180 THE FLORIST. 



to prosecute my search for floral treasures. In a few minutes I had 

 received many severe scratches from disorderly brambles ; and con- 

 tinuing my pursuit, again and again I experienced the same signifi- 

 cant repulse for my intrusion. I was, however, soon compensated 

 by discovering the Listera ovata — a single plant. I immediately 

 resolved on plucking the flower for preservation. I did so, subse- 

 quently adding it to that already in my herbarium. The root was 

 also taken up, and assigned a place amongst other favourites in 

 course of cultivation. Jn a short time I moved farther eastward, 

 and observed amongst the swamps Scutellaria minor, extending 

 itself here and there, sometimes in large patches, and at others in 

 the shape of a solitary little plant. 



In several shady spots were to be seen extraordinarily fine speci- 

 mens, almost in abundance, of Aspidium filix faemina and Aspidium 

 dilatatum. After traversing over huge tufts (composed partly of 

 Narthecium Ossafragum), and often sinking many inches deep into 

 those numerous little places, sometimes termed ponds, found between 

 the tufts, I was brought to a secluded spot, where were soon dis- 

 covered two plants of the Listera ovata, which I permitted to rem.ain 

 undisturbed. Near here I found a plant or two of Orchis latifolia, 

 mixed with hundreds of O. maculata. Passing thence through an 

 extreme thicket, there appeared, in rather an open small situation, 

 gigantic specimens of the Osmunda regalis, or Royal Fern: from its 

 size, I was ready to exclaim with Sir Robert Schomburgk, when he 

 discovered the Royal Water Lily in its native waters, '* I feel as a 

 botanist, and feel myself rewarded." Many of these were found to 

 measure six feet and upwards in length, assuming a truly noble 

 appearance. This species is well named the Royal Fern, since its 

 remarkable height, as well as the size of the plant, renders it 

 decidedly superior to every other British kind. After strolling about, 

 and noticing only the Lysimachia vulgaris, nemorum, and Num- 

 mularia, as also the Enchanter's Nightshade ; and hearing no human 

 voice for nearly two hours, nor, indeed, other sound to break the still- 

 ness of the evening, except the gurgling of the little rivulets that 

 here and there pervaded the wood, I quitted the interior, though 

 not without observing some other rather ordinary plants. 



The evening growing dark warned me that I should prudently 

 desist; and for the moment casting botanical enthusiasm aside, and 

 thinking of the little journey to be performed, I reluctantly put an 

 end to my interesting little tour, and resolved on returning home. 



Englefield Green. William Wuale. 



NATIONAL FLORICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



July 1. — E. Foster, E?q., president, in the chair. Full as was 

 the meeting on the 17th of June, this one considerably surpassed it : 

 seedlings were most profuse, numbering more than 100, and of mem- 

 bers more than 50 were present. Antirrhinums were furnished by 



