506 



Six roots found in a cluster, matted together, very small, which are 

 probably seedlings ; they have generally a double tuber forked down- 

 wards. 



In all my specimens the thickening of the roots varies much in the 

 same plant; generally the medium sized roots are the stoutest in pro- 

 portion ; the larger being more inclined to the slender form, although 

 there are many exceptions to this. 



One of the roots sent to Mr. Newman has a peculiarity which I 

 have seen in only three or four instances. It is similar to the an- 

 nexed figure, except in one respect, that is, the withered stem of last 

 year, which is still remaining, proceeds from the upper part of the 

 subterranean stem at the base of the offset, instead of from the crown 

 of the tubers, as seen in the engraving. This makes the tubers a sea- 

 son older than the stem of last year, and proves that they do not al- 

 ways wither annually. Indeed, to judge from two other roots amongst 

 my specimens, they appear to be capable of three or even four years 

 duration. One of them has the ascending shoot, to the left of the an- 

 nexed figure, of last years growth, with the old stem attached to it, 

 and just below where its fibrous root may be supposed to have grown, 

 is a single tuber still remaining. The other ascending shoot has this 

 winter produced an oflset. 



In the second specimen there is only one ascending shoot, and 

 which has tubers at the lower end, one tuber half way up, and an off- 

 set at the surface. Now if the fibrous root is produced in winter or 

 in early spring and becomes tuberous during the summer, these two 

 plants were produced thus : the lower tubers were fibrous in the spring 

 of 1844 and tuberous in the autumn. The second tuber was fibrous 

 in the spring of 1845, and matured in the following autumn. The 

 present fibres are of recent growth, and will be tubers next autumn ; 

 the plant will then have existed during three seasons at least. 



I have been thus particular in my statements, because it may be 

 an assistance to others who may feel disposed to pursue the inquiry 

 still further, which 1 hope to do myself. My plan in taking up the 

 roots is to dig out as large a lump of mud as will contain the whole 

 root, and then to wash it away, the only method to avoid fracturing 

 the tubers. 



Of the rest of the plant I cannot say much at present, except that 

 some of the lower leaves, at this early season, are decidedly bi-pin- 

 nate. 



Mr. Lees has kindly sent me specimens of his pimpinelloides and 

 peucedanifolia. I have met with nothing like the former, and scarcely 



