NOTES AND QUERIES.

ANCIENT TOADS AND FROGS.-Many of your correspondents appear to misapprehend my question respecting toads and frogs, asked on page 47 of the GOSSIP, and I am glad to observe that you have on page 96 directed their special attention to it. I have heard and read of many cases in which toads or frogs were said to have been found at great depths, and imbedded in solid rock; but I only distinctly remember at the present time two gentlemen, who are yet living and with whom I am well acquainted, who vouch for having seen living frogs taken from solid strata at great depths. One is now residing in Newcastle, and about six years ago he worked in a gold-mine in Australia. He and his companions sank a shaft for the purpose of reaching the goldstratum, and when at a considerable depth-if I remember rightly, 80 feet--they passed through a thick stratum of blue solidified clay, from the centre of which there leaped out a living frog, and the matrix or residence of the frog was a little larger than the frog, and was lined with a soft mucus-like matter. The frog lived for a short time. The second case is vouched for by a tradesman who now resides in the village of Hedley-on-the-Hill, near Newcastle, and who, a few years ago, was a coal-miner. He said that a brother miner, in a pit in which he worked when a young man, on heaving away the solid coal, arrived at a portion in which was a small closed chamber, and that from that chamber a living frog emerged; that he saw it; that it was apparently mouthless, and lived a few hours when exposed to the air.-T. P. Barkas, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

ATLANTIC OOZE.-Mr. J. W. Leakey, on page 95, states experiences respecting deep-sea soundings that differ materially from those I gave in the March number. I shall be glad to exchange slides of soundings taken during the laying of the Atlantic cable, for those in his possession obtained during the preliminary soundings for that unfortunate project. I have slides of soundings from Melville Bay, 82 fathoms, and soundings taken by Capt. McClintock on board her Majesty's ship Bulldog, in 1,307 fathoms, lat. 61° 66'; long. 38° 34', in both of which diatoms abound; but in those referred to in my former paper I cannot say positively that the diatomaceous-looking fragments are really those of diatoms.-T. P. B.

DOCK. NETTLE.-B., in his amusing article on "Rural Natural History," gives the following as a specimen of "old wives' fabledom: "-" In Essex dock leaves are applied to the blisters raised by the sting of the nettle, and are believed to be efficacious in removing the smart." Now, "this is a fact, and no poetic fable," as any of your readers may easily prove if they do not mind the pain of the experiment. If the leaf be bruised and applied to the part, the smart will cease almost instantly; at any rate such has often been the experience ofAlfred Golds.

N.B.-The poison of the nettle being alkaline, and the juice of the dock acid, it is not unreasonable to suppose that the application of dock leaves is beneficial in neutralizing the effects of nettlestings.-Ed.

"CUCKOO BUDS OF YELLOW HUE."-What flower was this? Possibly Shakespeare may have meant the Ranunculus ficaria, pilewort, crowfoot celaudine. This was Wordsworth's favourite flower; it

blossoms early in the spring. Yet Shakespeare may have alluded to the Ranunculi in general. The country people call them "cuckoo-buds," buttercups," king-cups," and gold-cups." Bullein mentions "sundry kindes of Crowfoote called Ranunculi, or 'Little Frogges Grass." ""—S. C.

THE TOAD-STONE.-Reading a short time since from a work entitled "Ten Thousand Wonderful Things," I chanced to alight upon a paragraph headed "Curious Superstition," in which was given an account of a ring preserved in the Londesborough collection which had a peculiar stone set in it called a toad-stone, said to be extracted from the head of a toad. This jewel, which was popularly believed to be produced in the heads of very old toads, was considered, in the middle ages, to be possessed of the power of giving warning against the presence of poison. Now, though this is doubtless a superstition, yet it is always well to endeavour to sift the truth from error; and, perhaps, in this case there may be some foundation upon which the above idea may rest. Shakespeare alludes to this stone where he says

Sweet are the uses of adversity,

Which, like a toad, ugly and venomous, Wears yet a precious jewel in his head. Perhaps some correspondent can enlighten me.H. A. Alibutt.

