PROCEEDINGS OF THE SOCIETY. 



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discovered. Lonicera caerulea, L., a small-flowered honeysuckle, 

 was growing freely and in bloom in the hedgerows on the lower 

 slopes. On the lower pastures of the Rigi were Cephalanthera 

 xiphophyllum, Rchb., the White Helleborine, and Orchis niorio, 

 L., the Green- winged Orchis. Among the low shrubs was 

 Corinilla emerus, L., closely resembling our Scotch Broom; 

 while in the woods were several representatives of Dentaria 

 digitata, Lam., one of the most beautiful cruciferous Alpine 

 plants. Near melting snow Primula elatior, Jacq., was flowering 

 profusely, and on flat rocks P. auricula, L., seemed to flourish 

 better than in richer soil, alongside of Erica carma, L., a pretty 

 Alpine heath with a light pink corolla and dark anthers. 

 Smilacina hifolia, Desf., a small liliaceous plant, and Polygonatum 

 verticillatum, AH., were growing side by side under trees near a 

 stream on Pilatus. The latter, an Alpine "Solomon's Seal," 

 with drooping flowers arranged on whorls, is a comparatively 

 rare plant, generally found on calcareous soil. Luzida lutea, 

 DC, blazed in abundance in the woods ; Daphne mezereum, L., 

 straggled near the snow line, while Gentiana acaulis, L., clothed 

 the meadows. Carex montana, L., was found on all the high 

 situations. After spending some time in the Lucerne district. 

 Dr. Brown removed to Davos Platz, and i-esumed botanical work 

 in this new locality, 6,000 feet above the sea. Most remarkable 

 to observe, was the extreme rapidity with which plants grew up 

 after the snow melted, as the edge of the snow line was frequently 

 ablaze with flowering Alpines, such as Aneinone sulphurea, L.^ 

 and A. alpina, L., varied with the rose-tinted flowers of 

 A. narcissijlora, L., and the blue-grey hairy blooms of A. 

 vernalis, L. On dark damp patches recently covered with snow, 

 was growing thickly Crocus albijlorus, Kit., a plant which 

 apparently dies off as soon as the soil in any degree becomes dry. 

 On high mountain cliffs where the sun shines steadily throughout 

 the day, masses of Primula viscosa, All., were growing on rocky 

 ledges, their red corollas giving a gorgeous colour to the 

 precipices, and afforded a memorable picture of beauty. A single 

 beautiful white specimen was also secured. A few small plants 

 of Viola sciaphila, Koch., were obtained, which, on being pressed 

 gave off a most powerful and fragrant aroma, perceptible for 

 some distance around. The plant is rare and local. Various 



