WA rFiS =F GARDINER, The flora WwW of Forfarshirs elcte ran acl taa aise Aki ey ea Brit ae otzee a the Internet Archive a THE FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. BY WILLIAM GARDINER. ** Beautiful flowers ! to me ye fresher seem From the Almighty hand that fashioned all, Than those that flourished by agarden wall.” LONDON: LONGMAN, EROWN, GREEN, AND LONGMANS, 59 PATERNCSTER ROW : ACKERMANN AND CO, 96 STRAND. EDINBURGE: DAVID MATHERS, 1 DRUMMOND STREET; 3. MENZIES, PRINCE'S STREET. DUNDEE: F. SHAW AND W. MIDDLETON. PERTH: P. R. DRUMMOND, 1848. Pee ri aeth \h No -M‘COSH, PARK, Or? if i fi ‘ ? 7’ " ‘ c ’ » + a bear , i me ‘ art , % . > wt ’ : n ny é » ot I ! ies vy sta 5 \ x DES. f iy t : Ba AW te k iy Mt f args Ue p - a 4 — ‘ oy 4 ayy . ; i ’ med) be : z 1 4 > ‘ ' f \ p $ j ( 2 7 recs ; ‘i \ . h— “ 3 % up| ‘ Me ae Hy ve ui ms! Ate bY CORE UA x he rl i be OE ras ee ‘ , b Aare) 35 Teer b i's AAR aah are file CMBR aes THIS VOLUME is DEDICATED WITH SINCERE FEELINGS OF RESPECT AND GRATITUDE TO THE Pumerous Subserthers WHO HAVE SO KINDLY ENABLED THE AUTHOR TO PRODUCE IT, 158 OVERGATE, DUNDEE. Nov. 12TH 1847. Me + Chee PREFACE. In submitting the result of his labours to his patrons and the public, the author is net vain enough to suppose that he has completed the task of recording ali the botanical pro- ductions that are to be found in his native county, nor even all the stations for the rare and less common plants. To ac- complish this effectually every square inch of ground in the area comprised would require to be minutely examined, and that for a succession of seasons; but probably no one has ever had the leisure or patience thus to investigate any por- tion of the earth’s surface. The object he had originally in view, however, has been accomplished to the fullest extent m his power, and he trusts that the following pages will be found to contain most of the facts connected with the botany of the county hitherto known. Many of these have not been before published, and the others were so scattered through various works as not to be easily available to those wishing to become acquainted with the vegetation of this peculiarly rich and in- teresting district. To the kind friends who have assisted him with notes and specimens, and whose names are associated with the informa- vi PREFACE. tion they have communicated, he tenders his best thanks; and his heartfelt wish is, that they may, through the blessing of heaven, continue to enjoy the pleasure which such pursuits always impart to those minds open to their refinirg and en- nobling influences. A supplementary part, embracing a brief view of the Fauna of the county, was promised in the prospectus, but from the amount of matter already accumulated, and a consideration of the numerous specimens yet to be examined, it has been deemed more prudent, rather than offer a garbled list of the Forfarshire animals, to publish this separately in a small volume, at as early an opportunity as circumstances will per- mit, and each subseriber to the Flora will be entitled to a copy. _ In the meantime any information on the subject, well authenticated, or specimens in any department of Zoology, that have been collected in the county, will be thankfully received and acknowledged. A supplement to the Flora, if any new facts are elicited, will be appended; and it is ear- nestly hoped that those having it in their power to contribute such will do so at their earliest convenience. 158, OvercatE, DUNDEE, Nov. 10, 1847. INTRODUCTION. THE uses of a local Frora are threefold: Firstly, It en- ables a resident in the district, or a visitor, to know what plants may be found, and where. Secondly, It shows: the comparative prevalence of certain species to that of other districts. And thirdly, It forms a depository of facts rela- tive to the range of species, by indicating more numerous stations than could be done in a general FLora ; and afford- ing more scope for allusion to the associations which various plants awaken in the mind,—and this part of the subject, which invests its study with a peculiar charm, is daily be- coming more appreciated. In accordance with these views the following pages have been wiitten. The arrangement and nomenclature adopted are those of Hookers British Flora ;* and to prevent any confusion of names, the authority for each genus and species is given, to- gether with the principal synonymes. The English name is added, and after it a reference to the page of the British Flora (H1.), and to that of Babington’s Manual + (B.), where the characters and descriptions of the species are to be found. It is not in accordance with the rules laid down by some of our best botanists for the construction of a local Flora, * Hooker's British Flora, 5th ed. London, Longman &Co. 1[842. + Babington’s Manual of British Botany. London, Van Voorst. 1843. There is a new edition of this work published lately, and if itis referred to, the almanac weather rule may have in some instances to be applied, viz., the page before or the page after. Vill INTRODUCTION. that the plants should be described, which would only ren- der the volume more bulky without adding to its usefulness. Every one studying British botany, it is presumed, is in possession of one or other of the standard Floras, and there the characters and descriptions of the various genera and species are detailed at length. With a descriptive Flora in the one hand, and a local one in the other, therefore, each will perform its legitimate part ; and with these helps in the fields and woods, or on the mountains, the merest tyro in the study may soon become familiar with the native plants of his neighbourhood, or the places he may visit in the course of his peregrinations. Inthe beautiful tribe of Ferns there is added a reference (N.) to the pages of Newman's British Ferns,* where the species are described and exquisitely figured ; and to those of the Phytologist, where that penton has published most admirable illustrated monographs of the Lycopodiacee and Mquisetacee. For descriptions of the Mosses, Hepatice, Lichens, and Characee, the pages of Hooker’s British Florat are re- ferred to. In the same volume, from p. 248 to p. 4165, the Alge are described : and to part second (which forms a se- parate volume)§ references are made to the pages where a descriptive account of the Forfarshire Mung? may be found. The period of flowering, where it differs from that in either of the above national Floras, must be understood to relate solely to what has been observed in this county. Experi- ence teaches us that no general rule (or what we usually consider such) is exempt from numerous apparent excep- tions; and in this case the variations of the seasons, and the x A History of British Ferns, by Edward Newman, F.L.S. London, Van Voorst. 1840. + The Phytologist, a Popular Botanical Miscellany. London, Van ees Published monthly. + Hooker's British Flora, vol. ii, part Ist. London, Longman & Co. 1833, § Hooker's British Flora, vol. ii., part. 2d. By the Rev. M. J. Berkeley. London, Longman & Co. 1836, INTRODUCTION. 1x nature of the localities, exercise such an influence over vege- tation, that no definite limits can be fixed for the inflores- cence of various species. For example, Cochleariu gren- landica is sometimes found in flower on the coast as early as April, and in other seasons not till June; while on the mountains its blossoms rarely appear before July, and in late seasons, not till August. There is the same difliculty in respect to the Zonal range of vegetation. Silene maritima, Statice Armeria, Lychnis diurna, Cardamine pratensis and hirsuta, Bryum trichodes, Weissia nigrita, Fegetellu hemispherica, and several others, might be placed either in the maritime or subalpine zone ; and Lychnis alpina, although found indigenous only on the highest ground in the county, flourishes luxuriantly in our gardens a little above the sea-level. Under these circumstances, it was deemed most prudent to leave to those, who possess greater experience, leisure and opportunity, with “all appliances and means to boot,” to ascertain, if possible, or even to approximate, the latitudinal and altitudinal limits of the respective species; and merely to state such facts in connection with the subject as might, with tolerable confidence, be relied upon. There is no doubt a limit to every species of plant, as respects latitude, longitude, and altitude ; but this is so much under the con- trol of local circumstances, that no general rule can apply to every locality. The comparative numbers of British and Forfarshire ge- nera, species, and varieties, are given under each natural order; and those of the species and varieties are repeated under each genus; so that, at a glance, may be seen what proportion our county Flora bears to that of Britain. To render this comparison more complete, a table is given at the end of the book (p. 299) including all the British natural orders, in which those absent from Forfarshire are distin- guished by being printed in italics. The county