SILK COCOONS.-It has been generally thought during two centuries that the Bombyx Mori cut its thread at the point where it issues from the cocoon. Some naturalists have supposed the butterfly burned the threads at the same point. This is a double mistake; the threads are not cut or burnt; they are thrown right and left and in front by the movement of the insect; they are only deprived of their gum by the liquid secreted from two small glands the butterfly has on its head. This " ungumming" does nor influence the quality or the strength of the silk, which can be perfectly unwound.-Documents de l'Exposition d'Insectes. Paris, 1865.

FOOD INSECTS.-In Mexico there is a sugar-producing ant. In the same country a kind of bread called "hautle" is made from the eggs of some hemiptera (Notonecta, Coryza, &c.).-B., Melle, near Ghent.

NEST OF KINGfisher (S. G., vol. ii. p. 94).—I find in the work "Les Oiseaux de la Belgique,' par C. Dubois, a hint which perhaps may join the two assertions respecting the nest of the kingfisher. "These birds," says Mr. Du B., "nestle ordinarily from the beginning of April; when weather is fair even earlier; they choose for that craggy banks near the water: the female digs with her bill and feet a narrow tube, from 2 to 4 feet deep, broader at the end, where the eggs are laid in May or June, numbering five, seven, to eleven; the male provides for the female in the hatching season; they reject the bones of the fishes, and gather them to make them serve for lower strata to the eggs."-Bernardin, Melle, near Ghent.

INSECTS BORNE OUT TO SEA.- Reading always with a new pleasure the old pages of SCIENCE GOSSIP, I see in last year's volume, p. 127, that "insects are sometimes borne out to sea by strong winds, especially in tropical islands, and that some fall in situations to be entombed in sand, &c." A remarkable instance of this took place on the Belgian coast four years ago. On the 5th of May, 1862, an immense quantity of insects (Coleoptera, Hymeno

ptera, and Diptera) were brought on the sand, near Ostend, by the flood. They formed on the shore a black line of 25 centim. (1 foot) broad, and more than 1 mile in length.-Bernardin.

SPRING NOTICES.-On the 21st March last, I noticed a solitary martin (Hirundo urbica) circling about the surface of the river Tone; and on the 26th, which was a warm spring day here, I saw three or four butterflies on the wing; they were the large white (Pontia Brassica), and the small tortoiseshell (Vanessa Urtica). The cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) was heard here, I am told, on the morning of the 2nd April.-4. J. N. Macdonald, Taunton.

LOCAL NAME FOR THE FROG.-The common name for the frog in the neighbourhood of St. Austell is "Wilkin."-W. R. T.

BIRDS ON SHEEP. In answer to R. Blight, who in your last number (in a note on the magpie), says that he believes the Corvida to be the only family of birds that perch on the backs of sheep, I beg to say that I have seen starlings (family Sturnide) do so, and a friend of mine says it is quite a common thing in the country to see them on the backs of sheep.-J. R. N. M.

PARASITE ON THE LIMPET.-Can any of your readers inform me of the generic and specific name of the small red parasite found on the limpet? It appears to me to resemble a mite, but I eannot find it described in Dugès' "Memoir on the Acarinæ," in the Annales des Sciences Naturelles, nor, in fact, in any work I have consulted.-T. G. P.

THE DIPPER, OR WATER OUSEL (SCIENCE GOSSIP, p. 93).-I beg to put in a word in the discussion about the water-ousel walking in the water. This walk can be effected, I think, notwithstanding the specific lightness. When this bird moves its wings like oars, or rather as screws, it gives the great impulsion with them, and with his feet clings to the ground, just as the newly-invented river-tugs or tow-boats cling to a chain immersed in the flood; the resultant of these two forces is stronger than the force which impels the bird to the surface, and it continues walking; I believe it has never been seen standing motionless in the water.-Bernardin, Melle, near Ghent.

