q 
: 
: 
; 
d 
t 
‘ 
: 
BYE-GONE HULL NATURALISTS. FEL 
supplied by Mr. Norman, and we find the author is indebted 
to him ‘‘for many plants and fronds of rare ferns, as well as 
for the loan of several valuable foreign works upon the different 
Filices.” 
That he also did some work amongst the local plants is 
only what we might have expected. Fortunately, his records, 
in his own handwriting, are preserved in two books—‘‘ The 
Botanist’s Manual” (Sheffield, no date), and Baines’ “‘ Flora 
of Yorkshire”’ (first edition, 1840). This latter contains Mr. 
Norman’s dated signature (1845), and the records will 
presumably date from that time. Mr. Robinson has carefully 
examined both books, and finds that in many cases Norman’s 
records are the earliest for several East Riding plants, whilst 
in others they are additions to our ‘‘ Flora.” Full particulars, 
however, will appear in the ‘Flora of the East Riding.” 
The royal ‘‘flowering” fern (Osmunda regalis), found by 
Norman in Cliff Wood, near Newbald, is new to us, whilst in 
the Bee orchis (Ophyrs opifera) at Hessle, the Butterfly orchis 
(Orchis bifolia) at Birkhill Wood, and Herb Paris (Paris 
quadrifoliata) in the same situation; he has priority as regards 
recording the localities. Mr. Robinson is of opinion that the 
additional East Riding records which appear in the second 
edition of Baines’ ‘Flora of Yorkshire’? (1857), have been 
supplied by Norman, as they correspond in many respects 
with the written remarks in that gentleman’s copy of the first 
edition. 
Incidentally many interesting points present themselves 
on a perusal of the additional records in the two books, 
though I must not enumerate them all. ‘‘Scot’s Bog” is 
frequently referred to, and apparently was an_ excellent 
collecting ground for botanists. The Grass of Parnassus 
(Parnassia palustris), and other beautiful marsh-loving plants 
flourished there in Norman’s time. ‘‘Scot’s Bog’’ existed close 
by Cottingham Station, but the Mill Dam Pumping Station, 
erected in 1890, has drained the land in the vicinity, and the 
Grass of Parnassus is no more. ‘‘ Cottingham Common” 
has been similarly changed, many of the plants recorded by 
Norman not being there now. The former occurrence of 
the Carraway (Carwi carui), ‘Near the Anlaby Toll Bar, 
Humber Bank,” is also of interest. The Water. Violet 
(Hittonia palustris) grew in a ditch ‘‘near Rose Cottage, 
between Hull and Newland.’ Need I add that it does not 
grow there now? 
Of great value to the members of our Club are a number 
of records of a more general character, which Norman made 
