ty Pan ile. ei¢ o v0) eo @ “8.9. @ Poe eeae agree. os the oe oat! * = >< er is,4 sir ae eatate! Pics e+ tance % 4 is aa eee . a oe t . . 7 ] ‘ ry . \@; "+ J i a a-3= ~o-~>--8 mf . o ys % * 2 @ #614 ‘e #rasieie @ a @ else « * ee 4 HARVARDAUNIVERSI FY. 31 BEAK ¥ OF THE MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY. ARM ath AL) Ba ya ; Saeed hh gh Aleta. 4 Ot) Man eg ei o% { ¢ ‘ . . i : f . ‘ ‘ { . ? ’ x - . {! . j 1 i . s i 1 1 , << Hey Us) iy T EE Suottish Hataralist A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF NATURAL SCIENGE. EDITED BY wer rh ATI AlM., M.D, ‘F:L.sS., PROFESSOR OF BOTANY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN. VOLUME IV.—NEW SERIES. (VOLUME X. FROM THE BEGINNING). Pee ria. COWAN & CO., LIMITED, PRINTERS anp PUBLISHERS. 1889-1890. i i INDEX OF “ARPICLES. Sa Page Aberdeen, Deiopeia pulchella taken in 1840 near x ari 262 Aberdeen (North) New Records of Flowering Plants _... wa 366 Aberdeen Working Men’s Nat, Hist. Society, Exhibition of A ary. Aberdeenshire, Reed Bunting in aes ‘ 98 Abnormalities of Structure and Double Pees: Artificial Bie: tion of e sae 114 Additional Records By Sepitish Baits for years 1888 nal 1889 somes 6-908 202 Additions to the List of Scotch Discomycetes ... Be 384 Address (Presidential) to E. S. U. N. S. at Montrose in eon ane 338 5s # Scottish Cry ptogamic Society in 1888... 16 Agaricus storea Fr. Sr va aia oe AE 300 Agropyrum Donianum, a Correction ... es 3 dies 232 Agrostis rubra L. ... a a sis ee 144 », canina L., var. Scotica Hackel a ae 239 Alford, Meeting ae East of Scotland Union of Nat. Shcietiess I oes 149 Alford District, Desmids of ... ioe its shee vs 199 + Ferns and Mosses of ... Ae aes Bae 193 Algze, Notice of Articles on ... St 328;.329; 331 Algze, Introduction to British Hrech water (Goakel, Review of... 383 Antiquities of Davan and Kinnord _... ‘ 157 Artificial Production of Double Flowers and of ater ‘Abnenmaniees of Structure ... des i aA Yad ae 114 Berkeley, Rev. Miles J., Obituary of .. & des sate 145 Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club, eroeee dings Bic, sai oes 328 Birds, Illustrated Manual of British (Howard Saunders), Review of 240 », Notice of Articles on bor .- 328, 329, 334, 330, 379, 380, 381 Botanical Society of Edinburgh, Transactions and Proceedings ... 329 British Association, Reports of Delegate from E. S. U. N.S. in 1888 and 1889 A ’ she FAO}, Bat British Association, in relation to Boecal Nat. Fiat, Museunte ee 349 4 in relation to Work of Local Scientific Socie- ties, see 252 British Birds, Illustrated Maral of (Howard ee nda Reve of 240 Me Butterflies and Moths, Larve of alice Review of Vol. -LUL. ae 286 Pe Fresh- Water ee Pitteductions to (Cooker Revie of a Flora, A Nitella new to the a Le 192 nig Hieracia, Monograph of (Hanbury), Rotiea Osha wrt. 239 i Plants, London Catalogue, 8th ed. corrected, Review of at ae sae ae ae 382 iV L[ndex. Page British Birds, Uredineze and Ustilaginee, Monograph of (Plow- ; right), Review of ... 143 Brown and Buckley's Vertebrate Fauna of the ater eHatsridest Review of ... oe 284 Buckler’s Larvze of Brien Buttersies saa" ‘Moths, WoL. 1G 8 Review of... Ae 286 Butterfly, its Life- History sid! Attribntes (Stuttard), iRewieta eae "240 Caithness, Contributions towards a Flora of .. wee “a 39, 77 3 Melampyrum sylvaticum in a of a2 113 Cardamine amara, Variety of as 299 Catalogue of British Plants (Hanbuet ‘Sth ed... ON otice of oe 382 Characez, Notices of ae ae oe ‘i: 39, 95, 192 Coleoptera of Scotland, Notices of ... os me 287, 333, 377 Clyde, New Records of Fungi for ‘a ut a ne 224 Collection and Study of Willows ie “i ae at 122 Conchology, Journal of, Notice of Articles in ... nA 379 Cooke’s Introduction to British Fresh-Water Alge, Rees of 333 Crustacea of Scotland, Articles on .... ¥ 332, 333,334; 335, 302 Cryptogamic Society of Scotland, Presidential Natiedes in 1888... 16 Ae Papers read: before 22, 30, 52, 57, ¥25, F712, 220, $02, 907 Davan and Kinnord, Antiquities of ... : ay me 157 Deiopeia pulchella taken near Aberdeen in en - . 262 Delegate from E. S. U. N. S. to B. A.; Meetings in 1888 atid 1889, Reports from Bes a a at | ‘@oy24az Desmids of the Alford District hie as nde is 199 Diptera of Scotland, Notices of Articles on a ... 287, 377, 378, 379 Disappearance of Scotch Plants Bas sh A ae 233 Discomycetes, Descriptions of New Scotch re ae 222 en Revision of Scotch fee eee ives, Ke 220, 384 Don’s Plants at : et 144 Double Flowers and other lntmoribenden of Rican Artificial Production of ; 114 Dumfriesshire and Gallen Nat. Fist and ta Soc. 5 Eine: sions in 1890 ares bal uA oh eu 373 East of Scotland Union of Nat. Societies, Reports of Meetings 1, 149, 337 Excursions... 150, 345, 346 35 a Papers read at 3, 6, 49, 152, 157, 193, 198, 199, 210, 241, 275, 338, 347, 349, 359 9 be) Kast of Scotland, Report on Fungi in 1889 ___... é me 275 Willows of er ae : ae 359 Kasterness, Pseudathyrium flexile Syme in ae aa 239 Kdinburgh Botanical Society, Trans. and Proc. of, Movscedd ce 329 Edzell, Geology of .. ( ae = 347 Edzell Castle, Beeteian of E, ‘Ss. U. N. Stone = ad 1345 L[ndex. Vv Page Entomologist, Notice of Articlesin .. : ee 377 Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine, Notice of Articles in 2h: 287 Farquharson, R. F. O., Obituary of ... ane Sh arts 289 Ferns and Fern-Allies, Notices of _... 93, G9-II1, 193, 264-73, 331 Ferns and Mosses of Alford District ... ~ ie 193 Fife and Kinross, New Work on the Moss- Flora, by C. Hh owie ... 15 Fishes, Notices of Articles on é Aids 2025 232,924 334 Flora, Additions to Records of Seaich Cryptogams (see Alaa, Ferns, Fungi, Lichens, Mosses, Characec). 5, Additions to Records of Scotch Phanerogams 32, 39, 43, 77, 95, 99, TOI, 212, 2329239) .203,°290,'200," 300, 346, 359, ‘360 », Articles on Scotch Flora, Notices of ... hen 325, 329,330, 331, 3325 333) 334, 336 5, Nitella new to British dere oe ss cn 192 », of Caithness, Contributions towardsa_... te ie: 20,77, », of North-East of Ireland (Stewart and Corry), Review of ... 48 », Of River Shingles Bs se se sa Sep 290 i, OLonetiand . Bae iow | Gea oD »» Works on British, fener aa ae SO te 48, 143, 239, 383, 584 Fresh- Water Algz, Introduction to Barish (Cooke), Review of ... 383 Frogs at High Levels, Occurrence of ... sai nk 96 Fungi, Additions to Scotch Records ... 1S) #9; be POR o. Mini. 220" 222, 224, 275, 302, 307, 384 », Articles on, Notices of se B25 330. 88,334), 335 »» of Kast of Scotland, Report toe 1889 ie 275 ,, Of Inveraray and its Vicinity observed in Septeniber: 1888-- — Hymenomycetes bis ma aise ip 52 Micromycetes ... She Dok ay ee 57 Galls, Scottish Sas r aa is oS b 226 », Notices of Articles on i. Baer 336 Gentiana Pneumonanthe in Scotland, Reported Oeeumance OLE 95 Geology of Ilighlands from Mount Battock, by Edzell, to St. Cyrus 347 a Montrose and its Vicinity ... 33 tee ix 338 * Scotland, Notices of Articles on ... -s 328, 335, 336 Glasgow Nat. Hist. Society, Proc. and Trans., Notice of es, 332 Growth of Phalaris arundinacea, On the ae te i. 210 Hematite Iron Ore found near Kirkcaldy Boe 6 Hanbury’s Illustrated Monograph of British Hieracia, ie olen aie 239 Harvey, Emeritus Professor Alexander, M.D., Obituary of ef 97 Hebrides (Outer) Vertebrate Fauna of (Broan and Buckley), Ae- view of $5 as “6 ay sds 3 284 Hieracia (see Hanbury). Highlands from Mount Battock, by Edzell, to St. Cyrus, Se of 347 High Levels, Occurrence of Frogs at . es ah 95 0 nal lnilex. Page Huntly, Meeting of the Northern Institute at... ee ay 46 Hymenomycetes of Inveraray ae bit Pad 52 cs Roxburgh, Notice of Article! on ee ee 328 Hymenoptera of Scotland, Notices of Articles on .-« 333) 334s 335, 336 Insects of Scotland, Notices of Articles on 287, 288, 333, 334, 335, 336, 378 Institute (Northern), Meeting at Huntly Sz rep 40 Introduction to British Fresh-Water Algz (Cooke), Reset ere 383 Inveraray, Fungi (Hymenomycetes and Micromycetes) of e 52 - Lichens of ids * 22 Treland, Flora of North-East of (Stewart and Coane); Review Cats 48 Iron Ore (Hzematite) found near Kirkcaldy _... as ~ 6 Journal of Conchology, Notice of Articlesin ... 2 oa 379 Kinnord and Davan, Antiquities of ... : a5 157 Kinross, New Work on Moss Flora of Fife anil N otice of “. 15 Kirkcaldy, Hzematite Iron Ore found near oe £3: B38 6 Label Lists, Naturalis!s’ Gazette Series of, Notice of _.... ite 286 Largo, Meeting of E. S. U. N.S. at, in 1888 . ; saa I Larva Collecting and Breeding (St. John), Review as =o 382 Larvee of British Butterflies and Moths (Buckler), Vol. IIL., re view of £53 = ean We a a 284 Lepidoptera, Notices of Articles on .,. Be 287, 288, 377, 378: 379 Lichens of Inveraray ts " " 22 Lichia Vadigo, Risso, tal cad near sim ia ae ts 262 Local Nat. Hist. Museums, The British Association in relation to 349 »» Scientific Societies, The British Association in relation to the Work of ‘ of 252 London Catalogue of British’ Bante. Sth ed., No otice of s a 382 M‘Nab, Professor William R., M.D., Obituary of i 283 Mammals, Notices of ! Miia 334, 380, 381 Manual (Illustrated) of British Birds (Howard Saunders), 7e- view of ae Ae ie Uy 240 Marine Zoology, Notices of Atticles on .+ 332) 3335 3345 335, 3903302 Meetings of E. S, U. N.S. ... Se oe br I, 149. 337 Melampyrum sylvaticum in Caithness ... a sae al 113 Micromycetes of Inveraray ... = a: a, sh 57 Mollusca, Notices of Articles on ig MPR eee ics ee wee Monograph (Illustrated) of British Hieracia (Hanbury), Xeview of 239 oh of British Uredineze and Ustilagineze (Plowright), /e- view of ... wet * We 143 Montrose, Early History and Geclowy of axe a ee 338 Mosses (and Ferns) of the Alford District S on sae 193 », of the Genus Grimmia, On some Scotch ahs ss 217 Index. Mosses, Notices of Articles on Mount Battock, Geology of . i | Museums, Relation of British i to el Nat. Hist. Natural History Society of Glasgow, Proc. and Trans., Notice of... »» science, Perthshire Society of Pi 4h Naturalists’ Club, Berwickshire 3 Bs Gazette Series of Label Lists, Wore of Nature and Woodcraft (Watson), Review of Neuroptera (in the widest sense), Notices of Articles on ... 287, 288, 333, 377 New Records (of Fungi) for Clyde », Scotch Discomycetes, Descriptions of »» Species and Varieties described in this Volume (see ‘Special List). Nitella new to British Flora . Northern Institute, Meeting at ¢ Himtly Obituaries of — Berkeley, Rev: Miles J., F.R.S. Farquharson, Robert F. O., of Haughton Harvey, Emeritus Professor Alexander, M.D. M‘Nab, Professor William Ramsay, M.D. Obituaries Noticed in Review of ‘‘ Proceedings” Ore (Hematite Iron Ore) found near Kirkcaldy Orkney, Peronosporee of Outer Hebrides, Vertebrate Fauna of she (Bian and Bickley), Re- view of Peeblesshire, Plants of Peronosporez of Orkney Perthshire, Poa palustris in ... j . Society of Nat. Science, Peenisous and Baieaeone) Notice of Plants, Don’s », London Catalogue ig Britian Sth ed., Motice éf. 3, Of Peeblesshire »» Records of Scottish, for 1888 an 1880 | Poa palustris in “eect ; Presidential Address to E. S. U.N. S. in Tea a a es til Cryptogamic Society in 1888 Primula scotica, Erroneous Record of Production (Artificial) of Double Flowers and other Moral. ties A % Pseudathyrium exile Syme, in p Hatterness Public Schools, Teaching of Science in 2 Publications of Scottish Scientific Societies, Wariee: of— Berwickshire Naturalists’ Club Edinburgh Botanical Society... vil Page SSIS SS) 347 349 332 335 328 2860 132,222 329; 330 Vill Index. Page Publications of Glasgow Natural History Society * 2 332 Perthshire Society of Natural Science... ) 39 sf H! Aberdeen Working Men’s Nat. Hist. Society... 377 , 5 Dumfrieshire and Galloway Nat. Hist. and Antiq. Soc. 393 5 nA Paisley Practical Botany Class + Ss 375 o3 a Rutherglen Naturalists’ Society ee — 376 Scotch Discomycetes, Descriptions of New ate ae J Agee es - Revision of ... st i125, 171, e2oeee Mosses of the Genus Grimmia, On some Ae sa 217 Plants, On Disappearance of asa re is 233 Index. 1X Page Scotland, Relation of British Association to Work of Local Scientific Societies in A 252 Scotland, Reported Bediienee of Gleneana PHeumononthia: UI) snc 95 & Report on Fungi of the East of, for 1889 i ois 275 ss Revision of the Uredinee of Riis bat $6463025 367 ay Ustilagineze of ... wa fs 367 Scottish Cryptogamic Society r ve ee i Papers read before, NO2>, 4052, 57,125, 171, 220, 302, 307 a3 Galls ee Le 226 A Vascular Plants, Additional recone for 1838 el 1889... 99, 263 Shetland, On the Flora of te eS * no 32, 212, 300 Shingles, Flora of River a aa +a see 290 Societies, See Scientific Societies. Teaching of Science in Public Schools 4. Me ee 3 Transactions, See Publications. Trichoptera, Notices of ... nee nds Fie LOI Zoos BOB OIL Union of Naturalists’ Societies, See East of Scotland Union. Uredinez of Scotland, Revision of _ ... ee a say 4O2y 307 Ustilagines a i ane ae 2 Me 367 Variety of Cardamine amara L. (var. lilacina) ... 299 Vertebrate Fauna of the Outer Hebrides, (Brown and Pactetey} Review of 284° Willows, Collecting and Study of |... ; ad = 122 ie of the District of the E. S. U. N. S. Le 359 Work of Local Scientific Societies in Scotland, British lees icons in Relation to Work of bite ald sis ms 252 Zoologist, Notice of Articles relating to Scotland in ‘ss oe 379 ——:0:—— INDEX TO DESCRIPTIONS OF SPECIES IN THIS VOLUME. (The names of New Species and Varieties are printed in Ionic Letters). : Fish. Lichia Vadigo Risso te a bf i ce 262 Moth. Retinia Margarotana H.S. . . oe o. Re, em 288 Galls. On Centaurea Scabiosa L., made by Phytoptus ... a. 7 296 », Lathyrus macrorrhizus Wimm. ,, Aulax sag sk 228 », Ononis spinosa L., ‘is Phytoptus es 227 x L[ndex. Page On Ribes nigrum L. made by Phytoptus ... 228 »» Salix triandra L, 5 Cecidomyia heterobia Hl. Lw. 230 3 a» Species varize { », Nematus Salicis- cineree, Ca 230 A gallicola, W. & 8. », Saxifraga aizoides L. x Phytoptus oS 228 », Vicia hirsuta Koch. a Apion (? Gpilenbaglen 227 Phanerogams. Agrostis canina L., var. Scotica Hackel in Litt. ce Ss 239 Glyceria distans Wahl., var. prostrata Beeby es a 38 Poa palustris L. ee Bi ie 191 Polygonum viviparum L., var. alpina Wahl. ah : 207 Mosses. Grimmia Horni Stirton es ae e ane 218 > platyphylla Stirton... a Je 5 219 Characee. Nitella batrachosperma Al. Braun ae Oe ne IQI Fungi. Ascochyta decipiens Trail x ae ae dg 71 x8 Potentillarum Sacc. = Ss aS ie 72 Cercospora Ji Trail = Be: ba eae 75 Sy microsora Sacc. f a oe ne 75 Coniothyrium Fuckelii Sacc. = “4 ee: ee 225 S Scirpi Trail BL Me - Lk 71 ? Cytospora Dubyi Sacc. = A ae ae 71 Exoascus Sadebeckii (Johans. ba oo Me ap 69 Graphiopsis Trail ce Zz ae - 75 . chlorocephala (Fres.) Trail “ re “Ae 75 Hendersonia leptospora Trail z ee 72 aA sarmentorum West, forma Berbardia Trail 226 Isariopsis Stellarix Trail Bi: Pe het ae 76 Lachnella callimorpha (Karst.) me a = i 222 es grisella (Rehm.) ... . one ae oe 222 Leptothyrium Rubi (Duby) Sacc. g ee i ‘? 226 Marsonia Rose Trail ae i ce a Eds 73 Ombrophila helotioides Phill. (type) ... : te ow 223 Oospora Epilobii (Corda), Sacc. and Vogl. es = % 73 Ophiobolus immersus Trail Me, 5; Re te 70 Patellaria Crategi Phill. (type) 7. es a an 223 Peronospora alta Fuckel oa = os a EX 31 rr Radii De Bary ... mir Sx i. Ber 32 ie Valerians Trail Ae a . ms 69 Viole De Bary ... a ee he Be 31 Index. Peziza (Dasyscypha) ancilis Pers. a FP umbrina Boud. Phoma? incommoda Trail de Landeghemiz (Nits.) Sacc. ... aa Miilleri Cooke » stagonosporoides Trail Phyllosticta Argentinze Desm. aS maculiformis Sacc. 5 Trollii Trail Ramularia Epilobii (Schn.) ... = Viole. Trail Schmitzomia Junci (Karst) Septoria Avellane B. & Br. ... »» graminum Desm. var. Wolinis Teal » obscura Trail », Polygonorum Desm. var. ation Trail Stagonospora dolosa Sacc. “i subseriata Desm., var. Tolimics Trail Synchitrium Succisee De By. & Wor. . Venturia exosporioides (Desm.) Sacc. ... Xl Page 132 eae 70 224 224 71 70 70 70 74 74 223 72 73 73 73 72 72 68 69 (For numerous new records for Scotland see i Mingua in koenersl Tadex: Lichens. (See Lichens of Inveraray, p. 22, for description of a number of the more strik- ing forms, none, however, being new to Scotland), Algze (Desmids). Closterium PSseudodiane Roy Cosmarium gradatum Roy > Slewdrumense Roy 201 203 204 INDEX TO AUTHORS’ NAMES. Argyle The Duke of Babington, Prof., F.R.S. Barclay, Robert Beeby, W. H., A.L.S. Bennett, Arthur, F.L.S. Blackstock, W. S. .. Brown, R. Druce, G. Claridge, F.L.S. 39, 773 99, 192, 263 16 II3 347 32 212, 30 o 49, 241 43, 144, 239 Xl Index. Page Duke of Argyle a 3: ae af A sip 16 Editor, all unsigned articles. Evans, W. ee. me) an bn ys =* 262 Farquharson, Mrs. ae a ae =i oe 193 Forrester, John Ws sa a me ¥: a Grant, J. F. ae ee oe ie “44 ie 39, 77 Hogg, Alexander ... ae is Ap oe si 157 Howden, James C., M.D. 4. ee aes 42 3 338 Keith, Rev: James, LL.D. ... De ae ee PS 300 Macmillan, Rev. Hugh, D.D., LL.D. oe AP me 22 Marshall, Rev. E.S. oy: ind a a ee 95, 96 Matthews, J. Duncan es ss rat ae e 98 Paul, Rev. David, M.A. - - es ee = 52 Peyritsch, Or. Ji. cnc ee # a ran ae 114 Phillips, Wm., F.L.S. ss ae 7 as an 222 Roy, John, LL.D. ... re iy bre x ... 198, 199 Stevenson, Rev. John, LL.D. bid is «2 ) Spee Stirton, James, M.D., F.L.S. 38 sf sh ec, Recs V5 ,5 57 lam,~.,1 he Origin of Life,” by PETER EWING. 4 = 4, 26th, ‘* Leaves,” by W.S. BLAGKSTOCK. = o . Se: -£€ Folklore of Chemistry,” by DAVID STORRAR. : ee af March rath, “ Physiology of Leaves,” by J. Sruarr Pavm, M. 2 ays Sim Re FORRES’ TER, 2 ic Le ee 7 Perthshire. Society of Natural Science. | January roth, ‘* A Visit'to. the Yosemite Valley and the Yellowstone Park, ‘ ear Ke Suse e by P. CAMPBELL. Beto net “Additions to the List of Bees of Perthshire,” by a M. M GREGOR. February 14th, Conversazione. Moreh 14th; Presidential Address. at: Owing to press of matter, rt as been found necessary to defer till avext isswe notices of the Transactions of Scottish Societies, for which the ’ Editor wishes to thank the Secretaries who have kindly sent them, It is very desirable to make the reports of the proceedings of Scottish Scientific Societies as complete as possible, and assistance towards uae is end will be gratefully received on all occasions. THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST, A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF NATURAL SCIENCE. EDITED BY PROFESSOR TRAIL, ABERDEEN, Annual Subscriptions, payable in advance, 4s. Od., post free. Articles and communications for the Magazine should *be sent to'the Editor, before the Ist of December, March, June, or September, if intended for * publication in the January, April, Tuly, or October numbers respectively. Stu Orders for copies, eu bsouipiions, &c., should be sent to the Publishers, ees F - S, Cowan & Co., PERTH, from whom also’Terms for Advertising may be had: : ~ Authors desiring reprints of their communications can obtain them, at ‘the foll lowing rates, sent carriage paid :— Copies. pepawess> “Piice.2 --Pagess- Price: | Pages. Price. 25 2 Ags 3063, Aes Bs ad: | 8 7S. 3d. 50 2 4s: Od. ° | 4 6s. 3d. | 8 gs. 6d. BOE ca As. -3d.-"| A 8s..od, | 8 12s. od. ¥ Aud SO O44 1.13 propoxsirc tic GA 4, 26th, ‘‘Some Forms of Life in Mountain Limestone,” by JOHN = REPORT OF MEETING OF THE EAST OF SCOTLAND UNION OF NATURALISTS’ SOCIETIES AT LARGO, (ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY, 2nd. AND 3rd, AuGusT, 1888). R. JOHN GILMOUR of Montrave, near Largo, as President of the Union for the year, occupied the chair, and ina short address welcomed the delegates and members from the different Societies, most of which were represented at the meeting, to Largo. He remarked that in previous years the Union had met in the larger towns, but that this year they had met in a quiet country village, in a neighbourhood that teemed with natural beauty and with objects of interest to the student of natural science. The local Society was very proud of the historical associations of the im- mediate vicinity. The lands of Largo were, in.1493, granted by James III. to Admiral Sir Andrew Wood in reward for his gallant victory-over an English fleet. Largo was also the birthplace of Alexander Selkirk, the prototype of ‘‘ Robinson Crusoe.” Among the interesting relics of the neighbourhood were the Standing Stones of Lundin, which formed an admirable subject of speculation. He then stated that the Largo Field Club is endeavouring to form a collection of local objects; and suggested that the specimens obtained during the excursions of the present meeting should be given to the secretary of the Club, for preserva- tion in the Largo Museum. There was a good attendance of ladies and gentlemen at the public meeting. It was intimated that there was £5 at the credit of the Union. Jt was resolved that Working Men’s Societies should be eligible to join on the same terms as other Societies. The Council agreed to petition the Government against the clause in the Scottish Universities Bill transferring the manage- ment of the Edinburgh Botanic Garden to the authorities of Edinburgh University. Mr. R. Brown was appointed delegate from the Union to the approaching meeting of the British Association in Bath. Mr. A 2 _ The Scottish Naturalist. Sang having resigned the offices of honorary secretary and treasurer, the thanks of the Union were awarded to him for his services so heartily given during ‘the past ‘years ; and it was re- solved to ask Dr. Buchanan White to accept the duties. Professor Heddle, St. Andrews, thereafter discussed the com- position of Agates, which are the product of silica dissolved in water, and subsequently precipitated from the solution. He described and illustrated the agents and processes to which their formation was due, basing his remarks on his own very extensive observations, continued during a period of forty years in various countries. The President read a long and exhaustive paper by Mr. W. Chamberlain, Birmingham, on “ Non-Volant Birds,” in which he treated of their distribution, past and present, and of the pro- bable causes of their wings being functionless, the most probable cause, in his opinion, being loss of power due to disuse from ‘not having occasion, in oceanic islands, to escape dangers by flight. Mr. Forrester, Kirkcaldy, read a paper upon a “ Hematite Iron-ore found in the neighbourhood of Kirkcaldy.” Other papers presented were—‘‘ The Teaching of Natural Science in Public Schools,” by Mr. W. S. Blackstock; an *“‘Introduction to the Moss-flora of Fife and Kin- ross,’”’ by Mr. Charles Howie; ** Additional Notes on the Ornithology of the East of Scotland ; by Col. Drummond- Hay; the ‘* Report for 1888 on the Fungi of the East of Scotland,” by Prof. J. W. H. Trail; and ‘* Notes on the Botany of the District around Alford,” by Mr. William Wilson. The three latter papers were published in this magazine last October; and those of Mr. Forrester and Mr. Blackstock will be found elsewhere in our present issue. At 6 p.m., the members of the Union were entertained to dinner, in the Hospital Hall, by the Largo Field Naturalists’ Society. After a pleasant dinner, the company had a ramble in the grounds of Largo House. On Friday an ‘excursion was enjoyed by about fifty ladies and gentlemen. ‘Taking carriages at Lundin Links Station, they visited the standing stones of Lundin and Old Lundin Tower, formerly the residence of the proprietor of the estate, but mow used by Mr. Gilmour as a shooting-box. It is situated amidst beautiful surroundings, and commands a wide view of fertile The Scottish Naturaitst. - a country. The mansion-house of Montrave was next visited ; and though the house itself was unoccupied, being under extensive reconstruction, Mr. Gilmour entertained the company sumptuously to luncheon in one of the coach-houses. After luncheon, the party divided, one half devoting itself to botanising, and the other to an excursion to Cults Limeworks, where Prof. Heddle ex- plained the geological features of the district, with special refer- ence to the coal measures and the limestone beds. ‘The in- terior of the quarry was explored, to a distance of about a third of a mile, the party being lighted on their way by a couple of miner’s lamps. A search for fossils in the débris of the quarry yielded only a few shells. The botanists explored the district around Montraye, Kilmux, and Clatto, and found an abundant supply of moorland and water plants, among which were Catabrosa aquatica, Veronica scutellata, Carex paniculata, and Habenaria chlorantha. ‘The whole company re-assembled at Montrave, where they were entertained to tea before returning to Largo, carrying with them very pleasant memories of the day’s excursion. TEACHING OF NATURAL SCIENCE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. By W. S. BLACKSTOCK. (Read before the E.S.U.N.S. at Largo, on 2nd Aug., 1888.) MAY be permitted to state that this paper is limited to the subjects of Botany and Geology, and that I have been led to bring this important matter under your notice owing to an attempt which is at present being made by the Kirkcaldy Natural History Society to create a love for natural objects among school children, and to secure the systematic teaching of Botany in the Public Schools in the district. I consider that the time has come when societies such as those in the Union should insist upon the teaching of Natural History subjects in our common schools, that our public teachers should be trained to teach them, and that such subjects should obtain the fostering care of the Education Department, and of all Associations having for their objects the diffusion of a knowledge 4 The Scottish Naturattst. of Natural Science. I have no desire to rhapsodize, and I have no need ; for we are, from the point of view of Educationists, face to face with two sad facts. (1). That owing to the drifting of our population, from economic conditions into large centres, children are deprived of the physical, moral and intellectual advantages that result from direct contact with nature. (2). The drift of our Public School instruction is too much in the direction of merely putting pupils in possession of such educational tools as may fit them for carrying out their own education in after life, and too little in the direction of-securing for every child a sound physique, a healthy brain, and a ready appetite for the moral lessons taught by stream and lake, mountain and sea. There is a tendency to ~ teach children everything except what they should know best of all—their own immediate surroundings. We are the creatures of circumstances, the result of the influences brought to bear upon us; and in our educational systems the tremendous forces of nature occupy at present almost no place whatever. I have no desire to minimise the importance of the teaching of Grammar or Arithmetic, or of imparting a knowledge of the manufactures and cities of our own and of foreignlands. But the educative influence as we know of the teaching of such subjects is small in comparison with the forms and moods and methods of expression of nature herself. : Children, even in country districts, leave school unable to dis- tinguish between an oak and anelm. They leave it, having little - sympathy with animals, for such sympathy can be based only on intelligence. And yet children love nature. They are born with a love of it. They will learn to stuff birds, make collections of the stones in the district, and, as I know well, will classify, press, and mount every plant in their neighbourhood. My time is limited and I am anxious to restrain any strong expression of feeling, but I venture to express the conviction that our combined societies have a duty in this matter. They have, first of all, a duty to themselves. It is a matter of regret that many of our societies are not advancing in numbers. How can we expect them to do so when nothing is done to inoculate the youth of our several districts with a love for Natural Science? I have always held that when any scientific body ceases to be aggressive, its meridian is past. Children have hobbies as well as men. Many of them have scientific hobbies; but these are The Scottish Naturalist. 5 repressed and rooted out, never to flourish again. We have to see to that. | , Now in this connection I may ask your attention to what is being done by the Kirkcaldy Society. This year we are offering prizes (the first prize being the sum of £2) to all that can pass an examination in Structural Botany as laid down in the Scotch Code, and that besides produce a collection of plants, gathered, pressed, and mounted by themselves during the present season. But it is not intended to confine our efforts to the subject of Botany. This subject has been taken as the one most likely to interest children. May we not hope that by and bye the Society may enlarge the field to include collections of all natural objects whatever. This scheme will, I am certain, prove successful ; and I hope we may be able to send the winning collection for exhibition at the next meeting of the East of Scotland Union. I cannot leave this branch of my subject without stating that it was largely owing to the generous kindness of the Hon. President of the Kirkcaldy Society that this scheme was originated. But our societies have a duty collectively. I venture respectfully to suggest that our council might take this important matter in hand. I should be glad to lay before them, with the assistance of such teachers as Mr. Barclay of Perth and Mr. Ellis of Bridge of Earn, a statement of the bearing of the Educational Code upon the teaching of Natural Science. Is it too much to ask that’ the Education Department should secure for every school such a collection as we have in this room (the Largo Museum)? Why should field science be limited in degree, and confined to our Infant Schools? If our council could see it to be a duty to take up this important matter, I believe this would initiate a revolution in our systems of teaching, and do much to secure the physical well-being of our children, which is an all-important matter. You will. also give them that love of nature which will do much to modify the corrosive influence of ordinary work. Can we secure that school children shall be brought fully under the influence of natural objects? I think this can be done. May it be that our combined societies may so plan and work that our youth shall be brought under the gentle influences of nature, and shall have their powers of observation rendered more acute by a knowledge of natural objects. 6 The Scottish Naturalist. | HEMATITE IRON ORE FOUND IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF KIRKOALDY. , By JouHN ForRRESTER, President of the Kirkcaldy Naturalists’ Society. (Read before the E.S.U.N.S. at Largo, on 2d Aug., 1888.) EFORE describing the subject of this paper, it may be well to take a survey of the family to which this interesting specimen of Hematite belongs. Historically, Iron has long been known; and very early notice is taken of it. We read in the book of Genesis that ‘‘ Tubal Cain was an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron.” A Phoenician writer (Sanchoniathon) ascribes the discovery of iron, and the forging of it, to two brothers belonging to the same generation as Tubal Cain of the Mosaic record. In Deuteronomy, Palestine is described as “a land whose stones are iron” (chap. 8, ver. 9), while in the book of Job, we read (ch. 28, ver. 2) “Iron is taken out of the earth and brass is molten out of the stone.” The question whether copper or iron was first em- ployed in the service of man has been the subject of much discussion. Copper or Bronze (the Brass mentioned in the Scriptures) has generally been conceded the first place. Arguments much insisted on for this, are that copper did not require to undergo the various processes needful for iron, to render it fit for use. And, further, that methods of hardening copper, by alloy; had been early arrived at, to make this very soft metal an im- portant implement and weapon in the hands of man. Lucretius, writing in the century preceding the Christian era, places copper before iron, and says : ‘* Man’s earliest arms were fingers, teeth, and nails, And stones, and fragments from the branching woods, Then copper next ; and last, as later traced, The tyrant Iron.” Max Miiller has a very ingenious argument for the early and general use of copper, as opposed to iron. Founding his claim on the ground that the Latin aes, aeris, Gothic avs, old high German ér (from which our English word iron has descended), applied exclusively to copper, he contends that Greek was spoken before jron was discovered, and claims that iron was not known before The Scottish Naturalist. y the separation or dispersion of the Aryan nations, because its names vary in the languages that superseded the general use of the Aryan tongue. I shall not attempt to decide a question attended by so much difficulty ; but, as it bears, in a degree, on the subject of the early use of implements by our race, I wish to bring before you some historical facts, which appear to me of sufficient weight to make us hesitate before making or accepting dogmatic statements as to the different periods in which the metals have been employed as implements. For example, implements have been formulated as belonging to three successive periods :— I.—The Stone Age; denoting the ee ane of stone imple- ments, in a rude and very remote period. I1.—The Bronze Age ; marking an epoch in the history of man, distinguished by a development of greater resources, in which the use of Stone gave place to that of Bronze. III.—The Age of Iron ; an era in which this most useful of the metals is employed in the manufacture of the common implements of husbandry and war, in the tools of the workers of stone, wood, and iron itself, in the construction, in whole, or in part, of houses, conveyances, ships, &c., indeed, occupying the foremost place of all the metals in their uses to man. Modern researches have done a great deal to rob this classification of Archzologists of much of its claims to scientific or historical acceptance, by proving that the use of Stone, Bronze, and Iron has sometimes been contemporaneous. Weapons of each kind have been found in the same ancient graves and dwellings. And in confirmation of this, it is pointed out that the Huns fought with iron swords, while their arrows had points of bone, It is remarked that, while the implements found in Herculaneum and Pompeii have been almost invariably of bronze, Pliny gives a long descrip- tion, in his Natural History, of the manufacture of iron, its general abundance in every country and its application to the general uses obtaining in the present day. In. the Norman Conquest, 1066 a.p., the Anglo-Saxons fought with stone mauls, at the battle of Sinlac or Hastings. And so late as the Thirty Years’ War, in the 17th century, the Germans em- ployed stone hammers as instruments of war. 8 The Scottish Naturalist. These facts, I think, warrant us in exercising caution before accepting chronological divisions based upon the discovery of the use of different implements, in the earlier history of our race, I may remark that one very sufficient reason why few implements or weapons of iron are found, as compared with bronze, lies in the fact that iron rusts, and cannot resist the action of air and water in the same degree that bronze does. This leads me to observe that too little account has been taken of the knowledge possessed by the older civilisations of the use of Iron. If we look at the processes known to, and employed by, ‘the natives of South and Western Africa, in the smelting and forging of iron, as recorded by Mungo Park, Livingstone and others; we cannot refuse to the civilisations of Western and Eastern Asia, (which have left such splendid monuments behind them in the arts and in architecture), a knowledge of a metal so abundant and widely spread as iron at least as great as that possessed’ by the uncivilised races of the dark Continent. Geologically, iron has an age in contemplating which we may well ask History and Archeology to stand aside. Iron is found in rocks of all ages, from the metamorphic schists to some of the latest formations. And in one form or another it is distributed from the ice-bound regions of Greenland to the burning plains of the great African Continent, from Japan in the far east to the British Isles in the west, throughout every latitude of the Old World, and in most countries of the New World. The pro- fusion with which it has been beneficently distributed over the surface of the globe is in keeping with its utility to the human race. Mineralogically, iron is extremely interesting. Its appearance I need not describe. “Iron grey” and “steel grey” are house- hold words. It is very rarely found ina native state. Indeed, the existence of native iron, or iron not in chemical combination, has been disputed: though it is generally regarded as uncom- bined when found in meteoric stones, and is capable of being worked without undergoing any preparatory process. Its com- mon form, however, is as an ore. ‘That is, it occurs not native, or pure, but in a compound form, and in the condition of an earth or mineral. When we come to make the acquaintance of the different mem- bers of the Iron family, we find it to be a numerous one. There The Scottish Naturalist. 9 are no less than 20 different kinds of iron recognised. and classi- fied. You need not be alarmed by the number, nor fancy that I will inflict upon you a rehearsal of all the virtues and characteris- tics of the individual members of this family. I shall content myself with a brief summary or enumeration, for the purpose of pinting out the relative importance of that member which speci- aliy claims attention at present, and of one or two kindred ones. 1. Native Iron.—Consisting of three kinds, pure, nickeliferous, and steely. | 2. Arsenical Iron, or ore of Arsenic, this is of no use as an ore of iron. | 3. Yellow Sulphuret of Iron, or Bi-sulphide of Iron, containing between 46.08 and 47.3 of iron and 52.70 and 53.92 of sulphur; this also is of no use as an iron ore. 4. White Sulphuret of Iron, differing only immaterially from that last mentioned, being distinguished by its white colour and its crystallization, which is often radiated. It is of no use as an iron ore. 5. Magnetic Sulphuret of Iron or Magnetic Iron Pyrites ; also -of no use as an ore of iron. 6. Black Oxide of Iron. This is the Magnetite, Magnet, or Magnetic Iron, possessing the property of attracting iron or steel to itself. The name is said to be derived from Magnesia, a pro- vince of Thessaly, where it was first discovered. This ore con- sists of a combination of the protoxide, and. peroxide of iron, to which is attributed its magnetic qualities. This is the most im- portant ore of iron in Norway, Sweden and Russia; and it be- longs more especially to northern latitudes, being found in Lapland, Siberia, and North America. There are mountains. of it in Sweden and Lapland. It occurs most frequently in meta- morphic rocks. Some kinds form natural magnets. Next we have Heematite, the name of which is taken from a Greek word (ata, Haima) meaning blood, in allusion to its red- brown colour. It embraces three members of the family, Wid: | 7. Specular Iron, for which the Island of Elba has long been distinguished as supplying the purest crystals. It has been found in Devonshire, Wales, Cumberland, and Perthshire. 8. Led Hematite, found chiefly in the Mountain Limestone of the carboniferous system. The most abundant deposits are found fe) The Scottish Naturalist. in Lancashire, Cumberland, and Gloucestershire. It has also been found in Derbyshire, Somersetshire, Devonshire, and Cornwall. 9. Brown Hematite, or the brown oxide, or hydrous oxide of iron, easily recognisable by its brown or yellow colour. This is the ore most common in France; and is almost exclusively that used in supplying the Belgian iron-works. It is abundant in Oolite in Northamptonshire, and also in North America. Bog iron ore belongs to this member of the group. to. Patchy Hydrate of Iron, which is found in old mines, and is supposed to be the product of the decomposition of mispeckel, or arsenical iron pyrites, its composition being very similar, though the analyses differ slightly. 11. Yenite or Lrevrite, a rare mineral, composed of peroxide of iron and silica; this is found in Elba, Norway, Sweden, Siberia, and the Western States of America. 12. Carbonate of Iron, comprising : (a) Spathie or Sparry Iron Ore, so called from its compara- tively pure or crystallized form, is pretty widely distri- buted throughout Prussia, Austria and Spain. It occurs in metallic veins in Cumberland, Devonshire and. Cornwall—in crystalline form in the Devonian rocks. of Somersetshire and North Devon, and in the carbonifer- ous limestones of Northumberland. It is also found. in America. (6) The Compact Carbonate of Iron or Clay Iron of the Coal formation, which is divided into two great divisions. (1) The Argzllaceous (earthy). (2) The Blackband or Carbonaceous. The first of these has a peculiar connection with the brown heematite of France, and Northamptonshire. The Grey Carbon- ates of the Lias and Oolite are changed into hydrated peroxide or brown hematite, when the quantity of earthy matter is small, and carbonates of magnesia and ‘lime are present. When the carbonate of magnesia is largely present, as a bi-carbonate, it dis- places the carbonate of lime ; and the analysis shows that in the brown heematites the lime is not present, but that the iron and manganese, which formerly existed as carbonates, are now changed. into oxides, by the action of water, and partly, it may be, by the: atmosphere. This Argillaceous Ironstone forms the chief deposits of Nor- The Scottish Naturalist. II thumberland, Durham, North-eastern Yorkshire, South Stafford- shire, and South Wales; and exists in the United States. It is. noticeable that the discovery, about 1840, of the immense beds in the Cleveland Hills gave rise to the prosperous trade of Middles- borough and its neighbourhood. The second of this subdivision, the Clayband, or Blackband of North Staffordshire and of Scotland, is a very important ironstone. Its discovery in Scotland by Mr. Mushet, about 1801, opened up: a new era in the manufacture of iron, and placed Scotland in the forefront of all ironfields for the production of soft fluid iron, especially fitted for ordinary foundry purposes. The Jfusselband, Slateband and Blackband are all carbonates of iron, in combina- tion with clay, lime, and coaly substances. 13. Phosphate of Iron, or Vivianite, varies from indigo blue to blackish green. Sometimes it is used as a pigment, but it is of no: use as asmelting ore. It is found in Cornwall, Austria, North America, Greenland, and New Zealand. 14. Sulphate of Iron, or Green Vitriol, is the result of the de- composition of pyrites, and is formed by the oxidation of sulphuret of iron; it is unimportant metallurgically. 15. Chromate of Iron or Chromite, formed chiefly of the prot-- oxide of iron and oxides of chromium, is much used in the pre-. paration of various pigments, and is widely distributed in Europe and America. It has been found in the Shetland Isles. 16. Arsenate of Iron, which is rare, and olive-green in colour, is found in great beauty with copper ores in Cornwall. 17. Muriate of Iron. 18. Oxalate of Iron, found in capillary crystals in the Brown Coal of Bohemia, is supposed to have resulted from the decompo- sition of succulent plants. 19. Titanate of Iron, found in Austria, Norway, and North America, in various formations, is very fusible, but is considered injurious when mixed with other ores. 20. Tungstate of Iron is found with tin ores, in Saxony, Bohemia; and France, in quartz veins, and also in the United States. In Cornwall it occurs mixed with tin to the extent of rendering it valueless. Let us turn now to the specimen of Hzematite that forms the subject of this paper, It was found in a bed of limestone between Kirkcaldy and Kinghorn, belonging to the lower series of the 12 The Scottish Naturaltst. carboniferous rocks. Its presence there: had been known long before it was re-discovered, some 25 years ago, through its outcrop- ping at different points; as the warpers of a by-gone generation used to collect pieces of. the earthy portion of it. known to them as “keel,” wherewith to mark the length on their webs. The bed of limestone, in which this Heematite lay, is one of a series of compact or crystallized limestone, of more or less purity, but not of great extent. This bed rests upon a bed of shale, containing numerous fossil remains of corals and small shells. Above it lies a thin bed of ‘‘ Productus limestone,” so called from the number of shells of Productus embedded in it. The bed in which the Hematite was lodged, in a pocket or lode, deserves a little notice. From a compact or crystalline limestone, ¢.e., carbonate of calcium, or lime, it passes at the top into dolomite, which is a carbonate of magnesium and calcium, in nearly equal proportions. When limestone passes into dolo- mite, the limestone or carbonate of calcium loses bulk, as may be seen in this specimen, hence the drusy cavities in it. The condi- tions necessary for this change are, the presence, say in spring water, of the bi-carbonate of magnesia, one of the common con- stituents of spring water. When this permeates or passes over limestone or carbonate of lime, the presence of carbonic acid gas in the water causes the lime to pass into a bi-carbonate. The bi-carbonate of magnesia (consisting of carbonic acid gas and the carbonate of magnesia), would attack the carbonate of lime and the neutral carbonate of magnesia, (uniting therewith dolomite, composed of both lime and magnesia), would remain, the water that brought the carbonate. of magnesia removing the carbonate of lime. (Bischof, vol. 3, 166. 174.) This becomes purer; and we have the crystallized Dolomite, or Rhomb, or Bitter Spar. The specimen shows some calespar still remaining, the pseudomorphs not having covered these. The pocket or lode in which this Hzematite lay is extremely interesting. It occurs where there is a rent or fissure running right across the bed, and does not at all form an even bed or cavity, the limestone there being more like pudding stone. The Hzematite has the appearance, so to speak, of having been ‘‘run in,” adapting itself to the spaces at its disposal, by imbed- ding itself round and upon the nodular surface, occupying every available space The Scottish Naturalzst. 13 The small specimen presents us with iron in two different con- ditions. (1.) We have the compact peroxide of iron, passing from the amorphous or shapeless mass into kidney-shaped hama- tite, fibrous in texture, an anhydrous ore, destitute of water or analysis. (2.) We have a band of hydrated peroxide of iron, at first supposed to’ be limonite, (so called from its yellow or lemon colour), but which Prof. Heddle has ascertained to be Gétheite. This brings me to a very interesting part of my subject. Where did this iron come from? Is it a volcanic product? or has it existed in another form and been forced into this bed of lime- stone? If we bear in mind that not ten paces distant from its place of origin there is a huge mass of trap rock, of true volcanic nature, which contains iron, we naturally look to it in the search for tne origin of this lode of Hematite ; a substance we should judge as a foreign element when found in a bed of sedimentary rock, such as this limestone. There are agents in nature, however, quite as powerful to effect changes in the crust of the earth as volcanic eruptions, though more silent in their operations. I refer to air and water, simple and innocuous as they may seem at first sight. Air (composed of oxygen and nitrogen gas, in the proportions of, roughly speaking, 1 part oxygen and 4 parts nitrogen, with watery vapour and a trace of carbonic acid gas), and water (com- posed of 8 parts of oxygen to 1 part of hydrogen) derive their powers of effecting important chemical changes from the tendency of their constituent gases to unite with other substances or ele- ments with which they meet, e.g., oxygen and carbon combine to form carbonic acid gas, which is one of the most important agents in nature, and is a product of the decomposition of organic sub- stances, of combustion and of volcanic exhalations. Oxygen, as a gas, readily enters into combination with the ele- ments in most minerals ; and amongst these its affinity for iron is very great. What we call rust is simply the product of the com- bination of oxygen with iron. The conditions necessary for this union are moisture and heat. When the moisture of the atmo- sphere comes into contact with iron, the moisture or water is decomposed, and the oxygen of the water combines with the iron; the product of this chemical union being the oxide of iron or rust. When oxygen and any element (e.g., tron, as we are dealing with it) are united in the same equivalents, a protowide is formed.. 14 The Scottish Naturalist. When the oxygen and iron unite in unequal proportions, say 2 of iron and 3 of oxygen, the compound is called the peroxide of iron, or the sesqui-oxide (perhaps the more significant term, as it tells us the proportions of iron and oxygen, expressed by sesguz (Latin) meaning one and a half) denoted as Fe O. Iron, I have already said, is found in all the different rock systems, and is calculated to form 2 per cent of the crust of the earth. When found in beds or deposits it is the result of the decomposition of rocks or substances that previously contained the iron in some form or another. Limestone itself is known to contain iron as a carbonate, or as a protoxide or peroxide. But the question naturally rises, In what form was this iron before its deposition in the limestone as Hematite, and how was it deposited? I have no doubt it has been by infiltration. The iron in the present specimen had existed in another form. It may have been as a carbonate of iron in the limestone itself, or in some superincumbent or underlying stratum ; or it may have been produced by the reduction of iron pyrites to the state of carbonate of iron. A stream of water passing over or through the carbonate of iron would carry this with it, and if exposed to the atmosphere, the oxygen in the Jatter combining with the iron held in solution, the resulting deposit would be an oxide of iron. It is a peculiarity of iron that its hydrated peroxide can be reduced into the protoxide by the presence of organic substances. And this protoxide, again, by the presence of carbonic acid gas, generated from decomposing organic remains, can produce the carbonate of iron ; and again, the carbonate of iron, held in solution, is reduced to the peroxide by the oxygen of the atmosphere, as I have just mentioned. This has evidently been the process by which this peroxide of iron was first deposited. That the deposit was gradual is evident, as it could take place only by the union of the oxygen of the atmo- sphere with the carbonate of iron, which was being carried along and deposited in the bed of limestone. By and by, however, a change took place, either in the source of supply, or in the mode of its solution and subsequent deposition; as, in place of this less pure and red-ochrey substance, we have a layer of compact hematite, dark, fibrous, and sometimes nearly specular in texture. This layer deposited, a further change in the mode of infiltration or in the supply took place, and it is a remarkable one. The The Scottish Naturalist. 15 deposit passes from the red to a brown or yellow hematite, which, Dr. Heddle of St. Andrews informs me, is not Limonite, but Gotheite, and is a very fine example of this rather rare mineral. It is distinguished from Limonite by yielding about one-third less water on analysis. The red hematite is anhydrous, signifying the absence of water, on analysis; while the yellow is hydrous, from the presence of water. The yellow appearance is evidently due to the presence of magnesia. ‘This layer is also fibrous in texture. Another change still is recorded here, and we find the supply of water, iron, and magnesia had) practically become exhausted, as the space yet to be filled up had been only partially so, and the deposit this time was not iron, hydrous nor anhydrous, ‘but pretty nearly pure crystals of Calespar, or carbonate of lime. This is shown in the drusy cavity. The word druse is derived from the Greek word for dew, and is singularly expressive of the beautiful forms which occupy the cavities of minerals. Hematite has never been found in Scotland, except in com- paratively sinall quantities, insignificantly so when compared with the deposits of North Lancashire and Cumberland, where they range from 15 to 60 feet in thickness New WorK ON THE Moss-FLORA OF FIFE AND Kinross.—Mr. Charles Howie has issued a circular intimating his intention to publish a ‘‘ Moss-Flora ‘of the counties of Fife and Kinross,” provided a sufficient number of subscribers be found to cover expenses of publication. The price will not exceed 3s. Intending subscribers should communicate with the author at 4 John Street, St. Andrews. Mr. Howie proposes to describe the species, of which 290 are ‘known to him from the two counties, and to give habitats and other information of interest. Mr. Howie has long been known as an enthusiastic student of the botany of Fife.; and the book .cannot fail to be of value as the result of much personal study. PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS TO THE SCOTTISH CRYPTOGAMIC SOCIETY. By His Grace THE DUKE OF ARGYLL. [This Address was spoken from notes to the Meeting of the Society at Inveraray in September, to which the public were admitted. We print it from the reports in newspapers. —ED. Scot. Nat.] E-are met for the purpose of receiving and welcoming and deriving instruction from the members of the Crypto- gamic Society. We are delighted to receive those gentlemen; and to be instructed by them on the beautiful natural forms which are so abundant in this neighbourhood. The Secretary of the Society has asked me to give an address on this occasion; but I repre- sented to my friend that I am entirely ignorant of Scientific Botany, and especially of this particular branch of Cryptogamic Botany. However, he seemed to hold that this was no objection whatever, and that address youI must. This condition of mind almost reminds me of the story of a great sovereign in sacred history whose heart was said to have been hardened, and who insisted upon the captive Israelites making bricks without straw ; so.I am expected to address my audience on Cryptogamic Botany, knowing nothing whatever of the subject. However, there are some things we may all know in a general way, and one thing is this, that a great deal of the natural beauty of this country depends upon what are called cryptogamic plants. I have always maintained that the beauty of the West Coast and the Highlands is greater in winter than in summer. In summer the mass of foliage, especially at Inveraray, absorbs so much of the light that the scenery is less conspicuous and less remarkable. In autumn the colours are very brilliant ; but in winter, especially when there is frosty sunshine on the hills, there are such wonder- ful reflections of light on the water that we are accustomed to admire the scenery then more than in summer. Then, there is another The Scottish Naturaltst. 17 peculiarity of the scenery of the West Coast which is especially remarkable, and that is the extraordinary brilliancy and richness of the greens that are derived from the mosses in the woods. Really, when the sun shines on some of the green mosses in the woods in the neighbourhood of Inveraray, colours are produced that I have never seen even attempted by the best artists. The richness, the softness, the silkiness of the texture of many of the cryptogams, is so very peculiar that if I had the pleasure of addressing any artists—and I have seen several here lately sketch- ing the woods—I should recommend them to try their hands on the effects produced by these plants, becau¢ some of these details in nature are too little attended to by artists, though if well repre- sented they would produce most marvellous results. Perhaps you will permit me to mention a few circumstances that have occurred to me in the course of my life in regard to the cryptogamic flora. The first is rather a curious story. Some 35 or 4o years ago I had the honour of being president of the British Association when it met in Glasgow; and soon after that, on a very stormy afternoon, on the side of Duniquoich, I noticed one of two or three ravens overhead with something curious, which looked like prey, in its bill.) On the bird passing above me I shouted ina manner that made it drop what it carried, which I found to be a fir cone in a peculiar condition. The scales of the cone, instead of being directed in the usual way, were all reverted, folded back towards the stalk, instead of towards the apex. On further exami- nation I saw that there was something peculiar upon the scales, and on looking at them through a pocket lens, which I always carry for the purpose of such investigations, I found that they were covered with a most beautiful pattern, something like a beé’s honeycomb. I had no conception of what that was; but I for- warded it to my friend Sir William Hooker, who wrote that I had sent him the second specimen ever found in Scotland of a very rare fungus. I am almost afraid to mention its name in the presence of the members of this society lest I should make a mis- take, but I was impressed by the circumstance to such an extent that I think I may venture upon the name, which was, I believe, ferichena strobilina. Then the question arose, what induced the raven to select that particular cone, and I asked Sir William if he thought the raven had a private museum and was carrying off B 18 The Scottish Naturalist. this rare fungus as a specimen ; but he replied that he was unable to account for the occurrence. Sir Richard Owen, to whom I also applied, suggested that the peculiar ‘“‘ meaty ” smell, which many fungi possess, had attracted the bird. It is a singular fact, however, that ravens are very fond of playing with such objects in the air ; and I have seen them carrying common sticks—transferring them from their bills to their claws, and evidently going through some game or amusement. In the course of my inquiries on the subject I found that the other specimen of the fungus mentioned had been discovered at Ballachulish. Two years afterwards I found what I believe was the spot where the raven picked up the cone, for there were several like it there, but although I have looked for it since I have never see any other specimens. If any of you — go to Kew, you may perhaps see this rare fungus found by the raven, as it is still preserved and labelled there. The next circumstance happened nine years ago, when I was on a visit to Lord Lorne, who was then Governor-General of Canada. During a voyage ina small steam yacht, we entered the Saganay Loch, or Fiord, which branches off from the St. Lawrence ; and landed ona point covered with rounded rocks of a peculiar colour—dull grey mixed with green. I found that they were masses of Laurentian gneiss, well glaciated, covered with bilberry, and bearing an immense forest of lichens, such as I have never seen in this country. They were like miniature trees. They stood upright on the rocks to the height of several inches; and they were of a beautiful pearly grey, which gave the rocks their colour. I tried to gather some of them, but they were extremely brittle and went to dust in my hands. That sight made a great impression on my mind as to the beauty that can be derived from grey lichens. In the drive from Quebec with Lord Lorne I noticed a flame-colour in one of the fields towards sunset ; and on examination found that it arose from the seed-stalks of mosses like some that I have seen in this country—sometimes very beautiful in colour—but they attain a size in Canada that we have no conception of here. They were certainly not “cryptogams,” in one sense, because their fructifica- tions were exceedingly apparent, and made a beautiful colour in the landscape. This experience of the extraordinary beauty of the mosses and lichens in a northern climate raised some curious questions with regard to the possible part which these cryptogamic plants may The Scottish Naturalist. 19 have played in former ages of the world. The rocks at Quebec are called Laurentian, from the immense extent to which they have been developed on the northern shores of the St. Lawrence. They are now more commonly called Archzan, from being the earliest known sedimentary rocks in the world. Our outer Hebrides are wholly composed of them. ‘The whole of the island of Lewis, the two Uists, Barra, Tiree, Coll, and Iona are composed of these ancient rocks; and the dykes that I saw built close to Quebec were exactly like the dykes in Tiree—the same minerals and similar stone —but in Canada these rocks are developed to an enormous thick- ness. No fossils are found in them, and the question naturally arises was there any life whatever, either animal or vegetable, in the ages during which those rocks were laid down. It is quite possible that there may have been life, that the remains may have been for a long time preserved in these rocks, and that the fossils have been de- stroyed by crystailisation, a process of which we do not know all the secrets, but which certainly was promoted by heat and pressure. Some geologists believe that there was life at the time, and that its remains, cnce abundantly preserved, have since been destroyed by the combined effect of heat and pressure ; and one of the great arguments urged by these geologists, at the head of whom is Sir Wm. Dawson, is that these rocks show all the usual beds found in other rocks that are full of fossils. For example, there are great beds of graphite, and Sir Wm. Dawson argues that these graphitic beds could not have been produced by anything but the fixation of carbon by vegetable life, it being the great function of vegetable life to fix carbon and produce the ligneous textures so valuable to us in domestic use. That may be a sound argument. [I do not pronounce upon it; but if these enormous beds of vegetable organisms existed, what were they? Were they such as we see now in our trees and forests, or were they something much lower in the scale of vegetable life? That is a question we cannot help asking ourselves, and to which I think we have some approach to a clue in the succeeding ages when coal was de- posited. You know that the great mass of our coals is due to the crushed and preserved remains of the cryptogamic flora of the coal period. Very often the vegetable structure is beautifully exhibited, if not in the coal, yet in the shale, and we find that almost the whole of the vegetation, the enormous peat beds and peat mosses which have been hardened into coal, were of the very 20 The Scottish Naturalist. kinds of vegetation to which this Society devotes its energies; so that, besides the beauty we derive from these things in a very small form, we owe to them in gigantic form, and in enormous quantity, the great store of energy that we have in our coal mea- sures, and without which the existence of civilisation and of many of our arts would have been impossible. It seems to me very possible that, as enormous club mosses, 50 or 60 feet high, of the same general aspect as the minute ones we see in the woods here, were the vegetation of the coal measures, so there was in the pre- vious Laurentian era a vegetation of a lower type, of which I saw the dwindled representatives on those rocks. Of course it isa matter of speculation, but in all science we must begin in this way with general ideas, which we must verify by facts and arguments. Another circumstance in connection with cryptogamic botany came before me quite lately. I was anxious to discover some fossils in the crystalline rocks of Argyllshire, where they seem entirely wanting, although in a field of limestone of the same geo- logical age in Sutherland Mr. Peach discovered fossils that proved that the great mass of crystalline rocks belonged to the Silurian era. The fact that no trace of life was found in the Argyllshire limestone, although it was not apparently more crystalline than others, was to me a great mystery, which I was anxious to solve. In the course of last winter an energetic man in Campbeltown sent me a specimen of limestone which he believed to be coral- pitted, but which examination in Edinburgh proved to be merely marked by a lichen. The mass had become covered with it, and the little plants had each excavated a tiny pit, with the result that the whole block closely imitated a coral. Passing from that, the next subject of observation which came before me lately in cryptogamic botany was the appearance and phenomena of the forms called Diatoms. Those organisms, which can be gathered in every puddle by the roadside, have a shell of pure flint, or glass, marked with beautiful patterns of an ornamental nature ; and botanists and zoologists have disputed as to whether they are vegetables or animals ; but whatever they are, one peculiarity of those organisms is that when alive the shell is filled with highly-coloured matter, generally bright green or bright yellow. It is well known that some plants possess motion, but those have locomotion; and in examining them I could not divest myself of the idea that they acted by will. There was this The Scottish Naturalist. a singularity, too, that there was nothing to indicate the means by which those creatures moved. It looked like pure volition with- out any physical means of carrying it into effect, and that we do not see often in the animate world. I think I have said enough to excite the curiosity of my hearers in some departments at least of cryptogamic botany. ‘The members have made a very interesting collection during the day; and many of the audience will be surprised to see the curious and beautiful objects which grow around them. There is one matter of great interest about these, and that is that some of them are good for food. We hardly ever attempt to eat any of them except the mushroom; and yet there were dozens of others that are eatable and perfectly wholesome. But there are others which are deadly poison. I would suggest to the sestoty! as an interesting branch of inquiry—what is the nature of the poisons in those cases? Ex- tremely minute quantities of these fungi would poison a man— would at anyrate produce most disagreeable symptoms. Now what is the nature of the poison? It must be extremely virulent; it must fit, soto speak, into our physical constitution in some very intimate way, passing to the fountains of the blood, and produc- ing all the dangerous symptoms described by medical men. I cannot help thinking that this question is connected with a very interesting question in philosophy and medicine—the homceo- pathic theory. There may be great doubt about the assumption that like cures like; but as to the effect of small doses of anything, we know the extraordinary effect that mineral waters, though the quantity of ingredients are infinitely small, have on the human frame, and therefore I am prepared to believe that very minute quanti- ties of certain substances may have a powerful effect on the human system. I think it very probable that thcse fungi that have so powerful an effect as poison may be very valuable as medicines, given, of course, in infinitely minute doses. All these are subjects of investigation of the highest interest and importance, both practical and philosophical. This Society is devoted to Cryptogamic Botany. It is the outcome of the enormous multiplication and extension of the sciences which has characterised our time. No one man, no dozen of men, no hundred men, can overtake one-tenth part of the branches of investigation that are now opened in the physical sciences. 22 The Scottish Naturalsst. Botany itself is an enormous kingdom; and it is most fortunate that gentlemen of high abilities and education and attainments should devote their attention to this particular branch of the science, THE LICHENS OF INVERARAY. By Rev. HucH Macmi.uan, D.D., LL.D., F.R.S.E. WING to the great extent of old shady woods in the neigh- bourhood of Inveraray the lichen-flora is unusually luxuriant. The number of species is perhaps not so great as in many localities more open to sun and wind: but the size of the individual specimens is very remarkable. Nowhere else in Scot. land is there such a predominance of the largest foliaceous species ; and their presence seems to have prevented the growth of the smaller crustaceous kinds. The most common and conspicuous form is the Ricasolia amplissima, which is the largest of the British lichens, remind- ing one by the thickness and wide-spreading dimensions of its lobes, more of tropical than of northern species. At Inveraray it grows On almost every tree, being quite indiscriminate in its choice of a habitat. It covers the trunks, of the old beeches especially, from head to foot with its vegetable cuirasses. It is found very frequently in full fructification ; while in other cases the centre of the thallus is covered with large clusters of the dark olive-green glomules, that are so peculiar to this species, and that serve as a secondary fructification to propagate the plant, when the norma! apothecia are absent. In dry weather this lichen is of a greyish white colour; but under rain it assumes a vivid green hue, which con- trasts beautifully with the reddish-brown apothecia, and with the snow-white under surface. It is curious how certain forms of lichens that are extremely rare or absent altogether in most localities become the commonest species in certain places. With us Parmelia saxvatilis covers almost every boulder and tree; but in the south of Europe, particularly along the Riviera, it is one of the rarest forms, and P. caperata, which with us is very local and uncommon, takes its place and becomes the common lichen of the country. With us The Scottish Naturalist. 23 P. physodes is the most abundant of all lichens on pine-trees and rocks, and P. pertusa, which is closely allied to it in appearance, is one of the rarest; in New Zealand on the other hand P. pertusa takes the place of our P. physodes, and is the commonest arboreal species in the country. So with Azcasolia amplissima ; in eastern and central Scotland it is almost unknown; while in the neighbourhood of Inveraray it is, as I have said, the commonest lichen. What is it that determines this strange geographical distribution of lichens? It may be difficult to account for the localisation of some species; but there can be no difficulty about the Azcasolia in question. It is obviously a lichen that requires a very moist mild climate, and dense shady woods, where the air is little disturbed. ‘These conditions are to be found at Inveraray as they are to be met with in scarce any other locality in Scotland. Associated with this magnificent lichen is another scarcely less magnificent, belonging to the same genus, the Ricasolia letevirens. This species is destitute of the curious glomules that characterise the sister-species ; its texture is thinner and less coriaceous ; its lobes are less scolloped; and, though of the same rich green colour when wet, it is of a brownish colour when dry. It grows in equal abundance and luxuriance at Inveraray ; and though not nearly so rare in Scotland as &. amplissima, it is in this locality more frequent and attains a larger size than elsewhere. It often occurs on rocks, trees, and banks on the seashore ; and it seems to require for its well-being a touch of saltness in the air. The Stictinas and Stictas, belonging to the same sub-tribe (Sticéec) as the Aicasolie, also abound in the woods of Inveraray. Almost all the British species grow in this locality; and they flourish here more abundantly than in most other places which they affect. Almost all the trees are shaggy with the loose hanging re- ticulated lobes of Sticta pulmonaria or “Lungwort;” and specimens of it in fructification are by no means infrequent. Stictina scrobiculata is not quite so abundant or luxuriant ; but yet it attains fair proportions, and often mingles its grey mealy rounded lobes, which strangely change to a dull leaden colour when wet, with its commoner and more ragged congener. The fructification of this species is exceedingly rare. I have examined myriads of specimens; but have found them all barren. I ob- tained several fronds with the characteristic apothecia on them at 24 The Scottish Naturalist. Essachossan, and on an old ash tree in Glen Shira. The only other place where I have gathered the fruit was on a solitary poplar tree by the roadside beyond the policies of Auchmore near Killin. Stictina fuliginosa, with its sooty granules covering the upper surface, and its disagreeable mouse- like smell, is also very abundant. Messrs. Turner and Hooker gathered it long ago at Inveraray. Stictina limbata, distin- guished by its simple round lobe, smooth and olive-brown on the upper surface, with the margins densely edged with grey mealy soredia, which in other places is a comparatively common species, in this neighbourhood occurs more rarely. It frequents dry sub- alpine woods, and the prevailing moisture at Inveraray seems to be inimical to it. But the most interesting members of the group are Stictina crocata and S. intricata, var. Thouarsii. In my wander- ings through the dense woods I picked up occasionally a single fragment of SS. crocata, which is distinguished by its crenate lobes, roughened by numerous reticulations, picked out with bright yellow granules all over the upper surface ; and on one tree I was delighted to see a large cluster of lobes, the most luxuriant I had seen anywhere. This favoured tree grew in the highest and most open part of the wood behind Auchnabreck. It was exposed to all the winds of heaven ; and doubtless it was owing to its elevated and isolated position that it attracted the spores of this lichen, wafted to it by the winds of the Atlantic, perhaps from the Azores, or the west coast of Africa or of Spain. S. crocata is almost invariably found on the trunks of poplars or rowan trees, avoiding the rougher bark of birches, firs, and oaks: The cluster in question grew ona stunted black poplar: and, be- sides the main colony, fragments of the lichen were interspersed among the mossy tufts that covered the whole trunk of the tree from top to bottom. This lichen was long ago reported as having been gathered at Inveraray by Messrs. Borrer and Hooker during their memor- able botanical journey in the north and west of Scotland. I have found small specimens of it in the Birks of Aberfeldy, and in the woods of Ardgarten, Glencroe. It is exceedingly rare in Scotland. On similar trees near the upper end of the Lover’s Walk, and in the vicinity of Essachossan I found in considerable abundance and luxuriance the Sttctina Thouarsii, which was first The Scottish Naturalist. 25 discovered at Inveraray by Admiral Jones. It is very rare in England, Scotland and Ireland ; only one or two localities being reported for it in these countries. I gathered it once before in Glencroe, on a rock in the bank of the stream below the farm- house of Larich Park; but there I found only a single specimen. It is easily known by its coriaceous much-divided lobes, covered on their rich red-brown upper surface with a profusion of scattered white soredia, which give the lichen a beautiful appearance. The typical form upon which Delise based the species S. intricata, of which S. Zhouarsti is a variety, has not yet been observed in Great Britain. Lightfoot seems to have noticed this plant and also S. erocata; for in his description of the Lichen sylvatica he mentions that on some specimens there are occasionally found yellow granules, and on others white, thus supposing them to be two varieties of the common species that he was describing. S. crocata and S. Thouarsit both belong to warm climates, being found in Western Africa, Central America, the West Indies, and the Canary Islands ; and their presence gives to the lichen-flora of Inveraray an Atlantic facies. Among the most interesting lichens of the district are those be- longing to the genus Beeomyces. B. roseus occurs sparingly in heathy places on the broken edges of banks, which it covers with a white granulose crust, interspersed with little pink mush- room-like apothecia. It is not a common lichen; and _ the fructification is much more infrequent than the characteristic crust. Where it is fully developed it is an exceedingly beautifu] species. On the abandoned earthy embankments of the nickel- mine, which was worked for a number of years by the Duke of Argyll, till the vein ran out, it grows in great profusion; and in one place it is covered to a large extent with myriads of its rosy pin-headed fruits. Especially when the fruits have swollen to a larger size and blushed a deeper red after heavy rains, it is one of the loveliest spectacles upon which the eye of a lichenologist can rest. I have nowhere else seen it in such profusion as in this spot. In South Carolina it was lately found, according to the testimony of a correspondent, in equal abundance. It is curious how this lichen should attach itself to the works of man, for it is never found in the wilds of nature, but only in artificial situations. It is always confined to the bare earthy edges of banks in elevated moorlands or to situations where there has been excavating. 26 The Scottish Naturalist. It shares this peculiarity with Yunaria hygrometrica, a moss that grows only in places where something has been burnt. And one is led to speculate why such plants should have abandoned what must have been their original wild habitat, and have accommodated themselves to artificial conditions entirely different. B. rufus is not so common in this district as B. roseus, though elsewhere it is the prevailing form. I found only a few specimens in fruit on the upper side of the woodland path beyond Essachossan. On the edges of the peat-bogs on the hill behind Auchnabreck B. icma- dophila, which differs from its congeners in the flesh-coloured fruit being stemless and flat (like the apothecia of a Lecidea or of a Lecanora) on the thallus, grows in great profusion, making the dark turf hoary with its wide-spreading patches. Of Parmelie there is an abundance of the usual species in the locality. Physcia aquila, which is characteristic of rocky shores on our sea-coasts, is rather rare in this neighbourhood. I have met with only a few small specimens on the rocks a little way from the town, facing the sea. Parmelia conspersa is common on the upland rocks; and some specimens grow on a rock-surface at the Muir Farm Cottage, where several much worn cup-marks may be seen, made for libations in prehistoric times, the only example in this locality. P. caperata grows on several trees in the avenues, but is by no means common. One of the most frequent species in the district is P. levigata. This form is rare in the eastern and central parts of Scotland. It seems to be characteristic of the west, and to occur in greatest luxuriance on the shores of the western sea-lochs, It is one of the lichens that help to give an Atlantic type to the lichen flora of Inveraray. It is found abundantly on almost all the trees in the Iiigh Preserves and in the birch woods around Essachossan. It has two special varieties. One is larger and looser in its attachment, and of a blue-grey tinge, the margins of the much- divided lobes being turned up and covered frequently with mealy white soredia; the other variety is more closely applied to mossy trees and stones, is of a thinner texture and of a pale yellowish-green, also with lobes more divided and destitute of soredia. ‘The latter variety seems an intermediate form between the typical plant and P. endochlora. The general appearance is so like P. endochlora that one has to scrape the upper surface to see whether the medulla is yellow or white before one can confidently The Scottish Naturalist. a7 say which species it is. I should have expected to find specimens of P. endochlora at Inveraray ; since it occurs in Glencroe, which opens from the head of Loch Fyne, and is distant in a straight line not more than a dozen miles; but I have never found this remarkable species except in the glen, where I first discovered it about eight or nine years ago; and in no other habitat in Scotland has it since been gathered. Indeed Mr. Leighton, previous to my discovery, founded the species on a solitary specimen found in Dr. Taylor’s collection of Irish lichens, which came from the Lakes of Killarney. I may mention that besides the spots in Glencroe and on the hillsides above Ardgarten, I have found a few stray specimens on the wall behind Valley Cottage, between Arrochar and Tarbet. Another Parmelia of a western or Atlantic type is P. sinuosa, which is a rather rare species. In Glencroe it is met with principally on boulders on the hillsides; but at Inveraray it is entirely confined to trees, occurring chiefly upon the stems of birches in the upper part of the High Preserves. It has a curious habit of growing only in fragments and half-circles ; a completely rounded thallus being rare. It is distinguished by its pale yeliowish-green colour, shading into black, its narrow segments; and its black fibrillose under-surface. I have never seen it in fructification. I have already referred to P. pertusa as the characteristic lichen of New Zealand. It is rare in Scotland; but in the High Preserves at Inveraray, and in the birch woods at Essachossan it is found on almost every tree, and displays its neat round thallus, of a lovely pale green colour, with its closely appressed segments sometimes sorediate, and always marked with minute dark perforations, in the greatest profusion. It is one of the most valued prizes of the lichenologist. I have never seen it in this country in fructification ; but I have gathered it in great abundance in the woods around Interlaken in Switzerland, and in the Nerodal, at the head of the Sogne Fiord, in Norway, on boulders. P. perlata is not so common about Inveraray as it is in many other sea-coast places. I have found a few specimens on trees and walls in the neighbourhood of Essachossan. The remarkable Pannaria plumbea, with its corky texture and leaden-coloured downy lower-surface, is accounted rather rare ; but at Inveraray it covers almost every oak, ash, and poplar tree ; and attains to very 28 The Scottish Naturahst. large dimensions. The fructification is also common and profuse. A species is usually associated with it in almost equal abundance elsewhere, which resembles it so closely in appearance that it got the old name of Squamaria affinis, now known as Pannaria rubiginosa ; though at Inveraray I found only a few small ill- developed specimens on the same trees with the P. plumbea. The curious Amphiloma lanuginosum, which affects the shady side of rocks in subalpine localities, covering them with its white mealy thallus, resting upon a bluish flocculent substratum, grows in the oak woods of Dalhingan and on roadside hanks at Kilean. The fruit is altogether unknown. Of the Peltigerei, Nephromium lusitanicum is frequent on mossy rocks, trees, and walls, with its curious reddish-brown apothecia, adnate to the lower margin of the thallus. Nothing can be more lovely than the large silvery grey patches of Peltigera canina, the common Dog Lichen, beautifully rounded and scolloped, as it covers some old wall, or variegates the mossy sward by the side of some woodland path. I have never seen it so large or so beautiful elsewhere as in this locality. I have not met with P. malacea, which the Rev. Mr. Crombie discovered at Inveraray in 1873. P. polydactyla, distinguished by its many fertile finger-like lobes rising above the general level of the thallus, and marked with longitudinal nail-shaped apothecia, with their edges turned back, is common on moist banks; and I have no doubt that P. aphthosa may also be found in the upland dales, though I have failed to see any trace of it. Probably more common and abundant than any other lichen on the trees at Inveraray isthe Platysma glaucum. It is remarkably luxuriant, covering almost all the trees in the High Preserves with its crisp curly lobes, and imparting to them a very picturesque appearance. The Ramalodei are unaccountably scarce at Inveraray, con- sidering the myriad trees of the pine-tribe, upon which this order loves specially to luxuriate, that grow in the neighbourhood in open and exposed places. I gathered only a few specimens of Evernia prunastri and of Ramalina fastigiata; lichens that else- where make almost every tree ina pine wood shaggy with their hoary tufts. The dark beard of Alectoria jubata, equally common and picturesque in northern pine woods, does not, so far as I have observed, grow in the woods of Inveraray, the very woods that one would naturally suppose it would love most to frequent. The Sccttish Naturaltst. 