BOTANICAL INFORMATION. 169 
Boeticus? (and a large yellow -flowered stalkless species of 
this genus, probably new);— Scrophularia auriculata, L. 
and S. mellifera, Ait.—Hedysarum spinosissimum, L.— Oro- 
banche fætida, Poir.— Arenaria—?— Orchis longicornu, Poir. 
with 4 other species, and Ophrys insectifera, 8. rosea of Desf., 
together with 4 undetermined individuals of the same genus. 
This extract from M. Schimper’s letter, which he wrote in 
haste, only serves to give the members of the Unio Itineraria 
an idea of what they may expect from his labours; and as he 
has since extended his investigations beyond the immediate 
vicinity of Algiers, we may hope for many additional and 
new species of plants. The following passage will show that 
he possesses both courage and caution, and is likely to avail 
himself of every facility which the present position of the 
States of Algiers will afford. <‘ Already I have made several 
excursions by myself into the plains of Matidja, where I 
have mingled with the natives; eating and drinking with them, 
and being even permitted to see their wives. The meal con- 
sisted at one time of milk, and at another of oil, served in a 
dish on the ground, round which we sat, and in which I 
dipped my bread and ate it, like one of themselves. Some 
of the Arab women joined us, while others were engaged in 
milking the cows, and all stared at me with an air of 
extreme curiosity. They were clad in large white cloaks, 
tied round the waist with a sash, and confined on the left 
side of the bosom with a large silver pin, the top of which is 
of the same shape and size as a shepherd’s hook. Their 
heads were uncovered, and their black hair hung down in 
disorder; the younger ones were handsome and had sprightly 
eyes. When, on another occasion, I happened to approach 
another tribe, the women and children raised a violent out- 
cry, and ran all together; and when I drew still nearer, they 
concealed themselves under their linen tents, while the young 
men surrounded me with great curiosity. With the latter I 
exchanged the customary salutation of kissing hands, which 
is here considered a token of esteem. They gazed with 
Staring admiration on my tin vasculum, which, together with 
SEcoND SERIES. Y 
