86 Capt. Francis M. Nomian on the [sess. li. 



In taking a collective view of the flora of these regions, 

 we cannot help being struck with the very large number of 

 peculiar plants which, in proportion to the limited area 

 of the island, they produce. 



Speaking approximately, and subject to the few correc- 

 tions which subsequent researches may have necessitated, 

 there are in Madeira 710 flowering species, of which 602 

 are presumably indigenous, and 108 known to be natural- 

 ised. 



Of these 602, no less than 120 are supposed to be 

 TECULIAR, and about 260 British. The proportion of 

 South European plants is very large, and is thought to 

 favour the idea that there was in ancient times a land com- 

 munication between the south of Europe, north of Africa, 

 and Madeira. 



It is probable that when the African flora has been more 

 fully investigated this large total of Madeira " peculiars " will 

 liave to be reduced. Mr Lowe, too, it must be confessed, 

 had rather a weakness for species-making. 



Of ferns and fern allies we have 46 species, of which 21 

 are British and 3 peculiar, as well as one Lycopodium. 

 There are no alpines, even on the highest mountain tops. 



The daisy is not indigenous, nor will the British botanist 

 ever be reminded of his native country by such plants as the 

 j)rimrose, cowslip, anemone, bitter sweet, or harebell. The 

 common groundsel is not very alnmdant ; while ragwort is 

 conspicuous by its absence. 



Remarks on some, of the Plants Pectiliar to the Island. 



Ranunculus grandifolius is pre-eminent in the genus by 

 its enormous size, being sometimes 6 to 7 feet high, and by 

 its profusion of great golden flowers. 



tiaxifraga maderensis is one of the most beautiful wild 

 Saxifrages to be met with. It occurs in tolerable profusion 

 on craggy rocks in the hill and mountain regions, and usually 

 forms sj>reading tufts, on large thick beds, rarely solitary. 

 It is reddish, stiff, glutinous, and shining, as if varnished ; 

 large and luxuriant in growtli, with ])anicles of conspicuous 

 pure white flowers. 1 have never seen this plant in 

 Britain. 