29 In the storm-tossed woods near the top of Duniquaich the trees are grey with pendulous masses of Usnea florida, in a very ragged and ill-developed state; but elsewhere in the district this lichen is uncommon. I believe ail the species of this order prefer a drier and colder climate than that of Inveraray. Probably for the same reason the members of Stereocaulei are not so common and abundant in this locality as they are in other parts of Scotland. Stereocaulon paschale occurs on rocks under the spray of the waterfall of Essachossan, and on boulders at Auchnabreck. The other so-called species of this genus do not seem to me to afford good specific chararacters, and might even be regarded as mere varieties of the typical S. paschale, for no lichen varies so much in appearance in different localities, according to the conditions of its growth. The local Spheero- phoron coralloides I have seen only on boulders in the neigh- bourhood of Essachossan. Of Crustaceous Lichens, as I have already said, there is no great variety at Inveraray. ‘There seems to be among them, as among the foliaceous kinds, a vast predominance of one or two large forms, to the exclusion of the smaller ones. I have never seen anywhere such enormous patches of Lecanora tartarea, var. grandinosa as those which may be seen covering the trunks of oak trees in the High Preserves. ‘This form is rare elsewhere. It gives to the trees the appearance of having been whitewashed. The typical lichen usually occurs on stones and rocks. I believe it used to be gathered in great quantities ut Inveraray for the pur. pose of dyeing cloth; and the inhabitants of the district earned a comfortable living by collecting it and conveying it to southern markets, where it was well-known as ‘ Cudbear.” I may also notice the unusually large patches of L. sanguinaria that may be seen on the trunks of Scotch firs a little beyond Essachossan. ‘The patches are covered with myriads of black apothecia, which when cut across by a knife reveal the characteristic medulla, of a brilliant vermilion red. It is a most interesting lichen ; and is one of the great charms of our fir woods. I have not ascended the high hills about Inveraray, though they may be expected to yield the usual alpine and subalpine species ; and I have not investigated the minute Lectdeine’. My examina- tion of the locality has necessarily been very limited and super- ficial. ‘The woods are so extensive, and the toil in penetrating 30 The Scottish Naturalast. their recesses so great, that one would require, not a month’s residence, which was all the time at my disposal, but a year’s sojourn in the locality to explore fully its productions. In this sketch I have only attempted to give a general idea of the lichen- flora of Inveraray as it strikes a stranger. And any one who has examined it even as superficially as I have done must be astonished at its immense luxuriance. The large size of the specimens, and their fully developed and fructiferous condition are a sure sign of the purity of the air and the salubrity of the climate: It isa common error to suppose that a vast abundance of lichens indicates an unwholesome district ; since in fact lichens will not grow in a perfect or fruit-bearing condition where the air is impreg- nated with any deleterious substances. In such localities the lichens exist only in a gonidial or rudimentary state, covering trees and walls with a green powder. Judging by this standard we must conclude that Inveraray is exceptionally favourable to human as well as to lichen life. | THE PERONOSPOREE OF ORKNEY. By Pror. James W. H. TRAIL. HIS short paper may be regarded as a second supplement to the “ Revision of the Scotch Peronosporese ” read be- fore the Cryptogamic Society of Scotland in 1886, published in the Scottish Naturalist in April 1887 (pp. 77-86) with two addi- tional species recorded in January 1888 (p. 208). I spent the whole of the month of August of last year in the Mainland of Orkney ; and of course took advantage of the opportunity to do what I could towards gaining a knowledge of the fungi. In the Mycologia Scotica there is scarcely a record from the Orkney islands ; so that any information was very desirable. ‘The materials obtained will require some time to work out; but a few of the smaller and more distinctive groups have already been overtaken, among which are the Leronosporee. Of this group I found very few during the first ten days of the month; but after a few days of rain they began to appear in some plenty. . The Scottish Naturalist. 31 I botanised chiefly in the parish of Birsay in the north-west corner of the Mainland, near Stromness, near the Stones of Sten- nis, around the village of Finstown, near the head of the Bay of Firth, and in the parish of Orphir, on the south-east of the Main- land. In all these localities I found species of Feronosporee, but mostly in Birsay, and near Finstown. Of Phytophthora infestans, the only species previously recorded,-by myself, from Orkney, I for- tunately saw scarcely a trace this year ; but a fair number of other species were found, including three new to Scotland. They were as follows : Cystopus candidus (Pers.) Lev., on inflorescence of Raphanus Raphanistrum, in the parish of Harray. Phytophthora infestans (Mont.), on all parts of Solanum tuberosum, scarce this year, but too often rather plentiful. Peronospora (Plasmopara) nivea (Unger), near Finstown, common, on 4gopodium Podagraria, Anthriscus sylvestris, and Angelica sylvestris. P. calotheca De Bary, on Galtum Aparine in the ruins of the Palace of Birsay. P. Vicize (Berk.) De Bary, on Vicia sepium, rare, between Har- ray and Birsay. P. Alsinearum Caspary, on Cerastium triviale, common at Finstown. P. parasitica (Pers.) Tul., on Hesferis matronalts, occasionally near Finstown. P. Ficarize Tul., on leaves of Ranunculus repens, not scarce in Birsay. P. affinis Rossm., on Fumaria officinalis, in a field in Birsay. P. Violge De Bary, on Viola tricolor, scarce, near Finstown and Stennis, new to Scotland (found by me in September near Ellon, in Aberdeenshire, on var. arvensis). Chiefly on the lower surface of the leaves near the base of the stem, effused in a pale greyish-violet coat of clusters of conidiophores, each bifurcated from 5 to 7 times, spreading, branchlets nearly straight, tapering ; conidia ovate or elliptical, membrane nearly hyaline, paie violet, 18-21 by 15 wu. P. Oobovata (Bon.), on Spergula arvensis, rare, in a field near Finstown. P. Radii De Bary, on Chrysanthemum segetum, common in 32 The Scottish Naturaltst. fields at Marwick in Birsay, near Finstown, and in Orphir. ; new to Scotland. Growing on the capitula, and also on the upper leaves on both surfaces, forming dull violet-grey tufts of conidiophores, each of which is 5 to 7 times bifurcated, with ascending branches, ending in short straight or slightly curved branchlets. Conidia oval or elliptical, 20-26 by 20 #, dull brown-violet. Schroter states that this fungus grows only on capitula ot Anthemider. P. Lamii A. Braun, (Scot. Vat. 1888, p. 208), on Lamium pur- pureum and on LZ. amplexicaule in a field in Birsay, and on Stachys palustris at Finstown. P. effusa (Grev.) Rabh., on Atriplex Badbingtonit, plentiful near Stromness, along the Bay of Firth, and in-Orphir. . Urticee (Lib.) De Bary, on Urtica urens, in Birsay. . alta Fuckel, on leaves of Plantago major, plentiful in Birsay, and near Finstown. (Since found by me, in September, at Inveraray in fair quantity, near Callander in Perthshire, and near Aberdeen, but scarce). qelalae, The leaves become yellowish on the upper surface, but are covered below with an effused coat of very pale violet-grey clusters of conidiophores, which are slender, 5 or 6 times bifurcated, ending in tapering curved branchlets. Conidia elliptical, 24-28 by 18-20 z, pale violet. P. Rumicis Corda, (Sco¢. (Vat. p. 208), on Polygonum aviculare ; widely distributed in Birsay, Stennis, Firth, and Orphir. ON THE FLORA OF SHETLAND, By W. H. Beepsy, A.L.S. N paying my third visit to the Shetland Islands during the first fortnight of last September, I remained the whole time at Scalloway; partly because the neighbourhood afforded a good many records that required confirmation, and partly because the different voes, or long arms of the sea, which run inland for miles—such as Whiteness Voe on the west, and Dales Voe on the east coast—seemed worthy of attention. Although looking so promising on the map, they proved for the most part unproductive. However, there were obtained in all about eight records of plants The Scottish Naturctest. 33 new to the county, or requiring confirmation. The district is not one in which to expect anything particularly novel, and with the exception of the interesting G/yceria from Hildasay Island, no- thing of importance in this way was detected. I could not help being struck with the total absence of Averacia from the district, which is not wanting in likely localities for these plants ; indeed, I have seen none of the species in the Shetland Islands, excepting one at Mid Yell Voe, and the three species that are so abundant about the Loch of Cliff and Burrafirth, in Unst. There are also records from Ronas Voe and Northmavine, quite in the north of the Mainland ; so that the genus seems to be very unequally dis- tributed. I hope to have another opportunity of visiting Hildasay Islanc, and of noting all the plants that are to be found there. This was done only partially last year, owing to the visit being necessarily of very short duration, and to the fact that some time was spent uponthe Loch. Hildasay is, I believe, one of the largest untilled islands in the group; it has an area of about three- quarters of a square mile; and, with the exception of a small plot attached to a cottage, is devoted to grazing. Hence the many “denizens” or “‘colonists” which form so large a part of the Flora of the ordinary lowland districts, and which now appear as though more or less truly wild in these, are entirely wanting. I again thank the various botanists who have kindly examined and reported on a few of the more critical forms. The abbrevia- tions used are the same as those of my former papers, viz.:— * __ believed new to Britain. t— not recorded for the county in Zo. Bot. Ed. II., or in Bennett’s “ Additional Records,” unless with some form of query. Cochlearia groenlandica L.—This has retained its charac- ters for two years in cultivation side by side with C. a/pina Wats. The ripe capsule remains veinless, or shows extremely faint veins, while that of C. a/sina has prominent elevated veins. The very long stem-leaves are also characteristic of C. groenlandica, and, both in the wild and cultivated specimens, agree well with Dr. Lange’s description (“‘Consp. Fl. Groenland.” p, 35), “foltis . . caulinis breviter petiolatis, rhomboideo-ellipticis, integris vel subhas- tato-trilobis.” ‘The two plants above mentioned, although grown twenty miles to the south of London, have scarcely changed at all during the two years’ cultivation, and have not even become more Cc 34 The Scottish Naturattst. robust in habit than the wild plants from the stony hills of Unst- It may be inferred from this that the cultivation of all the forms would probably settle, more easily than in many cases, some of the doubtful points connected with the genus. + Polygala vulgaris L.—In my first paper I spoke of P. serpyllacea as being the only form noted. I now see that a small plant with an unusually sparsely-flowered raceme gathered at Ronas Voe, and passed over as sexpyl/acea, must be referred to eze- vulgaris. This is, however, certainly the less common form; I have not noted it elsewhere ; and all my other specimens belong to P. serpyllacea. Cerastium triviale Link var. serpentini Syme.—My large- flowered form from Ollaberry (Scot. JVat., 1887, p. 23), which I had supposed to be the same as Mr. Craig-Christie’s plant, is now definitely identified as such by Mr. N. E. Brown. Further exami- nation and local observation convince me that I referred it to var. alpestre erroneously ; and that it is merely a large-flowered form of the ordinary plant, frequent in wet pastures in Shetland, and which passes by degrees into the small-flowered type. I under- stand that Mr. Bennett has this form from Wales, and we have a form nearly as extreme in Surrey. t Vicia sepium L.—Sparingly near the upper end of Ting- wall Loch, among a dense growth of Lathyrus pratensts. Spirea Ulmaria L. var. denudata Pres].—By the Mailand Burn, Unst, 1887. This variety seems less common in Shetland than in the south. Alchemilla vulgaris L. var. subsericea Koch.—Frequent among rocks on Hoo Field, near Cunningsburgh. Epilobium palustre L.—Dr. Haussknecht has identified the Clickhimmin Loch plant as var. davandu/efo‘ium Lec. et Lam. I still consider the Ronas Voe plant, which has much larger flowers and broader leaves, to be probably the var. fontanum. Callitriche polymorpha Lonnr.-—I again met with this plant in the Burn of Sundabanks, near Scalloway. As with the Unst plant, so here, the rapid current of the stream soon destroys the long stigmas, and it was difficult to find good examples; but one or two quite characteristic examples were obtained. In the fresh state the fruit is only very obscurely winged. + Sium erectum Huds.—In some plenty by the Asta Burn, i. The Scottish Naturalist. 35 Senecio Jacobszea L.—Abundant for a short distance along the cliffs east of Scalloway. Previously seen only as a garden casual. In the Scalloway locality the plant had probably come from the cornfields above the cliffs; and there is little reason to regard it as indigenous, although equally “ wild” with many other plants which, in Shetland, are obviously entitled to no higher grade than that of ‘‘colonist ” or ‘ denizen.” Matricaria inodora.— Messrs. Grant and Bennett (Scot. Vat. 1888, p. 371) seem to have misunderstood my remarks concerning the forms salina and pheocephala. I wrote: “ L expect that salina and pheocephala pass into each other, and that yours (2.2, Rev. E. S. Marshall’s. plant, from Dunnet Links, Caithness) is possibly in- termediate.” (/ourn. Bot., 1887, p. 166). I am not in a position to make the definite assertion attributed to me. My note was in- tended merely as a hint, which might put a friend on the right track, and was therefore scarcely worth printing. Unfortunately, the misquotation, albeit no doubt unintentional, makes it neces- sary to once more repeat the sentence, in order to prevent miscon- ception. Dr. Lange confirms as ph@ocephala a plant from E. Sutherland gathered by Mr. Marshall, who informs me that Pro- fessor Babington is inclined to refer the Dunnet Links plant to the same form, and not to salina. Sonchus asper Hoffm.—Seen occasionally, to the exclusion of S. oleraceus, which is said by Edmonston to be frequent. S. asper was also the species seen at Stromness, Orkney, during the short stoppage there. * Hieracium pulchellum Lindeb.—Abundant about Quey- house Loch, and at the north end of the Loch of Cliff in 1886. The Rev. W. R. Linton shortly afterwards gathered the plant in plenty on the Burrafirth Cliffs, which are a continuation of those that surround the Loch. I identified this plant as above in 1886, from the plate and description in “Flora Danica Supp.;” and the name has since been confirmed by Lindeberg himself thus naming some of Mr. Linton’s specimens that were sent him by Mr. F. J. Hanbury (Cf. Jour. Bot., 1888, p. 205). It is known elsewhere, I believe, only from the district about Bergen, in Norway. *H. dovrense Fries.—Common about the north end of the Loch of Cliff and Burrafirth Cliffs in 1886 and 1887. Mr. Hanbury identifies this plant as the above species. Two other 36 The Scottish Naturalist. species gathered in 1886 remain to be reported on. Of these, one is certainly distinct. Vaccinium Vitis-Ideea L.—Abundant on the tops of Hoo Field and Bonxie Hill (800-960 ft.), near Cunningshburgh. Recorded elsewhere in Shetland only from Ronas Hill (Christie). Veronica officinalis L.—The form with truncate, not notched, capsules occurred in plenty on rocks on Hoo Field. But on the very same plants the withered flower-stalks of the previous year | bore deeply-notched capsules, indicating that the variation is due to some merely temporary cause. + V. Anagallis L.—By the Asta Burn, Scalloway. This practically confirms the Tingwall locality mentioned by Ed- mondston, V. Beccabunga L.—Tingwall, as recorded by Edmondston. A minute form on the stony shore of the Loch. Mentha.—The only species hitherto on record is the intro- duced Mentha viridis. I found a plant on the stony shore of Tingwall Loch, and traced it up a burn-side some distance beyond cultivation. It appears, therefore, to be wild, and is probably a form of AZ hirsuta or M. sativa; but so late as the middle of September the more forward plants showed only slight indications of flowering at some later date. I have it in cultivation. Plantago major L. var. intermedia (Gilib.)—This is the usual form of stony loch-sides, &c., and is apparently much more common in the islands than the typical plant. Polygonum aviculare L.—Three forms of this plant have been noted, viz., var. agrestinum (Jord.), in cornfields about Scalloway, Tingwall, &c., and also at Cunningsburgh, on the east coast ;—var. vVulgatum Syme, by roadsides and in waste ground, Scalloway ;—and var. littorale (Link) on sandy shore at Cunnings- burgh. Various forms occur on the sea-shores, most of which seem to be maritime states of the two first-named varieties. Mr. Ar. Bennett concurs in referring the Cunningsburgh plant to var. littorale. P. Persicaria L.—Stony shore of Tingwall Loch; stony coast at Easter Quarff; and a handsome cornfield form at Aith Voe. It is apparently scarce. [P. Hydropiper L.—“ Fields and waste places, frequent.” (Edmondston’s Hlora.) I have not detectedit. In Mr. Fortescue’s Orkney list it appears only as “ reported by Lowe.” The Scottish Naturalsst. 37 t+ Sparganium simplex Huds.—Bum of Burrafirth, Unst., 1886. Regarded at first as a doubtful plant, I have now no doubt in referring it to the floating state called “ var. longissima ” by Fries. In the South of England these floating states of S. s¢mplex do not usually flower ; but this is not the case in Shetland, where this state flowers freely, and where I have not observed the normal plant. The resemblance which these floating states often bear to S. affine probably accounts for the absence of records of S. stmplex from some of the counties of the North of Scotland. The two plants grow together in the Burn of Burrafirth, and with them the hybrid §. simplex x affine—so named by Dr. Neu- man ; and I think that there can be no reasonable doubt, bearing in mind what we now know of the characteristics of hybrids from the exhaustive experiments made by different investigators, that this is one. I can no longer feel doubtful as to the accuracy of Dr. Neuman’s determination of the Mailand Burn plant as S. minimum Fries. ; and were any corroboration required, it is to be found in Mr. N. E. Brown’s drawing, kindly shown me by him, of the enlarged fruit, which convinces me that the plant is S. mznz- mum and not S. hyperboreum Laest. S. ramosum occurs in Orkney, and may be found in Shetland. In the preface to his Flora, Edmondston mentions “the three Spargania” as occurring at Tingwall; but no mention of Sparganium is made in the body of the Flora itself; and I have sought in vain for any one of them in the locality he indicates. Potamogeton perfoliatus L. var. lanceolatus Blytt.— West Loch, Hildasay Island. Mr. Arthur Bennett remarks: “«Seems to belong here, though rather less typical than Suther- land and Roxburgh specimens I possess.” I found only two specimens floating in the water. Floating branches of this species are of common occurrence, but with the exception of the two Hildasay specimens, the leaves of such have always been quite normal; the better developed leaves of my specimen of the variety are from 2 to 25 inches long, and half an inch or less in breadth, and are extremely thin and delicate in texture. + Ruppia rostellata Koch—Ditches in the salt marsh at Hoove, upper end of Whiteness Voe. t Scirpus setaceus L.—Boggy ground by a burn between Sundabanks and Wester Quarff. Bog near the sea at Bur Wick, near Scalloway. 38 The Scottish Naturalist. Carex binervis L.—A small and very slender variety, having much resemblance to some species of the /rigzda section, occurs among rocks by the ravine of the Neugles-Water Burn. C. flava L. var. genuina Towns. The typical plant was met with for the first time by a ditch running into the upper end of Tingwall Loch. + C. Gaderi Ehrh.—Plentiful on the stony shore of a loch above Bur Wick, near Scailoway. On this plant Mr. Bennett re- marks: ‘ Very near, if not the same as, 8. pygmeea Anders, Cyp. Scand., p. 25.” Aira caryophyllea L.—One of the records previously men- tioned as requiring confirmation. I found a single plant on a bank by a cornfield between Scalloway and Tingwall. Avena pubescens L.—This was abundant in Tate’s Station, the ravine of Sundabanks. * Glyceria distans Wahl. var. prostrata m. (A/ropis distans Griseb. var. prostrata Hackel zz “itt.).—Scattered abun- dantly over the stony shore of Hildasay Island, about the landing- place. Prof. Hackel reports: ‘‘Is no doubt a variety of Atropis distans Griseb.; but it does not fully agree with any of the pub- lished forms of that species. It comes very near var. wstuosa Sonder, also near var. puluinata Fries ; but neither of these is said to be quite prostrate. You may best call it a proper variety (var. prostrata).” Dr, Lange has also kindly reported as follows: “Non G. distans esse mihi videtur, potius Glyceria pseudo-distans Crépin, nisi forte G. Borreri Bab.” My own feeling throughout has been to refer this plant to G. distans, from which, however, it certainly differs conspicuously in some respects. The plant is quite prostrate, so much so that even the very panicle is adpressed flat to the ground, the panicle-branches ascending in flower, more or less spreading in fruit, but apparently never deflexed. I hope to grow it from seed. Dactylis glomerata L.—Also mentioned formerly as in want of confirmation. A couple of plants were seen by me beside a cornfield between Scalloway and Tingwall; and numerous plants in a piece of natural pasture at Scalloway. ‘lhe former plants were probably introduced ; and the second locality is so closely surrounded by cultivated ground that it is impossible to say whether the plants were truly wild or not. Dr. Boswell re- garded it as introduced in Orkney. (Fortescue’s List.) The Scottish Naturattst. 39 Isoetes lacustris L. var. falcata Lange.—Tingwell Loch, 1887 (¢. Lange), where the type also occurs. The plant recorded from Loch of Watlee, Unst, must be referred to this variety, which it represents in a much more extreme state than does the Tingwall plant. Chara fragilis Desv. var. delicatula A.Br.—Lower end of ‘Tingwall Loch. (¢. Groves). + C. vulgaris L.—Ditch running into the upper end of Ting- wall Loch. CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS A FLORA OF CAITHNESS— Condinued. By. J. F. GRANT AND ARTHUR Bennett, F.L.S. Lapsana communis. Roadsides, common. Crepis virens. Roadsides and railway embankments, rather local. €. paludosa. Damp subalpine situations ; Wick and Thurso rivers ; Lybster. Hieracium Pilosella. Dry ground, common; Wick river. H. anglicum. Thurso river, beside the railway ; Yarrows Hills. H. iricum. Thurso river; Dunbeath water. He pallidum.” Yarehouse Hills, near Yarehouse; Dunbeath Strath; Ben Dorrery. Dr. Davidson. var. Schmidtii. A specimen from Caithness was so named by Dr. Almquist. H. argenteum. Berriedale Water. #. /. Hanbury! cI. Murorum., Reay and Sandside Burns ; Acharole Burn ; Thurso River ; Reis- gill Burn. H. caesium, var. Smithii Baker. Banks of Thurso River, near the Cemetery. 40 The Scottish Naturalist. H. vulgatum. On the banks of almost all the streams in the county ; Wick, / J. Hanbury !Scouthal Wood and Ben Dorrery, Dr. Dazid- son! Thurso River! H. gothicum. | Rocky ledges, Yarrows Hills above the Loch ; Langwell Water ; Berriedale and Watten, 7. “ Hanbury ! H. (norvegicum) scoticum. Hanbury, in Journal of Botany, 1880, p. 206. Grassy slopes of braes bordering various streams; east of Reay Links, Berriedale and Dunbeath, #7. Hanbury! Isauld ; Sandside ; Acharole ; Strath ; Thurso River; and Yarrows Hills. Dr. Lindberg at first considered this a broad-leaved form of H. norvegicum ; but now thinks it may be an endemic form. ‘v7 Tarinosum,” Lbs: Burn, Reay Links, #7. Hanbury! Dr. Almquist remarks on this “ Ad 4. Oveades referendum, proxime ad 77. norvegicum, Vv. farinosum.” H. crocatum. Watten Strath! Thurso River! Wick River! Reisgill Burn ; John O’Groat’s, Dr. Davidson ! H. strictum (auct. angl.). Thurso River, east side, one mile up. H. corymbosum. Thurso River, with A. s¢rictum; also in Dunbeath Strath, two miles up ; Watten Strath! H. Oreades Fries. Rocky places by the sea, on the east coast, / /. Hanbury ! H. Sommerfeldtii Lindb. East coast of Caithness, & 7, Hanbury ! H. Friesii, var. vestitum Lindb. Caithness, &. /. Hanbury ! H. orarium Lindb. Caithness, #: 7. Hanbury! H. auratum Fries. Dunbeath, / /. Hanbury ! H. Langwellense Hanbury, in Journal of Botany, 1888, p. 206. East coast of Caithness, / /. Hanbury ! The Scottish Naturatsst. 4! H.?saxifragum Fries. A specimen was thus named by Dr. Almquist with some doubt ; it came near authentic specimens of this plant. H. boreale. Wick River; between Gilloch and Sibster ; Thurso River, near railway station! So Mr. Backhouse names specimens from this locality ; but I think they are a new form. A.B. H.? umbellatum. Scouthal Wood, Dr. Davidson. ‘' H. umbellatum? or possibly an extreme form of . crocatum,”’ Mr. Backhouse zz “tt. H. prenanthoides. Wick River! below Sibster. By the kindness of Mr. Hanbury I have examined still other forms of Hieracia from Caithness ; but they cannot be mentioned here, as they have not yet been published by Mr. Hanbury. A.B. Leontodon hispidus. Local ; Westfield ; Yarrows. L. autumnalis. Roadsides and pastures, common. Hypocheeris radicata. Roadsides, common. Taraxacum Dens-leonis. Abundant. T. palustre. Watery places, frequent. iE. taevigatum.” Sandy places by sides of lochs and by the sea; Thurso, /& /. Hanbury. Sonchus oleraceus. Fields and waste ground. S. asper. Fields and waste ground. S. arvensis. Cultivated fields, among corn, &c. Tragopogon pratensis. Local. Banks of Thurso River, opposite Bleachfields. Lobelia Dortmanna. Loch Rangag ; loch near Ben Shurrery. Campanula rotundifolia. Thurso River ; Brough ; Dunnet; Pulteneytown; Kettleburn A2 The Scottish Naturalest. rare in the eastern part of the county ; north part of Caith- ness, 7. C. Watson. Vaccinium Vitis-idzea. Heaths in mountainous districts, Strathmore, &c. V. Myrtillus. Heaths and shrubby places, frequent. Arctostaphylos alpina. Ben Shurrery (in Dick’s hb.) ; Morven, & /. Hanbury ! A. Uva-ursi. On hills, common ; also on Dunnet Head, close by the light- house ; in moss along the road westward from Thurso, Z. C. Watson. Calluna Erica. Abundant on moors, Erica Tetralix. FE. cinerea. All three Heaths are abundant on moors. Loisleuria procumbens. Morven, at 2,313 feet ! Pyrola media. Dry banks among heather ; Wick River! Reisgill Burn ; Thurso River, above Geise. Armeria maritima. Abundant on sea cliffs. Primula vulgaris. Braes inland, and near the sea; Murkle Bay, 7: 7, Hanbury ; near '‘Churso, S¢7ém/felt. P. veris. Sandy Links, rather rare and local; Murkle and Reay. iP scotica. Pastures by the sea; Keiss Bay, Moray Coll.; Mr. Nicolson! Noss Head, Mr. Shier in North. Flora; 3 miles west of Thurso, H. C. Watson; ona common 3 miles north of Wick, Dr. H. Balfour; Dunnet Links, Marshal/! Several places between Wick and John O’Groat’s, Dr. H. Balfour. Lysimachia nemorum. Reisgill Burn ; Dunbeath ; Berriedale ; Scouthal. Trientalis europea. Dunbeath ; Berriedale ; also on Duncansby Head! Caithness moors, 1850, (in Dick’s hd.) The Scottish Naturaltst. 43 Glaux maritima. Sea-shores and salt-marshes, common; cliffs south of Wick, Marshall! Anagallis tenella. Boggy ground; Wick River; Gilloch; Duncansby; Yarrows ; Wester ; Scotscalder ; Pech Winless, Dr. Davidson. Ligustrum vulgare. Hedges at Thurso, (in Dick's hd.). Fraxinus excelsior. Thurso, (Dzck’s hb.) ; Scouthal Wood, apparently indigenous, but admittedly in doubt: abundant at Berriedale, but planted there some years ago, J. /. Hanbury. Gentiana Amarella. Dry pastures ; north coast of Caithness, EH. C...Watson ;. Keiss Links, /. /. Hanbury ; Reay Links, AZarshall ! The form multicaulis Lange occurs on sandy Links in Sinclair Bay, and at Reay! G. campestris. Moist pastures inland ; north coast of Caithness, H. C. Watson ; near Wick, W. W. Reeves! Keiss Links! Menyanthes trifoliata. Solanum Dulcamara. Garth ; Castletown. Symphytum officinale. Ulbster ; Castletown near houses; Mid Clyvth. S. tuberosum). Lycopsis arvensis. Common in fields. Mertensia maritima. Sea beaches ; Isauld ; Keiss ; Dunbeath ; John O’Groat’s! Dr. H. Balfour ; near Reay, &. /. Hanbury! Duncansby, Mr. LVicolson | (To be continued.) Poh s OF PREBLESS ELE EG: By G. CLARIDGE Druce, F.L.S. URING a walk from Peebles to Broughton, both in the Watsonian county 78, I noticed the following plants. ‘Those not recorded in Zop. Bot., Ed. II., are marked with an 44 The Scottish Naturalist. asterisk ; and those given in that book without personal authority are left unmarked. *Ranunculus hederaceus L., var. omiophyllus (Tenore), in ditches near Broughton. ¥R. acris L. & *R. repens L., both common. *Berberis vulgaris L., abundant in hedges about Stobo, and between Stobo and Broughton. *Papaver dubium L., var. Lamottei Lecoq., Peebles. *Nasturtium palustre Br., Tweedside north-west of Peebles. A large upright form. *Cardamine flexuosa With., by the Tweed, with the last species. *Sisymbrium Alliaria Scop., Peebles. *Brassica alba Boiss. *Cochlearia officinalis L., Tweedside above Peebles, Montia fontana L., var. major Allione, Broughton. *Lepigonum rubrum Fries, Lyne. *Spergula sativa Boenn., Peebles, &c. *Arenaria serpyllifolia L., Peebles. *Linum catharticum L., Tweedside. Trifolium hybridum L., Peebles. *T. procumbens L., near Peebles. Vicia sativa L., Stobo. *Prunus Padus I.., Lyne. *P, avitim L., Tweedside. *Rosa mollis Sm., var. coerulea Woods, Peebles. R. canina L., var. lutetiana (Leman), Peebles. *var. biserrata (Merat), Lyne; *var. andevagensis (Bast.), ‘'weedside. *var. caesia (Sm), Tweedside; *var. Reuteri (Godet), Stobo. *Pyrus Malus L., Peebles. *Epilobium obscurum Schreb., near Broughton. *B. hybrid between obscurum and palustre, with the fore- going species. *Callitriche stagnalis Scop., Peebles. *C. hamulata Kuetz., Broughton. Ribes nigrum L. and R. rubrum L., by Tweed, near Stobo. R. Grossularia L., Lyne. R. Uva-crispa L., Broughton. The Scottish Naturatast. 45 * 7®thusa Cynapium L., Peebles. *Myrrhis Odorata Scop., Peebles. *Galium palustre L., var. Witheringii (Sm.), Broughton. *Sonchus oleraceus L., common. *Cnicus heterophyllus Willd., Tweedside, varying much as to leaf-cutting, but not enough to suggest hybridising. *Gnaphalium sylvaticum L., Broughton, rare. *Tlex Aquifolium L., Stobo. *Ligustrum vulgare L., Stobo. *Gentiana campestris L., Broughton. *Veronica scutellata L., Broughton. *V. Anagallis L., aquatica, Tweedside. *Pedicularis palustris L., Broughton. *Linaria vulgaris L., Peebles. *Mentha arvensis L., Lyne. *Teucrium Scorodonia L., Peebles. *Thymus Chamaedrys Fries, Stobo. *Myosotis repens Don, Broughton. *Anchusa arvensis L., Peebles. *Lysimachia Nummularia L., Peebles. Chenopodium album L., *var. incanum Mog. Tand., Peebles. *C. Bonus-Henricus L., Stobo. *Quercus Robur L., pedunculata Ehrh., Peebles. *Betula alba L., Lyne. *B. glutinosa Fries, Stobo. *Populus tremula L., Peebles. *Salix rubra Huds., Peebles. *S. ferruginea G. And. *Carpinus Betulus L., and its var. provincialis, at Stobo, planted doubtless. *Taxus baccata L., Stobo. *Triglochin palustre L., Broughton. *Potamogeton natans, L., Peebles. *P. crispus L., Tweed. *P. semipellucidus Koch and Ziz., plentiful in Tweed, “ ap- proaching the var. lacustris Mor.,” fide Ar. Bennett. *Sparganium eu-ramosum Huds., Peebles. *Scirpus sylvaticus L., Tweedside, Ehove Peebles. *S. setaceus L., Eeeiion, ) The Scottish Naturalist. *Carex aquatilis L., var. elatior Bab., Tweedside above Peebles. *0. hirta L., Peebles. C. flava L., *var. minor Towns., Broughton. *Alopecurus myosuroides Huds., Peebles. *Phragmites communis Trin., Peebles. *Poa nemoralis L., Peebles. *Festuca elatior L., Peebles. *F’, arundinacea Schreb., Lyne. *Bromus racemosus L., Peebles. *B. sterilis L., Peebles. *Brachypodium sylvaticum R. & S., Peebles. *Agropyrum repens Beauy., var. Leersianum Gray, Peebles. NORTHERN INSTITUTE OF LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES. HE first meeting of the Union of the Literary and Scientific Societies of the North of Scotland was held in Huntly on the 13th and 14th July. The attendance was such as to give good promise of a prosperous and useful career to this new association, which covers the district, with Inverness as its centre, to the north of that of the East of Scotland Union. The aims of the two associations are practically identical. All prepararations for the meeting were made by the Huntly Field-Club ; and especial credit is due to the Secretary of the Club, Mr. Gurnell, for the excellence of the arrangements, which ensured the success of the meeting. On the arrival of the delegates from the other Societies a visit was made to the magnificent ruins of Huntly Castle, which, though not one of the oldest, is yet one of the most complete of Scotch ruins of its class, and is of great extent. ’ The library and the various curiosities in the Brander Buildings were also inspected with interest. The value of such gifts as this to a town cannot but be great, and Huntly is to be congratulated on the public spirit shown by its citizens of late years in the bene- factions given for public objects. The Scottish Naturalist. 47 Shortly after 5 p.m. the public meeting of the Institute was opened in Stewart’s Hall by Professor Trail takingthe Chair. His address dealt with the recent progress of botanical investigation in Scotland ; with the influence of field-clubs on the advancement of botanical researches; and with the directions into which their labours may be turned with the greatest probability of successful results. The following papers were then read:—The Composition of the Atmosphere in the early Geological Epochs, by Mr. Proctor, London ; Salmon Disease, by Dr. John O. Wilson, Huntly ; Notes on the Geology of the country between Huntly and Kildrummy Castle, by Mr. Hinxman, of the Geological Survey ; Historical Notes on the Parish of Leslie, by Rev. John Russell; Saccharine, by Mr. Proctor; and The Study of Place-names, by Mr. Macdonald, Huntly. We under- stand that the papers are to be printed zz extenso in the Proceed- ings of the Institute. In the evening a Conversazione took place, when numerous objects of much interest were exhibited ; and the members supped together at 9.30 p.m. On Saturday 14th July, the morning threatened rain, but the weather improved during the forenoon; and a most enjoyable ex- cursion will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of taking part init. The programme was so well arranged as to permit of several localities being visited, various in their associations, but all worthy of attention. Starting early from Huntly the excursionists. drove through Gartly, Rhynie, and Lumsden to Kildrummy Castle, where a halt was made. After luncheon they returned by Clova, Auchindoir, and Craig, reaching Gartly and Huntly railway stations in time to permit members from a distance returning home the Same evening. On the way visits were made to very old sculptured stones near the Kirk of Rhynie; to an earth-house in Kaldrummy ; to Clova House, where Mr. Lumsden kindly showed a very fine collection of ancient stone weapons and implements, many of them from the neighbourhood ; to the curious old church of Auchindoir; and to the picturesque Den of Craig, and Craig Castle, to which access was most freely granted by Mr. Gordon. This old castle has been kept almost unchanged in its internal arrangements ; and permits one to realise in some degree the ad- vance in comfort that has resulted from the changes in household 48 The Scottish Naturalist. architecture made when defence was no longer the most necessary aim in the erection of houses. Papers were read on Kildrummy Castle by Dr. Shearer, Presi- dent of the Huntly Field Club, on Auchindoir Church by Rey. G. A. Selbie, Clatt, and on Craig Castle by Mr. Macdonald, Huntly ; and, with Mr. Hinxman’s paper on the geology of the district, added much to the value of the excursion. REVIEW. THE FLORA OF THE NORTII-EAST OF IRELAND.* A Fora of the North-east of Ireland ought, on several grounds, to be of interest to a Scottish botanist. Though the authors of the work before us think that an analysis of the plants of Down, Antrim, and Derry does not support the theory that many of the species reached Ireland by way of Scot- land, but rather that they came from the West of England, yet many naturalists incline to believe that Ireland was to a great extent peopled, both by animals and plants, by immigration from North Britain rather than from South Britain. It would take too much time and space to enter now into the pros and coms for this argument, but tke Scottish botanist, who knows the distribution of the British plants, will find in the account of the comparative rarity or abundance, habitats, &c., of the North Irish plants much matter for consideration. Another point suggested by this Flora is the influence of the Atlantic Ocean on the present distribution of ihe plants of the British Isles ; in other words, the effect of a climate more or less ‘‘ insular,” or more or less ‘‘ continental.” If this is kept in mind in comparing the Flora of South v. Central Eastern Scotland with the Flora of North-eastern Ireland, the absence from the latter of many plants which occur in the former, may perhaps be accounted for ; and it will also perhaps explain the apparent absence of present evidence that many of the Irish plants came through Scotland. It would be out of place in the pages of this Magazine to go into details of the nature of this ‘‘ Flora.” In many ways it is a model of what a local flora should be, and most especially in that the evidence for the occurrence of the plants in their several localities has been most carefully weighed. Almost the only short-coming of any vital importance in the book is the want of a map of the district. F. B. W. *A Flora of the North-east of Ireland, including the Phanerogamia, the Cryptogamia Vascularia, and the Muscinez. By S. A. Stewart and the late T. H. Corry. Published by the Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club. 1888. Ea u RINEY & TACK SON, ty — A -PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON. _ Gaccesors to Mr. VAN VOORST). . > hs cL Or . Soe ea Fas iS F. L. Ss ; E. Saunas, “4 a ok L. oe and Ts Se 2c Se Ke. : ae 2 is oe os 5 4 his indie. was anteenceds m 1864, and: its pages are ees .patly devoted for mation respecting British: Entomology. o. “Lonpon : JOHN VAN VOORST, 1 PATERNOSTER Row, E.C. pa ie -The ‘volumes commence with the- “June number in each year. Sub- . AS ee post: free) should ‘be forwarded to the Editors a at tle KIRBY'S ENTOMOLOGY. = ELEMENTARY TEXT-BOOK OF ENTOMOLOGY. By. We Fr. Gees (British Museum). Illustrated with 650 Woodcuts. Square 8vo; cloth elegant, gilt top, 15s. “Tt is, in fact, a succinct Encyclopredia of ‘the subject. _Plain and perspicuous in = language. and profusely illustrated, the insect must be a rare one indeed whose genus—~ | and perhaps even whose species—the reader fails to determine without difficulty... J ae ALS ~ The woodcuts are so admirable as almost to cheat the ¢ ye familiar with the objects pre- pes sented into the belief that it is gazing upon the colours which, it-knows-so well... .4 *4) - Advanced entotnoloyists will obtain Mr. Kirby's fine volume as ahandy book of neferen eae a ce the student-will buy tt as an excellent inti ‘oduction to the science, and as an Rage 8 Se trustworthy text-book.” —K NOWLEDGE. oe A BRITISH BUTTERFLIES, MOTHS, AND BEETLES. By W. Fy Ream (British Museum). * Crown 8yvo, with 129 Woodcuts, cloth, 1g. CLAUS & SEDGWICK'S ZOOLOGY. BLEMENTARY TEXT-BOOK OF ZOOLOGY. By-Profs. W. Czavs (Univ, Vienna) and A. SEpGwitk (Trin. Coll. Camb.). With 760 New Woodtuts, 8vo, cloth, Seorron I.—Protozoa to Insecta. 2is. Section II.—Mollus¢a to Man. - 16s. “Teachers Rae Students alike have been anxiously waiting for its appearances. ... We would lay especial weight on the illustrations of this work for two reasons: firstly, because correct figures are of enormous assistance to the student... . . and secondly, it contains as rich Fy y a supply ‘of well- drawn, well-engraved, and well selected figures as ever man could desire. ... . = are admirably printed... . The whole enterprise reflects the greatest credit.” —Zoologist. ‘“Itis not often a ee so entirely fulfils its object. . It.is alike creditable to author, translators, and: publishers, who seems to-have vied with each other in rendering it not only valuable but attractive. —Knowledge. $j PRANTL & VINES’ BOTANY: ELEMENTARY TEXT-BOOK OF BOTANY. By Prof. W. Prawzu and S. H. Vrxes, D. Sc., M.A. (Fellow.and Lecturer of Christ's College, Cambridge), Fourth Edition [1885]. 275 Woodcuts. Demy 8vo, cloth, 9s. HiSTORY OF eee FERNS. By E. Newman, F.L.S. Third Edition. Cuts: ok cloth, 18s. ‘*People’s Edition” of the same (abridged), ‘containing numerous Figures, is also Enea. Fifth Udition, 12mo, cloth, Qs. ALPINE PLANTS. Painted from Nature. By J. SenorH. With descriptive text by A. W. Bennett, M.A., B.Sc. Four Series each with 100 coloured plates. Super royak 16mo, half persian, gilt tops, each 25s. [New Editivn of Series I, shortly. ane OF BRITISH BIRDS. By Cotonex Montacur. New Edition. By EL Newman, F.L.8.. Demy 8vo,cloth gilt, 7std.. THE WANDERINGS OF PLANTS AND ANIMALS. By Vicrorn Heux. Full of important and curious-research into the: History of the Migrations of Cultivated - Plants and Domestic Animals from their home in Asia to Greece, ltaly, and the rest of. Europe. BIBLIOGRAPHY, INDEX AND GUIDE TO CLIMATE. _ By A. Ramsay, F.G.S, Cuts. Demy. 8vo, cloth gilt, 16s. "THE CRUISE OF THE “ ALERT.” By R. W. 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Secretaries of Societies throughout Scotland are invited to send notes of Mertings ana \ Excurs ons (covering three months), for publication regularly on this page. _€ The Naturalists Monthly: A pre. FOR: NALTURE-LOVERS AND NATURE-THINKERS. Epitep- py Da. J: We WILLIAMS, MLA. Price 6d., Post Free, 7d. The “ Naturalists’ Monthly ” is issued on the Ist of each month. Annual Subscription, 7s. post free. London: Water Scott, 24 Warwick Lane, Paternoster Row. THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST, A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF NATURAL SCIENCE, EDITED BY PROFESSOR TRAIL, ABERDEEN. Annual Subscriptions, payable in advance, 4s. 0d., post free. Articles and communications for the Magaziue should be sent to the Editor, before tne Ist.o! December, March, June, or September, if intended tor publication in the January, April, July, or October numbers respectively, Orders for copies, subscriptions, &¢., should be sent to the Publishers, S. Cowan & Co., PERTH, from whom also Terms tor Advertising may be had. Authors desiring reprints of their communications can obtain them at the following rates, sent carriaye paid :— Copies. | Pages. Price. | Pages. Price. Pages. — Price: 25 2 "eG ae 4 5-2-3 | 3 7S eile - 50 | 2 4s. gd. | 4 6s. gd. | 8 gs. Od. Tus = Ase3d.4 4 8s. od, | 8 12s. od. Aud su UG in proparticn, OBITUARY. EMERITUS-PROFESSOR ALEXANDER HARVEY, M.D. | N 2sth April, 1889, died one of the bygone generation of Scottish biologists, characterised by wide sympathies with scientific studies rather than by the concentration to some single branch of science that is fast being forced upon the biologists of the present day by the rapid expansion of the field of know- ledge. Dr. Harvey was born on 2oth April, 1811, at Broomhill, in Aberdeenshire, his father being Robert Harvey, M.D. By the death of an elder brother, he succeeded, in 1831, to property both in Aberdeenshire and in the West Indies; but, owing to great depreciation in the value of the latter, he parted with the estates, and devoted himself wholly to medicine, which he studied in Dublin, Paris, London, and Edinburgh. In the jast named city he became L.R.C.S. in 1832, and M.D. in 1835. - Already M.A. of Marischal College and University in Aberdeen, he became Lecturer on Physiology in tne Medical School of that University, and for some time was also Lecturer on Practice of Medicine in the rival School of Medicine attached to King’s College and University in Old Aberdeen. In 1852 he removed | from Aberdeen, and engaged in medical practice in Southampton, from which town he went in 1858 to Cupar-Fife. In 1860 the two Universities of Aberdeenshire were united by the Executive Commission appointed in 1858, and among the new Chairs then founded was that of Materia Medica, of which Dr. Harvey became the first occupant. He discharged the duties that fell to his care in an exemplary way until 1878, in which year ad- vancing ill-health necessitated his resigning the chair, and remoy- ing to a less trying climate. The bent of his mind was towards the physiological aspects of biology, and he published several pamphlets and longer works, the scope of which is indicated by their titles: “A Remarkable Effect of Cross-breeding ” (1851) ; “‘ Trees and their Nature, or the G 98 The Scottish Naturalist. Bud and its Attributes ” (1856) ; ‘‘ Man’s Place and Bread Unique in Nature, or Man’s Pedigree Human, not Simian” (1865); “On the Foetus in Utero as inoculating the Maternal with the peculiari- ties of the Paternal Organism ” (1886). He also wrote upon Materia Mcdica; and frequently contri- buted to the medical journa!s articles upon medical cases, and methods of treatment, as well as upon the medical curriculum. His personal qualities were such as to win him the universal - respect and esteem of his students and colleagues, and, indeed, of all with whom he was associated. Reed Bunting in Aberdeenshire (‘‘ Dee’’)—I have been unable to make a complete search for any record of the presence of this bird in Aber- deenshire, but as it is omitted (under the headings of Aberdeen and Kin- cardine), from the list of birds published by Col. H. M. Drummond Hay in the Proceedings of the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists’ Societies held at Aberdeen, 26th June, 1886, I assume that it has not been yet recorded from these counties. It may be of interest therefore to mention that my attention has been called to the presence of this bunting near Aberdeen, and I have now (May) seen some pairs of these birds on low-lying willow-covered wasteland frequented principally by whinchats and sedge warblers. I have ascertained that the buntings are breeding there, by tlie best evidence, viz., the discovery of a nest built at the bottom and in the centre of a small bramble thicket. The nest contained four eggs. J. DuNcAN MATTHEWS. Mr. Matthews’ note has called my attention to an omission in the record for East Aberdeenshire in Col. Drummond Hay’s valuable list of the Birds of the Northof Scotland. The Reed Bunting or Blackheaded bunting is not rare on the links along the coast north fiom Aberdeen. So far back as 1866, I found a nest with eggs in a whin bush, on the old Aberdeen Links ; and last year I founda nest with young birds in a tuft of Psamma arenaria. Both nests were, like the nests of other buntings, lined with horse-hair. James W. H. TRAIL. The Scottish Naturalist. 99 RECORDS OF SCOTTISH PLANTS FOR THE YEAR 1888; ADDITIONAL TO “TOPOGRAPHICAL BOTANY,” Ed. 2. By ARTHUR BENNETT, F.L.S. N the pages of the Scottish Natura‘ist during the last three years, I have published records of Scottish plants, carrying the distribution beyond that contained in the second edition of Topographical Botany, Ed. 2, This present paper differs some- what from the former ones in showing the additions by counties, instead of in the sequence of Zo. ot., the names still being those used in that work. It has been pointed out to me that this method is of much greater use to workers, as each one who takes up any given county sees at once just what concerns himself ; while it in no way lessens the general usefulness of the records. The only objection to it is perhaps the repetition of a few names. The counties in the present list commence with the southern one of Dumfries, and proceed in the order adopted in Zog. Bot. on- wards to the northern Shetland Isles. | Abbreviations. As before, “ Scot. Vat.” means Zhe Scottish Naturalist ; “7. B.,” The Journal of Botany; “ R. C.,” the Botanical Record Club; “ 4.€.,” the Botanical Exchange Club. Other references are noted under the several species. 72. Dumfries. (From specimens sent by Mr. Fingland.) Thalictrum montanum. Polygonum viviparum. Oxyria ren formis. 73. Kirkcudbright. (From specimens sent by Zr, M‘Andrew). Arctium’ majus. Calamintha Clinopodium. Myosotis czespitosa. Atriplex marina. Sclerochloa distans. Equisetum maximum. 100 The Scottish Naturalist. 75. Ayr. (The records are made from specimens collected by Mr. J. Smith, except where otherwise noted.) Ranunculus Baudotii. D. A. Boyd. R. Drouetit. 7a. R. Lenormandi D. A. B., and J. Smith sp. Sinapis tenuifolia. 7. M‘Andrew. t+ Sagina subulata. D.A. Boyd sp. — Vicia tetrasperma. Saxifraga stellaris. DD. A. Boyd sp. Sium angustifolium. D. A. JZ. sp. Senecio viscosus t Hieracium cesium Fr. WD. A. Boyd sp. ak strictum Fr.“ ez Bo Veronica Buxbaumii. Symphytum tuberosum. Salix herbacea,' “at°2296aEe Tris foetidissima } Potamogeton flabellatus f. Ligh (Friesii) mucronatus. F. natans (true). Scirpus glaucus. Carex remota. 76. Renfrew. Rosa canina, dumalis. 7! Aizg / R. canina, suberistata. Z: A. / 77. Lanark. Hieracium murorum. A. Somerville. H. cosine 4.5. Bromus racemosus. LP. Lwing. 78. Peebles. (Recorded by Mr. G. C. Druce.) Ranunculus acris. IN: repens. R. hederaceus ! Berberis vulgaris. Papaver Lamottei. Arabis hirsuta. Nasturtium terrestre. Cardamine sylvatica. The Scottish Naturalist. Cochlearia officinalis. Erysimum Alliaria. Arenaria serpyllifolia. Spergularia rubra. Spergula sativa. Trifolium procumbens. Prunus Padus. PB. * Aviumi: Pyrus Malus. Epilobium obscurum. Linum catharticum. fEthusa Cynapium. Meum Athamanticum. Myrrhis Odorata. Carduus heterophyllus. Gnaphalium sylvaticum. Gentiana campestris. Ilex Aquifolium. Ligustrum vulgare. Veronica Anagallis. V. — scutellata. Linaria vulgaris, Pedicularis palustris. Mentha arvensis. Lycopus europeus. Teucrium Scorodonia. -Lamium amplexicaule. Lysimachia Nummularia. Chenopodium Bonus-Henricus. Euphorbia Helioscopia. Betula glutinosa. Populus tremula. Salix rubra. Taxus baccata. Triglochin palustre. Potamogeton rufescens. P; natans. Scirpus setaceus. S. sylvaticus. Carex aquatilis ! grade P IOI 102 The Scottish Naturalsst. C pallescens. G.C.D. and A. Somerville! C flava, minor Towns. sy © hirta. AOS C rigida ‘‘ Herb. Oxford,” fide Druce. Alopecurus agrestis. Phragmites communis. Festuca elatior. Bromus sterilis. Brachypodium sylvaticum. 83. Edinburgh. Potamogeton flabellatus! C. Bazley. 85:. Fife. Potamogeton Zizii. Dr. Boswell’s herb. | 87. Perth West. (Recorded by S. Grieve, except where stated below.) Caltha palustris, var. minor. Cerastium alpinum. Veronica alpina (?) Thymus Serpyllum. Juniperus nana. Taxus baccata t Pinus sylvestris. Carex capillaris, var. alpestris. LP. Ewing, in Glasgow Nat. Hist. Soc. Trans. C. vaginata, var. borealis,. .P.. wing (l¢.). C. pulla. Poa alpina var. Lapponum. .P. Zwing (Zc. ). Woodsia hyperborea ! Cerastiwm dlpinum var. glabratum Lindbl., in Phys. Selsk. Tidsskr., 1838, P- 337: ‘©N. E. Perthshire.” Mr. P. Ewing, in Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. of Glasgow, I have seen a specimen. Carex capillaris var. alpestris Anderss. Cyp. Scand. P. Ewing, in Trans. Glasg. Nat. Hist. Soc., 1887, p. 110. I doubt this being Andersson’s variety ; and 1] should expect from Mr. Ewing’s note it would rather be the ‘‘ @ major et robustior of Flora Danica, t. 2374, fig. 3,” of which Drejer in his Revisio has given a description, but I have not seen a specimen, Carex vaginata var. ‘‘ borealis Anders.” Mr. Ewing records this (J.c.), but his reference should be “‘ var, borealis (sub sparsiflora Whlbg.) Anders., The Scctttsh Naturalist. 103 as Andersson described it under sparsiflora. 1 am not sure of its being used under vaginata. Mr. Ewing’s specimens agree very well with Andersson’s own examples in the Kew herbarium. Poa alpina var. Lapponum Lestadius, in Vet. Ak. Handl., 1822, p. 322, and var. alpestris Anderss. Mr. Ewing records these (/.c.), I have seen the specimens of the first, which accord very well with Andersson’s own examples. 88. Perth mid. Cerastium arcticum Lange “ Herb. Mus. Brit.” fide Z. S. Marshall. Spergula sativa. G.c. Druce. Drosera obovata. G.C.D., and Meldrum, fide Dr. White. Rosa ‘agrestis Savii v. inodora Fr.” G. C. Druce. Saxifraga sponhemica. Hieracium scoticum Hanbury. andury ! orarium Fr. ! 8 aggregatum Bach. eee + umbellatum. W.F. AMfiller sp. 93 chrysanthemum, microcephalum. JZarshall. ‘Calamagrostis borealis Lest. G.C. Druce! Professor Hackel confirms the determination of this grass. Hartmann called it C. stricta var. borealis ; which is, I think, about the true rank for it. Lzestadius gives two forms of it from Lapland in his “‘ Bidrag,” viz., the type, and var. B arenivaga. It isa very in- teresting addition to the Scotch flora. Lycopodium “complanatum.” G.C. Druce. 89. Perth east. Fumaria micrantha. Revd. &. .S. Marshall and Dr. F. B. White. Oxytropis campestris. Rev. J. Fergusson fide Dr. F. B. White. go. Forfar. Hieracium bifidum Kit. Hanbury. is _angustum Lind. Handury. ey nitidum. evd. &. S. Marshall. 92. Aberdeen South. Sagina Boydii. Dr. F. Buchanan White, in Zain. Bot. Soe. P7AHS., 1897, Pp. 33- Dr. White describes this as a new species ; it is certainly a very interesting plant, and requires further study. Hieracium Sommerfeltiit. Hanbury. % Friesi, Hanbury ! auratum. Hanbury! 104 The Scottish Naturalist. 93. Aberdeen north. Hieracium Friesii Hartm. Seedy! “ fide Lange.” 94. Banff. Salix Caprea. G.C. Druce. 95. Elgin. (Recorded by G. C. Druce). Geum intermedium. Rosa rubiginosa, ‘as wild as the other Roses.” Rubus “ echinatus Lind.” Melanipyrum pratense v. montanum. Myosotis repens. Allium oleraceum ! Scirpus glaucus. Carex flava, ‘ genuina.” Aira uliginosa. Bromus commutatus. Triticum “acutum G. & G.” 96. Kasterness. (Recorded by G. C. Druce where not otherwise stated. } Spergula sativa. Geranium pratense. Rosa rubiginosa. See under 95. Dryas octopetala. Scot. Alpine Club, 1886. Saxifraga rivularis. Scot. Alpine Cluband Revd. A. Ley, 1885,'E.C. Hieracium “ czsium.” + eximium. - gothicum. a gracilentum ie anglicum v. acutifolium.> determined by Hanbury. ., pallidum v. crinigerum. Melampyrum pratense v. montanum. Calamintha Clinopodium. Pinguicula vulgaris “v. alpina Reich.” Orchis mascula. Potamogeton natans. Scirpus acicularis. Carex riparia. Alopecarus agrestis. The Scottish Naturalist. 105, 97. Westerness. (Recorded by Symington Grieve, ‘‘ Bot. Camp.,” 1887, except where otherwise stated), Cardamine sylvatica. Revd. £. S. Marshall. Hypericum Androsemum. Potentilla Fragariastrum. Circzea lutetiana. Conium maculatum. - Myrrhis Odorata. Revd. £. S. Marshall. Viburnum Opulus. Solidago cambrica. Filago germanica. Gnaphalium uliginosum. Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum. Hieracium vulgatum. Revd. £. S. Marshall. H. argenteum. £. S. 47! Ha calenduliforum. £..S. 44! Ligustrum vulgare. ({? 4. B.). Mentha aquatica. » sativa. A. Somerville! Ajuga reptans. £Z. S. 1/.! Lamium Galeobdolon. (t? 4. B.). Utricularia intermedia. Anagallis arvensis. Atriplex littoralis. A. angustifolia. Euphorbia Helioscopia. Salix cinerea. £.S. 17! Fagus sylvatica t Taxus baccata Orchis latifolia agg. O. mascula. £. S. MZ. Habenaria viridis. H. bifolia. Ruppia rostellata. Potamogeton natans. £. S. MZ, at “2500 feet,” sp. Carex vaginata. £.S. A. C. vesicaria. £.S. J. C. glauca. C. paniculata, 106 The Scottish Naturalist. Agrostis canina. #..S.7. Melica nutans. Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum. 5) tt..¢ bien hare Scolopendrium vulgare. Cystopteris fragilis. 98. Argyle. (Recorded by Mr. G. @. Druce, “* D.;” Revd. E. S.. Marshall, ‘‘M.;" and Mr. 7 Wiag, “* K.’’): Nuphar lutea, D. Hieracium melanocephalum, JZ, Sisymbrium Alliaria, D. H. | eximium z. tenellum, Arabis Thaliana, D. M. ; Barbarea vulgaris, D. a4 lingulatum, JZ. Nasturtium sylvestre, A.! i iricum, JZ Draba verna, D. . Hieracium argenteum, JZ. D. muralis tT X. . Pyrola rotundifolia, D. Subularia aquatica, AZ! Veronica humifusa, D. Viola Curtisii, D. Stachys sylvatica, D. Drosera obovata, J. S..4 ambigua, X..! Lychnis Flos-cuculi, D. -. Teucrium Scorodonia, D. Cerastium alpinum, D. Myosotis czespitosa, D. Sagina saxatilis, JZ. M. repens, J. Spergula arvensis, sativa, D. Trientalis europa, Jf. Scleranthus arvensis, D. Atriplex Babingtonii, ZX: ! Hypericum perforatum, X. Rumex domesticus, D. 138 telrapterum, X. Polygonum Hydropiper, D. Alchemilla arvensis, D. Hippophae rhamnoides, X. ! tf Rubus “ affinis,” D. Euphorbia Peplus, .! R. ‘rhamnifolius,” D. Betula nana, JZ! R. Koehleri, A. (/.G.&.) Salix ferruginea, D. Rk. . “‘fuseo-ater,? 2). S. Lapponum, JZ. Callitriche hamulata, D. S. rugosa, JZ. Saxifraga sponhemica, D. Pinus sylvestris, JZ. Meum Athamanticum, D. Juniperus nana, ? JZ Galium sylvestre, D. J. communis, JZ! Arctium “intermedium,” D. Alisma Plantago, D. A. minus, X. ! _ Juncus castaneus, D. ! Senecio sylvaticus, Gy Scirpus multicaulis, D. ‘Taraxacum palustre, D. S. .pauciflorus, JZ, The Scottish Naturaizst. 107 Carex stellulata, Grypos, JZ. Poa alpina, D. C. vaginata, AZ! -Cystopteris montana, D. C. vesicaria, D. Lastrea spinulosa, JZ. ! con- Alopecurus agrestis, D. firmed. Melica uniflora, D., confirmed. Lycopodium alpinum, JZ. 99. Dumbarton. (Recorded by Z. Watt, “ W.,”’ and A. Somerville, ‘‘8.’’). Ranunculus peltatus, W. | Cardamine sylvatica, «S. ! confirmed. Cochlearia anglica, .S.! confirmed. C. danica, .S.! confirmed. Orobus tuberosus, WV. ! Sedum Fabaria, lV. Hypericum hirsutum, 7! Hieracium anglicum, 5S. ! FL: vulgatum, f. S.! Lamium album, WW”. ! Potamogeton natans (true), W.! Bromus stérilis, W.! confirmed. 5 racémosus,:S.. ! Asplenium marimum, J/ss Henderson | Allosurus crispus, W. ! 100. Clyde Isles. Fumaria Boreei.. 4. Somerville sp. Polygonum aviculare v. arenastrum. D.A. Boyd sp. Lepturus filiformis. D. A. Boyd sp. ror. Cantyre. (Recorded by P. Ewing.) Nympheea alba! Drosera anglica sp. Arctium intermedium ! Galium Mollugo! Hieracium vulgatum sp. Ajuga reptans ! Littorella lacustris ! Allium ursinum ! Sparganium affine ! Potamogeton natans ! 108 The Scottish Naturalist. Betula glutinosa, pubescens ! Carex pauciflora ! C. limosa ! | C. curta! | C. pilulifera! ; C. flava v. minor Towns. ! ; C. Qéderi (Auct.) ! C. distans! C. filiformis! Elymus arenarius ! | Hymenophyllum Wilsoni, sp. ) 102. S. Ebudes. Rosa mollis. .d. Somerville sp. R. canina v. dumalis f glaucophylla. A. Somerville sp. 103. Mid Ebudes. Cakile maritima. TZ. A. Cotton ! Sagina nodosa. Z: 4. C.! Carex Gideri (auct.).. Z. A. C.! 104. N. Kbudes. Pyrola media (‘‘ Eigg ”). A. Somerville sp. Keeleria cristata (Eigg.). AS. 105. Ross west. Scabiosa arvensis. tT G. C. Druce. Melampyrum pratense. G. C. D. Myosotis collina. G. C.D. 106. Ross east. Spergularia neglecta. Mrs. Dyer! ex Guide. 107. Sutherland east. (A large number (114) of additions to this vice-county have been made by Mr. J. F. Grant, who transmitted his gatherings to me. These are not specially marked below. A few, with ‘‘ 1.” appended, are from the Revd. EH. S. Marshall, Mr. J. G. Baker has kindly looked through the Roses and Rubi.) Anemone nemorosa. Arabis hirsuta. Ranunculus trichophyllus. Cochlearia officinalis. Re: bulbosus. Helianthemum vulgare. Corydalis claviculata. Silene inflata. The Scottish Naturalsst. Silene maritima. Cerastium tetrandrum. C. glomeratum. Stellaria Holostea. Arenaria trinervia. Honckeneya peploides. Spergularia marginata. Montia fontana. Malva moschata. F Tilia intermedia. ¢ Medicago lupulina. Trifolium hybridum. + Vicia angustifolia, Prunus institia. P. Avium. Rubus corylifolius. Geum urbanum. Rosa Sabini. R. mollis. R. tomentosa v.-scabriuscula. R._ rubiginosa. f R. canina, lutetiana. R. dumalis, Be, arvatica. R, Reuter. Myriophyllum alterniflorum. Ribes rubrum. Sedum Rhodiola, JZ . S. acre. Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, Helosciadium inundatum. fEgopodium Podagraria. Angelica sylvestris. Torilis Anthriscus, Linnza borealis, Mr. Lindsay. Valerianella olitoria, Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum. Matricaria: Chamomilla. Gnaphalium supinum, WZ. — Sonchus arvensis, Crepis virens. Hieracium Oreades Fr. iS Langwellense, Hanb. Arctostaphylos Uva-ursi. Pyrola minor. P. secunda. Vinca minor. ¢ Erythreea Centaurium. Menyanthes trifoliata. Veronica hederifolia. : Mentha sylvestris. T Stachys sylvatica. Armeria maritima. Littorella lacustris. Salsola. Kali. Chenopodium Bonus-Henricus. Atriplex angustifolia, f. A. deltoidea. Polygonum Convolvulus. Euphorbia Helioscopia. - Quercus Robur. Fagus sylvatica. Corylus. Avellana. Populus alba. t Salix cinerea, oleifolia. ©. Caprea. Potamogeton polygonifolius. Zostera marina. Habenaria viridis. Goodyera repens. Listera cordata. Allium ursinum. Luzula multiflora pallescens. LE spicata, MW, in,f...B. Juncus trifidus, Jf. in 7, B. J. conglomeratus. J. lJamprocarpus. J. Gerardi. Blysmus rufus. Carex arenaria. 109. -I1IO Carex remota. ©. glauca. C. flava, minor. Alopecurus geniculatus. Phleum pratense, nodosum. Agrostis vulgaris, pumila. Psamma arenaria. Milium effusum. Aira caryophy.lea. Avena pubescens. Triodia decumbens. Koeleria cristata. Ca'abrosa aquatica. Poa annua f contracta. The Scottish Naturalist. Poa pratensis f. - Festuca sciuroides. F. rubra, genuina. Bromus asper. Triticum repens, littorale. T. repens, barbatum. ~ Asplenium. Ruta-muraria. - marinum. Lastrea dilatata. Polypodium Dryopteris. Botrychium Lunaria. Lycopodium Selago. Selaginella Selaginoides. 108. Sutherland west. (The majority of the records for this vice-county are extracted from a paper by Messrs. Gray and Peach in Trans. Bot. Soc., Edinburgh ; these are not maike«d specially below ; but there are also a few by Mr. Hanbury (.) and by the Revd. #. S. Marshall (M.). Ranunculus Flammula. v. pseudo-reptans. i. Ficaria. Caltha palustris 7. minor. Papaver dubium. Corydalis claviculata. Sisymbrium officinale. Viola canina. V. lutea v. ameena. Polygala depressa, AZ. Arenaria norvegica. Montia rivularis. Spergularia nevlecta. Radiola mil’egrana (for vice- county). Trifol:um procumbens. Vicia sylvatica. Potentilla I'ragariastrum. Geum urbanum. Rosa mollis, MZ. in J. B. Crategus monogyna. Pyrus Malus (¢ 4. B.). Epilobium tetragonum, agg. E. — obscurum, Min JS. E. hybrid between ana- gallidifolium and obscurum, M. sp. Myriophyllum spicatum. fEgopodium Podagraria. Myrrhis Odorata. Gnaphalium uliginosum. Aster Tripolium. Sonchus asper. S. arvensis. Crepis virens. Hieracium holosericeum ! lingulatum, #. “strictum Fr.,” auratum Fr., H. Sommerfeldti, H. pollinarium Hand, H. Friesit Hartm., H. The Scottish Naturalist. ~ lift Hieracium Orarium Fr., #. + Salix pentandra. H. | Schmidtii Tausch, /. S. purpurea (+ A. B.). Scrophularia nodosa. . S. viminalis. Veronica hederifolia. Sparganium ramosum. Mentha hirsuta. S.) simplex, H: M..» sativa. A. S.B¥attine. M. arvensis. Potamogeton lucens (? 4.B.) M. viridis ({ 4. B.). Habenaria chlorantha. Scutellaria galericulata. - Scirpus acicularis. Stachys palustris. Avena flavescens. Anchusa sempervirens. + Holcus mollis. Trientalis europzea. Catabrosa aquatica. Chenopodium rubrum. ~ Festuca elatior. Atriplex. angustifolia. F. pratensis. Rumex conglomeratus, H. Brachypodium sylvaticum. R. nemorosus. » Triticum “acutum.” «Riu domesticus, ..; - Lastrea spinulosa ? Polygonum lapathifolium. _ Equisetum palustre. ie: amphibium, terrestre. E. hyemale. Betula alba, glutinosa. (Most of the above plants were gatheted i in the linetone districts of Tongue, Durness, Inchnadamph, Elphin, and Clacktoll). , tog. Caithness. Thalictrum majus Crantz. //. Grant sp. a. alpinum. TZ: Henderson sp. Hieracium Friesil, Hartm. 7. G. sp. auratum, Fr. _/,..G, oreades Fr. /. G. Sommerfeltit Lindeb. 7. G. orarium Fr. Hanbury sp. Langwellense. . Hanbury sp. The Hieracia fase been determined by Mr. J. F. Hanbury. Rumex domesticus. . Handury sp. Tofieldia palustris. Z? Henderson sp. _110..Hebrides outer. (The whole of the subjoined records, with one exception, are prepared from specimens gathered and sent to me by Mr. A. Somerville of Glasgow). Ranunculus Drouetii. Nasturtium officinale. R. Baudotii. : Cochlearia danica. Fumaria confusa. Viola Curtisii, f. F. officinalis. Polygala vulgaris, seg. 112 The Scottish Naturalist. Spergula arvensis, sativa. Spergularia neglecta. Geranium dissectum, Trifolium medium. - minus. Rubus Ideeus. R. polyanthemos (7.G.B.) Rosa mollis. R. canina v. dumalis. f. glaucophylla, Winch. Lythrum Salicaria. Epilobium obscurum. Eryngium maritimum. Cicuta virosa. Helosciadium nodiflorum. (Enanthe Crocata. Hedera Helix, ‘‘on rocks.” Galium uliginosum. Sherardia arvensis. Valerianella olitoria. Arctium minus. Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum Gnaphalium uliginosum. Convolvulus Soldanella. Scutellaria minor. Ajuga reptans. Samolus Valerandi. Atriplex arenaria (young, but almost certainly this plant). Polygonum Bistorta. Corylus Avellana, “in a rocky valley, unquestionably wild.” Myrica Gale. Lemna minor. Potamogeton heterophyllus, P; mucronatus. P. — pectinatus genuinus, Orchis incarnata. Malaxis paludosa. 7. A. Cotton ! Allium ursinum ! Scirpus Savii. » Tabernzemontani. Brachypodium sylvaticum. (For additional particulars regarding some of these species, see paper in the Glasgow Natural History Society’s Transactions. 111. Orkney. (The subjoined records are prepared from the observations of Professor J. W H. Trail on the Mainland of Orkney, in August, 18388). Fumaria densiflora. Potentilla procumbens ! Geum urbanum. tp?! Viola arvensis. t Ononis (repens) arvensis ft ? ! Epilobium hirsutum t ? ! VE.’ — lingulatum Baker! Trientalis Europzea! confirmed. Atriplex littoralis. ! Rumex sanguineus. t ? ! Veronica Buxbaumii. + Koeleria cristata. The Scottish Naturalist. 113 112. Shetiand. (These new records for Shetland are due to the visit of Mr. W. H. Beeby in 1888, recorded in the January number of this Journal), Vicia sepium. Polygala eu-vulgaris. Hieracium pulchellum Lindeb, sp. EL. dovrense Fr. sp. Sparganium simplex. Ruppia rostellata sp. Scirpus setaceus m.s. Carex Cideri (auct.). With the exception of Mr. Gray’s records for 108 (Sutherland West), most of the plants have been seen by the writer, either by specimens contributed to his herbarium, or by others sent (and afterwards returned) as vouchers for their occurrence, and even as regards many records from 108 specimens have been seen as vouchers other than Mr. Gray’s ; and most of the remainder are species that might have been expected to occur in the district. After the remarkable records of 1887, it was hardly to be expected that any new species of Scotch plants would be found in 1888 (excepting Hieracia) ; and probably most botanists will agree that a more disagreeable summer than that of 1888 can hardly be re- membered, or one less favourable for outdoor work among plants ; so that the progress made during the year cannot but be regarded as greater than might fairly have been anticipated. Melampyrum sylivaticum in Caithness.—With reference to the remarks in Messrs. Grant and Bennett’s ‘* Flora of Caithness,” upon this species (Scot. Nat., 1889, p. 78), the following statement seems called for. In Withering’s Bot. Ed. I1I., the locality stands thus [Wick Cliffs, Mr. Swayne}. In Ed. II., it is not mentioned. I am unable to find out the meaning of the brackets: Smith (//. Britan., II., p. 653) quotes this correctly. i do not know of any other edition of this work. That volume is dated 1800. In his English Flora, Ed. I., iii., p. 126, Smith also quotes the station correctly in Withering’s words. I have quoted the last edition of Withering’s book for which he was answerable, and also of Smith’s books. It is therefore some un- dependable edition of those books that Messrs. Grant and Bennett have quotec. I cannot find anything resembling their quotation. C. C. BABINGTON. By the Editor’s kindness I have perused Prof. Babington’s note on the above plant. Mr. J. Britten, in the Journa/ of Botany, notes our misquotation, at the same time himself misquoting. I must admit that I had taken the extract from Smith’s, Fl. Brit. (1800), and mixed it up with his Hng. Fl. Ed. IL., thus causing Mr, Britten to suppose Roemer’s Ed. of the YJ. Brit. was meant. In a later edition of Withering’s Flora the locality is given as ‘* Wick Cliffs, Somerset, Mr. Swayne.” Mr. Swayne was a well known (though doubted) authority on Somerset plants. There isa Wick in Somerset, and one in Caithness ; the species in Somerset is an utter improbability ; (unless planted) ; in Caithnessit is.a great probability. ‘The extract was rectified in the Journal of Botany for June. ARTHUR BENNETT. : H 114 The Scottish Naturalist ON THE ARTIFICIAL PRODUCTION OF DOUBLE FLOWERS "AND OF OTHER ABNORMALITIES OF STRUCTURE. By Dr. ie PEYRITSCH. [The subjoined paper by Dr.’ Peyritsch, the well-known investig- ator of the causes that give rise to abnormal structures in plants, was published in the:beginning of the present year in the Sztzungsberichte der katserlichen Akademie der Waissensch- aften in Vienna, in Vol... XCVII.,: pp. 597-605. As it is scarcely likely that the readers of the Scottish Vaturalist are familiar with the paper in the original language, and as the statements in it are of very great interest, with regard to the influence of mites on plants, we believe that our readers will consider that we have done-well in placing a translation of it within their reach, It is::very desirable that the suggestive records in it should stimulate to researches of a similar nature; with respect to.the influence of gall-mites, on the plants of the British Islands.:. This -method. of investigation, in Dr. Peyritsch’s hands at least, apeeets to be full of. promise.—ED., Scot. LVat.] BERS 3: 2 N the subjoined paper are set forth the results of my experi- mental researches upon the causation of abnormalities of structure, which have been carried on during several years. I have been successful, by means of a simple and readily applicable procedure, in producing on a number of plants either abnormal leaf- forms or double and proliferous flowers. The plants on which the observations were made belonged, bes the most part, to the Valerianacee and the Crucifere ; but one or more species. of the Scrophulariacea, Commelynacee, and other orders were also subjected to the procedure. The result was striking in Valerianacee and in Crucifere. Of Valerianacee the method was tried on /aéeriana alliarie- Solia, celtica, dioica, elongata, globularifolia, montana, officinalis, Phu, saliunca, saxatilis, supina, tuberosa, Valertanella olitoria, Szovitst- ana, vesicaria, Fedia Cornucopia, Centranthus Calctrapa, macro- siphon, ruber, and Patrinia rupestris. Abnormal leaf-forms appeared upon Vaderiana alliariefolia, celtica, dioica, elongata, montana, officinalis, saxaiilis, supina, trip- The Scottish Naturalist. 115 teris, tuberosa, Valerianella Szovitsiana, vesicaria, olitoria, Fedia Cornucopie, Centranthus Calcitrapa, and macrosiphon. Double flowers showed themselves on Valeriana dioica, globul- arifolia, montana, officinalis, Phu, supina, Valerianella olttoria, Fedia Cornucopia, and the species of Centranthus already mentioned. | The characteristic feature of the abnormal leaf-forms consisted, in general, in the teeth of the margin in some places, like the teeth of a comb, standing in series one above the other on lobes, which usually project beyond the rest of the margin. In Centran- thus Calcitrapa and macrosiphon there often occurred the pheno- menon that Masters,.in his ‘‘ Vegetable Teratology,” p. 445, has called “enation from foliar organs,—leaves.” In these species of Centranthus the leaf-blade constantly became enlarged and wavy, so as to resemble a blade of Endive. There occurred the most varied forms of doubling in the flowers. All transitions were present between petalody of a few stamens and carpels, and the most complete doubling, such as to render the flowers like double roses in miniature. Proliferation of the flowers, double and triple corollas, petalody of the sepals (calycanthemy), existence of buds within the flowers, and suchlike, were often observed. These various forms will be treated of in fuller detail ina longer communi- cation, accompanied with plates. Occasionally there occurred anomalies in the arrangement of the leaves, and displacements and fasciations of the lateral branches in lesser degree. But the previously mentioned abnormal leaf-forms and doubling of the flowers, with the presence of buds within the flowers, were the characteristic pathological conditions. In Fatrinia rupestris I could not bring about any remarkable modifications. Of Crucifere nine species were submitted to observation, viz. Biscutella auriculata, Brassica nigra, Capsella Bursa-pastoris, Cochlearia officinalis, Eruca sativa, Lepidium satiwum, Maleolinta bicolor, maritima, and Sisymbriwm Sophia. The features that they presented were the occurrence of bracts, with one or more flowers, in various parts of the inflorescence, petalody of some stamens, and proliferous flowers. In Oochlearia, Hruca, Lepidium sativum, Sisymbrium Sophia, Brassica nigra, and Capsella Bursa- pastoris, the bracts developed themselves below one or more flowers, according to special conditions in each case. They re- sembled the stamens in form and texture, but were smaller in 116 The Scottish Naturalist. proportion. Proliferous flowers were observed on Brassica nigra and Siscutella auriculata ; petalody of individual stamens in one or more flowers on one example of Cochlearia officinalis, on three of Hruca sativa, on one of Lepidium sativum, and on one of Biscutella. In some flowers of Biscutella, the calyx was made up of four whorls, each of two sepals. The appearances in the species of Malcolmia were less striking. From these experiments the conclusion is permitted that the greater number of the Valerianacee and of the Crucifere must behave in the same manner. As against the positive results, which followed with the certainty of a physical or chemical experiment, certain observations in which the expected result did not follow are of no weight. I do not doubt in the least that by a suitable procedure double flowers could be produced, eg. in Valeriana alliarvefolia, or in Valerianella carinata, and Szovitsiana, if the moment for setting the experiment in action were rightly chosen. In Linarrva Cymbalaria I obtained metaschematic flowers with several spurs and free petals. ‘The results were less noteworthy in Tinnantia fugax, Bellis perennis, and Primula acaulis. All the anomalies above-mentioned are the results of infection, produced by a parasite as their cause. I gave rise to them by laying upon the buds of the plants in question degenerated buds of Valervana tripteris, which I found in the wild state in the vicinity of Innspruck, and which, as direct observation proved, harboured Phytoptus. ‘The results differed according as the plants experimented upon afforded proper nourishment to the Phytoptus or the reverse. In the former case the Phytoptus established itself upon the food-plants, and multipiied; in the latter case its stay was of short duration, as I have approximately proved by time- consuming observations in a number of species. But the specific nature of the plant must also be taken into account. Thus in one both the organs of vegetation and those of reproduction may be affected, in another only the true leaves or the flowers, while the flowers or the true leaves respectively remain intact. If now the food-plant is a good host for the parasite, and is much infested by it, the plant assumes an appearance, even from a distance, almost as if it were tenanted by plantlice (Aphides or greenfly) ; it is starved and crippled, and does not flower. One could observe the Phytoptus in numbers, especially if the plants The Scottish Naturalist. II7 infested in this manner had previously been exposed to direct sunlight. This method is peculiarly successful in enticing the Phytoptus from the covered parts of the buds. I employed this process to make closer investigations into the length of stay of the parasites on the plants without injuring the latter. Interesting phenomena occurred if the plants were affected only to a slight extent, or were but slightly susceptible, z.e. where though the infection was made to a considerable amount and at the proper season no very striking alterations in form followed. In this context the word susceptibility (Empfindlichkeit) may be employed. The infected plants produced abnormally-formed leaves, and single or a few or many double flowers, with various degrees of doubling (petalody of stamens and carpels, super- numerary doubled organs, or proliferous flowers), according to whether few or many individuals of Phytoptus were transferred to them. Apart from such abnormal leaves or flowers the plants showed quite a normal appearance ; they looked healthy and not in any way in a condition to lead one to pre-suppose the presence of parasitic animals; as, indeed, similar examples have been ob- served by various botanists, without their having a conception of the cause of the doubling of the flowers. Among the very susceptible food-plants are many (but not all) species of Valerzana, especially V. tripteris, dioica, officinalis, and supina, two species of Centranthus, viz. C. Calcitrapa, and macro- siphon, and Fedia Cornucopiw. In these plants both leaves and flowers assumed an abnormal aspect. The time at which the consequences of infection first became noticeable was earlier or later in the different species. In those species whose leaves suffered severely, I could frequently detect the first abnormal leaves in twelve or fourteen days after infection. But at this time they were not fully developed. The margins were inrolled along shorter or longer spaces; the rolled portions became broader after some weeks, and the wider parts were then beset with the characteristic teeth. The rolls consist of undiffer- entiated cellular tissue, which does not pass into the permanent condition till much later than the tissue of the other parts of the leaves. ‘The cellular tissue of the excrescences on the upper surface of the leaves is also late in passing into the permanent condition. On the succeeding leaves the phenomena are repeated with equal, greater, or less intensity, one or more leaves often 118 The Scottish Naturalist. being passed by, and remaining normal, or apparently normal. All the flowers in an inflorescence are not doubled, but a few or many may be so, varying in different plants. The bracts frequently become abnormal; in the species of Valervana there sometimes. occur forms intermediate between bracts and rays of the pappus, or some become petaloid, or even leaf-like. The latter is seen only in severe attacks. In those cases in which the flowers are doubled, I could recognise the doubled flowers with certainty as such, only several weeks after infection was completed. The doubled flowers appeared to be later in arriving at full opening than were healthy flowers on axes of the same importance, and, of course, they required a longer time to develope. If the plants under observation were less suited for the nutrition of Phytoptus the number of abnormal organs was small. The abnormalities occurred at a definite time. The leaves or flowers that afterwards unfolded themselves remained normal, unless the same plant were subjected at various intervals of time to serious infection. The appearance of individual abnormal leaves or flowers gave the impression of spontaneous variation. I am con- vinced that many cases that have been explained as spontaneous variation have been caused by the action of parasites, though a Phytoptus must not be regarded as in all cases the agent. To those plants that are less fitted to give nourishment to the Phytoptus belong several species of Valervana, especially V. saxatilis, celtica, saliunca, tuberosa, the species of Valerianella, viz. Szovit- stand, vesicaria, and, as it appears, olzterza, and the Crucifere. Other species of Valerzana, eg. V. Phu and montana stand in an intermediate position. V. saxatilis was repeatedly infected ; but I obtained only metaschematic single flowers (none being double), and in only one case the characteristic abnormal leaves with the pectinate teeth. In V. ce/tica also I obtained the toothed leaves; but the teeth stood not in pectinate arrangement but singly. V. saliwnca presented obstacles to successful cultivation, but the infected specimens were soon abandoned by the Phytoptus ; and in JV. tuberosa I obtained only abnormally formed leaves. The period at which infection was attempted in these plants was probably not rightly hit off. In Valerianella vesicaria in fourteen days after infection there appeared rolls along the margins of the leaves, but not affecting the entire margin; these afterwards became broader, as in the The Scottish Naturatast. 