14 
Amianthium muscetoxicum, Gray. Valley Stream, L. I. R. R. 
towards Hewlett’s; rather abundant in a small piece of moist 
woodland. JuLius A. BIskY, Flushing, L. I. 
On the Occurrence of Sherardia Arvensis, L., in Canada. 
Among the most recent introductions into this country is 
this beautiful little Galium, or Blue Field-madder. It was first 
found growing at Ottawa, near the city limits, by the roadside, 
and in tolerable abundance. For three years in succession it was 
collected there, and fifty or sixty specimens were gathered by 
the writer during that lapse of time. Sherardia arvensis, L., is 
a well-known and easily recognized European species occurring 
rather abundantly in fields and meadows, along fences, etc., 
across the Atlantic. With it were found the following species: 
Stellaria media, Polygonum aviculare, P. hydropiper, P. Persi- 
caria, Trifolium pratense, T. repens, Cnicus arvensis, Anthemis 
Cotula, Ranunculus acris, Leontodon Taraxacum, Chenopodium 
album. 
This very handsome though modest little plant was in blos- 
som from the middle of June to the month of October, and pro- 
duced seed. HENRY M. Amt, 
Ottawa Field Naturalists’ Club. 
A New Reagent for Lignin, 
In Ber. d. deutsch. bot. Ges. (Vol. IV., p. 301) Hans Molisch 
recommends Thymol as a reliable reagent for coniferin. As this 
glucoside has been proved to be present in all lignified tissues, 
Thymol will rank with phenol, phloroglucin and indol asa reagent 
for lignin. The slightest traces of coniferin will be detected by 
means of this reagent, if applied in the following manner: 
A twenty per cent. solution of Thymol in absolute alcohol is 
diluted with water as long as the liquid remains perfectly clear, 
2. é., as long asno Thymol is Precipitated. Then potassic chlorate 
in excess is added, the fluid is allowed to stand for several hours, 
and finally filtered. The section to be examined is moistened 
with the solution and a drop of concentrated hydrochloric acid 
is added, when, in a few instants, the cell-walls which contain 
lignin will assume a beautiful greenish-blue color. tS: 
