara from the north, none was observed until a few miles
northerly from Clifden. I now incline to believe it probable that the
Connemara U. nanus belongs to this species or variety. The true U.
nanus of Forster I doubt if I have ever seen growing in a wild state.
U. Gallii and U. europeus occur by the coast near Whitehaven,
Cumberland. I saw in the Belfast Botanic Garden what I take to be

‘Mackay’s Ulex strictus. One bush grows near the aquarium, or pond.

Euphrasia Odontites, L., «., and Juncus maritimus, Sm., grow near
Roundstone.

Lepigonium marinum, 8. salinum? Scirpus Tabernemontani, Sm. ?
and Solanum Dulcamara, y. marinum, Bab., grow on Arran.

Orobanche Hedere, Duby. Ina previous number of the ‘ Phyto-
logist’ I have mentioned this plant, doubtfully, as a native of Arran.
An examination of fresh specimens on the island removed the doubt.
It grows about the ivy-clad low cliffs, or shelves, by Kilronan and its
bay.

Helianthemum canum, Dun. I think I have seen this announced

as a native of W. Isles of Arran; but I observe the letter E. appended
to the description in the ‘ Manual, as though it were limited to our
island. Although out of flower at the time of my visit, I gathered

678

some specimens of a Helianthemum, not far from the lighthouse, and
say 300 feet above the sea, which I must refer to this species.

Melampyrum pratense, L., var. ericetorum, mihi. ‘Two years ago,
while visiting the western districts of Ireland, a hispid Melampyrum,
occurring in one or two places, on high, ericetal ground, engaged the
attention of my friend G. 8. Brady and myself. This plant we could not
refer either to the M. montanum described in Dr. Johnstone’s ‘ Berwick-
shire Flora’ and the ‘ Manual, or to the var. latifolium of the 2nd edition
of the latter work. Although unable to note characters on paper which
appear sufficiently marked to render it deserving of specific distinc-
tion, I cannot but think it a good variety. With such impression I
do not hesitate, after a renewed examination, a few weeks ago, of
fresh specimens, to offer it to the notice of botanists as distinct,
although to many I dare say it may not be new. I shall very briefly
describe the plant, marking by italics the characters which especially
form its features. 1 may add, that I think it possible the var. mon-
tanum may be but a diminished or altered form of this Melampyrum,
Plant frequently equally large with M. pratense, and often coarser and
stronger ; flowers axillary, secund, in approximate or sub-distant
pairs ; bracts varying from lanceolate, ovate-lanceolate to ovate, fre-
quently (in large specimens generally) with one, two, or three teeth
directed forwards or divergent. Entire plant more or less hispid ;
stem uniformly so (?), although some dried specimens may exhibit
traces of a hairy line; corolla four times as long as the calyx; lan-
ceolate teeth and tube of calyx about equal in length; leaves lanceo-
late or linear-lanceolate, under side reticulated ; flower large ; tube
of corolla mostly, in the open flower, straw-coloured or white.
Growing amongst grass &c., from a little over the sea-level (near
Craigga Moina, Roundstone), to say 1000 or 1500 feet, on Ben Bul-
ben, Sligo. The chief proportion of my examples are from Urrisbeg,
at an elevation of perhaps 200 or 250 feet. The pale or white tube
of the corolla, although in itself trifling,.1s very general, and immedi-
ately attracts attention to the plant. I am aware, as I noted before,
that the paper characters of this variety are but slender; yet I think
they are, with a consideration of the situation, in one or two respects,
of the plant, sufficient. I may mention, that I have no recollection
of having observed in the West of Ireland any specimens of Melam-
pyrum referrible to the typical M. pratense, or in any way different
from the plant just described.

Euphrasia officinalis, +. nemorosa, Koch. Specimens of an eye-
bright, distinguished by adpressed, crisped pubescence of the stem,

679

deeply serrated leaves with cuspidate teeth, and slightly pubescent co-
rolla, gathered near Roundstone, are referrible to this variety, the E.
stricta, Host. I am not aware that the typical form of the plant grows
in that neighbourhood. ?

Euphrasia 2 On Arran I collected a curious little form,
some three inches in height, much branched from near the base ; stem
with a minute, adpressed pubescence ; lanceolate or lanceolate-oblong
leaves, with one, two, or three strong teeth on each side. I did not
know to what species or form to refer it ; but, examples being sent to
C.-C. Babington, he kindly informs me that he thinks it a form of the
K. gracilis of Fries, although it strikingly resembles, and possibly may
be, E. Salisburgensis.

Thymus Serpyllum, L. Specimens of a Thymus, uniformly hairy
or nearly so, and frequently with distinct, capitate flower-stems, from
Arran, belong to this species. C.C. Babington now believes it to be
the more common species throughout the country.

Carex punctata, Gaud. ‘Through the kindness of Prof. Blytt my
herbarium is furnished with a Norwegian example of this plant, from
Arendal. The opinion of C. C. Babington, and an examination of
this specimen, convince me that I was in error in naming a Carex
found on the Cumberland coast C. punctata. It is, I suppose, C. dis-
tans. I named the plant from the descriptions in Koch and the
*Manual;’ and an able botanist, who, however, I believe, was un-
acquainted with the true punctata, coincided with my view. The.
difficulty of arriving at a correct conclusion in some such matters,
without knowing one or more of the species concerned, is great indeed,
and shows the necessity of great caution before publishing them as
facts.. I do not purpose at all to dispute that C. punctata may be a
good species. '

Athyrium Filix-foemina. A curious form of this plant I gathered
near the coast northerly from Whitehaven, Cumberland. I enclose
specimens to Edward Newman. Perhaps he will kindly subjoin his
opinion thereon.*

D. OLIVER, JUN.
Newcastle-upon-Tyne, August, 1852.

* These appear to me to come under the denomination of monstrosity rather than
of variety. They are beautiful, but certainly malformed.—E. N.

680

Norices or New Books, &c.

© The Botany of the Voyage of H.M.S. Herald. By BrerrHoup SEz-
MANN, Naturalist to the Expedition. Part 2. Flora of the Isthmus
of Panama. London: Reeve. 1852.’

WE seem scarcely to have completed our notice of the first fascicu-
lus of this important work when a second is laid on our table, not
merely equalling, but exceeding, its predecessor in interest. Leaving
the uncongenial regions of the north, and the thin layers of vegetable-
born and vegetable-bearing soil spread over rock-like masses of
eternal, unmelting ice, we must now accompany our energetic and
indefatigable traveller to those central and sunny regions of America
which are now engrossing so large a share of the attention, the specu-
lation, the hopes, the fears, the enterpise, and the capital of the civi-
lized world ; where, three hundred and fifty years ago, Columbus
found abundance of gold, pine-apples growing by the sides of the
road, and palm-trees producing the most delicious wines; where Nu-
nez de Balboa first beheld and knelt before the vast Pacific; and where
Francisco Pizarro planned and accomplished the conquest of the
richest realm then known in the world. During portions of the years
1846, 1847, 1848, and 1849 Mr. Seemann investigated the botany of
Veraguas, Panama, and Darien, visiting the entire line of coast on the
Pacific side of the Isthmus, and traversing districts where foot of bo-
tanist had never previously trodden. We can imagine nothing more
delightful than the feelings of a young and enthusiastic man under
such circumstances ; nothing more exciting or more satisfying than
gazing, day after day, on the vegetable glories of those all but un-
known realms. No traveller was ever better fitted for his task than
Mr. Seemann. He looks at his favourite science of phytology with
all the ardour of a devoted lover. Nothing can exceed the assiduity
of his attentions, or the careful manner in which he has bestowed them.
He has considered his subject in all its bearings. His summaries of
the botanical products of the country, whether statistical, economical,
or ornamental, are replete with instruction, and bespeak the possession
of one of those comprehensive minds which can appreciate at once, and
correctly, all the features of the scene before him. Instead of those
dry, and shall we say unprofitable, details which have too often filled
the pages of works designed as records of the discoveries made under
government patronage, and at government expense, we have here a

681

series of written pictures, presenting vividly to the mind’s eye the very
scenes which the author himself beheld, and grouping, with exact
method, yet with agreeable ease, the characters which communicate
to the landscape and the land their greatest interest, alike to the en-
thusiastic explorer, and the sober, plodding student in the science-
halls of distant Europe. But we feel that in instances like these the
mere expression of our approbation is insufficient, and that we can
only do justice to our author, and at the same time justify our own ex-
‘alted estimate of his labours, by extracting largely from his instructive
pages; and we shall do this without commenting on the particular
subjects he has so ably handled, leaving our extended quotations to
exercise their own unaided influence on the mind of the reader.
“The aspect of the flora is much more diversified than the unifor-
mity of the climate and the surface of the country would lead one to
expect. The sea coast and those parts influenced by the tides and
the immediate evaporation of the sea, produce a quite peculiar vege-
tation, which is generally characterized by a leathery, glossy foliage,
and leaves with entire margins. In all muddy places, down to the
verge of the ocean, are impenetrable thickets, formed of Mangroves,
chiefly Rhizophoras and Avicennias, which exhale putrid miasmata
and spread sickness over the adjacent districts. Occasionally exten-
sive tracts are covered with the Guagara de puerco (Acrostichum au-
reum, Linn.), its fronds being as much as ten feet high. Myriads of
mosquitoes and sand-flies fill the air; huge alligators sun themselves
on the slimy banks, lying motionless, blinking with their great eyes,
and jumping into the water directly any one approaches. To destroy
these dreaded swamps is almost impossible; the Avicennias, with
their Asparagus-like rhizomata, send up innumerable young shoots
whenever the main stem is felled; the Rhizophoras extend in all
directions their long aerial roots, which soon reach the ground and
preserve the trees from falling, after their terrestrial roots have lifted
them high above the original level. At Panama, where the tide rises
to the height of twenty-two feet, these trees are frequently under wa-
ter, the heavy surf washing their tops, apparently without injuring or
checking their growth ; indeed, so well has nature provided for them,
that the seed of the Rhizophoras begins to germinate while the fruit
is yet attached to the tree, and it is not until it has sprouted out to the
length of some inches that it drops, as a young plant, into the mud
below. Rivers, as far they are subjected to the influence of the ebb
and flow, are full of Mangroves and the highest Rhizophoras, which,
growing always on that side where there is the deepest water, assist
VOL, IV. 4s

682

the natives in conducting their canoes through the mud-banks. On
the sand of the sea beach the Ipomea pes-capre grows in wild luxu-
riance, producing runners often more than two hundred feet long.
Higher up, where the ground is firmer, are groves of cocoa-nut palms,
poisonous Manzanillo-trees, and spiny Prosopises and Pitajayas, or
thickets of Crescentia cucurbitina and Paritium tiliaceum.

“Far different is the vegetation of the Savanas. The ground, being
level or slightly undulated, is clothed during the greater part of the
year with a turf of brilliant green. Groups of trees and bushes rise
here and there; silvery streams, herds of cattle and deer, and the iso-
lated huts of the natives, tend to give variety to the scene, while the
absence of palms and tree-ferns imparts to the whole more the ap-
pearance of a European park than a tract of land in tropical America.
The turf is almost as dense as in an English garden, and contains, be-
sides numerous kinds of grasses, many elegant Papilionacee, Poly-
galez, Gentianee, and Violacez ; the sensitive plant (/imosa pudica,
Linn.) prevails in many localities, shutting up its tender leaves even
upon the approach of a heavy footstep. The clumps of trees and
shrubs, over which the Garumos and Pavas are waving their large
foliage, are composed of Myrtacew, Melastomee, Chrysobalaneex,
Papilionacee, Verbenacex, Composite, Aristolochie, Apocynee, and
other climbing or twining plants. Orchidee are plentiful in the vici-
nity of the rivers, where the trees are literally loaded with them. The
Vainilla (Vanilla sp.) climbs in abundance up the stems of young
trees, and often increases so much in weight as to cause the downfall
of its supporters. The Chumicales, or groves of sandpaper trees (Cu-
ratella Americana, Linn.), form curious features in the landscape.
They extend over whole districts, and their presence indicates a _ soil
impregnated with iron. The trees are about forty feet high, have
crooked branches—an approximation to the twining habit of the tribe,
and their paper-like leaves, if stirred by the wind, occasion a rattling
noise, which strongly reminds one of the European autumn, when
northerly breezes strip the trees of their foliage.

“Forests cover at least two-thirds of the whole territory. The
high trees, the dense foliage, and the numerous climbing and twining
plants, almost shut out the rays of the sun, causing a gloom, which is
the more insupportable as all other objects are hidden from view.
Rain is so frequent and the moisture so great, that the burning of
these forests is impossible ; a striking difference to those of the tem-
perate regions, where a fire often consumes extensive woods in a very
short space of time. Flowers are scarce in proportion to the mass of

633

leaves with which the places are crowded, and in no respect is the
European more disappointed; from cultivating in his gardens none
‘save the choicest and most brilliant flowers which the regions of the
sun are capable of producing ; from seeing on the stage tropical sce-
nery, which looks more like a representation of fairy-land than of sub-
lunar places ; and from reading those highly-coloured accounts with
which many travellers have endeavoured to embellish their narratives,
_his imagination has drawn a picture of equinoctial countries which a
comparison with nature at once demolishes. The Espave (Anacardium
Rhinocarpus, DC.) and the Corotu (Enterolobium Timboiiva, Mart.)
are amongst the most gigantic trees, attaining a height of from 90 to
. 130 feet, and a circumference of from 24 to 30 feet; and no better
estimate can be formed of their size, than by an inspection of the
port of Panama, where vessels of twelve tons burden, made of a single
trunk, are riding at anchor. The forests occasionally consist of only
a single species of tree; but generally they are composed of different
kinds, the principal forms belonging to Sterculiacee, Tiliacez, Mi-
mosez, Papilionacee, Euphorbiacex, Anacardiacee, Rubiaceze, Myr-
tacez, and Melastomez ; these, and the prevalence of palms, tree-
ferns, Scitaminee and Aroidee, stamp on them the real tropical
character.

“Mountains exceeding 2000 feet in elevation, situated principally
in Western Veraguas, possess a vegetation which in many respects
resembles that of the Mexican highlands; one in which the forms of
the torrid zone are harmoniously blended with those of the temperate.
Alders and blackberries are found with Fuchsias and Salyias; the
brake grows in company with lupines and Ageratums; oaks and
palms are intermingled; fine large flowers are abundant. The ge-
nera represented are Styrax, Rondeletia, Salvia, Lopezia, Fuchsia,
Centradenia, Ageratum, Conostegia, Lupinus, Hypericum, Freziera,
Galium, Smilax, Euphorbia, Rhopala, Equisetum, Clematis, Chorisia,
Verbena, Condaminea, Inga, Solanum, &c. The oaks, like most tro-
pical ones, are scarcely higher than thirty feet, resembling neither in
size nor in grandeur those which our heathen forefathers worshipped ;
their branches are smooth and devoid of that rugged appearance which
renders those of the northern species so picturesque.

“ The Isthmus is rich in medicinal plants, many of which are known
only to the natives, who have ably availed themselves of their proper-
ties. As febrifuges, they employ Chicoria (Hlephantopus spicatus,
Juss.), Corpachi (Croton), Guavito amargo (Quassia amara, Linn.),
Cedron (Simaba Cedron, Planch.), and several Gentianez, herbaceous

684

plants, which are known by the name of Canchalaquas. As purga-
tives are used, Nino muerto, or Malcasada (Asclepias Curassavica,
Linn.), Frijolillo (Cassia occidentalis, Livn.), Canafistola de purgar
(Cassia Fistula, Linn.), Laureno (Cassia alata, Linn.), Javilla (Hura
crepitans, Linn.) and Coquillo (Jatropha Curcas, Linn.). Emetics
are obtained from Garriba de pena (Begonia sp.) and Frailecillo (Ja-
tropha gossypifolia, Linn.). As vulneraries they use Chiriqui (7Triais
Srutescens, P. Br.), and Guazimillo, or Palo del soldado (Waltheria
glomerata, Presl), and Cope chico de suelo (Clusia sp.). Anti-syphi-
litics are, Cardo santo (Argemone Mexicana, Linn.), Zarzaparilla
(Smilax sp. pl.) and Cabeza del negro (Déioscorea sp.). Cooling
draughts are prepared from the ferns, Calahuala (Goniophlebium -
attenuatum, Presl) and Doradilla de palo (Goniophlebium incanum,
Swartz). Antidotes for the bites of snakes are found in the stem and
leaves of the Guaco (Mikania Guaco, H. B. K.) and the seeds of the
Cedron (Simaba Cedron, Planch.). Cutaneous diseases are cured by
applying the bark of the Palo de buba (Jacaranda jilicifolia, Don)
and Nanci (Byrsonima cotinifolia, H. B. K.), and the leaves of the
Malva (Malachra capitata, Linn.).

“The most dreaded of the poisonous plants are the Amancay (The-
vetia neriifolia, Juss.), Cojon del gato (Thevetia nitida, DeCand.),
Manzanillo de playa (Hippomane Mancinella, Linn.), Florispondio
(Datura sanguinea, Ruiz et Pav.), and Bala (Gliricidia maculata,
Kunth). It is said of the Manzanillo de playa that persons have died
from sleeping beneath its shade ; and that its milky juice raises blis-
ters on the skin, which are difficult to heal. The first of these state-
ments inust be regarded as fabulous, and the second be received with
a degree of modification. Some people will bear the juice upon the
surface of the body without being in the least affected by it, while
others do experience the utmost pain; the difference seeming to de-
pend entirely upon a man’s constitution. Great caution, however, is
required in protecting the eyes, for if the least drop enters them, loss
of sight and the most acute smarting for several days are the conse-
quence. The smoke arising from the wood produces a similar effect.
While surveying the coast of Darien, a boat’s crew of H.M.S. ‘ He-
rald’ was blinded for some days from having kindled a fire with the
branches of this tree. Whenever the natives are affected by the poi-
son, they at once wash the injured part in salt water. This remedy
is most efficacious, and, as the Manzanillo is always confined to the
edge of the ocean, of easy application. It has been stated that the
Indians of the Isthmus dip their arrows in the juice of the Manza-

685

nillo. There are, however, various reasons for doubting this asser-
tion; first, because the poison is, like that of all Euphorbiacex,
extremely volatile, and, however virulent when first procured, soon
loses its power; secondly, because its effect, even when fresh, is by
no means so strong as to cause the death of human beings, not even
producing, as has been stated, the slightest injury on some consti-
tutions. The statement may therefore be considered as an inaccu-
racy, and it may rather be supposed that the Indians, like those of
Guiana, obtain their poison from the two species of Strychnos com-
mon throughout Panama and Darien. The fruit of the Amancay
(Thevetia néreiifolia, Juss.) is also considered very poisonous, but its
dangerous qualities have probably been over-rated. There is a
gentlemen in Panama who, when a boy, ate four of these fruits, with-
out experiencing any other effect than mere griping. ‘The leaves of
the Bala, or, as it is also called, Madera negra (Glirictdia maculata,
Kth.), are used to poison rats. The Florispondio (Datura sanguinea,
Ruiz et Pav.) appears to have always played, and still continues to
play, a prominent part in the superstition of tropical America. The
Indians of Darien, as well as those of Choco, prepare from its seeds a
decoction, which is given to their children to produce a state of ex-
citement in which they are supposed to possess the power of dis-
covering gold. In any place where the unhappy patients happen to
fall down, digging is commenced ; and, as the soil nearly everywhere
abounds with gold-dust, an amount of more or less value is obtained.
In order to counteract the bad effect of the poison, some sour Chica
de Maize, a beer made of Indian corn, is administered.

“Many indigenous plants bear eatable fruits, some of most delicious
flavour. * * * * * * Several spontaneous productions are used as cu-
linary vegetables. The Marathrum foeniculaceum, H. B. K., a plant
resembling some of the finer sea-weeds, and growing in most rivers
of Veraguas, is estimated so highly by the inhabitants that they have
called it Passe carne, i. e., excels or surpasses meat ; and, indeed, its
young leaf-stalks, when boiled, have a delicate flavour, not unlike that
of French-beans. The leaves of the Naju de espina (Pezrescia Bleo,
DeCand.) are eaten as salad, either raw or boiled, like the young
branches of several Opuntias in Mexico; and in a country where,
from the nature of the climate, the rearing of lettuces is attended with

difficulty, they form a tolerable substitute. The foliage of the Col de

Nicaragua (Jatropha multifida, Linn.) affords another culinary vege-

table, losing, apparently, as do most Euphorbiacez, its poisonous

qualities by boiling. The seeds of the Chigua (Zamia Chigua, Seem.),

686

a plant abounding in the vicinity of Chirambira, after having been
boiled and reduced to a mash, are mixed with milk and sugar, and
thus eaten. A kind of bread is also prepared from them.. As condi-
ments for esculent purposes, divers plants are used. The red berries
of the Malagueto chico, or Malagueto hembra (Xylopia frutescens,
Aubl.), are substituted for pepper, especially by the negroes. The
fruit of the Vainilla (Vanilla sp.) and Vainilla chica (Sobralia sp.) are
spices employed in flavouring sweetmeats, chocolate, and puddings.
The leaves of the Toronjil (Océmum), a common herb, are chopped,
and serve to replace our parsley. ‘The most important, however, of
all the aromatics to the Panamian cook is the Culantra (Hryngewm
fetidum, Linn.). It imparts a flavour difficult for a foreigner to
relish; but the inhabitants consider it indispensable, and are quite
distressed when in the soups and sancoches their favourite condi-
ment has by some accident been omitted.

“Excellent timber for building and wood for cabinet-makers’ pur-
poses abound. * * * * * * From the Roble and Guyacan the most
durable wood is obtained. The Nazareno, a beautiful bluish fancy
wood, the produce of ascientifically unknown tree, would fetch a high
price in Europe. The Quira is remarkable for its black and brown streaks.
The Coroti and Espavé supply the natives with materials for canoes.

“Dyes the country produces several ; a yellow one is obtained from
the wood of the Macano (Diphysa Carthaginensis, Jacq.), a scarlet
from the leaves of the Hojita de tenir (Lundia Chica, Seem.), a blue
from the foliage of the Anil silvestre (Indigofera Anil, Limn.), a vio-
let from the fruit of the Jagua (Genipa), a red from the pulp of the
pulp of the Bija or Achotte (Bixa Orellana, Linn.), and a black from
the seeds of the Ojo de venado (Mucuna sp. pl.). A brown colour
might be extracted from the Dichromena pura, Nees ab E., which
abounds in the Savanas, and makes on cotton and linen a stain very
much like that caused by the rusting of an iron nail, hence the ver-
nacular name, Clava, a nail. The Indians of Southern Darien paint
their faces with the colour obtained from the Bixa Orellana, Linn., or
as they themselves term it, Bija. The scarlet dye observed in the
hammocks of Veraguas is not given with the purple shell (Purpura
patula, Lam.), as the people of Panama assert, but with the leaves of
the Lundia Chica.

“The cordage which the Isthmians use is solely procured from
indigenous plants. The best and whitest is made from the fibre of
the Corteza (Apeiba Tibourbou, Aubl.). A brownish-looking rope
easily affected by dampness, probably because the tree from which it

687

is taken has saline properties, is manufactured from the Majagua de
playa (Paritium tiliaceum, Adr. Juss.). The Barrigon (Pachira Ba-
nigon, Seem.) and the Malagueto hembra (Xylopia frutescens, Aubl.)
also yield a fibre fit for ropes. The hammocks of Veraguas consist
of the fibres of the Cabuya (Agave sp.) and those of a palm called
Chonta. A strong fibre is contained in the leaves of the Pita de za-
pateros (Bromelia sp.), which is prepared like flax, woven into bags,
or chacaras, by different Indian tribes, and extensively used by shoe-
makers for sewing. The fibre surrounding the wood of the Cucua or
Namagua forms a close texture of regular natural matting, which the
natives soak in water, beat and make into garments, beds and ropes,
or use as sails for their canoes. The mats which the poorer classes
have to sleep upon are manufactured from the fibre of plantain leaves
(Musa paradisiaca, Linn.).

“ Numerous vegetable substances are applied to miscellaneous pur-
poses. An infusion of the leaves of the Té (Corchorus saliquosus,
Linn.) is drunk instead of tea, and a similar preparation may be made
from those of the Freziera theoides, Swartz, a shrub common on the
voleana of Chiriqui. The aerial roots of the Zanora (Jriartea exor-
rhiza, Mart.) being clad with numerous spines are used as graters,
and although they are not so fine as those supplied by art, yet'fn a
country where, from the humidity of the climate, tin ones soon get
rusty, they are almost preferable. The natives chiefly employ them
when grating cocoa-nuts, which, boiled with rice, compose one of
their favourite dishes. The leaves of the Papayo (Carica Papaya,
Linn.) are a substitute for soap. The wood of the Balsa (Ochroma
Lagopus, Swartz) being soft and light like cork, is used for stopping
bottles; the never-sinking rafts, which at the discovery of South
America, caused such surprise among the early adventurers, were then
constructed of it and are so still. The fruit of the Palo de velas or
candle-tree (Parmentia cereifera, Seem.) serves to fatten cattle. * * *
Oil is obtained from the fruit of the Corozo colorado (Elais melano-
cocca, Gertn.), and wine, vinegar, food, habitations, clothing, and nu-
merous other necessaries of life from the different palms which inhabit
the country.

“Nor is the flora destitute of plants which claim attention on ac-
count of their beauty, rarity, or singular configuration. The Espiritu
Santo or Holy Ghost plant (Peristeria elata, Hook.) bears a flower
resembling a dove, and is, like the Flor de semana santa, another
Orchidea, almost held in religious veneration, and eagerly sought for
when in blossom. The Biura (Petrea volubilis, Jacq.) is a flower of

688

whose beauty those who have only seen it in conservatories can form
but an inadequate idea; nothing can be more charming than the
sight of whole groves overspread with the long blue racemes of this
creeper; it almost baffles description. The Palo de buba (Jacaranda
Jilicifolia, Don) is another of those plants on which poets delight to
try their pen, and painters their brush. When this noble tree rises
on the banks of the river, amidst the dark foliage of a luxuriant vege-
tation, and waves its large panicles in the air, the foot is involunta-
rily arrested, and one gazes for some time lost in wonder and
admiration.”—Pp. 65—72.

‘Walks after Wild Flowers ; or the Botany of the Bohereens. By
RicHarv Downen (RicHarD). London: John. Van Voorst, Pater-
noster Row. 1852.

The title of this pretty little book is a sad misnomer ; it is sugges-
tive of glorious rambles through mead and forest dell, o’er hill and
dale, by lake and river, up mountain height and on old ocean’s shore,
EELS with pleasant way-side chit-chat upon the varied floral trea-
sures that await the notice of the wandering naturalist; in short, a
* Botanical Looker-Out’ adapted to the scenery and localities of the
Emerald Isle. Instead of this, however, we have a sort of introduc-
tion to the natural system of botany; or rather, the first instalment of
such an introduction, for either the Irish “ Bohereens ” possess a sin-
gularly fragmentary Flora, or the author must intend, at some future
period, to give us a continuation of his book, which now, like

“‘ Th’ adventure of the bear and fiddle,
Begins, but breaks off in the middle,”

and scarcely there, for we get no further with the wild flowers than to
the end of the Brassicacez, in the method which the author says “ is
called that of the natural orders in botany ;” and which method, he
further tells us, is adopted, because his “ labour is intended to be more
a botanical biography than a systematic production ;” this to us how-
ever seems to read very like a non sequitur, a figure of speech which
in the vernacular is usually denominated a bull. |

As “a botanical biography” then, so far as it goes, this little vo-
lume has our hearty welcome. It is replete with pleasant gossip
about wild flowers, consisting of lore learned and unlearned, gleaned
from a variety of sources, ancient and modern, in reference to their

689

uses, and their associations, medical, economical, poetical, classical,
historical, etymological and mystical: in short, with everything that
can be brought to bear any relation, remote or intimate, with the sub-
jects of the biography. Thus, the name of the genus Brassica

* Is said to be derived from the Celtic word ‘ bressic, a cabbage ;
and this derivation from our aboriginal tongue would naturally induce
belief, that although a cultivated, and, of course, much modified,
group of vegetables, we have always had several of them indigenous.
Withering is not content to abide by our Celtic root, but must give
it an Attic origin, and, consequently, he derives it from the Greek
‘ brazo, to boil; the operation, no doubt, which is of most importance
in making all the Brassica tribe useful, for vegetables have been vili-
fied, and called causers of cholera, merely because they were but par-
boiled, instead of being cooked.”—P. 162.

Then, a few pages further on, we come to an inquiry into the ety-
mology of the word cabbage ; and here, says the author,

“ Johnson’s Dictionary gives no help, Celtic or Saxon; it merely
tells us it is cabus, in French ; and the French Dictionnaire says that
combined with chou, cabus means hard. Now this is a very hard ety-
mology ; but, to assist us on, we find cabas to be la belle langue for a
frail of figs. Well, a drum-headed cabbage is something like the
shape of that globe, flattened at the poles; but it is rather a con-
strained origin for our name. Then the Latin gives us no aid at all;
but, come, what joy and dignity it is to find the root of our shunned
and repudiated word in undoubted Attic Greek ; take courage, then,
‘here you are.’ Kabe, food. Do you espy cabbage now? And then
follow the words, ‘ kapto, to eat; and ‘ kabos,’ a corn-vessel or mea-
sure—a kind of cornucopia, which might indicate that true Irish
union, so well sketched in the song of William Maginn, viz :—

“«<« Pigs galore, magra asthore,
And cabbages, and ladies.’”
fer «92.

As a relief after the perusal of this dry disquisition upon the deriva-
tion of a very familiar word, we must quote here the amusing abstract
of some learned Irish scholar’s researches into the history of the wild
field cabbage (Brassica campestris), wherein our readers will find,
we flatter ourselves, some truly unexpected revelations of and con-
cerning avery primitive use of cabbage-leaves, for which we think
they could scarcely have been prepared. Of this member of the
family, as Mr. Dowden says, “authors write but little: where two

VOL. Iv. 4 T

690

travel on a horse, one must go in front; and so it is with these cross-
worts—the younger brother, the cabbage, carries away the public
attention and position by his greater usefulness. Brassica campestris
has scarcely a thought given it, except by our faithful historian, Ge-
rarde, who says, that ‘ wild colewort hath broad leaves not unlike to
the tame colewort, but lesser, as is all the rest of the plant; is of
nature wild, and, therefore, not sought after as a meat.’” But to our
quotation :—

“A good ‘Irishian,’ as a scholar in ‘ the vernacular’ is styled, is
always somewhat of a Latinist besides ; and, holding it as undoubted
that the more juvenile tongue is no other than the Celtic cloaked in
Holic terminations, our ancient philologer never looked into Ains-
worth until he had first sacked O'Reilly, having found the hard Cel-
tic word Bresic —meaning a tegument, and softened down into
Brassica—he announced it as the origin of the northern Irishman’s
(vulgo, the Scotchman’s) mode of designating his inferior garments,
or ‘breeks.’ Getting on thus to the specific distinction of our plant,
campestre, he finds a second explanation in addition to that of a ‘flat
field,—it also means ‘ tegmen, a covering, an apron; upon this hint
our Irishian pronounced he had discovered why early Celtic writers
had repudiated the notion that mere fig-leaves supplied materials for
the primitive tailoring of Paradise. Thus does our bold Hibernian
scholar and antiquary triumphantly prove, that it was not in a paltry
plication of fig-leaves Adam and his Eve enveloped themselves, but
they fetched from their vegetable garden the superior substantiality
and size of cabbage-leaves, which were laid in folds around them for
a cincture. He neatly shows that the kilt was continued from that
paradisaical era by the Irish, although now worn chiefly by the Scot-
tish branch of the Celtic people; and also thinks that the variety of
Brassica called red cabbage may have been alternated in the petti-
coat, with the greener leaves as a tasteful variety, in this ancient ve-
getable tartan; which, being cool and comfortable, would be suitable
enough in a warm Eastern climate.”—P. 181.

The pretty little awl-wort (Subularia aquatica) furnishes an appro-
priate allusion to one of the sweetest of Moore’s ‘Irish Melodies.’ Of
this “ paddling pet of the mountain ponds,” our author observes, “ we
do not find much to remark,” since

“Tt has not won a reputation in medicine-mongering or witchcraft.
Like the citizen in ‘Julius Cesar, it might say, if it could speak—
‘Truly, sir, all that [ live by is with the awl: I meddle with no
tradesman’s matters, nor women’s matters, but with awl.’ It has, in

691

fact, only its name and its form, without a history of any economical
kind whatever. We do, it is true, know of a certain water-cobbler, but
he could not get at our awl-wort, for he lives in the sea, and the
mountain ponds or elevated lakes are inaccessible to him; with this
difficulty before us, we cannot draw our plant into a legend with any
facility, so we must record its residence in our poet Moore’s lines,
which will give it some touch of immortality :—

**¢ On Lough Neagh’s banks as the fisherman strays,
At the cold clear eve’s declining,
He sees the round towers of other days
In the waves beneath him shining’

** Close by stones and broken rubble, where the poet may imagine
ancient fallen towers lie half imbedded in the lake, the Subularia ap-
pears ; it is the Irish rush-cress—an admirably adapted name, con-
structed from its rush-like leaves and its cress-like blossom. This
interesting little native ought to be in every aquatic garden. If
planted in a pot of gravel with a little clay, and sunk in a quiet
stream, it will grow readily ; and then may be noticed by the curious,
with facility, the unique fact of a flower in full bloom under the water.
It is very probable, however, that the distribution of the pollen on the
stigmas takes place before the petals open, and that in this way
impregnation is secured ; although the most usual fertilization of
seeds takes place after the flower expands in the air.” —P. 227.

Having now accompanied our author as far as the azl-wort, with
which his present volume concludes, so now must we also conclude,
by saying that taking it “ for ald in all,” we can conscientiously com-
mend the book to the notice of our readers, as being in a great mea-
sure calculated to increase the number of admirers of those floral
treasures which are so profusely scattered among the green lanes, the
“little roads” and bye-ways of our native land. As in this, our
wishes coincide with his own, we may almost take for a motto to our
annual volume the following passage, in which we take leave of the
“Walks after Wild Flowers.’

“T want,” says the author, “ to give pleasure to pedestrians; I want
to make them god-fathers and god-mothers to all the new births of the
teeming spring, and to call them by their names, and know them, and
by taking knowledge of them to love them. I want every summer
flower to be appreciated ; and the seed and fruit of autumn to be un-
derstood and welcomed ; as to winter, when it comes, for the season
which is truly naked and bare never comes in our emerald isle, the

692

“dead season’ is yet fully alive to him who observes nature even as
it ‘ Grows again tow’rd earth.’ ”—P. 4.

By the way, though, we were all but ungallant enough to omit to
mention the tasteful frontispiece to the volume, although the same is
from the pencil of alady. It represents four members of the Ranun-
culaceous order, each surrounded by an emblem of its peculiar habi-
tat, and the whole inclosed in an ornamental border. It is very pretty
and very appropriate.

Proceepines or SocieEtizs, §c.

THE PHyYTOLOGIST CLUB.

One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Sitling.— Saturday, August 28,
1852.—Mr. Newmavy, President, in the chair.

The President, in reply to a note received on the subject, wished
to avail himself of the opportunity of stating that the Phytologist
Club was strictly confined to those under whose immediate superin-
tendance the ‘ Phytologist’ was published, and that the printing of
its proceedings was adopted as a ready means of communicating to
the public those passing observations which had not the formality, or,
in the eyes of their authors, the importance, of prepared communica-
tions, but which he thought were worthy of being thus rescued from
oblivion.

Thlaspi alpestre.

The President mentioned that he had received from Mr. Thomas
Clark, of Halesleigh, Bridgwater, seeds of Thlaspi alpestre, gathered
on the Mendip Hills, between Sidcot and Shipham; and that he had
forwarded them to Mr. Borrer, in accordance with a request on the
wrapper of the ‘ Phytologist’ for August, 1851.

Anther-cells of Chrysosplenium.

The President read the following observations on this genus, com-
municated by Mr. W. H. Purchas, of Ross, dated August 21, 1852:—
“1 have frequently examined fresh specimens of Chrysosplenium
oppositifolium from this and the adjoining counties ; but I never could
verify the statement, which Mr. Babington has apparently adopted

693

from Koch, that the anthers of this genus have only one cell, and per-
haps ought to be considered as four or five, divided to the base of
their filaments. I have always found them two-celled; and this
structure was, on account of the greater size of the floral organs, still
more obvious in specimens of C. alternifolium sent me last spring, in
a fresh state. The connective is distinctly visible up to the apex of
the anther, separating, though not projecting beyond, the cells; the
valves gape widely after dehiscence ; so that a cross section of the
burst anther has nearly the figure of the letter x. I have examined a
number of British and some foreign writers, all of whom agree in de-
scribing the anthers as two-celled, either generally in the ordinal cha-
racters, or specially under the genus or species. Amongst these are
Grenier and Godron, who, as they have written since the publication
of Koch’s work, cannot have been ignorant of his statement, or be sup-
posed to have made an opposing one without special examination of
the plants, as we might perhaps have fancied that older writers had
done. The figures in ‘ English Botany’ and Cuttis’s ‘ Flora Londi:
nensis’ represent the anther two-celled. Can they be variable in this
respect, occasionally imitating what is said to occur normally in Lep-
tarrhena ?”

Myosotis strigulosa.

The President read the following note, from Mr. C. C. Babington,
dated August 21, 1852 :—

“7 see that Mr. Watson has formed an opinion that the plant found
by Mr. Davies in Cumberland is Myosotis strigulosa, Reich. ; and I
have much pleasure in being able to concur with him. Having au-
thentic specimens of the plant (Reich. Fl. Exsic. No. 2051), and
access to Reichenbach’s own plate of it (Sturm’s Deutsch. FI. 42, 3),
I have placed Mr. Davies’s specimens (for which I am indebted to
him) side by side with them, and find that they agree, with the ex-
ception of an error in the latter, pointed out by Reichenbach himself,
in his Fl. Excursoria. The plant is considered as a distinct species
by Reichenbach, Roth, Van den Bosck, and some others ; but I think

_ that it is only a form of M. palustris, as do Koch, &c.”

Veronica palustris.

The President said that several inquiries had been made as to a
plant mentioned by Messrs. Lloyd and M’Ennes under this name at

_ p. 686. He begged of the authors of the paper in question to give

the required information.

694

Myosotis near Balcombe.

The President hoped that the botanists referred to would also
kindly transmit specimens of this supposed new species, that he might
transmit them to Mr. Watson and Mr. Babington for identification.

Monstrous Form of Trifolium repens.

The President read the following extract of letter from Mr. T. G.
Littleboy, of Bourne End, Hemel Hempstead :—

“ Enclosed are specimens of a leguminous plant, which differs from

any species of Trifolium with which I am acquainted. The most
distinctive characteristics are the great length of the pedicels and the
leaf-like segments of the calyx, the long and erect or ascending pe-
duncles, and the curved legumes. It was found in a cart-track near
this place.”
“ The specimens sent were evidently monstrosities of Trifolium
repens, in which not only the sepals, but some of the petals also, had
assumed the character of monster leaves. Such instances are not very
uncommon. -

Lastrea uliginosa.

The President wished to record a fact, remarkably in accordance
with Mr. Moore’s observation, published in another part of this num-
ber, on the same subject. He had possessed for at least six years a
plant of that form of Lastrea usually known as cristata, but to which
he had wished to restrict the name of Callipteris, as assigned by
Ehrhart. This plant originally came from Bawsey, and was most
rigidly typical of its kind. Cultivated in a dry London atmosphere,
it had strictly retained its original characters, except that, getting
weaker year after year, it has grown “ small by degrees and beautifully
less.” The weather at last proved too dry ; and this individual plant
was planted in bog-earth, abundantly supplied with water, and placed
in a closed greenhouse, where the thermometer frequently rose above
90° Fahr. Its growth became vigorous in the extreme ; but this was
not all: frond after frond appeared, each receding more than the last
from the typical figure of Callipteris, and approaching that of uligi-
nosa; and at the present moment it has fronds, evidently from the
same cormus, which would serve admirably as representatives of both
supposed species. He wished to insist on nothing, to draw no con-
clusions, but to invite others to experimentalize in the same manner.

695

Aconitum Napellus in Glamorganshire.

The President read the following note, from Mr. George Maw, of
Worcester, dated August 11, 1852 :—

“JT think it is not generally known that Aconitum Napellus is a
Glamorganshire plant. When travelling last April on the S. Wales
Railway, I was astonished at the great abundance in which it was
growing on both sides of a stream which is crossed several times by
the rail between the Llantressant Station and Cardiff. At the time I
saw it, it was only six or seven inches high, but growing in such pro-
fusion that the banks were quite covered with its emerald-green foli-
age for a distance of at least six miles. I should have recorded its
occurrence in this locality sooner, but on mentioning my supposed
discovery to Mr. Moggridge, of Swansea, I found he had published
the locality several yearsago. I think there cannot be the least doubt
about the plant being truly wild in the counties adjoining the estuary
of the Severn. One two localities have been recorded for it in Somer-
setshire ; and I believe it has been found near Sapperton, Gloucester-
shire, at the head of the Stroud Valley, which is, I should think, a
similar locality to that in Monmouthshire, described by Mr. Hort in the
‘ Phytologist’ for August. 'The formation is oolitic instead of carbo-
niferous limestone. When a plant like the present is found distri-
buted through a number of adjoining counties, is it not strong evidence
in favour of its being a native? I once found Aconitum Napellus in
Aske Wood, near Richmond, York; but there it was associated with
such suspicious characters (Geranium striatum and Saxifraga um-
brosa) as to make it probable it had been introduced. Would not the
Forest of Dean be a likely locality for the occurrence of the monk’s-
hood?”

Lastrea cristata, L. Thelypteris, L. spinosa, Equisetum Wilsoni, §c.

The President read the following extract from a letter addressed to
him by Mr. R. W. Rawson, B.A., of Humberstone Grammar School,
near Great Grimsby, dated August 11, 1852 :—

“ Thinking that it may not be uninteresting to you to hear that I
found Lastrea cristata in Wybunbury Moss, as indicated in your book
on British ferns, I thought of making this communication some time
since, but have hitherto neglected. {[ am now reminded of my origi-
nal intention by seeing that a paper has just been read on L. cristata
at the meeting of the Botanical Society. I enclose two small, imper-
fect fronds of L. cristata, gathered in October, 1850; two of L.

696

spinosa ; anda specimen of Equisetum Wilsoni. The last was gathered
near Mullingar, in Westmeath, in February, 1850. It grows abun-
dantly by the edge of the canal there. LL. spinosa grows abundantly
in boggy ground in the neighbourhood of Whitchurch, Salop. The
difference between it and L. multiflora, growing side by side, is almost
as marked as that between two different species can be. L. Thely-
pteris grows abundantly in Quoiseley Meres, near Whitchurch, and in
Wybunbury Moss, near Nantwich. I found Botrychium Lunaria in
a field near the canal at Whitchurch. Osmunda regalis grows plenti-
fully in that neighbourhood.”

The President read the following extracts from a letter from Mr.
Watson :—

Asplenium germanicum in Northumberland.

“ To-day I received two fronds of Asplenium germanicum, gathered
by G. R. Tate, on Kyloe Rocks, Northumberland.”

Lastrea uliginosa not in Kincardineshire.

“ Lastrea uliginosa has not been found in Kincardineshire. It ap-
pears that Mr. Syme had inadvertently marked its name in a ‘ London
Catalogue ’ instead of L. dilatata.”

% BoTANICAL SoOcIETY OF LONDON.

Friday, August 6, 1852.—John Reynolds, Esq., Treasurer, in the
chair.

Amongst the donations announced to the library was the third vo-
lume of ‘ Cybele Britannica, by Hewett Cottrell Watson, Esq. ; pre-
sented by the author.

A paper ‘On Lastrea cristata and its Allies, by Mr. T. Moore,
F.L.S., was read (see p. 672).—G. E. D.

697

Rich Locality of Plants on Wandsworth Common.
By Mr. K. M’ENNEs.

Ricu indeed is the locality to which I am about to call attention,
both in the number of native plants not previously known to this dis-
trict, and in others which have made their re-appearance after an
absence of several years.

Some weeks since, my attention was drawn to the cutting through
which passes the London and South-Western Railway, crossing
Wandsworth Common. Near the bridge by which the Tooting road
passes over the line, is a piece of land belonging to the Company,
which has been excavated to a considerable depth in procuring bal-
last for the use of the line. Here, at a depth varying from perhaps
ten to twenty feet, upon the newly-exposed gravel and the under-
lying marly formation, have sprung up plants of an interesting cha-
racter; interesting from their rarity in this neighbourhood, and
interesting in one instance for the re-appearance of a plant which had
been lost to the Common for many years, viz., Drosera rotundifolia.
Grouped together in this small portion of ground, occur plants from
a diversity of soils and geographical positions.

As one of the most interesting, I will begin with the Lycopodium
inundatum, which is fine in growth, and in tolerable abundance, asso-
ciated with its usual attendant, Drosera rotundifolia. We have also
Ranunculus circinatus, R. Flammula, R. repens, R. acris, and R. sce-
leratus, Nasturtium officinale and N. terrestre, Sinapis alba, and Se-
nebiera Coronopus, in moist parts; on dry, sandy soils near the top,
Sagina apetala, Alsine rubra, Malva sylvestris, and Hypericum humi-
fusum ; Geranium pusillum, Vicia Cracca and V. sativa, in numerous
places; Potentilla Tormentilla and P. anserina, Ginothera biennis,
and Medicago sativa extend directly across the Common, for at least
half a mile, on each bank of the railway ; Foeniculum officinale is also
plentiful for a great distance, in company with Melilotus leucanthus ;
on the more stiff soil in the lower parts are Helminthia echioides, Hy po-
cheris radicata, Tussilago Farfara, Dipsacus sylvestris, Daucus Carota,
Achillea Millefolium, Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum, Plantago lan-
ceolata and P. major (with P. Coronopus on the drier parts), Rumex
obtusifolius and R. crispus, Anthemis nobilis and A. Cotula, Gnapha-
lium uliginosum, Carduus lanceolatus, Scutellaria minor, Radiola
millegrana, Trifolium pratense, T. repens, T. Ornithopodioides, and T.
procumbens, Medicago lupulina, Lotus major, with var. 8. glabriusculus

VOL. IV. ; . 4 U

698

of Babington, and L. corniculatus, Lathyrus pratensis, Mercurialis
annua, Polygonum amphibium, P. Persicaria, and P. aviculare, Carex
flava, and, I believe, C. teretiuscula, which was in a damaged state.

In some of the lowest portions, in which water remains more or less,
may be found Juncus conglomeratus, J. glaucus, and J. bufonius, Ty-
pha latifolia, Alisma Plantago, Actinocarpus Damasonium, Villarsia
nympheoides, Phragmites communis, Inula Conyza, Bidens tripartita,
Epilobium parviflorum, E. hirsutum, and E. palustre, Senecio visco-
sus, 8. Jacobea and S. erucifolius, Zinn. (S. tenuifolius, Smzth), Son-
chus palustris, Myosotis cespitosa. The ground is covered with
Hydrocotyle vulgaris. In several places Campanula rotundifolia has
established itself very fine; two Ericas,—E. cinerea and H. vulgaris
(or Calluna),—Chenopodium album, and Equisetum palustre, E. ar-
vense, E. fluviatile, and E. Telmateia are very flourishing. Among the
Graminee the following genera have representatives in this spot :—
Alopecurus (A. pratensis and A. geniculatus), Phleum, Agrostis, Aira,
Avena, Holcus, Poa, Dactylis, and Nardus; and I believe there are
others, if searched for. In regard to trees, Betula alba, Populus alba,
and others, as yet in a young state, occur. There are at least ten dif-
ferent forms of willows; and I cannot make more than half of them
agree with either Withering, Smith, Lindley, or Babington, or with
any living plant in the Kew collection. One of them, near to Salix
caprea, is identical with their S. candidula.

At the time of my first botanizing the ground, there were about six
fine roots of one other plant,—Orobanche minor,—on the clay. I ga-
thered one specimen, intending to leave the remainder for others; but
some children who had been watching my actions in gathering diffe-
rent plants, as soon as I was gone to another part of the ground, came
into the pit; and unfortunately the Orobanche attracted their notice.
Before I could reach the spot they had culled the whole of them, and
were descanting among themselves upon the (to them) peculiarities of
the plants. They were not perceptibly growing upon any plant.

And now let me inquire, by what means came such a large number
of plants, of the rarer kinds, to establish themselves on this small
space of ground, and many of them quite new in this district ?

The Lycopodium inundatum, for instance, has never been seen upon
the Common in the memory of any, of the botanists who have investi-
gated it for the last twenty years; neither have I seen it nearer than
Walton Heath. It is certainly recorded (Cooper’s ‘ Flora Metropoli-
tana’) as growing upon Wimbledon Common; but Ishould much like
to see it there, or know those who have. Here it is now, and in tole-
rable plenty, growing upon a spot which was, until the formation of

699

the railroad, one of the driest upon the Common. Then Drosera
rotundifolia has grown upon some parts before, but disappeared, many
years since, from all parts of the Common, and re-appeared in this, in
the midst of Sphagnum and Hypnum, &c., where it certainly was not
before.. With regard to Equisetacez, E. Telmateia is growing in
several places, and as abundant as though it had been established
here for the last century ; yet it is impossible it could have existed
here previous to the formation of the railway. E. fluviatile was not,
I think, known before upon the Common; E. palustre grows a quar-
ter of a mile distant; E. arvense is too abundant as a weed. Oro-
banche minor is at home in a clover-field; but who previously saw it
on a heath or clay common, and not apparently parasitical? It may
be argued that Foeniculum and Cinothera are garden escapes; but
where was the garden from which the seeds escaped ?—as, before the
cutting, the whole distance it occurs in (more than half a mile) was
the plain Common clothed with gorse and heather. The Melilotus is
abundant, in company with the Medicago, in the same direction as
the Feniculum, Helminthia, additional Leguminose, &c.; and if one
has escaped they have all done so, but where from? Many of the
plants are apt to spring up in similar situations; still, upon exami-
nation we appear to have somewhat above the average share upon so
small a space of ground.

Let us take a candid view of the locality, and note the vast and
likewise varied number of plants, usual tenants of directly opposite
soils and habitats, which are found assembled together. Com-
mingled as they are, where, when, and by whom will that difficult
task be attempted, of drawing the line of demarcation between culti-
vated and uncultivated plants? The seeds have probably remained
inert from the time the deposition of the marl and gravel took place,
caused by the physical revolutions the earth has undergone, and upon
their exposure again to the action of the atmosphere were re-called
into life.

In proof of my views I may mention, that in many places on the
Richmond line, where the ballast was taken from the cutting in ques-
tion, many plants uncommon to the district have appeared upon the
embankments, identical with those in my list.
~ P.S.—Phalaris arundinacea, 8. variegata, is growing near Lycopo-

dium inundatum.
K. M’ENNEs.
Vauxhall, August, 1852,

700

A few Observations on the Fungus-Blight in Wheat, founded chiefly
on the Discoveries of Fontana and Sir Joseph Banks, and ad-
dressed to the Phytologist Club, on the 25th of September, 1852.
By Epwarp NEWMAN.

I wave had an unusual number of letters from the country on the
blight in wheat, many of them probably addressed to me in conse-
quence of my known attention to blight generally, and totally without
reference to my editorship of the ‘ Phytologist.’ Many of them are
little more than inquiries; and I think I may say that none were
intended for publication. Still, I take this opportunity of address-
ing a few general observations in reply, believing that when printed
and circulated they may excite some interest among those whom
the blight more especially affects. I will in the outset take leave
to remark, that I have in almost all instances observed, too great
a tendency on the part of wheat-growers to speculate on remote
causes of blight, and too small a disposition to make those observa-
tions, and try those simple experiments of manure, season of sowing,
rotation of crops, variety of seed, &c., which offer possible, and even
probable, chances of prevention or cure. With regard to speculation
on remote causes, I have been really grieved to find in how many
instances the wildest hypotheses have been currently received in
place of facts clearly and positively ascertained. Science has done
all in her power to inform the farmer aright; and the farmer has done
nothing whatever to assist Science in her investigations. It is impos-
sible for a scientific man to converse with a farmer on any subject
connected with the well-being of his crops, without finding that he
who ought by his position and opportunity to be the practical man,
is in reality the most ignorant and wild of theorists; while the man of
science, who might, from his occupation among books, and his closet-
study, be supposed the theorist, is in reality the practical man,—has
indeed possessed himself of that knowledge of Nature’s laws which
the farmer, whom those laws especially concern, has been totally neg-
lecting. I allude to this subject with much regret, the same conclu-
sions having been forced on my mind repeatedly before, during my
prolonged examination of the insect-blight of turnips and other crops.

The blight which has lately proved injurious to the wheat is none
other than that described so accurately by Felice Fontana, an Italian,
in 1767, and subsequently figured by Sowerby, in his ‘ English Fungi,’*

* Under the name of Uredo Frumenti, t. 140. It is the Puccinia Graminis of Persoon.

701

together with the corn and grass which it infects; but the best and
most complete account is that given by Sir Joseph Banks, in 1805,
which, at the time of publication, was largely circulated among agri-
culturists, and which really exhausted the subject, leaving nothing
more to be learned respecting its history. The pamphlet is intituled
‘A short Account of the Cause of the Disease in Corn called by Far-
mers the Blight, the Mildew, and the Rust.’ Every part of the his-
tory of this minute parasitic fungus was traced; and beautifully
accurate figures of it, in all its stages, accompanied the description.
I will attempt to give an outline of the discoveries of Fontana and
Banks, as far as confirmed by my own observations.

Sir Joseph Banks prettily observes that a plant, being fixed in
the ground by its root, is differently circumstanced from an animal
which can move from place to place. The plant must have its nutri-
ment, of whatever kind, brought to it; the animal travels from place
to place in search of its food. The food of the plant is fluid; the
food of the animal is solid. The mouths of the plant are innume-
rable; they are distributed over its whole surface ; they are exces-
sively minute, and only to be seen by the aid of the microscope:
their presence, form, and peculiarities have long been familiar to the
botanist, although it is now considered that respiration rather than
nutrition is the function for which they are intended; they are shut
in very cold and very dry weather, but open in wet weather; and
when the weather is at the same time wet and warm, the plant is in
the very best state to receive its atmospheric supplies. Such is the
character of what are called by botanists exogenous or endogenous
plants ; and wheat, barley, oats, and rye are endogenous plants.

There is another class, or division of plants, called thallogenous.
Amongst these are what are vulgarly called funguses, mushrooms, toad-
stools, puff-balls, &c. A very great number of these are minute and
parasitical, or living on other plants. These are increased by seed,
which is so excessively small as to float about in the air. If we break
open a puff-ball, we may see millions on millions of these little seeds,
issuing forth like smoke from the bowl of a tobacco-pipe. In the lat-
ter part of summer the air is filled with such seeds; and in warm and
moist weather their quantity is increased tenfold. The blight of the
wheat is one of the smallest of these funguses ; and its seeds are of
course infinitely smaller than the fungus itself.

_ We have, then, a field of wheat, in warm, damp, summer weather,
opening its pores, or mouths, to receive the moisture. We have at the
same time a damp atmosphere, charged with countless myriads of the

702

seed of a minute fungus, whose nature it is to grow on the wheat-
straw. Nothing, therefore, is more easy than for the seeds of the
fungus to be carried by the wind against the wheat-straw, which is the
natural substance from them to grow on. Nothing is easier than for
these minute seeds to enter the mouths of the wheat-straw, now widely
opened, as if purposely to receive them. This result, which appears
so probable, so much a matter of course, does actually take place.
On making a section of a fragment of wheat-straw, cutting it per-
pendicularly downwards, you may perceive, by the aid of a micro-
scope, the little cavities into which the mouths open; and in these
cavities you will also find the minute seeds of the fungus, just begin-
ning to grow. By examining a great number of these little cavities,
you will find the fungus in a hundred different states, varying from that
of a mere seed to that of perfect plants, clustered together by scores,
and squeezing a passage through the mouths into the open air, where
they burst, and discharge seed, ripe and ready for further mischief.
The shape of a perfect fungus is exactly like that of the unexpanded
blossom of a Fuchsia ; and when quite ripe the upper part becomes
more globose, splits open, and the seed issues forth.

1 2 3 4 5 6

In order to make this matter perfectly clear to every comprehen-
sion, I have prepared some rather coarse, but certainly characteristic,
diagrams of this disease. Fig. 1 represents a portion of blighted
wheat-straw, of the natural size. Fig. 2 is a small portion of straw,

703

cut out with a pen-knife, and magnified with a moderately high power.
On the left hand the little oval figures represent the mouths (or sto-
mata, as botanists call them) in a healthy state; on the right hand the
mouths are represented as choked up with the fungus. Figs. 3 and 4
represent still smaller fragments of straw, cut down longitudinally with
a sharp knife, so that a section only is exhibited. These two frag-
ments are of exactly the same size, and are magnified very highly.
In both instances the knife has passed through four stomata, or
mouths, and has exposed the little cavities in the substance of the
straw to which these openings lead. Those in figure 3 are repre-
sented as entirely filled with the fungus, which has forced itself
through the openings, and has somewhat the appearance of four short
wheat-sheaves. Inthe cells or cavities marked c and d, the fungus is
in a much younger state; while at 4 the seeds only are visible at the
bottom of the cell; and the cell a is entirely free from the parasite,
and in a perfectly healthy state. Fig. 5 represents a single fungus, in
its full-grown and mature state. It is now enormously magnified.
Finally, fig. 6 is another mature fungus, which, having split open with
its perfect ripeness, is dispersing its seeds in the air. At the end of
the stem of the fungus is a little lump or bulb, by which it is attached
to the straw. Neither Fontana nor Banks, nor, indeed, Bauer (the
gifted microscopist and draughtsman, to whom Sir Joseph Banks was
indebted for his admirable and most accurate figures), has mentioned
or drawn the roots of this fungus; but it is so well known that all
Fungi have minute roots (or mycelia, as they are termed), permeating
every substance on which they fix, that [ cannot doubt that the straw
of blighted wheat is also permeated by them, and that the fungus
increases by this means also as abundantly as from seed; a view that
seems almost established by the fact, that in some instances the outer
cuticle of the wheat-straw is split and broken up in all directions by
the multitude of funguses which are pressing outwards to gain access
to the air.

Botanists term that part of the leaf of wheat and grasses which co-
vers the stem a sheath; and these sheaths are equally furnished with
mouths, and therefore equally subject to the blight with the straw itself ;
they receive the seeds of the blight, and grow it in their own mouths,
not allowing any passage for it to pass through and injure that part of
the straw which they conceal. This fact may be established to the
satisfaction of the most superficial inquirer by stripping the sheath off
the straw, when the portion which it had covered will be found per-
fectly healthy, clear, and free from blight. Hence to barley, in which

704

the sheath usually covers the stem, the injury caused by this blight is
scarcely perceptible.

The effect of this fungus when on the straw is to divert the sap
from its proper channel, to waste it in supporting a parasite, and thus
to starve or impoverish the grain, which nevertheless always ripens,
although sometimes so reduced as to produce little else than bran
when it is ground. In all fruits and vegetables that have long been
under the care of man, and applied to his uses, the fleshy and nutri-
tious parts have been purposely and studiously increased. The ap-
ple, pear, plum, cabbage, turnip, and carrot are familiar illustrations
of this fact. And, although we are unacquainted with wheat in a na-
tural state, or, as it is termed, as a wild plant, it may be assumed that
the quantity of flour contained in a grain of wheat has been greatly
increased by cultivation. It is certain that Nature does not require
so much for the healthy germinating of the seed; for every grain of
blighted wheat (I speak of this rust, or straw-blight) will germinate
readily ; and the plant which it produces has no predisposition for
blight. There is, therefore, a positive advantage in procuring thin or
starved wheat for sowing, because an infinitely greater number of grains
go to the bushel. It is, however, the general, and, I may add, the
unwise, practice to select plump wheat for seed, thus sacrificing an
immense amount of human food, and gaining no proportionate advan-
tage as regards the future crop. I have often seen the light wheat
given to fowls, as not being good enough to use as seed. The flour
in a grain of wheat is doubtless provided for the especial purpose of
nourishing the young plant until it can draw nutriment from the air,
and from the soil. Immediately the spark of vitality is called into
action, the seeds send a little spear, or plumule, upwards to the air,
and a little root, or radicle, downwards into the ground. But for
some days, and while these are growing most rapidly, they derive no
support from extraneous objects; and it is then that the flour con-
tained in the grain constitutes the food on which they live. But
this flour is required only for a short time, and in small quantity;
for as soon as the infant plant can feed on extraneous fluids it no
longer requires the flour in the grain, and consequently whatever ex-
ceeds the exact quantity required must be wasted. This fact in vege-
table physiology should ever be remembered by the farmer.

When a great and obvious injury is done to us, the discovery of
the source, or cause, or author of that injury is a necessary preliminary
step to prevention. If a house is robbed, and we discover the thief,
we have achieved something towards a prevention of the recurrence

705

of the theft ; and if we discovered how he entered the house we may
fairly and wisely set our wits to work to blockade that entrance.
Now I think it can hardly be denied that this precise, and exact, and
laborious tracing out of the cause of the straw-blight,—this finding
out of the thief, and how he entered,—is in itself a preliminary step
to a cure; and such discoveries are not useless because unaccom-
panied by an empirical announcement of a cure.
EDWARD NEWMAN.

Devonshire Street, Bishopsgate,
September, 1852.

Excessive and noxious Increase of Udora Canadensis ( Anacharis
Alsinastrum). By W. MarsHatt, Esq.

I sEND you a series of four letters on the Anacharis Alsinastrum,
which I have just had re-printed from our local paper, for private
circulation. The sudden appearance of the plant in the Cam, and its
most prodigious powers of increase, have invested it with much local

interest, seeing that in this fenny country we can only exist by main-

taining a free and unimpeded drainage.

The first two letters only contain a short history of the several dis-
coveries of the plant in this country, for the greater part of which I
am indebted to the pages of the ‘ Phytologist.’

The third letter is devoted to the peculiar behaviour of the intruder
in our rivers here, and the mischief which has already ensued to na-
vigation, drainage, boating, swimming, angling, and fishing. The
fourth discusses the questions, whence it came, how it got to Britain,
how it reached the Cam, and how it isto be gotrid of. If your read-
ers should not agree in my view of its first introduction, an opportu-
nity will be afforded of discussing and clearing up the matter.

I think the undoubted fact of its being an importation into the
Cam so recently as 1848—1849, and its marvellous development since,
a most interesting feature in its history, because it shows the mischief
the plant is capable of doing in a very limited time, and goes a long
way to prove that it cannot possibly be indigenous, because such a

plant could never have been overlooked.
W. MARSHALL.
Ely, September 16, 1852.

VOL. Iv. 4x

706

Letter 1.

A remarkable plant has recently made its appearance in the
rivers Ouse and Cam, and already abounds to such a degree as not
only to impede navigation, but, what is of far more importance in this
fen country, threatens to injure our drainage.

It occurs in dense, tangled, submerged masses, of considerable ex-
tent, and is so heavy that when cut, instead of rising to the surface
and floating down to sea, like other weeds, it sinks to the bottom. It
is this property which is likely to make it injurious to drainage. The
intruder is so unlike any other water-plant, that it may be at once
recognized by its leaves growing in threes, round a slender, stringy
stem. The watermen on the river have already dubbed it “ water-
thyme,” from a faint general resemblance which it bears to that plant.

That it is new to our rivers here is certain. Watermen and fisher-
men pronounce it to be (as I heard one of them call it the other day)
“a furreigner.”

Who the stranger is, whence he came, and how he got here, are
questions of considerable scientific interest ; but by what means he is
to be got rid of is the practical question. With your permission I
will discuss these points in another communication.

Letter 2.

I now trouble you with the second part of my communication on
the subject of this new water-weed, in which I promised to discuss,
who the stranger is, whence he came, how he got here, and by what
means he is to be got rid of.

With respect to the first question, it is sufficient to say that it is
the Anacharis Alsinastrum of your eminent townsman, Mr. C. C. Ba-
bington (to whose accurate labours our indigenous botany is so much
indebted), who so named it in 1848.

The following is a short account of what we know of the plant :—

It appears that it was first found in this country on the 3rd of Au-
gust, 1842, by Dr. George Johnston, of Berwick-on-Tweed, in the
lake of Dunse Castle, in Berwickshire. The lake is situated upon
a tributary of the Whitadder River, which flows into the Tweed.
Specimens were sent at the time to Mr. Babington; but the discovery
was lost sight of, and the interest in it died away until the autumn of
1847, when it was again discovered, by Miss Kirby, of Lubbenham
Lodge, in reservoirs adjoining the Foxton Locks, on the canal near

707

Market Harborough, in Leicestershire. The plants were all females,
and were found in considerable abundance, growing “ closely matted
together.” Miss Kirby had not observed it there before; and the

_ reservoirs had been cleaned out two years previously.

Miss Kirby’s re-discovery awakened the attention of botanists to the
subject ; and Mr. Babington published a description of the plant in
the ‘ Annals of Natural History’ for February, 1848. Dr. Johnston, the
first discoverer, on reading Mr. Babington’s account, at once recog-
nized it as the plant he had found in the loch of Dunse Castle, and
in the following autumn found the plant at two stations in the Whit-
adder River.

The same season, but later, it was found by Mr. James Mitchel,
in Nottinghamshire, in the Lene (a tributary of the Trent), near Not-
tingham, “ growing in great profusion for about a quarter of a mile in
extent.” In November of the same year it was found in Northampton-
shire, in the Watford Locks, by Mr. Kirk, “very abundant.” The
Watford Locks are on the same line of canal as the Foxton Reservoirs.
Mr. Kirk observed that, when water was drawn from either of the
locks, the force of the current detached small sprigs of the Anacharis,
which were carried into the body of the canal. Mr. Kirk considered
it to be an introduced plant. His plants were also all female. Sub-
sequently, Mr. Kirk changed his views, and regarded the plant (from
its simultaneous discovery in so many other localities) as a true native.
He also described it as growing in such dense masses that it was
with difficulty good-sized specimens could be detached, owing to its
extreme brittleness. Mr. Kirk was informed by the lock-man that
the plant was quite as abundant when he first came to the locks, five
years before, although the reservoirs had been cleaned out once or
twice during that period. The lock-man further stated, that he had
formerly resided at the Foxton Locks, and that the reservoirs there
were “ full of it more than twenty years back ;” also that it had been
plentiful in the Market-Harborough Canal during the whole of that
period. A short time after this conversation took place, two labourers

‘belonging to the locks came up; and both of them confirmed the

statement of its being plentiful in the Market-Harborough Canal; and
one of them added that the “ Welford Branch,” a narrow canal, com-
paratively little used, was so full of it that “ the passage of boats was
impeded, and the canal necessitated to be cleared out once or twice a
year, and that it had been so for many years.” I apprehend, how-
ever, there must be some mistake here.

» In August, 1849, it was found in Derbyshire and Staffordshire, by

708

Mr. Edwin Brown, growing “in profusion,” in the Trent, near Bur-
ton-on-Trent, and also in the canal there. Mr. Brown was convinced
that the plant was new to that locality. He describes it as forming
“very large submerged masses, of a striking appearance.” All the
flowers were females. At Christmas, 1850, it was found, by Mr. Kirk,
in Warwickshire, near Rugby, “in the greatest abundance,” and in
July, 1851, by the same gentleman, in the Oxford Canal, near Wyken
Colliery.

The Rev. W. M. Hind, writing from Burton-on-Trent, in July,
1851, describes the plant as occupying a much larger portion of the
river than when first noticed, eighteen months before, and adds :—
“In fact, it bids fair in a short time to block up one of the two
streams into which the Trent here divides.”

Last year (1851) the Anacharis was noticed by myself and others
in the river between Ely and Cambridge, but not in great quantities.
This year it has increased so much that the river may be said to be
full of it; but I must defer a more particular account of its behaviour
in the Cam and Ouse till my next letter, when I will dispose of the
remaining questions, of whence it came, how it got here, and by what
means it is to be got rid of.

Letter 3.

Having in my last traced this plant from its first discovery in Ber-
wickshire, in 1842, down to its recent appearance in the Cam and
Ouse, I propose to devote this letter to a particular account of its be-
haviour in our own rivers, believing the chief interest connected with
it to lie in this direction. .

I have already described the weed as growing in dense, submerged
masses, distinguishable at once from all others by its “leaves growing
in threes, round a slender, stringy stem ;” and, although this brief de-
scription is amply sufficient to identify the troublesome pest, a short
further account of its appearance and habits may not be uninteresting.
The colour of the plant is a deep green; the leaves are about half an
inch long by an eighth wide, egg-shaped at the point, and beset with
minute teeth, which cause them to cling. 'The stems are very brittle,
so that whenever the plant is disturbed fragments are broken off.
Although at present it cannot propagate itself by seed, its powers of
increase are prodigious, as every fragment is capable of becoming an
independent plant, producing roots and stems, and extending itself
indefinitely in every direction. Most of our water-plants require, in
order to their increase, to be rooted in the bottom or sides of the river

ey)

709

or drain in which they are found; but this is independent altogether
of that condition, and actually grows as it travels slowly down the
stream, after being cut. The specific gravity of it is so nearly that of
water, that it is more disposed to sink than float ; and the cut masses
may be seen under water, either on or near the bottom, rolling over
and over like wool-packs, clinging to everything they meet with, and
accumulating in great quantities at locks and bridges (hugging the
piers of the latter), and grounding in shoal-water. Its mode of growth
may be best seen in still and narrow waters (such as the stream above
the mills at Cambridge), where it seems to spring, first from the two
sides and bottom, meeting at length in the middle, and completely
filling up the watercourse, as I have seen in some cases, almost to the
exclusion of the water. Except in very quiet places, it is not likely
to be found in flower. I have, however, found it flowering in great
profusion just below Ely; but, as the plant is dicecious (@. e., pro-
ducing male and female flowers on separate individuals), there is no
fear, as I have before remarked, of its producing seeds in this country,
all the specimens hitherto found being of one sex only.

Although there is little doubt that in 1850, and perhaps in 1849, it
might have been detected in our rivers, if diligently sought for, it does
not appear to have attracted the notice of watermen and the staff of
fen officials, whose duty it is to cut the weeds in the summer time,
till last year, when it was noticed, in considerable quantities, all the
way from Small Bridges down to Bottisham Lock, but not to one-third
its present extent. Ihave been informed, however, that even last year
it was raked out of the river near Waterbeach and Ditton, and carted
away formanure. At the present time it needs no longer to be sought
for; it may be found everywhere, in more or less quantity, from Cam-
bridge downwards, choking up the mouths of docks, sluices, and nar-
row watercourses, and in the upper portions of the river impeding both
navigation and drainage. Perhaps its wonderful and rapid increase
this year may be owing to the excess of wet, and the long continuance
of hot weather raising the temperature of the water to an unusual de-
gree ; but, if it should continue to increase in anything like the same
ratio as it as done, the upper parts of our rivers will no longer be able
to pass their waters to sea, and the navigation interest may surrender
to the railways what little remains to them of the carrying trade.

That itis already a source of annoyance to our watermen, is evident
by the universal complaints which have been made of the obstructed

state of the River Cam. I am told that the river at the backs of the

710

Colleges has been so blocked, that extra horses had to be yoked on
before barges could be got up to Fosters’ Mills.

Sluice-keepers also complain that masses of it get into the pen, aie
when the slackers are drawn the openings are choked, and the opera-
tion of letting boats through is greatly impeded.

The Railway Dock at Ely became so choked with the weed, that
boats could not enter until several tons of it had been lifted out. At
Roswell-hill Pits, below Ely, the entrance docking was so blocked
that the gault-boats could not get in till it wasremoved. It was here
where I found it in flower.

Rowers, too, find it interferes with their amusements; and swim-
mers remark that it clings to them like “ scratch-weed,” and that, if
they are overtaken by a lump of it, they are likely to be entangled,
and dragged by it into deep water.

Even the fishermen complain that they can no longer ply their nets
so freely as they were wont; and I am informed, on good authority,
that they have discontinued setting their hook-lines (¢. e., lines laid
across the river with a series of hooks attached), because the “new
weed” either carries them away bodily, or strips them, both of their
baits and fish.

Lastly, the drainage is impeded. Mr. Human, sen., our experi-
enced officer, informs me, that although the waters this season have
been run off at Denver Sluice a foot lower than in previous years, the
average height of the water in the river below Cambridge has been @
foot higher than in ordinary seasons; and he refers at: least half this
difference to the obstructions occasioned by the presence of the Ana-
charis.

From these facts I apprehend your readers will by this time have
arrived at the conclusion that a troublesome stranger has intruded
himself among us, uninvited ; but whence he came, how he got here,
and by what means he is to be got rid of, will furnish ample materials
for another letter.

Letter 4,

If you were some fine morning to find that a strange person, of
foreign aspect, had intruded himself. into your house, I imagine the
questions which would most naturally occur to your mind under such-
circumstances would be,—Whence came the fellow, how did he get
here, and how am I to get rid of him? But, as no one is presumed
to know the faces of all his neighbours; you would wish, doubtless,
before accosting him as a “ rascally foreigner,” to make sure he was

711

not some obscure inhabitant of one of the back streets of your own
town. So, in the case of our present unwelcome visitor, before one
can ask the question whence he came, we ought to be satisfied that
he really is astranger. Now, some botanists seem to think he has all
along been a native of these islands, but has “ made himself so scarce”
as not to have been previously recognized by our Botanical Detective
Force ;* while others pronounce him an unmistakeable foreigner, greedy
and rapacious, “ fixin” himself in John Bull’s rivers, for all the world
as if he had as good aright to occupy them as the aborigines them-
selves. For my own part, I have no sort of doubt upon the subject ;
I hold, with the watermen, that he is a veritable “ foreigner,” although
I find that the Rev. Mr. Bloxam, who had visited its place of growth,
said, in 1848, he “ could find no reason to doubt its being a true na-
tive ;” and Mr. Kirk, who first regarded it as introduced, afterwards
changed his views, and concluded it must be indigenous, “ from its
simultaneous appearance in so many localities.” Whatever Mr. Blox-
am’s reasons were for his opinion, Mr. Babington appears to have
agreed with him at that time. If, however, Mr. Bloxam thought so
only because “ numbers of other water-plants grew in the same loca-
lity,” the reasoning is very unsatisfactory, seeing that any introduced
water-plant must necessarily be found in company with other water-
plants. The other argument, derived from its “ simultaneous appear-
ance in so many localities,” loses much of its force when the numerous
localities come to be reduced, as I shall hereafter show, to one, or at
most two. I have already stated that the plant was first found in
1842, in the loch at Dunse Castle. Now, at first sight one would
suppose a quiet lake in Scotland beyond the reach of sophistication ;
but Dr. Johnston informs me that aquatic plants had been introduced
into that piece of water from the south. Here, then, we have evidence
of the probability of the Anacharis being an introduced plant at Dunse.
Then we learn that, six years after, it was found in the Whitadder,
between the loch at Dunse and the sea; and now, in August, 1852,
Dr. Johnston writes to me thus :—“ As with you, so with us, the weed
is altering the character of the Whitadder, and will require before
long to be dealt with as we have dealt with savages in some places.”
Its second discovery was in the Foxton Locks, situate on the Union
Canal, which connects Market Harborough with Leicester, and the

* The plant is so unlike any of our British water-plants that it could not possibly
have been overlooked. There is but, one plant, the Potamogeton densus, that could

ever be mistaken for it, and this only by the most superficial observer. is

}
:
‘
|

712

River Welland with the Soar and (through the Soar) with the Trent.
When, therefore, it was found in the Lene, near Nottingham, it should
be remembered that it was in a part of the same water-system. After-
wards it was found in the locks at Welford and Watford, near North-
ampton; but these points are within a very short distance of each
other, and both are on the same line of canal as the Foxton Reservoir.
In 1849 it was found in the canal near Burton-on-Trent, and in the
Trent River; but these points, although in two new counties, were all
in water communication with the previous stations; and, again, when
it was found in Warwickshire, near Rugby, and in the Oxford Canal,
these are within ten or twelve miles of the Watford Station, and on
the same line of canal. These several midland localities may therefore
be regarded virtually as but one, because the Anacharis, when once
introduced, would in a few years inoculate any connected water-sys-
tem, from one end to the other.

Indeed, if any one will take the trouble to look at a good map of
England, it will appear clear that there was hardly; a spot so well-
calculated as a centre from which to inoculate our English rivers, as
Rugby or the Watford Locks, near the Crick Railway Station. From
such a point, situate at an altitude above the sea of about 350 feet,
and very nearly at the line of water-shed which divides England into
the river-basins of the Severn on the west, the Trent on the north,
the Ouse on the east, and the Thames on the south, a few detached
sprigs, travelling different ways, would enter the Severn through the
Avon vid Rugby and Warwick ; the Thames through the Cherwell at
Banbury, and thence by Oxford; the Nene above Northampton ; the
Ouse at Buckingham; the Welland at Market Harborough; the ‘Trent
above Burton, by the Anker and Tame; and, again, lower down, at
Nottingham, by the Soar; and from Nottingham the Witham could
be reached by the Grantham Canal; and thence by Lincoln the drains
of North Lincolnshire would be impregnated. And then, when the
pest had travelled as far down (on the Trent, for example) as the top
of the Humber, the numerous vessels ascending the great valley, of
4000 square miles, drained by the Yorkshire Ouse, would carry it up
with them, and so inoculate that ample river and its numerous tribu-
taries.

That the plant is only now descending these rivers is evident. It
has appeared in the upper part of the Ouse, and for four years has
been observed in the Nene; two years ago it appeared at Lincoln, but
had not then reached the northern parts of that county; and in our
own river, while it occupies the line of descent from Cambridge to

713

the sea, the “Old West” river and the “Lark” are as yet free of it,
except just above their confluences. Looking at these facts, I would
ask,—If it be a native, how is it that it has never exhibited its extra-
ordinary powers of increase till now '—for, if it be not new, we must
suppose that a new property has recently been imparted to it, which
is absurd ; and what better proof of its newness can be offered than by
the facts made patent, that it is only now in the act of descending our
rivers? To my mind the evidence is conclusive that it is a foreign
importation ; and it is not until we are satisfied on that point that we
€an properly discuss the question of, Whence came it?

Now, this is a point on which no ex cathedrd dictum can at pre-
sent be pronounced. The question can only be settled by a careful
comparison of our plant with its congeners in other countries. It ap-
pears, however, that plants of the genus Anacharis are confined to the
American Continent, and that one plant, called Anacharis Nuttallii,
or Udora Canadensis, very closely resembling, if not identical with,
ours, is found in the American rivers. Dr. Johnston has specimens
from Dr. Maclagan, gathered in Detroit River, which exactly resem-
ble his Berwickshire plant, save only a slight difference in the ‘out-
line of the leaves.

The American plant is frequent in the rivers from Canada to Virgi-
nia. I think, therefore, we may safely answer the question of “whence
it came,” by saying “ from North America.”*

But then, How did it get here? Now, there are various ways in
which a plant may be imported. A botanist, in the ardour of that
botanical instinct which prompts him to surround himself with as
many as possible of the beautiful and varied forms of vegetable life,
might have introduced it; but we have no evidence that such has
been the case, although botanists have been known to do such things.
Tf one might hazard a conjecture, I should say that it was most likely
introduced, at or about Rugby, with American timber, during the exe-
eution of some of the numerous railways which meet at that point,
We know that in North America the timber is. floated in rafts down
the rivers, in which case fragments of the American weed would cling
to it, or seeds might find their way into the clefts of the wood; and if
but one seed or‘one fragment retained its vitality, in some moist cranny,

_ * I observe a correspondent of the ‘ Stamford Mercury,’ signing himself “ Caledo-
niensis,” affirms that the plant is an importation from Merway; but, as it does not
appear that it is found in Norway, or, indeed, anywhere on the Continent, I cannot
subscribe to his assertion.

VOL. IV. 4 y

714

till it reached its final destination, I verily believe it would be suffi-
cient to account for the myriads of individuals that now exist in Eng-
land. Indeed, from the circumstance of all the plants hitherto found
being of one sex, the hypothesis of its propagation from a single seed
or fragment is rendered more probable than by supposing a piaiaids
of seeds or fragments to have been imported.

But some one will be asking, as the plant could not have found its
way by water from Rugby or Watford to Cambridge, How came it in
the Cam? This question, through the kindness of Mr. Babington, [
am enabled to answer distinctly. In 1847 a specimen from the Fox-
ton Locks was planted in a tub, in the Cambridge Botanical Garden ;
and in 1848 the late Mr. Murray, the Curator, placed a piece of it in
the conduit stream that passes by the new garden. In the following
year, on Mr. Babington asking what had become of the stick which
marked the site of the plant, he was informed that it had spread all
over the ditch. From this point it doubtless escaped, by the waste
pipe, across the Trumpington Road into the “ Vicar’s Brook,” and
thence into the river above the mills, where it is now found in the
greatest profusion. In the case of the Cam, then, we see it proved to
demonstration, that the short space of four years has been sufficient
for one small piece of the Anacharis to multiply so as to impede both
navigation and drainage. When Professor Gray, of Boston, U.S., was
at Cambridge, Mr. Babington mentioned the circumstances to him, at
which he expressed surprise, as the Anacharis is not found to spread
in this active manner in America. Perhaps our sluggish streams, the
decomposing vegetable and animal matters in our Cambridge waters,
and especially the excess of lime present (fifteen to seventeen grains
in the gallon), furnishing an inexhaustible supply of inorganic food,
may account for its more rapid increase here than in America.

Lastly, with respect to the question, How is it to be got rid of?
I think we may answer it at once, by an emphatic “not at all.” Like
the imported European horses and oxen in the South-American pam-
pas, or Capt. Cook’s pigs in New Zealand, or the Norway rat in our
own farm-yards, or the Oriental black-beetle in London kitchens, or
(more remarkable still) like the exotic mollusk, Dreissena polymorpha,
which has now spread itself through the canals of this country, we
may conclude it has fairly established itself amongst us, never to be
eradicated. All we shall be able to do is to try and keep it down;
and in order to effect this it should not be left in the rivers after being
cut, in the hope of its finding its way to sea, but be raked out at once

715

upon the shores; and Commissioners of Drainage should beware of
letting fresh water into their districts, for the weed will inevitably
enter with it, and blockade the ditches.

Proceepines oF SocieTigEs, &c.

THE PHyYTOLOGIST CLUB.

One Hundred and Thirty-seventh Sitting Saturday, September 25,
1852.—Mr. Newman, President, in the chair.

The President read the following portions of a letter from Mr. Back-
house, of York, dated September 13, 1852 :—

Devonshire Variety of Lastrea Filix-mas.

“The plant noticed in Hooker & Arnott’s Flora as a variety of
Lastrea Filix-mas, noticed in Devonshire, with a rachis scaly nearly
throughout its length, and of a yellowish hue, is frequent in the moun-
tain districts of this county, of Durham, and of at least some parts of
Scotland. Its pinnules are nearly entire, truncate, or perhaps trun-
cately obtuse, and slightly toothed at the apex. The palez are red-
dish brown, and the fronds, especially in their young state, of a
yellowish green. At the High Force in Upper Teesdale, on both
sides of the river; near St. John’s Chapel, Weardale, Durham; at
the Bilberry Reservoir, Holm Moss (where it attains a height of four
feet) ; near Huddersfield, Yorkshire; glens of the Clova mountains,
particularly the ravine of the White Water, which is at the head of
Glen Dole; I have especially noticed this plant, growing in many of
them along with the common variety, and in the ravine of the White
Water along with another variety, of the usual colour, but with the
pinnules strongly serrated, and the lowermost strongly lobed.”

Abbreviated Form of Lastrea Filix-mas.
“The abbreviated variety of this plant is common on the basaltic
cliffs of Teesdale.”
Pseudathyrium alpestre.

“ After Thomas Westcombe, of Worcester, left us, we (2. ¢., my son
and myself, who were subsequently joined by G. 8. Gibson) continued

716

to find Pseudathyrium alpestre in all the corries of the Dee-side moun-
tains, and those of the neighbouring districts. 1t was often mixed
with Athyrium Filix-foemina, at an elevation of from 2000 to 3000
feet; but from 3000 to 4000 feet A. Filix-foemina had ceased, and P.
alpestre was plentiful. In damp gorges, and among tumbled rocks,
it was often destitute of fructification ; but in more open places it was
abundantly in fructification, varying from six inches to three feet four
inches in height. A remarkable variety, with deflexed pinne, was
only met with in one place in Glen Prosen.”

Gymnogramma, leptophylla.

“Tam not acquainted with Gymnogramma leptophylla; but, if it
resemble any of the forms of P. alpestre, .I should give the lady who
thought she found the former at Braemar credit for having gathered
it in the corrie of Loch-na-gar, or some such place, and confounded
it with small A. Filix-foemina, which grows in the place she has
pointed out, along with Cystopteris fragilis and a few other commoner

ferns. Careful investigation of her locality for it did not, however,

turn up a single specimen of Gymnogramma. ‘As localities of Poly-

podium alpestre the following may be given: — Can-lochen Glen,

Glens Prosen, Dole, Phiadh, Callater, and Canndin, Ben-na-muich-
dhui, Loch Aan, Cairn Toul, Ben-y-Glo, Loch-na-gar, and Dhu Loch.”

Cystopteris Dickieana.
“ When in Scotland, I visited the cave at Cove, near Aberdeen, in
which Cystopteris Dickieana is found. It is a cave of considerable
dimensions, into which the sea washes in high tides, and in gneiss?
rock. The upper portion is rather wet, and much covered with Mar-
chantia, from amongst which the Cystopteris, as well as Asplenium
marinum and Athyrium Filix-foeemina, grow. The Cystopteris is ge-
nerally without fructification, and in the cave the Athyrium is univer-
sally so, and requires great care to distinguish it. On aledge outside,
very difficult of access, the Athyrium is in fructification. As Asple-
nium marinum becomes sometimes divided when it recedes from the
coast, as at Warrington, and the allied Asplenium obtusatum of the
southern hemisphere becomes, in the interior of Norfolk Island, A.
diversifolium, sometimes divided to filiform shreds, with the fructifi-
cation marginal, because the narrowness of the segments allows no
other place for it, may not Cystopteris fragilis on the coast, in a wet
cave, have its fronds altered into C. Dickieana? If so, the latter is
nevertheless a striking and beautiful form. I have it in cultivation,
so may see if it change.”

717

Pleris aquilina in a Smoky Locality.

The President next read the following note, from Mr. Lloyd :—

“ At Vauxhall, opposite to the railroad-station, is the course of an
old stream; on the opposite side of the road, and between two houses,
are a few yards of low, dead wall; looking over which, may be seen,
growing upon the wall of the right-hand house, Pteris aquilina. It is
growing in the middle of a tuft-of Linaria Cymbalaria, is apparently
a seedling of last year, and is in that beautifully delicate state which
we so admire in plants of that age. The spot where it grows is quite
inaccessible except with a boat at high water. Is not this the nearest
wild fern to the City of London ?.”

Lilium Pyrenaicum, Gouan.

The President read the following observations, respecting the dis-
covery of this plant in Devonshire, by Mr. George Maw, dated Au-
gust 14, 1852 :—

“Stem furrowed, three to five feet high; leaves scattered, lanceo-
late, with a narrow, finely fimbriated, membranous margin, upper sur-
face trisulcate, with three corresponding ridges underneath ; flowers
one to seven, nodding, yellow spotted with black ; perianth reflexed.
Flowers about the end of June: in hedges near Mollond, North Devon.

“ About two years ago I recorded, in the ‘ Botanical Gazette,’ the
occurrence of Lilium Pyrenaicum between South Molton and Mol-
lond, North Devon ; but at that time I had not had an opportunity of
examining the spot, so as to enable me to offer an opinion as to the
probability or not of its being a native. When I first noticed it (May,
1850) I was riding by, late in the evening, and had only time to
hastily gather a few specimens, which were not then in flower. Dur-
ing the present month (September) I have re-visited the spot, and
will endeavour to lay the result of its examination before your readers.
{ found the plant still growing in great profusion. When I originally
observed the plant I only noticed it growing on the west side of the
road; but during my late visit it was pointed out to me, in still greater
abundance, on the field side of the eastern hedge. It extends on
both sides for a distance of forty or fifty yards. It does not grow in
a continuous patch, but is scattered about in tufts, many of which are
very luxuriant, consisting of twenty or thirty stems each. The hedges
appear to be very old, and are on the top of low banks which have
been left in cutting the road. The fields adjoining the road are both
of them nearly ona level with the top of the banks, only a small

718

portion of the latter having been formed artificially. The estate on
which the plant grows is called Sheep-wash, and is about five miles
from South Molton, and a mile and a half from Mollond, but not in
the most direct road between the two places. After you leave the
turnpike-road from South Molton to Wilvelescombe, you descend
into the valley, and cross a stream; but, instead of turning to the
left, the road to Twitching should be followed. The plant grows
nearly at the top of the hill, just below where the road suddenly turns
down into the Mollond valley. There is a farm-house at no very great
distance from the spot; but I do not think it possible that the lily can
have been introduced thence, as I cannot find any traces of the plant
in the field or orchard intervening. Mr. Rew, the tenant, tells me
it is not growing in his garden; and I do not think that it is culti-
vated anywhere in the neighbourhood. The plant has all the appear-
ance of being truly wild, and I feel much inclined to look upon it as
a uative ; at all events, it has equal claims with its congener, L. Mar-
tagon, to be considered as such. It must have taken a very long
time to spread to its present limits, as it only increases by roots, and

® does not perfect seeds, or multiply by axillary bulbils, like some of

the species. The inability to produce seed seems to militate against
its being under the most natural circumstances ; but many plants that
are re-produced easily by their conservative organs are shy at perfect-
ing seeds. It would be interesting to know whether or not the plant
produces seed in a wild state in Southern Europe. I believe the most
northerly stations that have been recorded for it are in Provence and
the Pyrenean range.

“Tt must not be forgotten that the cultivation of the soil affects the
distribution of plants in two ways: it not only tends to equalize the
flora of different countries, by the transmission of seeds with imported
grain, and by various other means; but, when the condition of soil and
climate have been altered by cultivation, many plants will become ew-
terminated. Every agrigulturist knows what a change takes place in
the plants of a meadow on its being properly drained, the Carices and
rushes giving place to the grasses, which delight in a drier and warmer
soil. Many of the rarer Orchises are becoming scarcer every year;
and if a perfect system of arable culture were extended throughout
this country, the number of our Orchideew would grow “ small by de-
grees and beautifully less,” till at last the whole family, with many
other plants of similar habit, would become extinct. When we con-
sider the large proportion of England that is under the dominion of
the plough, we must not be surprised at plants like the lily being but

719

very sparingly distributed ; and I think it does not at all follow that
a plant has been introduced because we only find it in one or two
localities.

“In conclusion, may I express a hope, that should anybody pay a
visit to the plant they will exercise towards it the conservative spirit ©
of the true botanist, and not go with the eradicating hand of the mere
plant-collector.”

Flora of Surrey.

The President referred to a communication he had received from
Mr. Salmon, relative to two previous communications, published in the
July number, critically commenting on the paper in the May number
intituled ‘On the Division of the County of Surrey into Botanical
Districts, with a view to the Preparation of a Flora of Surrey.” Mr.
Salmon thought that the prefatory notice which had been printed and
circulated with the separate copies of the paper would fully meet the
views of the objectors. This notice, dated February 6, 1852, is as
follows —

“ About three years ago, a few friends, devoted to the pursuit of
Natural History, resolved, at a meeting held for this purpose in the
town of Guildford, to take steps for collecting and arranging the ma-
terials existing or procurable in order to compile a complete Flora of
the county of Surrey. With this object the map of the county was
divided into nine portions, representing as many districts, or divisions,
with reference, as far as practicable, to the geological formations; also
blank forms were prepared, and transmitted to all who felt an interest
in the subject, or who were willing to supply information.

“On reference to the accompanying map, it will be seen that the
three northern districts, or divisions, from east to west, along and
lying to the south of the river Thames, include the greater part of the
London clay, pne of the three primary groups of strata; also that the
three central divisions include the chalk, and the three southern the
wealden, formation.

“In order to determine accurately the natural vegetation of each
district, it was found necessary to define the various boundaries by
limits more definite than the strata afford ; and rivers, canals, rail-
roads, and highways were adopted as the interior lines of demarca-
tion. Of course the river Thames is the northern boundary-line of
the three northern districts ; and the counties of Kent, Sussex, Hamp-
shire, and Berkshire form the external boundaries on the east, south,
and west.

720

“ Information was requested, in the blank forms distributed, on the
following points:—1. The No. and name of the species, in accord-
ance with the ‘ London Catalogue of British Plants.’ 2. No. of dis-
trict or division. 3. Locality. 4. Soil. 5. Habitat. 6. Aspect
(if the plant grows on a slope, north, south, east, or west). 7. No. of
stations in which observed. 8. Time ofJeafing. 9. Time of flower-
ing. 10. Observations. From the various returns made, it has been
found impracticable to obtain at present all the information required.
With a view of supplying in some measure the deficiency, it is con-
sidered desirable again to solicit the co-operation of all botanists either
resident in or connected with the county, and to furnish them with a
detailed description of the divisions, accompanied by an illustrated
map, and for the present to limit the information solicited to the mere
name of the plant, and the name or number of the district in which it
occurs, waiving the notice of soil, aspect, altitude, and times of leafing
and flowering. It would be very desirable to ascertain the frequency
or abundance of the species generally, by noting the extent whicl
they occupy, viz., by stating whether the plant is plentiful or other-
wise over a large area, and, again, whether it be rare or plentifal in
the few spots where it grows. But information of the presence or
absence of a plant in any or all of the districts (so far as known to
the contributor) will materially aid the promoters of this undertaking.

“ The appended list of Ranunculaceous plants that have been ascer-
tained, by personal inspection, up to the present time as occurring in
the county, will show by the blank spaces in which divisions the spe-
cies is absent.

** Any communication which may tend to promote the above-men-
tioned object will be received by Mr. J. D. Salmon, of 1644, Strand,
London ; and all communications will be duly acknowledged.”

The President read the following notes, from Mr. J. G. Baker, of
Thirsk :— -

Sisymbrium Austriacum.

“In a vasculum of plants procured for me during the earlier part
of the current season, from the Durham coast, are several luxuriant
specimens of this species. They were collected amongst the sand-
hills on the north-east of Hartlepool, in the neighbourhood of a large
quantity of clayey soil, brought thither, by a temporary line of rail-
way, from the new docks; so that most likely the seeds have been
originally introduced along with foreign ballast, and lain dormant till

721

their removal has offered a favourable opportunity for germination ;
but it would be interesting for any botanist, who might be able to visit
the locality, to ascertain if it occurs in small] quantity or in abundance,
and whether there is any probability of its becoming permanently
naturalized in this country.” :

Anacharis Alsinastrum.

“J am afraid the Anacharis can hardly be considered even natu-
ralized, much less ‘ truly indigenous, in this county. In the only
station yet recorded (Phytol. iv. 365), it grows at Kirby Wiske, in a
pond immediately beneath the garden of the Rev. R. Pulleyne, and
was planted there for ornament, about three years ago, in company
with various other British and foreign aquatics, since which it has
increased so rapidly as to fill up the. pond with a dense mat-work of
stems, which effectually prevent the growth of its less hardy neigh-
bours; so that it is no longer a desirable occupant, but bids defiance
to all attempts to destroy it. In time of flood this pond communi-
cates with the river Wiske; so that the Anacharis will most likely
become established along the course of the stream in process of time,
and thence be conveyed to some of the numerous broad ditches that
intersect the low meadows in the neighbourhood, which are all that
remains of what was once Newsham Carr.”

Serrafalcus patulus, Pail.

“This plant appears thoroughly established, in considerable abun-
dance, along with Apera Spica-venti and Lolium temulentum, on the
disused ballast-hills at the mouth of the Tees, on the Durham side of
the river, some of which are now partially brought under cultivation ;
it, however, seems entirely; absent from the deposits on the oppo-
site (Yorkshire) bank, many of which are of more recent formation ;
but its place is supplied by numerous other plants which are not of
frequent occurrence in the North, amongst which are Lepidium Draba
and L. ruderale, Sinapis alba and S. nigra, Scirpus Tabernzmontani,
Festuca pseudo-Myurus, Hordeum maritimum, Melilotus alba, Pasti-
naca sativa, Foeeniculum vulgare, &c.”

Ranunculus confusus, Gr. & Godr.

“This plant is plentiful in the salt-water ditches that intersect Coat-
ham marshes, and is subject to almost as many variations in habit and
character as its intimate ally, R. aquatilis, from which it appears —
essentially distinguished by its slender, ovate-conic receptacle, and

VOL, Iv. 4 Z

722

its flat stigmas. The length of the stamens is very variable ; in the
usual state they are longer than the receptacle; but a variety (per-
haps the R. Randolii of the ‘ Flore de France’) is not unfrequent, in
which the filaments are as short as in ordinary R. aquatilis, and
the point of the fruit is less decidedly terminal than in the nor-
mal form. There is also a remarkably slender, much-branched va-
riety, with all its parts only about a third the size they usually attain,
and which is almost entirely destitute of the submersed capillary leaves. —
The species is not confined to water immediately within the influence
of the sea, as it also grows in a pool amongst the sand-hills between
Marske and Saltburn.”

Lastrea glandulosa.

The President read the following note, also by Mr. Baker, dated
September 6, 1852, but declined expressing any opinion on the sub-
ject :—

“T enclose a few scraps of a Lastrea not unfrequent in Yorkshire,
which I have collected this season, in the neighbourhood of York,
Thirsk, and Hawnley, which I presume to be identical with the plant
described in the ‘ Phytologist’ under the provisional name of Lastrea
glandulosa; but my own observations would induce a belief that it
is not distinct as a species from L. multiflora, though remarkable, and
worthy of attention, as a curious variety or variation. In fact, I have
occasionally noticed fronds with their stipes so densely covered with
glands as to deserve the name of mealy, and others with the stipes
shining and polished,—typical glandulosa and typical multiflora,—
with gradual intermediate gradations proceeding from the same root ;
but usually, when any of the fronds from the root are mealy, the
remainder are glandular in a greater or smaller degree ; and when any
of the fronds from the root are decidedly eglandulose, the quantity of
glands on the remainder is quite inconsiderable. ‘The mealiness is
pot nearly so conspicuous in dried as in recent specimens. The
enclosed is not nearly so mealy as some I have collected, and is
selected merely from its size; but, if your conclusions do not coin-
cide with mine, I shall be happy to enclose.a series in my parcel to
the Botanical Society next month, though my most characteristic
‘glandulosas’ are mostly already distributed.”

Celsia cretica in Ireland.

The President said that he had received the following communica-
tion, through the kindness of Dr. Balfour Baikie, of Haslar Hospital,

723

and remarked that it was a singular coincidence that the Celsia cre-
tica and Arbutus Unedo occurred in company in the Mediterranean,
both frequenting stony localities. It would be highly interesting
could the former be established as a native of Ireland :—

** Mr. Alexander has found, in a barren pasture near Ballinacurrah,
and at a distance from any garden, Celsia cretica growing with Ver-
bascum Thapsus, in tolerable abundance.”

Lastrea uliginosa.

The President read the following note, from Mr. Westcombe, on
this fern, dated Worcester, September 21, 1852 :—

“Tam still much puzzled with Lastrea uliginosa, for I cannot dis-
tinguish it from L. spinosa. I think that the barren fronds of L. cris-
tata will be sufficient to keep it distinct from either of the others. I
shall not be inclined to allow all three to be included in one species.”

% Pseudathyrium alpestre.

The following remark on this fern is also from the pen of Mr.
Westcombe :—

“ Pseudathyrium alpestre appears to be restricted to the upper por-
tions of the mountain glens of the Clova district, and of the Caimgorm
range, as far as my observations go: but I did not travel northward
of the latter ; so that possibly it may be common inthe north part of
Scotland. After leaving Braemar I visited the Sow of Athol, and
crossed the mountains to Loch Rannoch, thence to Glencoe, and
returned by Tyndrum to Loch Dochart, searching the mountains north.
of that for Cystopteris montana, but in vain. I did not observe the
P. alpestre in passing through that part of the country, though I kept
on the look-out for it.”

Asplenium germanicum in Cumberland.

- The President begged to acknowledge the receipt of a specimen of
Asplenium germanicum from Miss Wright, of Keswick. It was ac-
companied by the following note, dated Sept. 21, 1852 :—

“I take the liberty of enclosing a frond of Asplenium germanicum,
which I have found, while looking for A. septentrionale, on high rocks
in Borrowdale ; and within a quarter of a mile I also found A. septen-
trionale, A. Ruta-muraria, A. viride, A. Trichomanes, Cystea dentata,
and very small specimens of Polypodium Phegopteris.”

724

Trichomanes speciosum in the County Limerick.

Mr. Moore, of Glasnevin, announced, in a note to the President,
that the most recently detected habitat of this fern was near the
“ Keeper Mountain, in the county Limerick, where it was discovered
by Mr. Pollock, of Oatlands, in the county Meath,” but that the loca-
lity was now nearly destroyed. This extirpation was rapidly going
on in the other habitats of this rare fern.

Polypodium Dryopteris in Ireland.

The President said that, notwithstanding the zeal and assiduity of
Irish botanists, not a single instance had occurred of this fern being
seen wild in Ireland since the single example found by Mr. Moore on
Knocklayd, as recorded in the ‘ British Ferns.’ He had lately corre-
sponded with Mr. Moore on this subject, who confirmed the statement
and circumstance, and considered the almost total absence of this
fern from the Irish Flora a remarkable fact in the geographical distri-
bution of ferns.

Naias flexilis at Roundstone, in Ireland. :

The President thought it would be interesting to state that Dr. Mel-
ville, of Galway College, had re-discovered Naias flexilis at Round-
stone, in fine fruit. Although somewhat of a repetition, Mr. Baker
having already recorded this locality, he thought the fact of a second
botanist observing it was worth this passing notice.

Dianthus deltoides in Worcestershire.

The President observed that this might rather be regarded a re-dis-
covery. Mrs. Bennett Williams informed him that she gathered the
plant last week at Cookley, near Kidderminster, and that it had also
re-appeared at Blackstone Rock, near Bewdly, where it was recorded
as growing very many years ago. Concerning this station Mr. West-
combe writes, under date September 21, 1852 :—“ Although I have
sought for Dianthus deltoides for a great many years at Blackstone
Rock, I never could find it till this year, when, happening to be in
flower, it was conspicuous among the grass.”

Poterium muricatum and Filago apiculata.

The President announced that Mr. Westcombe had added these
two species to the Flora of Worcestershire this summer.

725

Osmunda regalis near Kidderminster.

The President exhibited a specimen of Osmunda regalis gathered
last week at Lower Broadwater Forges, near Kidderminster. It is an
extremely rare plant in this vicinity ; and no botanist had previously
found it in the locality indicated.

Correction of a previous Error.

Mr. M’Ennes wished to correct an error in his paper, which had
caused inquiry at the last meeting. Veronica palustris should be
Viola palustris. (See Phytol. iv. 693). |

Polypodium Phegopteris in the Forest near Balcombe.

The President had received three communications recording the
finding of P. Phegopteris in the Forest near Balcombe, all the commu-
nicants having been induced to visit the locality in consequence of
reading the paper by Messrs. Lloyd and M’Ennes (Phytol. iv. 633).

Dianthus cesius on St. Vincent's Rocks.

The President read the following communication on this subject,
from Mr. Flower, of Seend, under date September 24, 1852 :-—

“ Having observed in the August number of this journal (Phytol. iv.
649) that a patch of Dianthus cesius had been discovered growing on
St. Vincent’s Rocks, I take the earliest opportunity of recording the
fact that it has been introduced into the neighbourhood, and can have
no claim whatever to be considered indigenous in the above locality.
In 1841 I observed a patch of this plant ‘in the road leading to the
Giant’s Hall.’ Here I know it to have been planted ; also in several
spots in the neighbourhood of the Serpentine Walk, and on the walls
of the cloisters in College Green, where I have seen a plant occa-
sionally. I may also add, that scarcely aseason passes but the seeds
are brought from Cheddar, and scattered in the vicinity of the rocks,
but with little or no success, as this exceedingly rare plant does not
appear to maintain its ground long together in any of its new loca-
lities.”

Lastrea recurva in the Isle of Mull.

The President exhibited a specimen of Lastrea recurva, recently
gathered by Mr. Tanner, of Bristol, near Tobermory, in the Isle of

Mull. This discovery greatly extends the northern range of the

species. |

726

Lastrea rigida in Ireland.

The President exhibited a specimen of Lastrea rigida which had
been kindly transmitted to him by Mr. C. L. Darby, of Thomastown,
accompanied by the following information :—

“TI gathered this fern early in the present month (September), in
the county Louth, at Townley Hall, the residence of Mr. Balfour. It
was growing on a wall built of clay-slate, and much overhung with
trees. I saw about thirty plants of it; and the following ferns were
also growing in company :—Ceterach officinarum, Asplenium Ruta-
mouraria, A. Trichomanes, Athyrium Filix-foemina, Lastrea Filix-mas,
and Scolopendrium vulgare. This is an interesting extension of
geographical range.”

Drawings of British Plants.

The President exhibited a volume of drawings of British plants,
executed in the most beautiful manner. The volume was only one
of nine, which he was desirous of disposing of; and he would be
happy to show it to any botanist who might call for that purpose, or
correspond with any one disposed to purchase. He considered it
impossible for the drawings to be surpassed in beauty or accuracy ;
and the collection was almost perfect. The drawings were arranged
according to the natural system; and in the volume now on the table,
and extending to the Caryophyllacee, Helianthemum Breweri of
Planchon was the only species omitted.

Spiranthes cernua in Ireland.

The President read the following note, from Mr. D. Moore, of Glas-
nevin :—

“‘T have not heard that Spiranthes cernua has been seen in its Irish
habitat for several years. The last information was from Dr. Arm-
strong, who told me the ground where it grew had been ploughed up
and sown with oats. Sic transit, &c.”

The President also made a wivd voce communication on Uredo Fru-
menti, the fungus-blight of wheat (see p. 700).

727

A List of the Fungi detected in Cloyne and its Vicinity, in 1852.
By W. T. ALEXANDER, Eisq., Surgeon R.N.

March.

Agaricus, Linn. (Collybia, Fries), androsaceus. . Dead bramble-
leaves.

Polyporus versicolor. Tree-stumps.
Acrospermum compressum. Dead herbaceous stems.
Sclerotium durum. Dead herbaceous leaves.
FF Pieridis. Dead Pteris aquilina.
Xylaria Hypoxylon. Dead stumps.
Stromatospheria decorticata. Dead apple-branches &c.

-! deusta. Ash-stump.
Cucurbitaria coccinea. Dead branches.
La elongata. . Furze-branches.
Cryptospheria Hedere. Dry ivy-leaves.
- millepunctata. Dead ash.
6 subconfluens. Dead oak-leaves.
bE wi Taxi. Dead yew-leaves.
a Strobilina. Dead fir-cones.
% Lauri. Dead laurel-leaves.
3 bifrons. Dead holly-leaves.
— herbarum. Dead herbaceous stems.
$s punctiformis. Dead oak-leaves.

Spheria spermoides. Rotten wood.
NY Peziza. Dead dry wood.
3s tuberculosa. Bark of trees.

Lophium elatum. Pine-bark.

4 mytilinum. Pine-bark and cones.
Hysterium Rubi. Bramble-stems.
- foliicolum. Ivy-leaves.
oe Pinastri. Dead fir-leaves.
si Fraxini. Dead ash.
os gramineum. Dead grass-leaves.

Xyloma acerinum. Sycamore-leaves.
Scleroderma Cepa. Oak-trunks, Castlemartyr.
Bovista nigrescens. Pastures.

_ Craterium leucocephalum. Dead beech-leaves.
Stilbum vulgare. Dead thistle-stem.

728

Trichoderma viride. Stumps &c. (at first snow-white).
Uredo Senecionis. On stems and leaves of Senecio vulgaris.
» Potentille. On Fragaria sterilis.
» Acidiiformis. On Smyrnium Olusatrum.
fEcidium confertum. On Ficaria leaves.
Puccinia Rubi. Under bramble-leaves from the preceding autumn.

April.
Lachnea stercorea. Cow-dung.
ES bicolor. Larch-twigs.
Dacrymyces stellatus. Dead wood.
Cryptospheria Lonicere. WHoneysuckle-branches.
= acuta. Dead nettle-stems.
53 semi-immersa. Dead honeysuckle-stems.
Hysterium lineare. Dead wood.
Dematium articulatum. Dead wood.
Uredo linearis. On grass-leaves.

» candida. On Capsella Bursa-pastoris.

Clitocybe giganteus. Wood. (Frequent in autumn).
Stromatospheria multiceps. Dead apple-wood.

Lycoperdon excipuliforme. Pine-wood. (Frequent in autumn).
Ascophora Mucedo. Putrid Swedish turnip.

Fawolus (Polyporus) squamosus. Old beech-trunk.

Microporus (Polyporus) igniarius. ‘Tree-stumps.

Penicillium glaucum. On damp card.

Thelephora intybacea. Old trunks.

Uredo Helioscopie. On Euphorbia leaves.

» Ruborum. Under bramble-leaves. (Common in autumn).
Puccinia tumida. On Bunium Bulbocastanum.
Stromatospheria corniculata. Dead branches.
disciformis. Dead hazel-branches.

Bt nigro-annulata. Dead, dry branches (ivy).

Cladosporium herbarum. Dead herbaceous stems.

Diderma globosum. On dead beech-leaves.

Stictis radiata. Dead stems and wood.

Polysticta (Polyporus) Carmichaelianus. Decayed trunk, Castle-
maartyr.

Tubercularia confluens. Dead sycamore-branches.

Stemonitis fasciculata. Rotten stump.

Cribraria micropus. Dead fir-stems (and on a decaying cabbage-
stump, September).

729

Stromatospheria undulata. Dead elder-wood.
Cryptospheria acuminata. Dead thistle-stems.

= Jaginea. Dead beech-branch.
Thelephora epidermea. Dead branches.
ys calcea. Decayed wood.
2 incrustans. Spreading over moss, earth, and trunks of

trees.

Rhytisma corrugatum. Crusts of lichens (Parmelia).
Fistulina hepatica. Old ash-trunk.
Uredo effusa. Under Spirea Ulmaria leaves.
Spheria hirsuta. Dead stems.
Coprinus congregatus. About the roots of trees.
fAicidium Grossularie. Under gooseberry-leaves.
Tremella intumescens. On earth.

3 albida. Fallen branch.
Puccinia variabilis. On Leontodon-leaves.

May.

Exidia Auricula-Jude. FE\der-trunks towards the sea.
Ziicidium Periclymeni. Under woodbine-leaves.
35 Tussilaginis. Under colt’s-foot-leaves.
Puccinia Umbelliferum. Under Smyrnium Olusatrum leaves.
Uredo suaveolens. Under Cnicus arvensis leaves.
» Rose. On the leaves of wild rose.
», Sonchi. Under Sonchus oleraceus leaves.
» Labiatarum. On mint-leaves (Mentha arvensis).
» Rumicum. On dock-leaves.
Cichoracearum. On Hypocheris radicata leaves.
» gyrosa. On raspberry-leaves.
» Heraclei. Sphondylium-leaves (chiefly the under side).
» oifrons. Both sides of sorrel-leaves.
» Vitelline. Under the leaves and on the female catkins of
‘Vitellina.
» Rhinanthacearum. Under the leaves and on the petioles
of Scrophularia nodosa.
» Lini, Linn. Both sides of the leaf of Linum catharticum.
Agaricus, Linn. (Psilocybe, Fries) ericeus. Grassy places.
s Linn. (Dermocybe, Fries) cinnamomeus. Woods, fields,
hedge-banks, &c.
Thelephora corium. Dead trunks of trees.
VOL. Iv. 5 A

730

Thelephora fraxinea. Dead ash-branches.
Hydnum auriscalpium. On fallen pine-leaves.
Microporus (Polyporus) variegatus. On stumps of trees.

ie 6 abietinus. On fir-stumps.

99 = incarnatus. Dead pine-trunks.
Cryptospheria arundinacea. On dead reed and rush stems.
Penicillium sparsum. On decaying Fungi.

Cenangium ferruginosum. On dead fir-branches.
Stromatospheria fusca. Dead hazel-branches.

‘ lata. Uead branches.
Erineum pyrinum. Under crab-tree leaves.
ap acerinum. Under sycamore-leaves.
Phialea (Peziza) chrysocoma. On posts.
5 » fructigena. Dead hazel-wood.
a a pedicellata. On rotten sticks.
ra fA cinerea. Dead sticks in woods.
af 45 herbarum. Dead herbaceous stems (turning black

in age).

Aleuria (Peziza) humosa. On earth among moss.

Lachnea (Peziza) virginea. On rotten bramble-stems.
5 ee hirta. On earth and heathy ground.

Tremella mesenterica. On fallen branches.

Clavaria uncialis. On fallen beech-husks.

Mucor stercorea. On dung.

Cylindrosporium concentricum. On cabbage-leaves.

Acrosporium fasciculatum. Rotten orange.

Aspergillus glaucus. On damp card.

Boletus luteus. Woods. (Frequent in autumn).

Sporotrichum tenuissimum. On decaying Fungi, fallen acorns, &c.

June.

Ozonium auricomum. Rotting stump.
Lachnea (Peziza) papillaris. Dead stump.
Spheria pulvis-pyrius. With the last.
mn stercoraria. On old cow-dung.
Phialea (Peziza) conigena. FPine-cones (excessively minute).
» vulgaris, var. 8. diaphana. Rotten twigs.
Ke claro-flava. Dead currant-branch.
Agaricus, Linn. (Amanita, Pers.) asper. Open woods.
P (Dermocybe, Fries) testaceus. Plantations.
S (Mycena, Pers.) spinipes. On fallen pine-cones.

731

Agaricus, Linn. (Psalliota, Fries) campestris. Common mush-
room. In one specimen, diameter of cap 9 inches, circumference of
stem 64 inches. Some years abundant in this neighbourhood ; this
year rare.

” (Clitocybe, Fries) ovinus. Pastures. In those overhang-
ing the sea-side, where flocks of sheep are fed, it occurs in long lines
and dense patches.

“ baccatus. On earth in woods, general.

- (Lepiota, Pers.) clypeolarius. Outskirts of woods, not
common.

= (Pleurotus, Fries) nidulans. Old crab-tree trunk.

Puccinia Viole. Under Viola canina leaves.
Uredo Tussilaginis. Under colt’s-foot-leaves.

» oblongata. Under Luzula-leaves.

» jlosculosum. On Scabiosa arvensis florets.

» segetum. Within grains of corn.
Zicidium Pini. On Pinus sylvestris leaves.

- Taraxaci. Under Leontodon-leaves.
Actinothyrium graminis. Dead grass-culms.
Aleuria (Peziza) granulata. On cow-dung.
Pilobolus crystullinus. With the last.
Xyloma concavum. Holly-leaves.

y populinum. On aspen-leaves.

July.
Agaricus (Mycena, Pers.) ygalericulata. Pine-stumps.
a (Coprinarius, Fries) disseminatus. Trunks of trees.
os semiovatus. On cow-dung.
5 (Mycena, Pers.) vulgaris. Dead bramble-stems and dead
fir-leaves.
a (Collybia, Fries) Rotula. In woods.
a (Galera, Fries) tener. Grassy places.
5 (Mycena, Pers.) pellucidus. On dead leaves.
o (Coprinarius, Fries) papyraceus. Roots of oak-trees.
oe (Russula, Pers.) emeticus. Woods.

6 (Russula, Pers.) ruber. Dry fir-wood.
Lycoperdon bovista. Pastures.
ZEcidium cornutum. Under mountain-ash leaves.
Coprinus niveus. On horse-dung.
oe radiatus. On cow-dung.
Ascobolus furfuraceus. Old cow-dung.

Dothidea typhina. Live

732

stems of grass.

Erineum griseum. Under oak-leaves.
Uredo Polygonorum. Under Polygonum Aviculare-leayves.
» Campanule. Under Campanula Trachelium leaves.

Clitopilus phlebophorus.
Boletus luridus. Wood,

Decayed wood.
with the last.

Cryptospheria Aigopodit. Under living leaves of Heracleum

Sphondylium.

Puccinia globosa. On bean-leaves.

August.

Uredo farinosa. Under Salix Caprea leaves.
» ovata. Under Populus tremula leaves.
» Populina. Under Populus nigra leaves.

» Primule. Under

primrose-leaves.

Omphalia ericetorum. Among grass.
Puccinia Centauree. On Centaurea nigra leaves.

ks Circee. Under Circa Lutetiana leaves.
8 Polygont. Under Polygonum amphibium leaves.
ue Potentille. Under Fragaria sterilis leaves.

» gracilis. Under raspberry-leaves.
Cryptospheria duplex. On Sparganium leaves and stems.
Agaricus (Mycena, Pers.) epipterygius. On elm-trunks among
Gymnostomum viridissimum.

i (Psalliota, Fries) semiglobatus. Meadows.
5 (Pleurotus, Fries) variabilis. With the last.
5 (Galarheus, Fries) controversus. Woods.

3 (Clitocybe, Fries) coccineus. Among grass.
5 (Collybia, Fries) ramealis. Dry branches.
9 (Galarheus, Fries) scrobiculalus. Woods.

“ (Omphalia, Pers.) fibula. Among moss.

= (Galera, Fries) hypnorum. Among moss.

Mitrula Abietis. Dead branch.
Boletus subtomentosus. Woods.
» esculentus. Damp woods, Rostellan.

Thelephora rubiginosa.
99 caryophyllea.
fir- woods.

Old oaks, Rostellan.
On fir-stumps, and on the ground, in

Hysterium pulicare. Rugged oak-bark, Rostellan.

99 angustatum.
Phialea (Peziza) inflexa.

Dead wood.
Rotten sticks.

733

Rubigo Alnea. Under live alder-leaves.

Dictydium cernuum. Old pine-stump.

Xyloma salignum. On Salix Caprea leaves.

Nolanea pascua. Pastures, &c., &c.

Pistillaria quisquiliaris. Among moss.

Erineum aureum. Under Populus nigra leaves.
Coprinus plicatilis. Woods. —

Microporus (Polyporus) spongiosus. Dead dry branches.

September. . |
Lachnea plano-umbilicata. Decayed nettle-stems.
Septarta Ulmi. Elm-leaves.
Spheronema subulatum. On the hymenium of decaying Micro-
porus igniarius.
Uredo Fabe. On bean-leaves.
Agaricus (Collybia, Fries) perforans. On fallen pine-cones.

» sulphureus. Woods, common.

» puniceus. Among grass, and in woods.

i (Pholiota) squarrosus. Roots of trees.

3) (Amanita, Pers.) rubescens. Woods and heathy places.

as A vaginatus. Wood at Rostellan.

Ps (Clitocybe) ceraceus. Among grass.

5 (Galarheus) plumbeus. Damp woods.
a (Dermocybe, Fries) sanguineus. Woods.

i. (Leptonia, Fries) chalybeus. Among grass.

» (Lepiota, Pers.) procerus. Woods. At Rostellan, gigantic.
i (Mycena) purus. Woods.

Ss (Dermocybe, Fries) helvolus. Woods, fields, &c., &c.

am (Flammula, Fries) inopus. Trunks of trees (rooting).
» (Clitocybe) fusipes. Woods. |
a (Involoma, Fries) varius. Woods, &c., &c. |

se (Inocybe, Fries) scaber. Woods. )
ys geophyllus. Woods. |
ay rimosus. Damp woods.
si (Armillaria, Fries) melleus. Wood at Rostellan.
(Collybia, Fries) tuberosus. On the roots of Agaricus
(Clitocybe) sulphureus.
Laxidia glandulosa. Dead stump among moss, Rostellan.
Clavaria coralloides. On the ground, wood at Rostellan.
33 JSragilis. Damp places in woods. (Yellow and pure ~
white), .
;

734

Clavaria vermicularis. Among grass; grove at Rostellan.
Microporus (Polyporus) frondosus. Among grass; grove at Ros-
tellan.

- * giganteus. Ash-trunk.

43 ‘i perennis. Wood. (Stem central).
Spumaria alba. Dead herbaceous stems.
Puccinia Epilobit. Under Epilobium palustre leaves.
Lycoperdon pyriforme. About tree-stumps.
Cantharellus lutescens. In a damp wood.

F undulatus. Woods.

: W. T. ALEXANDER.
September, 1852.

Notes from North Wales, in August, 1852.
By ALFRED SHIPLEY and R. Reynotps, Esqs.

BELIEVING that the number of botanists more or less acquainted
with the Flora of North Wales is considerable, and that pleasing
reminiscences in connexion with it must occur to all such, we have
thought that the memoranda of a few days’ tour last autumn may
prove of some slight interest. We make no pretensions to discovery,
simply hoping to convey to former explorers some news of old friends,
as recently observed in situ. And here we must acknowledge our
obligations to the interesting papers upon the botany of the district,
published in the ‘ Phytologist’ about three years since, by the Messrs,
Bennett and Mr. Lees (Phytol. iii. 709, 771, 869). The above papers
formed our botanical guides throughout the journey.

Reaching Chester one day about the middle of August, Diplotaxis
tenuifolia from the city walls was our first captive. We proceeded
by rail to Colwyn, the station immediately before Conway, and then,
shouldering our knapsacks, struck off seawards, to the Little Ormeshead.
We noticed Chlora perfoliata in profusion in the cuttings of the rail-
way. At the back of the promontory, Rubia peregrina, Geranium
sanguineum, Silene maritima, Inula Conyza, Veronica spicata, with
its beautiful racemes of flowers, &c. On the sands leading to Llan-
dudno, Eryngium maritimum, Glaucium luteum, Hyoscyamus niger,
Senecio viscosus, Rosa spinosissima, Arenaria peploides, or rather
Honckenya, as the ‘ London Catalogue’ not very euphoniously names
the new genus. Llandudno grows as if it had something fungoid in
its nature; but accommodation has not yet outrun the possible

735

demand for it. After securing quarters at the only hotel where any
beds were vacant, we heard about ascore of tourists refused admittance,
and sent back to Conway, which happened to be the place whence
they came, to get lodgings for the night. Fennel and wormwood still
flourish, and will probably retreat before, rather than capitulate to,
advancing civilization. As may well be supposed, there was one bo-
tanical object uppermost in our thoughts—the Cotoneaster vulgaris.
This is one of the plants whose value the ‘ London Catalogue,’ second
edition, expresses by an arithmetical notation peculiar to itself, as
being -°;, a fraction which would most assuredly have puzzled Cocker,
and may have been invented by some wag, to indicate the inestimable
worth of the few species to which it is applied. Mr. Lees’ graphic
description of the locality led us to it at once. There is no lack of
the plant ; but we could only find three specimens in fruit, each hav-
ing a single scarlet pome. The lower leaves were beginning to assume
the same colour. Upon the same ledges of rock were Silene nutans,
Veronica spicata (frequent), Thalictrum minus, and Linosyris vulgaris
(not yet in flower). Higher up was Epipactis ovalis, Bab., having a
scorched and weather-beaten appearance. Juniperus communis, in
the same station, has assumed a perfectly recumbent habit, clinging
to the stony slopes as if conscious of its bleak position.

The walk along the shore to Conway gave Convolvulus Soldanella
(in fruit, and abundantly) and Salsola Kali. The calm sea and bright
sunshine tempted us to extemporize a bath, which, in consequence of
a rising tide, and a beach of too easy gradients, was well nigh attended
with the loss of our habiliments and baggage.

Diverging eastward, to Castell Diganwy, we found Cotyledon Um-
bilicus, Silene nutans (abundantly), Smyrnium Olusatrum, and Sedum
Telephium. Mr. Pamplin, who was in North Wales but a few days
previously, suggests that @. purpureum should be added to the name
of the last-mentioned. Its mountain home has certainly infused a far
deeper hue into its petals than is met with in tamer situations. The
slopes of the adjacent hill to the north of Bryn Gosol yielded Dian-
thus deltoides sparingly, also Sedum Anglicum, a plant we frequently
met with afterwards. Upon the ivy of Conway Castle, growing
chiefly outside the walls, but also occurring within their bounds, we
found Orobanche Heder, Duby. We noticed the largest quantity of
this plant upon a partially ivy-clad bank under the west walls of the
Castle, and just before the archway under which the road to the river
passes. Its connexion with the roots of the ivy was certainly une-
quivocal in many instances, To this locality must be added Castell

736

Diganwy, where we had previously gathered it sparingly from the
ivy on the west cliff. The character of the anthers of O. Hederee,—
ovate, prolonged, acute, conspicuously awned, even to the unassisted
eye,—appears to us to be sufficient at once to distinguish it from O.
minor, whether compared in a fresh state or as dried specimens. On
the road from Carnarvon to Llanberis, Cotyledon Umbilicus presents
itself the whole way, and is still found at greater distances eastward.

Just before the village of Cwm-y-glo, at the entrance to the Pass of
Llanberis, the road intersects a bog of considerable area. A cursory
examination of a small corner on the right-hand side of the road gave
us Hypericum elodes (abundantly), Scutellaria minor, Menyanthes
trifoliata, Drosera rotundifolia, Myrica Gale, Rhynchospora alba, Nar-
thecium ossifragum, &c. Just beyond the village, the queenly Nym-
phea alba was in full flower, in the ditches filled by the drainings of
the bog. Here we also noticed Comarum palustre, and believe the
locality would amply repay a diligent investigation. Alisma natans
was in flower in Llyn Padarn, on the south side, near the Dolbadern
Castle end. Lobelia Dortmanna was coming into fruit. We noticed
it also in the following lakes, viz.:—Gwynant, Ogwen, Idwall, and
Mymbyr. To these, Mr. Pamplin adds Llyn-y-cwm.

The ascent of Snowdon from Llanberis, making a détour to the foot
of Clogwyn-dur-Arddu, gave Arabis petra, Oxyria reniformis, Rho-
diola rosea, Saxifraga stellaris, and Empetrum nigrum, in fruit. Hy-
pericum Androsemum and Serratula tinctoria have stations about a
mile on the road from Beddgelert to Pen-y-gwryd. About half a mile
from the latter place is a patch of Anagallis tenella, growing on a wet
bank which overlooks the wall; (also along streamlets on either side
of Y Glyder Fawr, Mr. Pamplin). The little way-side inn constituting
Pen-y-gwryd is well worth the attention of the botanist, from its situ-
ation, which gives immediate access to either side of the pass. There
is no pretension about the place; but those who may put up there,
will find a hearty disposition to make them comfortable. It was here
that we had the only opportunity, during our trip, of drying our “ Ben-
tall” before a fire.

Leaving Pen-y-gwryd in the morning, we steered our course due
north, for Glyder Fawr, the ascent of which is about equal to that of
Snowdon in time and labour. Not a single plant did it yield us.
The prospect from the summit of the ridge, however, amply repaid
the ascent, and would have done so had it simply included the black
waters of Llyn Idwall at our feet, with the valley of Nant Francon
beyond, leading the eye as far as Bangor and Anglesea. After going

737

a short distance to the west, we descended into Cwm Idwall, a task
not without some risk, as the rocks here are very precipitous. We
afterwards ascertained that we should have proceeded along the ridge,
nearly as far as Twll Du, before descending. On the east side of
Cwm Idwall, which forms. a sort of platform above the lake, were
Silene acaulis (in tolerable plenty), Thalictrum alpinum, Parnassia
palustris, and several of the Snowdon plants.

We have said nothing of the ferns, although often gratified by the
luxuriant beauty of the commoner and semi-rare kinds. We were not
fortunate enough to come across Woodsia, Asplenium septentrionale,
or Polystichum Lonchitis. Our explorations were generally arranged
so as to accord with a constant progress on our route. Can any one
give an account of the rarer ferns of the district during the past

season ?
A. SHIpLeEy, R. REYNOLDS.

October, 1852.

On the Fertility of certain Hybrids.
By T. Bexx Satter, Esq., M.D., F.L.S.*

HAVING, some time since, performed some experiments on certain
plants, the results of which bronght before me some facts at variance
with the opinion commonly received regarding the laws of hybrids, I
am induced to state them, very shortly, accompanied with a few
remarks upon them.

I would wish, first, to state the now usually received opinions
respecting the laws according to which the intermixture of species,
and the subsequent perpetuation of the resulting progeny, appear to
take place. I cannot better do so than in the words of Professor Car-
penter. ‘“ The conclusion which has now been attained,” writes that
accomplished author, “is equally applicable to both the animal and
vegetable kingdoms.” “In plants the stigma of the flower of one
species may be fertilized with the pollen of an allied species; and
from the seeds produced, plants of an intermediate character may be
raised. But these hybrid plants will not perpetuate the race; for
although they may ripen their seed for one or two generations, they
-will not continue to reproduce themselves beyond the third or fourth.

* But if the intervention of one of the parent species be used, its stigma

* Read before the Isle of Wight Philosophical Society.
VOL. Iv. . 5 8B

738

being fertilized by the pollen of the hybrid, or vice versd, a mixed
race may be kept up for some time longer; but it will then have a
manifest tendency to return to the form of the parent whose interven-
tion has been employed.” ‘ Amongst animals the limits of hybridity
are more narrow, since the hybrid is totally unable to continue its race
with one of its own kind ; and although it may be fertile with one of
its parent species, the progeny will of course be nearer in character to
the pure blood, and the race will ultimately merge into it.” “One or
two instances have been mentioned, in which a mule has, from union
with a similar animal, produced offspring; but this is certainly the
extreme limit, since no one has ever maintained that the race can be
continued further than one generation, without admixture with one of
the parent species.”* So writes Professor Carpenter, one of the most
satisfactory authors that could be cited as setting forth the received
opinions on the best and most recent authorities.

As regards that part of the opinion which has reference to the ani-
mal kingdom, I am enabled to state a very interesting case in point,
observed by my relative, Professor Bell. A few years since, he kept
specimens of both sexes of the common domestic goose and the swan-
goose (Cygnus Guineensis). They readily bred together; and a race
of hybrids was the result. He watched very closely, to observe whe-
ther the hybrids would breed among themselves. This was never the
case in any one instance, though both male and female hybrids bred
readily with the other sex of both the pure breeds ; the resulting pro-
geny of course more nearly approximating to the pure species than
did the first hybrids. This, therefore, is entirely confirmatory of the
received laws of hybrids, as set forth above in the words of ‘Dr. Car-
penter. Not so, however, were two instances which have occurred to
myself in reference to plants. ;

Ten years ago I instituted some experiments, not with any refe-.
rence to testing the opinions on the laws of hybridization, but to
ascertain the value of certain forms of British plants as species. The
plants in question appear in our Floras as species ; but I had a sus-
picion they were hybrids. The plants are Epilobium-roseum and
Geum intermedium. The former I suspected, in common with an
opinion at one time held by the late Sir James Edward Smith, to be
a hybrid between Epilobium montanum and E. tetragonum,t though

* Principles of Physiology, General and Comparative, by W. B. Carpenter,
M.D., F.B.S., &c., 3rd edit. p. 983. .
+ Eng. Bot. vol. x. tab. 693, 1800. Sir James Smith here writes, speaking of
Epilobium roseum :—“ Is it possible to have arisen from seeds of the latter” (E.

739

he afterwards abandonded that idea ;* and the latter plant-—Geum
intermedium,—lI believed, in common with many botanists, to be a
hybrid between Geum rivale and G. urbanum.t

And first with regard to the Epilobium. Seeds were easily obtained
by fertilizing the stigma of Epilobium tetragonum with the pollen of
E. montanum ; and the hybrid plants produced were intermediate, in
all their characters, between the parent species. They were not,
however, identical with Epilobium roseum, as I had suspected they
might be, but distinguished from it by a slightly four-notched stigma,
and a habit rather more like E. tetragonum. So far, therefore, as
regards the first object of my experiment, I had an answer in the
negative.

However, having now a new race of hybrids, I was anxious to ob-
serve the behaviour of these plants as regards the permanence of their
form and characters. I sayed seeds from the original hybrids, and
sowed them. The second race was undistinguishable from the first.
~ The seeds of these I again saved and sowed, and still no difference
could be detected ; and so on to four turns, when, being satisfied of the
reproductive powers of these hybrids, and the permanence of the form,
I discontinued the experiment. To this day, however, hybrids of the
same characters with the original ones continue to come up in my
garden.

I may further state that the original hybrid plants were all of them
almost exactly alike, one or two only out of a very large number hay-
ing a slightly stronger resemblance to one of the parent plants. So
with the subsequent generation: they remained like each other, and
like the ‘first.race, with an occasional slight exception, as at the first.

The hybrid Geums were formed by fertilizing the stigmas of Geum
rivale by the pollen of G.urbanum. This experiment was performed

tetragonum) “ impregnated by the pollen of montanum? If so, it unites the external
form of the father with the fructification or internal structure of the mother, accord-
ing to the Linnzan hypothesis, as completely as could be wished.”

* Eng. FI. vol. ii. p. 215, 1828.

+ Smith’s Eng. FI. vol. ii. p. 431 ; Hook. Brit. Fl. 3rd edit. p. 256, 1835 ; Hook.
& Arnott, Brit. Fl. p. 118, 1850.

{ These hybrid plants I designated, in my herbarium, Epilobium montano-tetra-
gonum. I afterwards reversed the experiment, by fertilizing E. montanum with pol-
len of E. tetragonum ; and the progeny from this crossing I called E. tetragono-mon-
- tanum. Not the slightest difference could be detected between the two races, thus
obtained, in support of the Linnean hypothesis above referred to, in the note quoted
from Eng. Bot. t. 693.

tt a

740

also ten years ago. The result obtained was a set of plants interme-
diate in characters between the parent forms, and perfectly identical
with the wild plant, the Geum intermedium of Ehrhart, such as I
have myself found growing in Scotland, when botanizing, some years
since, in the neighbourhood of Edinburgh, in company with my friend,
our Vice-President, Dr. Martin.*

The result as respecting forms was in this case precisely the same
as with the Epilobiums; ¢. e., the vast majority of plants were pre-
cisely like each other, with the exception that one or two were slightly
more like one of the pure parents;t and so also with the subsequent
generations: they remained like each other, and like the first hybrids ;
and to this day the same form continues to propagate itself, by seed,
in my garden.

We have, then, in this latter case, not only an instance of two spe-
cies considerably different being capableof forming permanent and
fertile hybrids, but also the proof of such actually existing in the wild
state !

My late very dear friend, our lamented Vice-President, Dr. Brom-
field, was of opinion that the British Flora presented two other instances
of natural and fertile hybrids, viz., a plant referred by Babington to
Linaria italica, Jrev., and Scrophularia Ehrharti, Stev. The former
he supposed to be a hybrid between Linaria repens and L. vulgaris,
and the latter between Scrophularia nodosa and S. aquatica. I do
not take it upon myself to deny that they may be hybrids, as inferred
by Dr. Bromfield ; but it is rather remarkable, that in many attempts
which I made at his request, during several successive summers, to
make hybrids between the species just named, all my efforts to do so
utterly failed, the plants in none of the numerous instances I tried
producing seed; while with the Epilobium and Geum I succeeded in
the very first instance. Dr. Bromfield, I believe, finally gave up the

* Asa memorandum of the origin of my hybrids, I have named them, in my her-
barium, Geum urbano-rivale. The reverse experiment I never made, owing to the
Geum urbanum not blooming in my garden until too late to obtain pollen from G,
rivale.

+ The.same slight variation occurs also in the wild plants of Britain, and may be
considered as confirmatory of their like origin. The like differences also appear to
exist in the German plants, as we find Reichenbach naming as two distinct species
plants which more nearly resemble either Geum rivale or G. urbanum,—their parent
plants, as I believe ; designating as Geum urbano-rivale the commoner form, which is
the G. intermedium of Ehrhart, and that referred to in the text above ; and the other
form, which is more like to G. urbanum, as G. rivali-urbanum.—Reich. F]. Germ.
Excursoria, vol. ii. p. 598.

741

idea of Scrophularia Ehrharti being a hybrid plant, as no reference to
this view is made in his Notes on the plants of Hampshire ;* but he
ever retained the belief that such was the case with the plant called
by Mr. Babington, Linaria italica.t

The opinion | have deduced from the fertility of the seeds of my
hybrid Geum and Epilobium I feel to be important, because the fact
of fertility is generally deduced as proof that the parent forms are
only varieties, and not distinct species. I will quote the words of
Professor Carpenter on this subject, as they occur in connexion with
the remarks I have already quoted from his elaborate work on General
and Comparative Physiology. After speaking of the non-fertility of
hybrids from different species, the author writes :—“ Where, on the
other hand, the parents were themselves only varieties, the hybrid is
only another variety, and its powers of reproduction are rather increased
than diminished ;—so that it may continue to propagate its own race,
or may be used for the production of other varieties ad infinitum. In
this way many beautiful varieties of garden flowers have been obtained,
especiatly among such species as have a natural tendency to change
their aspect.” ‘‘ There are many instances in which foreign plants
that have been introduced into this country under different specific
names, have been found capable of producing fertile hybrids ; in these
cases a more accurate examination of the original locality has gene-
rally shown, that the parents were nothing more than permanent
varieties, or even hybrids naturally occurring between other varie-
ties. This is particularly the case with many of the South Ameri-
can genera, such as that elegant garden flower the Calceolaria; and
this is probably the explanation of the almost indefinite number of
splendid varieties, well known to horticulturists, which may be ob-
tained from the South American Amaryllis.”{ The general rule thus
expressed by Dr. Carpenter with regard to the facility of hybridizing
varieties, and the fertility of the resulting forms, is certainly most true ;
but, with respect to the opposing remarks,—that the fertility of the
hybrids in Calceolaria and Amaryllis, and other garden plants, is
solely from the identity, as species, of the different forms of the parent
plants,—it appears to me the writer is only begging the question he is
attempting to elucidate, a mode of writing, it is due to say, very un-
usual with this close-reasoning author. The instances thus cited by
Dr. Carpenter are at least unsatisfactory ; and another garden-plant,
—the Fuchsia,—would, I think, warrant quite the contrary conclusion.

* Phytol. iii. 628. + Ibid, 625.
+ Carpenter’s ‘ Principles of Physiology,’ 3rd edit. p. 983.

742

The instances, however, just cited of my own experiments on the
Epilobiums and Geums, are free from all points of doubt as to their
specific identity or distinctness, as no naturalist has, I believe, been
yet met with, or will be found, who will contend that Epilobium mon-
tanum and E. tetragonum are only varieties of one species, or that
Geum rivale and G. urbanum are not, as species, perfectly distinct

one from the other.
T. BELL SALTER.
October, 1852.

Notes of a Few Days’ Visit to Lynmouth, Devonshire.
By THomas Crark, Esq.

DurinG a few days’ visit to Lynmouth, on the north coast of De-
vonshire, in the last week of July, 1 observed the following plants in
rambling about the neighbourhood. Should any other reader of the
‘ Phytologist’ pay a similar visit, a knowledge of their localities may
add somewhat to the interest of the place, surrounded though he
would be with subalpine scenery of rare beauty ; steep, lofty hills,
purple with heath-blossom ; deep, wooded glens ; and streams of the
clearest water, rushing down among huge stones and rocks ;—scenery
unequalled, I believe, in the West of England, and rarely equalled
anywhere.

Euphorbia hiberna. Along the northern border of the East Lyn,
and in Brendon Wood, rather plentiful.

Meconopsis Cambrica. On the borders of the East Lyn and West
Lyn; occasionally on little rocky islets in the streams.

Erodium. maritimum. Southern border of the East Lyn, not
plentiful.

Sedum rupestre. Borders of the East Lyn and West Lyn, not
unfrequent, but generally in small quantities ; also on rocky banks in
the neighbourhood, and on the sea-beach at Lee Abbey, almost close
to high-water mark.

Sedum Telephium. Countesbury Wood, Brendon wo and in
the wood at Lee Abbey.

Sedum anglicum. Plentiful everywhere. This stonecrop is plen-
tiful almost everywhere along the coast-line, from a little westward of
Stowey, in Somersetshire, on to Linton, and no doubt. still further
west. Some years ago it grew, together with 8. rupestre, on the sum-
mit of the Castle Rock in the Valley of Rocks, where most probably

743

both still grow. It was out of blossom, except in shady places. In
very shady and damp places the blossoms were quite white, and the
cymes and the leaves were much attenuated; in which state it had so
much the appearance of S. album, that at first sight it might be mis-
taken for that species.

Campanula Trachelium. Brendon Wood.

Wahlenbergia hederacea. In springy places on the borders of the
Kast Lyn and West Lyn.

Rubus Ideus. Brendon Wood, plentiful.

Orobus tuberosus. Brendon Wood. Different specimens, varying
in the form of the leaflets, from linear to spear-shaped and oval.

Vaccinium Myrtillus. Brendon Wood.

Epilobium montanum. Road-side near the Waters-meet. Several
specimens with clear white blossoms.

Hypericum humifusum. Frequent on stony banks along the road
from Lynmouth to the Waters-meet, and still more plentiful on the
sides of walls on the high ground between the Waters-meet and
Linton.

Hypericum Androsemum. On the border of the West Lyn, and
in the wood at Lee Abbey.

Luzula sylvatica. Very fine in Countesbury Wood, three feet
high, or more.

Taxus baccata. Lee Abbey, broad bushes flattened close against
the face of the sea-cliffs. —_

Crithmum maritimum. Lee Abbey, on the rocks of the sea-coast.

Serratula tinctoria. Lee Abbey, on the sea-cliffs.

Asperula odorata. Lee Abbey, in the wood.

Malva moschata. Lee Abbey.

Asplenium marinum. In fissures and crevices of the.sea-rocks at
the Valley of Rocks, and at Lee Abbey.

Lastrea Oreopteris. On the borders of the West Eyn (very fine
and plentiful), and in Brendon Wood.

No doubt other plants of more than common interest might be
found in this beautiful place, so varied as it is in soil, altitude, and
aspect. Melittis Melissophyllum, I know, grows here, though I did
not find it; and there appeared to be three or four different species
_of Hieracium, though I cannot be certain of more than H. sylvaticum,
the others not being in blossom. It is not improbable that Empe-
trum nigrum may be found somewhere on the neighbouring hills, as
[ have lately received it from the Quantock Hills; and I understand
it has been lately found elsewhere in the West of England. Nor is it

744

in plants alone that the naturalist would find here much to interest
him: there is an ample field for the geologist, the conchologist, and
the entomologist. A large fritillary butterfly, or probably more than
one species, was frequently seen by my companions and myself; and
on the rough, stony beach at the mouth of the Lyn, we collected seve-
ral species of sea-weed, with a few of the smaller zoophytes and
corallines, and more than thirty species of shells.

THomas CLARKE.
Halesleigh, October 7, 1852.

MS. Notes and Additions in a Copy of Ray’s ‘ Catalogus Plantarum
Anglie, Sc. Communicated by WILLIAM PAmMpPLIN, Esq.

As whatever relates to a favourite pursuit, how apparently trifling -
soever, possesses a certain degree of interest in the mind of the pur-
surer, I shall make no apology for the following lines, of small impor-
tance though they be. As in the course of my business I often meet
with such things, if this be approved, possibly other similar notes may
be supplied from time to time, as they happen to occur, or come in
my way.

WILLIAM PAMPLIN.

45, Frith Street, Soho, London,

September 29, 1852.

The following MS. notes and additions occur in a copy of Ray’s
‘ Catalogus Plantarum Angliz et Insularum adjacentium,’ &c., the first
edition, 1670, now before me; but I am quite unable to trace out the
the writer, evidently a contemporary of Ray’s. The notes are partly
slips inserted in the volume, and partly marginal: they are written
in an exceedingly plain and neat hand.

Plants from Rich. Kaise of Bristoll.
(Direct to R. Kaise living in Lewins meade neer ye signe of ye Gunn).

1. Polypodium foliis dissectis. found in a wood neer Dennis
powis in Clamorganshire. :

2. Polypodium hellebori albi folio caule purpurascente. neer
Mendip by Binnagar, 9 miles from Bristoll.

3. pusilla planta Peucedani facie.

4, Limonium majus.

bad
®

745

5. Limonium minus.
6. Nasturtium siliquosum folio sinuato. on the Rocks between
St. Vincents Rock and Cooks folly.
7. Nasturtium petraeum. on St. Vincents Rock and neer to Go-
rams chaire in Henbury, 3 miles from Bristoll. ;
8. Thlaspi veronicae folio. near Clack Mill not farr from Gorams
chaire, on ye rocks.
9. Eryngium marinum.
10. Cochlearia Britanica.
11. Gramen marinum spicatum.
12. Leucojum marinum sinuato-folio.

Pzonia mas vera. found in Stankham wood, about halfe a-mile
from Winscham in Glocestershire, by Frans. Collins, who took up
many of the roots and sold them to the Apothecaries of London, and
left some of the small roots to grow againe, and sowed of the seeds
he then gathered in the same place.

Oct. 29. 1678. from Tho. Lawson.

Filix mas ramosa pinulis dentatis.
» palustris s. aquatica.
» Mas non ramos. pinulis angust. raris profunde dentatis.
»» mas non ramos. pinulis latis auriculatis spinosis.

* Filicula montana florida perelegans.

Chamecistus foliis utriusque argent.

Rosmarinum sylvestre.

Thlaspi foliis globulariae.

Cyperus longus inodorus ?

Calceolus Marie.

_ Asarum Asarabacca. this is reported to growe in ye marshes in
Cardigan and in Pembroke shires by John Owen.

Alnus nigra baccifera. with the common Alders by Colemans
moor nigh Reding.

