.^ EDITORIAL |^» 



In this issue former Senator Hoar observes that he is 

 through with bhie dandehons, but we are inchned to doubt 

 it. He may be quite wilhng to let the matter rest, but he 

 does not know the temper of the botanist in quest of a new 

 variety. After arousing the curiosity of all who read those 

 two great magazines the Atlantic Monthly and the American 

 Botanist, he should know^ that nothing will satisfy them but 

 a real living blue dandelion and none of your dyed speci- 

 mens, such as Ave are wont to solace the Irish with on St. 

 Patrick's day, will suffice. Blue dandelions and blue moons 

 seem to be about ecmally rare, but since the old saying "Once 

 in a blue moon" apparently admits of the possibility of 

 there reallv being a blue moon, we infer that once in a blue 

 moon there may be a blue dandelion ! It is well known that 

 the dandelion is the most highly specialized of dicots. Per- 

 haps it has arrived at a stage in its evolution when, like the 

 chameleon, it can change color. Surely the highest of 

 plants ought not to be excelled in chromatic aberrations by 

 a mere reptile. Personally, therefore, we shall continue to 

 hold that there are blue dandelions, and though we do not 

 believe in them and never expect to see one, shall still say 

 with the poet 



"And then its hue ! 



Whoever saw so fine a blue !" 

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Old readers of this magazine know that we have three 

 different subscription lists, but they probably do not know 

 that only one of them is in a growing condition. The Patrons 