DIPPER WALKING UNDER WATER.-That late accurate observer, Charles St. John, in his " Natural History and Sport in Norway," p. 88, writes of this bird:"It has a peculiar habit, while flying along a stream, of suddenly dropping into the water, where it either swims, or rather floats, on the surface, or dives down at once to the bottom, where it searches actively for its food: the beetles, which form great part of its food, being found on the stones and gravel at the bottom of the water. I never saw the water-ousel feed on any insect which it caught out of the water, or even on the surface: its whole food seems to be found at the bottom. Though the fact has often been doubted, it certainly runs and scratches up the stones while at the bottom in search of food." Furthermore, in Morris's "British Birds," p. 17, it is stated-"That this bird has the power of walking at the bottom of the water, is an established fact. The argument against its being able to do so, is that to the reasoning powers of some persons it does not seem possible. Its feet are admirably adapted for holding on to the stones over which it makes its way, and for stemming, at the same time, the force of the current; for that no

effort is required to keep its place below the surface, is what no one has said. On dry land it is by no means an expert walker, being there evidently out of its element." To characterize a well-ascertained fact, corroborated by the experience of trustworthy observers, as "an absurd story" seems rather a hasty and uncalled-for epithet on the part of Geo. F. Smith, Durham. For further information on the subject of the submergence of water-birds, I would refer him and the readers of S. G. to a paper in the Naturalist, vol. i. p. 5, by Dr. Morris, "On the Power that certain Water-Birds possess of remaining partially submerged in deep water."-J. Gifford, Minehead, Somerset.

INSECT VIVARIA.-I believe that an insect vivarium, of really efficient dimensions, is not to be purchased for less than three or four guineas. This circumstance militates against the general adoption of these cases, as the majority of amateur naturalists would hesitate to spend so much upon what must as yet be regarded as an experiment. Has anything of a more moderate character been devised, intermediate between these expensive structures and the ugly old-fashioned boxes used for rearing Lepidoptera? We have economy and elegance combined in fern-cases, why not in vivaria ?— W.H.G.

HYBERNATION OF SWALLOWS.-I recently pointed out in another journal the curious similarity between the opinion of the Chinese on this subject as recorded by M. Huc in his "Chinese Empire," and a narrative of the discovery of a ball of torpid swallows in the sand on the banks of the Ribble, contributed to Kingston's Magazine for Boys by an anonymous subscriber. In the next number, Mr. Gould, the celebrated writer on British birds, forwarded an extract from his work, embodying the opinion of Professor Owen, that it is a vulgar error to suppose that any swallows remain torpid in this country during the winter, and that they are physically unable to do so. In reply, I forwarded an interesting letter in support of my statements, written by a gentleman of undoubted veracity, well known in the Channel Islands - the Rev. Daniel Dobree, M.A., rector of the Forest and Torteval, Guernsey. The subject is undoubtedly a difficult one; but when gentlemen assert that they have found swallows in a torpid state in the winter, I cannot see why Professor Owen or Mr. Gould should dispute the truth of their statements. Mr. Dobree says:-"I perfectly coincide in your opinion, and for the following reason. In the winter of 1845 I was engaged in pulling down the rectory of my parish of Torteval, which had certainly stood since the time of Charles the Second. The weather was exceedingly cold, as it was in November or December, but on pulling down the roof I found six swallows in a torpid state under the old rafters, and took them home in my pocket. On arriving at the Forest Rectory, I placed them at a certain distance from the fire at night, to the great amusement of my wife and servants. On the following morning they were all perched upon the kitchen grate, chirping as if in spring. I regret to say that subsequently, for want of flies and other suitable aliment, which I in vain endeavoured to procure them, they all died. I wish to say that they were certainly not young birds; many of them having that red throat by which an old cock swallow is always distinguished. I am glad you have given me an opportunity to express an opinion for which I have so often been laughed at." In conclusion, I would observe that I hope the question may be soon

definitively settled. In the face of so much evidence, and the solemn affirmations of old writers in support of the theory of the hybernation of at least a portion of the swallow tribe in England, it is foolish for learned professors to treat the affair with concontempt. If the readers of S. G. will try to ascertain the reasons for, and laws of, this hybernation, they will be doing a real service to the cause of scientific accuracy, and of natural history.-Fras. A. Allen.

COMMON NEWT.-Mr. R. Blight mentions a pair of newts he saw swimming in company on January 16th. Whilst dredging a pond in this neighbourhood last Saturday, March 31st, I found I had netted a young but fully developed specimen of the common smooth newt; but of course the branchiæ were not yet wholly absorbed. Is not this very early? It is now in my aquarium.— G. T. Porritt, Huddersfield.