Bursa pastoris minor, Park. The lesser Shepherds Purse. in the
corne neer the hedge on the South side of the greate pond at Cole-
mans moor.

_ Hypericum legantiesinum non ramosum folio lato, J. B. In ye
pits about the middle of Early field and in ye land on ye right hand
of Lodden Bridge, 3 miles from Reding. tee:

VOL. Iv. oC

746

Lysimachia galericulata minor. In Colemans and other Moors
about Reding.

Qinanthe cicute facie Lobelii, Park. neer Loddon Bridge by
Colemans Moore.

Orobanche verbasculi odore. In Stoken Church Woods on the left
hand of the the highway.

Pyrola Ger. In Sherbourne Wood on the right hand of Stoken
Church hill.

Caryophullus sylvestris 9 sive pumilio alpinus Clusii. found on
Snowdon hill by Mr. E. Lloyd.

P.S.—Near the end of the volume is the following note, in a some-
what different hand, apparently of more recent date, viz. :-—
“The mark is a pencil stroke before the plant—~—475 gathered.”

Extracts from the ‘ Report on Substances Used as Food, exhibited
at the Crystal Palace, in 1851. Reported by J. D. Hooxer,
M.D., F.R.S., &c.

CoMMON EUROPEAN CEREALIA.
bee 2 ¢

Or the cerealia, commonly cultivated in Europe, vz., wheat, bar-
ley, oats, and rye, the Jurors have examined about 500 samples, many
of great excellence. These are exhibited in various qualities, and
with different objects ; some are ears on spikes, for scientific illustra-
tion ; some, mere specimens, in boxes or bottles, forming important
portions of the series of vegetable products that various countries have
contributed ; and, lastly, there are sacks and barrels of different grain
from England, the colonies, and exporting countries in general.

These are unequally distributed, and afford no general information
as to the relations between the countries and their produce, nor much
as to the importance of their cultivation in the various parts of the
world exhibiting them.

Thus, of oats, rye, and barley, which are the staple crops of north-
ern and mountainous Europe and Asia, but very few samples are in
the exhibition ; comparatively speaking, wheat is very insufficiently
represented from the United States ; better, from our cold and tem-
perate colonies; indifferently from England, Scotland, and Ireland ;

TAT

and hardly at all from the continent of Northern India, where it is a
most important winter crop.

There are three collections which appear prominently interesting
in this division, and require a particular notice; they are those of
Messrs. Lawson, Mr. Maund, and Mr. H. Raynbird.

Messrs. Lawson’s collection exhibits the ear, grain, &c., &c., of
every variety of cereal, and also models of all the roots which it has
been found practicable to cultivate in Scotland; the specimens are
beautiful, and the arrangement scientific and excellent. No conside-
ration of cost or trouble has been allowed to interfere with providing
all that is necessary to render this collection a true and complete illus-
tration of the vegetable products of Scotland. A Council Medal has
been awarded to Messrs. Lawson “ for their admirably-displayed, very
complete, instructive, and scientifically-arranged collection of the ali-
mentary products of Scotland.”

Mr. B. Maund’s and Mr. H. Raynbird’s collection of hybrid cere-
alia are of great interest from the importance of the process in other
departments of the vegetable kingdom, and the known difficulty of
hybridizing the cerealia in particular. This arises from the pains
required to extract unexpanded anthers from one parent, and to
replace them with the pollen of another; preventing at the same time
the stigmas to be fertilized from receiving any other pollen than that
artificially applied, and guarding them afterwards from the attacks of
birds, and a variety of disturbing operations. The result appears, in
most cases, to be an offspring stronger than either parent. Cone
wheat has been principally experimented with by Mr. Maund, and it
contains much gluten, but its extended culture has been discontinued
by farmers, owing to a preference for wheats from which a whiter
bread may be made. Mr. Maund’s object is, by crossing this cone
wheat to obtain an offspring equally productive, but with more starch
in the grain. A Prize Medal has been awarded for the series exhi-
bited. Mr. H. Raynbird exhibits a similar series, for which a Prize
Medal is also awarded. This gentleman commenced his experi-
ments in 1846, with two wheats of very opposite character, the
“ Hopetoun,” a white wheat of long ear and straw, and fine grain, and
the “ Piper’s thick-set,” a coarse red wheat, with thick clustered ear
and stiff straw, very productive, but apt to mildew. A few shrivelled
ears were first produced. These were planted, and the young plants
divided. The produce was copious of all intermediate varieties, some
so very like their parents as to be rejected. Picked grains being

748

selected, abundant crops of both white and red hybrids were pro-
duced, partaking of the best qualities of both parents.

There are no wheats exhibited superior to the South Australian.
This is probably owing to climate ; for it appears, after a careful exa-
mination of many samples from the best wheat-growing climates, that
Spain, and certain districts of southern Russia, produce hard wheats,
equalling the Australian; whilst the produce of England, of the South
of France, of the United States and Canada, hardly fall short of the
same high standard. Large allowances have, in many cases, to be
made for faulty agriculture, carelessly collected or insufficient samples,
and for inefficient methods of threshing, &c., the grain. Such circum-
stances affect the adjudication of awards, but not perhaps the original
value of the crop from which the samples were collected.

British Department.—But few malts are exhibited: the samples
shown by Taylor and Son receive Honourable Mention. A sample
of porter malt prepared by a “ patent process” was exhibited by S.
R. Poole, in which the “ torrefaction or roasting” was not carried so
far asin the ordinary brown malts, and which is said to contain in
consequence a larger proportion of unchanged saccharine matter.

British East India. — Wheat has from time immemorial been a
staple crop in the plains of northern India, and especially in the Pun-
jaub ; and since the establishment of the studs at Buxar, Ghazepore,
&c., oats have been extensively cultivated. Both are winter (cold
weather) crops. The climate and soil are well fitted for these cereals,
but owing to defects and carelessness in the agriculture and harvest-
ing, the crops, though excellent, fall short of what most corn-growing
countries produce. Further, owing to foul boats and granaries, and
to the moist heat of the months immediately succeeding harvest, the
wheat reaches England in a state too dirty and weavelled for market.
There are two samples in the Exhibition, one of hard and one of soft
wheat, of which the former is most prized by natives of India, pro-
bably for no better cause than that the hardness of the grain more
closely resembles their favourite food, rice. Barley is most exten-
sively cultivated in ue Himalayah and Tibet, replacing in many dis-
tricts the wheat, and producing an admirable flour; both are deside-
rata (as are the oats}, which is much to be regretted.

Australasia.— From this quarter of the globe, including Van Die-
men’s Land and New Zealand, there are splendid samples of wheat,
some of barley, and a few of oats. Port Adelaide stands pre-eminent
for wheat and barley. Prize Medals have been awarded both to R.
Hallett and Sons, and to Heath and Burrow, for wheat, which may be

. 749

considered perfect as regards growth, equality of grain, colour, weight,
and quality. Swan River Colony and Port Phillip also send good
wheats, but Van Diemen’s Land appears to rank next to Port Ade-
laide, though much that was apparently excellent from the former was
spoiled during the voyage. From Van Diemen’s Land fine white
wheats are exhibited by Messrs. Deane, Dray, and Deane, and also
by Messrs. M‘Pherson and Francis, to whom Prize Medals are awarded;
the malt also of E. Tooth, Bagdad, is considered worthy of Honour-
able Mention. New Zealand is represented by wheat, barley, and
malt, all of good character. The barley exhibited by Hugh Martin
and by Thomas Renwick, and the malt exhibited by Hooper and Co.,
severally receive Honourable Mention.

Russia.—The collection of Russian cerealia is the finest in the Ex-
hibition, forming a most attractive and prominent display. It consists
of fine sheaves of the grains in ear, as cut, and abundant samples of the
seeds in bowls; all well arranged and catalogued. Count Kouche-
leff has sent the greatest variety, and a Prize Medal has been awarded
to his collection in general, in which the black wheat and naked bar-
ley, &c., are worthy of particular notice and Honourable Mention.
Hard white wheat, from Odessa, exhibited by Colonel Shabelsky, has
been awarded a Prize Medal. This wheat yields a very large crop,
and is never grown on manured land, which is considered prejudicial
to it. A fine sample of wheat from the Government of Saratoff, exhi-
bited by Baguer, has been awarded a Prize Medal. Black wheat, a
very valuable cereal, cultivated chiefly by the Cossacks of the Azof
Sea: these samples are from the estates of Petroffskaja, and Nova
Spasskaja, and are awarded a Prize Medal.

Turkey.—A large series of considerable merit illustrates the agri-
culture of this country. It is composed of samples of grain, in bot-
tles, too scanty for accurate examination ; and many are dirty and
carelessly collected. Nevertheless as a collection it is well worthy of
attention, and one of the samples, a hard wheat, has been awarded a
Prize Medal.

Egypt.—This country grows more millets than corn, but both are
copiously illustrated. One sample of white wheat, exhibited by H.
H. Abbas Pasha, is of admirable quality ; it is very large in the grain,
and soft, and has been awarded a Prize Medal. The barley is good.

CEREALIA RARELY CULTIVATED IN EUROPE.

Rice, maize, and the Coix lachryma (Job’s tears) are the chief pro-
ducts that appear to come under this head—millets, &c., being placed

750 @
in a separate sub-class. As an article of import, rice holds a very
prominent place. Maize, on the other hand, has not found much
favour in Great Britain, its flour, however cheaply imported, having
never perhaps been sufficiently appreciated.

British East Indies—Copious samples of about 50 Indian rices
are exhibited by the Honourable East India Company, and to them
a Prize Medal is awarded. Many are of good quality, but more are
dirty, small, broken in the grain, and unequal; characteristic of the
slovenly state of the Indian bazaars. The quality.of many appears
only after boiling. In size, colour, and fineness of grain, none are at
all comparable to the Carolina and northern Italy rices: several are
however very curious, especially the Mountain rices, grown without
- irrigation, at elevations of 3,000 to 6,000 feet on the Himalayah, where
the dampness of the summer months compensates for the want of arti-
ficial moisture. The small reddish Assamese rices which become
gelatinous in boiling, and the large, flat-grained, soft, purple-black
“Ketana” rice of Java and Malacca are also very curious. The East
Indian maizes are inferior in quality, and deteriorated. Borneo exhi-
bits a large series of rices, some of them curious.

France.—The cultivation of rice in Europe is quite confined to the
Southern States, and chiefly to the borders of the Mediterranean,
where it is extensively grown, and is of good quality. Two varieties
are exhibited from Bordeaux, by A. Fery, to whom a Prize Medal is
awarded. One is a beautiful soft, brittle-bearded rice, irrigated, and
called “ Nostrana,” the other unirrigated, is bearded, harder, grayer
and larger in the grain, and is called “ Chinese rice.” Algeria con-
tributes rice and maize of indifferent quality.

Spain.—The sample of rice from Valencia is equally good with
that of Bordeaux, and swells much in boiling; it has been awarded a
Prize Medal. Some good maize is exhibited, as also a sample of the
seeds of Cenchrus spicatus, a cereal little known in Northern Europe,
and of no great value.

Russia.—Much rice, and of good quality, is cultivated in the south-
ern provinces of this empire. Two samples are exhibited, one unirri-
gated, from the mountainous districts of the Caucasus ; the other in
the state of paddy (unhusked), from Odessa. Of the latter, one spe-
cimen called Chaltik, from Khalil Beck, exhibited by Zilfoogar Beck
Iskander Beck Ogli, is worthy of Honourable Mention.

Egypt.—Rice abundant, and of good quality ; that cultivated in
the Delta of the Nile, at Rosetta, is considered the best; the grain is
broad, short, flat, and peculiarly striated.

75)

United States of America.—The American rice, though originally
imported from the old world, is now much the finest in quality. The
Carolina sample of E. T. Heriot is magnificent in size, colour, and
cleanness, and has been awarded a Prize Medal. A _ beautiful
sheaf of beardless rice is also exhibited. Maize is a more im-
portant crop in North America than in any other civilized country,
being used most extensively for stock feeding ; as flour for cooking ;
and in various forms at table, green, as well as ripe; toasted, boiled,
or baked. The collections from America are very fine, particularly
that of B. B. Kirtland, who exhibits 34 varieties, amongst which are
to be found samples of nearly all those usually cultivated in the United
States. A Prize Medal has been awarded to him.

MILLET AND OTHER SMALL GRAINS USED AS Foon.

Under this head, besides millets, the Jury have considered buck-
wheats: neither are well represented in the Exhibition, though of
great importance in many parts of the world.

Buck-wheat belongs to the temperate and arctic climates, and is
cultivated in Northern Europe, Asia, and America, and most abun-
dantly in Central Asia and the Himalayah ; in the latter country the
different varieties are grown at various elevations, between 4,000 and
12,060 feet. The finest samples exhibited are from Canada, by E.
Trenholme: they are deserving of especial notice, and Honourable
Mention. The United States, Russia, and Belgium, also exhibit
small samples of good qualities.

Millets, again, are tropical or sub-tropical crops ; in India they hold
a second rank to rice alone, and in Egypt, perhaps, surpass all other
crops in importance. In West Africa they are the staff of life. The
Egyptian samples are the finest; and those numbered 90, 91, and 92,
exhibited by H.H. Ilham Pasha, are deserving of Honourable Men-
tion: they belong to Holcus sorghum and H. saccharatum, and are
known to Europeans as “ petit mais.”

From India various samples are shown of the different species of
Panicum, but not labelled in the manner such an instructive collec-
tion should be.

Ceylon exhibits millet of fair quality.

The red and white millets of Austria, Russia, and the United States
are beautiful, particularly the Russian samples, exhibited by Lieut.-
Gen. Ershoff, of Panicum Italicum and miliaceum, to which a Prize
Medal is awarded.

Turkey abounds in small grains, and exhibits a large variety of
them ; but the samples are insufficient and dirty.

752

PULSES AND CATTLE Foon.

Under this head the Jury have included all leguminous seeds, whe-
ther cultivated as food for man or cattle.

The importance of peas and beans is well appreciated, both by the
horticulturists and agriculturists in Europe, and our temperate colo-
nies, where, however, they are comparatively of less importance, than
the smaller pulses and grains are in various tropical countries,—such
as haricots in the Brazils and West Indies,— ground or earth-nuts in
South America, and especially in Western Africa,—beans of various
kinds amongst the miners of Peru,—gram (Ervum lens) and dhal
(Cajanus), with innumerable varieties of beans and small lentils,
among the natives of India and Egypt,—and the Carob bean or St.
John’s bread (Ceratonia siliqua) in the Mediterranean countries.
The above are all more or less copiously represented in the Exhibi-
tion by the countries named.

In the British Department, Lawson’s great collection stands pre-
eminent for extent and scientific value ; and there is also a large one
of agricultural produce from Messrs. Gibbs. H.R.H. Prince Albert’s
“ Augusta horse-beans,” are magnificent, and have been awarded a
Prize Medal as part of the collection of agricultural produce alluded
to under the British Department of European cerealia. W. P.
Croughton’s golden pod beans are worthy of Honourable Mention.
Raynbird’s tick beans and those of Strange are good; as are also
Fordham’s prolific peas.

Canada sends peas, beans, and haricots, all of excellent descrip-
tions ; and no less remarkable for quality and colour than for cheap-
ness. The blue imperial peas sent by D. Jones would command the
highest price in any English market ; they have been awarded a Prize
Medal, and a like award is given to D. Limoges, for his fine sample of
white peas.

Belgium, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Tunis, and Egypt, exhibit each,
beans, peas, haricots, pulses, and legumes of all descriptions, but none
except the Egyptian beans are worthy of especial notice.

Russia, besides many of these, exhibits green sugar-peas (dried
unripe) ; those exhibited by Khokholkoff and Gregorjeff are worthy of
Honourable Mention for their excellent flavour and sweetness.

(To be continued.)

753

Three Days’ Walk in the New Forest, together with a few additional
Localities to Dr. Bromfield’s Hampshire Flora. By Epwarp T.
BEwnvetT, Esq.

THE result of a short botanical excursion, undertaken a fortnight
since, which has been tolerably successful in the plants we expected
to find, though not presenting any important discoveries, may be
worth recording in a note or two respecting them.

The magnificent forest scenery, enlivened by the graceful forms of
the deer, bounding away on the approach of the stranger, alternating
with boggy hollows, and wild and dreary tracts, covered with fern and
gorse, affords an ever-varying landscape, and constitutes the principal
feature of this unique part of the country. We entered the vicinity of
the New Forest from Salisbury, having visited Stonehenge, carrying
away no botanical remembrances except Spirea Filipendula, still in
full bloom, and abundant, though so much after the period assigned
it in the books. A rubbish-heap by the road-side near Salisbury pro-
duced Mercurialis annua, and the hitherto scarce Medicago denticn-
lata, readily distinguished by its beautiful and peculiar fruit. From
Salisbury, down the rich and fertile valley of the Avon, to Christ-
church, is a charming road, commanding, at times, beautiful peeps of
water scenery, especially between Fordingbridge and Ringwood.
Calamintha officinalis and Salvia verbenaca profusely ornament the
road-sides and banks in many places; and in a turnip-field the bright
blue blossoms of Delphinium Consolida, apparently wild, attracted our
attention. Near Sopley, about three miles before Christchurch, in the
left-hand hedge, we gathered a few specimens of Campanula patula,
almost past flower ; and Carduus tenuiflorus and Chenopodium murale
in several places along the road. One plant, which, though not very
common, can hardly be called rare, was in such immense profusion in
this neighbourhood, that it deserves a passing notice. Chrysanthe-
mum segetum rendered many acres of land, as we came down the val-
ley, perfectly yellow with its large bright blossoms. Commencing
almost in the town, Hydrocharis Morsus-rane literally fills the
‘ditches in the recorded station on the lower road towards Winkton ;
Utricularia minor occurs, sparingly, in company with it. A walk
along the marshy sea-shore towards Muddiford produced only the
usual sea-side plants,—Aster Tripolium, Alsina marina and A. pe-
ploides, Crambe maritima, Salsola Kali, Eryngium maritimum, Plan-
tago maritima, and Salicornia herbacea,—but furnished splendid views

VOL. Iv. 5 D

754

of the opposite chalk-cliffs of Alum Bay and the Needles, rising boldly
out of the water at the extremity of the island.

From this point we struck directly into the Forest, to Brockenhurst,
meeting with plain but comfortable accommodation at one of the little
inns in the village. Half-past six o’clock the next morning found us
in a beautiful autumn fog, through which the rays of the sun were just
penetrating, searching the neighbourhood of Brockenhurst Bridge for
its two special plants—Leersia oryzoides and Isnardia palustris. In
a boggy piece of ground on the left, by the road-side about fifty yards
before reaching the bridge itself, we soon found the grass, but much
smaller and poorer than in its Surrey locality, at Brockham Bridge.
After a much longer search, we also succeeded in detecting a few
plants of the Isnardia, close by an open ditch recently cut through the
bog, and which seems not unlikely to threaten the destruction, at no
distant period, of both these plants in this particular locality. The
Leersia has been noticed in various other spots, both up and down
the River Boldre ; and no doubt a diligent search would be rewarded
by the discovery of other stations for the inconspicuous Isnardia.
To Lyndhurst, a splendid walk of four miles, is considered the finest
bit of road in the Forest, and for sylvan beauty can scarcely be sur-
passed, illumined, as we saw it, by the brilliant rays of the morning
sun.

Having booked a bed, and despatched a comfortable breakfast, at
the “ Crown,” we proceeded in quest of the plant of the Forest—Spi-
ranthes estivalis. Following the Christchurch road for two miles, as
far as a toll-gate, we turned off to the right for about a hundred yards,
and had no difficulty in identifying the bog where we expected at
once to find the plant ; but the best part of an hour was spent indus-
triously, in both the driest and wettest parts, before the silence of the
surrounding woods was broken by the shout of “ hurrah!” which an-
nounced the discovery of the object of our search. A further long-
continued examination of the bog was rewarded by only four or five
additional specimens, distributed over a considerable extent of ground.
They were past full flower; but, if the plant had been plentiful this
season, the withered stalks would not have escaped our observation.
It is very possible that, like its congener, Spiranthes autumnalis, it
may vary in abundance in different years. This station does not cor-
respond in many respects with that described by Dr. Bromfield (Phy-
tol. iii. 909) ; and, as he mentions its having been found in other spots
in the same neighbourhood, by Wm. Borrer, it is probable it may be
a different one. The direction to the locality where we met with it

755

had been kindly furnished us by my friend, Jas. A. Brewer, of Rei-
gate, who found it there, in plenty, last year. We could not detect
anything peculiar in the place, and its accompaniments, that should
have induced the plant to select it for its habitat. Myrica Gale,
Rhynchospora alba, Potamogeton plantagineus, Drosera rotundifolia
and D. intermedia, Lycopodium inundatum (particularly fine), and
other more common bog plants were in abundance. One or two small
tufts of Osmunda regalis in the centre looked stunted and unhappy.
We did not observe this fern anywhere else. Lastrea Oreopteris
seemed also to be remarkably scarce; as far as we noticed, it was
confined to a damp ditch bounding one of the plantations ; and I am
not aware that we saw a single individual of the multiflora group.
Proceeding onwards as far as the Christchurch-road Station, a bog
near it, on the north side of the railway, yielded the pretty and rare
Cicendia filiformis. Here we ventured to forsake the roads, and
struck right across, through forest, over heath and bog, towards
Stoney-cross, finding it a fine, but fatiguing, walk; and, with the sun
for a guide, and inquiring, where we had the chance, which was but
seldom, kept our direction pretty well. On both sides of the road,
before coming to the little inn at Stoney-cross, as accurately described
in Dr. Bromfield’s Hampshire Flora, familiar to the readers of the
* Phytologist,’ we found the minute Tillea muscosa, in abundance.
A pretty walk of three miles led us back to Lyndhurst, well satisfied
with our day’s work. There are but few districts affording three
plants equal to the Leersia, Isnardia, and Spiranthes within the com-
pass of an early morning’s walk.

Our time being now exhausted, we left the Forest the next morn-
ing, by the Southampton road, as far as Redbridge, thence to the old
town of Romsey, up the valley of the river Test, notorious for its
trout, meeting with little worth mentioning, except two plants of Hy-
oscyamus niger, occupying its usual position, on a bit of waste turf by
the road-side. Hippuris vulgaris, Sagittaria sagittifolia, and Rumex
Hydrolapathum occur almost wherever there is water in the marshy
valleys which intersect this part of the county, and Geum rivale in
several places along the canal that runs by Romsey.

~The following are additional localities to those given in Dr. Brom-

field’s Flora, for some of the more interesting Hampshire plants
observed during the past year :—
_ Cerastium arvense. Abundant on chalky road-sides on Queenwood-

College Farm, near Stockbridge.

756

Gentiana Pneumonanthe. In considerable abundance by the side
of a bye-road over a dry, heathy tract of ground, about three miles
from Bishopstoke, towards Romsey.

Melittis Melissophyllum. Not unfrequent in woods and hedges
about Tytherly and Mottisfont.

Hottonia palustris. Filling a ditch on the edge of a heath about
a mile south-west of the Farnborough Station, on the South-western
Railway.

Spiranthes autumnalis. On the cricket-ground at Norman Court.

Convallaria multiflora. Abundant in many dense oak-woods about
Tytherly.

Ceterach officinarum. Wall of a sunk fence at Tytherly.

' Epwarp T. BENNETT.
Queenwood College, Hants,
7th of 10th month, 1852.

Proceepines or Soctetizs, §c.

THE PHyYTOLOGIST CLUB.

One Hundred and Thirty-eighth Sitling— Saturday, October 28,
1852.—Mr. Newman, President, in the chair.

Hydnum coralloides, Scop., near Burton-on-Trent.

The President read the following note, from Mr. W. M. Hind, dated
September 28, 1852 :—

“T have to notice the occurrence of the rare and exquisitely beauti-
ful Hydnum coralloides, Scop., in this neighbourhood. This graceful
fungus was found growing from the lintel of a wine-cellar door, and
was in beautiful condition when sent to me by the friend in whose
house it grew. There were three principal branches, with their
branchlets, all fringed with coralloid stalactites about an inch long,
very closely set, and of almost snowy whiteness. It has lost much of
its delicacy of colour and graceful appearance by drying, and comes
more nearly now to the plant figured by Sowerby, t. 252. The spe-
cimen I possess measured seven inches in length by five and a half
in breadth.”

NE ik

757

Spinulose Section of Lastreas.

_ The President read the following note, from Mr. Lloyd, dated Octo-
ber 15, 1852 :—

“Tn a former number (Phytol. iv. 22) I gave my opinion upon Las-
trea uliginosa; and I never intended to offer any further observations
upon the subject until I read Mr. Moore’s proposition to unite it with
L. cristata and L. spinosa. Now, L. uliginosa, as Mr. Moore truly
observes, and as I believe almost all botanists admit, is quite inter-
mediate between those two species, and might, I think, without any
great violence to Nature, be joined to either of them, were not the
other present ; but joining all three together is quite a different affair,
especially when we consider them as a part of a most regular grada-
tion of forms, from the pinnate frond and pinnatifid pinne of L.
Goldiana to the highly compound L. multiflora or L. dilatata.

“ The plant which immediately follows L. Goldiana is the North-
American form of L. cristata; and it differs but very little from L.
Goldiana, except that it is a little more divided, and may be called
sub-bipinnate. It is about half as large again in all its parts as the
British form, is a fortnight earlier in its vernation, and is as interme-
diate between it and L. Goldiana as L. uliginosa is between it and L.
spinosa. It is the North-American, and not the British, form which
is exhibited at the flower-shows. I shall make only one remark upon
L. uliginosa, v2z., that it is much larger than either L. spinosa or the
English form of L. cristata, and about the size of the North-American
form. I shall pass over L. spinosa; it is well known: but there is
a plant, the next in the series, and one that has been much over-
looked, which is intermediate between L. spinosa and the smaller L.
multiflora or L. dilatata, and forms a connecting link between the
glandulose and the eglandulose part of the section. Of the forms of
L. multiflora or L. dilatata (if we except Mr. Newman’s L. glandu-
losa) I never could make more than two; one with fronds about two
feet long, and a very prolific caudex ; and the other with fronds four
to five or even six feet long, and an arborescent, upright caudex,
which seldom throws out any lateral crowns; and this plant, I am of
opinion, is the Polypodium spinosum of old authors ; and at a future
time I shall give my reason for thinking it so.”

Cowslip in Flower in October.

_ The President read the following note, from Mr. A. W. Bennett,

dated Brockham Lodge, October 16, 1852 :-—

758

“T beg to enclose a specimen of the cowslip (Primula veris), ga-
thered yesterday, the 15th of 10th mo., in full flower, in a disused
chalk-pit in the Betchworth range of hills. One might go a long way.
before finding a more remarkable instance of the waywardness plants
sometimes exhibit in their time of flowering. The primrose is some-
times met with on a sheltered hedge-bank, even during the most
inclement winter’s frost; but the cowslip we look upon as a more
transient visitor of warm spring weather. The period assigned it in
Babington’s Manual is ‘ Iv., v.;’ and we should never expect to meet
with it earlier than perhaps a few stray specimens in the beginning of
the 4th, or a few still lingering till the end of the 5th, month. Is it
early, or is it late? is a question on which opinions might be divided.
Its locality, too, was most unusual for so peculiarly a meadow plant.
The stony character of the ground in which it was growing is shown
by the nature of the roots.”

Melampyrum pratense y., Brit. Fl.

The President read the following note, from Mr. Wardale, dated
October 19, 1852 :—

“‘ Having seen a notice, in the last edition of the ‘ British Flora,’ p.
296, of the above-named variety of plant, and the locality therein
mentioned, and perceiving that it has been entirely passed over in the
third edition of the ‘ London Catalogue of British Plants,’ may I beg
the insertion of it in a page of the ‘ Phytologist,’ as having another
locality besides the ‘ Banks of the Wye below Monmouth.’ On the
29th of June, 1849, on a visit to Hastings, it was proposed to make
an excursion, as a morning’s amusement, to Hollington, distant about
four miles, to view the church there, which of itself possesses no other
particular attraction beyond that of its unusual situation, being in the
midst of a wood, and accompanied by a cemetery surrounded by a
hedge and bank. The pathway immediately leading to the situation
is between hedge-banks, presenting at the time a profusion of wild
plants, including Melica uniflora and the Melampyrum. After passing
the stile at the entrance, some hundreds of Melampyrum pratense y.
are instantly seen distributed throughout the place, and give a consi-
derable degree of gaiety and cheerfulness to the scene. Young
oaks and hazels form the wood, the former of which the proprietors
had already began to cut down, which, being denuded of their bark,
did not exceed the diameter of seven or eight inches. The hazels
are intended as a nursery for hurdles as they may be wanted, or
according to their states of growth. The Melampyrum here gene-

TSY

rally shelters itself by the roots of the hazel, as the primrose is
often found, in the spring, occupying similar situations. The plant,
at a short distance, has somewhat the appearance of a small bush,
with a stem rising to the height of about fifteen or eighteen inches,
and four or five branches curving upwards; and, without being so
handsome as M. arvense, with its variety of colours, it is not entirely
devoid of some claim to beauty. The flowers are much larger than
those of M. pratense collected in a wood by Hornsey, a little to the
north of the turnpike-gate at Highgate, in 1835; colour lighter, atte-
nuating nearly to white; leaves also larger, some being an inch in
breadth at the base, and more than three in Jength,—shape lanceo-
late; spikes not so close as those of M. arvense, the acuminating
floral leaves pointing upwards, in various degrees of elevation.”

Cyperus fuscus in Yorkshire.

The President read the following note, from Mr. J. G. Baker, dated
October 20, 1852 :—

“ Whilst looking, a short time ago, through a bundle of unnamed
Cyperacez collected in various parts of Cleveland, by Wm. Mudd, of
Ayton, I was pleasantly surprised at finding amongst them a few spe-
cimens of Cyperus fuscus. Upon inquiring for further particulars, I
am informed they were procured last season, in company with Scir-
pus pauciflorus, Carex pulicaris, Fissidens osmundioides and F. adi-
antoides, Hypnum nitens and H. stramineum, Bartramia marchica,
&c., from an extensive swamp or bog on Guisborough Moor, about
400 yards from Codhill farm-house, and a mile due east from the
well-known Roseberry Topping. The locality may be readily found
by a stranger, or recognized in the map, as being situated directly
between the rise of Sleddale Beck, one of the principal branches of
the Esk running to the south, and that of the small stream that passes
Guisborough, and runs into the sea at Saltburn, in an opposite direc-
tion, by reference to the altitude of Roseberry, which is stated to
be nearly 500 yards (1488 feet). The elevation attained by the Cy-
perus may be estimated at 400 yards, which, in this latitude (55— 56),
though taking into consideration proximity to the sea, will indicate
an average annual temperature as low as 44—45 degrees. Its occur-
rence in a locality so widely distant from those already ascertained in
this country, will give it the advantage in dispersed area and zonal
range over its more conspicuous congener predicted by Dr. Bromfield

(Phytol. iii. 1017), from a consideration of its extensive distribution
on the continent, and will considerably increase the probability of its

760

detection in many of the intermediate counties ; whilst its compara-
tively elevated position, in the present instance, opens the possibility
of its ultimate discovery considerably to the north of Yorkshire.

Collomia grandiflora in Yorkshire.

The following note is also from Mr. Baker :-—

“ We have noticed this native of North-Western America somewhat
plentifully this autumn, in a cultivated field not far to the north of
Thirsk. As it grows intermixed with a crop of barley, and appears
confined to that portion of the field, it has most likely been intro-
duced with the seed-corn, at no very distant date, and may possibly
disappear with a change of cultivation; but, on the other hand, as it
has seeded freely, and has a tendency to multiply spontaneously when
grown in gardens, it may ultimately become more or less permanently
established here and elsewhere. For the benefit of those not
acquainted with the plant, it may be briefly described as belonging
to a genus of Polemoniacez, more allied to the well-known American
Phlox than to our typical British representative of that natural order;
the species in question having a slender wiry stem, about a foot in
height, which is usually simple, but occasionally branched in a fasti-
giate manner, with scattered, elongate-lanceolate leaves, more nume-
rous and somewhat glandular towards its summit; and clustered
terminal heads of flowers, with glandular, ciliated calyx-segments,
and a dull, saffron-coloured, Phlox-like corolla, hardly worthy of the
specific designation.”

Errata in a previous Number.

The following corrections are supplied by the same kind corre-
spondent :—P. 721, for “ Pail.” read “ Parl.,” for Parlatore; p. 722,
line 3, for “ Randolii” read “ Baudotii;” p. 722, line 17, for “ Hawn-
ley” read “ Hawnby ;” p. 724, line 21, for “ Mr. Baker” read “ Mr.
D. Oliver.”

Lastrea recurva in Mull.

The President wished to correct an error of his own, in the last
number. The discovery of Lastrea recurva in Mull is no extension
of its northern range. Mr. Watson (Cyb. Brit. ili. 272) records the
possession of a specimen brought from Hoy Hill, Orkney, by Mr.
Anderson ; and other northern stations are also mentioned by Mr.
Watson, although with less certainty.

——— ——

761

Extracts from the ‘ Report on Substances Used us Food} exhibited
at the Crystal Palace, in 1851. Reported by J. D. Hooker,
M.D., F.R.S., &c.

(Concluded from page 722).

FLOURS, AND PREPARATIONS OF THE PREVIOUS CLASSES.

Great Britain.—Awongst the various, but far from extensive series
of flours from this country, Prize Medals have been awarded to—
Kidd and Podger, Isleworth Mills, for Australian wheat-flour ; Ed-
ward Chitty, of Guildford, for flour of English white wheat; and to
Buck and Son, of Bradford, for oatmeal-flour.

Amongst the curiosities worthy of notice is the Typha meal pre-
pared from the rhizoma of T. latifolia, by M. M‘Callum, of Leith.

Australasia.—After what has been said of the cerealia of Port
Adelaide, it is not surprising that the flours should prove of equal
excellence, as is especially the case with those exhibited by H. E.
and M. Moses, to whom Honourable Mention is awarded. Van Die-
men’s Land contributes some barrels of excellent wheat-flours: one
of these from J. Walker is deserving of Honourable Mention; the
others appear to have been injured by the voyage. The New Zea-
land “ Maori flour” (or flour produced by the natives) is deserving of
notice. Biscuits, so extremely well made as to have been awarded a
Prize Medal, are exhibited by A. M. Milligan, of Van Diemen’s Land;
—these deserve especial notice, from the fact, that at a very recent
period, the biscuit served out to the convicts, and to Her Majesty’s
Navy, when refitting in Tasmania, was said to be the refuse of the
English dockyards, and was certainly unfit for food.

France contributes a most extensive collection of flours and prepa-
rations therefrom; amongst which it is very difficult to select for
awards—the specimens are of such variety, as to merit and kind.

The magnificent gruaux wheat-flour of M. D’Arblay, jun., has
occupied much of the attention-of the Jury, not only as the best
sample of European flour, but from the exhibitor being the inventor
of the gruaux principle in grinding, whereby a great saving of the
finest and most nutritive portion of the flour is effected, and any
wheat-flour made to contain more or less gluten in proportion to
starch. Hard wheats of all kinds, especially Sicilian, Russian, and
Sardinian, from the large per-centage of gluten they contain, are the
best adapted for this purpose. By means of D’Arblay’s adjusting
process, such grains are first ground high in the mill; the white

VOL. Iv. 9 0

762

middlings are then separated by coarse sieves, and re-ground low in the
mill; finally, the flour is repeatedly passed through fine silk sieves.
This process is evidently tedious and expensive ; but the flour produced
is of the very finest description, especially for patés, and other prepa-
rations of that description. The average produce of flour thus obtained
is 25 per cent. from ordinary wheat. Such flour is extensively imported
into this country, for bettering the inferior flours, especially the Irish.
D’Arblay’s household flour, obtained by the usual grinding process, is
also of first-rate quality. A Council Medal has been awarded to M.
D’Arblay, “ for his gruaux and household flour, obtained by a novel
and economical process, for the fineness of its quality and utility.”

O1L SEEDS AND THEIR CAKES.

Of this description of sheep and cattle food, there is a tolerable
supply in the Exhibition, but no samples of remarkable merit, and
only one novelty, the cotton seed-cake. Amongst the various seeds
used in the manufacture of oil-cake, flax (or linseed) is the most im-
portant. Rape-seed is also employed, but is considered heating. In
the Lubeck department a sample is exhibited of the “ dodder-cake,”
made from the Camelina sativa. A small portion of inferior poppy-
cake is contained in the Indian collection. Walnut-cake is not
represented at all.

Great Britain.—The cotton seed-cake, exhibited by R. Burn (of
Edinburgh), is a novelty worthy of especial notice, and was awarded
Honourable Mention. The seed is recommended on account of its
cheapness, being usually thrown away as refuse by the cotton manu-
facturers: it is extensively used as a cattle food, in an unprepared
state, in various parts of the tropical world, and to a limited extent in
England, but its success is doubtful, and in the shape of oil-cake it
has possibly not yet been fully tested. Several samples of linseed-
cake from Yorkshire are exhibited, some of which are better than ever
appear in the London market; they are, however, inferior to the
American. 7

Hops.

The best hops are produced in England, and are chiefly cultivated
in Kent and Sussex ; they are also grown to a limited extent in Sur-
rey, Essex, Suffolk, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Staffordshire,
the soil and climate of each district giving a peculiar character to the
crop. On the continent of Europe hops have been extensively culti-
vated, but never to perfection, the flowers having generally a rank
smell and flavour. The plant has also been introduced into Canada,

763

Van Diemen’s Land, and on the Himalayah mountains, with various
success. ‘The exhibition is, on the whole, good.

Great Britain—A Prize Medal has been awarded to J. M. Paine,
for his Farnham Golding’s hops, grown on the phosphoric marl.
These are fully ripe, and of fine flavour. The soil of this district is
the very finest for the production of hops, but the growers often pull
them too green.

Canada sends the best hops that have ever been imported from
that country, and which, had they less of the “ currant-leaf” flavour,
would fetch a good price in our market.

Van Diemen’s Land has grown hops for some years, and, it has
been said, with success ; but the specimens now exhibited are hardly
recognisable, perhaps owing to defects in the packing, or accident
during the voyage.

Belgium exhibits fair hops and of several varieties: these rank
next to the Canadian in point of flavour.

Grand Duchy of Hesse-——The Mayntz hops are of good flavour,
well harvested, though rather small, and have been awarded a Prize
Medal; the Exhibitors are Stein and Schréder. Some Strasbourg
hops are also good, resembling Golding’s.

Russia sends a sample of unripe hops, better than usual, and which,
were they sufficiently ripened, would probably rank next to the Eng-
lish in quality. This appears to be a common imported variety of
the English “ grape hop,” and is from Count Koucheleff—it deserves
Honourable Mention.

Driep FRUvITS AND SEEDs.

The series of dried fruits is very extensive, and the articles gene-
rally. excellent in quality. Little novelty, either in product or import,
is remarked, and none of invention in preservation. The divisions of

this Sub-Class, proposed by the Royal Commissioners, are not here

retained, the articles being considered in the aggregate, under each
exhibiting country. Those preserved in sugar have been referred to
another Jury.

From the West Indian Islands there are fruits, entire, of the Bra-
zil nut (Bertholletia excelsa), from Trinidad ; tamarinds and cashew
nuts from Barbadoes. Demerara sends excellent fresh souari (butter
nuts); dry bananas in slices, sweet but very poor; the monkey-pot
fruit entire ; limes ; and bilimbi fruit preserved in pickle.

Van Diemen’s Land exhibits good dried apples grown in the
colony.

764

Cape of Good Hope.—A Prize Medal has been awarded to the fine
collection of dried fruits from the Cape Colony exhibited by R. Cla-
rence ; of these the most remarkable are good sugary pudding-raisins,
and a small black kind from the Constantia grape ; flat dried pears,
good ; soft-shelled white-meated walnuts of great merit; good but
flavourless almonds with formidable shells, and dried sliced peaches
and apricots.

Wurtemberg.—Dried fruits for home consumption, and apparently
much appreciated in the country, are exhibited; such as bilberries
preserved in great quantities, which are flavourless ; also some apples,
pears, and cherries, which are better.

Spain.—The collection of Spanish dried fruits deserves Honourable
Mention for general excellence. There are dried raisins, dried
peaches, prunes, and thin-skinned figs; walnuts of great size and good
flavour ; almonds, Barcelona nuts, ground-nuts, pistachio nuts, ches-.
nuts, and belotes.

Portugal.—The series from this country is particularly fine, and
consists of copious samples put up in large bottles, all of good qua-
lity. Those contributed from Villa Real, by Pinto da Fonsega Vaz,
consisting of plums, figs, pears, peaches, and apricots, have been
awarded a Prize Medal. A Prize Medal is also awarded to J. L.
Gomes, for his magnificent figs; and Honourable Mention is. made
of the dried pears of Pinto da Fonsega Vaz. [Besides the above, there
are from these and various other exhibitors almonds, walnuts, filberts,
chesnuts, belotes, raisins, plums, &c.

TEA.

The exhibitors are few in this division, and have confined them-
selves to imports from the eastern world, whence this product is, how-
ever, admirably illustrated. China tea is exhibited in abundance, and
of the finest quality. The British Indian produce, again, has never
before been displayed in England as it is here by the Assam Tea
Company, and the Honourable Court of Directors of the East India
Company, who send good samples of the Himalayah and Java growths
in the best condition. The Jury regret the absence of samples from
Madeira, and especially from Rio de Janeiro, as also from Chittagong,
and various other countries in which the cultivation of tea has been
attempted with more or less success.

China Teas.—The collection formed by P. W. Ripley, at Canton,
expressly for this exhibition, is quite unrivalled, whether we regard
the excellence of the specimens, the completeness of the series, the

765

rarity and costly nature of many of its perishable contents, or the sci-
entific value it possesses from the admirable arrangement followed.
Some of the teas exhibited have never before been seen in England:
whilst these and others command prices, in the China market, six
times greater than the most expensive fetch, when sold retail, in Eng-
land, Some are so perishable, that the voyage injures, and the sub-
sequent keeping and exposure in the Exhibition ruins, them; whilst
all are curious and highly instructive; circumstances quoted, to show
how regardless of every consideration but the complete illustration of
this branch of commerce, Mr. Ripley has been.

The Jury regret to find that the rules of the Royal Commissioners
preclude Mr. Ripley from receiving any stronger proof of the high
estimation in which his collection is held, than the award of a Prize
Medal. The following scanty data are recorded for the information
of the public, on a branch of industry which has never before been
adequately illustrated.

Full chests of various Pekoe teas are exhibited, some of which fetch
50s. per tb in the China market ; whilst 7s. is the very highest price
any of the sort will fetch in England, and this only as a fancy article.
The plain and orange-scented Pekoes now fetch little with us, but as
caravan teas, are purchased by the wealthier Russian families. The
finest, however, never leave China, being bought up by the manda-
rins ; for though the transit expenses add 3s. to 4s. per fb. to the value
when sold in Russia, the highest market-price in St. Petersburgh is
always under 50s. Among these scented teas are various caper
teas, flavoured with Chloranthus flowers, and the buds of some spe-
cies of plants belonging to the orange tribe, Magnolia fuscata, Olea
flowers, &c.

The Cong-souchongs or Ning-yong teas are chiefly purchased for

the American market. Oolong tea is the favourite drink in Calcutta,
though less prized in England, its delicate flavour being injured by
the length of the voyage.
_ For delicacy no teas approach those usually called “ Mandarin
teas,” which being but slightly fired, and rather damp when in the
fittest state for use, will bear neither transport nor keeping. They are
‘in great demand among the wealthy Chinese, and average 20s. per
Ib., in the native market. The pouchongs, souchongs, and congos,
better illustrate the English trade, and are of the most admirable
description.

Of the Moyune district teas, there are eight varieties; they are
| much prized in the American markets, but not so much so in

SES

766

Kngland. Among the most important curiosities in the collection
are the counterfeit teas of Canton. These are made of any refuse,
such as moistened tea-leaves from the pot, beat up with gum and rice-
water in a mortar, coloured with Prussian-blue and gypsum, and
curled, twisted, or granulated so ingeniously as to counterfeit the most
costly varieties. The gunpowder and scented caper are over-done, the
appearance of the counterfeit being more equal and beautiful than the
genuine teas ever are.

Various curious teas used by the labouring classes of Chinese are
exhibited ; some are merely coarse, and bad, sun-dried leaves ; better
qualities, chiefly from Ankoy, are put up in baskets and boxes, and
exported to the Islands of Java, &c. Curiously rolled and twisted
samples, such as the “old man’s eyebrows,” “ball tea,” and other
fancy manufactures, are all illustrated. Medicine teas follow these in
the series, and consist of cakes, lozenges, &c., made of leaves mixed
with various drugs, herbs, liquorice and sweetmeats.

Lastly, there are specimens of the plant itself, leaf, flower, and bud ;
models and drawings to illustrate the processes employed in its manu-
facture, packing, and shipment; samples of the materials used for
scenting ; tea-pots, cups, &c.

Another collection of merit is that of W. P. Hammond and Co.,
which has also been awarded a Prize Medal. This contains, in 40
boxes, the various teas more or less abundantly imported into Eng-
land; and is further illustrated by good paintings of the processes
employed in the culture, husbanding, and manufacture.

Java Teas.—Exhibited by the Singapore Committee of the Ho-
nourable East India Company. These teas are good of their kind,
but not equal in flavour to the Chinese, or even to the Kemaon. In
respect of flavour they resemble the Assam, but are inferior in strength.

Kemaon Teas.—Exhibited by the Honourable East India Com-
pany—are not very fully represented. In flavour, these rank next to
the Chinese teas; and, as a class, have rather the Ankoy flavour ;
being better adapted for green tea than black. The manufacture is
much improved of late. Three samples are exhibited ; imperial hy-
son, young hyson, and souchong ; for the two latter of which a Prize
Medal has been awarded.

Assam Teas.—Kight boxes are exhibited by the Honourable East
India Company—all full of well-made, strong teas, superior in this
respect to the Chinese; but much inferior in flavour, roasting, and
scent. In point of manipulation they equal the Chinese. For mixing
with the Chinese article they find a ready sale in the English market;

767

and are in every respect superior to the ordinary tea—than which they
command a much higher price. The quantities exhibited in these
boxes are too small, and have consequently lost much of their flavour
during the voyage and subsequent exposure.

The gray flowery pekoe is the best sample exhibited ; in appear-
ance and flower it cannot be surpassed by any China tea, but is rather
wiry in the leaf, from the buds having been gathered too. young;
whence, perhaps, also its deficiency of flavour. It is of a much
higher class than that of Kemaon and Java, and would command a
high price in the English market. A Prize Medal is awarded to it.

Brick Tea of Tibet.—A sample of this curious product is exhibited
by the Honourable East India Company. It is formed of the refuse
tea-leaves, and sweepings of the granaries, damped, and pressed into
a mould, generally with a little bullock’s blood. ‘The finer sorts are
friable masses, and are packed in paper ; the coarser, as this, sewn up
in sheep-skin. In this form it is an article of commerce throughout
Central and Northern Asia, and the Himalayan provinces ; and is con-
sumed by Mongols, Tartars, and Tibetans, churned with milk, salt,
butter, and boiling-water, more as a soup than as tea proper. Cer-
tain quantities are forced upon the acceptance of the western tribu-
taries of the Chinese empire, in payment for the support of troops,
&c.; and is, hence, from its convenient size and form, brought into
circulation as a coin, over an area greater than that of Europe.

Assam Tea.—Sent by the Assam Company, and exhibited in the
British Department. This collection is contained in twelve chests ;
it is admirable, and in perfect order. As the indigenous plant has
been manufactured in Assam, and the China plant has also been intro-
duced and cultivated for the purpose, the exhibitors have judiciously
sent samples of the different kinds of tea from each; thus enabling
the Jury to establish the superiority of the introduced Chinese plant,
over the indigenous (or native Assam), for the manufacture. There is
a decided advantage in point of flavour possessed by the Chinese leaf,
though the manipulation appears perfectly equal in both. A Prize
Medal has been awarded to the Assam Company, for this valuable
collection of admirably-prepared teas.

SUBSTITUTES FOR TEA.

Of these, the Exhibition contains hardly any examples. One spe-
cimen of mate or “ Paraguay tea” (Ilea Paraguayensis) is exbibited
as a curiosity. This beverage is in universal use throughout Brazil,
Uraguay, Paraguay, the Plate district, Chili, and Peru.

768

Dr. Gardner’s prepared coffee-leaves are worthy of notice, as afford-
ing a really palatable drink when infused as tea is; more so perhaps
than coffee is to the uninitiated. That this preparation contains a
considerable amount of the nutritious principles of coffee, is evident
from the analysis ; but as the leaves can only be collected in a good
state, at the expense of the coffee bush, it is doubtful whether the
coffee produced by the berries be not after all the cheapest, as it cer-
the tainly is the best.

CorFEE, Cocoa-sEEDs, N1Bs, &c.

Under this head the Jury have considered chocolates prepared for
use, when plain,’ or if only sugared, for ordinary use; and have ex-
cluded such as are made into pates, as more properly belonging to
confectionery department.

Many good samples of coffee are exhibited from various parts of the
world, and amongst them some of excellent description from British
colonies, which have never before been known to produce this article.
On the other hand, there is a deficiency of specimens from the most
important producing countries, as Jamaica, Dominica, Berbice, St.
Domingo, Costa Rica, the Brazils, Manilla, and Java.

Of cocoa the same may be said: the best producing countries export
the choice of their produce for the markets of Mexico, Spain, France,
and Italy ; the high differential duty obliging our manufacturers to be
contented with the inferior products of Trinidad, Granada, St. Lucia,
&c. In chocolates (manufactured cocoa) France alone is well repre-
sented: England cannot, here, compete, for the reason just stated
(under cocoa), and various adulterations are hence prevalent, the chief
of which are potato-flour and sago.

Great Britain.—R. Snowden’s patent purified coffee-nibs are the
produce of an improvement in the method of preparing coffee for the
table. The berry is split, and the husk (that formerly adhered to the
whole berry), which is usually removed from all but the slit, is here
extracted from that also: after which operation the berry is better
adapted for roasting. The coffee thus prepared is of the finest qua-
lity. The illustration of the process is complete; and ample speci-
mens are exhibited. A Prize Medal has been awarded to Mr. Snowden
for his new method of separating the tough membrane from the folds
of the seed.

Java exhibits good coffee, but none of marked superiority ; Ho-
nourable Mention is made of one sample, marked as from the Menado
district, which has a good, bold, well-formed berry ; and also to some

769

samples from Sourabaya; both are contributed by the “ Singapore
Committee ” of the Honourable East India Company. The Java cof-
fee is only prized in the market for its delicacy of flavour, as in point
of strength it falls short of the West Indian.

The samples of Aden coffee contributed by the Honourable East
India Company are not superior, and more resemble the Berbera
(Abyssinian) plant, usually called long-berried Mocha, than the genuine
Mocha. The specimens are dirty, and not sufficiently garbelled
(picked). Aden, alias Mocha coffee, is, along with the other coffees
of the Red Sea, sent first to Bombay, by Arab ships, where it is “ gar-
belled,” previously to its being exported to England. The bean is
always broad and small, and the climate of India is supposed to im-
prove its flavour.

Ceylon.—The great extent and importance of the cultivation of

coffee in this island renders this department of the Jury’s labours par-
ticularly interesting. The samples of both lowland and upland crops
are, in general, excellent, and much useful instruction is conveyed by
models of the drying-houses, sheds, and implements used in the ma-
nufacture of the berry ; together with the latter, itself, in the different
stages of the process of cleaning and drying, removing the pulp and
husk, of which a portion, it will be seen, always adheres to the slit,
and is ground in the mill, except when removed by Snowden’s patent
process, already alluded to.

Demerara, once the great coffee-country, now cultivates very little
indeed. Many samples, of various growths, are sent from the few
remaining estates. None are of much merit; the best (that from the
estate “ Klein Pouderoyen”) is good. -Pearl-berry coffee is also ex-
hibited, and poor samples of cocoa.

Trinidad exhibits very poor coffee ; apparently degenerated from
plants originally of Mocha; and, from its want of aroma, is probably
badly cured or damaged. The cocoa from the same island is truly
magnificent, ‘and such as is never seen in our market. Mr. Purdie,
of Her Majesty’s Botanic Garden, Trinidad, to whom the public are
mainly indebted for the whole Trinidad collection, sends cocoa as
prepared for both the English and Spanish. With regard to the
Spanish, such has never been seen in England; every bean is very
large, round, ripe, clean, and of a fine bright-red colour. The Eng-
lish is good of its kind, but is, literally, the refuse of the Spanish ;
the beans being lean, flat, half-ripe, flinty, and often bitter. A Prize
Medal is awarded to the Spanish samples.

VOL. Iv. 5 F

«& -
ya

+g,

770

CHICORY AND OTHER SUBSTITUTES FOR COFFEE.

Judging from the number of exhibitors and samples, the cultivation
of chicory is far from being extensive or remunerative. Few of the’
specimens sent are of much value, and none can, under any circum-
stances, represent coffee in flavour. As an adulteration the chicory
may be profitable, and, supposing this to be its principal use, the
exhibition of much was not to be expected.

There is a curious seed exhibited from Turkey called “ Kenguel :”
it is said to be extensively cultivated in the Kair-yr-eh and Komah ;
and roasted ground, and used like coffee. The plant is the “ Gumelia.”

ToBACCo.

The exhibition of raw and manufactured tobacco is (upon the
whole) one of the most satisfactory of the class on which the Jury
were called upon to decide. The import trade is very fully repre-
sented by numerous samples of excellent articles. The British,
German, Algerine, and United States manufactured tobaccos for smok-
ing and chewing are no less complete; and the products of the
famous snuff-mills of Scotland, Ireland, Portugal, and Austria are all
shown.

British Exhibitors.—The beautiful cases of W. Benson have been
awarded a Prize Medal: they contain an epitome of the London
tobacco trade; and amongst them a box of Havannah cigars, ticketed
Flor de Cabanas, Partagas, and Martinez manufacture, stands pre-
eminent for evenness and perfection of manufacture. The variously
sized, coloured, and formed cigars in one box are stated to be all the
produce of the same crop of tobacco ; differences of colour and strength,
and, in some degree, of aroma, also, depending upon the age of the
leaf employed, and its position on the plant,—the oldest or lowest
being used for the well-known (and extensively counterfeited) flat si
cigars called “ Bravas.”

Among other raw or leaf tobaccos, the American varieties are par-
ticularly well illustrated, but too insufficiently labelled to convey
much information to the public, who would be glad to learn, from
such a collection, that the commoner “ shag tobacco,” is prepared
chiefly from the “Mason” county leaf; the mild “ Kanaster” and
similar qualities from the thin, delicately flavoured, mild, Ohio leaf;
the common strong ships’ tobacco, extensively used in the Royal
Navy, from the Virginia leaf, &c.

Hungarian tobacco, almost unknown in Great Britain, is also

771

exhibited both in this and in the Russian Department. It is very fine,
and of peculiarly delicate flavour, much more so than the tobacco
usually cultivated in Turkey.

M. Hyams’ samples of British-made cigars and cheroots, from the
New Granada leaf, deserve notice from their extraordinary cheapness,
as does his specimen of Columbian tobacco. The Jury also mention
Buckland and Toplis for their neatly fabricated cheroots of tobacco,
and other narcotic herbs and drugs, required as medicine or for luxury.
A piece of wood at the mouth extremity retains the oil effectually (an
old invention). These cheroots draw well, but are very rank.

The most important exhibition of German tobacco is that from
Mannheim, sent by Wm. Sachs, which, unfortunately, owing to the
lateness of the crop, arrived too late to be placed on the Award List.
It is but fair to the producer to state that it has been pronounced
superior in flavour, and in point of curing, to any European tobacco
known in the English market. The Agricultural Society of Baden
has encouraged the culture of this crop, which has rapidly increased to
200,000 cwt., annually grown on the banks of the Rhine. The culti-
vation is carried on by small proprietors, and employs 20,000 hands ;
and the produce is sold at a very cheap rate. It is exported in leaf,
in vast quantities, to England, Belgium, Spain, and, in bad seasons,
to the Havannah itself; and the cigars are consumed in the United
States to a great amount. Great attention is paid to the selection of
fine covering leaves, upon the goodness of which the burning and
drawing so materially depend; and in this the manufacturers, judging
from the samples exhibited, seem to have been eminently successful.
Though still inferior to the best American tobacco, it surpasses much
that is brought into the market.

The Spanish department excels all others in the beauty and variety
of its cigars. The Havannahs are here alluded to, for the Manilla
cheroots are scarcely represented in the Exhibition, which is very
much to be regretted.

The best Havannah tobacco-farms are confined to a very narrow
area on the south-west part of the great island of Cuba. This district,
27 leagues long and only 7 broad, is bounded on the north by moun-
tains, on the south and west by the ocean, whilst eastward, though
there is no natural limit, the tobacco sensibly degenerates in quality.
A light sandy soil, and rather low situation, suit the best. Of the
small collection of cigars shown, two exhibitors have been awarded
Prize Medals. The one, Don Buenaventura Gonzalez Alvera, for his
“Ramas” cigars: these are considered the best it is possible to pro-

, * >

772

duce, and fetch £30* per 1,000 in the Havannah ; they proved ex-
tremely fine in flavour, and perfect in burning qualities, but they were
so tightly rolled as to draw with difficulty, which is rather considered
an advantage by the Spaniards in this cigar. The other Prize Medal.
was given to a much milder cigar, drawing freely, and considered
equally deliciously flavoured, by the Jury ; the exhibitor is known as
De Cabanas and Cabazel.

STARCHES.

There are two remarkable and closely-allied substances, brought
together from countries almost at the antipodes of one another, and
both new to the Jurors ; the one is a starch washed from a species of
Zamia, found wild in St. Domingo, and exhibited by Sir R. Schom-
burgk : the taste is odd and salt, as if it had been immersed in lime ;
in its present condition it can be regarded as a curiosity only. The
other is a starch from a West Australian Zamia: this would appear,
in quality, to rival arrowroot, which, in every respect of feel and taste,
it resembles.

SUGAR. .

Maple Sugar.—This substance, which is abundantly used in Ame-
rica for common purposes, has hardly had a fair trial in England,
owing to the cheapness of the colonial cane-sugars, and the difficulty
of depriving the maple produce of its peculiar flavour. If it promised
success, the cultivation of the sugar-maple tree might be almost inde-
finitely extended in Canada over a large area, well suited to this tree,
but unfit for pasture and agriculture. There are few samples exhi-
bited, but to three of them Prize Medals are awarded ; two—in the
United States—to W. Barnes and L. Dean; the other to A. Fisher
(Canada), for the sample of double-refined sugar, which is of superior
colour and grain. Honourable Mention is also made of that from J.
Bales, of Canada.

* A friend of ours, lately returned from the country, says that £6 15s. % thousand
is the highest price he has ever heard mentioned for cigars. This, being exactly 30
dollars, suggests the idea that “ pounds” in this instance has been inadvertently sub-
stituted for “ dollars.” —Ed. Phytol.

773

Report of the Botanical Proceedings of the Twenty-second Meeting
of the British Association for the Advancement of Science.

Tue President, before announcing the first paper, adverted to the
decease of the late William Thompson, of Belfast ; and concluded by
moving a resolution, to the effect that the Section desired to put on
record their deep regret at the loss which science and humanity have
sustained by the sudden and premature death of this distinguished
naturalist.

On the Altitudinal Ranges of Plants in the North of Ireland, by
Prof. Dickie, M.D.

The observations were made on Slieve Donard in the County
Down, attaining an elevation of 2796 feet ; Muckish and Erigal, in
County Donegal, the height of the former being 2190 feet, of the lat-
ter 2450 feet; and Nephin, in the north-west of County Mayo, its
elevation being 2639 feet. It might have been expected that in
general the species noted would have the upper and lower limits of
each respectively obeying the usually understood law; instead of
which, it appears that their natural upper limits are, with a very few
exceptions, lower in the North of Ireland than in North Britain. The
lowest limits of plants usually found at high elevations were next
examined, and those of twenty species in Ireland compared with their
recorded lowest limits in different parts of North Britain; from which
comparison it appears that the lower limits in Ireland are generally
much lower than in North Britain. It may be stated, in other words,
that in Ireland, with a climate which is generally mild, plants usually
growing in low grounds do not rise so high upon the mountains as in
North Britain, with a less favourable climate; and plants usually
growing at high elevations descend lower in Ireland than in many
parts of North Britain.

Prof. Balfour had often observed a considerable descent of alpine

plants. Draba incana he had found on the sea-shore. Saxifraga
oppositifolia was found very low near Glasgow.
. Prof. Walker-Arnott mentioned several instances of alpine plants
descending to the sea-shore, as Saxifraga aizoides. He thought those
plants descended which grew in the vicinity of streams, and would
divide alpine plants into dry and moist. There was a considerable
difference in the distribution of plants, according as they grew on
continents or islands.

7174

Mr. L. Reeve observed, that the lines of distribution of many of the
plants referred to by Prof. Dickie corresponded with the isothermal
lines of Humboldt.

The Prince of Canino thought it of first importance to distinguish
between dry and wet alpine plants. In investigations on the distri-
bution of plants, care should be taken to take into consideration the
physical properties of the soil.

Mr. Wyville Thomson had found alpine plants at the mouth of the
river Dee, but not in its course. He thought this was due to the sea
supplying the warmth low down which the snow did higher up;
neither snow nor sea protecting the plant in the middle parts of the
river’s course.

Dr. Lankester read the Report of the Committee on the Registra-
tion of the Periodic Phenomena of Animal and Vegetable Life, and
stated that two sets of tables only had been filled up of those which
had been sent out by the Association. Those sent in were from Miss
Llewellyn, of Penllegare, near Swansea, and from Mr. Matthew Mog-
gridge, of Swansea.

Morphological Analogy between the Disposition of the Branches of
Exogenous Plants and the Venation of their Leaves, by Prof.
M‘Cosh.

The author said that the view which he took of the morphology of
the plant might be regarded as an extension, in the same direction, of
the theory of Goethe. According to this theory, all the appendages
of the axis of the plant, including leaves, bracts, sepals, petals, sta-
mens, &c., are formed on a common plan, of which the leaf may be
taken as the type. It had occurred to him (Dr. M‘Cosh) that we may
regard the branches of the plant and the whole plant as formed
on the same plan. We may thus regard the plant as constructed on
one model throughout. Speaking in this paper of reticulated leaved
plants, he showed that there is a correspondence between the dispo-
sition of the branches along the axis and the distribution of the vena-
tion of the leaf. 1. In some plants the lateral branches are disposed
pretty equably along the axis, whereas in others a number are gathered
together at one point, and the plant becomes in consequence verticil-
late or whorled. Now, he found that wherever the branches are
whorled, the leaves of the plant, as in the Rhododendron, or the yeins
of the individual leaf, as in the common sycamore and lady’s-mantle,
are also whorled.. 2. He showed, further, that when the leaf has a

775

petiole, the tree has its trunk unbranched to near the base (as in the
case of the sycamore, apple, &c.), and when the leaf has no petiole
the trunk is branched from the root, as in our common ornamental
lawn-shrubs, the bay-laurel, holly, box, &c. 8. He showed, further,
that the angle at which the branches go off from the axis is the same
as that at which the side veins go off from the main veins. His ob-
servations during the past summer had been chiefly directed to this
point ; and he made the measurements by means of a graduated circle
with a movable index. In these measurements, he took the angle
formed by the main lateral branches with the axis, and by the main
lateral veins with the midrib. The angle of the veins of the leaf is
easily taken. It is more difficult to determine the natural angle of
the branches, inasmuch as the direction of the branch may be modi-
fied by a variety of circumstances, as by winds, its own weight, &c.
Still, there is evidently a normal angle for each species of plant, which
may be ascertained by taking the average of a number of measure-
ments of a freely-growing plant. He had measured in all about 210
species of plants, and found the angle of the branch and of the vein
to correspond. He produced a tabulated statement of these 210
plants, and called the special attention of the Section to several of
them.

The Black and Green Teas of Commerce, by Dr. Royle.

It was a remarkable fact, that the subject of the difference between
the black and green teas had been until recently a matter of great
uncertainty. The Jesuits, who had penetrated into China, and Mr.
Pigou, were of opinion that both the black and green teas were pro-
duced from the same plant; while Mr. Reeve believed that they were
manufactured from two distinct plants. Now, as regarded himself,
he (Dr. Royle) had adopted the view that the best kinds of black and
green tea were made from different plants; and examination of tea
samples seemed to confirm that view, but a repetition of the experi-
ment had not done so. Mr. Fortune, subsequent to the China war,
having been sent out to China by the Horticultural Society of Eng-
land, made inquiries on the subject. He there found the Thea Bohea
in the southern parts of China employed for making black tea; and
in proceeding as far north as Shanghae, he found the Thea viridis
used in making green tea near the districts where the best green tea
was made. So far, therefore, the information obtained seemed to con-
firm the view of two different species of Thea being employed to make
the two different kinds of tea; but Mr. Fortune, in visiting the dis-

7176

trict of Fokien, was surprised to find what he conceived to be the true
Thea viridis employed in making black tea in districts near where the
best black tea was made. He took plants with him from Fokien to
Shanghae, and could find no difference between them. It was still,
however, desirable, to get specimens from the district where the black
and green teas of commerce were actually made; and this had latterly
been effected. In consequence of the great success which had
attended the experimental culture of tea in the nurseries established
in the Himalayas, Mr. Fortune was again sent to China, by the East
India Company. He proceeded to the northern parts of the country,
in order to obtain tea-seeds and plants of the best description, as the
most likely to stand the Himalaya climate. Mr. Fortune procured
seeds and plants in great numbers, and sent them to the Himalayas,
where they had been since cultivated. When he had reached Cal-
cutta, the tea-manufacturers, whom he had brought with him, made
from plants in the Botanic Gardens their black and green tea from
the same specimens; so that it was evident it was the process of
manufacture, and not the plant itself, that produced the green tea.
All now who were acquainted with the difference between black and
green teas, knew that they could be prepared from the same plant
without the assistance of any extraneous materials, though it was a
common thing for manufacturers to use indigo, Prussian blue, turme-
ric, &c., in colouring the tea. Dr. Royle showed specimens of the
black-tea-plant from the Woo-e-Shan, and of the green-tea-plant
from the Hwuychou districts. No specific difference could be ob-
served between the two specimens.

Growth and Vitality of Seeds.

Dr. Lankester read the ‘ Twelfth Report of a Committee appointed
to make Experiments on the Growth and Vitality of Seeds.’ The
seeds set apart for this year’s sowing were those collected in 1844.
It was the third time the same seeds had been experimented on; and
it was found that there was a very evident decrease in the numbers
which have vegetated, compared with those of previous sowings. Dr.
Lankester explained the object of the Committee, and stated that the
fact of raspberry-seeds growing, which had been taken from the sto-
mach of the body of a human being buried in a tumulus in Dorset-
shire, and which had been doubted, had been re-investigated during
the past year; and there seemed no reason to doubt that the seeds
thus buried for centuries had germinated.

Dr. Royle stated that, having been present when the original mass

17
of matter from the stomach of the dead person was brought to Dr.
Lindley in London, and the raspberry-seeds discovered in it, he had
no doubt of the correctness of the conclusion, that the seeds which
had thus been swallowed and buried had germinated after the lapse
of centuries.

On a Microscopic Alga as a Cause of the Phenomenon of the Colour-
ation of large Masses of Water, by Prof. Allman.

It appeared in little conglomerated gelatinous-like masses; and
when submitted to the microscope, it was found to consist of a num-
ber of fronds. The younger fronds were nearly spherical, and con-
sisted essentially of a central mass of transparent gelatinous matter,
surrounded by a crust composed of minute cells, containing a green
colouring substance. The crust, being much slower in its growth
than the internal nucleus, soon bursts; and the nucleus then, by an
apparent spontaneous action, assumed a regular form, not unlike an
hour-glass, which soon separated into two distinct fronds. Some of
them being put into a glass tube, and placed in the window, were
observed to arrange themselves in a mass on the side of the tube op-
posite to that exposed to the sun’s rays, that side of the mass towards
the light being formed into a beautiful concave curve, which might,
he thought, when fully investigated, reveal some important facts as to
the nature and influence of light.

On the Distribution of the Marine Alge on the British and Irish
Coasts, with reference to the (probable) Influence of the Gulf
Stream, by Prof. Dickie.

There were, the author said, forms of Marine Alge generally ad-
mitted to be characteristic of our northern coasts, and others of the
southern. The remarks he was about to make referred to those ge-
nerally deemed of southern type; that is, those which usually are
more or less abundant in low localities, and, on the other hand, are
absent from high latitudes. Such species, natives of our coasts, may
be classed under three heads: first, those confined to the southern
parts of Great Britain and Ireland; second, species of more extensive
range, since they extend to the north of Ireland and south-west of
Scotland; third, those found abundantly in the south of England, and
- ranging along the western coasts of both islands as far as Orkney and
Shetland y and the species enumerated under these three classes, and
amounting to more than twenty, are, so far as we can ascertain up to
the present time, absent from a certain part of the east coast of Scot-

VOL Ivy. 5 G

778

land. A considerable proportion of them re-appear in Shetland and
Orkney. The marine vegetation in these northern islands resembles
that of the north of Ireland, though there is a difference between them
of from four to five degrees of latitude. The marine plants of some
of the north-eastern counties of Scotland, intermediate in latitude, are
of more boreal character. The drifting of tropical fruits, &c., to the
western and northern parts of Ireland and Britain, is a proof of
the direction and presence of the Gulf-stream ; the development of
southern forms of Algz at the extreme northern parts is a proof of the
same, and, moreover, seems an indication of its influence in reference
to temperature. Are we to consider their absence from certain parts
of the east coast of North Britain as owing to a lower sea temperature
than in localities where they exist? The portion of the cvast in
question is precisely that which, from the generally understood course
of the Gulf-stream, may be least exposed to its influence. Investiga-
tions respecting the temperature of our seas are, however, still deside-
rata; and, without such, an important modifying element has been
overlooked having reference to the climate of the British Islands.

Prof. E. Forbes said that the distribution of marine animals corre-
sponded with that of marine plants. The same anomalies which
Dr. Dickie had pointed out with regard to plants existed with regard
to animals. Less attention had been given to the distribution of
marine Alge than to almost any other organic existences. With the
exception of the labours of Dr. Harvey, little or nothing has been
done. We wanted a more accurate knowledge of the temperature of
the ocean at different depths. [This hint resulted in a subsequent
recommendation from the Section, that the Government would prose-
cute this inquiry. |

Prof. Walker-Arnott said that he possessed waggon-loads of Algz
from all parts of the world, which were greatly at the service of any
botanist who would work at them. The collecting part of the task
had been done; the naming and arranging were now alone necessary,
Dr. Harvey could do no more than he had done at present.

Report on the Influence of the Solar Radiations on the Vital Powers
of Plants growing under different Atmospheric Conditions, by Dr.
J. H. Gladstone.

As a preliminary matter of inquiry, the mere effect of coloured.
media in accelerating or retarding the growth of various kinds of plants
was tried. Hyacinths were chosen as the sample of bulbous-rooted
plants. Roots of as nearly as possible the same size and description

779

in every respect were grown under the various bell-glasses. Certain
differences were described, both in the rootlets and the leaves, which
might fairly be attributed to the character of the light. The time of
flowering, and the flowers themselves, were not affected by it; and
the greatest growth (estimated quantitatively in each instance) took
place in the plant exposed to all the rays of the solar spectrum; the
next greatest was under the blue glass. Wheat was also grown in a
similar manner, the method of arrangement of apparatus being minutely
detailed, and the character of the corn-plants which appeared under
the various glasses. Those under the yellow were the most sturdy in
their growth; those under the blue the least heaithy ; whilst some
grown under a nearly darkened shade grew quickly nine inches long,
put forth no secondary leaves, and died in a month. Mallows were
grown in a similar manner. The detailed observations were to much
the same purport as in the preceding instance. As it had been for-
merly observed by the author and his brother, that plants kept in an
unchanged atmosphere appear to enter into a sort of lethargic condi-
tion, experiments were instituted for the purpose of ascertaining whe-
ther the alteration in light produced by coloured media made any
marked variation in this matter. The pansy and the Poa annua were
the plants selected ; and comparative experiments were made with a
darkened shade, and with no covering at all. The results were various,
but scarcely conclusive, unless in reference to the fact that plants
survive much longer for being in unchanged air. The colourless and
yellow media appeared most favourable to the healthiness of the plants.
As experiments on growing plants must stretch over a considerable
time, the author’s observations were not put forth as foundations for
any generalization, but just as samples of his preliminary attempts.

Trifolium repens.

The Rev. Prof. W. Hincks described an anomaly of the Trifolium
repens (white clover), in which the pedicels of the flowers were very
much elongated, and the petals and pistil converted into leaves.

On the Transmutation of Afgilops into Triticum, by Major Munro.

The author laid on the table a series of specimens which seemed to
indicate a gradual transition from plants recognized by botanists as
belonging to the genus Agilops into those having the characters of
the genus Triticum. He suggested that, as we had no wild represen-
tative of the Triticum hyperboreum which yields wheat, it might have
been derived from a species of Agilops.

780

Remarks on the Flora of the South and West of Ireland, by Prof.
Balfour.

This communication contained the results of a three-weeks’ tour
with some of his pupils in the southern and western districts of Ire-
land, viz., in the counties of Cork, Kerry, Limerick, and Galway.

Nees von Esenbeck.

TuHE following circular has been printed, and sent to many of our
most distinguished naturalists. The readers of the ‘ Phytologist’ will
please to regard it as addressed to each of them :—

“9, Devonshire St., Bishopsgate,
“July 19, 1852.

“ Sir,—That eminent and truly philosophical naturalist, Nees von
Esenbeck, having been reduced to circumstances of a most distress-
ing nature, through being deprived of of his Professorship in the Uni-
versity of Breslau, I have the honour to inform you that, with a view
to affording him some temporary relief, a subscription has been set on
foot, to which I very respectfully and earnestly solicit the addition of
your name.

“The following sums have been offered ; and it is requested that
further contributions may be sent, either in cash payment, Post-office
order, or postage-stamps, to my address, as above; and the receipt
will be acknowledged on the wrappers of the next published numbers
of the ‘ Zoologist’ and ‘ Phytologist,’ or in any other way the donor

may require. “ KpwaRD NEWMAN.”

Feet Par
John Alleard, Esqi5 F.L.S.) ScCsjsis inp reohse ovadisavendeesshevess it (Onge
Dr. Balfour, F.L.S. &c. . dab Liploseist ope sha us thaadaccauret haan
J. S. Bowerbank, Esq., F.RS. SUC,” sasicensosensatennycunshhsese 0 ten
Edward Charlesworth; Esq. ...sscccocsssecsssccscssevsccorssces 99 LU OU
Henry Deane, Esq. vs -:sasscv sends a -+pseupbnecessesueerspeate Ee nim
Right Hon. Viscount Downe .........ssesseeesssecsetesereereeee L 1 O
Dr. H. F. Hance.. op ebip ov ppwedniovaecd tel bob olicdde neice MaNeiET one
Samuel Hanson, eng) Tr ee
Professor Henslow, F.L. s., fF. C. P. S. "ar Pe Re sony I 4 On
Edward Newman, F.L.S, ce a etahil gagaen evan es Con nhetae beans sie Ly Opes
John Powle, Esq......sscccosscccescccccscscscovee scesssssssscscees 99 LO O
Berthold Seemann, Esq. ......ssscseesesse secsessecsscrsseseserse LO O
E. P. Southall, Esq. cccccscssscossccsecsssesccscsvevescsvssseeee 9, 10 O

781

Lisa; Ba:
William Spence, Esq.j\F:BiS) Sic.iisscccscecssedssntssctveeee 5 O 0
Bieter, Varenne,: Esq.:icsdasscennes sseee epee yete
N. B. Ward, Esq., F.L.S. kee. bidasiddealhetesecdien 6 UG)? O
Seat VY OUSOD. Meas Me kntits Cu iondeses debs s oxdsesegeseaszizes | 2.0) 20
Pmert W ISHAM, ibe. WoRupla, ecb scepancdovcrcesacesteoreressex( 1: 0 °Q
Pames Vates; Esq: \ Hen ipicies guccerseddtebessd leciseteviddecse f 1 .0\.0
Peaeeyher, Hsq.) i hpeatiwcetitties ands cgvseslers cdathnddss esehivel OF-O

The following letter has been received from Professor Nees von
Ksenbeck :—

“ Breslau.

“ Respected Sir,

“IT have received, with heartfelt feck the present of £20,
which, nobly sympathizing with my misfortunes, and influenced by
feelings akin to my own, you have enclosed in your letter.

“This truly acceptable present not only supplies the pressing
necessities of the outward man, but at the same time administers
consolation to the spirit within, and gives it assurance that, although
lonely and deserted in the land of its birth, and looking around in
vain for sympathy there, it yet receives that sympathy from the home
of freedom in the human race.

“T experience a feeling of deep shame in the neglect I have suf-
fered in my own country, as contrasted with the kindness evinced by
yours, since it argues that ours is a less noble race, less forward to
assist the distressed, less powerful in freedom.

“* When, however, the free man, in the spirit of a brother, offers us
his hand, we press it to the heart, as I now, in thought, do yours,
thanking and blessing you. Be pleased to convey these sentiments
to those who have, through you, afforded me this consolation and

assistance.
“1 am, with sincere respect,

“Yours most devotedly,

** NEEs VON ESENBECK.
“To Edward Newman, Esq.,

Br OLE, iC ys OLE:

As soon as the subscription-list appears to warrant such a course, .
a second £20 will be forwarded.

Dea Pi

te I NS eg St re eet

a ae

782

Proceepines or SocieTiEs, §c.

———

BOTANICAL SocIETY OF EDINBURGH.

Thursday, November 11, 1852. (Seventeenth Session) —Dr. Sel-
ler, President, in the chair.

Various donations were announced to the Society’s library and
herbarium, and also to the Museum of Economic Botany at the Royal
Botanic Garden.

The following papers were read :—

Tubular Structure in Plants.

‘On the Development of Tubular Structure in Plants ;’ by R. Hob-
son, M.D., Cantab., Leeds. Communicated by Dr. Balfour.

The object of this paper was to show the mode in which tubular
structure is formed by the aggregation of cells in a linear series, and
the subsequent absorption of thg partition walls. The structure
selected for observation was the moniliform hair found on the claw of
the spurred petal of the heart’s-ease (Viola tricolor). ‘The author
stated that “Ifthe structure of the tube is traced, under the micro-
scope, from the root, or base, upwards, the lower part will be found
fully formed (tubular), having gradually substituted a tubular for its
previously cellular formation. A little higher up, absorption of the
partition walls (the united portion of the cells) is yet complete, being
in transitu from cell into tube; whilst the remaining part is entirely
cellular to the extreme point, which point is, in fact, a simple cell.

“There may be distinctly seen, in a portion of this multicellular
tube, near to its base, marks sufficient to prove that those points of
the cells which have been primarily in union to form the tube have
now been absorbed, or in some other way removed, and that this ab-
sorption, or removal, has taken place precisely in an equal degree
from the centre of the different septa, or united portions of the cells,
towards the periphery of the tube, to the extent required to perfect
Nature’s ‘ handiwork.’ The marks to which I allude are triflingly
apparent annular contractions.”

The author also made some observations as to the time occupied in
the formation of the tubes. He remarked :—

“ Tn order to ascertain whether the mutation of cell into tube occu-
pied much time, I instituted a comparison between the tubular por-
tion of the hair on the full-blown flower, and that on the flower just

783

opening, and found that the lower portion of the tube on the former
(the full-blown flower) had generally became tubular to the amount
of from eight to ten cells in each hair, which usually consisted of from
twenty-five to thirty cells ; whilst that of the latter (the opening flower)
had become tubular only to the extent of about two or three cells. It
therefore seems that the time occupied between the first opening of
the flower and its fading period is sufficient to convert six or eight
cells into tube ; and it is probable that in the earlier part of the sea-
son, during more genial weather, the fading stage would be delayed,
and consequently that in proportion as the blooming period is pro-
longed, the length of the tubular formation would be increased ; but
it seems doubtful whether these tubes ever become tubular through-
out their entire length.

“On the two contiguous petals, on the inner and inferior part of
each, on a prominence where the claw takes its origin, there is a-ridge
of hair of a totally different character from that on the claw of the
spurred petal, being at all ages pervious throughout, dilating gradu-
ally from its base to within a trifle of its extremity, when it again gra-
dually lessens in diameter, until it terminates almost spherically.
There is not any second cell to be detected in any portion of these
tubes, even before the flower opens. Thetr origin and termination
seem to be a simple cell, lengthening and dilating ; and therefore they

are clearly unicellular. In the multicellular tube it is evident that, in

order to secure a tubular structure, Nature clearly manifests her
intention, by generating a single linear series of cells; and that this
multicellular tube shall be a cone she as clearly manifests her determi-
nation, by generaring cells gradually decreasing in transverse diameter
from the base to its apex ; and it would seem that where she has com-

pleted her cellular arrangement as regards their position and forma-

tion, her subsequent care is, by some peculiar and amalgamating
process, to unite the adjoining cell-walls into one compact septum,
denominated a partition wall.

“ As regards this septum, it is not unreasonable to hope that

repeated and minute microscopical investigations of the progressive

growth and formation of the multicellular tube, at different periods of
its age, may furnish material data on which to found a knowledge of
the probable mode of its absorption, or removal.

“To discover whether the comparative increase of growth of the
opening and fading flower kept pace with cellular conversion into
tube, I measured the transverse diameter of the tubular portions of
the two stages of growth of a cultivated plant, and found that the ave-

784

rage transverse tubular diameter of the hair of the multicellular tube
of an ordinary full-blown flower in September was 1-1540th ; whilst
the tubular diameter of the opening flower was 1-2320th, giving an
increase, during the blooming period, of 1-774th.

‘““The average of the tubular diameter of the unicellular tubes,
which had been exposed to light and air, in the full-bloom flower of
the cultivated plant was 1-928th ; whilst the tubular diameter of the
opening flower was 1-1546th, giving an increase, during the blooming
period, of 1-618th. On measuring the transverse diameter of the
multicellular tube of the full-blown flower in its native state, I found
it to be 1-3437th; whilst that of the opening flower was 1-2566th, giving
an increase, during that portion of the blooming period, of 1-871th.

“ The diameter of the unicellular tube of the wild flower, which was
full blown, measured 1-182th; whilst that of the opening flower was ~
1-1370th, giving an increase of 1-688th.” '

‘The paper was illustrated by drawings, and by specimens under the
microscope.

Cumberland Forms of Myosotis.

‘On the Cumberland Forms of Myosotis ;) by Mr. James B. Davies.

In this paper the author, after describing various forms of Myoso-
tis, of which specimens and drawings were exhibited, called attention
to the Myosotis palustris, var. strigulosa (Reich.). This, in its true
form, occurs plentifully at Duddingston Loch, where it was detected
some years ago, by Mr. J. T. Syme.

Cumberland Plants.

“On the Plants found in Cumberland, in June, 1852 ;’ by Mr. James
B. Davies.

The author gave a detailed account of the species which he had
found in the Lake district of Cumberland during the month of June.
Among the plants noticed were the following :—Rosa inodora? R.
micrantha? (near Applethwaite, under Skiddaw), Rubus saxatilis
(Walla Crag), Hieracium auriantiacum (Vicar’s Isle, doubtfully native),
Corydalis solida (do.), Alchemilla alpina (between Walla Crag and
Falcon Crag), Oxyria reniformis, Saxifraga aizoides, S. stellaris (near
Grassmere), Luzula Forsteri (in many places), Galium boreale and G.
Mollugo, Scrophularia vernalis, Carex vesicaria, Orchis pyramidalis,
O. latifolia, var. incarnata, Habenaria albida, H. bifolia, and H.
chlorantha.

E, NEWMAN, PRINTER, 9, DEVONSHIRE STREET, BISHOPSGATE, LONDON.

THE

PHYTOLOGIST:

POPULAR

BOTANICAL MISCELLANY,

CONDUCTED BY

EDWARD NEWMAN, F.L.S., Mens. Imp. L.-C. Acap.

VOLUME THE FOURTH.

(CONCLUDED).

LONDON:
JOHN VAN VOORST, PATERNOSTER ROW.

M.DCCC.LIII.

Ye field flowers! the gardens eclipse you, ’tis true,
Yet, wildings of Nature, I doat upon you,
For ye waft me to summers of old,
When the earth teem’d around me with fairy delight,
And when daisies and buttercups gladdened my sight,
Like treasures of silver and gold.
CAMPBELL.

CONTENTS.

ALLMAN, Professor

On the Utricular Structure of the En-
dochrome in a Species of Con-
ferva, 1107

ANDERSON, THomaAs

Characters of the Natural Order Sola-

nacee, 993
Atwoop, Miss M.

Notes on a few Devonshire Plants,
1096; Lastrea Filix-mas and
Ophioglossum vulgatum used in
Medicine, 1098

Basineton, C. C., M.A.

Nativity of the Box-tree, 873; Re-
marks on British Plants, 900, 912;
Potamogeton flabellatus and P.
prelongus, 981 ; Myosotis alpes-
tris, Thymus Serpyllum and T.
Chamedrys, 984 ; Monstrosity of
Medicago maculata, 1067; On
Potamogeton flabellatus, Bab.,
1158

Backuouse, JAMES

On Alpine British Plants, particularly

Hieracia, 804
Baker, J. G.

On the Identity of Hieracium nudi-
caule of Edmondston with H.
murorum of Fries, 843; Hiera-
cium strictum of Fries in Eng-
land, 844; Hermaphrodite Flo-
rets of Salix caprea, Rubus lati-
folius, Rubi in the North of
England, 968; Polygala uligi-
nosa, 970; Contributions towards
the Geographical History of the
Plants of Upper Teesdale, 1048 ;
Notice of Equisetum fluviatile of
Fries in Britain, and an Inquiry
into its Distinctness as a Species,
1056 ; On the Contrast afforded
by the internal Structure of the
Stems of Equisetum limosum and
E. fluviatile, 1117; Trifolium re-
supinatum in Cheshire, 1143 ;
Trifolium agrarium in Hertford-
shire, 1144.

Batroour, J. H., M.D., F.LS.
Observations on Pseudathyrium al-
pestre, 808 ; On the Flora of the
Island of Arran, 998: Botanical
Trip to Ireland, 1005
Baxter, THomas
Udora Canadensis in the Valley of
the Severn, 1101
Benvett, E. T.
Lathrea squamaria in Cultivation,
944
Bent ey, Ropert
Observations on Udora Canadensis,
&e., 1029
Brack, A. O.
On the Cryptogamic Plants of the
Neighbourhood of St. Andrews,
1070
Broxam, Rev. ANprew, M.A.
Trifolium patens near Ashby-de-la-
Zouch, 1100
Biytu, Mr.
On the Ergotism of Grasses, 977
Borrer, Wictiam, F.R.S., &e.
Rosa hibernica in Cumberland, New
Station for Teucrium Botrys,
1095
Bree, Rev. W. T., M.A.
Fungus in the Heart of an Oak-tree,
1100
Broueurton, Rev. D., M.A.
Plants found near Barmouth, 880
Cxiark, Bensamiy, F.L.S.
On the Positivun of the Raphe in Ana-
tropal Ovules, 827
Criarx, THomas
Lathyrus latifolius near Glastonbury,
1136
CrLaussEN, CHEVALIER
Effect of Sulphate of Lime upon Ve-
getable Substanees, 1105
CLoweEs, FREDERIC
Westmoreland Station for Woodsia
Ilvensis, 1134
Davies, JamEs B.
On the Rarer Plants found in the
Neighbourhood of Ripon, 1077

DELYVEs, JosEPH

On the Application of Photography to
the Representation of Microsco-
pic Objects, 848

Dovetas, Rev. R. C., M.A.

The rapid Increase of Udora Cana-
densis compared with the Diffu-
sion of other introduced Species,
825; Udora Canadensis at Staf-
ford, 1101

Evans, W. W.

Remarks on the Hardiness of certain
Conifer, as shown by the Effects
of the past Winter, 1072

Friower, T. B., F.L.S.

Chrysocoma Linosyris at Weston -

super-Mare, 873
Gissine, T. W.

Veronica spicata, Vicia Bithynica,
&c., in North Wales, 815; Notes
on a Botanical Excursion down
the Wye, 1053; Bifid and Trifid
Ferns, 1144

GrevILLE, Dr. R. K.

New Species of Caulerpa, 984
Groves, T. B.

On Portland Arrow-root, 1030
Hance, H. F., Dr.

Sketch of the Island and Flora of
Hong Kong, China, 881

Harpy, James

On some Excrescences, &c., on Plants,
occasioned or inhabited by Mites,
941

Harvey, W. H., M.D.
Trichomanes speciosum on Valentia
Island, 1007
Hawker, Rev. W. H.
Asplenium fontanum in Hampshire,814
Henrrey, Arruvr, F.R.S., &c.

On the Development of Ferns from

their Spores, 1019
Hewarp, R.

Lycopodium inundatum on Wimble-

don Common, 816
Hincks, Rev. Witx1am, F.L.S.

Note on the Nature of Fasciated

Stems, 1024

Honcss, Proressor

Flax Plant, 1145
Hooker, J. D., M.D., &c.

On the Occurrence of an Eatable Nos-

toc in the Arctic Regions, 856
Hunt, R.
Germination of Seeds, 1146
Hutcuinson, ARTHUR
Gymnostomumtenuein Yorkshire, 982
JorvEN, GEORGE

Thymus Serpyllum and T. Chame-

drys, 1142

Irvink, ALEXANDER

Notes on the Localities of certain
Hampshire Plants, observed in
August and September, 1853,
1115

Krys, I. W. N.
Effects of the late Mild Weather, 875
Kinanan, J. R.

Undescribed Variety of Blechnum spi-
cant, 892; On the Classification
and Nomenclature of Ferns, 1033

LreEs, Epwin, F.L.S.

A Descriptive List of the British Rubi,
817; Account of the Mosses and
lichens of the Malvern Hills,
863 ; Supplementary Account of
the British Rubi, with Remarks
on their Physiology and Distri-
bution, 917; Udora Canadensis
in Worcestershire, 981; Notes on
the Localities of some Pembroke-
shire Plants, observed in May
and June, 1853, 1013

LEHMANN, Dr. C.
Revision of the Genus Nymphea, 952
Linpsay, W. Lauper, M.D.

Dyeing Properties of Lichens, 867,
901, 998, 1068 ; Tour in the
Hartz Mountains, 985: Medical
Properties of British Ferns, 1062

Lioyp, JoHn

Effects of the Mildness of the present
Season, 845; Remarks upon Po-
lystichum aculeatum, 971

Lortus, W. K.
On Feetid Vegetable Gums, 832
Lowe, Joun

Remarkable Formation of a Stem-root

in a Willow, 913

Lows, E. J.

- Qn Adiantum Capillus-Veneris near
Bath, 1100

LuxrorD, GEORGE

Effects of Mild Weather in former
Seasons, 876

M’Lanren, Joun

Distribution of Plants in Madeira,

808
MW’Nas, Dr. G.

Cultivation of Victoria regia in Ja-

maica, 872
Manppen, Masor

Palms, Bamboos, and Pines on the

Himalaya, 91!
Maruews, W., sun.

Plants found in North Wales, 874;
Agrimonia odorata in Hampshire,
1135; Filago spathulata near
Woodstock, 1135

Vil

Maw, GrEorGE
Notes on the Rarer Plants occurring
in the Neighbourhood of the Es-
tuary of the Taw and Torridge,
North Devon, 785; Lilium Py-
renaicum near Littleham Bottom,
and Dianthus Armeria near Bide-
ford, 1028
Mitter, Huew
On Bothrodendron, Ulodendron, Stig-
maria, &c., and restoration of
Sphenopteris elegans, 1038
Moore, Tuomas, F.L.S.
Asplenium viride in a Quasi-sponta-
neous state near Brighton, 842 ;
On Venation as a Generic Cha-
racter in Ferns, with Observations
on the genera Hewardia and Cio-
nidium, 1021
More, A. G.
Effects of the late Mild Weather, 874
Newman, Epwp., Mem. Imp. L.-C. Acad.
Suminski’s Theory of the Reproduc-
tion of Ferns, 813 ; Gymnogram-
ma. leptophylla in the Channel
Islands, 914, 973 ; Asplevium
viride at Danny, 915; Pseuda-
thyrium alpestre and P, flexile,
the latter first characterized, 974 ;
Inquiry respecting the Medicinal
Uses of Ferns, 976 ; Claytovia
' perfoliata, 982 ; Trichomanes
speciosum in Ireland, 1136
‘Norra, Mr.
On the Insects causing the Potato
Disease, 895
Ottver, DaniEt, sun., F.L.S.
Structure of Pentas carnea, 809; On
the Melampyrum montanum of
Dr. Johnston, 1078 ; Carex punc-
tata in Ireland, 1095; Agrimo-
nia odorata in Kerry, 1096; Note
on Pyrola rotundifolia, var. are-
naria, 1119
Penney, W.
Ona Medicinal Lobelia from Peru, 978
Perry, W. G.
Lastrea Thelypteris in Warwickshire,
1135
Piquer, J.
Aceras anthropophora, &c., in Jersey,
1135
Price, Dr. AsttEY P.
Sulphide of Calcium as a Remedy for
the Grape Disease, 1104
Pourcuas,W.H. ’ '
Epilobium virgatum, 971 ; Epilobi-
um Lamyi, 1012
QvEKETT, PRoFEssor ;
On the Presence of a Fungus, and of

masses of Crystalline Matter, in
the interior of a living Oak-tree,
945
Reynotps, Ricwarp
Asplenium viride at Danny, 946
Satter, Dr. T. BELL

Effects of the Mildness of the present

Season, 847
ScHompureHuks, Sir R. H.

On the Forest-trees of British Guiana,
and their uses in Naval and Civil
Architecture, 849

SEEmaAnNN, Bertuotrp, M.I.L.C. Ac., &e.

The Natural History of the Cedron, 946

SELLER, Dr.

Notice of the Osseous I.egumen of the

Hymenza Courbaril, 1074
Smith, Rev. WILLIAM

On the Stellate Bodies occurring in
the Cells of Freshwater Algz,
945

Souuitt, J. D.

On the Diatomacee found in the Vi-

cinity of Hull, 1107
Spiers, A. G.

Notice of the Production of Cones, in

1851, on Pinus Lambertiana, 1073
STRACHEY, JOHN
Measurement of Trees in Gurhwal
and Kemaon, 1073
STRICKLAND, the late H. E.
Report on the Vitality of Seeds, 1146
Syme, J. T.

Localities for Plants near London in
1852, 859; Remarks on Plants
sent to the Botanical Society of
London in 1852, 933

TANNER, WILLIAM

Gymnogramma leptophylla in Scot-

land, 816
Tate, Georce R.

Asplenium germanicum, &c., at Ky-

loe Crags, Northumberland, 909
Tuompson, J. H. :

Worcestershire Species of Lepidium,

970
Trimmer, Rev. Kirpy

Udora Canadensis and Potamogeton

trichoides in Norfolk, 1144
VaRENNE, E. G.

Botanical Notes and Observations on
Plants observed in Essex, during
the year 1852, 1109

VizeE, Joun E.
Lastrea rigida near Bath, 1101
Warp, N.B., F.B.S., L.S., &e.

A few Notes on the Botany of Jersey,
including a List of Additions to
Mr. Babington’s ‘ Primitie Flo-
re Sarnice,’ by M. Piquet, 1090

vill

Wanineaton, R. na, 1098; Note on Pseudathyri-
Vegetable and Animal Organisms,1145 um flexile, 1099
Wixuiamson, Prorssor Wot taston, G. B.
Further Contributions to the Struc- Lastrea rigida near Bath, 1134
ture of Volvox globator, 812 Youne, JAMES
WEstcomBE, Tyomas Flora of the District of the Neigh-
New Locality for Cystopteris monta- bourhood of Peebles, 872

NOTICES OF NEW BOOKS, &c.
On the Growth of Plants in Closely-glazed Cases. By N.B. Ward, F.R.S., F.LS.,

&e. Second Edition. London: John Van Voorst. 1852 . : >» Wao
The Botany of the Malvern Hills. By Edwin Lees, F.LS., &c. Second Edition,
enlarged and corrected. London: Bogue, Fleet Street . ‘ . 796

The Earth, Plants and Man: Popular Pictures of Nature. By Joachim Frederick
Schouw. Translated from the German, by Arthur Henfrey. London: Bohn.
1852 . : : : , : , ? : é . . 833
Principles of the Anatomy and Physiology of the Vegetable Cell. By Hugo Von
Mohl. Translated by Arthur Henfrey. London: Van Voorst. 1852 . 837
A Catalogue of the Flowering Plants and Ferns growing in the Neighbourhood of
Aberdeen. By P. H. MacGillivray, A.M. Aberdeen: Wilson. 1853 . 935
Annals and Magazine of Natural History. 935, 964, 1044, 1047, 1151
The Sea-weed Collector’s Guide, containing plain Instructions for Collecting and
Preserving, and a List of all the Known Species and Localities in Great
Britain. By J. Cocks, M.D., Devonport. London: John Van Voorst, 1,
Paternoster Row. 1853 : ; : 7 : 2 : f - 1045
The Gardener’s Chronicle. Edited by Professor Lindley. 1853. No.36 . 1079
Terra Lindisfarnensis: The Natural History of the Eastern Borders. By George
Johnston, M.D. Edin., LL.D. Vol. I. The Botany. London: Van Voorst.
1853 : - : . . : - ° 4 : - 1087, 1120
Some Notes upon the Cryptogamic Portion of the Plants collected in Portugal,
1842—50. By Dr. Fried. Wellwitsch: the Fungi, by the Rev. M. J. Berkeley,

M.A., F.L.S., &c. London: Pamplin. 1853 . ; : : ; 1129
The London Catalogue of British Plants. Fourth Edition. London: Pamplin. 1853.
1131

Palm-trees of the Amazon, and their Uses. By Alfred Russel Wallace. London:
Van Voorst. 1853. : : ‘ , : 4 : : : . 1153
The Handbook of British Ferns. By Thomas Moore, F.L.S., &c., &c., Curator of
the Botanic Garden of the Society of Apothecaries, Chelsea, and Author of the
‘Popular History of British Ferns, &c., &c.’ Second Edition. London: R.

Groombridge & Sons, and W. Pamplin. 1853 1157
EXTRACTS FROM THE ‘ BONPLANDIA,’

Death of Professor Schwegrichen . ; : ‘ ° é ‘ ‘ . 979

Horticultural Exhibition in Florence : : ‘ : s ‘ : - 980

Revision of the Genus Trigonella : , ‘ : : ' : . 980
Fecundation and Embryo of Cytinus Hypocystis. , F ! . 980

PROCEEDINGS OF SOCTETIES, &c.

BoranicaL Society or EDINBURGH.

Alpine British Plants, particularly Hieracia, by James Backhouse, Jun., 804;
Pseudathyrium alpestre, by Dr. Balfour, F.L.S., 808; distribution of plants
in Madeira, by John M’Laren, Esq., 808; structure of Pentas carnea, by
Daniel Oliver, Jun., Esq., 809; dyeing properties of Lichens, by Dr. Lauder
Lindsay, 867, 901, 998, 1068; flora of the district of the neighbourhood of
Peebles, by James Young, Esq., 872; cultivation of Victoria regia, in Jamaica,
by Dr. M’Nab, 872; remarks on British plants, by C.C. Babington, Esq.,
M.A., &c., 900, 912; Asplenium germanicum, &c., at Kyloe, Northumberland,
by G. R. Tate, Esq., 909 ; palms, bamboos, pines, &c., on the Himalya, by Major
Madden, 911; remarkable formation of a stem-roet in a willow, by John
Lowe, Esq., 913; new species of Caulerpa, by Dr. Greville, 984; Myosotis
alpestris ; Thymus Serpyllum and T. Chamedrys, by C. C. Babington, Esq.,
M.A., 984; tourin the Hartz mountains, by Dr. L. Lindsay, 985; characters of
the natural order Solanaceez, by Thomas Anderson, Esq., 993; on the flora
of the island of Arran, by Dr. Balfour, F.L.S., 998 ; botanical trip to Ireland,
by Dr. Balfour, 1005; on the Cryptogamic plants of the neighbourhood of
St. Andrews, by A.O. Black, Esq., 1070; remarks on the hardiness of certain
Conifere, as shown by the effects of the past winter, by W. W. Evans, Esq.,
1072; notice of the production of Cones, in 1851, on Pinus Lambertiana, by
A. G. Spiers, Esq., 1073; measurement of trees in Gurhwal and Kemaon, by
John Strachey, Esq.,C.S., 1073; notice of the osseous legumen of the Hymenza
Courbaril, by Dr. Seller, 1074; on the rarer plants found in the neighbourhood
of Ripon, by James B. Davies, Esq., 1077; on Melampyrum montanum of
Dr. Johnston, by Daniel Oliver, jun., Esq., 1078.

Boranicat Society oF Lonpon.

Report of Council, 802; Asplenium viride in a quasi spontaneous condition near
Brighton, by Thomas Moore, Esq., F.L.S., 842; Report of Meeting, 916.

Dostin Natural History Society.

Undescribed variety of Blechnum spicant, by J. R. Kinahan, Esq., 892; on the
insects causing the potato disease, by Mr. Nuttall, 895; on Trichomanes spe-
ciosum in Valentia Island, by Dr. Harvey, 1007; on the classification and
nomenclature of ferns, by J. R. Kinahan, Esq., 1033.

LinnEAN Society oF Lonpon.

Position of the raphe in anatropal ovules, by Benjamin Clark, Esq., F.L.S., &c., 827;
on fetid vegetable gums, by W. K. Loftus, Esq., 832 ; on the forest trees of
British Guiana, and their uses in naval and civil architecture, by Sir Robert
H. Schomburghk, 849; occurrence of an eatable Nostoc in the Arctic Regions,
by J. D. Hooker, M.D., F.R.S., &c., 856; on the development of ferns from
their spores, by Arthur Henfrey, Esq., F.R.S., 1019 ; on venation as a generic

character in ferns; with observations on the genera Hewardia of J. Smith,
and Cionidium of Moore, by Thomas Moore, Esq., F.L.S., Curator of the
Botanic Garden, Chelsea, 1021; note on the nature of fasciated stems, by the
Rev. William Hincks, F.L.S., Professor of Natural History in Queen’s Col-
lege, Cork, 1024.

Microscoricat Society or Lonpon.

Structure of Volvox globator, by Prof. Williamson, 812; on the application of

Photography to the representation of microscopic objects, by Joseph Delves,
Esq., 848; stellate bodies in the cells of freshwater Alge, by the Rev. W.
Smith, 945; fungus, &c., in a living oak, by Professor Quekett, 945.

Puy roxtoeist Cxius.

Suminski’s theory of the reproduction of Ferns, by Edward Newman, 813 ; Asple-

nium fontanum in Hampshire, by the Rev. W. H. Hawker, 814: Veronica
spicata, Vicia Bithynica, &c., in North Wales, by T. W. Gissing, Esq.,
815; Lycopodium inundatum on Wimbledon Common, by R. Heward, Esq.,
816; Gymnogramma leptophylla in Scotland, by W. Tanner, Esq., 816 ; on
the identity of Hieracium nudicaule of Edmondston, with H. murorum of
Fries, by J. G. Baker, Esq., 843; Hieracium strictum of Fries in England,
by J. G. Baker, Esq., 844 ; effects of the mildness of the present season, by
John Lloyd, 845; Dr. Bell Salter, 847; nativity of the box tree, by C. C.
Babington, Esq., 873; Chrysocoma Linosyris at Weston-super-Mare, by T.
B. Flower, Esq., 873; plants found in North Wales, by W. Mathews, Esq.,
874; effects of the late mild weather, by A. G. More, Esq., 874; I. W. N.
Keys, Esq., 875; G. Luxford, Esq., 876; plants found at Barmouth, Rev. D.
Broughton, 880; Gymnogramma leptophylla in the Channel Islands, by E.
Newman, 914; Nees von Esenbeck, 915; Asplenium viride at Danny, by
Edward Newman, 915; stems of Ferns an article of food, 916; Lathrea
squamaria in cultivation, by E. T. Bennett, Esq., 944; hermaphrodite
florets of Salix caprea, by J. G. Baker, Esq., 968; Rubus latifolius, by J. G.
Baker, Esq., 969; Rubi in the North of England, by J. G. Baker, Esq., 969:
Polygala uliginosa, by J. G. Baker, Esq., 970; Worcestershire species of
Lepidium, by J. H. Thompson, Esq., 970; Epilobium virgatum, by W. H.
Purchas, Esq, 971; remarks upon Polystichum aculeatum, by John Lloyd,
971; Gymnogramma leptophylla in Jersey, by Edward Newman, 973;
Pseudathyrium alpestre, and P. flexile, the latter first characterised, by
Edward Newman, 974 ; Potamogeton flabellatus, by C. C. Babington, Esq.,
M.A., 981; Potamogeton prelongus, by C. C. Babington, Esq., M.A., 981;
Udora Canadensis, by Edwin Lees, Esq., F.L.S., 982; Gymuostomum tenue
in Yorkshire, by Arthur Hutchinson, Esq., 982; Claytonia perfoliata, by
Edward Newman, 982; Epilobium Lamyi, by W. H. Purchas, Esq., 1012:
Lilium Pyrenaicum near Littleham Bottom, and Dianthus Armeria near
Bideford, by George Maw, Esq., 1028; monstrosity of Medicago maculata,
by C.C. Babington, Esq., M.A., 1067; Rosa hibernica in Cumberland, by W.
Borrer, Esq., F.R.S., 1095; new station for Teucrium Botrys, by W. Borrer,
Esq., F.R.S., 1095; Carex punctata in Ireland, by D. Oliver, Jun., 1095 ;
Agrimonia odorata in Kerry, by D. Oliver, Jun., 1096; notes on a few
Devonshire plants, by Miss Atwood, 1096; Lastrea Filix-mas, and Ophio-
glossum vulgatum used in medicine, by Miss Atwood, 1098; new locality for
Cystopteris montana, by Thomas Westcombe, Esq., 1098; note un Pseuda-
thyrium flexile, by Thomas Westcombe, Esq., 1099; Trifolium patens near
Ashby-de-la-Zouch, by the Rev. Andrew Bloxam, M.A., 1100; Adiantum
Capillus-Veneris, near Bath, by E. J. Lowe, Esq., 1100; fungus in the heart
of an oak-tree, by the Rev. W .T. Bree, M.A., 1100; Udora Canadensis at
Stafford, by the Rev. R.C. Douglas, M.A., 1101; Udora Canadensis in the valley
of the Severn, by Thomas Baxter, Esq., 1101; Lastrea rigida near Bath, by
John E. Vize, Esq., 1101; Westmoreland station for Woodsia Ilvensis, by
Frederic Clowes, Esq., 1134 ; Lastrea rigida near Bath, by G. B. Wollaston,
Esq., 1134; Agrimonia odorata in Hampshire, by W. Mathews, Esq., 1135;
Filago spathulata near Woodstock, by W. Mathews, Esq., 1135; Lastrea
Thelypteri in Warwickshire, by W. G. Perry, Esq., 1185; Aceras anthropo-
phora in Jersey, by M. Piquet, 1135; Lathyrus latifolius near Glastonbury,

by Thomas Clark, Esq., 1136; Trichomanes speciosum in Ireland, by Edward
Newman, 1136; Thymus Serpyllum, and T. Chamedrys, by George Jorden, |
Esq., 1142; Trifolium resupinatum in Cheshire, by John G. Baker, Esq., }
1143; Trifolium agrarium in Hertfordshire, by John G. Baker, Esq., 1144;
bifid and trifid ferns, by T. W. Gissing, Esq., 1144; Udora Canadensis, and
Potamogeton trichoides in Norfolk, by Kirby Trimmer, Esq., 1144.

Britis AssociaTION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE.

Sulphide of calcium as a remedy for the grape disease, by Dr. Astley P. Price,
1104; effects of sulphate of lime upon vegetable substances, by Chevalier
Claussen, 1105; on the utricular structure of endochrome in a species of
Conferva, by Prof. Allman, 1107; on the Diatomacee fouud in the vicinity of
Hull, by J. D. Sollitt, Esq., 1107; report of the gases evolved in steeping
flax, and on the composition and economy of the flax plant, by Prof. Hodges,
1145; on preserving the balance between vegetable and animal organisms in
sea water, by Robert Warington, Esq., 1145; on a method of accelerating the
germination of seeds, by R. Hunt, Esq., 1146; report on the vitality of seeds,
by the late H. E. Strickland, Esq., 1146.

PuytToLocicaL Cxivus,oFr THE PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY.

Its object and foundation, 913; effects of ammonia upon vegetation, being a trans-
lation of a paper by M. Ville, published in the ‘Comptes Rendus,’ 914; Asple-
plenium viride at Danny, by R. Reynolds, Esq., 946; Tillandsia usneoides as
a substitute for horse-hair, 947; Worcester branch of the Club, 975; uses of
ferns, by Edward Newman, 976 ; ergotism of grasses, by Mr. Blyth, 977; sub-
stitute for tea, 977; medicinal Lobelia from Peru, by Mr. Penney, 978; re-
searches on the structure of galls, being a translation of a paper by M. de
Lacaze Duthiers, in the ‘Comptes Rendus, 1008; observations on Udora

Canadensis, by Robert Bentley, Esq., 1029; on Portland arrow-root, by T.
B. Groves, Esq., 1030.

Royat Puysicat Society or EpINBuRGH.

On Bothrodendron, Ulodendron, Stigmaria, &c., and restoration of Sphenopteris
elegans, by Hugh Miller, Esq., 1038 ; botanical expedition to Oregon, 1140;

WoRCESTERSHIRE NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB.

Meeting in Wyre Forest, 1101.

Matvern NaturaLists CxLus.

Meeting at Knightsford Bridge, 1136.

Imperiat L.-C. AcaDEmy.

Election of Fellows, 948, 1151.

GERMAN AssocIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE.

Report of Meeting, 1147.

ADVERTISEMENT.

‘Tue Puyrtotocist’ will be continued both as a monthly and an
annual publication. As a monthly, it will contain thirty-two pages
of letter-press, occasionally accompanied with figures of New British
Plants ; it will be on sale two days before the end of every month;
and will be charged one shilling. As an annual it will be sold on
or about the 1st of December ; will contain twelve monthly numbers,
bound and lettered uniformly with the present volume; and will be
charged thirteen shillings. An alphabetical list of Contributors is
published once in the year.

THE PHYTOLOGIST

FOR 1853.

Notes on the Rarer Plants occurring in the Neighbourhood of the
Estuary of the Taw and Torridge, North Devon. By Grorcr
Maw, Esq.

PeErnaps a list of the rarer plants growing in the neighbourhood of
the estuary of the Taw and Torridge, may not be unacceptable to
those of your readers who may occasionally vary their botanical ram-
bles by an excursion to some locality distant from their own neigh-
bourhood. To such, I can strongly recommend the north-west coast
of Devon for a week’s sojourn. I know of few districts that would
’ better repay a little careful examination, or where such a variety of
our rarer species occur within a comparatively small compass.

In describing the Flora of any district, I think it well that its limits
should be defined rather by natural peculiarities than mere arbitrary
measurements; and therefore, before enumerating the plants, I shall
give a slight sketch of the principal geographical and geological fea-
tures which characterize the locality under consideration as a natwral
district. It may be divided into two portions: firstly, that consisting
of the post-tertiary or alluvial deposits, partially filling up the valley
of the estuary; secondly, the higher land of the secondary formations
surrounding it. The flat alluvial country has a coast-line along Barn-
staple Bay, of seven or eight miles, and extends inland at this width
for about three miles; after which, it gradually narrows up to Barn-
staple, where, at seven miles from the sea, it terminates. ‘The Taw,
running from Barnstaple, in a westerly direction, unequally divides it
into two portions, that to the north of the river (of which Braunton
_ Burrows form a part) being the most extensive. The Torridge, flow-
ing from Bideford towards the north, sub-divides the southern por-
tion into Northam Burrows on the west bank, and Instow Burrows

VOL Iv. 5H

736

on the east side of the river. Braunton Burrows is a district of
sand-hills, about four or five miles in length, skirting the coast from
the north bank of the estuary to a raised beach, which forms part of
the northern boundary of Barnstaple Bay. They extend inland from
two miles to two miles and a half, when they gradually merge into the
flat marsh which occupies the remainder of the valley. The sand-
hills vary from ten to thirty or forty feet in height, and are continu-
ally receiving fresh accumulations of sand from the sea, which renders
them, immediately on the coast, almost devoid of vegetation. Ammo-
phila arundinacea is here almost the only plant that survives the
repeated interments; and by the aid of its fast-growing stolons, which
readily penetrate the loose sand, it easily re-establishes itself on the
surface, even when buried at a considerable depth. Vegetation gra-
dually improves as we recede from the coast, and is richest on the
inland boundary of the sand-hills, where they are intersected by seve-
ral moist, flat valleys. These are the habitats of some of the most
interesting plants of the district; amongst which, Scirpus Holoschee-
nus, Bartsia viscosa, and Teucrium Scordium stand foremost in point
of rarity. The marsh-land to the east of the sand-hills is partially
under cultivation; but the greater part is unenclosed, and covered
with a maritime vegetation. The most prevalent plants here are Jun-
cus maritimus and J. acutus. The latter attains a great height, many

tufts being considerably taller than a man.

Northam Burrows consist of a salt-marsh, about 800 acres in ex-
tent, bounded on the west by the sea, and on the north and east by a
narrow belt of sand-hills, which separates it from the estuary. Ex-
tending from the cliffs on the south side of the bay to the mouth of
the river, is a high bank of boulders, known as Northam Pebble-ridge,
which protects the marsh from the inroads of the sea.

Instow Burrows are situated on the east bank of the Torridge, at its
confluence with the Taw. They are less extensive than either
Northam or Braunton Burrows, and consist of a small range of sand-
hills skirting the rivers, which, further inland, give place to an unre-
claimed marsh, similar to that on the opposite shore.

The higher land to the south of the alluvial valley is situated at the
northern extremity of the barren carboniferous beds of Devon. They
consist of highly contorted beds of gritstone and shale, thrown into
long, rounded hills, running east and west, the anticlinal areas of the
strata being in that direction.

The barren carboniferous strata are bounded on the north by beds
of a dark gray limestone, interstratified with a compact slaty rock,

787

and separated by them from the metalliferous slates, of more ancient
date, which occur to the north of the valley.

_ Besides the lower secondary formations of the neighbourhood, a
small outlier of the green sand caps a hill about two miles and a half
to the south-west of Bideford; and the lower new red sandstone,
entering on the carboniferous girts, forms a low cliff; for about half a
mile along the coast at Peppercombe, a small village, at the south-
eastern extremity of Barnstaple Bay.

In enumerating the plants of the district, I shall consider them
under two heads: firstly, those occurring in the low alluvial valley,
with which will be included most of the maritime species; secondly,
those growing on the higher land in the immediate neighbourhood.

Plants of the Alluvial District.

Ranunculus Flammula, L., 8. reptans, Lightf. Moist spots be-
tween the sand-hills of Braunton Burrows.

Glaucium luteum, Scop. Near the raised beach of the north ex-
tremity of Braunton Burrows ; Instow Burrow.

Cakile maritima, Scop. Near the larger light-house, Braunton
Burrows ; west bank of the Torridge, a short distance below Bideford.

Cochlearia Anglica, L. Banks of the Torridge, near Bideford.

Matthiola sinuata, Br. Raised beach to the north of Braunton
Burrows.

Reseda lutea, L. Sand-hills of Braunton Burrows.

Viola lutea, Huds., 6. Curtisii, Forst. Braunton and Instow Bur-
rows, invariably with yellow flowers. In specimens I received from
New Brighton, Cheshire, through the Botanical Society, the flowers
are all purple, and the plant appears to be of much stronger habit.
Is it probable that the two plants are distinct; or are these differences
merely the result of a difference of soil or situation ?

Saponaria officinalis, L. Instow Burrows, close to the Barnstaple
road ; also by the road-side within the fence.

Saponaria officinalis, L., flore pleno. Near the light-house, Braun-
ton Burrows, probably introduced.

Sagina nodosa, Mey. Northam and Braunton Burrows.

Spergularia marina, Camb. Salt-marshes on the banks of the
Torridge.

Spergularia media. Southcott Marsh, near Bideford.

Radiola Millegrana, Sm. Sandy pasture of Northam Burrows.

Erodium maritimum, Sm. Sand-hills of Braunton Burrows, and
sandy pasture near the pebble-ridge, Northam Burrows.

788

Erodium cicutarium, Sm. Braunton and Northam Burrows.

Erodium cicutarium, album. Braunton Burrows.

Hydrocotyle vulgaris, L. Moist parts of Northam and Braunton
Burrows. .

Eryngium maritimum, L. Near the pebble-ridge, Northam Bur-
rows; Instow Burrows.

Gnanthe Lachenaliit, Gmel. Moist pasture of Northam Burrows;
reclaimed salt-marsh between Bideford and Instow.

_ Artemisia maritima, L. Banks of the Torridge, below Bideford.

Artemisia maritimn, L., 8. Gallica, Willd. Banks of the Torridge,
below Bideford, growing with A. maritima.

Erigeron acris, L. Braunton Burrows.

Aster Tripolium, L., var. destitute of rays. Muddy banks of the
Torridge, above and below Bideford. This variety also differs from
the ordinary form in never growing more than from six inches to a
foot in height.

Vinca major, Lu. Near the light-house, Braunton Burrrows, but
not wild.

Gentiana Amarella, L: Braunton Burrows.
| Lrythrea littoralis, Hook. Braunton Burrows.

Convolvulus Soldanella, L. Sand-hills near the light-house, Braun-
ton Burrows.

Ayoscyamus niger, . Grows from three to four feet high on the
sand-hills of Braunton Burrows ; Northam Burrows.

Solanum nigrum, L. Braunton and Northam Burrows.

Atropa Belladonna, L. Reported to grow at the north end of
Braunton Burrows. I have never found it there.

Bartsia viscosa, L. Braunton Burrows, north-east of the light-
house.

Orobanche minor, Sutt. Braunton Burrows.

Thymus Serpyllum, L. Dry pasture of Northam Burrows.

Leucrium Scordium, L. Plentiful in the moist parts of Braunton
Burrows.

Marrubium vulgare, L. Braunton Burrows.

Lithospermum officinale, L. Braunton Burrows.

Lycopsis arvensis, L. Braunton Burrows.

Cynoglossum officinale, L. Braunton Burrows.

Echium vulgare, L. Braunton and Northam Burrows.

Anagallis tenella, L. Braunton and Northam Burrows.

Samolus Valerandi, L. Northam and Braunton Burrows.

789

Glaux maritima, L. Salt-marshes on the banks of the Taw and
Torridge; Northam and Braunton Burrows.
Statice Limonium, L. Muddy banks of the river Torridge.
Statice spathulata. Raised bank, formed of agglutinated calcare-
rous sand, at Down End, near the western extremity of Braunton
Burrows.
Plantago maritima, L. East bank of the Torridge, below Bide- .
ford ; Northam Burrows.
Littorella lacustris, LL. Moist parts of Northam Burrows.
Chenopodium rubrum, L. Braunton Burrows.
Atriplex portulacoides, L. Muddy banks of the river Torridge.
Atriplex rosea, L. Banks of the Torridge.
Beta maritima, L. Muddy banks of the Torridge, below Bide-
ford.
Salsola Kali, L. West bank of the Torridge, below Bideford
Quay ; near the light-house, Braunton Burrows, in great abundance.
Schoberia maritima, Mey. Muddy banks of the Torridge, above
and below Bideford, in great abundance; banks of the Taw.
Salicornia herbacea, L. Banks of the Taw and Torridge, growing
with Schoberia maritima.
Polygonum Raii, Bab. Sea-coast about half a mile to the north of
Peppercombe.
Euphorbia Paralias, L. Sand-hills of Northam and Braunton
Burrows.
Euphorbia Portlandica, L. Sand-hills of Braunton Burrows, and
north end of the pebble-ridge, Northam Burrows.
Salix fusca, L. Middle of Braunton Burrows.
Spiranthes autumnalis, Reich. Dry pasture of Northam Burrows.
This plant is delicately scented, like Gymnadenia conopsea.
Epipactis palustris, Sw. Moist spots on Braunton Burrows.
Tris foctidissima, L. Braunton Burrows, abundantly.
Juncus maritimus, Sm. Unreclaimed marsh-land on the banks of
the Taw and Torridge.
Juncus acutus, L. Thirty or forty acres of Northam Burrows are
covered with this plant ; Braunton Burrows, &c.
Scirpus lacustris, L. Southcott Marsh.
Scirpus Holoscheenus, L. Several parts of Braunton Burrows; in
a valley between the sand-hills about a quarter of a mile in a direct
line from the larger light-house to Baggy Point; in great abundance
in a similar valley nearly a mile from the light-house, in the direction

790

of the village of Braunton; a small patch of it also occurs about a
mile to the north of the last-named locality.

Scirpus Savii, S. et M., 8. monostachys, Hook. West bank of the
Torridge, within reach of the tide, about a mile above Appledore, at
the bottom of a little glen between two steep banks; sea-coast near
Peppercombe ; also, in considerable abundance, about half a mile
from the coast by the road-side leading from Peppercombe to the vil-
lage of Horn’s Cross. This solitary-spiked variety is by no means
unfrequent on the coast of the Bristol Channel. It grows near the
sea at Lynmouth; and I have a specimen gathered by a friend, last
summer, at Swansea.

Scirpus maritimus, L. Southcott Marsh; also in a salt- marsh on
the west side of the Torridge, above Appledore.

Agrostis alba, L., 8. stolonifera, L. Near the estuary, Northam
Burrows.

Ammophila arundinacea, Host. Braunton, Northam, and Instow
Burrows.

Glyceria distans, Wahl. Salt-marsh near West-Cliff Cottage,
Northam.

Festuca rubra, L. "Banks of the Torridge, below Bideford.

Triticum junceum, L. East bank of the Torridge, above Instow ;
west bank below Bideford Quay; near the light-house, Braunton
Burrows.

Asplenium marinum, L. Raised bank at Down End; north side
of Braunton Burrows ; near Hartland, &c.

The following list includes tbe rarer plants growing on the higher
ground within a short distance of the valley of the estuary, consisting
of parts of the parishes of Northam, Appledore, Bideford, Westleigh,
Instow, Braunton, &c. :—

Clematis Vitalba, L. On the east side of the road from Torring-
ton to Bideford, near Wear Gifford.

Ranunculus parviflorus, L. In the first field on the left hand side
of the lane leading from the Bideford and Northam road to Orchard
Hill.

Aquilegia vulgaris, L. Ina wood on the south side of the old
Bideford and Barnstaple road, about a mile from Bideford ; also in a
furze-brake on the hills to the south of Northam Burrows. Certainly
both these localities are distant from any house or garden.

791

Berberis vulgaris, L. In a hedge nearly opposite Westleigh
Church, probably introduced.

Papaver hybridum, L., and P. Argemone,L. In an arable field
leading from Westleigh to the river Torridge.

Chelidonium majus, L. Westleigh.

Corydalis lutea, DC. Reported to grow near Bideford.

Coronopus didyma, Sm. In great abundance by the road-side
between Bideford and Northam ; near the rope-walk on the banks of
the Torridge, below Bideford.

Cochlearia Danica, L. Old walls in the village of Northam. It
also occurs on Northam Burrows, but is very diminutive, and has
flesh-coloured blossoms.

Cardamine impatiens, L. Side of a stream at Peppercombe, near
Bideford.

Hesperis matronalis, L. North side of the lane near Fairley House,
Bideford.

Brassica campestris, L. Side of a stream below Southcott, near
Bideford.

Brassica Napus, lL. Near Westleigh.

Reseda luteola, L. Near West-Cliff Cottage, Northam.

Viola odorata, L., 8. alba, Bess. Runough Farm, Northam.

Viola odorata, L. With pink and variegated flowers, near Northam.

Viola hirta, L. Road-side between Instow and Bideford.

Spergularia rubra, St. Hil. Rocks by the sea-coast at Abbot-
sham.

Linum usitatissimum, L. On the south side of the road between
Fremington and Barnstaple.

Linum angustifolium, Huds. Road-sides and borders of fields at
Westleigh, Northam, Parkham, &c.

Acer campestre, L. Lane between Northam and Abbotsham.

Erodium moschatum, Sm. West side of the lane leading from
Westleigh to Lower Southcott; road-side near Westleigh Church,
abundantly ; close to the turnpike on the road from Bideford to
Northam ; road-side near Glen Burren House ; road-side, Torrington
Common.

Oxalis stricta, L. Very common throughout the parish of North-
am, in arable fields, gardens, and orchards. In many parts it is so
abundant as to become a troublesome weed. Gardens on the south-
west side of Bideford; between Torrington and Littleham, three or
four miles from the Northam locality. The plant has all the appear-
ance of being truly wild. '

792

Luonymus europeus, L. New road between Bideford and Instow.

Ulex nanus, Forst., 8. Gallii, Planch. In considerable abundance
between Bideford and Torrington.

Medicago sativa, L. Hedge-bank between Instow and Fremington.

Medicago maculata, Sibth. Very abundant about Northam and
Bideford.

Melilotus vulgaris, Willd. Clover-field at Northam, probably
introduced amongst the clover-seed.

Trifolium scabrum, L. Between Southcott and Westleigh.

Lotus major, Scop. Westleigh.

Vicia sativa, L., B. angustifolia, R. Side of the lane between
Southcott and Westleigh.

Vicia sylvatica, L. On the cliffs near Abbotsham this plant assumes
a prostrate habit, creeping over the rocks ; near Clovelly.

Pyrus communis, L. Borders of a wood on the south side of the
old Bideford and Barnstaple road, about half a mile from Bideford.

Pyrus Malus, L. Common in the hedges about Northam.

Pyrus torminalis, Sm. Woods above Clovelly.

Ribes Grossularia, L. Hedges near Bideford.

Sedum Telephium, L. Wedge-bank between Torrington and For-
thelsloch.

Sedum Anglicum, Huds. Rocks about Bideford, and on the sea-
coast near Abbotsham.

Sedum album, L. Old walls of Southcott.

Sedum acre, L. Walls about Bideford and Northam.

Sedum reflexcum, L. Old wall, Westleigh.

Sempervivum tectorum, D. Southcott Bacton.

Cotyledon Umbilicus, L. Very abundant on old stone fences about
Bideford, Southcott, Westleigh, and Northam.

Saxifraga tridactylites, L. Top of a wall by the road-side be-

- tween Bideford and Northam.

Cornus sanguinea, L. Hedges about Northam, &c.

LEgopodium podagraria, L. Bideford church-yard.

Foeniculum vulgare, Gertn. Abundant by the road-side on the
east bank of the Torridge, between Bideford and Southcott ; hedge-
rows about Northam.

Crithmum maritimum, L. Raised bank at Down End, north side
of Braunton Burrows. .

Pastinaca sativa, lu. In great abundance in the neighbourhood of
Bideford.

793

| Anthriscus cerefolium, Hoffm. Old road between Bideford and
Barnstaple.

Viburnum Opulus, L. Road-side between Instow and Fremington.
Rubia peregrina, L. Very common in the hedges about Northam.
Scabiosa columbaria, L. By the road-side between Bideford and

Instow.
Tragopogon pratense, L. Road-side near the fir-plantation be-
tween Bideford and Southcott.

Helminthia echioides, Gertn. About Southcott.

Cichorium Intybus, L. Between Bideford and Northam.

Serratula tinctoria, L. Near Southcott, close to the new Hide-
ford and Barnstaple road.

Centaurea Scabiosa, L. Near Southcott, &c.

Senecio squalidus, L. Abundant on the south side of Bideford ;
old well in Meddon Street, and waste ground below the savings’-bank.
The foliage of the plant gives forth a fine aromatic scent, when
bruised.

Inula Conyza, DC. Hedges about Southcott, &c.

Veronica Buxbaumii, Ten. Arable fields, Northam.

Antirrhinum majus, L. Old walls about Bideford.

Antirrhinum Orontium, L. Fields near West-Cliff Cottage,
Northam.

Linaria Cy ymbalaria, Mill. Old walls near Bideford, Southcott,
&e.

Linaria spuria, Mill. Arable fields about Southcott and West-
leigh.

Linaria Elatine, Mill. Fields near Bideford, Northam, Southcott,
&e.

Orobanche major, L. Furze-brake_on the south side of the lane a
short distance above Lower Southcott; also, in the same locality, a
variety of O. major, differing only from the usual form in the whole
plant being of a delicate citron colour.

Verbena officinalis, L. _ Near Southcott Bacton.

Salvia verbenaca, L. By the side of the Bideford and Barnstaple
road, near the Bideford turnpike.

Lycopus europeus, L. Below Southcott, near the Torridge.

Mentha rotundifolia, L. Near Wear Gifford churchyard.

‘Mentha viridis, L. Road-side near the turnpike, Yeo Valley, pro-
bably introduced.

Calamintha officinalis, Meench. Common about Northam, Bide-
ford, &c.

VOL. Iv. oI

794

Calamintha Acinos, Clairv. Arable fields between Northam and
the river Torridge.

Melittis Melissopyllum, L. On the river side of the road leading
from Bideford to Torrington, about'a quarter of a mile from Bideford ;
on the east side of the road leading from Westleigh through Lower
Southcott to Torrington, about half a mile to the south of where it
crosses the old Bideford and Barnstaple road. It also occurs in one
or two parts of the wood adjoining the road.

Leonurus Cardiaca, L. Near Nine Houses, Lower Southcott ;
head of the Yeo Valley ;—probably introduced in both localities.

Lamium Galeobdolon, Crantz. Wood between Bideford and Tor-
rington.

Myosotis palustris, With. Road-sides at Witham, &c.

Myposotis collina, Hoffm. Near Peppercombe.

Lithospermum arvense, L. Fields about Northam.

Symphytum officinale, L. Moist meadows up the Yeo Valley.

Anchusa sempervirens, L. Burrough Farm, Northam; and orchard
near West-Cliff Cottage, Northam.

Lysimachia Nummularia, L. Near the Torridge, between North-
am and Bideford.

Anagallis arvensis, L., 8. cerulea, Aut. Pallida, and varieties with
pink and white flowers, blotched with deep red. Arable field between
Northam and Bideford.

Armeria maritima, Aut. Cliffs at Abbotsham, and rocks near the
Torridge.

Chenopodium olidum, Curt. Top of High Street, Bideford.

Daphne Laureola, L. Thicket near the Barnstaple and Torring-
ton road, about two miles and a half from Bideford.

Euphorbia amygdaloides, L. Near Bideford.

Quercus Robur, L., c. sessiliflora, Salisb. By the side of the Bide-
ford and Torrington road, about three quarters of a mile from Bide-
ford.

Epipactis latifolia, Sw. Near Bideford.

Narcissus biflorus, Curt. Under some trees in a meadow between
Northam and Bideford.

Narcissus Pseudo-narcissus, L. In abundance near Novellas

Galanthus nivalis, L. Reported to grow near Bideford.

Ruscus aculeatus, L. Ina hedge by the side of the path —
from Westleigh House to Westleigh Church.

Carex axillaris,Good. Peppercombe Glen.

795

_ Phalaris Canariensis, L. Road-side between Fremington and
Instow, probably introduced.

Avena fatua, L. Arable fields in the neighbourood of Northam.

Glyceria rigida, Sm. Old walls, Northam.

Festuca bromoides, L. Old wall, Burrough Farm, Northam; old
wall, Torrington Common.

Festuca pseudo-myurus. Old walls, Torrington Common.

Hordeum pratense, Huds. Southcott, &c.

Ceierach officinarum, Willd. Old walls of Ford House, near Bide-
- ford.

Scolopendrium vulgare, Sym., 8. crispum, Sm. Near Hartland.

y. multifidum, Sm. Common in the neighbourhood of Bide-
ford, &c.

3. ramosum, Sm. Road-side near Wear Gifford. I havea spe-
cimen, gathered at Hartland, in which the frond is deve-
loped as two barren, reniform lobes.

Osmunda regalis, L. Sea-coast near Hartland; reported to grow
on the bank of the Torridge, above Bideford.

GEorGE Maw.
Barrat’s-Hill House, Broseley, Salop,

December 14, 1852.

Norices or New Books, &c.

* On the Growth of Plants in Closely-glazed Cases. By N. B. Warp,
F.R.S., F.L.S., &c. Second Edition. London: John Van Voorst.
1852.

Ir is with feelings of great pleasure that we welcome a second edi-
tion of Mr. Ward’s interesting little volume. A period of ten years
has elapsed since the publication of the first edition,—a period, alas !
that argues too forcibly, too irresistably, that in this country we are
not sufficiently alive to the combination of the useful and the orna-
mental,—a combination achieved by Mr. Ward, in the highest pos-
sible degree ; for, what can be more useful, what can be more con-
ducive to the well-being and comfort of man, than the safe transport
of those plants on which, under Divine Providence, his healthful —
existence may be said to depend, from the country of their nativity
to the country of their consumption :—and what can be more orna-

796
mental, what more delightful, than the introduction of those lovely
vegetable forms—whose delicate tracery was designed, by the same
Almighty Ruler, to adorn the humid ravines of the tropics—into our
gardens, our greenhouses, and our drawing-rooms !

The second edition of Mr. Ward’s work, like the first, goes into
various subjects not strictly within the compass of its title, and cer-
tainly not within the province of the ‘ Phytologist’ to criticise. Such,
for instance, are the chapters intituled respectively “ On the applica-
tion of the closed plan in improving the condition of the poor” and
“On the probable future application of the preceding facts.” On these
subjects we are glad to be excused from the expression of an opinion.
It is far different, however, with what may be termed the practical
part of the work, and especially with the chapter “On the conveyance
of plants on ship-board.” Here Mr. Ward is an experienced guide,
dealing with facts alone ; and the results, as recorded in the Appen-
dix, speak for themselves.

In conclusion, we have to notice with cordial approbation the neat
manner in which the work has been brought out, and the extreme
beauty of the illustrations, which have been supplied by Mr. E. W.
Cooke and Mrs. S. H. Ward.

‘The Botany of the Malvern Hills. By Epvwin Less, F.L.S., &c.
Second Edition, enlarged and corrected. London: Bogue, Fleet
Street’ [No date; received November, 1852].

“1 come to this sweet place for quiet,” is the quotation with which
Mr. Lees opens the botanical arcana of this neat little broghwre. So,
once, did we; but quiet was not there. The little party, of which
the editorial plural of the ‘ Phytologist’ formed a wnit, was persecuted
by a host of itinerant venders of disgusting comestibles, fortune-tel-
lers, donkey-drivers, and beggars. This nuisance having become
intolerable, we stepped over an almost invisible fosse, much like a
single plough-furrow, on to a portion of the bare hill-side which the
said fosse was supposed to mark as cultivated ground. Here the —
assailants in the rear halted; and we began to chuckle, very inno-
cently, as we thought, at their discomfiture. Alas! we had only been
leaping out of the frying-pan into the fire. We soon saw a human
being, of extraordinary figure and doubtful sex, shuffling towards us,
with all the haste it could achieve. Arrived within earshot, it assailed

797

us with a volley of oaths, in the loudest and most discordant tones.
We were trespassing! We, still the editorial wnit, apologized: “
had no intention of trespassing; the virgin soil had never been bro-
ken ; there were no traces of cultivation; dwt, as we were wrong, we
would re-cross the fosse, and retire.” Suiting the action to the word,
we vacated the enemy’s territory; but during the brief parley two
athletic fellows, armed with bludgeons, had joined the party, and
coarsely informed us that unless we gave them half a crown per head
they would dog us all day, and take us before a magistrate as soon as
we returned to ourinn. We paid the fine, right glad to escape the
proximity of the bludgeons of such ferocious-looking banditti. Under
these circumstances, we feel entitled to advise the explorer of the
Malvern Hills, on a fine day, to provide himself with sufficient pocket-
money to buy off the mercantile vagrants, and also to observe very
carefully where he is treading, lest he inadvertently step over an
invisible fence, and thus commit a trespass. By strict attention to
this advice and caution, he may perchance attain that “ quiet” for
which people visit such “ sweet places.” It is, however, a lamentable
thing, that almost every foot of uncultivated ground worth visiting is
beset by lazy and dissolute, but licensed, vagrants, who subsist on
the fears or the folly of the visitors. |

- Having relieved our mind of these weighty matters, we dip into
Mr. Lees’s little volume once more; and we would venture to remark
that the new arrangement, or system, which Mr. Lees has introduced
does not seem to us any improvement on the usual mode. Mr. Lees
explains his system in these words :—“ I have distributed the plants
in the three grand Natural Divisions, but subdivided them on the
Linnzan plan, for convenience’ sake to the memory, and to avoid the
necessity of an index.” Without gainsaying these merits, we may
perhaps be allowed to remark that they are not self-evident. Each
of the Linnean classes, Diandria, Triandria, Tetrandria, Hexandria,
Octandria, Monecia, and Dicecia occurs twice over, an arrangement
that would not, at the first blush, strike any botanist as rendering
assistance to the memory.

Every local Flora is seals i hb and this, penned by a botanist
who has so long resided on the spot, or in its immediate vicinity, is
doubly so, because we must regard it as in a great measure complete.
No one ever enjoyed the opportunity of more thoroughly investigating
a locality than Mr. Lees has that of Malvern; and we give him cre-
dit for having availed himself, to the utmost, of the advantages which
long residence, industry, and a taste for the subject confer. We

798

therefore hail the Botany of Malvern as one of the most perfect local
lists of plants that has ever reached our hands ; and, as such, we cor-
dially recommend it to our friends. With these preliminary observa-
tions, we proceed to give some lengthy extracts.

“‘ Localities of Plants.—The stranger who proposes to botanise in
this district must not expect to gather all its remarkable plants in a
cursory ramble on the hills. In fact, most of the rarer plants occur
rather in the valleys, or about the woods at the base of the chain, than
on the rocky summits themselves. But if the botanist has a few lei-
sure weeks to dispose of, with a zest for ramble, he will find abun-
dant scope for observation and enjoyment.

“arly in the spring, the wood-spurge throws a light green verdure
about the declivities, contrasting well with dead grasses, withered
brakes, and the dark tufts of yet unflowered gorse ; soon after, tufts
of broom in many spots vein the hill-side with golden gleams; and
about midsummer, the fronds of the brake give a verdant cincture to
the then arid masses of rock, bearded with crisp lichens. But on the
rocky masses themselves much depends upon a showery season, as
then minute plants are well developed, scarcely observable at any
other time.

“The vegetation of this district may be traced in three divisions,
accordant not only with the obvious surface-aspect of the country, but
with its geological relations. The first division comprises the flat
country eastward of the hills to the Severn, whose course, setting aside
curvatures, is nearly parallel to the Malvern chain, the distance from
the river varying in the space between Worcester and Tewkesbury
from five to about seven miles. The whole of this plain consists of
red marl, with deposits of diluvial gravel in various places, close to or
within short distances of the river. To the south of Upton, several
isolated hills of lias limestone occur; and north of that town various
tabular or roof-shaped hills of red marl, more or less covered with
wood, run parallel with the Severn, and beautifully diversify the scene.
Even nearer the hills, especially southwards, many fortress-like emi-
nences start up in a picturesque manner, and, robed with foliage,
greatly relieve the tame flat that would otherwise present itself.

“Yet the wide green commons that stretch around the hills east-
ward, belted in by woodlands and ever verdant, have a peculiar and
pleasing character under varying atmospherical influences, when in a
summer afternoon the great mountain shadow covers them in gloom,
slowly impinging upon and lessening the farther landscape’s bright-
ness; and, pictorially, it must be regretted that such recent innova-

799

tions have been made upon the extensive waste of Welland Common,
that, for some time to come, that part of the country must assume the
appearance of a surveyor’s map.

“The drainage of the whole district is received by the Severn, even
from the Silurian limestone on the western side of the ridge ; for the
river’ Ledden, that, flowing past Ledbury, collects the streams from
the southward, after a farther course of ten or twelve miles, flows into
the Severn at Gloucester. Throughout the whole eastern plain no
lake or even pool of any striking dimensions occurs ; but the streams
that flow from the hills in the direction of Eldersfield, the Berrow, and
Longdon, being precluded from reaching the Severn directly by the
‘intervention of steep banks of marl, and having only one outlet to
that river with scarcely any fall, necessarily accumulate in the flat
meadows, forming marshes of considerable extent, and entirely over-
flowed in the autumnal season. Many efforts have been made to drain
these marshes, and deep ditches beset them on every side ; but, hav-
ing only one sluggish outlet, and being, in fact, in many places below
the level of the bed of the Severn, it appears impracticable to provide
an adequate drainage for them. Thus these marshes present a curious
appearance, hemmed in on all sides by land in the highest state of
cultivation, which is continually impinging upon them. Longdon
Marsh well deserves a visit to its margin, which should be made by
way of Castle Morton; and the following rare or local plants which
grow about, or in the wide watery ditches there, will well repay the
trouble: Hippuris vulgaris, very plentiful ; Scirpus maritimus, on the
eastern side; Lysimachia vulgaris, Lonicera Xylosteum, on the Long-
don side, by a lane leading to the northern end of the marsh ; Apium
graveolens, Ciinanthe peucedanifolia, Oi. Lachenalii, Triglochin pa-
lustre, Rumex maritimus, Butomus umbellatus, Rosa spinosissima.
In the marshy flat meadows at the end of the lane leading down from
Castle Morton may be observed, before the mowing of the grass, La-
thyrus palustris ; the pretty Cnicus pratensis, rather plentiful; Sene-
cio aquaticus, Orchis latifolia, Habenaria viridis, Carex intermedia,
distans, and many others.

“The extensive commons of Welland, Castle Morton, Barnard’s
Green, &c., have many plants that are localised there only, as Bupleu-
rum tenuissimum, Helosciadium inundatum, Petroselinum segetum,
Myosurus minimus, Polygonum minus, Tormentilla reptans, Mentha
piperita, Nasturtium terrestre, Pulicaria vulgaris, and Anthemis nobilis.

“The second division will comprehend the hills themselves and
their immediate roots; while the third comprises the calcareous

800

‘Silurian’ country westward of the hills. Cowleigh Park, at the
northern end of the chain, and including in its wild boundary several
syenitic spurs, well deserves examination. Here grow Rosa tomen-
tosa, R. villosa, Rubus Bellardi, R. pallidus, fascus, and Schlecten-
dalii, R. echinatus, Lepidium Smithii, and a variegated-leaved variety
of Quercus sessiliflora. Beyond Cowleigh Park the dense covert of
Rough Hill Wood offers itself to tempt the onward foot of the ex-
plorer; and in the moist meadows between that eminence and Leigh
Sinton, Hypericum Androsemum, Gymnadenia conopsea, and Habe-
naria viridis, may be gathered. The Old Storrage Hill lies in this
direction, and the brook that enters its secluded recesses presents
many scenes of wood and water maesbeaie both to the contemplative
and botanical eye.

- “The rocks of the hills themselves have some plants that mostly
flourish only there, such as Galium saxatile, Plantago Coronopus,
Hyoscyamus niger (Hereford Beacon), Helosciadium repens, Arenaria
rubra, Cotyledon Umbilicus, Sedum album (North Hill), S. Telephium,
Spergula nodosa, Potentilla argentea and verna, Orobanche major,
Corydalis claviculata, Erodium maritimum (North Hill), Gnaphalium
sylvaticum (End Hill), and of course most of the Ferns. The Holly-
bush Hill, with the ravine called ‘The Gullet,’ between it and the
Warren Hill, should, if possible, be examined; and in the bogs,
which occur at the western bases of the hills, will be found the beau-
tiful Eriophora, Pinguicula vulgaris, Anagallis tenella, the fly-ensnaring
sundew, and a plentiful supply of Carices.

“The natural crest of the Ridgeway in Eastnor Park, splendidly
wooded as it is on either side, with the grand Camp Hill towering
above, is invested with interest to both geologist and botanist.
Gloomy yews, of indigenous growth, in some places shadow the road;
in others, the glaucous-green juniper adorns the scene ; the Polygala
shows its varying flowers of blue, pink, or white; and Chlora perfo-
liata, Habenaria chlorantha, Bromus erectus, and Avena pubescens,
flourish on the rocky soil most luxuriantly.

“ Many delightful rambles may be made in the woods on the west
ern side of the hills, or about the limestone quarries ; the ‘ Croft,’ in
particular, towards Mathon, is a good locality. Most of the pincpet
plants may be gathered in this vicinity, being confined to the calca-
reous strata. Viola hirta, Gentiana Amarella, Pimpinella magna
(Cradley and Suckley), Chlora perfoliata, Chrysosplenium alternifo-
lium, Aquilegia vulgaris, Linaria minor, Anthyllis Vulneraria, Vicia
sylvatica, Cnicus eriophorus, Orchis pyramidalis, Habenaria chloran-

801

tha, Ophrys apifera, Listera Nidus-avis, and Epipactis latifolia. Wood
lyme grass (Elymus Europeus) is also peculiar to the western woods.

“Purlieu Lane, and some other hollow ways about Mathon and
Cradley, still exhibit the old country characteristic of the roadway and
the water-course existing in conjunction ; and in such deep recesses
Lathrza squamaria and other shy plants delight to hide from the
glare of daylight. Here the wanderer finds himself deep in the soil,
and almost floating with the stream, while thick masses of verdure,
from pollard oaks and battered hollies, overspread the twilight scene;
and old boles and mossy roots are covered with the untouched hoary
mould of centuries, or inscribed with the curious characters the lirella
of Opegrapha lyncea or Graphis scripta form in such places.

