260 



I have now, sentence by sentence, shewn the unsoundness of Mr. Swainson's 

 views. That it is practicable to carry into execution the plans here advocated 

 may be seen by referring to Number XIV. of that valuable periodical The Analyst, 

 and that it is desirable to do so I think I have already, in some measure, shewn, and 

 shall, in all probability, do so more fully when I reply to Mr. Morris. That a writer 

 of such true depth, masterly precision, and admirable talent as Mr. Swainson should 

 have so signally failed when he turned aside from the straight and narrow path 

 which leads to truth, is a source of real gratification to those who are anxious for 

 the universal substitution of truth for error ; and though the latter may sometimes 

 prevail for a time, like the murky cloud of a summer's day, yet equally transient 

 will be its triumph. 



A BOTANICAL TOUR IN HEREFORDSHIRE, MONMOUTHSHIRE, 

 AND SOUTH WALES ; 



WITH INCIDENTAL NOTICES OF THE SCENERY, ANTIQUITIES, &C 



By Edwin Lees, F.L.S. and F.E.S.L. 



(Continued from page 21 7> 



There are two enemies particularly annoying to the practical botanist in his 

 explorations. The first of these is the road-surveyor — maledictions on his head ! — 

 who, galloping along on his well-appointed steed, and thoughtfully pausing here 

 and there, has already, in idea, cut through one hill, avoided another, gained a 

 yard in one place, and overcome an angle in another, till the old winding, spread- 

 ing, sheltered, high-banked way, with its terraced footpath bordered by " Robin- 

 run-i'-the-hedge," " Houndstongue," " Five-fingered grass," " Soapwort," and 

 many an old remembered favourite, can be no longer recognized in the long, dull, 

 mathematical macadamization that has been just laid down according to modern 

 rule, and where no plant but the " cursed Thistle" is likely to vegetate for many 

 a long year.* For not only is the pedestrian brought down from his high but safe 



* This is no fancied picture, since I can enumerate at least three remarkable plants 

 ■which have all disappeared from the vicinity of Worcester within the last few years, occa- 

 sioned by alterations and improvements on and about the roads. The first is the Cynoglos- 

 sum sylvaticum, recorded by Dr. Nash as met with near " the third milestone on the Per- 

 shore road," but now not to be seen within many miles of the spot. The second is Anthris- 

 cm cerefolium, mentioned by Dr. Stokes as growing, in 1775? in great profusion, just beyond 



