144 



Birnie, in a ramble with the Rev. George Gordon,* where it was asso- 

 ciated with remarkably luxuriant specimens of Diphyscium foliosum. 



The above list of species is small, but if viewed in connexion with 

 the season, the weather, and the limited time at our command, is not 

 unsatisfactory, and sufficient at least to induce a desire for more ex- 

 tended investigation. Dr. Innes has found many interesting species 

 in the neighbourhood of Forres, and 1 doubt not that the upper 

 part of the river would amply repay the researches of a careful 

 explorer. 



Alexander Croall. 



Cothill of Guthrie, Friackheim, 

 by Arbroath, April, 1848. 



Reply to Mr. Sidebotham's " Further Remarks; on the Second Edition 

 of the ' London Catalogue of British Plants.'' " By Hewett 

 C. Watson, Esq. 



I recognize the right of Mr. Sidebotham, as of any other botanist, 

 to publish dissentient opinions respecting the categories to which 

 species are referred in the ' London Catalogue of British Plants.' 

 (See Phytol. iii. 140). Where such opinions are founded on correct 

 knowledge, or are expressed with a view to elicit explanations which 

 cannot be conveyed in a list of names, they are entitled to respectful 

 attention, and would command it from one or other of the editors of 

 the - Catalogue,' either in the w r ay of immediate response, or by notes 

 for use in preparing any future edition. But the insufficiency of 

 knowledge of the subject, by which Mr. S. supports the self-suffici- 

 ency of his strictures, will exonerate us from any obligation to answer 

 them in detail. Nor should I have troubled myself to notice at all 

 the last article from Mr. Sidebotham's pen, had he not mingled mis- 

 statement with mistakes or misapprehensions. If not incumbent, it 

 must be at least allowable for any one to repel false assertions respect- 

 ing himself or his doings. 



In the paragraph which is continued from page 140 to the cover of 

 the May ' Phytologist,' and which may be expected to appear on page 

 141 of the June number, Mr. Sidebotham writes thus: "Surely it is 

 very hard upon the turnip to place it side by side with such plants as 



* Mr. Gordon takes a lively interest in the progress of Natural History, only excel- 

 led, by his devotedness to the spiritual interests of his charge. 