EARLY SWARM OF BEES.-In one of our hives (common straw ones, with glasses on the top) the bees swarmed yesterday morning, March 26th, about half-past ten, the weather being warm and misty.-M. B.

SILVERING GLASS.-Can any reader tell me how to put quicksilver on glass to make it a convex mirror for a microscope ?-E. F. W.

WOODPECKEBS STORING ACORNS.-I was called upon by a friend of mine a few days ago, who lived several years in the back woods of California, and to whom, thinking he might throw some light on the subject, I showed the communications of S. G. and Mr. Lord. He tells me that Mr. Lord's assumptions as to the woodpecker not eating the acorns it had taken so much trouble to store (if they really do bore holes and into them hammer large acorns) is perfectly correct, and that had he been journeying through any of the mountain woodlands of California in the fall of the year, he would have had abundant opportunities of seeing the bird at work and proving what he almost seems to doubt. The trees selected are invariably of the pine tribe, and several birds are not unfrequently seen at work upon the same tree. They bore several holes, differing slightly in size, and then fly away, in many instances necessarily a long distance, and return with an acorn, which they immediately set about adjusting to one of the holes prepared for its reception, and which will hold it tightly in position. As I before stated, Mr. Lord is correct in saying that the bird does not eat the acorn. Some few of the American species will eat ripe fruit, berries, and the succulent grains of growing Indian corn; but as a rule they are not vegetarians; its object in storing away the acorns exhibits foresight and knowledge of results more akin to reason than to instinct. The succeeding winter the acorn remains intact, but becoming saturated with rain, is predisposed to decay, when it is attacked by maggots, who seem to rejoice in this special food, it is then that the woodpecker reaps the harvest its wisdom had provided, at a time when, the ground being covered with snow, it would experience a difficulty otherwise in procuring suitable or palatable food. It is a subject of speculation why the red-wood cedar or sugar-pine are invariably selected; but it is not probable that the insect, the most dainty to the woodpecker's taste, frequents only the outside of wet trees; but so it is, that in Calaveras, Muriporee, and other countries of California, trees of this kind may be frequently seen covered all over their trunks with acorns when there is not an oak tree within several miles.-A. B., Burton.

TO PRESERVE LARVE.-Could you give me any hints how to preserve the larvæ and pupa of moths and butterflies, so as to be able to mount them on paper along with the butterflies, you would much oblige-4. H.

We have sent the results, but could never learn the method; only one or two persons have accomplished it successfully.-Ed.

SPIDER POISON.-Can it be really shown that spiders' fangs emit any kind of poison? It is, I know, commonly stated to be the case, and it is copied from one work to another, but I have never been able to see any appearance of it. The fangs of a spider must certainly be sufficient to kill a fly without any other help. I fancy if a man or an animal had two such instruments of a proportionate size run into their bodies, they would soon die, in a shorter or longer time, according to the part pierced. If the fang contains poison, there must be an aperture in the fang, but I can find nothing of the kind. In the sting of a nettle a slight pressure will force the poison out; or if the sting be immersed in water, a bubble of air can be forced out at the point; but nothing of the kind occurs in the spider's fang, which, like that of the dragon fly, fresh-water squilla, and other similar creatures, is of a horny nature, and hollow up to a certain point. I have been led to mention this, as I have seen the spider's poison mentioned in one or two places in S. G., as well as in other works, as if it were an established fact.-E. T. Scott.

SWORD-GRASS.-Can any one inform me which of the grasses is called the sword-grass? It is mentioned by Tennyson in his "May Queen," viz.

The oat grass and the sword-grass and the bulrush in the pool.

It is probably, from the connection, an aquatic; but it seems to me that there are several which might lay claim to the distinction. If, however, as I suspect, it is a common local name in some parts of the country, I have no doubt some of your readers can answer my question.-R.S.

STEPHANOTIS FLORIBUNDA.-Can you inform me when Stephanotis floribunda was introduced?-G.M. Stephanotis floribunda was sent by M. Belanger from the Botanic Garden of the Isle of Bourbon to the Jardin des Plantes at Paris, and flowered there in 1834. It was figured in the Botanical Magazine as having been introduced into England by Mrs. Lawrence, in 1843.-Bot. Mag., vol. lxx. tab. 4058.