119 species of Valeritana above-mentioned; the affected margins were furnished with pectinately-arranged sharp teeth. In Valerzanella Szovitsiana the rolling of the margin was less striking ; the affected portion of the leaf developed into a prolonged lobe, and was pro- vided with small notched teeth. In both species the abnormalities just described occurred usually on only one pair of leaves. The next pair showed them in less degree, if at all, and the succeeding leaves and the flowers remained quite normal. Had the infection been made at the time when the flowers would have been fully exposed to it, I should certainly have obtained double flowers in- stead of abnormally-formed leaves. I have exposed JV. olitoria to copious infection at successive intervals; and I obtained abnormally-toothed leaves and double flowers. The various Valertanacew, at least the species of oe which I have most fully studied, exhibit various specific peculiari- ties.. The species with thin leaves are more easily infected than those with thicker leaves. Patrinia rupestris, the leaves of which are rough to the touch, remained intact. Valeriana saxatilis and celtica, in which infection often failed, developed, as already men- tioned, only abnormal leaf-forms, but not double flowers, only in the former there occurred metaschematic flowers; in V. elongata in each experiment I always obtained abnormally formed leaves, but no double flowers ; the few flowers that showed themselves developed ill; apparently I transferred too many individuals of Phytoptus in these experiments. In Valertana Phu, which was often infected, I never obtained strikingly abnormal leaf-forms, but once indeed double and proliferous flowers. In this case individual bracts were lobed and also petaloid. Without doubt one must obtain double flowers in 7. alliariefolia and saliunca if the infection is made at the proper time. Centranthus ruber yields to infection only with more difficulty than the two annual species, C: Calcitrapa and macrosiphon. ‘The abnormalities that occurred on the infected C. ruber were rather varied. Too strongly infected examples were crippled; some showed rolled leaf-margins, but without the characteristic subsequent development of pectinate teeth ; I obtained metaschematic flowers, flowers with several spurs, and double flowers. The Phytoptus does not remain on either V. Phu or C. ruder. Infection of V. Phu in autumn was with- out result. The Cruciferee are not very well suited for the nutrition of our 120 The Scottish Naturalist. Phytoptus. In them the alterations in the inflorescences show themselves only after some weeks, either in the development of bracts or in the appearance of small, true leaves without axillary flower-buds in the midst of the inflorescence, or in a slight degree of doubling or proliferation in the flowers. If the infection was carried out only once on a branch, then at the most only from one to three successive flowers showed anomalies, or as many true leaves appeared in the inflorescence ; the rest were normal. In the Cruciferz I obtained my results by laying several infected buds of V. tripteris (of which a single one sufficed to ensure a great degree of injury in Centranthus Calcitrapa) on the tip of one and the same branch of the plant to be infected. The animals crawl out as soon as the buds begin to wither and dry up, and pass on to the living plant, upon which they move about, so that one or the other cannot fail to gain access to the vegetative points. To be more certain of this it is advisable to make infection of the same plant at various times, in order to ensure that the susceptible organ shall be reached and irritated by the animals, either at its earliest origin, or in its earlier stages of growth. It may here be remarked that most infections of the Valerianacee aud of the other plants were made in spring, March, and April, but in some species that flower in the end of June and in July, they were made in May also. In July, August, and September only a few infections were carried out; in those species that have been indicated as not favourable host-plants for Phytoptus they produced no result except in Cochlearia officinalis, Brassica nigra, Capsella Bursa-pastoris, Bellis perennis and Primula acaules which were infected in October, and were then cultivated indoors, the two former in heat, the latter in a cool room. The Srassica formed flower-buds, which remained very small, and did not open. The small size of the flower-buds is a consequence not of the in- fection but of cultivation in the dry air of a room. Since now on numerous Valertanacee and several Crucifere abnormalities of structure have been artificially produced, by means of one and the same species of Phytoptus, the question pressed itself upon me whether similar abnormalities may not be caused by other species of Phytoptus. I directed my attention to a species that shows preference for the buds, and remains con- stantly in them, or, to speak more correctly, remains in them until the buds die. One has numerous individuals in a small space. The Scottish Naturalist. i21 I made my investigation on the Phytoptus that causes the well- known bud-deformity on Corylus (Hazel), and placed distorted buds of Corylus, which I had previously cut open, on Brassica nigra, Sisymbrium austriacum, Capsella Bursa-pastoris and Mya- grum perfoliatum. In Stsymbrium, Capsella and Myagrum I obtained bracts to the flowers, and in Myagrum, in addition, there were slightly doubled flowers. Bellis perennis (Daisy), which I infected with the Phytoptus from Valeriana trepteris, Corylus, and Campanula Tenoru, behaved essentially in the same manner with all these different parasites. The rosette-leaves were abnormally hairy, but without forming an erinewm, some flowers of the disc were green (virescent), and the phyllaries of the involucre were somewhat lengthened. As an often repeated phenomenon I observed that after success- ful infection, the growth in length of the branch became slow, and that even where abnormally-formed organs did not occur, the formation of axillary buds was promoted. ‘Thus in several species lateral shoots were formed, e.g. in the inflorescence of Huphorbia Peplus after infection with Phytoptus Coryli, and also in Capsella Bursa-pastoris. Crowding of the buds was also characteristically present. The choice of plants on which the experiments were undertaken was quite accidental. The inducement to select them was only that I found examples of Valeriana tripteris in the wild state with doubled flowers, in the deformed flower-buds of which I found Phytoptus. It would be extraordinary if only in the Valercanacee, Crucifere, and Linarva Cymbalaria reactions should follow infection with the parasites in question ; hence it is extremely probable that a procedure has been obtained by which one can bring about artificially abnormal deviations in structure in a very large number of the most varied plants besides the Valerianacece. The investigations show clearly that by the reciprocal influences of organisms on one another new diseases originate ; and they call attention to a previously little regarded side of symbiosis ; and they give an additional support to the teaching that by far the greater number of diseases and abnormalities in structure are brought about by parasitic organisms. 122 The Scottish Naturatst. THE COLLECTING AND STUDY OF WILLOWS. By F. BucHANAN WuiteE, M.D., F.L.S. [We reproduce this important paper, which appeared in the Journal of Botany for March, 1889. The need of a thorough investigation of the British species of Salzx is only too much felt by botanists; and few greater obstacles have to be overcome than the insufficient nature of the materials collected, and too frequently sent to specialists for determination. Dr. White’s investigation of this difficult group of plants cannot fail to be of much value to all interested in the British flora. It is very desirable that specimens from numerous localities should be submitted to him, but still more desirable that these specimens should be in satisfactory condition, and a careful perusal of Dr. White’s paper will give the information required to ensure their being such. —Ep.. a Scot. Nat. | RECENT examination of several public and private herbariums has too clearly shown that Prof. Babington’s statement,— quoted by Mr. Leefe in the Journal of Botany, nearly twenty years ago, “that the British Willows are a disgrace to our flora,” is still too true. Recently many obscure points in the Botany of our islands have been, or are being, cleared up, and our knowledge of various difficult genera, such as Rosa, Rubus, and Hieractum, and Potamogeton, is vastly increased, but the genus Salzx has remained much in the same condition for many years, and the only real advance which has been made since Smith’s time has been in re- ducing many of the Smithian and other supposed species to the rank of varieties. The chief shortcoming on the part of British Botanists, with regard to the Willows, has been the ignorance, or ignoring, of the work of the continental salicologists with relation to the phenomenon of hybridism in the genus. Only a few of the species which occur in Britain are recognised as, or supposed to be, hybrids; but many botanists seem to be unaware that, theoretically, every Willow will hybridise with almost every other species, and that practically the number of hybrids actually exceeds the number of true species. ‘Till this fact is recognised, and these The Scottish Naturalist. 123 hybrids are sought out and recorded, we cannot hope to have an accurate acquaintance with the distribution of the British Salices. Another hindrance to the study of the British Willows has been the difficulty of naming the varieties which are still retained in our lists and hand-books, though some of the latter truly say that these varieties are scarcely distinguishable. As for the great majority of these varieties, the sooner their names are consigned to oblivion the better, for of them it may be said that they are Voces et preterea nihil, and their retention serves only to render more difficult a study that is already sufficiently intricate. Many of them were founded on cultivated individuals, and, if they exist in nature at all, it is only as links in a long chain of innumerable modifications. The first lesson, therefore, that the student of British Willows must learn, is to abandon without compunction almost all the varietal names which appear in the ‘ London Catalogue.” , As Smith, Leefe, and others have rightly said, Willows, to be known well, must be studied in a living condition. But, as it is not in all cases or at all times possible to do this, good specimens should be preserved. Unfortunately this is a fact that is not always recognised, and hence many specimens which are worse than useless exist in collections. A proper and useful Willow- specimen should consist of a flowering example gathered in fit condition, and of two leaf-examples, one from a terminal shoot, the other from a side-branch. | In collecting Willows it is of the utmost importance to guard against an admixture of specimens. The bushes should not only be marked, but a note of their situation taken. A good method of marking is to cut Roman numerals on the bark, but, since this is troublesome with the higher numbers, the same numbers may be repeated when the localities are distinct. To avoid confusion in the vasculum, the collector should provide himself with slips of paper (3 or 4 inches long), with a slit cut in each. On these the number of the bush and the indication of its situation are written, and then the specimens are thrust through the slits and placed in the vasculum. On reaching home the number and other particulars of each bush must be entered in the note-book, and the permanent or note-book number (Arabic figures) placed opposite it. Then by means of small pieces of paper attach to each specimen its permanent number. In this way all risk of mixing specimens is 124 The Scottish Naturalist. reduced to a minimum. The permanent numbers, of course, must not—unlike the tree-marks—be used for more than one bush. Having attached to each example its number, any particulars which can be seen more readily in the fresh than in the dried plant may be entered in the note-book. These should include the colour of the leaves, twigs, stigmas, and anthers; the nature of the filaments,—whether free, or more or less combined— pubescence, if any, on them; shape of the nectary; style of the venation of the leaves, whether raised or impressed, &c. The specimens should be very carefully dried, and subjected to as much pressure as will keep the leaves from wrinkling, but not so much as to crush the catkins altogether. The leaves should be so arranged, that the underside of some of them,—both the old, or lower, and the younger, or upper,—be shown. The periods of growth when specimens should be taken is im- portant. Male catkins should not be too old, but some should be in full flower, and some with the pollen shed, so as to show the colour of the empty anthers. Female catkins should be neither too young nor too old, and should illustrate the condition of the fully developed stigmas. When it is possible, specimens 7” fruit should also be obtained, but not too old, as burst capsules are comparatively useless. The leaves should not be taken till they have arrived at maturity, and not, as a general rule, before the middle of August. Young leaf-specimens are sometimes useful as supplementary examples. It is important, in taking leaf-specimens, to secure side-branches as well as shoots, since the character of the leaves on these is often different. In collecting Willows every bush should be examined, not only when in flower, but when in leaf, and, if there is the least doubt about the species, specimens should be taken. Where more than one species grows together, a sharp look-out should be kept for hybrids, but hybrid forms sometimes occur at some distance from either of their parents. ‘This may happen by the transmission of the seeds by wind or water, or by the parent bush, cross-fertilised by insect-agency, having died out. In looking for hybrids it must be remembered that frequently they do not show exactly inter- mediate characters, but often bear a close resemblance to one or other of the parent species. Such forms can be detected only by The Scottish Naturalist. Iz5 careful study, and an intimate acquaintance with specific characters. | The species which most frequently hybridise are necessarily those whose periods of flowering synchronise, but hybrids also occur between species which do not usually flower at the same time, and these must have arisen from the rare accident of one or other of the parents having flowered at an abnormal period. Such hybrids (of which S. ¢rviandra-cinerea Wimm., not yet detected in Britain, is an example) must always be rare. Amongst hybrids which have occurred in Britain, but which have usually escaped recognition, are those between S. cinerea, S. aurita, and S. Caprea. Of these, that between the first two seems to be by no means un- common, but the aurita-Caprea and the cinerea-Caprea hybrids are rarer. From the close relationship of their parents, all of them may readily be passed over. A number of others might be mentioned, but as on this occasion I wish only to call the attention of British Botanists to the necessity for an increased study of the Willows, I abstain from doing so. In conclusion, I may add that I shall at all times be glad to examine good specimens. REVISION OF SCOTCH DISCOMYCHTES. By..Pror.,. James W. Hy: Train, A.M., M.D., F.L.S. HE numerous additions made to the records of the Discomy- cetes in Scotland since the publication of the Mycologia Scotica in 1879, and the inconvenience of reference to the scattered notices of new discoveries, would have been sufficient to render a revision of this great group from Scotland very desirable as a basis for future investigations. But the need for such a revision has been greatly increased by the appearance of the very important _ and valuable ALanual of British Discomycetes, by William Phillips, F.L.S. I have endeavoured in the subjoined list to give an enumeration of all the Scotch species under the nomenclature adopted by Mr. Phillips, whose book will probably remain the guide to British students of this group for a good many years to come. 126 The Scottish Naturalist. I have also sought to indicate the distributional areas from which each species has been recorded or obtained, so far as I have been able to verify the facts regarding each. These areas are the river-basins now for several years followed in‘lists of this kind for Scotland (¢g., in the JAZycologia Scotica), except that I divide “Moray” into the two districts of AZoray and Cromarty, separated by the Caledonian Canal. The order of succession is from north to south. In the case of rare species the locality where found follows the name of each district in brackets. The records from certain localities so entirely depend on the investigations of a single observer in each place that to save space these localities are mentioned without giving the authority for the record, except in the few cases where the record is due to another botanist. These places are :— In Tweed, Berwick worked by Dr. Johnstone, and Jedburgh by Mr. A. Jerdon. In Forth, Foxhall by Caft. Wauch, round Edinburgh by Dr. Greville. , In Tay, Rannoch by Dr. 7. Buchanan White ; Glamis by Dr. Stevenson, Wihenmuir by Rev. M. L. Anderson ; Fern and Glen Shee by fev. J. Fergusson. In Argyle, Appin by Captain Carmichael, and Mull as recorded in the Scottish Naturalist by Dr. F. B. White. In Dee, the localities recorded by myself are marked in the usual way, by ! In Moray, all localities (Forres, -Rothiemurchus, Gran- town, &c.) rest on the labours of the Rev. Dr. Keith, unless indicated by another name or initials. For Orkney all the records are here published for the first time, and are the result of my own work on the mainland of Orkney during the month of August, 1888. ‘The names are authenticated by Mr. Phillips, who examined all the species. I at first intended to render this list a historical record of investi- gations among the Scotch Discomycetes by adding for each species citations of all works in which it had been mentioned as Scotch, and, where ascertainable, the name of its first discoverer and recorder. I soon found, however, that to do this consistently would cause considerable delay in the preparation of the list, and would also add to its length inconveniently. I have therefore The Scottesh Naturalist 127 restricted the references to a citation of the page in Mr. Phillip’s Manual for each species, of the number and name under which each appears in the Mycologia Scotica, and for those published as Scotch since the publication of that work in 1879 to the citation of the place of their publication. The chief works in which information is contained with regard to Scotch Discomycetes in general are Lightfoot’s Mora Scotica (1777), in which a few true species of the group are mentioned; Hooker’s Flora Scotica (1821), also with only a few species ; Greville’s Cryptogamic Flora of Scotland (1823-29), of great value; Berkeley’s /ungi, forming Vol. V., part 2, of Smith’s Luglish Flora (1836), edited by Hooker; the long series of papers on British Fungi by Messrs. Berkeley and Broome inthe Azxals and Magazine of Natural Hrstory, in which are recorded many Scotch species forwarded to Mr. Berkeley by Messrs. Jerdon, Stevenson, Fergusson, Anderson, Keith, Buchanan White, and others; Cooke’s Handbook of British Fungi (1871), in which are swept together the results of much of Mr. Berkeley’s work, along with that of earlier observers ; Stevenson’s AZyco/ogia Scotica (1879) ; numerous articles in Grevillea and in the Scottish Naturalist, and Phillips’ AZanxual of British Discomycetes, in which are several previously unpublished Scotch recerds. | | | Among the more important of the local works in which these Fungi are included may be mentioned Greville’s Flora. Adinensis, John stone’s Hora of Berwickshire,and Botany of the Eastern Borders, Gardiner’s Flora of Forfarshire ; Dickie’s Botanist’s, Guide to the Counties of Aberdeen, Banff, and Kincardine, and numerous papers in the volumes of the Scottish Naturalist, wpon the Lung? of Moray by Dr. Keith, on the Lungi of Mull, and a Preliminary List of the Fungi of Perthshire by Dr. Buchanan White; Axnual Reports, since 1884, on the additions to the Pungi of the East of Scotland by myself; and the Report last April in this Journal on the Fungi of the West of Scoiland. Dr. Keith has also published a complete list of the Fungi of Moray in the Transactions of the Natural History Society of Aberdeen. Another list of Fungi must be named, but only to state that it is worthless, owing to the carelessness. with which it had been prepared. ‘This is the list given in the Fauna and Flora of the West of Scotland, prepared for the meeting of the British Association in Glasgow in 1876. Records of species for Scotland and new records for any of the 128 The Scottish Naturalist. distributional areas now mentioned for the first time are marked below with an asterisk. New areas, recorded siuce 1879, are printed in italics. ! following the names of areas, localities, or food-plants, &c., denotes that I have myself found the fungi marked in localities and on foodplants so indicated. Short descriptions of a few species in this list not included in Phillips’ Manual are given below. The following abbreviations are made use of, in addition to the usual well-known abbreviations of authors’ names :— M.S.—Mycologia Scotica ; Ph. denotes Mr. Phillips’ Manual of British Discomycetes; J.F.—Rev. John Fergusson ; M.C.C.—Dr. M. C. Cooke; J.S., Rev. Dr. Stevenson ; F.B.W.—Dr. Buchanan White ; W.P.—Mr. Phillips. Order I. HELVELLACEI Fr. Genus J. MorcuHetta Dill. 1. M. esculenta (L.) Pers. (M.S. 1520, Ph. 3). In grassy places in woods. April—June. Tweed, Forth, Tay, Dee! Moray, var. a. rotunda Pers. (Ph. 4). Tweed, Forth, Tay. 2. M. conica Pers. (M.S. 1520 as a var. of W. esculenta ; Ph. 4). On the earth. Moray (at Sluie and Forres, Drs. Keith and Cooke). var. a. Geliciosa Fr. (M.S. 1521, as a distinct species ; Ph. 5). Tay. 3. M. semilibera D.C. (M.S. 1522; Ph. 7). On the soil in thickets. Tweed, Forth, Moray. Genus II. GyRomiTra Fr. 4. G. esculenta Fr. (M.S. 1523, Ph. 8). In pine and oakwoods, and on tree-stumps ! March—June. Tay, Dee !. Moray. Genus III. HELveira Fr. s. H. crispa Fr. (M.S. 1524, Ph. ro). On the ground, in woods, &c. July—September. Tweed, Solway, Forth, Clyde, Tay, Moray. 6. H. lacunosa Afz. (M.S. 1525, Ph. 11). On the ground, showing a preference for burnt soil ; in woods and on lawns. July—-September. ~The Scottish Naturalist. 129 Tweed, Forth, Clyde, Tay, Moray. Mr Boyd reports it from West Kilbride. 7. H. suleata Afz. (M:S.-1526, Ph. .12). On soil in woods. Summer—Autumn. Tay (Glamis), Dee (New Pitsligo, 7 /), 8. H. subcostata Cooke (M.S. 1528, Ph. 13). On gravelly soil in woods. August. Tay (Glamis). ! 9. H. infula Scheff (Scot. Nat. VI., 122, Ph. 13). On sawdust and rotten pinewood, and on ground on woods. September—October. Moray (Rothiemurchus). 10. H. elastica Bull (M:S. 1527, Ph. 15). On the ground in moist shady places in woods. Sept. Clyde (Inveraray, W. P.), Tay (Moncreiffe, 7.S.). 11. H. atra Konig (M.S. 1529, Ph. 16, Scot. Wazt.). In moist woods. August. Clyde, Argyle, Moray. Genus IV. Leoria Hill. 12. Leotia lubrica Pers. (M.S. 1533, Ph. 22). | On soil in damp places in woods. August—November. Tweed, Solway, Forth, Clyde, Tay, Azgyle, Dee! Moray. 13. L. chlorocephala Schw. forma Stevensoni Berk. (M.S. 1535, as distinct species, Ph. 24). On damp ground in woods. September—October. Tay (Glamis). 14. L. circinans Pers. (M.S..1534, Ph. 24). On the soil, in firwoods. August—September. Tay, Moray. 15. L. acicularis Pers. (M.S. 1696, as Helotium aciculare Fr., Piry, 236): On roots and hollow stumps. Argyle (Appin), Moray. Genus V. MirrRuLa Fr. 16. M. cucullata (Batsch) Fr. (M.S. 1530, Ph. 27). Among decaying pine-leaves. Autumn. Forth, Moray. 17. M. paludosa Fr. (M.S. 1531, Ph. 28). On decaying leaves among water! April—June. 8) 20. 21. 22. 23. 25. 26 The Scottish Naturalist. Tweed, Solway, Forth, Clyde, Tay, Dee! Moray. Genus VI. SpaTHuLaria Fers, | ©. flavida Pers. (M.S. 1532, Ph. 30). In woods, especially fir, on fallen leaves and moss. July— September. Tweed, Solway, Forth, Clyde, Tay, Argyle, Dee, Moray. Genus VII. LeprocLossum Cooke. L. viride Pers. (M.S. 1540, under Geoglossum, Ph. 32). On damp soil among leaves in woods. Autumn. Tweed, Clyde, Tay, Argyle, Dee, Moray. Genus VIII. GrocLossum Pers. G. hirsutum Pers.(Grev. Scot. Crypt. Fl. t. 185 ; M.S. 1544, Ph. 34). On grassy soil! August—November. Tweed, Forth, Tay, * Dee! Moray. On sandy turf on Links north of Aberdeen in November ! G. difforme Fr. (M.S. 1545, Ph. 35). On grassy soil. September—November. Tay, *Dee! Moray. In October, 1888, I found two examples in Durris on Dee- side, that appear to belong to this species, though in some points approaching the next on this list. - G. glabrum Pers. (M.S. 1543, Ph. 36). On grassy soil. July—November. Tweed, Tay, Moray. G. viscosum Pers. (M.S. 1542, Ph. 37). On soil, in moist meadows and pastures, in autumn. Forth (Foxhall). ) . G. glutinosum Pers. (M.S. 1541, Ph. 38). On damp marshy soil. September. Tay (Rannoch), Argyle. G. tremellosum Cooke (M.S. 1546, Ph. 39. Cooke’s Mycographia, f. 347). On the ground. Tay (Rannoch). Genus IX. RHIZINA. R. undulata Fr. (M.S. 1547, Ph. 40). ' On light sandy soil, recently exposed to fire. Aug.—Noy. Solway, Forth, Clyée, Tay, Moray. 27 28 29 31 a 34 35 . P (Cochlearia) aurantia Cider (M.S. 1561, Ph. 56). The Scottish Naturalist. 131 . R. laevigata Fr. (Ph. 41). On sandy soil. Tay (Glamis, /.S.), the only British specimen seen by Mr. Phillips. Orderll PE ZIZH A. Genus I. Peziza Dill. . P, (Acetabula) acetabulum L. (M.S. 1548, Ph. 44). On gravelly soil. Spring—summer. Tay, Dee, Moray. . P. (A.) insolita Cke. (M.S. 1553, Ph. 45). On decayed leaves among mould, in a fig-house. Dec. Tay (Glamis). . (A.) Percevali B. and Cke. (M.S. 1551, Ph. 46). On ground in a lawn under Lime trees. April. Tay (Glamis). . P. (Tarzetta) cupularis L: (M.S., 1569, Ph. 47). On grassy soil, preferring damp spots. Autumn. Tay, Dee, Moray. . P. (T.) ammophila Dur. and Mont. (M.S. 1552, Ph. 49). Among drifted sand at the roots of Ammophila arundinacea on sand-dunes along the coast! Autumn. Tay (St. Andrews, J/.Z.A.), * Dee! (Links of Belhelvie, October, 1888 !). . (Otidea) onotica Pers. (M.S. 1560, Ph. 52). On the ground in woods, among grass and dead leaves. Autumn. | Tweed, Clyde! Tay, Dee, Moray. . (O.) leporina Batsch (M.S. 1559, Ph. 53). On the ground in woods and on Jawns. Tay, Dee, Moray. On the ground in woods, &c. Summer—autumn. Tweed, Solway, Forth, Clyde! Tay, Argyle, Dee! Moray, Ross. /(C.) badia Pers. (M.S. 1555, Ph. 58). In wet shady spots, and on burnt soil. Summer—autumn. Tweed, Solway, Forth, Clyde, Tay, Argyle, Dee, Moray. 132 The Scottish Naturalist. 37. P. (C.) luculenta Cooke (M.S. 1862, Ph. 59). On the ground. October. Tay (Dunkeld, 7B.W.). 38. P. (C.) cochleata Bull. (M.S. 1557, Ph. 60). On grassy soil in woods. Autumn. Solway, Forth, Clyde, Tay, Dee, Moray. 39. P. (C.) Ade Sadler (M.S. 1563, Ph. 62). On damp walls. Forth (Inverleith House, Edinburgh). 40. P..(C:) macropus Pers.(M-S. 1567, Ph.:63). 4I 42 43 44 On stumps (Beech, Ash, &c.). Spring and autumn. Tay (Menmuir). . P. (Discina) repanda Wahlb. (M.S. 1564; Ph. 66). On the ground, and on trunks of trees. Autumn. Forth, Tay, Moray. . P. (D.) reticulata Grev. (M.S. 1556, Ph. 67). On the ground in firwoods. Spring. Forth (Foxhall), Moray. . P. (D.) venosa Pers. (M.Sism554,.Phs 69). On the ground. Spring and early summer. Tweed, Forth, Tay, Moray. .! P. (D.) ancilis Pers. (Gvevillea XVII., 1888, p. 44). “On marshy soil full of sawdust, April! Substipitate, fragile, externally white, with thick branching veins below ; hymenium at first concave, becoming nearly plain and wrinkled, greyish or purplish brown ; ascz cy:indrical, narrowed below ; sporidia 8, broadly fusiform, with an apiculus at each end, 3-guttulate, brownish, 25-29 by 10-12; para- physes stout, a little enlarged at the brownish summits, indistinctly septate. Cups 25-75 mm. broad, 10-35 mm. high.” Dee (Tyrebagger Hill, near Aberdeen, April, 1888 !) 45. P. (D.) umbrina Boud. (Phillips in Grevillea, XVII, p. 44). On charred wood, September, 1888. ‘*Caespitose, sessile, large, at first hemispherical, then expanded, margin persistently incurved, externally pruinose, or granulose, pale brown ; hymenium umber brown; asci cylindrical, narrowed near the base ; sporidia 8, elliptic, asperate, hyaline, (18-20 by 9, Cooke), 13-15 by 7; paraphyses filiform, a little enlarged at the summits. Cups 2 to 3 inches broad. The exterior in the specimens from Scotland was granulose rather than pruinose, and the sporidia were rather | smaller than Dr. Cooke’s measurements, but I have no doubt it is Boudier’s species. 46 AT 48 49 co 52. 53: 54. 55: The Scottish Naturalist. 133 Aviemore. Rev. Dr. Keith ; September, 1888” (Phil. J.c.). Moray. . P. (Galactinia) succosa Berk. (M.S. 1558, Ph. 70). On river banks, and on soil in damp shady woods. Moray (banks of the Findhorn). . P. (Pustularia) pustulata Pers. (M.S. 1568, Ph. 72). On the ground. Autumn. Tay (Glamis). . P. (P.) vesiculosa Bull. (M.S. 1566, Ph. 73). On soil, in hotbeds, &c. April—September. Tweed, Forth, Tay, Moray. . P. (P.) cerea Sow. (M.S. 1565, Ph. 74). On the ground, on dead plants, &c. _March—November. Solway, Forth, Tay, Moray. P. (Geoscypha) tectoria Cooke (Ph. 77). On damp plaster-walls, and on burnt timber. Summer— autumn. forth (Edinburgh Botanic Gardens, AZ.C.C.). . P. (P.) ampliata Pers. (Ph. 78). On rotting wood and bark of oak, &c. Autumn—winter. Moray (Cawdor Castle). P. (G.) sepiatra Cooke (Ph. 79). On ground in damp shady places. Spring. Moray (¥orres). P. (G.) cribrosa Grev. (M.S. 1570, Ph. 80). Among short grass on sandy soil. Autumn. Forth (Balmuto), Ross (between Inverness and West Coast, Greville and Hooker). P. (G.) exidiiformis B. & Br. (M.S. 1580, Ph. 81). On sandy soil and rotten wood. March—October. Tay (Glamis). P. (Humaria) Crouani Cooke (Scot, Wai, 1888, p. 356, Ph. 84). On turf walls and on sandy soil! April—December. Dee! (Goval! and Murcar Links, near Aberdeen !) . P. (H.) constellatio B. & Br. (M.S. 1581, Ph. 86). On bare soil. Autumn. Tay (Glamis). . P. (H.) Polytrichi Schum. (M.S. 1573, Ph. 84). 134 The Scottish Naturalst. On heaths, among Polytrichum. Autumn. Tay, Moray. 58. P. (H.) vivida Nyl. (M.S. 1579, Ph. 88). Among moss. Tay (Rannoch). 59. P. (H.) rutilans Fr. (M.S. 1571; Ph. 89). On the ground in woods. September. Tweed, Tay, Dee, Moray. 60. P. (H.) macrocystis Cooke (M.S. 1583, Ph. 91). On the ground. Autumn. Tay (Glamis). 61. P. (H.) leucoloma Hedw. (M.S. 1576; Ph. 91). Among moss on the ground and on earthen walls! Sep- tember—November. Argyle, * Dee! (New Machar, near Aberdeen !) 62-°P3(H.) humosa-Fr. (M0S20577; Ph. 92). Among moss and on sandy soil! October. Tweed, Tay, Argyle, Dee! 63. P. (H.) axillaris Nees (M.S. 1667, Ph. 93). Among mosses, up to 2600 feet above the se Spring— autumn. Tay (Rannoch, Clova), Dee (Braemar), Moray. 64. P. (H.) maurilabra Cooke (M.S. 1582, Ph. 94). On the ground among moss. October. Tay (Glamis). 6s. P. (H.) granulata Bull. (M.S. 1578; Ph. 94). Common on cow-dung! up to 2400 feet above the sea. Autumn. Tweed, Forth, Clyde, Tay, Argyle, Dee ! Moray, Ross, * Orkney ! 66. P. (H.) convexula Pers. (M.S. 1585, Ph. 95). On mossy soil. Spring—autumn. Tay (Glamis, in 1877). 67. P. (H.) xanthomela Pers. (Scot. Vat. V1., p. 122, Ph. 77). On ground in firwoods. Autumn. Moray (Forres). 68. P. (H.) Keithii Phil. (M.S. 1588, Ph. 98). On horse-dung. Autumn. Moray (Forres). 69. P. (H.) Oocardii (Kalchb.) (Scot. Wat. VIL, p. 86; Ph. 98). The Scottish Naturalist. 135 On wet rotten birchwood. November. Moray (Darnaway). yo. P. (H.) cervaria Phil. (M.S. 1587, Ph. 100). On roedeer-dung. July—August. Tay (Glamis), Moray (Grantown). 71. P. (H.) bovina Phil. (M.S., 1586, Ph. ror). On cow-dung. August. Moray (Grantown). 72. P. (H.) Jungermanniz Nees (M.S. 1742, sub nomine Asco- bolus Jungermannie B. & Br. Ph. ror). Among /Jungermanni@ on soil. Tweed (Jedburgh). 73. P. (H.) ollaris Fr. (M.S. 1584, Ph. 102). On naked soil and among moss. September. Tay (Glamis, in 1877). 74. P. (H.) fusispora Berk. (M.S. 1574; Ph. 103). On soil mixed with charcoal, and on heaths. Tweed, Tay, Dee. var. aggregata Berk. (M.S. 1574, as a variety, Ph. 104). Tweed (Berwick), Tay. | ‘var. Scotica Rabh. (M.S. 1574, var., Ph. 102). 75. P. (H.) Roumegueri Karst., var. carnosissima Phil. (S707, War, Vi. p.-522, Ph. 104). On decaying beech-leaves. Autumn. Tay (Glamis). ¥76. P. (Pyronema) domestica Sow. On damp paper and plaster in rooms. December. Clyde. Sent to me, in December, 1888, by Mr. W. Stewart from Crosshill, near Glasgow ; new to Scotland. 77. P. (P.) subhirsuta Schum. (M.S., 1575, Ph. 108). On naked soil and refuse. October. forth, ‘Tay, Moray. Roslin (4Z.C.C.), Glamis, Forres. 78. P. (P.) melaloma A. & S. (M.S. 1572, Ph. 109). On charred wood and soil. Autumn. Tay (Glamis), Moray. Genus II. PstLtoprzta Berk. /79. P. myrothecioides B. & Br. (M.S. 1723, Ph. 111). 136 The Scottish Naturalist. On Prunus Padus. Spring—autumn., Tay (Craighall, Fern), Dee (Strachan, a Genus III. Hymenoscypna Fr. 80. H. (Sclerotinia) tuberosa (Bull.) Phill. (M.S. 1559, as Pezzza, Phis112). } In woods, associated with rhizomes of Anemone nemorosa. Spring, Tweed, Tay, Dee. 81. H. (S.) sclerotiorum (Lib.), (Gard. Chron., Sent 1883, | under name of /eziza postuma Berk..and Wilson, Ph. 115.) On Sclerotium compactum on Brassica Napus, and on 8S. varium on Potato. Dee. Cultivated by Mr. A. S. Wilson at Scuth Kinmundy: Aberdeenshire. 82. H. (S.) Curreyana (Berk.) Phil. {M.S. 1650, Ph. 116). On Sclerotium roseum in dead stems of Juncus communis ! Spring. Clyde | Tay, Dee! The sclerotium is plentiful in autumn near Aberdeen, and also near Inveraray ; its presence is shown by the pale colour of the stems, which are also marked with scattered small spots of the type of Sphacelia. 83. H. (S.) ciborioides (Fr.). (? M.S. 1651, as Peziza cibo- rioides Fr., Ph, 117). On beech-leaves. August. Tay (Glamis). Mr. Phillips (/.c.) admits this species on Berkeley’s autho- rity as British, but with much doubt, in absence of authentic specimens. *84, H. (S.) baccarum. Sclerotium in berries of Vaccinium Myrtillus, which it fills up and converts into a white mass. Autumn. * Tay * Dee | The sclerotia are not rare up to 1500 feet; but I am not aware of the apothecia having been detected in Britain. Mr. Phillips does not mention the species as British. Other species of this genus of fungi have been described by Woronin from the fruits of the other species of Vaccinium; and should be sought for in Scotland. 85 86 87. 88. 80. Q2. 93: The Scottish Naturalist. 137 H. (Ciboria) amentacea (Balb.) (M.S., 1657, var., as Peziza Caucus Reb., var. amentacea Balb., Ph. 120). On catkins of willows. Spring. Tay (Moncreiffe, “2. W.). H. (C.) Caucus (Reb.) (M.S. 1657, as Pesiza Caucus Reb. (Ph. 120.) On fallen catkins of Poplars (not of Sallows), in damp places. Spring. Tay (Moncreiffe, “2B. W.).; Moray. H. (C.) luteo-virescens (Rob.) (Scot. Wat. VI., 163, as Peziza pallido-virescens Phill., Ph. 121). On roots of grasses (Scot. /Vai. l.c.); on buried petioles of Acer (Phill. in Brit. Discom., p. 121). Moray (Forres). H. (C.) echinophila (Bull.) (Scot. Wat. VI., 124, as Peziza, Pir, 122). | On husks of Castanca vesca. Autumn. Moray (Cawdor and Forres). H. (C.) subularis (Bull.) (Scot, Wat. VI., 163, as Peziza, Ph 122). On fruits of Angelica. October. Moray (Forres). . H. (C.) firma (Pers.), (M.S. 1649, as Peziza firma ; Ph. 123). On dead branches of Oak. Autumn—winter. ‘Eweed,. Solway,, Forth,.Clyde,. Tay, Argyle, Dee, Moray. . H. (C.) bolaris (Batsch), (M.S. 1646, as Peziza bolaris, Phe r2 4): On branches of “ willow and holly.” Autumn. Argyle, Moray. H. (C.) tuba (Bolton), (M.S. 1703, as Helotium tuba Fr., Ph. 126). On dead leaves. November. Tay, Argyle, Dee, Moray. H. (Trichoscypha) coronata (Bull.), (M.S. 1652, as Lezzza, Ph. 27). On dead stems of Artichoke, &c. Autumn—winter. Tweed, Tay, Moray. var. inflexa (Bolton), (M.S. 1653, as eztza injlexa. sp.n., Pi i27); 138 The Scottish Naturatst. On stems of herbs, ¢.g., nettles, &c. Forth, Tay, Dee, Moray. 94. H. (Cyathoidea) monilifera (Fckl.), (M.S. 1660, as Peziza, Ph. 430). Among Lzspora monilioides on cut timber of Quercus Robur (Oak). Tay (Dupplin, 17.C.C.). 95. H. (C.) lutescens (Hedw.), (M.S. 1700, as Helotium, Pi, 237). On dead twigs of Alnus glutinosa! &c. August—Nov. Tweed, Forth, Tay, Moray, * Orkney ! (Binscarth !) 96. H. (C.) rhodoleuca (Fr.), (Scot. Wat., 1888, p. 356). On dead stems of £guzsetum in damp places! May. Dee ! (Portlethen, near Aberdeen !). 97. H. (C.) subtilis (Fr.), (M.S. 1697, as Helotium, Ph. 132). On decaying pine needles. October. Tay (Glamis), Argyle (Appin). 98. H. (C.) strobilina (Fr.), (M.S. 1659, as Peziza, Ph. 133). On fir-cones. Autumn and winter. Tay, Moray (Forres). 99. H. (C.) virgultorum (Vahl.), (M.S. 1699, as Helotium vir- gultorum Fr. pp., Ph. 134). On dead branches of trees in autumn. Owing to this fungus being confounded with H. /ructigena in M.S. (/.c.) the records for it are not wholly reliable. They are Forth, Clyde, Tay, Moray. roo. H., (C.) fructigena (Bull.), (M.S. 1699, as Helotium virgul- torum UX. p.p., Pi. 35). On dead fruits of Hazel! Beech, &c., in autumn. See remark on last species as to localities. Forth, Clyde, Tay, Dee ! Moray. ror, H. (C.) Laburni (B. & Br), (M.S. 1721, as elena, Phere). On wood of dead branches of Cytisus Laburnum, forcing off the bark! October—May. Tay (Menmuir, and near Montrose !) Dee ! (in various localities !). 102. H. (C.) calyculus (Sow.), (M.S. 1705, as Helotium caly- culus Fr., and 1706, as Hel. infundtbuliforme Fr., Ph. 136). On dead wood. Autumn. The Scottish Naturattst. 139 Forth, Tay (Den of Dun), JZoray (Forres). 103. Hi. (C.) seutula (Pers.), (Scot. Vat V1., p. 125, Ph. 136). On dead herbaceous stems (Sfirea ! Rumex ! &c.), on skele- tons of leaves of beech (Fagus sylvatica)! &c. Autumn, * Dee! (various localities !), AZoray (Forres), * Orkney ! (Firth !). 104. H. (C.) albida (Rob.), (Scot. Wat, 1887, p. 173, Ph. 138). On decaying petioles of ash (Avaxinus excelsior)! Nov. Dee ! (near Aberdeen !). 105.*H. (C.) aurea (Pers.). On twig of Snowberry (Symphoricarpus racemosus)! Aug. Orkney | (in plantation at Binscarth !). zoo. £1. (C.) emergens Cke. & Phil. (Ph. 139). “On dead branches of a tree, emerging from beneath the bark. Scotland (Captain Carmichael in Kew Herb.).” Foz. Ef. (C-) concolor Phil. (M.S. 1662, as Pezzza, Ph. 140). On hard decorticated wood. Moray (Forres). 108. H. (C.) cyathoidea (Bull.), (M.S. 1656, as Peziza, Ph. 140). On dead stems of herbaceous plants—Ranunculus acris ! Cakile maritima! Brassica Sinapistrum ! Lychnis diurna! Spirea Ulmaria! Geum urbanum! Anthriscus sylvestris! Angelica sylvestris! AEgopodium Podagraria! Heracleum Sphondylium! Valeriana officinalis! V. pyrenaica! Cirsium arvense! Senecio aquaticus! S. Jacobea! Mentha aquatica! Plantago lanceolata! Rumex Acetosa! Myrica Gale! Iris Pseudacorus! Phragmites communts. Almost the whole year, plentiful; up to 2,200 feet. Tweed, *Clyde! Tay ! Dee! Moray,* Orkney ! var. Solani (Pers.) Common on dead haulms of potato (Solanum tuberosum) ! Clyde! Tay! Dee! Moray,* Orkney! tog. H. (C.) Urtices (Pers.) (Scot. Wat., 1888, p. 356, Ph. 141). On dead stems of Nettle (U7tica dioica)! April. Dee! (near Aberdeen !) In M.S. No. 1655 is Peziza striata Fr. (regarded by Mr. Phillips as a synonyme of 4. Urtice), recorded as found at Glamis, in October, on dead stems of Mint. 140 The Scottish Naturalist. 110. H. (C.) clavata (Pers.) (M.S. 1656, as var. of Peziza cyathotdzea, Ph. 141). On dead stalks of Prerts aguilina. Moray (Altyre). 111. H. (C.) electrina, Ph. and Pl. (Gvevillea, VIII., p. 155, Scot. Nat., VII., p. 86, both as Peziza; Ph. 142). On dead needles of Pinus sylvestris, along with its conidial stage (Dacrymyces succineus Fr.) Moray (Rothiemurchus, C. B. Plowright). 112. H. (C.) sordida (Fckl.) (Scot. Mat., VI., p. 163; Ph, 144). On decayed stick of Broom (Cytisus scoparius). Moray (Forres). 113. H. (C.) eburnea (Rob.) (Ph., 145). On Carex pendula. Autumn—winter. Moray (Forres). Genus IV. CHLOROSPLENIUM Fr. 114. aeruginosum (77. Dan.) (M.S. 1698, as Helotium; Ph., 147). On dead wood of Oak (Quercus Robur)! Hazel (Corylus Avellana) ! &c., which it stains verdigris green. Autumn. Tweed, Solway, Forth, Clyde, Tay, Argyle, Dee, Moray. Genus V. BELonipIuM M. & D. 115. culmicolum (Desm.) (M.S. 1661, as Peziza vexata De Not. ; Phe. 140). On dead stems of Grasses and of * Juncus effusus / Autumn. Argyle! (Dalmally, on /uncus!); Moray (Forres) ; * Orkney | (Birsay, on stubble of Oats) ! 116. B. lacustre (Fr.), (Scot. Vat, VI., p. 163, as Feziza; Ph., 149). On straw of Phalaris arundinacea, November. Moray (Forres). 117. B. excelsius (Krst.) (M.S. 1685, as. Peztza; Ph. 150). On dead stems of Phragmites communis, Autumn. . Dee! (Corbie Loch, near Aberdeen !); Moray (Grantown). 118 B. ventosum (Krst.) (M.S. 1686, as Peziza ; Ph. 151). On Willow twig. Spring. Moray (Forres). 119. B. pullum, Phil, & Keith (M.S. 1692; Ph. 151). 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 “128 129 130 The Scottish Naturalist. 141 On Zypha, Poa, and Phragmites communis! Autumn. forth! (Loch Achray, on Shragmites!); Moray (Forres). Genus VI. Hetotium Fr. ( 4.2.) . H. alniellum (Nyl.) Krst. (Scot. at, VI., p. 124, as ene2d.; kh:, 555). On fallen catkins of Alnus glutinosa. Autumn. Moray (Forres). . H. fibuliforme (Bolton), Berk. (M.S. 1693; Ph. 156). On dead wood (in water). Tay (Perth, F.B.W.); Dee! . H. lenticulare (Bull.) Berk. (M.S. 1709, Ph., 157). On stumps of Aspen (Populus tremula), &c. >». Eweed;." Pay. Nov. ot citrinum (Hedw.) Fr, (M:S.°1707 5° Ph.; 157): On dead stumps and bare wood. Autumn. Up to 1,000 feet. Tweed; sumcay > Forth; Clyde. Tay; Argyle ; Moray. . H. pallescens (Pers.) Fr. (M.S. 1708; Ph., 158). On old stumps, &c. Autumn. Tweed, Forth, Tay, Azgyle, Moray (Forres, 7. KX, fide Phillips, J.c.). . H. fagineum (Pers.) Fr. (M.S. 1716; Ph., 159). On dead twigs, &c. (and on Beech-mast, fide Phil. Zc.) during the year. Tweed, Tay, Moray. . H. salicellum Fr. (M.S. 1712; Ph., 157). On branches of Salzx. Autumn. Tay, Dee, Moray. . H. melleum, B. & Br. (M.S. 1719; Ph., 160). On rotten wood. Dee (New Pitsligo, J.f.); Moray. . H. sublateritium, B. & Br. (M.S. 1720; Ph., 161). On stems of herbaceous plants. Autumn. Tay (Glamis). . H. repandim, Phil. (Ph., 161). On Spirea Ulmaria, in damp places. “ Scotland (Rev. Dr. Keith),” fide Phillips, lc. . H. sulphuratum (Schum.) (Scot. WNat., Phi, "L07 ). | Wale © [De 122; 142 The Scottish Naturalist. On leaves of Pinus sylvestris, and on the ground in firwoods {and, fide Scot. Nat., l.c.. on Oak leaves). Autumn. Moray (Forres and Cawdor). 131. H. epiphyllum Fr: (M.S. -1715; Ph., 163). On dead leaves of Beech (Fagus sylvatica)! and of *Elm (Ulmus montana)! Autumn. | Tay; Dee! (near Aberdeen !); Moray (Forres and Cawdor). 132. H. Marchantiee, Berk. (M.S. 1718; Ph., 164). ; On fading Marchantia conica. May. Tweed (Jedburgh). 133. H. imberbe (Bull.) Berk. (M.S..1658, as Peztza; Ph. 164) On Willow. Tweed (Mossburnford). 134. H. claroflayvum (Grev.) Berk. (M.S..1711;.Ph.; 265). On rotten wood of Beech (Magus sylvatica) ! and of * Acer Pseudoplatanus! Spring—autumn. Tweed; Solway; Forth; Tay; Argyle; Dee! (near Aberdeen! and at Esslemont !) ; Moray. 136. HB. pruinosum, Jerdon. “aS. 1773... Ph; ros): On Hypoxylon fuscum, Valsa! and Diatrype stigma on dead wood during the year. Tweed ;. Tay ; Argyle; Dee! (Kingcausie !) ; Moray. 136. H. herbarum (Pers.) Fr. (M.S. 1714; Ph., 166). On dead stems of herbs (Urtica dioica! Solanum tuberosum!). Tweed, Forth, Tay, Dee! Moray. 137. H. conigenum (Pers.) Berk. (M.S. 1701; Ph., 167). On cones of Pinus sylvestris in damp woods. Autumn. Forth (Foxhall). 138. H. scoparium, Cooke... (M.S. 1722; Ph., 168). On twigs of Broom (Cytisus scoparius). Autumn. Tay (Dupplin Castle, 3£.€.C.) 139. H. punctiforme (Grev.) (M.S. 1717, as H. punctatum Mi P5160), | On dead leaves of Oak (Quercus Robur). Tweed (Jedburgh) ; Forth (Edinburgh). 140. H. ochraceum (Greyv.) Berk. (M.S. 1710; Ph., 169). On stumps and sticks. Autumn. Forth (Edinburgh) ; Moray (Sanquhar). (Zo be continued.) The Scottish Naturalist. 143 REVIEW. A MONOGRAPH OF THE BRITISH UREDINEZ AND USTILAGINE. By CHARLES B. PLowricut, F.L.S., M.R.C.S., &c. 1889. To British mycologists the two groups that form the subject of this Monograph have been attractive because of the most interesting and important relations that they bear to the plants on which they are parasitic, as well as because of the beauty of many of them, and of the strange phenomena presented in their reproduction. But while so inherently attractive, and though great progress had been made in tracing the cyclic reproduction of these fungi, there was no - work in the English language that could be looked on as presenting the sub- ject in its most modern aspect ; and the British lists were heavily loaded with numerous so-called species, known to be only conditions of forms distributed in other ‘‘ genera.” No one who had struggled in the intricacies of such ‘‘genera” as Lecythea, Trichobasis, Uredo, and the like, could doubt the need of a thorough revision of these groups of fungi, and no one could be more fit to perform this task, or rather labour of love, than is Mr. Plowright, from his familiarity alike with experimental researches into the life histories of a large proportion of the British species, and with the now very considerable literature of the groups. The high expectations formed regarding the new work announced as under- taken by Mr. Plowright have not been, and will not be, disappointed; and the greatest obstacle to the wider diffusion of a knowledge of these curious fungi among British mycologists has now been overcome. Mr. Plowright’s investigations into the life-histories of these fungi are well known to all that have given any attention to the subject, and it is also well known that he is a firm supporter of the belief in hetercecism among the Uredinee, a belief strongly supported by his own researches. With this belief some will doubtless disagree ; but all alike must recognise the great value to every student of such a Monograph as this, so thoroughly abreast of the most recent investigations. An excellent discussion of the structure of the mycelium and of the various methods of reproduction that occur in the fungi,of both groups occupies the first 98 pages of the volume. . Hetercecism is fully treated, on the basis of the laborious researches of the author himself, and a list of the species in which it is believed that the cycle has been followed out is given on pages 56 and 57, the observer who first investigated the cycle being named under each species, and also the year when each result was published. There is a chapter on the infection of the host-plants by the Ustilaginee, another on the methods of spore-culture, and a third on the artificial infection of the host-plants. All these chapters are worthy of very careful perusal ; and will be found a most valuable guide to those desirous of understanding the problems met with in studying the biology of these fungi. The systematic descriptions are very complete. Each species has the full synonymy ; and under ‘‘ biology” particulars are given of the experimental culture of many of the individual species, and of the effects produced by them on the host-plants. 144 The Scottish Naturalist. Under Uredinee the number of ‘‘species” is considerably less than in earlier works on British fungi ; but a glance at the index of species shows the familiar names given as mere stages in the cycles of other forms. In this reduction of so-called species the advance is very great towards a true concep- tion of the nature of these fungi. But while the number of species is apparently diminished the actual increase to the previously recorded British forms is very considerable, though some of these are physiological as distinguished from morphological species, and are therefore exceedingly difficult of recognition except by following each cycle experimentally. Whatever view may be taken of the value of physiological species, there is good evidence that such grades. as are understood by the term exist (as indeed might be anticipated by evolu- tionists), and this being so it appears right to admit them to recognition as such. The Ustilagineew show less alteration as compared with earlier records than do the Uredinee ; but among them the additions are even more numerous in proportion. A supplement includes the genera Graphiola, Entorrhiza, Tuberculina,. and Protomyces, often regarded as doubtful Ustilaginee. Among these forms also the proportion of additions to the British lists is considerable. The processes of spore-development and of germination are illustrated very fully upon eight plates, since they are of great importance in affording reliable generic characters. The usefulness of the book is enhanced by carefully pre- pared indices of the host-plants, and of the species (and synonyms) of the fungi, and by a *‘ biological index,” as well as by a glossary, and a list of the authors quoted. Doubtless defects exist in this as in all scientific works ; but a debt of gratitude is due to Mr. Plowright for the care and skill with which he has carried a difficult labour to a successful issue. Don’s Plants.—When recently staying at Odiham I looked over Miss Palmer’s herbarium, which (as I pointed out in my paper on ‘‘ Geo, Don” in this journal) contains a considerable number of plants collected by that botanist for the Countess of Aylesford. They include a specimen of a “* Lamium sp. cultivated field near Forfar,” which is L. intermedium Fries., probably the earliest British specimen, and L, maculatum L. from Perth, G. C. Druce. Agrostis rubra L.—Among some plants recently sent to Professor Hackel I forwarded a single specimen of a grass which struck me as peculiar, gathered in 1887 in West Ross. This Professor Hackel thinks may be A. rubra L., but the specimen was not complete enough to decide upon. G. C. DRucE. a a 3 rae etsy ) (fe St . of -PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON. ie ; f : las “Successors to Mr. VAN VOORST). SS Se SEES Saat 2 oa —— ate Sed Fikes Se On the Ist to every oe pe agus. 24 th 800, a eee oe C. G. ate ar iw. DOUGLAS; W. W. FOWLER, ae eee Ye A., B, L. S.; R. MS See Fd R.S., FLL.S.3 E. SAUNDERS, Rage Pe Sees oe 183 : Saas, EET. SPAINTON, F.R.S., XC. , ‘This feces was commenced in ae and its pages are princ.pally devoted to information respecting | British Entomology. LONDON: JOHN VAN VOORST, I PATERNOSTER Row,. E.C. NB. —The volumes commence with the June number in each year. Sub- a ets Pa volume, bet saree) should be forwarded to the Editors at the abe a3 ~ SWAN pissed & Cos NEW AND RECENT NATURAL HISTORY BOOKS. KIRBY? Ss ENTOMOLOGY. oe: ELEMENTARY TEXT-BOOK OF ENTOMOLOGY. By W. F. Kieey: (British Museum), Illustrated with 650 Woodcuts. Square 8vo, cloth elegant, gilt top, 15s. “ Tt is. in fact, a succinct Eneyc lopeedia of the subject. -Plain and perspicuous in languaye-and profusely illustrated, the insect must be a rare one indeed whose yenus— and perhans even whose species—the reader fails to determine without difficulty. . . . The woodcuts are so admirable as almost to cheat the eye familiar with the objects pre-_ sented into the belief that it is gazing uvon the colours which it knows so well. . . rE Advanced entomolouists will obtain Mr Kirby’s fine volume as ahand y book of reference; a the -student will buy tt as an excellent int ‘oduetion to the science, and as an ete trustworthy. text-book.” KNOWLEDGE. BRITISH BUTTERFLI S, MOTHS. AND BEETLES. By W. F. Krrey (British Museum), Crown Svo, with 129 Woode: uts, cloth, 1s: CLAUS & SEDGWICK'S ZOOLOGY = tee ELEMENTARY TEXT-BOOK OF ZOOLOGY. By Profs. W. Cuaus (Uniy:, Vienna) and . — A. SEDGwIcK (Trin. Coll. Camb.). Fe With 760 New Woodeuts. 8vo, cioth., Srorron I.—Protozva to Insecta. 21s, Section I1.—Molusca to Man. 16s. - = “Teachers and Students alik: have been anxiously waiting for its appearance. ... 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A rbroath Horticultural on Natural Hewe Association © ‘ “17. —‘* Moss Flora of Kelly Den.” Mr. ALEX. Lowson. aes 2 a ov. 21.—Annual General Meeting. | ie “4 4 JOURNAL LOR NA TURE-LOVERS ie NA TUKE- LTHINKERS. ‘Eprrep sy Dr. J. W. WILLIAMS, MLA. Price 6d., Post Free, 7d. = “4 “The ss N ahecralints? Monthly ” is issued on the 1st of each month. a5 Vianna!” Subscription, 7s. post free. ie ~ London : Warter Scott, 24 Warwick Lane, Paternoster Row. THE SCOTTISH NATURALIST, A QUARTERLY MAGAZINE OF NATURAL SCIENCE,. eee EDITED BY PROFESSOR TRAIL, ABERDEEN. Sania Sei payable i in adyance, 4s. Od., post free. _ Articles and communications for the Magazine should be sent to the. Eee before the 1st of December, March, June; or September, if intended for _ publication in the January, April, July, or October numbers respectively. -Orders for copies, subscriptions, &c., should be sent to the Publishersy: -S. Cowan & Co., PERTH, from whom also Terms for Advertising may be had. ae ~ Authors desiring reprints of their communications can obtain them. at the _ following rates, sent carriage paid :— pep LAS Zee ~ Copies. | Pages. Price. Pages. Price. Pages. pha | TER ee BS other as. 2c Bos pst 3a. Oe 7s. 3d. 50 cee 4s. gd. Ae O39. 3d, Se eas gs. 6d. eae eee Oso Ate. BS. Qd oes Bhar i2si qd Aud sv of in proporticn. IN MEMORIAM, REV, M. J, BERKELEY. N the 3oth July, 1839, the Rev. M. J. Berkeley passed to his O rest at the age of 86 years. Mycologists all over the world would be deeply touched by the announcement. His life and work and personality were so bound up with all our investigations that we can scarcely realise that he has gone. Miles Joseph Berkeley was born at Biggin Hall, near Oundle, Northamptonshire, on the rst April, 1803. After receiving his preliminary education at the Grammar School of Oundle, and at Rugby, he entered Christ’s College, Cambridge, of which he was a scholar, in 1821, and graduated as 5th Senior Optime in 1825. He was ordained in 1826, and began his professional life as Curate of St. John’s, Margate, in 1829. In 1833 he became Perpetual Curate of Apethorpe and Wood Newton, Northamptonshire, the familiar name of King’s Cliffe being that of the neighbouring vill- age where he resided. In 1868 he was appointed Vicar of Sibber- toft, near Market Harborough, where he died. He married in 1830, and is survived by most of his family. Those who were personally acquainted with Berkeley will recall his striking presence. His tall commanding figure, in the clerical dress of the older school, his grand head with flowing white hair, and his massive features, lit up by an eye which combined inten- sity of keenness with the tenderness of true strength, could not fail to arrest the attention of the mere passer-by, while his downright manliness and gentle simplicity of heart at once secured the reverence and affection of his friends. His knowledge of Natural Science was wide and varied. It was to the Science of Botany, however, that he devoted himself chiefly; and it was in the field of Cryptogamic Botany, especially in the field of Mycology, that his laurels were won. So early as the year 1836, Fries wrote of him as “distinguished ” above others by his investigations into the structure of the hymenium, and into the nature of the K 146 The Scottish Naturalist. spores of the Hymenomycetes ; and in the Preface to his ‘‘ Hymeno- mycetes Europei,” published in 1874, are these words :—“‘ Desidera- tissima vero Synopsis Hymenomycetum extra-europszeorum, qualem solus prestare valebit Rev. Berkeley.” The first work by which Berkeley gained the pre-eminence which he never lost was on the Fungi of Great Britain. It forms part of the ‘ English Flora ;” and was contributed, in 1836, as Vol. II. of Hooker’s “‘ British Flora.” It was a work of wonderful research and observation; and in many respects its descriptions of species are yet unsurpassed. In 1857 his ‘‘ Introduction to Cryptogamic Botany” was published, a work of great compass and minuteness, which, however, perhaps from its style, never became popular. His ‘ Outlines of British Fungology ” followed in 1860, and a volume on ‘‘ British Mosses” in 1863. The results of his researches among British Fungi were continued in a series of invaluable papers by himself and his friend, the late Mr. Broome. ‘These, familiarly known as B. & &r., were pub- lished in the *“ Annals and Magazine of Natural History’ * from the year 1837 down to the year 1883 when the last of the series was issued. ‘They contain a long record of additions to the British Flora. Occasionally plants already known as British were referred to; but the list, numbering 2027, is almost wholly made up of new species, or of species not previously recorded as British. Here as elsewhere the influence of Fries, the great master-spirit of My- cology, made itself felt, the publication of his “‘ Icones ” having ren- dered the identification of many of his species more certain. These papers, it may be added, contain a record of the recent advance in the progress of Mycology in Scotland. ‘The discoveries of Dr. Keith and others form no inconsiderable part of the record during the last decade of years embraced in it. Berkeley also de- voted much attention to the diseases of plants. His papers on Vegetable Pathology, which appeared in the “‘ Gardeners Chronicle” between the years 1854 and 1857, were far in advance of their time, and will still reward careful study. In his latter years much of his time was occupied with the work of the Royal Horticultural Society, where his vast knowledge and varied experience and ripe wisdom were found to be invaluable. He also acted as Examiner in the Universities of London and Cambridge. Some years ago * The first two of these papers appeared in 1837 in the ‘‘ Magazine of Zoology and Botany,” which in 1838 became the ‘‘ Annals and Magazine of Natural History.” The Scottish Naturahst. 147 he transferred his valuable Herbarium to Kew, where it now re- mains, a fitting monument of his unwearied work. His portrait, painted in 1878, now hangs in the meeting-room of the Linnean Society. Quiet, unobtrusive, and unambitious, Berkeley was never re- warded with honours as he deserved to be. The Honorary Fellowship of his College was conferred upon him somewhat late in life. But, perhaps, his highest mark of distinction was the Royal Scciety’s Medal which was bestowed upon him in 1863. Afterwards he became a Fellow of the Royal Society. He was too enthusiastic to be self-seeking. As an example of his en- thusiasm, it may be mentioned, that on several occasions the writer had communications from him when he was confined to his bed, (on one occasion the very writing bearing evidence cf pain), full of interest in the subjects which attracted his attention; and during the years of our constant correspondence he never left home with- out intimating where he was to be found. Many who profited by his help will recall with deep gratitude how ungrudgingly his time and knowledge were always at the service of those who desired to learn. He was not only the originator, but through many years was the life and soul of mycological study in Britain. It is no re- flection upon the distinguished predecessors of the present occu- pants of our botanical chairs to say that, with exception of the late Professor Dickie’s researches among Algae, Cryptogamic Botany was altogether left in the background by them. Mycology is now receiving increased attention, notably at the hands of Professor Trail, whose invaluable work among the Micro-Fungi is already well known ; but for a series of years it may be truly said that Berkeley was its sole British representative. He occupied an unique place. No man can fill it now. ‘The science which grew under his fostering care has attained such dimensions that many men must follow out his work. No one man can now grasp and expound it authoritatively as he did. It was well for the interests of science that his energies were not absorbed in a larger sphere of professional labour. In early life—we state this on his own authority—his experience was wider and more varied than was possible in the retirement of the small country parish in which he spent his latter years. But though his parish was smail and comparatively obscure, he never suffered his devotion to scientific work to interfere with his duties in the Ministry. As this is perhaps the least known side of his 148 The Scottish Naturatist life and character, we may be pardoned for devoting a few sen- tences to it. His own words will suffice. In a sermon which he preached at Christ’s College, Cambridge, in 1875, and which was circulated privately, he addressed to his younger brethren words of earnest counsel on the questions which were agitating religious thought. We take the following sentences for our present purpose :— ‘* There is no branch of science or literature which will not, if applied after a godly manner, tend to the edification of ourselves and others ; and the more we study, the less shall we be inclined to give in to a loose style of preaching, which is sure to become a mere repetition, day after day, of the same round of platitudes, to the weariness, not only of our congregations, especially those of instructed minds, but also of ourselves. , . . It is worse than useless to blind our eyes to all the questions which perplex so many. Changes have taken place before in many things, and others now arise in their turn as to matters which were once regarded as mere points of religious conviction, without injury to the integrity of the believer, and doubtless fresh acquisitions of know- ledge will make that matter of doubt to-morrow which was yesterday supposed to be an indubitable verity. From the very nature of the case it was no pur- pose of the Bible to make revelations in science, Any teaching, which could come home to the minds of the ignorant, must needs have been adapted to the existing state of knowledge as to physical objects, or even to their prejudices. But science is not necessarily antagonistic to religion ; we would rather say with the poet— ‘ Piety has found Friends in the friends of science, and true prayer Has flowed from lips wet with Castalian dews.’ Self-respect alone would induce us not to rest in a blind belief of matters respecting which we cannot give an answer. . . . While we adhere firmly to our own views, we should have equal regard to those of others. If we allow that there are difficulties in the way of complete conviction, though they do not press heavily upon ourselves, we must remember that those difficulties may make a far different impression on the minds of some than others ; and nothing can have a worse tendency, than at once to proclaim any one, as is too often the case, as an Atheist or Heretic, because he does not agree with ourselves. Differences must needs occur, but it is our duty as Christians, according to the perfect law of charity, to agree to differ. . . . There is no room for pretence. We must be what we seem. We must live as well as profess Christ.” In these sentences we have the reflection of the mental activity, of the intellectual breadth, of the large-hearted charity, and of the practical reality of the ministry of the Vicar of Sibbertoft, Such men are, quietly and unobtrusively, the strength of any Church, in so far as it is the reflex of true Christianity. His remains were interred at Sibbertoft on the 3rd August, with deep and mournful respect, J.i& MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE EAST OF SCOTLAND UNION OF NATURALISTS’ SOCIETIES AT ALFORD IN 1889. HE Council met in the Volunteer Hall, Alford, on Tuesday, 16th July, 1889, at 13 o'clock (1 p.m.) Present,—-Mr. R. O. Farquharson, of Haughton, in the chair ; and Messrs. the Rev. James Gillan, Alford; William Anderson, Aberdeen ; David Robb, Dundee (Working Men’s Field Club); John Forrester, and W. D. Sang, Kirkcaldy; David Ferrier, Montrose Scientific Field Club; and Robert Brown, Perth. The Minutes of the last meeting of Council were read and ap- proved. Mr. Ferrier and Mr. Anderson were appointed auditors. The Treasurer’s Financial statement was read and approved. The Assessment for 1889 was fixed at fourpence per member as before. it was agreed that the “ Proceedings” be again reprinted from the ‘‘ Scottish Naturalist,’”—500 copies to be printed, and the dis- tribution to the different Societies to be effected in the same manner as last year. Professor J. W. H. Trail was re-appointed Editor of the Pro- ceedings. Mr. Robert Pullar, whom failing, Mr. Robert Brown, was appointed delegate to the Newcastle Meetings of the British Association. A letter was read from Dr. Howden, on behaif of the Montrose Societies, inviting the Union to hold its Meetings in 1890 in Montrose. On the motion of Mr. Forrester, seconded by Mr. Brown, the invitation was unanimously accepted. It was decided that the preliminary Meeting of Council be held in Montrose during the first week in May. On the motion of the Chairman it was unanimously agreed that the Union petition the Education Department to make one of the two compulsory Science subjects at Training Colleges either Botany or Geology. The Sixth Annual General Meeting was held in the Volunteer 150 The Scottish Naturattst. Hall, Alford, on ‘Tuesday, 16th July, at 14 o’clock, (2 p.m.) The President, Mr. Farquharson of Haughton, in the chair. Letters of apology were read from various members unable to be present. The Minutes of the Fifth Annual Meeting and of the Council Meetings held since, were read and approved, and Mr. Farquhar- son gave his Presidential Address. The following papers were submitted to the Meeting :— Report on the Fungi of the East of Scotland, by the Sec-etary, for Prof. Trail. The Ferns and Mosses of the Alford District, by Mrs. Farquharson of Haughton. The Flora, Birds, and Antiquities of the Alford District, by the Rev. Thomas Bell, Keig. The Antiquities of Davan and Kinnord, by Mr. Alexander Hogg, Alford. Sand, by Mr. Forrester, Kirkcaldy. Paper on Observations on Phalaris Arundinacea, by Mr. William Wilson, jun., Terpersie. On the Discovery of Sciadium Arbuscula in Alford by Mrs. Farquharson, and on Desmids of the Alford District by Dr. Roy, Aberdeen. Votes of thanks were, on the motion of the Secretary, accorded to the authors of the several papers, and to the Alford Society for its cordial reception of the visitors. Dinner in the Alford Public Hall, a ramble through the grounds of Haughton, and an hour spent in the microscopic examination of mosses, diatoms and desmids concluded the day’s proceedings. EXCURSIONS. On the second day of the meeting, a party of sixty visited the district of Towie and Kildrummy. Amongst objects of interest too numerous to mention, the excursionists examined the cup- marked stones at Ley of Towie, the “Erd House” at Kilchindy, and Kildrummy Castle. The ‘‘ Erd House,” which is supposed to be a Pictish dwelling, stands on a farm occupied by Mr. Cran, an old gentleman, eighty years of age, whose father was tenant of the same farm, It has two rooms, the innermost one measuring 15 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 6 feet high. The outer is con- siderably larger. The house or hiding-place was discovered by Mr. Cran’s father 72 years ago. Whilst cultivating his farm he came upon a number of boulders. ‘This led to an inspection of the ground, with the result that the ““Erd House” was discovered. At Kildrummy the company were received by the Rev. Mr The Scottish Naturalist. 151 Christie, who pointed out the various parts of the castle, and gave an interesting account of its history. Most of the strangers were struck by the enormous extent and size of the building where Bruce’s Queen was betrayed into the hands of Edward I. After luncheon at Kildrummy Inn, the afternoon was spent in driving to Alford, and in a local ramble. Amongst the geological objects of the district were Glen Bucket stone (granite and tour- maline), syenite, serpentine and soapstone. ‘The rarer plants ob- tained were Linnea borealis, Goodyera repens, and Spirea salicifolia. The second day’s excursion was even more interesting than the first; and those who were privileged to attend it thoroughly enjoyed themseives. The excursion consisted in a drive.of 27 miles from Alford to Dinnet—a station on the Deeside railway. The features of the day’s proceedings were a visit to the Moss of Monandavan, from which diatomete—a substance largely used in the manufacture of dynamite—is obtained. Covering many acres, this substance, on the removal of the peat, is found to the depth of eight or nine feet, and consists entirely of the remains of diatoms. The company now walked to I.ochs Davan and Kinnord, between which, on a gentle slope, lie the remains of the pre- historic city of Davan, which are in a good state of preservation. The various buildings scattered over nearly a square mile were partially examined, and were explained by Mr. Hogg of Alford. The crannog on Loch Kinnord, the Castle Island, and the old canoes, 40 feet long, were next examined. The company then walked to Dinnet, and taking train there arrived at Ballater at eight o’clock. Next day the company divided. Lessened in numbers by the return of the Alford members, and many of the members from other districts, those now present represented Kirkcaldy, Perth, Aberdeen and Largo societies, Part went round to Glenshee by way of Braemar, by coach and conveyance, while part walked from Ballater to Glenshee, by way of Glen Muick, Dubh Loch, Cairn Bannoch, the Head of Glen Callater, Cairn Dubh, Glen Clunie and Glen Beag. Many rare specimens were obtained, amongst them being Gnaphalium norvegicum, G. supinum, Azalea procumbens in splendid fruit, Carex rariflora, Rubus Chamemorus and Saxifraga stellaris. ‘This portion of the company arrived at _Glenshee between one and two in the morning, having covered between 35 and 4o miles in 15 hours. 152 The Scottish Naturalist. Next day the most of the party left, but a few of the more enthusiastic botanists remained till Monday, and were well re- warded for their pains. The weather was magnificent, and botanizing a pleasure. The slopes around Glenshee Hotel and Glenlochay were thoroughly examined, and a large number of sub-alpine flowering plants and mosses obtained. Amongst the former were Meum athamanticum, Habenaria albida, Tofieldia palustris, Scirpus setaceus, Rosa tomentosa, and a woolly variety of Senecio ; and amongst the latter Blindia acuta, Barbula tortuosa, Philonotis fontana, Hypnum giganteun. From every point of view the meetings and excursions have proved interesting, valuable and satisfactory, and much credit is due to Mr. Sang and the Council of the Union and the Alford Society for the manner in which they have been organized and carried through. Too much acknowledgment cannot be made of the kindness and untiring attentions of Mr. and Mrs. Farquharson of Haughton, and the members of the Alford Field Club and Scientific Society, to make the Union meetings a complete success. These meetings are bound to become more popular, and it is to be hoped that even a larger contingent may turn out to Montrose next year. By means of such meetings, those members who are not deeply attached to scientific research learn to appreciate the work of those who are, and gain, at least, some acquaintance with the work of botanical, geological and archzological research, and spend a pleasant and profitable holiday ; whilst to those who are attached to any form of scientific pursuit, these meetings and excursions form an incitement to further effort, a means of personal communication with fellow-workers, and an opportunity of being brought into direct contact with many of the most wonderful pro- ducts of nature. Long may the East of Scotland Naturalists’ Union flourish, may its power increase, and its good work prosper! SAND. By JoHN FORRESTER, KIRKCALDY. HE popular notions of sand concern chiefly its use asa figure of speech to express multitude or weight, or as a means of measuring time by the hour or sand-glass; while its physical properties are associated with the breezy links or dunes and the smooth beaches of our sea coasts, or its place as an The Scottish Naturalist. 153 ingredient in mortar, or its use as an element in the manufacture of glass, In looking closely at a handful of sand, we observe that it 1s composed chiefly of small grains of a transparent, glassy-like substance. This is Quartz—a term used by the miners in Ger- many to denote rock-crystal, or crystalline silica. Silica, or Silex, is a simple or elementary body, little known in a pure state, but, when united with oxygen, well known as Silica or Silicic acid. Rock crystal, topaz and cairngorm stone (smoky quartz), jasper and amethyst, chalcedony and agates, opal and carnelian, are all familiar members of the quartz family. ‘Their colours and forms are due to union or combination with other substances, e.g., jasper, composed of quartz, alumina and the peroxide of iron, has its colour from the presence of the latter, wnile the amethyst owes its beautiful colour to the oxide of manganese. Besides occurring in these forms, quartz is common as an amorphous or shapeless rock ; and as a penetrating vein or lode in other rock-masses. It is the most frequent matrix of gold or tin deposits. Silica enters into combination with most mineral substances. United to oxygen, it forms a large part of the crust of the globe. It is to the free presence of silica that the quill part of birds’ feathers, the shields of certain infusoria and the spicula of the greater number of sponges, are indebted for their rigidity. The straw of cereals owes its firmness and stiffness to silica absorbed by the plants from the soil, and deposited on the outside of their stems or stalks. The joints of the bamboo have it largely de- posited in their interior. These plants are thus furnished with an element in their structure which serves the same purpose that bones do in men and animals, and without which they could not maintain an erect position. Another substance frequently present in sand is felspar or rock- spar—the name is derived from the German word feldspath. Felspar is an important and abundant constituent of rocks; and consists mainly of silica and alumina (the basis of clays, loams, and other argillaceous earths), with potash or soda, and traces of lime, magnesia and the peroxide of iron. Like quartz it is found crystallized, amorphous, and disseminated. It is of different degrees of hardness ; and is used for a variety of purposes. The 154 The Scottish Naturalist. form in which felspar is of most importance, industrially, is in its. product of kaolin or china-clay, which is the resultant of the complete decomposition of felspar by the action of carbonic acid and water. The next substance found in sand that I shall mention is mica, well-known by its glistening flakes. This also is a familiar con- stituent of granite. It is perhaps better known to us as a con- stituent of certain sandstones, than of sand. Mica is found in Siberia in large flakes; and has been used instead of window- glass. Itis so finely laminated that it- permits of being divided into extremely thin plates. Mica, besides being a rock constituent of granite, is abundantly present in Gneiss and Mica-schist, the latter being a foliated rock composed of mica and quartz, in which garnets are commonly imbedded. The origin of mica has been the subject of much interesting speculation. It is composed of the same elements as felspar, with the addition of potash, fluoric acid and magnesia, and has been claimed as the descendant or resultant of felspar and other kindred minerals. Sand, besides the minerals above mentioned, contains also in many cases, acicular or thread-like crystals of tourmaline (dark red or silvery), and rutile. Besides these inorganic substances, we find the carbonate of lime largely represented in some sands, generally in the form of fragments of shells and corals. ORIGIN OF SAND. In considering the question of the origin of sand, we naturally look for information to the sand itself. While there is much that is interesting in the microscopical examination of sand, there is not much in this to guide us in considering its origin. Sand, as such, is not found in the deeper portions of the great ocean beds. The formations there are found to be composed of an ooze or clay, in many cases made up of the shells of globigerina or foraminifera. It is near the shores of continents and isiands that sand is found. Has it then been washed out of the soil by the action of rivers in ordinary course or in times of flood? The deposition of extensive sandbanks near the entrance of all large rivers, points unmistakeably in this direction. The disintegration of rocks by atmospheric agencies, the abrading force of the waves of the sea, the washing-out of mineral The Scottish Naturalist. 