of Forfar, or Angus, is situated between 56° 27’ and 56° 56’ N. lat., and between 2° 28’ and 3° 22’ w. long. x INTRODUCTION. from the meridian of Greenwich. It is bounded on the N. and N.W. by Aberdeenshire, on the N.E. by Kincardine- shire, on the E. and S.E. by the German Ocean, on the S. by the River Tay, and on the W. and S.W. by Perthshire. Its area is computed to contain 840 square miles, or 537,600 English acres, about 200,000 of which are under cultivation ; and its surface is highly diversified, both as respects eleva- tion and soil; hence the native vegetation is varied and in- teresting. The Rev. Mr Headrick, in his survey of the county, di- vides it into four districts—the coast, the Sidlaw Hills, the valley of Strathmore, and that portion of the Grampian mountains which it includes. The maritime district extends from Invergowrie bay to the mouth of the North Esk, four miles N.E. from Montrose. From nearly Invergowrie to Craigo, two miles E. from Dundee, the banks of the Tay are abrupt and rocky; and near Broughty Ferry a singular ridge of rocks called the Hare Craigs, present some plants peculiar to the mountain district, as Cochlearia grenlandica, Parmelia conspersa, Gyrophora polyphylla, &c., inter- mingled with heaths and the usual coast-plants. From Broughty to Arbroath the coast is low and sandy ; and one portion of it, the Sands of Barrie, extending from Monifieth to. Carnoustie, forms a kind of delta, the extreme point of which, sea-wards, rises abruptly into a considerable sand-hill, known as “ Button-ness.” These sands have formerly been under water, and no doubt, at some remote period, the base of the terrace that bounds them on the north was washed by the ocean waves. The surface is in some places flat and covered with pasturage, or marshy; in others, diversified with nume- rous swelling knolls and ridges, either of bare sand, or clothed with mosses, lichens, and maritime grasses. Cullti- vation is gradually advancing southwards over this sandy tract, and probably, in a few years, fields and gardens will occupy the place now claimed by Juncus Balticus, Ammo- phila arundinacea, and such like plants. At present, how- ever, it aifords a rich field to the botanist, who will here find, oe INTRODUCTION. xi besides the usual maritine vegetation, many rarities, as Equisetum variegatum, Eryngium maritimum, Vicia lathy- roides, Gentiana Amarella, Weissia nigrita, Bryum trich- odes, Hypnum abietinum and lycopodioides, &e. ; and the entomologist will be gratified with such treasures as Cara- bus nitens, Phyllopertha Frischii, Argynnis Aglaia, &e. From Arbroath to Montrose the undulating outline of the coast presents a series of pictures of the wildest grandeur. The sandstone rocks, so easily abraided by the continued action of the waves, are moulded into the most fantastic forms, and perforated in all directions, some of the perfora- tions being indeed spacious caverns. The rocks and inter- vening bays are rich in maritime plants; and from the ocean-depths there are often cast upon the beach many beautiful sea-weeds, corallines, and other marine productions. At the small fishing-village of Auchmithie, three miles east from Arbroath, there are rocks where, at low water, various algee and zoophytes may be picked in the living state, as Himantholia lorea, Gigartina plicata, Chylocladia kalifor- mis, Ptilota plumosa 8., Chondrus mammillosus, Seriularia operculata, Corallina officinalis, and many others. Beyond Montrose another tract of sandy ground occurs, ealled the links, which extends to the mouth of the North Esk, and produces Silene conica, Botrychium Lunaria, and other good plants. From the coast to the Sidlaw Hills the ground is undu- lating, mostly cultivated, and beautifully diversified with wood and water, being traversed by the Dighty, Feithy, Bro- thock, and various smaller streams. The Sidlaw Hills, form the southern boundary of Strath- more, or the “Great Valley,” and their two highest summits, are Craig Ow] and the White Hill of Auchterhouse, the for- mer 1700 feet, and the latter 1400 feet, above the sea-level. Near the pass or “ glack” of Newtyle, a few miles west from the White Hill, there is a lower hill, named Kinpurny, on which a square tower was erected for an observatory; but never being applied to the purpose intended, has been de- Xi INTRODUCTION. signated by the peasantry “ Castle Folly.” From this tower most extensive and interesting prospects of the surrounding scenery are to be obtained, and the muscologist will find on the ascent to it from the east Diphyscium foliosum. The whole range of the Sidlaw Hills is rich in cryptogamic plants, and the little glens and dells through which streams descend into Strathmore, have each their floral treasures. Strathmore is a magnificent valley, and, in an agricultural point of view, is the pride of Scotland. That part of it within the county, called the How (or hollow) of Angus, is about 33 miles in length, by from 4 to 6 miles in breadth ; and is watered by the Esk, Isla, and Dean, with their numerots tributaries. In the fields, meadows, and woods of this vast vale the botanist will of course find an exuberance of plants common to such situations ; but on the banks of the streams that descend into it from the Sidlaws on the south, and the Grampians on the north, he will reap the richest harvest. That portion of the Grampian range of mountains bound- ing Strathmore, and extending to the northern confines of the county, was formerly known as the Benchinnin Hills, and more recently as the Clova and Glen Isla mountains. Their average height is about 3000 feet, and they are intersected by several valleys, as Glen Clova, Glen Prosen, Glen Isla, ee ~ These mountains have been rendered almost classic ground by the researches of Mr G. Don, and the numerous eminent botanists who have subsequently explored them. Mr Don, we are informed, was a very athletic man, and possessed of such a constitution that neither fatigue nor privation could easily break it down; and these qualities, combined with perseverance, and an ardent enthusiasm for his faveur- ite study, rendered him peculiarly adapted for a good field- naturalist ; and such by the result of his researches he proved himself to be. In Forfar he served an apprenticeship to a watchmaker, and after that was out, in order probably to acquire more knowledge of his trade, removed to Glasgow. While in this —— INTRODUCTION. Xiil city his unbounded love for botanical pursuits began to show itself so prominently, that he obtained the situation of assist- ant to the Professor of Botany in the University, and this no doubt afforded many facilities for increasing his information and improving his taste. After remaining for some time in this place, he went to Edinburgh, where he soon became acquainted with the Messrs Dicksons, and these gentlemen introduced him to the notice of other votaries of the science, both Scotch and English, more particularly to Sir J. E. Smith, the President of the Linnean Society, who took a great interest in him, and warmly patronised his efforts to extend the knowledge of British Botany. On his return to his native town, Forfar, he obtained a piece of ground, and established a small botanic garden, to which he gave the name of “ Dove- hill,” where he cultivated many rare plants, especially those indigenous to Scotland. To procure these he made many excursions among the mountains, and as the ground had been hitherto almost unexplored, he could not have failed to make numerous and important discoveries. The roots and seeds he collected were propagated in the garden, and plants sent out to various parts of the united kingdom ; and the specimens dried and distributed in like manner. Frequently, it is. said, he would spend weeks in these mountain explorations ; and there being then no com- fortable inns to bivouack in after the fatiguing labours of the day, he had just to munch his cheese and bread for supper, and lay himself down under the shelter of a rock for the night, with his knapsack and wallets as companions. Com- forts and luxuries were sacrificed to a zeal for the love of Flora, and a desire to make her beauties known to those of kindred spirit, who lacked the opportunity to seek for them in these wild solitudes. Perhaps his last thoughts before laying down his head upon the moss-covered stony pillow, might be thus expressed— “ Blessed be God for fiowers ! For the bright, gentle, holy thoughts That breathe XIV INTRODUCTION. From out their odorous beauty, Like a wreath Of sunshine on life’s hours.’ And on awakening in the morning, he might, in the spirit of Nicoll, have said,— “T saw the hills living in sunshine, And the things that there, free and unfetter'd, Had made their mountain-homes of beauty rare, Where Peace seem’d laid to sleep ’mid mountain-flowers, While Joy reclined beside the blooming couch !” And perhaps added in the same spirit, though the words of the gifted poet were then unknown,— “ The nameless flowers that budded up— Each beauteous desert child— The heather’s crimson blossom spread O’er many a lonely wild: The lambkins sporting in the glens— The mountains old and bare— Seem’d worshipping; and there with them I breathed my morning prayer.” How Mr Don managed to dry his specimens during these excursions, and keep them in a good condition under such circumstances, is matter of surprise; especially as he must frequently have been overloaded with his collections of living plants. On these points we have no specific information, and must content ourselves with the fact that such collections of living and dried plants were made, and contributed much to extend the knowledge of our native vegetation. Several plants have been named in compliment to him, as Salix Doniana, Jungermannia Doniana, Grimmia Doniana, Gymnostomum Donianum, &c., and these will serve to per- petuate his memory better than the finest sculptured marble. / As these mountains are annually visited by many from a distance, on account of their botanical riches, and the gran- deur of the scenery, a few remarks on the different localities most frequented may not be deemed ont of place in a book like this. Tourists from the south arriving either at Dun- dee or Arbroath, may proceed by Forfar to Kirriemuir, five INTRODUCTION, KV miles beyond which, at the village of Cortachy, is the en- trance to Glen Clova. Glen Clova is a beautiful pastoral valley, about 15 miles in length, with the South Esk winding through it. Both sides of the river are cultivated, and its banks are studded with numerous farms and cottages. The mountains that form its boundary gradually increase in altitude, and in the upper part few of the summits are below 3000 feet. The little hamlet named the Kirktown or Milltown of Clova, is ten miles above Cortachy and five below Acharne, and consists of a few cottages, a church, a mill, and a small inn. That little inn has, however, sheltered many a botanist, and no doubt many an eye has been gladdened by its sight after a long fatiguing ramble among the mountains. Almost opposite to the Kirktown, on the west side of the Glen, rises the mountain of Carlowie, and farther up forming a part of the same range, the Bassies and the Scorie. Long ridges or ‘‘ shanks” extend from these into Glen Prosen,* with intervening streams, whose rich verdant banks pasture many flocks. The summits are adorned with the beautiful Azalea procumbens, Cetraria nivalis, and other botanical rarities, and the rivulets descending their rocky fronts in numerous little waterfalls, are prolific in objects of interest to the enquiring mind. Three streams descend from the mountain above the Kirk- town of Clova, and unite before reaching the hamlet. The centre one is called the “ Deaf-burn,” on account of its channel being deepened towards the top, and choked up with vegetation. It has its source among some springs be- low Loch Brandy. The stream on the left is designated the “ Corrie-burn,” because it leaps over the rocks into the Corrie from the table-lands above; and that on the right is * Glen Prosen is a lovely Highland glen, but its mountains being less steep and rocky than those of Clova, are consequently not so rich in the rarer alpine plants; the mountain at the head of the glen, called the Mair, is, however, apparently deserving of a better investigation than it has yet received. XV1 INTRODUCTION. named the “ Loch-burn,” as it issues directly from Loch Brandy. This interesting mountain lake is surrounded with wild and picturesque rocks, the accessible parts of which, as well as the streams descending from it, are rich in alpine vegetation. At its south-west corner there is a smaller lake where the Jsoetes lacustris and Lobelia Dortmanna are found in profusion; and among the rocks where the Loch-burn leaves its parent-lake, the Hypnum Silesianum and other cryptogamic rarities are to be met with. Rather more than a mile to the south-east of Loch Brandy, there is another mountain-lake called Loch Wharral. The rocks surrounding it are less wild, but on the left-hand side a stream dashes down over steep ledges where the rare Alopecurus alpinus was first detected in this county. If a visit to the solitary Loch Lee is contemplated from Clova, the best way is to ascend the Greenhill on the right- hand side of Loch Brandy, and proceed along the crests or mountain-riggins, with a shepherd-guide if possible, who may save some extra walking, to the head of Inchmagrundle, where a fine view of the lake is obtained, with the ruins of Invermark Castle in the distance. Here also are the Craigs of Maskeldie, and a wild gorge through which the Eanach comes down to the lake. “ Rocks rise on rocks, and fountains gush between,’— and probably a more careful exploration of them than can be made in a passing visit would well repay the trouble. It is in such a wild, yet to the naturalist inviting place as this, that one is tempted to exclaim with the Sherardian professor Dillenius, “ Oh that some rich botanist, that has no relations or children, would build a house there!” The long walk leaves much too little time for investigation, and in returning, “ When breezy evening broods the listening vale,” it is far from pleasant to be caught in the dense mist that so frequently invests these mountain-summits after sunset; nor will twilight be found a very safe guide through the scattered INTRODUCTION. XViil rocks and boulders, and still more treacherous morasses that are so prevalent. During the day the mountain-rambler can see about him, and with the exception of fatigue, and hunger if he does not provide himself against it, has no discomfort to dread save a Highland shower, but this is sometimes no trifle. All ofa sudden, without giving any prelusive warning drops, a cloud above him, dark and menacing, bursts at once, and a perfect deluge comes down roaring and raging like a mountain torrent, and in a few moments he is drenched to the skin. Sometimes, too, vivid lightnings flash athwart the gloom, and crashing thunder-peals are reverberated from mountain to mountain in fearful magnificence. Frequently the scene is as suddenly changed. The clouds are parted, and the sunbeams, with all their burning impetuosity, rush through the openings, impatient to revel amid the freshness and beauty of the earth. The effect is magical! The bright- est sunlight and the darkest gloom seem contending for the mastery, but the latter soon gives way, leaving the former to drink the fragrance of the freshened heath, and to brighten the path and cheer the heart of the drenched flowes-hunter. Ben Red is the most conspicuous mountain to the west of Loch Brandy, and on its summit may be gathered Azalea procumbens and other plants of interest. Between this and the next summit, White Bent, there is the corrie of Ben Hard, into which a stream pours its fertilizing waters, and among its rocks many interesting plants may be found. At the back of the White Bent, between Bousties and Cairn Derg, the elegant Splachnum vasculosum grows in greater perfection than in any other station in Clova. A little be- yond White Bent, is the Red Craig, with the farm of Bra- dooney at its base, and from thence there is a path up Glen Bradooney, and across the Capel Mount, to Deeside, pass- ing the famed Lochnagar; and another path leading up Glen Bradooney to Bachnagairn and Loch Esk. Nearly opposite to the farm of Bradooney the Esk is joined by the Dole. The Esk is crossed by a wooden bridge, and passing the uppermost farm of Clova, Acharne, you enter the famed XVill INTRODUCTION. Glen Dole. The front of the mountain facing you above Acharne is called Craig Mellon, and is conspicuous from the hamlet of Clova, in the mornings generally wearing a misty coronal, and in the evenings often surrounded with the un- describable glory of an alpine sunset. The path winds round the base of Craig Mellon, and about a mile and a-half above Acharne, the Phee falls into the Dole. Glen Phee is on the left, and at its head are waterfalls that attract the eye soon arter leaving Acharne. The Garryburn rocks bound it on the south, and Craig Rennet on the north, both of which are rich in alpine plants. The principal front of Craig Rennet, however, looks into the upper part of Glen Dole, and far- ther up, on the same side of the glen, rises the bold rocky summit of Craig Maid. At the foot of this mountain, through a deep narrow gorge, the White Water pours down from the table-lands above, forming, in its descent, several beautiful waterfalls, which, though not of great magnitude, are ren- dered very picturesque from the romantic character of the scenery around. The vastness and grandeur of the rocky steeps above them diminish their effect upon the eye; and even the fall of Feula, which comes down dashing and foam- ing from the western shoulder of the mountain, looks at a distance like a silver thread suspended among the verdant and flower-garnished cliffs. The rocks of Craig Rennet and Craig Maid, with the ra- vine of the White Water, and the table-lands above, form a paradise to the lover of alpine botany, as well as mountain scenery,—not