VOLVOX GLOBATOR.-Dr. Hicks says, in his article on this subject, in the Popular Science Review, "It is quite certain that the Volvox does not remain as Volvox through the winter. You may search for it assiduously, but you will not find it; therefore we may fairly assume that it takes on some quiet condition, possibly more than one, perhaps so unlike its summer shape as to have deceived the most careful observer." Did it never occur to him to try the experiment of keeping them through the winter? Had he done so, he would have discovered that the hibernal state is discoid, closely resembling some Rivularie, perhaps Capsosira, of which a correspondent (C. P. A.) has sent us specimens.

POPPY SEEDS were frequently mixed with the food of the ancients, strewed over their bread, and also sent to table mixed with honey. The Persians still continue to sprinkle them on their rice and cakes; and confectionery in India is commonly covered with them. The practice is also sometimes followed in Germany.

NOTICES TO CORRESPONDENTS.

ALL communications relative to advertisements, post-office orders, and orders for the supply of this Journal should be addressed to the PUBLISHER. All contributions, books, and pamphlets for the EDITOR should be sent to 192, Piccadilly, London, W. To avoid disappointment, contributions should not be received later than the 15th of each month. No notice whatever can be taken of communications which do not contain the name and address of the writer, not necessarily for publication, if desired to be withheld. We do not undertake to answer any queries not specially connected with Natural History, in accordance with our acceptance of that term; nor can we answer queries which might be solved by the correspondent by an appeal to any elementary book on the subject. We are always prepared to accept queries of a critical nature, and to publish the replies, provided some of our readers, besides the querist, are likely to be interested in them. We cannot undertake to return rejected manuscripts unless sufficient stamps are enclosed to cover the return postage. Neither can we promise to refer to or return any manuscript after one month from the date of its receipt. All microscopical drawings intended for publication should have annexed thereto the powers employed, or the extent of enlargement, indicated in diameters (thus-X 320 diameters). Communications intended for publication should be written on one side of the paper only, and all scientific names, and names of places and individuals should be as legible as possible. Wherever scientific names or technicalities are employed, it is hoped that the common names will accompany them. Lists or tables are inadmissible under any circumstances. Those of the popular names of British plants and animals are retained and registered for publication when sufficiently complete for that purpose, in whatever form may then be decided upon. ADDRESS No. 192, PICCADILLY, LONDON, W.

J. C. W.-Your fungus on leaves of Cotyledon is Puccinia umbilici. For the rest-thanks!

B. (Melle). We do not insert lists or catalogues, because only a few are interested in them.

F. B. notes the appearance of a number of maimed and dead frogs on the bank of a stream. We observed the same circumstance last week, and are convinced that rats are the culprits.

J. J. R.-The black spots on the fern stem are fungi, named Leptostroma filicinum.

J. P.-We think that we have figured and described wire clips in sufficient variety to satisfy our readers.

G. E. C.-We are not aware of any medium of exchange for the article you name.

A. C.-Your shells are,-1. Pupa secale. 2. Zua lubrica. 3. Anodon cygneus, var. anatinus (young).

(young).-R. T.

4. Helix aspera

T. B. W.-Your fungus is Xylaria hypoxylon in fruit. F. R. R.-We have added fresh spirit, and also transferred specimens so preserved into a saline solution without damage. Neither should be too strong.

J. S.-You will see by the present number that your fears were groundless.

G. F. P.-We learn, upon inquiry, that the articles you name reached the publishers.

C. A. J.-How could you expect us to name the fish from such a description?

ERRATA-SOUND-PRODUCING BEETLES, page 88, for "Lomia" read "Lamia;" for "Atonia," Cetonia ;" and for "croaking," "creaking."-W. H. G.

R. G. S.-It is a kind of gall produced by insects, of which specimens were exhibited at the Entomological Society last

year.

HENRY.-The spots are a common fungus, Hypoxylon fus

cum,

F. W.-Your Jungermannia is Radula complanata. Can you send us specimens in fruit for a correspondent?

T. S.-The plant No. 1 is Ranunculus aquatilis. No. 2 is Chara vulgaris. They are not suitable for an aquarium.W. C.

R. A.-The leaves are not those of Hedera Canariensis. The plant may be a form of Hedera Helix, but the stellate hairs are rather different.-W. C.

