Page:Hardwicke's Science-Gossip - Volume 1.pdf/50

34 field near Downley, Bucks, above-mentioned: I am not aware that it has previously observed. The pink hue occasionally assumed by the blossoms of the Milfoil (Achillea millefolium) is, I believe, caused by a peculiarity in the soil in which it grows; I have noticed a similar occurrence in the flowers of the Whitehorn (Cratægus Oxyacantha), though only on one or two occasions. The only other variety in this order worthy of note is one of the Great Knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa), having white flowers, which I have once or twice met with near Wycombe.

I may here mention a peculiar form of the Common Calamint (Calamintha officinalis) which occurs near Wycombe, and which has already been noticed in the Botanist's Chronicle. I first observed it in 1861, when I labelled it without hesitation C. officinalis, having found it to agree pretty well with the description of that plant, and not being acquainted with the ordinary form of it. Last year I received specimens of the same plant from the same locality, ticketed C. nepeta: I of course made inquiries, and was informed that they really belonged to that species. Later in the season, I found the ordinary form of C. officinalis, which certainly appeared very different from the plant which I had previously named as such, though it agreed at least equally well with the description given of that species. Thus in doubt, I sent specimens of each to a botanical friend, who kindly informed me that he believed both plants to be the Common Calamint (C. officinalis), and the discovery of a specimen, combining the characteristics of both forms satisfied me that the above conclusion was correct. The forms certainly differed widely in appearance; that which I had been induced to consider the Lesser Calamint (C. nepeta) being a larger plant, with hoary leaves and stems, and having pale lilac blossoms, spotted with purple; while the true officinalis had leaves of a brighter green, and deep pink flowers, mottled with white and red, and was altogether a more slender and graceful plant. It has been suggested to me that the former of these is but the second year's growth of C. officinalis; but I do not think that such is the case, though another year will settle the question,—it is certainly a persistent form, and grows in three or four places about High Wycombe, while the latter is apparently less common in the neighbourhood.

A pretty variety of the common bugle (Ajuga reptans), having white blossoms, occurs near Buttsbury, Essex, where it has appeared in some plenty for several years. The Forget-me-not (Myosotis palustris) occasionally retains the pink colour, which its buds frequently assume throughout the entire period of blossoming. At Medmenham, by the Thames, last year, I observed a form of Loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris), which had a red spot at the base of each division of the corolla; the whole plant was slenderer than is usual in the species; and a form of the great plantain (Plantago major), having a leafy flower-spike, was recently gathered at Chelsea. I have noticed that the entire habit of the English Blue-bell (Agraphis nutans) is changed by the cultivation: the flower-stalk becomes shorter, and the blossoms fail to retain their drooping position, becoming erect, and changing in colour from dark to pale blue. A variety, having white flowers may be found in most neighbourhoods; and near Bristol this is said to be as common as the ordinary form: one with pink flowers is cultivated in cottage gardens, but I have never seen it in a wild state: and another with yellow blossoms is recorded as having occurred; if this was really the case, it affords a curious exception to one of the laws of colour. B.

.—The cultivation of Ferns and In-door Plants has led to a curious article of importation. The outer bark of the Cork-tree, hitherto looked upon as waste, has recently been brought to this country in large quantities. From its lightness and durability, it makes an excellent article for rustic work where wood and other heavy materials are inadmissible.

.—Clemence Isaure, a lady of Toulouse, who lived in the fifteenth century, and who had often presided at the celebrated Floral Games of that ancient city, presented the citizens with magnificent markets, erected at her own cost, on condition that the games should be held in future within the hall which formed part of her donation, and that roses should be strewed upon her tomb. Her statue now adorns the hall of the Academy of Floral Games in Toulouse, and is annually crowned with brilliant flowers.—Edwin Lees' Botanical Looker-Out.

.—The superstitious practice of informing the bees of a death that takes place in a family, is very well known, and still prevails among the lower orders in some countries. The disastrous consequence to be apprehended from noncompliance with this strange custom is said to be that the bees will dwindle and die. The manner of communicating the intelligence to the little community, with due form and ceremony, is this: to take the key of the house, and knock with it three times against the hive, telling the inmates, at the same time, that their master or mistress, &c. (as the case may be) is dead!