66 CHARACTERS OF BRITISH PLANTS, 
cimens, namely ; 1. V. canina, with cordate leaves—2. F. 
flavicornis, with cordate-ovate leaves—3. V. lactea, with 
ovate-lanceolate leaves. The two latter are usually very 
small in a wild state, but they expand much under cultiva- 
tion and approach nearer to the first. Even in a wild state, 
the three forms are closely connected by transition links 
which forbid specific distinction. 
Polygala vulgaris (Linn.) and P. calcarea (Schultz.) —The 
latter is contrasted against the former by three characters ; 
namely, “lower leaves larger"—* wings of the calyx not 
mucronate"——- lateral nerves distinct from the central nerve at 
the apex.” In my Kentish specimens of P. calcarea, col- 
lected by the late Mr. W. Christy, the intermediate leaves 
are larger than those above and below them; and the same 
character occurs in some specimens of P. vulgaris. In those 
specimens of P. calcarea the wings are sometimes mucronate. 
In both species the lateral nerves remain distinct or anasto- 
mose variously at their extremities. "The apex of the central 
nerve is distinct in both alleged species. Where is the 
specific character to distinguish them ? Is the Kentish plant 
truly the same as the continental P. calcarea ? 
Cerastium atrovirens (Bab.) and C. pedunculatum (Bab.)— 
It is curious that the second of these alleged species should 
be passed unnoticed, even as a variety, in the Manual. I 
think it fair to point out the omission, as an implied admis- 
sion that at least one newly made species in this genus has 
been founded on insufficient characters. Mr. Borrer's 
remark probably points out the true place of C. atrovirens, 
which 1 take to be nearly synonymous with C. tetrandrum of 
most English botanists; but embracing also some specimens 
which would be referred to C. semidecandrum by myself and 
others. I know this to be the case, because Mr. Babington 
kindly looked over the specimens bearing these two latter 
names in my own herbarium, and pointed out some (under 
each name) which would belong to his C. atrovirens. We are 
told that C. semidecandrum may be distinguished by its half- 
membranous bracts. I doubt the validity of this character, 
