306 



a neighbouring wheat-field, which is not remarkably light land, pro- 

 ducing also some fine specimens. 



These plants perfectly agree with the description by the Rev. G. 

 E. Smith (Phytol. ii. 575), not excepting the tansy-like odour of the 

 leaves, which is very distinct. It may not be amiss to mention that 

 the normal form of Filago germanica abounds in both the above- 

 named localities. 



The lateral position of the heads of flowers described by the Rev. 

 G. E. Smith, as a peculiar character of Filago apiculata, is to be met 

 with not uncommonly in specimens of F. germanica, whilst the full- 

 grown varieties of F. apiculata have forked branches, which bear, in 

 an uncertain manner, one, two, or three lateral heads and a terminal 

 one. 



Whether the general appearance of F. apiculata, its peculiar odour, 

 the colour of the spinous points of the involucral scales, the number 

 of the flowers in the heads, and the really spathulate form of the low- 

 ermost leaves, are of sufficient importance to allow it to be raised to 

 any higher rank than that of a variety of F. germanica, further obser- 

 vation may determine, the object of the present communication being 

 merely to record the existence of the plant in this part of England as 

 illustrative of its geographical distribution. 



E. G. Varenne. 

 Kelvedon, Essex, 



August 16, 1848. 



Discrepancies between the actual Flowering Seasons of British 

 Plants and the Months indicated by the Floral Authorities. 

 By Isaiah W. N. Keys, Esq. 



I have been pleased to find that the subject on which you inserted 

 a few notes from my pen in the February number of the ' Phytolo- 

 gist ' for this year, namely, the frequently observed discrepancy be- 

 tween the seasons when plants blossom, and the months recorded in 

 our floral books, has received the attention of others interested in the 

 accuracy of botanical description. Vide articles by E. Lees, Esq. 

 and C. D. Snooke, Esq., in the last number, (Phytol. iii. 190, 203). 



The following extracts from my journal for this year, being cumu- 

 lative evidence, may not be altogether uninteresting : — 



January 9. — Noticed the leaves of young plants peeping out. 

 Daisies were not unfrequent in the fields. In Babington's Manual 



