60 



there is no intermediate stage. The matrix seems a chxy ironstone, the 

 right angled cracks sliow that the shrinking of the original nodule was 

 in one plane, and the interstices were filled up before the pebble became 

 rounded, for no extraneous matters excepting those that have been 

 introduced by infiltration are apparent. The concentric mammillated 

 structure shown in the opaque yellow portion of the specimen is due to 

 metamorphic action, tliis is concealed in a great measure by the polish 

 upon the other side, but it may be made out by looking with care. 



"Without analysis it is difiicult to say exactly in what state the 

 transparent silica occurs, but I should call it chalcedony, which is well 

 known to be a silicious mineral of the quartz family, closely allied to 

 opal and agate, and, with them, associated iii geodes and vein bands. 

 It is usually un crystallized, of a milky white or pale yellow color, and 

 often has a wavy internal structure and peculiar mammillated surface. 



Perhaps the specimen was from some raised beach. If so its history 

 would take us back through many geological changes. 



NOTES. 



Hare Plants. — The village of Shepherdswell, midway between 

 Canterbury and Dover, has obtained quite a notoriety for rare botanical 

 specimens. About six years ago a fine specimen of Orchis hircina was 

 found on the border separating a hedge-row fi'om a cultivated field. 

 Unfortunately, the finder being in doubt as to its identity, removed it 

 bodily, and although every efi'ort was made to preserve the vitality of the 

 root, it was without avail. The plant is still in the possession of the 

 finder as a dried specimen. On making enquiries it was ascertained that 

 the late Mr. George Oxendeu, of Broome Park, an enthusiastic botanist, 

 brought a number of plants of this variety from abroad, and planted j 

 them about the neighbourhood with a view to their being naturalized. 

 Doubtless this was one of the few, or perhaps the only surviving^ 

 specimen. The last in this neighbourhood previous to the one in question 

 was found upon St. Alban's Downs, about twenty years ago. 



It is a remarkable coincidence that a singular variety of Orchis 

 purpurea was found almost on the exact spot as the 0. hircina. This 

 plant passed into the hands of Sir Joseph Hooker, who stated that it was 

 quite different from anything he had seen before. Belonging to another 

 family, the Primulacea), a pure white primrose has been found in the midst 

 of a large wood. The plant was removed to a garden where it is still 

 growing, but it is much more difficult to propagate than the ordinary prim- 

 rose, evidently possessing a very delicate constitution. 



Mr. William Jacob has in his garden an exceedingly pretty variety 



