273 



open fields and pastures, and so closely resembles H. dubiam or macu- 

 latum in aspect, that without examination of the stem, leaves, and sepals, 

 it might pass for either of those species, more especially as the latter 

 are occasionally a little obtuse and broader than in the ordinary form 

 of the common St. John's-wort, and the lower leaves are more spa- 

 ringly dotted, or in some cases nearly imperforate, but the ancipital 

 stem and absence of the pellucid net-work will prevent any possibility 

 of confounding it with H. dubium or maculatum. This broad-leaved 

 variety would appear to be a mere southern, or at least a mere west- 

 ern form, as Koch, whose observations on the three states of H. per- 

 foratum under consideration are excellent,* says that it is unknown in 

 Germany, being found only in Switzerland and upper Italy. It is 

 certainly common enough in England, and abounds in some parts of 

 this island and county, but the figures and descriptions of the German, 

 Swedish, Danish, and other floras of central and northern Europe, 

 seem to apply to our third and intermediate variety, by far the most 

 general, with oblong-elliptical leaves both on stem and branches, and 

 which grows indifferently in woods and open situations. This too is 

 the only American form of H. perforatum, which grows abundantly in 

 that country, from Canada to Carolina, though supposed to have been 

 originally imported, and lies under the imputation (certainly a most 

 unjust one) of causing ulceration in the backs of cattle that pasture 

 where it is frequent. The H. intermedium of Petermann (Fl. Excurs. 

 Lipsiensis) agrees well with our broad-leaved variety in every thing 

 but the flower, which the author describes as being much smaller than 

 in H. perforatum or dubium. 



Hypericum humifusum. Frequent in dry fields, and heathy, sandy 

 places in the county and island. 



montanum. This most elegant species is rare and 



very local in the Isle of Wight, being exclusively confined to the 

 rocky districts of the Undercliff and the south-eastern angle of the 

 coast betwixt Luccombe and Bonchurch. I have no recorded main- 

 land station for it at present. 



pulchrum. This charming and graceful St. John's- 

 wort enlivens abundantly our sandy woods and heaths with the bright 

 array of gold, scarlet, and crimson of its buds and blossoms. 



elodes. Common I believe in most parts of the county 



in marshy places, as on Petersfield Heath and near Lymington, &c. 

 Abundant in some parts of the island in drains and ditches, but local. 



* Deutschland's Flora, Vter. Band. s. 348. 



