8o ANNALS OF SCOTTISH NATURAL HISTORY 



ignorance appears to be the burning of all infested plants. — James 

 W. H. Trail. 



Scarcity of Oak-galls in 1891. — In my experience the scarcity 

 of oak-galls in the vicinity of Aberdeen has been very marked this 

 year. The "Currant-gall" (Spath. baccaruni) was especially scarce, 

 while its dimorphic condition — the common " Oak - spangle " 

 (Neuroterus lenticularis) was even more uncommon, not one being 

 observed on trees the leaves of which in former years were richly 

 bedecked with them. Has anything similar been observed else- 

 where ?— J. W. H. Trail. 



Euphrasia officinalis, L., form paludosa, Townsend, is a new 

 form described and figured (Journ. Bot. 1891, pp. 161, 162, pi. 

 305) by F. Townsend, M.P., F.L.S., from marshy ground near 

 Castleton, Braemar. It approaches nearest to E. gracilis, Fr. ; but 

 is rather larger and coarser, with broader and shorter calyx-segments, 

 shorter middle-lobe of lower lip of corolla, emarginate capsule narrow- 

 ing below only, and a dark green tinge (instead of dark purple) on 

 the upper surface of leaves, bracts, and exposed parts of capsules. 



The Biographical Index of British and Irish Botanists, com- 

 piled by James Britten, F.L.S., and G. S. Boulger, F.L.S., which 

 has been in course of publication in the " Journal of Botany " during 

 the past year or two, is approaching completion. It is to be reprinted 

 with such additional information as has been gained during its 

 publication, and will be issued in one volume. The list is of very 

 great value for reference, and the opportunity of procuring it should 

 not be lost. 



The " Key to the genera and species of British Mosses," by 

 the Rev. H. G. Jameson, also published in the " Journal of Botany ' : 

 during 1881, and illustrated with a plate, has been issued as a 

 separate paper at the price of is. 6d. — It will prove useful as an 

 aid to students of this group of plants. 



CURRENT LITERATURE 



The Titles and Purport of Papers and Notes relating to Scottish Natural His- 

 tory which have appeared during the Quarter — October to December 1891. 



[The Editors desire assistance to enable them to make this Section as complete as 

 possible. Contributions on the lines indicated will be most acceptable and 

 will bear the initials of the Contributor. The Editors have access to the 

 sources of information undermentioned.] 



ZOOLOGY. 



The Mammalian Fauna of the Edinburgh District. By 



William Evans, F.R.S.E. Proc. Roy. Phys. Soc. Ed., xi. part L 