155 particles and their conveyance by rivers and streams, teil us how sand has been deposited on sea-beaches and accumulated in sand- banks ; but we have still to search for the origin of these minute particles which chiefly compose sand. I refer to the typical element of it, vzz., quartz or silica. It is a remarkable feature in the sand of the Fife coast that quartz is the principal ingredient, and the trap rocks, the most common in the district, are re- presented only to a very insignificant extent. In granite we can trace the presence of the elements of sand. As already remarked, granite is composed of quartz, felspar and mica or hornblende. Now the quartz grains in granite are identical with those we find in sand. On comparing the sand of Brodick Bay, Island of Arran, with the decomposing granite I found at the top of Goatfell, there is a striking resemblance. ‘The quartz crystals in the granite are mostly broken, but in many instances the perfectly formed crystals can be observed ; their angles and planes being distinctly seen after rubbing down some of the weather-worn portions of this granite. Sand is found ready- made, but not rounded nor water-worn after the manner of sand on the sea-beach, and of that composing sandstones. Vhe sand from Brodick Bay consists mainly of quartz crystals. That manu- factured from the granite of Goatfell is mostly composed of felspar —the principal mineral element of granite. This leads now to the question how is this hard granite rock disintegrated and reduced to grains of sand? It is by exposure to the atmosphere, chiefly by the action of the carbonic acid gas. Felspar (composed of a silicate of sodium or potassium) forming the main bulk of granite, carbonic acid has a decided affinity to the soda, and in a greater degree to the potash in it. It seizes, or unites with, whichever is present ; and the result is the formation of carbonate of soda or of carbonate of potash. ‘The silica and alumina present, in nearly equal parts (with 15°7/ of water), remain in the form of kaolin or china clay. In Cornwall the deposit of kaolin clay is found in the valleys, while the hills or ridges are composed of granite. Roughly estimated, there is about one ton of sand to 7 tons of clay, while about one-third of the sand is mica. Dr. Sorby, in his examination of sand in the south of England, found it in Devonshire to consist mainly of angular grains of quartz, only about one-tenth part of which were worn. Passing to the 156 The Scottish Naturalist. Isle of Wight he found water-worn or rounded particles increas- ing to one-fifth, while in Sussex and Kent they rose to from one-third to one-half. Assuming the bulk of the sand on the south coast of England to’be derived from the kaolin deposits of Cornwall, the gradual transference of the sand up the English Channel will account for the particles being more rounded the further up they are from their place of origin. Looking at granite, its composition, and the results of its disin- tegration, we may reasonably conclude that it has furnished a large part of the sand found on the shores, sandy plains and desert places of the earth. Besides granite, gneiss and mica-schist have a fair claim to be regarded as contributing to the supply of sand. The same influences that have operated in the disintegration of granite have been at work on them, the quartz grains resulting from these rocks being smaller. A specimen of garnet-sand, which I found on the shores of Loch Tay, affords a striking proof of the effects of the disintegration of mica-schist in producing particles of sand. Further, crystallized quartz is common in veins and drusy cavities of rocks in all the different formations or systems; and by its disintegration, we can obtain another source of sand. Besides, there is the natural formation of quartz-crystals from silica, found in beds of clay. In the Royal School of Mines there are some crystals of quartz, of theoretically correct form, about + of an inch long. The pyramidal ends, or terminals, being perfect show that they have not been found in attachment to any rock substance as are most quartz crystals. They were found, if I recollect aright, in blue clay. Dr. Sorby mentions that he found crystallized sand of this kind in the boulder clay near Scarborough; and he accounts for the quartz crystals in the sand of the beach at Scarborough being more perfect than he found elsewhere by their being protected in clay. The shells of infusoria are often composed of silica and have been found inclosing very minute quartz crystals. Their broken shells and the spicula of certain sponges may be regarded as contributing their share to the finer descriptions of silicious sands. When the numberless multitudes of these minute organisms are considered, their contribution will not be lightly estimated. Space will not permit one to do more than barely mention volcanic eruptions and hot springs as supplying their quota in the The Scottish Naturalist. 157 shape of glassy felspar and silicious sinter. I may, however, add in a sentence that quartz crystals have been formed artificially in a very dilute solution of soluble glass (silica dissolved in caustic soda) left exposed to the air for 8 years, groups of four-sided pyramidal crystals, perfectly transparent, hard and unaffected by acids, being produced. Further, solutions of silica in carbonated water, or in very dilute hydrochloric acid, under high pressure, exposed to a temperature of 200° to 300° F., have produced microscopic crystals, (Bischof, II, pp. 472-3). These instances may appear unimportant in connexion with the subject of the origin of sand ; but they point to processes of nature, which possibly one day may be discovered, and may reveal what is, at present, a close secret in nature, the origin or formation of granite, with its several component elements. Sands are not, however, all silicious. There are calcareous sands, composed mainly of particles of carbonate of lime. That of the Bermuda Islands may be taken as typical of this description. It is of coral formation, and so abundant that the inhabitants have the greatest difficulty in preserving cultivated ground shrubs and houses from being covered by it. The sand of the Island of Ascension is also calcareous, being principally composed of shell fragments. The shell-sand of Malta, rich in colour, consisting of red coral and minute shells, may be included in calcareous sands. Besides these, there is volcanic sand, like that of Teneriffe, largely composed of particles of iron, and auriferous sand, of which that found in Northern Bengal is representative. THE ANTIQUITIES OF DAVAN AND KINNORD. By ALEXANDER Hocc, ALFORD, HE District of Kinnord, or, we would rather say, the ancient district of Davan, of which Kinnord forms only a part, is situated on Deeside, about 35 miles west from Aberdeen, and is a vale about seven miles in circumference. History, as we shall see, gives only the slightest clue to the position and extent of this ‘‘town;” but even its-rather obscure reference, along with the signification of the ancient Celtic names which have been handed down, together with existing remains, enable 158 The Scottish Naturalist. us to produce very satisfactory evidence of its former greatness as a Pictish town. The ancient name “ Davan” signifies the land or town of the two lakes. One of the lakes still retains this name, as do alsoa number of the surrounding farms. We are told that when the Romans visited Davan they Latinized the word into Devana; and the ancient inhabitants, who called themselves Deavlich, signify- ing ‘‘ Deeside men,” they named Zazxa/es, not being able to give the true pronunciation. The word Kinnord has undergone many pronunciations, being sometimes known as Kender, Ceanmore, Kinnord, &c. Mr. Michie says, in his history of Kinnord, that “it is evidently a corruption of the Celtic Cean wv’ aird,” signifying “the end of the height, which is descriptive of the locality, whether the height referred to be the ridge of Culblean, or, as is more likely, the Ord,” which was the site of the place of worship of these ancient Pictish people. THE EARLY INHABITANTS. It is evident that Britain, being a detached island, had been inhabited at a very early date by wandering and expeditionary tribes from the mainland. We have no certain information as to what race they were of, or to within hundreds of years of the time these northern parts were first inhabited. There is every reason, however, to believe, that the district or “town” of Davan was among the first places chosen by these early settlers as an encampment ; for, if we may judge from existing evidence, it was considered specially suitable, from the fact that it possessed all the natural advantages that were thought necessary to defend and maintain an ancient colony. Roman historians tell us that the ancient Picts settled in small districts where there were to be found natural facilities for defence-works ; and in the immediate neighbourhood of lakes, woods, and marshy ground. THE INNER FORTIFICATION. The existing ruins show that the most important part of the “town,” or what we may call the citadel, was strongly protected by defence-works. At several points of vantage the remains of the main forts, surrounded by moats, are to be seen. Moraines were easily formed into places of defence; being in the im- The Scottish Naturals. 159 mediate vicinity of water, they could be surrounded by it without much labour. ‘Towards the east end of Loch Kinnord, the ruins of a large fort are to be seen, now known by the name of Gardieben, a Celtic word signifying strong fort of the water. There is also another interesting ruin on the east shore of Loch Davan, and to the north of Kinnord. There, one can trace pretty clearly the outline of the embankment, upon which had rested the drawbridge that had crossed the moat. The moats which enclosed these ‘‘peels” had been of considerable depth. They are now, however, much filled up with the remains of de- cayed vegetation and other rubbish; but an iron probe can yet be thrust down, without much effort, to a depth of about ten feet. ‘The fort of the castie island towards the west end of Loch Kinnord probably formed the most extensive and inaccessible stronghold of the ancient city. This fort has also a Morainic foundation ; and there can be little doubt that, for more than a thousand years, it had been used as a fortress of one kind or other. It has undergone many changes, and been used for divers purposes in its time. By examination, we find that it had been extended beyond its original dimensions—traces of piles being discernible round the outer edge. ‘Traces of a fort of con- siderable extent are also to be seen on the top of a small hill, called Adickle Ord, to the south of Kinnord. This, however, has not been surrounded by water, but is more of the nature of a hill fort. We thus see that at four points, almost south, north, east, and west, near the centre of the vale, places of defence had been constructed ; they are what we have already named the Inner Forts. The small island in Loch Kinnord, or that marked in the Ordnance maps as the “‘ Tolbooth,” is worthy of special notice, as being the most perfect crannog in Scotland. It is situated in the deepest water of the loch; it is about sixty yards in circum- ference; the highest parts now standing are about six feet above the present water-level. It has been artificially constructed, and has the appearance of having been built in the following manner : —Strong oak poles had been placed in an upright position in the water, bound together with horizontal bars of the same material, round the whole structure, fragments of which can yet be seen. To keep this woodwork firmly in position the builders had con- veyed in their canoes thousands of tons of ordinary-sized stones, 160 The Scottish Naturatst. such as could be conveniently found on the shores of the lake, and these stones were deposited in the bottom of the loch, within, and partly without, the space enclosed by the woodwork, up to near the surface of the water. Although the island now stands above the mean level of the water of the loch, it must be re- membered that the water-level has, on several recent occasions, been lowered ; and there is good reason to believe that all the stones had been under the surface of the water at one time, and that a wooden erection of some kind had been constructed on the top of the piles, or, rather, upright poles, formerly referred to. A submerged canoe full of stones lies at the east side—probably swamped during the construction of the crannog. This rude structure affords one of the most substantial proofs of the anti- quity and great importance of the surrounding district, to the early inhabitants of this country. Another very important piece of evidence of the antiquity of Kinnord is the recovery of so many canoes from the loch after such a lapse of time. One was discovered and taken out of the loch in 1859, and is now in the policies of Aboyne Castle. Other two were recovered in 1875, and lay for some time on the south shore of the loch, fast going to decay: being broken up by over-zealous antiquarians. Each of these canoes is hollowed out of a single oak tree. The two last-recovered specimens are the largest yet discovered in this country ; one of them measures 30 feet 6 inches in length, by 3 feet 6 inches in width. It is interesting to state that these two canoes have now been put into a building erected by Sir Wm. C. Brook, M.P., for their preservation. It is natural to conclude that the waters of both lochs had, at an early period, carried a considerable number of these primitive vessels, which could be used as another means of defence. ‘There was also an outlying system of defence-works, but we must first notice what traces are to be seen of dwellings and lines of communication. On the north shore of Loch Kinnord, and to the east of loch Davan, extending to nearly a mile in length and one-third of a mile in breadth, is a piece of land upon which are to be seen numerous vestiges of circular foundations, ranging from ten to fifty feet in diameter. Most of the larger circles have small pear-shaped structures attached to their outer walls. It does not appear that they were arranged after any system; but walled roadways can be clearly traced among the ruins, and there are in- The Scottish Naturalist. 161 dications of where two of these passages had joined. Whether the family lived in the small pear-shaped circle, and used the larger one as an outer yard, or defence-work, can only be a matter for conjecture ; but enough remains to show that both were very strongly constructed. The walls had been built of large glacial stones, probably packed with turf, and may have been from 6 to 8 feet thick. Judging from their present appearance, they might have been, at least, the height of a man. ‘The floors, which appear to have been a little lower than the general surface, are paved with stones similar to those of which the walls are con- structed ; but selected more with a view to obtaining as smooth a surface as possible. In regard to the kind of roofing of these “cralls,” we can at best form conjectures only. If the smaller or pear-shaped circle was the only part covered, it would have been a simple enough matter ; and even if the larger ones were roofed, it would not have been difficult to find trees long enough to span 60 or 70 feet, supported with intermediate poles. The undertak- ings which we have previously noticed would require a greater amount of skill and ingenuity than even this. We have, along Donside, a good few of these ancient Erd- houses, roofed across with stones of immense size: and we are not to suppose that the early inhabitants of this country did not possess a natural intelligence which enabled them to turn to account the most convenient materials in the localities in which they lived for constructing the means of protection and defence. As many as 200 of these circular foundations can be pointed out along the northern slope of Kinnord ; and we are quite safe to conclude that these are only stray portions of what was formerly a great centre or metropolis of ancient population. All round the shores of Loch Kinnord, the slopes of Culblean, and the neighbourhood of the Lake of Knockice, traces of ancient workings are to be seen. The hand of the modern improver does not scruple to overturn these old dwellings, transforming their sites into cultivated land, and their stones into modern houses ana dykes. This has been done to a very large extent ; but in the case of these more perfect ruins, the stones are not of such a workable kind as the modern mason would care to use ; hence their better preservation. Although a very large number of these Pictish dwellings have been obliterated by modern improvements, their lines of com- L 162 The Scottish Naturalzst. munication have suffered in even a much greater degree. The longest road now traceable is one extending from the eastern shore of Loch Kinnord, going eastward along the Moor of Dinnet, by way of the Loch of Knockice, to a suburban quarter in that locality. This road is about two miles in length, and about three yards in breadth, and has been walled on each side; the remains of the walls assist the explorer to trace out the line. Other roads of a ‘similar character can also be traced northwards, and, also leading from the ancient dwellings, previously described, west- ward, along the piece of ground between the two lochs. The appearance of those parallel remains of walls excite special wonder ; their height in their original state can only be con- jectured. Considering that they must have been more than ro000 years in ruins, and that many parts now to be seen show a raised rim of from eighteen inches to two feet high, sloping to about two yards broad ; and also taking into account the effect of frost and rain over such a vast period, along with the operations of the law of gravitation, which is ever ready to carry loosened particles to lower points, we may confidently reason that they must have been at least fully the height of a man; and it is not overstep- ping the mark to assert that it is very probable that large portions, if not all, of these roads about the outskirts of the ‘‘ town,” and those leading to places of defence, may have been covered over with wooden logs and turf, forming long subterranean passages ; for, in considering this, we must not forget that the whole country at that time was one densely wooded jungle, containing various beasts of prey, more or less voracious ; and that in winter, snow- storms were severe, and frosts intense—indeed it is difficult to account for the use of these walls unless we regard them as form- ing effectively protected lines of communication. HILL FORTS. We are now to notice the remains of an extensive circle of outer fortifications. It is well known that many of even our highest hills have had forts constructed on their summits. On the Tap o’ Noth are the ruins of a vitrified fortress, with an ex- tensive line of outlying entrenchments. On the Mither Tap of Bennachie also are remains of fortification, while many of the smaller hills and commanding points of eminence bear traces of similar structures. a The Scottish Naturalist. 153 Surrounding the Valley of Kinnord, on every point of rising ground are to be traced the ruins of hill forts. The ancient Celtic names by which these hiils are still known establish pretty clearly the nature and purpose of these remains. Several of the old names, however, have been lost ; large cairns of stones, each with its adjacent circular foundations, alone mark out their posi- tion, and are known invariably by the name “ Cairnmore,” the large cairn. ‘To the north-west of the lochs is one of the most commanding positions, known by the Celtic name of ‘‘ Knock- soul,” meaning View Fort, and having extensive remains on its summit. Further east we discern another principle summit called ‘“‘Knockargetty,” te Treasure Hill. This had been a very for- midable stronghold in its time, defended by three concentric lines of circumyallation, flanked by strong forts. The Mulloch Hill, north-east from the lochs, may also have been strongly fortified ; but there is some reason to believe that the ancient forts of this hill have been disturbed by other events than the slow hand of time. To the south of Knockice, and to the east of Kinnord, near the bank of the Dee, are numerous remains, known as the **Tomachillach,” signifying, the women’s hill in times of danger. On the south side of the Dee there are also to be seen the ruins of hill forts, one on the summit of Balrory—a corruption of the Celtic Bal ruadh ri, the king’s red fort. The name Dinnet, by which the parish guoad sacra is now called, is also the Celtic Dun n/ath, signifying the fort of the ford. This indicates that at one time there existed a line of communication leading southward from Davan and crossing the river by a ford, which was strongly defended. Many other cairns and ancient works might be mentioned, and many more have been obliterated ; but sufficient has been described to convey an idea how extensive and impor- tant the whole system of communication and defence was, in and around this ancient town. HISTORICAL RECORD. As we formerly mentioned, history merely notices in a vague manner the name of Devana. When the hostile Roman legions (probably those under Agricola, a.p. 84, or Severus, A.D. 208) penetrated to the northern parts of Scotland, and demolished all ~the principal centres of importance, we are not to suppose that 164 The Scottish Naturalist. they did not discover, attack, and, no doubt, overcome the town of Davan. Regarding this, the learned antiquary and historian, W. F. Skene, LL.D., who collated for his works from nine Latin and Greek editions of Ptolemy, published at different times, writes :— “Further north along the coast, and reaching from the mountain chain of the Munth to the Murray Firth, were the ‘‘Taexali,’ who gave their name to the headland now called Kinnaird’s © Head. Their town Devana is placed by Ptolemy in the Strath of the Dee, near the Pass of Ballater, and close to Loch Davan, where the remains of a native town are still to be seen: and in which the name Devana seems yet to be preserved.” He further adds, ‘‘ All editions (z.e., of Ptolemy) agree in placing Devana in the interior of the country at a distance of at least thirty miles from the coast. Its identity with the seaport of Aberdeen rests upon the authority of Richard Cirencester alone.” Although this record is short it is a very important and interest- ing link of evidence. Mr. Rhys, Professor of Celtic in Oxford, has published a work entitled ‘‘ Celtic Britain,” in which he also places the ancient Devana on the shores of Loch Kinnord. Professor Rhys is perhaps the greatest living authority on such matters. The numerous vestiges of antiquity to be traced about Kinnord seem not to have been much known until 1877, when the Rev. John G. Michie, of Dinnet, published his ‘‘ History of Kinnord,” which opened up an entirely new line of investigation. It was generally supposed that the Devanha near Aberdeen was that referred to in Roman history ; this, however, was never con- sidered entirely satisfactory, as the native town of that name, alluded to by Ptolemy, was placed at least thirty miles from the coast. The evidence is therefore certainly most conclusive that an ancient town flourished in the valley of Davan and Kinnord, and on the adjacent slopes of the river Dee hundreds of years before and after the beginning of the Christian era. TRADITIONS AND HISTORICAL EVENTS CONNECTED WITH THE DISTRICT OF KINNORD. About the roth century conflicts in Scotland began to assume more of a national character. The inhabitants of this country found great difficulty in repulsing the invasions of the Danes, The Scottish Naturalist. 165 whose acts of piracy and devastation entirely altered the relations of the minor contending independent powers. It is only neces- _ sary to mention that there is a strongly established tradition in the district of Kinnord that a great battle was fought in the vicinity of the Hill of Mulloch, on the south slope of which large collec- tions of ¢umuli mark the spot where some conflict had occurred. The tradition further states that a small party of Scots managed to get up the hill unseen, and killed the Danish General, who was on the top commanding his forces, and that the great cairn on the summit was collected to commemorate his death, and also the fact of the victory gained by the Scots, who were said to have entirely routed their enemies, the Danes, on that occasion—pur- suing them towards the coast until they found refuge in their ships. In the year 1039, King Duncan “The Generous” was murdered by Macbeth, who succeeded him as King. Macbeth, as Wyn- toun tells us, reigned seventeen years, and was more a man bent on carrying out public works than a courtier. In him was a good deal of both Pictish and Danish blood; and he was disposed, no doubt, to restore and improve many of those old Pictish forts. He constructed one near his own castle, on the Hill of Dun- sinane, which is situated a few miles N.E. of Perth, in the parish of Collace. We may also conclude that such a famous stronghold as Kinnord would be often visited, and the peel on the castle island, as well as other points of importance, would be consider- ably improved. It may not be out of place here briefly to notice what evidence there is to establish the contention that Macbeth was slainin Lumphanan. Wyntoun relates in the clearest pos- sible manner the whole circumstance in Book tv., chap. xviil., p. 382; that he was pursued and slain in the woods of Lumphanan by Macduff, who presented his head to King Malcolm at Kincar- dine O’Neil. Fourdoun in his ‘Scottish Chronicles” says that Macbeth fled to the north, in whose narrow passes he hoped to find safety, and that he was killed by Malcolm in Lumphanan on the 5th Dec. 1056. Also, Bishop Leslie, Dalrymple in his ** Annals,” Chambers in his “ Caledonia,” Sir W. Scott in his “History of Scotland,” and MHollingshed in his “ Scottish Chronicles,” all agree as to particulars and date. Tradition points out the locality where he was killed, and the cairn in which he was buried; in 1855, a stone coffin, containing bones and ashes, was dug from this cairn. ‘Tradition further has it, that Macbeth 166 The Scottish Naturalst. was pursued from the direction of Kinnord, round the south slope of Mortlich, past “ Breen’s Well,” at which, tradition says, he took his last drink. (This well is now in the middle of a field, and is used as a watering place for cattle.) Passing onward, he received his first wound on the Brae of Strefum, about the fourth of a mile S.W. from the church of Lumphanan. The spot is still marked by a large stone, which the people of the locality for ages have considered it unlucky to disturb, although the ground which sur- rounds it has now been cultivated. About a mile further N.E. is *“*Macbeth’s Cairn,” where he was slain; and in its vicinity are a number of smaller cairns, among which swords, battle-axes, bronze brooches, and other memorials of ancient warfare, were found in 1805. Returning, however, more particularly to our proper locality. In his reign, Alexander I., “the fiery,” improved the fort on the castle island, and re-constructed the draw-bridge to the north shore of the lake. ‘That this was done in his time is proved by the recovery of an oak beam about the end of the last century from the bottom of the loch, near to where the draw-bridge was constructed, bearing the date 1113. This is important, and shows that the forts in Loch Kinnord were still used, probably at this period, chiefly to over-awe the people to subjection to the King’s Government. Further on, in the year 1296, and again in 1303, two great English armies, under Edward I., ‘‘ nicknamed,” by the Scots, Longshanks, made, on both occasions, night encampments at Loch Kinnord. This was during the time while Edward tried to overcome the ‘‘ rebellious spirits of the Scots,” which he never managed to do. About this time, and as long as national con- flicts existed in Scotland, Kinnord was often made a resting-place, being the most commodious and convenient between Kildrummy and Brechin. THE BATTLE OF CULBLEAN. Prophecy :—‘‘In Culblean they ll meet stalwart, stark, and stern.” —Zyomas the Rhymer. It is quite unnecessary here to give all the particulars which led up to this battle. It was fought on St. Andrew’s day—3oth Nov. 1335. Like many other conflicts about that time, it was caused by the two contending parties in Scotland—one in favour of the heirs of Bruce, and the other in favour of the heirs of Baliol. It The Scottish Naturalist. 167 may be interesting, however, to state that the immediate cause was the treachery of David Strathbogie, grandson (by a daughter) of the Red Comyn, who was killed in Greyfriars’ Church, Dumfries, by Robert the Bruce. Strathbogie, or, as he afterwards named him- self, “‘ Davy Comyn,” seeing that there was no chance of his line of heirs succeeding to the Crown, meantime made peace with the followers of Bruce, and received back the earldom of Athole and other lands. Being rich, and again placed in a position of influ- ence, he took advantage of his power to make friends, and won over many of the nobility. He took care to appoint his most intimate acquaintances into all places of importance under his jurisdiction, and placed Sir Robert Menzies in charge of the peel and castle of Kinnord. When his plan was ripe he mustered 3000 followers at Athole, marched north, and laid siege to Kil- drummy Castle, which, however, withstood his attack. During the assault Christian Bruce, sister of the late King Robert Bruce, then residing in the Castle, managed to despatch a messenger to Sir Andrew Murray, her husband, who at that time was Regent. Murray, on receiving the bad news, hurried north with an army. Earl Davy, learning of the Regent’s approach, and fearing a sur- prise, raised the siege at the Castle, and was making his way south to Athole when met by Murray near Kinnord. Athole took up his position on Culblean, about a mile west from Loch Kinnord ; Sir Andrew Murray skirted the wood by two paths dur- ing the night. ‘These were pointed out by John Gordon of Craig, who was very anxious to secure a victory for the Regent. Athole was outgeneralled and surprised at daybreak. His army was entirely defeated and himself killed. Tradition further states that the main body retreated, and were pursued towards the Hill of Mortlich, and that many of them were slain there at the top of a small stream, called to this day the “‘ Bleedy Burn.” ‘Thus ended the conflicts between the Bruces and Comyns ; but it is worthy of remark that, had the battle been decided the other way, in all probability the House of Stuart would never have ascended the throne, so important was the result of this day’s fighting to the destinies of the nation. 7 The Castle Island still continued to be a place of importance. In the year 1504, James IV., who sometimes travelled under _ peculiar circumstances, visited and stayed two nights at the Castle of Kinnord, in a journey to and from tie shrine of Saint Duthoc, 168 The Scottish Naturalzst. near Tain. His Majesty’s expenses on these occasions were very small, ‘Jacob Edmainstown was paid for turcing the Kingis doggis there the sum of 14 shillings,” and 14 shillings to the boat- man; 5 shillings was also paid to a man for “ prefing the Don,” and 5 shillings was given by the “ Kingis commands to ane blind man,” THE DEMOLITION. During the civil war in the 17th century, the stronghold of Kinnord was often made a place of temporary retreat and a rally- ing point for fresh disturbances, and thus became a source of considerable annoyance to the Government, who, in 1648, at the instance of the Duke of Argyle, passed an Act in which “the fortifications of Loch Kender are ordered to be sighted.” And slighted they were. Every place of strength and importance was wrecked, and the whole of the historical peel and its defences demolished by the hands of unscrupulous soldiers. ‘The dregs of ruin followed, the whole district was forsaken, its importance lapsed into superstitious dread. Cattlelifters and men of bad fame frequented its remains. It was believed to be haunted by ghosts of the dead, and that direful apparitions infested its calm and placid waters. The scattered ruins of its ancient dwellings, and the wooded undulations of its surrounding shores were believed to be the abode of countless hosts of fairies, whose night ‘revelries and mysterious visitations gave rise to ominous forebod- ings. Weird witches, warlocks, and spirits from the regions below, were believed to hold their meetings and to practise their mysterious art among the blackened mass of its gloomy ruins. Gone are all those superstitions now. ‘The spread of education and the rapid strides of invention and research have dispelled all those visionary beliefs. Yet there lingers a thought of the succes- sive scenes and conflicts of the busy past. Even the minds of thoughtless youth the more enjoy their recreations among the ancient ruins. The imagination of the antiquarian, as he walks over the once busy arena of long-forgotten ages, is filled with dim and shrouded visions of the past, which is well expressed in the words of the poet— ‘* The hills are shadows, and they flow From form to form, and nothing stands. They melt like mist :—The solid lands Like clouds they shape themselves and go.” The Scottish Naturalist. 169 THE DIATOMITE BEDS. Something, however, yet remains to be said of the works now going on in the vicinity ; for, although we have seen that with the demolition of the forts about Kinnord it ceased to be a centre of political importance, the district yet affords a subject of much interest to modern scientists. The extensive beds of diatomite recently discovered, and now being worked, call for special notice. The ‘‘ white peat ” cast aside as useless by those who obtained their fuel from the Black Moss is now found to be composed of diatoms, and to be of considerable commercial value in the manufacture of dynamite. It will be remembered that, in de- stroying the explosive compounds discovered in a secret manu- factory in Birmingham in 1883, a workman from Nobel’s Explosive Company, Glasgow, had to convert these compounds into dyna- mite by mixing them with a specially prepared absorptive sub- siamec.. his substance is the “white peat” referred to, of which the Company obtain a considerable supply from Kinnord, and also from Germany, where it is known by the name of Kieselgiihr. The process of digging the peat is much the same as ordinary peat-cutting. The ‘“terr,” or loose mossy substance being first removed, banks of a brownish colour, ranging from 5 feet to 14 feet deep, are exposed. These banks are obtained by cutting in convenient ‘‘lifts,” and are found to lie on a bed of sand. After being partially dried on the ‘“‘lair,” it is packed into covered racks to prevent damage by rain ; when, after a time, it is stacked. In this way it is made thoroughly dry, ready to be sent on for use, and is of a whitish-grey colour, and extremely light—taking about six cubic yards to weigh a ton. Before being used in the manufacture of dynamite it is calcined in a specially prepared kiln, which makes it a very fine chalky- looking powder, extremely open and porous. It is also used in the manufacture of polishing substances, and other bodies where a finely-divided silicious base is required. The following is the summary of an interesting analysis given in the Tran. Geol. Soc., Edinburgh, by W. Ivison Macadam, F.C.S., F.1.C., Hon. Secretary of the Society :—‘‘ The ‘ white peat’ is a grey-white, porous, very light fibrous mass. On treating the peat with ether and evaporating the solution, a fine green- I 70 The Scottish Naturalist. coloured body is obtained, which, on further analysis, is proved to be chlorophyll, the substance which gives the green colour to the leaves of plants. The presence of this chlorophyll goes far to prove the vegetable origin of at least a part of the peat. On the application of heat the peat chars, and loses 25°29 per cent. of its weight. The microscopic examination of this organic portion shows it to be made up of cellulose and ligneous matters derived from vegetable sources. The remaining 65°55 per cent., after allowing for 7°45 per cent. of moisture, is made up of inorganic material, principally composed of flinty silicious skele- tons of diatoms. The material under the microscope presents a most beautiful field, the diatoms being both numerous and vari- ous, and interspersed with particles of silica and mineral matter of undoubted metamorphic origin.” The ** White Peat.” Moisture, as ‘eis siti i ste ar 7°450 Organic Matter, soluble in Ether (Chlorophyll, &c.), ... 1°708 Organic Matter insoluble in Ether (Cellulose, Lig- mose;"&c.), ... one wes soe ae su 25°290 Inorganic Constituents, ... ute dy ae ays 65°552 100°000 An Analysis of the Inorganic Constituents shows the presence of Minerals, aes mate mS wes 17°040 Silica he a> ad. Ey id bet 82°960 100°000 It is noticeable from the analysis that these diatoms are simply small flinty silicious fossils of the skeletons of some sort of vege- tation, but so small that they can be observed only under a very powerful microscope; a classification of some 200 species of them has been made by the Rev. Dr. George Davidson of Logie- Coldstone. Regarding the accumulation of such vast banks of this diatom- aceous deposit, it is a little difficult to arrive at even a reasonable- looking theory. Diatoms in a primitive state can be got from any stagnant pool of water, and many curious specimens have been dredged from a great depth in the sea. It is noticeable, however, that the deposit in Loch Kinnord is situated on the west side of the loch, and close to the base of a granite hill, from which a The Scottish Naturaétst. 171 constant supply of silica has continually been carried down. This silicious matter enters into the formation of small plants, which, ultimately dropping to the bottom, in the course of untold ages may have formed these extensive beds. The deposit in the Black Moss is reckoned to amount to about 800,000 cubic yards. The extent at the west end of Loch Kinnord is about 50 acres, the depth of which cannot very well be ascertained, owing to the bed reaching underneath the water of the loch. ‘The former of these deposits was on the property of Lord Aberdeen, and the latter on that of the Marquis of Huntly. In recent years the properties, as well as a portion of the lands in the vicinity, have been sold to a Mr. Wilson of Hull, who is now proceeding with the excavation of the diatomite for commercial purposes. REVISION OF SCOTCH DISCOMYCETES, By fror. jAmes WH Traim, A.M.; M.D.,FsL.S: (Continued. ) 141. Helotium agaricinum, Berk. (M.S. 1694; Ph. 170). On decayed wocd. Argyle (Appin). . H. buccinum Fr., (M.S. 1704; Ph. 170). ‘**On pine branches and stumps. November.” Argyle (Appin) ; Moray (Greeshop). Mr. Philips (/.c.) says, ‘* Carmichael’s original specimen (129 Kew Mb.) is ¢ inch broad, 2 inch high, and decidedly gelatino—cartila- ginous. It is to me, a Gwepinia, there being no asci present. Carmichael considered it a Z’remella.” 143. H. sclerotioides Berk. (M.S. 1695; Ph. 170). ; On decayed wood. Argyle (Appin). i) 14 172 The Scottish Naturalist. 144. *H. grisellum Rehm. On dead fronds of Pteris aqguilina! August. *Orkney! (Deepdale, near Kirkwall !) Genus VII. Mo.uisia Fr. 145. M. (Niptera) cinerea (Batsch.), (M.S. 1665, as Peziza ; Ph. xe) On dead wood, common everywhere! Autumn—Spring. Up to 2,900 feet. Tweed, Solway, Forth, Clyde, Tay, Argyle! Dee! Moray, Ross. 146. *M. (N.) benesuada (Tul.) (Ph. 174). | On dead branches of Alnus glutinosa! August—December. * Dee! (near Aberdeen !); * Orkney! (Binscarth !). 147. M. (N.) discolor (Mont.) (M.S. 1727, as Patellaria discolor Mont. ; Ph. 175). On dead sticks and dead wood. Autumn. Tay, Moray. 148. M. (N.) cyanites, Cooke and Phill. (Ph. 175.) Not previously recorded as Scotch. “On herbaceous stems, Scotland (?) Klotzsch in Kew Hb.” 149. M. (N.) arundinacea (D.C.) (M.S. 1816, as Hustegia arundinacea Fr. ; Ph. 177). On dead stems of Phragmites communis! September. Tay ; Dee! (Corbie Loch, near Aberdeen!) ; Moray. 150. M. (Pyrenopeziza) elaphines (B. & Br.) (M.S. 1675, as enzo: Ph. 270): “On stems of Heracleum in March.” ‘‘ On dead wood, in January,” fide Phillips. Moray (Greeshop). 151. M. (Py.) Grevillei (Berk.) (M.S. 1631, as Peziza; Ph. 180). On dead feracleum and other Umbelivfere. Tweed (Berwick) ; Forth (Edinburgh) ; Tay; Dee. 152. M. (Py.) atrata (Pers.) (M.S. 1673,as Peziza; Ph. 182). On dead herbaceous stems, e.g., Senecto aguaticus! Autumn. Tweed; Clyde! Tay, Dee! Moray ; *Orkney ! var. Ulmarie (Lasch.) (M.S. 1670, as Pez’za Ulmarie Lasch.) On dead stems of Spirea Ulmaria! Spring—Autumn. Dee! (common) ; Moray (Forres). va RG3. 154. 155. 156. ES 7, 158. 159. 160. 161. The Scottish Naturalist. 173 r. Mercurialis (Fckl.) (M.S. 1680, as Peziza Mercurialis Fckl.) On dead stems of Mereurialis perennis! Spring. Dee! (near Aberdeen) ; Moray. *M. (Py.) Plantaginis (Fckl.) (Ph. 183). On dead leaves of Plantago lanceolata! Spring! (in Autumn, Phillips). * Dee! (common near Aberdeen !) M. (Py.) arenevaga (Desm.) (M.S 1682, as Pezizu arenevaga Desm.; Ph. 186). On dead leaves and culms of Ammophila arundinacea ! Spring—Summer, Dee! (Aberdeenshire coast !); Moray (Findhorn). M. (Py.) spherioides (Desm.) (M.S. 1666, as Peziza spherioides Desm.; Ph. 187). On dead stems of Lychnis diurna. Autumn. Tweed (Jedburgh) ; Moray (Greeshop). M. (Py.) melatephra (Lasch.) (M.S. 1684, as Peziz« melatephra Lasch. ; Ph. 189). On dead stems of Carex. August. Moray (Grantown). (Py.) foecunda Phill. (MS. 1687, as Peziza; Ph. 189). On dead stems of Sczrpus palustris. Autumn. Moray (Aviemore and Grantown). M. (Py.) palustris (Rob.) Karst. (MS. 1681, as Peziza ; Ph. 189). “On dead culms of grass, in Spring.” (On Juncus, in Autumn, Phillips). Moray (Forres). *M. (Py.) digitalina Phill. (/.c. 199). On dead stems of Digitalis purpurea! August! * Dee! (near Aberdeen!) ; * Orkney! (Hundland, in Birsay !). M. (Dilutella) incarnata (Cooke). (MS. 1676, as Penza;. Ph. 191). On leaves of Pinus sylvestris. Tweed (Jedburgh). M. (D.) albula Phill. (Zc. 192; not previously recorded ~ as Scotch). 174 The Scottish Naturalist. On rabbit-dung. Moray (Forres). 162. M. (Molilisiella) ilicincola (B. & Br.) (M.S. 1633, as Penta; Ph. 193); On branches of Ilex Aquifolium. November. Moray (Dunphail). 163. M. (M.) versicolor (Desm.) (M.S. 1683, as Peziza ; Ph. 195). On dead fronds of Pteris aquilina. June. Moray (Altyre). 164. M. (M.) pineti (Batsch.) (M.S. 1626, as Peziza; Ph. 195). On dead leaves of Pinus sylvestris! Spring. Dee! (Persley !); Moray. 165. M. (M.) lurida (Pers.) (Ph. 197, not previously recorded as Scotch). On dead leaves of Pinus sylvestris! November. Tweed (Mossburnford) ; *Dee! (Goval near Aber- deen !) 166. M. (M.) erumpens (Grev.) (M.S. 1672, as Peziza; Ph. 197). On dead petioles of Acer Pseudoplatanus! Abundant in Spring. Tweed ; Forth; Dee! Moray. 167. M. (Pseudopeziza) Alismatis Phill. & Trail. (Grevillea XVI. 93, and XVII. 25; Ph. 199). On brown spots on leaves and petioles of Alisma Plantago ! Autumn. Dee! (common in several places near Aberdeen !) 168. M. (Ps.) Trifolii (Bernh.) (M.S. 1779, as Phacidium Trifolu Boud. ; Ph. 199). On living leaves of Z'rifolium pratense! and of 7’. repens! Tweed; Forth! Clyde! Tay! Argyle! Dee! Moray! * Orkney ! . 169. * M. (Ps.) Cerastiorum (Wallr.) (Ph. 199). On sickly stems and leaves of Cerastium triviale! October. Dee! (Udny !) 170. M. (Ps.) Ranunculi (Wallr.) (M.S. 1780, as Phacidium Ranuncult Desm. ; Ph. 200). , The Scottish Naturalcst. 175 On lower surfaces of dark patches on leaves of Ranunculus repens! and of &. acris! June—November. Tweed; Forth! Clyde! Tay! Argyle! Dee! Moray! * Orkney ! Genus VIII. Lacunea Fr. 171. L. (Sarcoscypha) radiculata (Sow.) (M.S. 1592, as Pexiza; Ph. 202). “On the ground in a fir wood.” Summer—Autumn. Tweed (Jedburgh). 172. L. (Sa.) coccinea (Jacq.) (M.S. 1589, as Peziza; Ph. 203). | On dead branches. February —March. Tweed ; Solway; Forth; Clyde (West Kilbride, D. A. Boyd) ; Tay; Argyle (Kilmory, A. J. Berkeley). 173. L. (Sa.) cocotina (Cooke). (Ph. 206). On cocoa-nut fibre and on sawdust. October. Forth (Edinburgh Botanic Garden, Mf. C. Cooke). 174. Li. (Sa.) macropus (Pers.) (M.S. 1549, as Peziza; Ph. 207). On soil in woods. July—September. . Tweed; Forth (Balmuto); Clyde; Tay (Glamis) ; Argyle; Dee; Moray (Forres). 175. L. (Sepultaria) hemispheerica (Wigg.) (M.S. 1593, asi Fez20 3. Pi 21%): On soil in woods. August—September. Forth (Linlithgow, JZ. J. B.) ; Tay; Moray. 176. L. (Sc.) hirtoceccinea Ph. & Pl. (Scot. Nat., VI. 223, - as Peziza; Ph. 212). On damp mossy ground in pine woods. August. Moray (Rothiemurchus). 177. Li. (Sc.) hybrida (Sow.) (M.S. 1794, as Pesiza; Ph. 214). On the ground. Tay (Menmuir, Fern). 178. L. (Rhizopodella) melastoma (Sow.) (M.S. 1590, as Peziza: Ph. 216). On rotten branches of Quercus Robur. April. Forth; Moray. 176 The Scottish Naturalist. 179. L. (Scutellinia) trechispora (B. & Br.) (M.S, 1596. as Peziza; Ph. 218). On bare damp soil in woods. Autumn. Solway; Tay; Argyle; Dee; Moray (Forres). . L. (Se.) umbrorum (Fckl.) (M.S. 1598, as Pesiza um- brata Kr.; Ph. 20g) On damp soil in woods. Autumn. Tweed (Berwick). 181. L. (Sc.) hirta (Schum.) (M.S. 1595, as Feziza; Ph. 220). On the ground and on stumps. Autumn. Forth (Dalmeny, JZ. C. C.); Tay; Moray (Forres). 182. L. (Sc.) vitellina (Pers.) (M.S. 1597, as Pezeza; Ph. 220). On the ground. Autumn. Argyle (Appin). 183. L. (Sc.) livida (Schum.) (M.S. 1600, as Peziza; Ph. 221). On fir chips. Solway (Lockerbie, Sir W. Jardine). 184. L. (Sc.) scutellata (L.) (M.S. 1599, as Peziza; Ph. 222). On damp wood, e.g. Ulmus montana! Pinus sylvestris! Autumn. Tweed;- Solway; Forth; Clyde; Tay; Argyle; Dee! Moray. 185. L. (Sc.) stercorea (Fr.) (M.S. 1601, as Peziza; Ph. 223). On Horse dung! and Cow dung! (on Rabbit’s dung and on rich soil, fide Phillips). Spring—Autumn. Tweed ; Solway; Forth; Clyde; Tay; Argyle; Dee! Moray; Ross; * Orkney ! 186. L. (Sc.) coprinaria (Cooke), (M.S. 1605, as Peziza ; Ph. 224.) On dung (Cow dung, 7de Phillips.) Tay (Rannoch). 187. L (Sc.) rubra (Cooke). (Scot. Nat. 1887, pe 7enee 225). On spent hops in a garden frame! April. Dee! (Old Aberdeen !). 188. L. (Sc.) theleboloides (A. and S.), (M.S. 1602, as Peztza; Phy 225): - 18 fe) The Scottish Naturales. 177 On leaf mould and spent hops! April! November. Forth; Tay; Dee! (Old Aberdeen). 189. L. (Sc.) Dalmeniensis (Cooke), (M.S. 1604, as Peziza ; Ph; 227): On soil in woods. September. Forth (Dalmeny J2.C.C.). 190. L. (Sc.) bulbo-crinita Phill. (Scot. Nat., VI. 123, as Pease > Pi 227). On damp decaying prunings. July. Moray (Forres). tot. L. (Sc.) albospadicea (Grev.), (M.S. 1603, as Peziza ; Ph. 228). 7 On bare moist soil in woods. Autumn. Forth (Foxhall). 192. L. (Sce.) cretea (Cooke), (M.S. 1606, as Peziza ; Ph, 228). On plaster walls and ceiling exposed to weather by burning of the roof. Forth (Inverleith House, Edinburgh, Prof. Balfour). Genus IX. LAcHNELLA Fr. __ 193. La. (Dasyscypha) cerina (Pers.), (M.S. 1613, as Peziza ; Pie 234). On dead wood. April-November. Tweed ; Forth; Tay; Dee! (near Aberdeen !); Moray. 194. La. (D.) Stevensoni (B. and Br.), (M.S. 1678, as Peziza; Plie 235): On decorticated wood. August. Tay (Glamis). | 195. Lia. (D.) clandestina (Bull.), (M.S. 1615, as Peziza ; Ph. 236). On dead stems of Rubus fruticosus/ and of R. Idaeus / Autumn—spring. Tweed ; Clyde; Tay ; Dee! Moray. 196. La. (D.) caulicola (Fr.), (M.S. 1618, as Peziza ; Ph. 236). On dead herbaceous stems, &c. July. Tweed; Tay; Moray. 197. La. (D.) calyculeeformis (Schum), (M.S. 1614, as Peziza; Ph 23 7)3 On dead wood. May. Tweed (Mossburnford). , 178 198. 199. 200. 201. 202. 203. 204. 205. The Scottish Naturalist. La. (D.) palearum (Desm.), (M.S. 1617, as Peziza; Ph. 239). On stems of grasses. August. Moray (Grantown). La. (D.) calycina (Schum.), (M.S. 1610, as Peziza ; Ph. 241). On bark of Pinus sylvestris. Almost the whole year. Tweed ; Forth; Clyde; Tay! Argyle; Dee! Moray ; Ross. Var. ‘Trevelyani Cooke. Scotland (Stirton); Clyde (West Kilbride, D. A. Boyd) ; Argyle (B. Acton). La. (D.) Willkommii (Hartig.), (M.S. 1610, var. laricis Ph, 241), On living branches of Larix europea, on swellings, which exude resin. This is regarded by Mr. Phillips as only a form of P. calycina. It is only too common in the north-east of Scotland. Clyde! Tay! (Glamis); Dee! Moray! La. (D.) pygmeea (Fr.), (M.S. 1591, as Peziza; Ph. 242). On dead wood (of Ulex Huropaeus, buried in sand, fide Phillips). Moray (Broomhill). La. (D.) Comitesse (Cooke), (M.S. App. 1615, as Peziza; Ph.. 242): On a fallen tree. September. Tay (Dupplin Castle, J7.C.C.). La. (D.) subtilissima (Cooke), (M.S. 1611, as Peziza ; Ph, 244). On bark of Abzes pectinata ! Tweed (Jedburgh) ; Dee! (near Aberdeen!). La. (D.) lugulina Phill. (Scot. Wat., 1888, p. 357; Ph. 244). On dead stems of Luzula maxima! July. Dee! (Seaton, near Aberdeen !) La. (D.) nivea (Hedw.) (MS. 1609, as Pesiza; Ph. 245): On dead wood, stumps of Ulex europaeus! &c, Through- out the year. Tweed; Tay; Dee! Moray; * Orkney! (Binscarth !) The Scottish Naturalisé. 179 206. La. (D.) aspidiicola (B. & Br.) (Scot. Nat., 1888, p. 357 ; Ph. 245). On dead petioles of Aspidium Milix-mas! and of A. dilata- tum! April. Tay! Dee! (near Aberdeen! and Monymusk !) 207. La. (D.) acuum (A. &S.) (M.S. 1702, as Helotium acuum Pr, Ph...246)., On decaying needles of Coniferze (Adzes excelsa!) Spring. Tweed (Mossburnford); Dee! (na: Aberdeen !); Moray (Forres). 208. La. (D.) nuda Phill. (Scot. Wat., VI., 124, as Peziza; Phy 247). On mossy soil in fir wood. Moray (Forres). 209. La. (D.) virginea (Batsch.) (M.S. 1608, as Peziza; Ph. 248). On dead sticks, &c. Spring. Tweed; Solway; Forth; Clyde; Tay; Dee! Moray. 210. La. (D.) bicolor (Bull.) (M.S. 1612, as #eziza; Ph. 249). On dead twigs (Quercus Robur, &c.) January —August. Tweed; Tay; Moray. 211. La. (D.) echinulata (Awd.) (Scot. Wat. 1889, p. 62; Phe 240). On dead leaves of Quercus Robur! September. Clyde! (Inverary !) 212. La. (D.) Rhytismee Phill. (Scot Mat. VI., 124, as Peziza; Ph. 250). On old Rhytisma acerinum on leaves of Acer Pseudoplatanus. Summer. Moray (Forres) ; Hebrides (Stornoway, W. 2. Grove). 213. La. (D.) crucifera Phill. (M.S. 1616, as Peziza; Ph. 250). On twigs of Myrica Gale! on swampy soil. Summer— Autumn. forth! (Trossachs!) Clyde! (Glen Aray!) Argyle! (Dalmally!) ; Dee! (common!) ; Moray (Forres). 214. La. (D.) acutipila Karst., var. leetior Karst. (Ph. 252, not before recorded as Scotch). On dead stems of Rubus Zdeus. Summer—Autumn. Moray (Forres). 215. La. (D.). diminuta, (Rob.) (M.S. 1634, as Peziza; Ph. 253): 180 The Scottish Naturalist. On dead stems of Juncus, and of Deschampsia cespitosa | April. Tay (Glamis); Dee! (near Aberdeen !) 216. La. (D.) apala (B. & Br.) (M.S. 1632, as Peziza; Ph. 253): On dead culms of Juncus communis! April—September. Common. Tweed ; *Forth! Clyde! Tay! Argyle! Dee! Moray. 217. La. (D.) filicea Cooke & Phill. (Ph. 254; not previously described). “On fern leaves. Duneden, N.B., in Hb. Kew.” 218. La. papillaris (Bull.) (M.S. 1627, as Pesiza; Ph. 257). On dead wood. Tay (Menmuir). 219. La. corticalis (Pers.) (M.S. 1620, as Peziza; Ph. 258). On dead bark of Quercus Robur. March. Tay ; Moray (Forres). 220. La. variecolor (Fr.) (M.S. 1624, as Peziza; Ph. 259). On decorticated wood of Quercus Robur. February. Tay ; Moray. Mr. Phillips regards this as very doubtfully British. 221. La. Schumacheri (Fr.) (M.S. 1622, as Peziza; Ph. 262). On dead wood. December. Tweed ; ‘Tay. var. plumbea Grev. Tweed (Berwick) ; Forth ; Tay (Glamis) ; Moray. 222. La. escharodes (B. & Br.) (M.S. 1636, as Peziza; Ph, 262). On stems of Rubus fruticosus. March. Moray (Greeshop). 223. *La. barbata (Kze.) (Ph. 263). On decayed stems of Aconitum Napellus! August. Orkney! (Binscarth !) 224. La. nidulus (S. & K.) (Ph. 264; no previous record as Scotch). ‘ On dead stems of Spiraea Ulmaria, and of L£pilobium angustifolium:! August. Moray (Forres) ; Orkney} (Binscarth !) The Scctiish Naturaizst. 181 225. La. sulphurea (Pers.) (M.S. 1629, as Peziza; Ph, 264). On dead stems of Urtica dioica and Epi/obium angusti- folium! Summer. a4, Tweed; Forth; Clyde! Tay; Dee! Moray. var. leucopheea (Pers.) (Scot. Wat, VI., 123; Ph. 265). On stems of Stachys! June. Dee! (near Aberdeen!) Moray (Forres). 226. La. melazantha (Fr.) (M.S. 1621, as Pesiza; Ph. 266). ‘On fallen branches. Autumn. Very rare. Argyle (Appin). 227. La. leuconica (Cooke). (M.S. 1639, as Peziza; Ph. 267). On old wood of fir paling, at 2goo feet. July. Tay (Clova, 7. S.) 228. La. hyalina (Pers.) (M.S. 1628, as Pes’za; Ph. 268). On dead wood. January—April. @yeed. Lorn Tay; “Dee! (ear Aberdeen !) ; Moray (Loch Alvie). 229. La. oedema (Desm.) (M.S. 1638, as Peziza; Ph. 271). On Phragmidiuxt on dead leaves of Rubus fruticosus. Spring. Moray (Forres). 230. La. callimorpha (Karst.) (Grevillca XVI., 94 ; Scot. Wat., 1888p) 357 ; Pha273). On dead leaves of Eriophorum angustifolium. March-— May. Dee! (common near Aberdeen !) 231. La. epispheeria (Mart.) (M.S. 1625, as Pez/za). “On Aypoxylon multiforme, &c.” Argyle (Appin). Mr. Phillips (7. ¢. 274) says of this species :—I have seen things under this name, but none of them appear to me to answer the description. The Rev. M. J. Berkeley says that some of the specimens referred formerly to this species certainly belong to Helotiwm pruinosum (Jerd.). 232. La. plano-umbilicata (Grev.), (M.S. 1630, as Fezdza ; P0274). * On dead Nettles, Angelica, &c. Summer—Autumn.” Tweed (Jedburgh ; Forth (Edinburgh). 233. La. (Fibrina) rufo-olivacea (A. and S.), (M.S. 1623, as ese Ph. 27.5) On dead Ulex europeus, Cytisus scoparius, and Rubus fruticosus. 238 239 240 241 242 243 The Scottish Naturalist. Argyle ; Moray (Forres). Genus X. TAPESIA Fr. . T. cxesia (Pers.), (M.S. 1641, as Pezéza ; Ph. 277). On decaying wood (Quercus Robur, &c.) Autumn—Spring. Tay (Glamis); Argyle (Appin) ; J/oray (Grantown). . T. Rosee (Pers.), (M.S. 1642, as Peziza ; Ph. 279). On dead stems of wild Roses! Spring—Autumn. Tweed ; Tay! Argyle; Dee! Moray; *Orkney/_ . T. aurelia (Pers.), (M.S. 1640, as Peziza ; Ph. 280). On dead leaves of Quercus Robur, and on soil beneath them. Spring. Forth (Foxhall); ‘Tay; Moray. . -T. fusca, (Pers.),.(M.S. 1643, as Pesiza > Ph. 282). On dead stems of Cal/luna vulgaris! and of Alnus glu- tinosa ! up to 2800 feet. Spring—Autumn. Tweed; Forth; Clyde; Tay! Argyle; Dee! Moray ; * Orkney. | . T. Johnstonii (B. and Br.), (M.S. 1644, as Peziza; Ph. 282). On fallen branches. Tweed (Berwick, fide Phillips) ; Tay. Genus XI. DESMAZIERELLA Libert. . D. acicola Lib., (Scot. WVat., 1887, p. 173; Ph. 283). On dead needles of Pinus sylvestris! in damp places. October. Dee! (Park !). Order III. AsccBoLEz. Genus I. AscogpoLus Pers. . A. erugineus Fr., (M.S. 1745; Ph. 287). On Horse-dung and Cow-dung. Summer. Tay (Glenshee). . A. vinosus Berk., (M.S. 1744; Ph. 288). On Rabbit-dung. September. Moray (Sanquhar). . A. glaber Pers., (M.S. 1746; Ph. 288). On Sheep-dung! on Rabbit-dung (and on disc of A. pzlo- sus, Scot. Nat. V1., 219). August Tay; Moray ; * Orkney / (Birsay). . A. viridis Curr., (Scot. Wat. VI., 164; Ph. 289). The Scottish Naturalsst. 183 On the ground. October. Moray (Forres). 244. A. furfuraceus Pers., (M.S. 1743; Ph. 290). On old Cow-dung! Throughout the year. Tweed ; Solway ; Forth; Clyde; Tay! Argyle; Dee! Moray ; Ross. 245. A. crenulatus Karst., (M.S. 1755; Ph. 292). - On Grouse-dung. Tay (Rannoch). 246. A. immersus Pers., (M.S. 1747; Ph. 292). On Cow-dung! Summer. Tay; Dee! Moray. Genus II. SaccosoL_us Boud. 247. §. neglectus Boud., (M.S. 1748, as Ascobolus ; Ph. 295). On Cow-dung. August. (On Rabbit-dung. Spring, fide Phillips). Moray (Grantown). 248. §. depauperatus (B. and Br.), (Scot. Wat. VI., 219, as Ascobolus ; Ph. 296). On Rabbit-dung, (“On dung of Sheep, Horse, and Deer,” Phillips). Argyle (Mull, # 2. White). Genus III. Ryparosius Boud. 249. R. Cookei (Crouan), (M.S. 1749, as Ascobolus ; Ph. 299). On dung of Dogs! and of Grouse (/% B. White). Spring -—Summer. Tay (Rannoch, ‘fon Grouse-dung”); Dee/ (com- mon) ; Moray (Forres). Var. crustaceus Fckl. On Rabbit-dung! August. * Orkney / (Birsay !). Var. myriadeus Karst. On Sheep-dung! August. * Orkney / (Birsay !). 250, *R. niveus Fckl. New to Britain. On Rabbit-dung! October. * Dee! (Persley, near Aberdeen !). 251. *R. myriosporus Boud. New to Britain. On Sheep-dung! and Horse-dung! August. * Orkney / (Syradale, in Harray !). 252. *R. brunneus Boud. New to Britain. On Cow-dung! and Grouse-dung! August. 184 The Scottish Naturahst. * Orkney ! (Birsay). Genus IV. AscopHanus Boud. 253. A. subfuscus Boud., (Scot. Wat. VIL., 87, as Ascobolus ; Phizes). On Cat-dung. April. Moray (Forres). 254. A. argenteus (Currey), (M.S. 1751, as Ascobolus ; Ph. seen On Cow-dung. August Tay ; Moray. 255. A. microsporus (B. and Br.) (Scot. Wat. VI., 1641, as Ascobolus ; Ph. 307). On Cow-dung. August. Moray (Aviemore). 256. A. granuliformis (Crouan), (M.S. 1750, as Ascobolus ; Phsgo7): On Cow-dung. August. Moray (Grantown). 257. A. carneus Boud. (M.S. 1752, as Ascobolus ; Ph. 309). On Cow-dung, and on rotting newspaper! Autumn. Dee! (Ellon !) ; Moray (Rothiemurchus). 258, A. pilosus (Fr.) (M.S. 1754, as Ascobolus ; Ph. 312). On Cow-dung ! and Grouse-dung. August. Tay (Rannoch) ; *Orkney ! (Birsay !). Var. Ciliatus (B. & Br.) (M.S. 1753, as Ascobolus ciliatus Schum. Ph..312). On dung of Cows, Sheep! and Horses! Autumn. Tay; Argyle; Dee! Moray ; *Orkney (Syradale). Order IV. BULGARIEA. Genus I. Buucartia Fr. 259. B. inquinans Fr. (M.S. 1756; Ph. 314). On dead wood (Quercus Robur! &c.). Autumn. | Tweed ; Forth; Clyde; Tay; Dee! Moray; Ross. Genus II. VisrissEa Fr. 260. V. truncorum (A. & S.) (M.S. 1536; Ph. 316). On wet wood. May—August. Tay; Argyle< Dee. 261. V. Margarita B. White. (M.S. 1537; Ph. 317). The Scottish Naturalist. 185 On dead sticks of heather in a pool at 2,200 feet. Autumn. Tay (Rannoch, Glen Tilt) ; Dee (Mor Shron, /. B. W.) 262. V. Fergussoni (B. & Br.) (M.S. 1730, as Patellaria ; Ph. 318). On dead wood of Prunus Padus. Dee (New Pitsligo, J. /). 263. V. microscopica B. & Br. (M.S. 1538; Ph. 319). On damp wood of Penus sylvestris. Tay (Rannoch, /. B. W.), 264. V. Guernisaci Crouan. (M.S. 1539 ; Ph. 319). On dead submerged sticks of Salzx and Alnus glutinosa. May—June. Moray (Greeshop). 265. V. leptospora (B. & Br.) (M.S. 1048, as Pesiza; Ph. 220): On decayed wood. Tweed (Jedburgh). Genus ITI. Sramnaria Fckl. 266. §. Persoonii (Moug.) (M.S. 1654, as Peziza; Ph. 321). On dead stems of Hquisetum limosum! Autumn. Forth, Tay, Dee! (not rare). Genus IV. OmsBropHita Fr. 267. O. rudis (Berk.) (M.S. 1645, as Peziza ; Ph. 322). On gravel and peat. Tweed (Berwick). 268. QO. brunnea Phill. (Scot. Nat. VII. 87, as Peziza; Ph. 323). On damp stems of dead herbs, and on damp garden prun- wigs: ; July. Moray (Forres). 269. O. sarcoides (Jacq.) (M.S. 1757, as Bulgaria sarcoides Prekit (323): On dead trunks and branches of trees. Autumn. Tweed ; Solway; Forth; Clyde ; Tay! Argyle; Dee! Moray ; Ross. 270. O. clavus (A. & 8.) (M.S. 1663, as Peziza ; Ph. 324). On dead leaves and twigs in swamps. Summer—Autumn. Tweed ; Tay; Argyle; Dee. 186 The Scottish Naturalist. 271. O. helotioides Phill. (@revillea XVI. 94). On dead stems of Hquisetum in water. October. Dee (Loch of Park, C. B. Plowright). 272. O. atro-virens (Pers.) (M.S. 1664,as Peziza ; Ph. 325). On damp rotting wood! July—December. Forth; Tay; Argyle; Dee! Moray. Genus V. CALLORIA Fr. 273. *C. chrysostigma (Fr.) (Ph. 328). On dead fronds of ferns (Athyrium filix-foemina!). August. *Orkney (Syradale). | 274. C. stereicola (Cooke). (Ph. 328; no previous record as Scotch). On hymenium of Stereum. Scotland (Hb. Edin.) 275. ©. coccinella (Sommft.), condensata Phill. (/.c. 329 ; mo previous record as Scotch), On dead wood. Moray (Forres). 270. ©, gute aah (Fr.) (M.S. 1668, as Peziza; Ph. 329). “On rotten Oak and Fir.” November. Tweed : *Clyde (West Kilbride, D. A. Boyd); Tay; Argyle ; Moray. 277. C. leucostigma (Fr.) (M.S. 1769, as Peziza; Ph. 339). On rotten wood (Fagus sylvatica !). February—May. *Clyde (West Kilbride, D. A. B.); Tay; Dee! (King- causie !). 278. OC. fusariodes (Berk.) (M.S. 1674, as Peziza ; Ph. 331). On dead stems of Urtica dioica! April and May. Often plentiful, though readily overlooked. Tweed; Clyde! (Glen Aray!); Forth; Tay! Dee! Moray. 279. C. vinosa (A. & S.) (M.S. App. 16632, as Peziza; Ph. 333): On dead branches. Spring. Tweed; Clyde! (Glen Aray!); Tay: Dee! 280. O. rubella (Pers.) (M.S. 1677, as Peziza ; Ph. 334). On decayed wood. Dee (New Pitsligo, J. #.); Moray (Troup, J. F.). 281 The Scottish Naturaltst. 187 Order V. DERMATEZ. Genus I. ENca@Lia Fr. . HK. fascicularis (A. & S.) GES, App: 15000- Ph, 236). On Pyrus Aucuparia and Prunus Padus. Tay ; Moray. Var. repagulis Cooke. On wood of Pinus sylvestris in old paling at 2,800 feet. 283 284 285. 286. 287 288 289 290 May (Clova;J: S.). . H. furfuracea (Fr.) (M.S. App. L950, Dun bi 227). On dead wood of Alnus glutinosa, and o Ulex europaeus! April, December. Tweed; Tay; Dee! Moray. Genus II. DERMATEA Fr. _D. livida (B. & Br.) (MS. 1726, as Patellaria; Ph. 340). On fallen Pinus sylvestris, August—December. Clyde (Dunoon, C. B. Plowright). . D. Cerasi (Pers.) (M.S. 1734, as Cenangium Cerasi Fr. ; Ph: 341). On branches of Wild Cherry. April. Tweed; Forth; Tay; Moray. 342). On bark of Prunus Laurocerasus. D. Houghtonii Phill. (Scot, Mat, 1887, p. 173; Ph. October. Dee! (Kingcausie, W. Phillips). Ph. 343). D. rhabarbarina (Berk.) (M.S. 1725, as Patellaria ; On dead stems of Rubus fruticosus! April—November. Clyde! (St. Catherine’s!); Tay; Dee! (near Aberdeen !) mee east Phill. (Sar. Var, 188%, p: 1733 Phe 344). On dead bark of Fagus sylvatica ! October. Dee! (Kingcausie, W. Phillips). Genus III. Cenancium Fries. . C. Prunastri Fri “(MS!'1935; Ph. 345). On branches of Prunus spinosa. Forth ; Moray. Autumn— Winter. . ©. ferruginosum Fr. (M.S. 1739; Ph. 346). On branches of Pinus sylvestris. Tweed ; Forth; Moray. . ©. subnitidum Cooke & Phill. #1347): (Scot. Nat., VIL, p. 86 188 291 292 The Scottish Naturalist. On dead branches of Corylus Avellana, (and of Alnus glutinosa, W. Phillips). Moray (Forres). . C. pulveraceum (A. & S.) (M.S. 1737; Ph. 347). _ On dead wood. November. Tay (Glamis); Argyle (Appin); Moray. . C. fuliginosum Fr. (M.S. 1738; Ph. 348). On dead wood of Salix Helix. Tweed (Jedburgh). 293. ©. Rubi (Fr.) (WS. 1740; Pi, seo). 295 296 297. 298. 209 | 301. On dead stems ot A’ubus /daeus! June—December. Tweed; Forth; Tay; Dee! Moray. Genus IV. Tympanis Tode. . T. amphibola (Mass.) (Scot. Wat., 1887, p. 173; Ph. Ei ; On dead branches of Pinus sylvestris! February. Dee! (near Aberdeen !) » TI. larieina (Fekl.)” (M.S. 17414 Ph. 353): On bark ot Larix europea. Moray (Greeshop). . T. conspersa Fr. (M.S. 1733; Ph. 354). On dead branches of Pyrus Aucuparia. Tweed; Forth; ‘Tay: Deo. T. Aucuparicze (Pers.) (M.S. 1736, as Cenangium; Pn. 354). On branches of Pyrus Aucuparva. Tweed ; Forth (Craiglockhart, Greville). T, Fraxini(Schm),, (M.S. 1926 Pip 2cey On branches of Fraxinus excelstor. Winter—Spring. Argyle (Appin). . T. alnea, (Pers) (MS. 2720;. Ph.az5s), On wood of Alnus glutinosa. Tay ; Argyle; Dee; Moray. Genus V. CRUMENULA De Not. . O. urceoliformis Karst. (Ph. 356, no previous record as Scotch). On dead stems of Vaccinium Vitis-Zdea. Moray (Grantown). C. Ledi (A. & S.) (M.S. 1647, as Peziza; Ph. 357). On Arbutus Uva-urst. September. Argyle (Glencoe, C. Babington). The Scottish Naturalist. 189 Genus VI. Epuetis Phillips. 302. KE. Rhinanthi Phill. (Scot. Mat., 1883, p. 89, as Ephelis radicalis Phill. & Keith ; Ph. 358). On base of stems and on roots of Rhinanthus Crista-galli! Spring. Common. Clyde! Tay! Argyle! Dee! Moray! *Orkney! Euphrasia officinalis often bears very similar conditions to the Riytisma stage in Autumn, but I have not yet seen the fungus on Zufhrasia fully developed. Order VI. PATELLARIACE. Genus I. PATELLARIA Fr. 3am, ©. Henyota-fr. *(M-S.1728% Ph. 360). - On dead wood of Betula alba. Clyde (Dunoon, C. B. Plowright). 304. P. flexella (Fr.) (M.S. 1690, as Peziza; Ph. 362). Perennial on dead wood, especially of Pinus sylvestris. Argyle (Appin) ; Moray (Forres). 305. P. compressa (A..& S.) (M.S. 1689, as Peziza; Ph. 364). Perennial on dead hard wood. Argyle (Appin) ; Moray (Sanquhar). 306. P. lecideola (Fr.) (M.S. 1729; Ph. 364). On decorticated oak (Quercus Robur). January. Tay (Glamis). 307. P. Loniceree Phill., (2c. 364, no previous record as Scotch). On dead wood of Lonicera. Moray (Darnaway). 308. P. connivens (Fr.), (M.S. 1691, as Peziza ; Ph. 365). On dead wood (of Willow, Philips). February. - Moray (Dunphail). 309. P. atrata (Hedw.), (M.S. 1724; Ph. 366). On decayed stumps. *Clyde (West Kiibride, D. A. Boyd); Tay; Argyle ; Moray. 310. P. littoralis (Ph. and Pl.), (M.S. 1679, as Peziza; Ph. 368). On a bleached stick on shore of loch. August. Moray (Loch Alvie). 311. P. melaxantha Fr., (M.S. 1688, as Peziza melanotheja Pr: Ph, 390): On wood. Tay (Menmuir). 190 33% 314. 315. 316. 317: 319: 320. B20, 322. The Scottish Naturalist. . *P. fusco-ater (Rehm.). New to Britain. On dead wood of Salix? alba! August. *Orkney ! (Binscarth !), P. Cratzgi Phill., (@revillea XVII., 1888, p. 46). On dead twigs of Crataegus Oxyacantha/ February— April. Dee! (Kingcausie! and near Aberdeen !). Genus II. HETEROSPHARIA Grev. H. patella (Tode), (M.S. 1784; Ph. 371). Perennial on dead stems of herbs (Angelica officinalis! &c.). Tweed; Forth; Clyde! Tay! Argyle! Dee! Moray ; * Orkney. Order VII. STICTE. Genus I. Propouis Fr. VP. lecanora (Schum.), (M.S. 1763, as Stictzs ; Ph. 374). On dead twigs of Salix (and of Populus, Phallips). Tweed (Jedburgh) ; Moray. P, versicolor Fr., (M.S. 1766, as Stictis ; Ph. 376). Perennial, on dead wood (Fagus sylvatica / &c.). Tweed ; Forth; Clyde; Tay; Argyle; Dee! Moray. P. chrysopheea, (Pers.), (M.S. 1762, as Stictis ; Ph. 377). On decorticated branches of Quercus Robur. Dee (Aboyne, MM. J. Berkeley). Genus II. Scumitrzomia Fr, . §. radiata (L.), (M.S. 1759, as Sézctis ; Ph. 380). On sticks and cones of Pinus sylvestros. Tweed; Tay; Argyle (Appin) ; Moray. *§, Junci Karst. New to Britain, On dead Juncus conglomeratus / August. * Orkney / (Syradale !) Genus fil, Sricris) Pers. S. pallida Pers., (M.S. 1760; Ph. 383). On decorticated wood. Argyle (Appin) ; Dee (Aberdeen, Dickie). S. microstoma Carm., (M.S. 1761; Ph. 383). On wood. Argyle (Appin). QS. seriata Libert., M.S. 1768; Ph. 385). On dead leaves of Carex ampullacea/ June—July. Dee! (Banchory-Ternan !) ; Moray-(Manachie). The Scottish Naturalrst. IgI POA PALUSTRIS L. IN PERTHSHIRE. By F. BucHaNnan WuiTeE, M.D., F.L.S. N the sides of the river Tay, below Perth, are more or less extensive marshes which, being flooded at every tide and rich in fluvial mud, sustain a rankly luxuriant vegetation. From the softness of the ground, which renders many parts almost inaccessible, these marshes have until lately not been so carefully examined as they deserve. This year, however, my friend Mr. William Barclay has been making as complete a catalogue as possible of all the plants he found in a stretch of about six miles on one side of the river. In the course of his investigations he recently found a grass which, whilst bearing some resemblance to Foa pratensis, seemed to be distinct from that species. Further examination convinced us that it must be Poa palustris. I sent a specimen to my friend Mr. A. Bennett who forwarded it to Dr. Hackel and he has confirmed our determination. Some weeks after the discovery of this grass in the Tay marshes we happened to be exploring a marsh near Crieff, and here again we found Poa palustris. Since this second locality is about 16 miles distant from the first and has no connection with it, it seems not improbable that P. galustr7s may also occur in other places. From P. zemoralis, which, of our common grasses, is most like P. palustris, the presence of a conspicuous ligule in the latter is a good mark of distinction. ‘The ligule and the absence of stolons separate it from P. pratensis, and the obsoletely nerved lower pale from P. ¢rivialis. A NITELLA NEW TO THE BRITISH FLORA. By Ar. BENNETT, F.L.S. AST Autumn Mr. King sent me a specimen of a JWVitella re gathered by Mr. W. S. Duncan in the Outer Hebrides. This, though seemingly referable to JVitella batrachosperma, A. Braun, was held by Messrs. Groves to be too immature to speak positively about. This summer my friend Dr. Ward wrote me that Mr. King had sent him fresh specimens of a Vzella from the 192 The Scottish Naturaiztst. Hebrides. JI at once asked him to send me the specimens, and on receiving them all doubts as to its being datrachosperma were removed ; and I am glad to say that Mr. J. Groves wrote me at once (on sending him half the material), ‘“‘the fresh specimens of LV. batrachosperma, which settles it down satisfactorily as a British plant.” It is by no means a common species, not being satisfactorily known out of Europe, though it has a close ally in N. America. It comes nearest to JV. ¢enuissima of our British species, but is of a stricter habit; and differs by the fruit being enveloped (Gleocarpe) in mucus, while that of zenuissima is not (Gymno- carpoe), as well as in other minuter characters. Here is another inducement to our botanists to search every piece of water accessible to them on the chance of finding some- thing new, or in any case of extending the knowledge of the local flora of their districts. A few botanical particulars of the species I give below— Nitella batrachosperma Al. Braun, in Schweiz. Characee, p. 10. 1849 (name). In Characee Europace exsic., No. 78 (1870) and Aryplog. Flor. Schl., p. 400 (1876). Nordstedt in Al. Braun’s /ragmenta Monogr. Charac., pp. 66 and 67 (1882). Nitella tenuissima v. batrachosperma Rabh. Fl. Saxonica, p. 100 (1842). XV. tenuissima vy. batrachosperma et ramulosa Ganterer, Gs/er. Char., p. 10 (1847). NV. batrachosperma Reichb. Wallm. Char., p. 256 (1853). XN. batrachosperma Reich. Sydow. Europ. Char., p. 30 (1882). Chara flexilis, stellata Wallr. ann. t. 6, f. 1 (1815). Chara glomerata Moesl. Hand., 3., p. 1663 (1834). Figures Kiitzing’s 7'ad. Phyc., 7, t. 35, f. 1 (1857). Reichb. cones, 8, t. 791, f. 1070. Nordstedt. JZonagr., t. 5, f. 131-132 (1882). Hixsic. Areschoug, Alee., No. 150. Fries Herb. Norm., 14, No. 100. A, Braun, Char. Zurop., No. 78. Nordstedt & Wahlstedt, Char. Scand., No. 42. Distribution Finland, Sweden, Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Prussia, France, Italy. Outer Hebrides, Loch near Obbe, Isle of Harris. July, 1888 and 1889, Mr. W. S. Duncan; comm. Mr, F. C. King. i Ree a f Conchologiste threushont the winds ani: ‘ aling with all departments of the Science. | : _Pifos: 1s, per number, or 4s. 4d. per annum, post free. _‘Biited toy JOHN Ws ‘TAYLOR, St. seats a Works, 1 ee a eae TAYLOR BROS., we ANN STREET. 7 | Berry: : R.. -FRIEDLANDER & SOHN, CARLSTRASSE, 8 | Lospon ; HARDWICKE & BOGUE, 192 PICCADILLY, Ne eee Jag ea 8 oe LLUSTRATED WANUAL OF BRITISH BIRDS. — BY HOWARD SAUNDERS, GIES: POLS BEC 6 2 a ry “History ot British Birds 2 hae Edition. * To) be > Completed in Bree 1 we Sny Monthly Parts” Price’ ‘ONE “SHILLING Each. PROSPECTUS. ON APPLICATION. tes |: URIS BY [oom JACKSON, ais PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON. S uccessors to Mr. VAN ON On the ist of every Month, price 2 Saxbence, 24. Dp. S00, WE owotocisrs MONTHLY MAGAZINE. - Conducted by C. G. BarRert; J. W. Douctas; W.W. FOWLER, M.A., F,L.S.; Re M' LACHLAN, PIR, Si FL EC SAUNDERS, fas PLS. and H. abe STAINTON, FURS; &e. 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Aud s so On in proporticn, | . 2 MAY 21 1909 FERNS AND MOSSES OF THE ALFORD DISTRICT. By Mrs. Farquuarson, F.R.M.S. FERNS. HE results of personal observation and of information kindiy supplied to me by friends show that in this district there occur 19 species of Ferns, some of which afford more or less constant varieties of considerable interest. The list is as follows :— Polypodium vulgare. Common. P. Phegopteris. Littlewood, &c. P. Dryopteris. Haughton, and other localities. Allosurus crispus. Base of Hill of Noth, and elsewhere. Polystichum Lonchitis. Hills above Tough. P. aculeatum. Lately added to our local flora by Mr. Adam Reid, who discovered it near Keig. Var. lobatum. Terpersie. Lastrea Oreopteris. Haughton, and elsewhere. L. Filix-mas. Common. 1. Var. cristata (Murray). This variety was discovered at Haughton, in 1866, by Mr. John Murray, forester at that time on the estate. It has but recently been thoroughly examined by Mr. Wollaston, Chiselhurst, who pronounces it to be a previously unknown variety, and suggests the above name for it. 2. Var. Borrert (pu/eacea of some authors, pseudomas of others). ‘This is a very marked form, with long tapering golden-brown scales, giving a woolly appearance to the stipes and rachis. It is commonly distributed. L. dilatata. Very common. L. cristata var. spinulosa. Haughton, Whitehaugh, and else- where. With regard to the constancy of spénulosa as a form, I have watched plants of it for upwards of twenty N 194 The Scottish Naturalist. years, and have never observed any tendency in it to revert to its supposed specific type—crzstata, nor even to vary markedly from its common form. Athyrium filix-foemina. Common. 1. Var. dawum. Haughton and elsewhere. 2. Var. acrocladon (Wilson). This variety, pronounced by Mr. Wollaston to have been previously unknown, was found by Mr. William Wilson (junior) in the immediate neighbourhood of Terpersie. Asplenium Ruta-muraria. Tilliepowrie Castle. Despite some necessary repairs of the old Castle wall a few years ago, entailing the application of large quantities of mortar, this fern continues to thrive on the wall, some fronds being fully six inches long. ' A. viride. Mr. Barclay added this to our local flora, having found it on the Hill of Towanrieffe. A. Trichomanes. I have found this near Terpersie, and it also occurs at Towanrieffe A. Adiantum-nigrum, var. Serpentini. This lovely Fern is found in Kildrummy. Some plants of it that have been in cultivation for some years are keeping constant to the characters of the variety. Blechnum boreale. Common. Pteris aquilina. Common. Var. depauperata variegata. This was found by Mr. Peter Murray in Wellhouse Wood. It exhibited markedly the characteristic features of the variety. Crystopteris fragilis. Den of Craig. [C. montana has also been reported from Den of Craig. ] Hymenophyllum unilaterale. North side of Bennachie, not far from the summit. The above are the only Ferns of whose existence in the district there is evidence at present; but there is reason to expect the addition to the list of at least one species—Polypodium alpestre, which has been recorded from so many Scotch localities. Pro- bably it has been overlooked, being mistaken for the very similar Athyrium Filix-foemina, from which it differs, however, in the round sori, devoid of indusrum. The Scottish Naturatlest. 195 MOssEs. The subjoined list makes no pretensions to be exhaustive for the district ; but only affords a basis for future work. Nor does it include the Liverworts (Hepatice). The arrangement and nomenclature are those of the London Catalogue of Mosses. I wish to take this opportunity of expressing my indebtedness for much-valued assistance in preparing the list to Dr. Braithwaite and the Revs. John Fergusson of Fern, and T. Bell of Keig. Sphagnum acutifolium. S. fimbriatum. S. cuspidatum. S. subsecundum. S. cymbefolium. Andreea petrophila. Cynodontium virens. Dicranella crispa. D. squarrosa . cerviculata. Var1e. . rufescens. . subulata. SiS ets . heteromalla. Dicranum Scottianum. D. fuscescens. D. scoparium. D. majus. D. faleatum. Dicrancdontium longirostrum. Campylopus pyriformis. Leucobryum glaucum. Pleuridium nitidum. Blindia acuta. Pottia cavifolra. P. truncata. Phascum cuspidatum. Didymodon rigidulum. Barbula muralis. B. unguiculata. B. fallax. B. vinealis. Haughton and Keig. Haughton. Haughton. Keig. Haughton and Castle Forbes. Near Keig. Whitehaugh. Near Keig. Haughton. Keig. Haughton, Keig. Keig. Haughton, Castle Forbes. Keig. Castle Forbes. Whitehaugh. Haughton. bP) Whitehaugh. 3 Keig. f Whitehaugh. Whitehaugh. Common. Whitehaugh. Haughton. Whitehaugh. 196 The Scottish Naturalest. B. convoluta. B. ruralis. Ceratodon purpureus. Grimmia pulvinata. G. robusta. G. elatior. G. Ungerr. Rhacomitrium ellipticum. Lth. aciculare. Rh. protensum. Lh. sudeticum. Rh. heterostichum. Lh. fasciculare. Lh. lanuginosum. Lh. canescens. Ptychomitrium platyphyllum. Zygodon conoideus. Ulota Drummondiz. 7. crispus. Orthotrichum rupestre. O. affine. O. diaphanum. O. anomalum. O. leiocarpum. O. rivulare. Tetraplodon mniordes. Entosthodon ericetorun. Funaria hygrometrica. Bartramia tthyphylla. B. pomeformis. Philonotis fontana. Leptobryum pyriforme. Webera nutans. W. annotinum. Bryum uliginosum. B. intermedium. B. cespiticium. B. argenteum. B. capillare. B pallens. Keig. Alford, &c. Common. Bb) Haughton. Keig. Haughton. Common. +P] ” Haughton. Whitehaugh. Keig. Littlewood. Keig. Midmill. Keig, Whitehaugh. >] Common. Keig. Common. Keig. 9 Common. Whitehaugh. Keig. 9) Haughton. Common. Haughton, Keig. The Scottish Naturalist. B. pseudotriquetrum. Mnium cuspidatum. M, undulatum. MM. rostratum. M. hornum. M. punctatum. M. subglobosum. Aulacomnion palustre. Tetraphis pellucida, Atrichum undulatum. Pogonatum nanum. P. aloides. P. urnigerum. P. alpinum. Polytrichum formosum. P. prliferum. P. juniperinum. P. commune. Fissidens bryoides LF, viridulus. F. adiantoides. F. taxifolius. Cinclidotus fontinaloides. Fontinalis antipyretica. Hedwigia ciliata Hedwigidium imberbe Neckera crispa Pterygophyllum lucens. Thuidium tamariscinum. Cylindrothecium Montagnet Thamnium alopecurum Climacium dendroides [sothecicum myurum Homalothecium sericeum Camptothecium lutescens Brachythecium velutinum B. rutabulum B. populeum. Eurhynchium prelongum E. myosurovdes. Auchindoir. Keig. Haughton, &c. Common. Keig. Near Brindy Hill, &c. Keig, dc. Castle Forbes. Common. Whitehaugh, &c. Castle Forbes. Common. Keig, Whitehaugh. >B) Common. Haughton. Keig. Castle Forbes. Common. Near Whitehaugh. 39 Keig. Whitehaugh. Keig, &c. 197 198 Lhe Scottish Naturalist. Rhynchostegium murale. Haughton, Lh. ruscifolium. Keig. Plagiothecium pulchellum ee P. denticulatum Common. P. undulatum. “ Amblystegium serpens Keig. A. riparium. Hypnum aduncum. re HT. revolvens. 4 Hf. fluitans. = HI, uncinatum. Common. H. commutatum. Haughton. HZ. cupressiforme. Common, HH. molluscum. FT. crista-castrensts, ff. palustre. HZ. ochraceum. FT, stellatum. LT, cordifolium. H. giganteum. HT, cuspidatum. Castle Forbes. Keig, &c. a and Whitehaugh. 99 a2 9? 29 LT, Schrebert. Whitehaugh. H. purum Common. LT, stramineum. Keig. HT. splendens. Common. f1, squarrosum. HI. loreum. Keig. 1, triquetrum. Common. On Sciadium Arbuscula, Braun.—This very rare, interesting, and minute plant, was collected in the Curling Pond, Haughton, by Mrs. Farquharson, in the beginning of last winter. This, as far as I can make out, is the first time it has been found in Britain. True, Dr. Cooke, in his ‘¢ British Fresh-Water Algz,” figures it, but in the text, he has no reference to locality, and hence we infer that he knew of none, and that he inserted it as a plant likely enough to be found in this country. It was originally de- tected in Germany, and more recently in Sweden, and in the United States of America. It is usually found among the leaves of AZyriophyliwm, and similar plants. I picked it up this spring in a pool between Loch Kinnord and Cam- bus o’ May, in a fragmentary condition, and no doubt it will be found in other localities. JOHN Roy. The Scottish Naturalist. 199 THE DESMIDS OF THE ALFORD. DISTRICT. By Joun Roy, LL.D. (All measurements in subjoined list are in micromillimetres. ) HE following list has been compiled almost wholly from material furnished by Mrs. Farquharson, F.R.M.S., of Haughton, an enthusiastic and most successful collector. It will be observed that there are 184 species and 6 varieties enumerated in it. Of these, some are new, and others of extreme rarity. This number exceeds that given by Ralfs for the whole of Britain, and is three times as great as that given in Dickie’s “ Botanist’s Guide” as occurring in the counties of Kincardine, Aberdeen, and Banff. The alphabetical arrangement of genera, and of species in each genus, being the most convenient for a list, has been followed. In submitting this list to the Alford meeting of the Union, the Compiler trusts that it may stimulate some in other parts of the district embraced by the Union, to imitate Mrs. Farquharson’s excellent example, and to forward gatherings to him, to 33 Belvidere Street, Aberdeen. ARTHRODESMUS (Ehr.) Archer. 1. Bifidus Breb. ; Little Don, Haughton ; Ditch, Meikle Moss, Alford. 2. Convergens Ehr. Little Don ; Tonley. 3. Incus (Breb.) Hass. Little Don, and Pond, Haughton; Whiteley Marsh; with zygospores, near Whitehouse, and at Tonley. 4. Octocornis Ebr. Correnie ; Tillyfour ; Little Don ; Tonley. CLOSTERIUM, Nitzsch. 1. Acerosum, Schrank. vars. a. and b. Little Don ; Keig. 2. Acutum, Breb. Correnie; Tough; Pond, Haughton, and Scott’s Mull, Tonley. 3. Angustatum, Kg. Towie ; Tonley. 10. II. 12. BA 22% The Scottish Naturalist. . Angustum, Hantzsch. Little Don. . Arcuatum, Breb. Correnie ; Tonley. . Attenuatum, Ehr. Towie. . calosporum, Wittr. Tough ; Whiteley Marsh ; Tonley. . Ceratium, Perty. Correnie ; Whiteley Marsh ; Scott’s Mill, Haughton. . Cornu, Ehr. Little Don; Correnie ; Tonley ; var. B. Whiteley Marsh ; Scott’s Mill, Haughton. Costatum, Corda. Whiteley Marsh, Cynthia, De Notaris. Correnie ; Whiteley Marsh ; Pond, Haughton. Diane, Ehr. Towie ; Tonley. . Didymotocum, Corda. Correnie; Towle. . Directum, Archer. Tillyfour. . Lboracense, Barwell Turner. Little Don ; Wellhouse. . Ehrenbergit, Menegh. Pond, Haughton ; Balfluig. . Gracile, Breb. Correnie ; Tonley. . Lncurvum, Breb. Little Don ; Whiteley Marsh ; Pond, Haughton. . LIntermedium, Ralfs. Correnie ; Whiteley Marsh ; Pond, Haughton ; Tonley. . Juncidum, Ralfs. Old Curling Pond, Haughton ; Tonley. . Kiitzingit, Breb. Little Don ; Whiteley Marsh ; Pond, Haughton. Lanceolatum, Kg. Mains of Balfluig. Leibleinir, Kiitz. The Scottish Naturalist. 201 Tillyfour ; Towie ; Whiteley Marsh ; Tonley. 24. Linea, Perty. Little Don ; Whiteley Marsh ; Pond, Haughton ; Tonley. 25. Lineatum, Ehr. Tonley ; Towie. 26. Lundelliz, Lagerh. Whiteley Marsh ; Tonley. 27. Lunula (Miill) Nitz. Tough ; Towie ; Tonley ; Inch ; &c. 28. Macilentum, Breb. Little Don ; Whiteley Marsh ; Old Curling Pond, Haughton. 29. Moniliferum (Bory) Ehr. Little Don ; Towie ; Balfluig, &c. 30. Obtusum, Breb. Whiteley Marsh. 31. Parvulum. Nig. Whiteley Marsh. 32. Pritchardianum. Archer. Waterside, Haughton ; Waterton, Logie. 33. Pseudodiane. n. sp. A small slender species, about 15 times longer than broad, regularly, but not strongly curved ; inner margin almost straight for about % of its length ; frond smooth, without strize, brownish straw-colour, with one suture, tips slightly thickened ; fillets irregular ; about one-tenth of semi-cell towards the apex without chlorophyl, and containing a few moving granules. Length, 210; breadth, 14; do. at apex, 3. Tonley Moss. Has considerable resemblance to CZ. Diane, Ehr., but is much smaller and differs in the curvature. It is not uncommon in Scotland and Ireland. 34. Lusillum, Hantzsch. Whiteley Marsh ; Towie; Tonley. 35. Lostratum, Ehr. Little Don ; Keig ; Scott’s Mill, Haughton, &c. 36. Setaceum, Ehr. Towie ; Old Curling Pond, Haughton. 