28 THE VOYAGE OF H.M.S. CHALLENGER. 



diversiloba be merely a form of the same species. The foliage is very variable in size and 

 shape. 



"The 'poison ivy' is very much dreaded by the natives." — Lefroy. "It is strange that 

 this plant should prove so poisonous to some persons, that even a close approach to it is 

 sufficient to cause a severe attack of inflammation of the face, whilst others may handle it, 

 or even rub the leaves on their faces, with impunity." — Jones. In the following passage from 

 the Historye of the Bermudaes (p. 2) we have evidence of the existence of this shrub in 

 the islands when they were first settled. . . . " As likewise the poysonous weed, being in 

 shape but little different from our English yuie [ivy] ; but being touched causeth rednesse, 

 itchinge, and lastly blysters, the which, howsoever, after a while they passe awaye of 

 themselves without further harme ; yet because for the time they are somewhat painefull, 

 and in aspect dangerous, it hath gotten to itselfe an ill name, although questionlesse of 

 noe very ill nature." 



LEGUMINOS^E. 



Papilionace^e. 



Medicago lupulina, Linn. 



Medicago lupulina, Linn., Sp. PL, ed. 1, p. 779; Chapm., Fl. Southern U.S., p. 90; Michx. in Ann. 

 Mus. Hist. Nat., Par., viii. p. 359. 



Bermudas. — Introduced. The commonest plant in the islands, growing everywhere, 

 and forming nearly the whole of the verdure — Michaux, 1806 ; common throughout 

 the islands, especially on pasture lands, and thriving in the shallowest soil — Jones; 

 without special locality — Moseley ; Lefroy. 



An annual, native of Europe, &c, and naturalised in many countries. 

 Medicago denticulata, Willd. 



Medicago denticulata, Willd., Sp. PI., iii. p. 1414; Gray, Manual, ed. 5, p. 128. 



Bermudas. — Introduced. Without locality — Moseley; Lefroy. 



An annual, native of Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. 



Medicago rnaculcUa, Willd., and Medicago muricata, All., have also been collected in 

 the islands by Sir J. H. Lefroy. They are both annuals or biennials of European origin. 



Melilotus officinalis, Willd. 



Melilotus officinalis, "Willd., Enum. PI. Hort. Bot. Berol., p. 790; Chapm., Fl. Southern U.S., 

 p. 90. 



Bermudas. — Introduced. Common in many places — Jones. 

 Europe and Asia. Introduced in America. 