a rocky shelf but displays some floral treasure, nor a glance on either side but imparts lofty and ennobling thoughts. In these mountain-solitudes one feels, as it were, in the immediate presence of his Maker, and this feeling, while it enhances the pleasure of such a pursuit, gives to it an importance which can only be appreciated by those minds that are accustomed to trace the wisdom and goodness of the Creator in His works. The lower parts of these mountains are composed of de- bris caused by the numerous descending streams and the INTRODUCTION. XIX winter frosts. Every spring, when the snows begin to melt, vast masses of rock become detached from the heights above, and roll down their sides with a noise, the shepherds say, like that of the loudest thunder. The base of Craig Maid is strewed with multitudes of such rocky masses, which are now covered with mosses and herbage, and the intervening cavi- ties they form often afford a secure shelter to prowling Rey- nard. To the prowling botanist they are even more attrac- tive, presenting him with the beautiful Linnea borealis, the rare Hypnum Crista-castrensis, Jungermannia setiformis, Taylori, and concinnata, Dicranum polycarpon, and nume- rous other rarities. A number of old-fashioned birch trees, that have seen “ the light of other days,” are scattered about, and their trunks are invested with many mosses, lichens, and Hepatic. Among them may be noticed Orthotrichum Drummondii, Sticta pulmonaria, and Jungermannia ciliaris in fructification. Towards the foot of the cliffs the Lyco- podium annotinum is plentiful, and in rocky crevices the elegant Polystichum Lonchitis spreads out its circle of rigid fronds. Higher on the cliffs hosts of rare things court the attention, as Pyrola rotundifolia, and secunda, Veronica seratilis, and alpina, Hrigeron alpinus, Saussurea alpina Sonchus alpinus, Potentilla alpestris, with numerous Carices, Grasses, Salices, Hieracia, &c., and many rare cryptogamic plants. The White Water and ‘the Dole unite a little below a rocky abutment of Cairn Lunkar, and on the right hand side of this a steep rugged path called “ Jock’s Road,” leads to the shieling of Lunkar. From this small domicile, where the botanist will find a hearty welcome to such shelter as it affords, excursions may be made to various interesting loca- lities. The original station for Carex rariflora is in the immediate vicinity; and the Little Culrannoch, on which the Lychnis alpina grows, is little more than a mile to the south-west, and may be reached most easily by following the Feula Burn (where Carex aquatilis, Phleum alpinum, and Splachnum vasculosum may be gathered) for a mile or so, XX INTRODUCTION. then turning to the right after passing its junction with the — Culrannoch Burn. If it is intended to proceed to Canlochen after leaving the Culrannoch, hold right west, and cross the Red Burn and © the Glashie Burn, both of which fall into Glen Caness, and — if time permits, walk along the banks of the latter stream, — and enter Glen Canlochen at its head by one or other of the numerous streams that pour their genial currents into that beautiful sequestered valley. The rocks about the head of the glen, and those on the south-west side, are richest in bo- tanical rarities. Most of the Glen Dole plants are found there, with the addition of the exquisite Gentiana nivalis and other interesting treasures. The Carea atrata and capil- laris are peculiarly abundant there; and on the banks of the Streams a profusion of Alopecurus alpinus, Phleum alpinum, Veronica alpina,and Epilobium alsinifolium, &c. find homes. About two miles from the head of the glen, at the foot of the mountain called the Learner, and opposite to another named Monega, not far trom the confluence of the two streams that form the Isla, there is a shieling where the weary botanist is never denied a night’s shelter. Although Canlochen be a deer-forest, and these beautiful animals abundant, they do not seem to be in the least afraid of flower- hunters, as they continue to graze in the utmost confidence, though passed within a few yards. Part of Caness and Can- lochen have been planted with larches as a cover for the deer ; and in the woodland glades the verdure is enamelled with numerous varieties of the Viola lutea, and various interesting Equisete and Carices. The sloping declivity of the White Craig on the east side of Canlochen, is called the “ Hwe howes,” and pastures a considerable herd of cattle. The Sibbaldia procumbens, Viola lutea, Veronica alpina, and several other choice plants, are here in profusion; and on the banks of a stream that divides it from Cairn Curr, Salix avenaria is quite at home. In returning to Clova, the route may be varied by ascend- ing the last mentioned stream, and proceeding by the head INTRODUCTION. XxX1 of Glen Cally, where Don found the rare Hierochloe borea- lis, to Glen Phee, and thence into Glen Clova. If it is not intended to return to Clova, a footpath leads from the head of Canlochen into Glen Callater, and from the foot of the loch, there is a cart road to the Castleton of Braemar. Strath- more may be reached by descending Canlochen into Glen Isla, at the foot of which, five miles below the Kirktown, is the beautiful waterfall called the Reeky Linn, at the head of the Den of Airlie, three miles distant from Alyth, and nine from the railway station at Newtyle; the walk or ride across the richly cultured vale or How of Strathmore affording a plea- sant contrast to the wild grandeur of the rugged mountain scenery left behind. Meee My Geert eee Bea Rk Ne Ane Sn pled “oY eR (| xxiii ) TABLE OF THE™ PRINCIPAL AGRICULTURAL WEEDS OF FORFARSHIRE. Ranunculus acris repens bulbosus Papaver Rheeas Fumaria officinalis Capsella Bursa-Pastoris Camelina sativa Cardamine pratensis Sinapis arvensis Raphanus Raphanistrum Viola tricolor Agrostemma Githago Spergula arvensis Stellaria media Geranium molle dissectum Ononis arvensis Medicago lapulina Trifolium arvense procumbens Ervum hirsutum Seleranthus annuus Ethusa Cynapium Scandix Pecten Sherardia arvensis Fedia olitoria Knautia arvensis Sonchus arvensis Lapsana communis Leontodon Taraxacum Cnicus arvensis Centaurea Cyanus Scabiosa Artemisia vulgaris Tussilago Farfara Senecio vulgaris Jacobeea aquaticus Bellis perennis Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum segetum Conyolvulus arvensis Lithospermum arvense Lycopsis arvensis Myosotis arvensis Veronica serpyllifolia hederifolia agrestis arvensis Bartsia Odontites Rhinanthus major Mentha arvensis Galeopsis Tetrahit versicolor Lamium amplexicaule Stachys arvensis Anagallis arvensis Plantago lanceolata Atriplex patula Polygonum aviculare Convolvulus Persicaria Rumex Acetosa Acetosella Euphorbia helioscopia Peplus The genera and species of plants contained in the above table, though interesting to the botanist, are generally an- noying to the farmer, and such of them as are proved to be injurious to his crops should be diminished by every possible weans. With this view the following queries are put to the XXIV TABLE OF AGRICULTURAL WEEDS. farmers of Forfarshire, and it may be to their advantage carefully to attend to them. On what soils do the plants in the above table generally grow ? On wet or dry, rich or poor, clay, sand, alluvium, &c., and what kind of rocks does the soil rest upon? What effect does draining, subsoil ploughing, rich manur- ing, &¢., have upon the diminishing of such weeds; and how are they affected by the different kinds of soil and locality, the nature of the seasons, and the various modes of culture adopted ? Answers to these queries from the various cultivators of land in the county, might lead to some beneficial results, and if such are sent to the author, he will lodge them in the proper quarter. To prevent mistakes, it might be as well to communicate specimens of the plants so commented on, and these will be preserved for future reference. Specimens also of the differ- ent kinds of blight, or Fungi, affecting various species of grain, with their comparative prevalence in different places and seasons, in connection with answers to the above queries, might be of importance to those who make the improvement of land their study. FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE, Crass L—DICOTYLEDONES. Sus-Cuass L—THALAMIFLORAZ. Orv. IL—RANUNCULACEA, Juss. Gen. Br. 15. F. 6. Sp.and v, Br. 42, F. 20, Tuatictrum, Z. Meadow-Rue. Br. sp.andv.4. F. 2, T. alpinum, L. Alpine Meadow-Rue. H. 2, B. 3.— : P. F. July. Marshy banks, sides of streams, and wet rocks, among the Clova Mountains, not uncommon, and reaching to their summits, upwards of 3000 feet. Found not only on the tops of the mountains, but in the alpine valleys. I have not seen it, however, descending into the plains, like many of our alpine plants, as Oxyria ren- formis and Alchemilla alpina. Rev. J. S. Barty. In Inverness-shire, Mr Croall has found it among the chingle of the sea-beach, associated with the Steenhammera maritima and other maritime plants. T. minus, L. Lesser Meadow-Rue. H. 2, B.3.