17(1 Rhodora [August 



Delphinium Consolida — to return to this species is well known 

 in Europe as a weed in grain fields. Bentham ' succinctly describes 



it as "A common weed of cultivation" and definitely speaks of it 

 appearing in corn fields in certain parts of England. It is of interest 

 thai the source of P. Consolida at New Egypt was, as Mr. Grove 

 observes, apparently not gardens hut ^cvd in grain.' 2 It was particu- 

 larly gratifying to find that Mr. Harger's 1). consolida was from 

 "newly-seeded grass-land." lie says that it occurred to him at the 

 time that it was introduced with grass seed, although, on considera- 

 tion, the size of the seed might lead one to douht this. So many seeds, 

 of varying sizes, are so well known as occurring in had grass seed that 

 I think it may he safely asserted that the mode of introduction of the 

 Middlebury I). Consolida was quite similar to that at New Egypt. 



I have been able to find practically no complete and satisfactory 

 evidence of I). Ajocis occurring in grain- or grass-fields. Moreover, 

 I am under the impression that the annual Larkspur commonly seen 

 in gardens is D. Ajacis, rarely, if ever, tin- generally fewer-, smaller- 

 flowered I). Consolida. If this is correct, there is a possibility that the 

 source of I). Consolida may he very different from that of its near ally, 

 and it may prove to he a field weed here in America as in other coun- 

 tries, rather than, a garden escape, as has been suggested by Taylor 

 in the Flora of the Vicinity of New York. Further evidence is to he 

 desired at any rate that I). Ajacis is to he found as a weed of grain- 

 or grass-fields.'' The Philadelphia testimony points to this reputed 

 occurrence 1 as being traditional rather than actual. No douht this 

 has been in some measure due to the statement in European botanies 

 concerning I). Consolida. 



Though the present noted occurrence of I). Consolida may not he 

 considered by some as sufficient evidence for the inclusion again of 

 this species in our flora, it is at least suggestive that here is an oppor- 

 tunity for further field ohservations before the species is finally dis- 



i Bentham, Handbook of the British Flora, 22 (1865). 



2 In Uiis connection it is to he noted thai as early as 1814 l'ursli (Kl. Am. Sept. ii. 372) regardi 

 /). Contolida as "probably Introduced with the wed of grain from Europe." Ii would seem 



impossible lo decide, however, whether he really had the (rue 1). Contolida here in America, or 

 was merely lead lo this opinion hy a knowledge of the occurrence and hahilal of the species in 



Europe. 



* Darlington, in the Third Edition of the classical Flora Cettriea, under "Delphinium Con- 

 totimt," makes these Interesting observations: "This introduced plant is usually to he met with 

 in garden*; and occasionally finds its way into the grain fields of thoughtless people who are 



in the practice of OUTying garden-rubbish into the harn-yard. In such cases it threatens lo 

 become a nuisance." 