B. (Melle). We do not remember a monograph of the Urticaceæ since "Miquel Commentarii, No. III., Lugd. Bat., 1840," or H. A. Weddell's "Monographie de la famille des Urticées." 4to. Paris. 1856.

E. D. C.-You will find practical instructions for drying plants in the "Botanist's Chronicle," No. 10, which may probably still be had of Mr. Irvine, 28, Upper Manor Street, King's Road, Chelsea, for one penny.

B. I.-See page 113.

J. C. W.-We know of no remedy but cleanliness and perseverance. If whitewash and a free use of water will not cause the fleas to shift their quarters, we would recommend you to shift away from them.

J. A., Jun.-No. 1 is the Tapè or Bark cloth of the SouthSea Islanders; No. 2 not enclosed; No. 3 the Grass Wrack, Zostera marina.

E. B. We really cannot be supposed to know everything intuitively; if you forward specimen, we will furnish the name, but cannot do so from a brief description of the larva. B. I. We are not so fortunate as to know the parody to which you allude.

NORTH LONDON NATURALISTS' CLUB meets on the second Thursday in the month. The secretary is Mr. J. Slade, 103, St. John Street Road.

C. L. It is so long since that we cannot now trace the address.

us.

J. S.-Comparatively few local names have hitherto reached At least not sufficient to turn to practica! account. KENTISH GLORY MOTH.-A correspondent desires a chrysalis or two to be sent to B. F. G., 23, John-street, Bedfordrow, W. C.

S. G. G.-The parasites of the Humble Bee sent are a species of Acarus, commonly found in such a situation.-R. B. TO KILL INSECTS.-Confine them in a box or bottle with bruised laurel-leaves.

C. A. J.-See vol. i. pp. 20, 44, 92, 109, 188, 239, 262, for hints on fern culture.

A. M.-It is not at all an uncommon occurrence for the crested newt to make a meal of the smaller species, the smooth newt. See "Our Reptiles."

S. A. G.-The coccus on Cornus sanguinea is an Aleyrodes, probably Aleyrodes Phylliria, Haliday. The examination of winged specimens may prove it to be a distinct species.F. W.

E. G.--The white substance on beech appears to be the same as was formerly included among fungi, under the name of Psilonia nirea. It is, however, a coccus, the Coccus Fagi, Walker, "Cat. Homoptera," p. 1080.-F. W.

T. R. B. M.-We can only recommend you to study nature, and imitate the conditions as closely as possible. No general instructions can be given.-F. M.

B. T.-No. 1. Ivory coralline, "Ellis' Corallines," t. xxi. f. A, Cellularia ehumea. No. 3. Creeping corallme, "Ellis' Coral.," t. xx. f. B., Cellularia reptans.-J. E. G.

HAIRS.-W. H. R. wishes for a few hairs of the Indian bat, or the kangaroo.-1, Nelson Place, Aberdeen.

CORRESPONDENTS who did not furnish their names and addresses with their queries, and consequently find no answer, will please to observe the notice which is repeated every month at the head of this page.

EXCHANGES.

POLARISCOPE OBJECTS (mounted) for diatoms, &c.-Photo. Dereham Road, Norwich.

BUTTERFLY SCALES for other objects; also birds' eggs and shells for objects of interest.-E. G. W., 3, Bertie Terrace, Leamington.

LIVING DESMIDS.- Apply to J. C. W., Montpellier House, Budleigh Salterton, Devon.

DEUTZIA SCABRA (unmounted) for other objects. E. Marks, 6, Holford Square, London, W.C.

DEUTZIA SCABRA (flower).- Address F. 23, Post Office, Manchester.

COLIAS EDUSA for birds' eggs.-H. S., 11, Grove End Road, St. John's Wood, N.W.

HORN SECTIONS, &c., for Echinus Spines, &c. - Thomas Sharp, Ackworth, near Pontefract.

HKLIX LAMELLATA offered for Cyclus pisidioides, or Pupa Anglica for Pupa angustior.-J. H. Ashford, Scarborough. ARACHNOIDISCUS EHRENBERGII (mounted) for other good objects.-W. C., 62, Kirkgate, Leeds.

