260 INTRODUCTION OF LEPIDIUM DRABA INTO BRITAIN. 
forward no pretension to dogmatize, or to know better than others. 
In striking contrast to such an honourable diffidence, we have seen 
some Continental writers,—and those not mere sciolists, but men of 
unquestioned ability, — criticize with a strangely misplaced ridicule, and 
an unwarranted affectation of superior knowledge, the speculations of so 
earnest a truth-seeker as Mr. Darwin,—an author whose scrupulous 
attention to objections and difficulties is so remarkable, that he certainly 
often suggested such as would not have occurred spontaneously to his 
opponents. His abstinence from dogmatism on questions which had 
so long engaged his attention, whilst one of the most pleasing, is at 
the same time one of the most honourable characteristics of Sir W. 
Hooker’s writings; and there can be no surer test of an honest devo- 
tion to science, as distinguished from a desire of self-aggrandisement 
through its study, than such a becomiug admission of humility, in the 
face of the great and solemn problems of nature. 
British Vice- Consulate, Whampoa, 
18th March, 1866. 
THE INTRODUCTION OF LEPIDIUM DRABA INTO 
BRITAIN. 
The introduction of a new plant that takes its rank amongst our 
own indigenous ones should be carefully noted, or in a few years the 
generation will have passed away, and sometimes all record of the 
plant with it. Many of our so-called British plants had doubtless a 
European origin, and even some came originally from parts of the 
earth yet more distant. There are many persons yet living, who re- 
member the disastrous Walcheren Expedition; but few are aware that 
to the effect of this is to be ascribed the introduction of Lepidium 
aba, the most troublesome weed to agriculturists, saving Gravel 
Bine, Convolvulus arvensis, for, like it, the new-comer dives deeply 
into the earth, from 8 to 9 feet, and cut it or break it off as you will, 
new buds are formed and shoots developed that in time will find their 
way to the surface, luxuriate in leaves and flowers, from which, in due 
time, seeds are produced and the race extended. All this increase by 
seed the husbandman can prevent by cutting off the tops; but how is 
he to rid the soil of the roots thus deeply seated? Again, when the 
