1904-1905-] A few Riccias from tlie Pentlands. 227 



study. It is by keeping continually in touch with natural 

 objects that we hope to arrive at wider views of things bio- 

 logical. We want more intellectual co-operation amongst us, 

 — that has been always our somewhat ineffectual aspiration. 

 We must not lose sight of that ideal. Supplied with rich 

 intellectual food, we have to avoid imitating the Distomiim or 

 the Sacculina, and, adopting a very general tendency of the 

 age, fall into intellectual parasitism. 



A micros cojDical section, in a word, is the nursery for 

 philosophical Field Naturalists : we trust there will be a vig- 

 orous growth in it both of stable varieties and of sports. 



A FEW RICCIAS FROM THE PENTLANDS. 

 By Mr JAMES M'ANDEEW. 



{Read Oct. S5, 1905.) 



For some time the Pentland reservoirs have been, and still 

 are, very low. Large expanses of dried or partially dried 

 mud have in consequence been exposed, forming, especially 

 along the courses of the burns which feed the reservoirs, very 

 suitable habitats for that curious genus of Hepaticte called 

 Riccia. Mr William Evans and I have found, almost simul- 

 taneously, at least five species, and also Fossomhronia cristata, 

 which grows in similar situations. I have brought specimens 

 of these Eiccias for the inspection of members, and I may 

 mention that a like abundance of these plants has occurred 

 in other parts of Scotland, and from much the same cause. 

 We have not gathered all the five species from any one 

 reservoir, and, curiously, no species has been found in Bonaly 

 reservoir. A Chara growing on the bottom may have some- 

 thing to do with this. 



The following is a list of the species gathered : 1. Riccia 

 sorocarpa, the smallest of the five species. 2. Riccia glauca. 

 — This plant is larger than the preceding, and has a peculiar 

 frosted appearance. 3. Riccia crystallina. — In the fronds of 