COMMUNICATIONS RECEIVED.-W. C. P.-G. F. P. (Hill Wootton)-W. A. L.-E. W.-G. F. P. (Huddersfield)-A. J. N. M.-G. M. (Norwich)-J. S.-E G. W.-T. P. B.-E. D. C. -F. R. R.-G. M. (Wood Green)-J. C. M.-J. A. S.-C. A. J. -T. B. W.-W. H. G.-S. J. B.-A. W.-J. W.-G. E. C.— J. P.—W. H. K.-J. J. R.-F. B.-A. H.-A. G.-J. S. H.E. F. W.-B.-B. T.-F. W.-T. S.-M. B.-J. C. W.-J. A.— R. A.-W. N.-E. B.-E. G.-L. G.-W. H. W.-B. F. M.J. W. T.-S C.-H. A. A.-W. W. S.-G. S--A. E. C.-E. T. S.-J. G.-T. G. P.-E. S-J. C. W.-B. S. D.-H. B.-J. R. B. M.-S. A. G.-B. I.-W. G.-J S.-C. W. W.-C. L.-J. C. W.-G. M.-R. B.-J. P.-R. G.-S.-B. (H. Wycombe)H. G. E.-W. McI.-B. E. G.-J.-S. J. M.-E. M.-A. B. B. -R. B. (Alton)-H. S.-M. D. P.-J. J. F.-T. S.- J. H. A.F. K.-J. E. T.-A. M.-C. L.-E. H. F.-W. H. R.-W. C.F. W.

MONG the many unscientific observers of nature, there are those who possess a sort of general idea of the names of the plants or insects which they cannot help seeing, and who group together under one name many widely differing members of the same family. If there is one genus of plants more ill-used than another in this respect, that one is, as far as my experience goes, the genus Veronica, or Speedwell, various species of which are now beginning to deck our banks and waste places. To those who are in the habit of keeping a "Naturalist's Calendar," after the fashion of good old Gilbert White, it cannot fail to be embarrassing to be told-say at the beginning of March, by a trustworthy, but unscientific friend, "I saw the Speedwell in flower to-day." "Which Speedwell ?" you naturally ask, and the reply is, "Oh, you must know, the common Speedwell, with a blue flower!" Perhaps, after such a reply, the necessity of the strictest accuracy in all statements concerning Natural History is "borne in " upon one more forcibly than is usually the case. But, after all, better that people should know just a little of the wonders spread before them year by year in the green fields, than be altogether ignorant of them; and it is both unfair and useless to point out faults which we ourselves do not attempt to remedy: so, taking our Speedwells as a subject, let us try if we cannot briefly and plainly point out the resemblances, and, at the same time, the differences which exist between our common species.

No. 18.

We have seventeen species of Veronica, or Speedwell, indigenous to, or at any rate thoroughly established, in this country; and of these twelve at least may be considered as generally distributed. To these twelve, therefore, let us more particularly turn our attention, first marking the points of resemblance which are common to all the British species, and then proceeding to note the differences by which each may be distinguished.

Perhaps the most striking family likeness, common to all our Speedwells, lies in what is usually termed the blossom, or, more correctly, in the coloured and most conspicuous portion of it which is called the corolla. This is most frequently blue; it is monopetalous (i. e. all in one piece), and is shaped somewhat like a cross with rounded ends, save that the lobe or division, which would correspond with the foot of the cross, is always smaller than the other three. Again each blossom of all the species contains two stamens and one pistil; therefore all are placed in the Linnæan class Diandria, order Monogynia. All have fibrous roots; the stems of the tallest species (V. Anagallis) do not exceed two feet in height, while those of the other species seldom attain more than a foot; and the corollas of all are very fugacious, falling off with, or even without, a touch; to which peculiarity Bishop Mant thus alludes:

Be cautious lest you shed

The petals of the tender flower,
And shorten thus the little hour,
At most allotted it to grace

With transient bloom its native place.

The twelve species which we are going to consider more especially, may be conveniently arranged under three heads:-1. Those which have weak trailing stems, and the flowers of which grow singly in the axils of the leaves-i. e. in the angle formed where the leaf-stalk joins the stem. 2. Those with upright or ascending stems, terminated by a spike of flowers.

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