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Occurrence of June us diffusus near Halstead. 

 By Thomas Bentall, Esq. 



It may perhaps interest the readers of the ' Phytologist' to be in- 

 formed of a new locahty for Juncus diffusus {Hoppe). Within the 

 last few days I have found it in small quantity by the side of a road 

 near Halstead. It grows intermixed with J. glaucus, and not being 

 previously acquainted with J. diffusus, I was rather surprised to find 

 the two plants differing so much in appearance; the glaucous, deeply 

 striated stems of the former presenting a striking contrast with the 

 dark green, faintly striated ones of the latter. 



Although it is highly probable that Juncus diffusus will be found 

 in other localities besides those at present on record, it seems likely 

 to prove a rare species. I have made diligent search for it in many 

 places where I thought it might probably occur, but have never met 

 with it excepting in the spot above mentioned, and even there it 

 grows very sparingly indeed. 



Thomas Bentall. 



Halstead, July 16, 1847. 



A few Words on the Potato Crop. By Edward Newman. 



Immediately after the publication of Mr. Westwood's paper in the 

 ' Times' newspaper (Phytol. ii. 889), I wrote to the Editor of that in- 

 fluential journal, stating that Mr. Westwood was entirely in error as 

 to his supposed symptoms of the disease in his potatoes, since the 

 appearances he described were indicative only of approaching ma- 

 turity. I need scarcely say that my reply was not published : had it 

 been on the alarmist side it would probably have received another 

 fate. 



I now wish to express, even at the risk of repetition, ray firm con- 

 viction that the publication of such papers as those of Messrs. Smee 

 and Westwood do a serious injury to the country. I will not say 

 that Mr. Smee, or Mr. Westwood, or the editors or proprietors of 

 journals, have a direct pecuniary interest in the high price of corn or 

 potatoes : 1 believe the only motive on the part of writers is the 

 flashy notoriety thus obtained, and that the journalists ever find their 

 reward in the promulgation of the alarming or the extraordinary. 

 Newspaper readers don't like the vapid statement that matters are 

 going on well ; the most moderate thirst for famines and panics ; the 