“It has been remarked that more plants occur here varying with
white flowers than is usual in other places; and I have observed the
following plants thus sportively circumstanced: Veronica officinalis,
Scabiosa succisa, Erythrea Centaureum, Campanula Trachelium,
Anagallis tenella, Agraphis nutans, Calluna vulgaris, Aquilegia vul-
garis, Ajuga reptans, Betonica officinalis, Prunella vulgaris, Pedicu-
laris sylvatica, Digitalis purpurea, Vicia sepium, Ballota foetida, Bart-
sia Odontites, Antirrhinum majus, Polygala vulgaris, Ononis arvensis, ©
Carduus nutans, C. palustris, Orchis pyramidalis, and O. mascula.

“The following plants have either become very recently denizens
of the Malvern district, or have been previously unrecorded in the
localities where they now appear: Veronica Buxbaumii, Echium vul-
gare, Erythrea pulchella, Ginanthe Lachenalii, Sium angustifolium,
Bupleurum rotundifolium, Rumex pulcher, Epilobium virgatum, Po-
lygonum mite, Geum intermedium, Scrophularia Ehrharti, Orobanche
minor, Limosella aquatica, Lepidium Draba, Barbarea precox, Gera-
nium striatum, Orobus tenuifolius, Lathyrus Aphaca, Lactuca Sca-
riola, Hieracium umbellatum, Callitriche pedunculata, Myriophyllum
alterniflorum, Salix acuminata, Juncus obtusiflorus, Alopecurus ful-
vus, Avena pubescens, Lolium multiflorum, and Potamogeton pre-
longus.

“ More than half the plants occupying the Malvern Hills are Cryp-
togamic, as will be seen by the following enumeration, which includes
the productions not only of the syenitic ridges themselves, but of the
country eastward to the Severn, northward to the Teme, southward to
Redmarley on the Ledden, and westward to the Silurian heights pa-
rallel with Ledbury, Undoubtedly considerable additions may yet
be made to the Alge and Fungi; for I have not been able to give
much attention to the Algze Confervoidezx, nor have I taken but very
VOL Iv. 5 K

802

little note of the minuter species of Spheria, &c. among the Fungi;
but I have recorded nevertheless all the really tangible and decided
forms that have fallen under my observation (independent of minute
microscopical examination) during a period of twenty years.

ENUMERATION.
PuHaneErocamic {Dicotyledonous plants . . . . .. . . «. 625
VEGETATION. |Monocotyledonous plants ...... =. . 177
Total Phanerogamic ... . . . ——— 802
Ferns and Equisetacer ‘. : . . . “s | 0) =0amee
Mosses «7.06 2 fst: tee! a. eset ih? oy Sas
Cryprocamic Jj Jungermannie . . Serer 5s
VeceEtation. | Other eRe Characen, ke). 2
Lichens . . : Cees ee gee
Fungi. . «i, RS 8 ee ea
Total Cryptogamic ony es oh ag ered
Entire number of Malvern plants. . . . . . 1679

“Thus ina small tract of country, sixteen miles in length and
about eight or ten in breadth, nearly seventeen hundred species of
plants are found, without including minor mycological productions.”

Proceepines or SocietTiz£s, §c.

BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

Monday, November 29, 1852. (Sixteenth Anniversary Meeting).
—Dr. John Edward Gray, F.R.S., President, in the chair.

Mr. G. E. Dennes, the Secretary, read the Report of the Council ;
from which it appeared that 14 new members had been elected since
the last Anniversary Meeting, and that the Society now consisted of
302 members. Many thousands of specimens of British and foreign
plants had been distributed to members, and numerous continental
botanists ; and increased exertions had been made, this year, to ren-
der this important department of the Society’s operations more effici-
ent; and, already, numerous valuable specimens had been received for
distribution to the members early in the ensuing year. The Report
was unanimously adopted. A ballot then took place for the President
and Council for the ensuing year, when the President was re-elected ;
and he nominated John Miers, Esq., F.R.S., and Arthur Henfrey,
Ksq., F.R.S., Vice-Presidents.

803

John Ball, Esq., M.P., F. P. Pascoe, Esq., F.L.S , and J. T. Syme,
Esq., were elected new members of the Council, in the room of Dr.
Palmer, J. Coppin, Esq., M.A., and J. Woollett, Esq. The Treasurer,
Secretary, and Librarian were re-elected.

BoTANICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH.

Thursday, December 9, 1852.—Professor Balfour, V.P., in the
chair.

The following gentlemen were elected office-bearers for the ensuing
year: — President: Professor Balfour. Vice-Presidents: Professor
Christison, Professor Fleming, Major Madden, and Dr. Seller. Coun-
cil: Mr. James Cunningham, W.S., Mr. Charles Jenner, Mr. Henry
Paul, Mr. John M‘Laren, Mr. James M‘Nab, Dr. Parnell, Dr. Lauder
Lindsay, Dr. Dobie, Mr. John Matthews, and Mr. George S. Blackie.
Honorary Secretary: Dr. Greville. Foreign Secretary: Dr. Douglas
Maclagan. Auditor: Mr. Brand. Treasurer: Mr. Evans. Curator
of Museum: Mr. Thomas Anderson. Assistant Secretary and Cura-
tor: Mr. G. Lawson.

The following donations were announced to the Society’s library
and herbarium :—From Mr. Henfrey,—his paper on the Structure of
the Stem of the Victoria regia; from Mr. Paul,—Exchange Lists of
the Christiania Botanic Garden, and a packet of Norwegian Plants ;
from Mr. T. Moore, Chelsea Botanic Garden,—his List of British
Ferns, adapted as Labels for the Herbarium; and from the Smithso-
nian Institution, Washington, U.S.,—the following publications :—
‘Fourth and Fifth Annual Reports of the Board of Regents of the
Smithsonian Institution, ‘ Programme of Organization of the same,’
‘Registry of Periodical Phenomena,’ ‘ List of Works published by the
Smithsonian Institution,’ ‘ List of Foreign Institutions with which the
Smithsonian Institution is in Correspondence, ‘ Abstract of the Cen-
sus of the United States,’ ‘ Directions for Collecting Specimens of Na-
tural History,’ ‘ Notice of the Origin, Progress, and Present Condition
of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,’ by J. W. Rusch-
enberger, M.D., Surgeon U.S. Navy, ‘ Reports from the Commission
of Scientific Inventions, in relation to Sugar and Hydrometers, made
under the superintendence of Professor A. D. Bachey, by Professor
R.S. M‘Culloch, ‘ Report of the Commissioners for Patents, for the
year 1852,’ Part IL., Agriculture.

804

Professor Balfour exhibited the following donations, made to the
Museum of Economic Botany at the Royal Botanic Garden, since the
last meeting of the Botanical Society, viz.:—From Professor Simp-
son: Three specimens of the fruit of a species of sago palm (Sagus),
from Calabar. From Professor Christison: Specimens of poison-nuts,
from Calabar, apparently the seeds of a Leguminous plant. In exhi-
biting these to the meeting, Dr. Balfour took occasion to mention that
the seeds produce effects similar in many respects to poisoning with
aconite. He stated that Dr. Christison had swallowed about a quar-
ter of a seed; and it had produced alarming symptoms, such as de-
pression of the heart’s action, and intermission of the pulse, requiring
the use of ammoniacal stimulants. From Sir Walter C. Trevelyan,
Bart.: A collection of fruits and seeds, consisting of 2973 species and
varieties. From Henry Paul, Esq.: A bowl, with chain and ladle,
from Christiania, all connected together, and cut from one piece of
wood, without joining. From Dr. Greville: A specimen of Trente-
pohlia pulchella, from Craven, Yorkshire, spreading over a stone be-
tween three and four inches in diameter, and giving to it a fine purple
covering on one side. j

‘Dr. Balfour laid on the table two numbers of a new German perio-
dical, entitled ‘ Bonplandia,’ to be published twice a month, under the
editorship of Messrs. Seemann and Rumpler.

Mr. A. Bryson exhibited a beautiful polished pedestal, having the
appearance of a solid block of black marble, made from the stem of
the gru-gru palm (Acrocomia sclerocarpa) ; also a circular ottoman,
made from the stem of the mountain cabbage palm (Euterpe montana).

Alpine British Plants, particularly Hieracia.

Dr. Balfour exhibited a series of alpine specimens, transmitted by.
Mr. Backhouse, including three species of Polygala, Myosotis suaveo-
lens (from Yorkshire), Polypodium alpestre (from several localities),
and aseries of Clova and Braemar Hieracia. The latter included
nearly every alpine form found among the mountains of that district.
Mr. Backhouse states that in adopting five or six new names for those
of the H. alpinum group, &c., it is not with a strong belief that all
these are distinct species, but because for the present they give dis-
tinction to the distinct forms occurring among the mountains. Mr,
Backhouse hopes ere long to be able to write a paper minutely de-
scribing these, and in such a manner as to enable persons to identify
each form, or species, in that district at least. In mentioning forms,
he alludes, of course, to the apparently permanent forms which may

805

prove true species. Mr. Backhouse thinks that H. chrysanthum,
H. globosum, H. alpestre, and H. argenteum will prove to be good
species, but that there is some doubt regarding H. affine, H. gracilen-
tum, and H. insigne. Some of those near H. alpinum look more dis-
tinct when growing than when pressed; and the cultivated examples
of H. alpinum and H. melanocephalum go far to confirm the view
that they are distinct species. Considerable importance, he thinks,
may be attached to the colour of the style. Of the whole Hieracia
(fifty or sixty) Mr. Backhouse has growing specimens, carefully named
and numbered; and he means to record the results of cultivation.
The following is a list of the specimens shown :—

Hieracium tridentatum. One mile below Clova, Forfarshire ;
July, 1852. Styles yellow; ligules glabrous.

H, Lawsoni. Winch Bridge, Teesdale ; June, 1852.

H. pallescens (H. scapigerum, Fries). Falcon Clints, Teesdale ;
June. Styles yellow; ligules glabrous.

H. alpinum. Stem never branching; cultivated several years.
Styles always pure yellow. Does not flower twice a year.

H. alpinum. Lochnagar, Aberdeenshire ; July. Granite. Styles
yellow; ligules strongly ciliated ; outer scales blunt and subfoliaceous,
inner linear, attenuate.

H. alpinum. Canlochon Glen, Forfarshire; July. Styles yellow;
ligules strongly ciliated ; outer scales blunt.

Hi. chrysanthum, Backhouse. Cultivated two years. Roots from
Scotland. Styles and florets golden yellow, very handsome.

H. chrysanthum, Backhouse, var. H. rupestre, Bab. Man. Cairn-
toul, Aberdeenshire; August. Styles and florets golden yellow;
ligules slightly ciliated.

H. chrysanthum, Backhouse Falls of the Feula, Glen Dole, Clova
mountains, Forfarshire; July. Mica. Styles and florets deep golden
yellow ; ligules slightly ciliated.

H. rupestre, Bab., seems to be a pale, luxuriant variety of this
plant. The above is branched when strong.

H. cesium, Fries. Craig Wharral, Clova mountains, Forfarshire.
Mica. Styles livid; ligules glabrous. July, 1852.

H. nigrescens, Fries. Cairntoul, Aberdeenshire; July. Granite.
Styles fulginose ; ligules ciliated.

H. nigrescens, Fries. Corrie of Clova, Forfarshire ; July. Mica.
Typical form. Styles fulginose, &c.

H. nigrescens, Fries. Ravine-of the White Water, Clova moun-
tains, Forfarshire; July. Mica. Heads typical; styles fulginose ;

806

ligules ciliated; inner involucral scales bluntish, and tipped with white
pubescence.

H1. nigrescens, var. Ravine of the White Water, Clova mountains,
Forfarshire ; July. Styles livid; ligules ciliated.

HI. nigrescens, Fries. Craig Wharral, Clova mountains; July.
Mica. Styles darkly fulginose; ligules ciliated.

H. gracilentum, Backhouse, Alpine var. H. melanocephalum and
FH. gracilentum, Fries. Canlochen Glen, Forfarshire; July, 1852.
Porphyry.

H. insigne, Backhouse. Loch Ceanndin, Aberdeenshire ; August,
1852. Styles yellow; ligules ciliated; flower usually very large.

HI. affine, Backhouse. Near Loch Aan, Cairngorum mountains,
Aberdeenshire ; July, 1852. Granite. Styles yellow; ligules cili-
ated; involucral scales all linear, attenuate, acute.

HI. alpestre, Backhouse. Ben-na-Bourd, Aberdeenshire ; August.
Granite (8000 to 3500 feet). Styles yellow; ligules coarsely but not
densely ciliated ; inner scales acuminate, involucres broad-based.

H. melanocephalum, var. H. latifolium, Backhouse. Corrie of
Clova, Forfarshire; September, 1852. Mica (2500 feet). Styles
livid ; ligules strongly ciliated.

H. melanocephalum, var. H. latifolium, Backhouse. Lochnagar,
Aberdeenshire ; August. Granite (3000 to 3500 feet). Styles livid ;
ligules strongly ciliated.

H. melanocephalum, Backhouse. Second flowering in 1852. Cul-
tivated two years. Roots from Scotland. Styles livid.

H. melanocephalum, Backhouse. Cultivated two years. First
flowering in 1845. Root from Scotland. Styles livid.

H. melanocephalum. Craig Maid, Clova mountains, Forfarshire :
July, 1852. Styles livid, more toothed in leaves when on harder rock
or mica.

H. melanocephalum. Entire-leaved form. Craig Wharral, Clova
mountains, Forfarshire ; July, 1852. Mica. Styles livid.

H. corymbosum, Fries. Clova, Forfarshire; July, 1852. On
heathy hillocks.

H. Norvegicum, Fries. Clova, Forfarshire; July, 1852. On
heathy hillocks. Styles yellow.

H. argenteum, ‘Fries. “Crag Chuloch,” Aberdeenshire; August.
Granite. Styles yellow.

H. argenteum, Fries. Kilbo Corrie, Clova mountains ; July, 1852.
Mica (2000 to 2500 feet). Styles yellow; ligules ciliated.

H. argenteum, Fries. Clova, Forfarshire; July. On nea

807

hillocks. Involucral scales narrower than in my specimens from the
south of Norway, and from Braemar, exactly resembling others from
Nordland. Styles yellow.

Hieracium, sp.? Cairntoul, Aberdeenshire; July. Granite.
Whole plant intensely glabrous, when fresh.

H. Anglicum, Fries. Canlochen Glen, Forfarshire; July. Styles
livid; ligules ciliated.

H. Anglicum, Fries. Ravine of the White Water, Clova moun-
tains, Forfarshire; July. Styles livid; ligules ciliated.

H. globosum, Backhouse. Cairntoul; July, 1852. Granite. Styles
yellow ; ligules ciliated, sometimes nearly glabrous, inner scales ap-
appressed, whole plant czsious.

AA, Saxifragum, var. H. vimineum, Fetes: Ravine of the White
Water, Clova mountains; July. Styles livid.

H. Saxifragum, var. H. vimineum, Fries. Craig Wharral, Clova
mountains; July. Mica. Styles livid; ligules slightly ciliated.

H. Saxifragum, var. H. vimineum, Fries. Cairntoul, Aberdeen-
shire; July, 1852. Granite. Styles livid; ligules slightly ciliated.
Unusually large for Scotland, but more real

H. cerinthoides, Bab. and Don. Kilbo Corrie, Clova mountains,
Forfarshire ; July, 1852. Mica. Styles livid; ligules shortly ciliated.

HI. cerinthoides, Bab. Cultivated two years. Root from Scotland.

H. Iricum. Castletown of Braemar, Aberdeenshire; July. Styles
livid ; ligules glabrous.

H. Iricum. Cultivated root from Teesdale.

Gnaphalium Norvegicum. Lochnagar, Aberdeenshire.

Polygala uliginosa, Reich. High moors of Teesdale, rare; July,
1852. Discovered in spring, 1852. Root-leaves large, fleshy, bluntly
ovate, with diverging veins ; flowers small. The veins or nerves of
the ale never anastomose.

Polygala vulgaris. Teesdale; July, 1852. Plant insipid, erect,
or ascending from a central tuft, rarely branching when compared
with depressa ; ale elliptical, pointing forward, nerves slightly anas-
tomosing ; flowers numerous.

Polygala vulgaris. Heslington Fields, near York ; July.

Myosotis suaveolens. High limestone ridges of Micklefell and
Littlefell, Yorkshire ; July, 1852. First found on Micklefell, in the
spring of 1852.

Polypodium alpestre, Koch. Glen Fiadh, Clova mountains, For-
farshire ; July, 1852.

808

Polypodium alpestre, var. Glen Isla; July, 1852.
_ Polypodium alpestre. Cairntoul, Aberdeenshire ; July, 1852.

Pseudathyrium alpestre.

Dr. Balfour made some observations on the Polypodium rheticum,
Vill. (Voyage Botan. p. 12), Polypodium alpestre, Hoppe, Pseudathy-
rium alpestre, Newm. He stated that a good specimen of the plant
is found in Mougeot and Nestler’s ‘ Stirpes Cryptogamiz Vogeso-Rhe-
nane, No. 602. The plant is said to grow in “ Summis Vogesorum
preruptis herbidis.” It is stated by Mr. H. C. Watson to have been
gathered by him in the great corrie of Ben Aulder, on the west side
of Loch Ericht, Inverness-shire ; also, in 1844, in Canlochen Glen.
The plant resembles Athyrium Filix-foemina so much as to have been
passed over by many botanists; and it had been put by Mr. Watson
among his specimens of that species. Jt has been found of late, by
several botanists, in the Highlands of Scotland, especially in the
Clova and Braemar district. On looking over the plants in his her-
barium, Dr. Balfour found that it had been gathered on several occa-
sions by himself and others, and put along with specimens of Athy-
rium Filix-foemina, as a variety of that species. Dr. Balfour exhibited,
from his herbarium, the following specimens of the plant, which had
also been carefully examined by Dr. Greville :—

1. From Ben Hope, Sutherlandshire ; August, 1827. Dr. Balfour.

2. Same station; August, 1833. Dr. Graham.

3. Glen Callater; August, 1836. Dr. Gilbert M‘Nab.

4. Caenlochen, Glen Isla; August 6, 1840. Dr. Balfour.

Distribution of Plants in Madeira.

‘Remarks on the Distribution of Plants in Madeira;’ by John
M‘Laren, Esq.

Mr. M‘Laren made some observations on the distribution of plants
in Madeira, as compared with the Flora of neighbouring countries.
He remarked that the vegetation of Madeira might be said to consist
of two distinct Floras. One of these had a great analogy to the Flora
of Algiers and the South of Spain, and contained many species com-
mon to these countries, and to the shores of the Canaries and West-
ern Isles. This might be described as the Flora of the cultivated
region. It included the naturalized trees and shrubs of the south of
Europe, and most of the agricultural and littoral weeds which, from
their identity with European and North-African species, were supposed
to have been introduced by the agency of man, or by other natural

809

means. A few lowland species, not yet known as inhabitants of the
Mediterranean shores, but which belong to Mediterranean genera,
and do not claim affinity with the native Flora of the Atlantic Islands,
he also includes in the Flora of the cultivated region. He next ad-
verted to the native Flora of the island, which, he said, was identical
in character with that of the interior of the Canary Islands and the
Azores. It was well marked by the predominance of ferns, both in
respect of the number of species and the fertility of individual life.
Laurels and evergreen trees, with the arborescent heath, characterize
the mountain scenery, and give their name to the island, Madeira sig-
nifying the land of woods. Composite, Ericacez, Labiate, and Cru-
ciferee are represented by more than the usual proportion of species ;
Graminez and Leguminose hold an average place; and there is a
remarkable deficiency in species of Rosacez aud Cyperacez.

Mr. M‘Laren gave a table showing the proportion of species in the
different natural orders, for the two phyto-geographic regions here
indicated, and entered into some details, to show the relations of these
regions to the Flora of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic Islands
respectively. The paper was illustrated by specimens collected last
winter, during his residence in Madeira and Teneriffe.

Structure of Pentas carnea.

The President communicated a paper from Mr. Oliver, of New-
‘castle, intituled ‘On certain Structures observed in Pentas carnea,
Benth.

This plant furnishes an instance of an interesting form of cellular
tissue ; it also presents singular interpetiolary processes, which seem
to be of a glandular nature.

Mr. Oliver remarks :— “1 have lately been engaged in a rather
cursory microscopic examination of these objects, and believe that a
brief notice of them may be interesting. Those interested in cell-
multiplication, the relation of the primordial utricle to the secondary
deposits of the outer cell-membrane, and the nature of such deposits,
will find this plant, if I am not much mistaken, a useful addition to
their means of prosecuting such inquiries.

“The regular, gamopetalous, tubular corolla of Pentas carnea is
about one inch in length at the time of flowering.

“ Surrounding the throat of the tube, and to about one-fourth the
distance down it, to the base of the attachment of the short, free fila-
ments with the tissue of the corolla, is a dense collection of unicellu-
lar hairs directed upwards. These hairs are slightly broader about

VOL, Iv. o L

810

the middle of their length, tapering, with, sometimes, a rather undu-
lating outline, to the distal extremity, and a little narrowed towards
the base.

*‘ Scattered in the lower portion of the corolline tube, are hairs of a
different structure, consisting of a single series of several cells. ‘These
narrow from the base to the apex, and are similar in form and struc-
ture to the hairs of the petioles of the leaves, and interpetiolary pro-
cesses, which [ shall shortly notice.

“The corolline hairs are remarkable, from their fibro-cellular cha-
racter. The nature of the spiral fibrous deposit is, however, difficult
to determine. A first glance, with a magnifying power of perhaps
200 or 300 diameters, discovers the appearance of a narrow fibre,
winding, in a spiral direction, up the inner wall of the cell, ascending
to the right (as seen from its axis), and closely applied to the appa-
rent outer cell-membrane, which has become in part absorbed.
Numerous elongated and narrow slits, or line-like markings, occur
throughout the spiral; but whether they are openings between the
edges of an individual thread, or series of fibres, or analogous to the
dots and slits of broken vascular tissue, it is not very easy to pro-
nounce.

“ When examined in fluid, this fibrous deposit has the appearance
either of a coil of irregular breadth, or of a plexus or branching
arrangement of fibre; between the threads of which, a line of division
is perceptible. If a dried hair be placed under the microscope, we
see but slits, narrow and rounded at the extremities, in the direction
of the spiral ascent. These are probably an altered condition of the
exceedingly fine separating lines which we discover in the fresh state.
The portions of fibrous matter intervening between these openings is
of very irregular breadth. The threads of the fibre vary, from the
1-6000th to 1-9000th of an inch, in breadth. After observation with
my highest magnifying power, one of Powell & Lealand’s excellent
quarter-inch objectives, I am not prepared certainly to describe the
true condition and arrangement of this secondary spiral deposit.

“Tn a hair of the young corolla (the latter about the 1-6th of an
inch in length), I observed the spiral arrangement pretty distinctly,
In the younger stages, the cuticle does not appear to have become
absorbed to such an extent as in the matured cell, a double wall being
perceptible towards the extremity of the hair.

“The primordial utricle is readily separated from the cell-wall by
the application of reagents. A solution of chloride of calcium, a fluid
frequently useful in mounting vegetable dissections, produces this effect

811

after a brief interval, the utricle becoming either almost destroyed or
a mere thread lying in the cells.

“T have thought that I may have observed an alteration in the
fibrous deposit connected with the irregularly-distributed covexities
of the cell-wall, and which gives rise to the frequently somewhat sinu-
ous outline of the hair; but I cannot certainly mention an instance.
The spiral fibre, if such it be, is quite incapable of unrolling, at least
in the cases which I have examined ; and the wall of the hair tears
in a manner almost totally irrespective of its direction.

** Series of spiral vessels, sometimes branching, are met with in the
corolla; but I do not discover any direct communication between
these vessels and the spiral cells.

“T have not detected any movement of the cell-sap in this tissue ;
merely, at times, a slight molecular motion.

* With regard to the multicellular hairs, these are readily obtained
from any portion of the young exposed plant; but the curious filiform
processes from the petiolary sheath, furnish them, without trouble, in
a condition easily prepared for examination.

“The hairs consist of a variable number of cells, sometimes as
many as nineteen, applied by their extremities. They almost inva-
riably present more or less the appearance of dots, or rather slits,
generally in a direction somewhat parallel with the axis of the hair,
but sometimes also slightly inclined in a spiral (as in the unicellular
hairs of the corolla), ascending to the right, as viewed from the cen-
tre. The edge of the lower portion of these hairs sometimes presents
an almost even outline; but frequently (and perhaps nearly always
toward the extremity of the hair) a slight, irregular beading occurs,
exactly as we might expect were the dots or markings occasioned
by external matter; but I am not sure that this appearance is in-
compatible with the idea that they may be openings, or slits, in a
secondary deposit on the common wall of the hair, which, from an
examination solely of the markings in the central portions, we might
conclude they were. I have not detected, in these hairs, actual mo-
tion of the cell-sap; but mucilaginous threads may be easily seen,
radiating irregularly from the nuclear vesicle, indicating such a circu-
lation. With regard to the contents of the nucleus, I cannot certainly
speak. Sulphuric acid, diluted, causes the primordial utricle to con-
tract, and lie in the interior, as a loose sac. In some small cells, the
separation is not apparent after twenty-four hour’s action.

“ A solution of chloride of calcium causes a partial dissolution of
the primordial utricle, certain bodies, perhaps including the true
nucleus, remaining visible.

eer”

812

“ The epidermis of the interveinal spaces of the under side of the
leaf, consists of cells with a sinuous boundary, numerous stomata,
formed by two crescentic cells, applied by their extremities, being
scattered about.

“ Acicular raphides are of frequent occurrence ; they abound also
in the glandular stipules found between the petioles of the opposite
leaves.

“The application of pressure causes the escape of very numerous
raphides, together with a peculiar, thick fluid. In some instances
this substance has a vermiform appearance, when forced out of the
enclosing sac, owing to its having been exuded, I suppose, through a
small orifice.”

Mr. Oliver then gave a description of the stipulary glands, similar
to what has already been given by Weddell and others, in the case
of the Cichonacee.

Drawings, and specimens under the microscope, were shown, in
illustration of Mr. Oliver’s remarks.

The following gentlemen were elected Fellows of the Society,
viz.:—John Stuart Blackie, Esq., Professor of Greek in the Univer-
sity of Edinburgh ; Alexander Cowan, jun., Esq., 30, Royal Terrace ;
and William John Menzies, Esq., Murrayfield House.

The Society then adjourned till the second Thursday of January.

MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

June 23, 1852.—Geo. Jackson, Esq., in the chair.

A paper by Professor Williamson, entitled, ‘ Further Contributions
to the Structure of Volvox globator, was read.

The author’s views with respect to the cellular nature of certain
appearances in Volvox globator, as detailed by him in the ‘ Transac-
tions of the Philosophical Society of Manchester, having been con-
troverted by Mr. Busk, in a paper lately read to this Society, and as
subsequent researches have, in Mr. Williamson’s opinion, confirmed
his former statements as to the cellular structure of that organism, he
considered it necessary to lay before the Society the. present paper,
containing some account of the observations by which he considers
he has established the correctness of his former assertions. The
object of the paper was therefore to adduce proofs, not of the vege-
table nature of Volvox globator, for on that point both of these

i i

813

gentlemen agree, but of the cellular nature of certain appearances in
that body. The author described the hexagonal cells which form a
peripheral stratum in the Volvox as being exceedingly difficult to
detect in the living organism, and gave an account of their various
appearances under different circumstances, stating, also, that diffe-
rence of locality alone is sufficient to produce very varied appearances,
as well as difference in the time of the year. The radiating threads
which connect the cells were described at great length, and minutely
detailed; and the conclusion arrived at was, that these threads
consist partly of the ductile mucilaginous membrane of the pro-
toplasm, and partly of its contents, the latter being present in
various proportions. He also instituted a comparison between the
cells in certain ulvaceous plants and those of Volvox, and stated
that he considered the vesicles of the latter to be of precisely the
same character as those of the former, and consequently that they
are, in every sense of the word, real cells. The author next investi-
gated the origin of the superficial pellicle of Volvox, which he con-
siders as formed by the consolidation of the cell-walls, and then
proceeded to endeavour to determine the relative periods at which
the cells, the superficial pellicle, and the cilia are developed, and
expressed his opinion that the cilia are the first to make their appear-
ance, the cells and outer pellicle being subsequent growths. The
nature of the fluid within the Volvox formed the next subject for dis-
cussion. This he considers not to be water, but, apparently, muci-
lage. The author then pointed out the close analogy that exists in
the development of Volvox globator and that exhibited by many of
the lower Algz and Confervz, and concluded by expressing his opi-
nion that every fact brought to light by this inquiry tended to confirm
his ‘previous conclusions, v2z., that the affinities of the Volvox are
with the vegetable rather than with the animal kingdom.

THe PuHytToLocist CLus.

One Hundred and Fortieth Sitting—Monday, December 27, 1852.
—Mr. Newman, President, in the chair.

Suminski’s Theory of the Reproduction of Ferns.

The President made the following observations on this subject :—
“Mr. Henry Deane, of Clapham Common, so well known for the
extent and accuracy of his microscopical observations, has been

814

engaged in examining the so-called reproductive organs of ferns, with a
view to confirm or disprove the remarkable statements of Suminski,
first made known to the botanical public through the pages of the

_* Phytologist.’ The result will be published when the observations

shall be completed. In the mean time, it seems desirable to state, as
a negative result of great importance, that Suminski is certainly in
error in supposing that the first gyrate frond is necessarily dependent
on the impregnation of an ovule contained in the archegonium.
Whether such impregnation ever takes place, or whether it takes
place in Pteris serrulata, the species on which the experiments of
Suminski were made, remains yet to be proved; but, if it can be
shown that such impregnation is not essential to the production of
the gyrate frond, it follows that it is no law of Nature. Itis quite
evident that the gyrate frond occasionally originates in the disk of the
proembryo, as asserted by Suminski to be the case in Pteris serrulata ;
but even in such instances the origin of the gyrate frond and the
impregnation of the supposed ovule are not necessarily connected.
In Adiantum Capillus-Veneris a totally different phenomenon is ob-
servable: in this species a portion of the margin of the proembryo—
generally the portion most distant from its point of attachment to the
soil—protrudes itself, and elongates into a lobe, the mesial line of
which becomes gradually more thickened, and more opaque; and
this thickened and opaque line eventually proves to be the inci-
pient state of the stipes, or mesial rachis, of the future gyrate
frond, which is thus evidently a prolongation of the proembryo
itself. Gradually, but very perceptibly, the elongation of the lobe
continues, until it becomes almost entirely absorbed into the mesial
opaque line, and until its extremity curls over, and assumes a dis-
tinctly circinate character. These facts may be confirmed by every
microscopist ; and their tendency to overthrow Suminski’s hypothesis
will be admitted by all.” .

Asplenium fontanum in Hampshire.

The President read the following note, from Mr. W. H. Hawker,
dated Ashfield Lodge, Petersfield, Hants, December 23, 1852 :—

“T have been so fortunate as to discover the above fern, whose
claims to be a true native have been lately so much questioned. I
trust that the circumstances under which I have found it existing,
may tend to restore it to its forfeited place in the British Flora.
It is growing abundantly and luxuriantly, for I counted twelve tufts
of it the last time I went to look at it; and I think the largest of these

815

tufts must be full two feet in circumference. Its situation is on the
north side of an old wall, about five feet high; but it is sheltered
from the north and north-east wind. It is growing in company with
a good deal of Polypodium vulgare, and a little of Scolopendrium
vulgare. Considering it important, if possible, to discover the history
of this little old wall, I have, according to custom, consulted the
‘oldest inhabitant,’ who, on being taken to the spot, and questioned
as to its archeology, informed me that, when he was young, there
stood a large old barn there, but that it was pulled down ‘ better nor
thirty years ago.’ This wall is evidently part of the old barn. The
luxuriance with which the Asplenium fontanum is growing, and the
apparently great age of some of the plants (as shown by their size),
lead me strongly to believe that it is as truly a native of the locality
in which I have found it as the other ferns growing with it. I have
measured some of the fronds which I have by me, and find the largest
to be close upon six inches long. I have not yet worked the neigh-
bourhood closely for ferns, but have observed Ceterach officinarum,
Asplenium Trichomanes, A. Ruta-muraria, and other wall-loving spe-
cies, whose presence shows that the locality is not adverse to the
existence of A. fontanum. I have great hopes that, on working the
neighbourhood closer, I may find it in other situations near. I have
myself known of its existence in the above situation for several years,
and have often gone to look at it, and admired its beautiful tufts ; but
I only began collecting the ferns this year, and then, for the first
time, thought of examining closely my old friend, and, with the help
of Moore’s valuable ‘ Hand-Book,’ soon discovered its value. I am
advised, for obvious reasons, not to publish the exact locality, but
will add that it is ‘not a hundred miles’ from the place whence I
date this.”

Veronica spicata, Vicia Bithynica, §c., in North Wales.

The President read the following note, from Mr. T. W. Gissing,
dated Worcester, November 3, 1852 :—

“Observing in the ‘ Phytologist’ for November (Phytol. iv. 734)
that Messrs. Shipley and Reynolds had seen Veronica spicata in
North Wales, I was reminded that I had discovered the same plant
by the Severn, in September, 1851, about four miles from Worcester.
There seems considerable doubt respecting its wildness. Certainly
its habitat was somewhat suspicious, being within a few yards of a
garden ; but all the plants of V. spicata I have observed in gardens
have invariably been hairy, generally very much so; whereas the

816

plants I found were destitute of hairs. 1 went again this year, and
found it in the same place, with a very slight hairiness. Does age or
cultivation render it hairy? It did not flower this year, having been
mown down with the grass amidst which it grew.

“ Whilst wandering, last June, in this neighbourhood, in search of
plants, I found Vicia Bithynica, sparingly scattered over a few yards
of ground, in a thicket at the base of Crookbarrow Hill, at a distance
of about two miles and a half from Worcester. I am induced to
mention this, on account of being informed by botanists, who have
resided here some years, that it has never been found so near this city
before. Mr. Lees, I believe, has found it at Malvern; and another
habitat is given by Dr. Stokes (in Withering), at Clifton-on-Teme.
These are the only two places I have seen given as habitats for V.
Bithynica in this county. In August, while walking with a friend,
by the same thicket, he called my attention to Allium oleraceum,
which was growing in one spot only, three feet in diameter. One side
of Crookbarrow Hill yields Spiranthes autumnalis rather plentifully.”

Lycopodium inundatum on Wimbledon Common.

The President read the following note, from Mr. R. Heward, dated
Kensington, November 4, 1852 :—

“Tn the ‘ Phytologist’ for October (Phytol. iv. 698) I read a remark
relative to the disappearance of Lycopodium inundatum from Wim-
bledon Common, I am not aware whether it exists there at present ;
but 1 collected specimens about twenty years since, in a small ravine
near the windmill, where it was growing in small patches, and only
over a small space of ground.”

Gymnogramma leptophylla in Scotland.

The President read the following note, from Mr. W. Tanner, dated
Bristol, June 11, 1852 :—

“T send the following memorandum, which I made when in Ma-
deira, respecting the habitat of the supposed Gymnogramma lepto-
phylla (but which I had mislaid), thinking it may be of some interest :—
‘On a stone wall in Aberdeenshire, south of Invercauld House,* and
east of Castletown.’ ”

* “JT have it written ‘Invercauld Ho., which, I suppose, must have been intended
for House, but do not know whether there is any such house.”

817

A Descriptive List of the British Rubi.
: By Epwin Less, Esq., F.L.S.*

Rusus. Raspberry and Bramble. This intricate tribe has of
late years received much attention from Mr. Borrer and Dr. Lindley ;
and more recently still Mr. Leighton, Dr. Bell Salter, the Rev. An-
drew Bloxam, and Mr. Babington, have closely investigated the sub-
ject, and all published their ideas in monographs or fasciculi of spe-
cimens, so that the British Rubi are now much better looked after
than formerly, and may be examined with some hope of being under-
stood. As I have myself, to use a simile of Dr. Lindley’s, I hope as
“a fair sportsman,” struck down some game in the same field, I must
use my right to dress up the spoils after my own fashion: but whe-
ther the varied forms of Rubi are studied or not, the experience of all
will probably show Dr. Walcott to be correct when he says—

“In our journey through life, my dear Joan, I suppose,
We shall oft meet a Bramble, and sometimes a Rose.”

A. Fruticose brambles, arched and rooting at the extremity.
Subperennial.

i. Rupr Casizr. Barren stem pruinose, with unequal prickles, ge-
nerally with few setz, prostrate unless supported.

R. cesius, Linn. Stem glaucous, round, prickles slender, leaves
mostly ternate, flexible and naked, panicle simple glandular, fruit
glaucous, with the sepals inflexed. In low shady places.

Numerous varieties occur, more or less stout, according to ex-
posure; one of the most remarkable is my nudatus (Steele’s ‘ Hand-
book’), in which the glands are obliterated. Another, the var.
Pseudo-Ideus of Rub. Germ., has its foliage pinnate like the rasp-
berry, with a stout erect stem. This grows at Rushwick near Wor-
cester.

R. dumelorum, W.and N. Stem angular, setose, prickles nume-
rous, unequal: leaves quinate, coriaceous, downy beneath ; panicle
branched, setose ; calyx involute on the fruit. In hedges.

Many varieties occur, diffieult to discriminate, the only unvarying
characteristic form being the “ ferox” of Rub. Germ., which is very
stout, large, and prickly.

* From ‘The Botany and Geology of Malvern, by Edwin Lees, F.L.S.’

VOL. IV. ; oM

818

R. Wahlbergii, Arrh. Stem angular, excessively armed with
unequal prickles and sete; leaves pedate-quinate, with overlapping
leaflets, hairy on both sides; panicle branched, long, leafy and setose;
sepals patent glandular; “ drupes glaucous with silky hairs.” Banks
of Leigh Brook near Bridges-stone Mill.

R. sublustris. Stem angular, smooth (sete rare), with distant
prickles; leaves quinate, smooth above, green with soft pubescence
beneath, last pair of leaflets sessile, overlapping; panicle corymbose,
downy, leafy below; sepals reflex in fruit. Hedges in the low
country.

This is the “corylifolius” of Smith, confounded by Weihe and
Nees with their dumetorum. The flowers are generally white, ap-
pearing early, but some varieties have them purple; in others the
leaves assume a monstrous aspect, the central leaflet divided. The
most remarkable deviation from the type is my var. ceenosus (Steele’s
‘ Handbook’), in which the stem is hairy, covered with sessile white
glands, and thus often begrimed with dust; the panicle much
branched, with numerous pale glands, and downy corymbose branches.

ii. Rust GLANDULosI, Barren stem arching or procumbent, more
or less covered with aciculi and setz.

R. tenui-armatus, Lees. Stem angular, sparingly setose ; prickles
scattered, slender, very weak, nearly equal ; leaves pedate or quinate,
the lowest pair of leaflets sessile, central one ovate or cordate-ovate,
acuminate, all sharply serrate, downy or glaucous beneath ; panicle
with distant leafy branches, hairy and armed with long descending
weak prickles, many sete, and a few pale aciculi, crowded at the
summit; the sepals tomentose, patent after flowering. In hedges
and thickets about Great Malvern.

This characteristic species has been confounded with the dubious
Schleicheri of Rub. Germ., but is certainly not the Schleicheri of
Leighton’s Fascic., neither, | think, of W. and N. It approaches
some varieties of dumetorum, but may always be distinguished by its
weak prickles, that are broken at the slightest touch, its involute
sepals, and scattered leafy panicle.

R. Guntheri, W. and N. Stem prostrate, angular, clothed with
long hairs and numerous sete, aciculi, and slender prickles ; leaves
ternate, quaternate, and quinate, smooth above, pilose beneath, the
central leaflet obovate acuminate ; panicle narrow, flexuous, subra-
cemose, hairy and glandular, with a few weak prickles ; petals nar-
row ; sepals elongated, closely reflex in fruit. Crow’s-nest Wood in
profusion, but a local species.

819

R. Bellardi, W. and N. Stem procumbent, closely hairy and

setose ; prickles small, weak, and numerous; leaves mostly ternate,
with pale, prominent, ciliated ribs beneath; panicle closely hairy,
with short aciculi, longer sete, and weak deflexed prickles ; its lower
branches distant leafy, crowded at the summit; the sepals patent
about the half-ripe fruit. In Rough Hill Wood to the summit. Also
in woods on the Old Storrage, and near Cradley.
- R. Lejeunet, W. and N. Stem angular, armed with unequal
prickles, with few setz, passing into pale, weak aciculi; leaves ter-
nate, quarternate, and quinate, often large ; if ternate, the lateral lobes
large, bulging towards the stem, the central one widely separate,
ovate, and sharply doubly-serrate, all hairy above and downy on the
ribs beneath; panicle with three or four spreading, axillary, leafy,
corymbose branches, and about the same number of upper short ones,
the whole much divaricated and bending when in fruit, covered with
soft hairs, sete, and aciculi, most numerous towards the summit ;
calyces woolly, setose, and prickly ; loosely reflex in fruit. Plentiful
in a dingle at the north side of Rough Hill.

The long lower branches, spreading almost at right angles, and
forming a singularly wide panicle, give this plant a peculiar aspect,
especially when pendent in fruit. It probably osculates with R.
rosaceus.

R. pallidus, W. and N. Stem angular, trailing, armed with distant
prickles, copiously fringed with stellate hairs, sete, and aciculi, form-
ing an hispid fringe surrounding the stem on all sides; leaves ternate
or:quinate, the leaflets elliptical, central one slightly obovate, narrowed
at the base, with a long cusp, all bright green above, pallid beneath ;
panicle broad, hairy, and setose, with long pale prickles, and distant,
corymbose, leafy branches. In Cowleigh Park plentiful.

8. Hystrix. Stem thicker, but otherwise similar; the leaves larger,
all quinate with coarser serratures, pale green, and never canescent ;
rachis more hairy than the barren stem, and fringed with glands and
aciculi; panicle very long, its lower branches very distant, leafy, and
corymbose, gradually shortening and approximating to the summit.
In the same thickets with pallidus.

Pallidus is a most variable plant in woods, often very attenuated
and trailing, but always marked by its elliptical leaflets ; the flowers
frequently a bright mottled red, as are those of hystrix, and it appears
to me that there is little difference between them, or rather a complete
graduation from one to the other. Fruit seldom perfected.

R. fuscus, W. and N. Stem prostrate, succulent, hairy, with few

820

set and weak prickles; leaves large, thick, and coriaceous, coarsely
serrate, green and velvety beneath ; panicle long, straggling, corym-
bose, often leafy to the summit, densely hairy and setose, with slender
prickles interspersed ; sepals hairy and setose, closely investing the
half-ripe fruit. In Cowleigh Park, and forming intricate thickets in
Brockhill Wood, Colwall: green through the winter.

Very fine specimens have elongated, wide-spreading, nutant, and
thyrsiform panicles, after the manner of R. thyrsiflorus, W. and N.:
leaves larger and thicker than in any other British bramble.

R. fusco-ater, W.and N. Stem fringed with hairs, densely clothed
with setze and aciculi, graduating into unequal pale prickles ; leaves
pedate or quinate, the lowest pair on short stalks retrorse, the central
one obovate or cordate-ovate, with unequal teeth, cuspidate, gray,
with abundant hairs beneath ; rachis clothed as the stem, grisly with
hairs ; panicle very hairy and setose, armed with long pale prickles ;
its branches short and leafy below, distant, but crowded at the sum-
mit; sepals silky, with long hairs extending beyond the sete, reflex.
In Cowleigh Park, and other thickety spots.

A variable plant, much confounded in herbaria. I suspect the R.
Schleicheri of W. and N. to be a state of it.

R. Keehleri, W.andN. Stem densely armed with unequal straight
prickles passing into aciculi; leaves quinate, with elliptical sharply
serrate leaflets, closely hairy beneath; panicle long, narrow, very
prickly, and setose. Not uncommon.

In its typical state easily distinguishable ; but if fusco-ater be re-
ferred to it, as is done by Dr. Bell Salter, confusion at once ensues.
I am inclined to refer the echinatus of Lindley here, as a form®with a
wider and more leafy panicle, and, if possible, more setose. This
grows in Cowleigh Park.

Rk. hirtus, W. and N. Stem excessively hairy, the dense hairs
extending beyond the sete; prickles slender, deflexed ; leaves fon
densely hairy and setose petioles, their leaflets sharply cut, and gray
with appressed hairs beneath; rachis densely hairy, setose, and
prickly ; panicle with distant acutely-ascending leafy branches below,
upper ones crowded ; peduncles and calyces shaggy, with long hairs
concealing sete. In thick woods.

8. candicans. 'The petioles, under side of the leaves, rachis, and
panicle canescent, with such thick-set hairs that the sets are com-
pletely buried in them. In the Priory Grove, Little Malvern. This
remarkable form Mr. Babington has referred to R. fusco-ater, but I
think it belongs to hirtus.

821

R. scaber, W. and N. Stem angular, not hairy, but horrent with
faleate or strongly declining prickles, intermixed with innumerable
short sete and aciculi, all having red verrucose bases dispersed on all
sides; leaves ternate or pedate, smooth beneath, leaflets obovate,
crisped and wavy at the margin, deeply cut, their midribs fringed with
small prickles; panicle long, spreading, subracemose ; lower branches
distant, leafy, upper ones closer; peduncles hairy, densely prickly,
and closely setose ; sepals woolly and thorny, loosely reflex in flower
and fruit. Rare. Woods on the Old Storrage. An excessively
prickly form.

RR. rudis, W.and N. Stem dark and sulcate, hispid with short
setz, the prickles extending beyond them; leaves quinate, their late-
ral leaflets elliptical ; central one obovate, lanceolate, sharply incised,
gray with pubescence beneath ; panicle long, hairy, leafy, very setose
and prickly, with short branches crowded at the summits. Common
in woods and thickets.

R. Radula, W. and N. Stem hispid, with numerous nearly equal
sete and few aciculi, above which the prickles stand very distinct and
unconnected ; leaves quinate, their leaflets ovato-elliptical, central one
ovate, grayish beneath, and doubly dentate ; panicle long, hairy, and
setose, armed with long descending prickles ; lower branches distant
and leafy, upper ones closer ; sepals very hairy and setose, elongated
and reflex. Woods and thickets.

A fine straggling thicket bramble, and variable in aspect according
to exposure ; but differing from the general mass of glandulose Rubi
by the fringe of sete and aciculi on its barren stem not graduating
into prickles, and the latter not ranging very close together.

iii. Ruspi Vittosi. Stem angular, arching, more or less hairy, with
occasional setz; rachis very hairy.

R. villicaulis, W. and N. Stem covered with dense white hairs ;
leaves quinate, densely ciliated with stiff hairs beneath ; rachis closely
covered with spreading and decumbent hairs; panicle long, with
alternating ascending short cymose branches, the greater number
naked, and few-flowered towards the summit. Not common. Rough
Hill Dingle, and woods at Alfrick.

' Very characteristic from the white silkiness of the long, mostly nar-
row panicle, and downy floral leaves. One of the most elegant of Bri-
tish brambles, if contemplated just before the expansion of the flowers,

RB. vestitus, W. and N. (R. leucostachys, Sm.) Stem covered with
fascicled unequal hairs (often in maturity denuded) ; prickles pun-

822

gent, hairy; leaves quinate, coriaceous, on hairy and prickly petioles,
and white with dense pubescence beneath, the central leaflet roundish-
cordate, cuspidate; panicle long, very hairy, closely armed in the
central part, but less so above and below; calyx covered with long
hairs, concealing glands; petals downy. Rough Hill Wood, &c.
Rather common.

A well-marked form in its typical state, but very puzzling varieties
with denuded stems often occur.

Rh. incurvatus, Bab. Stem angular, sulcate, slightly clothed with
scattered hairs, and armed with distant declining prickles; leaves
pedate or quinate, central and intermediate leaflets ovate, undulating,
crisped, and serrate-dentate at the edges, gradually acuminate, and
ending in a curved point, the lower pair of leaflets seated on the inter-
mediate, and somewhat overlapped by them; rachis downy ; panicle
long, flexuous, with distant racemous branches, the greater portion
leafy, upper ones short and densely clustered ; peduncles downy and
densely hairy, armed with long pale prickles; calyx closely downy ;
the sepals incurved about the flowers and immature fruit. Rare.
Thickets between Cowleigh and Worcester.

This has a peculiar aspect, with a long narrow panicle, far more
crowded and hairy than that of corylifolius, to which Dr. Bell Salter
has referred it.

fh. pampinosus. Stem angular, polished, with only short incon-
spicuous hairs, armed with many very small declining prickles at the
base, longer higher up the stem; leaves large, thin, and flexible, with.
scattered ciliated hairs on the veins beneath, lower leaflets seated on
the intermediate, central one ovate or cordate-ovate, with coarse ser-
ratures ; rachis with a dense fringe of spreading hairs; panicle very
long, with paniculate lower branches, shortening but spreading out
wider as they ascend in a thyrsiform manner, and with ternate axil-
lary leaves nearly to the summit; sepals densely hairy, with scattered
prickles, loosely reflex in flower and fruit. In dense thickets, Cow-
leigh Park.

A very remarkable bramble, with leaves so large and numerous as
almost to conceal the stem. It is related to my friend Bloxam’s R.
calvatus, but without the savage aspect of that rough bramble ; its
leaves are almost naked, green on both sides, and its enormously
lengthened, wide-spreading panicle, whose upper branches are nutant
in fruit, give it claims to correct discrimination. The stem often
becomes quite denuded, when it might be confounded with R. cordi-
folius.

823

iv. Rosi Pinost. Stem arching, angular, with equal prickles, spar-
ingly clothed with spreading hairs.

R. carpinifolius, W. and N. Stem clothed with scattered hairs,
and armed with yellowish deflexed prickles; leaves quinate, hairy
above, glaucous-green and pubescent beneath, central leaflet obtusely
wedge-shaped, with a long cusp; panicle long, often narrow, white
with hairs concealing glands, close at the summit. Colwall Woods.

fi. amplificatus, Lees. Stem decumbent, very long, with scattered
hairs, and deflexed prickles; leaves quinate, the leaflets elliptical,
central one with a long cusp; panicle long, narrow, hairy, leafy be-
low, the branches short and few-flowered above. In most of the
woods about Malvern and Worcester.

B. Schlechtendalii, W.and N. Stronger and larger, with a wider
developed panicle, and monstrous foliage. A singular bush of this
form grows in Cowleigh Park, where it has existed many years, in the
ravine by a little bridge ; it has enormously developed panicles, with
long paniculate branches. The shrub extends itself proliferously by
annual shoots (not rooting) proceeding from the axils of the leaves.

R. macrophyllus, W. and N. Stem clothed with hairs, prickles
numerous but small; leaves ternate and quinate, smooth above, the
ribs and veins covered with long hairs beneath ; rachis densely clothed
with hairs; panicle long, with numerous spreading branches, leafy
nearly to the summit ; peduncles hairy, often concealing glands; fruit
small. Upper part of Cowleigh Park.

v. Rupr CanpicanTes. Stem sulcate, angular, glaucous, hoary,
with equal prickles.

Ri. discolor, W. and N. Stem glaucous, with minute pubescence ;
prickles falcate, strong, and numerous; leaves quinate, smooth above,
hoary-white beneath, coriaceous; leaflets elliptical or ovate-oblong,
acute, and deeply serrate; panicle long, narrow, compound, hoary,
with patent almost leafless branches. Woods and thickets. Com-
mon.

This is the old “ fruticosus”” of English authors, and although not
so variable as many other brambles, yet in the variety macroacanthus
the stem becomes so silky, and the panicle loosely tomentose, as to
put ona very different aspect to the type. Perhaps the following
should only be considered a variety, but its aspect is very elegant.

R. argenteus, W. and N. Stem downy, or closely tomentose ;
leaves quinate, their leaflets sharply dentate, wish long cusps, smooth
and shining above, silvery, with dense tomentum beneath ; rachis

824

tomentose ; panicle hairy and prickly, the upper branches densely
crowded; peduncles shaggy, closely armed with slender prickles ;
sepals densely tomentose, closely reflex in fruit. . Not common.
Hedges near Cotheridge.

vi. Rupr Nitipi. Stem arched, angular, sulcate, smooth; prickles
nearly equal; sepals reflex in fruit.

R. Lindleianus. Stem hairy at the base, but with only scattered
hairs and polished above; prickles numerous, sharp, declining ;
leaves quinate, their leaflets elliptical, jaggedly serrate, and plicate
at the edges; panicle long, with numerous branches, generally
spreading at right angles to the stem, densely crowded, compound
and thorny, clothed with unequal hairs; floral leaves incised, nar-
rowing upwards to the entangled summit. Hedges and thickets.
Not uncommon.

This bramble I originally received from Mr. Leighton, the author
of the ‘ Shropshire Flora,’ as R. leucostachys of Dr. Lindley ; but it
is not the plant of Smith. Mr. Babington continues the name of
nitidus for it, as given by Dr. Bell Salter ; but not being the plant of
‘ Rubi Germanici,’ it can have no claim to an appellation given in
error. See ‘ Phytologist’ for a full account of this plant.

R. cordifolius, W. and N. Stem quite smooth, with distant
prickles ; leaves quinate, coriaceous, grayish-green beneath ; central
leaflet cordate; panicle downy, lower branches spreading, leafy, upper
ones cymose, crowded. Common in woods.

R. affinis, W.andN. Stem sub-erect, finally arching, smooth and
polished, with declining yellow-pointed prickles; leaves quinate, all
the leaflets stalked and plicate, shining above, pale green with soft
pubescence beneath, irregularly dentate, central one cordate-ovate,
acuminate ; panicle short and broad at the summit, with two or three
distant axillary branches below; peduncles hairy, densely prickly ;
sepals hairy, elongated, reflex after flowering, but again rising to half
invest the deep black cylindrical fruit. Forming thickets among

waste pastures below Malvern Wells, but rare.

This bramble seldom throws out rooting shoots, and never, as far
as I have seen, occurs in hedges. Distinguishable at first sight from
the two preceding, and closely approaching the sub-erect brambles.

B. Fruticose brambles, erect or sub-erect, not rooting. Biennial.

vii. Rupr SuBERECTI. Sub-erect, with quinate or septenate leaves.
R. plicatus, W. and N. Stem sub-erect, angular, smooth, and

825

polished ; prickles strong and sharp ; leaves quinate, the leaflets all
stalked, central one cordate-ovate, dentate apiculate, with wide ser-
ratures, cuspidate, dark green above, pale green and pilose beneath ;
rachis downy ; panicle simple, or long with many axillary branches,
and large floral leaves ; sepals pilose, patent, or very loosely reflex in
fruit. Rare. In moist thickets below Mooral’s Well, Colwall. Bir-
chen Grove, Worcester.

A fine tall shrub, its stem rising high in thick woods in a sub-erect
manner, and often remains without any support the second year, in
this case throwing out short bunches of flowering shoots from the
summit, after the manner of the raspberry; but when the stem de-
clines to the ground the panicle becomes longer, and the lower
branches distant ; the floral leaves are very large, ternate below, cor-
date above, and often rising above the panicle ; fruit large, irregular,
consisting of many drupeole, red for a time, finally deep black ; the
calyx is but loosely reflex, and its pilose sepals often even invest the
ripe fruit.

viii. Rupr Ipz#1. Erect, generally with pinnate leaves.

R. Ideus, Linn. Raspberry. Stem round, pruinose, covered with
minute prickles ; leaves pinnate, white and plaited beneath ; flowers
in axillary corymbs, drooping. Woods of Colwall, Mathen, &c. ;
base of the North Hill, below the Ivyscar Rock.

The rapid Increase of Anacharis Alsinastrum compared with the
Diffusion of other Introduced Species. By the Rev. R. C.
Dovuetas, M.A.

THE extraordinary increase of Anacharis Alsinastrum in the Cam-
bridgeshire fens and elsewhere, naturally suggests inquiry into the
introduction of other foreign species. The number of alien plants in
our Floras is not small; but most of them lead a very precarious life :
many are confined to very small areas; many struggle for existence
about old ruins, or deserted cottages, “ where many a garden plant
grows wild.”

The animal kingdom furnishes us with numerous instances of spe-
cies originally introduced, yet soon spreading over the length and
breadth of their adopted country. The English Fauna gives us three
notable examples from the ranks of the Vertebrata and Invertebrata,
viz., the brown rat (or Norway rat, as it is sometimes called, although

TOL. T¥, oN

ee aaa oe =

826

it is an introduced species in Norway as well as in England), the
cockroach (Blatta orientalis), probably brought over in ships from the
Levant, and the fresh-water mussel (Dretssena polymorpha). These
species are mentioned towards the end of Mr. Marshall’s very inte-
resting letters on Anacharis (Phytol. iv. 714); but the diffusion of
Dreissena polymorpha in our canals (though, from the harmless. and
obscure habits of the animal, it has not attracted general observa-
tion) bears so many points of resemblance to the rapid spread of Ana-
charis, that I may be pardoned for extracting the following passage
from the ‘ British Mollusca’ of Prof. Forbes and Mr. Hanley :—

“These mussels live gregarious, often attached in great numbers to
each other, in fresh and brackish waters. Originally, apparently,
inhabitants of the rivers around the Black Sea, they have gradually
extended their range all over Europe ; capable of enduring salt-water
for a time, they have, probably, been carried across seas on the bot-
toms of ships, and in this manner have reached England and become
so common in our canals, as to be much more abundant than many
of our indigenous mollusks. Its history as a British species, dates
from 1824, when Mr. J. de Carle Sowerby exhibited it to the Lin-
nean Society, stating that it was found ‘in abundance, attached to
shells and timber, in the Commercial Docks, by James Bryant, Esq.,
who used the animal as bait for perch. Mr. Stark found it in the
Union Canal, near Edinburgh, in 1834, and the Rev. M. J. Berkeley
observed it in the Nen, in 1836. In the latter case, the discoverer
believed it had been introduced from Wisbeach, on timber, in 1828.
Thus, it would appear to have found its way into Britain, at several
points, and is now common in the canals of the Midland and North-
ern counties.”— Brit. Moll. ii. 167.

The only striking instance of the rapid and unwelcome spread of
introduced plants which I have been able to find, at all resembling
the case of our Anacharis, occurred to me, unexpectedly, yesterday,
whilst cutting my way (paper-knife in hand) through the pleasant
pages of the recently-published second edition of Schleiden’s ‘ The
Plant. At page 350 of that work we read :-—

“The Pampas of Buenos Ayres have a character similar to that of
the North American prairies, only man by his influence upon Nature
has here and there impressed a peculiar stamp. ‘The thistle and arti-
choke coming with the Europeans have quickly made themselves
masters of the free soil, and with incredible rapidity overspread dis-
tricts of many square miles with their spiny vegetation, which has
deyeloped in a luxuriance unknown in Europe. These thistle-wastes

827

have become a terrible nuisance, themselves robbers, depriving bet-
ter plants of the soil, inaccessible hiding-places for the great thievish
and sanguinary cats, and the still more dangerous human bandits, the
thorny weed of semi-civilization.”

Can any reader of the ‘ Phytologist’ furnish us with a more ex-
tended account of the facts here stated? The subject is one of
importance to all who feel the slightest interest in the geography of

plants.
R. C. Douaetas.
Forebridge, Stafford,
January 10, 1853.

Extracts from the ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean Society.’
(Continued from page 452).

On the Position of the Raphe in Anatropal Ovules ; by Benjamin
Clark, Esq., F.LS., &c.

Mr. Clarke believes that this character, which has hitherto attracted
but partial attention, is a character of much constancy in the several
families, and therefore deserving a more complete examination. He
states the most usual position of the raphe, when each of the carpel-
lary margins bears a single row of anatropal ovules, as in Pzonia, to
be lateral and turned towards the raphe of the ovules of the opposite
row ; and the curvature of the ovule has the same direction even in
cases where the ovule is not anatropal, as in Colutea arborescens.
The position of raphe with reference to placenta is less regular where
the ovules are more numerous, but in some cases, as in Gomphocar-
pus, it is observed to be always next the placenta, the ovules being
pendulous with long funiculi; and in Cuphea and Reaumuria also
next the placenta with the ovules erect.

It is, however, when the anatropal ovule is single that Mr. Clarke
believes the position of the raphe affords the most important charac-
ters, and he proceeds to consider the various relations which it bears
to the placenta under six different heads, as follows :—

1. Ovule pendulous ; raphe turned away from the placenta.

2. Ovule pendulous ; raphe lateral.
3. Ovule pendulous ; raphe next the placenta.
4. Ovule erect ; raphe turned away from the placenta.

828

5. Ovule erect ; raphe lateral.

6. Ovule erect ; raphe next the placenta.

1. The pendulous ovule, with the raphe turned away from the pla-
centa, was first observed by Mr. Brown, and afterwards figured and
described by Dr. Schleiden as “ ovulum spurié pendulum anatropum,
raphe aversa.” Mr. Clarke finds it to be of more frequent occurrence
than is generally supposed; it is found among Endogenous plants,
not only in Typha and Sparganium, but also in Chamedorea elegans
(the ovule of which is, however, not completely pendulous); and Zan-
nichellia and Potamogeton show a decided tendency towards it by the
direction to which the ovule curves. He considers it a principal
argument in favour of its being frequent at least, if not constant, in
Endogenous plants, that it occurs in those groups by means of which
the Endogenous and Exogenous divisions approach each other, as in
Aroidez and Piperacee, and in Ranunculacee and Alismacez. As
Exogenous plants, in which the raphe is averse, he instances :—

‘1. Ranunculacew (when the ovule is pendulous). 2. Nelumbium.

3. Malpighiacee (in those genera in which the funiculus is next the
dorsal rib of the carpel). 4. Coriaria. 5. Rhus Toxicodendron, and
not improbably Anacardiacee generally. 6. Euonymus. 7. Visnea.
&. Pennantia, which he thinks should perhaps be referred to Olacinee.
9. Chenopodiacee. 10. Amaranthacee. 11. Paronychia capitata
(in the three last cases the ovule is not completely inverted, being
campylotropal, but the direction of the curvature is such, that were
the inversion complete, the raphe would be averse). 12. Plumba-
ginee. 13. Laurinee. 14. Aucuba. 15. Calycanthus (in which
the ovule at the base is erect with the raphe next the placenta, and
the upper one or two ovules are bent away from the placenta so as to
become nearly horizontal, showing a tendency to raphe aversa).
16. Belvisiee ? 17. Dipsacus sylvestris. 18. Galenia and Tetrago-
nia. 19. Fumaria officinalis (which shows at least a decided ten-
dency to the same structure in having the radicle beneath the hori-
zontal seed and turned to the hilum). Mr. Clarke adds, that he has
examined numerous cases where the carpel when single is anterior,
and has not yet met with any examples of this character, except in
the instances of Dipsaceew, Tetragonie and Fumaria. He notices
some remarkable variations in the position of the raphe in the ovules
of Visnea Mocanera, both when solitary and when there are two; and
concludes this section by some observations on the question whether
the campylotropal ovule of Amaranthacex, &c. (in which the embryo
subsequently formed is turned towards the placenta) is a character

829

equivalent to the pendulous anatropal ovule with raphe aversa. That
it is so, he thinks proved by the examples of Statice and Plumbago,
the structure of which he describes and compares with that of Gom-
phrena and Philoxerus ; and he adduces the instances of Trianthema
on the one hand, and Galenia and Tetragonia on the other, as well
as certain genera of Sapindacez, in which the embryo is more or less
curved, to show that there is no absolute distinction between anatro-
pal and campylotropal ovules.

2. The pendulous ovule, with the raphe lateral, is a character of
frequent occurrence ; it was particularly noticed and accurately
figured in Cornus and Marlea, in Sir W. Hooker’s ‘ Journal’ for
May, 1850. Mr. Clarke has hitherto observed it in only two
instances in which the carpel may be considered as anterior, véz., in
Goniocarpus and Valeriana; but it is nearly so in Trichocladus, and
probably also in Morina. He has not yet observed it among Endo-
genous plants. Of its occurrence among Exogenous plants, he enu-
merates the following instances :—1. Malpighia, and other genera of
Malpighiacez, in which the funiculus (representing the raphe) is con-
stantly lateral. 2. Suriana, as figured by Prof. Lindley. 3. Ilex.
4. Halesia. 5. Viburnum. 6. Acrotriche. 7. Myoporum. 8. Lo-
nicera (sp. loculis uniovulatis). 9. Probably in the 1-seeded fruits of
Oleine. 10. Thesium. This section concludes with some observa-
tions on the variation from raphe aversa to raphe lateralis, which
sometimes occurs in the same family, as in Cornee and Malpighi-
acew, which Mr. Clarke believes to offer an explanation of the vari-
able relation of the ovule to the funiculus, which is common to both
Illecebreze and Chenopodiacez.

3. The raphe neat the placenta is well known as the most ordinary
position in pendulous anatropal ovules, and Mr. Clarke only suggests
the inquiry whether solitary ovules having this character ever occur
among Endogenous plants.

4. Of the erect ovule, with the raphe turned away from the pla-
centa, Mr. Clarke has met with only three instances, two of them
occurring in cases where there are two ovules. These are Penza
fruticulosa and Calytrix virgata, in the latter case less completely
averse than in the former. The principal instance, however, is that
of Composite, where the raphe in four or five genera examined was
always found to correspond with the anterior angle of the ovary,
That the anterior is the fertile carpel in Composite Mr. Clarke thinks
is shown (in addition to the arguments previously adduced by him)
by the fact that in Aster Sibiricum, he has always found the ovule

830

to arise more or less distinctly from the posterior side of the ovary,
and that the same circumstance occurs, although less distinctly, im
Centaurea nigra. In such Cichoracee as he has examined, he has
found the raphe for the most part or always lateral; but as he regards
the carpella of this division of Composite as being right and left of
the axis, he concludes that the position of the ovule might be ex-
pected to be different. The position of the raphe in Berberis vulga-
ris is occasionally next the placenta, but more frequently tends to be
averse to it.

5. The character of ovule erect, with the raphe lateral (first
observed by Mr. Bennett in Rhamnez, and by him attributed to a
torsion of the funiculus), obtains to a considerable extent among Ex-
ogenous families. It occurs regularly in Stilbe pinastra, and gene-
rally in one-seeded fruits of Berberis vulgaris ; but in two-seeded fruits
of the latter the raphe is removed from the placenta and placed nearer
to the dorsal rib of the ovary. In Vitis, on the contrary, whether
with one- or two-seeded cells, the raphe is always next the placenta.
In a species of Justicia, with two ovules, placed one above the other
and quite erect, the raphe is lateral; but in Mendozia, with a similar
placentation, it is apparently next the axis. As other instances of
lateral raphe with erect ovules Mr. Clarke cites Elzagnus orientalis,
Calamus viminalis, and Trianthema decandra, the direction of the
curvature in the embryo of the latter being regarded as analogous to
the position of the raphe in the two former.

6. The position of the raphe next the placenta is well known to be
the ordinary condition in erect anatropal ovles, and on this head the
author enters into no details. .

Mr, Clarke then proceeds to consider the causes by which these
differences in the position of the raphe may be produced.

1. He adopts the opinion (first demonstrated by Mr. Brown) that a
single ovule pendulous with raphe aversa is the result of an erect
ovule pressed or growing downwards from the elongation of the
cavity of the ovarium in that direction, while its upper part remains
stationary ; but suggests that it is only when an erect ovule has the
raphe properly next the placenta that it has raphe aversa, when it
thus becomes pendulous. And looking to their affinities, he thinks
it not improbable that all pendulous orthotropal ovules should be
referred to the same cause.

2. He believes that a single pendulous ovule with the raphe lateral
is an ovule originally extending horizontally from the placenta with

831

the raphe lateral, as in Ranunculacee and Cucurbitacex, and subse-
quently pressed downwards as in the former case.

_ 8. He maintains that a single pendulous ovule with the raphe next
the placenta is the only true pendulous ovule, with the exception of
pendulous campylotropal and amphitropal ovules with the foramen
(and subsequently the radicle of the embryo) turned away from the
placenta.

4. He conceives that one or two erect ovules with the raphe turned
away or obliquely away from the placenta result from pendulous
ovules pressed upwards by the elongation upwards of the cavity of
the ovarium; and adduces in support of this opinion the pendulous
ovules of Geissoloma contrasted with the erect ovules of Penza, the
erect ovules of Calytrix compared with the pendulous ovules of the
neighbouring families, and the pendulous ovules of Calyceree com-
pared with the erect ovules of Composite, provided further observa-
tion should substantiate his belief that in the last-named family the
raphe is really turned away from the placenta. Such ovules he would
term spurié erecta, in contradistinction to the opposite case, to which
Sprengel has applied the term spurié pendula.

5. He considers that a single ovule erect with the raphe lateral is
a horizontal ovule spontaneously growing or pressed upwards by the
corresponding development of the ovary; in proof of which he cites the
fact that Trianthema micrantha has two seeds in a horizontal posi-
tion, with the radicle lateral, while T. decandra has two erect seeds
one above the other, with the radicle also in both cases lateral.

6. He considers one or two erect ovules with the raphe next the
placenta (which seems general in Endogenous plants, and is frequent
in all.the divisions of Exogenous) as for the most part truly erect ;
although this: position may sometimes be derived from horizontal
ovules pressed upwards or spontaneously growing erect, the funiculus
becoming at the same time twisted so as to bring the raphe into rela-
tion with the placenta.

Mr. Clarke then proceeds to illustrate the importance of these cha-
racters in a systematic point of view, as regards different families
usually regarded as nearly related. He states that Thymelez differ
from Laurinez in having the raphe next the placenta, and that the
same difference of relation occurs in Sanguisorbee and Amygdalez.
In all the Urtical Orders with pendulous ovules the radicle is next the
placenta, or if campylotropal the direction of the curvature is equiva-
lent, and the radicle of the embryo is turned away from the placenta ;
while in the Chenopodal Orders with pendulous ovules the radicle is .

832

either turned towards the placenta or placed on one side of it. The
characters thus indicated may also, he thinks, tend to a more natural
distribution of the Orders related to Rhamnee, Rutacex and Sapin-
dacee. He refers also to the differences in this respect existing
between Berberis and Ranunculacew, Hedera and Cornus, Cincho-
nacee and Composite. He states that Erythroxylon differs from
Malpighiacez in having the raphe next the placenta; and Selago in
a similar manner from Myoporum and Stenochilus, in which the
raphe is lateral. Scleranthus also differs both from Illecebree and
Tetragoniz in having the radicle turned directly away from the
placenta.

In conclusion, Mr. Clarke observes that while raphe aversa and
raphe lateral occur in several instances in the same family and pos-
sibly in the same genus (as the vertical and horizontal positions of
the seed in Chenopodium appear to be equivalent characters), yet
raphe aversa, or even raphe lateral, and raphe next the placenta are
not known to occur in the same family—pendulous ovules only being
understood. And also, that as far as his inquiries go, raphe next
the placenta in pendulous ovules is unknown in Endogenous plants.

On Feetid Vegetable Gums; by W. K. Loftus, Esq.

In this locality (Kerrind, Persia), the neighbourhood of which
abounds in plants producing fcetid gums, Mr. Loftus, acting on Mr.
Brown’s recommendation, had procured several different kinds, of
which, and of the plants producing them, he gives some particulars
in his letter. ‘Two of these belong to the genus Dorema, Don; and
a third, derived from a plant, which Mr. Loftus regards as belonging
to the tribe Sileride, is called in Kurdish “ beeje.” The three gums
have the same general properties, and grow on a limestone soil, at
the elevation of from 5000 to 7000 feet. Large quantities of gum are
also produced by the wild almond, a species of Astragalus, and the
Pistacia vera, which grow abundantly in the same neighbourhood ;
and there is, moreover, a kind of thistle, which exudes honey, espe-
cially from the bud, on being pierced by a species of Rhynchophora.
Mr. Loftus proposes to resume his observations, as his party proceeds
northward, in the course of the ensuing summer.

833

Notices or New Books, &c.

‘ The Earth, Plants and Man: Popular Pictures of Nature. By
JoacHim Frepertck ScHouw. ‘Translated from the German,
by ArTHUR Henrrey. London: Bohn. 1852.’

Scuouw is one of the most learned as well as most pleasing of
phytological writers; exactly, indeed, that kind of author who, in
this country, would be pooh-poohed by our exclusives, as making
science far too attractive and popular. It is a curious fact, that our
magnates conceive there is a certain dignity in confining knowledge
to channels which they themselves shall shape out; and they regard
all other channels of information as vulgar, and unworthy their notice.
Even the smallest of the small fry of scientific exclusives, those whose
germination, to speak phytologically, has scarcely commenced, whose
ascending plumule is scarcely visible, and whose radicle is wholly
wanting, still turn up their noses scornfully at everything that may
tend to popularise, or, as they deem it, vulgarise, science. They are
either oblivious or ignorant of the immutable axiom, that there is no
aristocracy in science, except the aristocracy of the mind. ‘This
wretched spirit is retarding, instead of advancing, knowledge; is
impoverishing, if not ruining, our societies; and settles like an incu-
bus on the inquiring and energetic spirits of the youth who, year
after year, enter the fields of Nature, full of hope and enthusiasm.
Luckily, Schouw is not a Briton; and therefore his works may be
read, and even admired, without fear of incurring the displeasure of
the exclusives; and the ‘ Phytologist’ will be pardoned for intro-
ducing “ extracts ” which, as “ original communications,” and written
by an Englishman, would be held derogatory to the character of a
scientific journal We believe Schouw is a German by birth, although
a Dane by adoption; and he holds the Professorship of Botany in
the University of Copenhagen. His works are, we believe, invariably
written in German and Danish; and those who are well acquainted
with both languages, seem to regard the German as the better ver-
sion of the same ideas. The work before us is translated from the
German, by Mr. Henfrey, who may truly be called one of our most
industrious and painstaking botanists; and his share of the task is
admirably executed. Having thus explained that the following pa-
ragraphs are from the German of Schouw, as translated by Henfrey,

VOL. Iv. 5 0

834

we disarm that criticism which their truthful simplicity would natu-
rally evoke, were they original contributions to our pages :—

Man and Forests.—“ Turning our attention, lastly, to the human
race, we see that nations in the lowest state of development are some-
times closely connected with the forests. In the colder lands, where
the trees ordinarily bear no edible, or at least no well-flayoured or
nourishing fruits, it is the game which chiefly furnishes the inha-
bitants with food and clothing; these races then appear chiefly as
hunters, such as the aborigines of North America. In the torrid
zone, on the contrary, races in the same stage of culture live princi-
pally on the fruits of the trees or the pith of the trunks, like some of
the tribes of Brazil, some of the inhabitants of the Indian Archipe-
lago, and several races of negroes. South America even affords an
example of a race who, almost like monkeys, live upon the trees ;
whose existence, in fact, is to a great extent bound to a certain spe-
cies of tree. There are the Guarauni, at the mouth of the Orinoco,
who live by and upon the Mauritia palm. While the ground is
flooded, mats woven from the leaf-stalks of those palms are suspended
between the trunks; these mats are covered with clay, so that fires
cau be made upon them, and here the Guarauni sleep, and pass a
great portion of their lives. The trunk furnishes a fecula; the juice,
a palm-wine ; and the fruits are well-flavoured, mealy at first, and
afterwards sweet. Nomadic races, on the other hand, generally avoid
forests; extensive grazing plains, fertile valleys, or the slopes of
mountains, affording rich pasture-land, are the best fitted for the
migratory life which they lead, and for the support of their domestic
animals. As soon as a race rises to agriculture, it becomes hostile to
the forests. The trees are in the way of the spade and plough, and
the wood gives less booty than the field, the garden, or the vineyard.
The forest, therefore, falls beneath the axe, fire consumes the fallen
trunks and branches, and the ashes manure the soil, giving for some
years an extraordinarily rich harvest, especially in the dense tropical
primeval forests. When, after the lapse of some years, the fertility
decreases, a new portion of the wood is felled and burnt, and thus
man proceeds unsparingly with the destruction of forests ; sometimes
the conflagration spreads further than was intended, and the destruc-
tion is thus increased. This is the course pursued by the peasants of
Norway and Sweden, as also by the colonists of North America, of
Brazil, Mexico, the Cape, Java, and in every place where agriculture
first appears, or commences its first constant and uninterrupted ex-
tension. With the increase of population this destruction of the

835

forests is continued, for it brings with it increased consumption of
the products of the forest; wood is required for houses, furniture,
wagons, and other implements, for bridges, posts, for fences, fuel for
cooking, and where the climate is cold, for warming the dwellings.
The consumption of wood increases further with industry, with navi-
gation and trade. Mining operations require timber, both for the
works and for fuel to smelt the metals and ores; artizans and manu-
facturerers use large quantities of the products of forests; dams
against rivers and seas require their share, but above all, navigation.
The trunks of millions of trees are used up in ships and masts, in
order to connect the highlands and inland districts with the coasts,
and the coasts with each other, even beyond the ocean. In this way
civilization comes into hostile contact with the forests, and thus, under
like circumstances, the country in which civilization is oldest, possesses
the fewest woods. Hence forests are more sparingly met with in the
countries of the Mediterranean than northward of the Alps, and more
sparingly in the centre than in the north of Europe, so far as the cli-
mate is not an obstacle to the growth of timber. Have not, then, our
descendants to expect a great deficiency of timber—a deficiency which
may readily become disastrous? Many public economists and phi-
lanthropists have assumed this to be the case, and many do still
assume it; they depict the future destitution of timber in the darkest
colours, they loudly complain of the felling of wood, and they demand
that governments should prevent in time the ruinous consequences,
by limiting the free use of wooded estates. Yet even as I have
striven to demonstrate the groundlessness of the idea of the danger
which is feared of alteration of climate, by the diminution of the
forests in temperate countries, I hope also to be able in some mea-
sure to scatter the dark cloud which so many imagine they see hang-
ing over future generations in regard to the product of forests. That
which is true of so many other inconveniences following in the train
of civilization, holds also with this. It has its cure, in a great mea-
sure, in itself.”

Man’s Influence on the Vegetable Clothing of the Earth.—“ But
the influence of the Caucasian races, and of the Europeans in parti-
cular, in changing the distribution of characteristic plants, becomes
far more extensively evident when we look to the colonies established
in all climates, where in some cases the countries have passed wholly
into the possession of an European population. For they have not
only carried their own characteristic plants to the colonies, or those
also which they had previously transplanted into their own homes,

836

but they have, after acquiring countries with different climatal condi-
tions, transplanted into these such as would not flourish at home, and
thus have found themselves in a position to collect the characteristic
plants of almost every race around them. Thus have the European
corn-plants acquired a widely-spreading cultivation throughout North
America, in Mexico, and the elevated countries of South America, in
Chili and Buenos Ayres, in South Africa, in the temperate parts of
Australia and Van Diemen’s Land; thus the vine has become an ob-
ject of cultivation in Madeira, the Canary Islands, South Africa, and
the highlands of South America; thus rice and cotton are now grown
in extraordinary quantities in the warmer parts of North America and
in Brazil; thus have the coffee-tree and the sugar-cane been trans-
planted into the West Indies and Brazil; the nutmeg and the clove
into Mauritius and Bourbon, and various West Indian islands ; and
thus has the plantation of tea commenced in Brazil, in Java, and in
India; and the cultivation of the New Zealand flax in New Holland.
The Europeans have even conveyed characteristic plants to other races,
which knew how to value them. They have transferred several Euro-
pean and tropical plants into the South Sea Islands, which, previously
unknown, are now cultivated by the natives; the remnants of the
American population which are still found in the highlands of Peru,
Chili, and Mexico, have acquired European plants; in like manner
the negroes of the west coast of Africa have received from the Euro-
peans maize, tobacco, and other American plants. On the other
hand, what other races have done to change the distribution of cha-
racteristic plants, is very little: the Arabs contributed to diffuse cot-
ton, the sugar-cane, coffee, and the date-palm ; but the Arabs belong
to the same primary race as the Caucasians. 'The Chinese appear to
have procured cotton from Hindostan, and the Japanese the tea-shrub
from China. The Europeans, and above all the North Europeans,
consequently are those who, both in their own home and in their
colonies, have been able to acquire the greatest quantity of the cha-
racteristic plants of other races; while their own country, especially
the North of Europe, is so very poor in characteristic plants ; for all
the important cultivated plants of Northern Europe have been intro-
duced (cabbage, turnips, carrots and asparagus, which are perhaps
indigenous, are among the less essential). We find in this a great
proof of the intellectual superiority of these races, and we have here
an example that the child of the poor man, gifted with great natural
powers, industry, and activity, has far more power over prosperity
than the rich heir. I know not whether there may be any among my

837

readers who would be inclined to see in these revolutions a serious
confusion of nature, or might fear that as the races gradually appro-
priated each other’s peculiar possessions, the globe would approach
nearer and nearer to a tiresome uniformity. One sometimes hears
expressions which indicate such a fear; complaints are now and then
made, that interesting descriptions of strongly contrasted races become
rarer in accounts of voyages and travels. Not only have many diffe-
rences vanished in Europe, so that, for instance, in a drawing-room
in Moscow one can fancy himself in Paris; but those attractive
accounts of the natives of the South Sea Islands which the earlier
circumnavigators gave us, are exchanged for reports of how the
inhabitants of these islands now go clothed in the European fashion,
build ships, establish schools for mutual instruction, and build
churches. High up in the Himalayas, 7,000 feet above the sea,
where a few years since a wild race dwelt, only visited by tired
pedestrian Hindoo pilgrims, there are now, as Jacquemont reports,
the baths of Simla, with sixty European houses, where people in
shoes and silk stockings ride in European equipages to a dinner-
party, served in the European fashion, where champagne and Rhe-
nish wines are drunk. In Australia, where not long ago nature existed
in virgin condition, and the savages stood at the lowest point, where
a few suspended branches served to protect from the weather human
beings who lived on sea-mollusks, there exist at present European
cities, with hotels, coffee-houses, billiard-rooms, reading-rooms, and
horse-races.”

In conclusion, we have only to say that we cordially recommend
this delightful book to the readers of the ‘ Phytologist,’ and beg to
assure them that no fear of the exclusives need alloy the pleasure
_ with which they will peruse it.

‘Principles of the Anatomy and Physiology of the Vegetable Cell.
By Huco von Mont. Translated by ArTHUR HENFREY.
London: Van Voorst. 1852.’

This work, as appears from the author’s Preface, which we have
quoted entire, originally appeared as an article in Wagner’s ‘ Cyclo-
pedia of Physiology.’ Itis almost universally regarded as the highest
authority on the subject of which it treats, the qualifying word, “ al-
most,” being required by the dissentient voices of some of the followers
of Schleiden. The author writes throughout rather as a man who has

838

diligently studied his subject with a view to self-information, than as
one who would dictate, or dogmatize, or enforce his own conclusions :
everything is stated with the utmost candour ; and there is no appa-
rent crotchet or hypothesis in the author’s brain that leads him astray
from the straightforward path of inquiry into his interesting, but rather
recondite, subject. The translation affords yet another proof of Mr.
Henfrey’s untiring industry ; and in the present instance the subject
is one in which, by praiseworthy assiduity, he has made himself per-
fectly at home.

Author's Preface.—* Mr. Arthur Henfrey having informed me that
he intends publishing an English translation of the present treatise, I
take this opportunity of making known to the English reader the pur-
pose I had in view in the preparation of the book. The following
-pages were not originally intended to appear as an independent work,
or to give a summary of the wide subject of the Anatomy and Physio-
logy of Plants, but appeared as an article, in the ‘ Cyclopedia of Phy-
siology’ published by Dr. Rudolph Wagner, of Gottingen, drawn up
to furnish students of Animal Physiology, and more particularly the
Medical Profession, with a review of the Anatomical and Physiologi-
cal conditions of Vegetables (of the Cell), in order to enable them to
form a definite judgment upon the analogies which might be drawn
between the structure and vital functions of animals and plants.
This intention, together with the circumstance that I was compelled
to crowd the whole exposition into the space of a few sheets, ren-
dered it necessary to direct especial attention to the individual cell,
as the fundamental organ of the Vegetable Organism. Since, how-
ever, the cell only presents itself in anatomical and physiological
independence in the lowest plants, and since, in the more highly
organized plants, both the structure and the physiological functions
of the individual cells become subject to greater dependence upon
the other parts of the plant, in proportion as the collective organiza-
tion of the vegetable is more complex ; moreover, since functions
then present themselves, of which no trace can be found in the lower
plants, it became requisite to take account of the plants of higher
rank, and of the various organs which these possess. The treatise
therefore, contains if an imperfect, still, in many respects, a more
extensive resumé of Vegetable Physiology, than might be conjectured
from the title.

“ Unhappily, the Physiology of Plants is ascience which yet lies in
its earliest infancy. Few of its dogmas can be regarded as settled
beyond doubt; at every step we meet with imperfect observations,

839

and consequently with the most contradictory views; thus for ex-
ample, opinions are still quite divided regarding the doctrines of the
development of the cell, of the origin of the embryo, and of the exist-
ence of an impregnation in the higher Cryptogams. Both in these
and in other cases, the small compass of the present treatise forbids a
more extensive detail of the researches upon which the opposing
views are founded ; I hope, however, that I have succeeded in making
clearly prominent, the chief points upon which these contests turn,
and thus, in facilitating the formation of a judgment by the reader ;
and, I have never neglected to indicate the literature from which fur-
ther instruction is to be derived.”

As it is quite impossible to give either an analysis or abstract of
the essay introduced to the English reader by the foregoing Preface,
we think that we cannot do better than assure our readers that they
ought to possess themselves of so valuable a contribution to the sci-
ence of phyto-physiology. We select for extract a passage on a sub-
ject of immediate, although not evanescent, interest. This, while
bringing the moot question of cryptogamic reproduction instructively
and lucidly before the reader, will also serve as a fair example of the
matter and manner of this acceptable volume.

“ Propagation of the Cryptogams having Stem and Leaves.—While
in the three families of Cryptogamia possessing a thallus (with the
exception of the Charas, to be mentioned presently), all attempts to
discover male organs have proved the more vain the further the inves-
tigation of these plants has advanced, in the more highly organized
families of Cryptogamia, on the contrary, in which there exists sepa-
ration of the organs of vegetation into stem and leaf, the last few
years have seen the discovery of convincing proofs of the existence
of two sexes.

“Tn the last century, when Hedwig in particular devoted himself
to the investigation of the Cryptogamia, the idea that two sexes must
exist in all Cryptogamous plants, was quite predominant; and thus
often enough without a trace of consideration, the most diverse parts
were, from mere opinion, separated as male organs. This brought the
whole effort to discover impregnating organs into discredit, and the
opinion that all the Cryptogamia were devoid of male organs, and
developed their spores without previous impregnation, became more
and more diffused. Itis true that organs had been discovered in
certain Cryptogamous families, especially the Charas and Mosses,
which from the time of their appearance, from their position &c.

stood in evident relation to the fruit; but since no positive influence

840

could be proved to be exerted by them upon the young sporangia,
their function as anthers was denied ; although it was at the same
time admitted they had a certain analogy with them, whence they
were, indeed, called antheridia. My own researches, namely, showed
that the spores of the higher Cryptogamia do not, as had been pre-
viously supposed, exhibit a resemblance in respect to their develop-
ment and structure, to the seeds of the Phanerogamia, but that the
most perfect agreement exists between them and the pollen-grains of
the Phanerogamia. From this it necessarily, yet strangely, appeared
that organs of perfectly like structure fulfilled the function of germs
in one part of the Vegetable Kingdom, and in the other part consti-
tuted the male, impregnating organs; but little as the formation of a
pollen-grain depends upon an impregnation, no one circumstance
showed itself in the development of the spore, at all more resulting
from the co-operation of an impregnating organ. Still more doubtful
did the theory of the impregnation of the Cryptogamia necessarily
become, when Nageli made the discovery, in the Ferns, of antheridia
in many respects resembling those of the Mosses, which were not
formed upon the full-grown plant at the same time as the rudiments
of the sporangia, but occurred upon the germ-plant (pro-embryo),
while the perfect plant was devoid of them,

“ Under these circumstances, Schleiden seemed to be warranted in
characterizing the effort to discover impregnating organs in the Cryp-
togamia, as a mania. But by good luck, certain men who had this
mania did not allow it to lead them astray in their researches, and as
often happens, nature this time proved so rich that, not indeed was
what had been sought found, but instead of this a series of conditions,
the existence of which was previously altogether unsupected. The
researches relating to this point are, it is true, still far from their com-
pletion, since at the present moment nothing more than a preliminary
notice of isolated conclusions already arrived at can be given; but
these, although isolated, cause us to expect with certainty in this field
a series of the most striking discoveries.

“The Mosses have served for a very long period as the main props
of the view that two sexes and an impregnation occur in the higher
Cryptogamia. Not only was attention naturally called in these to the
constant occurrence of the antheridia, and their great development,
but trustworthy experience, formerly of Bruch, more recently of
Schimper (Rech. s. 1. Mousses, 55), demonstrated that Mosses which
have antheridia and the rudiments of sporangia upon the same stem
always bear fruit, while dicecious Mosses never set fruit in localities

841

where only female specimens grow. No one has succeeded in making
out the mode in which the antheridia act upon the rudimentary fruit;
_ but the physiological fact just mentioned does not lose its force on
that account.

“ A second family indicating the necessity of an impregnation, were
the Rhizocarpez, since numerous observations had shown that the
large and small spores of these plants could not be separated without
preventing the former growing into new plants. Schleiden, indeed,
had extended his theory of the development of the embryo from the
pollen-tube to this family, and arranged them with Phanerogamia.
But nothing was gained by this, for, on the one hand, Schleiden’s
whole theory of impregnation proved a false beacon ; on the other,
Schleiden’s statements as to the Rhizocarpeze were not confirmed,
and this more particularly in the most essential point, the mode of
origin of the embryo. |
- “Then unexpectedly appeared Count Leszcyc-Suminski’s essay on
the development of Ferns, the contents of which at first seemed fabu-
lous, so contradictory were they to all that was known of the organi-
zation and development of plants. Buta more minute study of this
treatise—a comparison of the authors results with nature —soon
showed that although he had been deceived in a few particulars, his
account was far from being a creation of the fancy, and that his
researches had broken open a path to a long series of discoveries.

“In all families of the leafy Cryptogamia (with the exception of the
Lycopodiacez) antheridia have been discovered, exhibiting, it is true,
considerable variations of external form and structure in the different
families, but collectively agreeing in the circumstance of developing
in their interior very delicately-walled cells, at first containing an
amorphous substance coloured yellow by iodine, in place of which,
at the epoch of maturation of the antheridia, a delicate filament pre-
sents itself, displaying several spiral convolutions, thickened at one
end and running off to a very fine point at the other. The filaments
manifest lively motions, exhibiting differences according to the man-
ner in which they are rolled up, in some cases while still enclosed in
the cells where they are developed, but more particularly after they
have emerged into the water from the antheridium, which opens when
ripe. Thus, when the filament is rolled up like a watch-spring, the
motion is more or less rotatory, but if it is coiled over in the form of
a cork-screw, the movement is at the same time an advancing one.
In these movements the thin end of the fibre almost always goes first.
Minute observation, which in many cases is very difficult, both from

VOL, IV, oo P

842
the rapidity of the motion (which, however, is readily arrested by:
poisons), and the great delicacy of the whole structure, shows that
the movements arise from extremely delicate and comparatively long
ciliz, of which two are usually found at the thin end of the filament,
and which only seem to occur in larger numbers in the Ferns. The
filament itself exhibits no independant motion, as indeed, altogether,

the kind of motion does not indicate any will. The term seminal
filaments has been not inaptly applied to these filaments.”——P. 117.

‘

Proceepines or SocietTizs, &c.

BOTANICAL Society oF Loypon.

Friday, January 7, 1858.—J. D. Salmon, Esq., F.L.S., in the
chair. é :

Donations of British plants were announced from Mr. Hewett C.
Watson, Mr. J.T. Syme, Mr. W. L. Notcutt, Mr. I. W. N. Keys,
Mr. F. P. Pascoe, Mr. W. H. Purchas, Mr. F. Barnard, Mr. W. Bean,
Mr. F. J. A. Hort, Mr. H. D. Geldart, Mr. G. Chambers, Mr. A.
Irvine, Mr. T. Moore, Mr. H. O. Stephens, Mr. G. Maw, Mr. J.
Whittaker, Mr. G. Brady, Mrs. Atkins, Mrs. Russell, Mrs. James,
Mis Barnard, Miss Legge, Miss Griffiths, the Rev. R. C. Douglas,
Rev. H. P. Marsham, Rev. T. G. Carter, Rev. T. Butler, Rev. W. M.
Hind, Rev. W. R. Crotch, Mr. J. Ward, Mr. B. D. Wardale, Mr.
John Ray, Mr. F. Brent, Mr. J. G. Baker, Mr. D. Oliver, and Mr. G,
E. Dennes.

Asplenium viride in a Quasi-spontaneous Condition near Brighton.

Mr. Thomas Moore communicated the following paper on this.
subject :—

“The Asplenium viride is chiefly known as a native of the north.
and north-west parts of England, and of Wales; and no indication of
its spontaneous existence to the southward has, I believe, been made
public. I am indebted to the Rev. T. Rooper, of Brighton, for infor-
mation of its growth in a position which, at least, appears to claim to
be quasi-spontaneous, at Danny, about ten miles from that town ;
and Mr. Rooper has been so good as to allow me to see specimens.
gathered at that place, as well as to communicate the following addi-
tional particulars :—

843

**The fern was found by Mr. Campion, the owner of Danny, on
an old brick wall forming a parapet to a cellar-window. The family
have never introduced nor cultivated ferns at any period; and the
plant would still have escaped notice, as it long has done, had not
Mr. Campion’s grandson, a little boy, of twelve years of age, taken a
fancy for ferns, which induced Mr. Campion to bring in any he saw,
for the amusement of the child, who was in too delicate a state of
health to go himself in search of them. Among others, the Asple-
nium was gathered and brought in, without the knowledge of its being
rare. I feel satisfied the plant is spontaneous, though its position
may make it appear doubtful. Danny is a large Elizabethan house ;
and the outside walls have not been touched for many years. I have
requested the family to cherish the root. There-are other ferns grow-
ing in the same locale, but common to the country, which is rich in
ferns, and contains some rather rare species. The Oreopteris grows
in the vicinity ; Ceterach and*Trichomanes, a few miles from it, finer
than in any other part of England; and the Dryopteris has lately
been found not very distant. To these, might be added a long list of
more generally dispersed ferns.’ ”

THE PHyYTOLOGIST CLUB.

One Hundred and Forty-first Sitting —Saturday, January 29, 1853.
Mr. Newmav, President, in the chair.

The President read the following notes, from Mr. J. G. Baker,
dated Market Place, Thirsk, January 20, 1853 :-—

_ On the Identity of Hieracium nudicaule of Edmondston with H.
murorum, Fries.

“In the account of an excursion to the banks of the Findhorn,
near Forres, in the second volume of the ‘ Phytologist’ (Phytol. ii.
184), the late T. Edmondston has described at length an Hieracium
which he noticed, and proposed it as a novelty, under the specific
name of nudicaule. It has never been generally accepted by other
botanists, or identified with certainly by authors, but is mentioned in
the ‘ Cybele Britannica’ and the ‘ London Catalogue’ as an ambigu-
ous form or species.

“A portion of one of the specimens collected, for which I am
indebted to the kindness of Mr. E. Edwards, has been for some time

844

in my herbarium ; and I have also had the opportunity of examining
a more perfect authenticated example, in the possession of that gen-
tleman. Upon comparing them with a series of H. murorum, F7.,
collected in Teesdale, and in this neighbourhood, I can have little
hesitation in referring them to that species, as identical in all essen-
tial characteristics. The specimens of H. nudicaule, from the large
size and thinness of their leaves, have evidently grown in a very
shady place, and belong to the extreme form of var. sylvaticum, Fr.
(which is the most usual condition of H. murorum in this country) ;
but some undoubted specimens of the latter resemble it closely in
these respects.

*“ But, whilst, if we take for granted that this is a correct view of
the case, and that H. murorum of Fries is the true plant of Linneus,
the use of the name nudicaule must be discontinued, in accordance
with the recognized law of priority, it is worthy of comment that the
opinion of its proposer, that the plant thus designated is specifically
distinct from H. cesium (the H. murorum of ‘English Botany, and
wholly or principally of all British authors previous to 1850), has
since received the sanction, and has been endorsed by the very high
authority, of Fries and Babington ; though it is most ltkely that Ed- .
mondston’s idea of his species was less comprehensive than that of
those authors, and that he would not have considered as belonging
to it various forms included under H. murorum by Fries; and we may
also remark that the name of nudicaule, though seldom applicable
without qualification, indicates one of the leading distinctions in habit
between that species and H. cesium, Fr.”

Hieracium strictum, Fr., in England.

** Amongst a series of Hieracia collected by my friend, John W.
Watson, in a tour through Wensleydale, during the autumn, are seve-
ral specimens of this much misunderstood species, from the neigh-
bourhood of Bolton Castle, on the north bank of the Ure.

“ From the remarks of Messrs. Borrer and Watson in the Supple-
ment to the ‘ Cybele Britannica’ (iii. 359), it would appear that this
species was really known to Smith, and included under his idea of
H. denticulatum ; but his descriptions would also apply to some of
the forms of H. prenanthoides, as defined by later British authors,
one of which (var. paucifolium, Fr.) is figured in ‘ English Botany’
(2235), under the name of denticulatum. Such being the case, surely
it is better to avoid confusion by discarding that name, as loose and
uncertain in its application, and using in its place that proposed by

845

Fries, which has never been employed otherwise than to designate the
true H. denticulatum of the three editions of Babington’s Manual,
and is therefore definite, and easily understood.

“Though most probably a permanent species, this is too little
known by the botanists of this country for any sketch of its distribu-
tion to be attempted. Most likely it will be found, like many others
of the same genus, geographically allied to its natural associate, H.
prenanthoides, and, like that species, attain its southern limit in super-
agrarian Yorkshire. It has been so much mixed up with other species,
that it is impossible to speak with certainty ; but I believe this is the
first notice of its occurrence in England.”

Correction of a previous Error.

_ “Tam kindly informed by Mr. H. C. Watson, that the Setrafalcus
so plentiful, last autumn, on the Middlesbro’ ballast-hills, as men-
tioned in a former number (Phytol. iv. 721), is probably rather arven-
sis than patulus. ‘The two species are very nearly allied in habit;
but the latter is described as distinguished by its broader spikelets,
unequal palez, and shorter anthers. Itis practically known to few
. botanists as a plant of Britain. Another species, closely resembling
that which I collected, is reported to occur occasionally on ballast at
the same locality. Perhaps that may be true patulus: also Digitaria
humifusa ; but I have not been able to find either of them. I may
also take this opportunity of mentioning, that, upon receiving speci-
mens of the mosses, collected with Cyperus fuscus at the Codhill
locality, I find the Hypnum named nitens is really rufescens, a spe-
cies more boreal in its localities.”

Effects of the Mildness of the present Season.

The President read the following note, from Mr. John Lloyd, dated

Wandsworth, January 24, 1853 :— le

- © The annexed list of British plants have all of them been observed
in bloom, by myself, since the 1st of the present January, and, with
very few exceptions, in the neighbourhood of Clapham and Wands-
worth, where the soil is light, and the subsoil gravel. Some of them
are cultivated ; but they will be found to be such as have their habi-
tats in warm, sheltered situations, where we may reasonably expect
that they are in bloom at the present time. I have rejected all culti-
vated alpines, for, although many of them are in bloom here, we can-
not expect that they are so in their mountain homes, where the surface

of the ground is probably covered with snow. It will be seen that it

846

is more like a list of autumnal plants protracted in their blooming,
than of vernal ones which have come prematurely into flower. In
elucidation of this view, I may observe that a considerable number of
the plants belong to the Composit, and the greater part of this order
are autumnal ; and I may also mention that, in the large open field
opposite to the burying: ground at Wandsworth, there was, at the
beginning of the month, a great number of Ranunculus bulbosus in
bloom ; but these have gradually decreased to the present time. By
the side of the same field, on a sheltered bank, Ranunculus Ficaria
grows ; but, although this is one of our earliest plants, and a purely
vernal one, it is not yet in bloom.

“The present season may be considered as the mildest since the
commencement of the present century; and I can only find one
instance of anything like it in the records of the last. The Rev. Ste-
phen Hale, in his ‘ Statical Essays,’ fourth edition, 1769, vol. i. p.
69, publishes an account (which he had from Philip Miller) of the
winter of 1724, in which occurs the following paragraph :—‘ The Spring
was so forward in January that the Snowdrops, Crocus’s, Poleyan-
thus’s, Hepatica’s, and Narcissus’s were in flower, and it was remark-
able that most of the Cauliflower Plants were destroyed by the mil-
dew. Now, I think we may infer from this, that the weather was
something like what we are experiencing in the present season, for, if
there had been a few sharp frosts in November or December, 1723,
the mildew would have been materially checked, if not destroyed.

“ Ranunculus bulbosus Geranium rotundifolium
3 repens iy akg nodosum
*Alyssum maritimum Ulex europeus
Capsella Bursa-pastoris » anus
*Byrassica oleracea, var. Cape brocoli AEithusa Cynapium

Sinapis arvensis
Raphanus Raphanistrum
Sisymbrium officinale
*Cheiranthus Cheiri
*Viola odorata

» tricolor
Malva sylvestris
Cerastium vulgatum
Stellaria media
*Hypericum calycinum
Arenaria rubra
Geranium molle

Anthriscus sylvestris
Galium Aparine
Erigeron Canadensis
Senecio vulgaris

» Jsacobea
Bellis perennis
Chrysanthemum Parthenium
Anthemis Cotula

Ks nobilis

Achillea Millefolium
Sonchus oleraceus
Leontodon Taraxacum

* Cultivated.

847

Hieracium Pilosella
Hypocheris glabra

re radicata
Cichorium Intybus
*Fragaria vesca
Borago ofticinalis
*Pulmonaria officinalis

Lamium album !
< purpureum

ite maculatum
a incisum

*Daphne Mezereum

Hai gh Laureola

Rumex Acetosella

Plantago major Urtica urens
*Arbutus Unedo Euphorbia helioscopia
Vinca major 2 Peplus
» minor Mercurialis annua

*Primula vulgaris *Corylus Avellana
Anagallis arvensis Ruscus aculeatus
Veronica agrestis Poa annua

é arvensis Hordeum murinum

3 hederefolia *Galanthns nivalis
Linaria Cymbalaria (67 species).”

The following remarks, by Dr. Salter, in a letter in the ‘ Isle of
Wight Observer,’ refer to the same subject :—

“ At the present time, the effects of the mildness of the temperature
on the vegetable kingdom are yet more remarkable than on the ani-
mal. For nearly a month past, primroses have been blossoming on
the banks, and the green-swards have been bespangled with daisies,.
while Ulex europzus is getting quite yellow with the abundance of
bloom. Notto dwell particularly on each, I would enumerate the fol-
lowing, which, within the last few days, I have observed in flower in the
fields, woods, and hedges, vz., Ficaria verna, several species of Ranun-
culus, Sinapis arvensis, Cardamine hirsuta, Lychnis diurna, Stellaria
holostea, S. media, Arenaria trinervis, Cerastium viscosum, Fragaria
vesca, Potentilla Fragariastrum, Heracleum Sphondylium, Torilis An-
thriscus, Sonchus arvensis, Lapsana communis, Pyrethrum inodorum,
several species of Senecio, Anagallis arvensis, and Linum angustifo-
lium. Of shrubs and trees I may state that the honeysuckle and elder
are in leaf. In one hedge I saw a few hawthorn-leaves; here and
there was one bush which had sprouted to the length of three inches.
The oaks, elms, and hazels have already an altered tint, from the
swelling of their buds. On the banks, the leaves of the wild Arum’
are already developed ; and in the hedges Rubia peregrina is grown
to several inches. ;

“In the gardens, there are in blossom several varieties of roses ;
also Arbutus, Laurus-tinus, Coronilla, a species of Acacia, violets
(double and single), daffodils, periwinkles, anemonies, Hepatica, snow--
drop, stock, scarlet geranium (Pelargonium), Omphalodes verna,
mignonette, Petasites fragrans, Sphenogyne speciosa, scabious, and

848

others. Fuchsias and Eccremocarpus are sprouting; and the Clema-
tis in many instances has grown more than a foot inlength. Potatoes
are in many places a foot in height, and Tropzolum continues grow-
ing. Ina pond about a mile from Ryde, that rare, and beautiful, and
deliciously scented aquatic, Aponogeton distachyon, is at present
blooming to perfection.

“Tt is, I think, usual in this district, for many of the above to
sprout, and occasionally to bloom, in winter; but I never before
knew vegetation quite so active as it is at this season.”

MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.

October 27, 1852.—George Busk, Esq., in the chair. ”

A paper by Joseph Delves, Esq.,.‘On'the Application of Photo-
graphy to the Representation of Microscopic Objects,’ was read.

After some preliminary observations, the author stated that the only
arrangment necessary for the purposes of photography is the addition
to the microscope of a dark chamber, similar to that of the camera
obscura, having at one end an aperture for the insertion of the eye-
piece, and at the other a groove for carrying the ground glass plate.
This dark chamber should not exceed eighteen inches in length, as,
if longer, the pencil of light transmitted by the object-glass is diffused
over too large a surface ; and a faint and unsatisfactory picture is the
result. Another advantage is, that pictures at this distance are in
size very nearly equal to the object as seen in the microscope. The
time of producing the picture varies from five to fifteen seconds. The
author also made some remarks upon the mode of manipulating, and
concluded by calling attention to some very beautiful specimens that
were afterwards presented to the Society.

Errata in a previous Number.

Mr. Maw wished to have the following errors corrected, which
occur in his paper at page 785 :—Page 785, line 8 from bottom, for
“at” read “of;” page 786, line 4 from bottom, for “areas” read
“axis ;” page 787, line 6 from top, for “ entering” read “ resting ;”
page 792, line 20 from top, for “ Forthelsloch” read “ Frithelstock ;”
page 794, line 13 from top, for “ Witham” read “ Northam ;” page
794, line 14 from bottom, for “ Barnstaple ” read “ Bideford.”

849

Extracts from the ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean Society.
(Continued from page 832).

On the Forest-Trees of British Guiana, and their Uses in Naval
and Civil Architecture ; by Sir Robert H. Schomburgk, Ph.D. Sc.

The trees are mostly indicated by their colonial names, but to many
of them Sir R. Schomburgk has been enabled to add their scientific
designation.

Souari, Sewarri or Sewarra (Pekea tuberculosa, Aubl.). Of large
size and very abundant ; excellent for ship-buikding, mill-timber and
planks, and may be obtained from 20 to 40 feet long, and from 16 to
20 inches square.

Siruaballi, Sirwaballi, Siverballi. There are four varieties or per-
haps species of this tree, which belongs to the family of Laurinee.
They are distinguished as black, brown, yellow and white Siruaballi.
Its spicy smell and bitter taste preserve it from the attacks of worms,
either in or out of water, on which account it is in great request for
planking colonial crafts.

Dakumballi. Grows on the side of rivers, and is not much used.

Marsiballi or Accuribroed. A tall straight tree, but not of large
size. Wood hard and strong, but not very durable when exposed to
alternations of wet and dry weather, for which reason it is only used
in house-framing and inside work. When dried it is frequently used
for torches.

Turanira or Bastard Bully-tree. Tall, straight, of large size, and
abundant on the banks of the Demerara River. Makes good planks
and framing-timbers for inside work, but is not durable when exposed
to the weather.

Suradani or Suridani. Plentiful and of large size; principally in
request for planks and timbers of colony crafts. It is of a light red
colour. ;

Kautaballi or Kutaballi. Grows chiefly on the sand-hills which
form the first elevations on receding from the sea-coast. Very hard,
and much used for beams and inside work, but not durable when
exposed to the weather.

Cakaralli or Kukaralli. Mostly found on rising ground along the
banks of rivers, and belongs to the tribe of Lecythidee. Its straight-
ness and large size (from 30 to 40 feet long and from 6 to 14 inches
square) would qualify it for masts or spars for colony crafts ; but its

VOL Iv. ae)

850

heaviness militates against this use. Itis very durable and chiefly
used in house-framing ; but as it is said that barnacles do not attack
it, it is also employed in wharfs, &c. The bark is easily stripped off,
and consists of numerous layers, which the Indians separate by beat-
ing with a stick, and the author has counted as many as seventy of
these layers in a strip of bark. When separated they have the
appearance of thin satin paper; they are dried in the sun, and used
as wrappers for cigars.

Simaruba, or Sumaruppa (Simarouba amara, Aubl.). Grows on
hill-sides to the height of 50 feet, branching and somewhat crooked.
The wood resembles white pine, both in colour and quality, and
makes good boards for inside work. A decoction of the bark, which
is intensely bitter, is considered an excellent remedy in dysentery
and other complaints of the bowels, and is much used among the
Indians.

Yahou. Grows in valleys in rich soil, and is much used for the
staves of casks, &c.

Wallaba (Kperua falcata, Audl.). In great abundance along the
banks of rivers, reaching 40 feet in height, and being often 2 feet in
diameter. Bark reddish brown, with a thin white sap, enclosing a
wood of a deep red colour frequently variegated with whitish streaks.
It is hard, heavy and shining, and impregnated with an oily resin,
which makes it very durable both in and out of water. It splits very
easily, and is consequently generally used for palings, shingles and
vat-staves, and also for posts and uprights in framing. The bark,
which is somewhat bitter, is a good emetic, which is much used by
the Arawak Indians in a decoction.

Curahurt or Kuruhuru. all and straight. Wood used for
framing, boards and planks.

Curana, Samaria, Acuyari, Mara, or Cedar-Wood (Icica altis-
sima, Awbl.) ; two varieties, as they are considered by Aublet, one
having red wood and the other white. The red cedar is found only
in the interior, growing to 60 or 70 feet and even higher, and from 4
to 5 feet in diameter. It has a strong aromatic smell, and is much in
request for inside furnishing, bookcases and shelves, as it is found to
preserve books and papers from injury by insects, and is also light,
easily worked and not liable to split. gts great height would qualify
it for masts, and the Indians prefer its trunk to that of any other tree
for preparing their canoes. One of those employed by the author
during an expedition into the interior, which was 42 feet long and 5}
feet wide, was hollowed out of a single. trunk of this tree, and was

851

found at the end of four years’ service, having previously been much
used, to be as sound as when bought for the expedition, although it
had been in both fresh and salt water, and hauled over land and
cataracts in the interval.

Ltaballi or Copai-yé of the Macusi Indians (Vochy Guianensis,
Aubl.). From 50 to 60 feet high, and from 2 to 24 feet in diameter.
Wood hard, but not very durable when exposed to the weather ;
chiefly used for inside work, staves for sugar-hogsheads, boat-oars,
&c. Flowers of a beautiful yellow, highly odoriferous and very orna-
mental.

White Siruaballi. A tall tree; wood much lighter than the brown
Siruaballi previously mentioned, but not so much esteemed.

Curata-yé of the Macusis (Curatella Americana, Z.). A crooked
tree, seldom more than 12 feet high, with crooked and tortuous
branches, and a thick rough bark which frequently peels off in large
flakes. The crooked branches are much used by the Indians for their
canoes, and might serve for military saddles. 1t grows only in the
Savannahs of the interior. The leaves, which are scabrous, are used
by the Indians like sand-paper to polish their blow-pipes, bows, war-
clubs, &c.; and the blow-pipe being called Cwra, the tree has thence
received the name of Curatakieé.

- Burracurra, Paira, Letter-wood, or Snakewood (Piritanera Guia-
nensis, Aub/.). This tree, which is very scarce within several hun-
dred miles of the sea-coast, is often from 60 to 70 feet high, and from
2 to 3in diameter. The bark is of a dark gray, and when wounded
exudes a white milk. The outer part of the wood is white and very
hard; the heart (which in the largest tree scarcely exceeds 6 or 7
inches in diameter) is of great weight, hardness and solidity, of a
beautiful deep red, variegated with black spots of different size and
figure, which give rise to its name. It is susceptible of a brilliant
polish; but the small size of the mottled part, and its great value
even in the colony, limits its use almost entirely to veneering, to pic-
ture-frames, to some smaller pieces of furniture, and to walking-sticks.
The Indians form it into bows more for ornament than ise. At the
foot of the Canuku Mountains near the river Rupununi, at the Upper
Essequibo, and Corentyn, it is still plentiful; but all these places
being several hundred miles» from the sea-coast, it is both difficult
and expensive to convey it to the colony. There appears to be a
variety; the heart of which is not mottled, and this the Indians are
said to prefer to the other for their bows.

Wamara. A scarce tree, attaining a great height, but the only

852

part used is the heart, which is dark brown and often streaked. Its
hardness and weight cause it to be preferred by the Indians for their
war-clubs ; it may be had from 6 to 12 inches square, and from 20 to
40 feet long. :

Cuppa, Ruyé (Clusia sp.?). A tree of large size, with a hard wood
used for inside work.

Curahara or Kurara. Plentiful and of large size ; and its durabi-
lity, and not being liable to split, recommend it chiefly for timbers,
knees, &c. for schooners. It is also much in request for mill-rollers,
mill-timbers and planks of every description.

Yarura, Porreka-yé, or Paddle-wood (Aspidosperma excelsum,
Benth.). The lower part of the trunk juts out in tabular projections,
forming cavities or compartments like the Mora, which serve the
Indians as ready-made planks, principally for the construction of
their paddles. The trunk itself has the appearance of being fluted,
or as if it consisted of numerous slender trees grown together along
their whole length. The author states that he knows only of one
other similar instance among the forest-trees of British Guiana; in
this latter case the tree produces berries, while the fruit of the Yarura
is a follicle containing several suborbiculate winged seeds, attached
by along funiculus. The wood of the Yarura is light, elastic, and
not apt to splinter; it might prove useful for gun-carriages, bulwarks
of vessels of war, &c.; and might also, on account of its lightness, be
employed in floats or paddle-wheels of steam-vessels. It is much in
request for rollers in the cotton-ginning machines, for which purpose
it is superior to any other wood in the colony.

Purple-heart, or Mariwayana (Copaifera pubiflora, Benth., and
Cop. bracteata, Benth.). Rather scarce in the Coast Region, being
found in the mountainous tracts above the Cataracts. There are
several varieties or species, but all much alike, possessing great
strength and elasticity, and used for furniture, on account both of
their colour and durability. Used also for mortar-beds, being supe-
rior to any other wood in sustaining the shocks produced by the dis-
charge of artillery. The author was assured by Col. Moody, R.E.,
that the Black Green-heart and the Purple-heart were the only woods
that stood the test as mortar-beds at the siege of Fort Bourbon, in
the Island of Martinique. One variety (Cop. bracteata) is very com-
mon in the Savannahs near the rivers Rupununi, Takutu, and Branco;
but this is of small size compared with the others. The natives use
the bark taken off entire with the ends sewn together, and strength-
ened by a slight frame-work, for river canoes.

853

_Mapurakuni, or Maipayé. The bark is used by the Indians for
colouring their arrow-points and pottery, as it produces a fine red
colour when steeped in water and mixed with Currawéru. It is a
large forest-tree.

_Burueh, Bully, or Bullet-tree (Mimusops sp.). A tree of the
largest size, often 6 feet in diameter, and having the trunk destitute
of branches nearly to thetop. Leaves, branches and trunk producing
a whitish milk ; fruits the size of a coffee-berry, and when ripe very
delicious. Wood extremely solid, heavy, close-grained and durable ;
dark brown, variegated with small white specks ; chiefly used in
house-framing, for posts, floors, &c., as the weather has but little
influence on it, but also esteemed the most valuable timber for. the
arms, shafts, &c. of windmills. It squares from 20 to 30 inches, and
may be obtained from 30 to 60 feet long. In salt or brackish water it
is sure to be attacked by the worms. A tree cut down by the author
at Cuyuni, measured 67 feet to the first branches, and thence to the
top 49 feet—in all 116 feet.

Payou-yeh (Etaballia Guianensis, Benth.). A tree growing only
near the Upper Essequibo and very abundantly along the Rupununi
and Takutu, the heart of which is highly ornamental, but not more
than 6 inches in diameter, and very subject to holes.

Maipurému (Vantanea Guianensis, Aubl.). Wood very subject to
worms, and not likely to become of much use; but the tree presents
a beautiful appearance with its large clusters of pink flowers, and is
even more remarkable for its drupaceous fruit, which is furrowed like
our peaches and almonds, and is cut in half by the Indians to form
ornaments, chiefly for the children.

Camara, Camacusack, Makoripong, or Ackawai-Nutmeg (Acrodi-
clidium Camara, Schomb.). Timber most like the Siruaballis, aroma-
tic and bitter, and consequently resisting worms and insects. Trunk
40 or 50 feet high, with a circumference of 8 to 10 feet, and apt (like
the Yarura and Mora) to form tabular projections at the lower part.
Chiefly prized for its aromatic fruit, which is considered one of the
most efficacious remedies in colic, diarrhoea and dysentery.

Greenheart, Sipirt (Nectandra Rodizi, Schomb.). The brown
Greenheart is one of the most useful timber-trees of the colony, and
is found in great abundance within 100 miles of the Coast Region. It
‘grows to the height of about 60 feet, and is generally used for house-
frames, wharfs, bridges, piles and planks. Within the last twenty
years a large quantity has been imported into Liverpool and Greenock;
and it has been even asserted that in strength and durability it is

854

superior to English oak, than which it commands a higher price. In
times of scarcity the Indians obtain from its fruit, grated and mace-
rated in water, a fecula which is mixed with the rotten wood of the
Wallaba-tree, pounded, sifted and baked into bread, in like manner
with the Cassava. In the bark and also in the fruit, Dr. Rodie of
Demerara has discovered a substance which forms an excellent sub-
stitute for quinine, and to which he has given the name of biberine.
The black greenheart appears to be a mere variety.

Cartan-yeh of the Macusi Indians, Pao da Rainha of the Brazili-
ans. Apparently restricted to the Savannahs in the neighbourhood
of the rivers Rupununi, Takutu, Branco, &c. The Brazilian name is
derived from the red colour of the wood, which resembles that of the
Brazil-wood of Pernambuco, to which the same name (Queen’s-wood)
is applied. It reaches a height of 80 to 100 feet; and being easily
worked and of a handsome colour, promises to become of great inte-
rest to cabinet-makers. It was used by the author during his sojourn
in Pirara for temporary tables, and the large size of its planks induced
the military commandant to construct of it a temporary bridge across
the river. The leaves are impari-pinnate, the flowers papilionaceous,
and the fruit a samara with a prickly capsule, the wing being from 4
to 5 inches in length.

Sarabadant. Much used for furniture. It grows to a large size,
and is chiefly found in swampy soil and along the banks of rivers.

Ducaballi, or Guiana-Mahogany, is very scarce, and is almost
regarded as superior to mahogany, whence it is chiefly employed for
furniture and commands a high price.

Waranana, or Wild Orange. <A large timber-tree, which grows
chiefly along the banks of the rivers Pomeroon, Supinama, &e. Much
used for boat-oars and staves for sugar-hogsheads. Its fruit resembles
an orange, but is not eatable.

Ducaliballi. Grows to a pretty large size, but is not plentiful ; the
trunk is about 40 feet high, but seldom exceeds 20 inches in diameter.
Wood deep red, finer, more equal and more compact than mahogany,
and like the Ducaballi much used for furniture. Takes a fine high
polish, and resembles or perhaps is identical with the Brazilian Beef-
wood.

Haiawaballi, or Zebra-wood (Omphalobium Lamberti, Dec.). Grows
to a large size, but is very scarce. Wood of a light brown with darker
stripes, and considered the handsomest furniture-wood of the colony :
it is easily worked and makes beautiful bed-posts.

Hubaballi. A light brownish wood, beautifully variegated with

855

black and brown streaks ; easily worked, takes a fine high polish, and
makes beautiful furniture, and cabinet-work of every description.
May be had from 6 to 15 inches square and from 20 to 35 feet long.
It is by no means scarce, but is much subject to holes, which fre-
quently render it useless.

-Simert, or Locust-iree (Hymenza Sie hill L.). A tree of large
size and plentiful throughout Guiana, often attaining from 60 to 80
feet in height and 8 to 9 feet in diameter. Trunk destitute of branches
nearly to the top. Wood close-grained, of a fine brown, streaked
with veins, and well adapted for mill-timbers, as it does not split or
warp. A good deal of it is sent to England to be used as trenails in
planking vessels, and in beams and planks for fitting up steam-engines :
it has also been found to. answer well for the frames, wheels, &c. of
spinning machines. The Indians and Negroes are fond of the farina-
ceous saccharine pulp enveloping the seeds. The gum, which resem-
bles Copal, and produces an excellent spirit-varnish, is found about
the roots of the old trees a few inches under the surface of the ground,
and occasionally also exuding from the trunk.

Yari-Yari or Lance-wood (Duguetia Quitarensis). Is abundant in
the interior ; but the trees are seldom above 20 feet high clear of the
branches, or more than 5 inches in diameter. It is considered by
the coach-makers, in consequence of its elasticity and toughness, the
best material for chaise or gig shafts.

Black Greenheart is only distinguished from the common Green-
heart by the colour of the wood, but is.so scarce in proportion to the
brown, that not more than one in twenty of the trees cut down are.
found to belong to this. variety. The wood is in great request in the
island, being preferred to all others, on account of its well-known du-
rability, for windmill-shafts, spindles and mill-work in general.

Ttaka or Itekitibowraballi (Macherium Schomburgkii, Benth.).
Wood much used for furniture: it has streaks of black and brown
throughout, the outer part being pale yellow. It is not scarce, but
rarely squares to more than 14 inches, and is very subject to heart-
shakes. Its purple flowers have the odour of violets.

Ebony, or Banya. A large tree of fluted surface and uneven growth,
the heart of which (seldom more than 8 to 10 inches square) is alone,
used: it is black, heavy, hard, and strong, and generally used by the
Indians for their war-clubs.

Mora (Mora excelsa, Benth.). The most majestic tree of the forests.
of Guiana, towering over all the rest and often reaching the height.
of 120 feet. It is abundant along the rivers of the Coast Region, and

856

extends as far south as lat. 3° N. The wood is close, cross-grained,
and difficult to split: it is considered by the most competent judges
to be superior to oak (as it is not subject to dry-rot) and the very best
wood that can be proeured for ships’ timbers. It may be obtained
from 10 to 20 inches square, and from 30 to 40 feet long; and its
branches having a tendency to grow crooked it affords natural knees,
while the trunk may be used for keels, beams and planking. A full
account of this useful tree was published by Mr. Bentham in the So-
ciety’s ‘ Transactions,’ vol. xviii. p. 207.

Note on the Occurrence of an Eatable Nostoc in the Arctic Regions
and in the Mountains of Central Asia; by J. D. Hooker, M.D.,
F.RS., F.LS. §c.

Dr. Hooker states that on the return of Captain Penny’s Expedi-
tion from the Arctic Regions, Sir W. Hooker received from Mr. Su-
therland a small collection of Cryptogamic plants, among which was
one, apparently referable to Nostoc commune, which he described as
being found in great abundance upon the floating and fixed ice in
Wellington Channel, occurring in detached masses drifted about by
the wind, forming the only vegetable production of any importance
over many square leagues, and affording shelter to Podurz, with other
Crustacea and some insects. In the neighbourhood of their winter
quarters on Cornwallis Island, lat. 75° N., long. 95° W., it was so
plentiful that it might be taken advantage of as food, and prove a
material addition to the resources of the country in cases of extreme
want. Mr. Sutherland added that he had eaten handfuls of it on
several occasions, without any inconvenience; and although it was
generally infested with swarms of the larva of flies and gnats, as well
as with myriads of very active Podure, he considered it much more
nutritious and agreeable than the “ tripe de roche,” and perhaps not
inferior to “ Iceland Moss.” On showing the plant to Dr. Thompson,
he drew the attention of Dr. Hooker to a very similar plant which
occurs in great abundance in Western Thibet, floating in large masses
on the surface of pools and lakes in soils impregnated with carbonate
of soda, and of which heaps are drifted by the winds upon their banks.
It occurs as high up as 17,000 feet, and is of a green or pale purple
colour; and this too appeared to Dr. Hooker to belong to Nostoc
commune. Samples of both were forwarded to Mr. Berkeley, whose
notes to the following effect were also laid before the Society.

857

Mr. Berkeley states that he has been unable to find any account of
the chemical constituents of Nostoc. The chemical condition of such
species as he had been enabled to examine, under the influence of
iodine and sulphuric acid, seems to vary not only in the different spe-
cies, but in individual specimens, and even in parts of the same spe-
cimen. In some the gelatinous matter and the chains of spores
assume a more or less deep tint of violet, indicating that the greater
portion consists of cellulose, perhaps in some cases partially changed
to dextrine by the action of the sulphuric acid ; while in other cases
the prevailing tint is yellow-brown, indicating rather bassorin. No
purple tint occurs where merely iodine is used, and the change there-
fore is not due to the presence of amylum. In fresh specimens of
Nostoc commune, the spores assume a beautiful green tint, which is
probably due to the combined tint of the yellow protein contents of
the cells and the blue cellulose of which their wall is formed. In the
Arctic specimens, and in English Nostoc commune, the bassorin tint
prevails, while in specimens from Thibet (probably. Nostoc salsum,
Kiitz.), gathered by Dr. Thomson, in pools of water where the soil is
covered with an efflorescence of carbonate of soda, cellulose is indi-
cated, but with every intermediate shade. Mr. Berkeley has, how-
ever, found that in woody fibres which in bleaching have been
exposed to salt water, a deeper purple tint is assumed than when
they have been bleached by rain water, so that something may pos-
sibly be due to the peculiar place of growth of the Thibetan species.
In Nostoc edule the yellow-brown tint is stronger than in any other
specimen examined ; but it is scarcely probable that any very con-
stant chemical characters will be found to prevail in the different
species. In either case there would be a very nutritious food, and
one from its gelatinous condition probably easily assimilated. The
habit of the Arctic species is exactly that of Nostoc commune, and
Mr. Berkeley would not hesitate to regard it as identical, if there were
no other difference than a little increase in the relative size of the
threads of spores ; but in parts of the fronds the chains are surrounded

by a distinct gelatinous envelope, presenting an appearance somewhat ©

similar to that of toad-spawn, which is very visible in a transverse sec-
tion. At a later period, when the chains are ready to break up at the
connecting joints, no trace of this envelope is to be detected, and the
plant then exhibits the true characters of Nostoc. It appears indeed,

from the remarks of Thuret, that when the threads of Nostoc are first *

generated from the large connecting bodies, there is really such an
envelope ; but this exists in Nostoc, as far as is at present known,
VOL. IV. oR

858

merely inthe infant state ; and consequently if the genus Hormosi-
phon is to be retained, the Arctic species must be regarded as belong--
ing to it, for no such appearance has been detected by Mr. Berkeley
either in dried or freshly-gathered specimens of Nostoc commune. It
is possible that more extended observation may show that this cha-
racter is not of the consequence attributed to it by Kiitzing; but in
the mean time Mr. Berkeley characterizes these specimens as—

HormostpHon arcricus, foliaceo-plicatus viridis vel fuspescenty filis demum
(gelatina diffusa) liberis.

Fronds foliaceous, variously plicate, sometimes contracted into a
little ball. Gelatinous envelope at length effused; connecting cells
at first solitary, then three together ; threads (which are nearly twice
as thick as in Nostoc commune) breaking up at the connecting cells,
so as to form two new threads, each terminated with a single large
cell, the central cell becoming free. Of these threads and of their
gelatinous envelope Mr. Berkeley gives figures.

With regard to the Thibetan Nostoc, Mr. Berkeley adds that a
species of this genus, as is well known, is a native of Tartary and is
eaten abundantly in China. There is a box of it, sent by Mr. Tra-
descant Lay, in the Museum of the Linnean Society ; and mention is
made of it by M. Montagne in the ‘ Revue Botanique, ii. p. 247, as
having, in the form of a soup, made part of a dinner given by the
Mandarin Huang at Macao, to several members of the French Em-
bassay. The Mandarin described it as a freshwater plant, growing in
Tartary in streams and running water, and sold at Canton in small
boxes: it is highly esteemed by the Chinese, and not very expensive.
At this time M. Montagne regarded the species as Nostoc ceruleum,
but specimens sent him by Mr. Berkeley proved it to be distinct, and
it was afterwards published in the ‘ Revue Botanique ’ under the name
of Nostoc edule, Berk. and Mont., and figured by Kiitzing in his
‘Tabule Phytologice.’ In the last-named author’s ‘ Species Alga-
rum,’ it is said to have been gathered by Gaudichaud, who,. although
a great traveller, was certainly never in Tartary. The Thibetan Nos-
toc, like the Arctic, is probably quite as good as the Tartarian. After —
some further notes on the chemical changes produced in this plant
and in Nostoc commune when treated with iodine and sulphuric acid,
and a reference to a passage in Kiitzing’s ‘ Grundziige der Philoso-
phische Botanik,’ where he speaks of these plants as consisting in
great measure of gelacin (a substance belonging to the same category
as bassorin, and perhaps a modification of it), Mr. Berkeley concludes

859
*
by stating that a thin slice of gum tragacanth, treated with iodine and
sulphuric acid, assumes after a time the same tint as the Nostoc. He
believes, however, that starch is often present in gum tragacanth,
which is not likely to be the case with the Nostoc; and thinks we
may safely assume the jelly of Nostoc to be a state of bassorin,
passing into cellulose or dextrine.

Localities for Plants near London, in 1852.
By J. T. Syme, Esq.*

Last summer I had an opportunity of examining pretty carefully
the Flora of the metropolitan district, as I devoted to this object the
three days of the week on which I was not engaged at the rooms of
the Botanical Society. I shall now bring forward the results of these
excursions, as I think they may be interesting, on account of the veri-
fication I have been able to afford to stations for rare plants which
have not, I believe, been recorded on recent authority. Of course,
plants mew to the district were scarcely to be hoped for; and the few
I shall mention are critical species, which have no doubt been passed
by as allied and well-known species.

Ranunculus fluitans, Lam. Plentiful in the Wey, at Godalming.

Ranunculus coenosus, Guss. On Woking Common, in some of the
ponds made in excavating material for the approaches to the bridges
over the Basingstoke Canal.

Ranunculus hirsutus, Curt. Very luxuriant on the Plumstead
practice-ground, at the station for the Polypogons.

Papaver somniferum, L. Plentiful, as a weed, in corn-fields near
Greenhithe ; Boxley, and between Halling and Cobham.

Fumaria micrantha, Log. Near Northfleet ; Epsom.

Fumaria parviflora, Lam. Cuxton; Halling; Boxley.

Fumaria Vaillantii, Lois. A single specimen on the Hogsback,

near Compton chalk-quarries, Surrey.
_ Brassica Napus. Very abundant on the bank of the Thames, from
Putney upwards. My reason for mentioning this plant is, that B.
campestris, which I could not find, is said to grow there. Is this a
mistake ? The plants are very difficult to distinguish, unless the root-
leaves are examined. These are quite ekg Se in the Thames- —
plant.

* Read before the Botanical Society of London, February 4, 1853.

860

Polygala calcarea, Schultz. Very fine near Pangbourne, Berks;
not unfrequent on the Hogsback, at and near Compton chalk-quar-
ries. Flowers blue, white, or pink.

Geranium rotundifolium, L. Abundant in one locality at Bat-
tersea.

Trigonella ornithopodioides, D.C.. Plumstead Common, scarce.

Poterium muricatum, Spach. Near Goring, Oxfordshire.

Sedum sexangulare, L. Garden-wall at Sydenham, of course not
indigenous.

Petroselinum segetum, Koch. Lane at Charlton Church; near
Eltham ; between Greenwich and Woolwich ; and near Orpington.

Coriandrum sativum, L. 'Thames-side below Greenwich. Mr.
Irvine found it at Battersea and Wandsworth.

Tragopogon pratensis, L. With florets exceeding the phyla
at Sydenham. At Greenwich it occurs with florets equal to, and
half the length of, the phyllaries, and in all intermediate states. T.
minor, Fi., can scarcely be separated, even as a variety.

Lactuca virosa, L. Between Greenhithe and Darenth Wood.

Sonchus palustris, L. I searched in vain for this fine species in
the Isle of Dogs, and between Greenwich and Woolwich. Mr. Irvine
and I failed to find it at Halling, where the former saw it many years .
ago. Mr. Irvine could not see it in the railway cutting on Wands-
worth Common, where it is recorded by Mr. M’Ennes (Phytol. iv.
398). Mr. Kippist informs me he found it, in 1829, about Deptford,
and it may still grow there. If not, I fear it must be expunged from
the metropolitan Flora.

Crepis biennis, L. Northfleet and Greenhithe chalk-pits ; near
Cobham, Rainham, Rochester, and Gravesend.

Hieracium vulgatum, Fr. The form called H. maculatum by
Smith occurs on a wall at Sydenham.

Borkhausia foetida, D.C. I looked very carefully for this tii
in the stations recorded for it, but in vain. I fear it is now extinct.
The following species has probably been mistaken for it in some of.
the localities given for it. .

Borkhausia taraxacifolia, D.C. Very abundant in all the Larsite
districts of Kent.

Carduus acaulis, L. Specimens from the road-side between Di
renth and Dartford had branched stems above a foot high.

Pulicaria vulgaris, Gertn. Has disappeared from Golder’s Green,
where it was carefully sought for, by Mr. Irvine and myself.

861

Verbascum nigro-Lychnitis. At Green-street, Green, near Fatrn-
borough, Kent, along with V. nigrum and V. Lychnitis. V. Lychni-
tis also occurs near Cuxton.

-Linaria vulgaris, var. speciosa, Ten. A plant agreeing pretty
nearly with that found in the Isle of Wight by the late Dr. Bromfield,
grows in a chalk-pit near Northfleet.

Melissa officinalis. L. Between. Richmond and Kew, in conside-
rable quantity.

Lithospermum purpureo-ceruleum, L. In an excursion to Da-
renth Wood, last July, Dr. J. A. Power and I found this plant in
considerable abundance, but mostly without any signs of having
flowered.

Chenopodium rubrum, L. A patdirati form, with entire leaves -
and large seeds, is common below Gravesend. This is probably the
same as that found by the Rev. W. A. Leighton, recorded in the
‘ Manual of British Botany.’

Chenopodium hybridum, L. Still abundant near Northfleet ;
Charlton ; Battersea.

\ Chenopodium ficifolium, Sm. Very plentiful near Notting Hill ;

Battersea; Greenwich. In 1850 I saw it about Hampstead.

- Atriplex littoralis, L., and A. marina, L. The former bidlow
Gravesend, and the latter all along the banks of the Thames from
Greenhithe to Stroud. There seems to be no character by which
these plants can be distinguished, except the leaves, as open and
closed perigones:occur on the same specimen.

Polygonum mite, Schrank. Battersea. Here I also found a plant
intermediate between P. mite and.P. Persicaria.

Rumezx pratensis, M. & K. Near. Cuxton, Kent; about Thames
Ditton and Moulsey, Surrey ; between Hampstead and Camden Town.
_ Rumex maritimus, L. Putney Heath; Battersea fields? on the
mud taken from the bed of the river; (the plant was rather too young
to be determined quite satisfactorily).
| Rumex palustris, Sm. Still grows at Hampstead; Notting Hill;
Isle of Dogs; Battersea; Thames-side near Charlton.

Populus canescens,Sm. Epping Forest, at. Wanstead.

Orchis militaris, L. This fine species \still grows, but very spa-
ringly, between Pangbourne and Streatly, Berks.

_ Orchis simia, Lam. Edges of fields between Goring and Maple-
durham, Oxfordshire. Babington says, “ Helmet dark purplish.”
It was pure white in all the specimens I found. Neither this nor O.
militaris appears now to grow in the vicinity of Cavesham.

862

Leucojum estivum, L. Last autumn, on passing the station for
this plant opposite Blackwall, I found it covered with mud from the
river, to the depth of at least three feet. I therefore fear that we shall
see no more of this beautiful species in the station where it has main-
tained itself for so long a time.

Allium Scorodoprasum, L. I believe 1 saw this plant last July,
about two miles below Gravesend, growing on the landward side of
the ditch by the river-side. The ditch was too wide to leap across,
and too muddy to wade through; so I was unable to get close to it ;
but I know no plant I could have mistaken for it, as I was within ten
yards of it.

Anacharis Alsinastrum, Bab. The ditch by the Thames-side be-.
tween Kew and Richmond is now full of this plant.

Echinochloa Crus-galli, Beauv. On the mud taken from the.
Thames, at Battersea, many plants of this species sprung up, but
were buried before flowering, in the process of levelling the ground.

Setaria glauca, L. With the last, at Battersea. I found only a
single plant; but Mr. Irvine observed it in considerable plenty.

Alopecurus fulvus, Sm. Epping Forest, near Wanstead; Putney
Heath. Dr. J. A. Power finds it on Wandsworth Common.

Glyceria Borreri, E. B.S. Very plentiful on Plumstead practice-
ground, with the Polypogons ; Greenhithe to Gravesend.

Triticum laxum, Fr. Plentiful on the banks of the Thames and
Medway. Resembles T. repens rather than T. junceum; but speci-
mens from Ramsgate, collected by Mr. Moore, approach the latter.

Elymus geniculatus, Curt.. I fear this plant must be erased from
the British Flora. It certainly does not grow in the old station near
Gravesend, where Mr. Irvine pointed out the eae to me where he
had found it about thirty years ago.

Datura Stramonium, L. Near the windmill on Warnes Com-
mon.

Melittis parviflora, Lam. On the mud from the Thames at Bat-
tersea; on a new quay at Wandsworth, plentiful, but in company with
Plantago lagopus, Eruca sativa, Hibiscus Trionum, and numerous
other plants that have no title to be considered as even naturalized.
Neither Mr. Irvine nor I could ascertain the source whence these had»
come.

J.T. Syme.
London, February 3, 1853. * ’

863

“a

Account of the Mosses and Lichens of the Malvern Hills.
By Epwin Legs, Esq., F.L.S.*

THE Mosses, denominated by Linneus “ Servi,” or humble hand-
maids in the economy of Nature, have exercised a considerable
agency in the accumulation of the soil now upon the Malvern Hills ;
doubtless, indeed, they were the primary originators of vegetation
upon the bare rocks, whose hollows they have filled up in the lapse
of ages with a soft spongy carpet, and so encompassed and obscured
them, that numerous masses of gray rock, almost immersed in the
verdant mossy inundation, now scarcely exhibit their points above it.
The lichens have been generally considered as the first pioneers of
vegetation, but their efforts to create a humus for the nourishment of
other plants are but trifling when compared with the economical
powers of the mosses. To test this by experiment, I took a tuft of
Bryum capillare, Zinn., from the roof of an outhouse at Malvern
Wells, which was abundantly studded with it, together with the black
earth collected about its base. The mass altogether weighed six
ounces, but when after repeated and careful washings I had extracted
all, or nearly all, the black mould that enveloped the roots, the actual
residuum of frondescence that remained when weighed amounted
only to half an ounce; thus satisfactorily showing that the moss,
through atmospherical and imbral agency, had formed a soil exceed-
ing its own weight at the very least above ten times! I had reason
to believe, too, that this had been accomplished within three, or four
years at most. By operations on a more extensive scale, it is easily
conceivable how a bare mass of rock may, in the course of a few years,
be covered with a thick coating of soil sufficient for the nourishment
of any of the phanerogamous species, adapted to the climate and ele-
vation where they may stand. Bryum hornum has been noticed to
be a great accumulator of soil in marshy spots; while the excessive
growth alone of such mosses as Sphagnum palustre, Dicranum glau-
cum, Bryum palustre, Hypnum molluscum; scorpioides, cuspidatum,
&c., in the course of time entirely fills up bogs, drinks up their water,
and conduces to their ultimate establishment as component parts of
terra firma, fit for useful cultivation. In this manner, then, have the
originally bare crags of the Malvern Hills received that rich humus
now ore their sides, and which, combined with the disintegrating

* From The Botany and Geology of Malvern, by Edwin Lees, F.L.S.’

864

touch of Time’s mouldering fingers, renders their soil in the present
day capable of immediate cultivation even in the steepest places.

On a first cursory glance at the turf of the hills, there seems a great
sameness in the mosses that luxuriate there, Dicranum scoparium and
undulatum, Hypnum triquetrum, splendens, purum, and molluscum,
with the Polytricha, seeming as if they had united to exclude the rest,
Hypnum triquetrum especially everywhere predominating. However,
a little attention will show a considerable variety, especially upon. or
in the immediate vicinity of the rocks, or on the margin of the nume-
rous tinkling rills that show a cincture of the tenderest green wherever
they trickle down. The apple-fruited moss. (Bartramia) has a most
elegant aspect seated among the deep crannies of the rocks, and the
Anictangium quite covers some spots with its gray tresses; while a
hoary aspect is given to the loose slabs in the upper ravines, bearded,
as they become in decrepitude, with the woolly Trichostomum lanugi-
nosum. Some of the mosses, of course, are rare or local; a few being
confined to the limestone on the western side of the range.

The. Malvern Hills are particularly remarkable for the various
Lichens they produce; so that the late accurate cryptogamic bota-
nist, Mr. Purton, has remarked in his ‘ Midland Flora,’ that even m
Wales he had scarcely observed any lichens that did not grow upon
‘the Malvern Hills. Indeed, he might have stated the converse, for
lichens grow here that I have not met. with in Wales. . Most of them
grow in a very luxuriant and beautiful manner, and:in the moist au-
tumnal and wintry months many of. the rocks present an appearance
with their lichens truly gratifying to the lover of nature. Several north-
ern and southern species seem. here to attain their respective limita,
tions, for on the same craggy rocks of the North Hill at Great Mal-
vern are found the beautiful golden-hued Borrera flavicans and the
dingy northern Parmelia stygia.. Some of the harder granitic rocks
are entirely covered with Umbilicaria pustulata, which in the spring
is of an olive-green colour, and as flabby as a piece of moist leather,
though in the summer months it appears black and sooty, as if sub-
jected to the action of fire. On other rocks the deep purple Parmelia ~
omphalodes extends itself, contrasted with wide patches of the, gray
P. physodes, the darker P. saxatilis, the dusky P. olivacea, or the
conspicuous pitted thalli of Sticta scrobiculata.. On the higher rocks
the curled Cetraria glauca grows” in abundance ; while a remarkably
hoary aspect is imparted to the protruding masses by the silvery Isi-
dium coralloides, and the still more elegant, coralline appearance of

865

Spherophoron compressum. The exposed masses of the ridge are
many of them curiously dotted with the green adnate fronds of Leci-
dea geographica. The reindeer lichen (Cladonia rangiferina), called
by Crabbe

“The wiry moss that whitens all the hill,”

is plentiful on the turf with its allied species, and the sadder and
darker Cornicularia, as well as the curious dangling rock-hair (Alec-
toria jubata) ; while in every part the brown and scarlet apothecia of
the Scyphophori, in all their multiform varieties, contribute to deco- |
rate the scene.

The calcareous rocks of the Silurian system at the base of the He-
refordshire Beacon, especially on the side of Chance’s Pitch, exhibit
some local species not observable on the syenitic rocks, as Endocar-
pon Hedwigii, Urceolaria calcarea, Lecidea rupestris, Collema sinu-
atum, &c. The crab’s-eye lichen (Lecanora Parella) is particularly
fine and abundant throughout the chain from north to south, not only
on the rocks, but on ash and other trees about the bases of the hills.
I have been particularly attentive to the lichens, and have been as
careful as possible to ensure correctness; though in such minute
vegetation, often obscure even to a microscopic eye, it is very dif_i-
cult to discriminate without some error. The Opegraphez of the
section Graphis are named on the authority of the Rev. W. A. Leigh-
ton. One lichen that I have met with appears to be undescribed,
and I have thus characterised it :—L. chryso-chlora (golden-shielded
Lecanora). Crust greenish, indeterminate, scattered, apothecia clus-
tered sessile, very small, dull green, with a very thick, inflexed, gold-
coloured or light ferruginous border. Scarcely visible to the naked
eye but as a number of yellow specks on the exposed rocks; but
under a lens very characteristic and peculiar.

The lichens form such a crust or time-tint of colour on the hoary
rocks of Malvern, that it is impossible for the most superficial eye
not to notice and admire them; and some, as the Stereocaula, appear
like silver spangles scattered and clustered in the recesses of the
rocks; though, when closely examined with a lens, these delicate,
glaucous-green, granuliferous lichens appear like minute, branching
shrubs, beautiful as a mineral efflorescence. Even on the turf the
Scyphophori, with their brown and bright scarlet apothecia, under
the name of cuwp-mosses, are so variable in aspect as to be generally
admired and collected, and are often alluded to by the poets of
nature, as in the following lines by Mrs. Hemans :—

VOL. Iv. as

866

** Oh, green is the turf where my brothers play,
Through the long bright hours of the summer day ;
They find the red cup-moss where they climb,

And they chase the bee o’er the scented thyme.”

Proceepines or SocretTigs, §c.

BoTANICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH.

Thursday, January 13, 1853.—Professor Balfour, President, in the
chair.