—F. June August. P. Sandy sea shores in various places, as Lunan Bay, and on the sandy beach to the west of Arbroath. Sands of Barrie, Rev. J. S. Barty. Montrose Links, A a} FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. Messrs Croall and Kerr. “In sandy, stony high lands, and by the sea side.” Mr G. Don. He does not say in what part of the “high lands” it has been found, and, from my own experience, I cannot view it otherwise than as a coast plant. The 7. majus of Jacquin, which is considered a var. of this, I have, however, gathered on the banks of Loch Tay, above Kenmore, Perthshire, but have not observed it in this county. Avyemone, J. Anemony, or Wind-flower. Br. sp.andv.4. F.1. A.nemorosa, Li. Wood Anemony. H. 3, B. 4.—F. Apr. May. P. Abundant in the woods, and on the hills and mountains, and often beautifully tinged with blue and crimson. Though loving the shady charms of the woodland, this elegant flower seems more partial to the open heath, where it can more easily hold communion with the flaunting breezes, and enjoy the genial sunshine. I have often gathered it with flowers deeply purple. fev. J. S. Barty. When May’s soft breezes fan the woods, And waft from May-flowers fragrance sweet, With what delight, thou lovely gem, Do we thy open blossoms greet ! They speak of Friendship warm, sincere, Of Love that cannot prove untrue ; Then oh! how beautiful, how dear, Thy white flowers, crimson-tinged and blue! In woodland fresh, where warbling voice Of small birds charms the wanderev’s ear, And green trees, waving in the wind, Make music, to his heart as dear ; Thy lovely blossoms from the glade Look up towards the sunny sky ; Then earthward turn their modest glance, As if afraid to look too high. Their graceful forms, so bright, so fair, , Arrest the wanderer’s curious eye ; Who cannot fail to learn from them The virtue of Humility. It is not, merely then, sweet flower, Thy only mission to impart Beauty and grace to heath and bower, But to instruct the human heart! FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. 3 Ranuncutvs, L. Crowfoot, or Spearwort. Br. sp.and v, 20. F, 13. R. aquatilis, L. Water Crowfoot. H. 4, B. 5.—F. May, June. P. In pools, ditches, and streams, frequent. R. hederaceus, L. Ivy Crowfoot. H. 4, B. 5.—F. Sum- meri PE. In ditches, rather common. R. lingua, L. Great Spear-wort. H. 4, B. 6.—F. July, August. P. Not common, but met with on the margins of the Lakes of Rescobie, Balgavies, Lundie, &e. East end of Forfar Loch, Mr G. Don. Ihave also met with it there. Loch of Balshandy, Lundie, about 200 yards east from the turnpike-road. Rev. J. S. Barty. R. flammula, L. Lesser Spear-wort. H. 4, B. 6—F. July, August. P. Common in watery and marshy places, from the sea-coast to the mountains. Var. 8. reptans, R. reptans, Lightf. Frequent by the sides of alpine streams and alpine lakes, as Loch Brandy, Clova, &c. R. Ficaria, L. Pilewort Crowfoot, or Lesser Celandine. H. 5, B. 6.—F. March, May, P.—(Ficaria ranunculoides, DC.) Wet and shady places, not uncommon. Sometimes the petals are white on the upper surface, except at the base (with no appearance of decay), the under surface retaining its usual dull-greenish hue. R. alpestris, L. Alpine White Crowfoot. H. 5, B. 5.— He May. P: This beautiful plant was found, it is stated, “by sides of rills on the Clova mountains,” by Don; but no particular station is specified, and it is doubtful whether any other botanical explorer has met with it. Indeed, its flowering in 4 FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. May, when generally these mountains have not doffed their wintry garb of snow, may have operated in preventing its re- discovery, as it is usually in July and August that the lovers of Flora delight themselves with the pleasures, and encounter the fatigues of rambling amid these mountain solitudes. R. auricomus, L. Wood Crowfoot. H. 5, B. 7.—F. April,May. P. 2 Frequent in Woods. Side of the Isla, at Reeky Linn. Ruthven and Airlie Castle, also about Kettins, Rev. J. S. Barty. Kinnordy Woods, Mr J. Donald. R. sceleratus, L. Celery-leaved Crowfoot. H. 5, B. 7.— F. June, July. P. Occasionally in wet places. Banks of the Lakes of Forfar and Lundie, and side ofa rill at Restenet. It was formerly found in the old quarry at Magdalen-yard green, Dundee, and in the old Meadows, but improvement has driven it from these stations. Near the Lunatic Asylum, Montrose, and abundant on the west side of the Montrose Basin, &., Mr A. Croall. R. acris, L. Upright Meadow Crowfoot. H. 5, B. 7.— F. June, July. P. The common buttercups of our meadows, and designated in this county “‘ yellow gowans,” probably because they are as abundant as their associates the daisies, Bellis perennis, which are popularly known by the name of “ gowans.” It occasionally occurs with full flowers. R. repens, L. Creeping Crowfoot. H. 5, B. 7.—F. June, August. P. Too common about the margins of fields. R. bulbosus, L. Bulbous Crowfoot. H. 6, B. 7.—F. May, June, P. : Not uncommon, as on the Magdalen-yard green, Dundee, Lawhill, Balgay, Mains, Hare Craigs, near Arbroath, &c., Usan, Mr A. Croall. With full flowers on the south bank of the Lake of Forfar, Mr G. Don. R. hirsutus, Curt. Pale Hairy Crowfoot. H. 6, B. 7.— F. June to Oct. A.—(R. Philonotis, Ehrh.) FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE, 5 On an embankment on the Forfar road, a little east from Rossie Toll, Mr A. Croall. Cattua, £. Marsh Marigold. Br. sp.andv.3. F. 3. C. palustris, L. Common Marsh Marigold. H. 6. B. 8. —F. April, June. P. Common in marshy ground, and by the sides of streams, ornamenting the places of its abode with its abundance of ele- gant yellow blossoms and beautiful leaves. It occurs from the coast to half-way up the mountains, and in specimens gathered in Glen Dole, on the mountain Craig Maid, the leaves are acutely crenated. (Var. 8. minor, Bab.) Mr Croall has found it with full flowers. Var. 8. radicans, Hook. (C. radicans, Forst.) “Tn a ditch that runs from the farm-house called Haltoun, on the estate of C. Gray, Esq., of Carse, Forfarshire, 1790,” Mr Geo. Don. No other botanist has, I believe, found this’ plant, but if the station is not destroyed, future research may determine whether it is not identical with C. palustre, B. minor, the alpine state of the common plant. Trouuius, Z. Globe-flower. Br. sp.l. F.1. T. Huropeus, L. Mountain Globe-flower, or “ Lucken- Gowans.” H.7, B. 8.—F. June, July. P. On a moist bank in Baldovan Woods, but not plentiful. Balkemnock Woods, rather abundant. Margin of a small loch on the west side of the White Hill, Sidlaw, and on the banks of a rill descending from the east side of the White Hill into a peat-bog, associated with Galiwm boreale. It was formerly abundant in Meric-moor Wood (now cut down), on the estate of Camperdown. Fir-woods near Forfar, Mr G. Don. Banks of the Lochs of Rescobie and Balgavies, and at Restenet, Mr J. Cruick- shank. Banks of the N. and 8S. Esk, frequent, Messrs A. Croall and G, M‘Farlane. Den of Airlie, Rev. J. S. Barty. **] have picked this plant on the Forfarshire mountains at 6 FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. the height of 3000 feet, but it seems a native of the plains, and is abundant on the streams coming from the Sidlaws, probably not above 100 feet higher than the sea-level. It is plentiful on the Isla, Esk, &c., but these rivers having alpine sources, the stations there would not prove the plant to be truly a lowland one,” Rev. J. S. Barty. I have frequently met with the elegant Globe-flower among the mountains in the counties of Forfar, Perth, and Aberdeen, but from its stunted appearance, could not look upon it otherwise than as an adventurer among these alpine rocks, its true home being apparently the moistest parts of shady woods. Sometimes petalloid leaves occur on the stem a little be- low the flower. Aquiteeta, L. Columbine. Br.sp.l. F.1. A. vulgaris, L. Common Columbine. H. 8, B. 9.—F. June. P. Mr G. Don enumerates this in his list, but gives no station for it. It occurs in Balgay Wood, near Dundee, but has there been planted, as well as Saxifraga umbrosa, &c. On the banks of the N. Esk, on the Kincardine side, on the farm of Capa, opposite Strickathro, and in the Den of Morphie, the plant has been found by Messrs Cruickshank and Croall. In the Den of Morphie it appears to be indi- genous, covering some acres of a steep brae never cultivated, and. at a considerable distance from houses, and where I do not think it likely that any have ever been, Mr A. Croall. In one or two places on the Moor of Craigo, Mr A. Kerr. Orp. IL.—_BERBERIDE Vent. Gen. Br.2.F.1. Sp. Br.2. Fil. Berseris, L. Barberry. Br. Sp.1. F.1. B. vulgaris, L. Common Barberry. H. 9, B. 10.—F. June. 8S. FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE, 7 Hedges and shrubberies, as at the Burn, Kinnaird, Guth- rie, &c.. Mr A, Croall. Likely in all cases planted. Orp. II]L—NYMPHAACEA, DC, Gen. Br.2. F.2. Sp. Br. 3. F.2, Nympu#a, LZ. White Water-Lily. Br. sp.1. F.1. N. alba, L. Great White Water-Lily. H. 10, B. 10.