37. Strigosum, Breb. Kinstain Bog; Old Curling Pond, Haughton; White- haugh ; Balfluig, &c. 38. Striolatum, Ehr. Little Don; Towie; Correnie; Whiteley Marsh; Tilly- four ; Whitehaugh, &c. 202 II. I2. The Scottish Naturatsst. . LTurgidum, Ehr. Correnie. . Venus, Kiitz. Little Don; Old Curling Pond, Haughton ; Tonley. COSMARIUM (Corda) Ralfs. . Abruptum, Lundell. Whiteley Marsh. . Broculatum. Correnie. . Brretum, Breb. Dam; Little Don; Baldyom Dam. . Becki, Wille. Little Don; Tonley. . Botrytis, Menegh. B. emarginatum, Hansg. Both fornis, common, . Brebissonir, Ralfs. Correnie. . Broomei, Thwait. Tonley. . Calcareum, Wittr. Whiteley Marsh. . Contractum, Kirch. Whiteley Marsh. . Corbula, Breb. Tonley. Crenatum, Ralfs. Tillyfour ; Little Don. Cruciatum, Breb. Tonley. . Cucumis, Corda. b. majus, Nord. common. c. helveticum, Nord. j . Cucurbita, Ralfs. Tough. . Danicum, Bergesen. Correnie. . Depressum, Nag. Tonley. . Lxiguum, Archer. Tillyfour ; Ditch, Meikle Moss, Alford. Tough ; 18. IQ. 20. The Scottish Naturalist. 203 Lontigenum, Nordst. TVillyfour. Gemmiferum, Breb. Tonley ; Baldyoin Dam. Gradatum, n. sp. Medium sized, one-fifth longer than broad ; ends truncate inclining to concave ; base slightly reniform; constriction deep, segments close, lower and upper angles acutely rounded, sides curved with 6-7 undulations rather than granules which are larger upwards ; surface granulated in regular radiating double rows from the marginal undulations half way to the centre, where there is a large granulated prominence ; ends slightly wavy ; side view of semi-cell globular ; end view elliptical, with large granulated protuberance on each side. Length, 42 ; breadth, 35; isthmus, 12. Pond, Haughton. This may ultimately prove to be Cos. formosulum of Nordstedt’s ‘* Desmidieer 21. 22. 23: 24. 25. 26. Due 28. 29. 30. cay fran Bornholm,” p. 194, Tab. VI., fig. 6—7; but in the meantime it is preferred to record it under the M.S. name by which it has been long known in this country, in which, as well as in Ireland, it is widely dis- tributed. Granatum, Ralfs. Tonley. Impressulum, Elfy. Little Don; Tonley. Isthmochondrum, Nordst. Tonley. Margarityferum (Turp.) Archer. Towie ; Tillyfour. Melanosporum, Archer. Correnie ; Little Don. Meneghint, Breb. Whiteley Marsh; Pond, Haughton; &c. Ochthodes, Nordst. Waterside, Haughton ; Dam, Little Don. Ornatum, Ralfs. Towie ; Ditch, Meikle Moss, Alford. Phaseolus, Breb. Tillyfour. Polygonum, Nig. Whiteley Marsh. Portianum, Archer. Tonley; Little Don. 204 The Scottish Naturalist. 32. Premorsum, Breb. Tillyfour. 33. LPseudonitidulum, Nordst. Correnie. 34. Punctulatum, Breb. Correnie ; Whiteley Marsh ; Tonley. 35. Pygmceum, Archer. Tough; Little Don; Whiteley Marsh ; Pond ; Haughton. 36. Quadratum, Breb. Tonley ; Little Don. 37. Regnesi, Reinsch. Correnie ; Little Don. 38. LRentforme, Archer. Tonley. 39. S/ewdrumense, n. sp. Small, subquadrate, very slightly (about one-eighth part) longer than broad, constriction deep, linear, opening widely ; sides and angles rounded, ends very slightly rounded, almost flat ; sides with about three undulations, ends with four or five slight undulations ; surface faintly granulated, a slight central protuberance above the base with four perpendicular rows of about four small granules in each ; side view of semi-cell globular, end view oval, very slightly prominent at the sides : zygospore globular with somewhat long, tapering, simple, acute spines. Length 26-29; breadth 23-27; isthmus 7-8; diameter of zygospore 23-26; do. including spines 42-48 in. Little Don, near Alford. This little species was originally gathered at Slewdrum in Birse, hence the name ; the zygospore has been got there only. 40. Spherosporum, Nordst. Whiteley Marsh ; Little Don. 41. Sudbcrenatum, Hantzsch. Inch ; Wh‘teley Marsh ; Wellhouse. 42. Zetraophthalmum (Kg.) Breb. Little Don ; Towie. 43. Zinctum, Ralfs. Correnie ; Pond, Haughton ; Keig ; &c. 44. Zruncatellum, Perty. Correnie ; Haughton. 45. Undulatum, Corda. Little Don ; Tonley. 46. Variolatum, Lundell. Tonley. The Scottish Naturatst. 205, CYLINDROCYSTIS, Menegh. . Brebissonit, Menegh. Correnie ; Tough. . Diplospora, Lundell. Correnie ; Curling Pond, Haughton. DESMIDIUM (Ag.) De Bary. . Swartziz, Grev. Tough ; Correnie ; Towie ; Tonley. DIDYMOPRIUM, Ralfs. . Borreri, Ralfs. Correnie. . Grevillei, Ralfs. Towie. DOCIDIUM, Breb. . Baculur1, Breb. Towle. . Lhrenbergi, Ralfs. Little Don ; Towie ; Tonley. . Lectum, Delp. Tonley ; Tough. . Lruncatum, Breb. ‘Towie ; Ditch at Meikle Moss, Alford. EUASTRUM (Ehr.) Ralfs. . Affine, Ralfs. Correnie. . Ansatum, Ralfs. Correnie ; Towie; Tonley. . Binale (Turp.) Ralfs. Correnie ; Tough ; Tonley. . Crassum (Breb.) Lund. Correnie ; Towie. . Declive, Reinsch, Correnie ; Tonley. . Denticulatum, Gay. Correnie ; Tough ; Tonley. . Didelta, Ralfs. Correnie ; Tonley. . Llegans, Breb. Little Don ; Whiteley Marsh ; Tonley. 206 The Scottish Naturaltst. 9. Llobatum, Lund. Tonley ; Tough. 10. Hrosum, Lundell. Whiteley Marsh ; Tonley. 11. Humerosum, Ralfs. Correnie. 12. Lobulatum, Breb. Correnie ; Tonley. 13. Odlongum, Ralfs. Correnie ; Towie ; Whiteley Marsh ; Pond, and Old Curling Pond, Haughton ; Tonley. 14. Fectinatum, Breb. Correnie ; Tonley. 15. Verrucosum, Ehr. Tillyfour ; Home Farm, Logie. GENICULARIA, De Bary. . Sptrotenia, De Bary. Little Don. ved GONATOZYGON, De Bary. 1. Brebissonit, De Bary. Correnie ; Little Don; Whiteley Marsh ; Pond, Haughton. 2. Kinahani, Archer. Tillyfour, 3. Ralfsu, De Bary. Correnie. HYALOTHECA, ‘Kg. 1. Dissiliens (Smith) Breb. Correnie ; Tough ; Whiteley Marsh; Tonley. MESOTANIUM, Nag. 1. Braunit, De Bary. Correnie; Ditch at Whitehouse ; Tonley. B. Grayu, B. Turner. Tough. 2. Lndlichervanum, Nig. ) Correnie ; Pond at Haughton ; Tough. MICRASTERIAS, Ag. 1. Denticulata, Breb. Towie ; Whiteley Marsh. I The Scottish Naturattsé. 207 . Papillifera, Breb. Little Don. . Rotata (Grev.) Ralfs. Ditch at Meikle Moss, Alford. . Thomasiana, Archer. Tonley Moss. . Zruncata, Corda. Tonley Moss. PENIUM, Breb. . Cylindrus, Ebr. Correnie ; Towie ; Tonley. . Didymocarpum, Lundell. Correnie ; Tough ; Towie ; Whiteley Marsh. . Digitus, Ehr. Correnie ; Tough. . Margaritaceum, Ehr. Pond at Haughton. var. v. Ralfs. Tillyfour ; Ditch at Meikle Moss, Alford. . Lavicula, Breb. Correnie ; Little Don ; Towie ; Waterside, Haughton. . Truncatum, Ralfs. Curling Poud, Haughton. SPHZROZOSMA, Corda. Excavatum, Ralfs. Whiteley Marsh; Pond and Waterside at Haughton ; Tonley. . Granuliferum, Roy and Bisset. Little Don. . Vertebratum (Breb.) Ralfs. Little Don. SPIROTANIA, Breb. . Condensata, Breb. Ditch at Meikle Moss, Alford ; Tonley. . Minuta, Thur. Whiteley Marsh. . Obscura, Ralfs. Ditch, Meikle Moss, Alford. . Parvula, Archer. Tillyfour ; Tonley. 208 10. BUA I2. 13. 14. T5. 16. re: 18. The Scottish Naturalast. Truncata, Archer. Ditch at Meikle Moss, Alford; Tonley. STAURASTRUM (Meyen) Rallfs. . Acutum, Breb. , Insch. . Alternans, Breb. Correnie ; Little Don; Whiteley Marsh; Tonley. . Apiculatum, Breb. Little Don; Whiteley Marsh; Tonley. . Armigerum, Breb. Little Don ; Tillyfour. . Arneliit, Boldt. B. inornatum, Roy. With scattered granules. ‘Tough. . Asperum, Breb. Towie. . Avicula, Breb. Little Don; Whiteley Marsh ; Pond, Haughton. . Controversum, Rallis. Correnie. . Cristatum, Nig. Little Don. Cyrtocerum, Breb. Correnie ; Whiteley Marsh; Little Don; Pond, Haughton, Dejectum, Breb. Little Don. Dickier, Ralts. Correnie; Tillyfour; Whiteley Marsh; Little Don ; Pond, Haughton ; Tonley. Dilatatum, Ehr. ‘Tillyfour, Tonley. Dispar, Breb. Tillyfour ; Pond, Haughton. Furcigerum, Ralfs. Little Don. Gracile, Ralfs. Little Don ; Tonley. Hexacerum, Ehr. Little Don ; Whiteley Marsh. Hirsutum, Ralfs. Waterside, Haughton, Wellhouse. IQ. 20. PASE 22. ‘37: 38. The Scottish Naturalist. 209 Inflecum, Breb. Little Don ; Whiteley Marsh ; Tonley. Kjellmani, Wille. Tillyfour. Lunatum, Ralfs. Little Don ; Tonley. Margaritaceum (Ehr.) Menegh. Tonley. . Megacanthum, Lundell. Whiteley Marsh. . Mucronatum, Ralfs. Little Don. . Muticum, Breb. Little Don; Wellhouse; Tonley. . Orbiculare, Ehr. Correnie ; Little Don, &c., &c. . Oxyacanthum, Archer. Correnie ; Tonley. . Paradoxum, Meyen. Whiteley Marsh; Pond at Haughton ; Tonley. . Pilosum (Nag), Archer. Correnie ; Towie ; Whiteley Marsh ; Tonley. . Polymorphum, Breb. Correnie ; Whiteley Marsh, Little Don ; Pond at Haughton, . Polytrichum, Perty. Towie ; Wellhouse. . Proboscidium (Breb.), Ralfs. Whiteley Marsh. . Punctulatum, Breb. Correnie ; Kinstain Bog; Tillyfour; Towie; Keig. . Pygmceum, Breb. Little Don. . Saxonicum, Bulnh. Little Don. . Teliferum, Ralfs. Little Don ; Whiteley Marsh ; Tonley. Tetracerum (Kg.), Ralfs. Correnie ; Towie; Little Don; Tonley. Turgescens, De Notaris. Balfluig. 210 The Scottish Naturattst. 39. Brebissonit, Archer. Old Curling Pond at Haughton. TETMEMORUS, Ralfs 1. Brebissonit (Menegh.), Ralfs. Correnie. 2. Granulatus (Breb.), Ralfs. Correnie ; Tough; Towie; Whiteley Marsh; Tonley. . Levis (Kg.), Ralfs. Correnie ; Tough; Haughton; Tonley ies) XANTHIDIUM, Ehr. 1. Aculeatum, Ehr, Ditch at Meikle Moss, Alford ; Ditch at Whitehouse. 2. Antilopoeum (Breb), Kg. Little Don ; Pond at Haughton. 3. Cristatum, Breb. Correnie. b. uncinatum, Breb. Little Don. OBSERVATIONS ON THE GROWTH OF REED CANARY GRASS (PHALARIS ARUNDINACEA). By WILLIAM WILSON, JUNR. ITH the view of studying the germination, growth, life- history, and peculiarities of grasses, I sowed seeds of twenty different species on 5th May, 1886. The soil being a dry gravelly loam did not suit the natural requirements of the Reed Canary Grass. I found braird of this species on 24th May, which was about the average date of the others. On taking daily observations I found that between the 24th May and 22nd June it was not among either the tallest or the shortest in its growth; but by the latter date it had fallen behind, and was, with Meadow Foxtail, Smooth-stalked Meadow Grass, and Sheep’s Fescue, one of the shortest of those sown ; and there- after it showed marked evidence of a struggle for life. It was The Scottish Naturalist 211 now evident that it could not fully hold its own against others in this struggle for existence. It could neither form a good bottom sward, nor could it throw up leaves of ordinary dimensions. Its aspect was that of a thin wiry plant. On the 5th September the shortest species were Reed Canary Grass, Meadow Foxtail, Sheep’s Fescue, and Crested Dog’s-tail Grass. The Foxtail forms a strong foundation, and the two last- mentioned species showed their natural characteristics as low- growing plants. Timothy Grass, which for a time had remained in the background, had by this time formed bulbs at the roots, and Smooth-stalked Meadow Grass had formed stolons. I found that more progress was made by the Reed Canary Grass between 5th September and gth October, probably because more moisture was present than before. In 1887, while all the other grasses bore seeds in larger or smaller quantity, the only advance perceptible in the species in question consisted in the production of somewhat taller and broader leaves. In 1888 it grew much taller, and a culm or two apparently were formed. I had hoped to see at least one appear above the enclosing sheath; but a storm early in October cut the grass down. In the present year it has surmounted all its difficulties, and has produced a full crop of leaves and some flower-heads. It may be noticed that each autumn all the leaves died down, so that none could be seen above the surface of the soil in winter. An interesting example of the growth of one year being con- tinued into another came under my notice this summer. After the crop of Rye Grass was cut last year an aftermath began to grow. ‘This remained green during the winter, and produced the flower-stalks of this season’s crop. I believe that from the above observations on the Reed Canary Grass certain interesting lessons may be drawn regarding the de- velopment of plants. It appears that for a certain time after germination the material stored up in the seed is sufficient to allow of a certain amount of growth in all the twenty species of grasses, independent of the nature of the soil in which they grew. But after a certain stage is reached the nature of the soil makes’ itself felt, and impresses a consequent diversity of progress on the different species. In the development of the Reed Canary Grass in my experi- 212 The Scottish Naturalist. ment each leaf had added so much material to the plant, which, aiding in maturing the roots and buds, enabled development to go on, each successive season showing some advance. Sometimes the result is very different ; when the needs of a plant exceed its resources it struggles for a time, and then succumbs, Another point of interest relates to the struggles of the grass to maintain itself under new and adverse conditions, and to the effects on the plant. Inattention to such questions have often led to differences of opinion regarding the relationships of plants, and the characters that should constitute species, varieties, ab- errations, and abnormalities respectively. The ordinary system of noting, with regard to the existence of a plant in any district, only its scarcity or abundance is clearly defective in real value. A rare plant may be so as (1) a relic of a once abundant species, (2) a forerunner of an advancing species, or (3) an accidental introduction by man, with no claims to rank as a member of the local flora, unless it happens to become thoroughly naturalized. In this latter case it may adapt itself as a new form, or may modify its life-history as did the Reed Canary Grass. Agriculture has done much to introduce new plants, as well as to eliminate rare ones from local floras. As regards agricultural importance the plants deserving most attention are those that can develop healthily anywhere, especi- ally when studied in relation to their functions in the support of animal life. In this aspect it must be admitted that the mere finding of new or rare forms is of little importance. Regarded strictly from it, the Reed Canary Grass is, it must be confessed, of relatively small value, yet, indirectly, it may have aided by indicating what plants can do to establish themselves under changed, and, in some respects, unfavourable conditions of life. ON THE FLORA OF SHETLAND. By W. H. Bessy, A.L.S. FTER visiting, during the three previous summers, various parts of the Shetland group, I resolved last year to give my attention chiefly to Roeness Hill and the many interesting localities in its neighbourhood—a district that I have long looked forward to examining. Circumstances making it necessary for me The Scottish Naturaltst. 213 to leave London earlier in the season than I could have wished, I found myself once more in Lerwick on the 3oth June, and left the same evening for Mid Yell. One whole day was spent in this island,—partly in walking round the large Loch of Lumbister, and partly in working the Dall of Lumbister, a beautiful ravine through which flows the small burn which drains the loch. Nothing of special note was met with in the Loch, except the interesting new Potamogeton mentioned below. ‘The Dall of Lumbister produced several good plants, chief among which was a species of /Zzeracium, first met with in 1886, at Mid Yell Voe, and in Unst, and which was afterwards found in a fourth locality in Northmaven. ‘This species, the name of which is at present uncertain, but which has not yet been detected elsewhere in Britain, seems widely dis- tributed in the northern half of the Shetland islands. The following day was spent’in walking through the island to Burravoe, and getting across thence to Ollaberry, where I remained during the rest of the time. Roeness Hill flanks the northern shore of Roeness Voe, a deep inlet on the west coast of the northern division of the Mainland, and is continued nearly to the east coast by a chain of hills which ends near Collafirth. From this point a somewhat interrupted range, including the Bergs of Skelberry, extends northward to Fedaland. These ranges form two of the limits of an area con- taining, roughly, a hundred square miles, and which is bounded on the west and north by sea cliffs of varying altitude. The enclosed basin consists almost entirely of barren moorland, dotted over with innumerable lochs, most of which contain but little vegetation ; and I failed to find either the Phragmites or Mymphea, both recorded from this locality by Edmondston. Probably, how- ever, this part would repay a careful examination, especially if some of the more distant sea-cliffs were reached. On the days when I visited it heavy rains and thick fogs prevailed, and made it impossible to see much. [t would be difficult to imagine a more desolate region than this tract, under the circum- stances described ; no human being is ever seen there, nor much animal life of any kind, except the numerous gulls which frequent some of the lochs; and the compass and aneroid are necessaries of life. Yet on the whole the district was far from disappointing. Several new AZzeracia were gathered ; and a few plants new to the 214 The Scottish Naturatsst county were recorded ; and at the north point, near Fedaland, the extreme and beautiful form of Wahlenberg’s variety of Polygonum: viviparum, described later, was met with. My thanks are due to those who have kindly reported on some of the critical forms, and whose names appear in the following pages. The usual signs are used, viz. :— * — believed new to Britain. +—— not recorded for the county in Zos. Bot.: Ed. IL, or in Bennett’s Additional Records, unless with some form of query. Viola silvestris Reich.—In recording this plant in my first paper on Shetland, it was mentioned that Herr Murbeck had expressed some slight doubt as to the determination. Last year I collected undoubted examples near Lerwick and elsewhere. + Drosera anglica Huds.—Recorded from Burravoe, Yell, by Edmondston, and mentioned in Zop. Bot. witha query. I ound the plant, which is certainly very rare in the county, in some plenty in a bog by the Rools Burn, near Collafirth. Lotus corniculatus L. * grandiflora—A form with remarkably large flowers, making a fine display in grassy places among rocks, south of Sand Voe. Rosa canina L.—The following, from cliffs on the north side of Roeness Voe, are named by Mr. G. Nicholson :—t R. subcristata—edge of cliff near the head of the Voe ;—? R. dumalis—cliffs a little east of the Grud Burn. + Pyrus Aucuparia Hook.—Syme remarks on this plant that in Scotland it is seen only in ornamental plantations. It is certainly wild in Shetland ; and is recorded by Edmondston from Roeness Hill. I gathered it on the cliffs on both sides of Roeness Voe, and about the lower part of the Grud Burn ; also on the Bergs of Skelberry, near North Roe. Mr. Nicholson remarks that it ‘seems to be the var. glabra Trautv.”; but the plant does not seem to deserve a varietal name. Saussurea alpina, D.C.—Although somewhat frequent on the stony ground about the top of Roeness Hill, the plant very rarely flowers ; but a single specimen was found in that condition. The flower stem was under two inches in height. Centaurea nigra L.—I met with for the first time on the top of low cliffs at Sand Voe, where it may possibly be wild, but ~ I doubt this ; it was almost certainly introduced at Edmondston’s Baltasound station. The Scottish Naturattst. pai Chrysanthemum Leucanthemum L.—One plant in a meadow near Ollaberry ; I could not find a second, the numerous other “ox-eyes” in the meadow all being Matricaria inodora, which frequently grows in such localities in Shetland. Mr. Sandison, of Lerwick, informed me that C. Leucanthemum grows plentifully in one or two places in Unst. Tanacetum vulgare L.—This may be wild on the sea cliffs near Bardister, but the locality is not free from suspicion, On the other hand, Mr. Watson, of Mid Yell, told me that he believed the plant to be wild in North Yell, where he had seen it in great abundance on uncultivated ground. + Hypocheeris radicata L.—While driving into Lerwick I detected a few plants on a dry, grassy bank, on the south side of Dales Voe, growing amid a profusion of the ubiquitous Zeontodon autumnalis. Although not seen previously, and certainly very rare, I am disposed to think it native. +,Hieracium Schmidtii Tausch.—Cliffs on the north side of Roeness Voe, in several places; Bergs of Skelberry, near North Roe. (2. murorum of Edmondston probably.) “H. lasiophyllum.”-—Recorded from Shetland, in Zop. Bot, . with a query ; and by Syme from ‘ Rocks at Rona’s Voe, Shetland (Mr. Tate.) ”—I met with a plant at Roeness Voe, in one spot only, which differs from the last-named in having many more black and gland-tipped hairs about the peduncle and pericline, and in the glabrous tips to the ligules, etc., characters in which it agrees with A. /astophyllum Koch. As to whether it is truly Koch’s plant, I will report on some future occasion. It is noticeable that not one of our five commoner southern fTieracia seems to extend to Shetland. Vaccinium Vitis-Idzea L.—Mr. Nicholson remarks on the plant gathered on Hoo Field in 1888 ;—‘‘Is, I believe, a form which under cultivation is called ‘VW. V2tzs-Idca, minor,’ and retains its small leaves and compact character even when grown side by side with large-growing forms under conditions which should make it gvow out, were it not a fixed form.” The same small form occurs on Roeness Hill. I have not seen flowers or fruit on either this or VY. uligénosum, and but a single berry on V. Myrtv/lus ; while both species of Arctostaphylos fruit freely. (Linaria vulgaris L.—Very fine on the turf wall of a crofter’s garden near Collafirth ; introduced.) 216 The Scottish Naturalist. Veronica scutellata L.—By the East Mires Burn, Loch of Lumbister, Yell; a second station for this very rare species. + Oxyria digyna Hill.—Wet rocks on the south side of Roeness Voe ; abundant, over a very restricted area, from the sea level to 20teet alt: Polygonum viviparum L.—Not common; recorded from near Uyasound by Edmondston, and from Uya Island by Tate ; it also occurs on the top of Roeness Hill, and on the sea-bank at Lea of Setter, Fedaland. * Var. alpina Wahl. (forma). A very remarkable form was found at the Lea of Setter, growing with the type but not passing into it. The root-leaves were in many cases quite orbicular, in others broadly oblong-oval, the bulbils being a bright golden yellow colour. ‘The description of Wahlenberg’s variety may be applied to this plant, of which, however, it is certainly a very ex- treme form. There is nothing like it in either the British or foreign collections at the British Museum. I have, however, a plant from “ Hels, Stocke,” in my own Scandinavian collection, which approaches it in the leaves being broader than is usual in the type, and in the bulbils being of a darkish orange colour ; this is labelled “ var. alpina Wahl.” I have also another Scandinavian plant in which the leaves are broader than in the Norwegian alpina, though having the ordinary dull purple bulbils. It ap- pears, therefore, that these characters are to some extent inter- changeable ; and although the Shetland plant is a much more extreme form than any other that I have seen, it is perhaps scarcely desirable to give it a separate name. + Populus tremula L.—Cliffs on the north side of Roeness Voe, near Feal. I have no doubt that this is the “‘ P. migra” of Edmondston’s /Vora. Salix aurita L.—This is rather common in the northern part of Mainland. .S. cimerea appears to be absent from the county ; Edmondston’s Gluss Burn “‘aguatica” is S. aurvta! The S. cinerea mentioned in my 1887 report must be held to be a doubtful plant; Dr. Lange queried it as a variety of that species, but I have since thought that it may more probably be a form of SS. ambigua, an opinion which is confirmed by Dr. F. B. White, who thinks that it has nothing to do with S. cinerea. Salix ambigua Ehrh.—A pretty form of this, growing with The Scottish Naturalist. 217 the two parents, occurred on slopes above Sand Voe. (Confirmed by Dr. F. B. White.) Salix herbacea L.—Dr. Buchanan White remarks on the Shetland plant :—‘‘ The leaves seem a little more hairy than is usual in our ordinary Scottish plant.” Juniperus nana.—Dall of Lumbister, Yell. Bergs of Skel- berry, Northmaven. A single fruit was found at the latter locality ; it was certainly that of very well-marked zana. * Potamogeton Wolfgangii Kihlm.? Loch of Lumbister, Yell. Mr. A. Bennett remarks that in looking at the various forms assumed by P. heterophyllus, my plant comes nearest to the above; but that being only in flower, he cannot say that it is identical. I believe that this form is at present definitely on record from Finland only, but Mr. Bennett has little doubt that a speci- men sent him by Dr. Neuman from Norbotten, Sweden, is the same. Judging from my own collection, this form would appear to be not uncommon in Scandinavia. I possess a type specimen of P. Wolfgangii (P. salicifolius Holmén, non Wolfg.) which had been named P. gramineus L., about a year ago, by Dr. Tiselius ; thus the distribution of the plant can scarcely be yet known, its recognition being so recent. I have not myself seen any British examples, except those from Shetland, that I could refer to this form, (Phalaris canariensis—Casual at Scalloway ; and Lochend.) Avena pubescens L.—Ravine of the Estwick Burn, Olla- berry ; a second locality. Nephrodium Oreopteris Desvy.—By the mouth of the Grud Burn, Roeness Voe. Several additional Mieracia, and a large series of Ranunculus “‘ acris,” remain for a future report. ON SOME SCOTCH MOSSES OF THE GENUS GRIMMIA. By James Stirton, M.D., F.L.S. (The measurements subjoined are in micro-millimetres, except where specified as in metllimetres.) it the summer of 1866, I sent a few stems of a Grimmia (I had no more), to the late Prof. Schimper of Strasburg, who, after a considerable interval, replied that he could not identify the moss with any species then known to him; but that he could not decide on raising it to specific distinction. He requested me at 218 The Scottish Naturalist. the same time to endeavour to find more of the moss. I followed his advice during several years, but without success. The matter lay in abeyance—almost in oblivion—until three years ago; when Mr. G. Horn, of Glasgow, sent me a specimen from Glen Ogle which served to recall all the circumstances of the case. An examination of the areolation under the microscope has convinced me that the moss is undescribed, though having an affinity to Gr. elongata. ‘The reddish-brown colour of the bases of the older leaves confirms me in this opinion, as the colour is very peculiar, and is seen in very few Grimmic. The following may serve by way of diagnosis. Grimmia Horni sp. n.—Densely czspitose, when freed from earth dark or nearly black, slightly hoary on surface owing to the presence of short colourless hairs on the upper leaves; stems sparsely dichotomous, slender, free of radicles; leaves rigid, appressed to stem and straight when dry, spreading slightly when moistened, but remaining straight, shortly and broadly lanceolate (measuring on an average I°3 + ‘47 mm.), margin scarcely re- flexed near base, plane above and very slightly thickened ; nerve slightly hollow in front, hair-point nearly smooth, short, deciduous and seen only on the leaves at the summit of the stems. Areolation at centre of base smooth, cells long, narrowly rect- angular, 35-50 by 6-9; at margins of base nearly square with roundish angles, 18 by 16; cells beyond these smaller, shortly oblong, not sinuous; upper cells small, dense, and irregularly quadrate. Hab. on bare rocks in Glen Ogle (G. Horn). The leaves of Gr. elongata are not so broad, but they are nearly twice as long as those of this moss. The sharply sinuous cells so abundantly seen in Gr. elongata, and so characteristic of it, are absent from G. Horni; and altogether the differences are such as to indicate specific distinction. The moss can easily be discriminated in the field, a characteristic on which Prof. Schimper laid great stress. The areolation differs considerably from that of Gr. Stzrtonz, to which it bears, at first sight, some resemblance; while the de- lapsing stems suggest at first a dark stunted form of Gr. funafs. While on this topic I may mention that the specimens of Gr. elongata, found by the Rey. J. Fergusson, differ very considerably from authentic specimens from Norway (at least as regards those - found in Glen Callater), in the shape of the leaf as well as in The Scottish Naturalsst. 219 areolation. The peculiar reddish-brown colour at the base is, however, common to both forms; but the external characteristics differ very materially. At first sight the Glen Callater specimens could scarcely be identified with genuine specimens of Gr. elongata. I have lately received specimens of Gr. retracta from various parts of Scotland, all of which have a strong resemblance to one another. Apart from the colour, which is scarcely ever yellowish, as in Gr. Hartmanii, but dark or dark greenish, the most striking character is the beautifully recurved condition of the leaves when moistened, giving quite a squarrose appearance to tufts of the moss in wet weather. Gr. Hartman has, on the contrary, a very flaccid appearance under similar conditions. As described in a previous number of this Journal, the areolation of Gr. retracta differs materially from that of Gr. Hartmanit. There is another moss belonging to the puzzling group of which Gr. apocarpa is the centre, which has exercised me lately. It was picked up more than twenty years ago near Callander ; and, al- though I sent specimens at the time to Mr. Wilson, I am tempted to give a slight description of it now. Renewed attention has recently been directed to this group; and the extreme differences presented by the so-called varieties are so manifest that the specific distinction of several of these varieties is regarded as necessary— such as Gr. alpicola, to mention a single example. The moss now to be mentioned differs from any I have seen described; and I therefore regard it as new. Grimmia platyphylla, laxly tufted, dark green or brownish, robust ; leaves broadly ovate, or shortly ovate-lanceolate, obtuse ; at the broadest part rather more than half as broad as long, on an average, 16 by ‘g mm. ‘These dimensions do not include the hair at the point, which is as long as, and often longer than, the leaf proper, is broad at its insertion into the blunt apex, and is only slightly spinulose. ‘This hair apparently falls off during the second year. Areolation dense, nearly as in apocarpa. Margin recurved in lower half, &c.; nerve prominent on back. Capsule sessile amongst the pericheetial leaves, which overtop it, pale and wide-mouthed ; teeth red, and occasionally cribrose. In the specimen under inspection the teeth were not perfect, and the lid and calyptra were absent. 220 The Scottish Naturaltst. Hab. On rocks near Callander, in July, 1865. The stems of this moss are often an inch in length. The leaves are in shape not unlike those of G'r. crimta, though a little longer, as well as narrower at apex. This moss also bears a striking resemblance to Coscinodon crib- rosus, or rather to an enlarged and coarse condition of that species ; but in the absence of calyptra and lid I cannot venture to include it in this genus, more especially as I cannot perceive sudcz at the bases of the leaves. The areolation is alike in the two. REVISION OF SCOTCH DISCOMYCETES, By Pror. James W. H. Trait, A.M., M.D., F.L.S. (Concluded. ) Order VIII. PHAcIDIACE. Genus I. PHacipium Fr. 323. P. tetrasporum Phill. and Keith, (Scot. Vat. VI., p. 164; Ph. 388). On upper surface of green needles of Juniperus communis. June. Moray (Altyre and Dunphail). 324. P. minutissimum Awd., (Scot. Vat. VI., 164; Ph. 380). On dead leaves of Quercus Robur. June. Moray (Dunphail). 325. P. Vaccinii Fr., (M.S. 1774; Ph. 390). On dead leaves of Vaccinium Vitis-Ldeea. Tweed (Berwick) ; Tay ; Moray. 326. P. Tlicis Libert,, (M.S. 1781; Ph. 390). Plentiful on dead leaves of Jlex aquifolium / all the year; but usually in the stylosporous condition (Ceuthospora phacidiordes Grev.). Tweed ; Forth; Clyde! Tay! Dee! Moray! Ross. 327. P. Calthze Phill., (M.S. 1783; Ph. 391). On dying leaves of Caltha palustris ! resembling a Aoliisia, Summer—Autumn. 329: 330. 331- 332: 333- 334: 335: 336. 337: The Scottish Naturatsst. 231 Tay (Loch of Forfar, J.S., near St. Andrews !); Dee! (common !); *Orkney! (Birsay !). . P. Arctostaphyli Karst., (M.S. 1767, as Stictis phact- dioides Fr.; Ph. 391). On leaves of Arctostaphylos Uva-urst. Moray (Grantown); Sutherland (Lubcroy, C. Baé- ington). P. abietinum Schmidt, (M.S. 1777; Ph. 392). On fallen needles of Pzxus sylvestris, Tweed (Jedburgh). bP ind-(Asand So, (MS. 1772; Ph. 392). On bark of Pinus sylvestris. Tweed; Argyle; Moray. P. dentatum Schmidt, (M.S. 1776; Ph. 393). On dead leaves of Quercus Robur. Autumn. Forth ; Clyde! (Essachossan !) ; Tay; dZoray. P. coronatum Fr., (M.S. 1775; Ph. 394). On fallen leaves (Fagus sylvatica, Betula alba, &c.). Tweed ; Forth; Tay; Moray. P. leptideum Fr., (M.S., 1782; Ph. 395). On dead stems of Vaccinium Myrtillus at 1100 feet. August. Tay (Strathtay J.S.); Moray (Rothiemurchus). P. repandum Fr., (M.S. 1778; Ph. 395). On living stems and leaves of Asperula odorata and Sher- ardia arvensis ! Tweed; Tay; Dee! Moray. Genus II. Trocuizta Fr. T. craterium Fr., (M.S. 1819; Ph. 396). On dead leaves of Hedera Helix ! throughout the year. Tweed; Forth; Tay! Dee! Moray. T. Buxi Capron, (M.S. 1818; Ph. 397). On dead leaves of Buxus sempervirens. Tay ; Moray. T. Laurocerasi (Desm.), (M.S. 1817; Ph. 397). On dead leaves of Prunus Laurocerasus! throughout the year. Tweed ; Solway ; Aorth! Clyde; Tay! Argyle; Dee Moray! Ross. 222 The Scottish Naturalsst. Genus III. Stecia Fr. 338. S. Tlicis Fr., (M.S. 1815; Ph. 398). On dead leaves of Zlex Aguifolium, throughout the year. Tweed ; Solway; Forth; Clyde! Tay! Argyle; Dee Moray; Ross. APPENDIX. I have been favoured by Mr. Phillips with the following descrip- tions of species enumerated as Scotch in the preceding list, but which are not mentioned in his Manual of British Dis- comycetes, owing to not being known as British at the date of publication of that work. ‘‘Lachnella callimorpha (Karst.) Cups gregarious, sessile or shortly stipitate, tomentose, when fresh some- what plane, when dry sphericai, or hemispherico-contracted ; hymenium yellow, or orange-yellow; asci subclavato-cylindrical, sporidia 8, linear- fusiform, 6-8-guttate, or spuriously pluri-septate, straight, 14-19 by 2-4. Paraphyses acerose. Lachnea callimorpha, Karst. Symbole p. 250. Lachnum callt- morphum, Karst. Mycol. Fenn., p. 173. Lachnella callimorpha, Phill. Grevillea. XVL., p. 94. On dead leaves of Lriophorum angustifolium. March to May. Cups 300-500 broad. Hairs short, aseptate, colourless. Asci 40-50 by 4. Near Aberdeen! (Professor J. W. H. Trail.) Lachnella grisella (Rehm.) Cups scattered, shortly stipitate, turbinate, greyish, inclining to brown, clothed with pale brownish, or sub-hyaline flexuous simple hairs; tissue prosenchymatous; asci clavate, sub-acute at the apex, sometimes curved ; sporidia 8, oblongo-clavate, straight, or a little bent, biseriate, 7-9 by 2-2}; paraphyses filiform, slender, hyaline. Helotium grisellum Rehm. Hedwigia, 1885, p. 13, Exs. Rehm’s Asco., No. 766. On dead fronds of Preris aguilina. August. Dr. Rehm justly remarks that this is a very difficult species to detect, nestling on the under side of the leaf amongst the hairs. The cups are about 400 broad, and 300 high, sub-stipitate, or sessile; the margin is fringed with non-septate colourless hairs, 25 long by 2 broad; the asci are 35 by 5. This species comes near Lachnella aspidticola B & Br., but has a shorter stipes, is darker in colour, and has longer sporidia. Deepdale, near Kirkwall, Mainland of Orkney! (Professor J. W. Hz. Trail). 1888. The Scottish Naturaltst. 223 Ombrophila helotioides Phill. Stipitate, solitary or ceespitose, capitulate, pallid, glabrous, subgelatinous, hymenium convex, margin thin, undulating ; stem cylindrical, a little flexuous, asci cylindraceo-clavate; sporidia 8, narrowly fusiform, straight or slightly bent, 5-guttulate, 20-26 by 2-34; paraphyses filiform, hardly thickened at the apices. Ombrophila helotioides, Phill. Grevillea, vol. XVI., p. 94. On dead stems of Hguzsetum, in water. Autumn. Cup 2-4 mm. broad, the whole plant 4-8 mm. high, stem 4 mm. thick. This differs from O. c/avus in the sporidia. Park Loch, near Aberdeen! (C. B. Plowright). Patellaria Crataegi, Phill. Solitary or czespitose, erumpent, hemispherical, then patellate, the prominent margin and the exterior brownish-black; the interior whitish ; hymenium black; asci cylindrical, narrowed at the base; sporidia 8, large, narrowly clavate, often ventricose in the centre, faintly coloured, having numerous guttee, 30-60 by 5-6 in the broadest part; paraphyses adherent, filiform, clavate, brown, and septate at the apices. Fatellaria Crategi Phill. Grevillea, vol. XVII., p. 46. On twigs of Crategus. January—April. Cups $-I mm. broad ; asci 140-160 by Io. The cups break through the bark singly or in ceespitose clusters of three to five, suggesting Zympanis. PP. Crategt is nearly re- lated to P. dacilligera, Karst. | Corbie Den, near Aberdeen! (Professor J. W. H Trail). Schmitzomia Junci (Karst.) Receptacles scattered, minute, erumpent, and more or less protuberant, orbicular, urceolate, opening by a minute pore, the margin of which is almost entire and powdery white ; hymenium rosy, or pale orange , asci cylindrical ; sporidia 8, adherent, filiform, multiseptate, 120-130 by I-1}; paraphyses abundant, filiform, slender. Schmitzomia Luzule (Lib.) De Not. * Junci, Karst. Mycol. Fenn. p. 238. f£ixsi. Karst. Fung. Fenn, 931. On culms of Juncus conglomeratus. Autumn. The receptacles are 200 broad; the asci 130-170 by 6-64. The Scottish specimens evidently belong to this species, but, as they are not fully matured, I have preferred to give Dr. Karsten’s measurements and, in the main, his diagnosis. It appears to me as worthy of being recognised as a species, rather than as a variety, as many of its allies are. Syradale, Mainland of Orkney! (Professor J. W. H. Trail),” 224 The Scottish Naturaltst. NEW REOORDS FOR “ OLYDE.” By Pros.-J. W. H. TRATIE, (All measurements, unless specified, are in thousandths of a millimetre). Gy January of this year Mr. D. A. Boyd kindly sent me a list of fungi collected in Ayrshire, almost all by himself at West Kilbride, among which are several not previously recorded from Clyde, and these I subjoin. The number following each is that under which it stands in the Mycologia Scotica. The species were verified by either Dr. Keith or Dr. Cooke. Mr. Boyd also sent me some materials collected by himself at West Kilbride during the winter, among which I have found some species of fungi new to the country, and others new to Clyde, though previously recorded from other parts of Scotland ; they follow as a separate list. * Denotes that the fungus is not re- corded in the Mycologia Scotica or in its supplements in this Journal as Scotch. FUNGI RECORDED FROM Mr, Boyp’s List. Cystopus spinulosus De Bary, 1307. Uromyces Alchemillz (Pers.), 1275, as Uromyces intrusa Ley. Puccinia Primule (D.C.) Grev., 1224. P. Lychnidearum Link, 1261. P. Malvacearum Mont., Scot. Vat., VI., 119. Melampsora farinosa (Pers.), 1304, as J. salicuna Lev. *Helvella lacunosa Afz., 1525. *Rhizina undulata Fr., 1547. Lachnella sulphurea (Pers.), 1629, as Pezvza. Calloria xanthostigma (Fr.), 1668, as Pezvza. C. leucostigma (Fr.), 1669, as Pezza. Patellaria atrata (Hedw.), 1724. Rhytisma salicinum Fr., 1786. Torrubia militaris Fr., 1852. Nectria sanguinea Fr., 1879. N. Ribis (Tode) Oud. Hypoxylon coccineum Bull., 1925. H. fuscum Fr., 1927. The Scottish Naturalist. 225 Oospora ovalispora (Berk.) Sacc. & Vogl., 1192, as Zorula ovali- | spora Berk. *Isaria farinosa (Dicks.) Fr. *Pezziza domestica Sow. Sent me by Mr. W. Stewart on wall- paper from near Glasgow, in December, 1888. Funci detected by me on material sent by Mr. Boyp in January, 1889, from West Kilbride. A good deal more awaits examin- ation. Lophodermium arundinaceum (Schrad.) Chev. (1809, as Hysterium), on dead leaves of Psamma arenarva. Sporomega cladophila (Lev.) Duby., 1811, on twigs of Vace. Myrtillus. Gibbera Vaccinii (Sow.) Fr. On stems of V. Vitis Idaeus. Phyllosticta Ligustri Sacc. On leaves of Ligustrum vulgare. P. Teucrii S. & Sp. On leaf of Zeucrium Scorodonia. *Phoma Miilleri Cooke. On twigs of Rubus Idaeus. *P, Landeghemiz (Nits.) Sacc. On twigs of Philadelphus coron- ars. P. cylindrospora (Desm.) Sacc. On leaves of Rhododendron, Sporules 15-18 by 23-3: of Escallonia macrantha, Sporules 13-17 by 2-253; and of Pyrus communis, Sporules 15 by 24. *Coniothyrium Fuckelii Sacc. On twigs of Rubus [deus. *Ascochyta pallor B. & Br. On twigs of Rubus Idaus. (Cke. Hbk., p. 455.) Diplodina Ammophile Trail. On leaves of Ammophila arun- dinacea. Hendersonia sarmentorum West., f. Berberidis. On twigs of Berberis vulgaris. *Leptothyrium Rubi (Duby) Sacc. On leaf of Rubus fruticosus. Phoma Mulleri Cooke. Pycnidia innate, pale brown, thin, scattered, spherical, roo-120 diam.; sporules ellipsoid, 5-9 by 23-4, 8-12 by 23-3, hyaline, usually biguttulate. On twigs of Rubus [deus in winter. Phoma Landeghemiz (Nits.) Sacc. Pycnidia innate, pale brown, thin, spherical, 45-50 diam.; sporules narrowly ellipsoid, 5-8 by 23-3, hyaline. On twigs of Philadelphus coronartus in winter. Coniothyrium Fuckelii Sacc. Pycnidia innate, black, scattered, spherical, about 200 or 220 diam., ostiole P 226 The Scottish Naturalist. short; sporules abundant, round or slightly elliptical, 23-6 by 2-4, pale brown. On twigs of Rubus Idwus from’ West Kilbride. I found this near Aberdeen, in January, on twigs of Salix cinerea, in company with Leptospheria Coniothyrium Sacc., of which Saccardo considers it the spermogonium. Hendersonia sarmentorum West. forma nova Berberidis. Differs from the type only in the size of the sporules, which vary from 12 to 17 by 4 to 5. Intermixed with them in some pycnidia were sporules like those of Diplodia microsporella Sacc., which measured 8-11 by 4-43. On twigs of Berberis vulgaris in winter. Leptothyrium Rubi (Duby) Sacc. Pycnidia sparingly scattered over both surfaces of yellow or whitish spots on the dying or dead leaves of Rubus fruticosus, clypeate, black, 150-200 in diam.; sporules cylindrical, ends truncate, 4-5 by #-1, hyaline. SCOTTISH GALLS. BY PROF, JAMES W. H. TRAIL. URING the interval that has elapsed since the publication, in July 1887, of the last of my notes on “ Scottish Galls” in this Journal, so few new forms have fallen under my observa- tion as to confirm the beliefs expressed in that paper that few and only inconspicuous additions are to be expected to our lists, and that the galls of Scotland are fewer and less varied than those of similar areas on the continent of Europe. A few new forms, however, have been recently found by myself, and Dr. White has, as on former occasions, kindly forwarded others from Perthshire which extends the recorded area of distri- bution of certain species of Gall-makers. As in my earlier papers of this series, the galls are mentioned in the systematic order of the plants on which they occur for convenience of reference. It may be of use to those desirous to know where to find in- formation with regard to the galls of Scotland to mention that the galls of several groups have been treated of in their systematic order of the gall-makers, viz., the Dzfzera in this Journal in the year 1888, and the Hymenoptera in the Proceedings of the Perth- The Scottish Naturalist. 227 shire Society of Natural Science, in two papers, viz., “ Dimorphism in Oak-galls and their Makers” in Vol. I., Part IV, 1883-4, and “The Gall-making Hymenoptera of Scotland exclusive of those that live on Oaks,” in 1888. In the latter paper I inadvertently omitted to refer to a record by Mr. P. Cameron (Zvans. Vat. Fist. Soc., Glasgow. New Series, I., p. 297, 1887) of a gall on Lathyrus macrorhizus, found near Kirkcaldy by Mr. Ewing, of which I quote Mr. Cameron’s description below. Ononis spinosa L. On Tents Moor in Fife, on the sandy slope near the mouth of the River Eden, I found in the beginning of August galls of a mite (Phytopius). These consisted in distortions of the buds, which were grouped into clusters, or occurred singly here and there on low stunted plants, among short herbage closely cropped by rabbits. The affected buds individually may reach a diameter of from 4 to 6 mm.; but the whole mass of buds may be from 20 to 30 mm. across. ‘The leaves in the buds remain small or abortive, while the stipules seem little altered in size, or may even be enlarged. The axillary buds are stimulated into growth; but re- main stunted. All parts are paler green than in the healthy condition, and bear pale hairs among which the mites live. Usually only certain branches on the plants were altered, the others remaining healthy. This gall has been recorded by several writers on the Continent of Europe, of whom the first was Dr. Thomas (/Vova ag htop Carol, Akad. 1876; p: 262,pli LH. f.. rr); who described it from material on O. spinosa in Prof. Braun’s herbarium from Carlsruhe, and from fresh specimens found by himself on O. vefens near Jena, and by Prof. Magnus near Warnemiinde. Dr. Low has ob- served it on O. spinosa in Austria; Dr. Schlechtendal on the same plant at Merseburg ; and Herr Liebel on both species in Lorraine ; hence it is evidently widely spread in Central Europe, Vicia hirsuta Koch. On this vetch I found, in August, near St. Andrews, galls that were evidently the work of a Weevil, and probably belong to Apion Gyllenhallit Schk. already recorded by myself in this Journal as 228 The Scottish Naturalist. forming galls on Vicia sepium and on V. Cracca, on which last plant I found the galls in the same neigh- bourhood. The galls on V. hirsuta, like those on the other vetches named, form swellings on the stems, usually at the origin of a branch or leaf, or on the peduncles near their base. The affected axis swells almost uniformly all round to twice or thrice its natural size, passing gradually at each end into the thinner por- tions. The surface is much like that of the healthy stem, but is usually yellowish-green in colour. In the relatively large central cavity lives the solitary larva. Lathyrus macrorrhizus Wimm. For this species, on which I have not myself found galls, I quote Mr. Cameron’s description of, and remarks on the specimen found by Mr. Ewing near Kirkcaldy. ‘It is an irregular swelling, bent in the middle, having a length of from 7 to 8 lines, and a breadth of from 4 to 5 lines. Internally it is hard and woody. ... It is not unlike some of the galis of Aulax Hteraci found at the roots of the Weracia ; and I am inclined to believe that an Aulax may be the maker.” Saxifraga aizoides L. The branches of this saxifrage are liable to be distorted by the attacks of a species of Phytoptus. On the leafy shoots the leaves remain small and imbricated, or may even be abortive. The inflor- escences also may be affected, the flowers passing into the “ virescent” condition. ‘The examples seen by me were not markedly hairy, though the epiderm bore a few irregular ill-formed hairs. Dr. White sent me examples, in July, 1887, from Perthshire; and, in September, 1888, I found it not uncommon near Dalmally in Argyllshire. This gall was first recorded by Dr. Thomas, in 1872, from the Via Mala in Switzerland, where he found it with Aazry leaves. He afterwards ob- tained it like our Scotch form. Dr. Low records it, under the latter form, from the Tyrol. Ribes nigrum L. The swollen bud-galls on this plant caused by mites (PAytoptus) have been known to occur in the neighbourhood of Glasgow, and elsewhere in the South of Scotland for a good many years; but as I had not The Scottish Naturalast. 229 myself met with them I had not occasion to refer to them in my earlier papers. However, specimens were sent me in May, 1889, by Dr. Robertson from Errol in Perthshire. The appearance of the infested buds is well shown in Murray’s ‘‘Economic Entomology” (1877, Pp. 355) in a woodcut. The bushes frequently suffer very severe injuries from this pest, which it is next to impossible to extirpate except by rooting out and burn- ing the plants. I have not met with any record of the occurrence of this gall on the Continent of Europe. Centaurea Scabiosa L. Along the footpath at the top of Salix. Kincraig Cliffs, near Elie in Fife, I found in August of the present year, numerous examples of galls of a mite (Phytoptus) on the leaves, especially on those growing close to the ground. On some of the weaker stems and branches almost every leaf bore the galls, many leaves being more or less covered by them. They are like blisters in the leaf-tissue, scattered over the surface with- out any definite order, and often two or more are fused together more or less completely. The individual galls are usually circular in outline, + to 2} mm. across, and lenticular in section, which seldom equals 1 mm. At first they are pale yellowish-green, but this changes into a rusty or dull purplish brown, becoming dark brown after the death of the tissues. On the upper surface there is usually a paler patch of thin epiderm, perforated by a hole for the entrance or exit of the mites. These are generally few, and live among the loosely grouped cells of the mesophyll, which is the part most altered by the suction of the mites. This gall is very similar to the blister galls of Prytoptus in the pinnee of the Mountain Ash, that are so common in many localities of Scotland, Dr. Thomas records the galls on C. Scadzosa (2. ¢., p. 266) from Upper Bavaria, at 730 metres (about 2400 ft.) above the sea; but I find no other mention of their occurrence. | I am indebted to the kindness of Dr. White for galls on various species of this difficult genus, as already re- corded in my papers above referred to on the Gall- making Hymenoptera and Diptera of Scotland. In so 230 The Scottish Naturalist. far as these have not been included yet in any papers of the series on “ Scottish Galls,” a reference to them may be permitted here; and for additional information on the Willow-Gall-making Hymenoptera, reference should be made to Vol. IT. of the Monograph by Mr. Cameron in the Ray Society’s publications (1885). S. triandra L. Male catkins galled by Cecidomyia heterobia H. Loew (C. saligna Hardy, Trans. Bot. Soc., Edin., IV. 78), and rosette-like galls on tips of twigs are the work of the same midge, which owes its name (Aefevos mean- ing varied, and dios meaning /ife) to this diversity of its galls. The affected catkins become swollen, hairy, and deformed. Galls of both forms were sent me from near Perth by Dr. White. Nematus Salicis-cineree (Retz.) Thoms., has been already re- corded in these notes as a gall-maker from various willows in Scotland; and Dr. White has sent me the galls from Perth on §. puberula Doll (zgricans x cinerea). &. purpurea var. Lambertiana, and 8. rubra var. viminaloides in addition to previous records. Nematus gallicola Westw. and Steph., in addition to several host plants previously mentioned galls have been sent me from Perth by Dr. White, on Salix decipiens, S. alba var. caerulea, S. triandra var. concolor, S. ferruginea, and §. cinerea x phylicifolia. In conclusion I may note a few new localities for galls already de- scribed by me in ‘Scottish Galls.” Most of these localities are in Fifeshire, either around St. Andrews in the Province of “Tay,” or near Elie and elsewhere in ‘“‘ Forth,” and rest on my own observations. Stellaria graminea L. (Scot, Vat. 1884, p. 208). The | pseudogalls of mites (Phytoptus), consisting of contorted leaves, are of rather common occurrence in the valley of the Dee, and in Fifeshire both in the Tay and in the Forth basins. Geranium sanguineum L. (Scot. Vat. II., 32). The clus- tered galls of Phytoptus Geranit are very plentiful on Kincraig Point near Elie, on the Firth of Forth. The Scottish Naturalest. 231 Acer pseudopiatanus L. (Scot. Wat. 1V., 14). The galls of Phytoptus, known as Ceratoneon vulgare, and those known as Hrineum acerinum, occurred in various places in Fife in both river basins. Lotus corniculatus L. The leaf-bud galls of Cecidomyia Loti De Geer were found by me on Tents Moor and near Elie. Astragalus hypoglottis L. (Scot. Wat. II, 78). The leaf galls of Cecidomyia (?Onobrychidis Bremi) are common beside the footpaths along the top of Kincraig Cliffs. Vicia Cracca L. (Scot. Wat. IL, 78). Leaf gails of Cecedomyia Viciae Kieffer are common in all parts of Fife. Lathyrus pratensis L. (Scot. Nat. II., 78). Leaf galls of Cecidomyia were found by me in both river basins in Fife. Crategus Oxyacantha L. (Scot. Nat. II., 79). Rosette- galls of Cecidomyia Crategi Winn., occurred in various parts of Fife, rather sparingly in most places, but com- monly in the hedges near Elie. Sedum Rhodiola L. (Scot. Nat. VI., 256). Dr. White has recently forwarded to me from Perthshire this gall, pre- viously recorded by me as Scotch from examples found by him on Ben Blabhein in Skye. Pimpinella Saxifraga L. (Scot. Wat. I., 125, and IV., 15). The fruits galled by Asphondylia Pimpinelle F. Lw., are plentiful in August on Kincraig Point. Heracleum Sphondylium L. (Scot. Nat. IV., 15). The pseudogalls of Cecedomyia corrugans F. Lw., are very common in all parts of Fifeshire. Tanacetum vulgare L. (Scot. Wat. VI., 256). The pseudo- galls of /’hytoptus occurred in the neighbourhood of St. Andrews. Senecio aquaticus L. (Scot. Wat. IV., 15). The heads | swollen by the action of midges occur not uncommonly in various parts of Fife. Fraxinus excelsior L. (Scot. Wat. I., 158, II., 352). The mid-rib galls of Diplosis botularia Winn., though not plentiful in Fife apparently, were found near St. Andrews and near Elie; and also on the Castle Island in Loch Leven. ; 232 The Scottish Naturalist. Veronica Chamaedrys L. (Scot. Nat. I., 158). The mite- galls, tenanted usually by midge larvee, are of very com- mon occurrence everywhere. Polygonum amphibium L. var. terrestre (Scot. Wat. IL, 253). The galls of Cecidomyia Persicarie L. were found by me near St. Andrews. Betula alba L. (Scot. Wat. I1., 304, c.). Blister-galls on the leaves, the work of a Cectdomyia, are common on Tents Moor. Juncus acutiflorus Ehrh. I found the pseudo-gall of Livia Juncorum Lat. on the coast near St. Andrews. ‘This gall is very common in Orkney, indeed it will probably be found wherever it is looked for. Elymus arenarius L. I looked in vain on the roots of this grass on the coast near St. Andrews, and along Tents Moor for the galls of Zylenchus Horde: Schoyen. They are so common near Aberdeen that their absence along the Fifeshire coast deserves notice. I have been told that the grass was introduced there some years ago, and that it is spreading rapidly. It is now abundant on that coast, but the gallmakers have not yet found it out, apparently. Agropyrum Donianum. A Correction.—In the “ Proceedings of the Perthshire Soc. Nat. Sc.,” Vol. I. p. xli, I suggested the name Aqropyrum Donianwn for the grass known at one time as Triticum alpinum Don MS., but lately supposed to be identical with 4. violacewm Horn. One of the characters, on account of which it seemed to me distinct from the latter, is the production of creeping stolons, 4. violacewm being described as alto- gether destitute of these. But it seems from what Professor Hackel tells me that 4. violacewm does sometimes produce stolons, though these differ from the long scaly ones of A. repens in being short and scalele:s, which is also the character of the stolons in A. Donianum. The great distinction (but not the only one) between 4. Donianum and A. violuceum is in the structure of the inner palea. In the former the ribs of the palea form short lateral awns, small and rudimentary at an early stage, but becoming conspicuous as the fruit matures. If this character is constant, and I believe that it is, the specific separation of 4. Donianum from A. violaceum is, Professor Hackel says, justified. F,. BUCHANAN WHITE. The Scottish Naturalist. 233 SECOND REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE, consisting of Mr. A. W. Wits (Chairman), Mr. E. W. BapceEr, and Professor HILiLHoussE, for the purpose of collecting information as to the Disappearance of Native plants from their Local Habitats. By Professor HILLHOUSE, Secretary. (Published in the Journal of Botany in December, 1889.) Reviewed by James W. H. Trait, A.M., M.D., F.L.S. THE meeting of the British Association at Newcastle in 1889 will be memorable in the annals of British botany as that at which appeared the first (though nominally the second) of what ought to prove a series of reports of great interest and ever-increasing value, as historical documents fitted to throw much light on several of the more obscure problems of plant distribution in our islands, and upon the history of the effects produced upon a flora by the changed conditions and agencies incident to the progress of civilization. It may be that through the information thus stored up light will also be thrown on some of the problems at present exercising the minds of evolutionists. Nor should a more direct benefit be overlooked in the service that such reports are likely to perform by directing attention, in the case of rare plants, to the danger of their extirpation through carlessness of landowners, or through rapacity on the part of collectors, whether so called botanists eager to collect numerous duplicates, or certain nurserymen or local guides, aiming at gain by the sale of living plants of species in peculiar demand as rare or - local. For these and other reasons all botanists must cordially sympathise with the objects that the British Association seeks to promote through its committee; and all must desire to assist in rendering the annual reports as instructive and accurate in every way as it is possible to makethem. A careful analysis of this first report may help to indicate in what respects the same lines should be followed in future, and in what they are open to alteration with advantage. Dealing exclusively as the report does with Scotch plants, it seems not unfitting that it should be critically examined in this journal, devoted in part to the promotion of the study of the Scotch flora. 234 Lhe Scottish Naturalist. The Committee in 1887 issued a circular to local botanists’ societies and field-clubs asking the following questions :— “1, Have any plants, of comparative rarity or otherwise, disappeared from your local flora in recent years? If so, kindly enumerate them, specifying the original habitat of each, and giving the cause, or probable cause, of extirpation so far as known to you. “2. As above, but referring to partial instead of complete disappearance. “¢3. If you know personally of any cases of extirpation, partial or complete, in localities other than your own, please give them. “4. To what extent do you think that the partial or complete disappearance of plants from any localities known to you was, or may be made in the future, subject to public or private control ?” We are informed that ‘“‘the Committee” has published in this Report ‘such portion of the materials placed at its disposal as, for any reason, it considers desirable to publish. It has ex- cluded a considerable number of plants of little interest, and especially such as the records show to be recent introductions, casuals, escapes, &c., the loss of which is only a return, therefore, to an earlier, but still recent, state. Nearly all the records are on the authority of some competent botanist resident in the locality, and whose initials, or some distinguishing initials, are given. As has been pointed out by more than one correspondent, scarce plants occasionally well-nigh disappear in particular seasons, and hence the records of other than frequent visitors are not fully reliable.” With the desire thus indicated to ensure the inciusion in the report of nothing but reliable information, all botanists will cordially agree, as well as with the interesting preliminary remarks regarding the causes of the increasing rarity of rare and local species, even of those that cannot be said to be, as yet, in serious danger of extirpation. ‘But an investigation of the remarks under the various species must suggest to the minds of botanists that are familiar with the topographical records of the Scotch flora, that in the preparation of such reports it is most desirable that all the material supplied to the Committee should be submitted to the revision of one or more botanists personally familiar with the flora of the district or districts treated in each report, whether they be members of the Committee, or other botanists, from whom, doubtless, there The Scottish Naturalest. 235 would be neo real difficulty in procuring the requisite assistance. It would also add much to the value of the reports were the names of the correspondents given once at least in full, to authenticate the information supplied by them. As to the advisability of recording the disappearance of recent introductions, casuals, escapes, &c., we are of opinion that it is of real value to note the occurrence of such plants (duly indicated as to their true nature in any locality), as affording a means of tracing the progress and rate of naturalisation in certain localities of certain species; and the disappearance of such plants is also worth a record, as tending to elucidate the conditions that regulate the ‘‘survival of the fittest,” or, in other words, the reasons why certain forms become dominant and others succumb in the struggle. But whatever the views entertained on this point, there can be no question that, so far as possible, the various species of such plants should receive uniform treatment, and this is scarcely granted to them in the report; certain species being admitted into it though confessedly “abnormal,” or “not native” in the localities from which they are reported to have dis- appeared ; while others, with probably an equal claim to be mentioned, have been excluded. Again, with regard to undoubtedly native species, not a few have been mentioned as “extinct,” on evidence that cannot be regarded as in any way satisfactory, since it would be scarcely possible to extirpate them, except by a change in their environ- ments so great as to be most unlikely to occur over a moderately wide area. In such cases it is most improbable that a careful search would fail to prove the continued existence of the species in their old localities, 2.c. assuming that the earlier records were based on correct identification, which may in a few cases be reasonably doubted. Among such reported extirpations are most of those reported for ‘‘ Mid-Aberdeen ;” for it can scarcely be supposed that the following plants can have become wholly extinct in that district, viz.:—Z7vollius europaeus, 1..; Lotus pilosus, Beeke; Drosera anglica, Huds. (also reported as “extinct in Kincardine,” in which county it is in truth common, though local); Aippuris vulgaris L.; Utricularia vulgaris L., and U. minor L.; three species of Sparganium ; and Lgutsetum hyemale L.; and the same probably holds good of Botrychium Lunaria L., on the Pentland Hills. The causes assigned for the disappear- 236 The Scottish Naturalest. ance of Lotus pilosus from Mid-Aberdeen (‘from cultivation,”) and of Pyrola media Sw. from White Hills, Colvend (“through sheep-grazing,”) are much at variance with the behaviour of both plants in the neighbourhood of Aberdeen. There ZL. pzlosus is plentiful in at least one cultivated field, while the field is in grass ; and P. media is abundant, on a grassy spot on a moor regularly pastured by sheep, though seldom permitted to flower, and is thus liable to be overlooked. Lchium vulgare L., “nearly extinct, through cultivation, in the Black Isle,” is another plant that holds its own very well in cultivated ground in some localities at least, eg. at St. Cyrus, near Montrose. Turning now to the consideration of some of the rarer or more local species, of which there is reason to believe that in all proba- bility they do not now exist in the localties from which they are reported to have disappeared, it is evident at the first glance that these fall under several heads, which may (with one or two excep- tions) be summed up briefly thus :— I. Species included in local lists on old records, but not seen in these localities thus recorded for many years. In this group are included Glaucium flavum Crantz,and Lryngium maritimum.., both now extinct on the north-east coast of Scotland, though so described in old records as to preclude the supposition of error. The Rev. E. S. Marshall suggests (zz Z¢¢) that both may have been introduced in ballast, but the localities recorded negative that conjecture ; and their known distribution renders their former occurrence as recorded not improbable. ‘Their disappearance may have been due to both plants being so conspicuous as to attract the attention of passers by, while so scarce as to have been readily extirpated. It can scarcely be laid to the charge of botanists or collectors, who were too few in the district in question to have been dangerous to the plants. 2. Species that have disappeared from certain localities owing to the effects of altered conditions usually from drainage or culti- vation. In this list may be included Dzanthus Armeria L., pro- bably native near Glencarse station, ‘ entirely destroyed through cultivation.” Hypericum perforatum L., near Cromarty Nursery (through cultivation). HZ. guadrangulum L. (“ eaten by cattle or trodden down,” may it not have been overlooked?) ; Linnea borealis Gron., ‘‘ through cultivation,” (the cutting down of the The Scottish Naturalist. 237 woods alone do not suffice to destroy this plant in Aberdeenshire at least) ; Aoneses grandiflora Salisb., at Brodie from the wood being cut down; Scheuchzeria palustris L., in Methven Bog, “ pro- bably from the settlement there of blackheaded gulls”; Carex limosa L., “ from Maxwelltown Loch, through drainage”; AZelica uniflora Retz., from near Golspie, from natural drainage of the spot through a channel formed by an uprooted tree (no previous record for East Sutherland ; has this been verified ?). Probably many other local records of disappearance of certain species through cultivation or drainage could be added to the above by field botanists. 3. Native species extirpated by the rapacity of collectors, whether botanists, dealers, or fern growers. It is scarcely possible to separate the evil results of the action of certain botanists from those due to other collectors, though the latter peculiarly affect the ferns, while the former are more dangerous to the very rare and local species. Fortunately many of the alpine plants grow in situations from which it is almost or altogether impossible to extirpate them, or are so readily overlooked as to escape detec- tion. Among the species that have suffered from the rapacity of col- lectors are:—Lychnis Viscarra L., in Midlothian; Oxytropis uralensis D.C., near Invergordon (is this really extinct, or not rather overlooked? the cause assigned scarcely seems adequate to the effect); O. campestris D.C., rocks at Bradoomy, Clova; Lathyrus niger Wimm., in Killiecrankie Pass; Pyrus Aria Sm., in various localities; Phyllodoce taxifolia Salisb., on the Sow of Athol, nearly extirpated for sale; (Mr. Marshall writes, “‘ There is a specimen in Herb. Hanbury labelled Avzemore ; and it is not likely to be really confined to one station. The stationmaster told me that it was said to grow on the Boar of Badenoch”). Moneses grandiflora Salisb., in various districts ; Ajuga pyramidalis L., near Dingwall ; Paris guadrifolia L., near Inverness, and, per- haps, Juncus balticus Willd., near Aberdeen. Many species of Ferns are mentioned as almost or entirely extirpated in various localities ; but for the details the Report must be referred to. 4. Species not native (and in few cases not even naturalised) in the districts from which they are reported as having been extir- pated. Among these a few are noted as “ not native ;” but most are included in the list with no indication of their true relation to 238 The Scottish Naturalist. ‘the flora of Scotland. The plants that fall under this head are Meconopsis cambrica Vig., in Midlothian; Sedum reflexum L., on a wall near Elgin, ‘‘ disappeared through repairs ; not native ;” Stlybum Marianum Geertn., on rocks near Tarbetness Lighthouse; Asperugo procumbens L., near Balnahuish on the Dornoch Firth; Atropa Belladonna L., at Renlop Abbey, near Elgin, “ by extrac- tion, on account of the accidents it had caused,” and “ near Ganlude ;” Ayuscyamus niger, near Avoch, on the Moray Firth. 5. Records probably, or evidently, founded on erroneous identifications. Lactuca alpina Benth., is most unlikely to have occurred, even ‘‘abnormally, on the Coreen Hills at about 700 feet ;” and the record, to deserve insertion, should have been verified by a speci- men from the actual plant. It appears a more probable explana- tion that a plant of Chicory (which sometimes occurs as a “ casual” in Aberdeenshire), had been mistaken for and recorded as L. alpina. “ Primula scotica Hook. Marsh near Edinburgh, Pentland Hills; practically extirpated,” is most clearly due to error, as P. scotica is not a marsh plant, and certainly is not a plant of the South of Scotland. It would be idle even to conjecture what has given origin to so evident an error. There are a few plants noted in the Reports that do not fall clearly under any of the groups into which we have divided the others, and with regard to which, if the record is in each case correct, the cause of disappearance is not obvious; e.g., “ Agri monia Eupatoria L., becoming very scarce in Glen Urquhart ;” and “Vaccinium Oxycoccos L., formerly on a piece of mossy land on the uplands north of Mealfourvouny, a hill of Old Red Sand- stone conglomerata, above 3000 feet.” In addition to the quotations already given from the Rev. E. S. Marshall’s letter, the following notes on plants mentioned in this Report should be quoted :—“ Zychuzs aljina L., in many hundreds in Little Culrannoch in July, 1888! Oxytropis campestris, D.C. Plenty in Glen Fiagh, July 1888, very easy to get; dozens of seed- lings at the base of the rocks ; deer browze off the flowers, where they can reach them. Lactuca alpina L. If found ‘abnormally’ is it worth making a fuss about? Plenty seen on Lochnagar in 1886 ! and (inaccessible) in Corrie Cander in 1887 (Hanbury and Lintons).” The Scottish Naturales. 239 “Ben Lawers is very much hunted ; still Alszze rudella is in quantity on one set of rocks; Saxifraga cernua is not so very scarce in its limited area ; and the supply of Gentiana nivalis de- pends upon the seasons, what is got being mostly ‘seeded down’ from above.” In conclusion, though we may not agree with all the statements that find a place in the Report, we hail with pleasure its appear- ance, as we trust the forerunner of a series ever more and more valuable as years roll on, and we recognise with gratitude the labour expended on it by the Committee in sifting the corres- ’ pondence. Agrostis canina, L. var. Scotica Hackel zn lit,—An alpine form of Agrostis canina, which occurs on Ben Eay in West Ross, Professor E. Hackel has thus kindly named for me. He tells me that it is intermediate between A. rubra, Wahl. and true A. canina. Like the latter it has two sub-varieties :—aristata and mutica. From true canina it differs in the much larger spikelets, depaunerate panicle, etc. A rubra may be distinguished from it by its flat radical leaves, strongly tufted growth without runners, etc. A. canina, var. Scotica occurred in both forms on Ben Slioch also. GozCs) DRUCE. Pseudathyrium flexile, Syme in Hasterness.—In 1888 I gathered a fern in an immature state on the Cairngorms (the precise locality of which, for obvious reasons, I withhold), which I have’since cultivated in the Oxford Botanic Garden. Dr. Buchanan White agrees in my determination pf itas P. flexile, although it is not absolutely identical with the Ben Alder onlant. This is, I believe, a new record for Easterness. } G. ©; DRUCE. REVIEWS, ILLUSTRATED MONOGRAPH OF BRITISH HIERACIA. By FREDERICK J. Hanpury, F.L.S. THE two first parts of this work have been published, and deserve high praise for the fulness of the information on the species and varieties treated of in them. The plates are most successful in reproducing the aspect of each plant. We heartily commend this Monograph to our readers ; and look forward eagerly to its completion, as a most valuable contribution to the botany of Scotland especially. 240 The Scottish Naturalist. AN ILLUSTRATED MANUAL OF BRITISH BIRDS. BY HOWARD SAUNDERS F.L.S., F.Z.S., &C. (GURNEY & JACKSON, LONDON). In this Journal, in July, 1888, we had occasion to notice the issue of parts 1 and 2 of this work in terms of praise ; and now, on the completion of the book we gladly take the opportunity of again commending it to the notice of our readers, assured that an inspection of it will be its best advocate to favour. The twenty parts in which it was published, and which appeared with unfailing regularity each month since its commencement, together form a handsome volume of 750 pages, illustrated with 367 admirable woodcuts of the birds, mostly reproductions from Yarrell’s works, and 3 maps explanatory of distribu- tion and migration. Two pages of letter-press have been devoted to each species, which necessarily leads to somewhat unequal treatment of the species in some cases ; yet the information with regard to almost all is full and up to the date of publication of the part, while an appendix affords the means of adding the facts regarding each that have come to light during the past year. Under each species are given the description of the adult sexes and of the immature conditions, the distribution in Britain of the resident and migratory species, the various occurrences in Britain of the rarer visitors, and the dis- tribution of each species beyond our own country, as well as points of special interest in the habits of each. The genera are characterized fully in an introduction, published with the concluding part of the volume. It is to be regretted that the families also are not defined in this introduction, instead of being merely named. In these latter days the systems of ornithological classification have been so changed that it is somewhat difficult for anyone not a specialist in ornithology to follow the later developments, and to obtain a clear conception of the basis of classifica- tion without direct reference to books that are not very likely to be within easy reach of those for whom this Manual is intended, and by whom it will be most made use of. + But despite this omission the ///ustrated Manual of British Birds muse take high rank as the most recent and thoroughly reliable work upon the subject of which it treats, while its price puts it within the reach of many to whom such works as Yarrell’s History of British Birds are inaccessible. THE BUTTERFLY, ITS LIFE-HISTORY AND ATTRIBUTES, By JOHN STUTTARD. WE cannot congratulate the author of this little work on his success, ‘* the first fruits of studies in Entomology,” or recommend him to persevere as an author until an acquaintance with his subject and with the meanings of words can justify him in the effort to instruct others, however sincere may be his desire to do so. For the present the ‘‘ strong mental stimulus” appears to have proved too much for his mental digestion ; and the product ‘‘ offered to that wider constituency who can only hear with their eyes what others have seen with their ears” is apt to remind one of Mark Twain’s well-known English-German history of the unfortunate washerwoman’s toe. oes Sia! Ye 3 Pet ll a 1 ecaineeer ey Price 1s. ‘per Sabor. or 4s. 4d. per annum, post free. . : oe Edited by JOHN W. TAYLOR, St. Ann’s Printing Works, Leeds. ‘To: aehoth all Bbc Office Orders should be made payable, and all communi¢a- - tions: addressed. e os ; See : TAYLOR BROS., St. ANN STREET. * Bertin; R. FRIEDLANDER & SOHN, Cantsrrasse, 11, be meet Lonpon : HARDWICKE & BOGUE, 192 PiccApinty, W. MN ILLUSTRATED MANUAL OF BRITISH BIRDS. - BY HOWARD SAUNDERS, FIGS FUSS BICs \ oi "Editor of theThird “and Pout Volumes. of “Yarrell’s ee fs : - _ History of British Birds,” Fourth Edition. To Be Pe enacts: in about Twenty Monthly RPAUS, y fracé ONE SHILLING : Bach. PROSPECTUS ON APPLICATION. ee GURN SU bx TACK SON, cd PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON. MSitiscae to Mr. Vee VOORST). On the ist of a Month, price Sixpence, 24 pp. Sua, THE, ENTOMOLOGIST’S MONTHLY MAGAZINE. “Conducted by Cy Gr BARRETT S$ J2W. DOUGLAS); a W. FOWLER, MLA. F.LS.; RB. ero Bl Ri eg Dv le. 8.3 Ee SAUNDERS | B. ie S.;.and H. T. St AINTON, F.R, S. : os “This Magazine was pomumeniced 3 in 1864, ant its pages are’ princ.patly devo to information respecting British Entomology ~Lonpon : JOHN VAN VOORST, 1 PatEerNnosTeR Row, E.C. NB. —The volumes commence. with’ the June number in each year. Sub- _.. Seriptions (6s. per. volume, post free) should be forwarded to the Editors at the - above Aor rEsS. 5 EDITED BY: ey THE FIELD CLUB is i aiisied wink the view of Saupleee a means - of communication between lovers of Natural History in its widest sense, and especially between the Members of the leading Field Clubs and — Natural History Societies in the United Kingdom. particularly of the subjects which come within . the province of these — Societies, and at the same time will give attention, to such branches of ~ Natural History as may interest the more general reader; and “popular? treatment will, in all cases, be combined with scientific accuracy. a Articles on Economic Zoology will from time to time appear, the - me use of agriculturists and others. - The Collector and his wants will be carefully considered. Gniae the = _. title of THe Ovur-poor Narvratist, helpful papers will appear in the — earlier numbers, with instructions for the preparation of specimens for — “UNSCIEN TIFIC READERS. THE ODOR E WOOD. “a : It will treat more _ * the collection, and the varions other branches of indoor work. yeh A special column will be devoted to Notes on the Occurrence of Rare. Birds, Insects, &c., the appearance of the Summer and Autumn migrants, and other circumstances of general interest.- establish an Exchange Column, advertisements in which will be inserted — 2 - free of charge to subscribers. THE FIELD CLUB can be had for localization by Natural ey: | and Field Clubs at very reasonable terms, which may be learned fromp, the publisher. The scope and general character of THE FIELD CLUB will “be: : indicated by the following subjects, which will be treated in the PARiOn numbers :— The True Status of the Sparrow | The Five Senses of Insects Setting and Preserving Beetles Electricity in Animals The Spread of the Hessian Fly The Fresh and Salt Water Aquarium British Bats What is the Duckbill ? Fish out of Water Insect Artillery The Cuckoo and Its Eggs New Work for New Workers Bird Preservation in England 1 | The Respiration of 0 he - Caterpillar Breeding Ee ee. - Sticklebacks 1 Entomology of the Months, =e It is also proposed to Something about J elly-Fish British Weasels j : Flat Fish Venomous Fishes Luminosity in Animals Can Fishes Hear ? ft Bi: Self-Mutilation in the Lower | Animals &ce. &c, &c. Ree ey ~ Sold by all Booksellers, | ELLIOT STOCK, 62 Paternoster Row, London, E.0.. co Mis att aii Po , . TetenS. and by the Publisher. oa MEW NSE aa ee + SE SON SL aN fe age Rt Ooms . Rete ee eo a alsa ; aot: ASS Mig Se Paes re te Oe he? Se grat y a a ——— os wae ee hed ot Eperep. BY PRorssson JAMES. w. HL TRALE, A.M. M.D... ¥.L.S. : oe The Work of the Back Asche ian in’ 1889 i in Relation to Boca Scientific é _ Societies i in Scotland —Prof. Aa ura co gapenia tg PERTH: - a ‘COWAN & oO, PRINT ERS AND PUREE ~~ April 8.