43 



gensis' solely on the authority of Ray, having himself sought for it 

 in vain. 



I cannot conclude my letter without adverting to a subject we have 

 frequently discussed, — the shameful practice of destroying habitats. 

 The specimens of Malaxis paludosa were not plentiful, the summer 

 being very dry; I question whether they have ever been abundant: 

 yet the plant has withstood the changes of a hundred and sixty or 

 seventy seasons, a living witness of its great discoverer. It is painful 

 to think that a time may come when rude hands may pluck it, exult- 

 ing in the deed of gathering the last of Ray's plant. This is no ex- 

 aggeration ; a wretched doctrine is in force, that plants are better in 

 the collections of the scientific, than left to perish on bogs and wastes. 



I remain, Dear Sir, 



Yours, &c. 



John Sharp. 



Notes on some British Specimens, distributed hy the Botanical 

 Society of London, in 1844-5. By Hewett C. Watson, Esq., 

 F.L.S. 



Insertion of the following explanatory notes, in reference to vari- 

 ous specimens of British plants, distributed by the Botanical Society 

 of London, is requested in the ' Phytologist.' As recorded facts, in- 

 dependently of the specimens, they will not be without interest or 

 usefulness to botanists who are not members of the Society ; besides 

 giving to the members those explanations which could not be con- 

 veyed by the labels alone. 



The Society has of late adopted the practice of including additional 

 specimens in the parcels sent out to members, although not expressly 

 asked for in lists of desiderata. This has been done in the case of 

 newly discovered species or varieties, the names of which could not 

 appear in Catalogues previously printed ; as also in other instances, 

 for the correction of errors, or for illustrating any change from the 

 normal character of si^ecies. The Botanical Society of Edinburgh 

 .has just announced an intention of adopting one important feature 

 from the London Society (although without the candour of acknow- 

 ledging whence it has been copied) ; and it would be well for the 

 rulers of that Society to take a second leaf out of the London volume, 

 by adopting the practice here alluded to also. 



The London Catalogue brings down the list of British plants to the 



