NOTES OF A BOTANICAI, STUOLL. ' 111 



pet of the poets^ has been for some time past shedding its agreeable perfume. 



May 3rd. — In bloom, the common Fumitory, (Fumaria officinalis,) whose 

 ■wax-like flowers are ever objects of beauty; and the Hearts-ease, (Viola tricolor,) 

 it is the variety arvensis, with the petals shorter than the calyx, which I 

 have seen. 



May 12th. — The season has, up to this time, been very cold, and vegetation 

 is generally backward. Took a ramble this afternoon over Staddon Heights 

 as far as Bovisand. On walls in the outskirts of Plymouth, Arenaria 

 serpyllifolia was in flower. In the hedges of the road passing through Catdown 

 limestone quarries I noted, as in flower. Geranium rotundifolium,^ Medicago 

 maculata, Sisymbnum officinale, Parietaria officinalis. Taking a boat at the 

 margin of the quarries, and crossing Catwater, I landed at the village of 

 "Turnchapel, whence my tract lay across steep fields overlooking the Sound; 

 and a glorious prospect is presented from these fields — such a panorama of 

 land and water, of hill and dale, of crowded towns and deserted wastes, one 

 would travel far to match. Here I found Ranunculus parviflorus in abun- 

 dance, but as yet rather small and unbranehed; Sinapis arvensis; Medicago 

 lupulina; Trifolium procumhens; T. arvense; Anagallis arvensis, sparingly; 

 Stachys arvensis, few and immature; on the old stone hedges, Myosotis colUna,-\ 

 with its small but rich blue petals, rivalling the turquoise — truly a most 

 exquisite gem. Armeria maritima, on the ledges of the precipice, with its 

 roseate tints, was smiling on the dark gulph of waters beneath, or, if I may 

 indulge in figures, the Sea Pinks were standing on their unapproachable 

 pedestals, like blushing vestals separated from the giddy world, and deprecating 

 communion therewith; for, really, he who would venture to rifle their charms, 

 must have no fear of the "facilis descensus Averni" before his eyes. Associated 

 with the last-named plant were Anthyllis vulnerana and Lotus cornicidatus; and 

 near at hand Chrysanthemum leucanthemum, with golden disk and silver rays, 

 was, as it were, just peeping above the floral horizon — its flowers not being yet 

 fully expanded. Whilst gazing in delight upon this galaxy of littoral beauty, 

 which was still more enhanced, and rendered even gorgeous by one vast mantle 

 of golden furze, which covered the slopes, emitting a luscious perfume that was 

 gratefully subdued by the sea-breeze; the Cuckoo blent his monotonous note 

 with the murmuring soa below, and heightened my enjoyment almost to ecstacy. 

 Oh! for the poet's utterance to express my sentiments! 



Arum maculatum was bursting from its pent-house^ and wielding its club-like 



* This plant is plentiful in this neighbourhood. Some of j'our readers in the midland counties, 

 where I understand it is rare, may be pri-atificd to know this. Should any of them want spe- 

 cimens, I shall feel a pleasure in supplying them. 



t Although this genus of plants is difficult to distinguish when dried, yet they are not so 

 gro\ving; they present very marked differences. Young Students find the written descriptions 

 insufficient; but let them have the living plants once pointed out to them, and they will not 

 err aftcrwai-ds. I would earnestly recommend any one about to take up Botany, to endeavour 

 to form acquaintance with some one who has made progress in the study. Scientific men are 

 generally accessible. 