— Meetings, ete... of Societies. ; Perthshire Ss: Society of Naiwal: Ss clence. nee seme “ a Meson) S aby 4 6s. 3d. BuO QS ese ty aes igo , a Asus 3 4 8s. od, | § 125; Od. And so va in proportion ae ae es ee gE, — a) eee om) Bhi UeeN r} e: wy REPORT TO THE EAST OF SCOTLAND UNION OF NATURALISTS’ SOCIETIES BY THEIR DELE- GATE TO THE NEWCASTLE (1889) MEETING OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOR THE AD- VANCEMENT OF SCIENCE. By R. Brown, F.E., R.N. T the last annual meeting of the E.S. Union on the 16th of July, 1889, at Alford, in Aberdeenshire, Mr. R. Pullar of . Perth was unanimously chosen as representative at the approaching meeting of the British Association. As the time drew near, Mr. Pullar found himself unable to attend; and as my name had been alternatively mentioned at Alford the secretary asked me to act as delegate for the Union. I accordingly visited Newcastle in that capacity ; and a few of the more interesting features of the meeting I will now communicate in discharge of that office. The proceedings commenced on Wednesday, Sept. 11th. This was the third time the Society had visited Newcastle, the previous meetings having been held in 1838 and 1863. The objects of the British Association are, as every one knows, to give an impulse and a systematic direction to scientific inquiry; to promote the in- tercourse of those who cultivate science in different parts of the British Empire with one another, and with foreign savants ; to obtain more general recognition for the aims of science; and to remove all of the disadvantages of a public kind which impede its progress. The Association was founded by the union, for these purposes, of a small but brilliant group of philosophers; who met at York, under the presidency of the Earl of Fitzwilliam, on the 27th Sept. 1831. The meeting in 1889 was therefore the 59th. In 1832 the meeting was held in the university town of Oxford, where for the first time the work was divided into sections, four in number; viz., Mathematics and Physical Science, Chemistry, Geology, to which was added Geography, and Biology ; or, generally speaking, into what we now call Sections A, B, C, and D. It was Q 242 The Scottish Naturalist. soon found, however, that with the march of science and the rapid increase in the number of members, more sections were needed ; and from the year 1835 onwards Anatomy and .Medicine and Physiology were grouped together as Section E. In the same year Section F was added for Statistics. In 1836 G was added for Mechanical Science. In 1851 there were some rearrangements, and E became Geography and Ethnology ; and in 1884 this last subject, under the name of Anthropology, was made a separate section (H). There are thus, at the present time, eight sections, each having a complete working staff, consisting of the president, often as many as eight or ten vice-presidents, and a committee of about 50 or 60 members, each of whom has attained more or less eminence in the science dealt with in the section. The general management of the Association is in the hands of the council; and practically they alone have the power to accept or reject communications ; which, when considered suitable, are sent to the appropriate section. A small brochure or “ Journal,” pub- lished every morning during the time occupied by the meeting, and distributed gratuitously to all members, gives a list of the names of the office-bearers and committee of each section, and the titles and authors of all the papers that are to be read that day: this enables any one to see what he is most interested in, and to make for the meeting-room of any particular section. No town should invite the British Association to visit it unless it can provide a room for each section, capable of accommodating up- wards of 400 persons, and provided with a large platform ; but even that alone is not enough, for a reception-room is absolutely indispensable ; and so also is a very large hall for the President’s opening address, and for the evening lectures. Both at Bath and at Newcastle the Volunteer Drill Hall was used for the latter purpose; and on each occasion probably about 5000 persons were present. The reception-room also must be large, and capable of subdivision ; for it is the general rendezvous of the members on first arrival ; here they get and pay for their tickets, if they have not previously done so, and get seats numbered and allotted for the President’s address, and for evening lectures in the large hall; here also are issued the daily “ Journal,” and programmes and tickets for all the excursions. It should also contain a postal and telegraph office, and large accommodation for reading and also for writing. There must be provided, in addition, a meeting-room The Scottish Naturaltst. 243 for the General Committee, another for representatives of the press, a drawing-room for ladies, a smoking-room for gentlemen, and a parcel and lost-property office. The Durham College of Medicine was temporarily used for these purposes at Newcastle. At Bath, in 1888, there was no such building available, and a temporary one was constructed of corrugated iron. The British Association changes its place of meeting annually ; and of its fifty-nine meetings all but one have been held, usually more than once in each, in all the principal towns of the United Kingdom. Once (in 1884), it has met in Canada, at Montreal. Having thus briefly sketched the objects, constitution, and acquirements of the Association, I will now advert to some of the more important features of the last meeting in Newcastle. The first actual business was a meeting of Council, at 1o A.M. on Sept. 11th, for the purpose of concluding the final preliminary arrangements. This was followed at 11 a.M. by a meeting of the Organising Committees, for the purpose of obtaining information upon the reports and memoirs to be submitted to the meeting, and of arranging the order in which it might appear desirable that they should be read. The Sectional Committees met at 2 P.M. ; and arranged the list of communications to be read on the morrow, and settled the general distribution of business for the week. At the same hour there was a meeting of the General Committee ; at which the retiring President, Sir Frederick Bramwell, and the President elect, Prof. W. H. Flower, and a large number of the other officials were present. This meeting was held for the pur- pose of receiving the report of the Council, appointing sectional officers and a Committee of Recommendation. Sir Douglas Galton then read the Annual Report, a somewhat lengthy document, containing references to all the more important matters which have been considered by the Council during the year. The only points in it that need be noticed here are that of the £3211 drawn last year at Bath £1511 had been paid away in “grants in aid of various branches of scientific inquiry” ; and that the Corresponding Societies Committee was re-appointed, the members being Mr. Francis Galton, Chairman; Prof. R. Meldola, Secretary; Prof. A. W. Williamson, Sir Douglas Galton, Prof. Boyd-Dawkins, Sir Rawson Rawson, Dr. J. G. Garson, Dr. J. Evans, Mr. J. Hopkinson, Mr. W. Whitaker, Mr. G. J. Symons, General Pitt-Rivers, Mr. W. Topley, and Prof. T. G. Bonney. 244 The Scottish Naturalist. For the Conference of Delegates of the Corresponding Societies at the Newcastle meeting Mr. Francis Galton was appointed Chairman, and Prof. Bonney Vice-chairman, and Prof. Lebour Secretary : this concluded the routine business of the day, to be followed in the evening by the President’s opening address. At this St. George’s Volunteer Drill Hall was filled almost to overflowing ; for not only do all the members make a point of being present, but all the elite of the neighbourhood are usually invited. Precisely at 8 p.m. Sir Frederick Bramwell, the retiring President, accompanied by Prof. W. H. Flower, Director of the Natural History Department of the British Museum, the President-elect, and by Lord Armstrong, the Mayor and the Sheriff of Newcastle, and a large number of distinguished men of science, ascended the platform. The retiring President, in a few happily chosen and appropriate sentences, introduced his successor ; who at once pro- ceeded to read his inaugural address, Its subject was the organisation, arrangement, management and educational value of Natural History Museums ; a very appropriate subject for a presi- dential address at a Newcastle meeting, inasmuch as that town is said to possess the best museum of the kind in the kingdom out of London. It was a subject in every way to be commended ; for there are few matters at the present time upon which the words of a learned expert are more valuable. Prof. Flower protested strongly against the singularly unperfect forms in which most of the specimens in zoological collections are presented, owing to the low level at which, speaking generally, the art of taxidermy remains, The museum at Newcastle is one of the exceptions that proves the rule, for it is well known that its curator, Mr. Hancock, is not only a naturalist, but also an artist in bird- stuffing. The learned professor further enforced the obvious truth that, valuable and indispensable as museums are, they cannot teach us everything, even in the Department of Natural History. Zoology is the science of /zving beings, and of many of the higher problems of life skins and skeletons can teach us but little. Of very much, he reminded his audience, we are entirely ignorant ; but to know our ignorance is the beginning of knowledge. On Thursday, Sept. 12th, at 11 A.M., the respective Section-rooms were fairly well filled, and the first business in each was, as usual, an address by the President of the Section on some new informa- tion or recent discovery, pertaining to the branch of science dealt The Scottish Naturaltst. 245 with by the Section. I cannot here pretend to give even the most condensed account of the various addresses ; and must content myself with merely giving the names of the Presidents, and the themes taken up by them. In Section (A.) Captain W. Abney dealt with Photography. In (B.) Sir Lowthian Bell compared the Progress of the Metallurgy of Iron with, and without, the aid of chemistry, affirming that since the iron-master had allied himself with the chemist, more progress had been made in the manufacture of iron within the last 30 years than in the three ceuturles preceding. Section (C.) was presided over by Prof. James Geikie, who discoursed upon “‘Some of the results obtained during the last few years by Continental workers in the domain of Glacial Geology.” In Section (D.) Prof. Burdon-Sanderson was unable, through illness, to be present on the opening day ; but the address which he had prepared was read by Canon Tristram of Durham. It began with a Comparison of Morphology and Physiology, and went on to deal with those questions which relate to the elementary endowments of living matter. Sir Francis de Winton, in Section (E.), expatiated on the Effect of Climate upon Race; upon recent Trading Voyages to Siberian Rivers; the Crossing of Green- land by Dr. Nansen ; and the results of the recent Journeys of Mr. Stanley, and of two other travellers in Africa. Pro’. F. Y. Edgeworth, in Section (F.), discussed the Points at which Mathematical Reasoning is applicable to Political Economy. In (G.) Mr. Wm. Anderson spoke of Atomic Equilibrium, the gaseous, liquid, and solid states of matter, heat and molecular energy, the hardening of steel, and the stresses that are set up in large castings and forgings when cooling, ete. “Heredity ” was the subject chosen by Sir William Turner for Section (H.), a branch of Anthropology so interesting to many of the members that the meeting-hall was early crowded, and many could not get in. In the course of his remarks he referred to the prominence which heredity had assumed in late years, in connection with its bearing on Natural Selection ; and stated that it also occupied a prominent position in the minds of anatomists, physicians and physiologists in relation to man as regards his 246 The Scottish Naturalsst. structure, functions and diseases. From the time of Hipparchus (circa 600 B.C.), if not long before, it had been universally recog- nised that hereditary diseases are difficult to cure; and the in- fluence which the hereditary transmission of disease exercises on the duration of life is an important element in the valuation of lives by insurance companies. The learned President, in this most in- teresting address, went on to explain what he called the physical basis of heredity, instancing the most recent investigations into the beginning of life in the invertebrate as well as in the verte- brate sub-kingdoms. This, he said, had established the important fact that animal life arises from the fusion of two minute particles —one from either parent. The starting point of each individual organism is therefore the segmentation of the muscles. He went on to show how it is thus conceivable that “like begets like,” and that this physical continuity carries with it certain properties, which cause the offspring not only to reproduce the bodily configuration and family likeness in form and features, but also a correspondence in temperament and disposition, and in the habits and modes of life ; he further alluded to the well-known theory of Pangenesis, provisionally put forward by Darwin to explain the same facts: and then went on to kinship and heredity ; how varieties arise ; consanguinity and the transmission of characters ; forming one of the most far-reaching, learned, and interesting papers read at the Newcastle meeting of the British Association. At 3-30 P.M. of the same day, Sept. 12th, was held the first meeting of the Delegates of Corresponding Societies in the new Assembly Rooms, under the presidency of Sir Francis Galton. Thirty-four societies were represented, of which twenty-four were English, six Scotch, two Irish, one Welsh, and one Isle of Man. The Chairman said it must be satisfactory to the Delegates, and to the Societies represented by them, to find by the utility of their proceedings and the business-like way in which they were con- ducted, that they were gradually growing into an important and integral part of the British Association. He thought that, in order to save time, the Report of the Corresponding Societies Committee to the General Committee should be held as read, (approved), and he would at once invite the Delegates to make any statement re- specting the work done by the Committees appointed last year, or in connection with other subjects referred to in the Report. He begged them clearly to understand that no paper could be accepted The Scottish Naturaltst. 247 by this meeting such as ought to be read in the Sections. What they had to do was to give effect to what was proposed in the Sections themselves, and also to deliberate on matters connected with the harmonious working of the several Societies. Mr. William Gray, of the Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club, said that last year his Society determined to commence a catalogue of all their ancient monuments, and other prehistoric remains; and in this work they had adopted the recognised code of marks and signs for the different kinds of remains authorised by the Inter- national Congress of Archzeologists some years ago. The counties of Antrim and Down had been thus dealt with; and Mr. Gray displayed for the information of the Delegates large-scale maps of these two counties, showing the distribution of their prehistoric remains ; remarking that any such first attempts at cataloguing must be merely tentative, and therefore he had adopted a method, (which he hoped would meet with their approval), of noting on the margin of each sheet the exact position of each site. Dr. Evans said that the Society of Antiquaries were making an Archeological Index and Survey of the whole of England. They proposed to show in their maps, not only the prehistoric, but also the Roman and Saxon remains, and they were appealing to the different Archzeological Societies throughout the country to aid them in carrying out that Survey. Kent has already been pub- lished on this plan, and will prove a most useful addition to the knowledge of the Archzeology of that county. Some further dis- cussion arose on a proposal for the formation of a Committee to arrange for a collection of photographic views illustrating the geological features of each county ; but the Chairman held that such a resolution could not be brought before that meeting, as it would interfere with the business of the Sections. Subsequently a proposal by Dr. Evans to refer the matter to Section C. was adopted. Prof. Lebour then said a few words on the work of the “Earth Tremors Committee,” observing that the spot first selected for the instruments was too near the sea. New and better recording instruments were being made, and of these two would be placed above and two below ground; the instruments were now self-recording, and for the first time the observations would be taken simultaneously. This concluded the proceedings. The second and concluding meeting of Delegates of Corre- sponding Societies was held on the afternoon of Tuesday, the 17th 248 The Scottish Naturalist. Sept., Mr. William Topley, of the Geological Survey, in the chair. Only sixteen Delegates attended. Dr. R. Mill of the Scottish Geographical Society called attention to the Report of the Committee on the Surface Tem- perature of the Water in Rivers and Estuaries; and said that he would be glad if all the Delegates present represent- ing Societies which had not yet seen their way to take up the work of making observations on the waters in their own neighbourhood would endeavour to find out members able and willing to make such observations ; if they would communicate with him, full in- structions would be sent for setting the observations agoing. Underground Waiters, Erratic Blocks and Boulders, Flora of Fresh-water Rivers, Mining Institutes, and Geological Photographs were in turn more or less discussed at this Conference; and in respect to the last, as the result of the attention they had received at the previous meeting, Prof. Lebour stated that the matter had been taken up by the President of Section C. (Prof. Geikie), and the Committee of Recommend- ations had advised a grant of “10, or double what had been ap- plied for, thus showing the cordial manner in which the Com- mittee had met the request. Some discussion then arose as to the position of Delegates in relation to the Committees of Sections. As is well known, when the name of a Delegate is sent to the General Secretary of the British Association, the question is asked, to the Committee of which Section the Delegate wishes his name to be attached. This has been done at any rate for the last two years, and I know not how much longer. Well, when the Delegates arrive they naturally expect to find their names included in the Committees of Sections named; but such is not the case. Last year at Bath the names of the Delegates were certainly published in the daily journal ; but were placed in a separate paragraph at the end of the names of the regular Committee ; and they were not allowed to take part in the meeting of the Committee. This year, with the solitary exception of Section B. (Biology), which inserted in like manner the names of five Delegates, none of the Sections gave the names of the Delegates at all; and a motion was accordingly made, which, after considerable discussion and modification, was passed to this effect: ‘“‘'That the relations of Delegates to the Sectional Committees as at present constituted is unsatisfactory, and should be reconsidered The Scottish Naturalist. 249 by the Corresponding Societies Committee.” This was duly carried, and the proceedings terminated. It should be added, however, that Delegates are, in virtue of their representative character, members of the General Committee ; and as such [ at- tended two of its meetings. Having thus given the substance of what took place at the two meetings in which the Corresponding Societies are most directly interested, I may say a few words about the distinguished traveller who was the lion of the occasion. Asa rule, there is at every annual meeting of the British Association some one savant, voyager, or traveller, who has come prominently before the world since last meeting. This year the hero was Dr. Nansen, who read on Monday, the 16th, in Section G., an account of his cross- ing the southern part of Greenland from east to west, in August and September 1888. A large map on which the track made by, him and his daring companions on the journey was indicated, and two pairs of snow-shoes, and a one-man sledge, which formed part of the equipment, were also shown. Dr. Nansen, though a Norwegian, can write and speak English very well indeed ; and he quite captivated his audience, especially the more numerous portion of it (I mean the ladies), by his fine, young, handsome and manly figure and features, as well as by the highly amusing and graphic way in which he described the dreary, hungry, and extremely cold character of the regions traversed. Besides him- self, the party consisted of three Norwegians and two Lapps. After leaving the ship, on July 17th, at the edge of the pack-ice, about 66 degs. N., they had to get through about a dozen miles of inoving ice before they could reach solid land; and here the greatest difficulty of the journey was encountered. It took them 12 days to get on shore, and meanwhile they had drifted south to lat. 614 N., or near the South end of Greenland. It was not, however, till the 6th August that they began to cross the dreary icy waste, hitherto untrodden by civilised man. ‘They had five sledges, one loaded with four hundred ibs., drawn by Nansen and the second in command, the others with two hundred lbs. each, drawn by one man. He at first intended to cross away to the N.W., and arrive at Disco, but it was soon seen that the season was too far advanced for so long a journey, and the direction was changed for Godthaab, which they reached on the 3rd October, all well. The highest N. latitude reached by him in Greenland 250 The Scottish Naturalist. was 64 degs. 30 min., when about 4o miles from the E. coast. At this place, the elevation above the sea was 7000 feet. In the beginning of September, the altitude reached was between 8000 and gooo feet. Here the temperature reached 60 degs. Fahr. They had no water during the whole journey, except what they got by melting snow in iron bottles in contact with their bodies, or in the cooking apparatus. Their food consisted of beef- pemmican, meat biscuits, dried bread, butter “and_ chocolate. Besides provisions, they carried scientific instruments, guns, snow- shoes, &c., and two sleeping-bags of reindeer skins. Three men slept in each bag, and they did not much feel the cold. It was very unfortunate for these hardy and successful travellers that they arrived a day or two too late to get back to Europe in 1888 ; and they consequently had to remain among the Eskimos till the spring. Besides the popular and interesting papers from which a few extracts have been taken, there were on the average eight or nine papers read, and most of them discussed, in each Section daily. These papers were, of course, all new and original; and most of them were the work of advanced thinkers and eminent men of science. A considerable number attracted crowds to hear them read. A feature in the order of business, tried, I believe, for the first time at this meeting, was a classification of the papers, so that only one branch of science should be dealt with on each day in each Section. Thus, for example, in Section G., Thursday and Friday were devoted to Mechanical Engineering, Manufactures, Transmission of Power, and Allied Subjects ; Saturday to Naviga- tion, Water Supply, and Rivers ; Monday, Electric Illumination, Telephonic Communication, and Applied Electricity in general ; Tuesday, Blast-furnace-practice, and Theoretical Investigations connected with Engineering : and Wednesday to Miscellaneous Subjects. This arrangement will assist in the acceleration of business, as well as be of great convenience to the authors of papers. But in addition to the regular meetings of the Sections there was no lack of other kinds of entertainment, amusement, or instruction. On Wednesday, the opening day, there was a fine Horticultural Show in a neighbouring park, to which members of the British Association were admitted free. On Thursday the y2th, and Tuesday the 17th, there were two grand Conversaziones The Scottish Naturahst. 251 in the Natural History Museum, the first given by the Mayor and Corporation of Newcastle, the second by the Local Executive Committee. These were attended not only by almost all the members, but by all the elite of Newcastle and vicinity ; both were very numerously attended, and were very brilliant and successful gatherings. On three of the other evenings there were lectures in the Drill Hall,—the first, on the evening of the 13th, by Prof. Robert Austen of the Royal Mint, on the Hardening and Tempering of Steel ; the second, on Saturday the 14th, by Mr. Benjamin Baker, on the Forth Bridge; and the third, on Monday the 16th, On how Plants maintain themselves in the Struggle for Existence, by Mr. Walter Gardiner of Cambridge. On Sunday, the 15th, there were Special Services in all the Churches and Chapels, the preachers being mostly from a distance, and all men of mark in their respective bodies. The afternoon of Saturday the rath, and the whole of Thursday the 19th, were devoted to Excursions. There were ten on Saturday, and twelve on Thursday ; and they embraced all the objects of scientific or popular interest within upwards of fifty miles. At most of the places luncheon and tea were provided by some generous residents in the locality, and special trains were the usual mode of conveyance. A large number of ship-building and engineering works, collieries, glass works, lead works, breweries, chemical works, paper works, acid manufactories, etc., were also open at certain times, and under certain regulations, to the mem- bers ; and the writer was fortunate in obtaining a ticket for an in- spection of the Ordnance Works of Armstrong, Mitchell, & Co. This establishment, which is the largest of the kind in the British Islands, employs about 10,000 workmen; and turns out the most modern kinds of large and small cannon, with every kind of machinery for working, controlling, and protecting them. In parties of ten the visitors, to the number of about 250 in all, were shown over most of the workshops by a foreman, and on every side were heard expressions of wonder and delight at the huge pieces of gun-barrels in various stages of progress, or the tiny quick-firing gun, which throws its 100 balls in a minute; or at the turrets and shields for protecting the artillerymen, or at the ingenious machines and tools by which such complicated work is effected. In point of numbers the meeting of 1889 has been fairly successful, the attendance being :—Old Life members, 278 ; New 252 The Scottish Naturalist. Life members, 17; Old Annual members, 412; New Annual members, 115; Associates, 1024; Ladies, 579; Foreign mem- bers, 12; making a total of 2437, as compared with 1984 last year at Bath, with 3838 at Manchester in 1887, and 2453 at Birmingham in 1886. The Grants in aid of Scientific objects amounted to 41265, whereas £1511 was voted at Bath, £1187 at Manchester, and £995 at Birmingham. The grant of £20 in aid of the Corresponding Societies has been again awarded for the present year. The next meeting of the British Asscciation will begin at Leeds, on the 3rd September 1890, under the presidency of Sir Frederick Augustus Abel, President of the Government Com- mittee on Explosives, of the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich. In 1891 the meeting will be at Cardiff, and in 1892 Edinburgh will pro- bably be the meeting-place. THE WORK OF THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION IN 1889 IN RELATION TO LOCAL SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES. By Pror. J. W.- Hy TRA, A.M.,- M.D. Figs HE Report of Mr. Brown, as Delegate from the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists’ Societies to the Meeting of the British Association in Newcastle in 1889, gives full information regarding the general aims and scope of the Association, and the questions of special interest then discussed, in so far as these could fall under the observation of a single member. Yet we venture to call attention to certain aspects of the work of the meeting in so far as that work is calculated to promote the attainment of a higher standard by the various Local Scientific Societies, (whether affiliated to the British Association or unconnected with it), or can be assisted by hearty co-operation on the part of the members of such societies. The Honorary Secretary of the Corresponding Societies’ Com- mittee of the B.A., Professor Meldola, has issued to the Secretaries of Local Societies a circular, in which he requests that the Report of the Conference of Delegates held at Newcastle, and the List of Committees appointed by the B.A., be brought under the notice So The Scottish Naturalist. 253 of those interested in the promotion of scientific pursuits; and adds: ‘‘If there is any Committee in whose work your Society, or individual members thereof, would be willing to render assistance, please communicate with the Secretary of the Committee, or with the Secretary of the Association,” at 22 Albemarle Street, Lon- don, W. From the above Report and List we extract such information regarding the various Committees whose operations include Scot- land as will be sufficient to indicate to anyone willing to give assistance in what way such assistance can be most usefully given. We shall also notice those Committees whose work, though at present restricted to other parts of the United Kingdom, might very advantageously be extended to Scotland, or might be inde- péndently taken up by the Scientific Societies in Scotland on similar lines. The various Committees are grouped under the Sections of the B.A. to which they belong; and those for which a grant of money has been voted have the amount stated between brackets. The name of the Secretary of each Committee is also given below. SECTION A. 1. Seasonal Variations in the Temperatures of Lakes, Rivers, and HEistuaries in various parts of the United Kingdom, (Sec. Dr. H. R. Mill). Dr. Mill ex- plained to the Conference of Delegates that the object is to accumulate as great a mass of data with regard to the temperature of the surface of lakes, rivers, and estuaries, and of the sea near its shores, as could possibly be ob- tained, in order to discuss this in connection with the meteorology of the country; and that it was therefore desirable to have the work undertaken as widely, and under as varied conditions, as possible. Asa result of circulars issued to the Corresponding Societies there had been twenty- four sets of observations obtained in England, twenty-one in Scotland, eleven in Ireland, and one in the Isle of Man. The success of the research depends entirely on the extent and care with which the various observers do the work ; and Dr. Mill will gladly give all needful information to any one willing and able to make the observations. 254 The Scottish Naturalist. SECTION C. 1. The Description and Illustration of the Fossil Phyllopoda of the Paleozoic Rocks (£20; Sec, Professor 'T. R. Jones), is a work in which, necessarily, only a few Societies and individuals in Scotland are in a position to give real assistance. 2. Carrying on the ‘“‘ Geological Record,” (£100; Sec, Mr. W. Topley). Mr. Topley called attention toa circular distributed among the Delegates, in which it was pointed out that the “Geological Record” must be discontinued for lack of support unless the number of subscribers was increased, and he pressed the claims of the ‘“‘ Record” to such support. 3. The Collection, Preservation, and Systematic Registration of Photographs of Geological In- terest (410; Sec, Mr. O. W. Jeffs), is a work com- mended to the Local Societies, since the local conditions most favourable for obtaining such photographs can be best appreciated by people living on or near the spot. 4. Recording the Position, Height above the Sea, Lithological Characters, Size, and Origin of the Erratic Blocks of England, Wales, and Ireland, reporting other matters of interest connected with the same, and taking measures for their preservation, (410; Sec, Dr. H. W. Crosskey). We are not aware of the reason for Scotland being excluded from the operations of this Committee, which has been in existence for a number of years, and last year submitted the Seventeenth Annual Report ; but there can be no hesi- tation in recommending the subject to the favourable con- sideration of the Local Societies in Scotland, where Erratic Blocks are so numerous and wide-spread. A reference to any of the later British Association Reports will show sufficiently the nature of the information that has been collected regarding the Erratic Blocks of the other parts of the British Islands by the Committee. It is intended to mark on a series of maps (the one-inch Ordnance Maps, probably), the actual position of the boulders as recorded, and also the character and place of origin of each, where The Scottish Naturalist. 255 the latter can be ascertained. Dr. Crosskey, the Secretary, may be applied to for printed forms indicating the points of which a note should be made. 5. The Collection and Identification of Meteoric Dust, (Sec., Mr. John Murray). Observations with this object require to be carried on in localities and circum- stances such as to minimise the risk of error through smoke, or other atmospheric impurities. Perhaps this Committee should have been noticed under Section A. 6. The Rate of Increase of Underground Temperature downwards in various Localities of Dry Land and under Water, (Sec, Professor Everett). Probably few Societies and individuals in Scotland are so placed as to be able to afford much help in this inquiry. 7. Considering the advisability and possibility of establishing in other parts of the country ob-~ servations upon the prevalence of Earth- tremors similar to those now being made in Durham in connection with coal-mine explo- sions, (Sec., Professor Lebour). The value and interest of such observations are such as to render their extension very much to be desired, apart from the great practical importance in the connection in which they are being studied in Durham. Can Local Societies not assist ? 8. The Rate of Erosion of the Sea-coasts of England and Wales, and the Influence of the Artificial Abstraction of Shingle or other material in that action, (Secs. Messrs. C. E. De Rance and W. Topley). We are unaware of the cause why Scotland is not included with Wales and England in the scope of this Committee’s investigations ; but as most of the Scientific Societies in Scotland have more or less easy access to the sea-coast in the districts to which they devote their chief attention, the subject appears to be one in which they could frequently do excellent work if so disposed. The Report of the Committee, in the Appendix to the Report of the British Association’s Meeting in the year 1888 (pp. 898—933), bears the fullest testimony to the interest of the inquiry, as well as to its historical and practical value. A schedule of questions is appended to the Report, and is so complete 2 56 The Scottish Naturalist. and so well calculated for ensuring the fullest information being given in the replies to it, that we believe no apology is required for its insertion below. Copy of Questions. (N.B. Answers will in most cases be rendered more precise and valuable by sketches illustrating the points referred to. ) 1, What part of the coast do you know well ? 2. What is the nature of that coast ? a. If cliffy, of what are the cliffs composed ? b. What are the heights of the cliffs above high-water mark ? greatest ; average ; least. 3. What is the direction of the coast-line ? 4. What is the prevailing wind ? 5. What wind is most important :— a. In raising high waves? 6. In piling up shingle? c. In the travelling of shingle ? 6. What is the set of the tidal currents? 7. What is the range of tide? (1) Vertical, in feet; (2) width, in yards, between high and low water. a. At spring tide ; 4. at neap tide. 8. Does the area covered by the tide consist of bare rock, shingle, sand, or mud ? 9. If of shingle, state :— a. Its mean and greatest breadth. b. Its distribution with respect to tide-marks. c. The direction in which it travels. ad, The greatest size of the pebbles. e. Whether the shingle forms one continuous slope, or whether there is a *‘spring-full ” and a ‘‘neap-full.” If the latter, state their heights above the respective tide-marks. 10. Is the shingle accumulating or diminishing, and at what rate ? 11. If diminishing, is this due partly or entirely to artificial abstraction ? 12. If groynes are employed to arrest the travel of the shingle, state :— a. Their direction with respect to the shore-line at that point. &. Their length. c. Their distance apart. d. Their height :—(1) When built ; (2) To leeward above the shingle ; (3) To windward above the shingle. e. The material of which they are built. jf. The influence that they exert. 3. If shingle, sand, or rock is being artificially removed, state :— a. From what part of the foreshore, (with respect to the tidal range), the material is mainly taken, b. For what purposes. c. By whom :—private individuals ; local authorities ; public companies. | | The Scottish Naturalist. 257 @. Whether half-tide reefs had, before such removal, acted as natural breakwaters. 14. Is the coast being worn back by the sea? If so, state :— a. At what special points or districts. 6, The nature and height of the cliffs at those places. c. At what rate the erosion now takes place. @, What data exists for determining the rate from early maps or other documents. é. Is such loss confined to districts bare of shingle ? 15. Is the bareness of shingle at any of these places due to artificial causes ? a. By abstraction of shingle. b. By the erection of groynes, and the arresting of shingle elsewhere. 16. Apart from the increase of land by increase of shingle, is any land being gained from the sea? If so, state :— a. From what cause, ¢.¢. embanking saltmarsh or tidal foreshore. 6, The area so regained, and from what date. 17. Are there dunes of blown sand in your district? If so, state :— a. The name by which they are locally known. b. Their mean and greatest heights. c. Their relation to river-mouths and to areas of shingle. d, Tf they are now increasing. é. If they are blown over the land; or are prevented from being so by bent grass or other vegetation, or by water-channels. 18. Mention any reports, papers, maps, or newspaper-articles that have appeared upon this question bearing upon your district ; (copies will be thankfully received by the secretaries). 19. Add any remarks bearing on the subject that may not seem covered by the foregoing questions. In discussion in the Conference of Delegates Mr. Topley stated that what was wanted for obtaining information regarding the erosion of our coasts could be supplied by local observers alone, and that accurate measurements should be taken from fixed points, (e.g., the corner of a house), and repeated so as to ascertain the rate of erosion, the extent of variation of the rate at different periods, and the conditions on which it depends. 9. The Circulation of the Underground Waters in the Permeable Formations of England and Wales, and the Quality and Quantity of the Waters supplied to various Towns and Dis- tricts from these Formations (45 ; Sec, Mr. C. E. De Rance). The labours of this Committee also, though continued for about fifteen years, have not embraced Scot- land; yet the subject is one that may very well be taken up by the local Scientific Societies in all parts of the R 258 The Scottish Naturalist. country. The Committee have drawn up a series of questions which, they believe, practically cover the whole field. The Secretary will send one or more copies of the circular to those desirous of aiding in the work. 10. Reporting on the Tertiary and Secondary Plants of the United Kingdom, and on the Higher Eocene Beds of the Isle of Wight, (Sec., Mr. J. S. Gardner). Fossiliferous beds of these periods are too rare in Scotland to permit of our Societies giving: much aid in this enquiry. 11. To consider the best methods for the registration of all Type Specimens of Fossils in the British Isles, and to report on the same, (Sec, Mr. J. E. Marr). SrecTIon D. 1. Collecting Information as to the Disappearance of Native Plants from their Local Habitats, (Sec, Prof. W. Hillhouse). It is unnecessary to add anything to what has been already said in this Journal (pp. 233-39), with regard to the Report of this Committee, and to the expression of our hearty sympathy with the objects it is designed to accomplish. 2. To study the Invertebrate Fauna and Crypto- gamic Flora of the Fresh Waters of the British Isles, (Sec., Prof. J. C. Ewart), The aim of this Com- mittee is to make a systematic investigation of the rivers and lakes of the whole country—an aim that will demand the patient and assiduous labour of many workers, and that peculiarly requires for its success the hearty co-opera- tion of the Local Societies. Inthe pursuit of such investi- gations the work should be systematic and thorough ; and besides its more strictly biological side, it ought to include the geological and physical features of the stream, pond, or lake, and its temperatures at different depths and at different seasons. ‘The very interesting results of similar investigations of the deep waters of the lakes of Sweden and of Switzerland show how much remains to be accom- plished in this line of work. The Scottish Naturalist, 259 3. To make a Digest of the Observations on the Migration of Birds at Lighthouses and Light- vessels, which have been carried on by the Migration Committee ofthe British Association, and to report upon the same at Leeds, (Sec., Mr. John Cordeaux). Every British Ornithologist is well aware of the amount of light thrown by the Reports of the above Committee in past years upon the obscure problems of the migrations of birds, as well as upon their more or less casual visits to our shores ; but the number of annual Reports now renders it a somewhat difficult task to hunt out references, scattered as they are through several large volumes of the B.A. Reports. This being so, it isa matter for congratulation that Mr, William Eagle Clarke has undertaken the preparation of a digest of the observations, which will thereby be rendered far more useful to all - ornithologists, 4, The Committee charged with the task of Reporting upon the Provincial Museums of the United King- dom has not been re-appointed ; though there seems to be ample scope for such a Committee in the direction of promoting the formation of museums where not already existing, and of stimulating many of those already existing into a healthier and more efficient condition. But that the importance of the subject is not likely to be lost sight of may be assumed from the fact that the Presidential Address was devoted to the consideration of the aims that should be kept in view in the formation of museums, and the best methods of attaining these aims. Much infor- mation and many suggestions of the utmost value to all interested in the encouragement of museums are contained in Professor Flower’s Address, and in the Reports of the Museums Committee of the British Association, published in the volumes of Transactions for 1887 (pp. 97-130), and 1888 (pp. 124-132). SECTION H. 1. The effects of different Occupations and Employ- ments on the Physical Development of the 260 The Scottish Naturalist. Human Body, (£20; Sec., Mr. Bloxam), appears to be a line of work in which the Members of Local Societies might give very real assistance, by making careful observa- tions of the effects of the various occupations pursued in their own vicinity. Information as to the best methods of carrying on such observations will be obtained from the Secretary on application to him by those willing to assist. 2. Ascertaining and recording the localities in the British Islands in which evidences of the Exist- ence of Prehistoric Inhabitants of the country are found, (Sec, Mr. J. W. Davis). This Committee has now reported thrice to the annual meetings, in 1887, (pp. 168-172), in 1888, (pp. 289-316), and in 188g (not yet published). Necessarily, the Committee is concerned with very much the same objects as the Antiquarian Societies ; and much information relating to prehistoric remains Is already published in the Journals and Transactions of these bodies. But the British Association, both in itself and through the Corresponding Societies, appeals to so much wider an audience that there is full scope for such a Committee. A reference to the admirable list of the remains of Prehistoric Man in Derbyshire, compiled by the Rev. J. Magens Mello, and published in the Report for 1888, (pp. 290-316), will show, more clearly than any mere statement can do, the value of such a care- tul catalogue. It is much to be desired that similar lists should be taken in hand by the various Local Societies, to save from oblivion much that must in course of time be lost if not soon put on record. In the Report for 1887, (p. 168), the Committee suggest that the various remains may best be tabulated under certain groups ; vizi—1. Caves and Caverns; 2. Campsand Earthworks ; 3. Lake- Dweilings and other Crannoges; 4. Menhirs and Dolmens; 5. Barrows, Tumuli, and other Burial-places. In the Report for 1888, (pp. 289-90), the recommendation is added that in mapping the position of the various remains certain conventional signs, (shown in the Report, 7 ¢.), be used, as adopted by the Interna- tional Congress of Anthropologists and Archzeologists held at Stockholm in 1874. The ages of localised groups of objects, whether found in association with the larger monuments, or The Scottish Naturalist. 261 scattered, should ‘be indicated, (by colours if over a sufficiently wide extent, or by conventional signs, if much restricted, occur- ring singly), under the headings, 1. Palzolithic Stone Age; 2. Neolithic Stone Age; 3. Bronze Age; 4. Iron Age. It is recommended not that all flint implements be recorded, but that records be made of hoards of implements, of localities where manufactories of flint weapons have been found, and summarised lists of the nature of the objects where worked flints are abundantly met with. In the Conference of the Delegates in Newcastle, Mr. William Gray reported that the Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club had begun work, in accordance with the above recommendations, in Antrim and Down, taking the one-inch Ordnance-maps as a basis. It had been found more simple in practice to indicate the posi- tion of any object, not by giving its da¢. and /ong., or its distance from any town, but by stating the number of the Ordnance map, and the distance from the north (top) and west (left margin) of that sheet. Mr. Gray had found the conventional symbols re- commended rather indistinct in actual work, and not quite full enough to include certain classes of remains, such as the castles and stone forts that are met with in Ireland. In Scotland there is much to be done in the lines recommended by the Committee ; and the Societies may very well undertake the careful carrying out of this work, which may be held to fall quite within the province of even the strictly Vatural History Societies. A subject so closely akin to this as to call for notice here was mentioned at the Conference by Dr. Garson, who brought under the notice of the Delegates that the Anthropological Society had had under consideration the fact that a large number of barrows and other antiquarian remains were year by year destroyed, not willingly, but by injudicious exploration. To obviate this, the Society appointed a Committee to draw up a series of directions for the use of those desirous to explore barrows or other remains, to ensure, if possible, that they should proceed systematically, and in such a way as to lose nothing of any value. The Committee is anxious to have communications sent to it, (addressed to the Secretary of the Anthropological Institute, 3 Hanover Square, London), and to be made acquainted with all such work, not in any way to interfere with or take the credit of any work, but to assist explorers with information as to what to observe. 262 The Scottish Naturalist. Among these numerous lines of scientific investigation, re- commended by the british Association, and in which the co- operation of the members of Local Societies, whether collectively or individually, should be of great service, we may well hope that Scotland will be worthily represented. There is, at least, scarce room for the plea that the range of choice is not sufficiently wide to ensure enlisting the sympathies and aid, in one or more of them, of almost all persons endowed with any real taste or capacity for the Natural Sciences, and whose occupations will permit of de- voting any time to such pursuits. Lichia Vadigo Risso, taken near Skye.—This fish, not previously recorded from British seas, is recorded in the proceedings of the Zoological Society of London (June Ist, 1889, p. 50, Pl. iv.), by Dr. A. Giinther, as having been taken on 17th September, 1888, in herring nets off Waternish Point, Isle of Skye. The specimen measured 20 inches in length. The excellent figure should render easy the identification of this very rare fish, of which only two examples were known to Cuvier, and only one is in the British Museum. Dr. Giinther states that the shape is like that of the Horse- mackerel, but fuller, like the Pilot-fish, which it also resembles in its small scales. The mouth is rather wide, the maxillary extending to the hind margin of the eye ; and both jaws bear a series of rather strong distant teeth. The dorsal spines are short and feeble, and the anterior dorsal and anal rays form a separate lobe. The caudal fin is deeply forked. The upper parts are greenish-black, the lower parts, silvery, these colours meeting along the sides in deep indentations. Its food is chiefly fishes of the herring family. Deiopeia pulchella, taken near Aberdeen in 1840,—Per- haps the facts contained in the following extract from the minutes of meeting of the Edinburgh Royal Physical Society, held 27th February, 1850, may be thought worth mention in the Scottesh Naturalist :— ‘* The President [Professor John Fleming, D.D.] showed a Detopeia pul- chella, Stephens, which had been found in 1840 by his son, Dr. A. Fleming, near the Old Bridge of Don, Aberdeenshire.” I am not aware of any other instance of this beautiful moth having been taken in Scotland, except that captured near Kelso by Mr. W. J. Kerr in the autumn of 1876, as recorded in the Scottish Na/uralist, vol. v., pp. 36, 40. WILLIAM EVANS. The Scottish Naturalsst. 263 RECORDS OF SCOTTISH PLANTS FOR THE YEAR 1889; ADDITIONAL TO “TOPOGRAPHICAL BOTANY,” Ed, 2, By ARTHUR BENNETT, F.L.S. HE following records are such as have come under my own notice, or appeared in the Scottish Naturalist, the Journal of Botany, and the Zransactions of the Botanical Society of Edin- burgh since the publication of my list of records for 1888. In the Zransactions of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh | ventured to assert that I thought these records would, in the future, show a considerable falling off in numbers year by year. This present list shows that I was right, as I have in it only about 220 to report, against more than 500 in the list for 1888. After another year’s work it may be worth while to print a list of those plants whose distribution is not given in detail in Zofo- graphical Botany, but which are now wanting for few counties, as, since the second edition appeared (1883), the number of these has been very largely reduced, so that they are now few in number. The occurrence and records of plants are intimately connected with their extinction or disappearance. I have myself not much faith in the reported extinctions; for while it cannot be denied that such do occur, I do not believe it is in anything like the reported ratio ; still in these acquisitive days such reports may, though untrue, be of use in protecting rare species; and thus error may lead to actual good. The editor has very ably criticised the Report of the Committee of the British Association, ‘‘On the Disappearance of Native Plants” ; but it may be a question whether he has been suffici- ently severe on its shortcomings. One or two of the errors it contains are hardly becoming to a Scientific Committee. I follow the mode of record of last year, commencing with the southern counties. Abbreviations: Scot, Nat., means the Scottish Naturalist ; J.B., the Journal of Botany ; T.B.S.H., the Transactions of the Botanical Society of Edinburgh ; sp. denotes that the writer possesses a specimen from the locality in question; ! denotes that he has seen and verified a specimen, but has returned it to the collector. ~ 264 The Scottish Naturabst 72. Dumfries. (From specimens sent by Rev. H. F. Linton, unless otherwise noted.) Cerastium alpinum, /. Z. Johnstone, T.B.S.E. 1889, p. 389. Epilobium obscurum. Galium sylvestre. Crepis succisifolia. Hieracium auratum Fr. Juncus squarrosus. Carex glauca. Brachypodium sylvaticum. Polypodium Lonchitis. 2 Z. Johnstone, le. 73. Kirkcudbright. Hieracium holosericeum, at “‘ 2000 ft.” J. M‘Andrew, sp. , 74. Wigton. (Specimens sent by J. M‘ Andrew in 1889, except where otherwise noted. ) Thalictrum flavum. Ranunculus sceleratus. Lepidium ruderale. Thlaspi arvense. Arenaria leptoclados. Medicago maculata. Astragalus hypoglottis. Sanguisorba officinalis. Ethusa Cynapium. Meum Athamanticum. Sir H. Maxwell, by M.S., through JM M‘Andrew. Valerianella olitoria. Viburnum Opulus. Adoxa Moschatellina. Convolvyulus arvensis. Calamintha Clinopodium. Utricularia minor. Sir H. Maxwell, by /. M‘ Andrew. Atriplex marina. Euphorbia exigua. Allium vineale, a. Carex intermedia. *¢ paniculata. teretiuscula. Oederi, (var. cyperoides Marss.) 6c 6 The Scottish Naturalist. 265 The following are named as non-indigenous by .Scr H. Maxwell, through Mr. ‘Andrew, Geranium pheeum, Valeriana pyrenaica, Senecio saracenicus, Daphne Laureola, D. Mezereum, Iris fcoetidis- sima, Ornithogalum umbellatum, and Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus. ey y. Scrophularia Balbisii! \ et Hordeum murinum ! J. Smith. 76. Renfrew. Rosa tomentosa var. scabriuscula, “* canina var. verticillantha, Tlie, teteyfiG. Bi Juncus tenuis Willd. sa. For full particulars of the occurrence in abundance of the last species see Mr. P. Hwing’s paper in the Glasgow Natural History Society's Transactions. 77. Lanark. Rosa canina vay. Reuteri! P. Ewing, sp. | 81. Berwick. Asperula taurina.t iss Henderson ! Potamogeton flabellatus. Herd, Syme, 1875! 86. Stirling. (From Dr, R, Mf. Buchanan, except where otherwise noted), Viola tricolor, type ! Polygala oxyptera ! Malva moschata ! Valeriana dioica. 4. Somerville, sp. Senecio viscosus ! Hieracium boreale. H. —_lingulatum, ‘Ben Lomond.” Zzing ! Thymus eu-Serpyllum. Atriplex angustifolia, f. Salix Caprea. S. nigricans. Arum maculatum. Potamogeton prelongus. 2. A7vdston ! Ps perfoliatus. ie Tofieldia palustris. Z. Watt, sp. Carex pendula ! 266 The Scottish Naturalist. C. atrata. ‘ Ben Lomond,” sp. Asplenium Adiantum-nigrum, sp. L. Watt. Lycopodium alpinum, sp. 87. Perth, W. (From records in 7. B. 1890, p, 8, by Rev, EZ. S. Marshall, in Glen Falloch, unless otherwise noted.) Sagina apetala. JdZtss Henderson / Epilobium montanum x obscurum. a) obscurum »x palustre. Saxifraga sponhemica. Hieracium lingulatum. A, senescens. iy. anglicum. HH: murorum. HH; Deweri. Lobelia Dortmanna. Jiss Henderson, sp. Vaccinium uliginosum. Veronica humifusa. Salix nigricans. S. Lapponum. Juncus castaneus, “ at 2500 feet.” Scirpus glaucus. Miss Henderson / Poa glauca? Marshall. Whatever becomes of Glen Falloch eventually, it falls under 87, following Watson’s ideas. 88. Perth, Mid. Spirza Filipendula. Dr. # Buchanan White. Epilobium obscurum x palustre. \ Marshall, J. B., E. montanum x obscurum. 1890, p. 9. Poa palustris. Dr. & Buchanan White, sp., Scot. Nat., 1889, PD. TO1, .89.. Perth, East. Rosa mollis var. coerulea. R. canina var. frondosa. IT. King ! ” |. Var. euterk. Epilobium obscurum x _ palustre. : F . Marshall, J. B., E. obscurum x parviflorum. ; 1890, Pp. 9. 9 palustre x parviflorum, 89 The Scottish Naturalst. 267 go. Forfar. Spergularia marginata, iss Henderson ! Rosa mollis. Jfarshall, J. B., 1889, p. 231. | Hieracium daphnoides. JZ. F. Linton, July 1389. “ Clova.” Solanum migrom.t i Miss Henderson ! Mercurialis annua.t 96. Hasterness. Trifolium minus. Druce, 7. B., 1890, p. 41. Carex salina, var. Kattegatensis (Fr.), shores of the Beauly Firth. G. C. Druce, sp. Pseudathyrium flexile Syme. Druce, Scot. Nat., 1890, p. 239. 97. Westerness. Helianthemum vulgare. Isle of Lismore. A. Somerville, sp. Cerastium arcticum Lange. \ Marshall, J. B., Hieracium aggregatum. 1859, Pp 235. Sparganium minimum. A. Somerville, 1884! 98. Argyle. (Recorded by Kev. £. S. Marshall in Fournal of Botany, unless otherwise noted,) Geum intermedium. ‘Toward Point.” diss Henderson ! Rubus Chamzemorus. Epilobium palustre, var. lapponicum Wahl. (ex Z.) E. angustifoliur at “2000 ft.” Solidago cambrica. Hieracium calenduliflorum. H. _holosericium at ‘2600 ft.” H. 7. Mennell ! fi). < eximium. H. nigrescens. HB: + “murorum. H. umbellatum. Juniperus nana. Orchis incarnata. Dr. F. B. White. Carex limosa. Holcus mollis. ‘‘To 1800 ft., by aneroid, near Kingshouse,” 300 feet higher than any record hitherto. Pilularia globulifera. Lycopodium annotinum. Equisetum pratense. 268 The Scottish Naturalist. 99. Dumbarton. (From specimens sent by Z, Watt, where not otherwise stated.) Thalictrum flavum ! Nuphar intermedium ! Sagina maritima ! Hypericum perforatum. Ewing, sp. Rubus pallidus Bab. (¢este J. G. B.) Rosa mollis ! Sonchus oleraceus x asper ! (Recorded by Dr. O. Focke, in his “ PHlanzen-Mischlinge,” from Weimar in Germany, where it was gathered by Prof. Haussknecht). Hieracium auratum, Fr. ! H senescens ! H. murorum, Zwing! Arctium intermedium, s/. Leontodon hispidus, s/. Taraxacum palustre ! Veronica montana ! Pedicularis palustris, sZ. Symphytum tuberosum, confirmed Ewing, sp. Lysimachia nemorum! Salix purpurea, sf. S. herbacea ! Neottia Nidus-avis, sf. Potamogeton pectinatus ! Sparganium minimum, sf. Scirpus multicaulis, sf. Avena pratensis, Hzwing. Melica nutans, sf. Asplenium viride ! Selaginella selaginoides, sf. I ought to state that Mr. Ewing considers that several plants he has sent me belong to Dumbarton, as they were gathered on the western slopes of Ben Lomond; but though they doubtless do thus belong to the western water- shed of Scotland, still I follow Mr. Watson’s ideas, “e., in referring these to Stirling. The Scottish Naturalist. 269 100. Clyde Isles. (Recorded from specimens sent by 7. Kizyg, unless otherwise noted.) Rosa canina, vay. dumetorum, Bute ! Polygala eu-vulgaris, Stirling / Hypericum dubium, Mull, Szrling / Epilobium hirsutum, s/. Hippuris vulgaris Bute! Arctium minus Triticum junceum SR tor. Cantire. Utricularia intermedia, P. Ewing, 1888, sp. 102. South Ebudes. (Records due to P, Zwing, where not otherwise noted.) Stellaria Holostea ! Alchemilla alpina, sf. Rubus villicaulis ? (deste 7. G. Baker), sp. R. affinis Bab. (¢este J. G. B.) sp. R. polyanthemos Lindb., s/. Rosa rubiginosa. ‘‘ Among rocks a mile or more from any house.” Jura. “ Certainly R. rubiginosa” 7. G. Baker. .This seems about as likely to be an indigenous habitat for Scotland as any reported. Saxifraga stellaris, sf. Hieracium sparsifolium Lindb., s/. Lobelia Dortmanna, sf. Vaccinium Vitis-Idza, s/. Pyrola minor, sf. Suseda maritima, sf. Rumex crispus var. granulatus Syme ! Salix herbacea, sf. Populus tremula, glabra! Potamogeton prelongus, Islay, sf. Scirpus fluitans, sf. S. multicaulis, sf. Carex teretiuscula, sf. ].ycopodium alpinum, “ complanatum ’ ! 270 The Scottish Naturalist. 103. Mid Ebudes. Polygala eu-vulgaris, 7. S. Stirling, and R. Kidston, sp. 104. North Ebudes. Hieracium caledonicum Hanb. Mr. Linton (/.B., 1889, p. 208). H. murorum, seg. L. F. Linton! Carex levigata. “ Herb. Oxford” ‘este Druce. C. filiformis. Mr. Linton. (J. B., lc.) Aira uliginosa. E. F. Linton! | 105. West Ross. Hieracium holosericeum, at 2,400 ft. P. Sewell, sp. Stachys palustris, var. canescens Lange (S. segetum Hagen.) Draba incana. Druce (/.B., 1890, p. 40). Sparganium affine, at 2,200 ft. Druce! 600 ft. higher than any previous record known to me. cirpus palustris. Carex pulla. P. Sewell, sp. Agrostis canina, var. Scotica Hackel. Druce in Scot. Nat. 1890, Pp. 439: Hypericum Androsemum. Druce, J.B., 1890, p. 47. Isoetes lacustris. 2. Sewell, sf. 106. East Ross. (Recorded from specimens collected by A. 7. Mennell.) Ranunculus Drouetii ! Vicia hirsuta ! fEgopodium Podagraria ! Anthriscus vulgaris. Galium ochroleucum, sf, Hieracium corymbosum. (s. strictior), s¢. Mentha piperita, in “‘ field-ditch,” sf. Myosotis repens, sf. Utricularia intermedia, sf. Salix herbacea, sf. Pinus sylvestris, sf. The Scottish Naturalist. 271 Potamogeton Zizii, sf. is perfoliatus, sp. Sparganium affine, s/. Scirpus glaucus, sf. Asplenium Ruta-muraria, 7. 7-JZ in JZS. 107. Ei. Sutherland. (All records, if not otherwise noted, are extracted from the Report of ‘Excursion of Scottish Alpine Bot. Club to Sutherland and Caithness in 1888,” publishedin Zraxs. Bot. Soc., Edinburgh, 1889, pp. 372- 380. ) Viola lutea, amcena. Senecio viscosus, t Sonchus asper, Hieracium langwellense Hanb., 7. Gran, 1888, sf, Pyrola media. Scrophularia nodosa. Scutellaria galericulata. Stachys arvensis, Messrs. Linton (J. B., 1889, p. 208.) ae i aquaticus,”) domesticus, \ E. EF. Linton, alix viminalis,t Eriophorum latifolium. Melica nutans. The most northern station previously recorded for this grass was Ross-shire. \ EL. F. Linton. 108. W. Sutherland. (S. 4. C. stands for Report, as under E, Sutherland; WW for W. F. Miller.) Thalictrum majus Crantz. We uM! Cochlearia danica. S. A. C. Stellaria umbrosa. Hanbury & Melvill. (/. B., 1889, p. 108.) Erodium cicutarium. W.& AZ! (ee Vicia-lutea, S.A.C.) Potentilla alpestris. ‘Beinn Laoghal,” S.4,C. This is a northern extension of this plant’s range of nearly a de- gree of latitude; as I know of no station hitherto recorded north of 57’ 30” N. Lat. Rosa canina var. dumalis, Galium sylvestre, G. uliginosum. 4. Gray (Trans. Bot. Soc. Edin., 1888, Pp. 229). \ Hanbury & Melvill (1.c.) 272 The Scottish Naturalist. Valeriana dioica. S.4.C. This has been reported from Dum- bartonshire, and is certainly found in Fife; and Mr. Somerville has lately sent me a Stirling example; but this Sutherland habitat takes it far to the north of any record hitherto. ; Senecio sylvaticu. W. & M/ Hieracium sparsifolium? W. & JZ! Pyrola media. W. FM! Epipactis ‘‘ latifolia,” S.4.C. This had been previously recorded for Sutherland, but the plant proved to be £. ovadis Bab. Avena elatior.. W.k Ms Botrychium Lunaria. S.A.C. Lycopodium clavatum. S.A.C. tog. Caithness. Subularia aquatica. /. Henderson, 1889 (fide Grant.) Lathyrus sylvestris. W. R. Linton (Ex. Club Rep., 1888, p. 231), about 58° 10”. In Norway it extends to 61° 24”; in Finland to 62°; and in Sweden to 62° or higher? Rosa canina L. var. glauca Vill., Berriedale. W. R. Linton, sp. Rubus hemistemon, J. P. Mull. W. &. Linton (l.c.) Veronica Anagallis, var. Anagalliformis Boreau. W. & Miller ! Polemonium cceruleum, S.A.C. ‘“ From the middle of a moor near Dunnet Head, no houses near.” It has already been reported from Caithness as “dubiously native.” The Spitzbergen plant is P. pulchellum Bunge (= P. arcticum Nyl. = P. humile Willd.) ; but P. cceruleum extends north to Lapland, North Norway, and Finland. Betula odorata Bech. var. parvifolia Wimm. Carex paludosa. W. F. Miller, sp. This habitat extends the range of this Carex 50 miles to the north of any previous record from Scotland. On the Continent of Europe it grows in Sweden at about 64°; in Norway about 60° ; and in Finland (rare) at 61° N. In Siberia it grows between 50° and 60° N.; in British N. America at 57° N., and at “‘ Bear Lake,” which may take it slightly The Scottish Naturalist. o7s within the Arctic Circle; but Dr. Hooker does not name it in his paper on the “ Distribution of Arctic Plants,” in the Transactions of the Linnean Society. tro. Outer Hebrides. Cochlearia anglica. Isle of Mingulay. inlayson / } Vicia sylvatica. W. S. Duncan, sp, July, 1889. Recorded for the “ Glen of Rodell,” by AZacet/iiuray, in his “ Account of the Outer Hebrides,” 1830; but the record was questioned by Watson. Mr. Duncan’s examples were gathered in Harris. | Sonchus arvensis. Isle of Mingulay, Fz/ayson / Hieracium anglicum, H. murorum, /, Stachys arvensis. Isle of Mingulay. Polygonum aviculare, var. arenastrum. Carex incurva, ‘‘ Plentiful at Scaristra, Isle of Harris; W. 5S, Duncan, sp. ex King. melons Besa f Has inion Aisi, 4 arenarium It may be well here to quote all of the few stations that Macgilhvray gives for plants of Harris :-— 1. “ Nuphar lutea, Lakes in N. W. but extremely rare. 2. Subularia aquatica, Southern extremity of Loch Lang-avat in Harris : | 3. Raphanus maritimus, abundant. 4. Draba incana, Upon the granitic vein of Ben Capval in Harris. 5. Orobanche rubra. Head of the Sand of Northtown, upon a gneiss rock called Creag Canna. 6. Elymus arenarius, of very rare occurrence.” By the kindness of Mr. A. Somerville, I was enabled to look over a collection of plants, (poor in themselves, but sufficient for identification), made by the school children on the island of Mingulay, under the schoolmaster, Mr. Finlayson. This interesting little collection added four species to the records for the Hebrides, and I think cannot be too highly spoken of as an example of what may be done where there is the will. Somerville, sf. 1888. \ Finlayson J Ss 274 The Scottish Naturalst. 111. Orkney Isles. Potamogeton flabellatus, W. R, Linton, 1886! 112. Shetland Isles. (Recorded by J/r. Beeby, in Scot. Nat., 1890, pp. 212-17.) Drosera anglica, confirmed. Lotus corniculatus, forma grandiflora. Rosa canina, vay. dumalis. 6 », var. subcristata. Hieracium Schmidtii Tausch. Hypocheeris radicata. Oxyria reniformis, Populus tremula. Polygonum viviparum, var. alpinum Wahl. Linaria vulgaris T Phalaris Canariensis fF Mr. Beeby has found in Shetland (Scot. Wat., 1890, p. 217) a Potamogeton that seems referable to P. Wolfgangii of Dr. Kihlman. Unfortunately Dr. Kihlman has named this plant after Wolfgang on the supposition that P. gracilis Fries, (Vov. Flor. Suec. Ed. 2, 1828), was an earlier name than P. gracilis Wolfgang, (Roemer Schulz. Syst. Veg. Mant. 3., 1827). Dr. Kihlman tells me that there are two specimens in the Helsingfors herbarium of Wolfgang’s plant, communicated by the latter author himself, and that his own Wolfgangit is founded on these specimens. I have tried to induce Dr. Kihlman to transfer the name Wolfgangii to the plant of Fries, but without success. Anyhow, Wolfgang’s name of gracifis must supersede Kihlman’s Woéfgangit, according to the law of priority. Primula Scotica. Mr. Evans informs me that the ‘* Primula Scotica ” to which I referred in the last issue of this Journal (p. 238) as erroneously reported ‘‘ practically extirpated ” from a marsh near Edinburgh, is doubtlessly P. farinosa, which grows, or grew, near West Linton, and that there is reason to attribute its practical extirpation to the action of local collectors of plants.—J. W. H. T. The Scottish Naturalist. 275 REPORT FOR 1889 ON THE FUNGI OF THE EAST OF SCOTLAND. (Read at the Meeting at Alford on 16th July, 1889.) By Pror. JAMES Wiikte¥Prait,A.M., M.D., F.L.S. N presenting my usual report I am glad to be able to submit a larger number of additions than usual in the province of “Dee ;” records of which the greater part are new to Scotch lists, while several of them have not previously been put on record for Great Britain. A few of the species enumerated below have been mentioned during the year by myself, (and one or two by Mr. Phillips from specimens supplied by me), in papers to which references are appended. I have 7 new records from the neigh- bourhood of St. Cyrus, which should hardly be reckoned as a part of “Tay,” though it is included in that province for the present. Some of these are also new records for Scotland. As in my former reports the new Scotch records are printed in ionics. As usual, a number of species regarding which I am in doubt are awaiting further examination. {[NoTe.—The subjoined list has been left as it was read before the meeting of the E.S.U.N.S. ; but I possess a number of additional records, the result chiefly of three weeks spent in Fifeshire in August, 1889, and of about a week in September, spent partly at Crieff at the meeting of the Scottish Crypto- gamic Society, and partly with Dr. Buchanan White at Perth. These, which chiefly relate to the districts of ‘‘ Forth” and ‘‘ Tay,” will appear in due course in the report for 1890. ] PROVINCE OF Tay. Cystopus Lepigoni De Bary; on Spergularia marina (leaves), at St. Cyrus, in July. Ustilago flosculorum (D.C.), filling the anthers of Scadiosa arvensis with a chocolate-brown mass of spores, St. Cyrus, in July. Peronospora effusa (Grev.) Rabh., on Azriplex patula, St. Cyrus, July. Melanotzenium endogenum De Bary; in stems and leaves of Galium verum, on the Links of St. Cyrus, in July, very scarce. Ramularia Viole Trail (Scot. Wat, 1889, p. 74), on leaves of Viola sylvatica ; St. Cyrus, in summer and autumn. 276 The Scottish Naturalist. R. Epilobii (Schn.) (Zc, p. 74), on £pclobium montanum and £. parviflorum at St. Cyrus, in autumn. Graphiopsis chlorocephala (Fres.) Trail (Zc, p. 75), on dead Juncus ; St. Cyrus, in autumn. PROVINCE OF DEE. MyYXOMYCETES. ‘Physarum sinuosum (Bull.), on dead plants, Midmar in September. Chondrioderma Stahlii Rostaf. I found one specimen of what I take to be this species, (relying upon the very peculiar structure of the threads of the capillitium, along with other characters, to distinguish it), on dead branches of Larix europea, near Blairs in Kincardineshire, in December. MUCORINI. Piptocephalis microcephala Van Tiegh., on dung of rabbit, overgrown with /lobolus crystallinus, at Persley near Aberdeen, in October. PERONOSPORE. Peronospora effusa (Grev.) Rabh., on Chenopodium album, and on Ailriplex patula ; rather common near Aberdeen, in June and July. [New records for Scotland as regards food plants are :— Peronospora Lamii A. Br., on Stachys palustris, near New Machar. P. Myosotidis De Bary; on ALyosotis cespitosa near Aberdeen, in September, and on JZ. versicolor at Newtonhill, in May. P. nivea Unger; on Pimpinella Saxifraga, near Ellon, in Sep- tember. ‘P. parasitica (Pers.) Tul., on Masturtium officinale, near Udny, in October. ] HYMENOMYCETES, Hypochnus olivaceus Sacc. Onold wood of a paling (Pinus sylvestris) at Murcar near Aberdeen, in January, I found what I take to be this fungus. Pistillaria micans Fr. On dead petioles of Digitalis purpurea, from Durris on Deeside, in October. I have found this The Scottish Naturattst. 277 plant also in Syradale, Orkney, in August, on Cxicus palustris, &c. Solenia anomala (Pers.) Fr.; on dead twigs of Salix aurita, in Den of Maidencraig near Aberdeen, in January. UREDINEA. Puccinia Pimpinellz (Strauss). On leaves of Pumpinella Saxt- Jraga, near Ellon, September. P. Caricis (Schum.). Of this species, already recorded as growing on Carex paludosa near Muchalls in Kincardineshire, I, this year, have found the 4eidium (44. Urtice D.C.), for the first time in ‘ Dee,” growing, in June, on U7rtica dioica in the immediate vicinity of the infected Carex paludosa. P. Sonchi Rob. On leaves of several plants of Sonchus oleraceus between Aberdeen and Cults, in June. Only the Uredo was found; but the characteristic paraphyses were very evident. It also occurred at Muchalls, in October. P. Buxi D.C. On leaves of Buxus sempervirens, at Tillery in New Machar, in April. USTILAGINE. Urocystis Agropyri (Preuss.). (U. garallela B. and Br. p.p.), in leaves of Festuca arenaria, Murcar Links near Aber- deen, in June and July. (U% parallela B. and Br. is re- recorded in Myc. Scot. (No 1341) as found on Cuvex in Forfarshire by W. Gardiner. Probably the record is un- reliable, the food plants suggesting U. Sischeri Korn,, rather than U. paralle/a). Entyloma Matricariz Trail (Plowright’s British Uredinee and Ustilaginee, p. 291). On leaves and stems of Matricaria inodora; common near Aberdeen, in autumn. This is possibly the same as £. Matricarie Rostrup. EXOASCE. Exoascus Alni (B. & Br.); on female catkins of Alnus gluti- nosa ,; Midmar, and near Stonehaven (very fine), in Sep- tember and October. I found young catkins attacked by £. A/nt at Binscarth, in Orkney, in August, 1888. 278 The Scottish Naturalist. BK. Sadebeckii (Johans.), (Z. flavus Sadeb., nec T, fava Ellis). Causing round yellow spots on lower surface of leaves of Alnus glutinosa, in autumn. Plentiful in many places in Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, see also Scot. Vat, 1889, p. 61. DISCOMYCETES. Geoglossum hirsutum Pers., on Murcar links near Aberdeen, in November. G. difforme Fr., at Durris, in October. Peziza ammophila D. & M., I found two well-formed specimens among the stems of Ammophila arundinacea on the Links some miles north of Aberdeen, in October. The only previous Scotch record is from near St. Andrews, by Rev. M. Anderson. P, leucoloma Hedw., among moss on an earthen wall; at New Machar, in October. Hymenoscypha (Sclerotinia) baccarum (Schroter), converts the fruits of Vaccinium Myrtillus into a white sclerotium, in which state it was not uncommon at Lumphanan, in Sep- tember. H. scutula (Pers.), on dead stems of Spire@a Ulmaria, Rumex, &c., and on decaying leaves of Fagus sylvatica, near Aberdeen, in autumn. Helotium epiphyllum Fr., on dead leaves of Fagus sylvatica, Persley, near Aberdeen, in October. Mollisia Plantaginis (Fckl.); on dead leaves of Plantago lanceolata, common near Aberdeen, April—June. M. benesuada (Tul.) ; on dead branches of Alnus glutinosa, in December, at Ironfield near Aberdeen. I found it also at Binscarth in Orkney, on the same food plant, in August 1888. M. Cerastiorum (Wallr.) ; very abundant on a dying plant of Cerastium triviale at Udny, in October. Ryparobius niveus Fckl.; on rabbit’s dung, Persley near Aberdeen, in October. Ascophanus carneus (Pers.) Boud., on rotten paper; near Ellon, and near Aberdeen, in October. Ombrophila atrovirens (Pers.) Phil., on dead wood of Fraxinus excelsior, near Aberdeen, in December. The Scottish Naturalist. 279 Patellaria Cratzgi Phil. (Grevillea, xvii., p. 46), on dead twigs of Crategus Oxyacantha, near Aberdeen, at King- causie, in February, 1887, and at Persley, in March, 1889 ; described by Mr. Phillips (Z.c.) as a new species. PyYRENOMYCETES. Valsa (Eutypa) lata Tul., on dead wood of Salix Caprea, Kin- tore, in September. Phyllachora sylvatica Sacc. and Speg., in dying leaves of Agrostis alba, near Aberdeen, in October. Valsaria apiculata (Curr.) Sacce., (Xylospheria apiculata, Myc. Scot., 2079), on fir wood paling, at Hilton near Aberdeen, in December. Chetomium comatum (Tode), on dead haulms of potato (Solanum tuberosum), near Aberdeen, in January. Xylaria Tulasnei Nitschke, the sclerotia of this were common in October in dung of rabbits on the sandhills near the mouth of the Ythan. Stigmatea Geranii Fr. (zec S. Geranit Fr. of Myc. Scot. 1910, which = 5S. confertissima Fckl.), on Geranium dis- sectum and on G. mo//e, near Aberdeen, and near Ellon, in September and October. Leptospheria rubicunda Rehm, on dead stems of ? Brassica WVapus, at Scotston near Aberdeen, in January. L. Coniothyrium Sacc., on dead twigs of Salix aurita, in Den of Maidencraig near Aberdeen, in January, along with Coniothyrium Fuckelit Sacc. Melanomma fuscidulum Sacc., on dead wood of Sambucus nigra, Udny, in November. ‘This comes very near J. pulvts-pyrtus. Pleospora rubicunda Niessl., on dead haulms of Solanum tuberosum, Scotston near Aberdeen, in October. P. Gilletiana Sacc., var Ulicis Sacc., common on dead branches of Ulex Luropaeus near Aberdeen, in autumn and winter. Fenestella macrospora Fckl., on dead twigs of Corylus Avellana, in den of Maidencraig near Aberdeen, in January. Lophiotrema praemorsum (Lasch.) Sacc., var., (Lophiostoma 280 The Scotttsh Naturalist. Jerdont B. & Br., in Myc. Scot, 2008), on twigs of Cytisus scoparius, at Hilton near Aberdeen, in December. Lophiostoma simillimum Karst., on dead stems of ? Bras- sica apus, at Scotston near Aberdeen, in January. Lophidium compressum (Pers.) Sacc., on dead twigs of Salix aurita, in Den of Maidencraig near Aberdeen, in January. HYSTERIACEA. Gloniopsis biformis (Fr.), on dead branches of Crategus Oxyacantha, Denmore near Aberdeen, in January. Hysterographium Fraxini (Pers.) De Not., on dead branches of Fraxinus excelstor, New Machar near Aberdeen, in May. FunGciI INCOMPLETI. SPHROPSIDEA. Phyllosticta Mahoniz Sacc., on dead leaves of Berberts (Mahonia) aguifolia, Fintray near Aberdeen, in September. P. Aucupariz Thuem., on leaves of Pyrus Aucuparia, producing dry round spots. Common in autumn around Aberdeen. P. Opuli Sacc., on leaves of Viburnum Opulus, at Fintray, in September. P. Syringe Westd., on leaves of Syringa vulgaris, at Fin- tray, In September. Phoma Mahoniana, Sacc., on leaves of Berberis (Mahonia) aguifolia, at Banchory near Aberdeen, in November. P. Sorbi (Lasch.) Sacc., in leaves of Pyrus Aucuparia, common but local near Aberdeen in autumn. P. subordinaria Desm., on scapes of Plantago lanceolatar common near Aberdeen in winter. Cytospora Salicis (Corda) Rabh., on twigs of Sa/ix, New- hills near Aberdeen, in December. Coniothyrium Sarothamni (Thuem) Sacc., on twigs of Cytisus scoparius, Hilton, near Aberdeen, in December. GC. Fuckelii Sacc., on twigs of Salix aurita, in Den of Maidencraig, in January, along with Leffospheria Coniothyrium. Ascochyta Calystegie Sacc., in spots on leaves of Convol- vulus sepium, Culter Cullen, between Udny and Newburgh, in October. The Scottish Naturalist. 285 Septoria Rubi Westd., in spots on leaves of Rubus /deus, Udny, in October. S. Capreece Westd., on dying leaves of Salix Caprea, Tol- quhon near Ellon, in October. S. Petroselini Desm., var., Torilis v. noy., on stems of Torilis Anthriscus, near Inverurie, in October. S. Cercosporoides Trail, on leaves of Chrysanthemum Leucan- themum, Udny, in October. S. plantaginea Pass., on dying leaves of Plantago lanceo- fata, Udny, in October. Phleospora Aceris (Lib.) Sacc., on leaves of Acer campestre, Goval near Aberdeen, in September. Leptostromella juncina (Fr.) Sacc. ; On Juncus articulatus ; near Stonehaven, in October. j MELANCONIEE. Gleosporium Tiliee Oud; in spots on leaves of Zilia Luropaea, Durris, in October. Melanconium bicolor Nees; on twigs of Carpinus Betulus ; Durris, in October. HYPHOMYCETES. Oidium farinosum Cooke, has proved hurtful to apple trees. in Old Aberdeen in early summer; but the most careful search has failed to disclose any further development. Ovularia decipiens Sacc. ; on leaves of Ranunculus repens, near Stonehaven, in October; along with Ramularia didyma Unger. Coniosporium Arundinis Cda. var. pheeospermum (Cda),. on dead twigs of Aesculus LHippocastanum, Cults, near Aberdeen, in November. Hormiscium stilbosporum (Corda.) Sacc.; on twigs of Salix aurita; in Den of Maidencraig near Aberdeen, in January. Graphiopsis chlorocephala, (Fres.) Trail ; (Scot. Vat, 1889, pp. 75-76); on dead /wnei and Carices, not scarce in “ Dee ” in autumn. Rhipidocephalum bicolor (Grove) Trail. (Scot. Mat, 1889, Pp, 75-76) ; on dead wood, common near Aberdeen. 282 The Scottish Naturalist. Periconia byssoides (Pers) Fr. (Sporocybe byssoides Fr., in Mye. Scot. 1410) on dead stems of Urtica dioica, near Aberdeens in January. Ramularia sambucina Sacc.; on spots on leaves of Sam- bucus nigra, (apparently associated with Phylosticta Sambuct), near Lumphanan in September. R. Viole Trail (Scot. Wat., 1889, p. 74); on spots on leaves of Viola sylvatica ; common in autumn. R. Epilobii (Schn.); (Scot, Wat., 1889, p. 74); on spots on leaves of Lfilobium montanum, £. parvifiorum, £, palustre, and E. obscurum ; common in autumn. R. Parietarize Pass., on leaves of Parietaria officinalis ; Castle of Tolquhon, Aberdeenshire, October. Cercospora Ii Trail (Scot Wat., 1889, p. 75); on spots on leaves of Viola palustris I have found spots caused, I believe, by the species near Aberdeen ; but owing to the absence of conidia, there is room for uncertainty. Verticicladium cinnabarinum (Cda); on decaying plants kept in a box for some weeks, especially on fruits of Fraxtinus excelstor, Goval near Aberdeen, in November. Acrotheca Gei Fckl.; on spots on leaves of Geum urbanum ; Persley near Aberdeen, in October. Dendryphium penicillatum (Cda.) Fr.; on dead stems of Urtica dioica ; near Aberdeen, in January. Clasterosporium maculans (Cda.) Sacc.; on old paling (? Pinus sylvestris) Murcar near Aberdeen, in February. C. fasciculare (Cda.) Sacc.; on the same wood as the last species. Fusarium roseum Link, on Bovista nigricans, Mis &c., Murcar Links, in winter. Spheridium vitellinum Fr. ; on dead leaves of Fagus sylvatica, Persley near Aberdeen, in October. The Scottish Naturalist. 