171 



2. M. repens, Don, MSS., (Creeping Scorpion Grass J. M. palustris, fi, 

 Hook., Scot., p. 67. 



I am unable to give the character of this plant, as I have had no opportunity of 

 seeing specimens, or of consulting a description ; the short, broad teeth of the 

 calyx are, however, so constant in M. palustris, and the value of the characters 

 derived from the calyx in this genus so generally admitted, that we can scarcely 

 refuse to adopt the suggestions which have been thrown out respecting this plant, 

 without, at the same time, invalidating almost the only distinctive marks which we 

 have for discriminating the species of Myosotis in general. Mr. Borrer observes — 

 " Perhaps M. repens, Don, may be specifically distinguished by the deeply-divided 

 calyx (which I pointed out long ago to Sir J. E. Smith) and the copious pubes- 

 cence of that part. Its racemes are not always, although very often, leafy." — 

 Hook. Br. Fl., ed. 3, p. 101. And in a note it is stated — " Mr. Backhouse ob- 

 serves to me that the bracteas among the pedicels are constant ; the laciniae of the 

 calyx narrower and shorter (?) than in M. palustris, full half as long as the calyx, 

 and the whole plant smaller : the calyx is nerved. It flowers earlier by two 

 months in the higher parts of Yorkshire than M. palustt'is does in the lower." 

 It is found in moist situations in Scotland (Messrs. G. and D. Don J and in the 

 higher parts of Yorkshire (Mr. Backhouse J. 



8. M. lingulata, Lehman ? (Lesser Water Scorpion Grass). Calyx with 

 straight appressed bristles ; when in fruit campanulate, with broad spreading teeth, 

 shorter than the divergent pedicels. Limb of the corolla concave, equalling the 

 tube. Pubescence of the stem appressed. Racemes leafy. 



M. lingulata, Lehm., Asperif., p. 110? M. cozspitosa, Schultz ? Smith, 

 Engl. FL, v. i., p. 450 ; Engl. Bot., t. 2661 ; Borr. in Hook. Br. Fl, ed. 3, 

 p. 102. 



Ditches and watery places ; common. Annual or biennial ; flowers from May 

 to August. Root fibrous. Herb lax, pale green. Stems about a foot high, 

 throwing out fibres from the lower joints, ascending, slender, leafy. Leaves 

 shorter and somewhat broader than those of M. palustris. Flowers smaller. 

 Calyx more deeply divided. The specific name caispitosa is so singularly inap- 

 propriate that I cannot but suppose there must be some error in quoting Schultz 

 for this plant under that name, although I have not the means of satisfying myself 

 upon this point. At all events, Lehman's name of M. lingulata, if, indeed, it 

 applies to the same species, is not only more applicable, but has the claim of pri- 

 ority in respect of publication. I have foreign specimens of a plant which may 

 possibly be the M. caispitosa of Schultz ; of which the following are the charac- 

 ters. Calyx with straight appressed bristles. When in fruit campanulate with 

 lanceolate teeth, equalling the recurved pedicels. Limb of the corolla flat, longer 

 than the tube. Pubescence of the stem appressed. Racemes leafless. The habit 

 is that of M. palustris but the whole plant is much smaller, my specimens being 



z2 