— ¥. June, July. P. In the lochs of Rescobie, Balgavies, Pitlyall, &c. The water-lily loves best the quiet lake, “ Crowning the depths as with the light serene Of a pure heart’— Yet it is occasionally found in running waters. ** Mark where transparent waters glide, Soft flowing o’er their tranquil bed— There, eradled in the dimpling tide, Nympheea rests her lovely head. But, conscious of the earliest beam, She rises from her humid nest, And sees, reflected from the stream, The virgin whiteness of her breast. Till the bright day-star to the west Declines, in ocean’s surge to lave, Then, folded in her modest vest, She slumbers on the rocking wave.” Nuruar, Sm. Yellow Water-lily. Br, sp.2. F. 1. N. lutea, Sm. Common Yellow Water-Lily. H. 10. B. 11.—F. June, July. P. (Nymphaa J.) In the lochs of Rescobie and Balgavies, frequent. Pools above the Bridge of Dun, Mr A. Croall. 8 FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. Orv. [V.—PAPAVERACEA, Juss. Gen. Br. 4. F.2. Sp.and v, Br. 13. F. 4. Papaver, L. Poppy. Br. sp. and v, 6. F. 3. P. Argemone, L. Long Prickly-headed Poppy. H. 11. B. 11.—F. May, June. A. Occurred at the west end of Will’s Braes in 1841, on a bank which is now (1846) destroyed by the operations on the Perth railway. Fields, rather common, Mr A. Croall. P. Rheas, L. Common Red Poppy. H. 12, B. 12.—F. June, Oct. A. Very abundant in the corn-fields, its bril- liant scarlet corollas contrasting finely with the green corn ; a contrast which, however, has no charms to the eye of the farmer. P. dubium, L. Long smooth-headed Poppy. H. Hi, B. 12.—F. July. A. Common in fields and waste places, but evanescent in its appearance, Mr A. Croall. (Chelidonium majus, L. Common Celandine, is men- tioned in the New Stat. Account of Forf., as occurring in several parishes, but most likely in all cases garden escapes.) Orv. V.—FUMARIACE, DC. Gen. Br. 2. F.2. Sp,andv. Br. 9. F. 5. Fomaria, L. Fumitory. Br. sp.andv. 6. F. 4. F. capreolata, L. Ramping Fumitory. H. 13, B. 18. —F. May, August. A. Near the Hare Craigs, Broughty Ferry, &c., but not common. F. oficinalis, L. Common Fumitory. H. 14, B. 14.— F. throughout the summer. A. FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. 9 Plentiful in fields, and by way-sides, Var. 6. (F. media, DC.) is frequently met with in similar situations. F. micrantha, Lag. Small-flowered Fumitory. H. 14, B. 14.—Summer. A, Airlie, Dr Walker Arnott. Corypauis, DC. Corydalis. Br. sp. and v. 3. F. 1. C. claviculata, DC. White Climbing Corydalis. H. 15, B. 13.—F. June, July. A. (Fumaria claviculata, L.) This is given in Don’s list, but without any locality being specified. It is frequent in Perthshire. Orv. VI.—CRUCIFERA, Juss, Gen. Br. 31. F.22. Sp. and v. Br. 82. F. 33. CakILE Gart. Sea Rocket. Br. sp.1. F.1. C. maritima, Willd. Purple Sea Rocket. H. 16, B. 30. —F. June, Sept. A. Plentiful on the sandy sea-shores, the flowers generally more or less tinged with purple, though frequently white. Tuuaspl, LZ. Penny-cress. Br. sp. 3. F. 2. T. arvense, L. Mithridate Mustard, or Penny-cress, H. 18, B. 28.—F. June, July. A, In corn-fields, but rare, as near Brechin and Arbroath, Mr G. Don. T. alpestre, L. Alpine Penny-cress. H. 18, B. 28.—F. June, July. P. Rocks of Canlochen, Prof. Graham. I have also found it there, but sparingly. co A 2 10 FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. CapseLLa, DC. Shepherd’s Purse. Br. sp. 1. F. 1. C. Bursa-pasioris, DC. Common Shepherd’s Purse. H. 19, B. 29.—F. the whole Summer. A. (Thlaspi, L.) Abundant by way-sides and on waste ground. TEESDALIA, Br. Teesdalia. Br. sp. 1. F. 1. T. nudicaulis Br. Naked-stalked Teesdalia. H. 19, B. 28.—F. April, July. A. (Jberis, E. Bot.) Plentiful on some parts of the sands of Barrie, particularly near the east end, and also a little to the eastward of Moni- fieth, varying much in size, and with the stems from simple to much branched. Hare Craigs, near Broughty Ferry, where I have seen its little buds opening in March. On the estate of Pitruchie, about one mile south from Forfar, Mr G. Don. Montrose Links, Mr G. Macfarlane. Sandy ground a little to the north of Montrose, Mr A. Bousie. Ina field near Charlton Wood, plentiful, Mr A. Kerr. Banks of the South Esk, near Kinnaird, Mr John Laing. Lepipium, L. Pepperwort. Br. sp. 5. F. 2. L. campestre, Br. Common Mithridate Pepperwort. H. 20, B. 29.—F. May. August. A. Sides of fields, about Ninewells, Invergowrie Bay. L. Smithii, Hook. Smooth Field Pepperwort. H. 20, B. 29.—F. June, July. P.? Foot of the Balbeuchly incline, Newtyle Railway, spar- ingly. Banks of the South Esk, at Kinnaird, Mr A. Bousie. Bridge of Dun, Mr G. M‘Farlane. CocuxeariA, LZ. Scurvy-grass. Br. sp. 5. F. 2. C. officinalis, L. Common Scurvy-grass. H. 21, B. 26. —F. May, August. A. Oe ee ee Ee eee FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. 11 On the coast, in moist places among the rocks and braes, and on the beach, not uncommon, especially between Ar- broath and Montrose. C. Greanlandica, L. Greenland Scurvy-grass. H. 21, B. 27.—F. June, July. A. (C. officinalis, var. Hook. Scot. C. of. 6. alpina, Bab.) On the banks of Carnoustie Burn, near its confluence with the sea, growing in low, scattered tufts, and conspicuous on the saline sward from its profusion of flowers. In wet places, at the west end of the Hare Craigs, it was met with some years ago, but is not now to be seen there. Frequent by the sides of streams, among the higher mountains, and generally of greater size than on the coast. On the summit of the Little Culrannoch, Clova, 3200 feet above the sea-level, it grows, associated with the rare Lychnis alpina. Sides of Montrose Basin, Mr A. Croall. Suputaria, L. Awl-wort. Br.sp.1. F.1. 8. aquatica, L. Awl-wort. H. 22, B. 30.—F. July, August. P. In the little loch at the south-west corner of Loch Brandy, Clova, where the Isoetes grows. It may likely occur in some of the other alpine lakes, but has not, that I am aware, been observed. Drasa, L. Whitlow-grass, Br, sp.andv.6. F.3. D. verna, L. Common Whitlow-grass. H. 22, B. 26.— F. Feb. May. A. (Erophila verna, DC.) _ Abundant on walls, banks, sandy pastures, &c., varying from a quarter of an inch to three or four inches in height. Except in early seasons, its flowers do not expand till March, and it continues blossoming till the end of May. D. incana, L. Twisted-podded Whitlow-grass. H. 23,. B. 26.—F. June, July. B. Mountain rocks of Clova and Canlochen, frequent. Spe- 12 FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. cimens gathered in the corrie of Ben-Hard were a foot high, branched from the root, and throwing out a few flowering branches from the summit. In a rocky ravine on the Capel Mount, not far from Bra- dooney, Clova, Mr A. Croail. Mr G. Don mentions a var. 8. found among rocks on the Clova Mountains, which is probably the branched state of the . plant. (D. rupestris, frequent on the Breadalbane range, has not, I believe, been found in the Forfarshire mountains, but should be carefully searched for among the highest rocky summits. ) D. muralis, L. Speedwell-leaved Whitlow-grass. H. 23, B, 26.—F. May. A. About Forfar. Hook. Br. Fl. CameELina, Crantz. Gold of Pleasure. Br.sp.l. F.1. C. sativa, Crantz. Common Gold of Pleasure. H. 23, B. 27.—F. June, July. A. (Myagrum, L. Alyssum, E. Bot.) Among rubbish near the gas-work, Montrose, Mr J. Cruickshank. When a boy I noticed this plant very com- mon among flax, along with the cultivation of which it has now almost disappeared from the district, Mr A. Croall. Though occasionally naturalized, it has no claim to be con- sidered indigenous. Atyssum, Z. Alyssum. Br.sp.l. F.1. A. calycinum, L. H. 24, B. 25.—F. May, June. A. Links of Arbroath, Miss E. Carnegie. Field near a small farm-house about two miles east from Montrose, on the south side of the new road to Aberdeen, and nearly opposite the gate of Charlton, Dr William Reid. Also in a field directly south from the above station, on the south side of a road run- ning parallel, and about half-way between it and the sea. FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE, 13 The field had been for some years in grass, and was then (1839) covered with broom. The Alyssum was growing in a spot extending over about twenty yards, but most plentifully by the side of a large bush of broom. Half of the specimens were left, and next year, 1840, I returned to the spot with the hope of benefitting from my lenity in the previous sea- son; but after carefully searching the field on three differ- ent occasions, not a single plant could be found. In Dr Reid’s locality I could never find it, but that field was more regularly cultivated than the other, and, though both sandy, the former is less elevated. Mr A. Croall. CarpDAMINE, L. Bitter-cress. Br. sp.andv.7, F.3. C. amara, LL. Large-flowered Bitter-cress. H. 24, B. 22.—F. April, June. P. Side of a rivulet, Kinaber, near Montrose, Mr G. M‘Far- lane. Ditch a little to the south of the “ old kirk of Logie,” Mr A. Croall. Den of Airlie, left bank, below the Castle. fev. J. S. Barty. C. pratensis, L. Common Bitter-cress. H. 25, B.21.