283 OBITUARY. ROFESSOR WILLIAM RAMSAY M'‘NAB, M.D., F.LS., may be said to have inherited the strong tastes and ability that he possessed for botanical and entomological studies, his grandfather and father having successively been well-known Cura- tors of the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens; while an uncle, Dr. Gilbert M‘Nab, had a strong taste for entomology. Born in 1844, he was educated in Edinburgh, and took the degree of M.D. in the University there in 1866. While yet an undergraduate, he held the position of assistant to Professor Bal- four ; and he also spent some time pursuing his studies in Ger- many, under Professor A, Braun, among others. After graduating, he engaged for three years in medical practice in Edinburgh, until appointed to the Professorship of Natural History in the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. ‘Two years afterwards he obtained the Professorship of Botany in the Royal College of Science, Dublin, which appointment he held till his death. He also held the appointments of Superintendent of the Glasnevin Botanic Garden ; Consulting Botanist and Kntomo- logist to the Royal Dublin Society; and Extern Examiner in Botany in Victoria University ; and for some time before his death he was Swiney Lecturer on Geology in the British Museum. As a teacher he was enthusiastic, and did not spare himself in his efforts to impart the best scientific instruction to his students. His style as a lecturer was clear; and he was one of the first to follow the new methods of research and of instruction that have so promoted the successful study of Botany on the Continent of Europe. His earlier contributions to science related chiefly to Scotch Coleoptera, to which fact the earlier volumes of the Extomologist’s Monthly Magazine bear witness. He afterwards confined his atten- tion almost wholly to Botany. Among his more important papers are those on Zhe Structure of the Leaves of Certain Contfere ; On the Revision of the Species of Abies ; and Experiments on the Movement of Water in Plants. Two small books entitled Out Lines of the Morphology and Physiology of Plants, and Outlines of the Classification of Plants, have enjoyed an extensive circulation, 284 The Scottish Naturalist. as giving in small compass the leading views of Sachs’ Text- book. We are informed that Professor M‘Nab had, during the last seven years of his life, been. actively occupied with the work of preparing a large text-book of Botany. ‘To this work he was able to bring a very wide knowledge of botanical literature, as well as much practical acquaintance with the methods of research. He died very suddenly on 3rd December, 1889, aged 45. He leaves a widow and five children, for whom, by causes beyond his control, no adequate provision could be made by him. A com- mittee has been formed with the view of raising a fund for the purpose of at once testifying to the regard in which his scientific attainments were held by his colleagues and other friends, and of assisting his family to maintain themselves by their own exertions. Sympathisers with this object are requested to forward their con- tributions to Greenwood Pim, M.A., F.L.S., Hon. Sec. of the fund, at Easton Lodge, Monkstown, Dublin. REVIEWS, A VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF THE OUTER HEBRIDES. ByJ. A. HarviE Brown, and T. E. BucKLey. (Edinburgh, 1888.) In April 1888 we took occasion to review, in this Journal, the Vertebrate Fauna of Sutherland, Caithness, and West Ross, by the same authors, to which this is a companion volume ; and though, unavoidably, somewhat late, we cannot let the issue of the second work of what we hope may prove to be a series pass without some expression of our pleasure at so valuable an addition to the zoological literature of Scotland. No one could have been found better qualified than the authors to produce such a work, since their acquaintance with the islands is probably equalled by few naturalists, if by any ; and they have brought to the task the results of years of unflagging interest in all that could further its successful accomplishment. Like the earlier volume, this book is all that could be desired in the typo- graphy, and in the illustrations of the grand and wild cliff scenery of the islands, as also in the maps. The frontispiece by Mr. Millais requires to be minutely studied before the beauty and faithfulness of its representations of wild animal life can be duly appreciated. To some, at least, the woodcuts (taken from the only known likenesses) of Professor William Macgillivray, (the well-known writer on British Orni- thology, and of numerous less known, but scarcely less meritorious, works in several other departments of Natural Science), and of his eldest son, John, who died in the discharge of scientific duties, will enhance the value of the The Scottish Naturalist 285 book. We may say, however, that we have been informed by intimate acquaintances of Professor Macgillivray that the portrait fails to do him justice. : The authors describe the physical features of the islands in an introductory portion extending to eighty pages in length, with a supplement of three pages about St. Kilda, and six about the lonely and desolate Rockall. Then follow eleven pages on the faunal position and importance of the Outer Hebrides, chiefly reprinted; as regards the Mammals, from Mr. E. R. Alston’s article in the Fauna of Scotland, published by the Natural History Society of Glasgow. Turning now to the lists of Vertebrates, which occupy about two hundred and fifty pages, we observe, as in the earlier work, that complete lists of the British Vertebrate fauna are given, which, though perhaps not misleading, is somewhat confusing tothe eye in looking over the pages. ‘The land animals and birds are fewer than in the counties on the mainland of Scotland formerly treated of, as was to be expected. The Mammats include a bat (probably the Pipistrelle), Lesser Shrew, Marten, (recorded as long ago as 1777 by Pennant), Common Otter, Walrus, Common Seal, Ringed Seal, (reported in Bell’s British Quadrupeds, 2nd Ed., p. 249), Greenland Seal, Grey Seal, Common Rorqual, ? Sibbald’s Rorqual, and ? Lesser Rorqual, Pilot Whale, Porpoise, Red Deer, Fallow ‘Deer, (introduced into Harmetray Island in 1878), Common House Mouse, Black Rat, (reported from Benbeculay by Mr. ‘Carmichael), Brown Rat, Irish Rat, (AZws hibernicus Thompson; in the ** Zoologist ” in Sept., 1839, the rank of this form has been discussed, with the result that it must probably be regarded as a hybrid between JW. alexan- drinus and WM. decumanus), Common Field Vole, Common Hare (intro- duced), Mountain Hare, (introduced), Rabbit, (introduced). Remains of the Small Fossil Ox (Los longifrons) have been found ina ‘‘Pict’s House ”’ in Farris. The number of species of birds noted as ascertained to be residents in, or migrants to the Outer Hebrides is 155, inclusive of such as pass the light- houses. Of these, a considerable number are rare, or only recently observed in the islands. The growth of plantations in one or two localities is exerting a marked influence upon the birds of these places. It is noted that the ‘‘ St. Kilda Wren” appears to have become almost extinct since the publication of it as a new species by Seebohm. The Chough is to be reported to have become extinct in Barray, whence Professor Macgillivray records it. On the other hand, certain species, e.g. the Eider Duck, have greatly increased, both in number of individuals, and in extent of area colonised by them in recent years. ; The Slow-worm is the only reptile found in the islands; and the Amphibia are quite unrepresented there. The list of fishes, though ‘‘ at present the means of putting together a fish- fauna are very meagre,” includes over one hundred and thirty species ; but of these, a good many are recorded only from localities beyond the bounds of the district, though likely to be found within its waters also. A chapter by Professor Heddle, ‘fon the General Geological Features of the Outer Hebrides,” concludes a book of much value to all interested in the Vertebrate Fauna of Scotland. 286 The Scottish Naturalist. THE LARVZ OF THE BRITISH BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS, Vol. III. (The concluding portion of the BomsByces), by (the late) WILLIAM BUCKLER, being the Ray Society volume issued for the year 1888. WE have already had occasion to comment with high praise on the preceding volumes of this work ; and it is fitting that the third volume should not be passed in silence by this Journal, despite the fact that only a share of the forms described and figured in it are Scotch. As in the earlier volumes all the figures are the work of Mr. Buckler, and are absolutely true to nature in every detail. But in the letter-press we miss greatly the hand of Mr. Hellins, whose thorough mastery of the subject and conscientious care in the completion of his friend’s labours were evident in almost every previous page. There can be little question as to the wisdom of the decision come to by Mr. Stainton to allow Mr. Buckler’s notes and a few additions by Mr. Hellins, (indicated in each case by initials), to appear unaltered, even by supplementary remarks ; but it results from this that the notes on many of the species are extremely fragmentary. This is peculiarly the case with the commoner species, which Mr. Buckler appears to have left to be taken in hand at some more convenient season. The most complete life-histories are those extracted from the ‘‘Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine.” Those taken from entries in note- books are naturally far less full. Yet even in these there is much of interest to all lepidopterists. Unfortunately, though 78 species and varieties are figured, there are references in the letter-press to only 34 of these; but among the latter are found the whole of the British Lzthosiide. The families included in this volume are as follows, the first number denoting the species figured, and the second those mentioned in the text, viz.—Notodontide (continued) 8, 3; Liparide 11, 1; Lithosiide 17, 17; Nolide 5, 3; Chelonide 12, 2: Bombycide 11 and I variety, 3 and 1 variety ; Endromide 1,1; Saturnide 1, 1; Platypterygide 6,2; Psychide 3, 0; Cochliopodide 2,1. A list (by Mr. Bignall) of parasites bred from the larve concludes the volume. NATURALISTS’-GAZETTE SERIES OF LABEL LISTS. THIs series of labels will prove a great convenience to collectors, as they include several groups of animals, of which British lists could scarcely be procured. They are printed in good clear type, of a size to be pleasant to the eye. Each list is printed on one side of a single sheet of paper and costs 14d or 24d, or Is and Is 6d per dozen. The series at present published numbers six lists, all British, viz. 1, Starfish, Sea Urchins, and Sea Cucumbers ; 2, Stalk- eyed Crustaceans ; 3, Butterflies, 4, Dragonflies; 5, Land and Freshwater Shells ; 6, Birds’ Eggs. The last-named list is adapted for labelling the eggs, the names of the birds being printed in type of sizes suited to the respective eggs. We doubt the expediency of attempting to popularise the study of the Dragon- flies by giving so-called popular or English names to them, where such names are not in any true sense popular (most being devised for the occasion), as their use is apt to prove but a delusion anda snare tothe unwary. We have observed one or two misprints and the absence of capital letters in specific names which should have them; but these small blemishes will, doubtless, be got clear of in a new issue. The Scottish Naturalist. 287 PERIODICALS. Entomo.ocist’s MontTurty Macazine, 1888 (July).—List of British Tipulide, etc., by G. H. Verrall. (Notes from Scotland 7ipula varipennis Mg., 7’. scripta Mg., 7. melanoceras Schum. ? one male from In- veran, 7’. lunata L., 7. oleracea L., 7’. paludosa Mg., the two last are the common ‘‘Craneflies” or ‘‘ Daddy-long-legs”); Generical Synopsis with Annotated List of British Ephemeride by Rev. A. E. Eaton. (Stphlurus lacustris Eaton, hill streams and mountain lakelets, Scot- land); Oxyporus rufus L., in Scotland (in a fungus at Castle Douglas), by W. D. R. Douglas. (Auaust.) Spilosoma Menthrasti, var. ochracea White, (Exhibited), bred from ova from Dundee, the larve having been fed on the Stinging Nettle. Hupithecia togata, (exhibited), bred from Perthshire larvee. (September.) The Larva, &c. of Philopotamus, by Kenneth J. Morton. (December.) Phibalapteryx lapidata in Argyllshire, (near Taynuilt, in October), by A. H. Clarke. 1889 (January.) Exhibited, Cymatophora or Fb. from the Hebrides, Dianthecia nana Rott. from the Hebrides and from Shetland, and Agrotis simulans Hufn. from Aberdeenshire. (February.) Exhibited, Noctua glareosa Esp. from Perth, Forres and Shetland, (the Shetland specimens and one from Perth approaching a melanic variety); dark Cidaria suffumata Hb., and black and suffused Melanthia bicolorata Hufn. from Forres. (March.) Note on Stenophylax stellatus and S. latipennis, (taken at small streams near Carluke), by Kenneth J. Morton. (April.) Exhibited, Anerastia lotella Hb., Dioryctrea abietella Zinc., and Crambus dumetellus Hb., all from Forres. (May.) Notes on Diptera in 1888, by E. Brunetti, (enumerates Tabanus tropicus Mg. from Aberdeen, Laphria flava L., two from Kincar- dineshire in September, Thereva nobiletata F. from Aberdeen ; Cynomyia mortuorum from Aberdeen); Note on the probable origin of last year’s Deilephila Galii, by W. H. Tugwell, mentions the capture of a female by Mr. Horne at Aberdeen, and of a male by Mr. Kirk at Dundee. Exhibits :—Huchromia mygindana Schiff., H. arbutella L., and Coccyx nemorivaga Tgstr., bred from larvz in shoots of Arctostaphylos Uva-urst from Forres ; small, dark Agrotis pyrophila from Forres, and a melanic variety from Stornoway, and 7riphena orbona from Forres and Stornoway, and 7’. subsequa from Forres to compare with New Forest examples. (July.) Notes on Agrypnia Pagetana and other Trichop- tera, (near Glasgow, in June 1889), by Kenneth J, Morton; On the British species of the genus Anaspis, by Rev. Canon Fowler, mentions as Scotch 4. rufilabris Gyll., 4. Geoffroyt Mill, A. rujficollis F., A, flava L., v. thoracica L., A. maculata Foure. (September.) Atschna borealis Zett. at Rannoch, (5 taken in June), by Kenneth J. Morton and J. J. King. Exhibits :—Galls of Nematus herbacee Cam., on Salix herbacea, with their makers from Aberdeen, (should probably be Braemar, as the Willow does not grow near Aberdeen). 288 The Scottish Naturalist. (November.) Dates of appearance of Lyczna Artaxerxes, {taken on 19th June at Calverton, Roxburgh), by A. Elliott ; Crambus amyellus (4 specimens near Perth), by S. Ellison. (December.) CHicophora stipella; the food of its larva, + Sycamore (Acer Pseudoplatanus), under bark, near Perth), by 5. 1. BE)! 1890 (January) Scoparia atomalis, by Eustace R. a2 we states, as the result of a careful comparison of a series of this moi) (co Jee by Mr. Ellison from various localities in Perthshire), with S. am iy sik. that S. atomalis is only the ‘‘ small, dark, highland form of the well-known am- bigualis,” a view first advocated by Dr. Buchanan White in the Svot. Nat. (IV. 244). Identity of Phycis adornatella Tr. and Ph. sub- ornatella Dup., by C. G. Barrett. Mr. B. comes to the conclusion that these two are not separable except as varieties, and that the above seme must sink to varietal names under the older Ph. dijutella Hiiby. Susorna- tella inhabits the north and west of Great Britain, adornatella the south and east. (February.) Notes on the Metamorphoses of two species of the genus Tinodes, by Kenneth J. Morton, gives an account, from personal observations, of the habits and structure of the earlier stages (illus- ‘trated with cuts of the mouth-pieces) of 7. aureola and 7’. Wamneri, two Caddisflies, of whose metamorphoses little was previously known. A New British Retinia, by C. G. Barrett, records the addition to the British fauna of a new moth, R. margarotana, H.S., detected by Mr. Barrett in Mr. Hodgkinson’s collection of British Yortrices, The specimen had been taken in Scotland, probably in the west. _ Its previously known habitats are Silesia and Greece. Heinemann’s description is quoted as follows :—Anterior-wings narrower than in turionana, of more uniform width, with the costa almost straight, brown-red, with broad violet-grey leaden lines, finely margined with black, and partly interrupted; those leaden lines so very broad that the ground colour remains only in narrow stripes, interrupted and branched in the marginal area. Costal hooks inconspicuous, small, and faintly double, except the first, which is sharply white, and continued to the upper of the two rather distinct -ocelli; cilia shining-grey, with a dark line at the base. Head and long palpi xusty-brown. Hind wings in both sexes brownish-grey, with pale grey cilia.” CS sa. ) fay “Lampe: ‘TAYLOR. BROS, Sr. een STREET. | Berus: R. FRIEDLANDER & SOHN, CARESTRASSE, lL. Lonpow : HARDWICKE & BOGUE, 192 PICCADILLY, W. HST MANUAL OF BRITISH BIRDS. BY HOWARD SAUNDERS, Bide oe FZ, 2. ETC, ls di tor of the Third ead Fourth ‘Volumes of “Yarrell’s ae of British Birds,” Fourth Edition. 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Od. {) 4 65, 30S oh nen eager . 100 Gis GSB A qa Bs es | 1 Oi: ee eine Aud so of in proporticn. MAY 21 1909 ces & We At) Soe OBITUARY. HE death, on 3rd May, of ROBERT F. O. FARQUHAR- SON, Esq., of Haughton, is a great loss to his numerous friends, and not less to the votaries of Natural History in the north-east of Scotland, where his wide and hearty interest in every matter that could promote the welfare of the community won him much esteem. ‘The youngest of five sons, he spent several years in Australia, where he engaged successfully in sheep-farming, Succeeding to the family estate in 1854, he has for many years occupied a prominent position among the gentlemen farmers of Aberdeenshire for his ready appreciation of all that tends to the real advancement of agriculture, as, for example, in the practical advocacy of ensilage. He was a kindly landlord, and showed his strong sympathy with the difficulties of his tenantry during the years of agricultural depression. In the parish of Alford he for years took an active part in the work of the School and Parochial Board, and of the Road Trus- tees ; and was also for a time captain of the Alford corps of Rifle Volunteers, and afterwards major of the battalion. Though not able to devote much time to the practical pursuit of any special branch of Natural History, owing to the numerous calls upon him of the various natures indicated above, he had a keen desire to stimulate the public interest in Natural Science, and aided willingly in whatever could advance its progress. For some time before his death he was president of the Alford Field Club; and last year he was also President of the East of Scotland Union of Naturalists’ Societies at the annual meeting held in Alford, when he and Mrs. Farquharson hospitably entertained the visitors present at the meetings. He showed a strong interest in the investigation of the flora of the district of the Vale of Alford, on which Mrs. Farquharson’s scientific pursuits have thrown much light, as evidenced by the pages of this journal. The sympathies of many friends will be with his widow, and with his daughters, by his first marriage, in their sad bereavement. “ity 290 The Scottish Naturalist. THE FLORA OF RIVER-SHINGLES, By F. Buchanan Wuite, M.D., F.LS. LL rapid rivers have a tendency to form, at various parts of their course, the accumulations of water-rolled stones known as shingles or stanirs (staners or stanners). The latter term, though applicable to all collections of small stones and gravel on the margin of a river or lake, is perhaps more generally used for those island-like beds—frequently or occasionally dry— which lie in the channel of a river. These shingles or stanirs are objects of much interest both to the geologist and to the botanist—to the geologist on account of what may be called their life-history, that is, their origin, growth, and decadence; to the botanist on account of their flora. A river if left to itself is perpetually altering its course. It flows in curves; and denudes one bank, and piles up aédris on the other. The débris thus accumulated forms shingles or stanirs ; and if nothing occurs to induce an alteration in the direction of the current the shingles continue to grow. But, perchance, in the course of denudation a big stone or a rock, or even a harder bed of gravel may be met with, and may prove an obstacle to the con- tinuance of the denudation of that bank. ‘The result is that the direction of the current is altered; denudation of the hitherto. wasted bank ceases, and is transferred to the shingle; and a new shingle is formed on the opposite bank a little below the obstacle which has given rise to the alteration in the current. It thus. happens that, unless there is an interference by human agency with the course of a river, the existence of any particular shingle may be brought to an end at any time by an apparently trivial cause. At first a shingle or a stanir consists of bare rounded stones. more or less submerged for the greater part of the year. By degrees more stones are piled up, and finer gravel and sand obtain a lodgment in the interstices. Seeds are brought to the shingle by the water or by the wind; and the plants thus introduced have a chance of growing during those summer months when the river is low, and the shingle unsubmerged. Their stems and branches, —either dead or alive,—serve to detain more débris during the next flood; and thus by degrees the shingle grows, and its The Scottish Naturalist. 291 vegetation becomes more luxuriant, till, finally, it is submerged by great floods only. These bring to it vegetable humus, till at length the shingle proper forms only the foundation of a rich haugh or island, covered with a luxuriant undergrowth of herbaceous plants, and not unfrequently adorned with shrubs and trees. But unless man, by building jetties, protecting the banks, or forming em- bankments, interrupts the natural course of events, sooner or later the river will destroy all that it has created, only, however, to repeat the construction in some other part of its course. In the following remarks on the flora of the shingles and stanirs, I purpose confining myself chiefly to those of the middle part of the course of the river Tay; but what applies to it will also apply in great measure to all rapid Scottish rivers whose sources are in the loftier mountains. : Taking in the first place a shingle or stanir in course of forma- tion—namely, when it is dry during a comparatively short period of the year only. From such shingles we can learn two pieces of information, first, as to the plants whose seeds are conveyed entirely or to a very great extent by water, and second, as to the species which can grow and flourish in a soil which, even in the most favourable circumstances, consists only of coarse gravel, and more often for the chief part of stones, 2 or 3 inches or more in diameter. That water is the only agent which brings the seeds (or, very rarely, rooted plants) to such spots is evident, because at the time the species in question were mostly in seed, the shingle itself was submerged ; or, if it was not, seeds brought by the wind would be so superficially deposited that the first flood would remove them. I am, of course, speaking of a shingle which has just arrived at a condition to bear its first crop. After it has carried one the seeds thereof may more readily find a permanent resting-place, though, as all the upper layers of stones are in motion during every flood, it is probable that in the earlier years of the life of a shingle none of the seeds produced on it remain there. I have thought that much instruction might be derivedifa definite space,—say fifty yards square,—of a young shingle were mappcd out, and a careful census taken of all the plants which spring up in it in course of one season; but I have not been able to put this idea into execution. On such a shingle the first plants that are at all conspicuous are some of the weeds of cultivation, e.g. Brassica Sinapis, Chrysanthemum segetum, Matricaria tnodora, 202) The Scottish Naturalist. Polygonum Persicaria, P. lapathifolium, &c.; but mingled with them are a host of other and more enduring species, which, if circum- stances are favourable, will help to build up the future vegetation. In young shingles, however, these, like the annual weeds, will probably be swept away by the first flood ; and their successors will not secure a permanent foot-hold till the shingle or stanir has begun decidedly to grow. When the shingle has reached that stage at which it is unsub- merged for a considerable part of the year it begins to exhibit a characteristic flora, the chief feature of which is the presence of Silene maritima, Armeria maritima, Plantago maritima, Alchemilla alpina, Saxifraga aizoides, Oxyria digyna, Viola canina, and the naturalised Lupinus perennis. Of these the Sz/ene, the Viola and the Lupinus are—in Perthshire—almost restricted to the river shingles. Sz/ene maritima does grow in a few places on mountain rocks, but does not occur on the lower or salt-water Perthshire part of the Tay, whilst it may be found on almost every shingle from Perth upwards. On these shingles it ts mostly con- fined to the parts where the vegetation is not too dense, for, as other plants increase, it is choked out. The Armeria and Plantago are of amore enduring nature ; and continue to maintain their position even when a shingle has become more or less meadow-land, provided that they are not overshadowed by bushes or other tall plants. Whilst abounding in the salt-marshes of the Tay, they (but more especially the Flantago) are of not unfrequent occurrence on the mountains. liola canina, though not entirely restricted to the shingles, is certainly far more abundant on them than in other spots in Perthshire ; and, curiously enough, the latter places,—peaty moors and dry rocky hills,—are very different in their nature from the shingles. ‘The Lupine,—which now extends over 45 miles of the course of the Tay, and abounds in many places, is most common in the island-shingles or stanirs, many of which are blue with it when it is in flower. Its seeming preference for islands is said to be due to the fact that on the mainland it is eaten by rabbits and thus kept down. Of the three alpine species mentioned above the Oxyvia sticks to the uncrowded shingles, while 4/chemilla alpina and Saxtfraga aizoldes have spread to the river-side rocks. The Oxyria and Alchemilla have doubtless been brought down from the hills, but The Scottish Naturalvst. 293 as the Saxifraga occurs on the shores of some of the lowland lakes, —to which it appears not to have been brought by water,—it may have come from them. Some other alpine species might have been expected to occur on the shingles of the Tay, since they grow on the banks of some of the tributary hill-streams ; but they have not yet been detected. Some of them have been found on the shingles of other northern rivers. Instead of attempting to enumerate all the species that occur on the shingles and stanirs, it will be more instructive to give a brief account of one locality which at present shows all the stages of the life-history of these formations. This is the Woody Island, a combination of shingle and stanir, situated in the Tay about 2 miles above Perth. Its flora has been carefully investigated by my friend Mr. William Barclay, who has published an account of it in the Transactions of the Perthshire Society of Natural Science (Vol. I. p. 30.) The area of the Woody Island is now about seven acres, though a few years ago it was considerably greater. On the east side it is being rapidly destroyed by the river, but, to compensate for this denudation, it is growing—though rather slowly—towards the north. The surface of the lower end of the island is about 12 feet above the level of the water when the river is low, but the northern part is not nearly so elevated. When the water is low the northern part of the island is connected by a dry shingle with the west bank of the river ; but in the time of floods the river not only surrounds the island, but fills a shingly channel which divides it into two. In very high floods a considerable part of the island is submerged. While the substratum is of the usual nature of all stanirs, being formed of shingle, gravel and sand, the upper layers consist of a humus sufficiently rich to support a very luxuriant vegetation. Whilst the area extends, as has been said, to about seven acres, a considerable part (probably more than half) is covered with such a dense growth of planted spruces that but few other plants are able to grow. Consequently the space available for the rich flora is very considerably less than the total area of the island. That the flora is a rich one will, I think, be admitted, when I state that our explorations have resulted in a list of upwards of 330 flower- ing plants and vascular cryptogams. The greater part of these consists of species indigenous to the banks of the Tay and its 294 The Scottish Naturalist. tributaries, but a few are outcasts from gardens—some of them naturalised in other places further up the river. Water has been the chief and, perhaps, the only agent in stocking the island ; and wind, except, perhaps, in carrying seeds into the water, has pro- bably taken little part in the matter. At least this seems to be the deduction to be drawn from the fact that though Zragopogon pratensis—whose fruits are so readily carried by the wind—grows on the high banks a few yards to the west of the island, the prevalent west winds have apparently not succeeded in adding that species to the flora. But whilst the flora is thus due to the river currents, yet these have not brought all the species that might have been expected. Several plants already pointed out as eminently characteristic of the Tay shingles and stanirs appear not to occur on the Woody Island, though they are to be found at no very great distance from it. These are Lupinus perennis, Plantago maritima,and Armerit maritima. ‘That these species should be absent from a spot so advantageously situated for catching everything that comes down the river is rather puzzling. It is not improbable that they once existed there, and that, having died out, they have not been as yet © re-introduced. In the fllora 50 natural orders and 176 genera are represented. The species are as follows :— Thalictrum minus L.; Anemone nemorosa L.; Ranunculus “aquatilis L.”; R. Flammula L.; R. auricomus L.; R. acris L.; R. repens L.; and R. Ficaria L. ; Caltha palustris L.; and Trol- lius europzeus JL. Fumaria officinallis L, Nasturtium officinale Br. ; N. palustre D.C.; Barbarea vulgaris Br. ; Cardamine amara L.; C. pratensis L.; C. hirsuta L. ; and C. flexuosa With. Erophila vulgaris D.C. ; Sisymbrium Thalianum Gay ; S. offi- cinale Scop. and S. Alliaria Scop.; Brassica Sinapis Vis. and B. alba Boiss. ; Capsella Bursa-pastoris Mcench. ; Lepidium Smithii Br. ; Raphanus Raphanistrum L. and—as a rare casual—lIberis amara L. Viola palustris L.; V. sylvatica Fr.; V, canina L.; and V. tri- color L. Silene maritima With.; Lychnis diurna Sibth, and L, Flos- cuculi L. The Scottish Naturalist. 295 Cerastium triviale Link and L. semidecandrum L.; Stellaria nemoruin L. (very abundant); S. media Cur. ; S. Holostea L.; S. graminea L. and S. uliginosa Murr. ; Arenaria trinervia L.; and A. serpyllifolia L. ; Sagina procumbens L.; and Spergula arvensis L. Montia fontana L. Hypericum perforatum L.; H. quadratum Stokes; H. pul- chrum L.; H. hirsutum L. and H. humifusum L. Linum catharticum L. Geranium sanguineum L.; G. sylvaticum L.; G. pratense L. and G. Robertianum L. (The absence of G. molle is curious.) Oxalis Acetosella L. Acer pseudo-Platanus L. (self-sown). Ulex europzus L. ; Cytisus Scoparius L. and C. Laburnum L. (self-sown) ; Ononis repens L, ; Trifolium pratense L. ; T. medium L.; T. hybridum L. and T. repens L. ; Lotus corniculatus L. and Peep osts Becke ; Vicia ‘iirsuta. Kochi; V.'Cracca~ L. 3 V. sylvatica L. and V. sepium L.; Lathyrus pratensis L.; L. macrorrhizus Wimm. and—formerly, but now lost—L. sylvestris L. Prunus Padus L. and P. Avium L.; Spirza Ulmaria L. and var. denudata Presl., anda shrubby species related to S. salictfolta. Rubus Idzeus L. The following fruticose Rubi were named for me by Professor Babington: KR.’ plicatus W. & N.; R. ammobius Focke (which has not, I think, been recorded from any other place in Britain); R. affinis W. & N.; R. imbricatus Hort.; R. ramosus Blox.; R. latifolius Bab.; R. pyramidalis Kalt.; R. Carpinifolius W. & N.; R. villicaulis W. & N.; and the rare var. gratus Fcke.; R. Maasei Fcke.; R. rosaceus W. & N. and var. Hystrix Wethe; R. Radula Weihe; R. corylifolius Sie vara uvousi7es Lees.) R:' deltoideus. P. J. «Miller; -R. scabrosus Mill. var. ¢rigonodontus (Boul.), and R. cesius L. var. Jigerinus (Genev.). This list probably does not exhaust the Rubi of the island. Geum urbanum L.; G. intermedium Ehrh. and G. rivale L. ; Fragaria vesca L.; Potentilla Fragariastrum Ehrh.; P. Tormentilla Neck. ; P. Anserina L. and P. Comarum L. The latter grows in a curious place, v7z., on the dry perpendicular side of a stone pier or breakwater. Though at a height of five or six feet above the level of the river the plant is luxuriant. Alchemilla vulgaris and A. alpina L.; (A. arvensis is curiously absent). Rosa spinosissima 296 The Scottish Naturalist. L. ; R. mollis Sm. ; R. tomentosa Sm. and R. canina L. ; Pyrus Malus I., b. mtis Wallr., and Crategus Oxyacantha L., d. monogyna Jacq. Saxifraga aizoides L. and S. granulata L. ; Chrysosplenium oppositifolium L. and Chr. alternifolium L.; Ribes Grossularia L.; R. rubrum L. and R. nigrum L. Sedum Telephium L. and S. acre L. Myriophyllum alterniflorum DC. Lythrum Salicaria L.; one plant only, which had stuck on half submerged gravel, and took its departure with the first flood. Epilobium montanum L.; E. obscurum Schreb. and E. palustre L. Circzea lutetiana L. and C. alpina L. Sanicula europzea L. ; Agopodium Podagraria L. ; Pimpinella Saxifraga L.; Conopodium denudatum Koch; Myrrhis Odorata Scop. ; Anthriscus sylvestris L.; Heracleum Sphondylium L. and Caucalis Anthriscus Huds. Adoxa Moschatellina IL. ; Sambucus nigra L. ; Viburnum Opulus L. and Lonicera Periclymenum L. Galmm,, boreale..L..; G.1Cruciata Scop.; .G. yverumyageee palustre L. and G. Aparine L. ; Asperula odorata L. Valeriana officinalis L. ; Valerianella olitoria Moench. Scabiosa Succisa L. and S. arvensis L. Eupatorium cannabinum L.; Solidago Virgaurea L.; Beliis. perennis L.; Aster Novi-Belgii L. (a species which is naturalised on many parts of the Tay); Helianthus tuberosus, a small patch established from a washed-down tuber; Gnaphalium uliginosum L.; Achiliea Millefolium L. and A. Ptarmica L.; Chrysanthemum segetum L.; C. Leucanthemum L.-; C. Parthenium Pers.;. Matricaria inodora L. ; Tanacetum vulgare L.: Tussilago Farfara L.; Doronicum Pardalianches L.; Senecio vulgaris L.; S. Jacobzea L. and S. aquatica L. ; Cnicus lanceolatus Hoffm.; C. palustris Hoffm. ; C. heterophyllus Willd. and C. arvensis Hoffin. Centaurea nigra L.; Lapsana communis L.; Crepis paludosa Mecench. ; Hieracium vulgatum Fr.; H. murorum L. and H. crocatum Fr.; Hypochceris radicata L.; Leontodon autumnalis I. ; Taraxacum officinale Web. and Sonchus oleraceus L. Campanula glomerata L, Notcommon. This species is rather abundant about five miles up the river, where it was first found by George Don. A few specimens have been found here and there The Scottesh Naturaltst. 297 in the course of these five miles; but the plant is practically re- stricted to Don’s station. It would therefore seem not to be very prone to naturalise itself. C. latifolia L.; C. rapunculoides L. and C. rotundifolia L. ; Calluna Erica DC. Primula vulgaris Huds. and P. veris L.; Lysimachia nemorum L, and Anagallis arvensis L. Fraxinus excelsior L. Symphytum officinale L.; Myosotis czspitosa Schultz; M. palustris With. ; M. arvensis Hoffm. and M. versicolor Reich. Calystegia sepium Br. Common in willow thickets. Possibly, but not certainly, an introduced species. Solanum Dulcamara L. Scrophularia nodosa L. ; Mimulus luteus L.; Digitalis purpurea L.; Veronica arvensis L.; V. serpyllifolia L.; V. officinalis L. ; MeeCham-cdrys .L,.;.V. montana, L.5) V.. Anagallis .L.. and,.V. Beccabunga L. ; Euphrasia officinalis L. and Rhinanthus Crista- galli L. Mentha rubra Sm.; M. sativa L. and M. arvensis L.; Origanum vulgare L.; Thymus Serpyllum Fr.; Calamintha Clinopodium Benth. ; Nepeta Glechoma Benth. ; Prunella vulgaris L. ; Stachys palustris L.; and S. sylvatica L. ; Galeopsis speciosa Mill. and G. Tetrahit Boenn. Lamium album L.; Teucrium Scorodonia L. and Ajuga reptans L. Plantago major L. and P. lanceolata L. ; Littorella lacustris L. Scleranthus annuus L. Chenopodium album L. and Atriplex patula L. Polygonum Convolvulus L.; P. aviculare L.; P. Hydropiper L.; P. Persicaria L. ; P. lapathifolium L. ; P. maculatum Dyer and Trim. ; P. amphibium L. ; Oxyria digyna Hill; Rumex sanguineus L. (b. viridis Sibth.); R. obtusifolius L.; R. acutus L.; R. con- spersus Hartm.; R. crispus L.; R. domesticus Hartm.; R. Ace- tosa L. and R. Acetosella L. Mercurialis perennis L. Ulmus montana Sm. and Urtica dioica L. Fagus sylvatica L.; Betula alba L.; Alnus glutinosa L. The island is very rich in willows. The north end, and a fringe of varying width on the west side, are more or less covered by dense thickets of these plants, innumerable seedlings of which spring up on the barer shingles, The species which occur are Salix fragilis L., S. alba L.; S. triandra L.; S. purpurea L.; S. 298 The Scottish Naturalist. viminalis L.; S. cinerea L.; S. nigricans Sm. and S. phylicifolia L. (The absence of S. Caprea is curious.) Numerous hybrids are, as might be expected, also to be found, many of them having doubtless been produced on the island. These include S. decipiens Hoffm. (triandra and fragilis); S. rubra Huds. (purpurea and viminalis) in several forms, some being true rubra, others near Forbyana Sm.; S. sordida Kerner (purpurea and cinerea), common and very variable. One very beautiful form I am inclined to think may be a hybrid between S. rubra and S. cinerea (¢.e. purpurea and viminalis and cinerea). S. Smithiana Willd. (viminalis and the Caprese) in two forms, wiz., sericans Tausch and ferruginea G. And.; S. lutescens Kerner (cinerea and aurita); S. strepida Schleich. (cinerea and nigricans) and S. Wardiana (Leefe) , B.W. (cinerea and phylicifolia). One large tree of S. fragilis bears catkins which, though chiefly male, have also a few female flowers mixed with the male. The trees of S. fragilis all belong to my variety drztannica. Pinus sylvestris L.; Larix europea D.C. and Abies excelsa Poir. These have all been planted. Allium ursinum L.; Scilla nutans Sm.; Paris quadrifolia L. ; and Ornithogalum umbellatum L. Elodea canadensis Mich. Juncus bufonius L.; J. effusus L.; J. supinus Moench; J. lamprocarpus Ehrh. and J. acutiflorus Ehrh.; Luzula maxima DC. ; L. campestris D.C.3’and L. multifiera: Ley, Sparganium simplex Huds, on the wetter shingles, with Alisma Plantago L., and Triglochin palustre L. Eleocharis palustris Br. ; Scirpus setaceus L. and S. sylvaticus L.; Carex echinata Murray; C. ovalis Good.; C. Goodenowii J. Gay; C. panicea L.; C. flava L.; and C. rostrata Stokes. Phalaris arundinacea L. ; Anthoxanthum odoratum L.; Alope- curus geniculatus L. and A. pratensis L. ; Phleum pratense L. ; Agrostis alba L. and A. vulgaris With. ; Aira caryophyllea L. ; Deschampsia czespitosa Beauv. ; Holcus mollis L. and H. lanatus L.; Arrhenatherum avenaceum Beauv.; Cynosurus cristatus_L. ; Keeleria cristata Pers. ; Melica nutans L.; Dactylis glomerata L. ; Poa annua L.; P. nemoralis L.; P. pratensis L. and P. trivialis L.; Glyceria fluitans. Br.; Festuca ovina L. and F,. elatior L.; The Scottish Naturatest. 299 Bromus giganteus L.; Brachypodium sylvaticum R. & S.; Agropyron caninum Beauy. and A. repens Beauv. Asplenium Trichomanes L.; Athyrium Filix-foemina Roth. ; Cystopteris fragilis Bernh. and Lastrea Filix-mas Pres]. ‘This is a smaller number of ferns than might have been expected. Equisetum arvense L. This list, it may be mentioned, includes more than one- fourth of the total number of species of Perthshire phanero- gams, Whilst of interest as demonstrating how, under favour- able conditions, a large number of species can grow spon- taneously in a limited area, it also suggests other lessons. It illustrates, for example, the agency of a rapid river in the distribu- tion of the flora of a district ; and, while showing what plants are most liable to be transmitted by water, it affords negative evidence as to the unsusceptibility of others to that mode of conveyance. Furthermore, a study of the plants which succéssively occupy a growing shingle will convey much instruction as to the conditions ‘of habitat necessary to many species and their consequent dis- tribution. VARIETY OF CARDAMINE AMARA L. By F. BucHANAN WHITE, M.D., F.L.S. LTHOUGH Cardamine amara is a common plant in lowland ob Perthshire, I have not met with any variation in its charac- ters till quite recently. When botanising on the banks of the May, a tributary of the River Earn, I came across a large bed, every plant in which had flowers of a purplish lilac colour, giving the species such a different aspect from usual, that at the first glance I did not recognise it as Cardamine amara, While all the British books I have consulted describe the flowers as white, in the Flore de France (Grenier and Godron), they are said to be ‘“‘rarement wtolettes,’ so that a colour variation seems not to be unknown. But in my plant the colour is not that of Viola odorata (which Grenier and Godron call “ Violette”), but rather that of peach blossom. Apart from the colour, there is not much difference be- tween the variety and the type. ‘The leaflets of the upper leaves 300 The Scottish Naturalist. are more similar in outline to those of the lower leaves, (that is in both they are sub-rotund), and not so oblong as in the type; and the style appears to be comparatively shorter ; but whether these characters are constant, remains to be seen. In the mean- time, I think the form is worth distinguishing as var. lilacina. RUMEX PROPINQUUS J. E. ARESCH., IN BRITAIN, By Waal. .BEesy, ALIS, N 1888 I collected near Scalloway, Shetland, a dock which much resembled 2. conmspersus Hartm., but which did not seem to me exactly that plant, although I appear to have distri- buted some specimens (No. 1027) under the latter name. This. piant has been recently identified as 2. propinguus, and a re- examination of my Shetland specimens of Awmex leads me to think that it is probably frequent there; while the record of 2. conspersus rnust for the present be limited to the two localities. mentioned (‘‘ Scot, Nat.,” 1888, p. 215). As &. domesticus and R. crispus are both of them common in Shetland it is natural to. expect the hybrid between them (2. propinguus) to be more com- mon than &. conspersus, the hybrid between 2. obtusifolius and R. domesticus ; since R. obtusifolius is quite a local plant in the islands. The plant will surely be found on the mainland of Britain ; it was pointed out by Dr. Trimen (“ Journ. Bot.,” 1872, P- 333) as a likely British plant, and he remarks on its close re-. semblance to £&. conspersus. AGARICUS STOREA FR. IS IT ENTITLED TO BE CONSIDERED. A BRITISH SPECIES? By Rev. JAMES Kertu, LL.D. HIS fungus has got itself established in our books as a species which has been found both in England and Scotland; but though I have frequently met with the plant which, The Scottish Naturalist. 301 has been going by this name among British Mycologists, I have never been able to satisfy myself as to its identity with Fries’ species. Ag. storea is recorded and described in three of Fries’ works, his Zpicrisis (1836-38), his Monographia (1857,) and his Hyphomycetes Europai (1874). In each of these it is expressly mentioned that he had found it only twice, in 1815 and in 1833, and on both occasions on the same trunk. As regards his acquaintance with the species, therefore, all the three works are of equal value, for he had never met with it after describing it in the Epicrisis. Indeed the description in the Hyphomycetes is a verbatim transcript of that in the /Zzcriszs, so that I am inclined to regard the description in the J/onographia as his latest inde- pendent account of the species. Now in that description it is expressly declared to be a solitary-growing species, a. feature which is emphasised by being printed in italics, and which is said to remove it far from other species otherwise approaching it closely. On the other hand the fungus which has been passing among us as Ag. storea Fr., is a remarkably czspitose one, diverging in this respect very strikingly from the habit of the true plant. Stevenson in his British Fungi gives Fries’ description of the species with his usual accuracy, and mentions two habitats, Ascot and Perth Fungus Show. I know nothing of the Ascot specimens ; but those which occurred at Perth were growing in large clusters, and it was there I got, from a distinguished English Mycologist, the name of Ag. storea Fr. for a fungus which I had previously taken for Ag. lachrymabundus Fr. Cooke cuts the knot of the difficulty arising from the czespitose habit of the British plant by calling it Ag. storea Fr. var., ceespitosus C. But let any one compare the figure which he so designates with that which he gives of Ag. lachrymabundus Fr., and, excepting the slight difference of colour, he will find little to distinguish them. The conclusion I am inclined to come to is that my original idea was correct, and that the fungus which has been taken for Ag. storea Fr., is only a form, and scarcely entitled to be called a variety of Ag. lachrymabundus Fr. 302 The Scottish Naturalst. REVISION OF THE UREDINEA AND OF THE USTILAGINEE OF SCOTLAND. Submitted to the Meeting of the Scottish Cryptogamic Society in September, 1889. By Pror. James W. H. Trait, A.M., M.D., F.L.S- HE publication of Mr. Plowright’s “Monograph of the British Uredineze and the Ustilagineze” in the early part of 1889 induced me to select these groups of fungi in continuance of the series of ‘‘ Revisions” that I have been laying before the Scottish Cryptogamic Society at its later annual meetings. So great an advance has been made in our knowledge of the biology and of the Scotch distribution of the species of both groups since the year 1879, when the JZycologia Scotica was published, that the subjoined list will be found to differ very widely from the lists in that work alike in the nomenclature and in arrange- ment of the fungi enumerated, and very numerous additions to the areas of distribution will be observed, especially under a few of the districts. Among the Uvedinec the interval is in so far bridged by a paper on “ Heterecism in the Uredines,” which was published in the first volume (1883—84) of the New Series of this Journal, but in that paper there is no attempt to indicate distribution. The signs and contractions employed below are similar to those employed in the ‘* Revisions ” already issued. ‘The mark (!) denotes that the record isa personal one, 7.¢., if it follows the name ofa locality or district it denotes that I have myself seen the fungus growing there ; if it follows the month or season, or the name of a host-plant, it denotes that I have found it at the time and on the plant indicated. The names used in the J/ycologro. Scotica are given in brackets, with the numbers under which they stand in that work. The letters p.p. (standing for pro parte) denote that the name in the Mycologia Scotica covers more than one species as now understood ; and that the ‘‘species”” in the subjoined list corresponds only in part to the name put after it in brackets. An asterisk is prefixed to the names of species added to Scotch records since 1879, and also to the new stages observed since then in the species with a complex cycle of development, of which only one stage, or at least not all, had been previously found in Scotland. New records of food plants are indicated in the same way. New district-records are in italics; those previously given in the A/ycologia being in ordinary type. The Scottish Naturalcst, 303 UREDINE# Tulasne. Since the publication of my paper on Hetercecism considerable progress has been made in the only safe course,—(that of careful and continued observation and experiment),—towards a clearer understanding of the true nature of this vexed problem, and of ascer- taining in what genera and species it is a habitual phenomenon. There is still, it is true, much to be done before the question can be considered solved ; but already the labours of numerous myco. logists are reducing the confused mass of details to some degree of order. The genera of Uvedinee in which Hetercecism is known (or at least suspected) to occur in Britain are Uromyces, Puccinia, Gymnosporangium, Melampsora, and Coleosportum. For the rela- tions of the several forms to one another, and other interesting characters observed during the life-cycle of these and other Uredinez, Mr. Plowright’s work, to which reference has already been made, should be consulted as giving the latest views on a confessedly very difficult group. The various stages of the fungi are denoted below as follows :— O, is the Spermogonium, often produced with the @cidium. I. is the @erdiwm stage, whether placed formerly in the restricted genus Acidium or in an equivalent genus. II. is the Uredo stage, formerly ranked under Uredo, Lecythea, Trichobasis, &c., as distinct genera. III. is the 7'eleutospore stage, from which the names now used are taken. Genus I. Uromycss Link. Subgenus I. Euuromyces Schroter. A. AUTEUUROMYCES. 1. U. Fabe (Pers.) O, I., II., III., all known to occur on the same host plant. been) LE 2 7ichovasts Fata: Lev.,;; M.S.,.1320. Tweed, Forth, Tay! Dee/ Moray. Ill. U. appendiculata Lev., p.p., in M.S., 1270, and also Puccinia Fab Link., in Myc. Scot., 1266, p.p. Tweed, Forth, Clyde! Argyle! Tay! Dee! Moray. On Peas! Beans! and several Vetches (*Vicia sativa ! *V. sepium! *V. Cracca! and * Lathyrus pratensis !) in summer and autumn! On Beans, but rarely. I have observed spores of the Pucc/nta type intermixed with the abundant Uromyces spores. 304 | The Scottish Naturalist. 2.) particularly of the subjects which come within the province of these _ Societies, and at the same time will give attention to such branches of — Natural History as may interest the more general reader; and ‘* popular” : _ treatment will, in all eases, be combined with scientific accuracy. te Articles on Economic Zoology will from time to time appear, for the : use of Agriculturists and others. The Collector and his wants will be carefully considered. ‘Duden the _ title of THe Ovr-poor Narvurauist, helpful papers will appear in the | earlier numbers, with instructions for the preparation of- specimens for_ i ‘the collection, and the various other branches of indoor work. - A special column will be devoted to Notes on the Occurrence of Rare hats Insects, &c., the appearance of the Summer and Autumn inert oh and other circumstances of general interest. It is also proposed to establish an Exchange Column, advertisements in which will be inser free of charge to subscribers. THE FIELD CLUB can be had for localization by Natural History and Field Clubs at very reasonable terms, which may be learned from the — publisher. a, The scope and general character of THE FIELD CLUB ae indicated by the following subjects, which will. be treated in the earlier. numbers :— The True Status of the Sparrow | - The Five Senses of Insects Setting and Preserving Beetles | Electricity in Animals The Spread of the Hessian Fly The. Fresh and. Salt Sed : Aquarium British Bats What is the Duckbill ? | Fish out of Water a Insect Artillery The Cuckoo and Its Eggs “4 New Work for New Workers Bird Preservation in England | Something about J elly-Fish British Weasels Flat Fish oer The Respiration of Insects ~ Venomous Fishes : Luminosity in Animals Can Fishes Hear 7 vg ‘Acainoals ; Caterpillar Breeding Sticklebacks Entomology of the Months, > &c. &c. &c. 5 Sold by all Booksellers, and: by the Publisher. ca EDITED v ProrEsson JAMES. We) ne TRAD, ®: M., M. Ds F, 8, ; fa Wee PERS, : 2 ecslog & of. ‘the Highlands, ae Mount Battock, Kincardineshire, to _ the eee of Edzell, and. thence to ae spe at Bt nied. - ‘ eee Peak Janes WwW. HL That: AM., M. 9 F. Ene gas Pee é The Willows of, the District of the North-East of Scotland Union of 5 ~ Naturalists’ Societies. F. ‘BucuaNnan Wuits, M.D., F.L. oe Ree Records of Flowering Plants for North Aberdeen. Prof. TRAIL, Revision of the Uredinez and of the Ustilaginew of Scotland—Prof. TRAIL,. ‘Dumfriesshire and Galloway N atural Histor) y and Antiquarian Society, Paisley Practical Botany Class, » fee aa Naturalists’ wene nee . . >a ‘ ° 5 , ° e . Saas Gennes, EDINBURGH ; ALEXANDER Anon ABERDEEN; W, Kivp, DUNDEE; oh Ge. > WALKER, MonTROsE ; ons ANDERSON & Son, DUMFRIES. ea “study. Ry +A | , That its usefulness might have been agate had it ee She the support which it was hoped would have been afforded by many who were able to give it, both as contributors and as au _ scribers, has been, from an early period, recognised with regret by those concerned in its management. It has, for the most part, : been carried on without actual deficit ; ; and the Editor has sillinglget 2 given his labour for so good an end. But while it has been — 3 ie willingly given, he has found it so great a tax on his time that he ~ has most reluctantly been forced to the conclusion that he cannot — ‘continue to give what tends to prevent other and more pressing — ay work from being accomplished. But in so doing he feels that he ~ a is breaking an old partnership; since he has been connected a with the Journal since Dr. Buchanan White issued its first number in January, 1871. i That Scotland should support a Journal devoted to the Natural _ History of the country cannot be questioned. May it soon APPR ona scale, and with support, worthy of so good an aim. _ There now remains only the pleasant duty of thanking all from <3 whom, during the past eight years, so much kindness has been tiga ss experienced by the eee Cn: EDITOR OF THE “ ScorrisH Naturatisr.” | With reference to the foregoing, the Publishers have appointed as the future Editor of the “Scottish Naturalist,” ey ee a Mr. W. EAGLE CLARKE, F.L.S., 4 on “Member of the British Ornithologists’ Union, etc., of the Natal, ae | History Department, Museum of Science and Art, Edinburgh, _ It is requested that all Communications: in future a forwarded to this Address. “Nae ig Pa SOCIETIES. MEETING AT MONTROSE. HE East of Scotland Union of Naturalists’ Societies held the Sixth Annual Meeting this year on Wednesday, 23rd July, under the Presidency of Dr. James C. Howden, in the ancient town of Montrose, on the invitation of the Montrose Natural History and Antiquarian Society. ‘The meeting was well attended, almost all the Societies in the Union being represented ; and the members from the other societies received so much hospitality from their friends in Montrose that their visit will be looked back to with constant pleasure. After the usual business had been transacted by the Council, the General Meeting opened at 2.30 p.m. in the commodious hall of the Museum. After the President’s address (which we print in this issue) the Rev. Hugh Mitchell, A.M., LL.D., spoke on the Old Red Sand- stone of the Montrose district, advocating the view that it included the upper as well as the lower beds. Several communications were then submitted, some of them being read in part, and others held as read (owing to their nature, or to want of time). It was agreed that they should be printed as formerly, Professor Trail being re-elected editor. The papers were as follows :—1. The British Association and Local Natural History Museums, by Professor Trail, who also submitted 2. Report on Fungi of the Kast of Scotland for 1890. 3. The Willows of the District of the East of Scot- land Union of Naturalists’ Societies, by F. Buchanan White, M.D., F.L.S. 4. Rotifers of the District of the E.S.U.N.S.; and Haunts and Habits of Rotifers, by John Hood, F.R.M.S.; in this list 228 out of 280 British species were noted as from the district. 5. The Glaciers of Glen Clova, and Ice-action in Central Forfarshire, by Rev. James, Thomson, M.A. 6. The Bittern in Perthshire and neighbouring Counties, by R. N. Kerr. Y 338 The Scottish Naturatast. There were also received by the Secretary of the E.S.U.N.S. after the meeting was concluded two other papers, viz. : The Great Maple, or What’s in a Name? by Charles Howie; and A Refutation of the Struggle for Existence in the case of Armeria maritima, by William Wilson, Jun. The members of the Union dined together (the Montrose Society treating the members of the others as guests), and passed a very pleasant evening. The Seventh Annual Meeting will be held in 1891 in Arbroath. PRESLILDENW’S ADDRESS EARLY HISTORY OF MONTROSE. Montrose, as all the world knows, is an ancient town and a Royal burgh. During the reign of Kenneth, son of Malcolm I., from 970 to 992, it was said to have been the most populous town in Forfarshire, and was called Celurca. When it came to be known by its present name is uncertain, but in a charter granted by Malcolm IV. to the monks of Jedburgh, about 1159, mention is made of Salorch, Munros, and Rossie; and Warden, in his ‘Angus or Forfarshire,” says—‘“‘Salorch and Celurca are evidently different spellings of the same word; and as both names are mentioned (in the charter) we conclude that the territorial district was called Salorch or Celurca, while the town itself was called Montrose.” There are various theories as to the derivation of the word Montrose. Latin writers call it AZons rosarum, the Mount of Roses; and the burgh coat of arms, Mave ditat, Rosa decorat, gives countenance to this derivation. All things are relative, and the early settlers had certainly as good reason for calling their slight elevation above the sea level a Mount, as their descendants had in calling three little sand mounds about 30 feet high the Fort, the Horologe, and the Windmill A7z7/7s. But granting the Mons or Mount for the nonce, we can hardly believe that the rose was one of its most prominent botanical productions. As men of science, however, we must bear in mind that climatal conditions are constantly changing, and that even now we are, perhaps, imperceptibly and unconsciously making for a new glacial epoch. Be this as it may, so recently as 1642, Dr. Arthur Johnstone wrote :— The Scottish Naturalist. 339 ‘* The noble town from Rossie Mount doth claim Its present, as from heaven its ancient name. Near it’s a hill by which a river glydes, Both which to it delicious fare provydes : The hill doth flocks, salmon the flood brings forth, Or what to Nero’s ponds was of more worth, The lillies on the banks refresh the night, The roses on the hills afford delight.” In our day we look in vain from the Backsands even to the water mouth for the /#//zes, and we search for the roses among the bent hills with as little success. Fortunately, the flocks and the salmon are still left to us in abundance; and we must admit that, through the exertions of our late lamented Provost, Montrose is fast being converted, if not into a mount, at all events into some- thing very like a garden of roses. Jervis and others, again, favour the view that the name Is derived from the Gaelic, Moine ros, corrupted to Munros, and then to Montrose. Moine means a peat moss or bog, and ros, a promontory. ‘The ros or promontory is sufficiently descriptive ; but the moss or bog is quite as much at variance with existing conditions as the roses. Here, however, we must ask the archzo- logist to take the geologist into his councils. True it is we have no bogs on our peninsula now-a-days ; but I hope to show you by-and-bye that during an interglacial period of high temperature, immediately after the elevation of the glacial sea bottom, the promontory, on the west side at all events, was a moss or bog. Here, then, we have, perhaps, got to the origin of the Moine ros theory. I must, however, not omit to point out to you some important ethnological inductions which are involved in its adop- tion. We must, for instance, admit that man, if he existed during this interglacial period, spoke Gaelic, a fact which would be highly gratifying to Professor Blackie; we must also bear in mind that after this bog age, the land was again depressed to a lower level, so that the moss sank under the sea. Neither history nor tradition tells us anything of human affairs at this time, but judging by our own instincts, we believe that the “ Gable-endies” of the period betook themselves to the high grounds of Rossie and Sunnyside and even to Brechin and Caterthun. Though in later times Montrose has been able to keep its head above water, the present generation should inspire their offspring 340 The Scottish Naturalist. with a due spirit of preparedness for another period of depression, for Thomas the Rhymer has warned us that :— ‘* Bonny Munross will be a moss When Brechin’s a borough town, Avr’ Forfar will be Forfar still When Dundee’s a ’dung down.’ Turning, however, again to our Gaelic dictionary, we find that the word ‘“Muin” signifies the ‘‘back, top, or neck,” and it seems to me probable that the word Montrose was originally Muinross, or the back or top of the promontory or isthmus. GEOLOGY OF MONTROSE DISTRICT. Leaving, however, for the present these abstruse philological speculations to more competent students, let us turn to our geological record and see what it tells us of bygone times. The most recent stratified rock underlying our superficial deposits is the newer beds of the old red sandstone, as seen at Hedderwick quarry, and is reached by borings in the town at a depth of from 100 to 200 feet. On either side of the valley erupted trap forms ridges of hills lying from S.W. to N.E. Of the existence of any newer rock than the Old Red we have no evidence; and, so far as we can judge, the denuding action of the Ice Age was exercised directly on these secondary rocks, over which lies the red tile or Boulder Clay, in which we find rounded stones, or bools, as they are locally called, derived from the conglomerate. When the rock surface is exposed, we find it scratched and polished in a general direction from west to east. The great sheet of ice which we have reason to believe enshrouded the land during the early glacial epoch, while gliding slowly to the sea level, acted as a great planing machine, under which were em- bedded the stones, sand and clay of the least-resisting rocks. These scratched and grooved the harder rocks over which they passed, while the harder bools of quartzite, etc., got scratched in their turn by the rocks over which they moved. The gradually accumulating mass of stony clay carried under the ice was de- posited in hollows, and on the lee side of hills. On the Garvock hills, as well as on the high lands of Rossie and Kinnell, we find the north-west aspect bare and polished, the conglomerate being cut across as if by a great sharp knife ; while the south-east or lee The Scottish Naturalist. 341 side is covered with a bed of boulder clay often 50 feet in thick- ness. While the main contents of this clay, however, are derived from rocks at no great distance to the north-west, large boulders of granite, gneiss, basalt, etc., are found, which must have been carried by the moving ice from the higher mountains at or near the central ice-shed of the Grampian range. Seeing that these travelled boulders are found at various depths in the clay they were probably stranded at different periods; and by carefully noting the depths and positions at which they occur, as well as their petrological character, we might construct a boulder chron- ology, beginning with those nearest the rock and ending with those at the surface of the clay. That many of these large boulders were passed over by the moving ice-sheet after they were stranded is shown by the fact that they are scratched on their upper surface in exactly the same direction from west to east, as the rocks under the clay. A fine example of this may be seen at Sunnyside, where a basalt boulder ten or twelve tons in weight was exposed while lowering the road in 1884. By the aid of a traction engine it was removed from the clay bed where it had rested since the glacial epoch to its present position, great care having been taken to place it in exactly the same position as regards the points of the compass as that in which it was found. While speaking of boulders, I may mention that large travelled boulders are often fished out of the depths of the North Sea by trawlers. I have a considerable collection of these sea-boulders, brought ashore by the Messrs. Johnston’s trawlers ; most of them are polished and scratched like the land boulders, and present other points of interest. I may suggest to the members of our Union resident at seaports that if they were to use their influence with the owners of trawlers to induce them to bring ashore these marine boulders, noting at the same time the position on a chart where they were found, in what depth of water, their petro- logical character, etc., an important chapter might in the course of time be added to our already considerable and deeply interest- ing history of the Ice Age. During the formation of the Boulder-clay the land was sinking ; so that what was once dry land became a sea bottom, on which a fine reddish-blue clay, mostly the washing of the inland mountain drifts, was spread. ‘This, which we term the glacial marine clay, 342 The Scottish Naturalist. is found at Puggiston and Dryleys Tile Works, and in borings on the west side of Montrose. Though I infer from boring notes that this deposit overlies the Boulder clay, I have never actually seen the two in contact. The evidence, however, that the marine clay was deposited in a glacial sea is incontestable, for it contains shells, starfishes, foraminifera, bones of a seal, birds and fishes of , a distinctly arctic type. Stones are also found in it of rocks entirely foreign to our district, such as pieces of chalk, flint, sulphuret of iron, coal and bituminous shale. These stones are mostly ice-worn, and had doubtless been dropped to their present position by icebergs from a distant land. When the land began to rise again, and the temperature to in- crease, there was what we may term a perzod of denudation of the Boulder clay. ‘The gradual melting of the land-ice produced a large lake in the Valley of Strathmore and the Howe of the Mearns, in and around which are deposited the shingle and gravel derived from the higher levels. In course of time the great lake flowed over its barriers at their lowest points, v7z., the present river valleys, which were blocked up with Boulder clay. These valleys have been worn down to their present level by slow degrees, leav- ing various gravel terraces, indicating the gradual lowering of the post-glacial floods. ‘The finer sand and mud at the early period would be carried out to sea, while the heavier stones washed out of the Boulder clay would be stranded at the contact of the flood with the sea, forming gradually a storm-beach across the estuary of the South Esk. This great storm-beach or bar of boulders forms the ridge or back-bone of Montrose. Along it stretch the High Street, Murray Street, and the Mall, and it tapers off on the Marykirk Road at Charleton. On the east side, or sand half, of this ridge stretch the Links seaward, while on the west side, or clay half, are various deposits which indicate changes of climate and level. The denudation of the Boulder-clay in the valleys where it was sub- jected to the full force of the straight outward flood was complete ; but in the low ground, between the estuaries of the North and South Esks, where only eddies and cross currents acted on it, considerable masses were left on the subjacent rock, as at the Nab of Kinnaber and the round hillocks on the farm of Charleton. At the close of this Boulder-clay denudation a period of higher temperature seems to have set in; for in the South Esk estuary we find above the glacial marine clay a deposit of peat, The Scottish Naturattst. 343 containing trunks of trees, seeds of the marsh trefoil, or buck-bean, and other marsh plants, besides horns of the red deer and elytrz of beetles; and in one section, at the Gas Work, the seed of a cereal like our barley was found. This peat deposit was exposed when the Dock was made in 1842; again in 1866 at the Gas Work, where an excavation was made for a new tank; and again at the cutting at Redfield for the connection of the North British with the Bervie Railway; while much of it was brought up and carried out to sea by the dredgers, while deepening the harbour some years ago. After this bog period the land must again have been depressed ; for we find overlying it a thick bed of estuary silt, containing characteristic shells, such as Scrobicularia, Tellina, Littorine, Rissoz, cockles, &c.; and at the Redfield section the skull of an ox (Bos longifrons) was found. Again a further depression took place, for over the silt at Redfield we have a bed of fine laminated sand, four feet in thickness, and over it five feet of Carse clay destitute of fossils, and indicative of a further wash-out of the glacial debris of the Glen of Clova and its tributaries, The following explanation of the changes evinced by these accumulations is quoted from Professor Geikie’s “ Pre-historic Europe ” (p. 404): ‘et eone atcer the retreat of the glacial sea, the land ex- tended considerably farther out to sea than it does now, and the climatic conditions were certainly not less genial than they are at present—an arboreal vegetation clothing the country. “ond. A period of submergence ensued, when the sea advanced inland beyond its present limits, and reached to a height of not less than 20 feet, and probably as much as 45 feet, above its present level. Scrobicularia piperata and other shells then flourished in abundance in what are now the lower reaches of the river Esk. *‘ 2rd. The Esk by-and-bye carried down immense quantities of fine grey and yellow silt, with which it choked up the estuary— the upper reaches of which would be greatly freshened by the abundant influx of river-water. It is for these reasons that the carse clays in the upper part of the old estuary are, as Dr. Howden has shown, unfossiliferous. ‘The phenomena indicate, as it seems to me, conditions quite analogous to those presented by the carse deposits of the Tay. Local glaciers then occupied the 344 The Scottish Naturalist. Highland valleys, and discharged large voluines of muddy water during summer. “ath. Elevation of the land now ensued, and the sea retreated to lower and lower levels, until eventually the coast extended farther into the North Sea than is now the case. (Probably this stage was synchronous with the re-appearance of a vigorous forest- srowth in the lower reaches of our great estuaries). ‘“‘eth. The sea again advanced, and cut back into the Montrose Basin, upon the margin of which we now find bluffs formed of the old Scrobicularia-silt and the overlying estuarine or brackish- water carse clay.” In connection with the last paragraph it may be remarked that we have no evidence of a sea bottom over the carse clay, and if it was deposited after a secondary glacial period, the South Esk itself may have worn the present Basin out of the carse clay and old estuary silt, when the general level of the land differed little from the present one. However this may have been, it is worthy of note that the molluscs now living in the Backsands are identical with those found in the old estuary beds, and it seems probable that the Scrobicularia and its congeners are the direct lineal descendants of the old estuary silt, just as our modern peat plants are probably descended from those much more extensive bogs in which they flourished at the end of the great ice age. That climatal or other conditions have changed, and are still changing, is evinced by the fact that many of the molluscs of the old silt have become extinct, while others which yet survive are evidently playing a losing game in the struggle for existence. The oyster, once abundant in the estuary, is, alas! represented now only by dead shells. Cylichna cylindrica, Kellia suborbicularis and others have gone with the oyster, while Lutraria elliptica, and Scrobicularia, the mud monarch of the olden times, have dwindled to small colonies on the Rossie side of the Basin. The zoology of the present Basin estuary is, however, still full of interest. Annelides, some zoophytes, a few crustacea, including the curious Corophium longicorne, and over forty species of mollusca are to be found alive in it. These in their turn attract mavy wading and swimming birds, some of them rare visitors to our coasts. The botanist will also be interested to find, besides some algee, Zostera marina in abundance on the mud banks at low water. The Scottish Naturatlcst, 345 Of the deposits to the east of the boulder ridge—the sand half— we have little information. The only section of consequence I know of was a bore made for water about fifty years ago at Richard & Co.’s works at twenty feet above the sea level. This revealed— Garden soil, ae ie ats a3 2 feet Fine sand gradually becoming coarser, ... wt Vgohery Dine’ clayer?-: Be be a Lip Sol’ es Gravel mixed with clay se 2 Hog at Stiff blue clay, Bak a aes het 653 O. R. cornstone rock, ty me 7 LOS} <5 In 1867, a section was exposed at the Chapel Works 1000 feet from the present sea margin. Beneath 9 feet of pure sand, and at about 4 feet above the main sea level; sea shells in abundance were found. The condition of these shells left no doubt that this was an old beach—not a sea bottom—buried beneath the blown sand. The Links, extending between the mouths of the North and South Esks, consists mostly of blown sand, gradually rising by the growth of the bent and links grasses, and it is within my own observation that the sand hills are gaining from the sea by the agency of the lymegrass and sea-mat weed. EXCURSION TO WOODS OF THE BURN AND TO EDZELL CASTLE. N Thursday, 24th July, at 10 a.M., a large party of ladies and gentlemen left Montrose in three brakes, and drove along a picturesque route to the upper woods of the Burn. The weather during the earlier part of the day was all that could be desired. The interest of the drive was greatly heightened by the forethought of Dr. Howden, who had prepared an itinerary, of which a copy was given to each excursionist, and in which at- tention was directed to each object of interest and to the geo- logical features of the country along the route. Mr. Barclay (Hon. Sec. of the Antiquarian and Natural History Society of Montrose) also very kindly pointed out and described the geology of the district visited during the excursion. Descending the left bank of the river the party enjoyed the rugged grandeur of the scenery between the Mooran and Gannochy Bridge. The botanists observed a few local plants by the 346 The Scottish Naturalist. way ; the most interesting, perhaps, being Carex levigata, detected by Dr. White in the woods ofthe Burn. After an excellent dinner a visit was paid to the fine ruins of the Castle of Edzell, which was reached just in time to escape a heavy thunder shower. The ruins, even in their present condition, give evidence of the former size and imposing aspect of the Castle; and the striking and curious adornment of the walls of the garden indicates a degree of taste and refinement seldom met with in such surroundings. The excursionists returned to Montrose past Stracathro, rejoining at the bridge over the North Esk the road taken in the morn- ing. EXCURSION TO ST. CYRUS AND JOHNSHAVEN. N Friday, 25th July, a numerous company left Montrose at 10.8 a.M. Leaving the train at the North Water Bridge station the party broke up into sections, some devoting their attention more especially to the geology of the district, while others spent the day upon the steep braes from the station eastwards towards the sea, and on the links north of the old mouth of the North Esk, between the cliffs and the sands, in quest of the rare or local plants so numerous in this favoured corner of Kincardineshire. Of the many interesting flowering plants observed during the day may be mentioned, Lepediwm campestre, Viola hirta, Dianthus deltoides, Silene nutans, Hypericum perforatum, Trifolium striatum, T. agraritum, Astragalus glycyphyllus, A. hypoglottis, Vicia lutea, Lathyrus sylvestris, Rubus corylifolius, Galium boreale (a large patch on the links, only a few feet above sea-level), Carlina vulgaris, Lilago germanica, Hupatorium cannabinum, Campanula glomerata, Hehium vulgare, Origanum vulgare, Lamium wnter- medium, Anagallis arvensis, Sueda maritima, Salicornia herbacea, Habenaria viridis, Allium vineale, Phleum arenarium, Avena pubescens, and Hlymus arenarvus. Some interesting parasitic Fungi, rare or local in Britain, were also met with, the most worthy of note being Cystopus Lepigone on Lepigonum marginatum, Peronospora Arenarie on Arenaria peplordes, Heidium of *Uromyces Behenis on Silene maritima, *Puccinia Schneidert on Thymus Serpyllum stems, *P. Porrt on Allium vineale, and *P. Soncht Rob. on Sonchus asper. ‘Those marked with an asterisk are new to the district of Tay in which St. Cyrus lies. js Wek The Scottish Naturaltst. 347 THE GEOLOGY OF THE HIGHLANDS, FROM MOUNT BATTOOK,. KINCARDINESHIRE, TO THE VILLAGE OF EDZELL, AND THENCE TO THE SEA AT ST. CYRUS. Fripay, 25th July, 1890.—Mr. Roperr Barcuay, Secretary of the Mon- trose Natural History Society, shortly explained this remarkable section of the Earth’s Crust, over which the excursionists passed. the previous day at the Burn, down the North Esk river side, and which they continued to traverse at St. Cyrus. ROM Mount Battock (3000 feet high) to Edzell, a distance of about ro miles, the strata pass from horizontal to. vertical without apparent fault, lying conformably throughout; that is to say, one goes from the Archean Gneiss, resting upon the granite of the mountain to the ancient sandstone at Gannochy Bridge, a mile from Edzell, at which place the strata become gradually horizontal. We have, therefore, here, within arm-embrace, as it were, the whole geological formations which go to compose Highland geology, vwz., Granite, Archean Gneiss, Porphyry, Hornblend Schist, Mica Schist, Chlorite Schist, Slaty Schist, Limestones and Traps, Quartzite, Great Conglomerate, and the very ancient (Cambrian ?) Sandstone. All of these rocks are pre-palzeozoic, so far as we know. On leaving the transition slates, in going towards Edzell, we pass over a series, 800 yards thick (vertical), of much indurated sandstone or brown quartzite, then 400 yards of the Great Con- glomerate, the same as stretches from Dunnottar to Dumbarton, intensely hardened ; and this is followed by the ancient red sand- stone (vertical), on to within a mile of Edzell, where it regains its original horizontal position. This sandstone is dark red, and coarse-grained, and extends across Strathmore to Garvock Hill, where it is again raised to about 45 degrées, along with the Con- glomerate, Quartzite and Limestone, thus becoming the counter- part of the Burn sections so far. The brown quartzite noticed plays a great part over the surface of the Highlands, Schiehallion being capped by itin horizontal layers, while down that mountain on the north side it may be seen that it is accompanied by the Great Conglomerate, and, farther down, by the ancient sandstone, all having undergone much denudation. This short description of Schiehallion will apply to the Hill of 348 The Scottish Naturalist. Garvock (goo feet high), an outlier of the Grampians, at the foot of which we stand. The upthrust here shows the purple slate as the backbone or oldest formation, with the more recent rocks up to the fossil-bearing ‘‘ Old Red,” uplifted and exposed. Thus we become acquainted with several strata above the ancient sandstone of the Burn section. First, we have a ferrugin- ous shale, which covers the floor of the valley of the Mearns ; after this, red rock may be seen on Bervie river, a fine-grained, hard, pinky sandstone; then a gray slate, of a few feet in thickness. On the south-east side of Garvock, on the way to Johnshaven, one passes over the ancient redsandstone; while nearer to Montrose is the White Craig Quarry, at Warburton, with its fossil worm- burrows in the white hardened sandstone or quartzite. Farther round the south side of Garvock base, at Morphie Den, the above White Quartzite is again met with; and above it, ina dark gray fucoid-containing slate, was found, in 1856, by the writer, the fossil ‘‘ Kampecaris,” named at the Glasgow meeting of the British Association, forfarensis (which ought to have been Aincardinensis). The White Quartzite is again seen at Buddon, with limestone above it. Above the white rock at Morphie Den, the succeeding strata are uncertain; but, higher up the Den, raised by the up- heaval of the hill, is the ‘‘Old Red,” indicated by its fossils— (““Cephalaspis,” “Acanthodes Mitchelli,” ‘“Pterygotus,” “Parka,” dc.) Trap in large development has rendered the geology of Garvock and Buddon difficult ; but it can be well observed at Newton, Marykirk, that the Burn formations are distinctly traceable in con- tinuation upon Garvock, and further, that the Great Conglomerate along the south side of the Grampians when it dips is nowhere else again to be seen excepting on Garvock, and that it and the ancient sandstone above it are one and the same with the con- glomerates and Torridon sandstone of the West Highlands, with which they at one period clasped hands. We have, in fact, on the east side of the Grampians, the Wor- mal lithology, while on the other side, the Abnormal is exhibited in the deposit of the sandstone upon the upturned weathered edge of the Archzan Gneiss. Durness, with its abnormal formations, gave rise, in 1859, and since, to much controversy which might have been more profitably expended upon the normal strata of the Grampian Mountains on this side. The vigorous work done by the American Survey seems to evi- The Scottish Naturalist. 