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GLEANINGS BY THE WAY; WITH A FEW WORDS 

 ON THE EARLY FLOWERING OF PLANTS NEAR GOSPORT. 



BY JOHN ROSE, ESQ., M. A., F. B. S., M. D. R. N. 



As was stated by Mr. Lloyd, at a late meeting of the Phytologist Club, 

 lihe month of January was the mildest since the commencement of the present 

 century. In addition to Primula veris, Stellaria holostea, Ranunculus Jicaria, 

 and R. acris, mentioned in my note of the 18th. of January, I found the 

 following plants in flower on the 22nd: — Lamiurn purpureum, L. album, 

 Lapsana communis, Sonchus arvensis, Pyrethrum inodorum, Torilis Anthriscus, 

 etc., with quite a profusion of Ul&v JEuropoeus, and that universal favourite, the 

 ''^wee modest crimson-tipped flower," Bellis perennis. 



On the 28th. January, I found Potentilla Fragariastrum in flower in a hedge 

 leading from Lord Ashburton's beautiful marine residence. My excellent friend, 

 Arthur Adams, Esq., R. N., F. L. S., having informed me that Vinca minor 

 occurred in Rowner copse, about three miles from Gosport; we were accordingly 

 much gratified by finding it in flower on the 28th. of January: it was first 

 discovered here by Mrs. Arthur Adams, and is undoubtedly indigenous. Vinca 

 major occurs in hedges near Haslar Hospital, and, if not truly wild, is at all 

 events quite naturalized. In January we also observed Scoloj^endrium vulgare, 

 and Adiantum nigrum, in hedges near Anglesey: the leaves of Arum maculatum 

 were likewise conspicuous, along with the foliage of several of the Umhelliferce. 



These facts may appear trivial and of little moment, but they are interesting 

 to the botanist who loves Nature for her own sake, and who does not disre- 

 gard the simplest and most common of her phenomena. The mild weather 

 of January has been succeeded by a snow-storm of unusual severity in this 

 climate; but as the season advances, we hope to be enabled to give a detailed 

 account of the Flora of the district. In the month of March it is delightful 

 to watch the progress of vegetation, and to greet the spring flowers as they 

 gradually and successively make their appearance. 



"Stormy Man;h is come at last 



With winds, and clouds, and changing skies; 

 I hear the rushing of the hlast, 



That through the snowy valley flies. 

 Ah! passing few are they who speak, 



Wild, stormy month, in praise of thee; 

 Yet, though thy winds are loud and bleak. 



Thou art a welcome month to me. 

 For thou to northern lands again 



The great and glorious sun dost bring; 

 And thou hast joined the gentle train, 



And wear'st the gentle name of spring. 

 For in thy reign of blast and storm 



Smiles many a long bright sunny day, 

 "When the changed winds are soft and warm, 



And heaven puts on the blue of May." 



Royal Hospital at Haslar, Gosport, March 2nd., 1853. 