The following donations were announced to the Society’s library
and herbarium :—From Dr. Royle,—his Papers on the Identification
of the Mustard-tree of Scripture, and on the Hyssop of Scripture ;
from Professor Treviranus, of Bonn,—his work ‘ De Compositione
Fructus in Cactearum atque Cucurbitacearum ordinibus ;’ Account
of the Cultivation of the Victoria regia in the garden of the Hon. Kd-
ward Chitty, Kingston, Jamaica, from Dr. M‘Nab; British plants from
Mr. Moore, of the Chelsea Botanic Garden, and Mr. Parker, Torquay.
The Prospectus of Willkomm’s work on the Flora of Spain, South-
west of France, Corsica, and the Balearic Isles was laid on the table
by Dr. Balfour.

Dr. Balfour noticed the following donations, recently made to the
Museum of Economic Botany at the Botanic Garden :—From Henry
Bains, Esq., Museum, York: Sections of a tree-fern twenty inches in
circumference, and of Urtica gigantea, from New South Wales ; woody
substance (supposed to be the work of an insect) taken from the cen-
tre of a log of purple-wood of Guiana; fruit of the grapple-plant
(Uncaria procumbens), from the Cape of Good Hope; Polyporous
from the willow, with brooches made from it, exhibiting a. shining,
velvety appearance ; opalized specimen of Dacrydium Uredo, from a
tree of ten feet in circumference, said to be imbedded in basalt, in
the Macquarie Plains, Van Dieman’s Land; also the following micro-
scopical preparations :—Bract of Poinsettia pulcherrima, showing the
arrangement of the cells, containing red colouring matter ; specimens
of spiral fibres from spiral vessels, some of them composed of seven
fibres, united so as to form a band, such as occurs in Pleiotrachee ;
section of the silicified wood of Dacrydium Uredo, showing the disk-
bearing woody tubes,. From Miss Neill, Gayfield Square: Specimens

867

of an opalized endogenous stem, carboniferous fern (Neuropteris), and
an old oak quaigh, from Orkney. From A. H. Balfour, Esq., Hong
Kong, China: Specimens of Chinese manuscripts; the letters are
written on narrow leaves (probably of a palm), which are fastened
together so as to form small books. From Daniel Oliver, jun., Esq.,
Newcastle: Four specimens of the interpetiolary glands and hairs of
Pentas carnea, put up in a solution of chloride of calcium, on slides
for the microscope. From Alexander Duff, Esq.: Large specimen of
Conferva xgogropila, from’ a lake in South Uist, Outer Hebrides.
From Mr. James Scrymgeour, Dundee: Specimens of vegetable sub-
stance found in the interior of a coffin in the old burying-ground,
Dundee. e

Mr. Stewart M‘Glashen exhibited his patent apparatus for trans-
planting trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. The method of ope-
rating was fully explained; and a specimen of Araucaria imbricata,
23 feet high, with a ball of earth 21 inches square, and weighing in
all 33 cwt., was shown in the state in which it had been taken up from
the Botanic Garden ; also a specimen of Helleborus niger, in flower,
taken up with a ball of earth, by a smaller apparatus, consisting of
two semicircular spades, placed together so as to form a sort of iron
flower-pot, by the handles beimg pressed outwards.

Dr. Balfour made some remarks on the efficiency of the apparatus,
and the ease with which it was applied. The Araucaria shown had
been taken up in six minutes from the time the spades were first ap-
plied to the soil. He had seen various kinds of trees and shrubs
taken up; and in every instance the method was most successful.
In some cases four and five tons of earth had been taken up in the
Botanical and Experimental Gardens. Dr. Balfour considered the
invention as an admirable one, and as being well fitted for its purpose.

Dyeing Properties of Lichens.

The first part of a paper ‘On the Dyeing Properties of the Lichens,’
by Dr. Lauder Lindsay, was read.

Dr. Lindsay stated that his attention had been directed to the sub-
ject of the natural history of the lichens, two years ago, by Professor
Balfour ; that he had since been engaged in occasional researches
into the structure and properties of these plants; and that the chief
object of his present paper was merely to show, from the present state
of our knowledge on this subject, the great amount of observation, in
-various departments of lichenology, which still remains to be made,
and to ask the assistance and co-operation of members of the Society

868

in particular, and the scientific world in general, in following out
several special paths of research, and clearing up some obscure points
specially demanding elucidation, which are indicated below. He
mentioned that, as his experiments and researches were only in pro-
gress, he could not at present furnish a complete paper on the dyeing
properties of the lichens, or on any other individual department of
lichenology, but intended to lay before the Society merely a number
of isolated facts and notes, bearing generally on the present state of
this branch of botany and botanical chemistry.

The author, after a few prefatory remarks, continued :—“ It was
not long till I found that the field was comparatively a new and open
one, and that, unaided, I could proceed but a very short way in the
examination of a subject of such vast extent, at first chiefly from want
of instruments with which to operate, but latterly from deficiency of
materials on which to operate. In the summer of 1851 (besides
studying, so far as our metropolitan libraries would allow, the litera-
ture of the subject), 1 commenced (with the intention of working out
leisurely) a series of experimental inquiries on the following points of
the natural history of the lichens.

‘1. Their anatomy, organography, and physiology, and in particu-
lar

“a. Their general microscopical anatomy, with illustrative drawings
and dissections. With the exception of the beautiful drawings con-
tained in the ‘ Abbildungen’ of Link, in the ‘ Cryptogamic Botany of
Ross’s Antarctic Voyage,’ by Dr. Hooker, and in a few kindred works,
we had then no complete series of drawings of minute structure, dis-
sections illustrative of organography, nor any good monograph enter-
ing extensively, and, at the same time, accurately, into the special
anatomy, &c., of these plants. But, since that period, the valuable
memoirs of Tulasne, Bayrnoffer, and others have filled up a great gap
in this branch of lichenology ; and I believe we may shortly expect,
from the author of the ‘ British Species of Angiocarpous Lichens,’ a
fuller work descriptive of the British lichens, which, I hope, will leave
us little to do or wish for in this respect.

“6. The special anatomy of their reproductive organs, and the phy-
siology of their reproductive function. On both of these subjects a
war of discussion lately raged between the botanists of Germany and
France ; and its fury is only now beginning to be subdued. ‘Tulasne
is the first, so far as I am aware, who has published anything like a
complete series of drawings and descriptions of the lichen reproduc-

869

tive organs and their contents, since the discovery of the lichen-phy-
tozoa (the spermatia, or spermogoni, of various recent authors).

“For the purpose of informing myself on their general and special
anatomy, I began a detailed microscopic examination of all the Bri-
tish genera, subsequently extending my investigations to species; but
this being a labour of immense extent, in a path as yet comparatively
untrodden, and requiring therefore a great amount of time and appli-
cation, 1 have been unable to work far in this direction.

“c. Their cheiftical composition, as ascertained by analysis. A
few of the lichens best known to us, on account of their uses in medi-
cine and the arts, have, at different times, been analyzed by Berze-
lius, Proust, John, Nees. von Esenbeck, Schnedermann, Knop, Her-
berger, and other chemists ; but their results have been very discrepant.
It is therefore very desirable that the analyses made by these gentle-
men should be carefully repeated at the present day, by men experi-
enced in botany, as well as in chemistry ; and it is further desirable
that we should have an extensive and accurate series of analyses of
all the British lichens (or, at least, of as many as can be obtained in
quantity sufficient to subject to experiment) before we can come to
any general and useful conclusion on the subject. I am not yet suffi-
ciently acquainted with practical chemistry to undertake such analy-
ses; but I have had, on different occasions, the ash of a few common
species analysed qualitatively by more experienced friends. My
efforts, however, in this direction have been greatly circumscribed by
want of specimens. It can only be by the analysis of a large number
of species that we can accumulate a mass of facts from which we may
deduce general principles, and discover how far the chemical compo-
sition of different lichens is similar or varies ; whether any, and what,
relation subsists between their composition and external appearance,
&e.

* d. Their products and secretions, including the chemistry of their
nutritive and pigmentary principles, and its practical application. The
subject of the colorific and colouring principles of the lichens has,
within the last few years, attracted a due share of that attention which
has been increasingly devoted to organic chemistry. Since 1830, Hee-
ren, Kane, Schunck, Rochleder, Heldt, Knop, Stenhouse, Laurent, and
Gerhardt have published valuable papers on these principles ; but here,
again, we have to regret the great discrepancy in the various results
obtained ; and there is therefore, here also, imperatively demanded
re-investigation and correction before any of the results already. pub-
lished can be implicitly relied upon, and before we can have safe data

870

from which to generalize. I have no doubt that a great proportion
of the obscurity overhanging this subject, depends on the circumstance
that many of the chemists who have devoted attention to the colour-
educts and products of the lichens were not themselves botanists, and
have therefore probably, in some cases, at least, analyzed species
under erroneous names, and also because their investigations have
comprehended a much too limited number of species.

“2. Their taxonomy, or classification. This, however, is but a
secondary, and comparatively unimportant, department, and can only
be put upon a proper basis when the anatomy and physiology of the
lichens have been fully investigated, and their laws firmly established.

“3. Their geographical distribution, a subject of no little interest
in studying terrestrial nature on the large scale.

“4. Their utility.

“a. In medicine. On examining the literature of this branch of
lichenology, I found that the lichens were, at one time in the history
of medicine, regarded as a panacea, every kind and degree of thera-
peutic action having been, by ‘ the profession,’ as well as the ‘ profa-
num vulgus,’ attributed to them. Being very sceptical on the matter,
I was naturally anxious to test these therapeutic actions, by experi-
menting, with the old officinal ? species and their active principles, on
man and the lower animals; but such experiments I have been
obliged, for the present, to delay.

** 6. In the arts, and especially in dyeing, including the collection of
a series of the commercial dye-lichens, 7. e., those used by the manu-
facturers of London, &c., in the making of orchil, cudbear, litmus, and
other lichen-dyes. While investigating the dyeing properties of the
lichens, I made experiments, with a view to test their colorific power,
on as many species as I could obtain in sufficient quantity to render
it at all useful to operate on, that number, however, being very limited
(between forty and fifty). But these experiments were speedily
brought to a stand, on account of a paucity of material to work
upon ; and one of my objects in placing the present remarks before
the Society, is to request such members and their friends as have a
superabundance of specimens of lichens, or are favourably situated
for collecting them, and may be willing to sacrifice a few to such a
purpose, to co-operate in furthering this branch of lichenology, by
contributing a few of their spare duplicates. They need neither be
rare nor fine specimens ; fragments, of every size and appearance,
are equally acceptable ; indeed, I may emphatically say, in the usual
words of the scrap-book title-page, ‘ Scraps thankfully received.’

87]

The same subject (of the dyeing properties of the lichens) also led me
to the Great Exhibition of 1851, where I found several small, but
highly-interesting, collections of dye-lichens and lichen-dyes, fabrics
dyed by the latter, &c., exhibited by various metropolitan and provin-
‘cial orchil and cudbear manufacturers and dyers, and by private par-
ties. Toa number of these exhibitors I subsequently wrote, requesting
practical information, and specimens ; and while a few did not appa-
rently consider it within the sphere of their trade (in other words,
remunerative) to supply samples for scientific purposes, others of
them, in the handsomest manner, placed specimens gratuitously at
my disposal ; and I therefore willingly embrace the present opportu-
nity of returning my most sincere thanks for such favours, to Messrs.
Benjamin Smith & Son, orchil manufacturers, London; Messrs. James
Robinson & Co., orchil and cudbear manufacturers, Huddersfield ;
James Howe & Co., silk-dyers, Coventry ; the Portugese Consul, Lon-
don; &c.

“TI would here take the liberty of shortly pointing out how you
may lend material assistance, in the present state of experimental
inquiry, on the various subjects just enumerated.

“1. By contributing lichens in quantity, for the purpose of mace-
ration, with a view to test their colorific powers. Those growing on
rocks, in alpine situations, or on the sea-coast, in warm climates, of a
pale or white colour, and of a pulverulent or crustaceous consistence,
are to be preferred ; but it is not essential, though also important,
that the specimens possess fructification, or be otherwise in good
condition.

“2. By contributing specimens, in good condition (and particularly
with fructification), of native or foreign lichens, common or rare, with
their names (botanical and vulgar), and notes of their habits, and any
similar information, to illustrate structure, organography, geographi-
cal distribution, &c.

“3. By furnishing information on their economic uses, and on their
special applications in dyeing and other arts (particularly on their
employment as dye-agents, by the natives of Britain and other coun-
tries), with specimens of the lichens so used, and their common names,
specimens of fabrics dyed therewith, notes of the processes employed
for the elimination of the dyes, &c. Parties resident in or travelling
through our western highlands and islands, the northern highlands,
Treland, Wales, Norway, Iceland, and similar countries, are most
likely to be able to afford this description of information, many native

‘

. 872

lichens being still used, by the peasantry of these countries, to dye
their home-spun yarn, &c.; and, lastly,

“4, By contributing to the literature of lichenology, in the form of
references to books or journals, &c., containing information of any
kind on the natural history of the lichens; as well as to orchil and
cudbear manufacturers, dyers, and other parties engaged in the impor-
tation or sale of orchella-weeds and other dye-lichens, or their con-
version into dye-agents.”

Dr. Lindsay illustrated his paper with drawings of the minute ana-
tomy of lichens, preparations of the dyes extracted from various native
species, and specimens of the plants yielding these colours.

Flora of the District in the Neighbourhood of Peebles.

A paper by James Young, Esq., ‘intituled ‘ Remarks on the Flora
of the District in the Neighbourhood of Peebles,’ was read.

The author gave a brief account of some botanical walks made in
the autumn of 1851, and enumerated some of the plants which he
had collected, and the localities in which they were found.

Mr. G. S. Blackie remarked that Mr. Young had not visited some
of the best districts in Peebleshire ; otherwise he would have found
such plants as Betula nana, Saxifraga aizoides, S. stellaris, and S.
oppositifolia, Sibbaldia procumbens, Allosorus crispus, &c., none-of
which appeared in Mr. Young’s list.

Cultivation of Victoria regia in Jamaica.

A paper ‘ On the Cultivation of Victoria regia in Jamaica,’ by Dr.
G. M‘Nab, was read.

In this communication Dr. M‘Nab stated that seeds had been sent
to him by his brother, Mr. James M‘Nab, of the Botanic Garden,
Edinburgh, in September, 1851, that they had been planted by the
Hon. Edward Chitty, at Kingston, in a tank prepared for the pur-
pose, and that the plant had grown vigorously, and had flowered well.
The full details in regard to the growth of the plant were given in a
Jamaica paper, copies of which have been already noticed in this
report, as presented to the Society.

Dr. Balfour observed that the structure of the stem of the Victoria
regia had been examined recently by Mr. Henfrey, in the case of a
specimen which flowered in the garden of the Royal Botanic Society,
London. He says that the plant developes its stem by a terminal
bud, like palms, throwing out leaf after leaf, in a spiral course; that
there is no tap-root in the perfect plant, that produced in the embryo

873

decaying, and its place being supplied, as in Monocotyledons, by
adventitious roots. There is no true bark, no pith, and no annular
zones of vessels, the vascular bundles being scattered as in Endogens. |
Mr. Henfrey regards the stem of Victoria as endogenous, as Trecul had |
already done in regard to other Nymphzacee, especially Nuphar lutea.
The chief differences, Mr. Henfrey says, from Endogens are the absence
of fibrous layers between the cortical and central tissues, and the com-
position of the vascular bundles being exclusively of spiral vessels,
with unrollable fibres.
Edward Ravenscroft, Esq., Highland Society’s Museum, was elected
a Fellow. )
Mr. Frederick Yorke Brocas, County Hospital, Winchester, was
elected an Associate.

THE PuHytTotocisT CLus.

One Hundred and Forty-second Sitting— Saturday, February 26,
1853.—Mr. Newnav, President, in the chair.

Nativity of the Box-tree.

The President read the following note, from Mr. C. C. Babington,
dated St. John’s College, Cambridge, January 28, 1853 :—

“ Mr. Watson, in his Cybele (ii. 366), appears very much inclined
to consider the box-tree as not originally a native of England. The
following extract from the beginning of Asser’s ‘ Life of King Alfred,’
appears to show that it was plentiful in Berkshire 1000 years since.
His words are :—‘ Berrocscire ; que paga taliter vocatur a “ berroc ”
sylva, ubi buxus abundantissime nascitur.’ ”

Chrysocoma Linosyris at Weston-super-Mare.

The President read the following note, from Mr. T. B. Flower,
dated Seend, near Melksham, February, 1853 :—

‘Visiting Weston and its neighbourhood for a few days, during :
September last, 1 was fortunate enough to find a single plant of :
Chrysocoma Linosyris, on the hill near Knightstone. It required a
good deal of searching for, being very diminutive, and not nearly so
luxuriant as I have seen it growing at Berry Head. MHaving speci-
mens, from the neighbourhood of Whorle Hill, in my herbarium, ga-
thered by the late Mr. William Christie, I left the plant growing, in
the hope of its gradually spreading. In the Cybele it is recorded

VOL Iv. 5 T

874

that Dr. Hooker searched for it, without success, in 1846; but in the
following year, I am informed, it was observed by Mr. Tanner, near
Anchor Head, and again in 1849, by the Rev. W. Crotch and Mr.
Robert Wright, near Knightstone, possibly in the same locality as
observed by myself. It is therefore more than probable that the
plant may still be found in other parts of the neighbourhood, and
should be searched for by some careful observer. I will just add
that the Eryngium campestre, which I used to observe rather abun-
dant at Weston, is becoming quite a scarce plant, and will, I am fear-
ful, soon become lost, having only noticed one or two plants during
my visit.” . .

Plants found in North Wales.

The President read the following note, from Mr. W. Mathews,
jun., dated Edgbaston House, Birmingham, February 14, 1853 :—

“ During a short tour through North Wales, in August, last year, I
gathered one or two plants a notice of which may be interesting to
the readers of the ‘ Phytologist.’ I am indebted to my friend Mr.
Babington for the determination of the hawkweeds.

“* Hieracium strictum, Fries. This plant occurs sparingly on Ca-
der Idris, on the precipitous part of the mountain above Llyn Cae, to
the south-east. (New to Wales).

“ Another hawkweed, most probably Hieracium crocatum, Fries,
occurs, in considerable abundance, on the left bank of the road from
Llangollen to Corwen, about four miles from the former place.

“ Ulex Gallii, Planch. Very common in North Wales. I noticed
it in the counties of Denbigh, Merioneth, and Carnarvon.

“ Rubus incurvatus, Bab. Common in Merionethshire.

“ Rubus suberectus, Aud. Wood at Pystill y Cayne, near Dol-
gelly, Merionethshire.

“ A bramble also grows at this latter place, which I believe to be
Rubus Sprengelii, Wethe. I have noticed these last four plants, as I
find, on reference to the third volume of Watson’s Cybele, that infor-
mation upon them is wanted from the counties mentioned above.”

Liffects of the late Mild Weather.

The President read the following note, from Mr. A. G. More,
dated Trinity College, Cambridge, February 4, 1853 :—

“Ifthe following plants, observed flowering in the Isle of Wight,
be added to the list already published in the ‘ Phytologist,’ they will,
I think, indicate still more clearly the remarkable advance of the

875

present season, since they are all genuine spring flowers. In December
we found a solitary flower of Viola sylvatica. Jan. 10, Tussilago Far-
fara, in flower. Jan. 21, Mercurialis perennis, and by the end of the
month plenty in flower; Caltha palustris, several in flower, and many
in bud, with quite an April luxuriance ; Narcissus Pseudo-narcissus,
twenty or thirty in flower. Jan. 31, Cerastium tetrandrum, in flower;
Alchemilla arvensis (young plants), in flower; and on the same day
(Jan. 31) we were no less pleased than surprised to find our little
friend of last March, Draba verna, mostly with only a flower or two,
scarcely raised above the leaves, but in a few cases even in seed, on
its usual stem.”

The following remarks, by Mr. I. W. N. Keys, dated Plymouth,
Jantiary 25, 1853, and referring to the same subject, were read :—

* At this season of the year little can be said in the way of adorn-
ing a botanical ramble. I will therefore ‘a plain unvarnished tale
deliver,’ and say that yesterday, being a fine day, I strolled, with ano-
ther of Flora’s votaries, to Weston Mills, which are situated about
two miles from Plymouth, believing that, from the extreme mildness
of the winter, Helleborus viridis, which grows in an old orchard at
the first-named place, would be in flower. And such was the case:
we gathered several examples. Besides this, in the same piece of
ground, snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis), in large number, were droop-
ing their graceful heads in beauty around us. What a charming
flower is this! and how much is its loveliness enhanced by its early
appearance, ere yet the winter has departed! The Narcissus Pseudo-
narcissus, neighbour to the snowdrop, had not yet progressed beyond
the bud condition ; but it will very soon burst from its ‘ pent-house.’
A solitary primrose (Primula vulgaris) gleamed here and there. The
pilewort (Ranunculus Ficaria) was also unfolding its enamelled golden
petals; and Mercurialis perennis was in bloom. All the foregoing
were found within the precincts of the orchard. Dandelions, daisies,
groundsel, and that little grass, Poa annua, were seen frequently dur-
ing our walk, all in flower, of course ; otherwise, they would not be
named. The leaves of Cotyledon Umbilicus were extremely abun-
dant, and very large ; a circumstance attributable, I presume, to the
very wet season which we have had. Vinca minor (lesser periwinkle) ~
was trailing beautifully over a road-side hedge near Ham, and bedeck-
ing it with its delicate purple flowers. In this situation the plant ap-
pears perfectly wild. Here and there, in low and sheltered spots, a
_ Geranium Robertianum had outlived the ‘ pelting of the pitiless storm,’

om ee

876

and bloomed on from autumn until now, as, also, had the Pyrethrum
Parthenium. We also observed Rumex obtusifolius in flower.”

The annexed notes on the mildness of the weather in the years
17471767, furnished by Mr. Luxford, were also read :—

“The following weather-notes will, I think, form appropriate ad-
denda to the papers on the mildness of the present season by Dr.
Bell-Salter and Mr. Lloyd in the last number of this journal (Phytol.
iv. 845). They occur in the series of letters from Peter Collinson to
Linneus, printed in the Linnean Correspondence,* and are interest-
ing, inasmuch as they show that in the matter of mild winters and
earthquakes there is really ‘nothing new under the sun,’ whatever may
be said of railroads, steam-vessels, and the electric telegraph.

“English gardens, says the editor of the Correspondence, “are
indebted to Mr. Collinson ‘for the introduction of many new and
curious species, which he acquired by means of an extensive corre-
spondence, particularly from North America.’ His name is perpetu-
ated in Collinsonia Canadensis, a North-American plant, imported in
1735, and so named by Linneus in honour of his truly-amiable friend,
who died at Mill Hill, near Hendon, Middlesex, on the 11th of Au-
gust, 1768, in the seventy-fifth year of his age, and ‘in the full pos-
session of all his faculties, and of all his enthusiasm for the beauties
of Nature, attended by far more important consolations and supports,
as is well expressed in his last letter to Linneus, dated March 16,
1767.

“““ London, Jan. 18, O. S. 1743-4.—We have now a wonderful fine
season, that makes our spring flowers come forth. I am sure you
would be delighted to see my windows filled with six pots of flowers,
which the gardener has sent me to town ; viz. great plenty of Aconites,
white and green Hellebore, double Hepatica, Crocus, Polyanthus,
Periwinkle, Laurustinus, vernal red Cyclamen, single Anemonies, and
Snowdrops. This is my delight to see flowers, which make a room
look cheerful and pleasant, as well as sweet. None of these were
brought forward by any art, but entirely owing to the temperature of
the season, though some years [have known things forwarder than now.’

“¢ London, Oct. 26, 1747.—My garden is in great beauty, for we
have had no frosts; along, dry, warm summer and autumn, grapes
very ripe. The vineyards turn to good profit, much wine being made

* ©A Selection of the Correspondence of Linnzus and other Naturalists, from the
Original Manuscripts. By Sir J. E. Smith, Pres. L.S., &c, 1821.’

877

this year in England. Sir Hans Sloane is hearty, Miller is well, and
so adieu.’

“<“Tondon, Oct. 8, 1748, O. S.—We have had a fine Summer.
Great plenty of all sorts of fruits and grain, and a very delightful
Autumn. It is now as warm as Summer; no bearing of fires. My
orange-trees are yet abroad. My vineyard grapes are very ripe. A
considerable quantity of wine will be made this year in England.’

“¢ May 8, 1749.—On Thursday the 8th of February, at about half
past 12 at noon, we had a smart shock of an earthquake, so violent
that many ran out of their houses, thinking them falling down. How
the Winter has been in Sweden I do not know, but at London the
like warmth and mildness were never remembered. Our Autumn was
long, warm, and dry, with a few slight frosts before Christmas ; but
we have had since fine warm dry weather, and no frosts or snow.
Our gardens were in great beauty in January and February ; almonds,
apricots, and peaches in blossom.

“* Feb. 23d, I went into the country. The elm hedges had small
leaves. Standard plums, almonds, and Cornus in full blossom.
Gooseberries shewing their fruit. In short it would be endless to tell
you the wonders of this season.

“¢ March 5, the fig in my London garden had small leaves, when
peas and beans under South walls were in blossom.’

““¢ Ridgeway House, Dec. 25, 1757.—The extraordinary heat of our
summer has ripened all sorts of fruits to perfection. In two gardens
I saw this year pomegranates against south walls, without any art,
ripened beyond what can be imagined in so northern a climate. They
look extremely beautiful, and are of the size of some brought from
abroad.

*¢¢ Our autumn has been long dry and warm, and so continues, for
a few slight frosts have not stripped the garden of flowers at Christ-
mas-day. We have four sorts of Aster and Virga aurea in flower, and
plenty of Leucojums, double and single, Chrysanthemums, &c.

“<'The winter scene is not closed before spring flowers begin ; for
there are plenty of Polyanthus-narcissus, Pansies, and sweet Violets,
Primula veris, Polyanthus, Aconite, Hepatica, Anemonies both double
and single, and Laurustinus. You would have been delighted and
surprized to see the large nosegay that was all flowers gathered out
of the open garden, without any art, Dec. 27, 1757.

¢< July 25, 1759.—We had the mildest winter ever known. Our
spring was early and very agreeable, and our summer the finest and
warmest since 1750. Great plenty of all sorts of grain and fruits.
New wheat of this year’s produce has been the 21st instant at market.’

878

*“* London, Sept. 2, 1762.—We have had a delightful warm sum-
mer ; all the fruits of the earth very good, and in great plenty ; and
what crowns all, the blessing of peace is like to be added.’

*«¢ London, Sept. 15, 1765.—Almost every day rain since the mid-
dle of July, the spring and summer very dry to that time. Very great
plenty of grass and all sorts of corn, but the weather unkindly for the
harvest.’

*¢ London, Sept. 17th, 1765.—You, my dear friend, surprize me,
with telling me of your cool and wet summer; whereas our summer
has been as much in the extreme the other way. For all May, June,
and July, were excessively hot and dry ; but six or seven rainy days
in three months, so that all our grass fields look like the sun-burnt
countries of Spain and Africa. Our Fahrenheit’s Thermometer fre-
quently 84 and 85 in the shade in the open air, but in my parlour fre-
quently at 95. I do assure you | have had little pleasure of my life
this summer, for I cannot bear heat. I have longed to be on Lapland
mountains. The beginning of August we had some fine rains, but
they did not recover our usual verdure. Since, to this present writing,
hot and dry weather, not a drop of rain for fourteen days past. Our
hay is very short, and oats and barley but a middling crop; but of
wheat, which we most wanted, good Providence has favoured us with
a plentiful crop, and a good harvest, which began two weeks sooner
than in common years. Peaches, Nectarines, Figs, Grapes, Pears,
&c. are early ripened, and are richly flavoured, and many exotic
shrubs and plants flower finely this year. My garden is now a para-
dise of delight, with the variety of flowers and plenty of roses now in
bloom, as ifin May or June. But to obtain all this pleasure, great
pains have been taken to keep the garden continually watered every
evening.’

“* London, Sept. 25th, 1766.—We have had a most uncommon
rainy summer, which was no way propitious to the growth of the
wheat ; but it pleased Good Providence to send us the finest hot and
dry harvest ever known, yet the warm constant rains drew up the
wheat so much to stalk, that the ears are very light. I hope there
will be sufficient to support the nation, now we have prudently stopped
the exportation ; for so great are the wants, and the demand for foreign
markets was so great and so pressing, that it advanced the price so
considerably as to occasion insurrections in many parts of the king-
dom, to stop by force the corn from being exported ; but now a pro-
clamation is come out to prevent it, I hope all will be quiet again.
Much wet has made great crops of grass ; so that every where we have
had second crops of hay almost as large as the first, and a glorious

a a. re

879

autumn to make it. The fields have a most delightful verdure, and
the gardens are in the highest beauty, being covered with great variety
of autumn flowers, having not had the least frost to Oct. 4. I have
housed none of my succulent exotics ; for the weather is so hot, dry,
and fine, they are better abroad than in the house. I survey my gar-
den with raptures, to see the infinite variety with which the great
Creator has enriched the vegetable world.’

“¢ Ridgeway-house, on Mill-hill, ten miles North of London, March
16, 1767.—I am here retired to a delightful little villa, to contemplate
and admire, with my dear Linneus, the unalterable laws of vegetation.
How ravishing to see the swelling buds disclose the tender leaves !
By the public news-papers we were told that with you in Sweden
the Winter was very severe, the Sound being frozen over. I have no
conception of the power of that cold which could fetter the rolling
ocean in icy chains. The cold was what we call severe, but not so
sharp as in the year 1740. It lasted about a month, to the 2lst of
January, and then the thaw began and continued. February the Ist
and 2d were soft, warm, sunny days, as in April, and so continued,
mild and warm, with southerly winds, all the month. This brought
on the Spring flowers. Feb. 8th, the Helleborus niger made a fine
show; the Galanthus and Winter Aconite by the 15th covered the
garden with beauty, among some Crocuses and Violets, and Primula
veris, &c. How delightful to see the order of Nature! oh, how obe-
dient the vegetable tribes are to their great Lawgiver! He has given
this race of flowers a constitution and fibres to resist the cold. They
bloom in frost and snow, like the good men of Sweden. These flowers
have some time made their exit ; and now, March 7th, a tenderer
tribe succeeds. Such, my dear friend, is the order of Nature. Now
the garden is covered with more than 20 different species of Crocuses,
produced from sowing seeds, and the Iris Persica, Cyclamen vernale,
and Polyanthos. The 16th March, plenty of Hyacinthus ceruleus
and albus in the open borders, with Anemonies ; and now my favour-
ites the great tribe of Narcissuses, shew all over the garden and fields ;
we have two species wild in the woods that now begin to flower.
Next the Tulipa precox is near flowering; and so Flora decks the
garden with endless variety, ever charming.’

“ The editor of the ‘ Correspondence,’ Sir J. E. Smith, adds the
following remarks, written by a friend to whom he had submitted the
letters of Mr. Collinson :—

“I have edified much on the subject of the Springs, which appear
at that time to have been much milder than at present. We have.
now, for many years, had hard Winters occasionally, and an almost

880

constant succession of ungenial Springs. The seasons are, I con-
clude, subject to these variations. The series of mild Springs, which
ended about the year 1785 or 1786, seems to have begun at least as
early as 1749, and to have lasted 36 years. Our present series of cold
Springs has yet lasted only 23 years. Of course we have 13 bad years
to come before we can expect Violets and Narcissuses in January,
and Grapes ripe in the beginning of September.’ ”

Plants found at Barmouth, Devon.

The President read the following, by the Rev. D. Broughton :—

“T send a list of some of the plants I gathered at Barmouth, last
summer. There are several not mentioned in Watson’s ‘ Botanist’s
Guide. Anthyllis Vulneraria, Allium vineale, Matthiola sinuata (for-
merly abundant; I could find only three weak plants, not in flower),
Campanula hederacea, Dianthus deltoides (abundant on the slope
towards Aber Rhanffroch), Sedum reflexum, S. rupestre, S. Forsteri-
anum, Anthemis arvensis, A. nobilis (Cwm Bychan), Lamium am-
plexicaule, Mercurialis annua, Trifolium fragiferum, Scilla verna
(fide Rev. Wm. Jelf), Viola lutea, Hypericum Androsemum, Erodium
maritimum, Lavatera arborea, Suedia maritima, Serratula tinctoria,
Sedum Telephium, Crithmum maritimum (sparingly below Aber
Rhanffroch), Spiranthes autumnalis, Gentiana Amarella, Vicia Oro-
bus (in a hedge about a mile beyond Llaneltyd, on the road to Trawr-
fynnydd), Calystegia Soldanella (in the greatest abundance and
beauty, especially at Mochras Island), Habenaria chlorantha, H.
bifolia, H. viridis, Gymnadenia conopsea (this plant assumes such a
different habit, when growing in a bog, from that which it has when
growing on dry banks, as, for instance, the chalky south downs near
Folkstone, as to suggest the doubt whether they are the same species),
Lathyrus sylvestris, Pinguicula vulgaris (growing nearly down to the
water’s edge), Trollius Europzus, Saxifraga tridactylites, S. stellaris,
S. hypnoides, Carex dioica (cum multis aliis que nunc, §c.), Diplo-
taxis tenuifolia (Harlech Castle), Euonymus Europeus, Mentha
rotundifolia (near Hendre Coed), Isoetes lacustris, Silene Anglica,
Veronica hybrida (in tolerable abundance on the little rocky knoll
just out of Barmouth, on the Harlech road), Narthecium ossifragum,
Antirrhinum Orontium, Cakile maritima, Echium vulgare, Geranium
sanguineum, Antennaria margaritacea (in one suspicious locality just
below the turnpike on the Harlech road), Polypodium Phegopteris,
Aspidium Oreopteris, Osmunda regalis, and Botrychium Lunaria.”

—

881

Sketch of the Island and Flora of Hongkong, China.
By Dr. H. F. Hancr.*

HonecKone, a corruption of Hiangkiang, “ the Fragrant Streams,” is
the name of one of a number of islands in the China Sea, at a short
distance from the mouth of the “ River of Pearls,” on the left bank of
which stands the city of Canton, and from which it is divided by a
narrow strait, called Kap-shui-muint (vwlgo Cap-sing-moon), or “ Swift-
water Passage,” running between the mainland and a continuous chain
of small islands, of similar character and aspect to itself. It is situ-
ated between lat. 22° 9’ and 22° 21’ North, and long. 114° 6’ and
114° 18’ East, and is distant from Canton about eighty-five miles, and
forty from the Portuguese settlement of Macao, on the peninsula of
Hiangshan. At the narrowest part of the Lai-i-man passage to the
eastward, it is only about half a nautical mile from the mainland. It
resembles, in general form, a scalene triangle, of which the apex is
towards the West, but is of very irregular and sinuous outline, espe-
cially on the southern coast, which forms the longest side of the tri-
angle, having an area of 29.14 square miles; while it is not quite
twenty-seven miles in circumference.

It consists of a long and precipitous mountain-ridge, running east
and west, in some places gradually sloping down towards the sea,
where it is met by extensive level beaches of fine, clear, white quartz-
sand ; in others, terminating abruptly in frowning perpendicular cliffs,
more than 100 feet in height, perforated at their base by caverns, into
which the waves dash with a hollow sound, throwing up clouds of
spray. From this ridge, spurs diverge at different angles. The
peaks vary in altitude, the loftiest being about 1860 feet above the
sea-level. The prevailing rock is syenite (extensively quarried, and
used for edifices), which is found in immense blocks, imbedded in a
soil composed of the same rock, in various stages of disintegration
and decomposition (laterite), or piled up in fantastic shapes on the
hill-summits. The constituents of this rock also occur more or less
separate ;—felspar in its normal condition, or changed into a pure
white or pinkish clay ; hornblende cropping out on the surface, in

* Read before the Linnean Society, and communicated by Berthold Seemann,
Esq., F.L.S.

+ By a very natural error, I find, in nearly all systematic works, plants gathered
about this locality noticed thus :—“ Hab. in cap. syng-moon,” or “ crescit ad prom,
sing-moon ;” the first word being understood as an abbreviation of caput.

VOL. IV; SU

882

deep black lustrous crystals; and quartz traversing the laterite, in
dykes of variable thickness. Masses of trap are also met with, trans-
lucent crystals of carbonate of lime not unfrequently found in the
centre of the blocks of syenite, and the beds of ravines afford frag-
ments of laminated mica. No signs of stratification, or of volcanic
action, are discoverable. At the base of the primary ridge, in those
places where it terminates at some distance from water-mark, and
between the various spurs, patches of alluvial soil are found, consist-
ing exclusively of decomposed vegetable matter washed down by the
rains, and mingled with the laterite. These are sedulously turned to
account by the natives, for agricultural purposes, and, owing to care
in manuring and irrigation, are sufficiently productive. The nume-
rous ravines by which the flanks of the hills are cleft, furnish a never-
failing supply of water, remarkable for its extreme purity ; and a lit-
tle below one of the loftiest peaks arises a considerable spring, the
singular position of which leads to the belief that it may have a sub-
marine communication with the mainland. During the summer sea-
son, these streams become greatly swollen; and the spectator sees
the angles of junction of the spurs and main range distinctly traced
out by lines of foam, indicating the course of these turbulent cascades.

The climate is subject to a variation of temperature, from 47° to
93° Fah. The daily range rarely exceeds fifteen degrees. Once only,
during the years 1844—1851, did the thermometer sink as low as freez-
ing point. Towards the end of October or the commencement of No-
vember, the north-east monsoon sets in. The atmosphere is wonder-
fully serene; the air cold, bracing, and dry; and the transition from an
atmosphere saturated with moisture, is marked by the warping and
splitting of tables and other wooden articles of furniture, accompanied
by considerable noise, and the curling up of papers, as oecurs in this
climate when they are placed in a heated room. This is the winter,
which endures until about the middle of February, during which
scarcely any rain falls, and vegetation is dried up and scanty, a few
Composit being nearly all that can be found flowering. Gradually
the temperature becomes higher, the atmospheric deposits greater,
the dry, discoloured leaves of the myrtle, Melastoma, and Emblica
fall, their branches kindle with a tender vernal green, and innumerable
flowers spring up from the turf, until, about May, summer is heralded
by the advent of the south-west monsoon. ‘This season is charac-
terized by a most intense and oppressive heat, which causes the
greatest languor to European residents ; rain falls for a week or ten
days together, rather in sheets than drops; the swollen torrents rush

883

roaring down into the sea, which they often discolour for a quarter of
a mile from the shore ; terrific thunderstorms reverberate amongst the
hills, which are hidden in a dense veil of cloud and mist; and such
is the excessive humidity of the atmosphere, that articles of wood or
Russia leather, or the covers of books, even if washed over with alco-
hol or a solution of some essential oil, become, in the course of a
night, covered with a thick, blue mould. The rain will then cease
for a few days; the heavens remain unclouded, though always more
or less hazy, and lit up in the evenings by almost unintermitting
flashes of sheet lightning ; not a breath will agitate the air, tremulous
with the heat radiated from the ground; and the silence is alone
broken by the unceasing, loud, and monotonous chirping of the Cica-
dx hidden in the grass. At this period, vegetation is at its height,
and is developed with wonderful rapidity : a few days suffice to per-
fect the blossoming of the richest flowers, which, again, fade as
quickly ; so that to an occasional explorer the face of Nature is sin-
gularly protean, and impresses him with a high idea of its luxuriance.
About the beginning of September, the rain becomes much less fre-
quent, though the heat is still excessive, and, as a natural conse-
quence, the Flora assumes a more sober and less attractive habit.
This period may be considered equivalent to our autumn. It is now
that the island is occasionally visited by typhoons, those terrible cir-
cular storms which traverse the Indian Ocean and China Sea, and,
when they meet with the land in their course, unroof houses, tear off
and carry away doors and Venetians, drive vessels from their anchor-
ages, prostrate trees, blight and destroy nearly all vegetation, and
cause wreck and devastation wherever they pass. Finally, the tem-
perature decreases, the rains cease, and the vegetable world remains
dormant, seeking repose after its late activity, and recruiting strength
for that of the succeeding year: winter has again returned, and the
cycle of the seasons is completed.

To astranger landing, or regarding the island from the sea, the
aspect of Hongkong is very unpromising, conveying the idea of
almost absolute sterility. The hills are covered by a mantle of
coarse grass, amidst which rise masses of bare, blackened rock; while
the monotonous scene seems varied only by a few bushes or a solitary
tree studded here and there, and by scattered groves of the Pinus
sinensis clothing some of the declivities. As remarked by Meyen,
there is no doubt that this tree was at one time far more common,
and originally formed dense woods on the flanks of the hills of all the
islands hereabouts ; but it is used very extensively by the Chinese

884

for burning ; and, plantations being seldom or never formed, it thus
decreases rapidly. On a closer inspection, however, the botanist is
gratified by finding that the first impression is very deceptive ; and,
indeed, it is probable, that whether as regards the number of species,
or the variety of new and interesting forms comprised in its Flora, the
island is, for its size and geographical position, entitled to a very
high rank.

The lttoral* Flora consists of Vitex trifolia, the fruit of which
resembles allspice in taste, Clerodendron inerme, Scevola taccada,
Chenopodine ? sp., Ipomoea pes-capre, trailing to an immense dis-
tance along the sands, and rooting at intervals, Dilivaria ilicifolia,
two or three species of Euphorbia, Guilandina bonduccella, forming,
in some places, impenetrable thickets, Wollastonia scabriuscula, Pla-
tycodon grandiflorum, always amongst rocks close by the sea, Crota-
laria calycina and C. albida, Avgiceras majus, Ardisia crispa, Pari-
tium tiliaceum, which affords a magnificent spectacle when covered
with its fine sulphur-coloured flowers, which are much infested by a

* It may not be uninteresting to compare with this list the littoral Flora of other
islands at no great distance. That of Malacca, according to the late Mr. Griffith,
consists of Calophyllum, Sideroxylon, Scevola, Pterocarpus?, Terminalia catappa,
Verbesina, Premna, Ficus, Vaccinium, Sapindee, Hoya, Cassyta, Grammatophyllum,
Loranthus retusus, Vitex, Xylocarpus, Crotalaria longipes, Calamus, Myrica, Euge-
nia, Epithinia, Plectranthus, a Pomacea, Maba, Gmelina, Avicennia, Rhizophora,
Hydrophytum, Pogonatherum, Filices, Algez, &c. That of Prata Island (Prata, in
Portugese, silver ; several vessels freighted with treasure having been lost there), a
low coral islet, situated in N. lat. 20° 42/ 55//, and E. long. 116° 44/ 45//, and bear-
ing S.E. by E. 175 miles from Hongkong, according to a collection that was brought
to me of all that is found theron, comprises Ipomea pes-capre, Tournefortia argen-
tea, Euphorbia, Morus alba, no doubt of accidental occurrence, Cassyta, Morinda
bracteata, Sceevola taccada, a very beautiful and distinct species of Portulaca, with
yellow flowers (P. psammotropha, mihi, in Walp. Ann. Bot. Syst. ii. ined.), and an
apparently new genus, closely allied to Pyxipoma (Psamathe marina, mihi, 1. ¢.).
The “ Noord Wachter” (a very small, uninhabited island, probably in no part twenty
feet above the level of the sea, and with a soil composed exclusively of broken-up
white coral, and a slight admixture of decayed vegetable matter, situated between
Java and Sumatra, in lat. 5° 12’ 30’’S., and long. 106° 32/ E., and bearing from
Batavia N. by W. { W. 60 miles, which the writer had an opportunity of visiting,
owing to the vessel in which he returned from China striking on a reef, and remain-
ing fixed there), is thickly clothed with lofty arborescent figs, Rhizophora, Pemphis
acidula, a large-leaved, tall Euphorbiacea, Morinda, a lilac - flowered leguminous
plant (apparently a Canavalia), a Cinchonacea, Scwvola taccada, Piper betel, Cala-
mus, and some others, which he was, from want of books, and on account of the cir-
cumstances of his stay, unable to determine. There were no palms ; but all the plants
observed were unquestionably wild.

SNe re

885

large black ant, Abrus precatorius, Cassia pumila, Glossogyne pinna-
tifida, Pandanus fcetidus (much used as a hedge by the natives, who
also eat the tender shoots, by which means, and by constant clipping,
it remains stemless, though, when left to itself, it assumes an arbores-
cent form), the lovely and fragrant Crinum asiaticum, Tetranthera
Roxburghii, a fine, tall tree, Spinifex squarrosus, a Rottbeellia, and
Heteropogon contortus.

Amongst those plants which occupy a subordinate position in the
Flora, but are still more or less common or characteristic, must be
enumerated a pretty little Curculigo, with leaves like a Luzula, which
expands its star-like, golden-coloured blossoms close to the earth on
the advent of spring, Rourea microphylla, Ternstrémia japonica,
Ficus pyriformis, F. stipulata, and F’. hirta, Crotalaria elliptica, with
its hispid, orbicular legumes, the fine crimson-flowered Ixora blanda,
an undescribed Begonia, Raphiolepis rubra, which replaces our haw-
thorn, Aginetia indica, Bambusez, the elegant Blackwellia Loureirii,
Masseenda pubescens, conspicuous for its large, irregular, snow-white
calyx-segment, Paliurus Aubletii, Berchemia lineata, Strychnos colu-
brina, the seeds of which are employed by the Chinese, under the
name of Mé tdéu, or horse-beans, for the destruction of rats, &c.,
Choripetalum obovatum, Striga hirsuta, the tallow-tree (Stdllingia
sebifera), Jasminum paniculatum, fragrant and free-flowering, the
purple-bloomed Pterostigma grandiflorum, Pothos scandens, Paratro-
pia cantoniensis, a handsome, shady tree, Syllisium buxifolium, a very
neat shrub, Embelia ribes, Osbeckia chinensis, Ardisia primulifolia,
adorned with glossy, crimson, holly-like berries, Rostellularia procum-
bens, &c. Cardiospermum halicacabum, with its bladdery fruit,
scrambles amongst the herbage, amidst which rise the pretty lilac
spikes of Ophiopogon spicatus. Several Gardenias, Ilices, Pittospo-
rum glabratum, and Eyrea vernalis please the eye by the neatness of
their foliage, round which Cuscuta monogyna, Toxocarpus Wightia-
nus, and several Bauhinias twine their slender stems. To these must
be added a velvet-leaved, arborescent Sponia, the delicate Salomonia
cantoniensis, Oxalis corniculata, Rubus parvifolius, R. leucanthus,
nob., and R. reflexus, the latter remarkable for the extreme beauty of
its foliage, two handsome Cesalpiniz, Zornia diphylla, which enamels
the turf with its minute yellow blooms, resembling those of our Lathy-
rus pratensis, Asparagus falcatus (to which must be referred, as a
synonyme, the Melanthium cochinchinense of Loureiro, placed by
Kunth among altogether doubtful plants), several species of Hedera

886

and Cissus, and, amongst ferns, Osmunda Vachellii and Blechnum
orientale.

Streamlets and their banks, moist rocks and inundated localities
are rendered gay by the delicate Drosera Loureirii, Xyris indica, an
elegant Primulaceous plant, white, yellow, and blue-flowered Utricu-
lariz, the tall Philydrum lanuginosum, Ludwigia, Jussi, with their
white or yellow blossoms, Hypericum monogynum, Eriocaulon canto-
niense, and another very minute species, raising their clustered, white,
globular heads above the clear water, amidst the lively green fronds
of Ceratopteris thalictroides ; whilst way-sides and arid places fur-
nish the ephemeral Cyanotis axillaris, and several Commelynez, Po-
lygoni, Alternanthera axillaris, thorny Sclerostyles, Achyranthes
aspera, Emilia sonchifolia, two or three Side, our garden Chrysan-
themum (Pyrethrum indicum, D.C.), with single yellow flowers, Cor-
chorus acutangulus, bearing a fruit with divergent horns, Triumfetta
angulata and T. cana, and Urena sinuata, all three employed by the
Chinese, as demulcents and emollients in blennorrhcea and other dis-
eases, on account of the great quantity of mucilage they afford. Eri-
anthus japonicus, growing in thick tufts, attains a height of six or
eight feet, and elevates its beautiful, light, feathery panicles amongst
the rocks. The dark blue berries of Dianella ensifolia hang pendu-
lous above its sword-like leaves, along with the cedar-scented Caryo-
pteris mastachanthus, and the graceful lilac bells of Gutzlaffia aprica.

Amongst ruderal plants, by which I understand all those that,
though not cultivated, are yet only found in the immediate vicinity
of dwellings, or in places formerly occupied by them, and which
appear, in many instances, to follow the footsteps of man spontane-
ously, I include the following :—Solanum nigrum, and another thorny
species, with purple flowers and yellow fruit, the size of that of the
potato, Amaranthus spinosus, Xanthium discolor, Asclepias curassa-
vica, Plantago major, Psidium, Stellaria media and S. uliginosa,
Ranunculus sceleratus, Datura alba (the seeds of which are burnt by
burglars, when attempting to enter a dwelling, in order, by their
fumes, to stupify the inmates, a device which is, unfortunately, often
crowned with success), Polanisia icosandra, Cardamine hirsuta, Nico-
tiana tabacum, Bidens chinensis, Corchorus capsularis, Bryophyllum
calycinum, the singular Euphorbia tirucalli, with its leafless, green,
quill-like branches, abounding in a violently acrid milky juice, said
to be employed, by the Chinese, for blinding those children whom
they wish to bring up as mendicants, in order thereby to excite com-
passion, Siegesbeckia orientalis, Cassia occidentalis, Sonchus olera-

887

ceus, Ricinus communis, of which the two varieties, one with red and
the other with pale veins to the leaves, appear never to be found
intermixed, Verbena officinalis, Capsella Bursa-pastoris, a Galium
closely allied to G. aparine, Rumicis sp., Plumbago zeylanica, Loch-
nera vincoides, Physalis pubescens, Bothriospermum tenellum, Peda-
lium murex, Dysosmia foetida, Mucuna macrobotrys, nob., and Cerbera
odollam.

The sylvan Flora consists of seven or eight species of oak, amongst
which is a most beautiful one (Quercus Eyrei, mhz), belonging to the
section Chlamydobalanus of Endlicher, and nearly allied to Q. cuspi-
data, Sieb. § Zucc., which, however, it excels in all respects, Liquid-
ambar, Synzedrys ossea, the fruit of which, resembling the chestnut in
taste, is sold in the markets, an elegant Styrax, Acer, Camellia japo-
nica, and two others, Vaccinium, Cyminosma resinosa, five or six
species of Kuonymus, Aquilaria chinensis, mihi, Memecylon, an
extremely handsome Castanea, Rhodoleia formosa, Calauma pumila,
Artabotrys, the graceful Melaleuca-like Phoberos sevus, mihi, and
P. chinensis, Piper arcuatum, two species of Eleocarpus, Rhapis
flabelliformis, Hiptage madablota, the sweet-scented Schepfia sinen-
sis, &c. At the foot of the hills, on the slopes of which these woods
occur, are ravines, whereof the sides are in some places formed by
steep rocks, the humid, shady ledges of which are clothed by the
lovely Chirita sinensis, an exquisite Cypripedium, Renanthera coc-
cinea, Pholidota imbricata, and a few others. Higher up, and in
sheltered localities, these woods become in some parts much denser,
and assume a far more tropical aspect, as is indicated by the great
abundance of Lycopodia, and the appearance of Cibotium glaucum,
Neottopteris nidus, and Psilotum triquetrum ; whilst the trunks of the
trees are clothed by a climbing, large, glossy-headed Anthurium, and
the epiphytal Niphobolus pertusus.

At or near the summits of the different peaks, where, from altitude
and the free exposure to both monsoons, the temperature is much
lower than on the flanks of the hills, a difference of as much as 10°
existing in the summer season, the Flora has a more European cha-
racter. It compries the pretty, but scentless, Viola tenuis, Lonicera,
Clematis, Polygala Loureirii, Polyspora axillaris, the lovely Enkyan-
thus reticulatus, the “ new-year flower” of the Chinese, Phaius gran-
diflorus, Rhododendron squamatum and R. indicum (the latter so
profuse a flowerer, that it looks, at a distance, when brought into relief
by the dusky sides of the rocks, or the dry grass, like a bush of fire),
the azure Exacum bellum, replacing our gentians, Torenia asiatica,

888

Chloranthus inconspicuus, Cirsium chinense, Lilium lJongifloram
(affording a magnificent spectacle, with its large, cernuous, white
flowers, and the bulbs of which, when stewed, are much esteemed by
the natives), a particularly elegant little Composite (Gerbera amabi-
lis, mihi, in Walp. Ann. Bot. Syst. ii. ined.), and Ligularia Kampferi,
confined to the damp ledges of rocks ; whilst the deep green, luxuri-
ant carpet of verdure is enamelled by the most beautiful Orchids, such
as the golden Spathoglottis Fortuni, Arundina sinensis, the modest
Spiranthes australis, Platanthera Susanne, with its laciniated, snowy
perianth, Glossaspis tentaculata, &c., and the heath-like Beckia fru-
tescens, which, when rubbed between the hands, exhales a most
pleasant aromatic odour, springs up in moist places, with a glaucous
Carex, Scleria, and Lepidosperma.

The normal, or characteristic, species, those which are most widely
distributed, most numerous, and which most clearly strike the ob-
server, as constituting the peculiar and distinguishing character of the
Flora, are, amidst a thick, but rather coarse, turf, consisting of species
of Cyperus, especially in damp localities, Paspalus, Chrysopogon,
Andropogon, Anatherum, Digitaria, Lycopodium cernuum, &c., Myr-
tus tomentosa (with its gay, rose-coloured flowers, and sober, green
leaves, clothed beneath with a close, white down, which is met with
everywhere, and may be considered the commonest plant in the
island, and the fruit of which, when ripe, has a resinous, not unplea-
sant taste, somewhat resembling that of the black currant, and is
eaten by the natives), Melastoma calycina and M. macrocarpon,
covered with magnificent purplish pink blossoms, Ancistrolobus ligus-
trinus (a pretty, compact shrub, with dark, blood-coloured flowers,
smelling like our St. John’s-wort), and Callicarpa tomentosa, and
another with branches hidden in a velvety, fulvous down, lovely,
bright green leaves, farinose beneath, and dense bunches of small,
reddish lilac flowers. An Emblica, very common on the low grounds,
is among the first to put forth its delicate, green leaves on the ap-
proach of spring, two Clerodendra, the neat, myrtle-like Rospidios
vaccinoides, Strophanthus divergens (with its trailing branches, dark,
glossy foliage, and curious, reddish yellow, caudate corollas), two
pretty Uvarie, Helicteres angustifolia, Desmodium triquetrum, Di-
cerma elegans (to which I refer, without doubt, the A%schynomene
heterophylla of Loureiro, hitherto undetermined), and Melanthesa
chinensis are almost equally common. Alpinia nutans elevates its
gorgeous racemes of flowers, of a light flesh-colour, streaked with the
intensest gold and scarlet, by the water-courses ; Ameletia subspicata

889

in some parts clothes the flat, moist, meadow-like turf with so thick a
verdure, that, when in blossom, it looks, at a distance, like a field of
thyme ; the silvery foliage of the graceful Rhus succedaneum flutters
in the breeze, Smilax glabra straggles over the rocks, Lygodium
japonicum and the leafless, parasitical, intertangled Cassyta filiformis*
climb over all shrubs indiscriminately, the latter perfidiously abstract-
ing the sap, with its cup-like suckers, from those plants from which
it claims support; and the abundant, pectinated Gleichenia dicho-
toma, with Pteris nemoralis, Adiantum amcenum, Nephrolepis tube-
rosa, and other ferns, spring up among the herbage.

Finally, to descend to the lower classes of the vegetable world, the
few mosses which are found consist of species of Hypnum, Neckera,
Fissidens, Trematodon, and Physcomitrium ; the exposed masses of
syenite are occasionally clothed with a foliaceous lichen, apparently
a species of Parmelia; a handsome crimson Phallus, covered with a
feetid gelatinous matter, and various agariciform Fungi, spring up
meteorically amidst the grass, in‘the hot and damp summer months ;
whilst Polyporus sanguineus and a few others are met with on the
bark of trees ; and the common mushroom has of late appeared spon-
taneously, in immense quantities, in a flat, meadow-like valley to the
east of the town used as a race-ground, and for the training and
exercising of horses. The rocks and sands along the coast afford a
a few Sargassa, and a Corallina, which seem to constitute all, or
nearly all, the Alge.

The most noticeable feature in the Flora of this island, is the mix-
ture of Asiatic and European forms, especially conspicuous in the
vernal vegetation of the hill-summits. In this respect, it appears to
approach closely to that of Cashmere. Its connexion with that of

* Though perhaps rather irrelevant to the occasion, I here embrace the opportu-
nity of correcting an oversight which Prof. Ernst Meyer has committed in a note
(p. 120) to his edition of the treatise ‘ De Plantis, by Nicolas, of Damascus (Lips.
1841), where, in attempting to identify the Zupsaxov Botanov, xaccvtas, or uadiTas
of Theophrastus, which he presumes, after rejecting the claims of Cuscuta monogyna,
to be the Usnea florida! he remarks that he is acquainted with no other twining
parasitic plants inhabiting the East. But there is no doubt that the plant referred to,
and which is also noticed by Pliny, is the present one, described by Forskal, under
the name of Volutella aphylla (Cfr. Sprengel, Hist. Rei Herb. i. 90). Fraas also
(‘Synopsis Flore Classic ’) erroneously refers the nadvras, though with a mark of
doubt, to Cuscuta epilinum. Situation exercises a great influence on Cassyta, for I
possess a specimen, gathered close by the sea-shore on Prata Island, south coast of
China, which is much fleshier and stouter in its proportions, and has altogether the
appearance of a different species, though I believe in no wise distinct.

VOL. IV. ov xX

890

Australia is very slight, being merely indicated by such genera as
Stylidium and Philydrum, the last of which is exclusively confined
to Cochin-china, the south of China, and parts of New Holland.
Tropical plants, identical with, or intimately allied to, those of the In-
dian Peninsula and the Malayan Archipelago, are not unfrequent ; and
Anthurium, Chirita, Aischynanthus, Sponia, Piper arcuatum, &c., &c.,
may serve as examples; but they by no means represent the normal
character of the Flora, which is perfectly su generis. The only three
indigenous palms are a dwarf, stemless species (perhaps a Seafor-
thia), Zalacca, and Rhapis. Cocos is occasionally planted, but does
not thrive, the island of Hainan being its’ most easterly station in
these seas; and even there it is said to perfect fruit sparingly. Its
most obvious relationship is, however, with Japan, as evinced by the
presence of the new oak above alluded to, half a dozen genera of
Ternstrémiacez, and some Hamamelidaceous forms (adopting the late
Dr. Gardner’s views of affinity), as Eustigma, Liquidambar, and Rho-
doleia, both families being peculiarly characteristic of the Flora of
those islands. How far a resemblance may hereafter be traced be-
tween the vegetation of Japan, the south and south-east of China, and
some districts of upper India, it is at present impossible to predict ;
but I may here refer to the distribution of Abelia and Adamia, and
observe that a new Helwingia has been detected at Darjeeling, and
two species of Corylopsis in the Bootan mountains.

Amongst cultivated plants, the sweet potato (Batatas edulis) holds
the first rank. It is very largely consumed by the Chinese, even its boiled
leaves being used as greens. We mustalso notice, as vegetables, yams
(Dioscorea sp.) and Colocasia, several species of Sinapis and Brassica,
Basella rubra, employed as a substitute for spinach, various species
of Dolichos, Soja, and Phaseolus, egg-apples (Solanum Melongena),
our common potato and pea, water-melons and other Cucurbitacee,
ground-nuts (Arachis hypogea), a little barley, grown exclusively for
pearling, Cassava (Manthot utilissima), Allium fistulosum, rice, mil-
let, Setaria, sugar-cane, maize, Abelmoschus longifolius, the immature
viscid capsules of which are brought to table ; and, as fruit, Pomeloes,
Citrus Decumana, oranges, Loquats (Eriobotrya japonica), Papaws
(Carica Papaya), Wangpis (Cookia punctata), Nephelium Litchi and
N. Longan, Mangoes, Bananas, pine-apples, Averrhoa Carambola,
Guavas, and Jambosa malaccensis. The farinaceous fruits of Trapa
bicornis, those of Canarium album, preserved with salt, and much
resembling an olive in flavour, the crimson, papillose, acid drupe of a
species of Elaagnus, pears, plums, and peaches, of exceedingly bad

891

quality, and the amygdaloid nuts and fleshy root of Nelumbium spe-
ciosum are brought to market, and are all grown in its vicinity, though
not in the island itself. Gossypium herbaceum, Behmeria nivea,
Piper betel, and a species of Indigofera are cultivated for economic
purposes, other than esculent. Ficus nitida, whose claims as a true
native I consider very doubtful, is planted around the villages; and
the fields and garden-patches are surrounded by hedges of Pandanus
feetidus, Euphorbia nereifolia, or Curcas purgans.
H. F. Hance.

{This article, together with a considerable collection of Chinese
plants, was given to me by my friend Dr. Hance, to be freely em-
ployed in the Botany of H.M.S. ‘ Herald;’ but, as Dr. Hance has
some time ago returned to Hongkong, and will probably be able to
send some additional notes, before the portion of my work relating
to China is published, I have thought it advisable to insert the present
article in the ‘ Phytologist, a journal in which Dr. Hance has always
taken a lively interest.—B. Seemann. |

Proceepines or Societies, §c.

Duspiin NaTuRAL-HIstTory SocireETY.

Friday, February 11, 1853.— George A. Pollock, Esq., in the
chair.

The minutes of the previous meeting having been read and con-
firmed,

Mr. Andrews, one of the Secretaries, said that it was with feelings
of the utmost pride and pleasure that he again witnessed the assem-
bling of the members in their old quarters,—rooms in which the So-
ciety had flourished and prospered ; and he trusted that the times of
difficulty had passed, and that the future progress of the Society
would be more flourishing and prominent than ever. It was not the
intention to give any address upon the occasion, until the rooms were
prepared to receive their friends, and the museum carefully arranged.
It was in that room, nearly twelve years since, that he (Mr. Andrews)
gave his first paper ; and he was happy to see that there were young

892

members, of promise and energy, to enter into the pursuits for which
the Society was established.

Undescribed Variety of Blechnum Spicant.
Mr. Kinahan read a paper ‘ On an Undescribed Variety of Blech-

num Spicant.’

The author said :—“ It is my intention, this evening, to place on
our annals a notice of some varieties, or rather monstrosities, of ferns,
most of them unnoticed hitherto in this country, and one, at least,
hitherto undescribed. Many authors inveigh against the study of
these monstrosities, saying it arises from a depraved and puerile
taste; yet the student of morphology must deem them interesting,
since it is by the exception the rule is best shown. Again, they may
often be of use in distinguishing between two allied species, as we
find ofttimes a monstrosity in one species not found in a closely-
resembling one. There are, also, strange analogies pervading certain
classes, and that irrespective of natural family or outward conforma-
tion, the same form of monstrosity sometimes occurring in widely-
removed genera. Into these points I will not at present enter more
fully, as I hope to return to the subject before the end of your session.
I shall now content myself by laying the growing specimens before
you, and briefly pointing out their analogies, merely adding that these
irregularities of form do not arise, as some suppose, solely from culti-
vation, as the same form may be found under conditions diametrically
opposite, as regards abundance or absence of moisture, a shade, rich-
ness or barrenness of soil, &c. The first I shall notice is the striking
variety of Blechnum Spicant, Roth. It was found in July, near Up-
per Lough Breagh, county Wicklow, and has not been hitherto noticed
by any author. The nearest approach to it is a frond figured by Dr.
Deakin, in his ‘ Florigraphia Britannica,’ which is identical with the
variety of the same plant of which I now show you specimens, ga-
thered in the counties of Carlow, Clare, and Waterford. To this
form, the name of multifidum may with propriety be given; while,
for that first mentioned, ramosum would be appropriate. The two
differ materially : first, multifidum is inconstant, and not permanent,
i. e., neither affecting all the fronds of the plant, nor remaining con-
stant under cultivation; while ramosum both affects all the fronds,
and remains permanent under cultivation :—secondly, multifidum has
the apices of the fronds simply dichotomous, and distinct to their
extremity, the main mid-vein running out to the extremity of each
division of the frond, &c., each of the subdivisions terminating in a

893

point, and not curled ; while in ramosum the apices are subdivided,
and the mid-vein terminates in a lash of branches, so that the seg-
ments are rounded, and curled on themselves; in every respect, save
their single rachis, bearing a perfect analogy to a form of Scolopen-
drium vulgare, ¢. e., ramosum or crispum, where we find the same
appearances contrasting with the multifid form of hart’s-tongue, as
these specimens show. This form of Scolopendrium has not, I be-
lieve, been found here. I cannot find any forms of any other fern
analogous to Blechnum Spicant and ramosum. ‘The multifid variety,
in this country, pervades many other species. It has been found in
all the spleenworts, except the wall-rue ; in all the Lastreas, except
the heath, shield fern, and L. rigida ; in all the Polystichums, except
P. Lonchitis; in the common Polypody, the common brake, Killarney
fern, and Grammitis Ceterach (for which I am indebted to W. H.
Luscombe, Esq.), Botrychium, and Ophioglossum. Of most of these
species there are specimens now before you, all gathered in this
country, during the last summer, and all agreeing in the general fea-
tures of being inconstant, not permanent even in the wild plant, and
not interfering with the fertility of the frond. The next in our list is
the distorted variety of B. Spicant. To it, Francis, who describes
and figures it in his ‘ British Ferns,’ has given the name of strictwm.
His plants were vrocured from Ambleside. The plants before you
were procured at Glenmacnass, county Wicklow, growing in a cleft
of arock, last July. They have continued under cultivation ever
since, without materially altering their character. The only satisfac-
tory analogue to it recorded, is the variety of L. Filix-mas, called
abbreviatum, of which specimens, from Kilmashogue, near White-
church, are before you. To the form of the lady fern (Athyrium
Filiz-feemina), which next engages our attention, several names have
been given, of which the least open to objection appears to be furca-
tum. It differs, as you perceive, from the common form in having its
pinne and the apex of the frond split up into a number of segments,
so as to present a tasselled appearance. This specimen was obtained
in a hedge-row at Caherpoher, near Feacle, county Clare, growing on
clay slate, and has, as you perceive, retained its characters in culti-
vation. A more singular monstrosity of the same form is figured in
Newman’s ‘ British Ferns.’ This last was obtained in Mayo, and is
remarkable for seeding freely, the seedlings in every respect resem-
bling the original plant. There is also, in the College collection, a
fern, obtained at Killarney, by the late Mr. Ogilby, which closely
resembles that found by. me in Clare; and Mr. J. Bain, to whom I

894

am indebted for the careful cultivation of the plants exhibited to-night,
informs me that the same form was found by him, some years ago, at
Chatsworth. This is the only record of this variety as English,
though an allied form (crispum) has been recorded in Scotland.
This form has been also called, incorrectly, viviparum ; for the habit
of the plant is not viviparous. Another name given to it is multifi-
dum, also objectional, as a multifid form of the frond does exist, as
this specimen shows, resembling in its characters those multifid forms
of other ferns to which I just now drew attention. The only analogue
recorded of this is a form of Lastrea Filix-mas, to which the same
name (furcatum) has been given. I should mention that A. Filix-
feemina, var. furcatum, has been also found in Wicklow. We next
in order come to the variety of Polystichum lobatum, to which the
name of lonchitidioides has been given, on account of its resemblance
to the holly-Jeaved shield fern (P. Lonchitis). The plants I obtained
at Curraghclune Arthur, near Feacle, county Clare, during last Au-
gust. When cultivated, it is said to resume its original form. It has
been recorded as growing at Malone, in Ulster; and I have seen
specimens of it sent from Carlow, as Lonchitis, but whether wild
or garden specimens I cannot say. It is at once distinguished from
Lonchitis, by the bipinnate character of the lower pinne. The fronds
are fertile. It is very common in some parts of Scotland. 1 also
show you an analogous state of P. angulare, from the neighbourhood
of Bray, and a form as yet:unnoticed, though I have met with it in
many parts of the country. In conclusion, I beg leave again to bring
before your Society this variety of Polystichum angulare, exhibited
before you last session, and to which I then gave the name of vivipa-
rum, owing to its producing gemme in the axils of the pinnules.
This is before you now, to show the autumnal fronds, which differ
greatly, in their characters, from those produced in the spring, more
nearly approaching the character of the typical form. I also beg to
submit to you a series of fronds, taken from the plant during each of
the years it has been under cultivation, showing you how well the
original characters have been preserved ever since.”

Dr. Allman, in making some remarks on Mr. Kinahan’s paper,
referred to the recent discoveries of Count Suminski, concerning the
reproductive system of the ferns, and believed that much interest
would result from a comparison of the plants produced from the gem-
mz described by Mr. Kinahan, in one of the varieties exhibited by
him, with those resulting from the germination of the spores. Dr.
Allman was, however, of opinion that the spores borne upon the backs

895

of the fronds of ferns were physiologically identical with buds, and
that the history of the development of a fern affords a beautiful exam-
ple of the “ alternations of generations,” first pointed out by Steen-
strup, as occurring in the animal kingdom.

Mr. Andrews said he was much gratified at the pains Mr. Kinahan
had taken to bring forward, and to prove, such varieties of character
as many of the more common forms of our ferns presented. Geologi-
cal characters of country, altitude, exposure or shelter had much
effect on the character of growth of plants; and these views should
always be noted by the exploring botanist. Varied were the forms to
be met with under that of Lastrea multiflora and L. recurva of New-
man, and the Aspidium dilatatum of Hooker. L. recurva, so frequent
in the county of Kerry, is considered to be identical with Nephrodium
Feenisecii of Madeira. The forms of Cystopteris met with on the
limestone rocks of Sligo, and of Clare, were also numerous. The
variety of Polystichum, according to Mr. Kinahan, producing gemme
in the axils of the pinnules, was deserving of investigation. The
Right Hon. John Wynne, of Haslewood, had cultivated young plants
of Woodwardia radicans most successfully, producing the growth from
the axils of the pinnules. This was a beautiful fern of Madeira and
Portugal.

Insects causing the Potato Disease.

Mr. Nuttall read a paper ‘ On the Insects causing the Potato Dis-
ease.’

Mr. Nuttall observed :—“ So much has been said and written on
the potato disease of late, that the subject appears to have lost its
interest ; but it certainly has not lost its importance. It is a subject
that I have given much attention to for some time. Early in August
last, a letter from me appeared in the papers; and since then some
objections have been raised to my assertion that the disease was
caused by insects. I have now two reports, from scientific friends,
before me. One appears to look on the drill-harrow as a sort of
infernal machine, and .is satisfied that I must be wrong, ‘ as such views
have not been adopted by the scientific world!’ Now, being confi-
dent that I am right, I have thought it well to bring my views and
reasons for them into this, their camp, to be, by them, extinguished,
if false, well knowing that truth is a light that cannot be extinguished.
Another objects, ‘as he has not been able to discover any traces of
these insects.’ Now, I do not believe that the scientific world is
infallible. Some of its members traversed California and. Australia,

896

but left it to a simple shepherd to discover the gold. They are some-
times wrong; and in the potato disease they have been most unfortu-
nately and pertinaciously so, as I apprehend, very much from want
of opportunities for making observations. Thus, when they recom-
mended the taking up of the crop, I left mine in the ground, and came
off better than many of my neighbours who lifted theirs. As they did
not come in contact in the earth as they would in pits, the disease did
not spread. I have made some experiments, to test the power of
infection, and found, the first year, that in a few hours a sound tuber
would be tainted, when in contact with an unsound one; and I con-
sider it a good sign that this year the disease is but slightly infectious.
To suppose that the same species of insect could not have caused the
disease in other parts of the world, is, to say the least, absurd, as every
naturalist knows that many of these creatures are common to almost
every country, and that some are migratory. The locust, that often
lays waste whole provinces in Asia and Africa, has before now visited
England. As to the power of insects, look to the formation of coral,
see, also, the perforation of the hardest rocks; and as to the extent of
their doings, look to the destruction caused by the cane-fly in the
West Indies, another which destroys the meadows of Sweden, and
the almost total defoliation and other ruin of vast forests by Aphides. .
Their fecundity is prodigious ; but I shall not take upon me to say
the exact number of fresh eggs they lay in the morning. My friend
Mr. Andrews will remember the injury caused by one of the Erio-
soma to the silver fir in the county of Wicklow, in 1845, and so well
described by him atthe time. His plan for banishing them was sim-
ple, and most efficacious, and more practicable than that of picking
them off, as had been recommended. Soon after the planting of
larch-trees in Scotland, they were attacked in a similar way ; and far-
mers know what the turnip-fly can do in this country. For the last
two years, a plant of the Araucaria imbricata with me has been
attacked by an insect, much resembling, except in colour, the potato
enemy, and blackened the leaves of it, and, I think, would have killed
the plant, had I not banished them, by dusting with soot. Another
was partly blackened ; and, remarking one branch quite green, I was
pleased to find that the cause was, that a spider had covered it with
his web, and was busily employed with them. Now, I observed a
webless spider, last year, very numerous on the potato. Its mission
appeared to me to be the destruction of the former insect. I put one
in a bottle with about thirty of them, which he killed in an incredibly
short time. I have many reasons to hope that, as far as the potato is

897

concerned, the tide of these insects is about to ebb, and that there-
fore the disease will disappear, or, at least, go back to its original
bounds, as I do not believe it to be of so recent date as is supposed.
I have remarked that potatoes have suffered most with a northern
aspect. May it not be that these creatures are a squadron of the
‘great northern army?’ I think it is about 100 years since the curl
prevailed to an alarming extent in the south of England; and we still
have it in a mitigated form. There are other insects found on pota-
toes, such as beetles, &c., &c. Some of them have been erroneously
supposed to be the enemy, whereas they are waging war upon him.
It appears to me that there are two great divisions of insects, those
which attack the vegetable kingdom when in health, such as the
Aphis, caterpillar, &c., and those which act as scavengers when decay
has set in, such as grubs, beetles, &c. In 1847, I had a field of beans
blackened in one night. The canker of trees is often, in my opinion,
caused by insects. To me, it is rather surprising that a cause so sim-
ple, usual, and manifest should be doubted. I have found varieties
of these insects on many plants ; and in every instance there was the
blackened leaf. Is it to be wondered at, the potato, a delicate and
not an indigenous plant, being thus injured, and the regular flow of
the sap intercepted, that the decay of the tuber should follow? I
improved much on the plan that I recommend to sweep off these ver-
vim, the results of which I may possibly bring before you at another
time. No doubt, much might be done to check these blights, even
in the manuring of the potato. Peat-charcoal or lime has been bene-
ficial, and should be used instead of, or, at least, in conjunction with,
other manures. I would also recommend early planting, as the plant
would thus have a chance of coming to maturity before being attacked.
My potatoes are the best that I have had for years; whilst my neigh-
bours in that mountain district have scarcely any. The oat crop in
many parts of Ireland was, last year, what is called blighted. I found,
one morning, after walking through a field, that my clothes were
covered with what appeared a yellow dust; but I discovered, on exa-
mining well, that every particle had life—

‘ Full nature swarms with life, one wondrous mass
Of animals or atoms organised.’

The following day it was not observable. What if the grain crops

now are to suffer? Here, also, as with the potato, some varieties

escaped better than others; and those sown early were better than

those sown late. Now, although we should not be able to do much
VOL Iv. oY

898

to mitigate the ravages of such creatures, surely it would be instruc-
tive to look into the minute works of the same hand that formed the
most mighty.
‘ How sweet to muse upon His skill displayed,
(Infinite skill!) in all that He has made,
To trace in nature’s most minute design
The signature and stamp of Power Divine.’”

Mr. Andrews remarked “that there was no case more difficult to
deal with than the present, nor one that has had so many advocates
of such extremely opposite views and tendencies. From the earliest
date of the introduction of the potato into Britain, the tuber has been
subject to failure, from variableness of climate, or unsuitableness of
the tuber for planting; in fact, it has ever been a crop of uncertainty.
The great extent to which the potato has been cultivated in this
country, is encouraged by the economy of its treatment, the poorer
lands it can adapt itself to, and, above all other esculent roots, its
nutritive properties as a general and daily food for the poorer classes.
A short time since I read an article from the ‘ Waterford Mirror,
published more than thirty years since, detailing losses of the potato
crop almost as extensive as those of 1845. We must all admit that
the ravages of insects have been most destructive to vegetable life, as
endless instances, in every part of the world, can be given. When
the vegetative and nutrimentative powers of the stems are cut short,
whether affected by insect agency or atmospheric causes, the growth
of the tuber must be more or less checked, to the destruction of its
mature development. My friend Dr. Bellingham, in this Society, in
November, 1845, gave a very able statement of the action of electrical
influence on the potato crops, detailing very fully the history and the
causes of the disease; and, indeed, in some measure his statements
were subsequently borne out. Naturalists well know what injuries had
been caused by: the several species of Cecidomyia, as the Hessian fly,
wheat-midge, barley-midge, &c. The plant-mite, or red spider (Aca-
rus tellarius), is also most destructive to plants, and even to trees.
Practical observations are at all times most valuable, and desired by
the Society. Mr. Nuttall has most candidly submitted his experi-
ence; yet, on a subject still beset with such diffiulties, the patient
investigations of science must be brought to bear, before sound
deductions can be arrived at.”

Mr. Williams said he had noticed the destructive powers of insects
to plants. In the greenhouse, the Oleander was so infested as only
to be preserved by constant washing.

899

Mr. Andrews observed that this was a species of scale insect (Aspi-
diotus). The species were peculiar to many plants.

The ballot was then proceeded with ; and the following gentlemen
were declared to be elected members :—Robert Barklie, Esq., 106,
Lower Gardiner Street ; F. Nuttall, Esq., Tittour, Co. Wicklow ; —
Brown, Esq., Mount Merrion; and Mr. Wakeman, Grafton Street.

The meeting adjourned to the month of March.

BoTANICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH.

Thursday, February 10, 1853.—Professor Balfour, President, in
the chair.

Various donations to the Society’s library and herbarium were
announced, among which were the following :—Leaf taken from a
lime-tree which had been planted by Linnezus, in his own garden at
Upsal. The tree was pointed out to Mr. Elliot (by whom it was pre-
sented) by the only surviving daughter of Linneus.—T'wo specimens
of larch, showing the absence of the tap-root, and the formation of
lateral roots. The following particulars were given by Mr. Graham :—
The trees were cut in January last, on property 750 feet above the
sea-level. They show the mode in which the roots proceed from the
stem. These are preserved to show the fallacy of the theory that the
main tap-root is necessary for the upright growth of the stem, and
that the lateral roots produce only side branches. Each tree was split
into two portions, and planed :—1. Height of tree when cut down, 34
feet 2 inches; girth, 18 inches from ground, 26 inches; apparent age
(calculated from number of rings), 27 years; length of leading shoot
in the year 1851, 6 inches,—in 1852, 4} inches. The earlier growth
of the tree must thus have been pretty rapid, as the average of the
annual shoots is 15 inches. 2. Height of tree when cut down, 7 feet
10 inches ; girth, 1 foot from ground, 7 inches ; apparent age, 7 or 8
years; length of leading shoot in the year 1851, 153 inches,—in 1852,
16 inches. Neither of the trees had any tap-root. The roots spread
out laterally from the base of the stem; and yet there was no impe-
diment to the growth of the central axis. The specimens were pre-
sented by Humphrey Graham, Esq.

Mr. John Laing, gardener to the Earl of Rosslyn, Dysart House,
exhibited a plant of Rhododendron ciliatum in flower.

900

Mr. M‘Nab stated that R. ciliatum was in flower in the Royal
Botanic Garden.

Mr. M‘Nab showed a flowering plant of Begonia argyrostigma in
which the leaves, at the upper part of the stem, exhibited no white,
scaly markings ; and their under surface was of a pale, greenish pur-
ple. The leaves on the lower part of the plant showed the usual
markings, and the usual dark colour on their under surface.

Mr. Matthews exhibited a new form of dissecting microscope, made
by Pellisher, of London.

Mr. G, Lawson exhibited a specimen of Oxytropis Uralensis, col-
lected by Mr. A. Buchan, on the West Lomond Hills, Fife, where he
discovered the plant several years ago.

Remarks on British Plants.

A paper intituled ‘Remarks on British Plants,’ by Charles C.
Babington, M.A., F.R.S., F.L.S., was read.

The author stated that since the publication of the third edition of
his ‘ Manual of British Botany,’ his attention had been directed to
several groups of plants, either by the discovery of new native speci-
mens, or by finding that he had taken an erroneous view of them in
that work; and that he purposes giving a series of papers to the
Society, embodying the results of his recent observations.

In this paper he commenced with the genus Thalictrum, of which
he described T. minus, T. flexuosum, and T. saxatile. He considers
T. majus as not a good species, but as being formed out of larger
states of each of these three species. He gives revised characters,
dwelling particularly on the presence or absence of leaves at the
lower joinings of the stem, the nature of the vaginal portion of the
petiole, with its auricular appendages, the direction of the subdivi- —
sions of the petiole, and of the branches of the panicle, and the form
of the carpels

The next genus to which he called attention was Polygala, of which
he described P. vulgaris and its varieties, depressa and oxyptera, P.
calcarea and P. uliginosa. He thinks that, in this genus, attention
should be paid to the mode in which the leaves are arranged, and to
the appearances caused by the different lengths to which the stems
extend each year.

The paper was illustrated by specimens from the Edinburgh Uni-
versity Herbarium.

901

Dyeing Properties of Lichens.

The second part of Dr. Lindsay’s paper ‘ On the Dyeing Properties
of the Lichens ’ was read. .

At the last meeting of the Society, Dr. Lindsay stated that, during
the last two years, he has been engaged in occasional researches in
different departments of the natural history of the lichens, and that
lately the subject of their dyeing properties has chiefly occupied his
attention. In reference to the latter subject, he has made several
extensive series of experiments, with a view to determine the kind
and amount of colouring matter furnished by various native species ;
the processes being suited, in individual cases, for eliminating these
matters, and their special application to dyeing and colouring, &c. ;
but his efforts have been greatly circumscribed, by a paucity of
materials to work upon. He would therefore be very glad to receive,
from members of the Society or others, any spare duplicate specimens
of native or foreign species (which, for his present purpose, need nei-
ther be rare nor fine), or any kind of practical information bearing
upon the subject in question. He gave a short, but comprehensive,
view of the present state of the different branches of lichenology in
this country, and on the continent ; and showed, from the aggregate
amount of information which is at present possessed thereupon, the
great necessity there still exists for renewed and extended experimen-
tal investigation. The author then considered :—1. The vast impor-
tance of this humble tribe of plants in the grand economy of Nature,
as the pioneers and founders of al/ vegetation. 2. Their importance
to man and the lower animals, as furnishing various articles of food.
3. Their importance in medicine, and especially in its past history,
at home andabroad. 4. Their importance in the useful and fine arts,
and especially in the art of dyeing. 5. Their affinities and analogies
to other cryptogamic families, and to the Phanerogamia. 6. Their
value as an element of the picturesque in Nature. 7. Their typical
significance.

The author then adverted more especially to the subject of his
communication, under the ten following heads :—

1. The colours of the thallus and apothecia of lichens, their causes,
and the circumstances which modify and alter them.

2. History of the application of their colouring matters to the art
of dyeing.

3. Chemical nature and general properties of these colouring
matters.

902

4, Tests and processes for estimating qualitatively and quantita-
tively the colorific powers of individual species, with their practical
applications. .

5. Processes of manufacture of the lichen-dyes, on the large and
small scale, in different countries, with the principles on which they
are founded.

6. Nomenclature of the dye-lichens, and of the lichen-dyes,

7. Botanical and commercial sources of the same.

8. Special applications of the lichen-dyes in the arts.

9. Commercial value of the dye-lichens, and their products.

10. Geographical distribution of the dye-lichens, with the effect of
climate, situation, &c., on their colorific materials.

In the former part of this paper, the subjects mentioned under the
1st and 2nd of these heads were considered, and on the present occa-
sion those included in the 8rd and 4th. Of these four sections of the
paper, the following is a very short summary, or synopsis :—

Under the Ist head, the author spoke of chlorophylle, and various
organic and inorganic substances which enter into the formation of
the colours of the thallus and apothecia of lichens, and of the modi-
fications of these colours depending on various degrees of—1. Expo-
sure to air and light. 2. Temperature. 8. Moisture, &c. 4, Atmos-
pheric vicissitudes. 5. Season of the year. 6. Nature of the gonidic
reproduction (i. e., gemmation). 7. Nature of habitat. 8. Organic
decomposition. 9. Coalescence of parts, monstrosities, &c.

Under the 2nd section, he traced historically the manufacture of
lichen-dyes, and the native use of lichens as dye-agents, among diffe-
rent nations, from the times of Theophrastus, Dioscorides, and Pliny
down to the present day ; sketching briefly the ancient and modern
history of orchil, cudbear, and litmus, and specifying the native use
of lichen-dyes in different countries of Europe, Asia, and America.
He alluded more particularly to their application to the dyeing of
yarns, &c., by the Scotch highlanders, under the name of “ crottles.”
“The process of manufacture of the various crottles, generally con-
sisted in macerating the powdered lichen for two or three weeks in
stale urine ; exposing the mass freely to the air, by repeated stirring,
and adding lime, salt, alum, or argillaceous and other substances,
either to heighten the colour, or impart consistence. To such an
extent did this custom at one time prevail, that, in several of our
northern counties, each farm and cottage had its tank or barrel of
putrefying urine,—a homely, but perfectly efficient, mode of generat-
ing the necessary amount of ammonia. In the county of Aberdeen

903

in particular, every homestead had its reservoir of ‘ graith;’* and
the ‘lit-pig,” + which stood by every fire-side, was as familiar an
article of furniture in the cots of the peasantry as the ‘ cuttie-stool,’
or the ‘meal-girnel.’? So lately as 1841 (and I presume the practice
continues to the present day), Mr. Edmondston stated that, of four or
five native dyes used by the Shetlanders to colour cloth and yarns,
two, at least, were furnished by lichens, viz., a brown dye from Par-
melia saxatilis, under the name of ‘scrottyie, and a red one from
Lecanora tartarea, under that of ‘ korkalett.’ It is very probable,
however, that steam and free trade have gradually dispelled this good
old custom, even in the remoter corners of our island; machinery-
made articles being now readily supplied at a rate so extraordinarily
cheap, as to render it absolutely expensive (as to time, if not also as
to money) to prepare colours, even by a process so simple and inex-
pensive as that just mentioned.” /

Under the 3rd head, the author examined, in a general way, the che-
mistry of the colorific and colouring matters of the lichens, and the re-
sults to which it has led, avoiding as much as possible the technicalities
inseparable from such a subject, and giving a short visé of the researches
of Heeren, Kane, Rochleder, Heldt, Stenhouse, Schunck, Laurent, Ger-
hardt, and others. “Our untaught senses should undoubtedly lead us to
expect the lichens, whose thallus exhibits the brightest tints, to yield
the finest dyes, and these, too, of a colour similar to that of the thal-
lus ; but experience teaches us that the beautiful reddish or purplish
colouring matters are producible, in the greatest abundance, by the
very species from which we should least expect to derive any, viz., in
those most devoid of external colour. This, though at first sight very
remarkable, is easily explicable, when we remember that, in most of
the so-called dye-lichens, colorific principles exist m a colourless
form, and only become converted into coloured substances under a
peculiar combination of circumstances.

“Some lichens contain colouring matters ready formed ; and these
exhibit themselves in the tint of the thallus of the plants; e. g., chry-
sophanic (or parietinic) acid in Parmelia parietina, and vulpinie acid’
in Everniavulpina. In other species, we find principles which, while
in the plant, and unacted on by chemical reagents, are colourless ;
but which, when the lichens are exposed to the combined influence

. * The vernacular name for stale or putrid urine.
t “Lit” was the name applied to the plant from which the dye was to be pre-
pared; and “ pig” is the Scotch synonym for any kind of earthenware vessel in which
the maceration was generally carried on.

904

of atmospheric air, water, and ammonia, yield coloured substances.
This series of coloured products is usually comprehended, more for
convenience’ sake than on account of chemical identity, under the
generic term orceine.” The whole subject of the chemistry of these
bodies is at present in a most unsatisfactory condition, demanding
fresh investigation and research, in illustration of which the author
exhibited tables of the colorific and colouring principles, so far as
they are at present known, showing their chemical formule, and the
authority therefor, and various relative information. “ It is highly
probable that, when the chemistry of the lichens has been more fully
studied, and the whole subject of their colour-educts and products
better understood, we shall begin to reduce the present confused mass
of complex substances, and find the same principles more extensively
diffused through different lichen species.” Dr. Lindsay entered
somewhat minutely on the chemical reactions of the better-known
colorific and colouring principles, and their derivatives, so far, at
least, as these throw any light on the production and transmutation
of the red or purple colours extracted from what may be termed, par
excellence, the dye-lichens. After a few remarks on the chemical
constitution of orchil and litmus, as given by Kane, Gelis, Pareira,
and others, he discussed the subject of decolorization of weak infu-
sions of orchil and litmus by exclusion of atmospheric air, and by
various deoxidizing agents, and the various theories as to the causa-
tion of this phenomenon. “TI have repeatedly had occasion to notice
that, when weak infusions of these substances are excluded for some
time from atmospheric air, in a bottle with a tightly-fitting cork, they
gradually lose colour, but rapidly regain it on re-exposure. It is
curious that both orchil and litmus are what are called transient or
false colours, z.e., they slowly lose their bloom and tint by long
exposure to the atmosphere. The colouring matter therefore appears
to be decolorized, both by exposure to and exclusion from the air,—
phenomena, apparently, of very opposite characters. The cause of
the latter phenomenon has never, so far as I am aware, been quite
satisfactorily explained; but it has been variously supposed to be due—

“1. To the mere negation of oxygen.

“2. To the development, in the liquids, of various substances
capable of exerting a decolorizing influence on the colouring matter.

“3. To deoxidation of the colouring matter by substances which
have a great tendency to become oxidized or peroxidized; e. g.,
hydrogen in the case of decolorization by sulphuretted hydrogen,
nascent hydrogen, and the protoxides of iron and tin, &c.

905

“4. To the fixation of an additional amount of hydrogen in a new
colourless body, formed by the union of the sulphuretted hydrogen or
other substances with the colouring matter of the liquid. This view
is chiefly supported by Kane, who says, ‘ that precisely as the colour-
ing matters combine with water, to form different shades of red-
coloured bodies—with ammonia, to produce a series of bodies, which
are blue and purple—so they combine with sulphuretted hydrogen, to
form colourless compounds in solution, which, if solid, would very
probably be white.’ He supposes, in a word, that for every coloured
substance existing in orchil and litmus there is a corresponding white
one, producible by the action of sulphuretted hydrogen, &c. ; and in
proof of this theory he mentions having obtained from azolitmine and
betaorceine colourless bodies, to which he gave the respective names
of leuco-litmine and leuco-orceine.”

The author then gave a short summary of Dr. Westring’s experi-
ments on the dyeing powers of the Swedish lichens, which, he found,
might be conveniently divided into four classes, according to the
degree of heat employed in their maceration, viz :—

1, Lichens whose colouring matter was easily extractable by cold
water alone.

2. Those which required, for the elimination of their colouring
matter, maceration in fepzd water (2. e., below 25° Swedish thermo-
meter).

3. Those which required maceration in warm water (2. e., between
50° and 60° Swedish thermometer).

4. Those requiring boiling water, alone or with the aid of solvents,

“It must be admitted that our knowledge of the true nature of the
colorific and colouring principles of the lichens is as yet very imper-
fect and confused ; and one great cause of the dubiety and obscurity
overhanging the subject, is the fact that different analysts have arrived
at most opposite results, even in the examination of the same species.
For instance, Roccella tinctoria, which has, of all the dye-lichens,
been most frequently selected for analytical investigation, on account
of its important product, orchil, the discrepancies between the results
obtained are very striking. In it, Heeren discovered his erythrine ;
Kane, erythriline: Schunck, his erythric acid ; and Stenhouse, three
different substances, in as many varieties of the plant; all of these
bodies differing more or less from each other in composition and pro-
perties (at least, if we are to assume as correct the descriptions given
of them by their respective discoverers).”

“I have already hinted that there is no ratio between the ptzenal

VOL. Iv. 5 Z

906

and internal colour or structure of a lichen, and the kind or amount
of colouring matter it will be found to yield. It is exceedingly natu-
ral to suppose that such a ratio should exist; but, proceeding for some
time on this supposition, I was frequently disappointed in my results;
the most showy and brilliantly-coloured lichens often furnishing the
dullest and most worthless colours. For instance, the bright yellow
thallus of Parmelia parietina, and the beautiful scarlet apothecia of
Scyphophorus cocciferus, instead of producing a rich yellow in the
one case, and a deep crimson in the other, yielded, respectively, only
dirty greenish-yellow and brownish colours. As a general rule, I
should almost be inclined to say, that the finer the colour of the thal-
lus of any given lichen, the more is that lichen to be suspected of
poverty in valuable colouring matters; and that, on the other hand,
the palest pulverulent or crustaceous species, especially such as are
saxicolous, may be expected to yield the most beautiful and valuable
pigments (e. g., the Roccellas and Lecanoras). In such cireum-
stances, it is necessary to have some test, of easy applicability, of the
kind and amount of colorific properties of any lichen; and this, for-
tunately, is readily attainable.”

The 4th section of the paper was devoted to the consideration of
the various tests of colorific power which have been recommended by
different authors. “ Of these, the greater number proceed on the
principle of developing the colouring matter by some alkali, in con-
junction with the decomposing action of atmospheric oxygen and
water ; others are founded on the reaction between the colorific prin-
ciples of certain of the dye-lichens, and some of our ordinary chemi-
cal reagents.” The author noticed in particular—

1. Helot’s test

2. Westring’s tests} qualitative.
3. Stenhouse’s test

A. m quantitative.

“‘ Helot’s test consists in digesting the dried and powdered lichen
for a few hours, at a temperature of 130°, in a weak solution of ammo-
nia, sufficiently strong, however, to be tolerably pungent.

“ Tr, Westring recommended simply macerating three or four
drachms of the lichen in cool spring water, assisting, perhaps, the
solvent action of the water by minute quantities of common salt,
nitre, quicklime, sulphate of copper or iron, or similar reagents. If
these means failed after a sufficient length of time had been allowed
for the development of colour, he digested a fresh portion of the pul-
verized lichen, in water containing small quantities of sal ammoniac

907 ‘

and quicklime (in the proportion of 25 parts of water, 1-10th lime,
and 1-20th sal ammoniac for every part of lichen), for a period vary-
ing from eight to fourteen days; and by this,process, he says, he
never failed to develope all the colour which the plant was capable of
yielding.

“Dr. Stenhouse, of London, one of our latest and best authorities
on the chemistry of the lichens, adds to an alcoholic infusion of the
lichen a solution of common bleaching-powder (chloride of lime),
whereby, if it contain certain colorific principles capable of develop-
ing, under the joint action of air, water, and ammonia, red colouring
matters, a fugitive, but distinct, blood-red colour will be exhibited.
The amount of this colorific matter may be estimated quantitatively
by noting the quantity of the chloride of lime solution required to
destroy this blood-red colour in different cases; or the same result
may be obtained by macerating, for a short period, in milk of lime,
filtering, precipitating the filtered liquid by acetic or muriatic acid,
collecting this precipitate on a weighed filter, drying at ordinary tem-
peratures and again weighing.”

The author entered into a full analysis of these tests and processes,
pointing out their respective advantages and disadvantages, and show-
ing their practical value and applications. He stated that he had
made use of these and various other tests in upwards of 300 experi-
ments (the details of which he at present reserves); and the one which
he employed to the greatest extent, because most uniformly appli-
cable, was Helot’s ammonia test. The following combination is that
most favourable for the development of the colouring matter of the
lichens, viz., the presence

1. Of water, as a solvent menstruum ;

2. Of atmospheric oxygen ;

3. Of ammonia, in the state of vapour, or in solution ; and

4. Of a moderate degree of heat.

And according as the proportion of these combining elements varies,
so do the kind and amount of colour educed by them. This combi-
nation is the foundation of all the processes for the manufacture of the
lichen-dyes throughout the world, however different they may appear
to be in detail or results.

“T believe it may come to be a matter of great commereial impor-
tance to discover, at home or abroad, some cheap and easily pro-
curable substitute for the Roccellas, which are gradually becoming
scarce, and consequently valuable in European commerce, having
sometimes fetched, in times of scarcity, no less than £1000 per ton.

908

No plants can be so easily collected and preserved as lichens, requir-
ing merely to be cleaned, dried, pulverized, and packed ; and, if their
bulk be an objection to transport, their whole colorific matter may be
collected in the way I have already mentioned. Ascending to the
verge of eternal snows, and descending to the ocean-level, with a
geographical diffusion that is coextensive with the surface of our
earth, it is difficult to say where lichens shall not be found. There
are myriads of small, rocky islets in the boundless ocean, and there
are thousands of miles of barren, rocky coast and sterile mountain-
range in every part of the world, which, though at present unfit to
bear any of the higher members of the vegetable kingdom, yet are
carpeted and adorned with a rich covering of lichens, and of those
very species, too, which I have already spoken of as most prolific in
colorific materials. I sincerely believe, therefore, that a more general
attention to the very simple tests just enumerated, would ultimately re-
sultin a greatly more extended use of the lichens as dye-agents. What
renders it very probable that efforts in this direction are likely to meet
with success, is the great similarity of species found all over the world.
It has been repeatedly noticed that the European species, which, of
course, are best known, differ little from those of North America.
Dr. Robert Brown remarked the same fact with regard to New-Hol-
land species ; and Humboldt also recognized the similarity in natives
of the South-American Andes. Of a large collection made by Pro-
fessor Royle, in the Himalayas, Don pronounced almost every one to
be identical with European species. From examining the raw vege-
table products sent by different countries to the Great Exhibition of
1851, I am satisfied that even now there are many fields open for the
establishment of an export trade in Roccellas and other so-called
orchella-weeds. I there saw specimens of good dye-lichens from
almost every part of the world, including our own young colonies ;
and as a single instance of their probable value I may introduce here
the copy of a note appended to a specimen of orchella-weed, from the
Island of Socotra, contained in the Indian collection of that Exhibi-
tion :—* Abundant, but unknown as an article of use or commerce.
Also abundant on the hills around (Aden), and might be made an
article of trade. Aden, April, 1847.’ Roccellas from this source are
estimated as worth £190 to £380 per ton. I believe that a similar
statement might be made with regard to the countless islands of the
broad Atlantic and Pacific, which may at some future period, perhaps
not far distant, be found to be rich depots of orchella-weeds, just as
some of them are at present rich fields of guano; and may, as such,

ea Rees ee

909

become new nuclei of British commerce and enterprize. Even at
home, in the immediate vicinity of Edinburgh, or, to restrict our limits
still more narrowly, within the compass of Arthur’s Seat, there are nota
few very good dye-lichens, which require merely to be scraped, with
an old knife or similar instrument, from the rocks to which they
adhere, and subjected to the ammonia process already mentioned.
Of twelve specimens thus collected at random one morning, I found
no less than three yielded beautiful purple-red colours, apparently as
fine as orchil or cudbear; while the others furnished rich and dark
tints of brownish red, brown, and olive-green.” ’

Dr. Lindsay’s communication was illustrated with specimens of
colouring matters yielded by various lichens collected in the neigh-
bourhood of Edinburgh, &c.

Asplenium germanicum, &c., at Kyloe, Northumberland.

A paper by George R. Tate, Esq., ‘On the Occurrence of Asple-
nium germanicum, Convallaria Polygonatum, and other Rare Plants,
at Kyloe, Northumberland,’ was read.

Mr. Tate remarked that, during a botanical excursion in the
autumn of last year, he had visited Kyloe Crags, in Northumberland,
for the purpose of gathering Asplenium septentrionale and Conval-
laria Polygonatum. “These crags are chiefly composed of rudely-
columnar basalt, resembling the trap-range of Salisbury Crags.
Sandstone comes out from beneath this, and at the western end forms
a steep cliff. After botanizing for a short time, I had the good for-
tune to find the Asplenium germanicum growing sparingly upon the
basalt. It is not a fern easily passed by: its pale green fronds at
once attracted my attention; and a closer examination readily en-
abled me to determine its species. The few specimens I observed
were remarkably luxuriant, so much so, indeed, that I counted
upwards of thirty fronds growing on a single root. There appeared
to be no possibility of the plants having been introduced. This
Asplenium is most nearly allied to Asplenium Ruta-muraria, from
which, and from the other species of the genus, it is distinguished by
its alternately pinnate frond, narrow, wedge-shaped pinnules, and
entire involucre. Some regard Asplenium germanicum as a variety
of A. Ruta-muraria ; but, as the latter does not occcur at Kyloe Crags,
or in their vicinity, the supposition is by no means probable. A.
_ Septentrionale still exists, in considerable abundance, on the high and
exposed portions of the crag, as well as among the débris. Many of
the specimens, especially those in the latter situation, are of large

910

size. I succeeded in obtaining Convallaria Polygonatum, in fruit.
This plant was recorded by Wallis, in his ‘ History of Northumber-
land.’ Since his time, no one appears to have gathered the species ;
and it was supposed that it had either become extinct, or the name
had been misapplied, until, after the lapse of more than 100 years, it
was re-discovered by the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, in 1849.
Specimens are obtained with great difficulty : many of them are inac-
cessible. Viola hirta and Euonymus europezus occur sparingly.
Opposite the crags on the moor, I observed Lycopodium Selago, and
a variety of Pinguicula vulgaris, with a larger flower than usual, and
with a spur notched at its extremity.”

Mr. M‘Nab gave the following list of plants in flower, in the open
air, in the Royal Botanic Garden, on the Ist of February, 1853 :—
Eranthis hyemalis, Galanthus nivalis, Potentilla Fragariastrum, Sisy-
rinchium grandiflorum, Helleborus odorus, H. orientalis, H. niger,
H. viridis, H. atro-rubens, H. olympicus, H. olympicus rubra, Rho-
dodendron atrovirens, Hepatica triloba (numerous varieties), Aubretia
grandiflora, Primula vulgaris, Lamium album, Tussilago fragrans,
Daphne Mezereum, D. Laureola, Erica herbacea, Cornus mascula,
Knappia agrostidea, Tritonia media, and Viola odorata.

The following gentlemen were elected Resident Fellows of the
Society :—John Sutherland, Hsq., Surgeon, H.E.1.C.S., 8, Hope
Street; and William G. Johnston, Esq., Greenbrae Cottage, Dum-
fries. Mr. Neil Stewart, Artist, 8, Roxburgh Terrace, was elected an
Associate.

——

Thursday, March 10, 1852.—Professor Balfour, President, in the
chair.

Donations to the library and herbarium were anounced as follows :
—From Messrs. P. Lawson & Son, the new edition of their ‘ Agros-
tographia ;’ and from Dr. Holden, a collection of plants from the
neighbourhood of the Cape of Good Hope.

Dr. Holden made some remarks on the Cape plants presented by
him, and exhibited a double prickle from a Mimosa; the length of
each division of the prickle being four or five inches. He stated that
insects frequently perforate the prickles, and form their habitations
within them.

Professor Balfour exhibited, from the Royal Botanic Garden, a
plant of Acrostiche ramiflora in flower, and made some remarks on

911

its characters. He also called attention to a specimen of Hibiscus in
flower, from Ceylon, sent to the Botanic Garden by Admiral Mitford.
It appears to be H. furcatus.

Mr. Laing, gardener to the Earl of Rosslyn, Dysart House, exhi-
bited a plant of Rhododendron glaucum in flower; also Lomatia
silaifolia in flower.

Dr. Lowe exhibited specimens of branches of apple-trees showing
peculiar wart-like excrescences, which were said to be produced by
a species of Aphis.

Dr. Balfour exhibited various recent donations to the Museum of
Economic Botany at the Royal Botanic Garden, among which were
the following, from Dr. Holden :—Specimen of caoutchouc from an
African Euphorbia ; specimens of a plant said to be used in the Mau-
ritius as a febrifuge, and in cases of indigestion, called “ Japana,” or
“Tapana;” and of another plant, called “ Koma Koma,” or worm-
root, used as a vermifuge, from Fort Murray.

Palms, Bamboos, Pines, &c., on the Himalaya.

A paper by Major Madden, H.E.I.C.S., F.R.S.E., ‘On the Occur-
rence of Palms and Bamboos with Pines, and other Northern Forms,
at considerable elevations on the Himalaya,’ was read.

In this paper, the author gave an account of various plant-forms
which are met with in the Himalaya, and showed the association of
plants, which are often said to represent tropical forms, with others
which are said to be characteristic of temperate or cold regions. He
noticed Phcenix humilis, Chamzrops Khasyana, Harina oblongifolia,
species of Arundinaria, Thamnocalamus, Musa, Quercus, Acer, Rho-
dodendron, Pinus, &c., growing at elevations varying from 5 to 10,000
feet. He concluded by drawing the attention of geologists to the
importance of these facts, as bearing on their views in regard to the
climate of former epochs of the earth’s history ; and by showing that
in drawing inferences as to climate we can only do so safely by a
consideration of the individuals of each species, and not by that of
the whole species of a genus. When we find species of palms, bam-
boos, and banana growing amongst and above pines, cedars, oaks,
cypresses, yews, maples, hazels, and ash, it seems to be very rash to
draw conclusions, in regard to climate, from mere generic data.

The paper was illustrated by large drawings of the principal palms,
&c., noticed, and also by plants of Phcenix humilis, from the Royal
Botanic Garden (presented to the Garden, by Mr. Moore, of the
Glasnevin Garden); the hemp-palm of China (presented by Messrs.

912

Standish and Noble, of the Bagshot Nurseries) ; Arundinaria falcata ;
&e.

In remarking upon Major Madden’s researches, Professor Fleming
observed that their results were peculiarly gratifying to him, in so far
as they afforded another proof of views which he had endeavoured to
argue for more than a quarter of a century.

Hypericum anglicum, Agrimonia odorata, and Matricaria maritima.

The second part of Mr. Babington’s paper intituled ‘ Remarks on
British Plants’ was read.

In this paper, the author described some newly-observed British
species.

Under Hypericum Androsemum, he described a plant, found by
Dr. Balfour, at Glanmire, near Cork, in August last, which differs
from that species in its winged pedicels, more acute leaves, narrow
calycine segments, which do not enlarge in fruit, long petals (twice
the length of the calyx), long styles, equalling or exceeding the sta-
mens, and oblong, acute capsule. The plant seems to be H. angli-
cum, Bertol.

Another plant mentioned was Agrimonia odorata, distinguished
from A. Eupatorium by the tube of the fruit being bell-shaped, not
furrowed, and the exterior spines of the fruit declining.

The author concluded by giving the characters of Matricaria ino-
dora, with its var. salina, and M. maritima. He is disposed to con-
sider these two plants as good species, although the characters are
not easily defined. The latter has a diffuse stem, fleshy leaves, basal
leaflets few, and separated from each other, phyllaries oblong, blunt,
scarious (pale), entire (not torn) in their margins.

Dr. Balfour stated that the Hypericum called H. anglicum had
been observed by him, in large quantity, apparently wild, on the
banks of the Glanmire River, near Cork. The plant had also been
seen by Mr. Sibbald, at Aghada; and Dr. Balfour exhibited a speci-
men picked by him near Culross, in July, 1833, which seemed to be
the same plant. Another specimen, gathered near Galway, in August,
1838, resembled the H. anglicum in the size of its petals, length of
styles, and form of capsule.

Dr. Balfour exhibited a specimen of Matricaria maritima, from
Marseilles, which seemed to differ, in its remarkably pale phyllaries,
as well as in its leaves, capitulum, and habit, from any British form
he had seen.

Remarkable Formation of a Stem-root in a Willow.

A paper by John Lowe, Esq., of Gainsborough, ‘ On a Remarkable
Formation of a Stem-root in the Decayed Trunk of a Willow,’ was
read. The paper was communicated by Dr. Balfour.

A sketch was exhibited of a large willow, in which a root had been
developed, in a peculiar manner, so as to forma main stem. Mr.
Lowe observed :—“ The tree (Salix viminalis) having become decayed
in the centre, a root had evidently been sent down by a portion of the
upper extremity of the tree, through the rotten, sponge-like substance
which filled up the interior. Feeding upon this, and the moisture
absorbed by it, the root at length reached the ground, where it esta-
blished a firm hold. The circumference then died away, until, the
root now taking on the functions of the stem, and becoming entirely
denuded, at length became the only support of the living top.
The remaining part of the periphery only acts as a mechanical sup-
port. The circumference of the root-stem is eighteen inches at top,
and thirteen at the bifurcation, and about three feet above the ground.
It has latterly taken on more stem-functions, by putting forth several
branches. The tree is growing near Sleaford, where I have observed
its progress for some years.”

The reading of several papers was delayed till the next meeting of
the Society.

A. G. More, Esq., of Trinity College, Cambridge, was elected an
Ordinary (Non-Resident) Fellow.

THE PHYTOLOGICAL CLUB.

A Botanical Association has recently been organized, with the
above title. Its objects are thus stated :—

“The Phytological Club is established by individuals connected
with the profession of Pharmacy, who have associated themselves for
the purpose of mutual assistance in botanical pursuits. Amongst its
means for effecting this object, are the following :—The formation of
an herbarium of reference, the exchange of specimens between mem-
bers, the collection of facts relating to the popular uses of indigenous
plants, and correspondence with botanists in other countries, when
opportunities offer.”

VOL. 1V 6 A

914

The first meeting of the Club was held on Monday evening, March
7, 1853; the President, Robert Bentley, Esq., F.L.S., in the chair.

Donations to the herbarium were announced as follows :— Speci-
mens from the South-Sea Islands, by Mr. E. May, Jun., Tottenham ;
British plants from Messrs. Brady (Leeds), Copney (Plymouth), Par-
ker, and Reynolds (London).

The President gave an inaugural address, which was listened to
with much interest.

A paper by Mr. H. B. Brady, of Leeds, announcing a new York-
shire station for Hymenophyllum Tunbridgense, was read.

Effects of Ammonia upon Vegetation.

Mr. Penney presented a translation of M. Ville’s papers ‘ On the
Effects produced upon Vegetation by Ammonia added to the Air,
which were published in the ‘Comptes Rendus’ of October 4 and
November 2, 1852. *

Henry Deane, Esq., Vice-President of the Pharmaceutical Society,
sent a communication confirmatory of M. Ville’s statements, being an
account of some experiments, made at various periods during three
or four years, upon plants in greenhouses. The plants were watered
with solutions of ammoniacal salts ; and the resulting phenomena were
similar to those recorded by M. Ville.

THE PHYTOLOGIST CLUB.

One Hundred and Forty-third Sitting —Saturday, March 26, 1853.
Mr. NEwma\, President, in the chair.

Gymnogramma leptophylla in the Channel Islands.

The President had heard, through the kindness of his friend Mr.
Henry Hagen, that this pretty little species had been found growing
on a bank in Jersey. It appears that the late lamented Mr. William
Christy, so well known for his enthusiastic love of botany, resided
for some months near the spot where the species occurs ; and it is
also a fact that Gymnogramma leptophylla was a fern which Mr.
Christy took great pleasure in cultivating, raising it, year after year,
from seed; but no evidence has yet been offered to show that he
attempted to introduce it into the Channel Islands.

915

Nees von Esenbeck.

The President had received the following letter from Professor
Nees von Esenbeck :—

“ Breslau, March 8, 1853.
“ Respected Sir and Friend,

“T beg to acknowledge, with feelings of most sincere
gratitude, the receipt of £20, for which I am entirely indebted to
your exertions. I wish to express to you, and to every one, that the
sympathy which has rescued me from the most bitter want originated
with yourself. Subsequently to your advocacy of my cause, my old
friends and fellow-labourers, Robert Brown, Hooker, and Wallich,
have assisted me with extreme benevolence ; but to you belongs the
high merit of having first recognized my distress, and of having
afforded help at the right time. For this, may God reward you. My
blessings, and those of my family, will ever accompany you.

“ My sufferings are now so far relieved, that my daily requirements
are fully provided for; and I can now resume my works for the Aca-
demy of Natural Philosophy. Still, I am yet unable to accomplish
what I ardently desire, namely, the laying by a few hundred dollars,
the income from which might, with rigid economy, save me from ever
again falling into want. 7

* You will perceive that I address you as a friend ; and I wish the
sentiments which I have expressed published to the world, through
the medium of your journals ; and my thanks thus communicated to
those who have so nobly contributed to my support.

“ With my whole heart, ] am, and remain,

“ Yours gratefully,
*“ NEES VON ESENBECK.”
“To Edward Newman,
&c., &c., &c.”

Asplenium viride at Danny.

The President had received a communication from a friend, calling
his attention to a fact noticed in Derham’s ‘ Remains and Life of
Ray,’ namely, that that great botanist was a resident at Danny at the
latter end of 1667, and for a portion of 1668. This suggested the
idea that A. viride, as well as Ceterach and Dryopteris, may have
been introduced to the locality, two hundred years ago, and have
maintained a footing ever since; the locality being hardly likely to

916

produce the three species mentioned, without some assistance from
the hand of man. He wished the information as to Dryopteris were
more complete.

Stems of Ferns as an Article of Food.

The following extract from ‘Travels in Tartary, Thibet, and China,’
by Mons. Huc, was read :—

““¢ A dish much distinguished in our esteem, was furnished by a
plant very common in France, and the merit of which has never yet
been adequately appreciated ; we refer to the young stems of Fern ;
when these are gathered quite young, before they are covered with
down, and while the first leaves are bent and rolled up in themselves,
you have only to boil them in pure water to realize a dish of delicious
Asparagus.

999

BoTANICAL SociETy OF LONDON.

Friday, February 4, 1853.—Arthur Henfrey, Esq., V.P., F.R.S.,
in the chair.

The following donations were announced :—‘ Reports by the Juries
on the Subjects in the 30 Classes into which the Exhibition was di-
vided; presented by the Royal Commissioners. ‘Second Report of
the Commissioners of the Exhibition of 1851 ;’ presented by the Com-
missioners. ‘ Journal of the Royal Agricultural Society of England ;’
presented by the Society. ‘ Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Sci-
ence ;’ presented by the publishers. The ‘ Zoologist’ for January,
1853; presented by Mr. E. Newman. ‘Journal of the Statistical
Society of London ;’ presented by the Society. ‘ Report of the Coun-
cil of the Art Union of London, for 1852;’ presented by the Council.
‘ Journal of the Society of Arts ;’ presented by the Society.

Mr. Richard Bardin presented a collection of plants collected by
him on the last expedition sent in search of Sir John Franklin.

Mr. A. Irvine exhibited a specimen of Asplenium fontanum col-
lected at Ashford, near Petersfield, Hants.

Mr. J. T. Syme read a paper, being ‘ Notices of the Localities of
Rare Plants in the Neighbourhood of London.’ (See p. 859).

917

Supplementary Account of the British Rubi, with Remarks on their
Physiology and Distribution. By Epwin Legs, Esq., F.LS.

THE editor of the ‘ Phytologist’ having reprinted the description I
gave of the fruticose Rubi in my ‘ Botany of the Malvern Hills,
under a general title, it almost renders it necessary for me to attempt
to make the subject more perfect, by adding those forms which did
not come under my notice in the Malvern Flora. Some misappre-
hension may otherwise occur, as it may be supposed that I have men-
tioned all the British species that I was acquainted with.

It may be well here, also, to hint to the observer a point not con-
stantly noted, or properly acted upon, as to what is really a type, and
what cnly a variety, amongst brambles. An excessively-developed
form, however fine or characteristic it appears at first sight, may be
generally presumed an over-luxuriant individual, and not the general
appearance of the species. Thus, the type of R. cesius is the uni-
versal prostrate form, with its well-known pruinose stem, which, when
supported in hedges or thickets, often assumes a much more robust.
and branching aspect, and in the remarkable var. pseudo-Ideus is
firm and suberect. Applying this principle to other forms, a clew is
obtained to their origin; and I have thus identified the overgrown
R. Schlechtendahlii, W. & N., as completely connected with my R.
amplificatus, so common in most of our woods. The same rule
applies to the well-marked R. Sprengelii, with which Dr. Bell-Salter
has curiously combined the names of four botanists—Sprengel, Bor-
rer, Wilson, and Weihe. But, as the three described appearances of
this bramble, @., @., and y., are assigned as Borreri, Wilsoni, and
Weihei, the wreath left for poor Sprengel in this arrangement is
scarcely distinguishable. Mr. Babington has reversed the matter, in
his Manual, by giving Sprengel the second place, as @. ; but surely
the typical form ought always to coincide with the specific name. In
fact, in its commonest form R. Sprengelii grows, in its woody habitat,
prostrate, and with short flowering stems, in analogy with R. cesius ;
and in exposed places it becomes more tall, upright, and thorny.
This is the variety termed Borreri, and, in agreement with my obser-
vation, must rank accordingly ; though it might be preferred that the
eminent British botanist should have a species of his own, as Dr.
Bell-Salter no doubt intended. But botanical honours are often
transient ; and the rude foot of the “lumper” crushes remorselessly
the hope of immortality based only on aname. By the same analogy

VOL. Iv. 6 B

Eee

918

of growth I have been mentioning, I infer that Mr. Babington’s “ py-
ramidalis” is, in fact, a dilated form of R. Menkii, W. & N., for I
have distinctly traced the connexion between the two; and interme-
diate states occur; but Menkii is the smaller and typical form.
Mr. Babington has himself marked this rule with correctness of obser-
vation, under R. Guntheri, to which I agree, with him, that R. thyr-
siflorus, W.& N., is to be referred, as an overgrown variety ; and
what I called R. thyrsiflorus, in Steele’s ‘ Handbook,’ from Devon-
shire specimens, now proves to be decidedly a large thyrsifloral
variety of Guntheri.

I am not very well acquainted with R. Salteri; but Dr. Bell-Salter
has referred my friend Bloxam’s “ Balfourianus” to it, as a variety,
which fully coincides with my ideas, as this last I know to be quite
a gigantic bramble, with very large foliage, and a widely-dilated
panicle. Indeed, most permanent forms of bramble will be found to
have a variety with long thyrsiform panicles; and both R. fuscus and
R. Bellardi well display this. So, also, does the var. macroacanthus
among the hairy-stemmed Rubi.

It is now generally admitted that the fruticose brambles are not
strictly biennial shrubs ; and I have named the principal division of
the group “ subperemnial,” as existing for an indefinite time, though
not absolutely perennial like a rose-bush. If circumstances are
unfavourable to the barren shoot of the year rooting in the ground, it
throws out other proliferous barren shoots the second year; and thus
the system of vitality is maintained for a considerable period.* In
fact, many brambles are almost evergreens, flourishing through the
winter, if no very severe frosts intervene. I have noticed numerous
old shrubs of R. discolor ; and one of R. Schlechtendahlii, in Cowleigh
Park, near Great Malvern, has maintained itself, to my knowledge,
for more than fifteen years. It has now enormously thick stems.
Thus, an underwood of bramble of one particular kind will long
remain in a copse, till suddenly its vitality becomes exhausted, and a
wide extent of withered thorns meets the surprised eye of the observer,
not to be renewed, exactly in that spot, for years to come. The sub-
erect brambles, however, may be said to be more truly biennial, though
even these often throw out flowering shoots from the old barren stem
a third year. The vestiture of the barren shoot of the year, towards
its base, offers the best guide to the sectional position of the plant.

* Secondary axillary rooting shoots are occasionally thrown off from the barren
stem, and even from the branches of the flowering panicle.

919

I shall now briefly characterize those forms of British Rubi that
did not come under my notice in the Malvern district.

Subdiv. i. Rupr Cast.

R. Salteri, Bab. “Stem angled slightly hairy, prickles small,
leaflets elliptic acute, panicle compound.”— Bell.-Salt.

I am not acquainted with this bramble, except from a dubious
Cheshire specimen, sent me by the late Mr. 8. E. Wilson, which
seems much like my R. sublustris; and it is placed by Dr. Bell-Salter
himself next to corylifolius. It is said, however, to spread abun-
dantly by creeping stolons, which has hitherto been only observed of
the Idzan Rubi. It is stated to be “ rare,”—its head-quarters the
Isle of Wight. With this, Dr. Bell-Salter has placed the following,
as a variety ; but, until better known, it may be advisable to describe
it separately.

R. Balfourianus, Blox. Stem round or obtusely angular, clothed
with short, spreading, and accumbent hairs; prickles irregularly scat-
tered, small, but strong and sharp; petioles hairy ; leaves quinate,
very large, hairy above, densely pubescent beneath ; basal leaflets
subsessile, and slightly overlapping, central one cordate-ovate, dilated,
and often lobed, cuspidate, dentate-apiculate ; rachis hairy ; panicle
very broad, diffuse, hairy, and setose ; flowers on long setose pedi-
cels; sepals broad, woolly, and setose, loosely investing the fruit.
In hedges, rare.

This is a luxuriantly-developed bramble, distinguished by its very
large pubescent foliage, pale, but not white, beneath ; diffused,
branched panicle ; and broad, woolly, setose calyces, loosely invest-
ing the fruit. If really a state of R. Salteri, it is another instance of
the manner in which varieties sport into a monstrous appearance from
their normal forms, as shown in the common state of amplificatus, with
respect to R. Schlechtendahlii, and several others. In this, and many
gigantic Rubi, I have noticed that the stem often remains suberect
instead of arching, and, in this case, thickens at the top, becoming
very hairy there, and surrounded with a mass of dense, small prickles.
From the thickened part several other barren shoots branch off, or the
secondary shoots thicken in their turn, producing tertiary shoots; till
the whole mass bends in some degree, or gets supported, the main
stem still remaining upright. From these suberect stems, luxuriant
flowering shoots proceed, often with monstrous, very compound
panicles. R. Balfourianus has been but rarely observed. My friend
the Rev. Andrew Bloxam gathered it near Rugby, Warwickshire. I

ears

920

have myself noticed some quantity of it in a lane leading from Castle
Bar, near Ealing, to Twyford, Middlesex.

Subdiv. 11. Ruspr GLANDULOSI.

R. Guntheri, Weihe, 8. thyrsiflorus. Stem angular, suleate, with
small unequal prickles, and many sete, and pale aciculi; leaves qui-
nate, hairy ; panicle very long, flexuose, with distant, axillary, race-
mose, somewhat spreading branches, the upper ones densely crowded,
and overtopping the central flower; peduncles and calyces weakly
armed, but covered with spreading hairs, extending beyond the very
numerous sete. In upland thickets, rare. Between Ilfracombe and
Hele, Devonshire. Monmouthshire, Mr. Babington.

This thyrsifloral variety of R. Guntheri is a magnificent bramble,
and seems of rare occurrence in this country. It has a very rough
appearance, and, with its spreading, clustered branches, presents a
striking difference to the pyramidal form of R. Menkii, though its
panicle is equally long. I described this variety as R. thyrsiflorus in
Steele’s ‘ Handbook’ (1847), but am now convinced it belongs to R.
Guntheri. The latter, though local, has an extensive range, as I have
gathered it in Devon, and received it from Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire.
It is found, also, in Leicestershire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire.
Herts, Rev. W. H. Coleman.

R. Menkii, W.& N. Stem prostrate, angular, closely covered with
few, spreading hairs, many set, and short aciculi; the prickles dis-
tant, slender, unequal; leaves mostly ternate, with scattered, accum-
bent hairs above, paler, with ciliated ribs, beneath ; the central leaflet
obovate, acuminate, sharply serrate ; rachis densely hairy, concealing
the aciculi and sete; panicle racemose, leafy, gray with weak, en-
tangled hairs, among which are numerous purple sete, and a few weak,
deflexed prickles ; the lower axillary branches distant, rising almost
parallel with the stem, upper ones crowded, spreading, single-flowered;
peduncles and bracts covered with long hairs, sete, and weak prickles;
sepals excessively hairy and setose, patent in flower, and investing the
half-ripe fruit.

8. pyramidalis (R. pyramidalis, Bab.). Panicle very long, leafy
almost to the summit; the lower axillary branches so elongated as to
be mixed up with those above them, and all in close conjunction with
the main stem, and parallel with it.

This species seems hitherto to have been misunderstood, and con-
sequently unnoted ; but it is undoubtedly connected, by intermediate
links, with Mr. Babington’s “ pyramidalis,” as I have observed both

921

in Wales and Worcestershire. The name of the German botanists
must therefore take precedence. R.Menkii appears to be almost
peculiar to forest districts, where the barren stem is mostly prostrate
upon the ground. If it thus remains concealed in the shade, the
panicles of the next year are short, displayed in a fastigiate manner,
and of a very cinereous aspect ; but, when more exposed, the panicle
is long and racemose, exactly as represented in Rub. Germ. t. xxii.
The leaves, though generally ternate, are sometimes quinate ; but, in
that case, the basal pair are of small size, and seated on the stalks
of the intermediate. From the edges of the leaflets being decurved,
they appear almost plane and even, though, in reality, sharply ser-
rate. The barren stem, when exposed, is finely tinged with purple,
and the prickles numerous, unequal, but weak and slender, straight
or slightly declining, and of an intensely bright purple colour. The
calyces are very hairy ; when exposed, beautifully covered with pur-
ple prickles and setz, and, before expanding, rosaceous, with leafy
points. They are involute upon the half-ripe fruit, but at length
loosely reflex. The variety agrees in all respects with the type, but
has a remarkably elongated, pyramidal panicle, whose long-stalked
branches, almost parallel with the stem, and purple-cinereous aspect,
distinguish it from every other bramble.

In subalpine woods and moist thickets, but rather uncommon.
Banks of the Lyn, near Brendon, Devon. Shrawley Wood and
Wyre Forest, Worcestershire. Capel Curig, Caernarvonshire. The
var. 8, with the type, and also at Llanberis, Caernarvonshire. Also at |
Culbone, Somerset, Mr. Babington.

Rh. Babingtonii, Bell-Salt. Stem angular, sulcate ; prickles small,
compressed ; aciculi many; sete few, scattered; leaves ternate or
quinate, large, pilose beneath, their leaflets coarsely dentate, terminal
one broad, obovate, abruptly cuspidate ; rachis setose, not tomentose ;
panicle long, leafy, setose, with slender prickles; branches short,
ascending, crowded at the summit; sepals hairy, setose, acuminate,
patent in flower.

8. Bloxamii (Lees). Stem sulcate, with numerous setz and aciculi;
leaves quinate, soft, and green, hairy on both sides ; rachis very hairy
and setose ; panicle very long; the lower branches distant, panicu-
late, leafy to the suddenly crowded, short, bracteated upper ones; the
peduncles densely hairy and setose, closely armed with long pale
prickles. Borders of woods.

The variety with which I am best acquainted is a very savage-
looking bramble, more prickly than the type; and on the barren stem

922

the setz, aciculi, and prickles pass insensibly into each other. The
rachis is covered with long hairs, almost concealing the setz and aci-
culi, and densely armed with long pale prickles. Panicle, in full
luxuriance, two or three feet long, with very distant, axillary, panicu-
late branches, at first ascending at a very acute angle; the ternate
floral leaves rising nearly to the summit; upper branches densely
crowded together, with trifid bracts, amidst a confused mass of hairs,
aciculi, and long pale prickles; sepals foliaceous, covered with long
white hairs and sete, finally reflex. The very distant lower corym-
bose branches of the panicle in Bloxamii, and its far more rigid,
thorny aspect, distinguish this from the thyrsiflorus form of R. Gun-
theri. On the borders of woods, but rare. The type in Hants, Lei-
cestershire, Herefordshire, and Caernarvonshire; 8. in Middlesex,
Warwickshire, Leicestershire, and Staffordshire.

R. hirtus, W. & N., var. horridus. Hairs on the panicle so long
as to be both spreading and accumbent, exceeding the sete and aci-
culi in Jength, forming dense masses at the origin of the axillary
branches ; sepals armed with long, white, slender prickles, rising
beyond the crowded hairs and sete, ending in foliaceous points.
Forest districts.

I must here remark that the common form of “ hirtus,” as named
in English herbaria, and distributed in Leighton’s ‘ Fasciculus,’ is
very unlike the figure of hirtus in Rub. Germ. xliii., more approxi-
mating, in the appearance of its barren stem, to rosaceus, t. XXXVi.;
while the variety I have indicated quite agrees with the armature of
the panicle in that figure, and even with its rosaceous, leafy calyces.

R. scaber, Weihe., 8. verrucosus. Stem densely armed with yellow
prickles, whose bases are distended into each other, stiff with hairs
and innumerable sete; panicle with numerous axillary branches,
nutant in fruit; peduncles and sepals densely hairy and setose,
crowded with acute, falcate prickles. Subalpine thickets. Broms-
grove Lickey, Worcestershire.

This variety is more closely and densely armed than any other
British bramble I have met with, the enormously-distended bases of
the prickles having sete even upon them, and the entire panicle
excessively thorny. R. scaber itself is confined to exposed, hilly
spots, as Horsenton Hill, Middlesex ; the Old Storrage Hill, Leigh
Sinton, Herefordshire ; Sutton Park, Warwickshire ; and in Leices-
tershire. I observed it, a few years since, in some abundance near
Aber, Caernarvonshire. Its red, very prickly stem will always dis-
tinguish it.

923

R. humifusus, W.& N. Stem procumbent, sulcate, covered with
numerous, but very slender and elongated, seta, aciculi, and prickles ;
leaves ternate or quinate, glaucous, but closely pubescent, beneath ;
leaflets obovate, acuminate, sharply serrate; panicle narrow, with
short, axillary, lower branches, densely crowded at the summit, very
hairy and setose, armed with excessively slender prickles; sepals
elongated, densely setose and hairy, closely armed with slender
prickles. In thick woods, rare. Hartshill, Warwickshire; and in
the forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Near Caernarvon, and in Baron-
hill Woods, Anglesea.

A prostrate bramble, the flowering stems rising from the ground,
with a foliose aspect, and glaucous-green colour. The prickles, both
of the stem and panicle, are long and sharp, slender as needles, and
quite peculiar. This is referred as var. foliosus to hirtus, by Mr.
Babington ; but I here coincide with Dr. Bell-Salter.

R. mucronatus, Blox. Stem obtusely angular, slightly hairy, with
a few scattered, inconspicuous setz, and few, distant, straight prickles;
leaves ternate and quinate, large, thin, and green on both sides, hairy
on the veins beneath ; central leaflet broadly obovate, abruptly cus-
pidate ; panicle lax, wavy, leafy below, spreading towards the summit,
covered with long hairs and pale, weak, sete ; the uppermost flowers
on long, hairy, setose peduncles, armed with very long weak prickles.
Shady thickets, rare. Twycross, Leicestershire ; Hartshill, Warwick-
shire ; also in Shropshire, according to Leighton’s ‘ Fasciculus.’

This is one of those anomalous forms that it is difficult to place
correctly without some study and observation. Mr. Leighton has
distributed it, in his Fascic. of Rubi, as “ R. sylvaticus ;” and Mr.
Bloxam, in his account of the Leicestershire Rubi, considers it a
hairy bramble, with the above name. My observant friend, however,
sent it to me originally as R. lingua, W. & N.; and I described it
under that appellation in Steele’s ‘ Handbook’ (1847). It appears to
me to be clearly a glandular bramble, green, weak, and attenuated,
from growing in the shade. Its upper single flowers, rising above the
central one, on hairy pedicels, covered with long pale setz, and still
more elongated needle-like prickles, give it often a remarkable ap-
pearance ; but, when less developed, the panicle is flexuose and race-
‘mose, as in R. Guntheri. The setose sepals become inflex about
the half-ripe fruit, but are finally loosely reflex. In this last particu-
lar, they agree with R. Menkii as well as in the ashy tomentum, men-
tioned by Mr. Bloxam as clothing the rachis.

——ooer errr

924

Subdiv. 111. Rupr VILLost.

R. calvatus, Blox. Stem angular, sulcate, with few, spreading
hairs (quite denuded in the upper part); prickles many, declining,
irregularly scattered; leaves quinate, with hairy petioles, green on
both sides, almost bald, the ribs and veins beneath only inconspicu-
ously ciliated ; leaflets all stalked, the basal pair retrose, terminal one
ovate, cordate at the base, sharply and deeply apiculate, dentate, acu-
minate ; rachis deeply ribbed, clothed with stiff, spreading hairs ;
panicle long, flexuous, with many corymbose branches, gradually
shortening and leafy nearly to the summit; peduncies densely hairy,
closely armed with long pale prickles; sepals tomentose, loosely
reflexed. In exposed thickets, but not very general. Near Twy-
cross, Leicestershire; and found by the Rev. Andrew Bloxam in
several parts of that county, and in Warwickshire. Precisely similar
specimens the late Mr. R. E. Wilson sent me from Cheshire. Also
near Ilfracombe, Devonshire.

A large, remarkably savage-looking and strong bramble, whose
stem becomes quite denuded; and the leaves are singularly bare, a
few scattered hairs only being scarcely discernible on the veins and
ribs beneath. The central leaflet is often exactly ovate, and very
regularly, but deeply, apiculate-dentate, gradually acuminate ; panicle
very long, with rough, hairy, and closely prickly branches, leafy
throughout, and frequently widely divaricated at the summit. This
was formerly confounded with R. villicaulis, W. & N.; but the latter
has its barren stem densely covered with white hairs, its leaves tomen-
tose, and the branches of its panicle mostly ultra-axillary. It is not
uncommon in woody spots. Plentiful in Caernarvonshire, and south-
ward to Dorsetshire.

Subdiv. iv. Rupr Prost.

R. Sprengelii, W. & N. Stem prostrate, round, clothed with long
spreading hairs; prickles small, weak, hooked or deflexed, and dis-
persed unequally on all sides; leaves mostly ternate, thin, smooth
above and beneath; leaflets elliptical, central one obovate, sharply
serrate, acuminate, with prominent veins beneath; panicle slender,
with crowded, divaricate, leafy branches; the peduncles closely
covered with attenuated, tortuous hairs, concealing both setz and
prickles ; petals small, obtuse, and rugose. In thick woods, ra-
ther local. I have gathered it in Buckinghamshire, Devonshire,
Gloucestershire (forest of Dean), Leicestershire, Warwickshire, and

925

on Bromsgrove Lickey, Worcestershire. Also by the side of Llyn Cwel-
lyn, and near Capel Curig, Caernarvonshire. Mr. Samuel Gibson sent
it me fron Hebden Bridge, Yorkshire, unnamed, nearly ten years
since; and Mr. S. E. Wilson, from Cheshire.

Perhaps the most beautiful of the British Rubi, delighting in shady
upland woods, often among the Vaccinium Myrtillus, where the bar-
ren stem trails upon the ground, throwing up numerous alternate
flowering shoots, densely covered with weak, but long and spreading,
white hairs; yet the plant is scarcely evident to the view until the
small, but very deep red, flowers are unfolded. The prickles are
always small, not quite uniform in size, pale yellow, and often very
uncinate. The panicle is very hairy, with distant, leafy, cymose
branches below, single-flowered, with narrow, leafy bracts, above ;
peduncles clothed with long extending hairs, partly spreading, partly
accumbent, and entangled among which are a few slender, pale
prickles. Sometimes the panicle is excessively complicated, the
branches themselves becoming doubly cymose, and the central flower
overtopped. The sepals are elongated, densely hairy, partially
investing the half-ripe fruit, but at length loosely reflex ; petals small,
rugose, bright red, or, more rarely, white ; fruit small, of few drupes,
deep purplish black.

8. Borrert (R. Borreri, Bell-Salt.). Stem stouter, with larger and
more unequal prickles, and a few sete and aciculi. Leaves generally
quinate ; panicle corymbose, prickly ; the widely spreading branches
with sete far overtopped by the wavy hairs. Growing in more ex-
posed places than the type, and so forming taller and more luxuriant
bushes ; but intermediate connecting forms occur. Warwickshire,
Cheshire, &c. I observed it very fine, a few years since, at Burnha
Beeches, Buckinghamshire.

R. macrophylius, W. & N. In mentioning this species in a gene-
ral account of Rubi, I would still further indicate its distinctness from
my R. amplificatus, with which it is so generally confounded. The
latter common form is certainly not the German plant of Rub. Germ.
t. xil., the one now in review, and which I believe to be the real plant
of the Sussex forests, where 1 have studied it. R. macrophyllus has
its barren stem very thick, yet pithy, not ligneous, deeply sulcate, and
surrounded with a fringe of patent hairs; the prickles very distant,
few, and exceedingly small in proportion to the size of the shrub.
The stem, in moist places, extends widely, and arches, but grows in
a suberect manner when confined. In the latter case, it is often
densely hairy ; while, when more exposed, there is merely a fringe of

VOL. Iv 6 ¢

926

patent hairs. The leaves are ternate, as well as quinate, but mostly
the latter, not always very large; but the leaflets have a peculiar
white tomentum beneath,* that distinguishes them from R. amplificas
tus; the intermediate and terminal leaflets being nearly of the same
size, but with a wavy, irregular outline, and very coarse serratures.
The large panicle appears often almost unarmed ; and, if the branches
are short, the floral leaves rise far above them ; but in full luxuriance
it is long, with wide-spreading, leafy branches, densely hairy, and with
numerous pale, weak prickles ; glands being often concealed amidst
the spreading hairs. The lower axillary branches have large, ternate
floral leaves (also with a pallid silvery aspect beneath), which are much
reduced in size upon the ascending ones ; so that near the summit of
the panicle they are quite lanceolate; but the uppermost branches
are naked. Calyces reflex in flower and fruit, their sepals densely
hairy, sometimes prickly ; the fruit round, very small, of few drapes,
and of an intensely polished black. In woods and forest thickets,
rare. Chiefly in the South of England. St. Leonard’s Forest, Sus-
sex; and at “The Shorden,” a wood near Hastings. Near IIfra-
combe, Devon ; and in Cowleigh Park, near Cradley, Herefordshire.
Also in Glamorganshire, and by the lower Llanberis Lake, Caernarvon-
shire. (The specimen distributed in Leighton’s Fascic. of Rubi as
** R. macrophyllus” is only R. amplificatus).

Subdiv. v. Rupr CANDICANTES.

R. thyrsoideus, Wimm. Stem sulcate, almost glabrous, with very
few fascicled hairs; prickles numerous, strong; leaves quinate,
smooth above, silvery pubescent beneath; the leaflets all stalked,
middle and basal elliptical, central one oblong, all very sharply ser-
rate, cuspidate; panicle long, thyrsoid, with numerous axillary
branches, distant below, gradually shorter and very crowded at the
summit; peduncles shaggy with hairs, armed with falcate prickles ;
calyces tomentose, tawny, loosely reflex in fruit. Hedges and
thickets, but not common.

8. macroacanthus. Stem and petioles densely armed with falcate
prickles; rachis covered with stiff hairs; panicle pyramidal, with
numerous, many-flowered, corymbose branches, gradually shortening
to the summit; peduncles, calyces, and under side of leaves white,
with a thick investiture of stiff white hairs.

* “ Foliola,” observe W. & N., in their detailed description of R. macrophyllus,
“in latere superiori saturate viridia parum pilosa, in latere inferiori sub-tomentosa,
pallide viridia, coriacea.”"—Rub. Germ. p. 35.

927

The plants of this section are all closely related to each other; and
some states of macroacanthus are, with difficulty, distinguishable from
R. vestitus.

Subdiv. vi. Rupr Niript.

R. cordifolius, W. & N. (and R. rhamnifolius). This very com-
mon, and generally well-marked bramble, has its leaves extremely
variable, both in size and outline; but frequently they are exactly
heart-shaped ; and therefore I think the name cordifolius is to be
preferred. The central leaflet, in woods, is often thrown out on a
singularly elongated foot-stalk; but this is a mere sport of growth :
and occasionally the leaflets are cut up into laciniated, pinnatifid
segments. I can see no essential distinction in Mr. Hort’s R. imbri-
catus, described in the third edition of Babington’s Manual, as inter-
mediate forms occur; nor can a species be well founded merely upon
the disposition of the leaflets. I noticed, in Steele’s ‘ Handbook,’
var. 8. blanditus, which is the thyrsifloral form of this species, with
long leafy panicle, and leaves very large and velvety beneath. There
is also a wood form, which may be termed olivaceus, from its dull
olive-green aspect. This is more prickly than the type, the leaflets
closer together, somewhat imbricate, obovate and acuminate, with a
narrower and more prickly panicle.

R. affinis, W. & N., 8. patentissimus. Panicle with wide-spread-
ing, compound, naked branches; leaflets obovate or ovate-oblong,
with long, curved cusps, beneath strongly ribbed and pubescent. In
woods.

This bramble, long misunderstoood, proves to be widely dispersed
in its typical form, and affects exposed heaths, where it forms stunted
bushes, with a suberect habit. JI have observed it in great plenty in
Cardigan and Caernarvon shires ; and probably few counties are with-
out it. In woods, it grows taller, with long and often widely-dis-
tended panicles ; but the fruit is then mostly abortive.

R. lentiginosus, Lees. Stem suberect, clothed with rather distant,
patent hairs, and numerous sessile glands (in age denuded), armed
on all sides with sharp, straight, slightly unequal prickles ; petioles
hairy, with many falcate prickles; leaves quinate ; the basal leaflets
sessile and retrorse, intermediate elliptical, central one ovate, all
inciso-serrate, acuminate, smooth above, hairy on the ribs beneath ;
panicle long, racemose, with short axillary branches, hairy and very
prickly, with inconspicuous glands, leafy nearly to the summit; bracts
hairy and slightly glandular; sepals densely hairy and prickly, with

sa oo

928

interspersed glands, involute on the half-ripe fruit ; petals small,
crumpled, not exceeding the calyx in length. Subalpine woods.
On the woody ascent at the back of the hotel at Capel Curig. On
the side of the ravine below Conant Mawr, Caernarvonshire.

This is a very prickly bramble, with a suberect habit, the stem
sometimes marked with blotches; and its nearest relationship appears
to be with R. affinis ; but its elliptical, sharply-cut leaflets, and race-
mose panicle, give it a very different appearance to either that or the
suberect Rubi; and it is rather comparable to R. Guntheri, among
the glandular group. The flowers are in general small, and the whole
plant weak ; yet the stem is so prickly, and the points of the prickles
so sharp and attenuated, that it is one of the most lacerating among
the whole tribe. It seems attached to subalpine spots, where only
I have found it, and does not fruit well, except on moist ground.

The stem appears to be constantly suberect, but bent to the ground
with the flowering shoots, which mostly rise up in a fastigiate man-
ner ; leaves sometimes septenate ; the rachis is clothed with spread-
ing hairs; the panicle flexuose, variable in length, in full luxuriance
long, with many alternating axillary racemes of small flowers ; floral
leaves ternate; the uppermost branches clustered, single-flowered,
naked ; peduncles and bracts covered with long spreading hairs, with
a few glands on the latter; calyces closely hairy and prickly, with
glands hidden in the pubescence ; the sepals patent in flower, and
until the fruit is half ripe, then becoming loosely reflex ; petals very
small, crumpled, inflex, scarcely exceeding the sepals in length; sta-
mina and styles pale green ; fruit, in a half-ripe state, a brilliant red,
but finally intensely-polished black, oblong and irregular, of many
drupes. Ripe in September.

Subdiv. vii. Rust SuBERECTI.

R. suberectus, And. Stem angular, polished, smooth ; prickles dis-
tant, straight; leaves ternate, quinate, or septenate, flexible, with pro-
minent veins beneath ; central leaflet cordate, acuminate, often
very elongate ; panicle almost simple (when the stem trails on the
ground), or long, with leafy, corymbose branches ; the upper flowers
erect, on hairy pedicels, overtopping the central one; sepals hairy,
patent about the half-ripe fruit. Subalpine woods and boggy heaths.

B. fissus (R. fissus, Lind.). Prickles numerous, very slender ;
leaves more hairy ; basal leaflets sessile, or united with the interme-
diate, central one divided at the base ; panicle short, crowded.

y. umbrosus. Stem firm and lofty ; leaves very large ; the central

929

leaflet broadly cordate, excessively elongated at the point; panicle
short, with single flowers, and large floral leaves.

Except as regards the barren stem never rooting at its extremity,
R. suberectus, according to situation or exposure, is a very variable
plant. It only attains perfection in moist, shady places; and where
moisture is wanting, though at first erect, the weak, barren shoot
trails upon the ground, or rests upon the low underwood, producing
numerous, but short, fastigiate bunches of flowers from the axils of
the old leaves. This is a form of growth, but can hardly be dis-
tinguished as a variety, and is represented in Rub. Germ. t. 2. When
the stem preserves its erect form the second year, the panicle is mo-
derately long, with leafy, corymbose branches, below more or less
hairy, almost unarmed; the uppermost flowers single, alternate, on
long bracteated pedicels, overtopping the central flower. It is
remarkable that, in their progress towards fruiting, the upper flowers
spread out in an horizontal direction ; so that when the fruit is ma-
ture they present a far more fascicled aspect than they did originally.
Conspicuous, trifid, hairy bracts occur at their bases, becoming sim-
ple at the summit; the calyces are hairy, patent even in fruit, seldom
more than semireflex ; petals white or pink, of a pretty appearance
when fully expanded ; the fruit is rather small, its drupes few, and
often presenting only dry, hard achenes, when half ripe of a bright
red colour, but, when succulent, mulberry-coloured, or at length
raven-black.

It is only in the woods near the waterfalls of Wales, or on the
moist, bushy hills of Devonshire, that this species attains its perfection
of beauty, growing perfectly erect, producing conspicuous flowers, and,
in the var. umbrosus, becoming an ornamental shrub, from six to
eight feet high. The leaves are frequently very large, bright green,
and of a soft, silky appearance ; but the fruit is seldom succulent but
in moist, shady localities, and has but little flavour.

