BOTANICAL NOTES FROM BUXTON TO MIILER'S DALE. 39 



to the plant is, that it clearly demonstrates Salix lameolata with 

 glabrous capsules, and Salix udulata with pubescent capsules, as 

 the one bush shows the two at different times." 



Here is an object for Botanists to keep in view. Let them 

 search for this willow in the osier-beds. I find that in the neigh- 

 bourhood where I am now living, in North Staffordshire, this same 

 plant is grown for basket-making ; and it is not unlikely that it is 

 cultivated in the neighbourhood of Derby for the same purpose. 



Close to the old tree of .S". iindulata {E/ir/i.), I found on the top 

 of a wall the little grass Festuca rigida {Kuntk.). a plant which I 

 had looked for in Miller's Dale several times, but hitherto without 

 success, though I had frequently passed by its habitat. 



In bringing my remarks upon this ramble to a close, I trust 

 that what has been said, and the specimens that have been exhi- 

 bited, will act as a stimulus to the Botanists present, and also as 

 an incentive to others who have not yet commenced the study of 

 this science to join their ranks. Independently of the zest and 

 interest which a knowledge of Botany gives to a walk in the fields, 

 or upon the roads, often converting what would otherwise be an 

 uninteresting walk into an interesting one, the study of the 

 flowers of the field gives one an insight into the mercy and wis- 

 dom and creative power of Him Who is the Maker of all things, 

 and Who has designed the delicate pencillings upon the petals of 

 flowers, as well as the means by which different plants are propa- 

 gated and dispersed abroad upon the face of the earth. Be it, 

 then, the object of all true Botanists to trace in all that they see 

 of plant life, from the first manifestation of that life, when a 

 plant arises from the seed, to the time when its petals fade away, 

 and its fruit is formed and dispersed by the winds, the hand of 

 Him Who has created the worlds ; thus acknowledging the truth 

 of the words of the Psalmist, "O Lord, how manifold are Thy 

 works ! In wisdom hast Thou made them all : the earth is full of 

 Thy riches." 



