442 
in which this characteristic is wanting. When that 
is the case, I am at a loss for a distinction between 
it and C. recurva. Hence I was led formerly to 
consider them as varieties, which will account for 
their being huddled together in my packet. Iam 
carefully watching the progress of this and the other 
plants of which you wish for specimens, and in a 
very little time shall send them as directed. I lately 
found Mercurialis perennis with male and female 
flowers (moneecious). I have this season found 
the Carex incurva in a new situation, in the Links * 
of Aberdeen, in a wet spongy soil, half a mile from 
the sea. I have traced its progress :—first it puts 
forth a simple spike; some time after, this spike 
unfolds itself, and the spicule become distinct. 
These terminate always in male flowers. As the 
capsules swell, the compound spike, from being 
oval, becomes conical, which is a necessary conse- 
quence of the upper florets being barren. The epi- 
thet zzcurva is in general very applicable, insomuch 
that the spike is often buried in the grass. Some 
specimens are more upright ; but the curvature is 
always observable immediately below the spike. I 
shall send you specimens in all the stages of 
growth. I may here subjoin the places of growth 
of the other Carices. C. Michelhiana, low marshy 
ground in Mearns or Kincardineshire, also in wet 
gullies in the Heughs (cliffs of St. Cyrus, ditto). 
C. binervis, moorish ground, frequently in Aber- 
deenshire. C. /evigata, frequent in shady wet situ- 
* A common below the town. 