Though generally accounted rare, this species has a wide range,
and, though perhaps more abundant in the North, grows finer and
most luxuriant in the South of England. Don mentions itas growing
on the banks of Loch Ness, Scotland, and as a native of the High-
lands of Aberdeen and Perthshire, and the hills of Forfarshire. J]
have gathered it in Devonshire, Somersetshire, Buckinghamshire,
Gloucester, Leicester, Warwick, and Worcester. Ihave also received
it from the Lake district, Yorkshire, and Cheshire. It is most abun-
dant in North Wales, particularly in Caernarvon, Montgomery, and

930

Merioneth shires ; and I have gathered it, also, in Brecon, Cardigan,
Pembroke, Caermarthen, and Glamorgan shires.

R. plicatus is equally extended with R. suberectus, and is a stronger
and stouter plant, with larger prickles. It is less commonly found
prostrate, but is occasionally forced to the ground, beneath the weight
of its flowering branches. I have observed it very fine on the Island
of Llandysilio, in the Menai Strait.

Subdiv. viii. Rupr [p#1.

R. Leesii, Bab. Stem round, bending, closely, but minutely,
tomentose ; prickles numerous, slender, straight, rising suddenly from
a bulbose base; leaves all ternate; the leaflets subsessile, roundly
ovate, the basal ones overlapping, minutely hairy above, white, with
accumbent pubescence beneath ; flowering branches axillary, alter-
nate to the end of the stem, downy, with trilobated or cordate, deeply-
cut floral-leaves ; flowers in numerous clusters ; the peduncles armed
with setaceous prickles. In stony, subalpine woods, rare. Ilford
Bridges, near Brendon, Devon. Dunster, Somerset, on the way to
Timberscombe.

Stem scarcely a yard in height, producing terminal as well as axil-
lary flowers, in dense clusters, and well characterized by the singular,
trilobated, widely-distended floral leaves, which are frequently so
united as to be cordate, and deeply indented. ‘The petals are often
multiplied in number to twelve or sixteen, which is probably the
reason the plant seldom fruits. I have only once met with it in that:
state, when the fruit was very small, and bright crimson.

I sent sterile specimens to the London Botanical Society nine years
ago, under the name of Fragaria-similis ; many of the leaves having
much the appearance of those of the common strawberry. It has
since been gathered at Dunster, by the Rev. W. H. Coleman and
Mr. Babington. It is likely to be met with in Wales and the Lake

district.

To give a full and correct account of the distribution of the Rubi
in Britain, would require an extended observation of many years ; *
and though I have attended much to the subject, I know but little of
the Rubi of the North of England, from actual observation. A lover

* Mr. Babington has a valuable paper on the subject, in the third volume of Mr.
Watson’s ‘ Cybele ; but I could much extend the range there given for many species.

931

of temperate regions, the bramble does not, in this country, rise very
high on the mountains, and is most luxuriant in the valleys, especially
in the vicinity of moisture; though R. discolor will flourish in the
driest spot. The loftiest place on which I have found a bramble growing
is on the tabular summit of the Banwen Mountain, Breconshire, about
1800 feet in altitude, where I have gathered R. suberectus in a stunted
State, yet with large, disproportionate flowers, very similar to speci-
mens I have from the “ Highlands of Scotland,” presented me, some
years since, by Mr. H. C. Watson, but with no mention of altitude.
Perhaps in Scotland, R. suberectus, in springy spots upon the moun-
tains, may ascend higher than in Wales. The highest spot where I
have noticed R. czsius is on the table-land of the Cotteswolds, near
Birdleap, Gloucestershire, which is-between 1000 and 1100 feet high.
Next to R. suberectus, the pretty R. Sprengelii seems most to affect
subalpine spots: it occurs on the summit of the Lickey Beacon,
Worcestershire, among bilberries, at 950 feet; on Bardon Hill, Lei-
cestershire, at 800 feet; and between Capel Curig and Llanrwst,
North Wales, which must be considerably higher. R. Bellardi, also,
IT have noticed, on a wooded hill near Malvern, at full 800 feet; and
many of the Rubi that occur about waterfalls in Wales, as R. Men-
kii, R. scaber, R. incurvatus, R. affinis, &c., must be seated at full
1000 feet; but brambles are never found, with the Ulex, occupying
the summit of mountains. Indeed, it is in the southern counties
where they attain the greatest luxuriance of growth, especially in
Devonshire, where R. macrophyllus, R. plicatus, and R. suberectus
grow very lofty, with magnificent foliage, and R. Guntheri is dilated
into the thyrsifloral form.

The bramble tribe flourish, on the coast, to the very margin of the
sea. Extensive sandy tracts in Merioneth and Caernarvonshire are
covered with the trailing R. cesius; and my friend the Rev. J. H.
Thompson has observed the same in Lincolnshire. Probably the
coast of every English county where there are sandy denes possesses
the cesian bramble in like manner. R. discolor, also, extends to the
tidal boundary, and where I have seen it on the shores of North and
South Wales, and in Devon and Somerset, must often be bathed in
the saline spray.

R. cesius, corylifolius, and discolor appear to be very generally
dispersed ; but the latter becomes less common in the north of Eng-
land. The glandulose brambles have some form to represent them
almost everywhere in the low country, of which R. rudis and Keehleri

a A A LAI EL GIO LE

eed teats ee aelienen eee

932

are the most certain and characteristic. R. hirtus and R. pallidus,
though equally common, are eonfined to woods. R. Bellardi and
Lejeunii (“ glandulosus,” Bad.) are local species, yet widely dispersed
from Yorkshire to Middlesex. They occur in several places in the
intermediate counties, as Leicester, Hereford, Worcester, and Bucks.
I have also gathered R. Bellardi near Dolgelley, Merionethshire.
The very prickly R. scaber affects hilly woods, as Horsenton Hill,
near Harrow, Middlesex, and Bromsgrove Lickey, Worcestershire.
It also forms thickets about the bases of the mountains in Caernarvon-
shire.

R. carpinifolius and cordifolius are of general occurrence; and
scarcely any wood is devoid of R. amplificatus ; but what I conceive
to be the true R. macrophyllus, W. & N., is rare, except in the south of
England. R. villicaulis abounds in North Wales, but is by no means
a general hedge-bramble; and R. vestitus is universally diffused in
woods, becoming excessively villose in the shade. R. Lindleianus
(R. nitidus, Bell-Salt.) is a common form, particularly abundant in
North Wales and Anglesea; nor is R. affinis much less diffused, as I
have either gathered or received it from various counties, from West-
moreland to Dorset.

In Wales, a microphyllous form of R. Idzus is prevalent in subal-
pine spots ; but though the foliage of this is often ternate, the leaflets
are never ovate and overlapping, as in the very local R. Leesii. The
common state of R. Idus, from its stoloniferous growth, is almost
everywhere widely spread, and continually extending itself.

R. saxatilis is well known as a northern herbaceous species ; but I
have gathered it as far south as Watersmeet, on the banks of the Lyn,
Devonshire. It occurs, also, in Wire Forest, Salop, and Worcester ;
and is quite abundant among the stony recesses of the woods of the
Cotteswolds, Gloucestershire.

Epwin LEEs.

Cedar Terrace, Henwick, Worcester,
March 9, 1853.

933

Remarks on Planis sent to the Botanical Society of London in 1852.
By J. T. Syme, Esq.*

As the additions to the British Flora in 1852 have been but few,
my report on the plants sent to the Botanical Society of London will
be short, although the number of specimens received has been very
large. Most of these, of course, require no explanation ; and there
are only a few varieties and doubtful species which seem to call for
special notice. ‘These will be sent out as usual, as far as the supply
will admit of, and include the following :—

1. Thalictrum pubescens, Schl. A pubescent variety of T. minus,
from Redcar. Communicated by Mr. J. G. Baker.

2. Ranunculus aquatilis, L., var.? I send this, as it is sometimes
mistaken for R. fluitans, which it somewhat resembles in the elon-
gated stems, destitute of floating leaves ; rounded carpels; and many-
veined petals. The specimens are from the side of the Thames, near
Putney.

3. Ranunculus confusus, Gr. & G. Mr. Baker sends what seems
to be a very slender form of this plant, with the leaves, flowers, and
carpels less than half the usual size.

4. Barbarea vulgaris, Br. Variety with spreading pods. Sent as
it might be confounded with B. arcuata. .

5. Nasturtium officinale, Br., var. Stiifoliwum, Rechb. A very luxu-
riant state of N. officinale, from Haddingtonshire.

6. Melilotus parviflora, Lam. Abundant on rubbish on a new
quay at Wandsworth, with many other aliens.

7. Epilobium Lamyi, F. Schultz. Mr. 'T. Moore sends the plant,
found by him near Sandwich, which was so named by Mr. Babington.
Mr. Purchas sends the same form from Herefordshire, under the name
of E. virgatum, Fr. This name, however, I think, belongs to another
plant, of which I distribute a few examples from Scotland.

8. Montia rivularis,Gmel. A large form of M. fontana, Z., con-
sidered as a distinct species by some continental botanists.

9. Hieracium cesium, Fr. From Yorkshire (Mr. Baker). Pro-
bably some members may have this in their herbaria under the name
of H. murorum, which seems to be a more uncommon plant in Britain.

10. Carduus acaulis, LL. Var. witha distinct stem. The examples
_are from Kent and the Isle of Wight.

* Read before the Botanical Society of London, April 1, 1853.
VOL. VI. 6D

934

11. Chenopodium rubrum, L., var. Resembles C. botryoides by
its prostrate stem and entire leaves. The seeds are larger than in the
ordinary form. Gathered by the side of the Thames, below Graves-
end.

12. Narcissus incemparabilis, Curt. Kilvington, Yorkshire, where
it was found by Mr. Baker ; quite naturalized.

13. Glyceria hybrida, Tourn. A variety of G. plicata, so labelled
by Mr. Baker.

14. Bromus secalinus, L., var. A very puzzling form, from Hook,
Surrey, sent by Mr. Watson. It is intermediate between B. secalinus
and B. commutatus. I should have rather labelled it as the latter.

15. Bromus patulus, M. & K.? From Middlesbro’, Durham (Mr.
Baker). Very like B. arvensis; but I have not altered the name, as
I have never seen B. patulus ; and this plant has some of the charac-
ters assigned to that species.

Mr. Watson sends Hieracium gothicum, Fr., from Surrey ; and Mr.
Baker, H. tridentatum., Fr., from Yorkshire. These two plants cer-
tainly belong to the same species, as Mr. Watson pointed out to me.
Mr. Atkins also sends it from Kent, under the name of H. sylva-
ticum.

Poa polynoda, Parn., has been sent by several members, under the
name of P. compressa, from which I have great difficulty in distin-
guishing it, even as a variety.

Of Triticum laxum, Fr., there is a large supply, from Mr. T. Moore
and myself. Some of my specimens I am at a loss whether to label
as T. laxum, or T. repens, 8. littorale.

Thalictrum flecuosum, Fr. Specimens of what I suppose to be
this plant have been received from the Rev. T. Butler and Mr. Whit-
taker. The former sends it from Snowdon ; the latter, from Disseth,
Flint.

Mr. Whittaker also contributes a number of specimens of Thlaspi
virens, Jord., from Matlock. Since my last report, I have received spe-
cimens of this plant from Lyons, named by Mr. Jordan. These agree
pretty well with the Derbyshire plant in the shape of the pouch, and
length of the style, but have the fruiting raceme shorter, and the
flowers nearly twice as large.

I am glad to notice considerable improvement in the selection of
specimens sent to the Society, and hope that before long the practice
of sending useless scraps may be given up altogether. The grasses,
Cyperacez, Orchidez, and bulbous Monocotyledons suffer most from
the habit of sending examples without roots; and roots are of the

935

greatest importance in these very orders. In the two first orders,
indeed, specimens should always show whether the plant has a creep-
ing or a tufted root; yet some of these, which are beautifully pressed,
are quite useless, from being without roots, and some even without
leaves. I hope, however, that this may be remedied, by destroying
all the imperfect specimens, except in the case of very scarce plants.

J. T. Syme.
London, April, 1853.

Notices or New Books, &c.

‘A Catalogue of the Flowering Plants and Ferns growing in the
Neighbourhood of Aberdeen. By P. H. Macetiutvray, A.M.
Aberdeen: Wilson. London: Whittaker. 1853.

Att local Floras are acceptable to the botanist, in proportion to the
information they convey. Thus, a simple list of names is of infinitely
less service than when each name is accompanied by some account
of the circumstances under which the species to which it refers: is
found. In this respect, we think the information afforded by the pre-
sent Flora is rather scanty. We could have willingly dispensed with
some of the information given, and should have been pleased to have
received other information which is withheld. Thus, we are informed
that Ranunculus aquatilis occurs in “ ponds, ditches, and rivers,” and
R. hederaceus in “ ditches.” We doubt not these assertions ; but we
should have liked some additional information on the supposed new
and kindred species, all notice of which is omitted. Again, in the
ferns, we scarcely feel satisfied with the old-fashioned mode of lumping
species. However, in this and all similar cases, we think the more
courteous way is to give the author’s own “envoi;” and here is Mr.
Macgillivray’s ’

“ Preface.—The only published accounts we have of the botanical
productions of the neighbourhood of Aberdeen are contained in Dr.
Murray’s ‘ Northern Flora, of which, however, owing to the untimely
death of its talented author, but one part made its appearance ; and
in a small work by Dr. Dickie, giving a list of the Flowering Plants
and Ferns found within fifteen miles of Aberdeen. So many years

936

have elapsed since the publication of Dr. Dickie’s list that a very
considerable number of species and localities have been added, but
many doubtless still remain to reward the zeal of future collectors.

“The boundaries I have chosen are, to the north, the estuary of
the Ythan; to the south, Garron Point in Kincardineshire, about
twelve miles from Aberdeen ; and to the west, the village of Banchory
Ternan, eighteen miles from the same place. In this tract of country
we have almost every diversity of soil and situation, from maritime
downs and cliffs to elevated upland moors. The coast to the south
of Aberdeen presents an extensive range of low rocky precipices,
plentifully interspersed with coves and bays, with pebbly beaches,
marshes, and grassy sea-banks; while to the north extends a bare
sandy beach, lined by a narrow belt of sandy downs or links, with
the estuaries of the Don and Ythan,: and here and there a few small
marshes. Within this, and south of the Dee* occupying a smaller
space, is the usual tract of cultivated land, meadows and pastures.
Further inland are extensive ranges of moory hills, and at frequent
intervals scattered through the cultivated country are various moors
and bogs, as well as several lakes, some of which are of large size.

“ Along the sandy beach and links to the north of Aberdeen, we find
the vegetation chiefly marked by the great abundance of Ammophila
arundinacea, Festuca rubra, Triticum junceum, Carex arenaria, My-
osotis collina, and Vicia lathyroides. Other plants occurring here are
Cakile maritima, Cerastium atrovirens, Saxifraga granulata, Hieracium
vulgatum, Gentiana campestris, Armeria maritima, Plantago maritima
and Coronopus, Glaux maritima, Salsola Kali, Atriplex laciniata,
Triglochin maritimum, Habenaria bifolia, Scirpus maritimus, Blysmus
rufus, Carex incurva, Botrychium Lunaria, and Equisetum variega-
tum. The Kincardineshire coast, as might be expected from its rocky
nature, presents some differences in its vegetation from that north of
the Dee. The plants principally characterizing it are Cochlearia
officinalis, Silene maritima, Astragalus hypoglottis, Ligusticum Scoti-
cum, Mertensia maritima, Juncus compressus, Blysmus rufus, Carex
incurva, C. distans, C. vulpina, and Asplenium marinum. Besides
these, we have Geranium sanguineum growing in great luxuriance on
rocks south from the Cove, Vicia sylvatica, Erythrea linarifolia, Ca-
rex intermedia, C. extensa, C. muricata, C. hirta, Festuca elatior, and
Osmunda regalis growing on a single cliff at the Cove.

ata The - river Dee, in the lower part of its course, forms the boundary ue
the counties of Aberdeen and Kincardine.

937

“The cultivated tract presents little of any interest, except that
several species of common occurrence in more southern districts are
here entirely wanting. These are such as Papaver Argemone and
Senecio viscosus. Several others, as Scandix Pecten, Stachys arven-
sis and Anagallis arvensis, though occasionally to be met with, are of
very rare occurrence.

“The hilly and moorland part of the district is distinguished by
the abundance of Drosera rotundifolia, Comarum palustre, Menyan-
thes trifoliata, Pinguicula vulgaris, Trientalis Europea, Narthecium
ossifragum, Eriophorum angustifolium, Carex binervis, C. flava, C.
curta, C. stellulata, Blechnum boreale, and Lycopodium clavatum.
We also find, though in less abundance, Drosera Anglica, Genista
Anglica, Vaccinium Vitis-idza, Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi, Listera cor-
data, Schenus nigricans, Lycopodium alpinum, and L. clavatum.
In the fir woods in this tract, as well as in those scattered through
the cultivated country, Goodyera repens occurs in considerable abun-
dance, and in many localities may be seen the rare and beautiful Lin-
nea borealis.

“Several alpine species are mentioned as occurring on the banks
of the Dee. These, however, are not to be considered as properly
belonging to our Flora, but merely as accidental stragglers washed
down by the river from their proper habitats among the mountains of
Braemar.”

‘The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Nos. 61, 62, 63,
and 64, January, February, March, and April, 1853.

No. 61 contains one botanical article, intituled :—
“Observations on the Solanacee ; by John Miers, Esq., F.R.S.,
F.L.S.’ This paper is continued in No. 62.

No. 62 contains one botanical article, intituled :—

‘On Relative Position; including a New Arrangement of Phane-
rogamous Plants. Part I. On the Position of the Raphe. By B.
Clarke, F.L.S., &c.’. This paper is continued in No. 63, the part
therein contained (Part 11.) being on the position of the carpels.

In addition, there is a translated paragraph, by G. H. Ulex, ‘ On
the Influence of Coal Gas on Vegetation ;’ and another, by M. Gar-
reau, “On the Relations between the Oxygen consumed by the Spa-
dix of Arum italicum and the Heat produced by it.’

938

No. 63 contains one botanical article, intituled :—

‘Observations on the Genus Schwenkia; by John Miers, Esq.’
Also the continuation of Mr. Clarke’s paper, and an extract from the
‘ Gardener’s Chronicle, ‘ On the Structure of the Cells of Plants.’

This is a double number, containing 102 pages, and is charged 5s.

The botanical papers in No. 64 are intituled :—

‘Remarks upon British Plants; by Charles C. Babington, M.A.,
E.R.S., F.L.S., &e.’

‘On the Germination of the Resting Spores, and on a Form of the
Moving Spores in Spirogyra; by Dr. W. Pringsheim. Translated
from the ‘ Flora,’ of August, 1852.

Mr. Babington’s paper is of great interest, and has already been
noticed in these pages, in our report of the Proceedings of the Bota-
nical Society of Edinburgh. The genera of which the author treats
are Thalictrum and Polygala.

In the third edition of his ‘ Manual, Mr. Babington gives six Bri-
tish species of Thalictrum :—1. alpinum (2. minus; 38. flexuosum ;
4. saxatile; 5. majas); 6. flavum. In the sixth edition of the ‘ Bri-
tish Flora,’ the learned authors reduce these to three; uniting, under
the name of minus, the four above-mentioned species which we have
included in parentheses: but this step seems rather the result of non-
acquaintance with the plants, than of a careful investigation and com-
parison of their characters ; for the authors merely assert, under T.
minus, that “'T. saxatile, Kochii, flexuosum, and several others, are
mere forms of this;”—a mode of dismissing a difficult subject, that
will scarcely be held satisfactory.

Mr. Babington, having recently obtained extended materials, and —
being assisted by the acute judgment of Mr. Hort, whose botanical
acumen has long been familiar to the readers of the ‘ Phytologist,’ has
carefully considered the entire subject, and without acceding to the
extreme views entertained by the authors of the ‘ British Flora,’
candidly admits that he now believes the T. majus of his ‘ Manual’
was “ formed out of larger states of each of the others, but especially
of T. saxatile and T, flexuosum.” The other three species he still
retains, giving the subjoined characters and synonyms :—

Thalictrum.

“1. T. minus (Linn.); stem zigzag striated branched solid leafless
at the base, stipules with inflexed auricles, leaves 2-3 pinnate,
leaflets ternate 3-cleft glaucous, petioles with angular aseending

939

branches, panicle leafless with divaricate branches, flowers
drooping, carpels fusiform 8-ribbed subcompressed ventricose
below externally.

“'T. minus, Koch, Syn. ed. 2,4; Fries, Summa, 135; Reich. Icon.
Fl. Germ. iii. t. 27!
“T. majus, Reich. 1. c. t. 30. .

“2. T. flexuosum (Reichenb.) ; stem zigzag striated branched leafy
to the base, stipules with reflexed auricles, leaves 2-3-pinnate,
leaflets 3-5-cleft paler beneath, petioles with patent divaricate
branches, panicle leafy elongated with patent often reclinate
branches, flowers drooping, carpels narrowly oblong subcom-
pressed sub-10-ribbed gibbous within upwards.

“'T. flexuosum, ‘ Bernh. Cat.’ ex Reich. Fl. excurs. 728, et Ic.
Fl. Germ. iii. 14, t. 28; Fries, Summa, 136, et Herb. Norm.
vii. 24!

“ 'T. collinum, Wallr. Sched. 259, teste Reich.

“ T. capillare, Reich. Fl. excurs. 729, et Ic. Fl. Germ. iti. 15, t. 36.

“'T. majus, Sm. Eng. Bot. t. 611, et Eng. Fi. iii. 42.

“3. T. saxatile (DC.); stem rather zigzag smooth but striated below
the striated sheaths branched hollow leafy to the base, ‘ stipules
with horizontal auricles’ (Fries), leaves 2-3-pinnate, leaflets 3-5-
cleft paler beneath, petioles subterete with patent not divaricate
branches, panicle leafless erect pyramidal with patent straight
branches, flowers drooping (?), carpels regularly oval.

“ 'T. saxatile, DeCand. Fl. Fr. v. 683; Reich. Ic. Fl. Germ. iii. 15,
t. 34; Gren. et Godr. Fl. Fr. i. 7 (excl. syn.).

“'T. Kochii, Fries, Mant. iii. 46, et Summa, 136.

“'T. collinum, ‘ Wallr, teste Fries, Herb. Norm. vii. 25; Koch,
Syn. ed. 1, 4.”

Polygala.

In the third edition of his ‘ Manual, Mr. Babington gave two spe-
cies of Polygala as British, under the names of vulgaris and amara.
In the sixth edition of the ‘ British Flora,’ the authors sink the second
species; explaining that they are unable to separate the British plant,
so called, from the first. In neither of the works is there any notice
of the mass of valuable matter published on the genus, in the ‘ Phyto-
logist,’ from the pens of Dr. Bromfield and others. ‘The recent

940

discovery of P. uliginosa in Scotland, by those acute botanists, the

Backhouses, as recorded in a late number of the ‘ Phytologist,’ has

induced Mr. Babington to revise and amend the characters he had

previously assigned to the British species, or forms, of Polygala. The
following are the characters which Mr. B. proposes :—

“1. P. vulgaris (Linn.); leaves scattered, lower leaves smaller ob-
long, upper leaves lanceolate, wings of the calyx obovate
mucronate their nerves branched the lateral looping with a
branch of the central nerve, capsule obcordate, lobes of the
arillus unequal, lateral bracts shorter than the pedicels.

“P. vulgaris, awctorum.

“8. depressa; lower leaves crowded and often opposite but small,
stem long wiry prostrate, racemes ultimately lateral.
“ P. vulgaris*depressa, Fries, Mantz. ii. 41.
“ P. depressa, ‘ Wend.’ ex Koch, Syn. ed. 2, 99; Coss. et Germ.
Fl. Par. 56, t.8; Bromf. in Phytol. ii. 966; Gren. et Godr.
Fl. Fr. i. 196.
“P. serpyllacea, ‘ Weihe’ ex Sond. Fl. Hamb. 388.

“yy. oxyptera; flowers smaller, fruit broader than the wings of the
calyx.
“P, oxyptera, Reich. Iconog. i. f. 46!
“P. multicaulis, Tausch !

“9. P.calcarea (Schultz) ; leaves chiefly in an irregular terminal
tuft large obovate obtuse, leaves on the flower-shoot smaller
lanceolate, wings of the calyx oblong their nerves branched the
lateral looping with a branch from near the middle of the cen-
tral nerve, capsule oblong obcordate, lobes of the arillus une-
qual, lateral bracts shorter than the pedicels.

“<P, calcarea, Schultz in Bot. Zeit. (1837) 752, et ‘ Hasic. li. 15;
Koch, Syn. ed. 2, 100; Bab. Man. 39; Gren. et Godr. Fl.
Fr.i.196!; Walp. Rep. i. 232.

“P, amara, Reich. Fl. excurs. 350, et Fl. exsic. 749!; Eng. Bot.
t. 2764!

“P. amarella, Reich. Iconog. i. f. 43, 44; Coss. et Germ. Fl. Par.
56, t. 7.

941

“3. P. austriaca (Crantz) ; leaves in a rosette obovate obtuse larger
than the oblong-lanceolate ones on the flower-shoot, wings of
the calyx oblong or obovate obtuse their nerves simple or slightly
branched free, capsule wedge-shaped below roundish broader
than the wings, lobes of the arillus nearly equal, lateral bracts
shorter than the pedicels.

“Ta. genuina ; leaves of the rosette smaller than those of the branch-
ing flower-shoot, flowers smaller, capsules rounded below.
“P. austriaca, ‘ Crantz, Aust. v. 2;? Reich. Iconog. 1. 23, t. 21, i
39, et Fl. excurs. 350, et Fl. exsic. 1923 !].

“8. uliginosa; leaves of the rosette larger than those of the nearly
constantly simple flower-shoot, flowers larger, capsules wedge-
shaped.

“ P. uliginosa, Reich. Iconog. i. 23, t. 21, f. 40, 41, et Fl. excurs.
350, et Fl. exsic. 52!; Fries, Summa, 154, et Herb. Norm.
iii. 14!

“ P. myrtifolia, Fries, Nov. ed. 2,227; Wimm. et Grab, Fl. Siles.
iii. 24.

“P. amara, Sven. Bot. t. 484; Fl. Dan. t. 1169.

“ P. austriaca, Coss. et Germ. Fl. Par. 56, t. 7, not Reich.”

The paper, in extenso, forms part of the ‘ Transactions of the
Botanical Society of Edinburgh,’ and will be received by botanists as
a valuable contribution to our knowledge of the genera Thalictrum
and Polygala; although we are fully aware that considerable diffe-
rence of opinion will exist as to the status of the forms described.
We are quite willing to leave this an open question, but at the same
time acknowledge our great obligation to Mr. Babington, for the
pains he has taken in collecting and arranging the materials so requi-
site to the formation of just conclusions.

On some Excrescences, §c., on Plants, occasioned or inhabited by
Mites. By Mr. James Harpy.*

A ¥FEw days ago, I met with several small galls on the leaves of
the hackberry (Prunus Padus), which I expected would furnish the
larva of a gall-midge (Cecidomyia) or gall-fly (Cynips). They are

* From the ‘ Proceedings of the Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club.’
VOL. IV 6 E

942

green or slightly purplish, obovate, thickish, white, hirsute, and are
scattered over the upper surface of the leaf, like a crop of minute
mushrooms. On opening them I found them hollow, without any
apparent inmate, or anything remarkable except a few hairs, the con-
tinuation apparently of a thick crop placed at their orifice in the de-
pression on the under side of the leaf. A few pink objects, however, ©
at length caught my attention ; and on reflection, knowing that such
excrescences were sometimes ascribed to mites, I resolved to ascer-
tain if these were not such. Next day, on shaking a few upon a slip
of glass, and placing them under the microscope, I observed that they
exhibited motion; and some of them were not long in pushing out
their legs and crawling slowly about. They were all in the larva state,
elliptical, round-bodied, with four short legs placed close behind the
head ; the abdominal part is long and flexible, and has about four
hairs before the tip, and about as many near the shoulders. They are
too minute to be seen by the naked eye; even under a triple lens,
they are mere linear atoms, without vestige of limbs. They are white,
yellow, pale brown, or pinkish. Two species of mites were found on
the outside: one, a yellowish rapidly running species, common upon
foliage, that appears to deposit its ova upon the hairs of the plants on
which it occurs; the other was a true, flattish, pale whitish, testaceous
Acarus, and is most likely the parent of the young mites in the gall.

Knowing there were many similar galls on leaves, I next investi-
gated those hairy purple warts so abundant near the midrib of the
sloe, and found them likewise to be nests of apparently the same spe-
cies of Acarus.

The alternate blisters along the sides of the alder-leaf, and occa-
sionally found on that of the birch, gave the same result. The species
on the alder is probably different. The old mite accompanying them
is a mere point, and is well distinguished by two or three squarish
brown spots near the tip of the abdomen.

The leaf of Salix aurita offers not less than four different galls :
one large and smooth, occasioned by a black saw-fly, (Linn. Fn. Suec.
2301); two caused by the larve of unknown species of gall-midge,
(Cectdomyia); and a fourth minute purple one, which is very abun-
dant, and is analogous to those occurring on the sloe and bird-cherry.
The last, like them, contains only young mites.

Another locality for mites I find in some round bud-like produc-
tions on the twigs of hazel. From green they become yellowish, and
then wither. The larva is white, as is the accompanying mite.

A rough, pale green or purplish, fungus-like gall, which opens

943

from the under side of the leaf, is abundant on the foliage of the alder
in some of our deans. This is also a nursery of young Acari.

A conspicuous yellow gall near the summits of the stalks of Ga-
lium verum, growing on the sea-coast, is also owing to mites. The
round fleshy galls of this plant are caused by the larve of a Cecidomyia.

Colonies of young mites distort the leaves of Galium Aparine,
Lotus corniculatus, Polygala vulgaris, and Campanula rotundifolia,
by causing them to assume fantastic shapes, to become discoloured,
to thicken, or their margins to roll inwards. The foliage of Galium
Aparine is also affected in this manner from the presence of the larve
of Psylla velutina of Foerster, (Verhand. Natur. Vereins. Preuss.
Rheinlande, 1848, p. 87); which appears not to differ from Ps. Gali
of the same author. This Psylla produces similar effects on Galium
palustre and G. uliginosum ; and it lives likewise upon the leaves of
Comarum palustre.

The hoary, rounded, woolly tufts, so abundant in some places at
the summit of the shoots of the wild thyme, are also the production of
a crowd of young mites, as was first ascertained by Loew, (Dipterolo-
gische Beitr. iv. 24). Lightfoot (Flora Scot. i. 318) attributes them to
a Chermes (Psylla); and Bremi thought they were owing to the larve
of a gall-midge. The two Bauhins considered plants in this condi-
tion as a distinct species; the ‘ Serpillum vulgare, minus, capitulis
lanuginosis, (C. Bauhini, Pinax, 220); ‘S. vulgare, capitulis tomen-
taceis, candicantibus,’ (J. Bauhini, Hist. Plant. iii. 269). Tournefort,
however, conjectured that such appearances were owing to the irrita-
tion occasioned by some insect pricking the buds (Hist. Plantes des
Environs de Paris, 149. Paris: 1698).

I have not had an opportunity of examining lately these white
tufts on the wild thyme; but young specimens that I brought from
Northumberland in July, afforded no traces of a gall-midge, to which
they had been ascribed by various writers.

In conclusion, I may mention that I shall feel obliged to any
member of the Club for fresh specimens of the following galls, should
they ever occur during their researches : —

Smooth galls on the leaves of the beech.

Smooth galls on the leaves or buds of the lime.

Galls on the dyer’s green-weed, (Genista tinctoria).

Galls on the bryony and the box-wood.

Galls and excrescences on Salix alba, S. purpurea, and S$. fragilis.

Large gall on the stalk of Hieracium sabaudum and Cnicus arvensis.

944

Proceepines or SociETieEs, §c.

Tue PuHyToLocist CLus.

One Hundred and Forty-fourth Sitting —Saturday, April 23, 1853.
Mr. NEwmav, President, in the chair.

Lathrea squamaria in Cultivation.

The President read the following note, from Mr. Edward T. Ben-
net, dated Brockham Lodge, Surrey, April 20, 1853 :-—

“Two years ago, several roots of this interesting plant were brought
from a hedge in a shady lane in this neighbourhood, and planted in a
hollow at the base of a hazel-tree in a damp part of our garden, being
carefully placed in contact with its roots. The spikes of flowers
continued to develope in their new abode ; but this might readily have
been the case without real growth having taken place. Last spring,
it did not make its appearance ; and we concluded the plant was lost.
About a fortnight ago, however, we were surprised and delighted to
see a fine spike pushing up through the soil, and which is now
expanding its curious flowers, in perfect vigour.

“‘ Happening to be near its native locality yesterday, I paid it a
Visit, and was rewarded by finding it flourishing, and apparently much
increased since this time two years. It is just now in perfection, and
would well repay the visit of any one who is a stranger to it, other-
wise than as a dried plant.

“ The under-ground rhizoma occupies the sloping side of the bank,
in large masses ; but, after careful examination, I was unable to detect
any actual union between them and such other roots as were inter-
spersed, or any fibres that appeared to be roots of the plant itself.
Is it, or is it not, a parasite ?”

The President said that he thought the parasitism of Lathraa was
a universally-admitted fact. ‘There was positive evidence on the sub-
ject, from the pen of that infallible observer, Mr. Wilson, in an early
number of the ‘ Phytologist’ (Phytol. i. 92) ; and Mr. Bowman had
previously proved the fact, in the ‘ Linnzan Transactions’ (see Phy-
to]. 1. 24).

945

MICROSCOPICAL Society oF LONDON.

January 26, 1853.—George Jackson, Esq., President, in the chair.

Stellate Bodies in the Cells of Fresh-water Alge.

A paper by the Rev. Wm. Smith, ‘On the Stellate Bodies occur-
ring in the Cells of Fresh-water Algz,’ was read.

After referring to the papers by Mr. Shadbolt, ‘ On the Sporangia
of some of the Filamentous Fresh-water Algz,’ published in the third
volume of the ‘ Transactions of the Microscopical Society,’ the author
stated that the stellate bodies which form the subject of this paper are
not, in his opinion, the result of conjugation, as supposed by Mr.
Shadbolt, but of some disease affecting the cells in which they are
found, being, in fact, bodies of a parasitic, or perhaps of a fungoid,
growth, consequent upon the degeneration of the cell-contents. To
these star-like bodies he proposes to give the name of Asteridia, and
adduced various facts which he considered as confirmatory of the opi-
nion he had brought forward, of these bodies being examples of a
singular and far from common monstrosity, produced by a peculiar
disease affecting that curious and interesting class of plants.

Fungus, &c., in a living Oak Tree.

A paper by Professor Quekett, ‘On the Presence of a Fungus, and
of Masses of Crystalline Matter, in the Interior of a living Oak Tree,
was read.

Mr. Quekett stated that while dining with a pic-nic party in Marl-
borough Forest, in the immediate vicinity of the ‘ King Oak,’ a large
limb of a neighbouring oak fell with a loud crash. On investigating
the fractured portion, which was nearly three feet in diameter, the
centre was seen to be covered with a white filamentous mass, studded
here and there with numerous crystals. When examined microsco-
pically, the white mass was found to be made up entirely of the fibres
of a minute fungus, many spores of which were adherent to the fibres.
The crystals were mostly of a tabular form, and were ultimately con-
nected with the fungus, their composition being probably some salt
of lime. No indications of decay were to be observed on the outside
of the branch, nor any external wound whereby the spores could
have gained access to the interior. All the parts of the wood in the
neighbourhood of the fungus were rather softer than usual, and the
woody fibres having been displaced by the growth of the filaments,

946

cavities were formed ; and in these the crystals were the most abun-
dant. The occurrence of a fungus in the heart of a living oak-tree
the author believed had never yet been recorded ; and its presence in
this instance might lead to its detection in oak-timber previous to its
being employed for building purposes.

THE PHYTOLOGICAL CLUB,
(in connexion with the Pharmaceutical Society).

April 4, 1853.—Robert Bentley, Esq., F.L.S., &c., President, in
the chair.

A donation of British plants, from Mr. J. C. Braithwaite, was
announced.

An adjourned discussion on M. Ville’s experimental researches on
vegetation took place.

Asplenium viride at Danny.

Mr. Reynolds introduced the subject of the discovery of Asplenium
viride at Danny, communicated to the January meeting of the Bota-
nical Society of London, by Mr. T. Moore (see Phytol. iv. 842).

That paper offering no clew to the origin of the station for the fern,
he was induced to call attention to the following fact, which might
throw some light upon the case. In Derham’s ‘ Remains and Life of
John Ray,’ it is stated that the illustrious naturalist spent the latter
end of 1667, and the beginning of 1668, at Danny, with Mr. Burrel
and Mr. Courthope, both of whom had been his pupils, at Trinity
College, Cambridge. There is no reason to suppose that the plant
was introduced by Ray himself; for, that he was then unacquainted
with it, is shown, by its not being mentioned in his ‘ Catalogus’ (ed.
2,1677). In the ‘ Synopsis’ (1690) it is given, but on the authority
of Sibbald’s ‘ Prodromus,’ and the MS. notes of Edward Llywd.

May it not, however, reasonably be supposed that the then owner of
Danny (Mr. Courthope) possessed tastes similar to those of his friend
John Ray? If so, it is probable that he had under cultivation inte-
resting indigenous plants not belonging to the Flora of the neighbour-
hood; and his attention could hardly fail to be attracted to the ferns,
a class first put by Ray on at all an intelligible footing.

Once established, a plant may long retain its station. Specimens
of Hutchinsia petrea, collected on the walls of the churchyard at Elt-
ham, were exhibited to the meeting, having originally escaped from

947

the garden of Sherard, who died in 1728. That bricks may form a
favourable groundwork for Asplenium viride, is shown by Mr. New-
man in his ‘ History of British Ferns.’ In mentioning a station for it
at Ham Bridge, Worcestershire, he says :— As I approached the
bridge, the red bricks of which it is built, and the dry and dusty road
which passed over it, seemed in no degree to increase the chance of
success; yet on that bridge, facing the roadway and covered with
dust, was the identical plant I sought—small indeed, but the species
not to be mistaken.”

Mr. Reynolds had observed (Phytol. iv. 210) that Mr. Newman had
even extended his suggestion to him, as to the origin of A. viride, by
referring Ceterach and Dryopteris to the same source.

Mr. Williamson was personally acquainted with the Flora of the
district in question, and could state that it contained many things
that had been certainly introduced. This was especially the case
with a number of species found in a wood immediately at the back of
-the mansion; and he considered the most satisfactory way of account-
ing for their presence, was upon the supposition that they had, at some
remote period, been cultivated by the possessor of Danny.

Tillandsia usneoides as a Substitute for Horse-hair.

The attention of the meeting was called to a vegetable substitute
for horse-hair, in upholstery. It is called “ American moss ;” and
chairs, &c., stuffed with it are exhibited for sale in some shops in
London. Itis the produce of Tillandsia usneoides (Bromeliacez),
an epiphytic plant, growing on the cypress-trees upon the banks of
the Mississippi River. At the first glance, its appearance is not unlike
that of hair ; but closer inspection shows the joints of its wiry stems.
Although possessing some elasticity, it will not compare, in this respect,
with horse-hair: its advantage consists in a smaller cost at first.

In connexion with this subject, it was mentioned that the indige-
nous carragheen (Chondrus crispus) used to be extensively collected
on our coasts, for the purpose of stuffing mattresses.

[The following extract contains a further account of the Tilland-
sia :—Ed. Phyt.

“ Tillandsia usneoides deserves, for its uses and appearance, to be
shortly described. The stem is no bigger than a thread; the skin
whitish, as if covered with hoar-frost, within tough and black like a
horse-hair. Many of these together stick on the branches of the
ebony or other trees, superficially by the middle, and send down on
~ each side some of the same stems, very often a yard long, hanging on
both sides, curled, or turning and winding one within another, and

948

resembling an old man’s beard, whence its common name in Jamaica.
The stems are branched, and the branches, which are two or three
inches long, are set with roundish, white, frosted leaves. The flowers
come out at the end of the branches. This slender parasitical plant
-is found among the trees in many parts of Jamaica, but does not grow
so commonly, nor so luxuriantly, there as it does in the more northern
provinces of the main continent, where it is said to overrun whole forests.
It is frequently imported from Jamaica to North America, for the use
of the saddlers and coach-makers, who commonly stuff their panels,
cushions, &c. with it. In Louisiana and the neighbouring settlements,
this plant being very carefully gathered and stripped of the bark, is
made into mattresses, cushions, panels, &c. Itis manufactured by tying
the stalks in bunches, and sinking them in water, or burying them
under ground in a moist place, until the bark rots: they are then
taken up, boiled in water, and washed, until the fibres are quite
cleared of the pulp. These are not only used instead of horse-hair,
but are so very like it, that a man cannot distinguish them without a
strict examination, and that even with a glass, unless he observes the
branchings of it.

“The Bonana bird’s nest is always made of the fibres of this plant,
and is generally found hanging by a few threads from the tops of the
most expanded branches of the most lofty trees, especially those that
spread over ponds or rivers.”—Loudon’s Encyc. of Plants, p. 248.]

The ‘ Bonplandia,’ the official organ of the Imperial L.C. Academy
Nature Curiosorum, announces that the six naturalists mentioned
below have received the honour of Fellowship in the Academy, with
the accompanying Academical names :—

1. H. C. Beck, Pastor in Schweinfurt ..............000 = Metzger

2. Anatol Nicolajewitsch, Prince of Demidoff, who,

it will be recollected, sent the principal part of
the Russian articles to the Exhibition of 1851 = Franklin

3. Edward Newman, of London ..........ccsseseseeeeceeeeees = Latreille
4. F.L. Fiilleborn, President of the Court of Appeal

in! Martenwerder °..0.0).50...05 8 ALAR, SA = Rdschlaub
5. F. Goldenberg, Professor of Natural History and

Mathematics in Saarbriicken ...ccc.cccceeeceeeeeneees = Steinhauer

6. Philip Wirtgen, Ph. D., Director of the College
im Coblewts Mil hed hls ks SAVANE OOMAS eter an = Ehrhart

BENTALL’S
BOTANICAL DRYING PAPER.

IN soliciting the attention of Botanists to the above Paper, Edward
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From Sir W. J. Hooker, K.H., L.L.D., F.R.A. and L.8., V.P.LS.,
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From Hewett C. Watson, Esq., F.L.S., F.BS., §c.

“] think it may safely be pronounced the best combination of the
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_ From the Rev. W. S. Hore, M.A., F.L.S., F.B.S., §c., &c.

“1 highly approve of your new Paper for drying Plants, and consi-

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From the late E. Forster, Esq.. V.P.LS., F.RS., FELS., &c., §c.

“‘ Having used your Botanical Drying Paper, and found it to answer
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From the Leading Article of the ‘ Gardeners’ Chronicle’ (April 5,
1845), edited by Professor Lindley, Ph. D., F.RS., F.LS., F.GS.,
Sc, Se.

“Tt has long been regretted that the heavy duty levied in England
upon foreign paper should prevent the importation of the cheap woolly
fabric of the French. That regret no longer exists, for we can state
that Messrs. Bentall’s Paper is, in every respect, as good, and in qua-
lity much better than the generality of the French coarse drying-
paper. We have used it ourselves with much advantage, and we have
seen specimens of plants which are very difficult to dry well, such as
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“ All botanical students should provide themselves with a supply of
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From Leo. H. Grindon, Esq.

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The following are the sizes and prices for 1853 :—

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949

The Natural History of the Cedron.
By BertHotp SEEMANN, Esq., F.L.S., &c.

Tue Cedron (Simaba Cedron, Planch.), one of the Simarubacee,
has probably been known to the aborigines of New Granada from
time immemorial, and was early brought to the notice of Europeans.
In ‘The History of the Buccaniers,” a work published in London in
the year 1699, is to be found the first account of the Cedron. Its use
as an antidote for the bites of snakes, and its place of growth,—the
Island of Coyba, on the coast of Veraguas,—are there distinctly
stated ; but whether on the authority of the natives, or on that of the
Buccaniers, does not appear. If the former was the case, the rovers
must have become acquainted with the tree while on some of their
cruises on the Magdalena river; for in the Isthmus of Panama its
very existence was unsuspected until lately; the seeds being always
imported from Cartagena. Mutis, as would appear from a commu-
nication of Dr. Cespedes, seems to have been acquainted with the
Cedron, and doubtless wrote upon it ; but, as most of his works were
burnt, by order of the Spanish Government, on the principle that
“learning did not become Creoles,” that account has not been handed
down tous. But, as may be suspected, a plant possessing such bene-
ficial properties as the Cedron, and rendered famous by both the tra-
ditions and the history of the country which it inhabited, was not
doomed to oblivion. About the year 1843, the Government of New
Granada sent a commission of several medical men and students,
accompanied by Dr. Cespedes, Professor of Botany in the University
of Bogota, to ascertain what plant and locality produced the Cedron,
and in what quantities the seeds might be procured. The commis-
sion seems to have reported so favourably upon the subject it was
despatched to investigate, that the Cedron was speedily introduced
into the pharmacopeias of New Granada; and it is now to be seen
in all the apothecaries’ shops of that republic. The commission did
not settle the question botanically, still it may be said to have led to
its solution; for when Mr. William Purdie, late Collector for the
Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, was at Bogota, his attention was
directed to the plant in question by Dr. Cespedes, who supplied a
tolerably correct drawing of it, and also information respecting the
exact locality in which the celebrated antidote was to be met with.
Mr. Purdie, taking advantage of the intelligence, proceeded, in 1846,
to the banks of the Magdalena; but on reaching the village of Nari,

VOL. Iv. . 6 F

950

one of the places where the plant grows, he found that the inhabi-
tants had already collected their little hoard of Cedron, and could
only be induced to show to him a few seeds, unless he would pur-
chase some, which he was not inclined to do, as all those shown to
him had lost their germinating power; the people told him, moreover,
that it would be useless to search for more fruit, all the trees having
been already pillaged. Not deterred by such discouraging prospects,
Mr. Purdie commenced searching the forest in all directions; and
after an exertion of three days he succeeded in obtaining about
thirty ripe fruits, and perfect leaves and flowers of the tree. Some
of the seeds were sown in a Wardian case, and, together with the
specimens for the herbarium, transmitted to the Royal Botanic Gar-
dens at Kew, where the former soon became young plants, and
whence they were distributed amongst various botanical and horticul-
tural establishments ; while the latter were briefly described by Dr.
Planchon, in his dissertation on Simarubaceze (Hooker’s ‘ London
Journal of Botany,’ vol. vi. p. 566), under the name of Simaba Cedron.
Attempts have been made to wrest from Mr. William Purdie the
honour of having been the actual discoverer of the Cedron, and to
confer it upon Dr. Luigi Rotellini. Historical evidence pronounces
against such an arbitrary change. It is true that Dr. Rotellini, ina
paper intituled ‘ Observazioni terapeutiche sopra alcuni Prodotti Ve-
getali della Nuova Granada, printed in the ‘ Annali Medico-Chirur-
gici del Dottor Telemaco Metaxo’ (anno vii. vol. xii. p. 281), drew
the attention of the scientific world to the Cedron ; but the learned
Doctor himself never saw the tree, referred the plant to Apocyne,
and mixed up his account with various fables and inaccuracies, derived
from oral communications of the aborigines; while Mr. Purdie not
only inspected the tree in its native locality, and gave an intelligible
account of its virtues and properties, but collected such specimens
as enabled competent botanists to determine the systematical station
of the plant.

It had been supposed that the Cedron was to be found only on the
banks of the Magdalena; but, about the year 1845, a Panamian gen-
tleman ascertained it to grow in Darien; and, in 1847, 48, and 49, I
myself found it in various parts of Darien, Veraguas, and Panama.
The specimens transmitted by me, together with those previously sent
by Mr. Purdie, enabled Sir Wm. J. Hooker to publish, im December,
1850, a full description of the plant, and accompany it by an excellent
figure, from the skilful pencil of Mr. William Fitch. To complete the
history of the Cedron, it is necessary to add that on the 7th of April,

951

1851, at a meeting of the Paris Academy of Science, it was announced
that M. Lecoy had succeeded in separating the active principle on
which the therapeutic properties of the Cedrou depend, and that he
had called it “ cedrine.” ‘Thus, it took exactly 150 years, after the
Cedron was first brought into notice, before a satisfactory account of
the tree and its properties was obtained.

The Cedron seems to be confined to the republic of New Granada,
ranging between about the 5th and 10th parallels of North latitude,
and the 75th and 83rd of West longitude. It is generally met with
on the outskirts of woods, on the banks of rivers, and on the sea-
shore, but is never found under other trees; and although it occa-
sionally forms small groves, yet it never constitutes extensive woods
of itself, and must always be considered asa rare plant. The tree
attains about fifteen feet in height; the stem, when about twelve
feet high, produces a terminal panicle, which prevents it from pro-
longing itself; but, instead, side branches appear, which also, in
their turn, send forth their terminal flowers and side branches. The
effect of this mode of growth is, that the tree looks as if cut,
something like Salix capitata, or perhaps more like a full-grown
Cycas circinalis, and may therefore be called a “ magnified um-
bella.” In diameter the stem seldom exceeds six inches. The pin-
nated leaves are glabrous, from two to three feet long, and have
generally more than twenty leaflets. The panicle (not raceme) is very
often from three to three and a half feet long, and bears flowers about
an inch in diameter, the corollas of which are externally covered
with a brownish hair; internally, they are glabrous, and of a greenish
colour. The stamens are ten in number, and the ovaries five ; but
in most cases only one of the latter is developed into a mature fruit,
the rest being usually abortive. The fruit, about the size of a swan’s
egg, has the appearance of an unripe peach, being covered with a short
hair. Each of these fruits (drupes) contains one seed (the Cedron of
commerce), easily separated into two large cotyledons, which look
very much like blanched almonds, but are larger and plano-convex.

Every part of the plant, but especially the seed, is, owing to the
presence of cedrine, intensely bitter. On account of this principle, it
is extensively, and with considerable success, used in cases of inter-
mittent fever, by the physicians of New Granada, a country in which
forests of Quina-trees abound. But the chief reputation of the Ce-
dron rests upon its being considered an efficacious antidote for the
bites of snakes, scorpions, centipedes, and other noxious animals ;
and so highly do the natives of the land in which it grows value it,

952

that they will pay as much as from one to four shillings for a single
seed. Indeed, there is hardly a person in New Granada or the adja-
cent states who does not possess a piece (cotyledon) of Cedron ; the
lower classes carrying it on a cord around the neck ; the upper, mostly
in their purses or cigar-cases. When any one is bitten, a little, mixed
with water, is applied to the wound, and about two grains are scraped
into brandy, or, in the absence of that liquor, into water, and admi-
nistered internally ; and it is universally believed that the application
will neutralize the venom of the most dangerous reptiles and other
animals.

Nothing more seems to be known of the Cedron. Whether in all
climates, and against the bites of all venomous animals, it will prove
an efficacious antidote; whether it will ultimately be considered a more
powerful agent for counteracting the fever than quinine; is at present
impossible to say. One thing is certain,—that the Cedron, unless
propagated by artificial means, will always be a scarce article, and
consequently too expensive to be generally employed, or to be used
as a substitute for drugs which, produced spontaneously by Nature,
may be obtained in unlimited quantities, and at a cheap rate.

BERTHOLD SEEMANN.
Kew, April 1853.

Revision of the Genus Nymphea. By Dr. C. LEHMANN.

- Since the introduction of the Victoria regia into Europe, all water-
plants, especially the Nymphzacez, have engaged the attention of
both botanists and gardeners; in fact, they have become the fashion :
and at such a time the publication of a monograph on Nymphzacex,
prepared by Dr. Lehmann, one of the most accomplished botanists of
the day, is extremely opportune. The first section of this monograph
has just appeared, and is to be considered as a Prodromus. After-
wards the whole is to be reprinted, and accompanied by figures of the
new and little-known species. The following abstract* will give some
notion of the vast labour the author has undertaken. For such a task
Dr, Lehmann deserves the thanks of every naturalist; and we sin-
cerely hope that all those who may have in their possession any

* From E. Otto's ‘ Gartenzeitung,’ May, 1853.

953
specimens of Nymphezacez, will not fail to send them to him for
examination, as many of our most eminent savans have already
done.*

NYMPHAA.

De Cand. Syst. Veget. vol. ii. p. 49; Endl. Gen. Plant. No. 5020 ;
Planch. in Flore des Serres et Jard. vol. vii. p. 293.

Coordinatio Nymphzarum, adjectis descriptionibus novarum spe-
clerum.

Sect. I. APPENDICULATA.

Staminibus omnibus vel saltem exterioribus appendice conico elon-
gato colore petalorum supra antheras valde prominente instructis ;
foliis subpeltatis integerrimis vel subintegerrimis repandisve vel obso-
lete dentatis, rarius acute dentatis ; rhizomate abbreviato perpendicu-
lari tuberosi, vel discoideo v. subgloboso v. pyriformi v. fusiformi,
radicibus spe valde incrassatis carnosis et bulbillis tuberibusve in
nonnullis filo tenero matri alligatis.

Trib. I. LEvucanrHos (Cyanea, DC. ex parte).

Floribus albis vel albo-virentibus.
* Foliis integerrimis nervis tenuibus. No. 1—9.
** Foliis amplis manifeste dentatis, nervis subtus prominentibus.
No. 10—15.

Trib. II. RHoDANTHOs.

Floribus roseis. No. 16—18.

Trib. III. BuLBOoPHYLLON.

Foliis integerrimis inter lobos bulbilliferis, floribus albis carneis vel
cerulescentibus. No. 19—21.

* Dr. Lehmann earnestly begs that botanists will be kind enough to allow him
the loan of their specimens of Nymphzacez. Any parcel addressed to Professor Dr.
Lehmann, Hamburg, Botanischer Garten, will reach its destination. . yids

954

Trib. IV. CyananTuos (Cyanea, DC.)
Floribus ceruleis vel czrulescentibus.

* Staminibus omnibus appendiculatis. No. 22—27.
** Staminibus exterioribus tantum appendiculatis. No, 28—30.

Sect. II. INAPPENDICULAT.

Staminibus connectivo brevissimo obtuso vix manifesto ultra anthe-
ras producto instructis, vel omnino apiculo destitutis.

Trib. I. Lotos (Lotos, DC. ex parte).

Connectivo brevissimo obtuso vix manifesto ultra antheras paullu-
lum producto; foliis amplis, peltatis, umbonatis, nervis venisque
subtus valde prominentibus areolatis; rhizomate et radicibus ut in
appendiculatis.

* Foliis acute dentatis, dentibus mucrone aristiformi in plurimis
terminatis et sinubus inter dentes semilunatis.
a. Floribus sanguineis. No. 31,
8. Floribus albis vel dorso rubellis. No. 32—86.
** Foliis irregulariter obtuse dentatis s. crenatis. No. 37—39.

Trib. II. Coamztotos (Lotus, DC. ex parte).

Connectivo ut in Lotis; floribus albis; foliis in plurimis multo
minoribus quam in trib. precedente, subpeltatis, integerrimis, nervis
yenisque tenuibus vix prominulis; rhizomate et radicibus ut in appen-
diculatis. No. 40—50.

Trib. III. Castatia, Sal., DC.

Staminibus apiculo omnino destitutis ; foliis integerrimis rarissime
subdentatis, usque ad petiolum fissis; rhizomate elongato horizon-
tali, cylindrico, repente.

* Floribus albis (Leuconymphea, Boerh.) No. 51—63.
** Floribus ceruleis. No. 64.

Sect. I. APPENDICULAT ZA.
Trib. I. LEUcANTHOs.
* Foliis integerrimis nervis tenuibus.

1, Nymphea Raja, Lehm. (V.s.) N. foliis membranaceis tenuissimis
sublunatis, lobis divaricatis s. patentissimis obtusis, glabris, subtus—

955
dum siccis—punctis elevatis sub lente manifestis ; calyce tetrasepalo,
sepalis longe acuminatis ; petalis lanceolatis longe et argute acumina-
tis albis; staminibus valde elongatis radiatim expansis purpureis
exterioribus brevi appendiculatis ; stigmate 20-22-radiato: radiis lon-
gissimis. In Ecuador (Jameson) ; in Chili (Lehmann). Per.
2. Nymphea gracilis, Zuce. in Abhandl. der Mathem. Physik.
Klasse der Bayr. Acad. der Wissensch. vol. 1. p. 362, No. 29. (V.s.)

3. Nymphea pulchella, DC. Syst. Veget. vol. iil. p. 51, No. 5;
ejusd. Prodr. vol. i. p. 115. (V.s.)

4, Nymphea maculata, Thonng.; Schumach. in Act. Soc. Scient.
Havn. (Vidensk. Selsk. Skrift.), 1827, p. 247. (V.s.)

5. Nymphea flavo-virens, Lehm. in E. Otto Hambg. Garten- und
Blumenz. vii. p. 370. (V. v.)

6. Nymphea abbreviata, Guill. Perrtt. et Rich. Tent. Fl. Sene-
gamb. fasc. i. p. 16.

7. Nymphea pseudo-pygmea, Lehm. (V.s.) N. foliis membrana-
ceis subrotundis repandis, basi profunde bilobis sagittatis, lobis paten-
tibus obtusiusculis, sinu triangulari, utrinque glabris, supra—si siccis
—punctis minutis densissimis sub lente manifestis, calyce tetrasepalo ;
petalis lato-lanceolatis acutis albis calycem vix equantibus; stamini-
bus paucis appendiculatis ; stigmate sub 12-radiato: radiis brevibus.
Senegambia. Per.

8. Nymphea Leiboldiana, Lehm. (V.s.) N. foliis coriaceis sub-
peltatis oblongis obtusiusculis vel ellipticis glabris, basi profunde
bilobis, lobis acutiusculis basi arcuatis apice attingentibus vel incum-
bentibus, supra—si siccis—punctis minutissimis elevatis sub lente ma-
nifestis, subtus nervis prominulis subcanaliculatis; calyce tetrasepalo ;
petalis lanceolatis acutis albis; staminibus permultis appendiculatis
erectis corolla dimidio brevioribus; stigmate multiradiato: radiis
erectis incurvis. In terris Mexicanis (F. Leibold!); in Asia australi
(Burke ?). Per.

9. Nymphea tropeolifolia, Lehm. (V.s.) N. foliis coriaceis orbi-
cularibus subpeltatis repandis vel obtuse remoteqne dentatis, utrinque
glabris lete viridibus, basi profunde bilobis, lobis incumbentibus
obtusiusculis, supra—si siccis—punctis elevatis minutissimis sub lente
manifestis, subtus nervis prominulis parum impressis ; calyce tetrase-
palo; petalis oblongo-lanceolatis acutis albis; staminibus erectis
longe appendiculatis ; stigmate sub 16-radiato: radiis acutis inflexis.
Habitat in Brasilia prope Bahiam in aqnis stagnantibus, et in Surina-
mia. ~ Per. | 7

956

** Foliis amplis manifeste dentatis, nervis subtus prominentibus.

10. Nymphea speciosa, Mart. et Zucc. Abhandl. der Mathem. Phy-
sik. Klasse der Bayr. Acad. der Wissensch. vol. i. p. 361, No. 28. N.
reticulata, Mart. Sched. de Nymph. in Itin. Brasiliens. Conscript.
No. 3318, MSS. (V.s.)

11. Nymphea undulata, Lehm. (V.s.) N. foliis coriaceis ovato-
suborbicularibus subpeltatis glaberrimis utrinque pallide viridibus,
irregulariter dentatis vel subsinuatis, basi profunde bilobis, lobis
approximatis obtusiusculis, subtus nervis prominentibus ibidemque
tenuissime impresso-punctatis; calyce tetrasepalo undulato ; petalis
oblongis acutatis albis superne undulatis ; staminibus permultis erec-
tis acute appendiculatis ; stigmate sub 12-radiato: radiis abbreviatis
acutis. Nuphar fleure blanche charnue, H. Galeotti, Collect. 1840,
No. 4846? Habitat in terris Mexicanis. Per.

12. Nymphea ampla, Hook. Bot. Magaz. vol. Ixxv. tab. 4469
(excl. syn. DC.); A. Gray, Plant. Wrightian. Texano—Mexic. pars
i.p.7. Castalia ampla, Salish. (V. s.)

13. Nymphea nervosa, Herb. Steud. (nomen.) (V.s.) N. foliis
amplis coriaceis subpeltatis suborbicularibus glabris utrinque viridibus
basi profunde bilobis, lobis elongatis incumbentibus, inzequaliter acu-
teque sinuato-dentatis nervosis, nervis venisque utrinque valde con-
spicuis subtus prominentibus canaliculatis ; calyce sex-sepalo ; corolla
alba magna, petalis ineequalibus, exterioribus oblongis obtusiusculis,
interioribus lineari-lanceolatis longe acutatis ; staminibus appendicu-
latis; stigmate multiradiato. In Brasilia australi (J. Hansen, herb.
propr.); in Paraguay (Bergger, Herb. Steudel.) Per.

14. Nymphea nubica, Lehm. (V.s.) N. foliis amplissimis membra-
naceis peltatis suborbiculato-ovatis glabris, irregulariter obtuseque
repando-dentatis subsinuatis, basi profunde bilobis, lobis incumbenti-
bus obtusiusculis, utrinque viridibus, supra glaucescentibus ad nervos
venasque punctis elevatis sub lente conspicuis, subtus grosse areola-
tis nervis parum prominentibus ; floribus amplis patentissimis albis ;
calyce tetrasepalo maculato; staminibus appendiculatis; stigmate
sub 16-radiato. Nymphea ampla, Kotschy, Iter Nubic. No. 167 (ex
parte!) In stagnis pluvialibus ad radices mont. Cordofani. Per.

15. Nymphea versicolor, Roxbg. Bot. Magaz. vol. xxix. tab. 1189;
Roxbg. FI. Ind. vol. ii. p. 577, No. 3; DC. Syst. Veg. vol. ii. p. 15,
No. 12; ejusd. Prodr. vol. i. p.115. Nuphar versicolor, Reich. Fl.
Exot. vol. i. tab. 15 (fig. e Bot. Magaz. 1. c.) Castalia versicolor,
Salish. ’

957

Trib. II. RHoDANTHOs.

16. Nymphea bella, Lehm. (V.s.) N. foliis submembranaceis pel-
tatis oblongis rotundato-obtusis, medio presertim acute repando-den-
tatis, basi profunde bilobis, lobis dente acuto terminatis, sinu aperto,
supra glabris punctis elevatis ad lentem manifestis, subtus densissime
pubescentibus cinereis ; calyce tetrasepalo ; corolla polypetala rosea,
petalis inzqualibus angusto-lanceolatis obtusiusculis ; staminibus
appendiculatis ; stigmate sub 12-radiato: radiis brevibus subplanis.
In India Orientali. Per.

17. Nymphea Hookeriana, Lehm. (V.s.) N. foliis coriaceis pelta-
tis ovalibus repandis basi profunde bilobis, lobis obtusiusculis, sinu
aperto, utrinque viridibus glabris supra impresse punctatis, subtus—
dum siccis—punctis minutissimis elevatis sub lente conspicuis, ner-
visque canaliculatis; calyce tetrasepalo; petalis ex ovato oblongis
obtusiusculis roseis; staminibus acute longeque appendiculatis ; stig-
mate sub 10-radiato: radiis brevibus erectis. In Benghalia (J. D.
Hooker). Per.

18. Nymphea rhodantha, Lehm. (V.s.) N. foliis submembranaceis
subpeltatis ovalibus utrinque glabris vinoso-rubentibus, irregulariter
repando-dentatis, basi profunde bilobis, lobis approximatis sive incum-
bentibus obtusiusculis ve] acutis, supra—dum siccis—punctis elevatis
minutis sub lente manifestis, subtus nervis prominulis canaliculatis ;
calyce tetrasepalo ; petalis oblongis obtusiusculis roseis ; staminibus
obtuse appendiculatis ; stigmate sub 12-radiato: radiis erectis apice
hamato-inflexis. In insulis Philippinis. Per.

Trib. III. BuLBorHyLuon.

19. Nymphea vivipara, Lehm. in E. Otto Hambg. Garten- und
Blumenz. viii. p. 370. N. micrantha, Bot. Magaz. vol. 1xxvi. tab.
4535 (excl. syn.) N. cerulea, @. albida, Rich. Tent. Fl. Senegamb.
Meee pe VS! (V2 ¥.)

20. Nymphea guineensis, Thonng.; Schum. in Act. Soc. Scient.
Havn. (Vidensk. Selsk. Skrift.) 1827, p. 248. N. micrantha, Hortul.
(non Rich.) (V. v.) .

21. Nymphea micrantha, Guill. Perrott. et Rich. Fl. Senegamb.
fasc. i. p. 16.

VOL. IV. 6G

958

Trib. IV. CYANANTHOS.
* Staminibus omnibus appendiculatis.

22. Nymphea Edgeworthii, Lehm. in E. Otto Hambg. Garten- und
Blumenz. viii. p. 872. N. punctata, Hdgewth. in Trans. Linn. Soc.
vol. xx. p. 29, No. 15 (non Kar. et Kir.)

23. Nymphea stellata, Willd. Spec. Plant. tom. i. pars ii. p.
1153; Andr. Bot. Repos. vol. v. tab. 330; DC. Syst. Veg. vol. ii. p.
51, No. 4; ejusd. Prodr. vol. i. p. 115; Wight, Icon. Plant. tab. 178
(tab. non inspecta); Roxbg. FI. Ind. vol. ii. p. 597, No.6; Rheed.
Hort. Malab. vol. xi. tab. 27. N. malabarica, Poiret in Encycl.
Méthod. Botan. iv. p. 457, No. 4. N. Nouchali, Burm. Encycl.
Meéthod.1. c. No. 7; Poiret, Conf. DC. Syst. Veg. vol. ii. p. 51, Obs.
ad No. 4. Castalia stellaris, Salish. Lobocarpus Candollianus,
Wight et Arntt. Herb. Wight. No. 55 (fide speciminum). 8. major,
Bot. Magaz. vol. xlvi. tab. 2058. N. cyanea, Rowbg. Fl. Ind. vol. ii.
p- 577, teste Wight et Arntt. Prodr. Fl. Penins. Ind. Orient. p. 17,
No. 55, et fide spec. authent. N. Cochlara, Roxbg. Icon. in Mus.
Soc. Ind. Orient. Lond. et in Muss. Hook. tab. 659, teste Wight et
Arntt. 1. c. in Add. p. 446. y. flore albo. (V. v. a. et y., 8. v. 8.)

24. Nymphea madagascariensis, DC. Syst. Veg. vol. ii. p. 50, No.
33; ejusd. Prodr. vol. 1. p. 114.

25. Nymphea capensis, Thunbg. Prodr. et Fl. Capens. ed. Schult.
p- 431; Conf. Lehm. in E. Otto Hambg. Garten- und Blumenz. viii.
p- 372. N. cerulea, Bot. Mag. vol. xvi. tab. 552; Andr. Bot. Repos.
vol. iii. tab. 197. N. scutifolia, DC. Syst. Veg. vol. ii. p. 50, No. 1;
ejusd. Prodr. vol.i. p. 114; Flore des Serres et Jard. vol. vi. No.
645. Castalia scutifolia, Salisb. (V. v.)

26. Nymphea discolor, Herb. Steud. (nomen). (V.s.) N. foliis
submembranaceis subpeltatis ovato-orbicularibus glabris amplissimis,
irregulariter sinuato-crenatis basi profunde bilobis, lobis basi incum-
bentibus subparallelis obtusiusculis, subtus atrosanguineis nervis
venisque ibidem prominulis viridibus; floribus amplis patentissimis
cyaneis; calyce tetrasepalo; petalis oblongo-lanceolatis biseriatis
subequalibus ; staminibus numerosis omnibus longe appendiculatis ;
stigmate sub 12-radiato. N. ampla, Hochst. Herb. Unius Itin. (ex
parte!) In Nubia (Kotschy). Per.

27. Nymphea pecila, Lehm. in E. Otto Hambg. Garten- und Blu-
menz. viii. p. 371 et 425. N. cerulea, Sieber, Herb. (ex parte!)
(V. v.)

959

* Staminibus exteriortbus tantum appendiculatis.

28. Nymphea elegans, Hook. in Bot. Magaz. vol. Ixxvii. tab. 4604;
A. Gray, Plant. Wrightian. Texano—Mexican. pars i. p.7 et 129. (V.s.)

29. Nymphea cerulea, Sav. in Annal. du Muséum d’Hist. Nat.
vol. i. p. 366, tab. 25; Venten. Jard. de la Malmais. tab. 6; Del. in
Descript. de ’Egypte, ed 2, tom. xix. p. 422, tab. 60, fig.2; DC.
Syst. Veg. vol. ii. p. 50, No. 2; ejusd. Prodr. vol. i. p. 114; Fl. des
Serres et Jard. vol. vii. No. 653 (?). 8. flore albo. N. rufescens,
Guill. Perr. et Rich. Tent. Fl. Senegamb. fasc.1. p. 15 (?). Castalia
cerulea, Trattn. (V. v.)

30. Nymphea gigantea, Hook. in Bot. Magaz. vol. ]xxviii. tab.
4647; Fl. des Serres et Jardins, vol. vii. No. 751 (eadem figura).

(V.s.)
Sect. I. INAPPENDICULATA.
Trib. I. Loros.

* Foliis acute dentatis, dentibus mucrone aristiformi in plurimis
terminatis et sinubus inter dentes semilunatis.

a. Floribus sanguineis.

31. Nymphea rubra, Roxbg. Andr. Bot. Repos. vol. viii. tab. 503;
Roxbg. FI. Ind. vol. ii. 576; ejusd. Icon. in Mus. Soc. Ind. Orient.
Lond. et in Mus. Hook. tab. 657, teste Wight et Arntt. Prodr. FI.
Penins. Ind. Orient. in Add. p. 447; Bot. Magaz. vol. xxxi. tab.
1280; DC. Syst. Veg. vol. ii. p. 52, No. 7; ejyusd. Prodr. vol. i. p.
115; Wight, Ilustr. of Ind. Bot. vol. i. tab. 10; Paxt. Mag. of Gard.
and Bot. vol. xi. p. 265, cum icon.; Flore des Serres et Jard. vol. vi.
No. 629 (ead. fig.); Fl. des Serres, vol. vii. No. 759—60; Lindl. and
Paxt. Fl. Gard. 1851, No. 17, tab. 50. Nuphar rubrum, Reichenb.
Fl. Exot. vol. i. tab. 16 (fig. e Bot. Magaz.) Castalia magnifica, Sal.
Par. Lond. tab. 14 (tab. non inspecta), ex DC. Syst. Veg. 8. Devo-
niensis. N. Devoniensis, Hook. in Bot. Magaz. vol. 1xxviii. tab.
4665. y. rosea, Bot. Magaz. vol. xxxiii. tab. 1864. (a. v. v., 8. v. s.)

8. Floribus albis vel dorso rubellis.

32. Nymphea pubescens, Willd. Spec. Plant. tom, ii. pars il. p.
1154; DC. Syst. Veg. vol. ii. p. 52, No. 8; ejusd. Prodr. vol. i. p.
115 (excl. syn. Pal. de Beauv.); Roxbg. Icon. in Mus. Soc. Ind.
Orient. Lond. et in Mus. Hooker. tab. 658, teste Wight et Arntt. ;
Prodr. F]. Penins. Ind. Orient. in Add. p. 447; Blume, Bijdrag. tot de
Fl. van Nederl. Indié, vol. i. p. 48. Castalia sacra, Salish. (V. s.)

UO OOOO EEE

960

33. Nymphea Lotos, Linn. Sp. Plant. p. 729; Alpin, de Plant.
Exotic. tab. 213, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224, 226; Del. in Annal. du
Muséum @Hist. Nat. vol. i. p. 372, et in Descript. de ’Egypte, ed. 2,
vol. xix. p. 415, tab. 60, fig. 1 (excl. syn. Pal. de Beauv. Waldst. et
Kit. Bot. Mag. et Rheed.); DC. Syst. Veg. vol. ii. p. 53, No. 9;
ejusd. Prodr. vol. i. p. 14; Roxb. FI. Ind. vol. ii. p. 557; Icon.
Plant. in China nasc. e Bibl. Braam. tab. 16 (tab. non inspecta) ;
Rich. Tent. Fl. Seneg. fasc. i. p. 14. Castalia mystica, Salisb. (ex
parte). &. semiaperta. N. Lotus, 8., Guill. Perrot et Rich. Tent.
Fl. Seneg. 1. c.; Rheed. Hort. Malab. vol. xi. tab. 26. N. pubes-
cens, nonnull. Auct. (non Willd.) (V.s. a. et 8.)

34. Nymphea dentata, Thonng.; Schumach. in Act. Soc. Scient.
Havn. (Vidensk. Selsk. Skrift.) 1827, p. 249; Bot. Magaz. vol. lxxii.
tab. 4257; Flore des Serres et Jardins, vol. vi. No. 627—628 (?).
(V. v.) .

35. Nymphea thermalis, DC. Syst. Veg. vol. ii. p. 54, No. 10; ejusd.
Prodr. vol. i. p. 115; Reichenb. Icon. Fl. Germ. tab. 71; Fl. des
Serres et Jard. vol. vii. No. 706, 707. N. Lotus, Andr. Bot. Repos.
vol. vi. tab. 391; Bot. Magaz. vol. xxi. tab. 797; Waldst. et Kit.
Plant. Rar. Hung. vol. i. tab. 15 (excl. syn.) Castalia mystica,
Salish. (ex parte). (V. v.)

36. Nymphea Candolliana, Lehm. N.ampla, DC. Syst. Veg. vol.
ii. p. 54, No. 11 (excl. syn. nonnull. et var. @.); ejusd. Prodr. vol.
i. p. 115 (non Salisb.) ; Plum. MSS. 128, tab. 4 (tabula non inspecta),
ex DC. (V.s.)

** Foliis irregulariter obtuse dentatis s. crenatis.

37. Nymphea Rudgeana, Meyer, Prim. Fl. Essequeb. p. 198. N.
ampla, &. Rudgeana, DC. Syst. Veg. vol.ii. p. 54, sub No. 11; eusd.
Prodr. vol. i. p. 115. (V. 8.)

38. Nymphea sinuata, Salzm. In vicinibus Obidos, Proy. Para
(R. Spruce). Nymphea foliis circinnatis minoribus obtuse crenatis,
flore albo. Plum. Catal. p.7; Msc. 122, tab. 4 et 141, tab. 5 (?),
(tab. non inspectis). (V. s.)

39. Nymphea semisterilis, Lehm. (V. 8.) N. foliis coriaceis
ovato-suborbicularibus subretusis subpeltatis glabris sinuato subcre-
natis basi profunde bilobis, lobis contingentibus basi incumbentibus
obtusis, superne—dum siccis— punctis minutis densissimis elevatis
sub lente conspicuis, subtus impresso-punctatis nervosis; calyce
tetrasepalo ; petalis albis calycem equantibus; staminibus inappen-
diculatis biseriatis, exterioribus sterilibus sublinguzformibus, interio-

961

ribus fertilibus multo brevioribus; stigmate sub 16-radiato. In India
Orientali ad Maradabad. Per.

Trib. II. Coamztortos (Lotos, DC. ex parte).

40. Nymphea edulis, DC. Syst. Veg. vol. ii. p. 52, No. 6; ejusd.
Prodr. p. 115; Wight et Arntt. Prodr. Fl. Penins. Ind. Orient. p. 447.
N. esculenta, Roxbg. Fl. Ind. vol. ii. p. 578, No.5; ejusd. Icon. in
Mus. Soc. Ind. Orient. Lond. et in Mus. Hooker. tab. 660, teste
Wight et Arntt. 1. c. N. Coteka, Roxb. MSS. cum ic. in Bibl.
Banks. (teste DC.) Castalia edulis, Salisb. (V. s. incompl.)

41. Nymphea lasiophylla, Mart. et Zuce.; Abhandl. der Mathem.
Physik. Klasse der Bayr. Academ. der Wissenschaft. vol. i. p. 364,
No. 31; Mart. Sched. de Nymph. in Itin. Brasiliens. Conscript. No.
2377, MSS. (V.s.)

42. Nymphea sagittata, Edgew. in Trans. Linn. Soc. vol. xv. p.
29, No. 16 (an hujus locis °).

43. Nymphea mexicana, Zucc. Abhandl. der Math. Physik.
Klasse der Bayr. Acad. der. Wissenschaft. vol. i. p. 365, No. 32.
(V. s.)

44. Nymphea albo-viridis, A. de St. Hilaire; Voyage dans le Dis-
trict des Diamans et sur le Littorale du Brésil, vol. ii. p. 426 (an hujus
locis ?).

45. Nymphea Maximiliani, Lehm. (V.s.) N. foliis membrana-
naceis subpeltatis late ovatis obtusissimis glabris, basi profunde bilo-
bis, lobis ovatis obtusis patentissimis, supra—dum siccis— punctis
elevatis minutis sub lente manifestis, subtus dense purpureo-macula-
tis: calyce tetrasepalo ; petalis inzqualibus candidis obtusiusculis ;
staminibus inappendiculatis inzqualibus, exterioribus basi petaloideis ;
Stigmate sub 12-radiato: radiis elongatis hamato-incurvis. Prope
Bahiam (Neuwied). Per.

46. Nymphea sagittariefolia, Lehm. (V.s.) N. foliis membra-
naceis sagittatis obtusis glabris saturate viridibus subrepandis, supra
—dum siccis—punctis minutis, subtus lineis permultis tenuissimis
atropurpureis ubique excurrentibus sub lente manifestis instructis,
lobis baseos patentibus acutis; petiolo flaccido in sinu folii, scapo
multo graciliore; calyce tetrasepalo; petalis oblongis obtusiusculis
calyce brevioribus; staminibus inappendiculatis ; stigmate multira-
diato ; radiis valde elongatis erectis subclavatis. In America centrali
(Lehmann). Per.

47. Nymphea lineata, A. de St. Hilaire, Voyage dans le District des
Diamans et sur le Littorale du Brésil, vol. 11. p. 425 (an hujus locis °).

962

48. Nymphea amozonum, Mart. et Zucc.; Abhandl. der Math.
Physik. Klasse der Bayr. Acad. der Wissenschaft. vol. i. p. 360, No.
30; Mart. Sched. de Nymph. in Itin. Brasiliens. Conscript. No. 3318,
MSS. _ N. integrifolia, Salzm. N. foetida, Gardn. MSS. (V. s.)

49. Nymphea Passifiora, Lehm. (V.s.) N. foliis submembrana-
ceis subpeltatis rotundato-obtusis basi sagittatis, lobis patentibus
acutiusculis, sinu fere triangulari, utrinque viridibus glabris, supra—
dum siccis—punctis minutis elevatis sub lente conspicuis; calyce
tetrasepalo ; petalis inzqualibus acutis albis calyce brevioribus ; sta-
minibus radiantibus exterioribus apiculatis longitudine fere petalorum ;
stigmate 16-radiato: radiis longissimis linguzetormibus rotundato-
obtusis. In Brasilia (Serra d’Estrella) (C. Beyrich); in Paranagua
(Gardner). Per.

50. Nymphea Fenzliana, Lehm. (V.s.) N. foliis membranaceis
suborbicularibus obtusissimis basi profunde bilobis, lobis obtusiuscu-
lis, sinu marginibus arcuatis aperto, supra gramineo-viridibus glabris
—dum siccis—punctis minutissimis elevatis sub lente manifestis, sub-
tus demum subferrugineis ; calyce tetrasepalo ; petalis candidis exte-
rioribus acutiusculis reliquis lanceolatis acuminatis; staminibus inap-
pendiculatis basi valde dilatatis; stigmate 22-24-radiato: radiis
adscendentibus valde elongatis clavatis incurvis. San Juan de Nica-
ragua. Per.

Trib. III. CasTauia.
* Floribus albis (Leuconymphea, Boerh.).

51. Nymphea acutiloba, DC. Prodr. vol. i. p. 116, No. 20; Icon.
Plant. in China nasc. e Bibl. Braam. tab. 18 (tab. non inspecta).

52. Nymphea odorata, Ait. Hort. Kew. ed. 1, vol. ii. p. 292; DC.
Syst. Veg. vol. ii. p. 57, No. 15; ejusd. Prodr. vol. 1. p. 116; Asa
Gray, Gen. Plant. Fl. Americ. Boreal-Orient. vol. i. p. 101, tab. 42—
43. a. orbicularis. N. odorata, 2., Torr. et Gray, Fl. of North Amer.
vol. i. p. 57. N. odorata, Andr. Bot. Repos. vol. v. tab. 297; Bot.
Magaz. vol. xxi. tab. 819; Willd. Hort. Berolin. tab. 39, N. alba,
Michz. Fil. vol. i. p. 311. Castalia pudica, Salish. 8. reniformis.
N. odorata, 8., Torr. et Gray, Fl. of North Amer.1. c. N.reniformis,
Walt. Fl. Car. p. 155; DC. Syst. Veg. vol. ii. p. 55, No. 133 ejusd.
Prodr, vol. i. p. 115; Deless. Icon. vol. ii. tab. 15. Nelumbium reni-
forme, Willd. Spec. Plant. tom. ii. pars ii. p. 1260. y. minor. N.
odorata, y., Torr. et Gray, Fl. of North Amer. |. c. N. odorata, p.

minor, Bot. Magaz. vol. xl. tab. 1652. N. odorata, 8. rosea, Pursh,
; .

963

Fl. Americ. Septenbr. vol. i. p. 369. N. minor, DC. Syst. Veg. vol.
ii. p. 58, No. 16; ejusd. Prodr. vol. i. p. 116. (a ety. v. v., B. V. S.)

53. Nymphea nitida, Sims in Bot. Magaz. vol. xxxiil. tab. 1359 ;
DC. Syst. Veg. vol. ii. p. 58, No. 17 (excl. Synon. Gmel. et Willd.) ;
ejusd. Prodr. vol. i. p. 116.

54. Nymphea blanda, Meyer, Prim. Fl. Essequeb. p. 201; DC.
Syst. Veg. vol. ii. p. 59, No. 19; ejusd. Prodr. vol. i. p. 116. (V. s.)

55. Nymphea alba, L., a. Linn. Spec. Plant. 729; DC. Syst. Veg.
ii. p. 56, No. 14; ejusd. Prodr. vol. i. p. 115; Koch, Synops. Fl.
Germ. et Helv. ed. 2, p. 29; Gaertn. de Fructib. vol. i. tab. 19;
Schkuhr, Handb. vol. ii. tab. 142; Fl. Dan. vol. iv. tab. 602; Engl.
Bot. vol. iii. tab. 160; Sevensk. Bot. vol. ii. tab. 92; Hayne, Arzney-
gew. vol. iv. tab. 35; Reichenb. Icon. Fl. Germ. tab. 67; Sturm in
Abhand]. der Naturf. Gesell. zu Niirnbg. fasc. i. p. 148, tab. 3, fig. 8
—13. N. splendens, urceolata, venusta et rotundifolia, Hentze in
Mohl et Schlecht. Bot. Zeitg. 1848, p. 603, 699—700 (fide specim.
ab ipso auct. benevole mecum communicat.) Castalia speciosa,
Salish. tN. biradiata, Sommerauer in Regensb. Bot. Zeitg. 1833,
No. 40, p. 625; Conf. Observ. Ibid. p. 631; Reichenb. Icon. Fl.
Germ. tab. 69; Koch, Synops.\.c.; Cons. E. Fries, Summa Veget.
Scandinav. i. p. 143, et Lehm in EF. Otto Hambg. Garten- und Blu-
menz. vill. p. 369. N. intermedia, Weiker in Reichenb. Fl. Saxon.
ed. 2,p. 10 (?). N. erythrocarpa, Hentze in Mohl. et Schlechtend.
Bot. Zeity. 1852, p. 747. 8. minor, Bess. Hort. Eystett. Vern. Ord.
vii. tab. 3, fig. 2; DC. Syst. Veg. vol. ii. p. 56, No. 14; ejusd. Prodr.
p. 115; Koch, Synops. Fl. Germ. et Helv.\.c.; Reichenb. Icon. Fl.
Germ. tab. 68 (?). N. parviflora, Hentze in Mohl et Schlecht. Bot.
Zeitg. 1848, 1. c. (?). (V. v.)

56. Nymphea basniniana, Turczan. Fl. Baical. Davur. No. 84;
Ledeb. Fl. Ross. vol. ii. p. 743. (V. s.)

57. Nymphea pauciradiata, Bunge in Ledeb. FI. Alt. vol. ii. p.
272; Ledeb. Fl. Ross. vol. i. p. 84. (V. s.)

58. Nymphea semiaperta, Klinggreff, Fl. von Preuss. p. 20;
Sturm in Abhandl. der Naturf. Gesell. zu Niirnbg. fasc. i. p. 143, tab.
8, fig. 1—7; Conf. Lehm. in E. Otto Hambg. Garten- und Blumenz.
viii. p. 8369. N. neglecta, Hausleutn. in Mohl et Schlechtend. Bot.
Zeit. 1850, p. 905, 1852, p. 421. (V. v.)

59. Nymphea candida, Presl, Del. Pragens. p. 224; Koch, Synops.
Fl. Germ. et Helv. ed. 2, p. 29; Reichenb. Icon. Fl. Germ. tab. 70.

60. Nymphea Kosteletzkyi, Palliardi; Lehm. in E. Otto Hambg.
Garten- und Blumenz. viii. p. 369. (V. v.)

964

61. Nymphea cachemiriana, Jacquemt. Voy. dans l’Inde, vol. iv.
p. 11, tab. 10.

62. Nymphea punctata, Kar. et Kir. Enumerat. Plant. Fl. Alt. No.
50; Ledeb. Fl. Ross. vol. i. p. 743.

63. Nymphea pygmea, Ait. Hort. Kew. ed. alt. vol. iii. p. 293;
Bot. Magaz. vol. xxxviil. tab. 1525; D.C. Syst. Veg. vol. iii. p. 58,
No. 18; ejusd. Prodr. p. 116. N. tetragona, Georgi Iter, vol. i. p.
220; N. alba minor, Gmel. Fl. Sibir. vol. iv. tab. 71. Castalia pyg-
mea, Salish. Par. Lond. tab. 68 (ev DC.) (V. 8.)

** Floribus ceruleis.

64. Nymphea violacea, Lehm. (V.s.) N. foliis coriaceis snbova-
tis repandis cordato-bilobis, lobis obtusis, sinu marginibus arcuatis
extrorsum aperto, glabris supra flavescenti-viridibus—dum siccis—
punctis elevatis minutissimis sub lente manifestis, subtus saturate
purpureis ; calyce tetrasepalo ; petalis saturate violaceis exterioribus
majoribus obovato-oblongis; staminibus inappendiculatis numerosis-
simis stigma sub 10-radiatim totum tegentibus. 8. cerulea, floribus
majoribus et petalis angustioribus. In Nova Hollandia Boreali colle-
git a. J. Anderson; a. et 6. Cape York (J. Macgillivray). Per.

Quid N. crenulata, Rafinesg.; Schmaltz. in Med. Repos. of New
York, vol. v. Qomen) ex Desvaux, Journ. de Botanique, vol. ii. p.
173?

Notices or New Books, &c.

‘The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, No. 65, May, 1853.

The botanical papers in this number are intituled : —

‘On the Occurrence of Palms and Bambus [Bamboos] with Pines
and other Forms considered Northern at considerable elevations on
the Himalaya; by Major Madden, H.E.I.C.S., F.R.S.E., M.R. Dub-
lin Society.’

‘Remarks upon British Plants; by Charles C. Babington, M.A.,
F.R.S., F.L.S., &c.’ |

‘On the Genera of the Tribe Duboisee; by John Miers, Esq.,
F.R.S., F.L.8,

‘On the Nervures of Leaves and their Distribution; by L. von

965

Buch. [Extracted from the Bibl. Univ. de Genéve, Oct. 1852, p.
161.]

Mr. Babington’s paper is continued from the April number, and
contains valuable remarks on certain species of Hypericum, Agrimo-
nia, and Matricaria.

Hypericum.

It will be recollected that a second species of that division of
Hypericum called Androsemum by some authors, has been intro-
duced into the British Flora, under the name of H. grandifolium,
Chots. Such is the case in Mr. Babington’s ‘ Manual,’ in which it is
recorded as “ stated, doubtless erroneously, to grow in Arran, Scot-
land.” The species is a native of the Azores; and it seems strange
that it should re-appear in Scotland, when absent from the climatally
intermediate countries. Bertolini, in his recently-published fasci-
culus, vol. viii. fasc. 8, includes the supposed Arran plant, indeed the
whole of the supposed species, Hypericum grandifolium of Reichen-
bach (Icon. Fl]. Germ. vi. 70, t. 352), under the name of Hypericum
anglicum ; but, unfortunately, as it appears to us, quotes Curtis’ figure
(Fl. Lond. i. t. 164), as representing his plant. Now, that figure
certainly represents, and with very considerable fidelity, the Hyperi-
cum Androsemum of Linneus. Still, there is a larger, and, as Mr.
Babington thinks, a distinct, plant, first gathered by Dr. Balfour at
Glanmire, near Cork, in great abundance, and apparently wild: this
plant is supposed to be the H. anglicum of Bertolini. Amended cha-
racters of H. Androsemum, H. anglicum, and H. hircinum of Lin-
neus, an allied European species, are given as below :—

“1. H. Androsemum (Linn.); stem shrubby compressed, leaves
broadly subcordate-ovate blunt, cymes few-flowered, sepals
broad unequal, styles falling much short of the stamens, cap-
sules pulpy blunt.

“H. Androsemum, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1102, et Auct.

“2. H. anglicum (Bert.?); stem shrubby 2-edged much branched,
pedicels 2-winged, leaves broadly cordate-ovate acuminate,
cymes few-flowered, sepals ovate-lanceolate unequal, styles
equalling or exceeding the stamens, capsules oblong acute.

“H. anglicum, Bert. Fl. Ital. viii. 310?
“ H. Androsemum, Hing. Bot. t. 1225,

VOL. IV 6H

966

“ H. hircinum (Linn.); stem shrubby 2-edged much branched,
pedicels 2-winged, leaves ovate-oblong, cymes few-flowered,
sepals lanceolate unequal, styles equalling or exceeding the
stamens, capsules oblong acute.

“H. hircinum, Zinn. Sp. Pl. 1103 et Auct.”

As an observation, perhaps not altogether out of place, I may
remark that the St. John’s-worts of the division called Androsemum
are great favourites in Ireland. No flowering plants are more com-
mon in cultivation; none more hardy ; and none, as it appears to me,
more given to escape, and to ornament the hedge-banks in the vicinity
of towns, the only locality in which Irish hedge-banks can be said to
exist. It is almost impossible for the traveller not to be struck with
the frequency and beauty of these plants in such situations. I do not
feel quite so sure that such apparent escapes, after perhaps half a cen-
tury’s cultivation in a very fertile soil, can safely be regarded as hav-
ing any very strong claim on the botanist’s attention. Their original
source is lost in obscurity ; and their clinging to the confines of cul-
tivation with vigorous pertinacity, and assuming a wild and natural
character, is scarcely conclusive evidence of an indigenous origin.
The same observation applies to Hypericum calycinum, so luxuriantly
and abundantly naturalized in the vicinity of Killarney, and other
Trish localities.

Agrimonia.

Agrimonia odorata, Mill., introduced into the British Flora on the
faith of specimens found by the Rev. W. W. Newbould, in the Island
of Jersey, in 1842, was subsequently found by Mr. Babington, in com-
pany with that gentleman, on the rocky shore of Lough Neagh, in the
North of Ireland, and again by Mr. Joseph Woods, near Start Point,
in Devonshire, and near Gwithian, in Cornwall. It may therefore be
now fairly received as geographically a British plant; its occurrence
in the Channel Islands giving it a political claim only. The itali-
cized words in the following character serve to distinguish it from A.
Eupatoria :—

“A. odorata (Mill.); leaves interruptedly pinnate coarsely serrate
hairy and with many minute glands beneath, calyx-tube of the
Sruit bell-shaped not furrowed, exterior spines of the fruit
declining.

“A. odorata, Mill. Dict. n.3; Koch, Syn. 245; Mert. et Koch,
Deutschl. Fl. ii. 376; De Cand. Prod. ii. 587? C. A. Mey.

967

© Bull. St. Pet. x. 344, and Ann. Soc. Nat. ser. 2, xviii. 375 ;
Guss. Syn.i. 527; Ledeb. Fl. Ross. ii. 31.
“A. procera, Wallr. in Linnea, xiv. 573.”

Matricaria.

Mr. Babington attempts, with great ingenuity, to lay down charac-
ters whereby the species M. inodora and M. maritima may be dis-
tinguished. The subject appears to be one of very considerable
difficulty ; and British botanists have great reason to thank Mr.
Babington for the pains he has taken. Indeed, in this as in all other
instances, this excellent botanist investigates the question before him
with the utmost care; and although some may doubt the conclusions
at which he occasionally arrives, the zeal, industry, ability, and great
knowledge which he brings to bear on every subject under investiga-
tion, must be patent to all.
The following are the characters of the species now under conside-
ration :—
“1. M. inodora (Linn.); st. erect, leaves sessile pinnate, leaflets with
many usually alternate capillary pointed segments, basal leaf-
lets crowded clasping the stem not separated from the others,
heads solitary, phyllaries lanceolate blunt with a fuscous sca-
rious torn margin, fruit with two glandular spots just below the
elevated border.
“ M. inodora, Linn. Fl. Suec. ed. 2, 297; De Cand. Prod. vi. 52 ;
Fries, Mant. iii. 115; Hook. and Arn. Brit. Fl. 242; Gren.
et Godr. Fl. Fr. ii. 149; Lloyd, Fl. Loir-inf. 139.

* Chrysanthemum inodorum, Linn. Sp. Pl. ed. 3, 1253; Koch, Syn.
ed. 2, 419.

“ Pyrethrum inodorum, Sm. Fl. Brit. ii. 900, and Eng. FI. iii. 452;
Eng. Bot. t. 676.

“ Tripleurospermum inodorum, C. H. Schultz ex Koch, Syn. ed. 2,
1026; Walp. Rep. vi. 196.

“ Chamzemelum inodorum annuum humilius, foliis obscure virenti-
bus, Dill. in Raii Syn, ed. 3, 186.

“6. salina; stem more diffuse often nearly prostrate, leaflets short
fleshy, involucre umbilicate, disk broader, fruit with only the
one external rough space and oblong glandular spots.

“M. maritima, Linn. Herb. ! Gren. et Godr. Fl. Fr. ii. 149 (excl.
syn.)
“ Pyrethrum inodorum £. salinum, Wallr. Sched. Crit. 485.

968

“ Pyrethrum maritimum, Sm. Fl. Br. ii. 901, and Eng. Fi. iii. 452 ;
Eng. Bot. t. 979 ; Wilson in Hook. Journ. of Bot. i. 271.
“ Tripleurospermum maritimum, Koch, Syn. ed. 2, 1026?

“9, M. maritima (Linn.); stem diffuse, leaves pinnate, leaflets and
segments opposite fleshy linear bluntish short, basal leaflets
few small separated from the others, heads solitary, phyllaries
oblong blunt with a scarious (pale) entire margin, fruit with two
elongated glandular spots just below the elevated lobed border.

“M. maritima, Zinn. Sp. Pl. ed. 1, 891, ed. 3,.1256; Fries, Mant.
iii. 115, et Swmma, 186, et Herb. Normale, xii. 2!

“ Chamemelum maritimum perenne humilius, foliis brevibus eras-
sis, obscure virentibus, Dull. in Raii Syn. ed. 3, 186, a AG 3
1; Linn. Iter. w. Goth. 148.”

Proceepines oF SocieTizs, &c.

THE PHyYTOLOGIST CLUB.

One Hundred and Forty-fifth Sitting.— Saturday, May 28, 1853.
Mr. NEwmav, President, in the chair.

The President read the following communications :—
Hermaphrodite Florets in Salix caprea.

“ Amongst my specimens of this species, is a flowering branch,
gathered in 1847, on the banks of the Ouse, between York and
Acomb, which appears to deserve notice, as exhibiting amongst its
catkins a gradual transition from staminate to pistillate inflorescence.
The former occurs most plentifully in those situated about the sum-
mit of the stem, especially towards their apices ; whilst normal pistils
are confined to the base of the lowest catkin. The scales remain
unaltered throughout, and are as in the ordinary state of the species.
Between the extreme conditions of the essential portion of the flowers,
four principal intermediate stages may be traced, leaving out nume-
rous minor gradations.

“1, Filament as in the normal stamen; anthers smaller, placed
upon a dilated connective, which is slightly produced beyond them,
like a beak.

969

- “2. Filament shorter, stouter, slightly silky; connective trans-
formed into a cernuous ovarium-like body, shaped like the capsule of
some of the Hypna, with faint traces of anthers upon its sides ; beak
dilated into the resemblance of a stigma.

“3. Stalk filament-like ; ovary narrowly lanceolate, gray, silky,
curved ; stigma sessile, irregular, but viscid.

“4. Stalk rather longer than in the normal pistil; ovary gray, silky,
flask-shaped ; style very short; stigmas perfect, somewhat emargi-
nate.”"—John G. Baker; Thirsk, near Yorkshire, May 7, 1853.

Rubus latifolius, Bab.

*“ Whilst Rubi are under consideration, perhaps I may be allowed
to suggest the idea that this supposed new species, described in the
third edition of the ‘ Manual,’ is a luxuriantly-developed form of R.
corylifolius, bearing the same relation to the type that var. pseudo-
[deus bears to R. cesius, or R. Borreri, Bell-Salter, to R. Sprengelii,
Weihe (see Phytol. iv. 917, 918). It is recorded in the Supplement
to the ‘ Cybele’ as a native of the Humber province, on faith of spe-
cimens collected in the hedges between Thirsk and the village of
Thorpfield ; so that I have had an excellent opportunity for studying
it in a growing state. In the extreme form, in this neighbourhood, it
is a large, coarse-looking bramble, rivalling R. Balfourianus or R.
macroacanthus in size, with a thick, furrowed, and angular barren
stem, green in the shade, but purplish and glabrous, like that of the
Nitidi, when exposed. The leaflets are exceedingly dilated, and con-
sequently much imbricated ; the terminal one rotundato-cordate,
acuminate, even occasionally broader than long, and pilose beneath,
as described. But gradually and imperceptibly, as we pass along,
the stem becomes more slender and less angular, the prickles smaller,
and the leaflets narrower and thicker in texture; and without any
abrupt transition we arrive at the ‘ conjungens’ form of R. corylifo-
lius ; this, again, gliding into the type of the species, with its charac-
teristic, round, and slightly setose stem, slender and somewhat irre-
gular prickles, and leaves whitish and tomentose below.”—ZJd.

Rubi in the North of England.

“ Probably nearly all the fruticose forms will be found to extend
their range to the north of the Humber; thirty out of thirty-eight
species described in the third edition of the ‘ Manual’ having already
been detected by very imperfect research. In North Yorkshire, the
commoner species, arranged in their order of frequency, are discolor,

970

cesius, corylifolius, pallidus, tenuiarmatus, Lees, rhamnifolius, leuco-
stachys, fusco-ater, mucronatus, Koehleri, nitidus, and rudis. The
rarer are suberectus, plicatus, affinis, thyrsoideus, carpinifolius, villi-
caulis, macrophyllus, Sprengelii, fuscus, Babingtonii, hystrix, Gun-
theri, glaudulosus (Bellardi and rosaceus), and nemorosus. The
thyrsifloral form of R. Guntheri (R. thyrsiflorus, Lees in Steele's
Handbook) occurs, with the type of the species, amongst the rocks
above Gormire. In this latitude, the fruticose species cease to
become plentiful, in exposed positions, at 800 or 900 feet, though
stragglers may occur much higher. They are replaced, in more ele-
vated situations, by R. saxatilis, and, on the boggy surface of the
higher moors, by R. Chamzmorus.”—Jd.

Polygala uliginosa, Reich.

“In the last number of the ‘ Phytologist’ (iv. 940), this recent
addition to our lists is incidentally mentioned as having been disco-
vered in Scotland. The only locality yet ascertained is on heathy
ground along the margin of the rivulet behind Cronkley Fell, in the
Yorkshire portion of Upper Teesdale, at an elevation of about 1600
feet, more or less.”—Jd.

Worcestershire Species of Lepidium.

“ All the British species of Lepidium are now found near Wor-
cester, although Purton, in 1821, records only one in the midland
counties, viz., L. campestre, which is still the only common species
in this neighbourhood. L. ruderale, however, had been mentioned by
Withering, in 1787, on the authority of Dr. Stokes, as growing upon
‘rubbish on the side of the Severn above Worcester ;’ and during the
last few years it has been observed in three other places, to the north
of the city. Last autumn, it was very abundant in a lane near St.
Peter’s Church, Droitwich, in the locality where I discovered it two
years ago, on rather elevated ground, in company with Spergularia
marina, Poa distans, Glaux maritima, and other maritime plants. L.
Smithii, though rare, is occasionally met with near Mavern and Wor-
cester. L. Draba maintains its singular position at the Powick-
bridge embankment, on the Malvern road, where it was first disco-
vered in 1843, by E. Lees, Esq., who has contributed more than any
other individual towards the advancement of our knowledge of
Worcestershire plants. L. sativum is occasionally met with about
Worcester, and elsewhere in the county ; and it seems pretty well
naturalized, though doubtless a garden escape. Last October, I had

971

the pleasure of adding to the Worcestershire Flora, L. latifolium,
which I found close to the river Salwarp, where it is crossed by the
Wolverhampton Railway, near Droitwich. I first saw some patches
of it on the recently-formed railway embankment; but on further
examination I detected some old plants in a muddy place by the
river-side, where, perhaps, they have been growing secluded and
unnoticed for a long time. L. latifolium is not quite unknown in this
western part of the island; for I met with it last July, in some quan-
tity, near Britton Ferry, in Glamorganshire, where it has been observed
for years. But I am not aware of its having been recorded as an
inland plant; and it is further interesting as another addition to the
score of salt-marsh plants which now flourish in the Salwarp Valley,
perhaps the relics of an acient marine vegetation, as Professor Buck-
man suggests in his ‘ Ancient Straits of Malvern.’”—J. H. Thompson,
B.A.; St. Nicholas, Worcester, May 4, 1853.

Epilobium virgatum.

“Mr. Syme having intimated his belief (Phytol. iv. 933) that the
plant sent by me to the Botanical Society as Epilobium virgatum
should rather have been labelled E. Lamyi, it may perhaps be
satisfactory to the members to know that I used that name on Mr.
Babington’s authority, having submitted specimens of the Here-
fordshire plant to him. It is thus undoubtedly the E. virgatum of
the ‘ Manual,’ and, as it appears to me, of continental botanists also;
seeing that E. Lamyi is stated by Godron, in the ‘ Flore de France,
to have no stolons; while in many of the examples I sent to the
Society they are three or four inches long, as is stated to be the case
in E. virgatum. I have a specimen with broad-based, decurrent
leaves, and no stolons, gathered in Kincardineshire, by Mr. Syme, in
1850, and sent to me by the Botanical Society, as E. virgatum. This
specimen Mr. Babington pronounced E. tetragonum; and if it is
identical with the Scotch plant spoken of by Mr. Syme, the cause of
our different nomenclature is at once apparent. Mr. Babington’s E.
tetragonum is so scarce in this neighbourhood, that I have not been
able to study it sufficiently to warrant me in expressing any opinion
as to the constancy of its differences from E. virgatum.”—W. A. Pur-
chas ; Ross, May 21, 1853.

Remarks upon Polystichum aculeatum.

“« A very general opinion prevails that Polystichum angulare and P.
Lonchitis are connected together by a series of forms of P. actleatum,

972

scarcely differing from them at the two extremes, or from each other
in their intermediate links. I have paid considerable attention to P.
aculeatum and its supposed varieties for upwards of ten years ; and I
now believe that the plant has no constant variety whatever.

“In the month of May, 1842, I took up a plant of this species in
the neighbourhood of Egham. It had fronds about a foot long,
and was a good representation of what botanists call var. lobatwm.
This was planted in a bed of bog-soil, which had been purposely pre-
pared for ferns, in a rather exposed situation. It kept its character
(or, rather, retrograded) for three years. In 1845, the whole of the
ferns in this bed were removed to another place, where the natural
soil was light, the subsoil gravel, and the situation shady. Here our
plant soon found itself at home, and in three years attained as high a
state of development as I have ever observed in any plant of this spe-
cies; it then became stationary, and remains so up to the present
time. I have now before me a frond of it, of last year’s growth, nearly
three feet long by somewhat more than six inches broad. The pin-
nules are distinctly stalked for more than two-thirds of the length of
the pinne. In this state, it comes near to P. angulare, but differs
from that species in its more rigid texture, narrower outline of frond,
more crowded pinnx, more acute, strictly serrate pinnules, and in its
never becoming subtripinnate, which fronds of P. angulare, of two
feet long or more, invariably do. I have observed another difference
between these plants, which (to the best of my knowledge) has not
been recorded by any botanist. P. angulare is very proliferous, pro-
ducing lateral crowns freely ; whereas P. aculeatum never does, except
when its crown gets destroyed by accident, and then it will. In the
spring of 1852, I took up a plant with four crowns, in various stages
of development, from lonchitidioides to lobatum. Near as these two
species are to each other, there are two acknowledged species between
them, or, rather, placed opposite to their point of junction; I mean
P. pungens and P. proliferum. Both are as rigid as P. Lonchitis ;
and whilst the former has the broad, subtripinnate frond of P. angu-
lare, the latter has the narrower frond and decurrent lobes of P. acu-
leatum; it is, also, viviparous near the apex of the frond, but not
constantly so.

“Nine years since, I collected about a dozen plants upon a dry
bank. They could scarcely be called more than pinnate; and I
thought I had got var. lonchitidioides. One of these | potted, and
kept in a greenhouse; and in three years it came to the same state
of development as the plant first mentioned was when I first saw it.

973

I then turned it into a border, with other ferns, and kept it two more
years ; and it still kept getting nearer to its full state of development.

“JT think that the above examples are sufficient to trace this species
in its transition from its young state to its full development ; but they
are only two amongst many.

“Tf a young plant of this species is planted in an unfavourable
situation, it will remain stationary for years, or perhaps get less
divided than when first planted, but will always advance if properly
treated. In its wild state, itis very generally distributed, and may
probably be found in every English county. It appears to lke a
loamy, or even a clay, soil; its favourite situation is a steep bank in a
shady lane; and it is generally associated with P. angulare, and often
with Scolopendrium vulgare also. It does not transplant from its
wild state so well as its congener, being not so tufted, and more wiry,
as well as longer in its roots. When it has established itself under
cultivation, that character is not so easily observed; but it is very
apparent in removing wild plants.

“Tt may be mentioned, with respect to its distribution in the vici-
nity of London, that in Surrey you seldom meet with many plants
together, and that it is much scarcer than P. angulare ; whilst on the
opposite side of the Thames, in Middlesex, and particularly in Back-
inghamshire, it is by far the most plentiful plant ; and i in Kent and
Sussex the two appear to be about equal.

“JT inclose the frond first mentioned; a frond from the same plant
ten years ago; a small frond from the plant with four crowns, which
were produced since it was transplanted in May, 1852; and the plant
itself, taken up and dried, showing the old caudex and young crowns;
so that any one who examines them may judge for himself. They
are very unlike each other, and amply confirm Mr. Newman’s obser-
vation that this is a protean fern."—John Lloyd ; Wandsworth.

Gymnogramma leptophylla in Jersey.

The President observed that he had received several communica-
tions respecting the occurrence of Gymnogramma leptophylla in
Jersey. All those from the island represent this fern as widely dis-
tributed, growing on the banks of exposed lanes having a southern
aspect, more especially in those localities in which the moistened soil
induces the growth of Marchantia, in the company of which plant it
appears particularly to flourish ; it also occurs, but not so frequently,
growing in moss. The-principal localities are near St. Haule, near

VOL. IV. 61

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974

St. Aubin’s, and in several places near St. Lawrence. In one spot
near the last-named place, it grows plentifully for a very considerable
distance along a hedge-bank, extending as far as the bank is exposed,
but ceasing exactly where the lane is shaded by trees. The accounts
tend to establish the plant as a true native of the island, and to remove
the idea of its intentional introduction.

Pseudathyrium alpestre, and an allied Species.

The President observed that since he had the pleasure of inviting
attention to the occurrence, in Scotland, of a fern previously unre-
corded as British, several very ardent and most acute botanists had
searched the districts indicated, and with complete success. The
result, however, was the discovery of, not a single species alone, but of
two. Through the kindness of Mr. Backhouse, he had had the oppor-
tunity of examining an extensive and very beautiful series of each of
these ; and although in this early stage of the inquiry he by no means
wished to do more than indicate the more obvious distinguishing
characters, he considered it due to his friends to communicate to the
public the result of their researches.

P. alpestre. Habit rigid. Frond lanceolate, suberect, 2-3 feet
long, bipinnate ; pinne ascending, distant near the base, else-
where crewded, subacute ; pinnules 25-35 on each side of mid-
rib of pinna, wider at base, crowded, toothed ; clusters of cap-
sules 25 or more on each pinnule, crowded, finally confluent.

Hab. “ Canlochen Glen, Forfarshire,” “ Ben Aulder,” “* Mountains
near Dalwhinnie,” H. C. Watson. ‘ Lochnagar,”’ “ Head of Glen
Prosen, Clova mountains, Forfarshire,” ‘“ Ravine of the White Water,
Clova mountains, Forfarshire,” “ Glen Fiahd, Clova mountains,” |
James Backhouse, James Backhouse, junr., Thomas Westcombe. :

P. flexile. Habit lax, flexile Frond strap-shaped, spreading hori-
zontally, 8-18 inches long, bipinnate ; pinnz distant through-
out, horizontal or drooping, subobtuse ; pinnules 7-10 on each
side of midrib of pinna, narrower at base, distant, subobtuse,
serrated ; clusters of capsules 6-8 on each pinnule, distant,
always separate.

Hab. “ Micaceous rocks at the head of Glen Prosen, Clova moun-
tains, Forfarshire,’ James Backhouse, James Backhouse, jun., Tho-
mas Westcombe.

975

The. generic characters assigned to Pseudathyrium will require
revision. From an examination of fronds of “ P. alpestre” in a
living state, it seems that the clusters of capsules first make their
appearance with a crescentic margin of attachment, Somewhat as in
Athyrium Filix-foemina; and that there exists occasionally a rudi-
mentary involucral scale. The same crescentic margin of attachment
has been observed by Mr. Backhouse in the cultivated living frond
of the plant now called “ P. flexile.” The specific characters will
also require remodelling ; and a rigid investigation of the synonymy
is absolutely necessary, the names now proposed being provisional
ouly, the latter, more especially, being likely to be superseded by a
prior specific name.

THE PHYTOLOGICAL CLUB,
(In connexion with the Pharmaceutical Society).

May 2, 1853.— Robert Bentley, Esq., F.L.S., &c., President, in
the chair.

Several new members joined the Club.

Mr. D. Hanbury exhibited the following specimens :—

1. Ravensara nuts, produce of Agathophyllum arofmaticum, a tree
of Madagascar, where they are used as a spice, and whence they have
occasionally been brought to France.

2. Casca pretiosa, the bark of Mespilodaphne pretiosa, a native of
Brazil. It is highly valued as an aromatic. It belongs to the natural
order Laurinez.

Worcester Branch of the Club.

The Secretary presented a report of a meeting of the members of
the Club, resident at Worcester, held April 22, when the “ Worcester
Branch of the Phytological Club” was formed. A few simple rules
were adopted, providing for periodical meetings, herborizing excur-
sions, the formation of a local herbarium of plants found in the county,
&c. A standing note was appended to the Rules, to the effect that
members be exhorted to be particularly observant of Professor Bent-
ley’s truthful remarks on the destruction of habitats for scarce plants,
viz., never to allow their love of collecting to supersede their love of
Botany. Considering the assistance that more experienced botanists,
of the neighbourhood could give in the formation of a county herba-

976

rium, it was resolved “ that Edwin Lees, Esq., F.L.S., the Rev. J. H.
Thompson, and T. Westcombe, Esq., be invited to become Honorary
Members.” The commencement of a library was proposed; and a
few books were presented for this object. Mr. J. S. Walker, Mr.
Baxter, and Mr. T. W. Gissing were appointed the Committee ; Mr.
Walker to be Chairman; and Mr. Gissing, Secretary.

Uses of Ferns.

The Secretary read a letter from E. Newman, Esq., F.L.S., &c.,
asking information upon the wses of ferns throughout the country, for
the forthcoming edition of his ‘ British Ferns.’

Mr. Newman inquires :—

“1st. Are there any species of British ferns used in medicine ?

“9nd. Which species, and under what names? On this subject,
three provincial chemists have assured me that Polypodium vulgare of
botanists is the P. Filix-mas of pharmacy; and I have verified this
nomenclature in one instance.

“ 3rd. Whether the use of ferns in medicine is founded on their
ascertained properties, or on ancient predilections !

“ 4th. Whether the use is increasing or decreasing ?

“This and all other information connected with British ferns will
be most thankfully received by yours, most truly,

“ Edward Newman.”

The President hoped that the queries just read would elicit the
response they deserved. A wide field of usefulness lay open to the
Club, in collecting statistics of the popular employment of native
plants in different parts of the country. Mr. Newman’s second query
showed that confusion of species had in some instances occurred.
However, the true Lastrea Filix-mas was certainly in use.

Two or three members spoke of the employment of Ophioglossum
vulgatum for the preparation of a very popular ointment, in the coun-
ties of Essex, Herts, and Devon, from their personal knowledge.

A letter was also read from Dr. William Lauder Lindsay, F.B.S.E.,
&c., of Edinburgh, who wished to obtain co-operation in an investi-
gation of the lichens, which he had undertaken. The letter was

accompanied by a resumé of the points upon which information was
desired.

977

Ergotism of Grasses.

Mr. Blyth drew attention to the subject of the ergotism of grasses.
During the summer of last year, he had observed its prevalence
amongst every species of grass, in certain localities. These were
upon a heavy clay soil, and on the shady sides of hedges.

It would be remembered that the cold and dry spring, which
retarded vegetation, was succeeded by heavy rains at the period of
inflorescence of the cereals, and then by intense heat.

Specimens of ergot, collected from a number of grasses, were placed
on the table. Some of the same sample had been employed by Dr.
Tyler Smith, at St. Mary’s Hospital, and had proved far more effi-
cient than the ergot of rye. The question of its substitution was
therefore one of much interest; and it was most desirable that any
opportunities for its collection should be embraced, in order to place
in the hands of the medical profession a supply for further exami-
nation.

The influences upon which the disease depended were still a con-
tested subject ; and it was to be hoped that the simultaneous obser-
vations of pharmaceutists in different parts of the country, during the
ensuing season, would assist in clearing up some points involved.

It would be important to notice the character of the soil, the tem-
perature of the air, the amount of rain, and the periods of vegetation
at which it had fallen; also whether sunshine had prevailed.*

Substitute for Tea, &c.

The President exhibited some specimens received from Capt. Ken-
nedy, late commander of the ‘Prince Albert, one of the vessels
engaged in the search after Sir John Franklin.

Firstly, the dried flowers, with a few leaves, of Ledum palustre (Eri-
cacez), employed extensively as a substitute for tea, in various parts of
North America. The plant in question is commonly called narrow-
leaved Labrador tea, and is an inhabitant of the colder part of Canada,
the coasts of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the whole of Rupert’s
Land to the Arctic Sea, on whose shores it grows, from Repulse Bay
to Kotzebue Sound. According to Dr. Asa Gray, it is not found
South of the United States boundary-line. This plant was formerly
found on the north-west coast of Ireland, and used to be included in

* Bn excellent popular account of the subject will be found in a little book entitled
* Blights in the Wheat,’ by the Rev. E. Sydney. Religious Tract Society.

Ses

978

the lists of the British Flora; but it is now very properly omitted, as
having no claim to be considered native. An infusion of the flowers
and leaves possessed an astringent, bitter flavour, and a strong, some-

‘what aromatic odour. It certainly appeared to produce a slight nar-

cotic effect, which is not surprising, when its alliance to the Rhodo-
dendrons, Kalmnia, Azalea, &c., all possessing poisonous narcotic
qualities, is considered. The leaves are stated to be used in the pre-
paration of beer, which they render extremely heady. Two other
plants of the same natural order, Gualtheria procumbens and Rho-
dodendron Lapponicum, are in use in North America as substitutes
for tea.

Pemican, an article of Arctic diet, composed of buffalo-meat mixed
with marrow and the fruit of some tree, was introduced on account of
the latter ingredient. This fruit is asmall, black pome, nearly agree-
ing with the Zante currant in size and flavour. Sir J. Richardson, in
his ‘Journal of a Boat Voyage through Rupert’s Land,’ states that
two fruits are used for mixing with pemican, viz., choke-berry (Cerasus
Virginiana) and shad-berry, or service-berry (Amelanchier Canaden-
sis). The fruits, then, under consideration, were evidently derived
from the last-named.

Medicinal Lobelia, from Peru.

Mr. D. Hanbury read the following paper, ‘ On a Variety of Lobelia,
from Peru, having Medicinal Properties, by Mr. Penney, who was
unavoidably absent :—

“ A few weeks since, Mr. Daniel Hanbury handed me a specimen
of Lobelia, which he had received from Mr. A. J. de Warszewicz, a
German botanist, travelling in South America. It was found near the
village of Jarobamba, five leagues from Arequipa, in the district of
Canchumia, Peru. It is evidently a Lobelia, agreeing in its charac-
ters with that genus. A monopetalous, epigynous exogen, with a
two-celled ovary, syngenesious anthers, stigma surrounded by hairs,
and valvate, irregular corolla, it is at once recognized as belonging to
the family Lobeliacexe. I have carefully examined it, and compared
its characters with De Candolle’s description of the Lobeliz, and
have no doubt of its being the Lobelia decurrens, var. 8., of that
author, described in his ‘ Prodromus,’ part vii. p. 384. The L,
decurrens is described and figured by Cavanilles, in his ‘ Icones et
Descriptiones Plantarum que aut sponte in Hispania crescunt aut in
hortis hospitantur,’ tom. vi. p. 13, t. 521; also in the Bot. Reg. vol.
xxii. tab. 1842.

979

“ This variety, under the name of Lobelia foliosa, was noticed by
Bonpland in 1808. It agreed with Cavanilles’ plate, except that the
lobes of the calyx and the tube of the corolla are externally pubes-
cent: the leaves and the lobes of the calyx and corolla are very simi- -
lar. It is described in the ‘Nova Genera et Species Plantarum
Americanarum’ of A. Bonpland, A. de Humboldt, and C. 8. Kunth,
tom. iii. p. 242. Cavanilles and De Candolles both give the habitat
of the L. decurrens in Chili, on the banks of the river Claro. Kunth
says this variety grows in Quito, near the village of Guancabamba.
Bonpland gives Peru as its habitat. Mr. de Warszewicz states that it
grows on the river Arequipa. These two varieties are included, but
not described, by Presl, in his ‘ Prodromus Monographiz Lobeliace-
arum, p. 24, under the names Rapuntium decurrens et foliosum.

“ Like other Lobeliaceous plants, this plant is very acrid; its aque-
ous infusion has a burning, acrid taste, not unlike tobacco; and its
smell is irritating and nauseating. It is used as a medicine by the
natives of Peru. Mr. de Warszewicz says that its action is very
remarkable in nervous fever; that the leaves and flowers, given at
Arequipa in the form of powder, in the dose of one, two, or three
grains to adults, are found quickly to change the symptoms of the
patient ; that it is very active as an emetic and purgative ; and that
the Indians universally employ it as an emetic. He thinks it might
be used here as a substitute for Ipecacuanha. The roots, which are
from four to eight feet in length, are used as well as the flowers and
leaves. Mr. de W. is very desirous that its effects should be tried in
this country, and hopes that it may prove a more important addition
to the Materia Medica than the L. syphilitica. He says that it may
be obtained in large quantities from Mr. Harmson, of Arequipa.”

Mr. J. J. Muskett read an interesting paper ‘ On the Phytology of
the Middle Ages,’ referring more especially to superstitions attaching
to plants, and to the adaptation of vegetable forms to architecture and
heraldry. The essay was illustrated by numerous drawings, rubbings
of monumental crosses, &c.—R. R.

Obituary.—Died, at Leipzig, on the 2nd of May, Professor Dr.
Ch. F. Schwaegrichen, the Nestor of Muscology.—Bonplandia.

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980

Botanical News.—Italy.

Florence, April 24.—The reports and documents relating to the
Horticultural Exhibition that took place in Florence, in September
last (see Bonpl. vol. i. p. 43), have been published ; also a Prospectus
of the Horticultural Society which those who got up the exhibition
hope to be able to form. The seat of the Society is to be in Florence;
and to become a member it is necessary to take one share or more,
of three francesconi (13s. 4d.) a year each, and, moreover, to pay an
entrance-fee of one francesconi. Two hundred shares have already
been disposed of.

We have received two new memoirs by M. Gasparrini, published in
the ‘ Transactions of the Academy of Naples.’ The one is a ‘ Revisio
Generis Trigonellz.’ The author raises the sections established by
Seringe, in De Candolle’s ‘ Prodromus,’ to the rank of genera, under
the names of Grammocarpus, Ser., Xiphostylis (Foenum grecum,
Tourn.), Falcatula, Brot. ; the name of Trigonella being retained
for the section Buceras, Ser. The other memoir contains now obser-
vations on the fecundation and embryo of Cytinus Hypocistis,—a
subject investigated by the author eight years ago, and concerning
which he now expresses an opinion decidedly opposed to Schleiden’s
theory on fecundation. According to him, the embryo of this plant
is not derived from the transformation of the extremity of the pollen-
tube, but, on the contrary, from one or more vesicle of the summit of
the internal nucleus (or sac of the embryo), which are developed before
fecundation. Prof. Tenore has written a dissertation on some trees
mentioned by the writers of the middle ages, such as the Arbor vite
(Thuya orientalis), the balsam-tree (Amyris Opobalsamum), the dry-
tree (Platanus orientalis), the tree of the sun and the moon (Cupressus
sempervirens), &c. Prof. Massalongo, of Verona, has published an
enumeration of the miocene fossil plants hitherto known in Italy ;
they are sixty-two in number. According to the author, the number
of species belonging to the Italian fossil Flora amounts to nearly 1000.

Mr. Webb returned from Rome to Florence a few days ago. Prof.
Joseph Bertoloni was also on a visit here a short time ago, for the
purpose of studying the plants sent him from the coast of Mozam-
bique, especially those distinguished by useful or otherwise remark-
able properties.— Bonplandia.

981

Proceepines or Societizs, §c.

Tue PHyYTOLOGIST CLUB.

One Hundred and Forty-sixth Sitling.— Saturday, June 25, 1853.
Mr. Newman, President, in the chair.

The President read the following communications :—

Potamogeton flabellatus, Bab.

“On the 30th of May last, I found this plant in a fen-ditch near
Nordelph, Norfolk. This may be worth recording, as the plant is very
little known, although probably not very uncommon. No botanist,
who has examined and compared the earlier leaves of this plant and
P. pectinatus, can, I think, have any doubt concerning their distinct-
ness. When those leaves are wanting, as is usually the case when
the plant is in fruit, it is often very difficult to distinguish these spe-
cies."-—C. C. Babington ; June, 1853.

Potamogeton prelongus, Wulf.

“On May 30, 1853, I saw this plant in the river called Well Creek,
near Nordelph, in the fens of Norfolk. As this is a comparatively new
plant, the fact may be worth recording.” —Jd.

Udora Canadensis.

“‘ Hitherto, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire have been exempt
from the inroads of the Udora; but it appears that the insidious
floater is fast approaching, as I have just received a letter from a
botanical friend at Stratford-on-Avon (Mr. W. Cheshire, jun.), with
specimens; in which he informs me that the plant has suddenly
appeared in the river Avon, at that place. He has perceived and
gathered it, this month, both above and below the town, as well as in
ditches near the bridge at Stratford, and, from his familiarity with the
river, and often boating upon it, is confident it was not there last year.
Now he finds it in the very bay where the boat is moored, ‘ every
inch of the water’ about which, he says, was familiar to him. The
plants, though numerous, are mostly small, four or five inches in length,
and at present barren. He suggests, what I think is very likely, that
the winter floods, which were numerous and of long continuance,

VOL. IV, 6 Kk

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982

floated the Udora down from Rugby, in the vicinity of which it flou-
rished, and have thus established it at Stratford ; but the rapidity of
its growth in one season seems astonishing. I shall now watch its
advent down the Avon into Worcestershire ; but hitherto, though L
saw a friend from near Eckington yesterday, it has not been reported.
The ‘soft-flowing Avon’ is so still a river, that I fear the Udora
will become as great a nuisance there as in Cambridgeshire. My
friend says we shall be sure to have it soon, as boats, in passing,
break off the brittle stems, thus leaving it to float with the current.”—
Edwin Lees ; Cedar Terrace, Henwick, Worcester, June 17, 1853.

Gymnostomum tenue in Yorkshire.

“T take the liberty of sending you a few specimens of Gymnosto-
mum tenue, gathered by me, a few days since, from the ruins of the
Abbot’s House, Fountain’s Abbey, Yorkshire. It may perhaps interest
some of the readers of the ‘ Phytologist’ to know that this compara-
tively rare moss grows and fruits abundantly at the above-mentioned
place.”—Arthur Hutchinson ; Bury, Lancashire, June 15, 1853.

Claytonia perfoliata.

The President called the attention of the Club to the rapid increase
of this North-American plant. The cause of its introduction into this
country, he said, did not seem very obvious ; hut, owing to the abun-
dance of its seeding, the facility with which the seeds germinate, and
the adaptability of the plant to our climate, it bid fair to become as
thoroughly naturalized as any plant of Transatlantic origin. No one
would presume to call in question its exotic origin; but, in after
years, it would probably take its station, by the side of Senecio vul-
garis and Capsella Bursa-pastoris, as a common garden weed. This
pretty plant was well known to Loudon, who notices its good qualities
as a vegetable,—a statement fully confirmed by Mr. Pamplin and
others. Mr. Thomas Corder records (Phytol. iv. 485) that it grows,
in yearly increasing abundance, in the vicinity of Ampthill; and that
he cannot learn of its ever having been cultivated in the neighbour-
hood where it is found; and Mr. Reynolds states that Mr. Corder has
sent a supply of specimens, gathered during the present year, for dis-
tribution among the members of the Phytological Club. Mr. John
Hutchinson has found it this year, growing in great abundance among
chickweed, and apparently perfectly established, at Weybridge, in
Surrey ; and here the plants are of great size and luxuriance. The
late Mr. Anderson introduced the Claytonia into the Botanic Garden

983

at Chelsea, where it soon became a most troublesome weed, and remains
so at the present day, coming up spontaneously, by thousands, in vari-
ous parts of the garden. Mr. Anderson gave specimens to the late Mr.
Pamplin, of Lavender Hill; and here, again, its usual propensity to
increase was strongly developed. During the present summer, it has
appeared on and near Clapham Common, and also at Peckham,
coming up spontaneously in Mr. Newman’s garden. A remarkably
good figure, and a good account of the plant, are to be found in Bax-
ter’s British Flowering Plants,’ vol. iv. p. 253. It affords, as pointed
out by Mr. Pamplin, admirable examples of two different forms of
leaves : spathulate, as in the radical leaves ; and perfoliale, as in the
stem-leaves.

BoraNICAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH.

Thursday, April 14, 1853.—Professor Balfour, President, in the
chair.

The following donations were announced to the Society’s library
and herbarium :—‘ Report of Select Committee on Morton’s Memorial
to Congress, anent the Discovery of the Anesthetic Properties of Sul-
phuric Ether, from Dr. W. T.G. Morton ; a large parcel of rare Irish
plants, for the Society’s herbarium, and for distribution, including
Trichomanes radicans, Hypericum anglicum, &c., from Mr. Sibbald ;
and specimens of Arundo stricta, from the shores of Lough Neagh,
Antrim, from Mr. C. C. Babington.

Dr. Balfour laid upon the table a Prospectus of Dr. George John-
ston’s ‘ Natural History of the Eastern Borders.’

Dr. Balfour mentioned that letters had been received from Mr. J.
A. Jeffrey, horticultural collector in Oregon, dated Oregon, January
22, 1853, and Columbia City, February 15, 1853, announcing the
despatch of two packages (Nos. 5 and 6) of Coniferze and other seeds,
from the Californian district, &c. Among them are seeds of Picea
nobilis and P. grandis, Abies Pattoniana, Pinus Lambertiana, P. mon-
ticola, P. ponderosa, P. macrocarpa, several unnamed species of Pinus,
Cupressus, and Juniperus, besides many other trees, shrubs, and her-
baceous plants.

. Professor Balfour exhibited the following donations, made to the
Museum of Economic Botany at the Royal Botanic Garden since the
last meeting of the Society :—From Professor Fleming, New College,
Edinburgh : Specimen of a Lepidodendron, from Hailes Quarry, near

984

Edinburgh. From W. L. Lindsay, M.D.: Eighty-two specimens of
dyes, manufactured from various lichens.

New Species of Caulerpa.

A paper by R. K. Greville, LL.D., ‘On New Species of Caulerpa,’
was read.

The author made some introductory remarks on the family of Cau-
lerpee, which has been placed near Vaucheriex ; although it has
scarcely any affinity with the latter family. Caulerpeze apparently
occupy a place among the Algz ; but their relations do not appear to
be determined. The plants grow between high and low water, send-
ing their roots into the sand. They are of a grass-green colour, tough,
flat or cylindrical, spreading on the sand by means of sureuli, and
rooting as they go on, sending down tufts, which resemble in appear-
ance the roots of grasses. The plants have no continuous cavity
inside. Their interior is composed of large, anastomosing fibres, with
granules and an enormous quantity of starch-grains. Their fructifica-
tion has been described and figured by Montaigne, in the ‘ Annales
des Sciences Naturelles, tom. ix. The spores are described as cili-
ated, like those of Vaucheria. Dr. Greville made remarks on the dif-
ferent species of the genus Caulerpa; and he described the following
new species :—Caulerpa asplenioides (from St. Thomas’s, West Indies),
C. laxa, and C. fissidentoides (from Wright’s East Indian collection),
The paper was illustrated by specimens and drawings.

Myposotis alpestris, Thymus Serpyllum, and T. Chamedrys.

The third part of Mr. C. C. Babington’s paper, intituled ‘ Remarks
on British Plants,’ was read.

The author first noticed Myosotis alpestris of Schmidt, which he
now considers to be identical with M. suaveolens of Kitabel, and
not, as conjectured by him in his ‘ Manual,’ a mere mountain variety
of M. sylvatica. M. alpestris is distinguished from M. sylvatica by
the attenuated base of the calyx, and the absence of a keel in the fruit.
He next alluded to the British species of Thymus. There are two
British species, he stated, included under the name of Thymus Ser-
pyllum ; one being the true species; and the other, the Thymus Cha-
medrys. They are distinguished chiefly by their habit, and therefore
require to be in a growing state in order to be satisfactorily determined.
In T. Serpyllum, there is a difference between the flowering shoot and
that which is intended to extend the plant. Quite prostrate and root-
ing shoots are produced each year, which grow from the end of the

985

shoots of the preceding year, an¢ do not flower; also, there spring
from the other axils of these old prostrate parts of the plant, short
erect or ascending shoots, which form a linear series, and each of
which terminates in a capitate spike, consisting of a very few whorls,
and which die back to the base after the seed has fallen. The grow-
ing shoot is perennial, but the flowering shoot is annual. In T.
Chameedrys, there is no such manifest separation between the flower-
ing and growing shoots. The terminal bud often produces the strong-
est shoot, which itself ends in flowers, differing thus froin the terminal
shoot of T. Serpyllum, which always produces a flowerless shoot. It
wants the regularity of T. Serpyllum, and presents a dense, irregular,
mass of leafy shoots and flowers intermixed. The two species are
thus characterized :-—

Thymus Serpyllum, L. Stem prostrate, creeping; leaves oblong
or lanceolate, narrowed into the flat, fringed stalk ; floral leaves
similar; flowering shoots ascending; flowers capitate; upper
lip of calyx with 3 short, triangular teeth; lower lip of 2 subu-
late teeth ; upper lip of the corolla oblong.

Thymus Chamedrys, L. Stem similar, diffuse, ascending, bi- or
quadrifariously hairy ; leaves broadly ovate, with a flat, winged
stalk ; flowers whorled and capitate ; upper lip of the calyx
with three triangular teeth; lower lip of 2 subulate teeth ;
upper lip of the corolla semicircular.

Tour in the Hartz Mountains.

The first part of a paper intituled ‘ Notes of a Tour in the Hartz
Mountains,’ by W. L. Lindsay, M.D., was read.

The author stated that, with the intention of making a pedestrian
tour, for mineralogical and botanical purposes, through the Hartz
mountains, he left Holstein (where he had been residing a few weeks,
engaged chiefly in botanical and geological excursions) on the 23rd
of August, 1850, crossing the Elbe, from Hamburg to Haarburg (in
the kingdom of Hanover), and proceeding next morning, by rail, to
Brunswick and Hartzburg, at the foot of the Brocken. On the even-
ing of the 23rd he made the ascent of the Brocken, the weather being
very wet, misty, and cold, and passed the night in the ‘ Brocken-haus,’
a rude hotel, perched on the summit of the mountain, at an elevation
of 3500 feet above the sea. “The districts of Hanover and Bruns-
wick, which are part of the great North-German plain, consist, in
great measure, of a series of sand-dunes and sandy heaths, marshes

986

and peat-bogs, meadows and pastures, here and there interspersed
with fertile fields and belts of wood. Their Flora, like their geologi-
cal structure, greatly resembles that of Holstein; the predominant
types of vegetation being marsh, meadow, heath, wood, and sand
plants. Among vegetables, cultivated to a considerable extent in the
more fertile parts of the country, besides the different cereals, pulse,
and potatoes, are tobacco, hops, rape-seed, flax, and chicory. Grain
is chiefly raised in the neighbourhood of Brunswick, the most fertile
part of the duchy of that name. The whole of Hanover and Bruns-
wick appears to have been long submerged by the German Ocean,
judging from their geological structure. Probably no tract of land in
Europe, of equal extent, can boast of a less degree of fertility; and
we do not speak exaggeratingly when we say that, were it exposed to
a very hot and dry tropical climate, instead of a very humid, tempe-
rate one, it would more or less resemble in character the great African
‘Sahara.’ Here, as in Britain, and, indeed, throughout Europe, there
is a large amount of waste land, i. e., flat land easily susceptible of
cultivation, which, instead of being devoted to agriculture and the
maintenance of man, is set apart exclusively for the purpose of har-
bouring and protecting game! Were such land placed upon the
same footing, with regard to free cultivation, as the prairies of Texas
or Australia,—were it leased or sold, at moderate rates, to the peasant
farmer or artisan,—we cannot doubt that it would not only soon attain
a comparatively high state of cultivation, and consequently increase
materially in value, but would supply an honourable and profitable
field of labour to thousands of our surplus population, who are at pre-
sent compelled to emigrate beyond the seas. It must be very poor
land indeed which cannot be made, by the ingenuity of man, suitable
for the growth of vegetables immediately useful to him or the lower
animals. Is it not, therefore, unjust, as well as ungenerous, that the
noblest inhabitants of our earth should be set aside for the pleasures
or prejudices of the aristocrat! As seen from the plains of Bruns-
wick, the Hartz range does not appear so striking as the Pentlands,
seen from Edinburgh. It being a part of the systematic plan of our
tour that on this evening we should sleep on the summit of the far-
famed Brocken, we resolved on making the ascent, notwithstanding
the very unfavourable state of the weather; and accordingly, having
selected one of the numerous and importunate fraternity of guides
connected with our hotel, we set out on our expedition, about 5 or 6
p-m. After passing a short way up the Radau Valley, we struck off
the highway, entering the dark pine-woods which cover the whole of

987

the base of the Brocken, rendered more dismal on the present occa-
sion by the heavy, wet mist in which they were enshronded. We
now followed a straggling footpath, winding for miles through these
pine-woods,—through rugged ravines, and over gigantic boulders,
strewed here and there in the wildest confusion: now ascending a
new shoulder of the Great or Little Brocken ; now descending the
slopes of another gorge, or ravine, the dense mist preventing our see-
ing three feet before us, and effectually soaking our habiliments, and
damping our skins, if not our spirits. Still, we pushed on, perse-
veringly and silently, through wood and brake, over rock and moor,
amid the most splendid scenes of desolation (if I may use such an
expression), vividly conjuring up before fancy’s eye, as we trod this
classic: ground, the demon scenes of Goethe’s ‘ Faust.’ About half-
past 7, or 8, p.m:, when nearly quite dark, we reached the Brocken-
haus, where we were received, in a measure, as ‘heroes of a night,
by a parcel of boorish waiters, and a host of yelping curs.” The
author made a few remarks on the Brocken climate, the circumstances
influencing it, and its effects on the vegetation both of the mountains
and the plains, noticing in particular the intense cold experienced on
the summit, even in mid summer. “It is interesting to find, at an
elevation comparatively so insignificant, a miniature glacier, in a
deep, shady fissure called the ‘Schneeloch,’ which lies about 400
feet below the summit, looks to the North-east, and is therefore pro-
tected from the direct solar rays, and the warm: south winds. The
mass of ice or snow itself is some 500 feet long and 16 broad,
(according to Brederlow). In its vicinity, we have a miniature repre-
sentation of all seasons and climates, illustrating what we meet with,
on the large scale, when we ascend the Alps, Andes, or Himalayas,
from the plains towards the snow-line: on and immediately around
the glacier, there is intense cold, with a scanty cryptogamic vegeta-
tion; but, gradually, as we recede, we feel the air becoming warmer
and more genial, and the vegetation mounting from the lichen and
moss, grass and fern, to the Vaccinium and heath, evergreen bush and
brushwood, blooming flower and ripening fruit.” Dr. Lindsay made
allusion to some of the more important meteorological phenomena
observed on the Brocken, and especially to the so-called “ spectre,” a
kind of “ Fata Morgana,” which is “ merely the magnified shadow of
an observer, projected upon a perpendicular wall of dense mist oppo-
site him. The circumstances essential to the production of the phe-
nomenon are, that there be in front of an observer a vertical mass of
dense mist, rising from a valley, and behind him, and on the same

———————

988

level, the rays of a rising or setting sun; the apex of the mountain
itself being free from vapour. In such circumstances, an observer
sees, ON some eminence opposite him, a gigantic shadowy resem-
blance of himself, waving significantly, if the mass of mist be in
motion, surrounded by a beautiful halo, or a magnificent rainbow
radiance, or his head alone sending forth the most brilliant stellate
rays of golden light, if it be very moist and dense. In winter, it is
said that the head of the ‘spectre’ is often encircled by a most gor-
geous starry diadem ; the millions of dancing starlets reflecting a light
too dazzling for any mortal long to behold with impunity!” The
author noticed shortly the mineralogy and geology of the Brocken
and surrounding country, especially with reference to their Flora.
The mountain itself consists of a mass of granite, rising through the
transition strata (chiefly graywacke and clay-slate), of which the greater
part of the Hartz district consists. He then entered at length on the
subject of the Brocken Flora, mentioning the points in which it resem-

‘bled or differed from the Flora of the Scotch Highlands. In particu-

lar, he noticed the occurrence of Dianthus deltoides and D. superbus,
Asplenium germanicum, Erysimum odoratum, &c., about Neustadt ;
Anemone alpina, Carex rigida and C. vaginata, Hieracium alpinum
and H. Halleri, Linnza borealis, Polypodium alpestre, Thesium alpi-
num, &c., on the summit of the Brocken (Brockenhéhe) ; Eriophorum
alpinum, &c., on the Brockenfeld; Listera cordata, Corallorrhiza
innata, Digitalis purpurea, Carex pauciflora, Empetrum nigrum, An-
dromeda polifolia, Calamagrostris Halleriana, Vaccinium uliginosum
and V. Vitis-Idea, Oxycoccos palustris, Scirpus cespitosus, Sonchus
alpinus, Blechnum boreale, Lycopodium Selago, L. annotinum, L.
complanatum, L. alpinum, &c., on the summits of the higher moun-
tains of the Oberharz. He also noticed the occurrence, on the
Brocken and neighbouring mountains, of various rare Cryptogams,
especially mosses and lichens; e. g., Anomodon striatus, Grimmia
unicolor and G. uncinata, Gymnomitrium adustum, Jungermannia
Kunzeana and G. Wenzelii, Opegrapha petrea, Lecidea moro, L.
glacialis, L. atro-rufa, L. arctica, L. armeniaca, &c.

The author mentioned incidentally that there is a strong resem-
blance between the neighbourhood of Hartzburg and Dunkeld, and,
in general, that a great similarity exists between much of the Hartz
scenery and that of the Scotch Highlands. He gave a description of
the “ Panorama of the Brocken,” and specified some of the legends
and superstitions connected with that mountain.

“ The forests are not only an important element of the picturesque,

989

clothing the greater number of the mountains to their summit; but
they may be said to be the very foundation of the prosperity of the
poor inhabitants of the Hartz, whose subsistence more or less immedi-
ately depends on the mines and smelting-houses, for which this dis-
trict is so famous. These works are supplied almost exclusively by
the neighbouring forests with the wood necessary for building and
fuel. . Were the supply of wood lessened or cut off, or even rendered
more expensive, these establishments would speedily come to an end,
and the inhabitants of a densely populated district be inevitably
thrown out of employment. Few of the mines are sufficiently remu-
nerative to allow of the consumption, as fuel, of coal, which must be
brought from a considerable distance, and at some expense; and,
indeed, some of the largest of them are worked solely for the generous
purpose of affording employment to a large population entirely depen-
dent on them. Wood isalso the chief fuel of the peasantry. In such
circumstances, it evidently becomes an important matter to preserve
and uprear the old and new forests of such a district ; and, I believe,
in no part of the world are forests tended with such anxious care,
both by Government and private parties, as in the Hartz. From so
early a period as the sixteenth century, the forest-regulations (Foér-
stordnungen) of the Hartz have been of such acknowledged practical
value, that they have, with justice, served as models by which the
management of all the forests throughout Germany have subsequently
been regulated. Over the administration of forest affairs, there pre-
sides a Court of Directors, under whom acts a very extensive and com-
plete staff of officers, from the ‘ Commissioner of Woods and Forests’
down to the humble forester or woodman. The Court of Adminis-
tration immediately superintends the duties of the forest commissioners
(Ober-férster). Subject to the latter are the district foresters, or su-
perintendents (Revier-férster), who are immediately charged with the
protection of the woods, and who are assisted by a numerous staff of
forest overseers, huntsmen, wood-watchers, &c. Last, but certainly
not least, of all the official staff, are the woodmen, probably about 1500
in number, a very peculiar race in the Hartz, living, to a great degree,
quite isolated from the world, shut up in their dense pine-forests,
having laws and customs of their own. Once a year the whole staff
attends a general meeting of the court, which investigates the indus-
trial results of the whole year, regulates the supply of wood and char-
coal for the ensuing year, and examines into all important business
matters connected with the forests or their produce. This court acts
-also in conjunction with the Court of Direction of Mines; there being
VOL. Iv. 6 L

990

evidently between the Directors of Mines and Forests a community of
interest. The whole forests of the district were measured and esti-
mated in 1820; and this process takes place every thirty years. The
superficial extent of the Hartz forests is at present upwards of 451,000
acres ; they were formerly much more extensive, but have been gra-
dually diminished by storms, dry-rot, and, above all, by mismanage-
ment; an unaccountable lavishness in the supply of wood to the
peasantry, and to the mines and forges, having tended to produce a
marked disproportion between the production and the demand. In
1524 and 1554, among other privileges and immunities granted to the
Hartz and its inhabitants, the mines, and works therewith connected,
were allowed (gratuitously!) the wood unecessary for building and
burning ; and the inhabitants, on payment of a nominal forest-tax,
were permitted to cut down according to their wants. The result of
such a generous expenditure of timber was, as might have been fore-
seen, such an amount of its consumption, that it speedily became evi-
dent to every one that an opposite line of conduct, or preservative
measures, were urgently called for. The iron-forges alone consume
(annually !) 12,083,810 cubic feet of coal, and the various mines and
smelting-works upwards of 29,500,000 cubic feet of wood.

“We may shortly notice the circumstances which tend to the
destruction of the Hartz forests :—

“1, Mismanagement (lavish expenditure of wood, mal-culture, &c.)
This cause, which has been a fertile source of mischief in times by-
gone, is becoming less and less frequent every day, from the better
ideas instilled into the Government, on matters of political and social
economy.

“2, Storms. The exceedingly violent hurricanes and snow-storms
so prevalent in the Hartz, are very hurtful, especially to the pines,
which frequently grow in loose, rocky, gravelly, or sandy soils, to
which their roots do not adhere very firmly. After every severe storm,
we can see thousands of fine, tall pines torn up by the roots, scattered
about in wild confusion. We probably do not over state when we say
that not less than 25,000 pines are annually destroyed in the Upper
Hartz by the wind alone. The great storms of 1800 and 1801 tore
up, in the neighbourhood of Elbingerode alone, 315,106 trees; thus
at once destroying the produce of 3000 acres of forest-land. Accu-
mulations of snow and ice, floods and torrents, lightning, &c., also
contribute to thin the forests. Avalanches are particularly mischie-
vous on the mountains, and in the mountain-valleys, often clearing

991

away whole pieces of a forest, or thinning patches in the thickest
parts of it.

