28 Notes on Plants 
4.—NoTES AND REMARKS AS TO A FEW OF THE More 
REMARKABLE AND INTERESTING OF THE PLANTS 
MENTIONED IN THE BOTANICAL SuUB-COMMITTEE’S 
First Report. 
[Read, with the Report, December 18th, 1878.] 
42. Common Columbine (A. vulgaris).— This well-known 
garden species is tolerably common near Croydon, and is of 
peculiar interest, because Surrey is one of the very few English 
counties in which itis found in a truly wild state. When growing 
freely, and in full bloom, it forms a very beautiful object in 
many of our woods and copses. 
163. Common Sun Dew (D., rotundifolia).—This exceedingly 
interesting plant is found in one place only near Croydon. Its 
singular carnivorous habits, and general history, have been 
most ably and minutely described by Mr. Darwin, in his late 
work on “Insectivorous Plants.’”” Those who care to do so 
can easily procure plants for themselves, and observe their 
habits, with the aid of Mr. Darwin’s book. 
The family Geraniacee is very fairly represented, as we 
have seven out of the 12 British species of geraniums. 
The family Crassulacee, which comprises the Stone Crops, 
is not well represented in the district. Out of its 14 species 
five only occur, and these, with the exception of the Biting Stone 
Crop (S. acre), only very sparingly. 520—The Orpine Sedum 
(S. telephium) has been found only in one place, on the side of 
a hill, by the edge of a wood, when the Thanet sand comes to 
the surface. This plant, like many others, hasa curious supersti- 
tion attached to it. Brande, in his ‘‘ Popular Antiquities”’ says, 
that it is a habit with girls on Midsummer Eve to set up two 
plants of it, one for the girl, another for her lover, upon a slate 
or trencher, and if the lover’s plant lives and turns to the girl’s, 
it is held to be a proof that he will be faithful. 
The Saxifrages are another badly represented family. Out 
of its 20 species only 2 occur. 543—The Meadow Saxifrage (S. 
granulata) occurs in great abundance in the meadows at and 
about Park Hill, and, 540—the Rue-leaved Saxifrage (S. 
tridactylites) is found on walls at and about Mitcham. 
658. Milk Thistle (S. Marianum).—This handsome species, 
with glossy green leaves with milk-white veins, grew wild at 
Smitham Bottom before it was enclosed, but I doubt whether 
it is now to be found in the district, except here and there, as a 
stray plant escaped from a garden. It is interesting on 
account of its name, which it acquired in a very singular way. 
The Greeks had a myth, that Jupiter, to make his son, the 