— F. May, June. P. Plentiful in wet meadows, by the sides of streams, and as- cending to a great elevation on the mountains. The flowers vary from white to lilac, and are occasionally full. A curious monstrosity of this species was found on the Sid- law Hills by Mr G. Lawson, which is fully described in the Phytologist, v. ii., p. 579. C. hirsuta, L. Hairy Bitter-cress. H. 25, B. 21.—F. April, July. A. (C. flexuosa, With. C. sylvatica, Link.) Mr Babington considers C. sylvatica a good species, and C. flewuosa a syno- myme of it. Wet banks, Ninewells. Ditch-banks, Auchterhouse. Ditches, Belmont, near Meigle. Reeky Linn. Sides of streams and moist places among the Clova Mountains. Marten’s Den, and the Dens of Fullerton, Dun, Middle- ton, &c., Mr A. Croall. 14 FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. Arasis, Z. Rock-cress. Br. sp.5. F.2. A. ciliata, Br. Fringed Rock-cress. H. 26, B. 20.—F. July. B. (Turritis alpina, L.) On rocks in Glen Esk, near Lochlee. 1801, Mr G. Don. This rare rock-cress Mr Don considered to be a new spe- cies at the time of its discovery, but Mr Mackay, on a visit to him at Forfar in 1811, identified it as the same he had ga- thered in Ireland ; and Sir J. H. Smith pointed out its sy- nonyme. A. hirsuta, Br. Hairy Rock-cress. H. 26, B. 20.—F. May, July. B. (Turritis hirsuta, L.) Not common, but widely distributed over the county. Wayside between Carnoustie and West Haven. Will’s Braes, near Dundee. Lundie Craigs. Reeky Linn, north side. Rocks of Canlochen, flowering in July 1848, and in fruit July 1846, from five to sixteen inches high. Rocks at Dysart, and near Ethie, Mr A. Croall. Banks of the South Esk, and pastures about Kinnaird, Mr A. Bousie. Den of Airlie, left bank, below the Castle, Rev. J. S. Barty. Capel Mount, Clova, Mr A. Kerr. It is worthy of remark, that, for some years past, this plant has been rather scarce in the Will’s Braes station, but since the rocks have been cut for the Perth Railway, in some places along the cutting, numerous young vigorous seedlings were coming up in January 1847. Tourritis, L. Tower Mustard. Br. sp.l. F.1. T. glabra, L. Long-podded Tower Mustard. H. 26, B. 20.—F. May, June. A. Near Kinnaird, Mr G. Don. BarBaREA, Br. Winter-cress. Br. sp.4.. F.2. B. vulgaris, Br. Bitter Winter-cress, or Yellow Rocket. H. 26, B. 19.—F. May, August. (B?orP.) - Frequent in waste places and sides of fields. FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. 15 B. arcuata, Reich. Curved-podded Winter-cress. H. (Intr. p. 37.) B. 19.—F. June. In marshy ground about the old Priory of Restenet. Nasturtium, Br. Cress. Br. sp.5, F.2. N. officinale, Br. Water-Cress. H. 27, B. 18.—F. June, July. P. (Stsymbrium nasturtium, L.) Plentiful in ditches and wet places from the sea-shore to the mountain valleys. N. terrestre, Br. Marsh-cress. H. 27, B. 19.—F. June, Sept. A. (N. palustre, DC. Sisymbrium, Willd. and E. Bot. S. amphibium, var. L.) Near Forfar, on the Brechin road, but rare. Loch of Forfar, Mr G. M‘Farlane. Montrose Links, about the Lunatic Asylum, Mr A. Croall. Srisymprium, LZ. Hedge Mustard. Br.sp.4. F.3. S. officinale, L. Common Hedge Mustard. H. 28, B. 22.—F. June, July. A. Abundant by almost every wayside. 8. Sophia, L. Fine-leaved Hedge Mustard, or Flaxweed. H., 28, B. 23.—F. June, August. A. West end of Monifieth, in June 1831, but not since ob- served there. Near the confines of Angusshire on the Perth road, Mr @. Den. I have searched for it in vain there, but some plants, especially annuals, are very inconstant in their appearance, even where neither alteration nor improvement lends their aid to eradicate them. Behind a garden west from the toll- bar, Montrose Links, Mr A. Croall. S. thalianum, Hook. Common Thale-cress. H. 28, B. 23.—F. during the summer. (drabis, L. Conringia tha- hana, R.) ~ Abundant on dry rocky banks in many places; on the 16 FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. coast, and at Will’s Braes, as well as inland, about the Reeky Linn, &c. Erysimum, Z. Treacle Mustard, Br.sp.4. F.1. E. Alliaria, L. Garlic Treacle Mustard, Jack-by-the- Hedge, or Sauce-alone. H. 29, B. 23.—F. May, June. B. (Aliaria officinalis, DC. Sisymbrium Alliaria, Koch.) On the wayside between Montrose and Brechin. Wayside east from the gate of Dun, and woods at Kin- naird, abundant, Mr J. Cruickshank. Cuerrantuus, LZ. Wall-flower. Br.sp.l: F.1. C. Cheri, L. Common Wall-flower. H. 29, B. 18.—F. April, August. S. (C. fruticulosus, L.) Adorns the ruins of the Abbey of Arbroath, and one near the Baikie ; also on rocks by the sea-shore, Mr G. Don. On the venerable and magnificent ruin first mentioned, I picked it both in flower and fruit in August 1839. On the grey walls of Airlie Castle, where it finds a secure abode in their crevices, and, in recompense for the shelter they afford it, sheds around them its beauty and perfume, Rev. J. S. Barty. Upper North Water Bridge, near Inglismaldie, Mr 4. Croall. The Wall-flower’s associations are beautifully expressed in the following anonymous sonnet :— THE WALL-FLOWER. “ Cheerful ’midst desolation’s sadness—thou— Fair flower, art wont to grace the mouldering pile, And brightly bloom o’er ruin, like a smile Reposing calm on Age’s furrowed brow.— Sweet monitor! an emblem sure I see Of virtue, and of virtue’s power, in thee. For though thou cheerest the dull ruin’s gloom, Still when thou’rt found upon the gay parterre, There thou art meetest—fairest of the fair ;— So virtue, while it robs of dread the tomb, Shines in the crown that youth and beauty wear, Being best of all the gems that glitter there,” FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE, 17 Hesperis, Z. Dame’s Violet. Br. sp.l. F.1 H. matronalis, L. Common Dame’s Violet. H. 30, B. 22.—F. May, June. P. In a field near the village of Ninewells, June 1833, but probably not indigenous. On banks near Airlie Castle, Mr G. Don. Brassica, L. Cabbage. Br. sp.6. F.1. B. campestris, L. Common Wild Navew. H. 31, B. 24.—F, June, July. A. Corn-fields near Forfar, Mr G. Don. Sryapis, Z. Mustard. Br. sp.5. F.1. S. arvensis, L. Wild Mustard, or Charlock, H. 31, B 24.—F. May, August. A. Too common in corn-fields in early summer often render- ing their whole surface quite yellow. “The flowers are known in this county by the name of “ scalies.” Oat-crops are most infested with it. Raruanus, L. Radish. Br. sp.2. F.1. R. Raphanistrum, L. Wild Radish, or Jointed Charlock, H. 32, B. 31.—F. June, July. A. Fields, not uncommon. Orv. VII.—RESEDACE, DC. Gen. Br.l. F.1. Sp. Br. 3. F. 2. Resepa, LZ. Rocket. Br.sp.3. F.2. R. Luteola, L. Dyer’s Rocket, Yellow-weed, or Weld. H, 33, B. 32.—F. July, August. A. 18 FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE; Frequent along the coast. Particularly abundant on the porphyretic and sandstone rocks to the east and west of Dun- dee. R. lutea, L. Base Rocket, or Wild Mignonette. H. 38, B. 31.—F. July, August. Rocks between Arbroath and Montrose, Mr G. Don. Orb. VIII.—CISTINEA, Juss. Gen. Br.1. F.1. Sp. and v. Br. 6. F.1. HeLiantHemum, Tourn. Rock-Rose. Br. sp.andv.6. F.1. H. vulgare, Gaert. Common Rock-Rose. H. 34, B. 33. —F. July, Sept. P. (Cistus Helianthemum, L. C. tomen- tosus, E.. Bot.) Frequent along the coast, and extending to a considerable elevation on the mountains. One of the most beautiful of our rock-plants, and its racemes of delicate yellow flowers, are pleasantly fragrant. The leaves vary in breadth and pubes- cence. ‘The filaments of the stamens, in the warm sunshine at least, are peculiarly irritable. If touched by a pin or the foot or proboscis of an insect on the inner side, they rapidly approach towards the pistil; if on the outer side, they again recede from it. Orv. IX.—VIOLACEA, DC. Gen. Br.l. F.1. Sp. and v. Br. 14. F.8. Viota, L. Violet. Br. sp.and v.14. F.8. V. hirta, L. Hairy Violet. H. 36, B. 34.—F. April, May. P. Rather rare. Rocky bank, east end of Will’s Braes, where it is associated with the cowslip, both generally in prime in April. It occurred in another spot farther west, but which FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. 19 is now destroyed by the railway operations. Craigs of Lun- die. Den of Balruddery, Dr Addison. V. odorata, L. Sweet Violet. H. 36, B. 34.