349 dence the similarity of their “ Potsdam” pre-paleeozoic sandstone to that which we are considering. ‘These vast strata occurring as they do in America, Africa, and Scotland, will soon dispose of the ‘Caledonian Lake theory ” deposits of these formations, and will show reason fora belief in the then existence of forces more powerful than any with which the world is at present acquainted. The Burn section shows plainiy that the horizontal floor was uplifted by Mount Battock, the strata being shoved back to the south-west below the “ Old Red” proper of Turin and Carmylie. In the north, in 1859, Professor Nicol described a series com- prising white quartzite with worm-burrows, gray fucoid-slate and limestone, which he asserted correctly had been quite turned over and reversed, this being one of the points of controversy with Sir Roderick Murchison. Here, in this district, we believe that we have the same contiguous formations in the worm-burrowed white quartzite—the ‘‘ Kampecaris” slate and the limestones ; and these are, so far as known, the earliest evidence of fossil life that we possess. THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION IN ITS RELATION TO LOCAL NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUMS. iby Ero JAMES W. Ht. TRAIL, A.M., M.D, E.L.S. (Read before the E.S.U.N.S. in July, 1890.) URING the past three or four years the subject of Provincial Museums has come prominently before the British Association, and has been discussed at considerable length in two Reports (1887 and 1888) of a Committee appointed to inquire into the subject in the fullest manner. In addition to this Dr. W. H. Flower gave the Presidential address to the Association last year on Museums, taking as his text what they are and what they ought to be, as regards alike the National and the Provincial Museums of Natural History, using the term in its wide sense. All who are interested (as all members of such a union as this ought to be, in the advancement of whatever is fitted to spread an intelligent interest through the general com- munity in the wonders that so closely surround us), will find much 350 The Scottish Naturalist. that is valuable in these Reports and in Dr. Flower’s address. They are such as to repay the most careful study, and are ina high degree suggestive of the true aims to be kept constantly in view in the formation of museums. But it is probable that comparatively few members of the E. S. Union read the Reports presented to the British Association with close attention, if at all. I venture, therefore, to ask your tolera- tion while I try to bring forward the chief lessons taught by the labours of the Committee on Provincial Museums. The subject is too closely germane to the aims of all healthy Natural History Societies not to repay amply the time spent in its discussion. In respect to the far-sighted views of Professor Flower, I must ask any one interested to refer to his address, and to study care- fully the ideals held up there, ideals such as to be within reach of attainment in the future if not at present. I shall restrict these present remarks to an analysis of the Reports, which deal especially with Provincial Museums, in as much as it is with these that our local Societies are most closely concerned. The Committee, as a preliminary step, endeavoured to collect information respecting the number and condition of existing Provincial Museums in Great Britain. In this it has succeeded to a considerable extent, though a few museums have been over- looked. In the Report for 1887 there are 211 enumerated ; anda few additions to the list are made in the Report of the following year. Of these Provincial Museums there are 31 in Scotland, 167 in England and Wales, and 15 in Ireland. In 95 the collections are entirely of a general nature; in 92 there are both general and local collections; and in 16 the collections are chiefly or entirely local. Various other points of interest are adverted to in the tabular statement that follows the list; but the only one that need be quoted at present is that, of the whole number, 50 are supported by special rates, and 5 by borough funds, 50 by local societies, 13 by local institutions, 11 by special endowments, and 21 by annual subscriptions, leaving 61 unaccounted for. Many of the museums possess one or more collections of special or local interest, which add much to their value in the estimation of scientific experts. A number of the better known of these collections, are named in a special list, which, however, does not The Scottish Naturalist. | 351 claim to be exhaustive. The questions sent to the managers of all the museums of which the Committee could gain information were so numerous (36), full and minute as to elicit a very valuable expression of opinion on all the more important subjects that arise in connection with the formation and successful management of museums, and also to secure much information with regard to the history of existing museums. ‘The answers to the several questions have been carefully analysed in the Report presented in 1887; while the Report of 1888 is devoted chiefly to the consideration of ‘“‘the complete ideal which the authorities of a free rate supported museum should keep before them. Not merely what is best under existing circumstances, but what would be the best under ideal conditions ; and therefore what are the aims to be kept in view, and the lines upon which labour and money should be chiefly expended?” I shall follow the order indicated above in placing before you the information contained in the Reports. 1. Origin. About one-half of the existing museums were com- menced by local societies, and about one-fourth by private indi- viduals. Rather more that one-half of the former class, and a still larger proportion of the latter, have been transferred to municipal corporations, or to trustees on behalf of the public; the most of those so transferred being snpported by rates levied under the Pub- lic Libraries Act. Certain municipalities have power to levy a rate of 2d. per £1. Eight museums are national, and thirty belong to various pub- lic institutions. About a dozen were commenced before the year 1800, about too between the years 1800 and 1870, and over 100 since 1870. 2. Maintenance. This is provided for in various ways. In the towns where the museums are public they are supported by a rate as already mentioned. National museums are supported by national funds ; and so also in part are those in many institutions, educational or otherwise, that receive aid from national funds. Endowments support a few. Annual subscriptions and contribu- tions from local societies provide chiefly for those belonging to the societies; and the charges for admission afford considerable assistance in some cases; eg., between £500 and £1000 per annum in York, Scarborough and Southport. But in most museums where an admission fee is charged, the sum realised is small, varying usually from £5 to £100 per annum. 352 The Scottish Naturalist. The Cost of Maintenance depends of course on the nature and scale of the museums. In the Report they are divided into four groups or classes, from First to Fourth ; excluding the National Museums in Edinburgh and Dublin, each of which costs about 410,000 per annnm. It appears that the cost of a first-class museum, while in course of formation, is about £800 per annum, of a second-class museum from £100 to £500, and of a third- class from £25 to A100. The fourth-class museums are usually in a very bad state, and have very little spent upon them. The Paid Staff ofa first-class museum includes at least a cura- tor, at a minimum salary of £150 ; anassistant, at a minimum sal- ary of £30; and two workinen or caretakers, at minimum salaries of 425 each. The second-class museums have usually a curator and a care- taker ; while third-class museums have usually only a caretaker. In the second-class and third-class museums a considerable amount of help is given in voluntary assistance by honorary cura- tors and others interested in their welfare. In the first-class museums there is less of such assistance or none, the paid curator- ship not favouring such co-operation. The union of the two offices of curator of the Museum and librarian of the Public Library does not usually prove to be a success, though sometimes resorted to for economy, as the library is apt to be treated as the more important institution, the funds devoted to the museum being too small for its needs in many cases. Yet there is great advantage in having the library and museum close together, the books in the library and the specimens in the museum supplementing one another. Some well-conducted museums that belong to local societies are almost wholly carried on by the volun- tary labours of members of these societies, without the services of a curator, or even of a caretaker in some cases; but, necessarily, these museums are undesirably liable to fluctuations in their pro- gress, from which the museums provided with a paid staff are free. The facility of access to the public is of course dependent largely on the source of income, rate-supported museums with paid staffs being open free usually for four or five days per week, from 1o a.m. till dusk, or till 8 or 9 p.m. it gas is used; while the museums be- longing to societies or to private persons are frequently open only on certain afternoons in the week, or on special application. The total Floor-space in a first-class museum should not be The Scottish Naturalist. 353 less than 5000 square feet, in a second-class below 2500 feet, and in a third-class below 1000 feet. The space may be provided either by means of one or more large halls, or by several smaller rooms, each method having advocates. The space is best utilised (where possible) by placing the cases at right angles to the walls in the spaces between the windows, and by having one or more slight galleries round the hall, of a construction that would not disad- vantageously exclude light. The Light supplied in museums should be good ; but direct sunshine takes the colours so much out of the specimens that, as far as possible, it should be excluded. The windows should be large and high, and should not be blocked with heavy tracery near the top. Artificial lighting is usually effected by the use of gas; but this method is hurtfulto some specimens. Electric lighting is resorted to in some large museums, and is found to be a very great improve- ment upon the use of gas, both in the clearness of the light and in the prevention of injury to the specimens from the products of com- bustion. The angle at which the light falls should be attended to in order to avoid a disagreeable reflection from the glazed fronts of the cases to the eyes of the spectators. The internal Fittings should be most carefully considered so as to afford the maximum of good accommodation for the display of specimens, while avoiding useless expense. The material should be of well-seasoned wood and good glass; but may vary, according to the funds available, from oak or other hard wood in the richer museums, to deal in those with smaller funds, without affecting the usefulness of the institutions. The mode of arrangement of the cases, whether in a continuous series along the walls or so arranged between the windows as to form recesses, must be, in most museums, chiefly determined by the dimensions of the rooms available. It is very desirable to have some horizontal table-cases, furnished with sets of drawers below for the protection of many specimens that cannot be ex- posed to light without injury, e¢.g., insects. The drawers are, in several museums, prevented from being drawn completely out by a stop, which can be withdrawn (for the removal of the drawer) by the proper officials alone. Thus the drawers can be freely inspected by the public, but their glazed lids cannot be removed, Z 354. The Scottish Naturalist. so preventing all interference with the specimens. The choice of colour of the background is of some consequence, from its effect in bringing the specimens more or less clearly into view. In some museums light tints are preferred in lining the cases; while in others dark tints (e.g., dark blue), are thought more suitable. A still more important matter is the complete exclusion of dust, for which special provision should always be made. It cannot be said, however, that complete success has yet been attained in this direction. Equally necessary, and on the whole less difficult, is it to pre- vent the destruction of specimens by the larvee of insects (moths, &c.), or by mites. The same means that are employed to exclude dust will exclude these foes; but they should be supplemented by the use of camphor, or (better) of naphthaline, in the cases ; or by fumigation of infested specimens with carbon-disulphide in a closed vessel, or by treating them with solutions of corrosive sublimate or of arsenious acid. Injury from mould is usually felt only in damp museums, and may be prevented by the use of the solution of corrosive sublimate, or of carbolic acid on cotton, and by thorough drying. It is scarcely needful to say that the collections require to be watched to prevent such injuries, and that specimens may require to be cleansed from dust at times. In.commencing a museum it is wise to determine before-hand what it shall contain, 7.e., whether the collections shall be ex- clusively archeological, botanical, geological or zoological, or shall include two or more of these groups, and also industrial and technical collections. In Provincial Museums general experience may be held to prove that there should be two aims in view, v2z. : 1. To form complete local collections in the group or groups of subjects included in the museum. 2. To form an Jndex-collection, selected for educational purposes alone, which shall include representative specimens of the several divisions or grades in each group, irrespective of locality. In the botanical and zoological museums the life-histories of the species should be represented so far as can be done—a task that imperatively demands very special qualifications in the operator, with extensive experience both in the technicalities of the work and in the field. Models and casts are often of very great value in fulfilling both the above aims. The Scottish Naturatltst. 355 Labelling is a most important adjunct to the usefulness of a museum if well done. Without it the collections lose much of their value, or may become worthless. Each species, and fre- quently each specimen, should bear a label carefully prepared to give as much information as possible in the space at command, while legible in size of type; «e. the labels should be expressed tersely and clearly, and be of a size to be easily read, while not obtrusive. Printed labels are to be preferred to written ones, if expense is not an obstacle. The value of the museum is much increased if there are also label cards distributed about giving the characters of general and higher groups, and also coloured maps to show the habitats and distribution of the species, genera, and larger groups. The Handbooks published in several museums give much valuable information, supplementing the labels on matters that could scarcely be noted on the latter. Such methods of giving information to students and other visitors add very greatly to the usefulness of museums, and tend to convince the public of their value, and to enlist wider sympathy and assistance. With a similar view the museum should be located in a central situation, if that can be secured free from dust and noise. Where visitors pay for admission usually not more than 500 are found to enter a museum in each week on the average. Where the museums are supported by rates and theadmission is free the average is much higher. Usually most visitors come in the afternoons. Various minor points are treated of in the 1887 Report ; but I will not occupy your time by entering upon a discussion of these, ‘and will pass to the Report of 1888, which professes to “consider the ideal to which Provincial Museums should endeavour to attain, and to suggest practical methods for approaching that ideal.” Virtually, however, it deals with Municipal Rate-supported Free Museums alone, leaving out of view museums attached to univer- sities, colleges and schools, and museums that are the exclusive property of societies and of individuals, on the ground that these may be formed with advantage frequently on special lines, which could not be properly treated in any general view of the subject. But despite this restriction there is a good deal in the Report that will reward careful perusal. It commences by stating the objects 356 The Scottish Naturalist. common to all museums to be—1, To preserve, for the purpose of comparison and study, such specimens, whether natural or artificial, as may illustrate the history of the earth and its inhabitants. 2, To arrange and display these specimens so as to make them most avail- able for these purposes. Fully to carry out these objects would exceed the powers even of the most extensive museum ; though a few, eg., the British Museum, are noble examples of what national ‘resources can accomplish. Nor should such a museum be much devoted to what may be called local collections, as contrasted with general ; though it should tend to absorb numerous smaller collections where these are of special value in any regard. As contrasted with museums of this class the Provincial Museums should be de- voted more especially — 1, To the collection and preservation, with the utmost complete- ness, of the natural (and in some cases of the artificial) produc- tions of their several districts. 2, To preserve such local collections or specimens as are of special value, or are presented by the collectors or owners. 3, To procure such other specimens as are desirable for illus- trating the general principles of science, and the relations of the locality with the rest of the world. 4, So to arrange and display the specimens as to afford the utmost amount of popular instruction consistent with their safety. 5, To be of assistance to teachers and students of science in the locality, and also to specialists who desire to obtain a full know- ledge of the productions of the district. To accomplish these five objects successfully will usually tax the | resources of even the best conducted Provincial Museums; though even the poorer museums conducted on the above lines are of in- finitely higher value than the miscellaneous accumulations that too often mzs-represent local museums. In the zoological collections every animal should be represented in its different phases, with anatomical preparations, and in its habits of life ; and beside it should be the various structures made by it, e.g., nests. The same holds good in the botanical collec- tions, in which, as in the zoological, the effects of environment should be clearly displayed, and the fullest information regarding life histories should be given. Geology should be represented by full series of the rocks and The Scottish Naturalist. 357 minerals, and by diagrams, maps and models illustrative of the relations of the strata, and of their mineral and fossil contents. If Archeology is included, the history of man in the district . should be very fully illustrated, both by local relics and by records of such changes in language and usages as cannot be otherwise preserved. ‘The industrial arts of the district should also find a place, and should be well illustrated by examples in such a museum. The collections in most Provincial Museums are far more largely the result of donations than of purchase. ‘There are undoubted disadvantages in this being the case, as donations are not always such as to be worth preservation, nor do they always fill blanks. Yet they are so helpful (in subordination to the more reliable method of purchase or of employing collectors), that it would be a mistake to discourage them ; and too many museums have still to depend wholly on them. Even in rate-supported Provincial Museums the funds available are usually too small to permit of employing a staff of paid collectors. The Report strongly urges their employment ; but the conclusion arrived at as to the expense under such an arrangement is that in a town of say 100,000 in- habitants the site, building and fittings of a suitable museum would probably cost not less than £10,000, that during the first three years the annual cost would be about £1,500, and that there should be a permanent income of about £600. The natural inference is that the penny-rate could not support both a library and a museum on a satisfactory scale. But however desirable it is that the museums should be placed from their commencement on a satisfactory footing, and however useful may be the “office for the curator, workrooms for the assistants, store-rooms, a students’ room with table, microscope, books of reference, chemical reagents, and keeper’s residence,” recommended by the Committee, the idea is much to be deprecated that it is essential to start on such a scale; and the history of almost all the older museums, even of the most successful among them, shows that they began, and have often been efficiently conducted, on a much smaller sum. One point should be clearly kept in view in the acceptance of donations, that nothing should be accepted unless of real utility, and with a reservation of power to the managers of the museum to part with specimens should they subsequently acquire better ones. The only exception should be in the case of collections of very special interest, which it is desirable to keep intact. 358 Lhe Scottish Naturalist. The possession of duplicates, with the power to exchange them for the duplicates in museums of a similar kind, would probably prove of considerable assistance in furthering the progress of the educational collections in the museum, but would be of less value to the local collections. The educational value of a well-organised museum is not yet appreciated by the public, though there is some ground for the hope that it is making headway, though slowly, and that the im- portance of training the powers’ of observation will yet obtain recognition from School Boards and others responsible for the education of the young. The Report under consideration rightly points out that the value of scientific instruction is due to :— 1. The insight that it gives into the laws and processes of Nature, widening the mental vision. 2. The training of the senses by the habit of accurate observa- tion, and of the reasoning powers by tracing the connection of causes and effects ; and 3. The discovery of facts and laws of practical utility. In fulfilling all of these aims a well-organised museum may be of essential service ; and they should always be kept prominently in view in its formation, even where not the most important aims of its organisers. In surveying its treasures the mind should be led to compare and contrast the objects exhibited, to trace the gradual development of knowledge in each department of Natural Science or of human progress, and to extend the bounds of our insight into the world in which we live. With this object the specimens should be naturally grouped so as to show clearly their points of likeness and of contrast. The special and distinctive character of the several grades of classifica- tion should be indicated both on the labels and in the grouping. Wherever possible, it is well to have the habits of life and the adaptations to environment clearly brought into view in the same way among both animals and plants. The distribution, both geographical and geological, is best shown by maps scattered among the specimens, so coloured as to show these particulars for each species or group of species. A most interesting addition to the collections, where practicable, consists in the preparation of series of specimens to illustrate the past geological history of the district in which the museum is The Scottish Naturalist. 359 situated, and to trace the relations of the present forms of living beings with those that preceded them. A similar interest attaches, of course, to similar series prepared to illustrate human progress, or the history of selected groups or species of plants or animals. In conclusion, I must beg you to excuse the length of this paper, asin it are brought before you somewhat fully the con- clusions of men practically acquainted with the best methods of attaining success in a very important educational reform, or what, in truth, may be regarded as such in most districts of Scotland. It may be that these conclusions aim at the ideal too much to do full justice to the success that has rewarded efforts on a humbler scale than they contemplate; and that they may possibly do harm by discouraging the attempts that frequently are alone possible. Yet it is well to have high aims, even should they appear for a time almost unattainable, provided that they are not allowed to block the way for those means that may alone be possible at first, and that may lead to something better. THE WILLOWS OF THE DISTRICT OF THE NORTH-EAST OF SCOTLAND UNION OF NATURALISTS’ SOCIETIES, By F. BucHaNan WHITE, M.D., F.L.S. (Read before the E.S.ULN.S. in July, 1890). OR a long time the genus Sa/zx has been the pet aversion of British botanists ; not that the species of that genus are at all repulsive, but from the difficulty of ascertaining the names of the various forms. This difficulty is due partly to real and partly to artificial causes. Real, because willows are amongst the most variable of plants ; artificial, because the enthusiastic little band of salicologists which flourished about the beginning of the century loaded the list with a number of imaginary species. I do not mean that they invented species, but that they gave specific rank to forms whose characteristics were only those of individual plants. To such an extent was this done that out of one willow (Salix nigricans) British and Continental botanists contrived to manufacture upwards of one hundred supposed species. Of these only a few were ever recognised as British, and eight of them still remain in our lists as varieties. But even as varieties they are 360 The Scottish Naturalcst. indistinguishable from one another, and have proved a source of much disquietude to many a botanist, who, failing to identify these and other forms, has thereby taken a ‘‘scunner” at willows in general. The causes which seem to have led the earlier salicologists astray were, first, an absence of due appreciation of the excessive variability of the species and of the inconstancy in characteristics of the forms; and, second, ignorance of the fact that willows hybri- dise with the utmost facility. Consequently, mere individual conditions were placed on the same footing as true species ; and not only were hybrid forms granted specific rank, but different degrees of one and the same hybrid were looked upon as distinct species. The hybridisation of willows is not mere assumption, but has been proved to occur. For that matter hybridisation is now well known to occur in many orders of plants; but in willows it is especially common; Not only can any willow cross with any other willow, but the resulting hybrid can cross ‘with any other species of hybrid, and will produce fertile offspring. In this way hybrids in which six species are represented can, as Wichura has shown, be raised by the experimenter. In Nature, whilst hybrids of two species are of common, and those of three are not of very rare occurrence, more multiple hybrids have not been recognised. If all species of willows occurred together and flowered at the same time the number of hybrids would be legion. As it is, the quantity is, perhaps fortunately, limited by circumstances of time and place, but is, even then, sufficiently large. In the following notes on the willows of the district the species will first be noticed and then the hybrids. To begin with, I may say that all the British species occur in our district, and that some of them are almost, though not quite, restricted—in Britain —to it. Willows may be conveniently divided into three groups—the Pleiandre, the Diandre, and the Synandre. I. Pleiandree. Salix triandra L. Rare, and unreported from the greater part of the district. I have seen it about Perth only, where it appears to be native on the banks of the Tay. S. pentandra L. Occurs throughout, but is local and rare. The Scottish Naturaltst. 361 In Perthshire I have seen but six bushes, in five widely separated localities ; but in two of these it was probably planted. In the moss of Restenet, near Forfar, it abounds; but as regards other parts of the district I cannot speak from personal experience. 8. fragilis L. Throughout the lowlands of the district, but more common in the southern half. Two forms occur— one, the usual British form (var. drztannica B.W.), and the other the Continental European form. Of the latter I know of one tree only, near Longforgan in Perthshire. S. alba L. Much the same distribution as S. /ragzls, but per- haps less abundant, and more frequently occurring only as a planted tree. II. Diandre. S. cinerea L., S. aurita L., and 8. Caprea L. All common throughout the district. S. repens L. Also common, but most abundant on sandy links near the sea. 8. phylicifolia L. (including S. zigricans Sm., which appears not to be really distinct). Common on the banks of rivers and on the mountains. S. Arbuscula L. A mountain species, almost or quite restricted in the district to the Breadalbane mountains, where it is common. S. viminalis L. Not uncommon in the lowlands, and often planted to provide material for baskets. S. lanata L. One of the most interesting of our willows, since it is a species of Northern Europe only, and does not occur on the mountains of Central and South Europe. Whilst reported to occur in Sutherland, it is really almost restricted in Britain to certain parts of our territory, vzz., Glen Callater in Aberdeenshire, Caenlochan and Clova in For- farshire, and Glen Lochay in Perthshire. In the latter it was found long ago, but seems to have been lost sight of till we rediscovered it in two different places some years ago. A curious variety or sub-species (.S. Sadlert Syme) occurs in Glen Callater. S. Lapponum L. Another mountain species, not uncommon on the higher hills of Perthshire, Forfarshire, and Aber- deenshire. It also occurs at a comparatively low elevation 362 The Scottish Naturalist. (700 ft.) on the south side of the Perthshire Ochils in one place. Here it is unassociated with any other alpine plants, and its occurrence is remarkable. S. Myrsinites L. Another alpine species, widely spread, but: not common, in the mountain districts. S. herbacea L. A very diminutive shrub, not uncommon on the higher mountains, S. reticulata L. Almost restricted, in Britain, to the richer hills of Perthshire, Forfarshire, and Aberdeenshire, where it is locally common. III. Synandre. S. purpurea L. Locally common on the banks of streams, but not of universal distribution. This concludes the sfeczes—17 in number—that have been de- tected in our district ; and, as has been already said, the list in- cludes all the British species. We have now to enumerate the hybrid forms that have been found. S. decipiens Hoffm. (¢*iandra x fragilis). Not very uncom- mon near Perth. I have also seen a specimen from near St. Andrews, in Fifeshire. It probably occurs in the other counties also. S. subdola B.W. (dviandra x alba). A very few plants near Perth. Not yet found anywhere else. S. undulata Ehrh. (¢-tandra x viminalis). Locally common near Perth; and Professor Trail has found it near Aber- deen. All our specimens belong to the form called S. lanceolata Sm. S. hexandra Ehrh. (fentandra x alba). A small bush (of which I have not yet seen the flowers), on Restenet Moss, near Forfar, may be this hybrid. The only certazm British example seen by me is an old one found near Edinburgh. S. viridis Fr. (fragilis x alba). Ihave found a few specimens in Perthshire. It ought to occur in the other counties also. S. lutescens A. Kern. (cinerea x aurita). Common in Perth- shire, and probably elsewhere. S. Reichardti A. Kern, (cinerea x Caprea). Rare, but of wide distribution, as is also S. Capreola A. Kern. (aurita x Caprea). a TT = TR 3 The Scottish Naturalist. 363 . ambigua, Ebrh. (vefens x aurita). Seems to occur wherever the parent species grow in proximity; but, though widely distributed, it is not very common in the district. . cinerea-repens Wimm. Plants which may be this hybrid have been found at Restenet and in Clova; but, as I have not seen flowers, the determination is doubtful. . nigricans-repens Heidenr. A few plants have been found on the banks of the Tay and of the Garry. . laurina Sm. (phylicifolia x Caprea). If this occurs at all in the district, it must be rare. I have seen willow speci- mens from Killin and Clova which may possibly belong to it. . Wardiana (Leefe MS.), BW. (phylicifolia x cinerea). A puzzling hybrid, of which a few bushes grow near Perth. . ludificans B.W. (phylicifolia x aurita). One or two bushes on the banks of the Tay above Dunkeld. I have also seen imperfect specimens from Clova which are probably this hybrid. . tephrocarpa Wimm. A remarkable willow, found by Mr. C. M‘Intosh near Dunkeld, seems to be this form. Its parentage may be phylicifolia x Caprea x cinerea. . latifolia Forbes (xigricans x Caprea). Rare. Near Perth and Dunkeld, and perhaps also in Clova. . Strepida Forbes (zigricans x cinerea). Alsorare. Banks of the Tay and some of its tributaries. . coriacea Forbes (nigricans x aurita). Rare. Banks of the Tay above Dunkeld. . Dicksoniana Sm. (Avbuscula x phylicifelia?) Now known only as a cultivated plant, though probably originally found on the Breadalbane hills. It is an interesting form, whose re-discovery in a wild state is much to be desired. . Smithiana Willd. Under this name are included the hybrids made by the crossing of S. vemenalis with members of the Caprecee group—z.e., S. Caprea, S. cinerea, and S. aurita. The hybrids of S. vimenalis with each of these should be considered separately ; but, from the difficulty of ascer- taining the parentage, it is necessary to take them together and place the various forms as varieties of S. Smthiana. The cause of the difficulty of determination is probably due, in part at least, to the fact that some of the forms 364 The Scottish Naturatist. La! ie he in w have arisen from the crossing of the hybrids either with one of the parents or with another species. The forms which occur in the district are— . S. stepulares Sm. Near Perth, but not common. This has probably originated from the crossing of S. viminalis with vminalis x Caprea. . S. sertcans Tausch. Not uncommon in Perthshire. In its best form this is wmenalis x Caprea, but some states of it seem to have a strain of cenerea as well. . S. ferruginea G. And. Near Perth, but rare. ‘This may pos- sibly be S. viminalis x aurtta. The two other British forms—S. velutena (viminalis x cinerea) and S. acuminata (viminalis x Caprea x Caprea?) —have not yet been found in the district. . Stephania B.W. A pretty little willow, from Glen Lochay in Perthshire, which seems to be a hybrid between Janata ' and herbacea., . Spuria Willd. (lapponum x Arbuscula). In several places on the Breadalbane hills. . Saxetana B.W. A few plants on Ben Laoigh, Perthshire. It seems to be Myrsinites x aurita. . Wahlenbergii And., (Wyrsinites x nigricans). Found in Breadalbane, Clova and Braemar. . 8erta B.W. An old specimen from the “ Breadalbane moun- tains.” Seems to represent a hybrid between Myrsinites and Arbuscula, and I have described it under the above name. . Moorei “Watson, L.C.” (nigricans x herbacea). An Irish willow, which is also reported to have been found on the Sow of Athole in Perthshire. . Simulatrix B.W. Appears to beherbacea x Arbuscula, and occurs, though very rarely, on the Breadalbane hills. . SObrina B.W. Probably herbacea x Lapponum. Ben Chat in Perthshire, and Clova in Forfarshire. . Margarita B.W. Almost certainly a hybrid between herbacea and aureta. Near Ben Challum in Perthshire. semi-reticulata B.W. A puzzling willow (from Meall Ghacrdie, Perthshire)—which seems to be reticulata x nigricans. It much resembles the Sutherlandshire S. Grahami Br. (herbacea x phylictfolia). The Scottish Naturalist. 365 S. Sibyllina B.W. Probably reticulata x Zapponum. Found by Dr. Greville in 1824 near Loch Brandly in Clova. S. superata B.W. From Glen Lochay, Perthshire. Appears to be reticulata x lanata. There are two other Scottish hybrids of S. reticulata which ought to be looked for. One (S. seywneta B.W.) was collected on Ben Lawers by R. Brown in 1793; the other (S. soluta B.W.) is labelled “ Scotland, Herb-Lambert,” but most probably came from some part of our district. S. rubra Huds. ( purpurea x viminalis). Common, in various forms, near Perth ; and also occurs in other parts of the dis- trict. S. sordida Kern. (purpurea x cinerea). Locally common near Perth. S. Doniana Sm. (purpurea x repens). “First described, though not recognised as a hybrid, by Smith from plants “sent from Scotland as British” by George Don. Since then it has been retained in our books as a doubtful native only ; and when I began this paper I was unwilling to accept it as a British willow. I have now found it on the bank of the River Tummel in Perthshire, so it must be re-admitted to our lists. It is of much interest asa probable confirmation of one of Don’s “reputed ” discoveries ; and its re-discovery will I hope encourage the search for those other plants of Don’s which have not at yet been found by other botanists. in Britain. These 40 hybrids comprehend the majority of the hybrids known to occur in Britain ; but, almost certainly, do not exhaust the list of those which inhabit the district. Whilst some hybrids are neces- sarily of not unfrequent occurrence, others, from the circumstances under which alone they can be produced, must always be rare, and hence so long as there are only a few students of the genus, they may escape detection for a long time, if not altogether. This is especially the case with the alpine forms, some of the known plants of which are solitary bushes many miles apart from each other. In conclusion, I have two things to which I wish to direct the attention of members. In the first place, too much stress cannot be laid upon the im- portance of securing good and perfect specimens when collecting willows. A perfect specimen must have both flowers and adult 366 The Scottish Naturalist. leaves ; and since in most cases these cannot be obtained at one and the same time, means must be taken for insuring not only ab- solute certainty that flowers and leaves are taken from the same bush, but that there is no mixing of the dried specimens. In the second place, I desire to point out that regarding the willow flora of the greater part of our district, little or nothing is known with certainty. Taking the counties in detail from south to north, I find that as regards Fife and Kinross, whilst most of the species are known, scarcely anything has been done amongst . the hybrids. From what I have seen I believe that these counties are not very rich in willows. Perthshire has been, on the whole, well explored ; but there are still large tracts of it of whose willows we know little. This county is perhaps richer in both species and hybrids than any other part of Britain. The most prolific parts are the banks of the Tay and the Breadalbane hills. On the latter one or two places in the neighbourhood of Glen Lochay and Ben Laoigh seem to be the richest spots; some other hills, such as Ben Lawers, so wealthy in alpine plants in general, are not par- ticularly productive of willows. Of the species and hybrids which ought to occur in the mountain districts of Athole and Rannoch much remains to be learnt. In Forfarshire the only part which can be said to have been properly examined is Clova, which is very rich. Of the Forfarshire lowlands I can say nothing but that a rich harvest awaits any local botanist who will thoroughly study the willows of the Moss of Restenet. Kincardineshire is probably not very prolific, but requires an explorer. Aberdeenshire has been partly examined, chiefly in the neigh- bourhood of Aberdeen and in Braemar. ‘The latter is prolific, and the former promises to be fairly rich. Of the rest of the county I know nothing. NEW RECORDS OF FLOWERING PLANTS FOR NORTH ABERDEEN. In the course of a short visit to the district of Buchan, or Aberdeenshire north of the River Ythan, I found a plant of Lepigonum rupestre Kindb. on a turf wall near Slains; Carduus tenuiflorus Curtis near the railway station at Fraserburgh ; Cnicus arvensis Hoffm., var. setosus (Bess.), near Slains; Solidago Virgaurea var. cambrica (Huds.), at the Bullers of Buchan ; and a rayless dwarf variety of Matricaria inodora L. beside the harbour of Rosehearty, in such abundance as to form a close turf. I may add that I have this autumn found Czzcus arvensis var. setosus near Aberdeen also. JAMEs W. H. TRAIL. The Scottish Naturatst. 367 REVISION OF THE UREDINEZ AND USTILAGINEZ OF SCOTLAN D.—(concluded ). By Pror. James W. H. Trait, A.M., M.D., FE. APPENDIX TO LIST OF UREDINE© OF SCOTLAND. Since the publication in July of the above list I have to make a few additions to the district-records therein contained. These are as follows :— 14. Uromyces Behenis (D.C.). Add “Tay ;” the 2c1dium was abundant in July ona plant of Sz/ene maritima at St. Cyrus ! 23. Puccinia Porri (Sow.). Add “Tay ;” not uncommon on Allium vineale (new food plant in Scotland) at St. Cyrus, in July ! Z 27. P. Violes (Schum.). On Viola hirta (new food plant in Scot- land). On Kinnoull Hill, near Perth, last autumn, and at St. Cyrus in July! 66. P. Sonchi Rob. Add “ Tay.” Common in its earlier condi- tions at St. Cyrus in July on Sonchus asper ! 71. P. Schneideri Schriter. Add “ Tay;” on Zhymus Serpyllum, in July, on the links of St. Cyrus ! 74. P. paliformis Fckl. Add “Tay.” On dry slopes, on Keleria cristata, Jaly—Autumn. Kinnoull Hill! 89. P Malvacearum Mont. Found on Hollyhock (Althea rosea), for the first time in Scotland, by Dr. Buchanan White, at Craigo, near Montrose, in July ; andsent byhimtome. I have found this fungus plentifuliy in July and August, on Malva sylvestris, in many places in Aberdeenshire. The fungus very often attacks the fruiting carpels. USTILAGINE Schroter. The facts that the Fungi of this family have in the past been associated in systematic works with the Uredinez and that they are included in Mr. Plowright’s work afford sufficient reason for placing them near the Uredinez in this revision. Since 1879 there has been no attempt to bring together the species added to the Scotch lists during the last decade, though these include several very interesting forms, especially among the internal parasites. Their connection with various plant-diseases, and the curious de- 368 The Scottish Naturalist. formities to which they give rise, add much to the interest that they inspire. In the “ British Uredinee and Ustilaginee” is an excellent account of the life history and reproduction of representative species from each genus, and of the methods that have been found successful in experimenting on these organisms. Abbreviations and other marks, as well as the various kinds of type, are employed with the same significations as in the Uredinee ; under which is given an explanation of their meaning. Genus I. USTILAGO Pers. 1. U. longissima (Sow.) (M.S., 1328). On leaves of Glyceria fuitans! Spring—Autumn. Clyde, Tay! Dee ! Moray ! Ross. 2. U. hypodytes (Schl.) (M.S., 1329). On stems, below the leafsheaths, of *Hlymus arenarius! *Ammophila arundinacea! and *Agropyrum junceum! causing the affected stems to become tall, but preventing the formation of the inflorescences. On the sea coasts. June—October ! Tay (Menmuir, Rev. JZ. L. Anderson), Dee! 3. U. segetum (Bull.) (M.S., 1330). Causing “smut” in the ears of Avena sativa! Hordeum distichum ! and H. hexastichum ! July—October. Tweed, Solway, Forth! Clyde! Tay! Argyle, Dee! Moray, Ross, Sutherland, Orkney ! Var. nuda Jensen, is common on Barley ; var. tecta Jensen has been found in Iona ; both fide Plowright. 4. U.-grammica B. & Br. (\(MiS.> 2327: °° “Qmiignasees Summer—Autumn.”) Tay. s. U. Caricis (Pers.) (U. urceolorum Tul. M.S. 1331). In ovaries of Carex Goodenovit! C. panicea! C. glauca! C.* pulicaris! and C.* dioica! causing ‘ smutting.” Summer—Autumn ! Tweed, Forth, Tay ! Argyle! Dee! 6. U. vinosa (Berk.) (M.S., 1332). In ovaries of Oxyria digyna! up to 2500 ft., destroying the ovaries. July—September ! Tay, Dee! (Glen Callater !). The Scottish Naturalist. 369 7. U. Scabiosee (Sow.) (U. flosculorum Fr., M.S. 1337). In anthers of Scabiosa arvensis ! July—August. Tweed, Forth, Tay! (St. Cyrus !). 8. U. flosculorum (D.C.) (U. intermedia Schroter, M.S. 1334; U. Succise Magnus, in Scot. Nat., VI. p. 120). In anthers of Scabiosa Succisa ! July—September ! Tay ! (Rannoch, Methven!) Orkney! (Orphir !) g. U. utriculosa (Nees.) (M.S., 1335). In ovaries of Polygonum Convolvulus! July !—September. ay! (st; Cyrus! meeareyle: to. U. violacea (Pers.) (U. antherarum Fr., M.S., 1333): In anthers of Stlene maritima! S.* inflata! S.* nutans! Lychnis diurna! L. vespertina! L.* Flos-cuculi! Stellarva *graminea! Spring—summer ! Tweed, Forth! Clyde! Tay! Dee! Moray. 11. U. Tragopogi (Pers.) (U. receptaculorum Fr., M.S., 1336 P-p-). In receptacles of Tragopogon pratensis! May—July! Tay, Dee! (The record of U. receptaculorum Fr. on Cirsium heter- oplyltlum. from: “Dee” ‘in’ M.S., 1336, is an _ error, Thecaphora Traili having been mistaken for it.) Genus II. T1iLtuet1a Tulasne. 12. T. Tritici (Bjerk.) (7. Caries Tul., M.S., 1344). In ovaries of Triticum vulgare! August! Pweed, Forthy*Tay ! Dee. I have found this only near St. Andrews, where it is far too abundant. *13. T. decipiens (Pers.) (7. sphwrococca F. von Waldh., Scot. Wot. N.S. 15, 234): In ovaries of * Agrostis vulgaris, causing the plants to be- come dwarfed into the condition known as A. pumila. Clyde! Tay! Argyle! Dee! Orkney! Shetland. (Beeby.) *14. T. strizeeformis (Westd.) (Ustdlago Salveci B. & Br., Scot. Mat.N.S.,.1., 34). In leaves of *Holcus lanatus ! July—September ! Dee! (Aberdeen!) Moray (Forres.) 370 The Scottish Naturalist. Genus III. Urocystis Rabh. 15. U. occulta (Wallr.) In M.S., 1341, we find JU. parallela B, and Br. is recorded by Berkeley and Broome (No. 486) ‘on the leaves of some Carex, Forfarshire, A/r. W. Gardiner.” From the host-plant, this was probably not U. parallela (U. occulta Wallr.), but rather U. Fischeri Korn. *16 U. Agropyri (Preuss.) (Scot. Wat., N.S., IV., 227). In leaves of */estuca arenarva! on sandy coast north of Aberdeen ! July! va, Deet 17. U. Fischeri (Wallr.) See U. occulta (Wallr.) No. t5. ! *18. U. Sorosporioides Kérn. (Scot. Wat. N.S., III., 41.) In leaves and flowers of *Zhalictrum minus, var. mariti- mum! May—August ! Dee! (sandy coast, north of Aberdeen! local, but abundant.) 19. U. Anemones (Pers.) (U. pompholygodes Lev., M.S., 1340). On leaves of Anemone nemorosa! and of Ranunculus repens! May—October ! Forth! Clyde! Tay! Argyle, Dee! Moray! Orkney! 20. U. Violee (Sow.) (M.S., 1342). On Viola sylvatica! distorting stems, leaf stalks, and midribs. May—September ! Tay, Dee! *21. U. primulicola Magnus. In ovaries of *Primula vulgaris! August! Very scarce. Dee! (Once at Woodside, near Aberdeen !) Genus IV. EntyLoma De Bary. 22. Bi. Fergussoni (B. & Br.) (Protomyces Fergussoni B. & Br. M.S., 1324; H. canescens Schroter, Scot. Nat. N.S., I., 125). Causing pale spots in leaves of *Myosotis arvensis! *M. cespitosa! and *JZ. palustris ! July—October ! Tay, Dee! Moray! 23. EK. Ranunculi (Bon.) (#. Ungeriarum De Bary, MS., 1343; H. Micarve F. von Waldh., Scot. Nat., N.S., I., 228. The conidial form is Cylindrosporium Ficarie Berk, MLS., 1186). The Scottish Naturalist. yal Producing pale spots on leaves of Ranunculus Ficaria! May—September ! Tay! Dee! Moray! *24. E. Matricarize Trail (in Plowright’s Ured. and Ustil,, p. 291). Causing small white spots on leaves and stems of *Matri- carta inodora ! local, but abundant. August—-October! This may, perhaps, be 2. Aatricarie Rostrup. Dee! (near Aberdeen !) Orkney! (Firth !) 25. &. Chrysosplenii (B. & Br.) (Lrotomyces Chrysosplenit B. ea br, MS.,, £323). On Chrysosplenium opposttifolium. June—September. Dee (New Pitsligo, Rev. 7. Fergusson), Moray (Find- horn, Lev J. Kezth.) *26. EH. microsporum (Unger.) (2. Ungerianum De Bary, 00t.. Nat. NGS )1.,' 228), On leaves of *Ranunculus repens! and *R. acris! July —October. Solway, Clyde! Tay! Dee! Moray! Orkney ! *o7. Hi. Calendulee (Oudem.) (Scot. Wat., N.S., I., 124). In pale spots on leaves of * Hreractum vulgatum! Autumn. Tay! Dee! Genus V. MELANOTANIUM De Bary. *28. M. endogenum De Bary. (Scot. Wat., N.S.,L, 243). In stems of *Galium verum ! deforming the plants and causing them to assume the appearance of a small Liquisetum. May—August! Plentiful on the sand hills on the Aberdeenshire coast; rare on the Kincardine- shire coast; at Nigg! and at St. Cyrus! Tay! Dee! Genus VI. TUBERCINIA Fr. 2g. ‘I. Trientalis (B. & Br.) (Sorosporium Trientalis Wor., M.S., 1338; the conidia= Ascomyces Trientalis Berk., M.S., 1 769). On leaves of Zyzentalis europea! the conidia from May to July, the spores from July to September. Tay, Dee! Moray. : 30. T. scabies Berk. (Sorosporium scabies Berk., M.S., 1339). On tubers of Potato (Solanum tuberosum.) Autumn. Tay, Ross. 372 The Scottish Naturalist. Genus VII. Doassansta Cornu. *31. D. Alismatis (Nees.) (Scot. Wad, N.S., I., 124). In spots on leaves of *Alisma Plantago! \oca!, but not rare. August—October ! Lay | Dee! Genus VIII. THEecapHora Fingerhuth. *32. 'T. Trailii Cooke, (Grevillea, xi. p. 155 ; Scot. Nat. N.S., L., 85). In capitula of *Cxicus heterophyllus! which it fills with a brown mass of spores. August ! Dee! (Brzemar !) DOUBTFUL USTILAGINEZ. Genus IX. GRAPHIOLA Poiteau. *33 G. Phoenicis (Moug.) On leaves of * Phenix dactylifera in palm-house of Glasgow Botanic Garden ; sent me by Mr. Stewart in December, 1889. Genus X. ENTORRHIZA Weber. *34. H. Aschersoniana (Magnus.) (£. cypfericola Magnus, in scot. Vat, N-SaoL., 241); In tumours on roots of */uncus bufonius! July—October ! Dee ! (near Aberdeen !) Professor Balfour has found similar tumours on */uncus lamprocarpus, and Mr. P. Cameron (Trans. Glasgow Soc. N.S., L., 299) reports them on */uncus uliginosus and */. sguarrosus. It is probable that more than one species of Zx/orrhiza exists in these ; but further examination is necessary before coming to a con- clusion. Genus XI. Protomyces Unger. 35. P. macrosporus Unger. (M.S., 1322). In warty tumours on AYgopodium Podagraria! * Angelica sylvestris! *Anthriscus sylvestris! *Heracleum Sphondy- lium! and *@nanthe Crocata! May—October! Solway! Forth! Tay! Dee! Moray. *36. P. pachydermus Thiimen, (Scot. Wat., N.S., I., 33). The Scotiish Naturalist. 373 In warty tumours on leaves and scapes of * Zaraxacum offict- nale! June—September ! Forth, Tay! Dee! Moray ! Orkney! 37. P. Menyanthis De Bary, (M.S., 1325). In small dark tumours on leaves of AZenyanthes trifoliata / July—October ! Tay, Dee! (near Aberdeen !) P. Comari B. and Br. (M.S., 1326), found in pustules on leaves of Potentilla Comarum by the Rev. JZ. L. Anderson, in August, at the Loch of Kinnordy, is referred by Plowright (J. ¢., p. 301), to this species ; but I have never found P. Comari, though the host-plant is plentiful in places where Protomyces Menyanthis is abundant, in Aberdeenshire. *38. PB. rhizobius Trail, (Scot. Wat., N.S., I:, 125). On roots of *Poa annua! May! Dee! (Old Aberdeen !) DUMFRIES-SHIRE AND GALLOWAY NATURAL HISTORY AND ANTIQUARIAN SOCIETY. HE first field meeting of the session was held on Saturday, June 7th, when a party drove to Terregles, where the factor, Mr. W. J. Maxwell, met them and showed them over the “ quhair,” the old choir of Terregles, founded by the fourth Lord Herries not long before his death in 1583, and which contains the tombs of himself and his descendants. An account of the edifice was given by Mr. James Barbour, architect. The party then drove to Terregles House and inspected the beautiful specimens of the botanical kingdom here collected in rich pro- fusion. ‘The remains of the bed slept in by Queen Mary, when she stopped at Terregles on her flight to England, were also in- spected. The next place visited was the Caledonian Circle at Holyrood. At the largest of these circles a business meeting was held, at which Mr. William Stone was elected a member. Holy- rood Church was then visited, the remains of the Old Abbey sought for, and the fine old bell inspected. Here Mr. R. Rimmer F.L.S., the President of the Society,'joined the party and escorted them to his residence, Dalawoodie House, to which he had in 374 The Scottish Naturatst. vited the members to a garden party, to view the rare plants and flowers. Mr. Rimmer exhibited to the visitors many of his treasures, botanic, entomological, and conchological. After the company had partaken of refreshment a departure was made, the thanks of the Society having been first conveyed to its President by Major Bowden. During the evening Mr. G. Scott-Elliot, F.L.S., of Newton, made arrangements for the formation of a botanical class during the month of June. The second field meeting of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Natural History and Antiquarian Society was held on Saturday, 5th July. About thirty ladies and gentlemen proceeded by train to Kirkcudbright, where they were met by Mr. Watson, M.A., President, and about a dozen members of the Kirkcudbright Society. Here waggonettes were in waiting, and the party enjoyed a pleasant drive round the Borgue Shore to Gatehouse, on the way visiting the mansion-house of Cally, the residence of Mr. H. G. Murray Stewart. The house is of granite, and was built in 1763, and afterwards in 1835 greatly enlarged. ‘The visitors had the privilege of being shown through several of the rooms, and were charmed with the beautiful specimens of Sevrés porcelain, Florentine mosaic, and other artistic work, and also some very fine pictures by old masters. From here the party proceeded to the ruins of Anwoth Church, where they were met by the Rev. W. M. Black, minister of the parish, who pointed out the various features of interest in the district. The party then climbed to the top of Trusty Hill, on which facing due east is a large flat stone bearing some Runic characters, the meaning of which has never been satisfactorily explained. The stone also bears several initials re- cently carved, and to protect it from further demolition in this way a strong iron cage has been placed over it. Some remains of a ‘vitrified fort” were also inspected, and the several theories on the subject were discussed. Several members of the party then visited Kirkcudbright and had a hurried look round the Museum connected with the Kirkcudbright Club before they took leave of their friends, and returned to Dumfries after a most successful meeting. This Society made an excursion on Saturday, 2nd August, to Glen- cairn, when a large party drove first to Irongray Church, where the grave of Helen Walker, the prototype of Scott’s Jeanie Deans, was visited. The beautiful falls of the Old Water of Clouden at Routan The Scottish Naturalist. 375 Bridge were next reached, and then the party proceeded to Glenrid- dell and Jarbruck Butts. This remarkable elevation was mounted and carefully examined. There are four theories of the origin of this mound—first, that it was a Roman encampment ; second, that it was an ancient British burial-place for chiefs or priests; third, that it was erected as a moat or place of judgment; and fourth, that it was a British encampment. The visitors, after a discussion, in which Messrs. Barbour and Watt took the principal part, came to the conclusion that the only artificial part of the hill is the western knoll, the rest being due to the natural action of water in bygone ages. Probably the place was used as a moat, and subse- quently as a place for the exercise of archery. Here a meeting of the Society was held, under the presidency of Mr. James Shaw, and, on the motion of the Secretary, Mr. Thomas MacKie of the Moat was elected a member. Dr. Chinnock also intimated that the council had recommended the election of Messrs. W. Lennon and W. Hastings as honorary members on account of their merit as scientists and their services to the Society ; and on the motion of Mr. J. Barbour and Mr. J. Moodie respectively, the election of these gentlemen was agreed to. Mr. John Corrie, Moniaive, then conducted the visitors to various objects of interest in the village and its vicinity. After partaking of refreshment, and passing a vote of thanks to Mr. Corrie for his services, the party drove to Glencairn Church, where the Rev. Patrick Playfair was waiting to point out objects of interest. The remains of the old pre- Reformation Church were visited, Mr. Playfair supplying as much information as he has been able at present to acquire about the old Church, the gable ends of which alone remain. He then showed the visitors through his garden, pointing out various rare and beautiful plants and flowers. After the Secretary had conveyed the thanks of the Society to Mr. Playfair the party drove back to Dumfries through Dunscore and Holywood villages. PAISLEY PRACTICAL BOTANY CLASS. HIS class, conducted by Mr. J. M. B. Taylor in the hall, 10g Causeyside Street, Paisley, had recently some very interesting matter brought up. The object of this class is the study of our wild plants in a practical way ; and a thorough course 376 The Scottish Naturalst. of instructions in botany is given in a series of lectures, illustrated by diagrams and freshly-gathered specimens of wild plants. At. the last of the course of lectures for this session some particulars about the getting up of the “ Flora of Renfrewshire,” a work which, it is hoped, will be in the hands of the public by next spring, were given. A report of the work of the class during the session was given which showed that up to the present there had been twenty-eight excursions in connection with it, none of which, notwithstanding the wet season, had proved a failure. Mr. Taylor, it was intimated, re-opens the practical apricutaee chemistry classes in the hall in September. RUTHERGLEN NATURALISTS’ SOCIETY, HE monthly meeting of the above Society took place in the Guild Room, Parish Church Halls, on Monday evening, 2nd June, when a paper was read by Mr. John Torrance of Cam- buslang on the “‘ Dispersion of Seeds.” In his opening remarks Mr. Torrance said that the study of fruits and seeds was quite as interesting as that of flowers, although they lacked the brilliancy ot colouring and texture usually found in flowers. The proper dis- persion of the seeds seemed of supreme moment to the plant; and when we considered that the existence of plant-life to a cer- tain extent depended on the seeds being carried to a district differ- ent from that of the parent we could form an idea of the import- ance of this subject. Mr. Torrance then spoke of the dispersion of seeds under the following means :—1. By wind currents; 2. by water and ocean currents ; 3. by birds; 4. by animals and in- sects ; 5. by mechanical means ; and 6. by hygroscopical means. The paper was illustrated by diagrams; and, when treating the last section, Mr. Torrance showed that, by means of heat and moisture, certain classes of seeds assumed a very lively and ani- mated appearance. GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF GLASGOW, NEW part of the Z’ransactions of the Society is in the press A and will be issued early in the forthcoming session. It will contain a number of papers on local geology by Professor T. Rupert Jones,.Emeritus Professor Foster Heddle, Mr. John The Scottish Naturalist. 377 Young, Mr. Dugald Bell, and others, and an important one by a well-known authority on fossil botany, Mr. Robert Kidston, and “On the Fructification and Internal Structure of Carboniferous Ferns in their relation to those of Existing Genera, with special reference to British Palaeozoic Species.” GLASGOW FIELD GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. HIS recently formed Society held its usual monthly meeting on Thursday the r1th September, in the Y.M.C.A. Hall, Oxford Street, S.S. In the absence of the Secretary the Minutes of previous meeting were read by Mr. J. D. M‘Culloch, after which short papers were read concerning the Society’s recent visits to the following districts: Foxley, Cathkin, Busby, Corrie-burn, and Cragen Glen. aml At the close of the meeting some very fine mineral specimens from the North of Ireland were exhibited by Mr. George Wilson, and also a few rock specimens from the above districts were shown and commented upon by the respective leaders of these excursions. ABERDEEN WORKING MEN’S NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. HIS Society, though young, has done excellent work in pro- moting the love of all branches of Natural History among its members and their friends; and the annual exhibition of specimens has proved increasingly successful. This year the exhibition is to be open to the public, in the large hall known as the Song School in Aberdeen, in the evenings from Oct. 4th to Oct. 11th. Such efforts are a hopeful sign to all lovers of Nature. ENTOMOLOGIST. Vol. xxi., 1888 (4ug.)—Deilephila Galii in Aberdeenshire (on 17th July), by Arthur Horne. (Seé.)—Deilephila Galii in Scotland (near Dundee on 4th August), by Peter Kirk. Retarded emergence of Shet- land Lepidoptera, by J. W. Tutt. (Dec.)—In Contributions towards a list of the varieties of British Noctuae Mr. J. W. Tutt notes Yydrecia micacea var. brunnea Tutt, from Pitcaple. Vol, xxil., 1889 (/ax.)—The Insect-fauna of St. Kilda, by C. W. Dale, enumerates eighteen species of Coleoptera, 1 Butterfly, 4 Moths, 3 Z7rechoplera, 3 Diptera, 2 Hemiptera, and the common Earwig. The Genus Scoparia, by C. A. Briggs. 378 The Scottish Naturalist. (#eb.)—Sesia musciformis in Scotland, by W. R. Scowcroft. (March)—Deilephila Galii in Scotland (in the Glasgow Exhi- bition Buildings), by T. J. Henderson. (June)—Notes on some Varieties of Tripheena comes Hb. (T. orbona F’b.), by J. A Clark, with a plate illustrating twelve varieties reared from ova, of moths obtained from near Forres. (July)—Hypsipetes ruberata in Aberdeen, by L. G. Esson. (Ses.)—Agrotis lucernea in Kincardineshire, by L. G. Esson. Noctua sobrina in Glen Artney, Perth, by J. Cosmo Melvill. Crambus furcatellus (Scoparia alpinalis and Lmmelesia adeqguata) in Sutherlandshire (on Ben Hope), by J. Cosmo Melvill. (Oct.)—Sphinx Convolvuli in Aberdeen, by L. G. Esson. Acronycta leporina in Perthshire (larve near Tummell Bridge), by Mrs. Cross. (Mov.)—Colias Hdusa near Aberdeen (on September 14th, in a garden at Denmore), taken by W. Catto. Mr. Tutt in his monthly Contributions, &c., makes mention in vol. xxii. of the following varieties of Noctuze from Scotch localities—(F¢é.) Xylophasia monoglypha Hufn. (= folyodon L.), as intensely black or rich brown varieties, named var. odscura Tutt, var. drunnea Tutt, from Glasgow, and var. zzfuscata, B. White, from Glasgow and Aberdeen, and var. ethzops Stdgr., also from Glasgow and Aberdeen; (J/arch), Xylophasia rurea, var. ochrea Tutt, generally distributed, as far as Orkney and the Hebrides, var. flavo-rufa Tutt, from Rannoch and Glasgow, var. zzg7o-rudida Tutt, from the Hebrides ; (4gri/), Xylophasia Zollikofert Frey, var. pallida Tutt; (June), Chareas graminis L. var. gramineus Haw., from Glasgow, var. ¢ricuspzs Esper, from Glasgow, var. rufa Tutt, from Glasgow, var. 72/focosta Tutt, from the Hebrides ; (August), Luperina testacea Hb., var. cinerea Tutt, from Aberdeen (ashy-grey with distinct markings), var. mzgrescens Tutt, from Aberdeen (blackish-grey, with indistinct markings) ; (Sep/emdber), Mamestra furva Hb., var. ochracea Tutt, from Berwickshire, var. zzfernalis Ev., from Aberdeen ; (Décember), Apamea gemina Hb., vars. refescens Tutt and zzlermedia Tutt, from Aberdeen and other localities in Scotland; (/anuary, 1890), Apamea leucostigma Hb., var. albipuncta Tutt, from Pitcaple in Aberdeenshire. Vol. xxiii., 1890 (JZarch)—Notes on the Economy of Retinia resinella Linn. (causing resinous exudations on twigs of Pizus sylvestris near Forres), by R. Adkin. (Agri/)—Notes on Diptera in 1889, by E. Brunetti, enumerates among others Aeteromyza atricornis Mg., Empis lucida Zett., Calliphora vomitoria L., Scatophaga sgualida Mg., and Heteromyza atricornis Mg., all from Aberdeen, sent by Mr. A. Terras; and Celopa frigida Fall., from ‘* Scotland, Feb. 22nd.” Phigalia pedaria (pilosaria) in January ; 7 specimens taken on January 16th, at Pitcaple, by Mr. Wm. Reid. (AZay)—Critical Notes on Diptera, by G. H. Verrall, notes as from Scotland Heteromysa atricornis Mg., taken near Lairg in The Scottish Naturalist. 379 Sutherlandshire, on July 24th, 1884 (but misnamed Pegomyza rotundicornis Zett.) ; Cynomyia mortuorum ., at Rannoch, in June, 1870; Polietes hirticrura Meade, at Kilmarnock. Notes on Lepidoptera from Aberdeen and Kin- cardineshire, by L. G. Esson. (June)—Yood-plant of Plusia interrogationis (Heather), by L. G. Esson. Is Hupithecia abietaria Goze identi- cal with FH. togata Hubn. ? by Richard South, indicates the belief that neither moths nor larvee show characters to warrant these being regarded as distinct species. (July )—A. Successful Moth-trap, by W. M. Christy, describes and illustrates, with a wood-cut, a trap, the attraction to which is a lamp. A list of species taken with the trap at Kintyre, in Argyle- shire, during the month of August, 1889, is added. JOURNAL OF CONCHOLOGY. 1888 (Fuly\—On the Specific Distinctness and the Geo- graphical Distribution of Testacella scutulum, G. B. Sowerby, by John W. Taylor, upholds the view that this is distinct from 7. haliotidea, and refers to its occurrence at Kirkcaldy. ( Oct. )—Exhibited at the meeting of the Conchological Society, held on August Ist, 1888, on behalf of Mr. A. Somerville, Lemna peregra, Zonites cellarius, Claustlia rugosa, Helix caperata, and FH. hortensts, all from Barra and South Uist. 1889 (Fan. )—The Land and F'reshwater Shells of the neigh- bourhood of North Berwick, by Rev. John M‘Murtrie. The names are authenticated by specimens in the Museum of the Conchological Society in Leeds. The list will repay the perusal of conchologists. The varieties have been carefully determined for the district. Colonising Land and Freshwater Shells at Brora, Hast Sutherland, by W. Baillie, adds to a previous communication (/ourn. of Conch., V., p. 192) on the results of introducing mollusca of various species at Brora. Such records as this deserve careful attention to prevent erroneous con- clusions by future workers, if the latter are unaware of the origin of such introduced forms as may prove able to hold their ground, (April)—P. 86. Limax maximus var. Ferussact from Cramond, near Edinburgh, exhibited on behalf of Mr. T. Scott at a meeting of the Conchological Society on Nov. 7th, 1888. ( fuly )—Testacella scutulum, Sow., in Renfrewshire, by fo. Be Paylor. ZOOLOGIST. 1888 (Fan. )—Wryneck in Shetland (near Hiilswick, on 25th Aug., 1887), by Charles A. Anderson. 380 1889 The Scottish Naturalzst. (Fuly }—Re-appearance of Pallas’ Sand-Grouse in the British Islands. Numerous records from Scotland, in letters from William Evans and John Ross. (August)—Golden Plover carrying its Young (between its legs, observed in Peebles-shire), by T. G. Laidlaw. Dipper’s Nest in a Tree (overhanging the river Don, ? in Aberdeen- shire), by George Rooper. (Sept. )—Bottle-nosed Dolphin in the Solway Firth, by Robert Service, records a specimen of D. Zursio being stranded on Mersehead Sands, parish of Kirkbean, Kirkcudbrightshire. The Crossbill in the Hebrides (in Eigg and Skye), by H. A. Macpherson. (Oct.)—On the Habits of the Manx Shearwater (as ob- served in Eigg), by H. A. Macpherson. Bird Pests of the Farm, by H. H. Scott, and comments upon the paper by R. J. Graham Simmonds and Gilbert Millar, both abridged from a local Northumbrian newspaper, state forcibly the mischief done on farms by rooks, sparrows, and wood-pigeons, putting the loss per acre at from 2s 3d to 4s 6d, five-eighths of the damage being done by rooks, one-fourth by sparrows, and one-eighth by wood-pigeons. Dipper Nesting in a Tree (near Banchory, on the Dee), by J. Whitaker. (Nov.)—On the Birds of the Island of Eigg, by A. H. Macpherson, B.A., and H. A. Macpherson, M.A. Manx Shearwater Nesting in Skye, by H. A. Macpherson. (Yan.)—Nesting of the Hobby in Scotland (near Kinnaird House in Perthshire), by Edward Newton. The Smew in Perthshire (at Stormontfield), by Th. Marshall. Ring Ouzel-breeding in Orkney, by J. W. Trail, (quoted from Scott, Nat., 1888, p. 344). (#eb..—Habits of the Manx Shearwater (nesting at Rum at more than 2000 feet above the sea), by H. A. Macpherson. (March)\—The Roe-deer (Cafrzolus Caprea), by J. E. Harting, is an account of the habits and other characteristics of this graceful animal, both in England and in Scotland, and is accompanied with an excellent plate. (May)\—Daubenton’s Bat, by J. E. Harting, illustrated by a plate, inadvertently issued with the 4frz/ number of the Zoologist, The distribution in Scotland is here detailed. In The status of the Firecrest as a British Bird, Mr. J. H. Gurney says that “‘the Scottish records, as Mr. Saunders justly remarks, stand greatly in need of confirmation.” Sand Grouse in Ayrshire, (near Dalrymple Station, in April, 1888, and near Maybole, on 12th December, 1888), by James Sargent. (Yune)—Mus hibernicus Thomps. restored to the British Fauna, quoted from Elarvie Brown and Buckley’s Vertebrate Fauna of the Outer Hebrides. Strange capture of a Golden Eagle (taken at Farraline in Stratherrick owing to its talons The Scottish Naturalist. 381 being so closely interlocked with those of another eagle as to prevent flight), recorded by Thomas G. Henderson. Testacella haliotidea (var. scutulum) in Renfrewshire. (July)—_Natterer’s Bat, by J. E. Harting, with a plate; its Scotch records are—once near Edinburgh, and once at Inveraray. Uncommon Birds in Skye, by H. A. Macpherson, notes the occurrence of the Greater Spotted Woodpecker at Edinbane, in October, 1886, also of the following additions to the author’s list published in 1886,—Brown-headed Gull, Bar-tailed Godwit, Chiffchaff, Crossbill, Sand Martin, Pintail, Pochard, Scaup, Scoter- Smew, Pink-footed Goose, Pallas’ Sand Grouse, Quail, Tawny Owl, Buffon’s Skua, and Leach’s Petrel. (Sept.)—The so-called Mus hibernicus, by Thomas Southwell, upholds the view that M. hibernicus is a hybrid between JZ. alex- andrinus and M, decumanus. Great Crested Grebe breeding in (the south of) Scotland, by Robert H. Read. (Oct.)—Breeding of Pallas’ Sand Grouse in Britain in 1889. Professor Newton, on 12th Sept., exhibited, in the Bio- logical section of the British Association, a young bird ‘‘not more than two or three days old,” from the North of Scotland. Sand Grouse in Fifeshire, (seen up to August 19th, 1889, on Tent’s Muir), by P. Henderson. Crested Grebe breeding in Scotland, by Robert H. Read, is in continuation of his earlier statement. ‘‘Mr. Harvie Brown writes that he is acquainted with Scottish localities where it breeds,” Ed. Zool. Great- Crested Grebe breeding in Scotland, by William Evans. Spotted Crake near Glasgow, (found dead at Possil), re- corded by J. Macknaught Campbell. Roller in Kirkcud- brightshire, (one at Mabie), by Johnson Wilkinson. (Dec.)—The Pectoral Sandpiper in Orkney, (in Westray, on August 26th, 1887, shot by F. Menteith Ogilvie), recorded by T. E. Gunn. (The above date is corrected in the number for Feb. 1890, to August 26th, 1889.) 1890 (4ay)—The Breeding of Pallas’ Sand Grouse in Moray draws attention to a paper by Prof. Newton in the ‘‘ Ibis ” (of April, 1890) giving an account of the discovery of a newly-hatched chick found last summer among the Morayshire sand-hills at Binsness. The paper is illustrated with a plate by Mr. Frohawk. Reference is also made to two papers on the Sand Grouse in Scotland, the one by Mr. William Evans, (in Proc. Roy. Phy. Soc., Edin., 1889, pp. 106-26), the other by R. H, Porter, published in pamphlet form. (Fune)—The Wild-cat in Inverness-shire, and The Polecat in Sutherlandshire, both by William Yellowly. Water Shrews in North Ayrshire, by D. A. Boyd. Reported Nesting of the Black Redstart in Dumfries-shire, by W. O. Hammond. 382 The Scottish Naturalist. (August)—The Great Skua in Foula, by R. M. Barrington, LL. Bi, F.L.S: (Septemder)—A List of Birds observed in Shetland, June, 1890, by R. M. Barrington, LL.B., F.L.S. The Great Skua in Foula, and Honey Buzzard in Shetland, both by Harold Raeburn. The Bearded Horse Mussel (J%jtilus barbatus) near Aberdeen, The Angular Crab (Gonoplax anguiata) at Cullen, Banffshire, and The Circular Crab (Atelecyclus heterodon) on the Aberdeen Coast, all three by J. Taylor, (Paisley). REVIEWS. THE LONDON CATALOGUE OF BRITISH PLANTS, ‘* Highth Edition, with Corrections.” Edited by FREDERICK J. HANBURY, F.L.S. WE have been favoured with a copy of this very useful Catalogue in its most recent form, lately issued. The following quotation from the preface will show the nature of the changes made in it. “* The original issue of the Eighth Edition of the London Catalogue having become exhausted and a reprint rendered necessary, some obvious misprints have been corrected and omissions supplied.” ‘*No attempt, however, has been made to bring the Catalogue up to date. To have done this would have constituted the present issue a new edition, for which the materials are as yet in a far too imperfect condition. Several critical genera are undergoing thorough revision, and difficult questions of nomenclature still remain unsettled.” We cannot question the wisdom of the course adopted in the present condi- tion of nomenclature of the species and varieties of the British Flora ; but we trust that before long time has elapsed a new edition will actually be in print, embodying fully the generally accepted results of the labours so ungrudgingly undertaken of late years by not a few British botanists, among whom the editor of the Zondon Catalogue occupies an honourable place. LARVA COLLECTING AND BREEDING.—By the Rev. J. SzymMour St. JoHN, B.A. (London, 1890.) Tuis little book will be of assistance to British lepidopterists, and scarce less so to such botanists as desire to know something with regard to the butterflies and moths that feed on British plants, both wild and cultivated. It aims simply at being a complete compilation from all reliable sources of information available to the author ; and consists of two parts :—1, A list of larve ar- ranged and named after ‘‘ The Entomologist’s Synonymic List of British Lepi- doptera,” the food plants being enumerated under each larva, and 2, A list of food plants arranged and named after the London Catalogue, with a list under each of the larve that feed on it. A somewhat close scrutiny shows that the lists have been well and carefully compiled, and that they are to be relied on as well up to date. The Scottish Naturaltst. 383 NATURE AND WOODCGRAFT.—By Joun Watson, F.L.S. IN this, as in his earlier volume entitled ‘‘ Sylvan Folk,” Mr. Watson shows in full measure the characteristic merits aud faults of a group of writers, who have been prolific with their pens during recent years. Possessed of what may be called a fatal facility of expression, they allow themselves to be carried away too often by it, and mar what might be graphic as well as true descrip- tions of nature with mere verbosity, slipshod English, or actual mis-statements of fact, in the vain effort to heighten the effect. It would be a waste of our space to quote more than one or two of the many examples of these faults that are met with in the pages of Mr. Watson’s books. Let one suffice. On page 15 of ‘‘ Nature and Woodcraft ” we read :—‘‘ We have ten tiny creatures constituting an army in themselves, that, if not kept under, would quickly de- vastate our fields. These ten species consist of four mice, three voles, and three shrews—individually so tiny that any one species could comfortably curl itself up in the divided shell of a chestnut.” Mr. Watson can hardly mean seriously to class the shrews with the mice and voles as destroyers of crops ; while the chestnuts to which he is accustomed must be considerably larger than those generally met with. Such blemishes are the more to be regretted since the books give evidence of quick and true perception of natural beauties, and their author shows the power at times to bring vividly before his readers scenes and customs familiar to and loved by himself. The faults are such as care will do much to preclude, indeed, the later work is somewhat freer of them than is ‘‘Sylvan Folk.” But, after all, between White of Selborne and the school of writers to which Mr. Watson be- longs, there is a great gulf. INTRODUCTION TO FRESH-WATER ALGH, WITH AN ENUMERATION OF ALL THE BRITISH SPECIES. By M. C. CookE, M.A., LL.D. (Being Vol. LXIX. of the International Scientific Series). In this work there is provided at a marvellously low price an introduction to the study of an extensive group. of microscopic plants, which are of the greatest interest and value to the biologist as well as to the systematist in Botany. We cannot doubt that it will be a great incentive to the investigation of the organisms of which it treats, as its price will bring it within the reach of many to whom the more expensive works that preceded it were not accessible. The title is rather too wide, as the great groups of Desmids and Diatoms do not find a place in it ;—though, indeed, by some it may be held that the latter group is not entitled to rank with true Algze. However, the reason for the omission of these groups is evident, as their inclusion would have increased the book to much too great a size. 384 The Scottish Naturalist. Rather more than half the space is devoted to introductory chapters dealing with modes of collecting and preserving specimens, and the biological characters of the Algz, including a chapter on ‘‘ Notable Phenomena,” one on ‘‘ The Dual Hypothesis,” and another on ‘‘ Classification.” From these we observe that the author adheres steadfastly to the views that Lichens are not formed by the union of Algz and Fungi, and that the classifications proposed in recent years are not improvements on ‘‘ the old artificial arrangement of the Algz.” There is a full enumeration of the British Fresh-water Algz, within the limits already noted, with references to the figures in the author’s large work, ‘*The British Fresh-water Algz.” Synonymes are wisely omitted. The thirteen plates “illustrating all the genera” will greatly facilitate the use of the book by those for whom it is intended. That the book will do good service in attracting workers to this field we cannot doubt. ‘The controversial questions will not affect its usefulness in this respect ; and the evidence on both sides of each question must be investigated by advanced students of the group by reference to the original monographs and papers. ADDITIONS TQ LIST OF SCOTCH DISCOMYCETES. BY 'Pror. Jas. W. id. "Frain, A.M., M.D BESS SincE the publication of my Revision in this Journal I have found a few additions which deserve to be noted. They are numbered below in the order they should take in the ‘Re- vision.” r11a. Hymenoscypha amenti (Batsch), on rotting catkins of Salix aurita, Den of Maidencraig! near Aberdeen, in January. 113. H. eburnea (Rob.), on corms of Arrhenatherum avena- ceum, in Braemar! in April! 172a. Lachnea mirabilis (Borszc.) Phill., growing in clusters among grass on the bank of the Dee at Ballater ! in April! This is beautifully figured by Wettstein under the name Anthopeziza Winterc (Verh. Z. B. Gesell. Wien., 1886, p. 383, t. 16). Mr. Phillips (Grevillea, 1890, p. 83), refers it to Z. mirabilis, with reference to the original figure (bad) and description, copied in Cooke’s Myco- graphia, 98. 236a. Tapesia sanguinea (Pers.), On dead wood of Rosa canina near Ballater! and of Populus tremula in Brae- mar! in April! 317a. Propolis Rose, Fckl., on dead twigs of fosa canina, near Ballater ! in April ! ee . “MATURE. THINKERS. | Boren BY Dr. J. W. WILLIAMS, MA. Be ee Price 6d., Post Free, vd. sie! the = ‘N aeuralicts Monthly ” is issued on the lst of each month. / Annual Subscription, 7s. post free. - London : “WALTER Scort, 24 Wareick. Lane, Paternoster Row. ® ILLUSTRATED MANUAL OF BRITISH BIRDS. BY HOWARD SAUNDERS, BL Sy: E.Z, S., ETC., hs _-Editor nae the Third re Panic Volumes of “ Yatrell'sy History DE British Birds,” Fourth Edition. An To He Completed | in about Twenty Monthly Parts, Price ONE SHILLING Each. PROSPECTUS ON APPLICATION. "SUR N HY & TACESON: ott PATERNOSTER ROW, LONDON (Successors to Mr. VAN VOORST). On the ist of every Month, price ary ee 24 pp. 8vo, “THE ENTOMOLOGIST’S MONTHLY MAGAZINE. ag Conducted by ©; G; BARREIT ; J. W. Doucias; W. W. Fow er, ho MLA., F,L.S. 3. R. M‘LACHLAN, F.R.S., F.L.S.: E. SAUNDERS, eid Bes Seal A PLS.; and H. Be STAINTON, F’RiS., -&c, ; F This es was commenced in vies, and its pages are peneipally devoted to information respecting British Entomology LONDON : JOHN VAN VOORST, 1 PATERNOSTER Row, E.C. FS NV.B.—The volumes now commence with the beginning of each year. Sub- “scriptions (6s. per eran post bee) should be forwarded to the Editors at the ‘above address. -UNSCIEN TIFIC READERS. EDITED BY REV. THEODORE Woon. THE FIELD CLUB is pubbEhed with the view of supplying a a means of communication between lovers of Natural History in its widest sense, and especially between the Members of the leading Field Clubs a d- Natural History Societies in the United Kingdom. It will treat m particularly of the subjects which come within the province of these Societies, and at the same time will give attention to such branches of — Natural History as may interest the more general reader; and “‘popular” treatment will, in all cases, be combined with scientific accuracy. es Articles on Economie Zoology will from time to time appear, for the use of Agriculturists and others. iv The Collector and his wants will be carefully couse bed: Under the. title of Tur Ovr-poor Natvrauisz, helpful papers will appear in the earlier numbers, with instructions for the preparation of specimens for the collection, and the various other branches of indoor work. A special column will be devoted to Notes on the Occurrence of Rare Birds, Insects, &e., the appearance of the Summer and Autumn migrants, — and other circumstances of general interest. It is also proposed to “ establish an Exchange Column, ad yoriee men in which will be inserted _ free of charge to subscribers. aa THE FIELD CLUB can be had for Hate Sted by Natural sete a and Field Clubs at very reasonable terms, which may be learned from thi bi : publisher. The scope and general character of THE FIELD CLUB - indicated by the following subjects, which will be treated in the ace numbers. :— ._ The True Status of the Sparrow | Something about Jelly-Fish_ The Five Senses of Insects ~ British Weasels” Setting and Preserving Beetles | Flat Fish Electricity in Animals The Respiration of Insects” Ae The Spread of the Hessian Fly | Venomous Fishes So The Fresh: and Salt Water] Luminosity in Animals Aquarium Can Fishes Hear ? Ava British Bats - + | Self-Mutilation in the ‘Lower What is the Duckbill ? Animals oat Fish out of Water Caterpillar Breeding 4 ‘Insect Artillery Sticklebacks = a The Cuckoo and Its Eggs Entomology of the Months, 2 New Work for New Workers | &c. &c. &c. TH is Bird Preservation in “ao Sold fs all Booksellers, and by the Publier. * es oa | eat —s ELLIOT STOCK, 62 Paternoster Row, Londo, EG, * So Eo ay cae, gunna 4 4 . - “¢ ca. Pe . i ad tec hee >.* Pir A? oe-e -e ©:e F *.% 8 ele 2 ot > © > & ¢te_* * 2% @ » * , - RA? 1 Wee a ee «, Pe ot eh a pee # . e re oe - ete fetes ee rer re ef *> 7? ? ead °, fe ae ee ee i. we Md 7 Frer : . . Se * ai 74 ’ . Pe 7," >t fs . SAS meats a. » Ct Me oe a A a a er oF ~_ Od nt ine "ey ++ ~s be & - Sofeleleleter> * ieteres ~ie eos — ‘seh “ _ Y Ss eaters d ae mY : . eee”