871 



mistake not, is an unpublished station for this beautiful little grass. — 

 Walter Hill ; Kew, December 14, 1843. 



440. Note on the genus Sphagnum. The genus Sphagnum, which 

 occupies such an important position in the economy of Nature, does 

 not latterly appear to have received, in this country, the same degree 

 of attention which is bestowed on many other genera of mosses. Per- 

 haps Sir W.J. Hooker's remark in the 'English Flora,' has dissuaded 

 many persons from attempting to discriminate the species ; " as it is 

 certain," he says, " that the limits of the species, if such they may be 

 called, cannot be defined." The four species given in that work are 

 sufficiently well marked in character, and if no other forms were to 

 be met with, would be easily distinguished ; but the fact is, we have 

 other forms, apparently quite as distinct, and fully as worthy of a 

 name. If I am correct in this statement — and I think no one will 

 deny it — we must come to the conclusion either, like Linnaeus, to re- 

 duce all to but one species, or to add a few to the existing number. 

 At the present time, when there is so general a disposition to multiply 

 species, the former alternative is not very practicable, however rea- 

 sonable it might be considered by some ; even if it were attempted, it 

 could not stand the test oi facts, seeing that several of the admitted 

 species may often be found growing intermixed, one with another, 

 without losing their identity. Nevertheless, to add a few species to 

 the present number, is by no means an easy task ; for before that can 

 be effected, the genus, in all its forms, must be carefully studied, in 

 order to determine whether any characters may be relied on as per- 

 manent, and if so, in what they consist. By way of illustrating my 

 views, I enclose for your inspection two specimens ; one, which I be- 

 lieve to Sphagnum obtusifolium, var. y.Jluitans, I found floating in 

 water in Bulwell bog, Notts. The fruit is situated about the middle 

 of the stem, which circumstance, if the plant is to be considered a 

 variety of S. obtusifolium, will entirely neutralize any characters that 

 might be drawn from lateral and terminal fruit. The other specimen 

 I cannot refer to any species whatever. I found it abundantly in fruit 

 on Oxton bog, Notts., together with S. cuspidatum and S. compactum 

 {Bridel), the latter as mentioned by Dr. Howitt, in his Flora of the 

 county. Hoping that these remarks may gain for the subject the at- 

 tention of persons who will be able to give more definite information 

 I conclude with enquiring whether any of your correspondents can 

 tell me what is meant by Sphagnum palustre, so often referred to in 

 geological books and lectures? — Joseph Sidehotham, ; Manchester, 

 December 21, 1843. 