“3. Wild animals also destroy large numbers of trees, by biting off
the bark or young twigs ; peeling away the juicy bark, by blows with
their horns; or tearing up the young plants. The wild doves and
finches in particular commit great depredations ; countless numbers of
them attacking the pine-seed, or chopping up the germinating plants :
so that plantations of pines in the young state must be watched, night
and day, against these feathered robbers. The most deadly foes of
the forests, however, are, unquestionably, various species of beetle,
especially those of Bostrichus (e. g., B. octodentatus, B..Laricis, B.
calcographus, B. villosus, B. Hylesinus, B. Fraxini), which burrow
under the bark of the older trees, and there deposit their eggs. Great
care is taken by the woodmen to kill these animals before they lay
their eggs ; but, notwithstanding all their efforts, many thousand trees
annually fall victims to this scourge.

“4, Dry-rot, which at one period during the last century caused
the destruction of 15,196 acres of forest in the Kingdom of Hanover
alone.”

The author then spoke of the constituents, or elements, of the Hartz
forests, which are divided into “ Hochwald,” “ Mittelwald,” and
“ Niederwald,” according to their position on the mountain-slopes.
“The forest is most extensive and luxuriant on the southern and
eastern mountain-slopes and valleys, and becomes more scanty the
more we approach the north and west, and the higher we ascend.
While on the gentle slopes of the east and south borders of the range,
the forest (consisting chiefly of oak, birch, beech, and fir) grows luxu-
riantly at an elevation of 1600 feet, on the north and west these trees
are displaced, at 1300 feet, by the dismal pine. The red beech (Fagus
sylvatica) is, especially in the Unterrharz, a magnificent, tall tree,
probably next, in point of importance, to the pine, constituting
about one-third of the forests of the lower Hartz. The hornbeam
(Carpinus Betulus), besides being common in the woods, is greatly
cultivated, and thrives exceedingly well. The different species of
Quercus are common in all the lower forests. The maple (Acer
pseudo-Platanus) and ash (species of Fraxinus) spring up abundantly
in the beech-woods, and are also planted, to a considerable extent,
on low, bare knolls. The elm (Ulmus campestris) occurs, compara-
tively sparingly, in the lower forests. The birch (Betula alba) is
common in the ‘ Mittelwald, as underwood, ascending the hills to an
elevation of 2680 feet. On sheltered and sunny banks about the base

992

of the hills, we find here and there the linden (Tilia Europea), wild
chestnut (Aisculus Hippocastanum), aspen (Populus tremula), and
black poplar (P. nigra). On flat river-banks and marshy plains, and
also occurring in alpine regions, at a height of 2650 feet, the alder
(Betula Alnus) and the knotty willow (Salix caprea) flourish, as
underwood. A number of experiments, conducted in the neighbour-
hood of Blankenburg, during the years 1730-50, show that the Hartz
is well suited for the growth of a number of foreign trees (e. g., Ame-
rican oak, cherry, tame chestnut, white fir, northern alder, &c.) On
the hill-slopes, here and there, may be noticed a few groups of the
larch (Pinus Laria), which was first introduced into the Hartz in
1731. The Scotch fir (Pinus sylvestris) is sparingly interspersed
among the Pinus Abies and P. Larix. The yew (Taxus baccata)
grows, as a hermit, on a few barren, rugged rocks, and the juniper
(Juniperus communis) on dry and exposed sandy hillocks. The hazel
(Corylus Avellana) formerly throve luxuriantly, but has lately disap-
peared from the forests, on account of mismanagement. In the woods,
Berberis vulgaris, Rosa canina and R. villosa, Prunus spinosa, and a
number of our ordinary herbaceous plants grow plentifully. Rubus
Ideus and R. fruticosus occur, more sparingly, on old walls and
rocks.* In the forests of the lower Hartz, the gloomy pine (Pinus
Abies) is common ; but it reigns exclusively, attaining a great height,
in those of the upper Hartz; and the value of its timber in this dis-
trict is such, that in many places it would be difficult to say whether
the pine-woods on the surface, or the rich ores in the bowels of a
mountain, were the most valuable. The pine did not formerly cover
such an extent of the Hartz mountains as it now does, but has
gradually replaced and displaced the oak, beech, birch, &c., which
have been destroyed by accident or mismanagement, and which
ascended to a much greater height on the hills than at present. The
Hartz pines are exceedingly handsome trees, rising to a great height
(sometimes 120 feet), and thus making beautiful masts. ‘The hand-
somest pines I ever saw were in the valley of the Oker, near Goslar.
This tree is daily extending itself in the Hartz, flourishing easily
where no other forest tree could attempt to grow. It ascends the
mountains to the height of 2800 feet, rans down into the lowland val-

“«* Sorbus Aucuparia is much planted as a border to highways, and as an orna-
mental hedge or garden plant. The other trees, shrubs, and flowers met with in and
about the pine-woods are few and insignificant ; the brown soil being carpeted by the
Digitalis purpurea, Epilobium angustifolium, Eyrele uniflora, Melampyrum sylvati-
cum, Oxalis Acetosella, aud similar sylvan species.” part}

993

leys, springs up on the thinnest strata of sandy soil, and even clings
firmly to the clefts and fissures of bare rocks. Unfortunately, its
development comparatively seldom attains a high degree of perfec-
tion ; the loose hold taken by its slender roots of the porous soils or
rocks, rendering it extremely liable to suffer from the winds, here so
prevalent.

“ Many of the Hartz inhabitants, and especially the juvenile por-
tion of them, obtain a livelihood by collecting wild forest fruits (e. g.,
the bilberry, strawberry, raspberry, edible Fungi, &c.), seeds of forest
trees (particularly the birch, beech, oak, and fir), German tinder (‘ Feu-
erschwann,’ ¢. e., Boletus igniarius), and various officinal herbs (which
are in great repute in domestic medical practice in Germany), and by
preparing ‘ Birkenwasser,’ and other cooling liqueurs, from the sap of
the forest trees.”

Characters of the Natural Order Solanacee.

A paper by Thomas Anderson, Esq., ‘On the Characters of the
Natural Order Solanacez,’ was read.

The author stated that his object was to bring before the Society
the subject of a new arrangement of the Solanacez, by which Mr.
Miers proposes to divide that order; and, after giving the characters
of his two divisions, to endeavour to adduce a few reasons, drawn
from a consideration of the chemical constitution and physiological
actions of the plants, for adopting this new classification of the family.

Dr. Robert Brown, forty-four years ago, in his ‘ Prodromus Flore
Nove Hollandiz,’ hinted that certain genera of the Solanacee should
either be excluded, or be placed in a separate section, the nucleus of
anew order. His remarks, however, were confined to the tribe Ver-
bascez ouly, now placed, by some botanists, among the Scrophula-
rinee. Again, Mr. Bentham, author of the monograph on the Scro-
phularinez, in the tenth volume of De Candolle’s ‘ Prodromus,’ placed
as a tribe of that order the Salpiglossidez, till then coupled with the
Solanacee. Notwithstanding these and other attempts to arrange
properly these orders, the confusion still existed ; and it has been left
to Mr. J. Miers to propose what seems to me to be a very rational and
proper way of surmounting the difficulty, namely, by establishing a
new natural order, intermediate with the Solanacez and Scrophula-
rinex, and intended to include the anomalies of both. The following
is the substance of the characters of these two orders, and the inter-
posed one, as Mr. Miers has given them :—First, the true Solanacez,
with a gamosepalous calyx, 5- (rarely 4-) partite border, the lobes of

994

which are nearly regular and equal, and the margins always valvate
or induplicato-valvate in estivation; stamens epipetalous, alternate
with and equal to the number of lobes, sometimes unequal in size and
length, fifth rarely sterile ; anthers introrse, bursting by longitudinal
slits ; ovary generally 2-celled, rarely 3- to 5-locular; style simple ;
stigma 2-lobed ; fruit a capsule or berry, 2-locular; seeds albuminous,
numerous ; embryo in one suborder slender, terete, curved spirally or
in an annular form, in another short and straight; radicle always
pointing to the basal angle of the seed, and turned away a short dis-
tance from the lateral and somewhat marginal (never basal) hilum.
The order is composed of plants with dentate (rarely pinnatifid), exsti-
pulate leaves ; inflorescence axillary, more generally extra-axillary or
lateral, and in development centrifrugal, single, terminal, cymose,
panicled, racemose or corymbose.

The plants of this order occur in greatest abundance in the tro-
pics, especially in South America; but some of them are found in all
the warmer regions of the earth. In Europe, they are met with prin-
cipally in those countries bordering on the Mediterranean. In Bri-
tain, we have only two indigenous species, Solanum nigrum and §,
Dulcamara. This order does not possess any distinctly narcotic
plant, nor any species known to dilate the pupil, either when admi-
nistered internally, or when applied to the eye: even in large doses,
they do not seem to exert any influence on the system, beyond a diu-
retic and diaphoretic action.

The tubers of some of the species, such as the potato, contain a
large quantity of starch, and other nutritive principles; and there-
fore, over a large extent of the globe, they form most important
articles of food.

The new order, the Atropaceew, as has been already stated, is
intermediate with the Solanacee and Scrophularinee, and embraces
the anomalies of both, most numerous in the first. Its characters,
according to Mr. Miers, are :—Calyx tubular, persistent, more or less
divided ; border of corolla 5-lobed, seldom bilabiate, slightly unequal,
lobes always imbricate in estivation, never valvate, the margins of
one lobe being free from those of the others, in bud often plicated
longitudinally ; stamens 5, epipetalous, alternate with the lobes of
the corolla, usually all fertile, rarely one or three sterile; filaments
filiform, one of them sometimes shorter than the others; anthers
introrse, sometimes extrorse, bilobed, lobe-cells parallel, usually
opening longitudinally, one lobe sometimes sterile ; ovary rarely more
than bilocular; ovules generally ascending, attached to the fleshy

995

dissepiment: style simple, stigma bilobed, often peculiarly shaped ;
fruit a berry, or else a capsule ; seed albuminous, generally uniform
or compressed ; embryo straight, or more or less curved, sometimes
spirally ; radicle turned from the hilum, which is more lateral than in
the true Solanacee.

They are herbaceous plants, or shrubs, with alternate or fascicu-
late leaves; inflorescence somewhat extra-axillary and lateral, in
regard to the insertion of the petiole. The order is very poisonous,
including such plants as Datura Stramonium, D. ferox, and D. Metel,
Hyoscyamus niger and H. albus, Atropa Belladonna, Nicotiana,
&e. Like the preceding order, the members of this are natives of the
warmer parts of the earth, such as the East Indies, China, north coast
of Africa, the Levant, and especially of South America. The order
seems, however, to extend further north than the former, as, in Siberia,
there is a species of Hyoscyamus, in lat. 65° or 66° N., and, in Nor-
way, so far north as 64°. In the warmer valleys, Mr. Anderson
observed the Hyoscyamus niger, growing luxuriantly, where Solanum
tuberosum, the only representative there of Mr. Miers’s Solanacez, is
stunted, both in the size of the plant and of the tubers, and seldom
or never flowers. ;

Of the Scrophularineez, the leading characters are :—The tubular
corolla more or less curved and irregular, with 4- or 5-partite bor-
der, lobes unequal, bilabiate, imbricate, never valvate in estivation ;
anthers always introrse; fruit almost always capsular, in a few cases
a berry ; embryo straight, or slightly curved, with the radicle pointing
towards the basal hilum; cauline leaves generally opposite ; floral
leaves often alternate ; inflorescence always axillary.*

This division of the Solanacez, notwithstanding the very just
objection of most botanists to the multiplication of natural orders,
could, he thought, be properly defended, both from the structural
characters pointed out by Mr. Miers, and those which Mr. Anderson
had been led to draw, from an investigation of the chemistry and phy-
siological actions of the plants.

At least, so far as our knowledge goes of the chemical history, and
action on the animal economy, of the Atropacee and Solanacezx, a
notable correspondence between botanical characters and physiolo-
logical properties may be observed ; or, in other words, by this new
arrangement plants of analogous actions are more closely united,—

‘* Mr. Miers’s observations will be found at length in the ‘ Annals of Natural His-
tory,’ second series, Vol. iii. No. 15, and Vol. xi. No. 61.

996

a result of no mean importance. As a proof of this statement, the
Atropacex, from its botanical characters, comprehends the genera
Atropa, Mandragora, Datura, containing almost twenty poisonous
species, Hyoscyamus, and Nicotiana, all of which are eminently poi-
sonous, and, with the exception of the last genus, and this rather
doubtful, possessed of the power of dilating the pupil, and rendering
the iris insensible to the stimulus of light. Since the first introduc-
tion of the natural systems, this action on the pupil has been consi-
dered asa most characteristic mark of the Solanacex, along with
well-defined narcotic properties ; but the order was known to contain,
besides some plants of very feeble narcotic properties, many others
entirely destitute of any such action. Among these may be men-
tioned the Solanum nigrum, S. Dulcamara, S. tuberosum, S. olera-
ceum, S. auriculatum, S. ethiopicum, and S. esculentum, used as
food; S. crispum, considered a tonic by the natives of S. America,
and, in truth, the vast genus Solanum, composing nearly one-sixth of
the order, is not to be designated a poisonous genus. To mention
another anomaly in the old order: the various species of Capsicum
are stimulant, and in considerable doses have caused death, from
inflammation of the alimentary canal; but they never produce the
slightest approach to narcotism.

When Mr. Miers’s characters are applied to the old order, all its
known narcotic plants are allotted to the Atropacez ; and the author
thought he might safely say that, in the Solanacez, there is not one
plant deserving the appellation of a narcotic. The only statement he
found about any plants of Miers’s Solanacee producing dilatation of
the pupil, is by M. Dunal, in an essay published many years ago, in
which he said he thought he had seen Solanum nigrum, S. villosum,
S. nodiflorum, and S. miniatum, on their expressed juice being applied
to the eye, produce a very slight dilatation, and insensibility of the
organ to a bright light; and this condition, he further remarks, con-
tinues only from four to five hours; but up to this time Mr, Ander-
son had found no authentication of these remarks.

When we examine the alkaloids of the two families, we find the
same difference in their action. Solanine, derived from many sources,
although poisonous, does not, on the authority of Soubeirn, dilate the
pupil; whereas all the alkaloids of the Atropacex, such as atropine,
hyoscyamine, and daturine, and perhaps nicotine, exert a wonderful
power on the iris, even in very minute quantity. Y

Mr. Anderson concluded his remarks with the wish that Mr. Miers’s
modifications may be generally adopted, as keeping pace with our

a @

997

increased knowledge of the chemical constitution and physiological
properties of De Candolle’s Solanacez.

A paper by Mr. M’Nab, intituled ‘ Register of the Flowering of cer-
tain Hardy Plants in the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, compared
with the flowering of the same species, and in most cases the iden-
tical plants, reported on during the three previous years,’ was read.

A paper by Mr. P. 8. Robertson, ‘ On the Effects of the past Win-
ter on the Conifer and other Plants, in the open ground, in Golden
Acres Nursery,’ was read.

Mr. P. S. Robertson, of Golden Acres, was elected an Associate.

Thursday, May 12, 1853.—Professor Balfour, President, in the
chair.

Donations of British plants for the Society’s herbarium were
announced from Mr. More, of Trinity College, Cambridge, and Mr.
Tate, of Edinburgh.

Professor Balfour exhibited the following donations to the Museum
of Economic Botany at the Garden:—From Messrs. P. Lawson &
Son, nurserymen: Six cones, from Mexico, supposed to be Pinus
filifolia. From Miss Gibson-Craig, Riccarton: Specimen of the bulb
of a wild hyacinth, which had been perforated while growing by the
creeping stem of Triticum repens. From Mr. William Gorrie, Pres-
ton: Sections of the stems of Prunus Padus and Quercus sessiliflora.

The President noticed, that a letter had been received from Mr.
John Jeffray, the botanical collector in Oregon, dated March 14, 1853,
in which he announced the despatch of various boxes, up to No. 9,
by different routes. He was on his way to the Rocky Mountains.

Miss Gibson-Craig exhibited remarkable specimens of Lastrea Filix-
mas and Athyrium Filix-foemina, in which the lateral and terminal
pinne were divided at their extremities into numerous, small, pinna-
tifid frondlets, giving a peculiarly tufted and crisped appearance to
the margin of the fronds, which were of the ordinary size.

Dr. Mackay exhibited a specimen of Ceanothus rigidus, in flower,
from the open wall of Trinity-College Garden, Dublin, where it was
blooming freely on the 3rd of May.

The Rev. G. E. Smith exhibited specimens of Centaurea Jacea,
from near Killin.

Dr. Balfour exhibited specimens of several species of sea-weeds
from Dr. Curdie.

VOL. Iv. 6M

i
!

998

A paper by Dr. Macgowan, of Ningpo, ‘On the Soap Beans of
China,’ was read.
In this paper, the author gave a popular description, chiefly from

_ Chinese authorities, of two species of Casalpinia, which furnish the

soap-bean (fsawkih) and the plump soap-bean (fitsauwkth) of the Chi-
nese. The beans have marked saponaceous qualities, and are used
as detergents, for cleaning silver vessels, &c.

Flora of Arran.

A paper by Dr. Balfour, ‘ On the Flora of the Island of Arran,’ was
read. ;

Dr. Balfour gave an account of the Geology of the Island, and
noticed the plants which occur in different districts, in connexion
with the rocks. He mentioned that he had observed between 500
and 600 Phanerogamous plants, and 27 ferns and Equiseta. He
made some remarks on the rarer and more interesting species, espe-
cially Triticum laxum, Rosa involuta, various forms of Rubi, Pyrus
fennica, Hypericum dubium, Mentha sylvestris, var. velutina, Ulva
montana, Petalonema alatum, Ginnania furcellata, Fucus vesiculosus,
evesiculosus, &c.; also Lastrea Foenisecii and L. dilatata, the rhi-
zomes of which ferns appear to differ in the number and arrange-
ment of the vascular bundles. The section of L. dilatata is generally
pale, and has comparatively few dark bundles; while that of L.
Feenisecii is dotted with black specks.

Dyeing Properties of Lichens.

The third part of Mr. Lindsay’s paper ‘ On the Dyeing Properties
of the Lichens’ was read.

The author detailed the various processes of manufacture, as carried
on in different countries, on the large scale (by the manufacturer), and
small scale (by the peasant), with the principles on which these are
severally founded. The following is the rationale of the usual pro-
cess; the mode of treatment, in the case of different lichens, being
the same in principle, though differing slightly in detail :—

1. The plant is carefully cleaned, dried, and comminuted, or
reduced to powder.

2. This powder is ground, or made into a pulp with water.

3. The ammoniacal liquor, of whatever kind, is added, in smaller
or greater quantity, from time to time.

4. The whole mass is constantly stirred, so as to expose it, as freely
as possible, to the action of the air.

999

5. In the majority of cases, some thickening agent is subsequently
added, to impart consistence.

And, during the whole process, a temperature of about 60° is kept
up.

“To analyse these various steps of the process: the preparatory
cleaning is rendered necessary, by the intimate connexion which sub-
sists between lichens and their bases of support, many species cor-
roding and disintegrating even the hardest quartz; hence, many
(especially pulverulent and crustaceous species) require a lengthy
steeping and washing in water, to free them from adherent earthy
impurities. The drying is merely to facilitate the next step, or pul-
verization, the object of which is to expose, to mechanical and che-
mical agents, during maceration, the greatest possible extent of surface.
The steeping of the powdered plant in water, or its formation there-
with into a pulp, assists the subsequent action of the ammoniacal
macerant on its particles. Ammonia is the alkali generally employed,
in some shape, for causing the development of colour, because expe-
rimentally found most uniformly suitable therefor. It is added in
small quantity, and from time to time, to supply the loss constantly
occurring, from its great tendency to volatilize, especially in the state
of free exposure to the air, in which the pulpy mass is kept. The
mixture is constantly stirred, for the purpose of more fully exposing
every part of it to the action of atmospheric oxygen. The
thickening agents sometimes added, towards the end or after the ter-
mination of the process of manufacture, are usually genuine adulte-
rations ; but they are, also, sometimes added merely to impart con-
sistence, thereby facilitating the making up of the mass into balls,
cakes, or lumps, for more easy. and convenient preservation. The
continued application, during the whole process, of a moderate amount
of heat, is a point of great importance. Westring found, as the result
of a long series of experiments with a view to determine the effect of
heat in the elimination of these colours, that he could, at pleasure,
increase or diminish their brilliancy, or vary their tint, according as
he macerated in hot or cold liquids. Though I have not been able
to verify all Westring’s special results, still I quite agree with him in
the general ones. I have repeatedly had occasion to observe, how-
ever, that, while a continued moderate degree of heat was highly
conducive to the colour-development, a very slight elevation of
temperature caused immediate deterioration; and, in such cases,
cold maceration of the same lichen was invariably more successful in
its results. My own experiments show that, up to a certain point,

1000

and ceteris paribus, the rapidity of elimination, and the richness of
colour ultimately produced, stand in a direct ratio to the degree of
temperature, but that, above this point, the same ratio immediately
declines. The most rapid evolution, however, appears to be incon-
sistent with the production of the richest and most permanent tints ;
for I generally found that the colours most speedily produced by a
pretty high temperature, and excess of alkalies, faded most rapidly.
I have therefore been more successful in obtaining fine colours by
macerating in closed vials, in cool places, with common spring water,
and a moderate quantity of alkali, than when I endeavoured (prema-
turely, as it were) to force on development by an opposite combination
of circumstances. In former days, the ammonia was wholly supplied
in the form of stale, or putrid, urine, which was gradually added to
the powdered lichen ; the mixture frequently stirred, fully exposed to
the air, and set aside, to ferment, in a moderately warm locality ; when
a sufficient depth of colour and a proper consistence were attained, the
mass was dried, after having been made up in the form of balls, cakes,
or lumps; or it was preserved for use in the state of powder. Urine,
as a decomposing agent, gradually gave place to different kinds of
ammoniacal liquids, obtained by the distillation of decaying animal
matters ; and, at the present day, the manufacturers of orchil, cud-
bear, and litmus, generally use either tolerably pure dilute liquor
ammoniz, or the ammonial liquor of gas-works. Maceration in stale
urine, however, is not only still had recourse to in many remote parts
of our highlands and islands, by the old women, for preparing dye-
stuffs from various kinds of ‘ corkir,* but is largely employed in the
manufactories of some of the most extensive orchil and cudbear-
makers in England. Manufacturers find, what we should @ priori
expect, that its value as a metamorphosing agent is directly in pro-
portion to the amount of urea it contains. When, therefore, it is very
deficient in this substance, it is comparatively useless, and is conse-
quently rejected. This is evidently due to the small amount of car-
bonate of ammonia generated by the decomposition of the diminished
portion of the urea. Mr. Reynolds, of London, informs me that a
large orchil and cudbear-manufactory in Leeds, which is in the con-
stant habit of using large quantities of stale urine, collecting it from
the neighbourhood, ‘ find that, when collected from beer-shops, it is
utterly worthless, and they refuse it accordingly.’ As thus employed,
urine has generally been looked upon merely as a cheap and easily

“* The vernacular generic term for lichens capable of yielding colouring matters.”

1001

procurable ammoniacal solution; but that it is something more is
rendered extremely probable, by the fact that large English firms,
which, besides preparing orchil and cudbear, also manufacture liquid
ammonia, of every degree of strength and purity, still find it advanta-
geous to employ urine, instead of pure dilute ammoniacal liquors, in
the production of these pigments. Perhaps its true value may depend
on its putrefactive state; the chemical changes in the nitrogenous or
other constituents of the decomposing liquid being communicated cata-
lytically to the colorific (but colourless) principles of the lichen, thereby
inducing an alteration in their physical characters, as well as in their
chemical composition. This hypothesis would (at first sight) apparently
explain a series of phenomena, of the true nature of which we at present
know very little ; and it appears to be supported by the fact, that on
the Continent (and particularly in Holland and France), stagnant and
putrid waters, which contain a large amount of decaying animal and
vegetable matters (e. g., the filthy stream of the Biévre, at Paris), are
largely used in the manufacture of orchil and litmus, as macerating
agents, because experimentally found most efficient in causing the
elimination of these colouring matters. But I cannot yet reconcile
this hypothesis, nor the supposition that the changes concerned in the
production of these pigments depend essentially on some action of
ammonia, or its elements, on the colorific principles of the plant, with
the fact that the same colours are capable of being evolved, though in
a minor degree, by other alkalies than ammonia, and by liquids cer-
tainly not in any state of decomposition (e. g., distilled, or pure spring
water). To the putrid urine, lime is sometimes added, materially
assisting the colour-metamorphosis, by uniting with, and thereby
removing, the carbonic acid of the carbonate of ammonia, generated
in the liquid; thus separating the ammonia, which then acts as a free
agent. The necessity for free exposure to atmospheric air, is well
illustrated by the simple fact that many of the lichen-colours, which
are at first dull in tint, are increased in intensity and brightness by
free exposure and prolonged maceration. Some time ago, 1 had
occasion to open a small bottle of ‘ red orchil, prepared in Glasgow,
which had lain for some time on the shelves of a museum. Instead
of possessing an intense purple-red colour, and a fine ammoniaeal
aroma, it was of a very dirty, nondescript, brownish red, had a pulta-
ceous or semifluid clotty consistence, and a musty, urimous, disa-
greeable smell. But, immediately on spreading it, in thin layers, on
paper, thereby exposing a large surface to the action of the air, it
acquired its characteristic colour. The following are the chief thick-

1002

ening agents (in most cases added as adulterations :—Gypsum, chalk,
flour, kelp, lime, and some siliceous and argillaceous matters ; and, in
some kinds of litmus, according to Pereira, indigo is frequently added,
to heighten the colour.”

The author entered somewhat minutely into the details of the
modifications of the typical process of manufacture (as above men-
tioned), according to the country where such manufacture is carried
on, the species from which the colour is to be extracted, and accord-
ing as the dye is prepared on the large or small scale, &c.; and as
instances of these local and other modifications, he referred to the
mode of preparing “ scrottyie” and “ korkalett” by the Shetland pea-
santry ; of various kinds of “ corkir,” by the Scotch, Irish, and Welsh ;
and various kinds of orchil and litmus, on the Continent, as detailed
by Berthollet, Hellot, Micheli, Neumann, Willemet, and others.

Mordants are necessary for the fixation of the colour of most, if not
all, of the lichen-dyes, which are characteristically very fugitivé;
these accessories, however, seldom acting as mere media of con-
nexion between the fabric and dye, but usually also brightening, or
otherwise modifying, the natural colour of the latter. Westring depre-
cated mordants, under the impression that they would destroy the
gummy constituents of the lichens, which he supposed to be the
source of the fixation of the colouring matters. That mordants are
not essential adjuncts to the process of dyeing, is rendered probable
by the statements of Westring and others, as to their having obtained,
without such aid, colours, if not absolutely permanent, still sufficiently
so to resist the action both of acids and alkalies, and long exposure
to the solarrays. From the transient character of the colours yielded
by the lichen family, it happens that the part they play in the art of
dyeing is but secondary, being used chiefly to contribute a peculiar
bloom and richness to other days. But this may perhaps be due, in
great measure, to the little we at present know of the chemistry of
these colouring matters ; and we may yet discover means of rendering
them equal to our cochineals, logwoods, and indigoes ; while they are
(or might, at least, be) far superior in point of cheapness. And we
have yet to acquire a very great amount of information as to the
colour-yielding powers of the lichens (apart altogether from the ques-
tion of fixity, or permanence, of tint), which we never shall obtain till
this family has been extensively examined, with this special object in
view, both at home and abroad. Hoffmann mentions that the nature
of the water used in making the various baths, through which the
fabric is passed in the process of dyeing, is important. In France

1003

and Holland it has been found, what we should scarcely @ priori
expect, that muddy, dirty, or stagnant water was most suitable ; and
this circumstance is abundantly taken advantage of in Haarlem, Paris,
and Lyons. To this circumstance, he thinks, is partially due the
celebrity of the dirty stream of the Biévre, or Gobelins, in Paris.
Some think that the peculiar action of such water, as a macerant or
bath, depends on its saline and other ingredients. Westring and
others attribute it to the oxygen which it holds in solution ; this ele-
ment apparently being essential to the development of these colouring
matters. In proof of the latter view, Westring mentions having
noticed that water which had stood a few days in a heated room was
no longer suitable for the process of dyeing ; and he throws out a hint
that, in the case, at least, of lichens whose colouring matters can be
eliminated by cold maceration alone, much brighter and richer tints
might be obtained by charging the water with excess of oxygen.
The same author also asserts, what we should, at first sight, be less
inclined to admit, that the very nature of the atmosphere under which
the process is carried on, exercises a most important result on its
effects. Whether this depends on the relative amount of oxygen,
ammonia, &c., existing in it, or what is the rationale of the phenome-
non (assuming it meanwhile to be true), Dr. Lindsay could not at
present pretend to say.

The author concluded his paper by details of a few of his own
experiments on the development of lichen colouring-matters, showing
how, and to what extent, experiments on the small scale differ from
operations on the large scale. His observations were illustrated by
a very complete series of lichen-dyes, which he had recently presented
to the Museum of Economic Botany at the Royal Botanic Garden.
He promised to lay before the Society, at a future meeting, the fur-
ther results of his researches on this important subject.

A number of interesting plants, from the Botanic Garden, were
placed on the table ; amongst others, a collection of rare Scotch and
foreign alpine plants; flowering plants of Siphocampylos amcenus,
Brachysema acuminata, Schottia levis, Chorizema superba, and Glox-
inia Victoria Regine, recently presented to the Garden by Messrs.
Low & Son, of the Clapton Nursery ; Tagelia bituminosa and Balsa-
mina latifolia-alba, presented by Messrs. Henderson & Son, of the
Wellington Nursery ; Vriesia speciosa, presented by Messrs. Jackson,
of the, Kingston Nurseries ; and Cheiranthera linearis, a New-Hol-
‘land plant, with blue flowers, and declinate palmate anthers, presented

1004

by Messrs. 8. & G. Rinz, of the Frankfurt Nursery. There were also
exhibited a fruited specimen of Podocarpus Mackoyi (not known to
have previously produced fruit in this neighbourhood); Passiflora
lunata, which had grown in a Wardian case, recently sent home, and
transmitted to the Garden, by Mr. Thomson, of Banchory (the leaves
exhibited on the under surface a beautiful series of transparent glands,
containing a clear, viscid matter); also a germinating seed of Zamia
sp., presented to the Garden by Sir William Gibson-Craig, Bart.

Mr. Balfour called attention to a curious monstrosity in a plant of
Gloxinia Victoria Regine, showing chorization, or splitting, of the
corolla, on the upper side. The dilaminated portions were of a dark
blue colour, while the rest of the flower was pale.

George Ralph Tate, Esq., of 16, Cumberland Street, was elected
an Ordinary Fellow.

Thursday, June 9, 1853.— Professor Balfour, President, in the
chair. ;

The following donations to the Society’s library were announced :
— Memoirs’ and other publications of the Cherbourg Society for
Natural Science, from the Society ; ‘ Bonplandia’ for June, from the
Editors.

Dr. Balfour announced a donation of plants to the University Her-
barium, from Mr. Keddie, consisting of specimens collected on Leba-
non, by Mr. Sommerville; and exhibited, from Lady and Miss
Harvey, living specimens of Ophrys fucifera, var. aranifera; also
sections of woods, including one of the stem of Cordia Sebestana,
from Dr. Gilbert M‘Nab, Jamaica.

Dr. Balfour exhibited several recent donations to the Museum of
Economic Botany at the Garden.

Dr. Balfour made remarks on the palms in the Botanic Garden,
and stated that some of them had sent their fronds through the roof
of the palm-house, and that unless measures were taken immediately
for making an addition to the house, he would be under the necessity

‘of destroying some of the finest palms in Britain,—a calamity which

he hoped would be averted, by the timeous interference of the Com-
missioners for Public Buildings, to whom he had made a strong repre-
sentation on the subject. He showed that the public of Edinburgh
were deeply interested in the matter; and he had no doubt that he
would be aided by them in his efforts to secure for the metropolis of

1005

Scotland, and for the botanical school of Edinburgh, a suitable palm-
house, as well as a Victoria-house.

The following are the measurements made, by Mr. M‘Nab, of some
of the palms in the Edinburgh Botanic Garden. In giving the height,
the leafy part at the top of the caudex is included, along with the tub
in which the plant is growing :—Acrocomia aculeata, 38 feet; Areca
triandra, 19; Caryota urens, 43, (frond 4 feet 9 inches beyond the
roof); Chamerops humilis, var. elata, 20 feet; Cocos nucifera, 18 ;
_ Euterpe montana, 38, (frond about 2 feet beyond the roof); Livis-
tonia chinensis,.40 feet, (fronds bent down by the roof of the house) ;
Sagus Rumphii, 43 feet, (fronds about 10 inches beyond the roof) ;
Seaforthia elegans, 22 feet. Some of these palms, he stated, were
between fifty and sixty years old.

Dr. Greville trusted that Dr. Balfour’s efforts would be successful
in getting such an enlargement of the palm-house as would enable
him to preserve the noble specimens now in the garden.

Dr. Balfour stated that two boxes had been received from Mr. Jef-
fray, the botanical collector in Oregon, containing numerous seeds ;
among the rest, seeds and cones of Pinus flexilis and P. lasiocarpa,
Picea nobilis, Abies Pattoni, Pinus monticola and P. ponderosa, some
of the kinds being in considerable quantity.

Botanical Trip to Ireland.

Dr. Balfour gave an account of a botanical trip to Ireland, in
August, 1852, with some of his pupils. The party consisted of
Messrs. Balfour, Sutherland, Fraser, Cowan, Menzies, Sibbald,
M’Allum, and Cockell. Dr. B. gave an account of the three Floras of
Ireland, as distinguished by Professor Forbes, v2z., the Germanic, or
Central European, Flora, in the north and east; the Devonian, or
Armorican, Flora, in the south; and the Asturian Flora in the west.
The districts of all these Floras were visited by the party. Dr. B.
also gave a general sketch of the Geology of the districts, consisting
of rocks belonging to the upper Silurian and the carboniferous series.
In the vicinity of Dublin, the party were aided by Dr. Mackay, Pro-
fessor Allman, and Dr. Robert Ball, to all of whom they were deeply
indebted. They visited Howth, Portmarnock, Malahide, the Dargle,
and Powerscourt; and collected, among others, the following species:
—Crithmum maritimum, Inula crithmoides and I. dysenterica, Obione
portulacoides, Erodium maritimum and E. moschatum, Beta maritima,
Carlina vulgaris, Ulex nanus, Statice occidentalis and S. bahusiensis,
Apium graveolens, Euphorbia Paralias, Orchis pyramidalis, Hymeno-

VOL. Iv, 6 N°

1006

phyllum Wilsoni, and Lastrea Feenisecii. The Flora much resembled’
that of the Galloway coast. In the neighbourhood of Cork and
Queenstown, the party collected Ceterach officinarum, Cinanthe
fistulosa, Senebiera didyma, Senecio squalidus, Fceniculum yulgare,
Kuphorbia portlandica, Sinapis nigra, Antirrhmum Orontium, Peta-
sites fragrans (near Monkstown), and Hypericum anglicum (near Glan-
mire). In the vicinity of Bandon, under the guidance of Mr. Allman,
there were gathered Wahlenbergia hederacea, Hypericum elodes,
Scutellaria minor, Pinguicula lusitanica, and Linaria repens. Near
Bantry and Glengariff, Eufragia viscosa, Calamintha officinalis, Hy-
menopbyllum Tunbridgense, and Euphorbia hiberna were seen. On
the hilly road to Kenmare, there was abundance of Saxifraga umbrosa,
and, near Killarney, fine specimens of Osmunda regalis and of Pteris
| aquilina; the latter being in some instances nearly twelve feet long.
i The abundance of the Robertsonian Saxifrages, and of ferns, charac-
terize the mild and moist climate of Killarney.
| The Silurian mountains of Killarney, such as M‘Gillicuddy’s Reeks
(Cairn Tuhol) and Mangerton, did not display an alpine vegetation.
Saxifraga umbrosa, in all its forms, serratifolia, elegans, &c., covered
| the hills to their summit. The other plants found on the mountains
were Saxifraga hirta, Aira ceespitosa-vivipara, Asplenium viride, Sedum
| Rhodiola, Cystopteris fragilis, Pinguicula grandiflora, and Drosera
longifolia. On the islands of the lakes, Arbutus Unedo, and, in
various parts of the lakes, Nympheza alba, Nuphar lutea, and Lobelia
Dortmanna; at Ross Castle, Lastrea Thelypteris; and near Turk
Waterfall, Trichomanes radicans. The Robertsonian Saxifrages, and
the rare ferns noticed, with Pinguicula grandiflora, may be said to
characterize the Flora of Killarney. After leaving Killarney, the
i party visited Dingle, and ascended Brandon mountain, on which they
i found Ranunculus acris, var. Friesii, Polystichum Lonchitis, Poa
| Balfourii ? Saxifraga hirta and S. affinis? Cystopteris fragilis, and
Festuca vivipara; near the shore, Althea officinalis and Cotyledon
Umbilicus, the latter in immense profusion everywhere. On visiting
Limerick, Ginanthe fistulosa and G4. Phellandrium were gathered.
Proceeding to Galway, the party visited the Great Island of Arran ;
and on the limestone rocks of that island they found Asplenium
marinum, Ceterach officinaruam, Adiantum Capillus-Veneris, Neottia
spiralis, a peculiar variety of Saxifraga hypnoides, Sesleria czrulea,.
Carlina vulgaris, Asperula cynanchica, Alsine verna, Cerastium
arvense, Ulex nanus, Poterium Sanguisorba, Lycopus europzus,
Haloscias scotica [?], Juniperus nana, Senecio Jacobzea (without a

1007

ray), and a very hairy variety of Plantago Coronopus. In the fields,
there was great abundance of spurred rye. What effect the abun-
dance of ergot had on the inhabitants, the party could not ascertain.
Near Roundstone, the plants seen were Dabeecia polifolia, Erica
mediterranea, and Eriocaulon septangulare.

Between Roundstone and Clifden, Erica Mackaiana and E. ciliaris
were got; and in the neighbourhood of the latter place Carduus pra-
tensis and Dabecia polifolia were found, in great profusion, and with
remarkably fine flowers; in Kylemore, it was found with white
flowers. In the vicinity of Galway, Nepeta Cataria, Ceterach offici-
narum, &c., were collected.

Some of the party afterwards visited Belfast, and gathered Rosa
hiberna, Orobanche rubra, and Equisetum Mackati, Newm.

Plants were exhibited to the meeting by Mr. Evans, Mr. Stark, and
Mr. M’Nab.

Several candidates for membership were proposed, to be balloted
for at the next meeting.

Dustin NaturAt-History Society.
May 13, 1853.—Robert Callwell, Esq., in the chair.

Trichomanes speciosum.

Dr. Harvey exhibited specimens of Trichomanes speciosum,
recently found in the Island of Valentia, by Miss Helen Blackburn,
daughter of the Director of the Valentia Siate Establishment. This
lady found it abundantly, amongst Hymenophyllum Tunbridgense
and H. unilaterale. The specimens which Dr. Harvey exhibited
were of the Killarney form, and dissimilar to the Glouin-Caragh
plants, which are distinguished in Newman’s ‘ Ferns’ as var. dAn-
drewsii. Dr. Harvey alluded to the discovery, last year, of Tri-
chomanes speciosum, in Alabama, U.S., and mentioned that a second
species had this year been found in another part of America.

Mr. Kinahan took the opportunity of exhibiting several forms of
Trichomanes, which appeared to him to be distinct. He mentioned
their peculiarities and habits, and observed that some he found grow-
ing on the face of barren and almost inaccessible rocks, others in the
shaded and moist crevices of dripping rocks ; while other plants he
found altogether growing in beg-mould.

1008

Mr. Andrews observed that a variety of opinions had already been
offered and entertained as to the species of Trichomanes found in the
south-west of Ireland. The Killarney form of the frond was triangu-
lar, the lowest pinne being the longest, and tripinnated. The plants
found in Glouin Caragh had the fronds lanceolate, the lowest pinne
being the shortest, and bipinnated (var. Andrewsii, Newm.) The
winging of the involucre also has been noticed as peculiar. It was of
much interest to hear of such a discovery in so bleak and unsheltered
a position as Valentia Island presented ; and he thought the meeting
with Hymenophyllum Tunbridgense there equally interesting. Mr.
Andrews said that he first found the Trichomanes at Mount Eagle,
west of Dingle, a very rocky and barren locality. No doubt trees
flourished, at one period, both at Mount Eagle and at Valentia; and
Trichomanes might then have grown abundantly in those places.
The Hon. Dayrolles De Moleyns had also discovered a station for
Trichomanes near Dingle.*

THE PHYTOLOGICAL CLUB,
(In connexion with the Pharmaceutical Society).

June 6, 1853.—The President in the chair.
The Curators reported the receipt of several parcels of plants.

Structure of Galls.

Mr. Muskett presented a translation of a paper by M. de Lacaze
Duthiers, intituled ‘ Researches upon the Structure of Galls,’ published
in the ‘ Comptes Rendus,’ April 4, 1853.

The author commences by stating that former writers upon the
vegetable pathological productions named galls, have only considered
their forms, the plants upon which they are found, and the insects
which cause them. Their structure and development have been com-
pletely neglected.

Galls are generally considered as purely cellular masses. This is
an error, for they contain the principal elements and tissues which
enter into the composition of plants. They may be divided into

* In Newman’s ‘ British Ferns, p. 309, it is recorded that this fern had lately
been planted abundantly in Valentia Island.—Z. N.

1009

external and internal galls, from their relations to the vegetable which
bears them. ‘The first project outwards, and are only connected with
the plant by a very small peduncle ; the second kind are developed
within the tissues and organs they deform.

External galls are sufficiently naturally divided into unilocular and
multilocular, from the number of cells which they contain.

The unilocular class may be divided into five groups, whose struc-
ture is more and more simple as it recedes from the first type. This
type is represented by the large gall of commerce, and the French
gall. If taken when fully developed, they exhibit, from the surface
to the centre :—

1. Epidermis without stomata.

2. Cellular, subepidermal layer, analogous to the cellular tissue of
vegetables, containing colouring matter.

3. Zone of irregular, ramose cells, with large cavities: the spongy
layer.

4. Layer of hard, prismatic, dotted cells.

5. Layer of very thick polyhedral cells, very hard, much dotted, and
forming the protecting layer to the nucleus.

- 6. Central alimentary mass of soft cells filled with liquid; the
external part containing starch-granules, colourable by iodine; the
internal, not producing this reaction.

The central amylaceous mass disappears gradually during the deve-
lopment of the larva, which does not commence its metamorphoses
until it has consumed all the alimentary portion.

May the most internal portion be regarded as fecula modified by a
process analogous to the commencement of digestion, or rather as
matter more specially azotized, serving for the first phases of embry-
otic development ?

The French gall, like that of commerce, contains fibro-vascular
bundles, which pass from the point of insertion towards the centre,
and ramify in the interior of the parenchyma. We find in these bun-
dles, fibres, branching and dotted vessels, and true spiral vessels.
These disappear successively, and give the five groups of external
unilocular galls before mentioned.

1. Hard and spongy: French gall, and gall of commerce.

2. Hard: spherical galls, on oak-leaves.

3. Spongy: cellular oak-galls, with regular tubercles. .

4. Cellular: lenticular galls, on oak-leaves.

_ 5. Protecting layer disappears; the subepidermic cellular tissue
only remains: spherical galls, on leaves of briar.

1010

Compound or multilocular external galls are due :—

1. To cohesion of simple tumours, allied to the fifth group described
above : briar-gall.

2. To the development of a hollowed, cellular mass. They may
be compared with different groups of the unilocular, being sometimes
hard (tumours on roots of oak) or spongy (oak-apples).

In all the external galls, whether simple or compound, the fibro-
vascular bundles are placed on the outside of the protecting layers.

Internal galls are true or false.

True galls contain the insect in the interior of their tissues. They
are hypertrophies, and have their seat upon all parts of the plant,—on
the parenchyma, the nerves, the petioles, the cellular tissues, cortical
fibres, medullary rays, and the pith.

False galls are hypertrophies, deforming the organs, and affording
the insects protection and nourishment. But the parasites are always
on the outside of the tissues of the plant. To this division belong
the egg-masses of aphides found on the leaves of the poplar, lime,
elm, &c., and the nodosities of the trunk of the apple-tree.

The vegetable hypertrophy, in whatever form of gall it developes
itself, does not cause the disappearance of any of the organic ele-
ments: it increases their number and volume, and modifies their form.

The cause of external galls is the deposit of a liquid venom, with
specific properties, —a true morbid poison, secreted by the insect,
which deposits it in the plant with its egg. The form, consistence,
&c., of the tumours vary with the specific properties of the virus of
which they are the consequence.

Internal galls, and more especially the false, appear to owe their for-
mation, as Reaumur has shown, to the abstraction of the liquids of the
plants by the suction of the Aphides. This abstraction, in augment-
ing the vitality of the part, determines, also, its hypertrophied growth.

We could make a third general division, presenting at the same
time the characters of external and internal productions; e. g., arti-
choke-galls.

The paper elicited considerable discussion.—R. R.

eee

A Field Day of Naturalists, at Eastnor, Herefordshire.

A Naturalists’ Club having been recently formed at Malvern, the
Woolhope (Herefordshire) Naturalists’ Club invited the newly-consti-
tuted body, together with the Cotteswold (Gloucestershire) Club, to

1011

meet them, for an exploration at Eastnor, ‘near Ledbury, on the 7th
of June last. The united party accordingly, numbering upwards of
sixty, mustered from their various localities at about 11 a.m., in the
valley of the “ White-leafed Oak,” which is situated between two most
southerly hills of the Malvern eruptive ridge, and at once proceeded
to the business of the day. Professor Strickland (who occupies the
mineralogical chair of Dr. Buckland, at Oxford) attended, by invita-
tion, as an Honorary Member, and now proposed to point out, to those
who took an interest in geological researches, the grand features of
the country before them, and the relations of the Silurian strata with
the Malvern syenitic rocks. He then led a large party to the summit
of the Ragged-stone Hill, and to various quarries, where metamorphic
rock was clearly shown, the result of the action of the eruptive rock
on the Silurian deposits ; and descanted, also, on the remarkable beds
of sandstone in the Obelisk Hill, first noticed by Sir R. Murchison.
A most instructive morning was thus passed among the rocks and
glens of the southern Malvern range.

Meantime, an ardent band of botanists, including Dr. Bull, of Here-
ford, Mr. W. H. Purchas, of Ross, and other Woolhopean gentlemen,
had placed themselves under the able direction of Mr. Edwin Lees,
to gain some insight intot he Botany of Malvern, attaching more value
to the clothing of rocks, than to the naked ribs of mother earth,
attended to by their friends. This party had a very interesting ram-
ble among the deep shades of the Holly-bush Hill, where there are
indigenous clumps of that tree many hundred years old, the bark
covered with venerable cryptogamic crust. They next explored the
curious and interesting rocky dingle called “ The Gullet,” where,
darkling through the entrails of the strata, amidst a luxuriant growth
of ferns and mosses, a burrowing stream gushes down a deep, densely-
wooded ravine between the Holly-bush and Swenchard Hills. The
botanical division next ascended to the Obelisk Hill, and closed a
most agreeable day by visiting the celebrated Mistletoe in the Oak,
in Eastnor Park, where Dr. Bull, officiating as Arch-Druid, climbed
the summit of the tree, where the mistletoe flourishes in great force,
and gathering some branches of the mystic plant, distributed them to
his friends beneath, as mementoes of the expedition.

Late in the afternoon, the parties united at dinner at the Somer’s-
arms Inn, where Barwick Baker, Esq., President of the Cotteswold
Club, filled the chair; and the Revs. T. T. Lewis, of Aymestry, and
W.S. Symonds, Rector of Pendock, Presidents of the Woolhope and
Malvern Clubs, occupied the opposite end of the table. After, the

i012

viands had been discussed, and customary toasts drank, the Rev. W.
S. Symonds, thanking the Honorary Members for their attendance,
made some admirable remarks on the uses of Clubs like their own,
and dwelt on the value of Natural History as a part of education. He
yet hoped that practical modern science would take its proper place
in our universities; and he thought men were as well entitled to
honorary distinctions for their powers of observation and research,
well carried out, as for exercises in Greek, Latin, or the mathematics.
These observations elicited general applause.

Papers were then read, by Edwin Lees, Esq., F.L.S, ‘ On the Plants
of the Silurian Strata, and those peculiar to Limestone Districts, with
Reflections incident to the Subject ;’ by the Rev. G. C. Davis, Vicar
of Tewkesbury, ‘ On the Migration of Swallows ;’ and by Mr. Hewit
Wheatley, of Hereford, ‘ On the Fishes of Herefordshire.’ The paper
of Mr. Lees, on the Silurian plants, led to a discussion, in which Pro-
fessor Buckman, of Cirencester, Dr. Wright, of Cheltenham, and Mr.
W. H. Purchas, of Ross, took part. Dr. Wright proposed that a
chart should be formed of the country under their notice, showing
the plants of each geological formation; and Mr. Lees, Professor
Buckman, and Mr. Purchas were constituted a committee to carry
out this idea. The party separated, much pleased with their reunion,
and hopeful for another at no distant day.

Note on Epilobium Lamyi.

Mr. Syme has this morning sent me word that, since he wrote the
note on E. Lamyi (Phytol. iv. 933), he has seen a specimen from Prof.
Grenier, labelled ‘E. Lamyi,’ with the remark ‘ Cult. ex sem. auct.’ ;
thus appearing to be indubitably the plant of Schultz. Mr. Syme
says this is clearly identical with the plant which I labelled E. virga-
tum. In the absence of figures and authentic specimens, I will hazard
no conjectures as to the synonymy, but content myself with observing
that the discrepancy between my plant and the description, in the
‘Flore de France,’ of E. Lamyi, as regards the existence of stolons,
remains to be accounted for— W. H. Purchas ; Ross, May 24, 1853.

[This note was accidentally omitted from the Phytologist-Club
Proceedings. |

1013

Notes on the Localities of some Pembrokeshire Plants, observed in
May and June, 1853. By Epwin Less, Esq., F.L.S.

ONE great advantage of a periodical devoted to British Botany is,
to record “ the living flowers as they rise,” to correct former observa-
tions, record new localities, or the extension of the bounds of plants ;
and so keep the tide of research up to high-water mark. I have thus
to mention an alteration, though not a correction, with respect to a
recorded observation of my own. I have stated in the ‘ Botanical
Looker-Out,’ that the majestic ruins of Pembroke Castle were over-
grown with the silver corymbs of the fragrant Alyssum (Koniga) mari-
timum. This relates to the observation of sixteen years ago; and
the old dame who then was custos of the Castle, and used daily, at
morn and eve, to furl and unfurl the banner upon the keep, assured
me that, for the twenty years, or more, that she had patrolled the
time-worn turrrets, she had noticed the Alyssum growing there. Time
and change will, however, mark the flight of years; for on my present

‘visit to Pembroke not a single specimen could I find anywhere about

the Castle; the flag-staff, too, had been blown down in a tempest,
and not replaced ; the old dame no longer mounted the ruined stairs
of the keep; and plant and banner were alike numbered with the
things that have been. I felt sorry for the loss of the plant, though,
perhaps, only naturalized; but, a day or two afterwards, returning
from Bosheston, by the opposite side of the town, I found the Alys-
sum growing, in several very luxuriant tufts, upon the weather-beaten
town-walls ; and, as there are still extensive remains of these, it will,
doubtless, continue to maintain itself there.

Diplotaxis tenuifolia used to be rather abundant at Tenby, gene-
rally showing itself, as an old retainer, about domestic spots, even on
the window-ledges of the ancient habitations. It is now almost gone,
for the thick stone dwellings of the original Flemish settlers are nearly
all gone too; and the present race of tall, lean, and hungry-looking
white houses, overlooking the dejected walls of olden times, offer the
plant no place of shelter suited to its recollections. I could now only
find it on three, out of, perhaps, a score, of old places, still remaining
relics of the past. Here it still tenaciously clung, in front of the thick
casements, and will do so till the remorseless hand of innovation
decrees their ruin.

Nature generally supplies some compensation for loss ; and so, in
place of the “time-honoured” Diplotaxis, a modern interloper has

VOL. IV. 60

1014

sprung up,—Centranthus ruber ; and this red valerian now grows over
walls and ruins with such rapidity, that upon buildings in South
Wales it seems likely to become as much a pest in its onward spread
upon land, as the Udora is in its incursions through the water.

I have, in a former communication, adverted to the Aquilegia vul-
garis, as among the i/l-starred plants that have a dubious light thrown
upon them in the last edition of the ‘ British Flora, by Sir W. J.
Hooker and Dr. Arnott. I was particularly struck, this year, with
the abundance of the columbine, both in Pembrokeshire and Caermar-
thenshire. In wandering around Pembroke, I found it quite general
under hedges in shady lanes, in several directions, as well as at
Penally near Tenby, and on the road to Haverfordwest, from the
latter place ; nor could I see any reason to believe that it was less a
true native than Hypericum Androszemum, springing up by its side,
which no one has suggested to be an introduction. Possibly the
Aquilegia may have increased of late years; but for such a general
West-of-England plant, it surely seems strange for the anthors of the
‘ British Flora’ merely to speak of its occurrence “ in several places,”
and brand it as not a genuine native. It may be, therefore, well to
record, that on the road from Haverfordwest to Caermarthen (and in
the latter county), between a place called “‘ the Roses” and the vil-
lage of St. Clear’s, the columbine occurred in large patches, at inter-
vals, for three miles; and in one gorsy upland, in particular, was
dispersed among the gorse-bushes (Ulea Huropeus), in every part of
the heathy field, making one of those floral pictures, bright with
colouring, that so long repose upon the memory.

A few plants may be mentioned, in connexion with the vicinity of
Tenby, about the Castle-rocks of which now flourish the most exube-
rant growth of sea-cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and Smyrnium Olusa-
trum -that ever met my view. Whether this was so previous to the
occupation of the Castle, is, perhaps, worth the discussion of those
who would pry curiously into the first immigration of plants consi-
dered to be “ doubtfully wild,” or, “ perhaps only escaped from culti~
vation.” It is an interesting ramble, passing through the singular
western portal of Tenby, down the Windmill Hill, and across the
sandy Burrows to Giltar Point, and the broken limestone rocks there
forming the barrier of the coast. Numerous hills and hollows, with
intervening spreads of sand, make the track a devious one; and some
isolated masses of rock, half covered with ivy, and, where bare, deeply
tinted with the orange-coloured Parmelia elegans, give a picturesque
aspect to parts of the scene ; while an old, solitary watch-tower near

1015

Penally, bare as a withered stump, sends the imagination far back,
among warring thoughts. Just at this time, the Rosa spinosissima
was coming into flower; and its dwarf bushes covered many of the
rising undulations with a close covering, now scattered over with
stainless globes, for thus the flowers appear, the petals converging
together at their first expansion. Finely contrasting with these milk-
white globes, are burning bushes of Ulex Europzus, patches of flar-
ing Lotus corniculatus and Ranunculus bulbosus, the azure of the
trailing Veronica, and the deep purple of a considerable quantity of
Orchis Morio ; all contributing their bright colours as a foreground
to the bare sand-hills, just roughly fringed with stiff, glaucous grass,
or tufted with the pallid sea-spurge. In some places the ground was
tinged with vivid red, from the viscid stems of a gregarious growth of
the little Saxifraga tridactylites, which else would have been invisible.
Here and there was a deep, round hollow, formed, years ago, by some
on-rushing wintry billow; but where the creeping Salix fusca had
now found ahome. At intervals, stiff clusters of the great sea-rush
(Juncus acutus) took up a position; and everywhere Avena pratensis
waved its elegant silky panicles in the breeze.

At the extreme western end of the Burrows, beyond Penally, a fresh-
water marsh stretches inland, but now gradually impinged upon, and
likely to be finally obliterated, by the attacks of cultivation. Here the
beautiful Menyanthes trifoliata, become a comparative rarity, was dis-
playing its fringed petals by the deeper spreads of water; and, after
some floundering among hussocks of Carex paniculata, I detected the
rising fronds of Osmunda regalis, only, as yet, in a barren state.
Here, also, in this spongy part of the marsh, I gathered Lastrea The-
lypteris, but without fructification. Plenty of Carex intermedia was
here scattered about, and some very fine, tall plants of C. ampullacea.
In parts of this boggy ground the fragrant Myrica Gale grew very
thickly ; and at a later period, doubtless, other interesting bog-plants
might be found.

The promontory of Giltar Point rises abruptly from the western ter
mination of the Burrows, in a long ridge of carboniferous limestone,
which extends along the coast for some distance, till it meets with the
old red sandstone near Manorbier. Of course, it offers a pabulum for
the usual limestone plants; but the turf along its summit swarms with
the pretty and fragrant Scilla verna; thus giving quite an azure fore-
ground to the scene of shelving rock, sea, and craggy island. ‘The
Cochlearia officinalis here grows very fine, with some quantity of
Thalictrum minus, if not, perhaps, rather the var. majus, as far as size

1016

is concerned. Further on, but still on the summit of the cliffs, the
wandering botanist is excited by the appearance of several beds of
wild Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis); the stems all in a prostrate
state, and many of them intricately entwined together. The plant
was now just coming into flower. Beyond these Asparagus-beds,
among the broken cliffs, that, like a breached fortress, form a glacis
towards the sea immediately opposite to Margaret’s Island, Inula
crithmoides grows sparingly; and I only observed it in this spot.
Still following the indented coast-line towards a little bay, several
yawning “ cauldrons,” as they are locally called, present themselves,
in the shape of deep cavities, somewhat like lime-kilns, but on a larger
scale, where the ground has fallen in, and frequently communicating
with the sea, by an arched passage. These, being without any pro-
tection around them, should be noted, as they must be dangerous to
any stranger returning in the dusk, or disguised by a fog. The cliffs
rise to their loftiest point above the sandy bay of Lydstep, forming a
perpendicular mural wall, not easily explorable. The face of this
had upon it a dense, but dwarf, growth of privet and ivy, among
which I gathered several specimens of Orobanche Hedere. On the
hill close to Manorbier, the Ulex Europeus forms such a close shell-
like covering to the high ground next the sea, leaving no margin
whatever for the foot, that it was next to impossible to penetrate it.
The fatigue, at any rate, in a hot sun was too great, and I gave it up.
Some plants that I remarked at other times, in the course of my walks,
may be mentioned, as below ; for there seems to me utility in making
records of vegetable appearances, at different times, as they come under
the botanical eye.

Ranunculus parviflorus. Plentiful in arable fields on the cliffs
opposite Ramsay Island.

Matthiola incana. This was growing on a wall at Pater, near the
sea; probably naturalized there: but, as itis very seldom seen on
walls, it may suggest whether or not to be found on rocks of the
craggy Pembroke coast. M. sinuata has been mentioned by the late
Mr. Adams as growing “ near Pembroke.”

-Cheiranthus Cheiri. Quite covering an isolated mass of rock on
the shore in front of the terrace at Tenby, and the adjacent rocks ;
doubtless naturalized, yet looking more in the character of a native
than I have anywhere seen it.

Arabis hirsuta. Growing plentifully in the sand of the Burrows,
which it seemed to prefer to the rocks.

Cochlearia officinalis, and vars. Very large and fine at Giltar

1017

Point. Var. Groenlandica on the rocks. Var. Danica, with purple
flowers, on the town-walls.

Lepidium ruderale. I noticed a considerable quantity of this plant,
growing dwarf upon a very hard limestone-wall at Penally, near the
Backwater.

Senebeira didyma. At the bases of walls about Pater.

Raphanus maritimus. On the precipitous rocks at Lydstep, west
of Tenby.

Saponaria officinalis. About Penally, on the Pembroke road.

Cerastium tetrandrum. Most abundant on the rocks and walls.
Stem, pedicels, and sepals so densely hairy and viscid, that they
become loaded with particles of sand blown upon them; thus looking
strangely disfigured.

Lavatera arborea. I inquired at Pembroke for the craigsman who
had formerly got this plant for me, from the Great Stack Rock; but was
sorry to hear that, in collecting eggs, he had slipped from his high
position, literally smashed to death ; and no successor had been found
to fill this dangerous post. The Lavatera did flourish profusely on
the isolated Elyange Stack; but the billows appeared to have so
degraded it, that. 1 could not at this time see the plant anywhere
about. I was informed it grew abundantly on rocks called “ The
Bishop and his Clerks,” near Ramsay.

Hypericum Androsemum. Near Penally, St. Petrax, and Stackpool.

Erodium maritimum. On Caldy Island.

Medicago maculata. Among the turf on the rocks above the Nor-
ton Sands.

Vicia lathyroides. Ina stony field east of Waterwinch.

Trifolium scabrum. On Windmill Hill, Tenby.

Prunus Avium. Not uncommon in hedges about Tenby and Pem-
broke, and St. Clare’s, in Caermarthenshire.

Ribes Grossularia. Numerous seedlings among thickets at Penally ;
whence derived, I know not.

Petroselinum sativum. In crevices of the rocks of St. Catherine’s
Isle, near'the ruined chapel. This is a true naturalization, very dif-
ferent from a stray plant on a garden-wall. Doubtless it has been
here from Catholic times, when some anchorite “ from youth to age”
performed his daily orisons, and cultivated the barren rock. The
plant must be well known here traditionally, for I observed a group of
joyous children bounding among the cliffs, to gather the parsley.

Asperula Cynanchica. On the turf near Giltar Point, rather
sparingly.

1018

Hieracium cesium. Among the rocks at Giltar Point.
Antennaria dioica. On the turf near the old watch-tower, where
some broken rocks indicate the ancient boundary of the Tenby Back-

‘water.

Inula crithmoides. Among broken rocks west of Giltar Point, just
opposite to Margaret’s Island. Abundant at this one spot.

Conyza squarrosa. Between Penally and Manorbier. |

Matricaria maritima. On the rocks between Bosherton Meer
and St. Gowan’s Chapel. I observed it nowhere else on this coast.
Even to superficial view, the wider-spreading flower of this plant has
a much more handsome appearance than that of M. inodora. Leaf-
lets broader and shorter, inflated at their edges, the petiole channelled
and polished.

Ligustrum vulgare. Abundant on the rocks of the Pembroke coast ;
though the authors of our Floras confine it to “ hedges,” whence a
doubter might suggest it as “ probably introduced.”

Myosotis collina. Very small, but pretty, on St. Catherine’s Isle,
and other parts of the coast-line.

Veronica montana. Stackpool woods, near Pembroke.

Calamintha Acinos. On Windmill Hill, Tenby.

Statice binervosa. On rocks west of Giltar Point, but in small
quantity.

Euphorbia Portlandica. Near the Backwater, at Tenby ; and on
Caldy Island. ;

Allium oleraceum. Among rocks on the descent to the sea, from
the Windmill Hill.

Neottia spiralis. On the sandy shore of the Backwater.

I only intend, in this paper, to note the vegetation that fell under
my own view at this particular time. Such notices, by competent
botanists, are, I think, advantageous ; because changes are always in
progress, more or less influencing the continuance, or causing the
banishment, of particular species of plants. The Backwater at
Tenby is now partially drained, and inclosed by stone-walls, to the
detriment of its pristine beauty ; and while I was there the northern
side of the Burrows themselves was invaded, and columns of smoke
daily trailing heavily over the ground, from heaps of smouldering
gorse and withering plants ; appearing, to a botanical eye, like the
destruction and desolation of a battle-field. ;

Epwin LEEs.
Cedar Terrace, Henwick, Worcester,

July 11, 1853.

1019

Extracts from the ‘ Proceedings of the Linnean Society.
(Continued from page 859).

On the Development of Ferns from their Spores; by A. Henfrey, Esq.

The author commences his paper by referring to the remarkable
discoveries published by Count Leszczyc-Suminski in 1848, and the
observations to which they have subsequently led on the part of
others ; which appear to necessitate important changes in our gene-
ral views of the reproduction of plants. He finds, however, that the
results of some of these later observations differ in many respects not
only from those of Suminski, but also among themselves; and that
opinions are divided both as to the actuality of the most important
fact of all, viz. the process of impregnation, and as to the period and
circumstances of its occurrence. Under these circumstances he has
thought he would be performing a useful task in subjecting the ques-
tion to minute investigation, in the course of which he has carefully
traced the development entirely through its course from the spore to
the young leafy plant, applying every available means to clear up the
anatomical conditions in each stage of the progress. The drawings
which accompany the memoir were nearly all made by means of the
camera lucida eye-piece, so that they represent preparations actually
seen.

The subject is treated of under three heads: the first section con-
taining the author’s own observations ; the second, a critical exami-
nation of those of preceding authors ; and the third, a few remarks on
the general bearing of the results upon vegetable physiology.

Under the first head, Mr. Henfrey describes first the prothallium,
and its mode of growth, enlargement and decay ; secondly, the anthe-
ridia, with their sperm-cells and spermatozoids ; thirdly, the arche-
gonia, with their papille and embryo-sacs ; and fourthly, he gives his
own view of the development of the embryo. On all these points he
enters into much detail, tracing the several stages of the process with
great minuteness. In his criticism of previous observations, he passes
in review the facts and opinions stated by Nageli, Suminski, Wigand,
Thuret, Hofmeister, Schacht, Mettenius, Von Mercklin, and Hofmeis-
ter again ; and indicates the points in which he himself either coin-
cides with or differs from each of them. The memoir is so completely
one of detail, that under these two principal divisions it would be dif-
ficult to give a sufficiently clear abstract without running to too great

1020

a length; and this is the less necessary as the memoir itself will
immediately appear in full in the Society’s ‘ Transactions.’

Under the head of “ Development of the Embryo ” the author gives
the following statement of his opinion on the question of impregnation,
and the mode in which it is effected :—“ My opinion with regard to
the fertilization is, that the operation is effected by the contact of one
or more spermatozoids with the mucilaginous filament contained in or
hanging from the mouth of the canal of the archegonium. I have
seen the spermatozoids swimming in numbers around the mouths of
archegonia, but never detected one inside, and I do not see any good
reason for supposing such a process necessary. The pollen-tube of
flowering plants only comes in contact with the outside of the embryo-
sac, and the influence is sometimes communicated through a long
suspensor ; and there does not seem to be any sufficient objection to
the supposition, that the contact of the spermatozoid with the filament
of mucilage which lies in the canal of the archegonium, suffices to
convey the necessary stimulus. I imagine this stimulus resides in the
mucilaginous fluid in which the spermatozoid is bathed in the sperm-
cell, and which, adhering to this, is conveyed to the mucilage (proto-
plasm) of the germinal vesicle, just as the contents of the pollen-grain
become combined with the protoplasm of the germinal vesicle in
flowering plants. The nature of the process is clearly a problem
beyond the reach of science, but it seems to me a necessary induction
from the facts in the Phanerogamia, that the phenomena result there
from the material union of two fluids, and I hence conclude that this
is the case here. The comparatively few cases of successful impreg-
nation among these prothallia, so many of which prove sterile, may
perhaps be accounted for by the peculiar conjunction of circumstances
required to bring a sufficient amount of the fertilizing fluid, by means
of the spermatozoids, to the germinal vesicle, at the precise epoch
required.”

His general “ conclusions” are as follows :—“ In summing up all
these statements it becomes evident that the balance of evidence is in
favour of the existence of sexual organs, and of a process of impreg-
nation, giving rise to a new individual, as asserted by Suminski,
although under conditions somewhat different from those described
by that author Only two of the observers who have repeated his
investigations throw doubt upon these points, namely, Wigand and
Schacht; the statements of the former as to matters of fact are far
from sufficient to bear out the mass of argument he has built upon
them against the existence of sexes; in fact, his observations were so

1021

imperfect that he described the two parts of the archegonium, the
papilla and the enlarged embryo-sac, as distinct structures ; while he
never traced the origin of the new plant at all. His observations may
therefore be safely passed over. Schacht’s are more complete, but he
again only argues against the probability of a sexual conjunction,
with the preconceived notion that this must be analogous to what he
erroneously believes to be the conditions in the Phanerogamia; while

_ his observations furnish facts which greatly support the probability of

an impregnation by the spermatozoids ; the difficulties he suggests
being of little weight in comparison with those of accounting for the
existence of all the peculiar structures by any other hypothesis.
The opinions of all the rest are in favour of the impregnation (Thuret
does not treat of the archegonia), and the differences between them,
except in the case of Suminski, are unimportant in a physiological
point of view, merely presenting questions of anatomical and morpho-
logical interest. And since Suminski’s description of the mode of ori-
gin of the embryo would be altogether at variance with what exists,
not only in other plants, but also in animals, and is opposed to the
observations of all the rest of us (except the doubtful support given by
Von Mercklin), I cannot but repeat my belief that he was led from
the facts by his imagination being preoccupied by Schleiden’s doc-
trine of the impregnation of the Phanerogamia.”

——-—_ —

On Venation as a generic character in Ferns ; with Observations on
the genera Hewardia, J. Smith, and Cionidium, Moore; by
Thomas Moore, Esq., F.L.S., Curator of the Botanic Garden,
Chelsea.

The object proposed by the author is to inquire—lIst, into the
general importance of modifications of the vascular structure of the
fronds in distinguishing the genera of ferns; and 2ndly, into their
relative value in the cases instanced. He begins by referring to the
numerous authors by whom the venation has been turned to account
in the formation of genera or subgenera, and in particular to the
observation of Mr. Brown, that “ for subdivision, the most obvious as
well as the most advantageous source of character seems to be the
modifications of the vascular structure, or the various ramifications of
the bundles of vessels or veins of the frond, combined with the rela-
tion of the sori to their trunks or branches.” He notices an instance
in which Sir William Hooker has given generic importance to this
’ VOL. IV. &:&

1022

character of venation alone, vz. in Dictyoxiphium ; while in Schizo-
loma he regards the venation as only of subgeneric value; and he
treats it as a mere question of words, to be decided by convenience,
whether or not this character should be generically employed. In the
case for instance in reference to which Mr. Brown’s remarks were
made, Polypodium (Dipteris) Horsfieldii, it seems to him, as a matter
of convenience, a much simpler and more easily comprehensible idea,
to regard Dipteris as a group of ferns with round naked sori, dichoto-
mous primary veins and reticulated venules, than to have to recog-
nize in Polypodium (a genus of ferns having round naked sori) an
included group called Dipteris, in which the primary veins are dicho-
tomous and the secondary reticulated. In most cases, indeed, he
regards subgenera as at the best but cumbrous contrivances.

Looking at the question of venation, as illustrated in the great and
universally adopted natural divisions of flowering plants, he thinks its
generic importance in ferns rests on better grounds than convenience
alone. In the case of flowering plants the presence of complete floral
organs affords the necessary diversity for generic distinction ; but as
an equivalent to these we have in ferns nothing more than certain
naked or covered aggregations of spore-cases, which in the great bulk
of the species scarcely afford any differential characters, or such only
as are microscopic, and therefore not to be resorted to until all more
obvious features are exhausted. But peculiarities in the venation of
ferns are for the most part associated with peculiarities of habit ; and
since it appears quite justifiable to employ other characters than those
derived from the fructification in distinguishing generically such groups
as the ferns, in which the fructification affords comparatively so little
variety, what is there so constant and unvarying, and at the same time
affording such diversities, as the peculiarities in the development of
the vascular structure? Experience, moreover, attests this character
of venation as one to be relied on with perfect confidence, because
(with very insignificant exceptions) whatever modification of vascular
structure is met with in a particular species, that and no other is found.
in that species. The author concludes, therefore, that without lower-
ing the importance of the fructification of ferns in distinguishing
generic groups, the modifications of venation are properly as well as
conveniently admitted to share in the same office.

Passing to the question, whether a reticulated venation is in itself a
sufficient generic distinction among the ferns, he determines it in the
affirmative, inasmuch as a genus being in his view an arbitrary group,
all that is really required as a generic character is a constant diffe-

1023

rence from established genera in the structure of some important organ
or system of organs. Now the vascular system must be regarded as
of the highest importance in the vegetable economy even in reference
to propagation, it being not at all infrequent to meet with extraordi-
nary means of development in connexion with it, viz. adventitious
buds ; and in ferns particularly those points of the veins which serve
in normal cases as the receptacles to which the sori are attached, in

other cases become viviparous and develope gemmez from which new

plants are produced. He believes, moreover, that characters derived
from this system of vessels, when taken in connexion with the fructi-
fication, though sometimes forming groups of considerable extent, and
occasionally separating species having some external similarity, never-
theless in no case bring together obviously ill-assorted species, but
rather associate those of obvious similarity and affinity.

For these reasons he is not prepared to follow Sir W. Hooker in
setting aside the genus Hewardia of Mr. John Smith. He regards the
difference as broad and important between the accidental anastomos-
ing of contiguous venules which occurs in some species of Adiantum,
and a constant and complete reticulation, such as exists in the genus
Hewardia; and he concludes that that genus should be retained.
This conclusion he finds unexpectedly confirmed in Fée’s ‘ Genera
Filicum,’ just received in this country, where the same view is taken
of the species of Hewardia as that which he had previously adopted,
and an additional species (H. serrata) mentioned, of which he had no
previous knowledge.

The species enumerated by the author are arranged as follows :—

* Sori continui ; vene primariz costiformes.
1. Hewardia adiantoides, J. Smith = Adiantum Hewardia, Kunze.
2. H. dolosa, Fée = Ad. dolosum, Kunze.
** Sori interrupti ; vene uniformes.
8. H. Le Prieurei, Fée = Ad. Le Prieurei, Hook.

4. H. serrata, Fée.

Mr. Moore regards -H. Wilsoni, Fée (Adiantum, Hook.), as a true

- Adiantum; as also Sir W. Hooker's variety y. of Ad. lucidum. In

both these the dichotomous veins occasionally anastomose ; but there
is nothing like complete reticulation, and the union, when it does
occur, is evidently accidental.

If the name Hewardia be retained, as the author proposes, for the

1024

genus of ferns to which it was first applied, he suggests that of Iso-
physis for the Melanthaceous genus, subsequently so called by Sir
William Hooker in his ‘ [cones Plantarum,’ t. 858, the species retain-
ing the name of Tasmanica.

The same rule induces the author, in the second case referred to,
to separate from the genus Deparia, Hook., a species haying a truly
and constantly reticulated venation, that of Deparia being uniformly
free. The species.in question is Deparia Moorii from New Caledonia,
named by Sir Wm. Hooker after Mr. C. Moore, the Director of the
Sydney Botanic Garden, by whom it was discovered; and the fol-
lowing are its generic characters :—

Cionrpi1um, 7. Moore in Gard. Comp. (nomen tantim).

Cuar. GEN. Vene reticulate. Sori semi-globosi, extra-marginales,
in venularum apicibus excurrentibus pedicellati ; capsulis pedi-
cellatis. Indusia stipitata, subcyathiformia.—Frondes bipin-
nate; soris ex utrdque pinnularum pinnatifidarum margine
prominulis.

Cionidium Moorii, T. Moore, |. c.
Deparia Moorii, Hook. in Journ: of Bot. iv. p. 54, t. 3.
Hab. in Nova Caledonia, D. C. Moore (1851).

Note on the Nature of Fasciated Stems; by the Rev. William
Hincks, F'.L.8., Professor of Natural History in Queen’s Col-
lege, Cork.

The author lays it down as an indubitable principle, that what we
call monstrosities or anomalies, either in the animal or vegetable king-
dom, are always susceptible of explanation from the operation, under
unusual circumstances, of causes or principles the ordinary operation
of which produces the normal structure of the species. Hence they
are always worth studying until a satisfactory explanation of their
nature has been arrived at, and even when that is accomplished they
have still an interest as illustrations of principles which we apply in
the explanation of normal structures, or as proofs of the truth of par-
ticular views in respect to the origin or relations of parts in certain
tribes. In accordance with this view of the importance of such inves-
tigations he proceeds to the consideration of the nature of fasciated
stems, which, in concurrence with the view taken by Linneus in his

1025

‘ Philosophia Botanica, he is disposed to regard as formed by a group
of coherent stems. According to this view the real peculiarity would
consist in the number and remarkable arrangement of the buds, the
coherence of stems brought together in such a relative position being,
as shown by innumerable examples, a matter of course. Having
regard to the crowded or unusually placed buds which are found in
the anomaly called plica, tracing this cohesion upwards from the not
uncommon adherence of two stems, and observing what must neces-
sarily happen from numerous branches occurring together, it seems to
him that the fascia is by no means difficult of comprehension. The
strie which it almost invariably presents exhibit the traces of the
lines of junction; and the curved or spiral contraction, which is so
often met with, is perhaps accounted for by the growth in connexion
with each other of internodes of unequal length. He would not,
however, affirm that every stem which is called fasciate is composite
in its nature; for that term has been extended to cases of riband-like
expansion, which, although dependent also on excess of nourishment,
are distortions of a single stem.

Mr. Hincks then refers to the objections taken to the theory of Lin-
nus by several recent physiologists, and most clearly and explicitly
stated by M. Moquin-Tandon in his ‘ Tératologie Végétale’ under the
following heads :—1. “ We find plants with a single stem fasciated
(as Androsace maxima), and nothing announces to us that we have in
this case several individuals united together.” 2. “ On certain fasci-
ated stems we may remark that the branches are of the same number
and the same arrangement as in the normal condition.” 3. “Two
branches accidentally united in the direction of their length form a
body of which the transverse section presents a figure more or less
resembling a figure of 8, if the coherence is recent or slight, and an
elliptic or rounded figure if it is of long standing or very intimate :
traces of two medullary canals are almost always found. Ina fasciated
stem the section gives an elongated figure in which we commonly
observe only one compressed canal.” 4. “To obtain a fasciated stem
by coherence a great number of united branches would be required ;
but though an accidental union of two branches or of three may be
admitted, itis very difficult for it to occur at the same time among
four, five, or six. It is very difficult to suppose that these branches
should all meet longitudinally, and that the union, instead of taking
place around the central axis, should be entirely in one direction.”
5. “If fasciated stems were the result of many combined. branches,
we ought to find cases in which the union is incomplete, and to be

i
|
[
t

1026

able to observe on their surface such a distribution of leaves or buds
as would announce the fusion of many partial spirals or verticils.”
Setting aside the anomalies before alluded to, and guarding against
the assumption that mere adherence explains an appearance which
chiefly depends upon a peculiar position of buds and the production
of numerous branches in a certain relation to each other, Mr. Hincks
regards these arguments as not possessing any great weight. In
regard to the 1st he remarks, that herbaceous plants which have usu-
ally but a single stem, not unfrequently produce several, which often
remain distinct, but their union into a sort of fasciated stem is by no
means uncommon. In proof of this he showed specimens of Primula
vulgaris and Hieracium aureum, exhibiting the union of two stems so
produced, and of Ranunculus bulbosus showing still greater com-
plexity in the stem, while the principal flower appeared to be made
up of two or three combined. The 2nd objection may appear in cer-
tain cases to be just, but the author is of opinion that it is hazardous
to conjecture that we have no more leaves present in a fasciated stem
than we should have in the same space in an ordinary one, and he
referred to specimens on the table as distinctly proving that an
increased number of leaves and buds is a general character of fasci-
ated stems. M. Moquin-Tandon himself has, indeed, referred to an
instance in Bupleurum falcatum where the leaves had been whorled, |
doubtless, Mr. Hincks observes, from those belonging to two or more
stems being collected together. The 3rd argument he regards as very
deceptive, for the nature of the transverse section presented by cohe-
rent stems must depend not only on the intimacy of their union, but
also on the internal structure of the stems themselves. When two
flowers adhere without much pressure, they exhibit uniting circles
somewhat resembling a figure of 8, but when more completely com-
bined they have one circumference of a much-elongated figure, and
something similar is to be expected in herbaceous stems. Even the
elongated pith of a transversely cut woody fasciated stem only marks
the intimate union of several branches; and the author has noticed

Instances of the union of two and only two stems when the internal

appearance was the same as in other fasciations. The 4th objection
is derived from the improbability of the lateral union of many stems ;
but in addition to the common examples of the union of two stems,
the author appealed to a distinct case of a union of four flower-stems
of Scrophularia aquatica so complete that a composite flower was
formed containing all the parts of the four component flowers, and
produced a fasciated stem of Ranunculus bulbosus, where the union

1027

of several stems terminated in a flower having at least double the
usual number of parts, as indisputable evidence of the fact. He also
laid before the meeting examples of numerous branches laterally
arranged as if ready to combine, in immediate connexion with fasci-
ated stems, which, according to his view, are made up of similar
branches already combined. To the 5th and last objection he
answers that cases in which the adherence is incomplete, and on
which the marks of fusion of several stems are to be perceived, are in
fact frequently met with, and may be appealed to as strong direct evi-
dence in favour of the Linnean theory. A striking example is given
in DeCandolle’s ‘ Organographie Végétale’ (pl. 3, f. 1) in a stem of
Spartium junceum having several branches only imperfectly fasciated ;
and similar specimens of Aucuba Japonica and Cotoneaster micro-
phylla were exhibited, together with a fasciated ash, in which the
traces of numerous stems were observable upon the surface.

The author stated his conclusion to be, “ that the fasciated stem is
best explained from the principle of adherence, where, from super-
abundant nourishment, especially if accompanied by some check or
injury, numerous buds have been produced in close proximity ; and
that the supposition of a leaf-like expansion of the elements of, a
single stem is insufficient to explain the usual appearances, and is

- founded ona false analogy between fasciated and certain other ano-

malous stems.”

The specimens exhibited were from a collection formed by the
author and now in the Museum of Queen’s College, Cork. They
consisted of—1, an intimate adherence of two stems of Bunium flexu-
osum ; 2, an entire adherence of two stems with their heads of flowers
of Hieracium aureum, and of two or more stems of Primula veris ;
3, a fasciated stem of Ranunculus bulbosus, with the terminal flower
formed by the union of two, and the stem showing other signs of com-
position; 4, a fasciated stem of Cheiranthus Cheiri, apparently con-
sisting of at least three united branches; 5, a fasciated stem of Vero-
nica maritima; 6, two stems of the same plant, in which the buds
which usually produce individual flowers have produced secondary
stems themselves flower-bearing, so as to transform a simple into a
compound spike ; 7, a fasciated stem of Aucuba Japonica, seeming to
prove the composite nature of such stems; 8, a fasciated stem of
Cotoneaster microphylla, in which the composite structure is peculi-
atly evident; 9, a fasciated stem of Fraxinus excelsior showing a
crowd of buds.and of small branches in a linear series at the extre-
mity of fasciated portions, and’ also showing the curved contraction of

1028

the fasciated branches from weaker branches being connected with a
stronger one. The author also referred to a remarkable fasciculation

| of Asparagus officinalis in the same collection, the upper portion of
which is spirally twisted, and the crowded branches from which seem
to prove the presence of several stems; and to some fine specimens
of fasciations from the Society’s collection which were placed upon
the table.

ProceEpines oF SocretTigEs, §c.

Tuer PHYTOLOGIST CLUB.

One Hundred and Forty-seventh Sitling—Saturday, July 23, 1853.
Mr. Newman, President, in the chair.

The President read the following communication :—

Lilium Pyrenaicum and Dianthus Armeria.

“The following is an extract from a letter I have just received from
a friend, of Northam, near Bideford, North Devon. He says :—
‘The man who works for me occasionally in my garden, tells me that
there is a large patch of wild yellow lilies growing in Littleham Bot-:
tom (at least he remembers them some years ago, when he went out
fishing, as a lad), not near any house.’ Is it possible that this is ano-
ther locality for Lilium Pyrenaicum ?—if so, I should think its true.
nativity need not be doubted. Littleham is about thirty miles from
the South Molton station, where I first noticed it, and three miles
from Bideford. I fear I shall not have an opportunity of searching —
for the plant this season ; but should any of your correspondents hap-
pen to be in North Devon just now, I shall be happy to give them the
address of the person mentioned in my friend’s communication, from
whom they could ascertain the exact location of the ‘ yellow lily.’
Between South Molton and Mollond, the Lilium has flowered abun-
dantly this season, and so has a root I brought with me from that
locality last September.

“ My friend also tells me, he has found Dianthus Armeria in abun-.
dance, for half a mile, in a hedge between Bideford and Abbotsham. |
TI am not aware that its occurrence has been previously noticed in. |

1029

North Deyon.”—G. Maw; Barretts-Hill House, Broseley, Salop,
July 21, 1853.

THE PHYTOLOGICAL CLUB,
(In connexion with the Pharmaceutical Society).

July 4, 1853.—Robert Bentley, Esq., F.L.S., &c., in the chair.
A donation of British plants, from Mr. Braithwaite, was announced;
also a capsule of a species of Gossypium, from Mr. J. Fordham, jun.

Udora Canadensis, &c.

The President presented some specimens of the Udora Canadensis,
in flower, taken from the lake in the Royal Botanical Gardens, Re-
gent’s Park. [After describing the extraordinary increase of this aqua-
tic, as already detailed in the ‘ Phytologist, and in confirmation of
previous accounts,] Mr. Bentley stated that, about three years since,
a plant accidentally found its way into the lake in the Gardens of the
Royal Botanical Society. This had multiplied to such an extent,
that at the present time there was scarcely a portion of the lake to be
found which was not matted with it. As the female flowers were
alone known in this country, this increase is extraordinary, as it must
take place almost entirely by the formation of buds in the axils of the
leaves ; each being capable of forming an independent plant, when
separated from its parent. Every fragment, therefore, into which the
plant might be readily divided was capable of developing a new one ;
so that, like that pest of the agriculturist, the common couch-grass,
the more it was disturbed, and cut up into pieces, the more rapidly did
it spread, as by such means the separated portions were only placed
in more favourable circumstances for their propagation ; and hence,
also, the difficulty, indeed almost impossibility, of eradicating it from
those places in which it had become established. Mr. Bentley, there-
fore, particularly cautioned botanists to be very careful not to intro-
duce it into any waters where its increase might be attended with
injurious results.

Mr. Bentley also exhibited the following specimens :—

1. A leaf-bearing branch, and the fruit, of the Myrospermum of
Sonsonate. He stated that this plant had been fully described by
the late Dr. Pereira, in the ‘ Pharmaceutical Journal,’ vol. x. p. 280,
as one of the sources of the common black balsam of Peru, the white
balsam, and balsamito. The specimens shown by Mr. Bentley were

VOL. IV, . 6 Q

1030

obtained from the same source as Dr. Pereira’s, namely, from Mr.
Skinner, to whom botanists and pharmaceutists were under great
obligations, for the trouble he was always ready to take to facilitate
their investigations.

2. The spadix, with flowers and fruit, of the Colocasia odora. The
leaves of this plant, and those of allied species, although very acrid
when fresh (like most of the plants of the natural order Aracez, to
which they belong), when boiled are commonly eaten in some tropi-
cal countries ; and from their corms a nutritious soup is prepared.

3. The flowering stem and fruit of Thalia dealbata, natural order
Marantacexe. These two latter specimens were obtained from the
Royal Botanical Gardens.

4. A portion of Hydrodictyon utriculatum, under the microscope,
showing the movable spores, &c.

Portland Arrow-root.

The following paper, ‘On Portland Arrow-root, by Mr. T. B.
Groves, was read.

“In the course of lectures on Materia Medica, of the Pharmaceuti-
cal Society, delivered in the session of 1850—51, by our much-
lamented Professor, Dr. Pereira, he mentioned some facts relative to
the manufacture of Portland arrow-root, which led me to infer, that
he considered it was carried on to a considerable extent by the inha-
bitants of the Isle of Portland. Living within a short distance of the
island, I have thought it desirable to make some inquiries, to ascer-
tain to what extent it is at present carried on. Dr. Pereira probably
derived his information principally from an article in the ‘ Transac-
tions of the Society of Arts,’ vol. xv. (1797), in which it is stated that,
in the year 1797, the gold medal of the Society was awarded to Mrs.
Jane Gibbs, of Portland, for producing a sample of starch, fit for eco-
nowical purposes, from materials unfit for the food of man. The
starch, or arrow-root, as it is usually called, was prepared by her by
crushing in a mortar the corms of the Arum maculatum, stirring the
mass with water, and straining off the liquor, from which the fecula
was allowed to subside ; this was again washed, and afterwards dried.
She stated, and the statement is confirmed by the then Rector of the
island, that she had in her possession 2 cwt. of the starch; and
was ready to supply any quantity of the same, whenever required, at
1ld. per tb. Although there is no doubt that the quantity of the
starch manufactured was much greater at that time than the present,
yet its manufacture was never of much importance. It is now almost

103]

extinet, and the arrow-root never seen out of the island, except in the
hands of the curious. From my inquiries, I have learned that, many
years ago, it was customary to crop the land only every other year,
allowing it to remain fallow in the intervening period ; and that in the
fallow fields leave was given to the inhabitants to dig for the roots.
This custom has been abandoned, and the usual system of rotation of
crops introduced. The common, too, of late years, has been much
infringed upon by the government, for public purposes, and also by
speculators, for quarrying for stone. These causes have very much
interfered with its manufacture ; so much so, indeed, that a few years
since, wishing to procure a sample for a friend, to illustrate a lecture
on dietetic articles, I found it very difficult to obtain even half a
pound of it. Within the last week I have ascertained that one old
woman is the only person who now prepares it ; and she gives as her
reason for doing so, that ‘ poor folks, now-a-day, are glad to turn an
honest penny any how. At the present time, the Arum is not very
plentiful in the island; although there is still a vast extent of land
that will never admit of cultivation, on account of its stony character,
which, doubtless, produces most of the small quantity now obtained.
With the exception of the old woman previously mentioned, liberty
is not now obtained to dig in the cultivated fields and pastures. The
Arum maculatum is commonly called arrow-root, or starch-root; but
the vulgar names, ‘ cows and calves’ and ‘lords and ladies,’ are also
known, though not so frequently used. The proper season for col-
lecting the corms is when the plant has perfected its growth. This is
generally in the months of May and June. Those which are collected
in May yield a much less proportion of starch than those collected
later. ‘The fresh corm is extremely acrid, producing a most disagree-
able tingling and pricking sensation in the mouth, when chewed.
This acridity, I found, was not completely removed’ by toasting.
Lindley states that the corms are edible, when deprived of this acri-
dity by boiling ; but I have never known them so used. Their acri-
dity renders it necessary to bruise the corms in a stone mortar, and to
avoid, as much as possible, handling them until after they have been
washed. The process now employed for the separation of the fecula
is the same as that described by Mrs. Gibbs. The corms yield,
according to Mrs. Gibbs, 4 tbs. of fecula to the peck. My informant
tells me she obtains, on an average, 3 tbs. from a peck of corms ;
more in June, less in May. During the whole season, she considers
three dozen Ibs. to be a good average quantity to obtain; and for
this she asks ls. 4d. per tb. It is highly valued by the Portlanders,

1032

who say that it is good for sick people, and looks, when prepared,
very different from the arrow-root of the shops. I haye compared it
with Bermuda arrow-root, and find that it does not make either so
clear or firm a jelly, but is perfectly inodorous, tasteless, and destitute
of colour. The granules, when viewed under the microscope, appear
of an irregular spherical shape, varying much in size; but are, on an
average, much smaller than ordinary starches, except rice-starch.
The hilum is not very distinctly marked, appearing plainly only in
the larger granules. The Portland arrow-root is, I believe, only made
in the Isle of Portland. Although there is an abundance of the Arum
on some of the commons near Weymouth, yet the country people do
not appear to know that it isof any use. This will doubtlessly appear
strange to those unacquainted with Portland; but, when we consider
that, until within a few years, the Portlanders have kept themselves,
as much as possible, aloof from the rest of the world, even forsaking
their friends who dared to marry out of the island, and not permitting
a stranger to settle amongst them, we can no longer wonder that they
have kept their knowledge to themselves. They are probably a race
of entirely distinct origin from the inhabitants of the mainland.
Even now they use words which are not understood by us. This
arrow-root has been prepared by them from time immemorial ; and it
is very probable that, living on a barren island, and depending prin-
cipally on fish, they may have been compelled by necessity, at some
time, to seek subsistence by preparing the corms for food. Itis a
singular fact, that the plant is called arrow-root by the Islanders,
perhaps from its sagittate leaves; may not the Maranta arundinacea
have derived its English name from the previously known and appre-
ciated arrow-root of the Isle of Portland ? ”

Specimens of the Portland arrow-root, and some fresh corms of the
Arum maculatum, sent by Mr. Groves, were laid on the table.

The President thought that it was much more probable, that the
name arrow-root, as applied to the fecula obtained from the Maranta
arundinacea, was derived from the circumstance of the pulp of its
corm having been formerly applied, by the natives of the West-India
Islands, to wounds inflicted by poisoned arrows.

Mr. Penney read an interesting paper on ‘ The place which Botany
should occupy in the Studies of the Pharmaceutist.’

The President then said that, as this was the last meeting of the
session, he could not but congratulate the members upon the great
success which had hitherto attended them. He hoped that, during

1033

the recess, those members who visited the country would remember,
that one of the leading objects of the Phytological Club was the for-
mation of a herbarium of British plants ; and that they would accord-
ingly do all in their power, not only to collect plants themselves, to
present to the Club, but urge their friends to do the same; by which
means he trusted, when they met again in October, he should be able
to announce a long list of donations. Mr. Bentley also took this
opportunity of again urging on the members the great importance of
paying particular attention to the effects of climate, &c., on the medi-
cinal activity of plants. Observations on this subject were much
wanted ; and he hoped that some of the country members would fur-
nish a paper on this subject, as they alone were in a position to inves-
tigate it with any probable success.

Dusiin NaturaL-History Society.
June 10, 1853.—J. R. Kinahan, Esq., in the chair.
Classification, &c., of Ferns.

Mr. Kinahan read a paper ‘ On the Classification and Nomencla-
ture of Ferns.’

“ When, at the commencement of the session, I submitted to the
Society several undescribed varieties of native ferns, 1 stated that,
before the close of the session, it was my intention to offer some
remarks on the subject of varieties of ferns. This promise I now pro-
pose fulfillmg. The rough outline of the system (if I may venture to
use such a term) which I am about to bring before your notice, I have
already laid before a kindred Society in this city ; but, as I have since
had opportunities of establishing what then was only surmise, and of
fully working out what was then but a rough outline, I hope the present
paper may be deemed sufficiently original to be worthy of a place in
your Proceedings. In every work on the subject of British ferns we
find species described under two classes, viz., the ordinary form, and
what authors term varieties, under this term including every departure
from the original type, whether it be or be not permanent under cultiva-
tion, or affecting the whole plant,—a mere monstrosity, or a doubtful
species. ‘This system gives rise to great inconveniences, as the student
is often unable to tell whether the plant so described as a variety is (in
relation to the original form) to be considered as a form modified by
climate, &c., or as a mere deviation from the normal type arising from

1034

some accidental circumstance of soil, situation, &c. “A second incon-
venience, under the present system, with which students have to con-
tend, arises from the want of fixity of nomenclature; authors having
described these forms, even in the same species, under different names,
totally irrespective of those used by others who have preceded them.
A third inconvenience arises from authors having described the same
character of variety, when found in different species, by different
names, thereby burdening the student’s memory with a host of terms.
These evils, doubtless, have, in great part, arisen from this subject
not haying been studied ; it being the fashion with many to consider
all monstrosities, 7. e., aberrant forms, as outside the pale, and, as
such, unworthy the attention of the scientific student; and yet, mor-
phologically considered, they are most interesting, not to say impor-
tant ; often tending to throw light on obscure points in the economy
of species. Furthermore, when such men as Linneus, Willughby,
and Ray deemed them not below their notice, surely they are not
beneath durs. To obviate these inconveniences I beg to propose
the following plan :—Let all descriptions of forms of ferns be divided
under the following four heads :—1. Form, or original type. 2. Sub-
form, or forms aberrant from some geographical influence, such as
climate, &c., and including what are called doubtful species. 3. Sub-
varieties, or non-permanent monstrosities. 4. Varieties, or permanent
monstrosities. Between these last we shall find some very strange
analogies; the subvariety often appearing as though it were but a
link between the variety and original form. I say appearing, because
they never, at least as far as I can find, degenerate into one another ;
when any change does take place, the subvariety returning to the ori-
ginal type, and the variety either degenerating into some other variety,
or else also returning to the original form. 'To meet the last incon-
venience, I would suggest, that to each subvariety, variety, and sub-
form, no matter in how many species found, but one distinctive name
be given, defining that name as species and genera are at present
defined ; so that when we find this form, under any species, we need
but to the specific and generic names append this distinctive name,
in order to render the identification of it easy, and thereby save our-
selves the trouble of repeating with every species a probably long
description. 1. Subforms would include all forms of the fern depart-
ing in a slight degree from the original type, so as to present tangible
differences, and yet approaching it sufficiently nearly to be identified
with the species generally prevailing through the entire plants of a
district; often returning to the normal form under cultivation, and

1035

bearing spores which produce plants similar to the original type.
This class will include what are at present called doubtful species.
2. Varieties would include monstrosities, ¢. e., aberrant forms, or plants
in which the original form of the species is lost, entirely or in part, so
as to render identification difficult ; found generally in isolated plants,
generally permanent under cultivation, uniform, ¢. e., affecting all
fronds of the plant; if fruitful, generally producing plants similar to
the parent. 3. Subvarieties, 2. e., aberrant forms not permanent
under cultivation, always retaining in a great degree the original type,
not uniform, nor necessarily affecting the same plant every year, even
in a state of nature, and from its spores producing the normal form.
In accordance with these views, I have succeeded in classifying, under
the following four heads, all the monstrosities described by authors,
as well as many hitherto undescribed. These classes, and their dis-
tinctive characters, I now hasten to lay before you, in the following
order, using the terms variety and subvariety in the sense I stated just
now. I shall describe each analogous variety and subvariety together,
not that I believe there is any necessary connexion between them, for
the reasons stated before, but merely for convenience’ sake. ‘To the
first subvariety, I propose to give the name multifidum, taking as its
type the common hart’s-tongue, var. multifidum, and including under
it those forms, in other species, to which the names bifidum, lobatum,
and ramosum have been given. With these I propose to join, as the
analogous variety, the form ramosum, taking as its type the common
hart’s-tongue, var. ramosum, and incorporating under it those varieties
to which the names crispum, viviparum, multifidum, furcatum, deda-
lea, &c., have been given by various authors. The definitions of
these two will be as follows :—Ramosum variety : Rachis divided and
subdivided ; segments rounded at their edges, and apices generally
curled and crisped ; midvein terminating in a lash of branches ; seg-
ments confluent at their edges. Near this must be placed, if not
incorporated with it, the two following varieties :—Furcatum: Ends
of pinne, and apex of fronds, split up into segments ; segments tas-
selled; &c. Nodosum: Apex of frond having the rachis split up into
numerous segments, each terminating in a broad, curled expansion ;
pinnz much contracted, and tasselled at their extremities. Mulltifi-
dum subvariety : Rachis divided and subdivided ; segments presery-
ing the usual outline of frond, not curled nor crisped, distinct at their
edges and extremities ; midvein terminating in a point at the extre-
mity of each segment. Both these forms have the following modifi-
cations in common :—Rachis either single, or divided so as to present

1036

the appearance of two fronds on the one stalk ; and, second, the ends
of the pinne divided, as well as the apex of the frond. These will
include of described forms :—Common polypody, subvar. multifidum
and bifidum, Newm. (Clare and Dublin) ; male shield-fern, var. fwrca-
tum (multifida), Moore (England) ; lady-fern, var. ramosum or crispum,
Auct. (Ulster and Scotland); also (2), furcatum viviparum, Steele,
multifida, Moore (Killarney, Ogilby; Wicklow, Newm.; Clare, mihi,
Chatsworth, J. Bain), and (3), nodosum, mihi; green-stalked spleen-
wort, subvar. ramosum, Auct. (Ireland) ; hart’s-tongue, var. ramosum
or crispum, Auct., dedalea, Koch, subvar. multifidum or lobatum,
Auct. (common in Ireland) ; northern hard fern, subvar. multifidum,
described by Deakin (common in Ireland), var. ramosum, mibi,
described before this Society, in February, 1853 (Lough Breagh,
county Wicklow); adder’s- tongue, subvar. ramosum, Auct. ; moon-
wort, subvar. ramosum of authors. The subvariety is found in
a great many species which are unrecorded. I have, in addition to
the above, met with it, in this country, in the male, Roth’s, and Bree’s
ferns, Polystichum angulare and P. aculeatum, lady-fern, wall-rue,
black-stalked, sea-side, and maiden-hair spleenworts, Grammitis, com-
mon brake, and Killarney bristle-fern. In some it is very common ;
in others, rare. I found it also in cultivated specimens of Asplenium
fontanum, and in many foreign species. Next, the variety which,
taking the common polypody, var. Cambricum, as the type, I propose
to call Cambricum ; it will include the varieties called incisum, poly-
stichoides, and strictum. The allied subvariety, taking the analogous
subvariety of the same fern, strwatum, I propose to call sinuatum ; it
includes sinuatum, proliferum, &c. These two I define as follows :—
Cambricum variety: Frond either smaller or larger than original
type; pinne serrated, or irregularly lobed at their edges; outline
rounded ; segments rounded and confluent. This includes two almost
distinct types, in one of which we find the parts of the original type
in excess; in the other, we find them contracted. This last corre-
sponds to strictum. Sinuatum: Pinne serrated, and irregularly lobed ;
segments pointed and distinct; frond generally more luxuriant than
normal. Under these heads are included the following described
forms :—Polypody of oak, var. Cambricum, Linn. (said to have been
found in Wicklow and Wales), and the subvar. bifidum,’ Nezwm., ser-
ratum and sinuatum of other authors (common in Ireland) ; maiden-
hair spleenwort, var. incisum, Newm. (Yorkshire) ; hart’s-tongue, var.
polystichoides, Ray (England); northern hardy fern, var. strictum,
Francis (England, and Glenmacross, county Wicklow); and the

1037

following undescribed forms :—Male shield-fern, var. Cambricum, sub-
var. sinualum, mihi (common on most rich banks) ; Roth’s fern, sub-
var. sinuatum, mihi (Ardmore, in dry situations); scaly Grammilis,
subvar. sinuatum (mihi), Gort.; hart’s-tongue, subvar. sinuatum,
mihi (Clare) ; angular shield-fern, var. described by me as viviparum,
in June, 1852, before this Society. These four forms include all the
true varieties which I have met with, except one form of the hart’s-
tongue, viz., undulatum, which may, I think, be referred to the form
Cambricum, and is a degenerated form of ramosum. Subforms, owing
to a difficulty in procuring specimens, I have not been as successful
in reducing to classes; though that it can be done I doubt not. I
shall content myself, therefore, with laying one before you, which I
propose to~-call abbreviatum ; taking as its type the form of the male
fern to which that name has been given. ‘This we find represented in
the following species, and define as follows:—Abbreviatum. Subform:
Frond contracted in all its parts regularly, the pointed outline of the
frond retained. Examples: Polypody of the oak, subform acutum,
Newm. (Youghal) ; male shield-fern, subform abbreviatum, Moore
(England); prickly shield-fern, subform Jonchitidioides (Clare and
Ulster); angular-lobed shield-fern, subform abbreviatum, mihi (county
Wicklow) ; wall-rue spleenwort, subform abbreviatum, mihi (county
Clare); hart’s-tongue, subform angustifolia, Auct. (Killaloe); lady-
fern, subform abbreviatum, mihi (Ardmore). I doubt not but other
forms might be referred to this class; e. g., black-stalked spleenwort,
var. obtusum, Newm., brittle bladder-fern, var. dentata, &c. ; but suf-
ficient are quoted to show what I mean. Similarly, I doubt not,
most, if not all, the following might be included under one common
class :—Incisa, male fern, var. erosa, Deakin, incisa, Moore; black-
stalked spleenwort, var. acutwm, Newm.; brittle bladder-fern, vars.
cynapifolia and anthriscifolia, &c., and numerous others, which, as
I do not possess specimens of them, had, perchance, better be passed
over. i

“This is a general outline of the system proposed to be intro-
duced. That it is not an unnecessary one will be evident, if we
consider the number of these varieties which every day’s research
brings to light, and the consequent number of descriptions which
must be introduced for them into our Floras, the greater part of which
may be avoided by pursuing the plan now sketched out. I think the
same plan might be pursued in general Botany, with a good effect ;
but it is of far greater importance in Filicology, as so many of this class
of plants may be recognized by their external form alone. Before

VOL. IV, 6 R

1038

concluding, I will say a few words on the study of varieties. I know
it has been urged as an argument against it, that it tends to increase
spurious species; but this statement is an error, as the effect of it
would be quite the other way, and as nothing can tend so much to do
away with spurious species asa study of all the changes species
undergo. In the kindred science of Zoology, when we are in doubt
about points of economy, we seek them, often, notin the perfect ani-
mal, but in the monster. Why, then, should we not, in plants, apply
the same rule, and seek amidst the vagaries of monstrosities for the
rules which govern regular forms?—for thence can they often be
deduced, as by the breach of the law we oftentimes are reminded of
its existence. To show that this theory, system, or whatever you
will call it, is not unnatural, | have drawn out a table of eight species,
in which we find these forms, now described, prevailing in the follow-
ing ratio :—The species are male fern, hart’s-tongue, common poly-
pody, northern hard fern, lady-fern, maiden-hair spleenwort, angular
shield-fern, and prickly shield-fern. Amongst these, ramosum occurs
in the first four; multifidum, in the whole eight; Cambricum, ‘in the
first four and the sixth, ¢. e., in five; sinuatum, in the ‘same five ;
and the subform abbreviatum, in the first, second, third, fifth, seventh,
and eighth, six in all. This concludes the subject. Whether my
deductions are overdrawn, or not, you can judge for yourselves, as
you have before you the greater part of the specimens from which, as
the materials, they were drawn. Many of these, however, especially
among the subforms, are now very inadequate pictures of what they
were when growing, as it is impossible, even by the most careful dry-
ing, to preserve many points of importance in distinguishing between
the forms. They are all, with very few exceptions, which I have
marked, Irish specimens, gathered during the last two years, and
therefore fair specimens of the forms to be found in a state of nature.”

Mr. Kinahan, in conclusion, gave a tabular view of his proposed
classification ; detailing the reasons why he considered that the pre-
sent nomenclature included specific characters that caused corifiston.

Orery

Roya Puysicat Socrety or EDINBURGH.
On Bothrodendron, Ulodendron, Stigmaria, &c., and restoration of
Sphenopteris elegans.

At a late meeting of this Society the following paper, intituled “On
Bothrodendron, Ulodendron, Stigmaria, and other characteristic Plants

1039.

of the Carboniferous Period, with a restoration of Sphenopteris eles
gans,’ by Hugh Miller, Esq., was read.

The author began his paper by quoting from Mr. Bunbury’s deserip-
tion of a fossil fern of the North-American coal measures, published
in the ‘Journal of the Geological Society’ for 1852. ‘It is rare,”
says Mr. B., “to find in the ferns of the carboniferous period, even
the stipes or leaf-stalk completely preserved down to its base; the
only specimen of the kind that I have seen is a beautiful Sphenopteris
(I believe Sphenopteris elegans) from the Edinburgh coal-field, in the

_ collection of Mr. Hugh Miller.” What is deemed rare by Mr. Bun-
‘bury, one of our highest authorities in fossil botany, must be regarded

as absolutely so; and Mr. M. now exhibited, he said, and attempted
to describe, this unique fossil, in the hope of adding a very little to
what was already known regarding one of the most beautiful and cha-
racteristic ferns of the lower coal measures. From a suite of speci-
men’s on the Society’s table, it would be found that, save in one
particular, the entire frond of Sphenopteris elegans could be restored,
so as to be rendered as palpable to conception as the fronds of the
green brake, which in one respect it resembled, that flourished last
season on the sunny hill-sides or amid the deep woodland glades of
our country. In one important particular, however, the restoration
must be incomplete. So far as Mr. M. knew, no specimen of any
coal-measure species of this ancient genus exhibits the fructification ;
and we must be content, therefore, to acquaint ourselves simply with
the general outline and venation of the plant. All previous attempted
restorations of Sphenopteris had been unfortunate. It seems to have
been inferred, from the minuteness of the pinnules, that the frond to
which they belonged had also been minute ; and so in the restorations,
such. as that of the late Dr. Mantell, in his ‘ Wonders of Geology,’
and that of the interesting oil painting of carboniferous plants in the
Museum attached to the Edinburgh Botanic Garden,—testorations
introduced, however, rather for pictorial than scientific purposes,—
the large, eminently handsome, and apparently solitary frond given to
the plant by Nature, has been represented by mere dwarfish pinne,
rising gregariously, as in Polypodium and Asplenium, from a common
thizoma. In one important respect Sphenopteris elegans resembled
Pteris aquilina, our common hill-side bracken. It was furnished with
a stout leafless rachis, exceedingly similar in form to that of Pteris.

Nay, it exhibited so completely, in Mr. M.’s specimen, the same club-

like slightly bent termination, the same gradual diminution in thick-
ness, and the same smooth surface, that one accustomed to see this

1040

part of the bracken used as a thatch, and a very durable thatch the
stipites of the bracken do form, can scarcely doubt that the stipes of
Sphenopteris would have served the purpose equally well. Evidently,
were it still in existence to be employed for that purpose, a roof
thatched with Sphenopteris, with its pinne and leaflets concealed,
and unly its club-like stems exposed row above row, in the ordinary
style of the fern-thatcher, could not be distinguished, so far as form
and size went, from a roof thatched with Pteris. Ata height of from
seven to eight inches above its club-like termination, the stem divided
into two equal parts, which shot upwards with a divergence that ren-
dered the fork between an angle of about 30°; and at unequal heights,
a little further up, each of these divided stems bifurcated, in turn, at
about the same angle, and then shot up, in some individuals, without
further bifurcation ; while in others they bifurcated again, and yet
again. Itis probable that, as in many of the recent ferns, the greater
divisions of the plant were constant, while the smaller varied accord-
ing to the richness of the soil, and the consequent size and degree of
development attained by the frond. As in Pteris aquilina, there shot
out from these main stems numerous pinne irregularly alternate, and
which, becoming less compound as they approached the top of the
plant, passed, in ascending, from tripinnate to bipinnate, and assumed
finally the form of more alternately pinnate leaflets. Unlike Pteris,
however, whose stem remains bare of pinne until its larger divisions
take place, the stem of Sphenopteris elegans sent forth on its oppo-
site sides two decompound pinne, the one about an inch, the other
about an inch and a quarter or so, below the first fork,—a peculiarity
of structure that must have imparted a graceful fulness of outline to
the lower portion of the frond, which, had the rachis been bare, it
could not have possessed. Alternation, save in the bifurcations of
the main, secondary, and tertiary stems, and in the case of a few irre-
gular pinne that seem to have been placed opposite, or nearly so,
constituted the law that regulated the form of the plant. The pinne
alternated on the greater stems, the semipinne alternated on the
pinne, and, finally, the minute, closely nerved, spathulate leaflets _
alternated on the semipinne. The entire frond must have been of
great lightness and beauty, of a style intermediate, from the slimness
of its leaflets and the slenderness of its secondary and tertiary stems,
between that of the frond of Pteris aquilina, and that of the fully
developed sucker of the graceful Asparagus. A hill-side clothed with
these delicately fronded ferns must have rolled its mimic waves of soft
green to every light breeze that stirred the depths of the old carboni- —

1041

ferous forests ; and the light and flexile covering which it gave to
undulating plain or gentle acclivity, must have contrasted not unpleas- «
ingly-with the columnar trunks of fluted Sigillariz or scaly Lepido-
dendra, or with the huge rectilinear boles of gigantic Araucarians.
After several remarks on the numerous so-called species of Spheno-
pteris found at Burdiehouse, most of which Mr. M. regarded as but
mere varieties of a single species, he went on to state that he had an
opportunity of seeing, about six years before, though but for an
instant, the larger portion of a frond of Neuropteris gigantea. He
laid it open at a pit-mouth near Musselburgh, in a mass of gray shale,
sorely split and weathered; but he could do little more than deter-
mine that, like Sphenopteris elegans, and the common bracken, it too
had a thick bare rachis, and that its pinne, like its leaflets, were alter-
nate in their arrangement, when it fell to pieces in his hands. Mr.
Miller regretted that, during the glimpse which he enjoyed of this
beautiful frond, he failed to remark the order in which the larger
divisions of the rachis took place; he merely saw, from the general
effect, that the frond as a whole, balanced on its strong club-formed
leaf-stem, was greatly massier than that of either Pteris aquilina or
Sphenopteris elegans ; and that in the clustered richness of its leaf-
lets, although not in their disposition, it resembled our recent Osmunda
regalis, or royal fern. So transient was his glimpse of the plant, that
it has since reminded him of those momentary glances caught, accord-
ing to tradition, of long-buried monarchs in their sepulchres, that in
one moment are seen august in all their robes, and in the next
descending before the admitted air into a shower of light dust. Mr.
Miller next exhibited and described a very fine, and in some respects
unique specimen of Ulodendron minus, which he had disinterred from
out a bed of ferruginous shale in the Water of Leith, a little above the
village of Colinton. Though little more than 10 inches in length by
3 in breadth, it exhibited no fewer than seven of those round beauti-
fully sculptured scars, ranged rectilinearly along the trunk or stem, by
which this ancient genus is so remarkably characterized. The speci-
men is covered with small, sharply relieved, obovate scales, most of
them furnished with an apparent midrib, and with their edges slightly
turned up ; and from these peculiarities, and their great beauty, are
suited to remind the architect of that style of sculpture adopted by
Palladio from his master, Vitruvius, when, in ornamenting the Corin-
thian or composite torus, he fretted it into closely imbricated obovate
leaves. These scales are ranged in elegant curves, which one of the
members of the Royal Physical Society, Mr. Charles Peach, as his

1042

quick eye caught the arrangement in Mr. M.’s specimen, compared

“not inaptly to those ornamental curves, a feat of the turning-lathe,

which one sees roughening the backs of ladies’ watches... Mr. Miller’s
specimen exhibited, as it lay in the rock, what, so far as he knew, no
ether specimen of Ulodendron had yet shown, a true branch shooting
out at an acute angle from the stem, and fretted with scales of a pecu-
liar form, verging from irregularly rhomboidal to irregularly polygonal.
It has been shown by Messrs. Lindley and Hutton, on the evidence
of one of their specimens, figured in the ‘ Fossil Flora,’ that the line
of circular or oval scars, so remarkable in this genus, and which are
held to be the impressions made by a rectilinear range of cones, an
almost sessile row existed in duplicate, occurring on two of the sides
of the plant directly opposite. Its cones were thus ranged all im one
plane. The branch struck off from one of the intermedial sides, at
what in the transverse section would be at right angles with the
cones; and though little can be founded on a single specimen, such,
certainly, is the disposition of branch that seems best to consort with
such a disposition of cone. It may be added, said Mr. M., that if all
the branches were also ranged in one plane like the cones, such a
disposition would not be quite without example in the vegetable king-
dom, even as it now exists. ‘Our host,” says the late Captain Basil
Hall, in his brief description of the Island of Java, “ carried us to see
a singular tree, called familiarly the ‘ traveller’s friend,— Urania being,
I believe, its botanic name. We found it to differ from most other
trees, in having all its branches in one plane, like the sticks of a fan
or the.feathers of a peacock’s tail.” Influenced, perhaps, by Captain
Hall’s description, and the figure of Urania given in his work, Mr. M,
had been accustomed, he said, to think of Ulodendron, though his
evidence on the subject was still far from ample, as a plant somewhat
resembling in its contour the old Jewish candlestick, as sculptured on
the arch of Titus. Mr. M. then went on to show that Ulodendron was
not, as surmised by the authors of the ‘ Fossil Flora,’ a mere form of
Lepidodendron ; though not improbably another of their genera,
Bothrodendron, was a mere form of it. At least, Ulodendron, when
decorticated, exactly resembles the latter plant, being mottled over
with minute dottings quincuncially arranged, and presenting its recti-
linear line of oval scars devoid of the ordinary sculpturings. After
several remarks on Lepidostrobus variabilis, which, as shown by spe-
cimens on the table, could not be the cone of Ulodendron, as Messrs,
Lindley and Hutton had surmised, but was unequivocally, as had
been inferred by Adolphe Brongniart, that of Lepidodendron, Mr, M,

1043

‘went on to-describe what he deemed a new species of Stigmaria, which
‘he had found in Joppa quarry. In the specimen exhibited, the cha-°
acteristic areole of the plant presented the ordinary aspect. Each,
however, formed the centre of a sculptured star, consisting of from
eighteen to twenty rays, or rather the centre of a sculptured flower of

the composite order, resembling a garden daisy,—the minute petals

-being ranged in three concentric lines. Mr. M. then referred to the

discovery by Mr. Binney of Manchester, that the Stigmariz are the

roots of Sigillariz, or rather, said Mr. M., the discovery that they
occupy the place of roots. From a specimen on the table, it would

be seen that they terminated very differently from true roots; ending

‘as abruptly as any of the Cactus tribe, and with their bud-like areole
thickly clustered at the extremities. _ After arguing the point at con-

siderable length, Mr. M. went on to say that it might, he thought, be
consistently held, that while the place and position of Stigmaria were,
as shown by Mr. Binney, those of true roots, just as the place and
position of the rhizoma of Pteris aquilina, or of Cryptogamma crispa,
are those of true roots, it was, notwithstanding, not a true root, but
merely a congeries of subterranean stems, that sent forth from the
centre at which they converged, a thick subaérial trunk, richly sculp-
tured, and covered with a foliage of which every trace has long since

disappeared. There was but one other*plant of the coal measures,

said Mr. M., to which he would at present call the attention of the
Society. It was evidently a fern, but presented at first sight more

the appearance of a Cycadaceous frond than any other vegetable

organism of the carboniferous age yet seen. From a mid-stem, about

a line’ in thickness, there proceed at right angles, and in alternate

order, a series of sessile lanceolate leaflets, rather more than two

inches in length, by about an eighth of an inch in breadth, and about

three lines apart. Each is furnished with a slender midrib; and,

‘what seems a singular, though not entirely unique feature in a fern,

the edges of each are densely hirsute, and bristle with thick, short
hair. The venation is not distinctly’ preserved. In conclusion, Mr,

M. took the liberty, he said, of urging on such of the members of. the
‘Society as possessed unique fossils of our carboniferous Flora,—unique
either from the circumstance of, their being positively new, or of: throw-
‘ing new light on the forms or strueture of plants already known in

part,—the importance of exhibiting and describing them for the gene-
ral benefit. The authors of both Fossil Floras and Fossil Faunas,
however able or accomplished they may be, have often to found their
genera and species, and to frame their restorations, when they attempt

1044

these, on very inadequate specimens. For, were they to pause in
their labours until better ones turned up, they would find the longest
life greatly too short for the completion of even a small portion of
their task. Much of their work must of necessity be of a provisional
character ; so much so, that there are few possessors of good collec-
tions who do not find themselves in circumstances to furnish both
addenda and errata to our most valuable works on Paleontology.
And it is only by the free communication of these addenda and
errata that geologists will at length be enabled adequately to conceive
of the by-past creations,—of, in especial, the Faunas of the palzeozoic
and secondary periods, and of that gorgeous Flora of the carboniferous
age, with some of whose organisms Mr. M. had been attempting to
deal, and which seems to have been by far the most luxuriant and
wonderful which our emphatically ancient earth ever saw.

Notices or New Books, &c.

‘The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, No. 66, June, 1853.

This number contains the following botanical papers : —

‘Remarks upon British Plants; by Charles C. Babington, M.A.,
F.R.S., F.L.S., &c.’

‘On the Genera of the Tribe Duboiseex; by John Miers, Esq.,
F.R.S., F.L.S,’

‘ Observations on Relative Position; including a new Arrangement
of Phanerogamous Plants; by B. Clarke, F.L.S., &c.’

‘ Researches on the Fecundation and Formation of the Embryo in
Hepatice and Ferns; by H. Philibert. Extracted from the ‘Comptes
Rendus,’ Dec. 13, 1852, p. 851.

Mr. Babington’s paper is continued from the previous number, and
exhibits the same care and research as before. The genera treated of
are Myosotis and Thymus; and the observations on these are so fully
reported in the last number (Phytol. iv. 984), that an abstract would.
be almost tautological.

1045

©The Sea-weed Collector's Guide: containing Plain Instructions for
Collecting and Preserving, and a List of all the known Spe-
cies and Localities in Great Britain. By J. Cocks, M.D.,
Devonport. London: John Van Voorst, 1, Paternoster Row.
1853.

Ir is recorded of some modern Zoilus, that he quaintly charac-
terized a book he was reviewing as containing “many things both
new and true;” but then, asa kind of set-off to this modicum of
“faint praise,” he goes on to say that “the new things are not érwe,
neither are the true things new.’ Now we would by no means be
understood to insinuate that the new things in Dr. Cocks’s ‘ Guide’
are not true; neither would we quarrel with his true things because
they are not new: his little book is indeed confessedly a compilation
from standard works of acknowledged high character, and the name
of Dr. Harvey is a sufficient guarantee for the intrinsic value of the
ample extracts from that gentleman’s published works on the British
Algze, which we meet with in many parts of the ‘Guide. These
quotations are, we believe, in all cases accompanied by an acknow-
ledgment. Such an acknowledgment, indeed, is no more than the
due of an author whose labours are appropriated by followers in the
same field of research as himself: it is, to say the least of it, a grace-
ful compliment to those who have cleared the way for their succes-
sors, and should in no case be withheld ; although, as it appears to
us, our author has not in every instance stated the source whence his
materials have been derived.

Dr. Cocks gives some plain and useful directions for collecting and
preserving the marine Alge, which will greatly assist the young algo-
logist in the preparation of his specimens. Very few of the directions
for drying the Alge can however be classed among the new things of
the book ; at all events, they bear a very striking family likeness to
similar instructions given by Dr. Drummond, in a valuable paper
published in the ‘ Magazine of Zoology and Botany’ for 1838 (11. 144).
This likeness is, indeed, so strong, that we can hardly persuade our-
selves that they belong to that class of undesigned coincidences which
every now and then occur in the writings of independent labourers on
kindred subjects. A few of these parallel passages we quote below,
premising that we have J¢talicised such phrases as are the more
striking from their close similarity, we might say, their identity.

VOL. Iv. 6s

1046

Cocks, 1853.

“ The first step to be taken is
to examine each one separately,
and carefully remove every parti-
cle of extraneous matter that may
be attached. These foreign bo-
dies,” &c.—P. 17.

“ Notwithstanding the pains we
may have taken to clean our spe-
cimens beforehand, we shall often
Jind, when they are fairly spread
out, that there are still some mi-
nute particles adhering to them.”
——. 17.

“ These are effectually removed
with a pair of dissecting forceps,
which are, * * indeed, almost in-
dispensable in laying out marine
Alge. They will, besides, be
found most useful for various pur-
poses difficult to describe.” — P.
17.

“Now, the quality of the paper
is a matter of considerable impor-
tance, * * for zt frequently hap-
pens that a great error is com-
mitted in this respect, not only
by the novice, but also by the
more experienced algologist, in
using paper of a thin and inferior
quality, which very much injures
the appearance of the specimen.”
—P. 18.

“There are some species in par-
ticular, that contract so much in
drying, as to pucker the edges of
the paper if it is not sufficiently
thick, and these are then seen to
considerable disadvantage.” — P.
18.

Drummond, 1838.

“ The first object to be attend-
ed to in preserving marine plants
is to have them washed perfectly
clean before spreading. There
should not be left upon them a
particle of sand or other foreign
body.”

“ Whatever pains we may have
taken to clean the recent spect-
mens, we shall often find, when
spreading them, thal some foreign
particles continue attached.”

“ And for the removal of these
a pair of dissecting forceps, and
a camel’s hair pencil of middle
size, will be found very conveni-
ent. These, indeed, are almost
indispensable, and will be found
useful on more occasions than can
here be specified.”

“ The next thing to be attended
to is the quality of the paper on
which the specimens are to be
spread ; and here a great error is
generally committed, in using tt
thin and inferior, by which, if the
specimen be worth preserving, it
has not proper justice done to it.”

** Some species, too, contract so
much in drying, as to pucker the
edges of the paper if it be not suf-
Jicently thick, * * * and this has
a very unsightly appearance.”

1047

* This observance serves, also, “We have thus three regular
to give a neatness and uniformity sizes of paper, and this serves to
to a collection, not to be accom- give a uniformity and neatness to
plished by using papers cut at a collection, not to be obtained by
random, or of casual dimensions.” using papers at random, and of
—P. 19. casual dimensions.”

These extracts speak for themselves, and require but little com-
ment. Dr. Drummond’s paper has been laid under contribution, or
it has not. If Dr. Cocks has availed himself of the instructions for
drying the Algz therein contained, he should have said so: if not,
this division of his book offers as curious a case of identity of ideas
and phrases, as did the famous speech of a certain ex-Chancellor
which made so much noise a short time ago.

‘The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, Nos. 67 and 68,
July and August, 1853.

No. 67 contains the following botanical papers :—

‘Remarks on some Alge belonging to the Genus Caulerpa; by R.
K. Greville, LL.D., &c.’

‘ Description of a New Species of Rhododendron from Bootan, in
India; by Thomas Nuttall, Esq.’

‘ Observations on Relative Position; including a New Arrangement
of Phanerogamous Plants :—Part IV. On Dorsal Placentation; by
B. Clarke, F.L.S., &c.’

‘On the Structure of the Leaves of Palms; by M. A. Trécul.

Miscellaneous :—‘ On the Fecundation of the Fucacex,’ by M.
Gustave Thuret (from the ‘Comptes Rendus’); ‘ Experimental Re-
searches ‘on Vegetation, by Georges Ville.

M. Thuret states that when the dicecious Fucacee are kept in a
damp atmosphere, “the spores and antheridia are pushed out on the
surface of the fronds in great numbers.” If kept in separate vessels,
the antheridia “ emit their antherozoids, which move about with the
greatest vivacity ;” these movements, which are frequently continued
till the next day, gradually diminish in intensity, and on the third day
decomposition commences. “The spores remain for about a week
without sensible alteration; they then also decompose without further
development. Sometimes phenomena resembling germination are
exhibited ; some of them emit irregular prolongations, but no septa

1048

are formed ;” their evolution, however, proceeds no further, and they
decompose like the antherozoids. When the spores and antherozoids
are mixed together, germination soon commences, and proceeds
rapidly. “If the experiment has been performed on a slip of glass
kept constantly near a window, in the same position,” nearly all the
radicles turn away from the light, and towards the interior of the
room. When the antherozoids are in considerable quantity, they are
seen to “attach themselves to the spores, crawl in a manner upon
their surface, and communicate to them, by means of their vibratile
cilia, a rotatory movement which is often very rapid. Nothing is
more curious than the appearance of these large brownish spheres
[the spores] rolling in all directions among the crowd of antherozoids
which surround them.” The author failed in his endeavours to fecun-
date the spores of Ozothallia vulgaris (Fucus nodosus, Linn.) with the
antherozoids of Fucus serratus and F. vesiculosus, and vice versé ;
nor was he more successful when he applied the antherozoids of
Fucus vesiculosus to the spores of F. serratus; but on reversing the
latter experiment, he found that some of the spores of F. vesiculosus
germinated. He does not however venture to conclude from this that
hybrid fecundation is possible, but mentions it to call attention to the
fact, that whilst “ the Ozothallia and Fucus serratus are very constant
in form, F. vesiculosus is extremely polymorphous.”

No. 68 contains no botanical paper.

Contributions towards the Geographical History of the Plants of
Upper Teesdale. By Joun G. Baxer, Esq.

Durine a recent visit to Teesdale, I have procured numerous notes
respecting its botanical productions, and their localities ; but these
have been so frequently examined, and recorded in detail, that, with
some few exceptions, it will only be desirable to reproduce here those
portions of my observations which relate to the geographical area
embraced by the rarer species, or extend the limits previously ascer-
tained in this country for those of more general occurrence.*

* The estimates of altitude, in leaps of fifty yards, are based upon the barometric
measurements of Professor Phillips, as reported in his new work, ‘ The Rivers, Moun-
tains, and Seacoast of Yorkshire.’ The temperature is calculated according to the
rule of Dalton, as in the ‘ Cybele Britannica ;’ assuming the isotherm of 48 degrees
for that of the coast-level, and deducting one degree of mean annual temperature for

1049

Thaliclrum flecuosum, Reich. Ascends to an elevation of 300
yards (average annual temperature, 45 degrees), along the banks of
the Tees, below Holwick, Yorkshire.

Barbarea vulgaris. Ascends to 200 yards (46 deg.), on the banks
of the Balder, near its junction with the Tees, Yorkshire.

Erysinum Alliaria. Ascends to 200 yards (46 deg.), on hedge-
banks by the roadside near Cotherstone, Yorkshire.

Arenaria serpyllifolia. Ascends to 400 yards (44 deg.), in a culti-
vated field near Langdon Bridge, Durham.

Hypericum quadrangulum. Ascends to 350 yards (45 deg.), on
the roadside near the High-Force Inn, Durham.

Hypericum hirsutum. Ascends to 350 yards (45 deg.), in the wood
behind the High-Force Inn, Durham.

Geranium lucidum. Ascends to 400 yards (44 deg.), along the
banks of Langdon Beck, near the bridge of the Alston road, Durham.

Prunus spinosa. Ascends to 350 yards (45 deg.), amongst the
scars above Holwick, Yorkshire.

Geum urbanum. Ascends to 350 yards (45 deg.), in the High-
Force Wood, Durham, with Poa Parnellii and Crepis succiszfolia.

Agrimonia Eupatoria. Ascends to 250 yards, on the roadside
above Romalakirk, Yorkshire.

Potentilla fruticosa. Descends below 150 yards (nearly 47 deg.),
at Greta Bridge, Yorkshire, Baines’ Flora ; ascends to 400 yards (44
deg.), on the Durham side of the Tees, near its junction with Lang-
don Beck.

Sanguisorba officinalis. Ascends to 450 yards (44 deg.), on the
lower portion of Falcon Clints, Durham.

Epilobium parvifiorum. Ascends to 400 yards (44 deg.), in a
streamlet near Langdon Bridge, Durham. Much less hairy than the
ordinary lowland state.

Circea lutetiana. Ascends to 200 yards (46 deg.), on a wall near
the junction of the Balder with the Tees, above Cotherstone, York-
shire.

each hundred yards in elevation. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the climatic zone
is only mentioned where the species has not been ascertained to occur in the same
zone before. As a general rule, the line of 45° (900 feet) may be considered as the
boundary between the midagrarian and superagrarian zones in this latitude; and that
of 42° (1800 feet) as the upward limit of cultivation. In a few cases, where I have
personally collected the species in the specified locality, the authority for its occur-
rence is given.

1050

Berberis vulgaris. Ascends to 350 yards, in the High-Force
Wood, Durham, but possibly introduced.

Saxifraga Hirculus. Ascends to upwards of 600 yards (42 deg.),
along the margin of Netherheath Syke, near the Earl of Thanet’s
shooting-box, Westmoreland, J. Backhouse, jun. (Phytol. i. 892).
Inferarctic zone.

Peucedanum Ostruthium. In several localities on both sides of
the Tees. Though affecting a preference for the vicinity of farm-
houses, it may safely be referred to the same category of citizenship
as Myrrhis odorata. Ascends to 400 yards (44 deg.), near the junc-
tion of Harewood and Langdon Becks, at the foot of Widdy Bank,
Durham. Superagrarian zone.

Torilis Anthriscus. Ascends to 250 yards (46 deg.), on walls at
Mickleton, Yorkshire.

Cherophyllum temulentum. Ascends to 250 yards (46 deg.), along
the roadside near Mickleton, Yorkshire.

Sambucus nigra. Ascends to 300 yards (45 deg.), amongst the
tumbled rocks and débris below Holwick Scars, with Allosurus cris-
pus and Polypodium Dryopteris ; doubtless a native locality.

Galium cruciatum. Ascends to 300 yards (45 deg.), along the
banks of a small stream below Holwick, Yorkshire, with Melampyrum
sylvaticum and Equisetum umbrosum.

Scabiosa Columbaria. Ascends above 400 yards (44 deg.), on
the eastern extremity of Falcon Clints, Durham, with Potentilla
alpestris.

Knautia arvensis. Ascends to 500 yards (45 deg.), on the York-
shire bank of the Tees, near Lower Cronkley Bridge.

Leontodon hispidum. Ascends to 400 yards (44 deg.), at the foot
of Widdy Bank, Durham, with Carex Persoonii. Superagrarian zone.

Crepis succisefolia. Descends to 150 yards (46 deg.), in hedges
and meadows between Barnard Castle and Lartington, Yorkshire.
Midagrarian zone.

Hieracium pilosum, “8. subnudum, Frél.,” Fr.; H. tricocepha-
lum, Willd. ? H. Lawsoni, Auct. Ang. in part. Rocks on the Dur-
ham side of the Tees, at Wince Bridge ; below the High Force ; and
at Falcon Clints. Range of elevation, 300—450 yards (45—44 deg.)
Sparingly at each station.

Hieracium cerinthoides, L. With great difficulty, I procured a
couple of specimens from the inaccessible rocks at the White Force,
Cronkley Fell, Yorkshire, at an elevation of 450 or 500 yards.

Fieracium iricum, Fr. On both banks of the Tees, and in the bed

1051

of the stream below Wince Bridge, in considerable plenty ; more spar-
ingly higher up the river. Range of elevation, 300—400 yards.

Hieracium pallescens scapigerum, Fr. On the rocks of Falcon
Clints, Durham, at an elevation of 400—500 yards. Formerly sup-
posed to be H. plumbeum, Fries (Phytol. iv. 453).

Hieracium Saxifragum vimineum, Fr. With H. pilosum, at the
eastern extremity of Falcon Clints, Durham, very sparingly, at an
elevation of upwards of 400 yards.

Hieracium murorum, L.; H. nudicaule, Hdmondst. Rocks on the
Durham side of the Tees, below the High Force.

Hieracium cesium, Fr. On the Yorkshire side of the Tees, below
Cotherstone, and near Wince Bridge ; on the Durham bank, near the
High Force ; and other localities.

Mieracium vulgatum, Fr. Frequent throughout Teesdale. Var.
medium, Fr. On rocks in High-Force Wood, Durham.

Hieracium gothicum, Fr. On both sides of the Tees, about Wince
Bridge ; and on the Durham side, above the High Force and Lang-
don Bridge. Range of elevation, 300—400 yards. Var. humillimum,
Fr., is the most frequent form. Differs considerably from the plant
of “ Hook & Ockham,” Surrey and Kent, distributed under this
name last season, through the Botanical Society of London (Phytol.
iv. 934).

Hieracium tridentatum, Fr. Ascends to 350 yards (45 deg.), in
the High-Force Wood, Durham.

Hieracium crocatum, Fr. The ordinary form of this species, with
the vars. dilatatum and angustatum, Fr., grow plentifully on both
sides'of the Tees, about the bridges of Wince and Lower Cronkley ;
and more sparingly at the High Force.

Hieracium corymbosum, Fr. On the Yorkshire side of the Tees,
below Holwick ; about Wince Bridge; and on the Durham bank, at
the High Force and above Langdon Bridge. Range of elevation,
300—400 yards.

Hieracium boreale, Fr. Ascends to 400 yards (44 deg.), with the
former, above the bridge of the Alston road, over Langdon Beck.

Serratula tinctoria. Ascends to 300 yards (45 deg.), on the banks
of the Tees, at Wince Bridge. Superagrarian zone.

Carlina vulgaris. Ascends to 350 yards (45 deg.), on Force-Garth
Scars, Durham.

Centaurea nigra, var. radiata. On the Yorkshire bank of the
Tees, at Wince Bridge.

Pyrethrum Parthenium. Ascends to 200 yards (46 deg.), on a

1052

wall near the junction of the Balder with the ‘Tees, in company with
Hieracium cesium and Circea lutetiana.

Polemonium ceruleum. Ascends to upwards of 600 yards, in a
limestone hollow near the station for Saxifraga Hirculus, on the banks
of Netherheath Syke, Westmoreland, with Asplenium viride, J. Back-
house, jun. (Phytol. i. 892).

Mentha aquatica. Ascends to 400 yards (44 deg.), in a streamlet
near Langdon Bridge, Durham.

Origanum vulgare. Ascends to 350 yards (45 deg.), in the wood
behind the High-Force Inn, Durham.

Stachys Betonica. Ascends to 350 yards (45 deg.), in High-Force
Wood, Durham. Superagrarian zone.

Primula farinosa. Ascends to 600 yards (42 deg.), on the summit
of Widdy-bank Fell (Black Moor), Durham ; and probably higher on
the Yorkshire side of the Tees.

Plantago media. Ascends to upwards of 400 yards, on the eastern
portion of Falcon Clints, Durham.

Chenopodium Bonus-Henricus. Ascends to 400 yards (44 deg.),
near Langdon Bridge, Durham.

Polygonum Bistorta. Ascends to 300 yards (45 deg.), on the York-
shire bank of the Tees, at Wince Bridge, with P. viviparum.

Rumex sanguineus. Ascends to 200 yards (46 deg.), on the road-
side near Cotherstone, Yorkshire.

Salix pentandra. Ascends to 450 yards (44 deg.), on the margin
of the Whey Sike, Widdy Bank, Durham.

Salix bicolor. In the forms Croweana, Weigeliana, and nitens,
frequent throughout the superagrarian zone, in Teesdale and Wear-
dale.

Allium ursinum. Ascends to 300 yards (45 deg.), along the road-
side near Unthank, Yorkshire.

Juncus glaucus. Ascends to 200 yards (46 deg.), along the road-
side near Cotherstone, Yorkshire.

Blysmus compressus. Ascends to 500 yards (43 deg.), along the
margin of the Whey Sike, Widdy Bank, Durham, in company with
the next species.

Elyna caricina. Descends to 500 yards (48 deg.), along the mar-
gin of the Whey Sike, with Bartsia alpina.

Carex Persoonii, Sieb. Descends to 400 yards (44 deg.), near the
junction of Whey Sike with the Harewood Beck, Durham.

Avena flavescens. Ascends to 400 yards (44 deg.), in meadows
near Langdon Bridge, Durham.

1053

Festuca pratensis. Ascends to 400 yards (44 deg.), in meadows
near Langdon Bridge.

Brachypodium pinnatum. The High-Force Wood, in which this
species is reported as growing (Phytol. i. 114), is not, from its geolo-
gical character and elevated position, a very likely locality to pro-
duce it. Possibly the next species, which is conspicuous there, may
have been mistaken for it.

Triticum caninum. Ascends to 350 yards (45 deg.), in High-Force
Wood, Durham.

Lastrea glandulosa, Newm. In company with the ordinary form
of dilatata (multiflora, Newm.), amongst the débris below Holwick
Scars, Yorkshire.

Equisetum variegatum. Ascends, with E. palustre, var. alpinum,
Hook., to 500 yards (43 deg.), on Widdy Bank, Durham.

JoHn G. BAKER.

Thirsk, North Yorkshire,
August 6, 1853.

Notes of a Botanical Excursion down the Wye.
By T. W. Gissine, Esq.

ProBaBLY the following notice of a few plants found during an
excursion, in the early part of June last, down the Wye, may not be
uninteresting.

I will first observe, that at Stroud, Gloucestershire, Juniperus com-
munis and Atropa Belladonna were growing very abundantly; and
that, in passing through Gloucester; I saw several plants of Diplo-
taxis tenuifolia, on an old wall near the cathedral; I afterwards
found this plant again, very sparingly, on an old wall about a mile
from Clifton. Cynoglossum officinale is very common by the road-
side all the way from Gloucester to Ross; in fact, it was very com-
mon in all the parts of Herefordshire that I visited. At a village
called Pencraig, a short distance from Ross, one starved specimen of
Hyoscyamus niger was growing; and near Goodrich Court, that over-
looks the truly serpentine Wye, several tufts of the beautiful Saxifraga
hypnoides peered from amidst.the grass, in full flower. The river-
banks yielded Armoracia rusticana. Thlaspi arvense flourishes in
great profusion in fields about the old ivy-covered ruins of Goodrich
Castle. On the Caldwell rocks, part of that wooded ridge crowned
by the far-famed Symond’s Yat, I observed a few poor fronds of

avOG. TY, 6 T

1054

Polypodium calcareum. As I was “ moving on,” I had not that oppor-
tunity of observing the neighbourhood so closely as I should other-
wise have desired. Amongst the grass at the foot of Rhaglan Castle
was one plant of Listera Nidus-avis ; two or three more of these pecu-
liar, withered-looking plants were afterwards seen by the roadside
between Monmouth and Tintern. On and near the noble ruins of
Rhaglan, ferns are plentiful. Its walls produce Asplenium Trichoma-
nes, A. Ruta-muraria, A. Adiantum-nigrum, Ceterach officinarum,
Polypodium vulgare, and its var. Cambricum, in which latter the
lobes are frequently bipinnatifid, and Scolopendrium vulgare ; whilst
at their base grew Asplenium Filix-foemina, Hook., Aspidium Filix-
mas, A. aculeatum, and Pteris aquilina. Besides these, the woman
resident in the castle informed me that a gentleman, lately there, told
her that “a rare fern” grew in the keep. I looked very diligently,
but failed to discover any other besides the above. I forgot to men-
tion that an old man at Goodrich Castle stated to me, that the adder’s-
tongue grew plentifully in a wood near; and that ointment made with
it was still in use amongst the poor people in that vicinity. It is fre-
quently asked for at chemists’ shops in Worcestershire, and is made
by the inhabitants in some parts.

From Monmouth I proceeded to Tintern, where, 1 believe, a bota-
nist might profitably spend a month or two. My stay was short; but
amongst the plants I saw were the following :—Ophioglossum vulgatum
(sparingly in a meadow about a mile from the abbey), Anthyllis Vul-
neraria (on a chalky bank near the base of the Wyndcliff, but I could
see it in no other place), Listera ovata, Habenaria chlorantha, Lysi-
machia nemorum, Blechnum boreale, Cardamine impatiens, and
Melica nutans (abundant in most of the woods). Aspidium dilatatum,
Rubus Ideus, Hypericum Androsemum, and H. pulchrum occur
sparingly in several places. In a wood, locally known as Blackcliff
Wood (I presume, from the dingy appearance of the crags that over-
look it, and around which the piercing cry of the kite may be fre-
quently heard by day, and the deep hooting of the owl by night),
Convallaria majalis and Allium ursinum grow in such profusion, that,
in walking through them, the combined odour of garlic and lily is by
no means agreeable. Were it not that, as in most cases, the sweet-
ness predominates over the disagreeable, the pedestrian who had
once ventured would, a second time, be more careful in adhering to
the beaten path, and thus leave the perfume of the garlic to slumber
in its cells. So excessively plentiful are the lilies of the valley, that
children may be daily met wending their ways to Chepstow, to dispose

1055

of their fragrant bundles to the inhabitants of that town. Like-
wise, at the gate of the venerable abbey, women, as well as children,
may generally be seen, whilst the lilies are in flower, retailing them
to such visitors as wish to bear away a Tintern bouquet. — In diffe-
rent places in the same wood, amongst Convallaria majalis, may
be gathered chance plants of Polygonatum officinale ; but there is
great danger of its being eradicated, as it is generally sought to add
beauty to the bunches of lilies. Rubia peregrina I found in several
places in this wood, and Aquilegia vulgaris is scattered plentifully
through all the woods in the neighbourhood. Veronica montana is
very common in every wood, and by roadsides. Vaccinium Myrtil-
lus and Berberis vulgaris are likewise to be found. Epilobium angus-
tifolium and Habenaria viridis I saw in one spot only. Euphorbia
stricta still flourishes in its original habitat, and Geranium sangui-
neum covers a rugged rock by the roadside, half a mile on the Tin-
tern side of St. Arvans. A short distance from Tintern Abbey,,
towards Tintern Parva, I was fortunate enough to discover ey
gium campestre, by the roadside, near a manure-heap ; two roots only
were growing. I believe it has never before been observed in that
locality. The Wye, on both sides, from Tintern to Chepstow, is
fringed with the white flowers of Cochlearia officinalis; and the
castle walls, at the latter place, are red with the blossoms of Cen-
tranthus ruber.

At Chepstow I left the Wye, and crossed the water to Clifton.
On St. Vincent’s Rocks, I gathered Ophrys muscifera, O. arachnites,
O. apifera, Hippocrepis comosa, Chlora perfoliata, Arabis stricta (one
specimen only), and Helianthemum polifolium. The last-named
plant, I believe, has never been seen in this situation before ; Brean
Downs (Somersetshire), and Torquay and Babbicombe (Devonshire),
being the only recorded habitats for it. On the Clifton Downs, at
the top of St. Vincent’s Rocks, grew Rubia peregrina, Spirea Filipen-
dula, and Geranium rotundifolium; and, about a mile from the
Downs, I found one plant of the Meconopsis Cambrica. I looked
carefully in every direction, but could find no more.

Numbers of other plants were, of course, growing on all sides; but
the above I noticed, as the more uncommon ones.

T. W. GIssINnG.

44, High Street, Worcester,

August 4, 1853.

1056

Notice of Equisetum fluviatile, Fries, in Britain ; and an Inquiry
into its Distinctness as a Species. By Joun G. Baker, Esq.