—F. March, April. -P. Den of Mains, but likely introduced there, though now quite naturalised. In a hedge below Gayfield House, near Montrose, Mr J. Cruickshank. Hillside, Montrose, and near the cottage at Upper Mills, Kinaber, Mr A. Croall. It is doubtful whether this lovely and fragrant blossom be truly indigenous in any of the stations indicated, but having been accustomed for a number of years to meet with it in “ Main’s flowery Den,” when vernal airs mingled its odours with those of the primrose, it became a special favourite, as it generally is, and the following lines were elicited in conse- quence :— THE SWEET PURPLE VIOLET. No flower of the forest, though ever so bright, Nor tropical bloom, though it dazzle the sight, Hath charms that are half so endearing to me, As the little lone violet beneath the hedge-tree. Sweet gem of the spring-time ! though lowly its mein, As it timidly peeps from its covert of green, Yet Beauty delights in its blossom to dwell, And its sweetness, what bee or what zephyr can tell ? The bee knows the bank where the violet is found, And the zephyr so softly comes sighing around: Its nectar the bee sips—the zephyr doth share Its fragrance, and still it hath sweetness to. spare ;— For the pale artizan, when he wanders abroad, Seeking truth in the bright living volume of God, Inhales its perfume as a balm to his heart, Which the cold selfish world hath refused to impart. And to him, in its beautiful eye, there appears The fresh dews of morning, like Sympathy’s tears; And he blesses the hand that created the flower, And decreed such pure beauty and sweetness its dower. The violet, so long as it brightens the ground, Pours out its rich odours unceasing around; Yet its treasure decays not, till death nips its bloom, And its last fading beauties are hid in the tomb. 90 FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. Would but man take the lesson thus sweetly conveyed, What a heaven of pure joy could this sad world be made! No longer would Poverty cloud the pale brow, Nor Want, unrestrained, slay its thousands as now! But that Plenty, which God hath to man kindly given, Would circle as free as the breezes of heaven! Diffusing its blessings on each and on all, Like the violet’s perfume, ere its sweet blossoms fall. V. palustris, L. Marsh Violet. H. 36, B, 33.—F. April, July. P. In marshy places occasionally. Marshy banks of Rescobie Loch. Sidlaw Hills in various places, as at foot of Craig Owl and Lundie Craigs, and on the marshy banks of small lakes on the west side of White Hill, &c. Glen Isla, and in boggy places among the mountains, frequent. Restenet, and in Charlton Woods near the sea, Mr A. Croall. Wood of Kinaber, and Langley Park, Mr G. M‘Farlane. On Catiaw at about 1500 feet above the sea- level. Rev. J. O. Haldane. V. canina, L. Dog Violet. H. 36, B. 34.—F. April, June, A very common and beautiful ornament of our hedge- banks, woods, and hills. Under hedges it appears in full luxuriance, with large uniformly bright blue flowers; in the woods the plant is smaller, and the flowers more mixed with a lilac tint; and on the Sidlaw Hills the corolla varies from nearly white to the deepest tint of blue, and occasionally it is chequered with blue and white. B, minor, Hook. (V. flavicornis, Sm. V. canina y. pusilla, Bab.) Sands of Barrie, particularly near the mouth of the Bud- don Burn, in sandy pastures, varying much in luxuriance, some plants producing only a single flower, others five or six. The roots are generally long, and the spurs of the corolla deep yellow. It flowers commonly in May. V. tricolor, L. Pansy Violet, or Heart’s-Ease. H. 37, B. 35.—F. during the summer. Very common in fields and in waste places. The fields are often quite covered with it ; and it is a delightful treat to FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. 21 the eye that loves the beautiful, to see, in some summers, both on the coast and in Strathmore, the glorious luxuriance of this elegant Violet, that invests the fields and meadows, though, perhaps, to the eye of the farmer, it may look rather Ue. 8. Hook. (V. arvensis, Murr. V. tricolor, 8. arvensis, Bab.) Common in corn-fields and in shady woods, having flowers always smaller and paler than in Y. tricolor. V. lutea, Huds. Yellow Mountain Violet, or Yellow Pansy. H.37, B. 34.—F. May, July. (V. grandiflora, Huds. (not L.?) V. Sudetica, Willd.) On the wooded Hill of Laws, near Drumsturdymoor, Lumley Woods. On several parts of the Sidlaw Hills, as near the foot of Craig Owl, south side, Lundie Craigs, Black- law Hill, &c. Near the Mill of Craig, Glenisla, and about Lintrathen. Glen Clova, extending all the way from Cor- tachy to the head of the glen at Acharne. Near Guthrie, Mr G. M‘Farlane. Hill of Dunbarrow, Dr M‘ Nab. B.—V. amena, Sym. Tawhill, Dundee, and grassy glades in the deer-forest of Canlochen. The various inter- mediate states of colouring of the corolla, from the palest yellow to the deepest purple, (see Botanical Rambles in Braemar, p. 18,) forming the transition from lutea to ame- na, are found in both these localities. In no place have I been more delighted to find the Yel- low Mountain Violet, than in a small birch wood on the banks of the Esk, a little below the hamlet of Clova. Here it was flowering in great beauty, (July, 1846,) surrounded with everything that was pleasant. Indeed, each blossom seemed a spell that bound the spirit to the loveliness of that delicious spot ; and no one visiting Clova should fail to spend an hour in this fragrant copse of birch. Some of the associ- ations, linked with such a scene, are very pleasantly described in the following lines by a fellow-townsman, Mr J. Sime :— “ Above my head the green trees wave their boughs, A mossy carpet spreads beneath my feet ;— 22 FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. Here Nature’s purest worship sweetly flows, And Meditation finds a calm retreat. Within these shades, Oh! how divinely sweet To roam, when morn has chased away night's gloom, And hear the woodland song, and the soft bleat Of sheep, borne on the breeze, that wafts perfume From mountain, grove, and lawn, where all is bliss and bloom. A joyance seems to flood both earth and sky : Upon the boughs a thousand minstrels sing; Like raptured spirits chaunting far on high, Larks with loud praises make heaven’s portals ring: Gay insects flitting round me on gilt wing, | Disport their rainbow hues in solar beam: From rock to rock the spirit-echoes spring,— Dew-drops, like angel’s tears, on rose-leaves gleam— And underneath the shade glides slow a glassy stream.” Orv. X.—DROSERACEA, DC. Gen. Br. I. F.1. Sp. Br. 3. F. 1. Drosera, LZ. Sun-dew. Br. sp.3. F.1. D. rotundifolia, L. Round-leaved Sun-dew. H. 38, B. 35.—F. July, August. P. In marshy places abundant among the Clova mountains, and not uncommon among the Sidlaw Hills, as well as on the marshy banks of the Lakes, as Rescobie, Balgavies, Forfar, Lundie, &c. This curious little plant is an object of great interest to the careful observer of Flora’s beauties. Its round concave leaves have their upper surface covered with a profusion of scarlet hairs, each terminated by an oblong gland of the same colour, from which exudes a transparent and very glutinous juice, which is not evaporated in the warmest sunshine. It re- sembles a drop of dew, hence the plant derived the name of Ros Solis or Sun-dew. The hairs lengthen towards the margin of the leaf, and are more or less curved inwards. When an insect has the misfortune to alight upon a leaf it is held fast by the viscid fluid, and the hairs fold over it like the tentacula of a polypus. This irritability of the hairs has (in Mag. Nat. Hist., vol. iv. p. 135, v. 26, 491, 755-7, and vi. 177-8) been controverted, some denying and others affirm- ing it. I have witnessed the fact, but their motions are slow FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. 293 compared to those of the stamens of the barberry and rock- rose. What benefit, if any, the plant derives from the de- composition of the insects thus captured, is a question that has sometimes been asked, but so far as I am aware, not yet satisfactorily answered. Orv. XI.—POLYGALEA, Juss. Gen. Br.1. F.1. Sp. and v. Br. 3. F. 1. Potyeata, L. Milkwort. Br. sp.andv.3. F.1. P. culgaris, L. Common Milkwort. H. 39, B. 36.— F. May, July. P. (P. amara, Don., P. calearea, Schultz, and P. oxyptera, Reichenbach, are reduced by Hooker to P. vulgaris. Bab- ington considers P. amara, Don.,to be the P. calcarea, Sch., and P. oxyptera to be only a var. of P. vulgaris.) Abundant in heathy places and pastures throughout the county, and varying much in size, the breadth of its leaves, and colour of its flowers. On the Sidlaw Hills I have picked it with white, pale blue, deep blue, rose-coloured, and deep red flowers. On the sands of Barrie a state or variety is found, which I have also gathered on the Braemar mountains, having the wings of the calyx pale-coloured, with green anas- tomosing veins, and the flowers blue, with occasionally a blue or pink tinge on the calycine wings also. THE MILKWORT. Polygala vulgaris. ’Tis not alone in regal halls, And mansions where with noble pride Art lavishes her wondrous power, That Braury doth reside. But oft upon the mountain’s side, Her lovely handiwork is seen, On flower-enamelled heaths, where foot Of man hath seldom been. The Milkwort’s little humble flowers, Of red, and white, and blue, With green moss intermixed, oft meet The lonely wanderet’s view. 24 FLORA OF FORFARSHIRE. And he, to Nature’s dictates true, Admires the bright embroider’d sod, And all his soul in raptured joy, Breathes praises to his God! Orv. XIV.—CARYOPHYLLEA, Juss. Gen. Br. 14. F.10. Sp.and v. Br. 83. F, 47. Diantuvus, LZ. Pink. Br. sp.andv.7. F.3. D. drmeria, L. Deptford Pink. H. 42, B. 40.—F. July, August.