32 



the crude sap through tissue deprived of vitality, I was reminded of a 

 phenomenon corroborative of his conclusions, afforded by the growth 

 of shoots from the extremities of apparently lifeless stems of Stellaria 

 holostea. 



In numerous cases the writer has observed dry and brittle stalks 

 of this plant, two feet or more in length, surmounted by recent 

 branches in full vigour, and producing flowers as well as foliage in 

 luxuriance. He deems this an interesting fact in connexion with Mr. 

 Rainey's experiments, inasmuch as it exhibits Nature operating wont- 

 edly, but secretly, in a manner analogous to that which she adopts 

 under unwonted circumstances in the laboratory. 



The writer has often pondered the phenomenon which he now re- 

 cords, but has never arrived at a satisfactory conclusion. It seemed 

 to him a lusus natures. The theory of Mr. Rainey unravels the 

 mystery. 



Isaiah W. N. Keys. 



Plymouth, 12th January, 1848. 



Seasons of the Flowering of Plants sometimes incorrectly given by 

 our Standard Authorities. By Isaiah W. N. Keys, Esq. 



I have found that the flowering seasons of some of our plants are 

 not so correctly given in the various works on the Flora of Britain as 

 could be desired. It would be impossible, undoubtedly, from the 

 variableness of seasons, to fix exact periods, but might not a closer 

 approximation than we have realized be attained ? 



Many inconveniences, obvious to all collectors of plants, arise from 

 imperfect or inaccurate information in this item. 



I am prompted to offer these remarks on the present occasion in 

 consequence of having observed in this neighbourhood, a few days 

 since, some fine specimens in flower of Koniga maritima. I have 

 referred to several authorities : they all set down " August and Sep- 

 tember " as the months during which this plant blossoms. In the 

 course of my short botanical experience I have encountered similar 

 anomalies. 



I may add that, in a walk to-day through Saltram Woods, I ga- 

 thered several flowers of Viuca minor. Hooker and Babington 

 (those gentlemen will excuse my using their names thus familiarly) 

 both give "May and June" as the months when this plant is in 



