1S96.] Gibson. — Botany of a School Play groimd in Dublin. 279 



Hairy Bitter Cress {C. hirsuta) is more common, and less 

 welcomed. The Common Hedge Mustard {Sisymbrium 

 offimialc) is there in force ; and there, too, is the Garlic 

 Mustard (5. Alliaria) ; though, on account of the dry nature 

 of the soil, its leaves are seldom luxuriant. The White 

 Mustard {Si7iapis alba) and the Wild Mustard or Cherlock {S- 

 ai'vensis) are always in evidence, as well as Rape {Brassica 

 Rapa) ; but this may be from the refuse thrown out of my 

 aviaries rather than that the plants are regular inhabitants. 

 Of the Rocket family, Reseda lutca was introduced by me 

 and still maintains an existence ; though, unfortunately for 

 its dispersal, it flowers before the summer holidays commence. 

 The Dog-violet ( Viola sylvatica) may now and then be seen 

 to rear its head, though not for long ; and three times have I 

 found V. arvensis or Field Pansy ; but alas, that I did show it. 

 The Common Milkwort {Folygala vulgaris), too, is not 

 unknown ; and Soapwort {Saponaria officinalis),, which I 

 brought from the Dargle Road, has found a home in one of 

 the corners, where it not only lives but also thrives. The 

 Bladder Campion {Silene inflata) and the Sea Campion (S. 

 maritima), though sometimes to be seen are, alas, only to be 

 botanically denominated "common"; but the tiny Procumbent 

 Pearl-wort {Sagijia procumbejis) is to be found on every wall, 

 as well as infesting every path. Chickweed {Stellaria media) 

 is to be found in every shady corner, I am thankful to say ; 

 for my birds never tire of it ; and, though I have once, only, 

 noticed a plant of Cathartic Flax {Linum catharticum), it then 

 appeared at home and not a visitor. With regard to this I may 

 say that I have never been in the place from the middle of 

 June till the middle of August ; and, so, many plants may 

 have escaped my notice. I introduced the Common, Dwarf 

 and Musk Mallows {Malva sylvestris, M. rotujidifolia^ M. mos- 

 chata) ; and, with the exception of the last, they have indeed 

 increased and multiplied exceedingly ; so much so that were 

 it not for the fact that the seeds are eaten by the 

 pupils under the name of cheeses, nothing else would 

 have room to grow at one side of the playground. 

 Two species of St. John's-wort grow and flower ; but the 

 Tutsan {Hyperictwt Androscemum) has not succeeded there, 



though I have sowed it more than once, and even intro- 



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