169 
ERUCASTRUM FOLLICHU, ScJiimp. and Spenn., 
AS A BRITISH PLANT. 
By William Cabrlthers, Esq., P.L.S. 
(Plate XXXI.) 
The^Eoyal Horticultural Society lias given to Mr. Josliua Clarke, 
r.L.S., of Saffron Walden, a gold medal for the exhibition of Unt- 
castrum PoJlickii, Schimp. and Spenn. {E, hwdorum, Rchb.), as a new 
British plant. The circumstances under which it was found are given 
in the following letter, published iu the Proceedings of the Royal Hor- 
ticidtural Society, vol. v. p. 53 ; — • 
Fairy Croff^ Saffron Walden^ 
November 16. 1864. 
In reference to the localitj in which the plant I sent jow — JEJrncastmm in- 
odort^ — was found, between this town and Walden a chalk hill has been cut 
through for constructing a raili'oad (about sixty feet cutting). Tlie liill was 
found to contain a large quantity of sand. On a large heap grew a fine plant 
oi ^rucastrum inodorumj and hundreds of plants of Mrysimum cJielranthoides. 
From the manner in \\ Inch it grew on the sand, I cannot see the least probability 
of its being introduced, I have never seen it in any cultivated ground in the 
neiglibourhood, and I am not aware of its ever having been fouud in any other 
part of the kingdom. It is one of those plants which I have no doubt will 
establish themselves. 
I am, dear Sir, yours very truly, 
-4. Murray, Esq.^ F,L.S, Josutta Cxaeke, 
There can be little doubt tliat this is one of the plants that have 
been introduced from the Continent by commercial intercommunication, 
like those found on the ballast-heaps on the coasts of Northumberland, 
or in the fields around the large distillery at Wandsworth. It will 
probably turn up in other places, now that by means of this notice and 
the accompanying plate the attention of botanists is drawn to it. AVe 
think, however, that the Council of the Horticultural Society would 
have done better if they had taken into account the probability of this 
plant having been brought over with the grain used by the horses 
working in the cutting, and the unlikelihood of a truly indigenous 
plant making its appearance as a single specimen in a railway cutting. 
It would be possible to present for competition scores of such plants, 
VOL. III. [JUNE 1, 1665.] 
N 