Dorine the earlier part of the current season, an Equisetum, some-
what intermediate in habit between limosum and palustre, attracted
my attention, in a growing state, in this neighbourhood; which, I
supposed, might be the plant described by Fries as the Equisetum
fluviatile of Linneus, and introduced to the notice of British botanists,
in the second edition of Babington’s ‘ Manual,’ as having some slight
claim to be considered a native of this country. Not possessing the
means of arriving at a satisfactory decision upon this point, I forwarded
a series of specimens of the Yorkshire plant to Mr. C. C. Babington,
who, by comparing them with the examples and descriptions published
in illustration of Ei. limosum and E. fluviatile, by Fries, in the ‘ Her-
barium Normale Suecice,’* established its identity with the E. fluvi-
atile of Scandinavian botanists, which he has also received from other
localities in England and Scotland.

So far as they have come under my observation, the two supposed
species, as they appear in this country, may be thus described :—

Equisetum fluviatile, Fries.

Rhizome creeping extensively,
closely sheathed, darker coloured
than the stem, with numerous bun-
dles of slender, black, fibrous roots
issuing from its nodes, and from
those of the lower part of the stem.

Stem 3-4 feet high, 2-3 lines
thick at its broadest part, fragile,
usually more or less branched,
rarely simple, erect or somewhat
procumbent below, or
above, round or slightly com-
pressed, with 14-18 parallel striz,
divided transversely by numerous
closely sheathed articulations,
purplish brown and smooth to-
wards its roots, below the sheaths,
especially when submerged, light-

curved.

Equisetum limosum, Fries.

Stem 23-33 feet high, 2-3} lines
thick at its broadest part, fragile,
usually simple frequently more or
less branched, erect or somewhat
procumbent below, round or slight-
ly compressed, with 14-18 paral-
lel striz, divided transversely by
numerous closely sheathed articu-
lations, purplish brown towards
its roots, below the sheaths, espe-
cially when submerged, light-green
above, when growing quite green,

* Herb. Norm. Suec. fasc. xi. Nos. 97, 98.

1057

Equisetum fluviatile, Fries.

and, when growing, somewhat
scabrous above.

Barren stem with 30-45 joints,
and a long, lax, slender, branch-
less, blunt termination ; fertile
stem with 20-30 joints, frequently
overtopped by theuppermost whorl
of branches.

Primary sheaths (vagine) darker
in colour than the stem, more
faintly but similarly striated, with
rigid, acuminate, purplish black
teeth, equalling the striz in num-
ber.

Branches multangular, ribbed
like the stem, long and slender,
tapering upwards, almost invari-
ably longer than the internodes,
usually twice their length, occa-
sionally few in number and irre-
gularly disposed, but more fre-
quently numerous and arranged
in lax whorls, spreading at an
angle of about 45° with the stem,
ultimately somewhat pendulous.

Secondary sheaths (vaginulz)
lax, the upper uniform in colour
with the branches, but with their
acute teeth tipped with purplish
black, the lowest with subobtuse
teeth, coloured throughout.

Spike more or less stalked, slen-
der, resembling that of E. palus-
tre in size and shape, at first
roundish, afterwards ovate-lanceo-
late, without an apiculus.*

Equisetum limosum, Fries.

smooth throughout.

Barren stem with 30-40 joints,
and a comparatively rigid termi-
nation, narrowing gradually up-
wards ; fertile stem with 20-30
joints, never surmounted by its
branches.

Primary sheaths (vagine) darker
in colour than the stem, more
faintly but similarly striated, with
rigid, acuminate, purplish black
teeth, equalling the striz in num-
ber.

Branches multangular, ribbed
like the stem, short and rigid,
nearly equal throughout, usually
nearly equalling the internodes in
length when matured, arranged in
regular erecto-patent (‘ arrect’”’)
whorls.

Secondary sheaths (vaginule)
lax, the teeth of the upper acute,
of the lowest subobtuse, all nearly
uniform in colour with the branch-
es, but faintly tipped with purplish
black.

Spike nearly sessile, thick, gib-
bous, black, ovate, blunt.

* For convenience of comparison, I subjoin the notes of Fries, accompanying his
illustrative specimens in Herb. Norm. 1. c., kindly furnished to me by Mr. Babing-

ton :—

1058

The two species are almost precisely alike in their localities and
mode of growth. The branched rhizomes, with their matted fibrous
roots, creep extensively amongst the mud at the bottom of pools,
canals, and slow streams: from these, in the spring, arise a minia-
ture forest of stems, expanding and fructifying as the summer
advances, and dying down in the autumn. In habit, E. fluviatile is
more slender and elongated ; E. limosum, stouter and more rigid in
texture. K. fluviatile, both in a barren and fertile state, is usually
furnished with numerous long, slender branches, which, in the fully
developed and characteristic form, are arranged in lax, irregular
whorls, spreading from the stem at a considerable angle; uaked
stems being nearly as unfrequent as in E. palustre. E. limosum is
frequently, or usually entirely, without branches ; when present, they
are not nearly so numerous as in the other species, and seldom much
exceed the internodes in length: the whorls are consequently less
dense, but are more regular, and the branches which compose them
only curve slightly at the base, and run upwards almost parallel
with the stem. Below the whorls, in E. fluviatile, are frequently
placed solitary, elongated, lateral branches, which attain a conside-
rable length, and have the internodes conspicuously developed. In
the compound form of E. limosum, solitary branches are less frequent,
and, when present, they are short and blunt compared with those of
HE. fluviatile, and the sheaths approximate closely. The barren stem
of E. fluviatile is terminated by a long, slender, cord-like extension,
entirely without branches, which withers and decays whilst the
remainder is still green and vigorous. In E. limosum the termina-
tion is stronger, and narrows more gradually: when branches are
present, they extend upwards higher than in the other species. It
was once thought that the differences between grooveless acute, and
sulcate blunt ribs, which are conspicuous when the plants are in a
dried state, might furnish a distinctive character ; but each species
varies considerably in this respect. The sheaths at the base of the
branches, in both, are similar in shape; but, whilst in E. limosum
they do not usually differ much in colour from the stem, except at the
point of their teeth, in E. fluviatile they are invariably coloured

“ Equisetum fluviatile, L.! Caules toti striati raro nudi, semper heterocladi ramis
numerosissimis, laxis, cauda sterili longa laxa fragile terminati. Spica tenuis estivalis.”

“ FE. limosum, L.! Apud nos in prius vix transit: caules ex magna parte in vivo
levissimi! simplissimi vel homocladi, ramis polygonis arrectis, apice equales et con-
formes. Spica crassa atra vernalis.”

1059

throughout. The spike of E. limosum is thick, black, and spongy,
as is well represented in Newman’s figure,* and is usually sessile, the

permost sheath clasping it like aninvolucre. It expands earlier in
the season than that of E. fluviatile, which is smaller in size, more
slender and graceful, lighter in colour, and usually elevated from its
sheath upon a fragile stalk. In order to afford a more precise idea of
the habit and dimensions of E. fluviatile than can be conveyed in a
general description, I have selected, for purpose of illustration, from
a bundle of specimens collected in this neighbourhood, four average
stems, which may convey some idea of its leading and most frequent
states of variation.

A is a barren stem, measuring fifty inches in length, and, at its
broadest portion, when pressed flat, three lines in breadth. It is
curved considerably towards the summit, and tapers gradually, the
thirtieth internode being exactly half the width of the twelfth. It has
forty-one joints, the spaces between which, in its three lowermost
quarters, vary in length from one inch to one andahalf. All the
nodes from the first to the fifteenth inclusive are branchless; the
sixteenth has one branch, seven inches in length, with twelve joints ;
the seventeenth, one; the eighteenth and nineteenth, two each; the
twentieth, one; the twenty-first, none; the twenty-second, two; but
the remainder are branchless: in all, nine branches, of which the
shortest is four inches in length.

B is a barren stem, forty-one inches in length, rather more slender
than in the last. It has thirty-six nodes above those from which the
roots issue. From the thirteenth of these issues a branch, five inches
and a halfin length ; the fourteenth is branchless ; the fifteenth has
three branches ; the sixteenth, six; the seventeenth, ten; the eigh-
teenth, nine; the nineteenth, two; the remainder are branchless:
total, thirty-one branches.

C is a barren stem, fifty inches in length, equalling the first in
breadth. It has forty nodes above those from which the roots issue.
Of these, the first to the thirteenth inclusive are branchless ; the four-
teenth has a single slender branch ; the fifteenth, one ; the sixteenth,
eleven; the seventeenth and eighteenth, fourteen each; the nine-
teenth, twelve ; the twentieth, thirteen ; the twenty-first, seventeen ;
the twenty-second, fourteen ; the twenty-third, eight; the twenty-
fourth, four; the remainder are branchless : total number of branches,
one hundred and nine, averaging two inches and a half in length.

* Hist. Brit. Ferns, 2nd ed. p. 51.

1060

DD is a fertile stem, measuring thirty-seven inches in length, and, at
its broadest portion, when pressed flat, about four lines in breadth.
It has twenty-five nodes, the first to eleventh of which inclusive are
branchless ; the twelfth has two branches ; the thirteenth, three; the
fourteenth, eight; the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth, each four-
teen ; the eighteenth, eleven; the nineteenth, twelve; the twentieth,
fifteen ;, the twenty-first, thirteen; the twenty-second, sixteen; the
twenty-third and twenty-fourth, ten each; the twenty-fifth, none:
total number of branches, one hundred and forty-two, of which those
of the uppermost whorl reach to the base of the spike.

The localities of E. fluviatile, so far as they are known to me, are
as below. Probably it will be found to be not unfrequent throughout
Britain, when it becomes better known, though less general than E.
limosum :—

Scotland :—Dumbarton? Inverarnar, at the head of Loch Lomond,
C. C. Babington. England:— (Lake) Lancashire: Silverdale (a
polystachion state)! H.Seebohm. Yorkshire: Ponds near Thirsk and
Topcliffe, abundant !! and near Castle-Howard! H. Ibbotson. Cam-
bridgeshire : Ely, C. C. Babington.

Now that the Equisetum fluviatile of Fries, no longer vaguely
“reported as a native” upon uncertain authority, or “ambiguous
otherwise,” is clearly ascertained to be an inhabitant of Britain, it
becomes desirable to reopen the questions previously brought under
discussion in the ‘ Phytologist ;’* and to inquire, in the first instance,
whether it is distinct, as a species, from the plant of general occur-
rence throughout Britain, issued by Fries in his Fasciculi as E. limo-
sum; figured by Smith, in ‘ English Botany,’t under the same name;
and by Newman, in his ‘ History of British Ferns, { under that of E.
fluviatile: and, secondly, what is the correct nomenclature of each
of the supposed species. To the first question, it is impossible to
give a decisive answer ; and it is a matter respecting which much dif-
ference of opinion may, and probably will, exist. So far asI am
aware, in Scandinavia alone have the distinctions between them been
clearly pointed out; and consequently the botanists of that country
have enjoyed the best advantages for forming a decision respecting
them. As has been already explained in the ‘ Phytologist,’§ we are
informed by Fries, in the ‘Summa Vegetabilium,’ that although nearly

* Phytol. iii. 1,77, 85. + E. Bot. t. 929. { Hist. Brit. Ferns, 2nd ed. p. 51.
§ Phytol. iii. 3, in an article by Mr. H. C. Watson, defending the correctness of
the position of E. fluviatile in the second edition of the ‘ London Catalogue.’

1061

allied, they may be readily distinguished from each other ; and that
at the present day they are considered as distinct species, by general
consent, in Sweden, although formerly united.* On the other hand,
there appears to be a want of positive characters, from which a good
specific diagnosis might be framed; the differences between them
being principally in degree, which is probably the cause of E. fluvia-
tile having been overlooked in Britain solong. For this reason, spe-
cimens somewhat intermediate may occasionally be noticed ;—luxu-
riant states of the barren stems of E. limosum, in which the whorls of
branches have become more divaricated than usual, and spring from
slightly coloured sheaths, much resembling diminished forms of E.
fluviatile, when seen singly ina dried state. But, so far asI can
judge, when they are fully examined in their native localities, or a
sufficient series of characteristic specimens studied when dried, there
need not be any difficulty in distinguishing one from the other. But
whether the distinctions are sufficiently decisive and permanent in
character to separate them as species, must be left for time and more
extended observation to determine.t

With regard to the Linnean nomenclature, three alternatives pre-
sent themselves for our consideration :—

1. That Linneus applied the names “ limosum” and “ fluviatile ”
to the plants described under the same names by Fries.

2. That he was unacquainted with E. fluviatile, F’r., and applied
the two names to the branched and unbranched forms of E. limo-
sum, Fy.

3. That he was acquainted with both of the supposed species, but
united them together ; in the ‘Systema Vegetabilium’ applying the
name “limosum” to the almost branchless form, the “ Equisetum
nudum leyvius nostras” of Ray ; and that of “ fluviatile” to the more
compound variety ; but afterwards, finding they were not specifically
distinct, omitted the former from the ‘ Flora Lapponica.’

Of these propositions, the first is decidedly incorrect ; because the

* “KE. limosum et E. fluviatile utique nimis affinia sunt, sed apud nos (circa
Upsaliam vulgaria) facile discernuntur et a nullo Botanicorum Suecorum, ad prisca
contrahenda quam nova distinguenda promptiorum, conjuncta.’—Sum. Veg. Scand.
p. 251.

+ My large supply of specimens of E. fluviatile, and of the variety of E. limosum
with furrowed ribs, will principally be distributed through the medium of the London
Botanical Society. JI would respectfully recommend this point to the notice of those
who may receive them.

VOL. Iv. 6U

1062

specimens preserved in the Linnean herbarium, labelled “ fluviatile,”
in the handwriting of Linneus, belong to E. limosum, Fr.

There is a tolerably strong presumption against the correctness of
the second alternative, as we are informed that both species are com-
mon in the neighbourhood of Upsal ; and this is converted almost to
a certainty, by the marks of admiration placed after “ K. fluviatile,
£.,” and “E. limosum, Z.,” by Fries, in the Herbarium Normale ;
which imply that he has seen authenticated specimens, and that they
belong to the plants which he describes.

So that the balance of probability appears to favour the view, that
each of the names of Linneus and Fries is applied to a series of
forms in some degree identical; but that the K. fluviatile of the ‘ Sys-
tema Vegetabilium ’ also includes a common form, or condition, of E.
limosum, #7. If this view of the case be correct, it will reconcile the
apparent discrepancy between the statement of Fries (that he has seen
authenticated specimens of E. fluviatile, Z., and that it is identical
with his E. fluviatile) and that of Newman (that he has seen authen-
ticated specimens of E. fluviatile, Z., and that it is identical with E.
limosum) ; or, as it may be more concisely expressed :-—

K. nero shimmy L., Fl. Lapp. = E. limosum, Fr. + E. fluviatile, Fr

EH. fluviatile, Fr. = EH. fluviatile, Z. Syst. Veg. in part,
non Linn. herb. vel Newman.
E. limosum, Fr. = K. fluviatile, Zinn. herb. + E. limo-

sum, L. Syst. Veg.
E. limosum, Auct. Brit.
K. fluviatile, Newm.

JoHN G. BAKER.
Thirsk, North Yorkshire,

August 3, 1853.

Medical Properties of British Ferns.
By Wiiu1am Lauper Linpsay, M.D., &c., &c.

I rake the liberty of writing to you on the subject of the use of
British ferns in medicine, in consequence of your queries thereanent,
contained in the letter lately sent by you to the Phytological Club of
the Pharmaceutical Society, and ae appeared in a late number of
the ‘ Phytologist’ (iv. 976).

Lastrea Filix-mas. This has been repeatedly used, of late, in dif-
ferent wards of this hospital, as an anthelmintic, in the treatment of

1063

tape-worm (Tenia solium). 1t has also been extensively applied to
the same purpose by the profession in Edinburgh, and other parts of
Scotland. It had fallen into disuse greatly in this neighbourhood, in
consequence of supposed inefficiency, but undeservedly so, until
Prof. Christison, in two papers published in the ‘ Edinburgh Monthly
Medical Journal, for June 1852, and July, 1853 (‘ On the Treatment
of Tape-worm by the Male Shield Fern’), showed that the want of
success, in some cases, depended on bad preparations of the root, or
old roots, being used. He found it almost uniformly successful in the
form of an oleo-resinous extract, obtained by percolation of the root
withether. Itis recommended in the dose of eighteen to twenty-four
grains, followed by a purgative. In many parts of England, nothing
ig more common as a vermifuge than half a drachm to a drachm of
the powder of the root, made up in the form of electuary, with a lit-
tle treacle or jelly ; in other parts of the country, the oil of the male
fern is an equally common nostrum. But in neither of the latter con-
ditions can its action be relied upon, especially if purchased in the
shops of druggists, who generally not only sell old roots and bad pre-
parations, but some the roots of totally different species. It is most
apt to be, and has most frequently been, confounded with Athyrium
Filix-foemina, the root of which it has yet to be proved has a similar
virtue. If time permit, in the course of this summer, | intend making
a series of experiments, to determine whether the same anthelmintic,
or what, properties reside in the roots of other of our common ferns,
This fern was first used at Genéve, by Peschier, some twenty or thirty
years ago, in the form of an etherial extract; but it appears to have
been recommended as a vermifuge by Theophrasus, Dioscorides, and
Galen ; and it formed the chief part of Madame Nouffer’s celebrated
remedy for the tape-worm. It does not appear to. be accurately deter-
mined on what special ingredients of the root its vermifuge property
depends: we know it contains tannic and gallic acids. There is some
contrariety of opinion as to the proper period of the year for collect-
ing the plant. for use; Peschier regarding it as most effectual if
gathered between May and September, and Prof. Christison consider-
ing the date of collection immaterial. The only caution necessary in
using it is, probably, that it ought always to be had fresh ; if gathered
and prepared by the practitioner himself, so much the better. The
oleo-resin, however, seems to retain its properties for a considerable
time ; though what this period accurately is, still remains swb gudice.
It has been found quite efficient after being kept a year (Prof. Chris-
tison, loc. cit.) Prof. Christison commends it as a less disagreeable

1064

and more efficient anthelmintic than the “ Abyssinian Kousso, the
Continental Pomegranate, or the American Turpentine. It is sur-
prising that Peschier’s observations, made on a very large scale
indeed, have attracted so little attention in Britain.” Dr. Kiichen-
meister recently made a number of experiments on the relative value
of vermifuges in common use, by immersing living worms in albumen,
at a temperature above 77° Fahr., and adding the anthelmintic. He
found Tenia crassicollis, thus treated with the etherial extract of the
male fern, died in two hours and three quarters,—a longer period,
however, than in the case of Kousso (Lrayera anthelmintica, an
Abyssinian rosaceous shrub).* Pereira gives an excellent article on
this fern (in his ‘ Materia Medica,’ vol. ii. part 1.), which may be
referred to for particulars as to the chemistry of the root. Vide, also,
Christison’s ‘ Dispensatory,’ Royle’s ‘ Materia Medica,’ Graves’ ‘ Hor-
tus Medicus,’ and other works on medical Botany or pharmacopeeias.

With regard to other ferns and their allies, these, like most indige-
nous plants, appear at one time, and that not long gone by, to have
held a high place, either in professional or domestic medicine ; and
notes of their applications in this respect are to be found in a great
number of local Floras, and in works on medical Botany, medical
journals, &c. Vide, for instance, Burnett’s ‘ Outlines of Botany,’
Pereira’s ‘ Materia Medica, Lightfoot’s ‘ Flora Scotica, and Smith’s
‘English Flora.’ They appear, however, to be little, if at all, used at
the present day. I shall briefly glance at the aileged properties of a
few.

Adiantum Capillus-Veneris. Ray, in his ‘ Historia,’ attributes
every possible virtue to it, on the authority of a Montpellier physi-
cian. Its frond is still sold in some shops, for the purpose of making
the agreeable beverage called “ capillaire,” which, however, usually
contains xo Adiantum, but is made of “ clarified syrup, flavoured with
orange-flower water.” It is slightly astringent, and was recommended
in pulmonary complaints. Like most ferns, it contains tannic and
gallic acids ; but its properties are, in all probability, imaginary.

Aspidium. Various species have been supposed possessed of cer-
tain properties, and were formerly officinal in some of the English
provinces, and included in some of the Continental pharmacopa@ias
(Burnett).

* Vide ‘ Association Medical Journal,’ July 8, 1853, and February 11, 1853 ;
‘ Dublin Quarterly Journal of Medical Science,’ February, 1853 ; Froriep’s ‘ Tagsbe-
richte uber die Fortschritte der Natur-und Halkunde. Pharmakologie.’ Band i. p.
317.

1065

Asplenium Trichomanes was formerly used as an expectorant by
the peasantry of Scotland, but is rarely found in shops (Lightfoot).

Asplenium Ruta-muraria, Lightfoot says, was once sold as an
expectorant and deobstruent ; and the same authority states that

Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum was sold as a pectoral.

Botrychium Lunaria. Its virtues are probably imaginary only,
and due to its supposed resemblance to the moon. Ray stated, on
Needham’s authority, that an ointment made of it, rubbed on the
loins, in dysentery, is very effectual in stopping the attack (Smith).
It was also used as a vulnerary (Lightfoot).

Ceterach officinarum was the “ Chetherak” of Persian physicians.
Greatly commended in jaundice, and splenic diseases (Burnett and
Lightfoot).

Equisetum arvense is said to be astringent and diuretic, and various
species have been praised as diuretics (Burnett and Lightfoot).

Lycopodium clavatum is emetic in decoction. Its sporules wére
formerly greatly used by druggists, for covering pills; and physicians
were also in the habit of using them, for dusting over excoriated sur-
faces in children, and in erysipelas, eczema, and similar diseases.
They are essentially absorbent and desiccant, and have been said also
to be diuretic (Pereira and Smith).

Lycopodium Selago. Its infusion is powerfully emetic and cathar-
tic; hence its use as a cathartic, emmenagogue, and abortifacient.
In large doses, it is a narcotico-acrid poison, causing giddiness, con-
vulsions, and death. It is used by the Scotch Highlanders as a
counter-irritant and detergent (Pereira, Smith, and Lightfoot).

Osmunda regalis. Its root is astringent, and hence styptic and
tonic, and is vaguely supposed to be “ strengthening and healing.”
It was formerly used in rickets; now probably quite abandoned (Bur-
nett and Smith).

Ophioglossum vulgatum was recommended as a vulnerary, in the
form of ointment, applied to fresh wounds, by Mathiolus, Tragus, &c.
(Lightfoot).

Polypodium vulgare is the “rheum-purging Polypody” of Shak-
speare. The powdered root was formerly used, externally, as an
absorbent, and for covering pills. In domestic medicine, this plant
was also used as an expectorant. ‘The ancients attributed to it
cathartic properties.

Pteris aquilina is very astringent, containing a considerable amount
of tannic and gallic acids; hence it has been greatly used as an anthel-
mintic. Lightfoot states that the Scotch peasantry use it, in powder,

1066

as a vermifuge (1777); and “look upon a bed of the green plant as
a sovereign cure for the rickets in children.” The ancients used a
decoction of the root as a diet-drink.

Scolopendrium vulgare is also astringent ; hence it has been used,
in the form of ointment, as a vulnerary (Lightfoot and Smith).

To enter more minutely into your queries :—

1. L have shown that, at least, one species is used in medicine, at
the present day, to a very considerable extent; and it is very pro-
bable that other ferns, having similar astringent properties, are em-
ployed as vulgar nostrums in many of the more remote parts of our
Island.

2. The species used (above referred to) is undoubtedly the Lastrea
Filix-mas ; though it is very probable that, in shops, the roots of other
ferns, and especially Athyrium Filix-foemina, are substituted for it ;
thus partially accounting for the great variety observed in its action
in the hands of different practitioners. The ferns which most resem-
ble this Lastrea in chemical constituents, and are therefore most likely
to possess similar therapeutic powers, are Pteris aquilina, and various
species of Lastrea, Polypodium, and Asplenium. But this I hope
soon to make the subject of experiment.

3. I have shown that many species are useful, and might become
more so, on account of the large quantity of tannic and gallic acids
they contain; hence their astringency and anthelmintic powers.
From their also containing considerable amounts of starch, sugars,
and gums, fixed and volatile oils, and bitter extracts, I am satisfied
that a large proportion of our indigenous ferns might be made avail-
able in therapeutics, as tonics, styptics, astringents, vermifuges, and
demulcents. The virtues attributed to some species, however, are
purely imaginary, and directly traceable to “ ancient predilections ;”
e. g., Botrychium Lunaria and Adiantum Capillus-Veneris.

4. It is exceedingly difficult to determine this point ; but it is pro-
bable the use of the Lastrea, as an anthelmintic, will ¢rcrease. There
appears to be a tendency at the present day to give a due amount of
credit to indigenous plants for their curative powers, as depending on
ascertained chemical properties. It has too long been the habit of
pharmaceutists and medical men, of this and other countries, greedily
to accept everything foreign, that is lauded for its supposed virtues,
and add it to their Materia Medica; entirely overlooking the more
humble and more despised, in consequence of being more easily
attainable, denizens of our woods, fields, and moors, which, never-
theless, probably possess equally useful properties. In this respect,

1067

it seems to me that the so-called “ ignobile vulgus” show an exam-
ple to “the profession:” they find the buckbeans, tormentils, and
gentians, which grow in all their moors, equally serviceable, as astrin-
gents and tonics, with the Catechus, Kinos, and Quassias of distant
lands. It is to be hoped that now, however, medical men, no less
than botanists, will see floral treasures in every roadside of our own

country.

Wm. L. Linpsay.
Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh,

July 29, 1853.

Proceepines oF Societies, &c.

THE PuHyToLocist CLUB.

One Hundred and Forty-eighth Sitting.— Saturday, August 27,
1853.—Mr. NEwma\, President, in the chair.

The President read the following communication :—

Monstrosity of Medicago maculata.

“Mr. Sprague, Fellow of St. John’s College, has placed in my
hands a monstrosity of Medicago maculata, gathered by him, on
August 8, near Cambridge. It consists in a change of the usual coch-
leated and spinous pod of that plant into one of a falcate shape, and
quite unarmed. These pods are about three quarters of an inch long,
linear, but narrowing gradually at the end into a subulate beak.
They are laterally compressed, have many ovules, and are curved
backwards so as to form a segment of a circle of greater or less extent.

“ As some proof is requisite that a plant producing such very diffe-
rent pods is really a state of M. maculata, it is a fortunate circum-
stance that, in one instance, a single pod of the proper shape and
structure belonging to that species is attached to the specimen. It
seems to have been one of the first pods produced by the plant, as it
is nearly, or quite, ripe, and placed near to the bottom of the stem.”
—Charles C. Babington ; August 10, 1853.

1068

BoTANICAL SocIeTy OF EDINBURGH.

Thursday, July 14, 1853.—Professor Balfour, President, in the
chair.

Donations to the Society’s herbarium were announced, from the
Oregon Botanical Association (valuable specimens of plants, recently
received from Mr. Jeffrey, their collector), and from Mr. Alex. O.
Black (a parcel of British plants).

The President announced that a new part of the Society’s ‘ Trans-
actions’ was expected to be ready for distribution in the course of a
few days.

Dr. Balfour exhibited a number of donations recently made to the
Museum of Economic Botany, at the Botanic Garden.

Dr. Balfour mentioned the following localities for rare plants in the
neighbourhood of Edinburgh: — Hordeum maritimum: Kincardine,
in abundance (Mr. Robert Carr). H. pratense: Kincardine (Mr.
John G. Cunningham). Alopecurus agrestis: abundant near North
Berwick (Mr. J. Lockhart Morton). Petasites fragrans: in immense
profusion in a wood near North Berwick. Alyssum calycinum :
Arthur’s Seat (Mr. G. R. Tate, and Mr. G. Lawson, jun.) Mimulus
luteus: near Lanark (Mr. John Cleland). Marrubium vulgare: Gos-
ford Links (Mr. Cropper). Carex aquatilis: near Lanark (Mr. W.
O. Priestley). Sedum dasyphyllum: roadside near Queensferry
_ (Miss Lambie). Trientalis europea: near West Calder (Mr. Soubki).
Equisetum umbrosum: near Garrion Bridge, on the Clyde (Mr. John
Ross).

Mr. G. Lawson exhibited specimens of a collection of Fifeshire
mosses, proposed to be published by Mr. C. Howie, who, in conjunc-
tion with Mr. A. O. Black, had carefully investigated the cryptoga-
mic Botany of the East of Fife.

Dyeing Properties of Lichens.

A paper by Dr. W. Lauder Lindsay, intituled ‘ Experiments on the
Dyeing Properties of the Lichens,’ was read.

The author observed :—“ It has appeared to me interesting to dis-
cover, by a series of simple chemical experiments, the possible appli-
cability of a large number of native species of lichens to the art of
dyeing and colouring ; and for this purpose I have made, during the
last two years, the experiments comprehended in the table now laid
before the Botanical Society. Such an inquiry is, however, not only

1069

scientifically interesting ; but it may come to be an important matter,
in a pecuniary point of view, to discover, at home or abroad, some
cheap and easily procurable substitutes for the Roccellas, which are
rapidly becoming scarce, and consequently valuable, in. Kuropean
commerce. The results of my experiments are not so satisfactory as
I could have wished, owing to the comparatively small number of
fresh specimens operated on; still, | think, they will sufficiently indi-
cate that we have in Scotland a large number of species capable of
yielding excellent colouring matters, in every probability capable of
supplanting, or vieing with, the Lecanoras, Gyrophoras, Umbilicarias,
&c. (which are at present largely collected in Norway and Sweden
for the London market), or even with the Roccellas. It is not for me,
at present, to say on what chemical changes the various re-actions [|
have laid down depend ; whether all, or how many, of these colours
can ever become serviceable to the dyer, or otherwise, and, if so, by
what processes. These and similar questions I leave it for the che-
mist, dye-manufacturer, and dyer to decide; meanwhile, merely indi-
cating facts.

“The greater number of the lichens operated on are herbarium spe-
cimens, collected, several years ago, in various parts of Switzerland,
Scotland, and the Vosges district ; a few are natives of Norway, Ger-
many, and other foreign countries.

“The re-agents used for the development of colour are only
intended to be applied to those lichens which contain colourless
principles, capable of conversion, by chemical metamorphoses, into
coloured substances. They are chiefly adapted to the evolution of a
red colour, which is the most important yielded by the lichen family.
Where the thallus contains abundance of colouring matters ready
formed, these are soluble in almost any fluid; and ammonia or hypo-
chlorite of lime have not a more specific action on them than water.

“In order to attain some degree of uniformity in the nomenclature
of the colours obtained in these experiments, especially those pro-
duced by ammoniacal maceration, I have designated the more marked
tints according to Werner’s celebrated nomenclature of colours, as
contained in the little work edited by Syme.

“Tu the ‘Table of Experiments,’ the 1st column contains the
botanical name, and, in many cases, the synonym, of the lichen ope-
rated on.

“The 2nd column contains generally the country of which the plant
is a native, and more particularly the nature of its habitat.

“ The 3rd column contains the date of collection of the plant. It

VOL. Iv, 6 xX

1070

will be noticed, where several specimens of the same species, which
have been collected at different dates, have been operated on, the
results vary considerably.

“In the 4th column is given the colour, or character, of the aleoho-
lic decoction of the lichen, which is usually previously comminuted,
or pulverized, in order the more fully to expose it to the action of
solvents and re-agents.

“The 5th column exhibits the colorific effects, on the alcoholic
decoction of the plant (7. e., the solution of its colorific principles), of
a weak solution of bleaching liquid, sufficiently strong, however, to
be pungent. This is merely a solution of the common bleaching
lime, or chloride of lime, and may be considered essentially a solu-
tion of hypochlorite of lime, which is its active constituent.

“ In the 6th column is shown the effect of weak aqua ammonia on
the alcoholic decoction ; a sufficiency being usually added to render
distinctly ammoniacal the mixture, which is then allowed to stand for
one or two days.

“The 8th column exhibits the colours obtained by macerating
lichens in a weak ammoniacal solution (of sufficient strength, how-
ever, to be distinctly pungent), for periods varying from one month to
two years.

“In the 7th column are comprehended a few miscellaneous remarks,
chiefly, jirst, on the use of various native lichens in dyeing, by the
peasantry of Britain and other countries; and, secondly, on the use
of various exotic and native species in the manufacture of orchil, cud-
bear, and litmus.”

Cryptogamic Plants of the Neighbourhood of St. Andrews.

A paper by Mr. Alexander O. Black, ‘ On the Cryptogamic Plants
of the Neighbourhood of St. Andrews,’ was read.

The author stated that a residence in St. Andrews, during thi last
eighteen months, had given him an opportunity of investigating the
vegetation of a part of our island, hitherto but little explored by bota-
nists. Having devoted much attention to the Cryptogamic orders in
general, but more particularly to the ferus and mosses, he thought
that the result of his researches might, perhaps, be useful in illus-
trating the local distribution of these plants.

But few of the hills rise to the elevation of even 500 feet, and these
are not unfrequently entirely cultivated: for this reason we find Fife
much less prolific in alpine plants, than several counties situated fur-
ther South; while its northern position effectually excludes all, or

1071

nearly all, lowland plants. The soil is more or less sandy through-
out the whole East of Fife, and generally (especially to the North)
very dry, there being but one marsh, the Peat-Inn Bog, in the Largo-
ward ; that, however, is of considerable extent. A large sandy plain,
about twelve miles in length, by about five in breadth at the widest
part, stretches north of St. Andrews. This is divided into the Tents’
Muirs and St. Andrews Links, by the river Eden. The former would
prove, beyond a doubt, a very rich botanic station ; it bears a great
resemblance to the well-known Sands of Barry, in the adjacent county
of Forfar ; and on it, Mr. Black stated, he had already met with the
majority of rarities found there ; such as Carex incurva, Juncus bal-
ticus, Cochlearia danica, Teesdalia nudicaulis, Cerastium tetrandrum,
Sagina maritima, Radiola Millegrana, Gentiana Amarella, Veronica
Anagallis, Blysmus rufus, Equisetum variegatum, var. arenarium,
Weissia nigrita, Didymodon inclinatus, &e ; in addition to which, it
produces several plants unknown on the Barry Links, and two not
at present found in Forfarshire; wviz., Anagallis tenella, Zinn., and
Lycopodium inundatum, Linn.

The following plants were noticed, as having their petals changed
from other colours to white :—Cakile maritima, Viola canina, Ero-
dium cicutarium, Astragalus hypoglottis, Scabiosa succisa, Carduus
lanceolatus and C. palustris, Lychnis Flos-Cuculi, Campanula rotun-
difolia, Calluna vulgaris, Erica cinerea and E. Tetralix, Galeopsis
Tetrahit, Thymus Chamedrys, Primula vulgaris, Gymnadenia conop-
sea, and Orchis mascula.

Mr. Black then gave a list of the Equiseta, ferns, and Lycopodia
found by him, which included Equisetum umbrosum, Polypodium
Dryopteris and P. Phegopteris, Allosorus crispus and A. fragilis, vars.
cynapifolia and dentata, Polystichum aculeatum, var. lobatum, Las-
trea Oreopteris, L. ‘Filix-mas, var. incisa, L. dilatata, var. nana, L.
spinulosa, and L. Feenisecii, Athyrium Filix-foemina, vars. inciswm,
trifidum, and one approaching latifoliwm, Blechnum spicant, Scolo-
pendrium vulgare, Asplenium marinum, Botrychium Lunaria, Ophio-
glossum vulgatum, Lycopodium inundatum, L. alpinum, L. Selago,
and L. selaginoides. He had found, in all:—Equiseta, 11 species
and varieties ; Filices, 32; Lycopodia, 5; Musci, 170.

Mr. Black stated that it was his intention, had he remained in Fife,
to have compiled a Flora of the county, which is, in the meantime,
interrupted ; but he hopes to renew his researches in Fifeshire, as
well as in other parts of Scotland.

1072

Hardiness of certain Conifere.

A paper by Mr. W. W. Evans, intituled ‘ Remarks on the Hardi-
ness of certain Conifer, as shown by the effects of the past winter,’
was read.

The author, after making some introductory observations, observed :
—‘ Among the junipers mentioned as ‘ killed’ in Messrs. Lawsons’
nursery, are Juniperus Bermudiana, J. flaccida, J. Mexicana, and J.
Sophora ; and on referring to page 261 of the ‘ Gardener’s Chronicle,’
I find that J. Bermudiana, J. Bedfordiana, and J. religiosa are reported
as ‘killed’ in Wiltshire. The only one of these tried in the Experi-
mental Garden was J. religiosa, which was very much injured, espe-
cially on the side next the north-east, although partially protected
with spruce branches. Again, in Mr. Robertson’s list, Cupressus
macrocarpa and C. funebris are stated to be ‘healthy and fresh ;’
while C. Goveniana and C. thurifera are reported as ‘ completely
killed down to the roots. On the other hand, at Boynton, near
Bridlington, on the east coast of Yorkshire, and at Nostell Priory,
near Wakefield, C. macrocarpa is stated to be ‘ very much injured by
the frost;’ while C. funebris ‘ seems perfectly hardy,’ ‘not having
been injured in situations where the others mentioned have been.”
In the Horticultural Society’s Garden, a plant of C. macrocarpa, four
feet high, remained perfectly green and uninjured; but a smaller
plant of C. funebris, nearly in the same situation, had to be removed
in the spring, the whole of the north side being killed; this plant was
also slightly protected by branches. C.Goveniana, in the same loca-
lity, but unprotected, was killed to the ground, as was C. Udheana. C.
thurifera was not tried. It appears that C. Goveniana was uninjured
at Chiswick, although much hurt at Kew. It is stated to have been
killed at Dublin, and totally uninjured in Cambridgeshire. It was
completely killed in Messrs. Lawsons’ nursery, as before mentioned ;
while in Messrs. Dickson & Son’s nursery, on the opposite side of the
road, and within a few hundred yards, a fine plant escaped unhurt.
From the foregoing examples, it appears to me that something
more than a mere list of the ‘ killed and wounded’ is required, before
we can come to anything like a correct opinion as to the hardiness of
newly introduced plants; and that it is of the utmost importance that
all such lists should be accompanied by meteorological observations,
the distance from, and height above, the sea, exposure, size of plants
reported on, and how long planted ; and observers, in all parts of the

1073

country, should be invited to send in such reports to some central
point, where they could be generalized, and the results made public.”

Cones on Pinus Lambertiana.

A paper by A. G. Spiers, Esq., of Culcreuch, intituled ‘ Notice of
the Production of Cones, in 1851, on Pinus Lambertiana,’ was read.

The tree on which the cones were produced was stated to be about
23 feet in height. The cones contained perfect seeds, from which
young plants have been raised.

Mr. M’Nab stated that several plants of Abies Morinda were fruit-
ing this season, in different situations; viz., at Riccarton, Dysart
House, and the Botanic Garden. He mentioned that all these
plants had grown in the Botanic Garden, and had been transplanted
last year. The large plants of the same pine, which had not been
transplanted, showed no symptoms of flowering.

Measurement of Trees in Gurhwal and Kemaon.

A paper by Mr. John Strachey, C.S., intituled ‘ Measurement of
Trees in Gurhwal and Kemaon, in 1852’ (communicated by Major
Madden), was read.

Major Madden stated that he had received this communication
from Capt. Richard Strachey, with permission to make what use of it
he thought best. He therefore laid it before the Botanical Society,
thinking it might be interesting to have some actual measurements,
by a careful observer, of Himalayan trees, some of which are now
being so largely introduced into Britain.

Of one example of Cedrus Deodara, growing at an elevation of 8000
feet above the sea, the author says, it had “a perfectly sound, straight,
single trunk. At 40 feet from the ground, I tried to measure its girth,
but could not manage it; but I convinced myself that, at that height,
it must be more than 20 feet round. This is a wonderful tree.”

The author remarks of eleven examples of Cupressus torulosa, at
elevations of from 7500 to 8000 feet, that they “ are in a grove of
several hundreds, all within a few hundred yards of each other,
doubtfully indigenous ; but cypress is common all about here. The
whole of them are most magnificent. I measured many more than
these. Trees of from 18 to 20 feet abound, and I therefore do not
put them down. All these are quite sound; most of them single
trunks to the top. No.1 divides into two great trunks, from 20 to 30
feet from the ground, and is a wonderful tree ; No. 2 divides into two
great trunks, near the base; No. 3 is a single trunk. No. I is close

1074

to the great Deodar. The height of these cypresses is most probably
more than 200 feet.”

Osseous Legumen of Hymenea Courbaril.

A paper by Dr. Seller, intituled ‘ Notice of the Osseons Legumen
of the Hymenza Courbaril, was read.

“The osseous indehiscent legumen of the Hymenza Courbaril, now
exhibited, attracted more notice from the first writers on Carpology
than it obtains from those of recent date. Asa mere cabinet curio-
sity, it became prized at no long period after the discovery of Ame-
rica. It is supposed to be referred to by Oviedo, the contemporary
of Columbus, and the earliest author on the Natural History of the
New World. .

“Tn 1585, this legumen was sent, as a curiosity, to De l’Ecluse, then
Director of the Botanic Garden at Vienna, by John Garetus, an apo-
thecary of London. De l’Ecluse, or Clusius, the name by which his
fame is perpetuated in the genus Clusia, and the natural family Clu-
siaceew, has given, in his work on exotics, published after he became
Professor of Botany at Leyden, a good figure of this legumen, and a
distinct description of it, under the name of ‘ Lobus Wingandecaon,’
from the place whence it was supposed to have come. Clusius seems
to think that this pod had been brought to London by some of the
followers of Sir Walter Raleigh.

“ Johu Bauhin, in his ‘ Historia Plantarum Universalis,’ refers to
the description given by Clusius, saying, he had been presented with
a specimen of this pod, by Frederic Duke of Wurtemburg, whose
physician he was at that time. He also gives a good figure of the
pod and seeds, along with the figure of a young plant, which, he says,
the Duke had caused to be raised from the seed. The leaves of this
young plant enable us to identify the pod, figured by Bauhin, with
that of the Hymenzea Courbaril.

“In 1658, the ‘ Historia Naturalis Utriusque Indie’ was published,
by Piso, or Pison, whose name is perpetuated in the genus Piso, of
the family Nyctaginee. Piso was a physician of Amsterdam, who
accompanied Prince Maurice to the New World. Piso gives a
description of the tree and the fruit, and figures the legumen, and a
branch. The flowers he could not obtain, owing to the great height
of the tree. He confirms the conjecture, long before entertained, that
this pod belongs to the tree affording the gum anime, now called the
resina animes. He calls the tree ‘ Jetaiba,—a name seemingly derived
from what he gives as the Brazilian word for the gum anime, which is

1075

‘ Jetica-eica.’ Up to this time, no name for the tree appears to have
been known in Europe. The name Courbary, or Courbaril, occurs
first among French authors, as in Du Tetre, a French missionary’s
history of the French West-India Islands, published in 1654, and in
Rochefort’s history of these Islands, published in 1681.

“ Ray, in his ‘ Historia Plantarum,’ published in 1686, copies the
description of Piso. Ray had got a specimen, without seeds, from
Doody, who was Superintendent of the Gardens at Chelsea. Doody
supposed it had come from Antigua. Ray tells us that the plant was
reared in Bishop Compton’s garden, at Fulham, whose name is deserv-
edly remembered by botanists in the Comptonia asplenifolia, of the
order Myricee. That Bishop Compton’s plant was really the Hy-
menza Courbaril, appears from the figure of a branch given by Leo-
nard Plukenet, in his ‘Phytographia, who says he got the branch
from the Bishop’s plant. Plukenet’s ‘ Phytographia’ was published
in 1691. It contains, also, a good figure of the legumen, and of the
seeds. He calls the tree ‘ Ceratia diphyllos Antigoana.’ He says it
is called the locust-tree in the West Indies, because the pod contains
a sweet pulp, like the carob, or fruit of the locust-tree of Europe.

“Tn 1703, Plumier, the greatest botanist of the New World, accord-
ing to Linneus, described the Hymenza Courbaril with exactness,
under the name ‘ Courbaril bifolia.’

* The tree has since been described by many authors, and figured
by a considerable number. Among these, are Browne, in his ‘ His-
tory of Jamaica, and Jacquin, who, though his great work on Ameri-
can plants was published near the middle of last century, lived an
honoured life nearly to our own times.

“ The supposed medical virtues of the resina animes kept up atten-
tion to this legumen, not less than its own singular character as a
pericarp, throughout the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries ; and
when I remark that it has met with less attention in later times, I
merely refer to the omission of it in the ordinary descriptions of the
legumen in modern works on Carpology, which omission is, at least,
to the extent that one tries in vain, by consulting our common books,
to discover what this fruit is.

“ Gaertner, however, has given a very complete description of this
pod and the seeds, of which I give a portion in English :—

“¢ The legumen large, ligneous, thick, oblongo-reniform, becoming
thicker towards the outer extremity, and obtuse, unilocular, valveless,
filled with a dry pulp. The pulp exactly filling the cavity of the
legumen, externally sprinkled with a red powder like brick-dust,

1076

within white, fungous, resolvable into innumerable linear processes
(philyras) resting very closely on each other, and, besides, divisable
into as many separate portions as there are seeds, to which it adheres
most closely, and which it entirely involves.

“The seeds are four to eight, elliptical, globular, very slightly
(obsoletissimé) compressed, black, terminated by a solid, fungous,
white umbilicus, directed towards the superior, or concave, suture of
the legumen.

“« The outer covering single, somewhat stony, very hard, carbona-
ceous within, distinguished by a somewhat prominent groove, immersed
in the rima of the cotyledons, and marked within the substance of the
groove with a calcareous, snowy nerve, to be traced to the umbilicus.

“<¢ Albumen none, and no trace of it.

“¢'The embryo conformable to the seed, straight, yellowish. The
cotyledons thick, plano-convex, separated throughout the whole cir-
cumference of their commissure by a depressed groove, and as it were
gaping.

“¢ No plumula.

“¢ The radicle globular, retracted, centrifugal.’

“‘ On this description, I propose to offer one or two observations.

“‘ Gaertner does not mention the length of the pod. That before us
is about 7 inches long, and 3 broad. This legumen is described, by
many authors, as being from 4 to 7 inches long, and 2 to 3 inches
broad. It appears seldom to exceed these dimensions.

“ Instead of ligneous, it should be described as osseous, if that epi-
thet is applicable to the stone fruits in general, which the substance
of this fruit plainly equals in hardness.

“‘ Gaertner says it is ‘ valveless’ (‘avalve’), by which he means that
it is indehiscent; and of course he applies this term to all legumens
which are indehiscent. If, however, the name legumen be applied to
such pericarps, it seems better to allow them to possess valves also,
at least when the form of the two portions of the pericarpal wall is so
well marked out, as in this case. Gaertner does not hesitate to place
this pericarp among legumens; but, contrary to recent usage, he puts
the Tonga bean among the drupes. He does not even consider the
pericarp of the Hymenza as a drupaceous legumen, but ranks it under
the baccate legumens, along with the pericarp of the tamarind, the
Cassia fistula, and the carob bean, the common character of which is
the containing within the Jegumen a pulp, in which the seeds are
imbedded.

“Gaertner does not take notice of the colour of this pod. It is

1077

variously described by authors, as chocolate-coloured, liver-coloured,
and chestnut-coloured ; while the roughness of the surface is spoken
of as resembling shagreen. There is another species of Hymenza in
which the external surface of the pericarp is studded with larger
tubercles, whence it is named the Hymenza verrucosa. In Nees von
Esenbeck’s large work, ‘ Icones Plantarum Medicinalium,’ the figure
of the pod of the Hymenza Courbaril exhibits veins on the surface.
In our specimen, there is no appearance of anything of the kind. If
such an appearance occur, it must be in the young pod.

‘Gaertner says the seeds are from four to eight. It is a singular
circumstance, that many of the earlier authors state that the number
of the seeds is three. At first, I imagined that this idea had arisen
from the figure of a large, broad pod, with three seeds, in Plumier’s
‘ Description des Plantes de l’Amérique,’ being mistaken for his figure
of the pod of the Hymenza, which occurs in a different work, his
‘Nova Plantarum Americanarum Genera ;’ but I find that both Piso
and Ray, whose works were published long before either of Plumier’s,
insist on three seeds, or three stones. In the pod before us, there are
four prominent marks of seeds, and several other less prominent ele-
vations, which seem to be the marks of seeds also. If there be really
a tendency to no more than three seeds in so large a seed-vessel, it
will prove additional evidence of the disposition to a transition from
the legumen to the drupe, which this legumen so much resembles in
its hardness.

“ The seeds are truly called little bones. The black exterior, how-
ever, readily scales off in water, and the interior softens. If a speci-
men of the resina animes fall within the plan of the Museum, I will
be glad to present one. Meantime, specimens may be seen in the
Museum of the College of Physicians; viz., Nos. 1203, 1204, and
1205.”

Rarer Plants of the Neighbourhood of Ripon.

A paper by Mr. James B. Davies, ‘On the Rarer Plants found in
the Neighbourhood of Ripon,’ was read.

After giving a general account of the geological features of the dis-
trict, illustrated by a map, Mr. Davies noticed the plants of interest.
These were, Scolopendrium vulgare, Bryonia dioica, Tamus commu-
nis, Colchicum autumnale, Littorella lacustris, Pilularia globulifera,
Radiola Millegrana, Listera cordata, Lathrea squamaria, Convallaria
multiflora, Paris quadrifolia, Melica nutans, Gagea lutea, Chlora per-
foliata, Gentiana Amarella, Anchusa sempervirens, Ribes alpinum,

VOL. Iv. » Oe

1078

Aconitum Napellus, Atropa Belladonna, Chelidonium majus, Cory-
dalis lutea, Impatiens Noli-me-tangere, Thalictrum majus, Primula
farinosa, Carduus Marianus, Hottonia palustris, and many other plants.

Melampyrum montanum, Johnust.

A paper by Daniel Oliver, jun., Esq., F.L.S, ‘On Melampyrum
montanum, Johnst., was read.

** This plant, as described in the ‘ Berwickshire Flora, and men-
tioned in Babington’s ‘ Manual’ as a variety of M. pratense, I am
inclined to believe, has been founded by Dr. Johnston on an exami-
nation of an insufficient series of examples of more or less distinct
forms of Melampyrum.

“If I mistake not, the only station mentioned in the ‘ Berwickshire
Flora’ for this plant, there described as a new species, is by Cheviot ;
and I dare say the description may be quite comprehensive enough
to include each one of the series which may there occur; but, I
apprehend, the characters, ‘ smaller in all its parts,’ and ‘ floral leaves
quite entire,’ are not essential distinctions of the plant, the smaller
forms only of which, 1 would suggest, have been familiar to Dr. John-
ston.

“Last year, I described (Phytol. iv. 678) a plant which I called
M. pratense, var. ertcetorum; and, in the same communication,
hinted that its smaller forms might be identical with the Cheviot
M. montanum.

“1 am rather strengthened in this opinion by a series of specimens
which I collected, last month, near the Wall-town Crags, Northum-
berland. An example or two, selected from these, accompany this
notice. It will be observed that the floral leaves (bracts) are, in some
of the larger instances of the plant, ovate-lanceolate, or almost ovate
at the base, and deeply toothed ; while the smaller ones accord more
nearly with Dr. Johnston’s M. montanum. Some of these appear to
be similar to luxuriant specimens from Urrisbeg, in county Galway,
Ireland, where they attain the most considerable size that I have
observed. Irish specimens I also send herewith. I may add, that
whatever name be applied to this plant, I cannot but think that some
comprehensive characters, which would yet sufficiently distinguish it
from M. pratense, at least as a marked variety, ought to be substituted
for the book-characters of M. montanum.”

Mr. M’Nab exhibited, from the Royal Botanic Garden, a number
of plants, which had been recently presented to the Garden,

1079

The following gentlemen were balloted for, and duly elected Ordi-
nary Fellows :—Resident: Andrew Taylor, Esq., 31, Buccleuch Place,
Edinburgh. Non-resident: Dr. Grierson, Thornhill, Dumfries-shire ;
and T. Southwell, Esq., Holt Road, Falkenham, Norfolk.

M. Auguste Le Folis, Cherbourg, was elected a Foreign Member.

Mr. Alexander Osmond Black, Burton Street, London, was elected
an Associate.

The Society then adjourned till the second Thursday of November.

Notices or New Books, &c.

‘The Gardeners’ Chronicle, Edited by Professor Lindley, No. 36,
September 3, 1853.

Our attention has been invited to a paper in the ‘ Gardeners’ Chro-
nicle,’ in which, as it seems to the talented and venerable friend who
hands us the newspaper, as well as to ourselves, there is a great con-
fusion of terms and ideas, and hence, also, abundant germs of abso-
lute error. To suppose that Professor Lindley would pen such an
article, would be to erect a theory opposed to intrinsic evidence ; but
the article goes forth to the world anonymously, the Professor him-
self being the avowed and advertised editor ; and, therefore, it is per-
fectly in accordance with usage to hold him responsible for the
opinions expressed. We cite the article entire.

“ The species of plants, like those of animals, appear to be eternal,
so far as anything mundane can deserve that name. There is not the
smallest reason to suppose that the olive of our days is different from
that of Noah ; the Asa dulcis stamped upon the coins of Cyrene still
flourishes around the site of that ancient city ; and the acorns figured
among the sculptures of Nimroud seem to show that the same oak
now grows on the mountains of Kurdistan as was known there in the
days of Sardanapalus. There is not the slightest evidence to show
that any species of plant has become extinct during the present order
of things. All species have continued to propagate themselves by
seeds, without losing their specific peculiarities ; some epee law
has rendered them and their several natures eternal.

“Tt would seem moreover that, with the exception of annuals and
others of limited existence, the lives of the individual plants born from

1080

such seed would be eternal also, if it were not for the many accidents
to which they are exposed, and which eventually destroy them. Trees
and other plants of a perennial nature are renovated annually ; annu-
ally receding from the point which was originally formed, and which
in the nature of things must perish in time. The condition of their
existence is a perpetual renewal of youth. In the proper sense of the
word decrepitude cannot overtake them. The Iris creeps along the
mud, ever receding from the starting point, renews itself as it advances,
and leaves its original stem to die as its new shoots gain vigour; in
the course of centuries a single Iris might creep around the world
itself, if it could only find mud in which to root. The oak annually
forms new living matter over that which was previously formed, the
seat of life incessantly retreating from the seat of death. When such
a tree decays no injury is felt, because the centre which perishes is
made good at the circumference, over which new life is perennially
distributed. In the absence of accidents such a tree might have lived
from the creation to this hour; travellers have even believed that they
had found in the forests of Brazil living trees that must have been
born in the days of Homer. But here again inevitable accidents
interfere, and the trees are prevented from being immortal.

“ Species, then, are eternal; and so would be the individuals sprung
from their seeds, if it were not for accidental circumstances.

“ But plants are multiplied otherwise than by seeds. The hyacinth
and the garlic propagate naturally, not only by seeds, but also by the
perpetual separation of their own limbs, known under the name of
bulbs, their bulbs undergoing a similar natural process of dismember-
ment; and so on for ever. The potato plant belongs to the same
class. Another plant bends its branches to the ground; the branches
put forth roots, and as soon as these roots are established the con-
nexion between parent and offspring is broken, and a new plant
springs into independent existence. Of this we find familiar exam-
ples in the strawberry and the willow. Man turns this property to
account by artificial processes of multiplication; one tree he propa-
gates by layers, another by cuttings planted in the ground. Going a
step further he inserts a cutting of one individual upon the stem of
some other individual of the same species, under the name of a bud
or a scion, and thus obtains a vegetable twin.

“It is not contended, for there is nothing to show, that these artifi-
cial productions are more short-lived than either parent, provided the
constitution of the two individuals is in perfect accordance. There
is not the smallest evidence—it has not been even conjectured—that

1081

if a seedling apple-tree is cut into two parts, and these parts are
reunited by grafting, the duration of the tree will be shorter than it
would have been in the absence of the operation.

“It is nevertheless believed by many that the races of some culti-
vated plants have but a brief duration, provided they are multiplied
otherwise than by seeds. No one indeed pretends that the garlic of
Ascalon has only a short life, although it has been thus propagated
from the time when it bore the name of Shummin, and fed the
labourers at the Pyramids ; nor do we know that the bulb-bearing lily
has been supposed to have less inherent vigour than if it were mul-
tiplied by seeds insteads of bulbs. It is only among certain kinds of
plants that exceptions to the great natural law of vegetation are sup-
posed to exist. It is thought that although the wild potato possesses
indefinite vitality, yet that the varieties of it which are brought
into cultivation pass their lives circumscribed within very narrow
limits; and the same doctrine has been held concerning fruit-trees.
The great advocate of this view, the late Mr. Andrew Knight, rested
his case upon the disappearance of certain kinds of apples and pears,
once to be found in the orchards of Herefordshire, but now no longer
to be met with. This he ascribed to cultivated varieties being natu-
rally short-lived, and to an impossibility of arresting their gradual de-
cay by any process of dismemberment; and following out this theory
he strongly urged the necessity of renewing vitality by continually
raising fresh varieties from seed. It is difficult to comprehend what
train of reasoning led to this speculation. We know that wild plants
may be propagated by dismemberment for an indefinite period; we
know that when such wild plants spring up from seed the dismember-
ing process still goes on and still without exhibiting symptoms of
exhausted vitality; and yet if a plant grows in a garden, and is
brought under the direct control of man, the power is thought to be
lost, or so much impaired that indefinite multiplication no longer
becomes possible. Can this be true? Most assuredly the cases
adduced in support of the doctrine are susceptible of another expla-
nation, perfectly consistent with the general laws of vegetation.

“That renewal by seed will not restore what is called exhausted
vitality, was sufficiently proved by the experiments with potatoes
after the blight made its appearance. We were assured by an inge-
nious writer in one of the daily papers that the constitutional power
of the potato was on the decline; in other words, that the lives of
individuals was approaching their end; that the blight arose in conse-
quence, and that a certain remedy would be the renewal of the exist-

1082

ing races by sowing seeds. Hundreds joined eagerly in what proved
to be the vain pursuit. A worthy armourer at Solingen even pub-
lished an elaborate pamphlet in support of the idea. Nein mehr
Hungersnoth—no more famine—was his audacious motto—a predic-
tion wofully falsified by the result, for the seedling potatoes were, if
possible, more diseased than their parents.

“So many persons, however, disregarding what we presume to think
the preponderating weight of evidence to the contrary, still continue
to look upon the question as one open to further discussion, that a
learned German Scientific Society has determined to make it the
subject of further and more elaborate examination.

“ A committee appointed under the Demidoff foundation in Berlin,
has just announced that a prize of £30 (200 thalers) is offered for the
best essay upon the duration of life in plants propagated otherwise
than by seed. The question to which competitors must address them-
selves may be thus freely translated :—‘ Is the life of an individual
plant, in its widest sense, that is to say, of a plant itself raised from
seed and then propagated otherwise than by seed (by cuttings, layers,
buds, grafts, &c.), unlimited in duration, and destructible only by
accidental or external unfavourable circumstances, before the extinc-
tion of the species itself? or is the life of such individual limited, and
to a certain definite extent shorter than the duration of the species ?’

“ Competitors are expected to give, in addition to any unpublished
cases, the fullest possible collection and examination of published
facts relating to the degeneracy or total extinction of seedlings, pre-
served and propagated otherwise than by seed, and more particularly
of seedling fruits cultivated in Europe, viz., apples, pears, quinces,
medlars, plums, cherries, apricots, peaches, almonds, figs, mulberries,
the different kinds of orange, olives, walnuts, filberts, grapes, goose-
berries, currants, raspberries, and strawberries ; and the sources from
which the facts are taken must be stated. Attention must also be
paid to the circumstances under which the degeneration of the plants
reported on occurred ; the climate and soil in which they grew, the
treatment and care they received, so far as these can affect the answer
to be given to the question, and any evidence relating to them which
can be found.

“Tt is announced that the essays for the prize may be written in
English, French, German, Italian, or Latin, and must be delivered
before the 1st of March, 1854, to Dr. Nees von Esenbeck, President
of the Academy of Naturalists at Breslau. Each essay must have a
motto prefixed, and in an accompanying envelope the name of the

1083

writer must be given. The result of the award is to be made known
in the ‘ Bonplandia’ newspaper of the 17th June, 1854, and the suc-
cesful essay will be printed in the Transactions of the Academy
Nature Curiosorum. Full particulars will be found in the ‘ Allge-
meine Gartenzeitung’ for the 30th July, of the present year.

“ Since it is obvious that no special experiments can now be insti-
tuted for the purpose of testing this theory, the attention of the
essayists will necessarily be confined to a diligent accumulation of evi-
dence, and to the conclusions which it renders necessary. We dare
say the proposal will find respondents among men of leisure who have
access to large libraries, and we venture to hope that they will be able
to settle so vexed asubject. We trust they will take care not to con-
found the duration of natural seedlings with that of vegetable mules,
which is a wholly different question.”

In this paper, it appears to us that the terms “ kinds,” “ species,”
“races,” “varieties,” and “individuals” are employed both without
any just appreciation of the meanings which they are usually intended
to convey, and without any attempt to distinguish between the natural
conditions of either. A “race,” like the term “ alliance,” or “ family,”
or “ natural order,” or “ genus,” implies to the ear of every botanist a
plurality of “species :” a “species” implies a plurality of “ indivi-
duals” which agree in reproducing their own likeness, again and
again, through a succession of generations: a “ kind” is a vague and
unbotanical term; the only definite meaning that can be attached to
it is, “a peculiar individual, raised from the seed of a species,” as a
golden pippin might be called a good “ kind” of apple: a “ variety”
is the deviation of many individuals, undoubtedly the descendants of
one species, from the normal type of colour or form ; thus, the white
individuals of Geranium Robertianum constitute a variety as regards
colour, and the Peloria individuals of Linaria vulgaris constitute a
variety as regards form. We do not attempt to give this as a novel
or scientific definition of the terms, but as a definition which exhi-
bits sufficiently well the absence of concord between the terms, and
exhibits, also, as injudicious, the practice of using them indifferently.
From the paper before us the terms “kinds,” “ races,” and “ varieties ”
should be erased, as irrelevant, and the question discussed simply in
reference to the more definite ideas, “ species” and “ individuals.”

Now, a line being drawn between “ species” and “ individuals,”
we cannot accept the authors mode of reasoning from one to the
other. “Species are eternal,” he says; and he goes on to argue,

1084

that therefore Andrew Knight was wrong in stating that individuals
were perishable. Now, with regard to the first position, that “ spe-
cies are eternal,’ we take the liberty of stating that this assertion
requires modification. We are well aware how great and how just is
the reputation of him from whom the assertion has been borrowed.
Linneus, in his ‘ Philosophia Botanica,’ says :—

“Species tot numeramus, quot diverse forme in principio sunt
create.

“Species tot sunt, quot diversas formas ab initio produxit Infini-
tum Ens; que forme, secundum generationis inditas leges, produx-
ere plures, at sibi semper similes. Ergo species tot sunt, quot diversz
forme s. structure hodienum occurrunt.

“Oratio de Telluris habitabilis incremento, Ups. et Leyd. edita,
consequentias plurimas super hoc argumentum edocuit.” *

And, again, with reference to the “ Iris creeping round the world,”
he continues :—

“ Radix extenditur in herbam inque infinitum, usque dum apice
rumpantur integumenta in florem, formantque semen contiguum, ulti-
mum terminum vegetationis; Hoc semen cadit, prognascitur, et in
diverso loco quasi plantam continuat ; hinc simillimam sobolem pro-
ducit, uti Arbor ramum, Ramus gemmam, Gemma herbam ; ergo Con-
tinuatio est Generatio plantarum.”

Linneus appears to have been taken as an absolute authority, and
his idea of the species now extant having existed from the beginning
to have been adopted without the slightest modification. But the
question must arise, in the mind of every one capable of a moment’s
reflection, Is this assertion true? We think not. Geologists have
shown that the earth has undergone no changes but those which are
still in progress; and yet we believe the Megatherium, the Mylo-
don, the Pterodactylus, did once exist, and do not now exist.
We believe, also, that all the plants of the coal-strata did once
exist, and do not now exist. We believe, also, that thousands of
species exist now which did not exist with the plants of the coal-
strata; and we ground this opinion on the fact, that no traces of
such recent species exist in the strata to which we refer; and those
strata are imperishable records of what did once exist; and we find
no evidence to show that any extraordinary convulsion caused their
destruction ; indeed, we know their destruction was neither sudden

* A translation of this ‘ Oratio’ will be found in Sir J. E. Smith’s ‘ Tracts on
Natural History.’

1085

nor simultaneous, but that it was spread over thousands of years.
Our author will probably at this point invoke the waters of the
deluge, in order to drown this view of the case; but if there be one
feature in the biblical history of that event more prominent than the
rest, it is the especial care taken by the Almighty that not a “ spe-
cies” should perish; so that naturalists are, as it were, cautioned,
on the very threshold of the inquiry, against the introduction of the
Bible in support of their speculations.. Now, it must be patent to the
most ordinary capacity, either that the Megatherium, Pterodactylus,
and the entire coal series of vegetables actually exist at the present
moment, or that the Linnean hypothesis of the eternal duration of
species is altogether futile.

We now arrive at the second division of the Editor’s leader, that
which appears penned in express opposition to the views of Mr.
Knight ; and here we think the writer equally in error.

There are certain plants, such, for instance, as the plum, the pear,
the apple, the bramble, the rose, &c., which accompany man in his
migrations, and adopt his home for their own. Most of these have
obtained his peculiar regard from the value of their fruit, and all
are subject to that deviation from typical and original character,
which results from domestication. In reproducing these plants from
seed, it is notorious that the descendant is not the exact image of the
parent. For instance, the stone of a greengage, the pip of a jar-
gonel or Ribstone pippin, the seed of a Rubus Grabowskii or a
Rosa Devoniensis, do not necessarily reproduce their kind: such a
fact might result, but there is no law by which it must result; and
those who have studied the matter, and practically tested it, well
know that such a fact would be opposed to the ordinary result.
There is every human probability that six mature seeds of either of
these plants would produce plants not merely unlike the parent, but
unlike each other. The Bombi, or humble bees, are the great agents
in the creation of species of brambles; in this work leaving our
valued collaborateurs, Lees, Babington, and Bell-Salter, far, far
behind: and to the same instrumentality we are probably indebted
for some of our choicest apples. How, then, is the likeness of the
parent to be perpetuated? We answer, by taking an integral por-
tion of that parent, viz., a cutting or bud, growing it either in the
ground, or grafting it on another stock. By such a process, green-
gages and jargonels are indefinitely multiplied, until a seedling plant
may have thousands of detached members, in all respects the image of
itself.

VOL. IV, 6 Z

1086

An individual being thus indefinitely multiplied, and the exist-
ence of each portion of the individual thus commencing, as it were,
de novo, it seems not unlikely that we should forget the bond of
unity existing between the disjointed members, or that we should
consider each member in the light of an independent being. This
idea, however, is not logical. It needs but a moment’s reflection to
be assured that the individual is merely dismembered; and that if
perchance it has produced offspring, those offspring belong altogether
to another category, each having an individuality of its own. Thus,
for example, the offspring of a nonpareil would perchance resemble a
golden pippin, a golden knob, a Ribstone pippin, a Downton pippin,
or some other pippin. It certainly would not be either of these, be-
cause such pippins, like the nonpareil, are simply individuals; and it
as certainly would not be a nonpareil, because the term “ nonpareil ”
attaches to an individual only, and its disjointed members. We thus
arrive at the conclusion that those apples, which Mr. Knight said were
dying out, or would die out, were individuals only, and have nothing
whatever in common with species, not being capable of reproducing
their kind. To this we have only to add, that the experience of every
gray-headed horticulturist with whom we have conversed, whether in
Sussex, Devonshire, or Herefordshire, confirms and corroborates Mr.
Knight’s statement, and leads us to regard him as the most philoso-
phical, as well as the soundest practical, horticulturist that the world
has produced ; and we hold his recommendation to continue the mul-
tiplication of individuals from seed, with a view to securing a suc-
cession of useful plants and beautiful flowers, to be the very keystone
of modern horticulture, and, more than that, the main source of that
revenue which is accruing from the publication of such works as the
‘Gardeners’ Chronicle.’

The following passage, also, is as erroneous botanically as those
we have already cited are fallacious in a geological or horticultural
point of view :—“ Another plant bends its branches to the ground ;
the branches put forth roots, and as soon as these roots are esta-
blished the connexion between parent and offspring is broken, and a
new plant springs into independent existence.” Now, the banyan-
tree is the most familiar instance of this peculiarity, yet serves but as
the type of a thousand others in which these supplementary roots,
put forth by the branches, serve to support the parent, and prolong
an existence with which their own is absolutely identified. It is true
that the ‘ Gardeners’ Chronicle’ does not claim to be regarded as an
oracle on scientific questions ; but some care should be taken that

1087

no statement in the editorial articles be at variance with scientific
truth.

© Terra Lindisfarnensis. The Natural History of the Eastern Bor-
ders. By Grorcer Jounston, M.D. Edin.; LL.D. of Marischal
College, Aberdeen ; Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of
Edinburgh; &c. Vol. I. The Botany. London: Van Voorst.
1853. Price 10s. 6d.’

This is a book which we take up with the most entire good will,
and which we have read with pleasure and instruction ; yet there are
a few particulars which, as conscientious critics, we must mention
with disapprobation :—1st. The title may be intelligible, nay, even
expressive, to a resident at Berwick-upon-Tweed ; but in these south-
ern regions its meaning is near akin to a riddle. We will, therefore,
state, for the benefit of the uninitiated, that “the Eastern borders
comprehend the whole of Berwickshire, the liberties of Berwick,
North Durham, and the immediately adjacent parts of Northumber-
land and Durham.” 2ndly. We do not admire the illustrations,
although we learn that some of them are from a lady’s pencil. The
pictorial ones are out of perspective, and the botanical ones are unbo-
tanical. The blossoms of the Hieracia, Plates II., II]., and IV., con-
vey no idea even of the genus. The repetition of the woodcuts is
also contrary to custom. 3rdly. We do not like the phraseology. It
is, perhaps, provincial; but then, Dr. Johnston writes for the king-
dom at large, and not exclusively for the inhabitants of the Eastern
Borders ; and, supposing it were so,—supposing he addressed himself
solely to his neighbours,—it were but a poor compliment to those
neighbours to address them in bad or awkward English. In one para-
eraph, the following phrases, or sentences, occur :—‘‘ Too tenuous for
manhood ;” “ minded head ;” “ incapableness ;” “ hinder the worthi-
est to examine ;” “ Therefore, reader, do not go away repelled by the
seeming littleness of what yow may herein read, make the subject of
thyself greater and worthier, for I would fain solicit thee to a pupil-
age that may teach you ;” &c., &c. The paragraph in which these
expressions occur is full of noble sentiments, indeed it is the best in
the book, and well deserves a little more trouble than has been
bestowed upon it. We have compressed the criticisms into the
fewest possible words, being desirous of hastening on to the more
agreeable task of praising; and we assure our readers that we may

1088

bestow praise without stint, and without qualification, on this really
interesting volume.

The design of that portion of the work now published, is to give a
complete list of the plants of the district indicated. These are dis-
tinguished as the indigenous, the naturalized, and the cultivated,
each distinction being indicated by a different type, and a different
set of numerals. Besides these three main divisions, there are a few
stragglers and extirpated species, given in foot-notes. These distinc-
tions are always, in some measure, arbitrary: few of us can totally
banish feelings of favouritism or distrust, when engaged in this task
of assigning its exact rank to each species as it comes before us.
The following is a summary of the Eastern-Borders phanerogamic
Flora :—

Indigenous. Naturalized. Cultivated. Stragglers.

Endogens.... 532 37 30 4] =~ Gag
Exogens .... 168 4 8 9 = 189
700 Al 38 50 = 829

The name of each species is accompanied by some observation ;
sometimes a mere local appellation, or a habitat, but for the most part
a more extended note, embracing diversified and agreeable informa-
tion, both borrowed and original. We select examples.

“ Papaver Rheeas. William Turner writes in 1551 :— This kind
is called in English corn-rose or red corn-rose, and with us it groweth
much amongst the corn and barley.’ It has been very sensibly
reduced both in quantity, and its distribution, within the present cen-
tury ; but, in some farms, as in Holy-Island, the poppy still abounds
to excess, and imparts a gay hilarity to the sombre cornfields. It
disappears from infested fields when these are laid down in grass, and
endures nowhere long if the soil is undisturbed ; but let the ground
be disturbed anew by the plough or the spade, no matter at what dis-
tant interval, the weed reappears in rich profusion. Of this fact we
had an illustration when the railway was made from Berwick to Cock-
burnspath, and from Tweedmouth to Kelso. The sides of the cut
were, in many places, literally clothed in scarlet ; and this was espe-
cially the case where the line had been cut through those gravel knolls
which some conjecture were deposited towards the termination of
what has been called the glacial epoch. Nor need we be hindered
from entertaining the belief that the poppy was amongst the first
plants that occupied the naked surface of those knolls, burying therein

1089

the seeds of primeval crops to be preserved intact until accident shall
bring them up and within the influence of vivifying agents. There isa
far-distant antiquity even in one of its provincial names. In the
neighbourhood of Gordon I heard this weed called Cockeno,—evi-
dently from ‘ coch,’ the Celtic for scarlet, and hence the name is pro-
bably coeval with the early inhabitation of the district. In other parts
of Derbyshire the plant is called Cock’s-combs. About Wooler it was
wont to be called the Thunder-flower, or Lightnings; and children
were afraid to pluck the flower, for if, perchance, the petals fell off in
the act, the gatherer became more liable to be struck with lightning ;
nor was the risk small, for the deciduousness of the petals is almost
proverbial, ‘And itis called Papaver erraticum in Latin, in Greek,
Rheeas, because the flour falleth away hastily... Turner.— When
cultivated, it becomes a beautiful annual. ‘In hortis, ubi florum
colore pulcherrime ludit, nempe miniato, sanguineo, purpureo, carneo,
niveo toto, carneo per limbum albo, &c.’ Haller, Flor. Jenen. p. 70.”
—P. 30.

The following extract is only a portion of the observations under
Cardamine pratensis. It is copied because we consider it botani-
cally valuable.

“ Cardamine pratensis. In autumn little bunches of leaves may
be seen often to grow from the upper surface of the old but perfectly
fresh leaves, each bunch throwing out a radical fibre that creeps along
in search of a soil proper to take root in. These parasitical bunches
are young plants, and will detach themselves either when the root-
fibre has reached the soft ground, or when the parent leaf has decayed.”
—P. 33.

The following learned remarks on the metamorphosis of cereals will
not be read without a smile at the hypothesis of the vestigians.

“ Agrostemma Githago = Lychnis Githago = Githago segetum,
Don, Gard. Dict. i. 417.—Corn Cockle: Popple or Pawple.—Corn-
fields, a showy but noxious weed; and hence its name is often used
figuratively in composition. ‘Some have made virginity the corn, and
marriage the cockle.’ Fuller, Ch. Hist. i. p. 294.

‘Good seed degenerates, and oft obeys
The soil’s disease, and into cockle strays.’
Donne.

Donne, in this couplet, asserts a metamorphosis, the reality of which
our early herbalists never doubted. Wheat, they believed, sown in
sour land became rye in the second year, and two years after went

1090

into darnel. Barley under a similar treatment passed into oats; and
cereals in general might become the very weeds that choked the hus-
bandman’s expectations. Of the Blewbottle or Bleublaws, Turner
says :—‘ It groweth muche among Rye: wherefore I thynke, that good
ry, in an euell and unseasonable yere doth go out of kynde in to thys
wede.’—In relation to this subject the curious reader may consult Dr.
Weissenborn’s account of the transformation of oats into rye in
Charlesworth’s ‘ Magazine of Natural History,’ i. p. 574; ii. p. 670:
‘ Vestiges of Creation, p. 225, and the Sequel, p. 111: ‘ Notes and
Queries,’ vi. p. 7—Cockle, says Richardson, is from the ‘ A. S. coc-
cel, which Skinner thinks is from Ceocan, to choke, because it chokes
the corn.’ This is to mistake the character of this weed: it does not
choke the corn, but its injuriousness arises from the seeds being min-
gled and ground with the grain and communicating an unwholesome
quality to the flour. The name undoubtedly has the same root as
Cockeno (p. 30). Indeed Bailey makes Cockle the synonym of the
Corn-Rose ; and Johnson defines it to be ‘a species of poppy. The
seeds are reckoned a remedy for toothache.’ ”—P. 41.

(To be continued).

A few Notes on the Botany of Jersey ; including a List of Additions
to Mr. Babington’s ‘ Primitiea Flore Sarnice; by M. Piquet.
By N. B. Warp, Esq., F.R.S., &c.

I HAVE just returned from a tour of two or three weeks to Jersey ;
and having been favoured with a note of introduction to one of the
resident botanists, M. Piquet, of St. Helier’s, was kindly taken by
him to (with me) the great object of attraction,—the Gymnogramma
leptophylla. I saw it growing, as stated in the ‘ Phytologist,’ on a
bank with a south-western aspect, not densely shaded by trees, as is
the case in most of the Jersey lanes, but protected from the direct
rays of the sun, by the dwarf vegetation of the bank, which, from the
constant oozing of a small stream, is sufficiently damp for the growth
of Marchantia, with here and there a patch of Fissidens bryoides. I
was shown two stations of this interesting plant by M. Piquet, and a
third, about a mile from the former, by the Rev. W. Wait. It doubt-
less will be found in other localities, as the climate must nearly
approach that of the South of France, and of Italy, where the
Gymnogramma abounds. The next plant to which I directed my

1091

attention was Asplenium lanceolatum, as I had found more trouble in
growing this plant, either in or out of a case, than with most other
ferns, either British or foreign. This plant is far more abundant in
the western than in the eastern part of the Island; and, somewhat to
my surprise, I found it flourishing under very different conditions of
light and moisture. Near Grosnez, it is found growing in the crevi-
ces of the stone walls, fully exposed to the blaze of the sun, scarcely
attaining, however, the height of more than one or two inches, and
with very crisp and curled fronds. It attains its greatest develop-
on the top of densely shaded sandstone banks at St. Aubin’s, where
its fronds are a foot in height, and the soil very dry ; and likewise in
the inside of wells, one or two of which were completely lined with it,
where it must have been growing undisturbed for years, from the
great number of fronds springing from a single root. One specimen
that I gathered, in the inside of a well between Roselle and Bou-
lay Bay, had 120 more or less perfect fronds upon it, besides
portions of the footstalks of sixty or seventy others. These fronds
were twelve or thirteen inches in height. In all cases the plants are
surrounded by a mild and humid atmosphere, free from soot or dust ;
and both the Asplenium and Gymnogramma would succeed best with
us with a little protection. This will not be a matter of surprise,
when the mildness of the climate of Jersey is taken into account,
where the giant cabbage grows to the height of twelve or thirteen feet,
the mellow pears attain a weight of two or three pounds, and the
Hydrangea is loaded with many hundred heads of flowers.*

The phenogamous vegetation of Jersey is rather disappointing to
one who, like myself, has been accustomed to botanize on the chalk-
hills in Kent, from the total absence of many of our most interest-
ing ornamental plants. No Campanula is to be seen, and very few
of the Orchidee, &c. But upon this part of the subject I need not
dilate, as M. Piquet has most kindly favoured me with the result of
his long-continued and patient observations, in a list, for which, I am
sure, your readers will be much indebted to him. The mosses were
mostly dried up; but I was much struck with the pictorial effect of
the Didymodon purpureum on the slope of a sunny hill, where the
furze had been cut and burnt.t When I first saw the plant, I thought
it was Funaria hygrometrica, which is frequently found under similar

* Mr. S. Curtis, of Roselle, mentioned to me one Sen in which he had
counted 2700.

+ Nearly two acres were covered with this moss, with a few patches intermixed of
Sedum anglicum, whose leaves rivalled the capsules of the moss in colour.

1092

conditions, as in open places in woods where charcoal has been
burnt.

I would direct the attention of the botanist to the marine Algae,
which would, I am convinced, yield an abundant harvest. Limited as
my researches were to a small portion of the coast, viz., between St.
Aubin’s and Portelet Bays, a space of three or four miles in extent, I
yet collected more than sixty species, and amongst them Griffithsia
barbata. The study of these plants is most interesting, as many spe-
cies are to be found in every possible state of development, according
as they occur near high- or low-water mark, or on different aspects of
the rocks on which they are growing, &c. Thus, the Cladostephus
spongiosus, which, in the upper pools, appears to grow solely to
afford attachment to species of Conferva, Cladophora and Cera-
mium, in the pools near low-water mark, attains twice the size, and
is unincumbered with parasites. But the submarine vegetation is
worthy of all admiration. Nothing can exceed the beauty of the
groves of Halidrys siliquosa, here ten or twelve feet in height; the
Chorda Filum, attaining a much greater length, with the upper por-
tions of its stems floating, in the most graceful curves, upon the sur-
face; and the densely packed and lively green leaves of Zostera
marina; all affording food and support to thousands of small animals,
and all pleasing in their turn.

But I must close my imperfect sketch, well satisfied if others be
tempted to carry out these investigations to a greater extent than I
was enabled to do.

I cannot omit recording my obligations to Dr. Robert Ball, of Dub-
lin, who kindly furnished me with one of his naturalists’ dredges,*
which, when compared with the ordinary oyster-dredge, does three
times the work with half the labour. TI have likewise to thank Miss
Turner, of Gorey, for specimens of Griffithsia barbata, Daysa venusta,
and many other Algz.

I conclude with M. Piquet’s List of Plants found in Jersey, but not
mentioned by Mr. Babington as natives of that Island, although a few
of them are recorded by that botanist as occurring in the other Chan-
nel Islands.

Those species supposed by M. Piquet to have been either natu-
ralized, or in any respect doubtful natives, are marked by a star (*) ;
and those which occur in the other Channel Islands, as well as in
Jersey, by a dagger (t). The list includes sixty-six flowering plants,
and one fern.

* Described by Harvey, in the ‘ Sea-side Book.’

1093

* Clematis Vitalba, L. Growing on a hedge in St. Aubin’s Bay.

Barbarea precox, Br. Frequent in waste places.

Camelina sativa, Crantz. St. Saviour’s Valley.

tSinapis tenutfolia, Br. St. Ouen’s Bay, and the Quenvais.

tCrambe maritima, L. St. Ouen’s Bay, on the shingle.

Silene inflata, Sm. St. Clement’s and St. Ouen’s Bays ; rare.

tSitlene quinqguevulnera, L. St. Aubin’s Bay ; very scarce.

* Silene Armeria, L. In a lane near La Haule.

Saponaria officinalis, L. St. Saviour’s ; rare.

Elatine hexandra, DC. Town Mill-ponds.

Althea officinalis, L. St. Clement’s Bay ; scarce.

*Geranium striatum. St. Martin’s, in hedges.

Melilotus officinalis, Lam. St. Aubin’s Bay.

Lathyrus Aphaca, L. St. Peter’s, and at Trinity ; rare.

*Lathyrus latifolius, L. St. Helier’s.

+Prunus Cerasus, L. In woods; frequent.

* Potentilla hirta, L. Ona wall near Millbrook.

Agrimonia Eupatoria, L. Frequent on the coast.

*(nothera biennis, L. Greve d’Azette.

Myriophyllum spicatum, L. St. Ouen’s Pond.

t+Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, L. . St. Saviour’s Valley, &c.

+@nanthe pimpinelloides, L. Near St. Ouen’s Pond.

+Galium saxatile, L. Bouley Bay, Noirmont, &c.

Bidens cernua, L. St. Laurence Marsh.

tPyrethrum inodorum, Sm., var. 8. maritimum. At. Petit Port.

Centaurea Jacea, L. St. Ouen’s Bay.

t+Cichorium Intybus, L. Gorey Common, &e.

Apargia autumnalis, Willd. A proliferous variety of this plant is
found at St. Ouen’s Bay, in which the outer florets are very much
elongated, and the plant has the appearance of a Daucus in seed.

Hypocheris radicata, L. Found in the same state as the preced-
ing, and in the same locality.

*Tragopogon porrifolius, L. On walls, in various places.

+Ligusirum vulgare, L. Growing wild, at the Corbierre.

Lycium europeum, L. In various places, St. Aubin’s Bay.

Physalis Alkekengi, L. Fields at Mount Neron.

Orobanche arenaria? St. Ouen’s Bay, on Eryngium maritimum.

Linaria Cymbalaria, Mill. St. Clement’s Lane. «

+Lycopus europeus, L. St. Saviour’s Valley, &c.

Galeobdolon luteum, Huds. St. Catherine’s Bay.

VOL. Iv. 7A

1094

tLamium amplexicaule, L. St. Brelade and St. Clement’s.

Teucrium Chamedrys, L. Lane at Trinity.

tAtriplex deltoidea, Bab. Near St. Helier’s.

tAtriplex rosea, L. St. Ouen’s Bay.

Polygonum amphibium, L., var. 8. terrestre. Margin of ponds ;
frequent.

tPolygonum lapathifolium, L. St. Clement's Bay.

Polygonum minus, Huds. St. Laurence Marsh.

tPolygonum maritimum, L. St. Aubin’s Bay.

Salix viminalis, L. St. Catheriné’s Bay.

Orchis Morio, L. St. Quen’s and Rozel; rare.

tListera ovata, Br. Valley des Vaux ; scarce.

Allium ursinum, L.. In woods, St. Brelade.

*Muscari comosum, Mill. In a field near the first Martello tower,
St. Aubin’s Bay.

tJuncus glaucus, Ehrh. St. Ouen’s Bay.

tJuncus maritimus, Sm. Near Petit Port, and Pointe des Pas.

tLuzula campestris, Br., var. 8. congesta. St. Brelade and St.
Ouen.

t+Typha latifolia, L. St. Peter’s Marsh.

Sparganium simplex, Huds. St. Laurence Marsh.

+Zannichellia palustris, L. In brooks, St. Clement’s Bay.

Cladium Mariscus, Br. St. Ouen’s Bay.

+Carex stellulata, Gooden. Bouley Bay, &c.

Carex binervis, Sm. Bonnenuit, and near Rozel.

Setaria verticillaia, Beauv. The Marais, St. Ouen.

Agrostis Spica-venti, L. Bouley Bay; very rare.

tArundo Epigejos, L. St. Catherine’s Bay.

Bromus secalinus, L. The Quenvais.

Bromus arvensis, L. Meadows near St. Ouen’s Pond.

Lolium multiflorum, Lam. Greve d’Azette, and Trinity.

Digitaria sanguinalis, Scop. St. Saviour’s ; very scarce.

Gymnogramma leptophylla. At St. Laurence, and near La
Haule.

N. B. Warp.
Clapham Rise,

September 20, 1853.

1095

Proceepines oF Societies, &c.

Tue PuHyToLocist CLUB.

One Hundred and Forty-ninth Sitting.— Saturday, September 24,
1853.—Mr. NEwmav\, President, in the chair.

The following communications, received during the last few weeks,
were read :—

Rosa hibernica in Cumberland.

“ [ believe there is no published report of Rosa hibernica growing
wild in England. I observed a single bush of it in 1845, by the road
above Crummock Water, Cumberland, in the way from Buttermere to
Scale Hill. I had the pleasure of confirming the discovery in June
last, by finding several bushes in a hedge near Lorton, in the same
neighbourhood ; and Mr. Robinson, of Whinfell Hall, has since found
the species in many places in the Vale of Lorton, and towards Scale
Hill."—W. Borrer ; Henfield, September 20, 1853.

New Station for Teucrium Botrys.

“ Teucrium Botrys was shown me about a fortnight since, by its
discoverer there, Mr. Arthur Stedman, on Bagley Hill, Bookham,
Surrey, about three miles, ‘ as the crow flies, from the place where it
was originally discovered, between Betchworth and Headley. Mr.
Stedman has observed it in three spots, some growing on cultivated
land, but most of it among thin grass on bushy hill-sides. Surely the
discovery of this additional station tends to remove all doubt of the
species being truly indigenous. 1 wish some one would seek for it
about Saunderstead, as Mr. Anderson, late Curator of Chelsea Gar-
den, showed me, many years ago, some plants in the Garden said to
have been brought from that neighbourhood.” —Zd.

Carex punctata in Ireland.

“Tt may interest some readers of the ‘ Phytologist’ to know that
Carex punctata, Gaudin, grows in Co. Kerry, Ireland. It is one of
the most interesting of the many interesting plants which I brought
home, last month, from the Dingle peninsula. It occurred near the
mouth of the harbour, about a mile or so from Dingle, near a tower

1096

occupied by the revenue-service, I believe. From what has been
written and said respecting this Carex and its allies, it is, doubt-
less, known that unusual caution is requisite when it is under con-
sideration. I may say, however, that, in the present case, I feel
perhaps no doubt but that this is the C. punctata of those English
botanists who know the Guernsey plant, and of Scandinavian collec-
tions, as I judge from a Norwegian example, which I possess, from
Southern Norway, from Prof. Blytt, and the figure in Andersen’s
Plante Scand., which, so far as I have seen, agree well enough.
Wm. Borrer and C. C. Babington confirm my name. I was not
aware that any doubt attached to the Menai-Straits station, mentioned
in our Manuals; but, from what W. Borrer tells me, in a letter, I find
it must be received with a degree of dubiety (this may, however,
apply to but one locality by the Straits, if there be two). The station
near Dingle is, so far as I know, the only satisfactory locality for the
plant in Ireland, if not in the British Islands, exclusive of the Sar-
nian group. (See H. C. Watson’s remark, in ‘ Cybele,’ on the Cor-
nish habitat). It seems, I may add, to differ at first sight from the
nearly allied Carex distans, and may, perhaps, admit of a clear and
specific distinction, in the longer exserted peduncles of the cylindri-
cal fertile spikes of patent, pale fruit.”—D. Oliver, jun. ; Newcastle-
on-Tyne, September 23, 1853.

Agrimonia odorata in Kerry.

“ Another interesting plant, which I gathered in Kerry, new to the
South of Ireland, is what I consider to be Agrimonia odorata, Ait.
I collected but two examples, I think, stopping the conveyance for
the purpose, by the roadside to the north of Dingle Bay. C. C.
Babington, to whom I sent a small specimen, and W. W. Newbould,
confirm my opinion, without speaking positively ; the example not
being, I think, in fruit, when its more apparent distinction presents
itself.” —Id.

Notes on a few Devonshire Plants.

“Perhaps it may be worth while to mention a few Devonshire
plants which I gathered in June, during a visit to Harpford, a coun-
try village, situated about three miles and a half from Sidmouth, and
the same from Ottery St. Mary. They have all been enumerated in
the ‘New Botanist’s Guide,’ in the list for Devon; but, with the
exception of Ruscus aculeatus and Lathyrus Aphaca, the localities,
so far as I am aware, have not been reported before for that part of

1097

Devon. Corydalis lutea: under a wall, in one or two places, at
Harpford ; doubtless a garden escape. Barbarea precox? a soli-
tary specimen, gathered on the roadside, by a rivulet, between Harp-
ford and Sidmouth. Coronopus didyma: very abundant in the
adjoining village of Newton Poppleford, outside the garden walls.
It was quite rare at Harpford, though occasionally seen. Lepidium
Smithii: on a sandstone rock near Harpford. I only found one spe-
cimen ; but, as the rock crumbled down, I think it probable that
other plants lay concealed underneath. Hypericum Androsemum :
not unfrequent in Harpford Wood, and other places. Arenaria
marina: on the sea-coast at Sidmouth. Ulex nanus: on the Beacon
and Peak Hills, both the highest ground in that neighbourhood. The
plants did not reach to the summit, and were sheltered by the banks
from the sea breezes. Lathyrus Aphaca still retains its habitat on
Sidmouth cliffs, growing, in great luxuriance, amongst Lotus cornicu-
latus and Anthyllis Vulneraria. Cotyledon Umbilicus: in every
hedgebank and lane at Harpford. Some of the specimens were nine-
teen inches in length. Feeniculum vulgare I did not meet with at
Sidmouth, but gathered it on the old city walls at Exeter, the same
habitat where Bromus madritensis grows. Fedia dentata was not
unfrequent on the sandstone about Harpford. Conyza squarrosa:
in Harpford Wood, and other places. Anthemis nobilis: plentiful in
some spots on the Beacon and Peak Hills. I was unable, from
inquiry, to ascertain the height of these hills, but it was generally
supposed they might be between eight and nine hundred feet. Lobe-
lia urens: last autumn, a specimen was gathered on the Beacon, or
‘Kast Hill, as it is sometimes called. This is its nearest habitat to
Ottery St. Mary ; but, owing to the unfavourable weather, I did not
get to it, and it was early for flowers. This was the case with Cus-
cuta Epithymum, whose red threads nearly choked Galium saxatile
and Ulex nanus. Anchusa sempervirens, with its bright blue flowers,
attracted the eye in many places in the lanes about Harpford. It
grew plentifully on the roadside near Ottery St. Mary, as well as near
Sidmouth. I could not find that this beautiful weed was cultivated
in the cottagers’ gardens. Lycopus europzus we found at Sidmouth.
Galeobdolon luteum was not uncommon on the hedgebanks, and in
Harpford Wood. Iris fcetidissima was frequent enough to remind us
of Sir William Hooker’s objections to it. Arenaria maritima, @., was
very fine on Sidmouth cliffs. Ruscus aculeatus grew plentifully in
Harpford Wood, though it seemed to select particular spots. The
country people called it ‘knee holly,’ from its height. It is generally

1098 :

used in that neighbourhood to ornament the churches with its beau-
tiful berries at Christmas. Nothing could exceed the magnificence
of the Digitalis in all quarters: we found some fine white-flowered
plants, and also a white variety of Ajuga reptans. Festuca bromoides
and F, pseudo-myurus grew on walls at Harpford and Sidmouth. I
did not meet with any unusual or marked variety in ferns. They were
all of the commoner species, but in size and luxuriance far surpassed
any I had ever seen. I was much interested in discovering, on an
ash-tree in Harpford Wood, a new lichen,—Lecidea leucoplaca of
Chevallier, as a friend, who is conversant with the species, informs
me it is called. Sticta pulmonaria of Hooker also grew on the same
tree. The fronds were remarkably large, and some in fructification.”
—M. M. Atwood ; Clifton Vale, Bristol, August 2, 1853.

Lastrea Filix-mas and Ophioglossum vulgatum used in Medicine.

“T send you an extract from ‘The New Homeopathic Pharmaco-
peia and Posology : —‘ Tincture of Polypodium Filix-mas.— We
gather the plant in the summer months. That which grows on stony
declivities towards the North is considered the most efficacious. Of
the recently dug roots we take the inner marrow, and we likewise
take the youngest rudimentary leaves which are neither withered nor
gangrened, of a bright green colour, a strong sweetish and offensive
smell, and similar taste, which afterwards becomes bitterish, acerb,
and slightly astringent. Both are stripped of their brown epidermis,
after which we prepare according to class 2,’ &c.

“In a part of Herefordshire which is quite on the borders of Wor-
cestershire, and in the parish of Whitbourne, the country people, in
the spring, make what they call ‘ May ointment,’ one of the ingredi-
ents in it being the adder’s-tongue fern (Ophioglossum vulgatum). It
grows plentifully in a meadow in that district, and has been long in
use as an important part of the ointment, which is composed of a
variety of herbs, and is reckoned a panacea for bruises, tumours, &c.
The leaves and stems are the parts used of the Ophioglossum.”—Zd. ;
August 6, 1853.

’

New Locality for Cystopteris montana.

“ Previously to my setting off for Scotland, on the 1st of this month,
I was not able to get any information respecting the locality of Cys-
topteris montana, more than I obtained from the pages of the ‘ Phy-
tologist ;) and, when arrived within the district, in reply to my inquiries
respecting Corrach Uachdar or D’oufillach, no one that I met with

1099

had ever heard of such names, though I took great pains in making
clear what ought to be its situation, and the way in which the names
were spelled, not trusting to my pronunciation. Such being the case,
I was obliged to trust to myself, and search diligently, and had the
pleasure of discovering a locality for the said fern, which I suppose
to be the third in which it has been found in Scotland. It is not Mr.
Borrer’s station, directions for which | have since received, but may be
six to eight miles distant from it. I found one frond only in fruit. Itis,
indeed, a most delicate and beautiful fern. The rhizoma is creeping,
asin P. Dryopteris. Habit :—stipes erect; the upper portion of the
frond nearly horizontal, consequently it has somewhat of an elbow at
the junction, though not so much as in P. Dryopteris; the ends of the
pinne and frond are rather depressed, as far as I recollect. The
figure in Newman’s ‘ Ferns’ is good, and represents a full-sized speci-
men. The stipes is generally half the total length of the frond ;
fronds from 2 to 6 inches in length, not rigid, of a delicate pale
green; substance as delicate and fragile as C. fragilis grown in shady
places. Habitat:—mountain ravines, on ledges of rock, in moist
situations ; rhizoma creeping among moss, and throwing up its fronds
sparingly.”"—Thomas Westcombe ; August 22, 1853.

Note on Pseudathyrium flexile.

“1 have not met with this again, and suspect that it is quite of rare
occurrence. I did not revisit the glen in which we found it; and if
it should not be found in more places, I should be cautious of giving
directions to its site. I think that itis quite distinct from P. alpestre ;
aud if it had not been already brought forward as a distinct species, I
should have done so. The two plants look quite different in cultiva-
tion. The frond of P. flexile is linear-lanceolate, with the pinnze
short and decidedly deflexed ; it fruits in quite a small state, as com-
pared with P. alpestre ; indeed, I have never seen the latter in fruit,
except in large, strong plants, in which case it bears a strong resem-
blance to Athyrium Filix-feemina. I havea good-sized plant in my
garden, but it shows no sign of fructification ; whereas my P. flexile,
though less than six inches in length, is in fruit. The latter is grown
in pots, in a cold frame. JI am not sure that we found both plants
growing together, but I am inclined to think that we did. P. alpestre
I found sparingly on Benlawers, abundantly in Canlochen and Glen
Callater. I have roots from these three places. I observed very little
in fructification ; in fact, none worth preserving, under the circum-
stance of my press being nearly full.”—Jd.

1100

Trifolium patens near Ashby-de-la-Zouch.

“JT send you a specimen of Trifolium patens, Schreber, which my
friend Coleman lately discovered, growing on the embankment of
the Burton and Leicester Railway, near Ashby-de-la-Zouch. It has
probably been introduced with seeds from abroad, about four years
ago, when the embankment was made. A quantity of Crepis setosa
was growing near it, and also on other parts of the embankment, some
distance from the spot; but there was only one rather large patch of
T. patens. It is, I believe, a denizen of Germany, and other parts of
Europe.”—Andrew Bloxam ; Twycross, Atherstone, August 25, 1853.

Adiantum Capillus-Veneris near Bath.

“YT found three plants of this fern, growing in the air-shaft of a
stone-quarry, some thirty feet below the ground, at Combdown, near
Bath. Master Millett has also found another Cornish locality, about
two miles from the well-known one at St. Ives. My plants of this
fern, grown in pots, surprise most botanists, from their attaining a
very large size, some fronds being a foot long. They are grown in a
very rich soil, having plenty of leaf-mould, and the pots kept in a
cool greenhouse. A plant has kept alive for three years, in our
fernery, without protection.”—E. J. Lowe; Observatory, Beeston,
near Nottingham.

Fungus in the Heart of an Oak-tree.

“The very day that I had been reading Prof. Quekett’s account of
a fungus in the heart of a living oak (Phytol. iv. 945), I happened to
be superintending some bark-peelers ; when my attention was directed
to an oak, which was partially decayed at the centre, towards the root,
and the decayed wood mottled all over with patches of a white fun-
gus. The tree was quite sound all round the circumference, and
exhibited no marks of decay externally ; and I had no suspicion of
its being faulty, when I marked it for falling. Here there is another
instance of a fungus in the heart of a living oak, which, Prof. Que-
kett thinks, has never before been recorded. I enclose a specimen.”
—W. T. Bree ; Allesley Rectory, Coventry.

Udora Canadensis at Stafford.

“ This interesting but unwelcome stranger has found its way here,
within the last two years. The men who have charge of the river first
observed it last year; and now it forms huge banks of vegetation in

Lene = .

110]

the river, below the town, where it seems likely to become as great a
nuisance as it is in Cambridgeshire. Its habitats are thus advanced
from the Derbyshire border, at Burton-upon-Trent, to the centre of
the county. Our dirty little stream (aptly named the Sow) flows into
the Trent; so that the two localities have a very direct water-commu-
nication with each other. How it was introduced here, I cannot
ascertain. Its existence so near home was unknown to me until yes-
terday, when, taking a botanical stroll with a friend, this remarkable
addition to our local Flora came under our observation.” —&. C.
Douglas, M.A. ; Forebridge, Stafford, August 23, 1853.

Udora Canadensis in the Valley of the Severn.

“‘ While taking a botanical stroll, yesterday evening, I found a small

‘ patch of Udora Canadensis, in a pool near the river Severn, but

unconnected with it, except by floods, near Bevere Island, about
three miles from Worcester, up the river. I believe this is the first
time it has been found in this district, though it was discovered in
this county, in the Avon, at Evesham, in June last, by Mr. W. Che-
shire.’"—Thomas Baxter.

Lastrea rigida near Bath.

“T beg to enclose a frond of what I believe to be the true Lastrea
rigida. I found a single plant, bearing only four fronds, in a some-
what bleak and exposed situation, within a few miles of Bath. I
searched diligently for other plants, but without success.”—John E.
Vize; Town Mills, Bath, September 19, 1853.

The President, without hesitation, pronounced the frond which was
exhibited to be Lastrea rigida, and in no way distinguishable from the
same plant as found near Settle, in Yorkshire.

WORCESTERSHIRE NATURALISTS’ FIELD CLUB.

Meeting in Wyre Forest.

A meeting of this Club took place in the latter part of August,
within the shady coverts of Wyre Forest, under the Presidency of the
Rev. Canon Cradock. “Stately Wyre” has been celebrated in the
strains of Michael Drayton, and its venerated sorb-tree is noticed in
the ‘ Philosophical Transactions, for 1678. The party were anxious
to examine the old Pyrus domestica, or true service-tree, the only one

VOL. Iv. 7B

1102

known of the species, apparently wild, in any part of Britain. It is
full a mile within the forest, and surrounded with dense underwood.
Thin and decrepid, quite bare of foliage below, it now extends its
lank arms a considerable height in air, and is only verdant at the
extremities of these lofty branches. In fact, it is in the last stage of
decay, and a few more years will probably leave it a mere weather-
battered trunk. Only this single tree of the Pyrus domestica has at
any time been found within the forest precincts, and how it got there
is unknown ; but, as it is probable there would have been others, if it
had been indigenous at the spot, the inference would seem to be that
it was brought from abroad. Mr. Lees at this time pointed out a
mound of broken stones and débris, now overgrown with brambles,
not far from the tree, which seemed like the ruins of an old dwelling,
and suggested that an hermitage might have been formerly there, and
the tree brought from Aquitaine, by some recluse in the time of
Edward III., when the English, under the Black Prince, occupied
that duchy. There was an undoubted feeling of superstitious protec-
tion attached to the tree, whose fruit was commonly said, by the
foresters living in the vicinity, “to keep out the witch” from their
habitations ; and for this reason they hung up the hard fruit, which
would remain a long time without decaying, in their houses. The tree
is commonly called by the foresters the Whitty, or Witten, pear ;
perhaps derived from the old English word witten, to know, meaning
the wise tree. They distinguish it from the mountain ash, which
they simply call Witchen ; and though a protective power is attri-
buted to a stick of that tree, yet the “ Whitty pear,” they say, is
“stronger.” So, in the ‘ Arabian Nights,’ the Genius of the Lamp
was more powerful than the Genius of the Ring.

From the worn-out “ service-tree,” the party progressed on, among
undulated oaken copses and watered ravines, to the brown horrors of
sylvan shades, where the dense underwood spread a cloak, repulsive
to observation ; but here and there an opening space exhibited an old
charcoal-heap, characterized by a peculiar vegetation, which Nature
ever provides for secluded spots. Here was the Marchantia polymor-
pha, with its remarkable umbrella-like receptacles, spreading out like
stars (both barren and fertile); brilliant scarlet patches of the local
fungus, Thelephora carbonaria, contrasting so well with the black-
ened soil; and the hygrometrical moss (Funaria hygrometica), always
following the track of fire along the charred ground. Still proceed-
ing through mazes of gorse and bilberry-thickets, a great bog was
entered upon, embowered and completely surrounded by thick

1103

umbrage, where nothing could be seen but continuous forest, clothing
hill and dale. A pretty scene was presented at this bog of undulating
banks, covered with soft, yielding Sphagnum, with water gushing into
every hollow, the whole profusely clothed with the tall Eriophorum
latifolium, dangling its glossy tassels, white as ermine, with here and
there the purple-flowered Epipactis palustris, and the fragrant Gym-
nadenia conopsea. A good deal of Molinia cerulea grew here, with
fine purple spikes of flowers, and the borders of the bog were adorned
with numerous bushes of Rhamnus Frangula, exhibiting a profusion
of rose-coloured and black berries. About this spot, the silver-washed
and dark green Fritillary butterflies (Argynnis Paphia and A. Aglaia)
were observed, adding to the beauty of the scene. Here, also, Carex
pulicaris and C. fulva were gathered.

The banks of Dowles Brook, now shaggy with flowering ling, were
next traversed; and in the further progress to Park Brook, amidst
glades filled with the bright Erica cinerea, profusely covered with
purple bells, some beautiful, though secluded, sylvan features came
into view. Here the party for some distance were obliged to proceed
in Indian trail, from the close and dense investiture of verdure ; but
the fatigue was repaid on arriving at Park Brook, which, wandering
at its own free will down a deep ravine, exhibits many most enchant-
ing glimpses of rock, wood, and waterfall, charming to the lover of
Nature, though on a confined scale. This gloomy and damp part of
the forest has many charms for the botanical wanderer; and on the
present occasion there were gathered the columbine and wood gera-
nium, the elegant Pyrolas (P. media and P. minor), Gentiana campes-
tris, Gnaphalium sylvaticum, Hypericum dubium, Convallaria majalis,
Hieracium umbellatum, Sanguisorba officinalis, Listera Nidus-avis,
and the pretty Melica nutans, in abundance. Among brambles, the
less common ones were R. Guntheri, R. hirtus, and a variety of R.
Lejeunii, as well as R. saxatilis. One traverse was made, across
Dowles Brook, into Shropshire; for Mr. Jordan, of Bewdley, had
remarked, that although Geranium sanguineum was plentiful on the
Shropshire side of the brook, it never had the civility to step over
into Worcestershire, much as he wished it. Close to the mouth of
Dowles Brook, the water ouzel (Cinclus aquaticus) was started, which
is a rare bird in Worcestershire ; and here, on the banks of the Severn,
Spirea salicifolia and the beautiful Coronilla varia were observed to
be growing luxuriantly, but certainly in a naturalized state. Mr. Jor-
dan said the Spirea had been there a great many years. Dowles
Church was passed on the way to Bewdley, and Ceterach officinarum

1104

noticed on its brick walls. The Club dined at the ‘ George’ Hotel,
where, afterwards, various remarks were made in reference to the country
examined and the objects seen, by the Rev. Canon Cradock, Mr. E.
Lees, V.P., and Mr. W. Mathews. Mr. Baxter exhibited specimens of
Udora Canadensis, now first found in Worcestershire, gathered by him
a few days previously in a marshy pond at Grimley. Mr. Lees infer-
red that it must have been brought down the Severn by the autumn
or spring flood, as his friend, the Rev. Andrew Bloxam, had seen it
growing in the Severn, at Shrewsbury, in the present spring. That
the plant was carried through the country by inundations, Mr. Lees
said was quite clear; for during the late flood on the river Avon, in
July last, while the hay was floating on the water at Evesham, Mr.
W. Cheshire, jun., of Stratford, who happened to be there, took up a
quantity with a fork, and, floating under the hay, appeared numerous
stems of the Udora, which had thus been carried along by the impe-
tus of the hay coming in contact with it. The Udora would now,
doubtless, soon be common both in Worcestershire and Gloucester-
shire. The party retured to Kidderminster and Worcester, after a
long, but most delightful, day.

BritisH ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE.

Sulphide of Calcium as a Remedy for the Grape Disease.

A paper by Dr. Astley P. Price, ‘On the Employment of the
higher Sulphides of Calcium as a Means of Preventing and Destroy-
ing the Oidium Tuckeri, or Grape Disease,’ was read.

“ Of the many substances which have been employed to arrest the
devastating effects of this disease, none appear to have been so pre-
eminently successful as sulphur, whether employed in the state of
powder or flowers of sulphur, or by sublimation in houses so affected.
Notwithstanding the several methods described for its application to
the vines, I am not aware that any had been offered in 1851, when
these experiments were instituted, by which sulphur might be uni-
formly distributed over the branches, and be there deposited in such
a manner as to be to some extent firmly attached to the vine. Three
houses at Margate, in the vicinity of the one in which the disease first
made its appearance in England, having been for the space of five
years infected with the disease, and notwithstanding the employment
of sulphur as powdered and flowers of sulphur, no abatement in its

1105

ravages could be discovered,—I was induced to employ a solution of
pentasulphide of calcium, a solution of which having been found to
act in no way injuriously to the young and delicate shoots of several
plants, was applied to the juices in a dilute condition ; the object in
view being that the compound should be decomposed by carbonic
acid, and that the excess of sulphur should be deposited with the car-
bonate of lime in a uniform and durable covering on the stems and
branches of the vines. This was adopted, and although but few
applications were made, the stems became coated with a deposit of
sulphur, and the disease gradually but effectually diminished, in so
much that the houses are now entirely free from any trace of disease
or symptoms of infection. The young shoots are in no way injured
by its application, and the older wood covered with this deposit of
sulphur continues exceedingly healthy. This was, we believe, the
first employment of the higher sulphides of calcium as a vehicle for
the application of sulphur to the stems and foliage of diseased vines.
Specimens were exhibited from vines which in 1851 were covered
with disease, and which have since the autumn of that year received
no further treatment. The vines in the immediate neighbourhood,
and adjoining one of the houses, are covered with the disease, but,
notwithstanding their close proximity, no indication of the disease
has at present been detected in either of the three houses.”

Effect of Sulphate Lime upon Vegetable Substances.

A paper by Chevalier Claussen, ‘ On the Effect of Sulphate of Lime
upon Vegetable Substances,’ was read.

** About six weeks since I was engaged in making various experi-
ments on the effect of sulphate of lime upon vegetable substances.
A portion of the substances then used by me was thrown carelessly
aside, and upon returning to my experiments about a fortnight after-
wards, I was surprised to find that decomposition had not taken place
in those portions of the vegetables which had been subjected to the
action of the sulphate, while those which had not been so treated
were completely decayed. Among the articles experimented upon
were a number of potatoes, each of which was affected by the preva-
lent disease ; some of these remain sound to the present day, the
others have some time since completely rotted away. Subsequently,
I procured some more potatoes, and also some beet-roots, the former
being, as far as I could judge, all diseased. I divided the potatoes
into three portions. One lot I placed in a vessel with a weak solu-
tion of sulphuric acid, and from thence I placed them in a solution of

1106

weak lime-water. In the second lot the process was reversed, that is
to say, the potatoes were first placed in the lime-water, and then in
the acid. The third lot was left untouched. Ten days afterwards I
examined the potatoes, and found, as I expected, that the potatoes
which had not been treated with the sulphate were rapidly decaying,
—those which had been first placed in the solution of lime and then
in the acid were more nearly decomposed,—while those which had
been treated in the mode first described remained as sound as when
first taken in hand. Upon being cut open the diseased part of the:
potatoes was not found to have spread internally, and the flavour of
the root was in no degree affected by the application of the process,
nor do I think that its germinating power was injured by the effect of
the sulphate. The effect upon the beet-roots was similar to that pro-
duced upon the potatoes, and which would seem to be somewhat ana-
logous to that of galvanizing metals, viz., protecting the substances
from the effect of atmospheric agencies. I may add, that muriatic
and other acids have been employed by me on other occasions with
equal success, the only agents required appearing to be those which
will most readily produce a sulphate in contact with the substances
required to be preserved. As at present it does not appear that any
means can be successfully adopted to prevent the potato from becom-
ing diseased while in the ground and arriving at maturity, it would
certainly be of immense advantage if anything could be discovered
by the use of which the roots when taken up could be prevented from
that absolute decay and irreparable loss to which potatoes affected by
the disease are liable. The results which I have described seem to
me to point to the possibility of arresting this loss. How far the plan
suggested may be practicable or applicable upon a large scale, my
present very pressing and numerous engagements have hitherto pre-
vented me from ascertaining. Ido not think that any insuperable
difficulty exists with respect to the application of the process. The
acid employed by me was very weak, about one part to two hundred
of water; the lime-water was about the consistency of wilk. The
materials are not, therefore, expensive; and when the value of the
crop to be saved is taken into consideration, it would be a matter well
worthy of being tested by some of those extensive growers of potatoes
in the county in which the British Association is now holding its sit-
tings. For my own part, I should be most happy if by any suggestion
of mine I had merely been the instrument of directing the attention of
scientific men to the subject of the possibility of preserving from total
destruction a vegetable so valuable and so indispensable as the potato.”

1107

Utricular Structure of the Endochrome in a Species of Conferva.

A paper by Prof. Allman, ‘ On the Utricular Structure of the Endo-
chrome in a Species of Conferva,’ was read.

The plant which constituted the subject of the communication, is
closely allied to Conferva Linum, and the author showed that the deep
green endochrome, when liberated from the cell, is seen to possess a
very definite utricular structure. Each utricle is filled with homo-
geneous green matter, which surrounds one or more peculiarly formed
starch granules. In many instances, urticles were met with of a large
size, and filled with a brood of secondary urticles, each containing ho-
mogeneous green contents, surrounding a nucleus-like starch granule.

A long discussion followed the reading of this paper—which ulti-
mately turned upon the distinctions existing between the animal and
the vegetable kingdoms.

Dr. Redfern dwelt on the importance. of recognizing the function
of cell contents, as well as of cell-walls. Physiologists were too prone
to recognize the cell-wall, to the exclusion of what it contained.

Dr. Walker-Arnott stated that he had recently heard that starch had
been found in the Medusz. If this were the case, the existence of starch
could be no longer claimed as characteristic of the vegetable kingdom.

Prof. Allman agreed with Dr. Lankester that the best expression to
be found for animal and vegetable life at present was, the general fact
of vegetable tissue giving off oxygen gas, and absorbing carbonic
acid, whilst animal tissue absorbed oxygen and gave off carbonic acid.

Diatomacee found in the Vicinity of Hull.

Mr. J. D. Sollitt read a paper, prepared by himself, in conjunction
with Mr. R. Harrison, ‘On the Diatomacez found in the Vicinity of
Hull,” showing that the freshwater and marine Diatomacee were
exceedingly numerous in this locality ; the beauty of the varied forms
of which were such as to delight the microscopist, and, at the same
time, some of them are highly useful as forming that class of test
objects for microscopes which are the best calculated of all others for
determining the excellence and powers of object glasses. As test
objects they were first discovered by the Hull microscopists,—and
have now been adopted as such by all the microscopists not only in
this but in all other countries. Mr. Harrison and Mr. Sollitt disco-
vered the markings on those delicate siliceous coverings as early as
1841. 4t was shown that the markings on those shells were so fine
as to range between 34,000 to 130,000 to the inch; the Plurosigma

1108

strigilis being the strongest marked, and the Navicula Acus the finest.
It was afterwards pointed out that a large bed of fossil freshwater Dia-
tomacez, of at least two feet in thickness, had been discovered in
Holderness,—and that in a submerged forest on the coast of Holder-
ness numbers of fossil freshwater Diatomacee had been discovered,
although the sea flows over the part at every tide. The paper con-
cluded by pointing out that upwards of 150 species of marine and fresh-
water Diatomacez had been identified in the neighbourhood of Hull.

The reading of this paper was followed by a long discussion. First,
in relation to the microscopic powers and the structure of the instru-
ments employed by the Hull observers. Secondly, with regard to the
nature of the lines found on the surface of the Diatomacex. Thirdly,
on the question of the vegetable or animal nature of the Diatomacez.
From the statement of Mr. Sollitt and Mr. Harrison, it appeared that
the lenses which they had employed for the minuter markings were
object-glasses of Nachet’s manufacture, the one-sixteenth and the
one-eighth of an inch focal distance, with angles of aperture of 115°
and 105° diameter, and for the larger markings one-fourth of Smith’s,
with an aperture of 46°. With these glasses they had detected mark-
ings whose interspaces numbered 130,000 to the inch. Mr. Sollitt
regarded the lines as consisting of rows of minute tubercles, which
gave the appearance of continuous lines.

Dr. Walker-Arnott considered that these curious beings must now
be regarded as plants.

Prof. Allman looked upon them as the starting-point of Nature in
which the mineral, animal, and vegetable laws of creation were strug-
gling for ascendancy.

Mr. Sollitt and Mr. Harrison regarded them as animals, and quoted
the opinion of Prof. Bailey of New York.

Prof. Balfour referred to their resemblance to Desmidezx, and the
conjugation observed amongst them as conclusive proofs of their rela-
tion to the Conferve, whose vegetable nature no one doubted.

Dr. Lankester referred to Schleiden’s objection, of their possessing
a highly complicated structure, and pointed out their resemblance to
the Foraminifera, which all agreed to be animals. It had, however,
been asserted that the Diatomacee possessed starch, and as yet this
had not been discovered as a secreted product in beings recognized
as truly animals, whilst starch was universally present in true vege-
table productions.

1109

Botanical Notes and Observations on Plants observed in Essex,
during the year 1852. By EK. G. Varenne, Esq.

“Ranunculus caenosus, Guss. On the margins of a moat at Great
Totham.

Barbarea vulgaris, L. This common weed is marked “ perennial ”
by Smith, and Hooker & Arnott; and “biennial?” by Babington.
It is most probable that the former writers are correct in their idea of
the duration of B. vulgaris, from the fact of the withered stems of the
previous year being commonly found attached to the root of the
growing stems of the plant, in spring and early summer.

Three varieties of Barbarea vulgaris are found in this part of the
county of Essex :—

1. The common form of descriptive writers.

2. An arcuate form, which grows with a large top, on very
damp banks by the brook-side at Rivenhall.

3. A form bearing a close resemblance to, if it be not identical
with, Barbarea stricta, Andr., and which is only to be found
on very dry banks.

Hypericum perforatum, L. There are two distinct varieties of
this species to be found about Kelvedon. These varieties are distin-
guishable by the form and size of the segments of the calyx.

1. The first variety is the ordinary form of the species, in which
the sepals are erect, lanceolate and acute, imparting a very
bristly appearance to the young flower-buds. The foliage
of this first variety is of a peculiar light green, and it varies
with narrow oblong and broader oblong leaves.

2. In the second variety, the sepals are half the length of those
of the ordinary form, and broader. They are ovate, lan-
ceolate, mucronate, and impart a very blunt appearance
to the young flower-buds. They are distinctly reflexed
in the early condition of the flower; and when the fruit
is well developed the ends of the sepals retain the
reflexed character. The foliage of the plants belong-
ing to this variety is of a dark green colour above, very
glaucous beneath ; and the veins of the leaves being more
distant, the intervening reticulations cause them to present
a more pellucid appearance than is to be met with in those
of the ordinary form. The form and shape of the leaves
vary in this, as they do in those of the first variety. In
the larger-leaved plants, moreover, the leaves assume an

VOL. Iv. 7 C

1110

obovate form. Indeed, there is reason to believe that the
plants of this second variety are sometimes named Hyperi-
cum maculatum by botanists ; and I once met with a good
specimen of it intermixed with a number of specimens of
H. dubium, which were sent to me by a botanical friend.
This fact is mentioned for the purpose of indicating the
strong resemblance a certain form of H. perforatum bears
to H. dubium. The second variety of Hypericum perfora-
tum is a permanent one, and has remained constant to its
characters, in very many situations, for several years. It
may be presumed that the range of its localities is not very
limited, as it appears to have attracted the notice of the
late Dr. Bromfield in Hampshire, and is mentioned by him
in the ‘ Phytologist’ (iii. 272).

Melilotus arvensis, Wallr. Clover-field, Kelvedon.

Melilotus vulgaris, Wallr. Clover-field, Kelvedon.

Trifolium elegans, Savi. Has maintained its position for some
years about the sides of certain hilly fields of corn-land at Great
Braxted; but to the history of its introduction no clew can be
obtained.

Epilobium roseum, L. “Scions none,” Hook. & Arnott ; “scions
wanting,” Babington. On the Kelvedon plants of this species, short
scions, terminated by a rosette, are found in the autumn. Scions are
also denied to Epilobium montanum, Z., by the same authors ; but,
nevertheless, long suckers are to be found attached to the lowermost
underground joints of the stem ? of that species. In their young con-
dition, these suckers are faithfully delineated by the artist in ‘ Eng-
lish Botany, plate 1177; and Smith says of the root of Epilobium
montanum, L. (‘English Flora, vol. ii. p. 214), that it has “red
shoots.”

Helminthia echioides, Gertner. “ Annual,” Smith and Babing-
ton; “perennial,” Hook. & Arnott. This plant might well appear to
be only of a biennial character, to a person who had merely observed
its autumnal tuft of leaves, succeeded by stem and flowers in the
ensuing year. And to such an extent I was, for some time, accus-
tomed to view its duration. But, in reference to the perennial cha-
racter ascribed to Helminthia echioides by Hooker & Arnott, 1 must
remark that I believe those writers to be correct in extending the
duration of the plant from the biennial to the perennial character ; for
I have seen young and vigorous stems of H. echioides, growing in lately
cleared woods, side by side with the decayed stems of the past year.

; 1111

The apparent preference for viatical situations, on the part of H.
echioides, appears to arise from the fact, that in such situations the
growth of the plant is not interfered with in the early stages. Indeed,
were it not for the proceedings of husbandry, H. echioides would be
a much more common plant than it is now on the stronger soils of
this county ; for, as it first throws out its leaves in the autumnal
period of the year, it is liable to be destroyed in our fields, by the
agricultural operations then going on. The finest specimens of this
not inelegant weed I ever met with, and they were numerous enough,
were in a field of cole-wort left for seed. Here the young plants of
the bristly ox-tongue were not cut up in the autumn ; and when full-
grown they were equally secure from destruction, because their eradi-
cation would have caused more damage to the crop than was incurred
by allowing them to remain.

Cuscuta Hassiaca, Pf. Ina field of lucerne at Rawreth; just com-
ing into flower on the Ist of September, 1852.

Marrubium vulgare, L. Has extended itself, during the last two
or three years, over some parts of the remains of Old Tiptree Heath,
and is particularly abundant on a bank of newly enclosed land. It
would not be right to leave unnoticed the fact, that the horehound
had long been growing in some cottage garden-ground close to the
new banks; but in other parts of the Heath, where solitary plants of
Marrubium vulgare are occasionally to be found, no gardens contain-
ing the horehound exist.

Chenopodium album, L. The large, green-looking weeds that are
found growing on dung-heaps, and in rich ground, and which are
known by the above name, cannot be the exact type of the species
which Linneus had in view when he adopted the concise definition of
Tournefort, “ Chenopodium folio sinuato candicante,” as expressive
of the character of this common plant. In the neighbourhood of
Kelvedon, the specimens of Chenopodium album, corresponding with
the definition of Tournefort, and agreeing in appearance and charac-
ter with specimens in the Linnean herbarium (as I am politely
informed by Mr. Watson), are to be found, in a scattered as well as
in a gregarious manner, in the sides and corners of corn-fields, among
wheat, barley, oats, and beans. In such situations, but most particu-
larly on light soils, they are to be met with all over the eastern por-
tion of the county of Essex. They are also occasionally found
growing in gravel-pits, and on gravelly banks, and are then often
accompanied by the more robust green-leaved form of the species,
and by the variety known as Chenopodium viride.

1112 P

When young, the typical form of Chenopodium album »presents a
very pale green colour of the stem and foliage, which pale green
colour passes into various shades of red and white, as the age of the
plant increases. For instance, when the flowers are fully formed the
margins of the leaves put on a roseate tint, which tint, as the fruit
ripens, extends over more or less of the surface of the leaf. The
perianth, at a still later period, becomes also of a similar roseate hue,
or else a deep red colour is found diffused over it; and at the same
time the stem is striated with white and green lines, harmoniously
shaded off with pink. The stem is usually simple and upright, hav-
ing but few leaves, and is terminated by short branches, which bear
the panicles of fruit; so that the plant presents something of the
aspect of small specimens of Atriplex deltoidea. In the more robust
specimens, the panicles of inflorescence become elongated, having
the terminal flower stalked and larger than the others, and the nume-
rous lengthened fruit-bearing branches tower above the few leaves of
the stem.

The form of the leaves is variable ; but these organs are generally.
broad, in proportion to their length. The fugacious lowermost leaves
are roundish ovate, rather triangular or deltoid at the base, irregularly
sinuate-dentate at the margins, and rounded off at the end. The
middle leaves are narrower than the lowermost, more rhomboid; some
of them very acute at the apex, and very irregularly as well as deeply
indented at the margins. The middle as well as the lower leaves
are characterized by a distinct tendency to the three-lobed form.
The uppermost leaves are lanceolate and entire, degenerating into
bracteas at the base of the inflorescence. All the leaves are more or
less glaucous and mealy beneath, when young.

The fruit is variable in size, and covered by a perianth, larger and
more fully developed than is the same part in the luxuriant variety of
rich soils. When the fruit is first formed, the filmy, white pericarp
easily rubs off, and the exposed seed is black, shining, and very
minutely striate- dotted. After a period, the transparent, easily
removable pericarp of the early state of the fruit hardens, and becomes
opaque, of a brown colour, and covered with whitish papille. It is
very difficult to remove the hardened pericarp from the seed. In the
well-formed and fully developed fruit, the lower portion is decidedly
more convex than the upper, its shape being like thatofa bun. The
keel of the margin is variable, and not always present. After the pro-
cess of fructification is perfected, the segments of the strongly keeled
perianth separate, and expose the fruit. ‘The gay appearance of the

1113

stem and foliage, and the exposed mature fruit, are more or less cha-
racteristic of the typical Chenopodium album. In the dung-hill
and green-leaved plants, the entire perianth appears to turn whitish
brown, and dies off without exposing the fruit; which latter assumes
the opaque, grayish appearance much later than the fruit of the rosy-
leaved plants; and its pericarp, when hardened and dull, is more
readily removed.

There is a variety of Chenopodium album, growing in garden-
grounds, amongst potatoes and other vegetables, which presents
various colours about the stem, and margins of the leaves, and is
more particularly red or purplish about the base of the stem and
branches. The plants of this form branch but little in the lower part,
though they attain the height of three feet, or more. The upper part
of these weeds is conspicuous at a distance, with long, leafless
branches, bearing panicles of inflorescence ; the whole plant in habit
bearing a resemblance to Artemisia vulgaris: the abundant inflores-
cence attracting the attention, by its excess over the foliage, as in the
last-named plant. The leaves of this variety correspond with those
of the corn-field plants, excepting in size, and in the lower ones being
distantly dotted on the upper surface with mealy points. The early
condition of the fruit has the seed microscopically punctate ; but I
have had no opportunity of observing the fruit when fully ripe,
because these larger things are, sooner or later, exterminated by the
gardeners. The corn-field plants, on the contrary, are more secure
from invasion, being protected by the respect shown to the crop under
whose shadow they grow. Thus itis that they are allowed to remain
undisturbed until the harvest operations begin, at which period their
fruit is mostly perfected.

In the punctulation of the seed, and in the shape of the fruit, the
typical Chenopodium album approaches Chenopodium ficifolium,
with which latter plant 1 confess myself at first to have confounded
it; but, independently of the difference of foliage, the fruit of C. fici-
folium is much smaller than that of C. album. I am not able, at pre-
sent, to affirm that all the forms of Chenopodium album have the ©
seeds striated and minutely dotted, as are those of the typical form ;
but I nevertheless believe that the dots and markings are not so per-
ceptible in the seeds of the dung-hill form of C. album ; for although
our descriptive writers have varied in their characters of the seed of
Chenopodium album, none of them mention the seeds as being
minutely punctulate.

1114

The following extracts from the works of authors of best repute
illustrate the discrepancy alluded to :—

“Seed perfectly even, not dotted."— Smith, ‘English Flora,
vol. i. p. 13.

“ Fruit smooth.”—Hooker, ‘ British Flora,’ 1st ed. p. 277.

“Seeds smooth, shining, bluntly keeled at the edge.”—Jbid.,
6th ed. p. 245.

“Seeds depressed, smooth and shining, margins obtuse.” —
Leighton, ‘ Flora of Shropshire,’ p. 123.

“Seeds orbicular, depressed, smooth and shining, convex on
both sides, obtusely but distinctly keeled on the margins.”
—Ibid., 515.

** Seeds horizontal, smooth and shining, obtusely keeled at the
margin.” —Babington, ‘ Manual, 3rd ed. p. 267.

I must crave the indulgence of the readers of the ‘ Phytologist’ for
trespassing thus prominently on their attention with the foregoing
description of the typical form of Chenopodium album. Indeed, I
am led to understand that this form of the species has puzzled some
good botanists; and in these discriminating times one might have
felt inclined to consider it as something specifically different from the
form of Chenopodium album delineated in Smith’s plate. But culti-
vation soon settles the point, for the seeds of the small and roseate
forms spring up into large, green-leaved plants, if sown in a suitable
soil.

As they occur about Kelvedon, the varieties of Chenopodium album
may be arranged as follows :—

1. The roseate, or typical form. Chenopodium folio sinuato,
candicante.

2. The green-leaved, or dung-heap form of Smith’s plant.

3. The Chenopodium viride, L.

4. The form with lanceolate, entire leaves.

5. An autumnal form, occurring, unlike the others, on strong
land; in leaves and inflorescence resembling Chenopodium
murale. The seeds of this variety I have been unable to
meet with. It seems an approximation to the C. peduncu-
lare of Woods’ ‘ Tourist’s Flora.’ |

I cannot conclude these observations on Chenopodium album with-
out stating my obligations to Mr. Borrer, for allowing me to trouble
him with my inquiries on the subject.

Chenopodium ficifolium, Sm. Turnip-field, Great Tey; dung-heap,
Inworth.

1115

Lolium italicum, Braun. Often occurs in the neighbourhood of
Kelvedon, in the corners and sides of corn-fields, and amongst clover.
It also grows in the meadows. Its introduction of late years amongst
clover-seed, is very probable ; but, if this grass be merely a variety of
Lolium perenne, its growth in the meadows may admit of a different
explanation. .

E. G. VARENNE.
Kelvedon, September 26, 1853.

Noles on the Localities of certain Hampshire Plants, observed in
August and September, 1853. By A. Irving, Esq.

Oor object in visiting Southampton and the Isle of Wight was not
strictly botanical, but rather for the sake of relaxation and recreation :
hence the number of species noted is not so numerous as they might
have been if we had had this as our sole motive for undertaking the
journey ; but they are not therefore the less interesting. Every fact
bearing on the Botany of a district which has been amply investigated
by the late Dr. Bromfield and others, cannot fail of possessing an inte-
rest among all who love the science and desire its extension. The
only plant of great interest about Southampton is Spartina alterniflora,
which grows plentifully on both sides of the Itchin, both above and
below Northam Bridge. The other species, S. stricta, is said to grow
with the former; but we did not see it. On arubbishy part of the
shore, were gathered Plantago pumila? Medicago denticulata, and a
few exotic Cruciferee, which I have observed, for two years, growing
with numbers of foreign plants, near the steam-boat pier at Wands-
worth. This fact proves that several species not British are extend-
ing themselves, and probably, at some future period, will be ranked
among the semi-naturalized denizens of the British Isles. On the
Shore of the Southampton Water, as it is called, there is a large patch
of Spartina alterniflora, about half-way between Netley Abbey and
Southampton. The only vegetation of the pebbly beach of this part of
the estuary is Glaucum corniculatum [?], Silene maritima, and a very
few commoner plants. Aster Tripolium grows in muddy parts, and in
the adjoining ditches. In the ruins of Netley Abbey we noticed
Atropa Belladonna, only one poor plant, neither in flower nor in fruit.
On the roadside near the Abbey, returning by the heath to Itchin
Ferry, Dianthus Armeria was found in considerable plenty. Hyperi-
cum Androsemum and H. calycinum were also noticed near South-

1116

ampton, but neither of them in places sufficiently remote from
cultivation to warrant their being, here at least, considered indige-
nous.

About Carisbrooke Castle, near Newport, Isle of Wight, we gathered
Tris feetida [?], Gentiana Amarella, and, on the rampart wall, Centran-
thus ruber. Ona ledge near the window of King Charles’s apartment,
pointed out to all visitors, there is a fine plant of Lathyrus latifolius,
well established and very characteristic. In Parkhurst Forest, about
two miles from Newport, there is a very luxuriant form of Cnicus pra-
tensis, nearly two yards high, and bearing from three to four leaves.
There is also a form of Scutellaria minor, from two to three feet high,
very straggling in its growth, but agreeing sufficiently with the com-
mon form in every character, except habit and size, and not approach-
ing to S. galericulata. The radiate form of Centaurea nigra is the rule
here, as in all the western parts of the Island visited by me, where
this plant grows; and the common form is the exception. About
Freshwater there is a Mentha, not uncommon, which I took for M.
sylvestris. A stalk of Lavatera arborea, with fruit on its branches,
was found among the rejectamenta of the sea; also a few stalks of the
sea stock (Malthiolus maritimus) [?]. ‘The vegetation of the downs at
Freshwater, and.all along the coast by the Beacon, the Needles Light-
house, Alum Bay, &c., is of a remarkably stunted nature. Daucus
Carota was scarcely half an inch high; yet it bore an umbel of
flowers. Campanula glomerata was rarely found above an inch high,
and usually with a single flower. Gentiana Amarella was also inva-
riably found with four segments both in the calyx and corolla, and
those of the latter usually more rounded than in the common form of
this plant. About Yarmouth, Spartina stricta is plentiful, both on the
Yar and in a salt-marsh going towards Sconce Point. On the sandy
beach which separates the sea from this marsh, Eryngo maritima [?]
was very fine and plentiful ; also Psamma arenaria, Convolvulus Sol-
danella (only in leaf), Asparagus officinalis, Foeniculum vulgare (the
former plentiful, the latter very sparingly), Cakile maritima, and a few
other less interesting species. On the downs above Sconce Point
was observed Spiranthes autumnalis, very sparingly. ‘This plant is
eaten off by the sheep; on the cow-pasture, it was not so scarce
along the coast. Erythrea pulchella, a very dwarf form, was not
scarce ; Hyoscyamus niger, where the fort is building. About Yavr-
mouth, Borago officinalis is plentiful in a lane, both on the bank and
in the ditch (a dry one); also Lycium barbarum, what is vulgarly
called the “tea-plant” about London. In the gardens grew, as a weed,

1117

Linaria purpurea; also a Coronilla. Although the temperature of
Yarmouth appeared (felt) to us lower than that of London by several
degrees, yet the growth of certain plants in the open air, or only slightly
protected, shows that the annual temperature is higher than that of
London. Fuchsias of immense size were quite common in almost
every garden, as were also Hydrangeas and myrtles, both flowering
beautifully. We noticed Aloysia citriodora, the lemon-scented Ver-
bena, as it is commonly called, not much less than twenty feet high,
and of a moderate thickness: this plant was supported by a wall.
On the road from Yarmouth Ferry to Freshwater, Hypericum calyci-
num was noticed in a copse, along with plenty of Rubia peregrina.
The latter plant is common in the hedges on the west side of the Yar.
Iris foetida [?] abounds between Yarmouth and Newtown ; and on
the coast in the same direction large specimens of Erythrea pulchella
occur, some of them not less than from eighteen inches to two feet
high, with branches nearly as long. Here, also, Spiranthes autumna-
lis occurs ; 7. e., in almost all pastures, excepting those depastured by

sheep.

ALEXANDER IRVINE.
October, 1853.

—_———

[We have taken the liberty to insert an editorial query, thus [?],
after two or three names with which we are not familiar in their pre-
sent form.—Ed. |

On the Contrast afforded by the internal Structure of the Stems of
Equisetum limosum and E. fluviatile. By J. G. Baker, Esq.

SINCE sending my former observations upon the Equiseta, I have
been favoured with an illustrated report of a carefully conducted
microscopical investigation into the anatomical structure of these
plants, kindly undertaken, for the purpose of confirming or disproving
their distinctness as species, by R. Etheridge, Esq., Curator of the
Bristol Institution.

I am sending herewith, for publication, the drawings supplied by
that gentlemen, so that the means of forming a decisian respecting
this question will be equally open to all; and further comment than
a brief abstract of his notes upon the leading points of contrast will
be rendered superfluous.

VOL. Iv. | oh

1118

In both of the supposed species, the stem consists of a hollow tube,
the central cavity of which many times exceeds in diameter the solid
portion; in which respect they differ conspicuously from all the other
species. The siliceous cuticle in both is identical : in the ex posed
portions of each it is equally penetrated by stomata, which are neces-
sarily absent from its submerged parts. The solid portion of the stem
in both consists of regular, well-defined, hexagonal cells.

A.—Transverse section of the stem of E. limosum, magnified. 1. Hollow tubes; 2. Triangular system of

delicate hexagonal cells. : .
B.—Transverse section of the stem of E. fluviatile, magnified as in A. 1. Inner row of circular tubes; 2,
Outer row of plano-conyex tubes.

In E. fluviatile it is about twice as thick as in E. limosum, and is
penetrated by ¢wo series of tubes, equalling in number the external
strie. The inner row of these, which apparently contain the delicate
spiral vessels and annular ducts, are circular in shape, and placed
close to the central cavity. Behind these, but at a considerable space
from the epidermis, alternate the second row of tubes, which are
plano-convex or elliptical in shape; the major axis being double the
length of the minor.

The solid portion of the stem of E. limosum is only about half as
thick as that of E. fluviatile, and is consequently much less succu-
lent. It is penetrated by only a single row of tubes, which, in their
organizatin and position, resemble the inner row in E. fluviatile.
The epidermis opposite these is depressed, and bears a system of

1119

hexagonal cells, much more delicate in their texture than the sur-
rounding tissue. This body of cells is invariably somewhat triangu-
gular in shape, the apex of the triangle being placed against the hollow
tube. These differences will be more clearly perceived by the aid of
the accompanying figures.

JOHN G. BAKER.
Thirsk, August 11, 1853.

Note on Pyrola rotundifolia, var. arenaria.
By D. O Liver, Jun., Esq., F.L.S.

In a recent number of the ‘ Annales des Sciences, there occurs a
note on Pyrola rotundifolia, var. arenaria of Koch, by Planchon; a
notice or abstract of which, I think, may interest those British bota-
nists who have not had the opportunity of reading the original. I
subjoin the substance of a translation, which I trust may sufficiently
convey its sense. I may add, that I do not myself possess examples
of this maritime Pyrola from either Lancashire or Yorkshire ; but an
imperfect specimen, gathered a few years ago, near Castle Eden,
Durham, from its several bracteal leaves, intermediate between the
ordinary leaves and floral bracts, probably approaches, if it do not
belong to, the form arenaria.

About six or seven years ago, Sir W. J. Hooker received from some
correspondent a Pyrola, gathered on the Yorkshire coast, and since
found on the shores of Lancashire by Kenyon (see Bab. Man. 2nd
ed.) An examination of very numerous fresh specimens, and a care-
ful comparison of these with the Pyrola rotundifolia of Europe and
N. America, discovered several deviations from the latter type. Their
smaller proportions; the less and more shortly petiolate leaves; their
flowers but about half the size ; the shorter calycine segments, some-
times approaching an oval instead of a linear outline; but more
especially the numerous bracts upon the stem, in this plant always
numbering four, five, or six of these organs, while in P. rotundifolia
but two bracts are normal; remove the Yorkshire Pyrola from the
type rotundifolia. Although this latter character was not expressly
noted by Koch (Syn. Fl. Germ.) of the variety of round-leaved Pyrola
which he called arenaria, yet the agreement of other structural points
led him (Dr. P.), from the first, to presume the identity of the Eng-
lish plant with that of the German Flora.

1120

This latter plant, however, remained unknown, excepting by a brief
diagnosis, until Buchinger communicated to the herbarium of Loyer
Villemet well-authenticated examples of this plant, gathered by
Beeckler, in Norderney. A comparison of these specimens with
those of our Yorkshire Pyrola, abundantly confirmed the previously
presumed identity of the two; but it has at the same time, he says,
modified his ideas as to the specific value of each of them, in proving
to us that the unusual number of bracts, always constant in the Eng-
lish plant, is sometimes reduced to two, as in the normal type. This
proved, the type rotundifolia seems, from actual observation, suffi-
cient to include as a variety this form arenaria, which Planchon has
long regarded as a species.

The object of this notice was merely to direct the attention of bota-
nists to a remarkable form, which will be found, no doubt, on various
shores of temperate Europe. Moreover, it is desirable carefully to
follow through its possible variations a species which we find not
only over Europe, but also in Siberia, and even, it may be, in the
pine-forests of Mexico.

In conclusion, he adds that the P. rotundifolia of Gouan (Flora
Monsp.), which grows in the Cevennes, with P. secunda, P. minor,
and P. uniflora, is no other than the P. chlorantha of Swartz,—an
opinion already established by the authors of the ‘ Nouvelle Flore de
France, but without any mention of Gouan’s synonyme.

DANIEL OLIVER, JUN.
Newcastle, October 10, 1853.

Norices or New Books, &c.

_———

* Terra Lindisfarnensis. The Natural History of the Eastern Bor-
ders» By GrorcE Jonnston, M.D. Edin.; LL.D. of Marischal
College, Aberdeen ; Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of
Edinburgh; &c. Vol. I. The Botany. London: Van Voorst.
1853. Price 10s. 6d.’

(Concluded from page 1090).

Gardiner, ‘ Flora of Forfarshire,’ p. 44, and several of our Scottish
correspondents, appear to confound the furze and the broom, as far

1121

as the celebrated and somewhat hackneyed anecdote of Linnean wor-
ship is concerned. Gardiner tells us that one of the dearest associa-
tions awakened in the mind by beholding the broom in flower, “ is
the remembrance that the gorgeous luxuriance of its golden blossoms
so enraptured the illustrious Linneus when he first beheld it in profu-
sion on his first visit to England, that he fell down upon his knees in
an ecstasy of pleasure to enjoy such a glorious sight.” The anecdote
applies to the furze, and the delight of Linneus was occasioned by
the beauty of the plant, amid the inclement eastern blasts of early
spring, and would not apply to the broom, which flowers so much
later. Dr. Johnston omits the story altogether, and gives us informa-
tion about the broom far more acceptable.

“ Spartium scoparium = Sarothamnus scoparius.’ The Broom.
May, June. ‘There are several places in Berwickshire the names of
which indicate the former prevalence of this beautiful shrub in their
localities ; e. g., Broomhouses, Broomilaw, Broomhill, Broomdykes,
and Broomknowes ;—but its habitat of greatest celebrity is Cowden-
knowes, an undulatory rising ground of great beauty in the West of
the county :—

‘ More pleasant far to me the broom
So fair on Cowdenknowes,

For sure so sweet, so soft a bloom,
Elsewhere there never grows.’

The progress of agriculture has greatly thinned and depauperated our
broomie shaws, but still the ‘lang yellow broom’ is plentiful enough
in many of our deans, and on many a steep brae, in upland districts
especially. Itis, says Sir Thomas Dick Lauder, ‘a curious fact in
regard to the history of the plant, that it grows to perfection in a very
few years, some seven or eight, we believe, and then dies entirely
away, and then some years must generally elapse before the seed, with
which the ground must necessarily have been filled, will vegetate: of
this we have ourselves had large experience.’ ‘ Tait’s Magazine,’
Oct. 1847, p. 657.—Sheep are very fond of the broom, and they may
be pastured upon it and whins, in favourable situations, during win-
ter, as an intelligent farmer, on the border of the Lammermuirs,
informed me, he had often done with profit and advantage. The
sheep invariably first pick off, and greedily devour, the pods, which
produce a sort of intoxication, but this effect is transient, and leaves
no inconvenience behind. ‘Spartium scoparium si ovis ingurgitet,
‘statim temulenta evadit, decumbit, et pro tempore ambulare nequit.
Hec affectio autem usui continuo plante cedit.’ Rev. Dr. Walker.

1122

It exerts a like intoxicating influence on man, and hence Allan Ram-
sey, in his address to a landlady who was famous for brewing a heady
ale, tells us—
‘Some said it was the pith of broom
That she stow’d in her masking loom,
Which in our heads rais’d sic a soom ;
Or some wild seed,
Which aft the chaping stoup did toom,
But fill’d our head.’— Poems, i, p. 219.

An infusion or decoction of the young shoots is a popular, and not
inefficient remedy in many dropsical cases. Besoms are called in
the North, brooms, having, until of late years, been commonly made
of the twigs of this shrub. In 1554, before the Bailiff’s court, a jury
of twelve men found ‘that the yonge brome of this towne (Berwick)
ought not to be cut, for it is a comodyte to this towne.’ ”—P. 51.

The observations which follow, respecting Pyrola minor, are singu-
larly corroborated by some of our own on the appearance and
disappearance of this species under the shade of fir-trees in woods
in Herefordshire. The firs are always artificially introduced ;
and it is not until these have arrived at mature age, towering above
the surrounding forestry, and have destroyed the undergrowth of
dwarf herbs, that the Pyrola makes its appearance. It will then sud-
denly cover a patch of many square yards, only, however, to disap-
pear in the course of a few years, and display its peculiar leaves in a
similar, but distant locality.

