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The colchicum, valerian, and gentian and many others. The Valeriana rubra is 
very fine on the Chepstow rocks, where a white variety also occurs. 
And now as we have pretty well explored the woods, let us take a peep at 
some of the projecting ledges of limestone rock, and we shall find in very early 
spring the Carex clandestina, montana, and digitata, and the Hutchinsia petra or 
rock cress, all very scarce plants. Later on, the pretty little dropwort (Spirea 
filipendula) the rock rose (Cistus Helianthemum) and a profusion of Geranium 
sanguineum, sometimes quite a splendid sight, as also the horse-shoe vetch 
(Hippocrepis comosa). 
Water plants are perhaps not quite so numerous as some other kinds, from 
the comparative absence of bogs and wet places. We can boast, however, of a 
pretty large variety. The arrow head, and flowering rush, are both found in the 
Wye, and on its banks. 
The celery (Apium graveolens), meadow rue ( Thalictrum flavum), the purple 
loose strife (Lythrum salicaria), the yellow ditto (Lysimachia vulgaris), the large 
Campanula latifolia, also C. Patula and rapunculus. 
We have also the bog bean, bog asphodel, sun dews, butter wort, mare’s 
tail (Hippuris vulgaris), cotton grass (three species), equisetum, and chara, &c. 
Also a considerable number of maritime plants on the tidal banks of the river, 
which are scarcely worth mentioning. We must not, however, forget one relic of 
monkish times, found in the meadows near Tintern Abbey. The purple goat’s 
beard, or ‘‘ Go to bed at noon” ( Zragopogon porrifolius ), so called from its shutting 
up after mid-day. 
But we have already extended our ramble far enough, and, fearing we may 
have tired you, have only to offer our humble apology. 
