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observations, the difficulty ceases there, and we find that the oxlip 

 cannot be placed as a permanent species, alternating as it does be- 

 tween, and producible from either the cowslip or primrose. Other 

 families may be found to present similar anomalies, and let observ^a- 

 tion go on detecting them wherever they are perceivable, and thus we 

 may eventually know the extent of Flora's sportive footsteps. But 

 wherever these may lead us, let us not be afraid of finding out the 

 truth, or attempt to repress observation as " frivolous " in any depart- 

 ment, from the fear of our science becoming too complicated, or that 

 it will oblige us to remodel our definitions. Would, indeed, that in 

 numerous cases they were remodelled, for too often, it is not the thing 

 itself that is obscure, but the dark cloud of obscure words in which 

 its description is clothed ! Here we have to grope as in a darkened 

 gallery, where the windows have been purposely closed up for solemn 

 effect, and we can only find our way by the aid of the friendly chinks 

 unintentionally left open. This is too often the effect of a long la- 

 boured description. 



But to come to an end of these " cursory thoughts," I cannot but 

 remark, that whatever sports and floral variations may be detected by 

 the experimentalist in Phytology to a bounded extent, we need not 

 fear that the grand principle of the general identity and permanence 

 of species can be broken in upon or materially disturbed. We may 

 not in every case find the " impassable barrier " Mi-. Watson desires 

 between species and varieties, but we may detect the species that do 

 vary, and like the oscillations of the pendulum, note the extent of 

 their utmost variations. This will assist our judgments in doubtful 

 cases ; and instead, therefore, of checking observation from the idea 

 that all is done that can be done in British Botany, I believe that 

 much remains to be effected, and something perhaps to be undone. 

 While, then, I would wish observers to be cautious, undogmatical, 

 truth-seeking, and not unconscious of what others have done before 

 them, I believe we shall only profit by an increase of observers and 

 an increase of observations, which, whether arising from a " love of 

 approbation " only, as Mr. Watson suggests, or from a love of science 

 and truth, as I would myself sincerely hope and believe, is really of 

 no account, if science ultimately progresses in consequence. 



Edwin Lees. 

 Henwick, near Worcester, 

 .July 8tli, 1845. 



