‘THE LONDON CATALOGUE OF BRITISH PLANTS,” 325 
rubra, Dum. In the 7th edition we have Convolvulus sepium, 
Linn, ; in the 8th, Calystegia Sepium, R. Br.; in this, Volwulus 
sepium, Junger. As to specific names I need not speak, the 
changes are too numerous to mention. Now, as there are some 
who question the accuracy of many of the changes made, there is 
no reason to believe that the next edition of the Catalogue will 
contain fewer changes than the present. The only consolation 
that collectors have in looking forward to the next edition is that 
a great many of the species, varieties, and forms presently admitted 
will be wiped out. The appropriation of the function of a Flora 
by this edition of the Catalogue is a feature that I consider 
objectionable. I look upon all forms of a species as varieties of 
that species, and if the plant is a form of a form, then it is the 
duty of a Flora to show that, and not that of a catalogue ; and the 
same remark applies to hybrids of a plant. If a plant shows signs 
of hybridization, and is distinct from the others of the genus, 
then it deserves specific rank, as I believe it is through intercrossing 
that we have got our variation of species, and not by special 
creation ; but be that as it may, it is not the duty of a list of 
plants to tell how they came into being. As to the Rubi, Rose, 
Hieracia, and Salices, during the last ten years, in my efforts to 
compile a list of West of Scotland plants, I have passed many 
hundreds of these through my hands. No doubt, Mr. A. Bennett, 
F.L.S., of Croydon, has got a decision on most of the forms for 
me, but, as a rule, one does not get a definite name for these 
plants. That being so, it is with qualified pleasure that one looks 
over the additions that have been made to the list since the 7th 
edition was published. My own feeling is that the work of 
splitting up has just begun. Rubus and Salix have got a fair 
start, Rosa is hardly begun ; and as for Hieracium, I think it has 
been overdone. The last-named genus, in the 7th edition, con- 
tained 35 species and 14 varieties ; the 8th edition, 40 species and 
19 varieties; and now we have 104 species and 114 varieties, 
2 hybrids, and 1 form, 5 of the species being represented only 
by varieties. This gives in the last three editions, 49, 59, and 
221 names respectively. To the late Dr. F. B. White, of Perth, 
we are first of all indebted for our knowledge of such an extensive 
hybridization of the willows; and if the names of the varieties 
given in his list had been used and the parents stated in a Flora, 
