EQUISETACEiE. 75 



Some of the siliceous particles are distributed in two lines parallel 

 to the axis ; others, however, are grouped into oval forms, con- 

 nected with each other, like the jewels of a necklace, by a chain 

 of particles forming a sort of curvilinear quadrangle ; and these 

 (which are, in fact, the particles occupying the cells of the sto- 

 mata) are arranged in pairs. Their form and arrangement are 

 peculiarly well seen under polarised light, for which the prepared 

 cuticle is a beautiful object. 



Horsetails have been supposed to possess medicinal properties. 

 E. arvense, L., as an astringent, was formerly much used in 

 dysentery, ulcers of the lungs, phthisis, malignant fevers, etc. 

 Gerard thus describes its vulnerary properties : — " Dioscorides 

 saith that Horsetail being stamped and laid-to doth perfectly cure 

 wounds ; yea, although the sinues be cut asunder, as Galen 

 addeth. It is of so great and singular virtue in heahng wounds, 

 as that it is thought and reported for truth to cure wounds of the 

 bladder and other bowels, and helpeth ruptures and burstings." * 

 How far these ascribed virtues are apochryphal and how far real, 

 I leave for those who are learned in medicine and skilful in 

 surgery to decide. I do not presume even to hazard an opinion. 



The British Flora, according to Sir Joseph Hooker, contains 

 eight species, viz. — E. arvense, \.., E. praiense, Ehrh., E. fiiaxi- 

 inu/n, Lam. (E. fluviatile, Sm., not L.), E. sylvaiiaim, L., E. 

 palustre, L., l>. polystachya, E. livwsum, L., b. fluviatile, L,, E. 

 hye?nale, b. E. Afoorei, Newm., E. variegaiuin, Schleich, b. E. 

 arenarium, Newm., c. E. JVilso/ii, Newm., d. E. trachyodon, 

 Braun. That eminent botanist, the late H. C. Watson, substan- 

 tially agreed with this arrangement, and it is given in the 7th edi- 

 tion of the London Catalogue. The editor of the 8th edition of 

 this very useful catalogue has, amongst many other changes which 

 he has effected, given specific rank to E. Moorei and E. trachy- 

 odon. He agrees with Sir J. Hooker in giving three varieties to 

 E. variegatum. Two of these he calls by the same names as Sir 

 Joseph and Mr. Watson, whilst to the third he gives the name 

 viajus, after Syme. I call attention to these changes, as well for 

 the purpose of identification as for showing how eminent botanists 



* "Herbal," p. 1,116. 



