310 



ON LISTS OF FLOWERING PLANTS FOR THE MONTHS. 

 By the Editor. 



At page 87 of the present volume we announced our intention of publishing 

 lists of plants for every month in the year, which catalogues were kindly supplied 

 by a correspondent. In abandoning this plan, therefore, a few words of explana* 

 tion may be necessary. Our chief reason for discontinuing the lists was the great 

 length to which some of them would ha ye extended, and we were, moreover, 

 unwilling to divide them. Further, the plan adopted by our correspondent 

 appears less complete than desirable. To be of much use to either the student 

 or the proficient botanist, the lists should be framed from actual observation, and 

 not compiled from published works. Then, again, it should be distinctly stated 

 whether they are intended for an extensive or only for a limited tract of country, 

 adding, where necessary, the part of the month in which the plants flower. In 

 most cases b (beginning), m (middle), e (end), would designate this with suffi- 

 cient accuracy. 



A series of catalogues, thus arranged, might, we think, prove of considerable 

 service to the student, and would aid even the more advanced botanist, whose 

 observations, at the same time, would correct any errors and supply any deficien- 

 cies noticed in the lists. 



Although we have finally determined on declining the publication of the further 

 articles on the same plan in our possession, we cannot regret the insertion oi 

 those which are already before our readers, relating to the flowering plants of 

 February, March, April, and May, since these are less likely to contain numerous 

 and glaring inaccuracies than those of greater length. In an average season, 

 they may probably prove generally correct in the midland counties, Yorkshire 

 and Lancashire ; and possibly the deficiencies of the present lists, now pointec 

 out, may induce the same esteemed correspondent, or some other botanist, tc 

 supply our readers with a complete list of flowering plants for every month in the 

 year, on an improved method. Such a series, if practicable, might be published 

 next year, beginning with The Naturalist for January, 1839. 



Campsall Hall, May 1, 1838. 