“ Pyrola minor. Woods, B. Ina wood at Orange Lane, and in
a plantation to the north of Loch Lithtillum, Dr. R. D. Thomson.
Blackadder plantations ; plantations at Greenburn; in woods at Man-
derston House. Banks of the Dye above Longformacus. In a wood
between the farms of Simprin and Swinton Hill; and in a wood on
the farm of Milne-Graden, J. Hardy. In almost every fir plantation
in the west of Berwickshire, and in Roxburghshire, Dr. F. Douglas.
—Mr. Hardy remarks that P. media flowers in greatest beauty when
under long heather; and I have observed of P. minor, that, when
grown in a pot, the leaf-stalks twist and contort themselves so as to
reverse the natural position of the leaf, and make the upper surface
look to the ground, in a manner which appears to me remarkable.

“ The circumstances that determine the appearance of this plant in
our fir plantations are not well ascertained. It springs up in green
patches after the baneful shade of the trees has extirpated the abori-
ginal possessors of the soil, such as the heaths and smaller Carices.

1123

In this respect it resembles exactly the Linnea borealis. Whence
have their seeds come? Have they lain buried and dormant in the
soil since the ante-Roman period, when all this part of the country
was covered with a forest? I think it not improbable. They were
the fair flowers that were wede away with the destruction and aboli-
tion of the shelter and shade that fostered their growth; and that
shade being restored, they again revive and occupy their ancient
haunts. They are peculiarly wild plants, and dislike civilization ;
and when we get amongst them, we feel as if the spirit was freed from
bondage, and might be left safely to take its flight and freaks, ‘ play-
ing with words and idle similes.’ ”—P. 139. f

The familiar foxglove has the following illustrative passage :-—

“ Foxglove. Often very ornamental in deans, and on rocky ledges
that overhang the deep pools of our brattling burns :—

‘ T’ve lingered oft by rocky dells
Where streamlets wind with murmuring din,
And marked the Foxglove’s purple bells,
Hang nodding o’er the dimpled lin.’

This plant is one of the wonderful ingredients used as ‘ bath’ for
sheep, but some shepherds object to its use, for they say that it black-
ens the wool very much. The leaves afford a medicine of great
energy and value; and before this was known to physicians the fox-
glove or fox-tree was frequently administered by the bold country
quack, not always with impunity. See Dalyell’s ‘ Darker Supersti-
tions,’ p. 113.—About Greenlaw the plant from its stateliness bears
the elegant name of the King’s elwand :—

‘Straight as the Foxglove, ere her bells disclose.’

The flowers were once applied to the purpose of caps by the troops
of fairies that did inhabit our deans and sylvan retreats ; now our lit-
tle girls glove their fingers with them, putting them on the top of each
other in a pyramid to overflowing, and they call them ladies’ thimbles.
Boys inflate them by blowing into the bell, then they crack them by
a smart stroke. They also suck the honey at the base of the flower.
Tempted by this nectar, the bee enters deep within the corolla, where,
becoming imprisoned, it buzzes about with vexation and rage.

“The foxglove, pronounced to be ‘ the most stately and beautiful
of our herbaceous plants, could not, of course, escape the eye of
Wordsworth ; and he has given in the ‘ Prelude’ to ‘ Retrospect,’ p.
223, a correct enough portrait of the plant in its last stage, or old
age :—

1124

‘Through quaint obliquities I might pursue
These cravings ; when the Foxglove, one by one
Upwards through every stage of the tall stem
Had shed beside the public way its bells,

And stood of all dismantled, save the last,
Left at the tapering ladder’s top, that seemed
To bend, as doth a slender blade of grass,
Tipp’d with a rain drop. Fancy loved to seat,
Beneath the plant despoiled, but crested still
With this last relic soon itself to fall,

Some vagrant mother, whose arch little ones
All unconcern’d by her dejected plight,
Laugh’d as with rival eagerness their hands
Gather’d the purple cups that round them lay
Strewing the turf’s green slope.’’

=P. 157.

“ Primula vulgaris. Many botanists have their favourite flowers
around which they associate certain events, feelings and facts, that
perchance may be too deep for tears, and which it is good to muse in
solitude and silence ; but singularly enough, few have thus married
the primrose. It is, however, the favourite flower of my excellent
friends Mr. Archibald Hepburn and the Rev. Dr. Landsborough.

“ The favourite flower of

Sir J. E. Smith, M.D., was ........ Geum rivale.
Patrick Neill "WL Diss... etee net Ranunculus Ficaria.
Rev. Charles Abbot .............00000 Alchemilla vulgaris.
Professor Robert Graham, M.D. Sonchus alpinus.
William Withering, M.D............. Menyanthes trifoliata.
Peev. Wr. OBAUMeTS secs econ cece Galanthus nivalis.
Prev. WV illtame HArDy 6. ...ov.soeAveas Geranium pratense.
William Bromfield, M.D............. Tamus communis.
William Borrer, Esq,, is ....... .... Primula farinosa.
Professor J. H. Balfour, M.D..... Astragalus alpinus.
Professor G. W. Arnott, LL.D. Anagallis tenella.
Robert K. Greville, LL.D. ........ Saxifraga oppositifolia.
Diss: AILWOOO g vpsrsas-oesexasiespentetrens Campanula hederifolia.
BEC. W aaBO1, MBG ec cincsscscee epteycs Trientalis europea.
HL AfS AMIRUOE | fyncrap ssxzemonchapospnparessaaie Oxalis acetosella.”
—P. 165.

The idea of connecting a flower with the name of a botanist is pretty
and poetical; but the lament that few have thus married the primrose

1125

is rather curious. Surely the chaste and delicate primrose would
not desire more than one bridegroom. But if the botanical suitors of
the “ love-listening primrose” be few, her poetical ones are many, and
none more sincere than the patriotic Elliott :—

“To tHE PRIMROSE.

** Surely that man is pure in thought and deed,
Whom spirits teach in breeze-born melodies ;
For he finds tongues in every flower and weed,
And admonitions in mute harmonies.

Erect he moves, by Truth and Beauty led,

And climbs his throne, for such a monarch meet,
To gaze on valleys, that, around him spread,

Carpet the hall of heaven beneath his feet.

How like a trumpet under all the skies,

Blown to convene all forms that love his beams,
Light speaks in splendour to the poet’s eyes,

O’er dizzy rocks, and woods, and headlong streams !

How like the voice of woman, when she sings
To her belov’d, of love and constancy,
Thy vernal odours, o’er the murmurings
Of distant waters pour their melody

Into his sou), mix’d with the throstle’s song
And the wren’s twitter! Welcome then again,
Love-listening Primrose! Though not parted long,
We meet, like lovers, after years of pain ;

Oh, thou bring’st blissful childhvod back to me!
Thou still art loveliest in the lonest place ;

Still, as of old, day glows with love for thee,
And reads our heavenly Father in thy face.

Surely thy thoughts are humble and devout,

Flower of the pensive gold! for why should Heaven
Deny to thee his noblest boon of thought,

If to earth’s demigods ’tis vainly given ?

Answer me, sinless sister! Thou hast speech,
Though silent. Fragrance is thy eloquence,

Beauty thy language; and thy smile might teach
Ungrateful man to pardon Providence.”

The occurrence of the name of Plantago lanceolata leads us to
mention a plant that occurs in Herefordshire. There are scarcely two
species of plants more familiar to the English botanist than P. media
and P. lanceolata. The first has ovate, the last lanceolate, leaves ;
the first has long stamens, with beautifully purple filaments, giving

VOL. Iv. TE

1126

the flower a very attractive appearance; the last has short stamens,
with dingy filaments, and a very common-place appearance. The
Herefordshire plant has the ovate leaves of media, and the unattrac-
tive inflorescence of lanceolata; both which species abound in the
same neighbourhood. This record is merely episodical: may it
induce a competent botanist to investigate the subject.

“ Plantago lanceolata. Rib Grass: Kemps. Common in mea-
dows and pastures. June.—Sown with other ‘ artificial grasses,’ and
eaten with great avidity by all sorts of cattle.—It is customary with
children to challenge each other to try the ‘Kemps.’ A kemp con-
sists of the stalk and the head or spike. Of these an equal number
is skilfully selected by the opposed parties ; then one is held out to
be struck at with one from the opponent’s parcel, which is thrown
aside if decapitated, but if not, is used to give a stroke in return.
Thus with alternate strokes given and received, the boys proceed
until all the Kemps but one are beheaded, and he who has the entire
Kemp considers himself the victor. Kemp is synonymous with hero
orchampion. But the practice has also given to the plant the name of
Fightee-Cocks amongst the children in Berwick anes its vicinity ; and
in Durham Cock-fighters.

“It was once, and perhaps still is, a custom in Berwickshire to
practise divination by means of Kemps. Two spikes were taken in
full bloom ; and being bereft of every appearance of blow, they were
wrapt in a dock-leaf and put below astone. One of them represented
the lad, the other the lass. They were examined next morning, and
if both spikes appeared in blossom, then there was to be ‘ aye love
between them twae ;’ if none, the ‘ course of true love’ was not ‘to
run smooth. The appeal, however, generally ended as the parties
wished, for, since it is the rule, in the inflorescence of spikes, that the
florets blow in succession, the being laid beneath a stone would have
little influence in retarding the normal expansion of them, if ready
for development. The same, or a similar, superstition prevails in
some parts of England: thus Clare in his ‘ Shepherd’s Calendar ’—

‘ Now young girls whisper things of love,
And from the old dame’s hearing move ;
Oft making “ love-knots” in the shade,
Of blue-green oat or wheaten blade:
Or, trying simple charms and spells
Which rural superstition tells,

They pull the little blossom threads,
From out the knot-weed’s button heads,

1127

And put the husk, with many a smile,
In their white bosoms for a while,—
Then if they guess aright the swain,
Their loves’ sweet fancies try to gain:
Tis said, that ere it lies an hour,

’T will blossom with a second flower,
And from the bosom’s handkerchief
Bloom as it ne’er had lost a leaf.”

—P. 170.

In the note which follows, on Orchis latifolia, we think there is
some little mistake in the application of the provincial names. The
terms “ Deil’s-foot” and “ Dead-men’s-fingers” will do very well for
this species, and for O. maculata, to which, indeed, the latter term is
generally applied; but the term “ Adam and Eve” is confined to O.
mascula, or, at least, to the group having undivided tubers.

“ Orchis latifolia. Cocks-Kames. Common in boggy ground, and
not easily to be distinguished from the preceding. The root, from its
shape, is sometimes called the Deil’s-foot, and sometimes Dead-men’s-
Jingers ; but itis more generally known as Adam and Eve,—the tuber
which sinks being Adam, and that which swims being Eve. Cain
and Abel is another name for these tubers, Cain being the heavy one.
They are, or sometimes were, used as love-charms. If a woman
wished to secure the affection of any young man on whom her heart
was set, she put, unseen, one of the tubers into the pocket of his
dress, and thus he became so enchanted that he must follow the intri-
guer wherever she went! ‘This is the very property that Shakespere
ascribes to his Love-in-Idleness.”»—P. 193.

The following paragraph is replete with poetry and beauty. It may
be urged that it has little to do with Poa fluitans ; but, to us, that is
no objection: we love the mind that draws a pleasing simile from
such a source,—that perceives a cause for hopeful rejoicing in that
which is, for the time being, veiled in obscurity, or oppressed by cir-
cumstances ; in fact, we love the mind that sees “ good in everything.”

“ Glyceria fluitans. Marshy spots in old meadows get very
green and fresh in winter, and catch the pleased eye afar off. This
is not from contrast with the surrounding barrenness, but from the
vegetation of the perennial grasses that occupy a wet soil. Sandy
links, on the contrary, are dull and dead, and rough with the persis-
tent stalks of their wiry bents. The tufts of rushes, which stud the
wet green meadow, continue to preserve their living colour about the
base and half-way up the stalks, but the tops have become dry and
withered. A deeper green heightens the effect of the various kinds of

1128

pine, and renders their planting less gloomy in the prospect: but
deciduous trees get a settled brown, with, however, red and pleasant
tints, from the buds covered up in their varnished scales; and I have
noticed that, in the distance, these brown woods are silvered over as
with the gray hue of age. It is when in this naked condition that the
naturalist studies to advantage the character of the various trees in
their mode of ramification; and I remark that the branchlets of the
ash and plane are opposite, patent and knobby ; those of the elms
alternate, zigzag and flabellate; of the oak irregular, kneed, and
spreading; and of the willow irregular and erect, but so lithe as
almost to droop. The slender twigs of the birch are more decidedly
pendulous, and woven almost into an irregular trellis; while those of
the beech are regularly alternate and patent.—These are trivial obser-
vations? Not so to one of my capacity and tastes: they gave inte-
rest to my walk, and that had its value; and, perhaps, I may have
read, in this unadorned page of my Book, the lesson that there was a
good design, in all the unregulated variety before me, to please and
comfort even the sensual eye. The eye, salved with euphrasy and
rue, might have seen other lessons which I may not decipher to the
full, yet even I could see, in the far distance, Spring and Summer
hastening onwards to reclothe the skeletons, apparently so dead to
every sweet influence, with green leaves and smiling flowers; and
Autumn give the promise of abundant fruits. Is there no lesson
in the vision? Many :—and one suits my present humour, which I
give in the words to which it was set by a poet two centuries ago :—

‘ I know you would not love, to please your sense
A tree, that bears a ragged unleaved top
In depth of winter, may when summer comes
Speak by his fruit he is not dead but youthful,
Though once he showed no sap ; my heart’s a plant
Kept down by colder thoughts and doubtful fears.
Some frowns like winter storms make it seem dead,
But yet it is not so: make it but yours,
And you shall see it spring, and shoot forth leaves
Worthy your age, and the oppressed sap
Ascend to every part to make it green,
And pay your love with fruit when harvest comes.’ ”

—P. 214.

~
a

1129

‘Some Notes upon the Cryptogamic Portion of the Plants collected
in Portugal, 1842—50. By Dr. Friep. WeEtwitscH; the
Fungi by the Rev. M. J. BerKEzzy, M.A., F.L.S., &c., &c., &e.
London: William Pamplin, 45, Frith Street, Soho Square.
1853.’

This little broghure is printed for the use of the subscribers to the
collections of Portuguese plants made by Dr. Welwitsch. It contains
a list of seventy-three species of Fungi; each species being accompa-
nied by a note as to the habitat, plant on which it is parasitic, &c.
Twelve of the species are new to science, and we have therefore
extracted their characters, thinking they would be useful to the cryp-
togamic botanists of this country.

“ Phyllosticta hematocycla, Welw. No. 4. Maculis latissimis pal-
lidis rufo-cinctis ; peritheciis parcis submarginalibus ; sporis oblongo
subclavatis ; sporophoris amplis. On the leaves of Phormium tenax;
Lisbon, Jan. 1843. Obs.—Spots irregular, several inches long, occu-
pying almost the whole breadth of the leaf, surrounded by a rich
rufous toothed or entire border. Perithecia rare, mostly marginal.
Spores hyaline oblongo-subclavate. Sporophores clavate.

“ Dothidea durissima. Pustulis elevatis compactis ; ostiolis cellu-
larum exasperatis ; sporidiis fusiformibus uni-triseptatis. Welw. No.
12. On branches of Quercus pseudococcifer, Webb ; near Piedale,
on the left bank of the Tagus. Ods.—Pustules raised very hard and
compact about a line broad, rough with the prominent ostiola. Asci
clavate ; sporidia fusiform, at first uniseptate, but eventually a septum
is formed in either of the divisions ; each endochrome contains a large
nucleus. I have seen only two sporidia in each ascus.

*“ Gymnosporium inguinans. Soris elongatis aterrimis ; sporis le-
vibus obscuris ovatis vel subellipticis. Welw. No. 20. On dead stems
of Arundo Donax, near Lumiar. Ods.—Forming linear elongated at
length confluent sori, consisting of dark even ovate or subelliptic
spores, which spring from short, sometimes forked threads. This
species is common, but I believe it is undescribed.

“* Phyllosticta Ceratonie. Maculis nigro limitatis irregularibus ;
sporis minutis anguste ellipticis hyalinis. Welw. No. 37. On leaves
of Ceratonia siliqua, in the Serra of Arrabida. Obs.—Spots very
irregular, often marginal, surrounded by a raised dark line, gray or
dusky. Spores minute elliptic narrow hyaline.

1130

“ Perisporium nitidulum. Nitidum nigrum in maculas congrega-
tum ; peritheciis minutis hemisphericis ; sporidiis subglobosis minu-
tis fuscis. Welw. No. 88. On dead leaves of Agave Americana with
Nectria sanguinea, Spheria herbarum, &c., near Situbal. Forming
little black patches consisting of numerous shining black hemispheri-
cal minute perithecia. Sporidia minute subglobose or broadly sub-
cymbiform. I have not seen asci, but in several species these are very
soon absorbed and the habit is that of Perisporium.

“ Phoma Erythrine. Peritheciis ostiolisque prominulis ; sporis
oblongo linearibus hyalinis. Welw. No. 46. On dead branches of
Krythrina Crista Galli; Lumiar and elsewhere near Lisbon; mixed
with Spheropsis crassipes, scattered. Perithecia prominent raising
the epidermis which remains unaltered and piercing it by a rather
prominent ostiolum. Spores linear, oblong, one three thousandth of
an inch long, one sixth as much thick, sporophores about twice as
long delicate.

“ Spheropsis crassipes, Mont. MSS. Gregaria epidermide tecta ;
maculis peritheciorum irregularibus atris centro albis; sporis oblon-
gis ; sporophoris subrobustis. Welw. No. 46. On dead branches of
Erythrina Crista Galli; Lumiar. The perithecia occur in irregular
patches extending several inches. The cuticle above each perithe-
cium is of a shining black, but white in the centre. Sporophores
nearly twice as long as the spores, rather stout; spores oblong, subel-
liptic, one seventeen hundred and fiftieth of an inch Jong.

“ Septoria brunneola, Berk. Peritheciis epidermide brunneo tec-
tis; sporophoris rectis; sporis sursum curvatis filiformibus dimidio
brevioribus. Welw. No. 46. On dead branches of Erythrina Crista
Galli, sparingly ; mixed with Spheropsis crassipes, Mont. Perithe-
cia scattered or arranged two or three together in a line covered with
the cuticle, which is raised just above them, and of a dull brown.
Spores filiform, curved, about one eight hundred and seventy fifth of
an inch long, about twice as long as the filiform straight sporophores.

“Valsa Welwitchsii. Pustulis parvis circumscriptis; stromate
pallido ; peritheciis globosis immersis albofarctis, collis longiusculis ;
ostiolis convexis subpunctiformibus ; ascis tenellis; sporidiis curvulis.
Welw. No. 47. On the smooth bark of elms; Cintra. Pustules
scarcely one third of. a line broad, elevating the bark ; disk narrow ;
stroma pale; perithecia globose immersed about five in each pustule,
sometimes however solitary, neck rather long; ostiola convex sub-
punctiform ; asci short, very delicate, sporidia eight minute oblong
curved.

1131

“ Depazea crepidophora, Mont. MSS. Maculis orbicularibus fuscis
sero griseis fusco limitatis; peritheciis minimis; ascis crepidiformi-
bus minutis ; sporidiis oblongis uniseptatis. Welw. No. 51. On living
leaves of Viburnum Tinus, near Caldas da Rainha, August, 1850.
Obs.—I have not been so fortunate as to find perfect fruit in this spe-
cies, and I therefore describe it from a sketch by Dr. Montagne.

“ Septoria Pist. Maculis parvis orbicularibus ; sporis filiformibus
breviusculis robustioribus. Welw. No. 64. On leaves of Pisum sati-
vum, in fields near Ajuda, March. Distinguished by its more robust
and shorter spores.

“ Phoma Cacti. Maculis suborbicularibus 1. effusis; peritheciis
majoribus prominulis ; sporis minutis oblongo ellipticis ; sporophoris
filiformibus. Welw. No. 72. On dead Cactus peruvianus ; Lumiar.
Obs.— Bursting through the cuticle and having the aspect of a minute
Diplodia.”

©The London Catalogue of British Plants. Published under the
direction of the Botanical Society of London. Adapted for
marking Desiderata in Exchanges of Specimens, §c. Fourth
Edition. London: William Pamplin, 45, Frith Street, Soho.
1853. Price 6d.’

The issue of a fourth edition of this Catalogue affords irrefragable
evidence of the progress of British Botany, and of the success of that
Society whence it emanates. The prominent characteristic of the
Botanical Society of London is the exchange and dissemination of
well-named specimens ; and in this it has fairly distanced every com-
petitor. Indeed, so decidedly is this the case, that, numerous as are
the notices and advertisements which have reached us, we scarcely
know whether any of the competing Societies have outlived their
announcement, whether they still exist, or still aim at carrying out
their views according to their own programme. Perhaps we cannot
do the botanists of this country a better service than recording, we
might say reiterating, the conditions under which the distribution of
specimens is carried out.

“‘ The Botanical Society of London is a central institution for effect-
ing exchanges of Specimens between Members of the Society in any
part of Britain; also, for exchanges with Foreign Botanists, who are
not required to become members in order to obtain the same privilege.

“Members send their spare duplicates to the central depot in

1132

London, and are entitled to claim, in return, such British or Foreign
species as the Society’s store of duplicates may afford. A preference in
the supply of their desiderata is given to those contributors who most
exactly conform to the subjoined Regulations.

“ The Annual Subscription entitles any member to claim fifty spe-
cies, without the obligation of contributing specimens to the store ;
priority still being given to the claims of actual contributors in select-
ing desiderata.

“ Desiderata of Members.—These can be applied for by prefixing
short horizontal marks (—) to the names of the desiderated species or
varieties in a copy of the ‘ London Catalogue of British Plants,’ pub-
lished for this purpose by the Society. If a manuscript list be sent
instead, it must correspond exactly with the printed Catalogue, latest
edition, in the names and prefixed numbers or letters, and also in
their order of sequence.

“ Desiderata of the Society.—Lists of desiderata will be sent to the
contributing members annually. To prevent the accumulation of use-
less specimens, and to avoid the needless destruction of rare plants,
contributors are requested to send only the species asked for by the
Society. An exception to this rule may properly be made in the case
of newly discovered species not yet entered in the Catalogue, or of any
remarkable varieties not includea therein.

“ Time of sending Parcels.—This is optional with the contributor ;
a return parcel being made up as soon as practicable after the receipt
of one from him. But the best return can be made for parcels
received near the end of the year; and.jt is also most convenient to
the Society that parcels should arrive in December ;— least conve-
nient, between December and April.

“ Number of Specimens.—In a parcel of British plants, it is gene-
rally more convenient to the Society that there should be only few
species (say, one to ten species) and many duplicates (say, ten toa
hundred specimens, according to rarity), of each species.

“ Character of Specimens.—The specimens should be such as to
show clearly the distinctive characters of the species, and be other-
wise as perfect examples of it as possible. Small plants should be
sent entire, roots included. Long plants should be bent or folded
before drying. No fragments ought to be sent, unless those of trees or
other large and branching plants which cannot be folded within suit-
able dimensions if entire. Unsuitable specimens are destroyed, and
unprofitably waste the time of the distributors in separating and
removing them.

1133

“ Size of Specimens.—The Society’s paper for duplicates is seven-
teen inches in length. Specimens should be two inches shorter than
the paper, in order to lessen the risk of breakage, consequent on
repeatedly turning over the duplicates while selecting desiderata.

* Preservation of Specimens.—The specimens are to be pressed in
porous paper, sufficient in quantity to dry them rapidly, and thus to
preserve their colour; and to be placed under a pressure sufficiently
heavy to keep their leaves from becoming wrinkled, and consequently
too brittle when dry.

“ Labels.—All British specimens are to be sent ready labelled by
their contributors. The labels are to be attached to the specimens,
either by a slit at their base or otherwise, as convenient ; care being
taken that the name and number of the plant are never concealed or
obscured by any part of the specimen lying across them. The labels
are expected to show the following particulars :—J]. The No. of the
species, or No. and Le/ter of the variety, according to the ‘ London
Catalogue,’ placed at the upper left-hand corner of the label.—2. The
name of the Species or Variely, from the same Catalogue, always with
the addition of the authority after the name.—3. The name of the
County in which the specimen was gathered; together with any more
exact description of the locality which the contributor may think
desirable.—4. The name of the Contributor, placed at the bottom of
the label ; that of the Collector also being added, if not the contribu-
tor himself.—5. The words ‘ Botanical Society of London’ are not to
be used on the labels of contributors unless by express authority from
the distributors in London.

““N.B. In the ‘ London Catalogue’ the names of authorities are
occasionally too much abbreviated, from want of space in the line.

“ Attention to Regulations. — Exact attention to the preceding
regulations is earnestly entreated. Where specimens have to be exa-
mined, sorted, arranged, and re-distributed in many thousands annu-
ally, uniformity and exactness become matters of the utmost impor-
tance. It is impossible for distant members to know how greatly any
deviations (such as may be fancied very trifling deviations from rule)
will impede the routine of management in London, and thus very
inconveniently increase the heavy duties of the distributors.”

VOL. IV. 7 F

1134

Proceepines oF Societies, §c.

THE PHyYTOLOGIST CLUB.

One Hundred and Fiftieth Sitting.— Saturday, October’22, 1853.
Mr. Newman, President, in the chair.

The President read the following communications :—

New Westmoreland Station for Woodsia Ilvensis.

“ A new station for Woodsia Ilvensis has been found in Westmore-
land. As it is many miles from the Teesdale habitat, I consider it an
interesting and important discovery. It was found by Isaac Hud-
hart, a gardener, who has studied the ferns, and has been very suc-
cessful in finding all the best ferns of this district. He has very
wisely told no one about the locality of the Woodsia but myself; for
I consider it absolutely necessary to keep secure the habitats of good
ferns now, as, if known, they are sure to be exterminated. There
may be about twenty plants. I enclose a frond, to enable you to
verify my statement.”—Frederic Clowes; Holly Hill, Windermere,
September 14, 1853.

The President observed, that the fronds kindly transmitted with
this note are similar to those gathered on Falcon Clints.

Lastrea rigida near Bath.

“ Observing in the last number of the ‘ Phytologist’ (iv. 1101) that
a solitary plant of Lastrea rigida had been found near Bath, by J. E.
Vize, Esq., may I suggest the possibility, if not the probability, that
it had been planted there by Potter, a well-known fern-collector, now
dead, en route to Cheddar for Polypodium calcareum ; having heard
from his own mouth that he did so with other plants, in order to save
their extermination.” —G. B. Wollaston ; Chiselhurst, Kent, October
5, 1853.

Agrimonia odorata in Hampshire.

“1 have much pleasure in announcing the discovery of Agrimonia
odorata, Miller, in the northern part of Hampshire. I gathered it on
the 13th of September, at Tucker’s-Hill Farm, in the parish of Kings-
clere ; and at Inhurst Farm, in the parish of Banghurst. In both
places it was growing in considerable abundance ; and, at the latter,

1135

some of the specimens were five feet high. In all probability, it will
be found plentifully throughout the country lying between the river
Embome and the Hampshire Downs.”—-W. Mathews, jun. ; Edgbas-
ton House, Birmingham, October 3, 1853.

Filago spathulata near Woodstock.

‘It may be worth while to record the occurrence of Filago spathu-
lata, Presi, in the neighbourhood of Woodstock. I gathered it on the
11th instant, about half a mile from the town, where it grows abun-
dantly, in waste places by the side of the Oxford road.”—TJd. ;
October 18.

Lastrea Thelypteris in Warwickshire.

“Since the draining of the bog at Allesley (see Mag. Nat. Hist.
vol. vy. p. 199), I have had no reason to believe that Lastrea Thely-
pteris has ever been met with in Warwickshire. About three weeks
ago, a few specimens of this fern were brought to me, for examination,
by Mr. Henry Bromwich, gardener, of Myton. Last Tuesday (Octo-
ber 11), accompanied by Mr. Bromwich, I visited the locality, a
swainp, indicated on the Ordnance Map by a faint nebulous mark, ©
about four miles N.N.W. of Warwick, half a mile N. of Goodrest
Lodge, and within a few yards of Rounsel Lane. We found this
beautiful fern growing in great abundance, and of unusually large
dimensions. The fronds were from two feet and a half to four feet
high.,— W. G. Perry ; Warwick, October 17, 1853.

Aceras Anthropophora, and Ferns with bifid and multifid Fronds,
in Jersey.

“I found, the other day, at Rozel, a plant of the Aceras Anthro-
pophora, in seed; so there is another plant to be added to Babing-
ton’s Catalogue. I have been shown specimens of the following
ferns, with the extremity of the fronds bifid, and sometimes multifid,
which have been gathered in the Island; viz., Asplenium Tricho-
manes, A. Adiantum-nigrum, A. lanceolatum, Blechnum boreale,
Polypodium vulgare, Aspidium Filix-mas, and Scolopendrium vul-
gare ; but, I believe, this last is frequently found in that state. I have
myself found a plant of Aspidium angulare in which some fronds were
bifid and others multifid; and there was only one frond in the whole
that was simple.”—M. Piquet, in a letter to N. B. Ward, Esq., who
kindly communicates it.

1136

Lathyrus latifolius near Glastonbury.

“1 was lately shown the broad-leaved everlasting pea (Lathyrus
latifolius) growing in a wood on Ivythorn Hill, near Glastonbury.
My friend who showed it me had known it there for twenty years, or
more; and it had the appearance of being perfectly wild; but it was
confined to one spot; nor, after a search of two or three hours, could
we find it anywhere else in the neighbourhood. We found, however,
two other rare plants, growing not far from it, Lithospermum purpu-
reo-ceruleum and Astragalus glycyphyllos. I enclose a pair of the
leaflets of the Lathyrus, by which it will be seen that I have not mis-
taken a broad-leaved variety of L. sylvestris for it..— Thomas Clark ;
October, 1853.

Trichomanes speciosum in Ireland.

Mr. Newman made the following observations :—‘ The old saw of
‘Eyes and no Eyes’ is often brought to my mind by the records of bo-
tanical tourists; and no species so frequently calls it to remembrance
as Trichomanes speciosum. One writes that ‘ the fern is extirpated
from the Killarney district ;’ a second, that it has ‘long ceased to
exist at the old station at Turk Waterfall ;’ a third, that it ‘ exists in
fifty stations all round Killarney ;’ and a fourth, that it is ‘ abundant
and luxuriant, at the present moment, at Turk, and may be seen from
one of the points to which tourists are taken to view the fall’ The
last account is verified by the transmission of specimens, and ema-
nates from one whose word is not open to question.”

MALVERN NATURALISTS’ CLUB.

Meeting at Knightsford.

On Tuesday last, the 14th inst., the Malvern naturalists held their
September field meeting, at Knightsford Bridge, where they were
joined by a party from this city, and a deputation from the Worcester
Club. The vicinity of Knightsford is not exceeded in picturesque
beauty by any part of the county of Worcester; and many have been
the pleasant parties here, as mine host of the cozy inn at the Bridge
could bear witness. Here, too, in twilight times long gone by, seve-
ral geological formations took a fancy to join company; and the
“faults” they then committed are still commented upon by those

O_O

1137

who, strange as it may seem, profess acumen sufficient to see through
a stone wall! But as, according to the dictum of the poet, there
never was a faultless piece, so the slips of geology may be deemed
but venial, since the level surface of the earth is thus modified, and a
wilderness of beauty is formed out of a chaos of débris. Such is the
case about Knightsford and Ankerdine ; and this country the lovers
of Nature were now about to explore. After some preliminary busi-
ness, under the Presidency of the Rev. W.S. Symonds, Rector of
Pendock, the exploration commenced, under the direction of Mr. E.
Lees, F.L.S., who had formerly the advantage of going over the
same ground with Dr. Buckland. Rosebury Rock, on the southern
bank of the Teme, was first visited ; and on the way to it a remark-
able spot was examined: where the Silurian ridge, in its progress
from Suckley, suddenly terminates, a great fault throws the new red
sandstone unconformably against the old red; and, a denuding or
displacing force having at an early date swept away the divided Silu-
rian beds, the Teme at present glides through a channel that origi-
nally admitted a current of the primeval sea. The verge of Rosebury
Cliff, 378 feet in altitude by the trigonometrical survey, was now
approached, and the word given to descend its almosi perpendicular
face, which was at length safely effected. As a picturesque object,
Rosebury forms a beautifully wooded mass, shadowing the rapid
Teme that bathes its base. In its cool, shadowy recesses Scolopen-
drium, Polypodium, and other ferns, grow much more Juxuriantly than
usual ; and it may be searched with advantage for mosses and the
Cryptogamia. The rarer plants now gathered were Cotyledon Umbi-
licus, Teesdalia nudicaulis (very fine), Potentilla argentea, and Cam-
panula Trachelium. Poetical wanderers may be interested in knowing
that this rock was a favourite haunt of the fairies ; and in the lane
near it is a large old maple-tree, called Bate’s Bush: the said maple
growing, as traditionally stated, from a stake driven through the body
of a poor suicide; and in connexion with which Mr. Allies, in his
‘ Antiquities and Folk-lore of Worcestershire, has recorded a most
horrible tale of “ something like a black pig,” and “a man without a
head,” seen there by credible observers, of course at the witching
hour of night!

The declining autumnal season lessened the number of plants gene-
rally gathered by the botanists of the party; but it may be noticed as
a pretty feature that the crest of the hill was purple with the flowery
ling (Calluna vulgaris) ; while the bushes on the margin of the
woods were prettily wreathed with the virgin’s bower (Clematis

1138

Vitalba), almost the last blossom of the year that falls from Flora’s
lap. ‘The orpine (Sedum Telephium) was also gathered, in flower, upon
Ankerdine, and quantities of the pretty eyebright (Euphrasia officina-
is) decorated the grassy slopes. A very singular vegetable appear-
ance attracted every eye near Collins’ Green, and caused all to mount
up the bank, to examine it. A dwarf oak, growing on a prominence
not far from the road, appeared to be covered with ruby-glowing fruit,
of the size of grapes; indeed, delicious in aspect as the bunches
depending from the most luxuriant vine. They were found to be a
most astonishing growth of gall-nuts, that in maturity very much
simulate the appearance of a ripe strawberry ; but such a quantity as
here appeared were surely never before seen! The boughs of the oak
were literally bent down with their clusters, some of the leaves having
as many as twenty large gall-nuts upon them, and numbers had from
four to ten; altogether the tree must have borne thousands. These
gall-nuts arise from the puncture of a small hymenopterous insect,
called Cynips quercifolia ; and the liquor deposited has the effect of
inducing the tissue of the leaf to be thus metamorphosed into appa-
rent fruit, which really nourish a young grub within each of them.
These pretty-looking galls, being tasted, were pronounced “ bitter as
soot,” and as belonging to the Unedo family, only fit to be once
eaten! In fact, they are strikingly analogous to the celebrated apples
of Sodom, which are proved to have been galls of a larger kind, and
which were so tempting to look upon, but crumbled into bitter ashes
when any one attempted to eat them. They were reported to grow
on the, shores of the Dead Sea; and Milton appropriately introduces
them into Pandemonium, as a dessert for the “thrones and domina-
tions” he places there. The galls formed by the Cynipide take
various forms; and the little, flat, brown disks, often seen on the
under side of oak-leaves in autumn, are of the same nature, though
commonly regarded as small Fungi.

From the deceptive, simulating fruit-tree, specimens of which were
carried off, the party took the route for Berrow Hill, whence they
returned by way of Horsham and the copses along the Teme-side ;
and a pleasant walk through orchards and meadows brought them
back to Knightsford. In this last part of the route were gathered
Jasione montana, Picris hieracioides (plentiful), Inula Conyza, and

many species of Rubi, now blackening the hedges with their fruit; -

Rubus tenui-armatus more particularly noticeable. Also, among
Fungi, the blood-coloured Boletus scaber.
The labour of observation being at last ended, none were found

1139

missing from the abundant spread which mine host of the ‘ Talbot’
had provided, and which was duly honoured in the attack and destruc-
tion thereof. But philosophers only eat and drink to live, and soon
get again to their mental enjoyments. After a loyal toast or two, the
Rev. F. Dyson, V.P., said, that as their labours in the field would
be soon ended, they had still resolved that they would try, even within
doors, to extend the love of their favourite study ; and thought that a
short course of lectures, delivered at Malvern, where there seemed a
desire to embrace such an opportunity, would have a good effect. -
The Vicar of Malvern had, in the most kindly spirit, offered them the
use of the Lyttelton school-room ; and they could thus have a monthly
lecture through the autumn and winter. The President said he could
promise them the aid of Professor Buckman on Geology ; but his idea
was to commence with Field Botany, before all the flowers were gone;
and he had induced his friend, Mr. Lees, to give them a subject they all
knew he was so familiar with. He would, then, with their permission,
take October the 15th for their inauguration day, and after some gene-
ral opening remarks leave his friend to guide them into flowery paths,
in his own peculiar way. Their worthy Secretary, Mr. Walter Burrow,
would undertake the necessary arrangements ; and they could have
tickets from him. To make the matter still more pleasant, they
intended a last meet for the season, the day after the lecture, which
must, however, be at Hastnor, as a kind friend of his near Ledbury
had authorised him to invite the Club to his hospitable board; and
he trusted they would all respond to the invitation. A communica-
tion was then read from Mr. Baxter, of Worcester, as to his discovery
of Udora Canadensis; and Mr. Lees, on the call of the President,
entered into its history. The proceedings closed with a feeling and
eloquent speech from the President, in reply to his health being given,
and most warmly responded to. He said that their meetings were
full of interest and delight, pleasant and beneficial to all of them.
When he commenced the study of Natural History, he found the want
of that friendly communion which would have much lessened his
labours ; but he had since enjoyed many associations like the pre-
sent ; and, independent of their higher mental influences, they had the
advantage of bringing able and amiable observers together, who could
confer on many points without ceremony ; and thus they got occa-
sionally in presence even with the heads of science, with whom other-
wise they might never have been acquainted.

1140

RoyaL PuysicaL Socrety oF EDINBURGH.
Botanical Expedition to Oregon.

At one of the late meetings of this Society, Andrew Murray, Esq.,
W.S., read a paper ‘On some Insects from the Rocky Mountains,
received from the Botanical Expedition to Oregon, under Mr. Jef-
frey, which was prefaced by the following remarks :—

“ Most of the members of this Society who are botanists and horti-
culturists are probably aware that an expedition to Oregon and the
Rocky Mountains, for the purpose of procuring seeds and plants from
that quarter, has, some time since, been organized, by an association
of gentlemen interested in the arboriculture and horticulture of Scot-
land, and is at present in the course of being carried out. It will,
perhaps, be interesting to those who have not heard of the associa-
tion, if 1 give a brief notice of its origin and present position.

“J do not know who first introduced the plan of sending out col-
lectors to different countries, to procure seeds and plants as a com-
mercial speculation; but during the last half century it has been
carried to a very considerable extent by our principal nurserymen,
many of whom have fitted out expeditions at a large cost; by which
means many very valuable plants have been introduced into this
country. Other expeditions, of a like nature in all but their commer-
cial object, have been sent out by private individuals or societies.
The London Horticultural Society have sent out several collectors to
different quarters ; and it was the success of one of them which may
be said to have given rise to this association. The one I allude to
was that of Douglass to the river Columbia, where, the climate being
much the same as our own, most of the plants he introduced have
been found hardy, and have readily been naturalized. It was to him
that we owe the Abies Douglassii, the Ribes sanguinea, or flowering
currant, our most beautiful Pentstemons, and many other flowering
plants. The success of this expedition, and the accounts received
from Douglass and others of the magnificence and beauty of the pine-
trees in that country, particularly struck Mr. Patton, of the Cairnies,
in Perthshire,—a gentleman who has more peculiarly directed his
attention to the pine tribe, and is at present engaged in a series of
experiments on their cultivation, and suitableness for this climate,
which will be doubly valuable, from their practical nature. It struck
Mr. Patton that it might be possible to get a sufficient number of
gentlemen to combine together to raise funds to send out a collector,

<->

1141

to more fully explore the country which had already proved so fruit-
ful, and to send home from it, and from the neighbouring districts,
seeds of new hardy trees, shrubs, and flowers. He communicated his
idea to Professor Balfour, who, with his happy freedom from jealousy
(a quality which is not always found among scientific men), at once
not only approved and adopted the idea, but immediately gave his
best energies to working it out. Two other gentlemen, well known
in this city for the readiness with which they forward any scheme
having for its object the public benefit (I mean Lord Murray and Sir
William Gibson-Craig), principally aided in setting the scheme
a-going. Through their kind offices, the protection of Government,
and of the Hudson’s Bay Company, were obtained. Other gentlemen,
of whom [I shall only mention Mr. M‘Intosh, of Dalkeith, aided in
procuring subscribers ; and in a short time the Association found itself
in a position to carry its objects into effect. The project was broached
in November, 1849; and by the first fleet of the Hudson’s Bay Com-
pany’s ships which left this country after that, Mr. Jeffrey, a young
and zealous botanist (who had been appointed collector), set sail for
America. He arrived at York Factory in August, 1850, and at once
pushed westwards, for the Rocky Mountains. He travelled with one
of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s brigades, till they reached Cumber-
land House, where the brigade wintered. Mr. Jeffrey there found
that he would lose a whole season if he remained till the brigade
started in spring, and, with great energy, at once resolved to go on
with what is called the winter packet. This packet starts from York
Factory, in Hudson’s Bay, in the month of December, and is carried
by men, on their backs, from post to post, till it reaches the Rocky
Mountains. Mr. Jeffrey started with this packet from Cumberland
House, on the 3rd of January, 1851, and reached Jasper’s House, on
the Rocky Mountains, on the 21st of March. In one of his letters,
he says :—‘ All this distance (1200 miles) I walked on snow-shoes; the
snow being, on an average, two feet deep. During this journey I
slept with no other covering than that found under the friendly pine,
for the space of forty-seven nights ; on several occasions the thermo-
meter standing from 30° to 40° below zero. Mr. Jeffrey was thus
enabled to commence his labours in the spring of 1851; and a por-
tion of the seeds he then collected was received last autumn, in fine
condition. Awong the seeds which have been received are those of
_ several very interesting trees and plants. There is a beautiful new
pine, which grows to the height of 150 feet, and has a circumference
of 133 feet at the base. This first-fruit has been rightly named Abies
VOU, Iv. Ce,

1142

Pattonii. There are also two Piceas, one of which (supposed to be
Picea lasiocarpa) grows to the height of 250 feet; and the other (sup-
posed to be new), to the height of 280 feet. We can hardly realize
the idea of such stupendous trees ; but it may help us to some notion
of their height if I compare them with some familiar object here.
The height of the brick stalk of the Gas Company’s chimney, from the
stone pedestal, is 264 feet (the pedestal is 65 feet); the top of that
chimney is five feet higher than the top of Nelson’s Monument; so
that if we fancy a tree growing down in the valley between the
Canongate and the Calton Hill, on an eminence the height of the
pedestal, and overtopping Nelson’s Monument by ten feet, we may
form some notion of the monarchs of the forest which are now being
introduced into this country.”

Tue PuytTouocist CLus.

One Hundred and Fifty-first Sitting. — Saturday, November 26,
1853.—Mr. Newman, President, in the chair.

The President read the following communications :—

Thymus Serpyllum and T. Chamedrys.

“JT have, during the last ten years, paid much attention to the
habits and physical difference of these plants, which are nearly allied
to each other in appearance ; and will give such descriptions as will
enable the novice in Botany to detect them.

“The name of Thymus Serpyllum was formerly applied to both
species, botanists considering them as one; but still T. Serpyllum
may be significantly applied to one, which I will describe first. Thy-
mus Serpyllum creeps and roots along the earth over a considerable
space, and remains many years. It comes into bloom about the mid-
dle of June, has a slight smell of lemon, and tastes a little aromatic ;
which taste and smell, as also its stratal adaptation, which I would
call the geology of plants,—a study most interesting to the botanist
and agriculturist,—are essential to its discrimination. It prefers a
very dry sandy soil on rocks, and in ditches and dry pasture-fields. |

“Thymus Chamedrys, for it has obtained that name, comes into
bloom about the middle of July, always a month, or nearly so, later
than the other species ; has a pungent, acrid taste ; a powerful smell,

1143,

similar to Oleum Origanum ; keeps in bloom frequently until the mid-
dle of November, which the other seldom does after August; and is
altogether a larger plant, with the branches longer and straggling,
growing in tufts, seldom found on dry sandy rocks or very dry ditches,
but abundant in pastures, and stiff, cold soils, where T. Serpyllum is
never found. It does not creep and root like the latter, unless the
ants build their citadel around the stems, which they much like to
do. The Thymus flourishes remarkably from this incident. These
old ant-hillocks are beautiful objects in our pastures, when densely
covered with the blooming Thymus, like so many coronets of gems.

“ T have now pointed out to the exploring botanist the characters
of these two very distinct species of British Thymus; whereby they
may be identified at any season-of the year. Should botanists not be
able to do so, the sheep will, being the better phytologists: they will
readily eat the one, but will not touch the other, on account of its
pungency.

‘Some years ago, I pointed out the difference between these two
plants to several eminent botanists, and sent specimens to others. I
also sent specimens of each to the herbarium of the Worcestershire
Natural-History Society. Probably from not studying their different
habits, I did not then consider them distinct species. I believe no
two plants belonging to the same genus have a greater physical diffe-
rence. I have raised many plants, of each species, from seed, which
exactly followed the present plants. A specimen of each is enclosed.”
— George Jorden ; Bewdley, October 25, 1853.

Trifolium resupinatum in Cheshire.

“ Whilst lately reviewing my British specimens of the genus Trifo-
lium, I was reminded of the possession of a fine example of this spe-
cies. It was presented to me, in the autumn of 1847, by my friend,
S. Thompson, of York, who had collected it a few weeks before in
the neighbourhood of the Magazines, near New Brighton, on the
Cheshire side of the Mersey. Neither of us being at that time
" acquainted with the species, the specimen was duly labelled, and laid
aside amongst my papers, and was,not recognized as T. resupinatum
till quite recently. It would be desirable for those who may have an
opportunity of visiting the locality to search for it again, as it is not
unlikely that this species might thereby be restored to an honourable
position amongst our indigenous plants. It may be worth while to
remark that the same station produces its nearest ally amongst British
species, T. fragiferum.”—John G. Baker ; Thirsk.

1144

Trifolium agrarium in Hertfordshire.

“1 may also take this opportunity of mentioning, that amongst a
collection of plants made in the neighbourhood of Hitchen, in the
years 1815, 1816, and 1817, is a specimen of T. agrarium, ZL. As it
has not been heard of since, and it is a plant too conspicuous to be
easily overlooked, it seems most probable that it has been only a
casual introduction ; although, from its continental distribution, this
species would seem not unlikely to occur in a wild state in this
country.” —Td.

Bifid and Trifid Ferns.

“The remarks of M. Piquet (Phytol. iv. 1135) tend to confirm a
belief I have some time held, that all ferns have a tendency to become
bifid, and in some instances multifid. Several of those named by
that gentleman I have gathered in this county, in a bifid state, and
Aspidium Filix-mas, Hooker, multifid. One specimen of Aspidium
angulare I possess very distinct, being divided as much as nine inches
down the frond. A friend recently received, from Hampshire, a frond
of the rare Asplenium fontanum, which is likewise bifid. Polypo-
dium vulgare assumes the most fantastic forms: I have a great num-
ber of varieties of this plant which, step by step, connect it with P.
Cambricum. Thus we see this tendency pervading many ferns, from
some of the commonest to one of the rarest; and I doubt not others
might be discovered. Is this state permanent? As far as Scolopen-
drium vulgare goes, I believe the multifid variety has been growing
in one habitat in this county for some years; thus giving a colour to
the belief that these forms may be permanent, if undisturbed. Two
spots where I have found the bifid variety of S. vulgare I intend to
examine again next year, to see if the forms are reproduced.”—T. W.
Gissing, Worcester, November 7, 1853.

Udora Canadensis and Potamogeton trichoides in Norfolk.

“‘T forward you a specimen of Udora, which I met with in a pond
at Swainsthorpe, Norfolk, on Sept. 20, 1853. With its history in
connexion with the pond I have no means of becoming acquainted.
The latter is about 170 paces in circumference, and its margin so
overgrown with bushes that I had difficulty in getting at the plant.
There is neither navigable river nor canal in its neighbourhood.

“ Respecting Potamogeton trichoides, further search has led to the
discovery of a more extended distribution of it in Norfolk. Last

1145

year, I met with it in two additional ponds, in the parish of Swarde-
ston. Ihave this year to add another in the same parish, three in
the parish of Marlingford, one in that of Flordon, and one in Alping-
ton. I enclose specimens, in fruit, from these localities..—Kirby
Trimmer ; Norwich, October 13, 1853.

BRivTIsH ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE.
(Continued from page 1108).

Flax Plant.

A paper by Prof. Hodges, intituled ‘ Report on the Gases evolved
in Steeping Flax, and on the Composition and Economy of the Flax
Plant,’ was read.

The investigations directed by the Association, at the Belfast Meet:
ing, with respect to the gases evolved in the steeping of flax and the
composition of flax straw, are in progress, and will be reported at the
Meeting. The gases of the fermenting vat have been analyzed by the
methods of Prof. Bunsen, and have been found to consist of carbonic
acid, hydrogen, and nitrogen. No sulphuretted hydrogen has, in any
case, been detected. Several analyses of the proximate constituents
of the dressed fibre and of its inorganic ingredients have been made,
which show that a considerable amount of the nitrogenized and other
constituents of the plant are retained in the fibre, even after steeping
and dressing have removed the structures unsuitable for textile pur-’
poses.

Vegetable and Animal Organisms.

A paper by R. Warington, Esq., ‘On Preserving the Balance
between Vegetable and Animal Organisms in Sea-water,’ was read.

The public were first indebted to Mr. Warington for a statement
of the conditions in which animals could be kept in fresh water with-
out changing the water. It is not sufficient that there be plants
alone ; but where the higher animals, such as fish, are kept, itis neces-
sary that some beings should exist which will feed on decaying vege-
table matter. This desideratum is supplied by the various forms of
phytophagous Mollusca. The author’s success with fresh water led
him to try experiments with sea water, and the results of his investi-
gations were given in this paper. The most important fact esta-

1146

blished was, that marine animals could be kept in sea water without
changing in the same manner as in fresh. ‘The conditions of the
existence of sea-water creatures are, however, much more varied than
those of fresh ; hence the difficulty had been proportionally great in
arriving at a successful issue. ‘he nature of the plants in the first
place is a matter of importance. The author found that the green
sea-weeds answered better than the red or brown. In introducing
animals they should be healthy and uninjured. Those should not be
put together which devour each other. Crabs, especially the com-
mon crab, are very destructive ; so are gobies, blennies, and rock-fish.
The sea-water should be kept of a proper gravity. It should be 1.026
at a temperature of 60°. Rain or distilled water should be added
from time to time to supply any loss. All dead animal or vegetable
matter of any kind should be removed. :

Dr. Daubeny stated that he had erected some fresh-water tanks at
Oxford ; but the difficulty which he had to contend with was the
growth of Conferve, which interrupted the growth of the other plants.

Dr. Walker-Arnott stated that he had no doubt the reason why the
green sea-weeds answered better than the brown or red was that the
latter were deep sea, whilst the others were shallow water, plants.
The brown and red sea-weeds also had a much denser tissue exter-
nally than the green sea-weeds, and did not grow so fast.

A paper by Dr. Astiey Price, ‘On the Pentasulphide of Calcium as
a Remedy for Grape Disease,’ was read. (See Phytol. iv. 1104).

Germination of Seeds.

A paper by R. Hunt, Esq., ‘On a Method of Accelerating the Ger-
mination of Seeds,’ was read.

The process consisted in covering the germinating seeds with glass
coloured blue with cobalt. The author read a letter from the Messrs.
Lawson, in which they stated that by allowing seeds to germinate
under blue glass, they had succeeded in raising a larger number of
seeds in a given time, as well as producing germination in a shorter
lime.

Report on the Vitality of Seeds.

The report, by the late H. E. Strickland, Esq., gave an account of
the seeds which had been planted during the past year; from which
it appeared that the older the seeds were, the less numerous were
those that germinated. The author thought that the experiment of

1147

Mr. Hunt suggested an alteration in the plan which they had hitherto
adopted, which would undoubtedly be attended to by the Committee.

GERMAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SCIENCE.*

The German naturalists and physicians held their thirtieth meeting
this year at Tiibingen, on the 18th ultimo. It was attended by abont
580 members, including a moderate sprinkling of French and Rus-
sians, two Americans, and a few English.

The meeting at Tiibingen was not so numerous as that last year at
Wiesbaden. Tiibingen, though offering considerable attractions, by
its situation in one of the finest parts of Swabia, by its scientific insti-
tutions, and by its reputation as a University, is not yet connected
with the great European railway net; and people do not like travel-
ling now in slow mail-coaches even fora day. Another cause was,
that the President, Professor Hugo von Mohl, elected last year, did
not do his duty. For reasons best known to himself, he did not appre-
ciate the honour which the votes of nearly 1000 scientific men from
all parts of the world had conferred upon him. Instead of endeavour-
ing to further the object of the Society, he tried everything in his
power to prevent the meeting from being held at all; and when he
found that the patriotism of his townsmen did not allow them to go
the same way with himself, he departed for Italy, leaving the whole
business to be arranged by the Vice-President, Mr. Bruns, Professor
of Medicine at Tiibingen. Professor Bruns, much to his credit, took
up the matter warmly, and so thoroughly succeeded in arousing the
interest of the University and the towns of the neighbourhood, that
the reception of the learned guests was of the most cordial nature.
Tiibingen itself had a very festive appearance. Outside the gates of
the city triumphal arches, with streamers and flags floating upon them,
had been erected, and within, nearly every house was decorated with
garlands of oak-leaves and gay flowers ; whole spruce-trees had tem-
porarily been planted before some of the buildings, and even in the
dwellings of the humbler classes of inhabitants, attempts—aye, and
some very successful ones—had been made to do something towards
showing that the strangers were heartily welcome. It is unnecessary

* From the‘ Literary Gazette,’ October 22, 1853.

1148

to develope the effect which such a reception produced upon the meet-
ing; every one seemed to be happy, and at the first general dinner
there was such a profusion of spirited speeches and toasts as are sel-
dom heard on similar occasions. Preserving the scientific form, and
moving only within the bounds of scientific terminology, several of
the speakers told their audience some very amusing things of every-
day life, and caused a great deal of laughter. Quenstedt, the geolo-
gist, and Veesenmeyer, the botanist, succeeded in rousing the merri-
ment of the party to the highest pitch. On the 21st of September an
excursion was made to Rottenburg, an ancient Roman town, and
thence to the Niedernau, a modern watering-place. There were no
less than 600 carriages, including cabs, omnibuses, and mail-coaches.
In Rottenburg the naturalists were received by the Lord Mayor and
Corporation. The principal street was most ingeniously ornamented ;
about 6000 hop-poles, with the graceful creeper around them, had
been erected at suitable distances from each other, thus forming a
complete avenue. The appearance they presented contrasted charm-
ingly with the venerable old buildings, and the bright sun, the sweet
smell of the hop, the flags and festoons, the music, the friendly faces
of the inhabitants, the numerous huzzas, and the waving of handker-
chiefs, formed altogether a scene of a very impressive kind. In Nie-
dernau, where, after leaving Rottenburg and passing several villages,
the carriages arrived, a good dinner was waiting, the President of the
Society being aware that no one descended from Teutonic stock con-
siders a festival complete without something substantial to eat. At
dinner, the health of Uhland and Justinus Kerner was drank. ‘The
presence of these two old poets, who have both endeared themselves
by their patriotism to their countrymen, and have done so much
towards making German literature what it is, called forth the greatest
enthusiasm, which was the more real in a district which their writings
have rendered classical ground, and where one cannot look at a ruin,
or visit a town, that is not already associated in one’s mind with some
popular ballad or romance of these men. On the 23rd of September,
an excursion was made to Reutlingen, formerly one of the free Rix-
cities, but now a manufacturing town belonging to Wirtemberg. In
the time of the last revolution, a great political meeting was held here,
which gave rise to the fearful struggle in Baden. On the day men-
tioned, it presented a very peaceable appearance. On passing the
boundaries of the town, the naturalists were received by two heralds
on horseback, in the costume of the middle ages, both holding ban-
ners in their hands. ‘The one was dressed in the colours of Reutlin-

1149 ‘

gen; the other in those of Germany—black, red, and gold. Just
outside the city gates there was a triumphal arch, and the cathedrals
and all the steeples of the churches were profusely decorated with
flags and streamers. ‘The weather was beautiful. In one of the pub-
lic gardens the dinner table had been spread in the open air, where at
least 1500 people sat down. During dinner a well-conducted band
kept playing. A fine effect was produced by a chorus of singers, con-
sisting of peasants, both men and women, of the neighbouring district ;
they were all dressed in their native costume, and, headed by a fine-
looking fellow of their party, who carried their banner, they marched
around the table at which the naturalists were sitting. After dinner,
most of the party paid a visit to the Achalm, the ruins of a castle men-
tioned in one of Uhland’s ballads. The view from thence was charm-
ing. The vineyards surrounding the ruin, the town of Reutlingen, the
rivulets, the distant chain of mountains, with its old feudal castles,
formed a pleasing panorama, and amply repaid the exertions of those
who, after taking in a hearty dinner, and letting the wine-bottle pass
freely, had climbed the summit. In returning about eight o’clock in
the evening to Tiibingen, there was a firework on the top of the hill
on which the castle is built. It produced almost a magical effect to
see the old Gothic building illumined by the different-coloured fires,
and the numerous rockets, with their blue, red, and white nuclei,
shooting up into the sky. In short, there was plenty of amusement
during the whole time of the meeting. Balls, concerts, dinner-parties
alternated with each other; there was even once, so as as to give a
notion of German-student life, a representation of a “ Kneipe,” in
which grave professors, throwing aside for a while all reserve, acted
the part of students and freshmen.

The scientific part of the meeting was equally satisfactory. In the
three general or public sittings none but subjects treated in a popular
manner were this time admitted, and all papers that could in the least
offend the ear of ladies had been strictly rejected,—a laudable restric-
tion, probably adopted in consequence of the complaints made by the
press that medical subjects not intended for any but medical men had
been brought forward. One of the first speakers was Jaeger, of Stutt-
gart, who gave’a brief account of the last year’s labours of the Impe-
rial L. C. Academy of Naturalists, detailing that, as the first German
institution, it had assumed the protectorship over the Societies of Ger-
man Physicians at Paris and New York, that it had asked for three
prize essays, and that the King of Wirtemberg had shown his good
will towards the Academy by presenting it with a sum of money, to

VOL. Iv. ts

1150

be devoted to scientific exploring expeditions. Schultz, Bip., read |
an interesting paper ‘On the Development of the Natural Sciences
from the Middle of the Sixteenth Century until the Middle of the
Nineteenth. He assumed three periods :—Ist, The period when
knowledge was handed down by oral tradition; 2nd, When it was
propagated by writing; and, 3rd, When perpetuated by printing.
The present time he looks upon as the commencement of a fourth
period, when, by the intimate international intercourse and the power
of steam, knowledge is rapidly diffused. Dove, of Berlin, gave a
comprehensive account of the present state of meteorology, and a very
clear explanation of the causes which determine the weather of Europe.
Carnal spoke on the importance of salt, gold, and coal,—three mono-
syllables playing an important part in the affairs of the world. He
complained of the ignorance prevailing in England on the subject of
German coal, and quoted a conversation he had with an Englishman
of scientific standing, who asked him whether there were any coal in
Germany ?—a question he answered by stating that not only had
Germany enough coal for her own use, but could supply England
and all the world, at the rate coal is now used, for 500 years to come.
Fraas gave an account of the oldest inhabitants of the Swabian Alps.
It appears that a few years ago fossil teeth were found which some at
once declared to be those of man. This determination, however, was
called into question, as no human teeth of the mammoth period had
ever been found in any part of the globe. Again, these teeth were
exhibited last year in Wiesbaden, by Jaeger, when they were gene-
rally admitted to be human teeth; one was even sent to Owen, who
agreed with the Wiesbaden meeting in pronouncing them to belong
to man. The discovery of several almost perfect skulls has set the
matter finally at rest: there was a race of men living simultaneously
with the mammoth and other huge antediluvian animals. Gumbel
read a paper on Mosses, explaining their importance in the economy
of Nature, their great use to man, with whom they appeared together
upon the earth. Veesenmeyer gave a spirited sketch of the Kirguises,
and with a power of language reminding one of Humboldt’s ‘ Views
of Nature, he described their relation towards plants and animals.
The sectional meetings were well attended. In the section for
Chemistry and Pharmacology there were Fehling, Schlossberger,
Leube, Babo, Weidenbusch, Ammermuller, Fresenius, Weltzien, H.
Rose, &c.; Fehling and Rose alternately presided. In the section
for Mathematics, Physics, and Astronomy, we noticed Wolfers, Osann,
Reusch, Dove, Holtzmann, Gugler, &c.; Dove and Osann presided.

1151

The section for Medicine and Surgery counted the largest number of
members. We may mention Ritter, Virchow, Heyfelder, Erlenmeyer,
_ Fraas, Vierodt, &c.; Virchow was elected President. The Botanical
section counted amongst its members Martens, Veesenmeyer, De Bary,
Steudel, Schnitzlein, Hochstetter, and elected Schultz, Seemann, and
Gumbel Presidents. The section for Anatomy, Physiology, and Zoo-
logy was attended by Luschka, Ecker, Focke, Wutzer, and was pre-
sided over by Rapp. The section for Geology, Mineralogy, and
Geography was represented by Carnal, Quenstedt, Strombeck, Glocker,
Desor, Gerlach, Stocker, &c., and elected Merian President.

The Imperial L. C. Academy of Naturalists, which may be looked
upon as the nucleus of the Society, held two sittings under the Presi-
dency of Professors Jaeger and Heyfelder. Dr. Nees von Ksenbeck,
the President, was unfortunately prevented by illness from attending.
In a letter of his addressed to Jaeger he gave a favourable statement of
the affairs of the Academy, showing that there were at present a greater
number of first-rate scientific papers for publication in the ‘ Nova Acta’
than at any former period. The topics of discussion referred chiefly
to the affairs of the Academy, and have not yet been made public.

On the 24th of September the meetings were finally closed. Gét-
tingen was chosen as the place of meeting for 1854, and Professors
Listing and Baum were elected Presidents of the Society.

According to the ‘ Bonplandia,’ three Englishmen have, on the 18th
of August, been elected Members of the Imperial L. C. Academy ;
viz., 1, John Smith, Esq., who received the cognomen “ Kunze ;”
2, Dr. Thomas Thomson, to whom the title “ Hamilton” was given ;
and, 3, John Miers, Esq., on whom the name “ Kunth” was conferred.

Notices or New Books, &c.

‘The Annals and Magazine of Natural History, No. 71, November,
1853. London: Taylor & Francis. Price 2s. 6d. 3

After an absence of any botanical papers since we last noticed this
scientific journal, we have two in the November number. These are
intituled :—

1152

‘On the Nucleus of the Characez ; by Al. Braun ; — a transla-
tion by Mr. Henfrey.

‘Note on the Parasitism of Comandra uns belatng by Asa Gray.’
Extracted from ‘ Silliman’s Journal.’

In North America, the genus Comandra replaces the European
genus Thesium. After giving Mr. Mitten full credit for his important
discovery of the parasitism of Thesium linophyllum, a full account of
which was published in Hooker’s ‘ Journal of Botany, and in the
‘ Phytologist, Dr. Gray goes on to describe a similar discovery as
regards Comandra. “ My esteemed correspondent, Mr. Jacob Stauf-
fer, of Mount Jay, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, has recently sent
me fresh specimens of Comandra umbellata with its elongated and
woody subterranean stems, giving off numerous roots, the branches of
which are often expanded at their tips into a small tubercle or sucker,
which is implanted by its disk-like surface upon the bark of adjacent
roots, principally of shrubs. The foster plants in the specimens com-
municated, are blueberries and huckleberries (Vaccinium vacillans
and Gaylussacia resinosa). Mr. Stauffer’s specimens are accompa-
nied by a neat drawing, illustrating the mode of attachment. This I
would gladly forward for the engraver ; but it will suffice perhaps for
the present to say that the attachment is similar to that so clearly
exhibited by Mr. Mitten, in the plate which accompanies his article ;
only that the rootlets in Comandra are from subterranean stems, and
the suckers, so far as I have examined, do not appear to penetrate the
foster root deeper than the surface of its wood.

“Since the above was in type I have received from Mr. Stauffer
the announcement of his discovery of the parasitism of Gerardia flava,
accompanied by a drawing which exhibits it, and a specimen which
plainly shows the attachment. The numerous branches of the root
are not only attached by disks or suckers to the bark of the root of
the foster plant (in this case either white oak or white hazel), but are
also implanted on each other, forming parasitical anastomoses.’—
Silliman’s Journal, Sept. 18538.

The subject of root-parasitism, which has been established so com-
pletely in Orobanche, Lathrzea, Thesium, and now in Comandra and
Gerardia, and proof of which has hitherto so completely failed in
Monotropa, is one of surpassing and absorbing interest. Decaisne is
said to have detected it in Pedicularis and Melampyrum; but his
conclusions have been the objects of some controversy, and much dif-
ference of opinion. It is well known to cultivators that all attempts
to grow the Rhinanthaceous plants, otherwise than amid a host of

1153

herbage which shall fill the soil with a network of roots, have proved
utterly futile. How valuable, then, would be a carefully prepared
paper on this subject, confined even to the British Isles, giving the
result of a series of experiments, with the names of each parasite and
its foster parent, and fully describing the mode and conditions of
parasitism.

‘ Palm-trees of the Amazon, and their Uses. By ALFRED RUSSEL
Wattace.’ London: Van Voorst. 1853. Post 8vo. 138 pp.
Text, 48 Plates. Price 10s. 6d.

This is an admirable little book, creditable alike to the author and
the artist. Mr. Fitch, long and favourably known as a botanical
artist, has here excelled himself; his designs of the palms are really
beautiful, and show how much may be done in a small compass.
There is here an unusual combination of botanical accuracy with
artistic and picturesque effect. Mr. Wallace is comparatively unknown
as an author, but not as a naturalist. His sufferings and losses on
board the unfortunate ‘ Helen,’ having been detailed by himself, in a
recent number of the ‘ Zoologist, * have become familiar to all who
take an interest in the well-being of those adventurous and energetic
men who, as Natural-History collectors, have, during the last few
years, added so enormously to our knowledge of the productions of
distant countries. The object of the work before us is fairly and
lucidly explained in the author’s Preface, as below :—

“The materials for this work were collected during my travels on
the Amazon and its tributaries from 1848 to 1852. Though princi-
pally occupied with the varied and interesting animal productions of
the country, I yet found time to examine and admire the wonders of
vegetable life which everywhere abounded. In the vast forests of the
Amazon valley, tropical vegetation is to be seen in all its luxuriance.
Huge trees with buttressed stems, tangled climbers of fantastic forms,
and strange parasitical plants everywhere meet the admiring gaze of
the naturalist fresh from the meadows and heaths of Europe. Hvery-
where too rise the graceful palms, true denizens of the tropics, of
which they are the most striking and characteristic feature. In the
districts which I visited they were everywhere abundant, and I soon
became interested in them, from their great variety and beauty of form,

* Zool. 3641, No. CXIX.

1154

and the many uses to which they are applied. I first endeavoured to
familiarize myself with the aspect of each species, and to learn to know
it by its native name ; but even this was not a very easy matter, for I
was often unable to see any difference between trees which the In-
dians assured me were quite distinct, and had widely different proper-
ties and uses. More close examination, however, convinced me that
external characters did exist by which every species could be sepa-
rated from those most nearly allied to it, and I was soon pleased to
find that I could distinguish one palm from another, though barely
visible above the surrounding forest, almost as certainly as the natives
themselves. I then endeavoured to define the peculiarities of form
or structure which gave to each its individual character, and made
accurate sketches and descriptions to impress them on my memory.
These peculiarities are often very slight though permanent :—in the
roots, the extent to which they appear above the ground ;—in the
stem, the thickness, which in each species varies within very definite
limits,—the swelling of the base, the middle or the summit,—its gene-
rally erect or curving position,—the nature of the rings with which it
is marked,—the number, direction and form of the spines or tubereles
with which it is armed ;—in the leaves, the erect or drooping position,
the size and form of the leaflets, the angles which they form with the
midrib, and the proportionate size of the terminal pair, are all impor-
tant characters. The fruit-spike or spadix is either erect or droop-
ing, either simple, forked, or many-branched; and the fruits in
closely allied species vary in size, in shape, and in colour, as well as
in the bloom, down, hair or tubercles with which they are clothed.

“In this little work careful engravings from my original drawings
are given, with a general description of each species, and a history
from personal observation of the various uses to which it is applied,
and of any other interesting particulars connected with it. Several of
the species here figured are new, among them is the palm which pro-
duces the ‘ piassaba,’ the coarse fibrous material of which brooms for
street-sweeping are generally made.”—P. iii.

The following extract will show the universal use of palms by the
Indian tribes, and their unspeakable importance to these primitive
children of the forest.

“‘ Suppose then we visit an Indian cottage on the banks of the Rio
Negro, a great tributary of the river Amazon in South America..
The main supports of the building are trunks of some forest tree of
heavy and durable wood, but the light rafters overhead are formed by
the straight cylindrical and uniform stems of the Jara palm. The

1155

roof is thatched with large triangular leaves, neatly arranged in regu-
lar alternate rows, and bound to the rafters with sipds or forest creep-
ers; the leaves are those of the Carana palm. The door of the house
is a framework of thin hard strips of wood neatly thatched over; it is
made of the split stems of the Pashidba palm. In one corner stands a
heavy harpoon for catching the cow-fish ; itis formed of the black wood
of the Pashitba barriguda. By its side is a blowpipe ten or twelve
feet long, and a little quiver full of small poisoned arrows hangs up
near it; with these the Indian procures birds for food, or for their gay
feathers, or even brings down the wild hog or the tapir, and it is from
the stem and spines of two species of palms that they are made. His
great bassoon-like musical instruments are made of palm stems; the
cloth in which he wraps his most valued feather ornaments is a fibrous
palm spathe, and the rude chest in which he keeps his treasures is
woven from palm leaves. His hammock, his bow-string and his fish-
ing-line are from the fibres of leaves which he obtains from different
palm trees, according the qualities he requires in them,—the ham-
mock from the Miriti, and the bow-string and fishing-line from the
Tucim. The comb which he wears on his head is ingeniously con-
structed of the hard bark of a palm, and he makes fish-hooks of the
spines, or uses them to puncture on his skin the peculiar markings of
his tribe. His children are eating the agreeable red and yellow fruit
of the Pupunha or peach palm, and from that of the Assai he has pre-
pared a favourite drink which he offers you to taste. That carefully
suspended gourd contains oil, which he has extracted from the fruit
of another species ; and that long elastic plaited cylinder used for
squeezing dry the mandiocca pulp to make his bread, is made of the
bark of one of the singular climbing palms, which alone can resist for
a considerable time the action of the poisonous juice. In each of
these cases a species is selected better adapted than the rest for the
peculiar purpose to which it is applied, and often having several dif-
ferent uses which no other plant can serve as well, so that some little
idea may be formed of how important to the South American Indian
must be these noble tfees, which supply so many daily wants, giving
him his house, his food, and his weapons.”—P. 9. :

If we turn from this comprehensive picture to either individual
palm-portrait, whether of pen or pencil, we shall find it sketched with
the same freedom of hand, and finished with the same painstaking
care. Take, for instance, the following :—

Assai. (Euterpe oleracea). —“ This species is very abundant in
the neighbourhood of Para, and even in the city itself. It grows in

1156

swamps flooded by the high tides,—never on dry land. Its straight
cylindrical stem is sometimes used for poles and rafters ; but the tree
is generally considered too valuable to be cut down for such purposes.
A very favorite drink is made from the ripe fruit, and daily vended in
the streets of Para. Indian and negro girls may be constantly seen
walking about with small earthen pots on their heads, uttering at
intervals a shrill cry of Assai-i. If you call one of these dusky maid-
ens, she will set down her pot, and you will see it filled with a thick
creamy liquid, of a fine plum-colour. A pennyworth of this will fill a
tumbler, and you may then add a little sugar to your taste, and you
will find a peculiar nut-flavored liquid, which you may not perhaps
think a great deal of at first ; but, if you repeat your experience a few
times, you will inevitably become so fond of it as to consider ‘ Assai’
one of the greatest luxuries the place produces. It is generally taken
with farinha, the substitute for bread prepared from the mandiocca
root, and with or without sugar according to the taste of the con-
sumer.

“ During our walks in the suburbs of Para we had frequently oppor-
tunities of seeing the preparation of this favorite beverage. ‘Two or
three large bunches of fruit are brought in from the forest. The
women of the house seize upon them, shake and strip them into a
large earthen vessel, and pour on them warm water, not too hot to
bear the hand in. The water soon becomes tinged with purple, and
in about an hour the outer pulp has become soft enough to rub off.
The water is now most of it poured away, a little cold added, anda
damsel, with no sleeves to turn up, plunges both hands into the ves-
sel, and rubs and kneads with great perseverence, adding fresh water
as it is required, till the whole of the purple covering has been rub-
bed off and the greenish stones left bare. The liquid is now poured
through a wicker sieve into another vessel, and is then ready for use.
The smiling hostess will then fill a calabash, and give you another
with farinha to mix to your taste ; and nothing will delight her more
than your emptying your rustic basin, and asking her to refill it.".—
P23. .

- Pashiiba miri (lriartea setigera). — “This species is of great
importance to the Indian of the Rio Negro. With its stem he con-
structs his ‘ gravatana’ or blowing tube, which, with the little arrows
before described as made from the spines of the Patawa, forms a most
valuable weapon, enabling him to bring down monkeys, parrots and
curassow birds from their favorite stations on the summits of the lof-
tiest trees of the forest.

1157

“ When he wishes to make a ‘ gravatina’ he searches in the forest
till he finds two straight and tall stems of the ‘ Pashitiba miri’ of such
proportionate thicknesses that one could be contained within the other.
When he returns home he takes a long slender rod which he has pre-
pared on purpose, generally made of the hard and elastic wood of the
‘Pashitba barriguda,’ and with it pushes out the pith from both the
stems, and then with a little bunch of the roots of a tree fern, cleans
and polishes the inside till the bore becomes as hard and as smooth
as polished ebony. He then carefully inserts the slenderer tube
within the larger, placing it so that any curve in the one may counter-
act that in the other. Should it still be not quite correct, he binds it
carefully toa post in his house till it is perfectly straight and dry.
He then fits a mouth-piece of wood to the smaller end of the tube, so
that the arrow may go out freely at the other; and when he wishes
to finish his work neatly, winds spirally round it from end to end, the
shining bark of a creeper. Near the lower extremity, he forms a sight
with the large curved cutting tooth of the Paca (Calogenus paca),
which he fixes on with pitch, and the gravatana is then fit for use.”—
P. 39.

‘ The Handbook of British Ferns. By TuHomas Moors, F.LS., &c.,
&c., Curator of the Botanic Garden of the Society of Apoche-
caries, Chelsea, and Author of the ‘ Popular History of British
Ferns, &c., &c.? Second Edition. London: R. Groombridge
& Sons, and W. Pamplin. 1853. 16mo. 232 pp. Text;
numerous Woodcuts. Price 5s.

It is a difficult task to notice this work ; but my voluntary offer on
the wrapper of the last number compels me to do so. I have only
one observation to make respecting it; and that is, that, although
there can be no rational objection to one author borrowing an occa-
sional sentance or idea from another, nevertheless he is bound, in
manly candour, in common courtesy, to acknowledge the obligation.
Now, Mr. Moore has throughout availed himself of my ‘ British Ferns,’
not only without acknowledgment, but, as I think, without judgment.
When I say without judgment, I mean to say that he has adopted the
incorrect equally with the correct. Thus, my correct figure of Tri-
chomanes speciosum, at page 315, and my very incorrect and unbo-
tanical enlarged figure of a fragment of the same plant, at p. 316, are
copied, without acknowledgment, at p. 201 of the ‘ Handbook. Of

VOL. IV. e.4

1158 vn
course the incorrect figure is omitted in my third edition; and so it
will hereafter stand as Mr. Moore’s own.

In instances, Mr. Moore has ventured to differ from me; but,
whenever this is the case, he is obscure in his explanations. Thus,
on the “ dilatata group” he asserts, at p. 118, that uliginosa is exactly
intermediate between cristata and spinulosa, and, at p. 131, that
glandulosa is quite intermediate between dilatata and spinulosa; yet
he asserts that cristata, uliginosa, and spinulosa constitute one spe-
cies, and dilatata, uliginosa, &c., another; and, at p. 114, he says
these two species are readily distinguished. This is as if a man
should say that A and B are readily distinguished from C and D,
but that D is quite intermediate between B and C. Like confusion
occurs in the Woodsias, &c.

I cannot object to this book as doing me an injury ; I think it will
rather excite a thirst for that more correct knowledge which, for six-
teen years, I have been anxiously endeavouring to acquire, and which,
from time to time, I shall do my best to make public.

Epwarp NEWMAN.

On Potamogeton flabellatus, Bab.
By Cuarzes C. Basineton, M.A., F.L.S.*

In the second edition of the ‘ Manual of British Botany,’ I intro-
duced a note to the effect that a Potamogeton inhabiting the canal
near Bath would probably prove to be a new species, belonging to
the group of which P. pectinatus is the type. It is there stated that
“its dry fruit is semi-obovate compressed with 3 (?) obscure keels on
the back ;” and that its leaves have “ transverse veins.” The plant
thus noticed was gathered by myself, so long ago as the year 1830;
since which time I have scarcely ever visited Bath during the summer,
and have thus had no opportunity of examining it in a living state.

In the interval between the publication of the second and third
editions of the ‘Manual,’ I persuaded myself that the plant might
safely be referred to R. pectinatus (still judging only from dried spe-
cimens in the flowering state), and therefore, in edition three, erased
the remark that had previously appeared.

* Read at a meeting of the Linnean Society, Nov. 15, 1853; and communicated
by the author.

1159

In the first and second editions of the same book, there is also a
plant described, under the name of P. zosteraceus, Fries 2? which was
very slightly known to me, it having been noticed in Hyde Park only.

In the year 1849, my attention was again directed to the plant, by
Mr. Borrer informing me that Mr. Kirk, of Coventry, had shown him
plenty of P. pectinatus and P. zosteraceus, Bab., growing near to that
city. An application to the latter botanist obtained for me a series of
most characteristic ‘specimens of it, and convinced me (as an exami-
nation of the living plants had previously satisfied Mr. Borrer) that it
was specifically distinct from P. pectinatus and P. zosteraceus, Fries.
Accordingly, in the ‘Manual’ (ed. 3) the name of zosteraceus is
changed into flabellatus, a term derived from the usually fan-shaped
habit of the flowering plant. |

To revert to the plant found near Bath. In the month of July,
1853, I had occasion to spend some days at that city, and took advan-
tage of the opportunity to endeavour to determine the doubtful pond-
weed. At that time there were no flowers nor fruit to be found, but
abundance of barren specimens. Fortunately, their young state
enabled me to decide with certainty that which might have been only
a probability at a later period. Plenty of the earlier leaves, although
much tending towards decay, continued to be attached to the plants ;
and thus it became quite certain that they belonged to my P. flabel-
latus. On re-visiting Bath in the month of October, 1853, I was
equally unsuccessful in obtaining fruit or flowers, but saw an abun-
dance of the broad leaves which are so characteristic of the species.

As the plant is apparently still but little known, a few notes,
extracted from my observations upon it, may not be out of place.

There is a prostrate perennial rhizome creeping at the bottom of
the water or in the mud, rooting at its joinings, and clothed at longish
intervals with short, black, rather loose, clasping sheaths. From this
rhizome spring solitary, long, floating stems, which are simple below,
but become very much branched as they approach the surface of the
water, where they spread in a more or less fan-shaped manner. They
are very thick and strong in their lower part, not filiform like those of
P. pectinatus. os!

The sheaths of the lower leaves are very large. Those leaves vary
considerably in width, but may always be described as broad : they
have 3, and sometimes 5, nerves, quite distinct from the edge, with
transverse connecting veins. They do not at all resemble the leaves
of P. pectinatus, which are formed of two conspicuous tubes, inter-
rupted at intervals by transverse membranes, and separated by a

1160

rather wide cellular space, forming the so-called central nerve. The
supposed lateral nerves, also, are only apparent in that plant, being -
visible solely after the leaves have been subjected to pressure, and are
merely the result of it. ‘The lower leaves of P. flabellatus are of equal
thickness throughout, and have their sides uniformly curved inwards
so as to form a segment of a cylindrical tube; when dry, 3 or 5 rather
prominent ribs are formed on the back, by the shrinking of the inter-
mediate cellular spaces: their end is abruptly but shortly cuspidate.
The upper leaves, including probably all those that float at or near to —
the surface of the water, are much narrower, and very gradually acute ;.
3-nerved, but the lateral nerves often so close to the margin as to be
nearly undistinguishable from it.

It is probable that P. flabellatus was known to Hudson ; for he has
a plant named P. marinus, “ Habitat in fossis maritimis ... . prope
Sheerness abunde” (ed. 1, p. 63),.“ In insula Shepey abunde” (ed. 2,
p- 77), which he supposed to be the P. marinus, Zinn.: also that the
plant found at Yarmouth, as noted below, is the P. marinus, Huds. ;
for Mr. Woodward is recorded (Wither. Bot. Arr. ed. 3, ii. 214) to
have gathered what is so called by Withering at that place. Fries
has shown (Novit. Fl. Suec. ed. 2, p. 52 and 55) that the name P.
marinus, Linn., refers rather to the P. filiformis, Nolte, than to either
P. pectinatus, P. flabellatus, or P. zosteraceus. As the name has been
employed to designate each of them, by one or more authors, it seems
desirable to allow it to fall out of use, for its retention only tends to
cause confusion. At all events, the P. flabellatus has no claim to be
considered as the P. marinus of Linneus, although it probably is that
of Hudson and Withering.

P. flabellatus is found at Denver, Norfolk ; in the canal near Bath,
Somerset; Mr. Kirk meets with it near Coventry, Warwickshire ;
Mr. Syme, at Gravesend, Kent; the Rev. W. W. Newbould has
brought it to me from the fen-ditches between Hull and Hedon,
Yorkshire, and from near Burnham, Norfolk ; it has been gathered by
the Rev. Kirby Trimmer in salt-water ditches near Great Yarmouth ;
and it is recorded in the ‘ Flora of Hertfordshire’ as growing in the
river Lea at Hertford and Ware (p. 276), and in the canal near Tring ©
(App. p- 17).

Cuaries C. BABINGTON.,

November, 1853.

EDWARD NEWMAN, PRINTER, DEVONSHIRE STREET, BISHOPSGATE.

APPENDIX

THE PHYTOLOGIST

For 1851.

Art. I.— Synoptical Table of the British Ferns.
By Epwarp Newman.

Obs. — This is confessedly but a crude attempt to arrange our ferns in
accordance with their natural affinities. After maturely considering the
associations upon which heretofore so much stress has been laid, I have ar-
rived at the conclusion that they are unsatisfactory; and yet, in abandoning
such divisions as Polypodium of the Linnean school ; as Aspidium, so ear-
nestly advocated by Smith and Hooker in this country, and equally great
names on the Continent; and as the more recent combination called TLas-
trea by Pres! and John Smith, and formerly adopted by myself; I feel as
one groping his way in the dark, and shall eagerly avail myself of any
friendly hand that may be held out to support and direct my tottering and
uncertain footsteps. —

VEGETABLES are divided by botanists into four primary groups,
one of which, called Exogens, is single, and the others, seve-
rally called Endogens, Acrogens, and Thallogens, are double ;
that is, each of them contains two groups, which, in intimate
structure, are alike, but in certain less important characters
differ.

Acrogens are either Filicoid, or ferns and their allies; or
Muscoid, or mosses and their allies. |

Filicoid Acrogens are divided into seven secondary groups,
called Orders ; which however consist of a single one and three
pairs: so that the divisions of the secondary, are in fact nume-
rically identical with those of primary groups.

APPENDIX Iv. A

li Edward Newman

Primary groups are called classes, secondary groups orders.
The seven orders of Filicoid Acrogens are these : — Polypo-
diacee ; Osmundacee and Ophioglossacee ; Marsiliacee and
Lycopodiacee ; Equisetacee and Characez.

The present paper treats only of the first, second and third
of these orders, the British species of which are so few in num-
ber, that it is extremely difficult so to arrange them as to give
any idea of a connected series.

Order. — POLYPODIACEX, R. Brown.

Plants composed of fibrous roots, solid simple rhizoma, and
flat leafy fronds which rise with a circinate vernation and bear
capsules in clusters on their back or edges. The capsules are
provided with an elastic jointed ring. The divisions of this
order are still obscure, and require further investigation ; the
subjoined arrangement is confessedly imperfect, but will pro-
bably be found convenient to those whose attention is chiefly
confined to the European ferns.

Family. — ADIANTES.

The ultimate divisions of the frond generally stipitate
and leaf-like but without a mid-vein: clusters of capsules
small, nearly circular, seated on the reflexed bleached mar-
gin: no apparent involucre.

Genus. — Aprantum, Linneus.

No mid-vein: veins of divisions of the frond variously
branched, free at extremity: involucre not apparent: clus-
ters of capsules nearly orbicular and situate on a bleached
reflexed margin.

ADIANTUM CAPILLUS- VENERIS.
Adiantum Capillus-Veneris, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1559; Lightf.
Fl. Scot. 679; Huds. Fl. Ang. 460; Bolt. Fil. Brit.
24, t. 29; With. Arr. 781; Sm. E. F. iv. 320, E. B.
1564; Mack. Fl. Hib. 344; Newm. N. A. 9, F. 83;
Hook. and Arn. 576; Bab. 416.

on British Ferns. ili

Stipes black, shining, about the same length as the
frond; frond deltoid, pinnate; pinne alternate, pinnate,
pinnules stalked, leaf-like.

Sea-coast of Devonshire, Cornwall, Glamorganshire, Isle
of Man, and South Isles of Arran.

Family. — PrerIpEz&.

Ultimate divisions of frond with a distinct mid-vein, la-
teral veins branched and united at their extremities by a
distinct marginal vein, on which the capsules are placed in
a continuous line, and are covered by the bleached reflexed
epidermis.

Genus. — Evpteris, Newman.

Mid-vein distinct, lateral veins anastomosing at the mar-
gin, forming a marginal vein: involucre attached to inner
side of marginal vein, linear, its margin split into capillary
segments : capsules attached in a linear series to the mar-
ginal vein, exterior to the involucre: epidermis prolonged,
bleached, reflexed, split into capillary segments and cover-
ing the capsules in the manner of an involucre.

EUPTERIS AQUILINA.

Pteris aquilina, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1533; Lightf. Fl. Scot. 657 ;
Huds. Fl. Ang. 451; Bolt. Fil. Brit. 16, t. 10; With. »
Arr. 765; Sm. E. F. iv. 318, HB. 1679; Mack. Fl.
Hib. 348; Newm. N. A. 11, F. 93; Hook. and Arn.
Rios eau. 415.

Eupteris aquilina, Newm. Phytol. i. 278.

Rhizoma creeping; stipes long; frond deltoid, tripin-
nate, erect.
Abundant everywhere except on chalk.

Obs. — There are several other natural divisions of the Linnean
genus Pteris, but neither of them contains British species. Messrs.
Houlston and Moore, in their ‘‘ Descriptive List of Cultivated Ferns,”
now in course of publication in the ‘ Gardeners’ Magazine of Botany,’
treat all the species of Eupteris as identical, thus making one species

Edward Newman

cosmopolitan : in this conclusion, however, I am hardly prepared to
agree.

Family. — BLecHNE.

The ultimate divisions of the frond sessile, having a dis-
tinct mid-vein, the lateral veins anastomose in a linear
Series on each side of the mid-vein: capsules seated in a
continuous line on that side of these anastomosing veins
which is nearest the mid-vein, covered by a continuous li-
near lateral involucre, which opens towards the mid-vein.

Genus. — Lomartia, Willdenow.

Mid-vein distinct, lateral veins anastomosing in a linear
series on each side, parallel to the mid-vein, and emitting
free branches to the margin: involucre linear, opening to-
wards the mid-vein ; capsules in a linear series on the in-
ner side of each anastomosing vein.

LOMARIA SPICANT.

Osmunda spicant, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1522; Lightf. Fl. Scot.
654; Huds. Fl. Ang. 450; Bolt. Fil. Brit. 8, t. 6.
Osmunda spicanthus, With. Arr. 763.
Blechnum spicant, With. Arr. 765.
Lomaria spicant (Desv.), Newm. N. A. 9, F. 89.
Blechnum boreale (Swartz), Sm. EH. F. iv. 316, H.B.1159;
Mack. Fl. Hib. 348; Hook. and Arn. 575; Bab. 415.
Fronds of two kinds: fertile fronds erect, linear, pin-
nate; pinne distant, reflexed, narrow, linear; the lower
portion of the stipes naked: barren fronds prostrate, lan-
ceolate, pinnatifid ; pinne close, flat, broad, blunt.
Common on damp soils.

Family. — ASPLENIER.

A large and varied group, approaching very nearly to the
last, but constantly differing: the capsules are seated in
linear clusters on one side of lateral veins, whose direction
is always at an angle with the median line of the pinnule,
so that in no instance can two or more of these lines of

i i es

on British Ferns. Vv

capsules form a continuous line: each cluster is covered
more or less completely by a linear lateral involucre.

Genus. — Noto.errum, Newman.

Mid-vein of pinnules present, lateral veins alternate,
branched, branches anastomosing among themselves and
with the branches of the next lateral vein: clusters of cap-
sules on the first anterior branch of each lateral vein, and
all of them directed towards the apex of the pinnule, ex-
cept in the first lateral veins, both branches of which bear
clusters, the anterior cluster directed as usual, but the pos-
terior towards the midrib of the frond, these are therefore
placed back to back: each cluster is accompanied by a
narrow and nearly erect involucre, occupying the same
position with regard to the capsules as that of a true As-
plenium: the back of the frond is densely clothed with
pointed overlapping scales.

Obs.—This genus has long been noticed as distinct, but I have seen
no description in which the characters are correctly given. A new
name seemed needful; the names of Scolopendrium, Grammitis, and
Gymnogramma, successively employed, have been severally restricted
to very different genera, and that of Ceterach seems objectionable, as
belonging of right to the species. A mode of overcoming the difficulty
certainly exists in a repetition of the name, as Ceterach Ceterach, and
this plan has been largely followed in the nomenclature of fishes, but
I think it has not hitherto found its way into the science of Botany.
Whenever it shall be introduced, there can be no doubt that the name
of Notolepeum must give way.

NoToLEereuM CETERACH.

Asplenium Ceterach, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1538; Lightf. Fl. Scot.
661; Huds. Fl. Ang. 452; Bolt. Fil. Brit. 20, t. 12 ‘
With. Arr. 767.

Scolopendrium Ceterach, Sm. E. F. iv. 315, HE. B. 1244.

Grammitis Ceterach (Swartz), Mack. 337.

Ceterach officinarum (Willd.), Newm. N. A. 28, F. 293;
Hook. and Arn. 566; Bab. 415.

Notolepeum Ceterach, Newm. F. 9.

|
| vi

Edward Newman

Stipes shorter than the frond; frond linear-lanceolate,
pinnatifid, divisions waved or lobed; back of frond ferru-
ginous with the dense covering of scales.

On limestone rocks, very local: on mortared walls, com-
mon in the West of England and South of Ireland.

Genus. — Puytuitis, Newman.

Lateral veins twice or thrice bifurcate, free at the extre-
mity : capsules in linear series upon the anterior and pos-
terior branches, on the anterior directed towards the apex
of the frond, on the posterior towards its base, always in
pairs, 2. ¢., when the anterior branch of a lateral vein bears
a line of capsules, the posterior branch of the lateral vein
next before it also bears a line of capsules corresponding
in length, and the two lines or series form a confluent mass
of capsules, covered by two involucres, which face each
other, and even in an early stage of growth overlap and
appear united.

Obs.—The name Phyllitis was employed by Ray and other eminent
botanists of the pre-Linnean era, but I believe has not been used as
generic since the introduction of the biominal nomenclature. I con-
sider that the name of Scolopendrium should be confined, as intended
by its author, to the species. As in the preceding instance, the repe-
tition of the name, thus, Scolopendrium Scolopendrium, would be the
strict application of the law of priority. The genus is generally ac-
knowledged as distinct.

PHYLLITIS SCOLOPENDRIUM.

Asplenium Scolopendrium, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1537; Lightf. FI.
Scot. 660; Huds. Fl. Ang. 452; Bolt. Fil. Brit. 18, t.
11; With. Arr. 766.

Scolopendrium vulgare (Sym. Syn.), Sm. EH. F. iv. 314, HE.
B. 1150; Mack. Fl. Hib. 842; Newm. N. A. 28, F.
289; Hook. and Arn. 574; Bab. 415.

Phyllitis Scolopendrium, Newm. F’. 10.

Stipes shorter than frond; frond pendulous, linear,
strap-shaped, entire.

Common on stone walls, hedge-banks, &c., in damp
places.

on British Ferns. vil

Genus. — Amestum, Newm.

Ultimate divisions without a distinct mid-vein: veins of
ultimate divisions very few, sparingly branched, free at the
extremities: involucres narrow, linear, frequently facing
each other as in the preceding genus, but rarely overlap-

ping.

Obs.—Roth unites the species of this genus with those of Scolopen-
drium, all other authors with Asplenium, from which, however, they
appear to me abundantly distinct.

* Frond simple.

AMESIUM SEPTENTRIONALE.

Acrostichum septentrionale, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1524; Laghif.
Fl. Scot. 656; Huds. Fl. Ang. 450; Bolt. Fil. Brit.
12,t. 8; With. Arr. 764.

Asplenium septentrionale, Sm. E. F. iv. 308, #. B. 1017;
Newm. N. A. 27, F. 269; Hook. and Arn. 572; Bab.
4],

Amesium septentrionale, Newm. F. 10.

Stipes and frond of equal length, their separation indis-
tinct ; frond linear, narrow, gradually diminishing into the
stipes, sometimes forked, apices of divisions bifid; clusters
of capsules in two, three, or four long linear series.

A small and rare fern, in rocky and mountainous pla-
ces. Somerset, Caernarvon, Cumberland, Northumber-
land, Edinburgh.

** Frond linear, pinnate.

AMESIUM GERMANICUM.
1770. Asplenium germanicum, Weiss, Pl. Cr. 299 ; Willd.
Sp. Pl. v. 330; Hoffm. Deutschl. Fl. ii. 13; Ehrh.
Crypt. 43; Presl. Tent. Pteridog. 108; Newm. F. 265;
Bab. 414.
1779. Asplenium Breynii, Retz, Obs. Bot. fasc. i. 82; Sw.
Syn. Fil. 85.

Vill

Edward Newman

1781. Asplenium alternifolium, Wulfen. Jacq. Mise. ii. 51;
With. Arr. 768; Sm. E. F. iv. 309, H. B. 2258; Newm.
N. A. 27; Hook. and Arn. 5738.

Amesium germanicum, Newm. F’. 10.

Stipes shorter than frond; frond linear, pinnate ; pinne
alternate, distant, linear, ascending, bifid or trifid at the
apex ; clusters of capsules linear.

A small and extremely rare plant. Caernarvonshire,
Perthshire.

*** Frond deltoid.

AmMEsium RuTA-MURARIA.

Asplenium Ruta-muraria, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1541; Lightf. Fl.
Scot. 665; Huds. Fl. Ang. 453; Bolt. Fil. Brit. 28, t.
16; With. Arr. 769; Sm. E. F. iv. 309, EH. B. 150;
Newm. N. A. 27, F’. 261; Hook. and Arn. 573; Bab.
414.

Amesium Ruta-muraria, Newm. F’. 10.

Stipes longer than frond; frond deltoid, composed of a
few diamond-shaped, stalked, leaf-like divisions ; clusters
of capsules linear, becoming confluent and entirely cover-
ing the divisions of the frond.

A small fern, common on rocks and mortared walls.

Genus. — ASPLENIUM.

Mid-vein distinct; lateral veins simple or branched: in-
volucre linear, attached to the side of the vein, its free
margin sometimes jagged, but not split into capillary seg-
ments.

* Frond linear, pinnate.

ASPLENIUM TRICHOMANES.

1753. Asplenium Trichomanes, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1540; Huds.
Fl. Ang. 452; Bolt. Fil. Brit. 22, t.15; With. Arr.
768; Sm. H. F. iv. 305, H. B. 576; Mack. Fl. Hib.
341; Newm. N. A. 28, FF. 285; 109; Hook. and Arn.
573; Bab. 414.

on British Ferns. 1x

1776. Asplenium Trichomanoides, With. Bot. Arr. Veg.
653; Lightf. Fl. Scot. 662.

Stipes generally shorter than the frond, purple through-
out; frond pinnate; pinne distant, stalked, ovate; clusters
of capsules linear, nearly black.

Common on rocks, walls and hedge-banks.

ASPLENIUM VIRIDE.

1753. Asplenium Trichomanes ramosum, Linn. Sp. Pl.
1541; With. Bot. Arr. Veg. 654.

1762. Asplenium viridi, Huds. Fl. Ang. 385.

1777. Asplenium viride, Lightf. Fl. Sc. 663; Huds. Fl. Ang.
453; Bolt. Fil. Brit. 24,t.14; With. Arr. 768; Sm. E.
F. iv. 306, HE. B. 2257; Mack. Fl. Hib. 341 ; Newm.
N. A. 28, F. 281; Hook. and Arn. 573; Bab. 414.

Stipes somewhat shorter than the frond, purple at the
base, otherwise green; frond very narrow, linear, pinnate ;
pinne stalked, distant, diamond-shaped, toothed; clusters
of capsules linear, at last confluent, rust-coloured.

On rocks in mountain districts only.

Obs.—In this instance the earliest name, Asplenium Trichomanes
ramosum, is abandoned, because evidently given as that of a variety,
not of aspecies. The second in date is also abandoned, because of its un-
grammatical termination, subsequently corrected by the author himself.

ASPLENIUM MARINUM.

Asplenium marinum, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1540; Lightf. Fl. Scot.
664; Huds. Fl. Ang. 453; Bolt. Fil. Brit. 26, t. 15;
With. Arr. 769; Sm. EH. F. iv. 307, HE. B. 392; Mack.
Fl. Hib. 341; Newm. N. A. 27, F. 275; Hook. and
Arn. 573; Bab. 414.

Adiantum Trapeziforme, Huds. Fl. Ang. 460; With. Bot.
Arr. Veg. 655; but certainly not of Linn. Sp. Pl. 1559,
as cited by early English authors.

Adiantum Trapeziferme, Berk. Syn. 309.

Stipes shorter than frond; frond pinnate; pinne stalk-
ed, ovate, serrated; clusters of capsules linear, rust-co-
loured, always separate.

Common on rocks by the sea.

APPENDIX Iv. B

¥ Edward Newman

** Frond deltoid.

ASPLENIUM ADIANTUM-NIGRUM.

Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1541; Lightf.
Fl. Scot. 666; Huds. Fl. Ang. 454; Bolt. Fil. Brit. 30,
t.17,3; With. Arr. 770; Sm. HeF.-i1vii310; aie
1950; Mack. Fl. Hib. 842; Newm. N. A. 27, F. 255;

Hook. and Arn. 573; Bab. 414.
Stipes longer than frond ; frond elongate, deltoid, pin-
nate ; lowest pair of pinne always longest, all the pinne
pinnate; clusters of capsules linear, approximate to mid-rib.

*** F'yond lanceolate.

ASPLENIUM LANCEOLATUM.
Asplenium lanceolatum, Huds. Fl. Ang. 454; With. Arr.
770; Sm. HE. F. iv. 311, HE. B. 240; Newm. N. A. 27,
F’, 249; Hook. and Arn. 573; Bab. 414.
“? Asplenium obtusatum, Guss.” Bab. MSS.

Stipes shorter than frond; frond semi-erect, lanceolate,
pinnate ; lowest pair of pinne shorter than the second pair,
all pinnate or pinnatifid; clusters of capsules at first linear,
afterwards circular, distant from midrib.

Local, and mostly maritime; chiefly upon stone walls.
Caernarvonshire, Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire, Kent,
Merionethsire, Sussex.

Genus. — Aruyrium, Roth.

Ultimate divisions generally distinct and leaf-like, each
with a distinct mid-vein: lateral veins always branched :
involucre crescent-shaped, its free margin split into capil-
lary segments. The rhizoma or cormus is long-enduring,
suberect, and often of very large size; it sometimes in-
creases laterally, but generally from the centre, and occa-
sionally, in very old individuals, it becomes erect and
trunk-like, as in the tree-ferns. There is probably some
difference between the species in this respect, but the sub-
ject has not obtained the attention of botanists.

“)

on British Ferns. xi

Obs. — This genus has a very great similarity, in general habit, to
that which immediately follows; a similarity also extending more or
less to several genera of the following family : it is comprised in the
genus Aspidium of Smith: it is now almost universally regarded as
comprising but a single species, the Polypodium Filix-femina of Lin-
neus, and the following synonymes are those of the genus.

Polypodium Filix-femina, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1551; Laghtf. FA.
Scot. 673; Huds. Fl. Ang. 458; With. Arr. 778.

Polipodium Filix-femina, Bolt. Fil. Brit. 46, t. 25.

Aspidium Filix-foemina (Swartz), and Aspidium irriguum,
Sm. E. F. iv. 295, 6, H. B. 1459 and HE. B. S. 2199.

Asplenium Filix-foemina (Bernh.), Mack. Fl. Hib. 342;
Hook. and Arn. 574.

Athyrium Filix-foemina (Roth), Newm. F. 420; Bab. 418.

* Frond deltoid. (No ascertained British species).

(ATHYRIUM DELTOIDEUM.
Aspidium crenatum, Sommerf. in Vet. Ac. Handlung. 104.
Cystopteris crenata, Fries, Nov. Fl. Suec. 165; Hook. Sp.
Fil. i. 200.

Stipes as long as the frond, pretty thickly clothed to-
wards the base with dark brown lanceolate scales; frond
deltoid, resembling that of Eupteris aquilina, but of small-
er size, pinnate; pinne stipitate, lanceolate, pinnate; in
the first pair of pinne the pinnules on the lower are longer
than those on the upper side; pinnules pinnate, their lobes
distant, but united at the base by the winged midrib of the
pinnule, blunt, slightly lobed on the upper margin; clus-
ters of capsules confined to the upper portion of the frond,
rather scattered in an oblique series on each side of the
midrib, and rather near it; involucre nearly linear, at-
tached to the side of the capsuliferous vein, and opening
towards the midrib, its free margin ragged.

North of Europe, in thick woods. Found by Mr. R. B.
Bowman, in the Pass of Kringelen, in Norway.

Obs.—There exist a Polypodium crenatum, an Aspidium crenatum,
and an Athyrium Filix-femina, var. crenatwm ; under these circum-
stances, achange of name will, I hope, be allowed. The plant is here

xi Edward Newman

introduced as being likely to occur in Scotland, and also to show that
the genus Athyrium is not restricted to the lanceolate form of frond).

** F'yond lanceolate.

ATHYRIUM OVATUM.
1795. Polypodium dentatum, Hoffm. Deutsch. Flor. 1. 6.

1800. Athyrium ovatum, Roth, Fl. Germ. i. 64; Newm. .
F. 420, Phytol. iv. 368. ;

Athyrium Filix-femina, var. dentatum, Newm. F. 203, ad ;
partem.

Asplenium Filix-foemina, var. latifolium, Hook. and Arn.
574; Bab. 413; Houlston and Moore, Gard. Mag. of
Bot. ui. 262.

Frond lax, flaccid, dark green, lanceolate, pinnate ; pin-
ne scarcely ascending, approximate, flattened, pinnate ;
pinnules ovate, distinctly stalked, crowded, overlapping,
lobed at the base, toothed at the apex; clusters of capsules
elongate as in Asplenium, in a series on each side of the
pinnule but distant from it. A large plant, two to three
feet high.

Rare ; found in the neighbourhood of Keswick by Miss
Beever and Miss Wright.

Obs. — The prior name of dentatum is discarded on account of its
identity with another Polypodium dentatum.

a
-
:
‘

ATHYRIUM MOLLE.
Polypodium molle, Schreber, Spic. Flor. Lips. 70; Ehrh.
Crypt. 9; Hoffm. Deutsch. Flor. 11. 6.
Athyrium molle, Roth, Flor. Germ. ii. 61; Newm. N. A.
26.
Athyrium Filix-femina, var. molle, Newm. F. 242.
Athyrium Filix-femina, y. Bab. 413.

Frond lax, flaccid, bright green, broadly lanceolate, pin-
nate; pinne scarcely ascending, approximate, flattened,
pinnate, subpinnate, or pinnatifid; pinnules blunt, approx-
imate, connected by the wing of the midrib; clusters of
capsules in a series on each side of the midrib of the pin-
nule, and very near it. Generally a small plant, twelve to

on British Ferns. Xili

eighteen inches high, when larger somewhat more divided,
and then it is the Polypodium trifidum of Hoffman.
Common in woods.

ATHYRIUM INCISUM.
Polypodium incisum, Hoffm. Deutsch. Flor. ii. 6.
Athyrium Filix-femina, Roth, Flor. Germ. iii. 65.
Athyrium Filix-femina, var. incisum, Newm. F. 248.
Athyrium Filix-fentina 8. Bab. 413.

Frond suberect, subrigid, dull green, lanceolate, pinnate;
pinne subdistant, pimnate; pinnules deeply incised or
lobed, divisions dentate; clusters of capsules close, owing
to the greater subdivision of frond not ranged in series, but
crowded and finally confluent. A large plant, two to four
feet high, and proportionably broad.

Common in wet woods. A much more beautiful fern
than either of the preceding, and the type of the genus.

ATHYRIUM CONVEXUM.
Athyrium rheeticum, Roth. Flor. Germ. ii. 67 ; Newm. N.
A. 26.
Athyrium Filix-femina, var. convexum, Newm. F. 245.
Athyrium Filix-femina, a. Bab. 413.

Frond pale green, erect, rigid, linear lanceolate, pinnate;
the stipes and rachis semipellucid, and often beautifully
coloured with purple or red; pinne distant, at first ascend-
ing, then spreading, and finally deflexed, extremely acute ;
pinnules distant, very narrow, linear, entirely unconnected,
their margin convolute; clusters of capsules subrotund,
close to the midrib of the pinnule, and finally covering
their under surface, and themselves partially covered by
the convolute margin of the pinnules.

Not uncommon in exposed localities.

Obs.—The seedlings of these plants are particularly abundant near
the parent; they constitute the A. rhceticum, var. minus of Roth, and
the Aspidium irriguum of Smith.

X1V

Edward Newman
Family. — PotypopiEz.

A large and varied group. Capsules seated in circular
clusters directly on the back of the lateral veins.

Genus. — Psrupatuyrium, Newm.

Involucre wanting: clusters of capsules small, at first
distinct, but often crowded when mature: first and second
pinnules on each pinna, both above and below, of nearly
corresponding size: ultimate divisions pointed but without
spines: precisely the habit of Athyrium.

PsEUDATHYRIUM ALPESTRE.

Aspidium alpestre, Hoppe, Taschenb. (1805), 216; Schkuhr,
58.

Polypodium alpestre, Koch.

Aspidium rheticum, Swartz, Syn. Fil. 59.

Polypodium rheticum, Woods, Tour. F'l. 423.

Pseudathyrium alpestre, Newm. Phytol. iv. 370.

Rhizoma tufted ; stipes shorter than frond; frond elon-
gate, lanceolate, pinnate ; pinne pinnate ; pinnules ap-
proximate, lobed, lobes notched.

Scotland. Three specimens are in the herbarium of Mr.
Watson, gathered by himself, one in Canlochen Glen, For-
farshire, a second on Ben Aulder, and a third on “ moun-
tains near Dalwhinnie.” Mr. Watson thinks it possible
that, as he went from Dalwhinnie to Ben Aulder, both the
specimens last mentioned may be from the latter locality.
Common in alpine districts of Europe, and will in all pro-
bability prove so in Scotland. Lightfoot, in describing the
clusters of capsules in the Scotch specimens of Filix-femi-
na, says they first appear as “‘ distinct round dots;” he had
probably seen the present species.

Obs. — In Schkuhr’s ‘ Handbook’ there is a reference to plate 60,
which plate is named Aspidium umbrosum, but certainly represents
this species.

on British Ferns. XV

Genus. — Potysticuum, Schott.

Involucre circular, scale-like, its margins free, attached
by its centre: first upper pinnule of each pair greatly lar-
ger than the second, and larger than the first and second
lower pinnules; all the ultimate divisions ending in an
acute spine.

Obs.—The genus Polystichum, as proposed by Roth, is almost iden-
tical with Aspidium of Willdenow, but was subsequently restricted by
Schott to the typical species, and those having a similar circular invo-
lucre. Although as regards British species the genus thus restricted
is remarkably distinct, yet among exotic ferns we find species almost
precisely intermediate between this and the following genus.

PoLYsTICHUM ANGULARE.

Polypodium aculeatum, Lightf. Fl. Scot. 675; Huds. Fi.
Ang. 459.

Aspidium angulare, Willd. Sp. Pl. v. 257; Sm. E. F. iv.
291, EH. B. 8. 2776; Mack. Fl. Hib. 339; Hook. and
Arn. 568.

Polystichum angulare, Newm. N. A. 25, F. 173 ; Bab. 412.

Rhizoma tufted ; stipes one-third as long as the frond,
densely clothed with large, red, chaffy scales; frond droop-
ing, graceful, broad lanceolate, lax, feathery, pinnate; pinnee
very numerous, linear, distant, pinnate ; pinnules distinct,
stalked, often distant, auricled at the base, rounded at the
apex, serrated, spined.

Common in woods and shady lanes.

POLYSTICHUM ACULEATUM.

Polypodium aculeatum, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1552.

Polypodium lobatum, “affinis precedenti (P. angulare, I. &:)
an distincta sit species?” Huds. Fl. Ang. 459; With.
Bot. Arr. Veg. 651.

Polipodium aculeatum, Bolt. Fil. Brit. 48, t. 26. “Polipo-
dium lobatum, Hall. Hist. 1712, and FI. Ang. 459, is
doubtless a young plant of Polipodium aculeatum ; of
this I am certain from observation.” — Bolt. l. ¢.

Xvi Edward Newman

Aspidium lobatum (Swartz), Sm. HE. F. iv. 291; Mack. Fl.
Hib. 338; Hook. and Arn. 568.

Polystichum aculeatum (Roth), Newm. N. A. 25, F. 169;
Bab. 411.

Rhizoma tufted ; stipes very short ; frond rigid, horizon-
tal, leathery, linear lanceolate, pinnate ; pinne numerous,
pinnatifid, divisions decurrent.

Common everywhere.

PotysticHuM LoncHITIs.

Polypodium Lonchitis, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1548; Lightf. Fl. Scot.
668; Huds. Fl. Ang. 455; With. Arr. 773; Sm. EH.
B. 797.

Polipodium Lonchitis, Bolt. Fil. Brit. 34, t. 19.

Aspidium Lonchitis (Swartz), Sm. E. F. iv. 284; Mack. Fl.
Hib. 338 ; Hook. and Arn. 568.

Polystichum Lonchitis (Roth), Newm. N. A. 25, F. 168 ;
Bab. 411.

Rhizoma tufted ; stipes very short ; frond linear, rigid,
leathery, pinnate ; pinne entire, auricled at the base, ser-
rated, very spiny; clusters of capsules circular, crowded,
often confluent, confined to the upper half of the frond.

On mountains, rare. Caernarvonshire, Durham, York-
shire, Forfarshire, Perthshire, Kerry, Sligo.

Genus. — Lopuopium, Newm.

Involucre nearly circular, scale-like, its direction oblique
to the plane of the frond, its margin with a conspicuous
notch, and its attachment at this notch: first upper pin-
nule generally larger than the second, and always greatly
less than the first lower pinnule: all the ultimate divisions
ending in a point: cormus or rhizoma large, massive, and
long enduring.

* Frond deltoid ; points of divisions spine-like.
LopHopIUM (RECURVUM) F@NESECH.
1790. Polipodium cristatum, Bolt. Fil. Brit. 42, ad partem,
2.°€.; t. 23.

on British Ferns. XVii

1832. Nephrodium fcenesecii, Lowe, Camb. Phil. Trans. iv.
7, ad partem, forté omnino.

Aspidium dilatatum, var. recurvum, Bree, Mag. Nat. Hist.
iv. 162.

1843. Aspidium recurvum, Bree, Phytol. i. 773.

Lastrea recurya, Newm. N. A. 23, F. 225.

Lastrea foenesecii, Watson, Phytol. u. 568; Bab. 411.

Aspidium spinulosum, y. Hook. and Arn. 57.

Lophodium recurvum, Newm. Phytol. iv. 371.

Rhizoma tufted, large, crown unusually broad; stipes as
long as frond, woody, clothed with long, narrow, laciniated
scales; frond elongate, triangular (being exactly that of
Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum), drooping, elegant, pale de-
licate green when young, its under surface sprinkled over
with sessile, pellucid glands (which probably cause the pow-
erful scent for which this species is remarkable), pinnate ;
lowest pair of pinne longest stalked, all pinnate; all the
divisions of the frond concave; involucre jagged, without
stalked glands; clusters of capsules round, crowded, cover-
ing every part of the frond.

Common in Ireland and Cornwall; occurring in Devon-
shire, N. Wales, Cumberland, Sussex, &c. sparingly.

** Frond linear-lanceolate ; points of divisions spine-like.

LoPHODIUM MULTIFLORUM.

Polypodium cristatum, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1551, ad partem ;
Huds. Fl. Ang. 390 (1762), (I place this synonyme
here without hesitation, not simply from the accord-
ance of Hudson’s specific character, but because that
author specially cites Hampstead Heath as the loca-
lity, and the present species has existed there from
Hudson’s time to the present, and no other form or
supposed species has ever been found there) ; Id. 457,
(1778); Lightf. Fl. Scot. 670; Bolt. Fil. Brit. 42, ad
partem, (the second variety refers to this species);
With. Arr. 778.

Polystichum multiflorum, Roth, Fl. Germ. i. 87.

APPENDIX Iv. C

XViil Edward Newman

Aspidium dilatatum, spinulosum, and dumetorum, Sm. E. 4
F. iv. 292, 8, 4, and also of Smith’s Herbarium, now
in the possession of the Linnean Society.

Aspidium spinulosum, Mack. Fl. Hib. 840; var. B. Hook.
and Arn. 571.

Lastrea dilatata, Newm. N. A. 23; Bab. 411.

Lastrea multiflora, Newm. F. 215.

Lophodium multiflorum, Newm. Phytol. iv. 371.

Rhizoma tufted ; stipes very stout, nearly as long as the
frond, densely clothed with long pointed scales, which are
dark brown along the middle but pale at the edges; frond
glandular when young, very large, deep green, drooping,
ovate-lanceolate, pinnate ; lowest pair of pinne shorter
than the second, third, fourth or fifth, pinne pinnate; pin-
nules pinnate or pinnatifid; ultimate divisions serrated,
spined ; all the divisions of the frond convex; involucre
nearly circular, fringed with stalked glands; clusters of
capsules circular, covering every part of the frond.

Common everywhere.

Obs. —'Two or more doubtful species of Lophodium occupy this
place; viz., L. glandulosum, probably identical, as suggested to me by
Mr. Moore, with Lastrea maculata of Deakin, L. collmum, &c. The
characters of these are still insufficiently ascertained.

LopPHODIUM SPINOSUM.
Polypodium cristatum, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1551, ad partem.
1770. Polypodium Filix-femina y. spinosa, Weiss, Crypt. 316.
1800. Polystichum spinosum, Roth, Fl. Germ. iii. 91.
Lastrea spinosa, Newm. N. A. 21, F. 209.
Lastrea spinulosa, Bab. 410.
Lophodium spinosum, Newm. Phytol. iv. 371.

Rhizoma stout, slowly but extensively creeping; stipes
as long as frond, clothed sparingly, except at the base,
with broad, rounded, pale brown, diaphanous scales; frond
slightly drooping, elongate, lear, pinnate; pinne rather
distant, winged, pinnate ; pinnules at the base of the pinne
separated from the midrib by a deep notch, towards the
apex of the pinne decurrent, all lobed, the lobes serrated

on British Ferns. X1X

and spined; divisions at the apex of the frond narrow, their
terminations acute ; all the divisions of the frond flat; in-
volucre nearly circular, its margins waved, not torn, nor
furnished with teeth or stalked glands; clusters of capsules
circular, crowded, sometimes confluent, confined to the up-
per part of the frond.

Common in damp woods in England. I have not seen
it from Scotland or Ireland.

Obs.—This very common fern has totally escaped the notice of Smith,
Mackay, and Hooker and Arnott. Mr. Moore, in copying my figures
of the palez and inyolucres of multiflora and spinosa, has unhappily
transposed them. Babington is the only British author to whom I
can refer.

LOPHODIUM ULIGINOSUM.
Aspidium spinulosum, var. uliginosum (4. Braun), Doll,
Rhein. Flor. 17,18. Vide Phytol. ii. 101.

Lastrea uliginosa, Newm. Phytol. ii. 679.

Lastrea cristata, var. uliginosa, Moore, Phytol. iv. 149, in
Rep. Bot. Soc. Ed.

Lastrea cristata, Bab. 410, ad partem.

Aspidium spinulosum, Hook. and Arn. 571, ad partem. —
“The plant under the name of L. uliginosa in the
Royal Gardens, corresponds with our A. spinulosum,
a.”—Hook. and Arn. l.c. The plant here referred to
as cultivated at Kew, is correctly named as my L. uli-
ginosa; I mention this to show, from the evidence of
all parties concerned, that Aspidium spinulosum, a.,
Hook. and Arn., and my Lophodium uliginosum are
identical.

Lophodium uliginosum, Newm. Phytol. iv. 371.

Rhizoma tufted; vernation simply circinate, fronds erect,
rigid, linear lanceolate, of two kinds, the fertile resembling
those of the preceding, the barren those of the following
Species, pinnate ; pinne also pinnate.

Not uncommon; bogs and boggy heaths, in company
with the following species.

LorHopium CALLIPTERIs.
Polypodium cristatum, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1551, ad partem.

*** Tyyolucre more conver and more completely reniform; points of divi-

LopuopiuM FILIX-MAS.

Edward Newman

1788. Polypodium Callipteris, Ehrhart, Beitrage, ui. 77,
Crypt. 53; Hoffm. Deutsch. Fl. 11. 6.

1800. Polystichum cristatum, Roth, Fl. Germ. iii. 84.

Aspidium cristatum, Sm. HE. F.iv. 289, H. B. 2125; Hook.
and Arn. 569.

Lastrea Callipteris, Newm. F. 12.

Lastrea cristata, Newm. N. A. 21, F. 203; Moore, Phytol.
iv. 149, ad partem; Bab. 410, ad partem.

Lophodium Callipteris, Newm. Phytol. iv. 371.

Rhizoma very stout, slowly creeping, often extending
two or three feet; stipes branched, as long as the frond,
sparingly clothed with short, broad, pale, semi-hyaline
scales; frond very erect, narrow, linear, pinnate; pinne
rather distant, short, somewhat triangular, pinnatifid, from
five to eight pairs usually of the same length, but the fifth,
sixth, seventh or eighth pair somewhat longest, and the
others gradually approaching them in length, the distance
between each pair gradually decreasing from the base
towards the apex; pinnules generally decurrent, oblong,
lobed, serrated, blunt or rounded at the apex, the lower
pinnules generally larger and longer than the upper ;
involucre flat, its margin irregular; clusters of capsules
crowded, often confluent, confined to the upper part of the
frond.

On boggy ground, in Cheshire, Norfolk, Nottingham,
and Suffolk; very local.

sions obtuse.—Dryopteris, Schott.

Polypodium Filix-mas, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1551; Lightf. Fl. Se.
671; Huds. Fl. Ang. 458; With. Arr. 775.

Polipodium Filix-mas, Bolt. Fil. Brit. 44, t. 24.

Aspidium Filix-mas (Swartz), Sm. EH. F. iv. 288, EH. B.
1458; Mack. 840; Hook. and Arn. 569.

Aspidium cristatum, Sm. H. B. 1949; Mack. 340.

Dryopteris Filix-mas, Schott, Fu.

Lastrea Filix-mas, Newm. N. A. 19, #. 197; Bab. 410.

on British Ferns. Xxi

Rhizoma tufted ; stipes short, densely clothed with red-
dish scales ; fronds semi-erect, lanceolate, pinnate ; pinne
numerous, pinnate; pinnules blunt, serrated; involucre ve-
ry perfect, without stalked glands; clusters of capsules less
crowded nearer the midrib, absent from the lower pinne.

Common everywhere.

Obs.—Two apparent species, when better understood, may be intro-
duced here, Lophodium erosum, the Aspidium erosum of Schkuhr,
and L. abbreviatum, the Polystichum abbreviatum of Decandolle.

LopHopIuM (RIGIDUM) FRAGRANS.

1753. Polypodium fragrans, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1089, (1st edi-
tion); Huds. Fl. Ang. 888, (1st edition); With. Arr.
650; Villars, Hist. Pl. Dauph. iii. 843.

1795. Polypodium rigidum, Hoffm. Deutsch. Flor. ii. 16.

1810. Polystichum strigosum, Roth, Fl. Germ. iii. 86.

Aspidium fragrans, Gray, Nat. Arr. ii. 9.

Aspidium rigidum (Swartz), Hook. E. B, S. 2724; Hook.

and Arn. 569.

Lastrea rigida (Presl), Newm. N. A. 19, F. 191; Bab. 411.

Rhizoma tufted; stipes much shorter than the frond,
densely clothed with reddish scales; frond semi-erect,
glandulose, sweet-scented, lanceolate, pinnate ; pinne very
numerous; pinnules oblong, obtuse, serrated; involucre
very perfect, fringed with stalked glands; clusters of cap-
sules very crowded, covering the pinnules, absent from the
lower pinne.

Not uncommon upon limestone rocks in the North of

England.

Genus. — HEMESTHEUM.

Clusters of capsules on both branches of the lateral
veins, and equidistant from the mid-vein, so as to form a
continuous submarginal series, which, in the first division,
is completely covered by the revolute margin of the pin-
nule ; in the second division, nearly so: involucre insta-
ble, sometimes totally absent, at other times small, indis-
tinct, subreniform, evanescent: first upper pinnule longer

Xxii

Edward Newman

than the first lower, both slightly longer than the second
and following pinnules: ultimate divisions without a point.

Obs. —. This genus has been carefully defined by Schott under the
name of Thelypteris; but I object, for the reason before stated, to
the transfer of a name from a species to a genus.

HEMESTHEUM THELYPTERIS.

Acrostichum Thelypteris, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1528; Bolt. Fil.
Brit. part u. 78, t. 438, 44; With. Bot. Arr. Veg. 649.

Polypodium Thelypteris, Linn. Mant. 505; Huds. Fl. Ang.
457; With. Arr. 776; ? Lightf. Fl. Scot. 674.

Polystichum Thelypteris, Roth. Fl. Germ. ii. 77.

Aspidium Thelypteris (Swartz), Sm. EH. F. iv. 285; Mack.
Fl. Hib. 340; Hook. and Arn. 569, (excl. syn. “EK. B.
1018,” which represents G. Phegopteris).

Lastrea Thelypteris (Bory), Newm. N. 4.19, F. 183; Bab.
409.

Thelypteris palustris, Schott, Fil.

Rhizoma creeping; fronds of two kinds, both erect, on
long smooth stipes, lanceolate, pinnate ; pinne pinnatifid,
lower pinne equalling the rest in length; pinnules blunt,
entire, in fertile fronds with convolute margins covering
the capsules ; lateral veins branched; involucre small, and
present on scarcely more than half the clusters; capsules
in circular clusters, scarcely marginal.

In marshes, very local.

HeEMESTHEUM (OREOPTERIS) MONTANUM.

Polypodium fragrans, Linn. Mant. 11. 807; Huds. Fl. Ang.
457, (2nd edition). The reader will see that the al-
tered description no longer agrees with L. rigida.

1781. Polypodium montanum, Vogler, Diss. de Pol. mont.

1788. Polypodium Oreopteris, Hhrh. Beitr.; Dicks. Tr.
Linn. Soc. i. 181, (1791); With. Arr. 775.

Polipodium Thelypteris, Bolt. Fil. Brit. 40, t. 22.

Polystichum montanum, Roth. Flor. Germ. iii. 74.

Aspidium Oreopteris (Swartz), Sm. E. F. iv. 286, HE. B.
1019; Mack. Fl. Hib. 339; Hook. and Arn. 569.

Lastrea Oreopteris, Newm. N. A. 17, F. 187; Bab. 410.

on British Ferns. XXili

Rhizoma tufted ; stipes very short, chaffy ; frond semi-
erect, lanceolate, much attenuated at the base, pinnate ;
pinne pinnatifid, divisions rounded, lower pinne very
short, deltoid, obtuse ; veins and capsules as in the pre-
ceding ; involucre sometimes quite obvious.

Mountains and moist woods, frequent.

Obs.—Each species is the type of a group of species, and might be
regarded as a genus, but the intervention of H. Novaboracense tends
very much to unite them.

Genus. — Gymnocarpium, Newman.

Ultimate divisions of the frond with branched lateral
veins free at the extremity, bearing clusters of capsules on
all the branches: involucre none. In the British species
the plant extends by means of a rapidly extending, slender,
subterranean, stolon-like rhizoma.

GYMNOCARPIUM PHEGOPTERIS.

Polypodium Phegopteris, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1550; Laghtf. Fl.
Scot. 669; Huds. Fl. Ang. 456; With. Arr. 7 75; Sm.
E. F. iv. 282, EH. B. 2224; Mack. Fl. Hib. 337; Newm.
F115; Hook. and Arn. 566.

Polipodium Phegopteris, Bolt. Fil. Brit. 36, t. 20.

Aspidium Thelypteris, Sm. E. B. 1018.

Lastrea Phegopteris, Newm. N. A. 17, F. 13.

Polypodium ? Phegopteris, Bab. 408.

Gymnocarpium Phegopteris, Newm. Phytol. iv. 371.

Polystichum Phegopteris, Roth, Flor. Germ. iii. 72.

Rhizoma creeping; stipes long; frond ovate-deltoid,
pinnate, drooping; first pair of pinne distinct, turned back,
the rest united at the base, pointing forwards, all pinnati-
fid; veins, capsules and involucres as in the preceding ;
colour dull green ; stem concolorous, rather scaly.

By mountain rills and waterfalls, and in wet woods:
common in Scotland, North of England, and Wales; rare
in Ireland.

XXi1V

Edward Newman

GYMNOCARPIUM ROBERTIANUM.

1785. Polypodium Dryopteris, Bolt. Fil. Brit. 53, t. 1.
1795. Polypodium Robertianum, Hoffm. Deutsch. Fl. ii.
10. — “ Fronde triangulari, foliolis ternis bipinna-
tis: pinnis pinnulisque inferne pinnatifidis. Stipes
glaucus, uno latere sulcatus. Frons tenera. Uter-
que nudo oculo subtili tomento ad lentem brevissimis
glandulis obsitus. Odor debilis Geran. Robert. Fruc-
tif. minuta.’—Hoffm. l. c¢.
1804. Polypodium calcareum, Sm. Fl. Brit. 1117, E. F. iv.
283, H. B. 1525; Newm. F.181; Hook. and Arn. 567.
Lastrea calcarea, Newm. N. A. 17.
Lastrea Robertiana, Newm. F. 13.
Polypodium ? calcareum, Bab. 409.
Gymunocarpium Robertianum, Newm. Phytol. iv. 371.
Rhizoma creeping; stipes erect; frond elongate-deltoid,
glandular-mealy; lower pinne bipinnate, upper pinne pin-
nate only ; colour dull green, stipes concolorous.
Among loose stones in limestone districts, not common.

GyMNocARPIUM DRYOPTERIS.

Polypodium Dryopteris. Linn. Sp. Pl. 1555; Lightf. Fl.
Scot. 678; Huds. Fl. Ang. 460; With. Arr. 780; Sm.
E. F. iv. 283, EH. B. 616; Mack. Fl. Hib. 3388; Newm.
F. 123; Hook. and Arn. 567.
Polypodium Dryopteris, Bolt. Fil. Brit. 52, t. 28.
Polystichum Dryopteris, Roth. Fl. Germ. iii. 80.
Lastrea Dryopteris, Newm. N. A. 15, F. 13.
Polypodium ? Dryopteris, Bab. 409.
Gymnocarpium Dryopteris, Newm. Phytol. iv. 371.
Rhizoma creeping ; stipes erect, glabrous ; frond triple,
deltoid, smooth, the three branches pinnate; pinne pin-
natifid ; lateral veins usually simple ; involucre generally
wanting; clusters of capsules near the extremity of each
lateral vein, forming a marginal series; colour a bright
green, stipes purplish.
An exquisitely beautiful little fern. Common in moun-
tain districts, otherwise rare.

on British Ferns. “XXV

Genus. — Cysroprrris, Bernhardi.

Mid-vein of ultimate divisions distinct but sinuous, late-
ral veins branched, free: involucre attached almost be-
neath the mass of capsules, half-way between the mid-vein
and the extremity, directed at first backwards, then up-
wards, then forwards, and almost covering the circular
mass of young capsules like a hood, its anterior margin
split into unequal and often capillary segments.

CYsTOPTERIS (MONTANA) ALLIONI.
1789. Polypodium montanum, Ailion. Pedem. n. 2410.
Cyathea montana, Roth, Flor. Germ. iii. 100.
Cystopteris montana (Link), Newm. Phytol. i. 671, N. A.
15, F. 13 & 159; Hook. and Arn. 572; Bab. 413.
Rhizoma creeping ; stipes erect, longer than the frond;
frond deltoid. ~
Apparently a rare, certainly a local fern; hitherto ob-
served only in Scotland. Found in 1836 on Ben Lawers,
by Mr. W. Wilson: in a ravine called Corrach Dh’Oufil-
lach, in 1841, by Messrs. W. Gourlie and W. Adamson:
in the same place by Mr. Borrer and Dr. Walker-Arnott in
1850: and again by the Rey. W. Little in 1851.

Obs.—I think the name of Polypodium montanum was given to this
plant against all the rules of botanical nomenclature, Vogler having
given that name to another species eight years previously.

CyYsTOPTERIS FRAGILIS.
~ Polypodium fragile, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1553; Laghif. Fl. Scot.
677; Huds. Fl. Ang. 459; Bolt. Fil. Brit. 50, t. 27 &
46; With. Arr. 779.

1762. Polypodium rheticum, Huds. Fl. Ang. 458; With.
Arr.780; Bolt. Fil. Brit. part ii. 80, t. 45, but certain-
ly not of Linn. Sp. Pl. 1552, as cited by early English
authors.

1779. Polypodium polymorphum, Villars, Dauph. iii. 847.

1793. Polypodium dentatum, Dicks. Crypt. fase. iii. 1, t. 7,
f. 1, Id. H. Siee. fasc. 16; With. Arr. 776.

1796. Polypodium trifidum, With. Arr. 779.

APPENDIX Iv. D

#.
XXV1 Edward Newman

Cyathea fragilis, Roth, Flor. Germ. iii. 94.

Cystea fragilis, Sm. H. F. iv. 298, E. B. 1587.

Cystea dentata, Sm. EH. F. iv. 300, H. B. 1588.

Cystea angustata, Sm. EL. F. iv. 301. -

Cystea regia, Sm. HE. F. iv. 302, ad partem, 7. e., excl. the
plant found on the garden-wall at Low Layton, which
has not been gathered wild in Britain.

Cistopteris fragilis, Mack. Fl. Hib. 341.

Cystopteris fragilis, Newm. N. A. 15, F. 18, 149; Hook.
and Arn. 572; Bab. 412.

? Cystopteris dentata, Bab. 412, ad partem, i. e., excl. Dic-
kieanum, Sim.

Rhizoma quasi-tufted, but increasing laterally; stipes
shorter than the frond; frond erect, lanceolate, bipinnate ;
pinne ascending; pinnules distinct.

A small, elegant, and fragile fern, common in Wales, the
North of England, Scotland, and parts of Ireland.

Obs.—Cystopteris alpina of Desveux, Hooker and Arnott, and Ba-
bington, being also the C. regia of Smith in part, and the C. incisa of
‘ English Botany,’ is not a true native.

CysTorTeris DIcKIEANA.
Cystopteris Dickieana, Sim, in Gard. Journ. 308, 1848.
Cystopteris fragilis, a. Dickieana, Moore, Bot. Gaz.i. 310.
Cystopteris dentata, Bab. 412, ad partem, 2. e., excl. den-
tata, Sm.

Rhizoma tufted; stipes much shorter than the frond ;
frond ovate-lanceolate; pinne crowded, overlapping, twist-
ed as in Polystichum Lonchitis, scarcely pinnatifid, never
pinnate, very broad and obtuse, their divisions slightly
notched ; clusters of capsules small, round, remaining dis-
tinct, submarginal ; involucre generally wanting.

Rare ; found by Dr. Dickie in a cave by the sea near

Aberdeen.

Obs. — This little fern is better known to cultivators than to field-
botanists. It has exactly the habit of a Woodsia: I only know it as
cultivated, and then it appears perfectly distinct. It is reproduced rea-
dily from seed, and loses none of its distinguishing characters.

on British Ferns. XXVii

Genus. — Woops, R. Br.

Mid-vein of ultimate divisions indistinct, lateral veins
branched, free: involucre seated near the extremity of each
branch, its base inclosing the base of the capsules, its mar-
gin split into capillary segments, which mingle with the
capsules.

Woops Invensis.

? Acrostichum Ilvense, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1528.

Acrostichum Ilvense, Huds. Fl. Ang. 451; Bolt. Fil. Brit.
14, t. 9.

Polypodium arvonicum, With. Arr. 774.

Woodsia Ilvensis, R. Br. Tr. Linn. Soc. xi. 173; Sm. E. F.
iv. 322, H. B. S. 2616; Newm. N. A. 18, F. 187;
Hook. and Arn. 567.

Woodsia Ilvensis, Bab. 409, ad partem.

Rhizoma tufted ; stipes sometimes as long as the frond,
but generally shorter, distinctly articulated towards the
base ; frond erect, lanceolate, pinnate ; pinne oblong, sub-
opposite, lobed or pinnatifid, scaly.

A very small and rare fern. Found on rocks in Caer-
narvonshire by Mr. W. Wilson; in Durham by Mr. Back-
house ; in Forfarshire by Mr. Watson and Mr. Wilson.

WoopsIA ALPINA.

- Polypodium fontanum, Herb. Linn. certé.
1776. Acrostichum Ilvense, With. Arr. 649.
1790. Acrostichum alpinum, Bolt. Fil. Brit. 76, t. 42.
1793. Acrostichum hyperboreum, Liljeblad, St. Tr. 201, t. 8.
Woodsia hyperborea, R. Br. Tr. Linn. Soc. xi. 173; Sm.

HE. F. iv. 323, ? EH. B. 2023; Hook. and Arn. 567.

Woodsia Ilvensis, Bab. 409, ad partem.
Woodsia alpina, Newm. N. A. 18, F. 148.

Rhizoma tufted ; stipes shorter than the frond, articu-
lated ; frond narrow, linear, pinnate; pinne distant, del-
toid, blunt, lobed.

A very small and rare fern. Found on rocks in Caer-
narvonshire and Perthshire by Mr. W. Wilson.

XXV1i1 Edward Newman

Genus. — AtLosorus, Bernhardi.

Mid-vein distinct, lateral veins free: involucre not ap-
parent: capsules in circular clusters near the extremity of
the lateral veins, which are often divided: epidermis pro-
longed, bleached, reflexed, entire, and covering the cap-
sules in the manner of an inyolucre.

ALLOSORUS CRISPUS. ;
Osmunda crispa, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1522; Lightf. Fl. Scot. 655;
Huds. Fl. Ang. 450; Bolt. Fil. Brit. 10, t. 7.
Pteris crispa, With. Arr. 764; Sm. E. F. iv. 319, HE. B. 1160.
Cryptogramma crispa, Mack. Fl. Hib. 343; Hook. and
Arn. 575.
Allosorus crispus (Bernh.), Newm. N. A. 18, F. 103; Bab.
408.

Rhizoma prostrate ; stipes as long as the frond; fronds
of two kinds, both deltoid, and divided into numerous leaf-
like stipitate divisions.

A small plant. Stony mountain regions in Scotland and
the North of England.

Genus. — CTENOPTERIS.

Mid-vein distinct: lateral veins of the pinne or pinnules
branched, free, swollen or capitate at their extremities; the
anterior branch simple, generally terminating midway be-
tween the mid-vein and the margin, bearing a cluster of
capsules at its extremity; the posterior branch is twice or
thrice dichotomously divided, the capitate extremities usu-
ally forming a line parallel to the margin: involucre none:
rhizoma usually attached by means of its roots to the sur-
face of a rock, the bark of atree, &c., thus always having
a pseudo-parasitic or climbing appearance, cylindrical,
branched, extending itself at the extremities, at first dense-
ly clothed with pale, but as these fall off becoming smooth
and naked; of slow growth, tough and very enduring, here
and there marked with nearly circular scars, the site of
fallen fronds, which, though persistent through the winter,
are deciduous in early summer, falling off at a basal articu-
lation. (See Phytol. 11. 274).

on British Ferns. Xxix

Obs.—This genus is indicated by Presl under the title of Polypodi-
um § Ctenopteris, but I am not sufficiently acquainted with the host
of exotic species which that author has placed in his sectional divisions
to express any opinion as to their affinity. The genus, as restricted
above, is sufficiently extensive, and has not, as far as my information
' extends, been previously isolated.

CTENOPTERIS VULGARIS.

Polypodium vulgare, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1544; Lightf. Fl. Scot.
667; Huds. Fl. Ang. 455; With. Arr. 773; Sm. E. F.
iv. 280, H. B. 1149; Mack. Fl. Hib. 337; Newm. N.
A. 13, F. 111; Hook. and Arn. 566; Bab. 408.
Polipodium vulgare, Bolt. Fil. Brit. 32, t. 18.
Polypodium Ctenopteris vulgare, Presl, Tent. Pteridog. 179.
Stipes articulated at the base, of nearly equal length with
the frond ; frond pinnatifid.
Walls, trees and hedge-banks, common.

Obs.—The Polypodium cambricum of all authors is referrible to this
species.

Obs.—The beautiful Davallia canariensis, which, together with the eX-
tensive family to which it belongs, is intermediate between Polypodiew
and Hymenophyllez, may possibly occur in the South-west of Ireland.

Family. — HYMENOPHYLLEZ.

Frond appearing to consist of branched veins, each ac-
companied throughout by a membranous wing or margin:
cluster of capsules nearly spherical, seated on one of these
veins which projects beyond the edge of the leaf, the clus-
ter being inclosed in a kind of cup-like involucre.

Genus. — TrIcHOMANES, Linneus.

Involucre elongate, somewhat urn-shaped: capsuliferous
_ vein projecting beyond it in the form of a long stiff bristle.

TRICHOMANES SPECIOSUM.

Trichomanes speciosum, Willd. Sp. Pl. v. 514; Newm. N.
A, 29, F. 305.

Trichomanes brevisetum, R. Br. in Ait. Hort. Kew. v. 529;
Sm. E. F.iv. 324; Mack. F'l. Hib. 344.:

xxx. Edward Newman

Trichomanes EKuropeum, Sm. in Rees’ Encye. xxxyvi.

Trichomanes alatum, Hook. Flor. Lond. t. 53.

Hymenophyllum alatum, Sm. EL. B. 1417.

Trichomanes radicans, (Newm. in litt. 1838, non Swartz) ;
Hook. and Arn. 576; Bab. 416.

Rhizoma hairy, creeping extensively; stipes about as
long as the frond; frond pendulous, triangular, twice or
thrice pinnate.

In Ireland only. Shaded wet glens and the vicinity of
waterfalls in Cork and Kerry.

Genus. — HyMENopHYLLUM, Smith.

Involucre shorter and rounder than in the preceding ge-
nus, and bivalved: the receptacle or capsuliferous vein not
longer than the involucre.

HyYMENOPHYLLUM TUNBRIDGENSE.

Trichomanes Tunbridgense, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1561; With.
Arr. 781.

? Trichomanes pyxidiferum, Bolt. Fil. Brit. 56, t. 30.

Trichomanes 'Tunbridgense, Huds. Fl. Ang. 461, ad partem.

Hymenophyllum Tunbridgense, Sm. E. F. iv. 326, E. B.
162; Mack. Fl. Hib. 345; Newm. N. A. 29, F. 821;
Hook. and Arn. 577; Bab. 416.

Rhizoma filiform, creeping extensively ; frond drooping,
pinnate ; pinne alternate, composed of four or five alter-
nate, dichotomously forked divisions, consisting, as in Tri-
chomanes, of a membranous wing and a median stiff wiry
vein, margins of the wing serrated; involucre in the axil
of the pinne, flattened, serrated at top.

A small moss-like plant, growing on rocks, local.

HYMENOPHYLLUM UNILATERALE.

Trichomanes Tunbridgense, Lightf. Fl. Scot. 681; Huds.

Fl. Ang. 461, ad partem; Bolt. Fil. Brit. 58, t. 81.

1810. Hymenophyllum unilaterale, Willd. Sp. Pl. v. 521;
Newm. F. 14.

1830. Hymenophyllum Wilsoni, Hook. Brit. Flor. 446, EH.
B. S. 2686; Mack. Fl. Hib. 345; Newm. N. A. 29, F.
325; Hook. and Arn. 577; Bab. 416.

on British Ferns. XXxXi

Pinne secund, unilateral ; involucre pear-shaped, entire
at the top until mature, then dehiscent, the valves widely
separating, otherwise as in H. Tunbridgense.

A small moss-like plant. On rocks in mountain regions.

Order. — OSMUNDACEA, R. Brown.

Plants composed of fibrous roots, solid simple rhizoma, and
flat leafy fronds which rise with a circinate vernation. Fructi-
fication upon a portion of the frond in which the veins alone
remain, the parenchyma being apparently represented by clus-
tered, globose, reticulated capsules, which are not provided with
an elastic ring: involucre none.

Genus. — Osmunpa, Linneus.

Characters those of the order.

OsMUNDA REGALIS.
Osmunda regalis, Linn. Syst. Nat. 1521; Lightf. Fl. Scot.
653; Huds. Fl. Ang. 449; Bolt. Fil. Brit. 6, t. 5;
With. Arr. 763; Sm. E. F. iv. 827, E. B. 209; Mack.
Fl. Hib. 345; Newm. N. A. 29, F. 331; Hook. and
Arn. 578; Bab. 417.

Rhizoma very large, tufted; stipes woody, as long as the
frond; frond nearly erect, and, including the stipes, four to
ten feet high, pinnate; pinne opposite, spreading, pinnate;
pinnules alternate, ovate, stalked, very entire; terminal pa-
nicle of capsules golden coloured, large, very conspicuous.

Wet places, very local.

Order. — OPHIOGLOSSACEZ.

Plants composed of succulent and comparatively stout roots,
some of which travel horizontally in the manner of stolons,
succulent stipes, and branched fronds with straight vernation.
Frond composed of two branches, the outer leafy, the inner,
which it seems to inclose at its base in the manner of a spathe,
entirely capsuliferous: capsules large, without reticulations,
ring, or involucre, opening by a transverse fissure.

Xxx Edward Newman on British Ferns.

Genus. — Borrycuium, Swartz.

Frond produced annually within the base of the fertile
frond of the preceding year: exterior or barren branch vya-
riously divided; interior or capsuliferous branch also much
divided: capsules spherical, sessile, crowded.

BotrycHIuM LUNARIA.

Osmunda lunaria, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1519; Lightf. Fl. Scot. 652;
Huds. Fl. Ang. 449; Bolt. Fil. Brit. 4, t.4; With.
Arr. 762; Sm. E. B. 318.

Botrychium lunaria, Sm. EH. F. iv. 328; Mack. Fl. Hib:
346; Newm. N. A. 30, F. 887; Hook. and Arn. 578;
Bab. 417.

Root stout, spreading, sparingly branched; stipes erect;
fertile branch of the frond a racemose panicle, the barren
branch pinnate; pinne three to seven pairs, flabelliform,

with crenate margins. ,

A dwarf plant. Heaths, rather local.

Genus. — Opntociossum, Linneus.

Frond produced annually exterior to the base of the last
year’s frond: exterior or barren branch a simple undivided
spathe ; interior or fertile branch a simple, erect, stalked,
pointed spike, in the substance of which two parallel series
of large spherical capsules are embedded; these open by a
transverse fissure, giving the spike a serrated appearance.

OPHIOGLOSSUM VULGATUM.
Ophioglossum vulgatum, Linn. Sp. Pl. 1518; Lightf. Flor.
Scot. 651; Huds. Flor. Ang. 449; Bolt. Fil. Brit. 2, t.
3; With. Arr. 761; Sm. E. F.iv. 380, H. B. 108;
Mach. Fl. Hib. 346 ;,Newm. N. A. 80, F. 349; Hook.
and Arn. 578; Bab. 417.

Stipes erect; fertile branch of the frond an erect, aahe
shaped, pointed spike ; the barren branch an entire ovato-
lanceolate leaf. 7

A dwarf plant, growing on heaths and in meadows.

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