312 



to show the difference of opinion that exists as to whether some plants 

 should be classed as biennials or annuals ? The fact is familiar to 

 everybody. 



While thus endeavouring to draw attention to this interesting sub- 

 ject, I do not shut my eyes to the many and high authorities we have 

 for continuing the distinction of annuals and biennials; but at the 

 same time I must be allowed to express my own candid conviction 

 that the sooner the distinction is abolished the better. 



George Lawson. 



Dundee, August 18, 1848. 



Monstrosity in Plantago lanceolata, L. By W. Anderson, Esq. 



A few days ago, while on a short botanical excursion near Brechin, 

 I picked up a specimen of Plantago lanceolata, L., presenting the fol- 

 lowing curious monstrosities. Four scapes spring from one root, one 

 crowned with leaves, nine in number. Another with leaves and spikes. 

 Another with one leaf and seven spikes, four of them raised on pe- 

 duncles from one to two inches high. And the fourth is in the normal 

 state. 



I have frequently seen a single scape crowned with two or more 

 spikes, but I never saw so many on one plant. 



I have forwarded these facts for insertion in the ' Phytologist,' 

 thinking that they may be interesting to some of its readers. 



W. Anderson. 



Brechin, August 21, 1848. 



BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON. 



Friday, September 1, 1848. — J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S., President, 

 in the chair. 



The following donations were announced : — 



Numbers 1, 2, and 3 of vol. 8 of the 'Journal of the Pharmaceutical 

 Society,' presented by that Society. Number 21 of the. ' Journal of 

 the Royal Agricultural Society of England,' presented by that Society. 

 ' Catalogue of Plants found at the Cape of Good Hope,' by Dr. Fer- 

 dinand Krauss, presented by the author. ' Outlines of Botany,' part 1, 

 by William Mateer, M.D., presented by the author. British Plants 

 from Mr. Barham, Dr. Mateer, Mr. Henderson, and Mr. Roby. 



