188 



Reply to Mr. Watson's Observations, Phytol. iii. 84. 

 By Joseph Sidebotham, Esq. 



Although Mr. Watson very considerately recognizes the right of 

 other botanists to question any of his assertions, it appears that he 

 does not recognize their right to an answer, though I certainly cannot 

 see the use of the former if the latter be denied. Mr. Watson (Phy- 

 tol. iii. 84) asserts very boldly and dogmatically, that " the other three 

 species mentioned in Mr. Sidebotham's communication are introduced 

 and imperfectly naturalized." It is very easy to make such assertions, 

 but not so easy to prove them ; and when called upon to do so, Mr. 

 Watson affects to despise my claim, instead of honestly vindicating 

 his marvellous statements, and expends his wrath on what every one 

 must see was a mere lapsus calami, thus leaving the subject of my 

 letter wholly untouched ; in fact, Mr. Watson descends at the outset 

 to low personalities, a circumstance that speaks for itself. 



In these democratic times every one thinks himself entitled to a 

 hearing ; and the day has gone by when false positions can be taken, 

 and erroneous statements be put forth, and allowed to go unchallenged, 

 occasionally even by persons who do not lay claim to the dignity of 

 intellect that would raise them to a level with those whom they would 

 question. I have no doubt that Mr. Watson would be very glad if I 

 and others would attend to his suggestion, and refrain from criticizing 

 his productions for the future : it would save him much trouble and 

 perturbation, and keep up his fond delusion that they are immaculate. 

 When my remarks on the ' London Catalogue,' seconded by those of 

 Mr. Grindon, appeared in the first volume of the ' Phytologist,' no 

 attempt was made to answer the queries, or explain the inconsistencies 

 pointed out ; and though many of our suggestions have been attended 

 to in the second edition, it is still very unworthy of its name ; and un- 

 til Mr. Watson explain what he means by a native, naturalized, and 

 imperfectly naturalized species, every botanist will be at liberty to 

 consider that he cannot do so consistently ; and all know what to 

 think of his dogmatical assertion that Oxalis stricta is imperfectly na- 

 turalized, in spite of the evidence which has been brought to prove 

 the contrary. 



Till these explanations are made every one must accord with the 

 common-sense view taken by the Editor of the 'Athenaeum,' — 

 " This list is capricious and unsatisfactory, and of no authority with 

 men of science.' 1 '' — Athenaeum, p. 413, April, 22, 1848. 



Joseph Sidebotham. 



Cheshire, June 14, 1848. 



